TNCC chief opposes Coca Cola plant in Erode district

Opposing a proposed plant of soft drink major Coca Cola in his native Erode District, TNCC President E V K S Elangovan today said local people and farmers would be affected by the project and demanded that the government cancel allocation of land for it.
A registration deed had been executed in favour of the firm conveying 72 acres of land, he said and urged the state government not to allow the project.
"The state should cancel 72 acres of land for Coca Cola at Perundurai in Erode District," he said here.
Alleging that an "influential person" was functioning as an "agent" for the multi-national company, he wanted Chief Minister O Panneerselvam to inquire and take action against him.

He said farmers and the local people would be affected if the plant was allowed to start its operations.
The TNCC chief's demand comes days after a protest by local people, environment NGOs and traders in Perundurai and Chennaimalai regions of Erode District against the proposed Coca cola manufacturing plant in SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited) premises.

CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan had last month urged the state to withdraw its nod to the beverages firm to start its unit.
Local people had expressed apprehension that the unit would cause rapid ground water depletion and pollution of River Bhavani if allowed to operate.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Private Limited had, however, said in the wake of protests that it would not use ground water and not let waste water come out of the plant premises.