Kerala government to approach Centre for tribunal bill

Kerala government would approach the new NDA government led by BJP for getting presidental assent for the Plachimada Coca Cola Victims Relief and Compensation Claims Special Tribunal Bill, 2011, state Minister for Water Resources P J Joseph informed the assembly today.
Replying to a question on the present situation of the Bill, Joseph said state would meet the Union Home Minister to get assent for the bill.
"State would try to get approval for the bill, which was under the consideration of the president for the past four years", he said.
CPI-M leader and former state Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan wanted the government to approach the President himself if necessary as a joint delegation led by Chief Minister and opposition leader.

He said a Bill unanimously passed by the state assembly has not been given assent for the past four years was a serious matter. "This should be taken as a state's issue", he added.
The bill proposed to establish a tribunal to try all disputes for compensation and secure it from Coco-Cola Company was passed unanimously by the State Assembly on February 24, 2011.
A high level committee appointed by the state government to report the loss caused to the people allegedly due to the pollution from the affluents released from the company had estimated an amount of Rs.216.25 crore as compensation.

Coca-Cola closed down its unit at Plachimada in March 2004, following agitation by local people complaining of environment pollution and over exploitation of ground water by the company.