All 3,500 shops down shutters in protest against Coca Cola plant

Residents had protested against plan to set up the plant at Perundurai, citing environment issues

The one day hartal called by all political parties, barring AIADMK, in protest against the proposed Coca Cola plant at Perundurai evoked good response with most shops and business establishments remaining closed in the town and Chennimalai.

Police said all 3,500 and odd shops and businesses remaned closed at these towns. But water supply, milk supply and vegetable markets functioned normally.

Residents of these towns had protested against the plan to set up the plant at Perundurai SIPCOT Industrial Growth Centre and written to the Chief Minister and the Environment Ministry.

The villagers contended that the groundwater level in the towns would be depleted if the factory was allowed to come up. Further a huge quantity of waste from the factory would be discharged in the drains, affecting water courses.

The Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi had recently observed a one day fast against the proposal. Local traders, farmers and citizens had also objected to starting the unit there.