The state government of Tamil Nadu cancelled the plots that were supposed to be allotted for Coca-Cola’s beverage manufacturing facility in the State Industries Promotion and Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) Industrial Growth Centre in Perundurai. The cancellation order was issued on April 20, 2015, by the managing director of SIPCOT, R. Selvaraj.
The order had a land of 71.34 acres, the allotment of which was cancelled for the non-compliance of terms and conditions of allotment order. Selvaraj, in a communication to Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages merely said that the plots allotted have been cancelled.
The soil testing and allotment had initiated protests from the residents of Perundurai and Chennimalai towns and farmers in the area. The residents had feared that the establishment of the plant would threaten the groundwater levels and discharge in the water courses.
Even a Trust was formed to save the town from the proposed plant and became a controversial topic. On the other hand Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd in a statement said that due to unforeseen pressures and delays, it will not be able to invest at SIPCOT, Perudurai. The plant with an expected investment of Rs. 500 crores needed four approvals and permissions without which the company was not able to apply for ‘Consent to Establish’.
Photo Credits: odishasamaya
