The Hindu Business Line : Eco concern over Chemplast's Krishnapatnam plant

THE proposal by Chennai-based Chemplast to establish a PVC plant at Krishnapatnam in Nellore district continues to be a matter of concern due to pollution-related issues, according to Capt. J. Rama Rao, Convenor of Movement for Sustainable Development.

Capt. Rao said in a statement here that the PVC plant, which was originally planned to come up in Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, faced resistance from the public in Environmental Public Hearing held in June 2002 and this lead to keeping the project in abeyance by the TN Pollution Control Board.

However, Chemplast decided to relocate the project to Krishnapatnam in Nellore district and a memorandum of understanding was signed at the Partnership Summit.

The struggle against the proposal for relocating the Chemplast PVC plant to Nellore is about a year old and at the EPH, which was conducted in November 2003, people in the region voiced their concern about the project and its likely implications on the environment. In spite of the opposition from various quarters, the Technical Committee of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board has taken up the matter for final clearance on March 27.

Capt. Rao said the matter was of importance as representatives from political parties have expressed concern about locating the plant at Krishnapatnam and their views along with expert opinion were recorded at the EPH.

Highlighting the issues involved, Mr Rao said evidence suggests that PVC is a dangerous product that pollutes and poisons at all stages of its lifecycle.

There are adequate alternatives for all applications of PVC. While local villagers are opposed to Chemplast project, India as a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on organic pollutants has to view this seriously, Capt. Rao said.

More Stories on : Environment | Plastics | Andhra Pradesh

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