Panchayat to issue stop memo to waste treatment plant at Ambayathode

Kattippara grama panchayat has decided to issue a formal stop memo to Freshcut Organic Products Private Limited, the poultry waste rendering unit at Ambayathode, considering local protests alleging environmental pollution. The move follows renewed agitation by a few residents who have taken it up as a campaign issue ahead of the Assembly elections.

Sources said the panchayat secretary had been asked to explore further legal measures in compliance with the panchayat’s decision. Meanwhile, officials said action would be taken only after examining provisions of the Panchayat Raj Act.

It was on October 21 last year that a local protest turned violent, leading to an arson attack and temporary closure of the factory. Several people, including the agitators and police personnel, had sustained injuries in the incident. Following a complaint by the factory owners, the police initiated legal action against over 400 protesters.

The National Green Tribunal had taken up the matter and impleaded the local authorities, Pollution Control Board (PCB), and relevant departments as respondents to facilitate a thorough investigation into the incident.

The residents had mainly protested against air pollution caused by the treatment plant. They had also alleged discharge of effluents from the factory to a nearby waterbody. The factory owners had denied the claims and sought legal protection to resume operations.