The Thrissur Vigilance Court on Monday ordered an investigation against ten officials, including State Pollution Control Board chairman, in connection with pollution from the Nitta Gelatin company at Kathikudam.
On a complaint filed by Sunil Kumar of Kathikudam, Vigilance Judge S.S. Vasan ordered investigation against the pollution control board chairman, secretary, engineers, Kadukutty panchayat secretary, village officer and the irrigation assistant executive engineer.
The petitioner said the authorities were cheating the government and the public by giving consent and working permit for Nitta Gelatin in violation of rules and regulations. “The company has been using the water from the Chalakudy River without permission. It has been creating water and air pollution during the process of ossein production by decomposing bones of animals using acid and water. Emission of decayed waste and water with acid content has been polluting the wells, the river and air.” Though there are 46 houses and many wells are located within 100 m of the company, the company gave false information that there are no houses and wells within 250 m. The authorities failed to take any action against giving false statements, he said. The case will be considered on May 9.
