KIZHAKKAMBALAM: Even after a year, a plausible solution to the water and environment pollution at Kizhakkambalam seems a distant reality. According to Kizhakkambalam panchayat officials and the Kitex Action Council, the Kitex Garment Ltd, the alleged source of contamination, is yet to mend its ways.
Even after a year, the clauses formulated at the meeting held on February 27, 2013, in the presence of Excise Minister K Babu remains unattended and the meeting had put forth 10 decisions.
However, a year has passed and the clauses remain on paper.
On March 4, 2013, a team comprising officials with the KSPCB, technical experts from the company, representatives of the action council and the district administration visited the company to demarcate a suitable site for the large concrete tank. “But, the tank never materialised as the company raised objections,” alleged Kizhakkambalam panchayat officials.
“They are not ready to build a tank on their premises, but would’nt mind setting it up in the paddy fields. How can that be allowed?. The paddy field is already contaminated,” said Elias Karipra, vice-president, Kizhakkambalam panchayat.
However, Sabu M Jacob, managing director, Kitex Garment Ltd, refuted the charges. He said the decisions taken at the meeting were not a joint one. “It is true that discussions were held. But, our opinions were not considered while taking the decision,” he said. Sabu added that he was not officially initiated about the meeting. He said the company has received the licence up to May 2015 from the KSPCB as per the order of the High Court. When inquired, V P Sajeendran MLA passed the buck to the Excise Minister.