Nitta Gelatin India Ltd, a joint venture of KSIDC and Nitta Gelatin Group of Japan, has sought protection for its plant and properties at Kathikudam in Thrissur district and urged the government to take stern action against the miscreants.

The company, which is the largest manufacturer of gelatin in India, has sought protection in the wake of repeated acts of vandalism carried out on its plant and properties. A 900 metre-long pipeline, which carries treated water from the factory to the Chalakkudy River is often the target of attack. The recent incident has brought production at the plant to a standstill for almost three weeks since October 23.

According to the management, attacks on the pipeline have occurred several times even in the past five years. The company was unable to meet its export commitments in a highly competitive market because of the disruption in production, Sajiv K. Menon, Managing Director, said.

The Kerala High Court had given directions to the state government to provide protection to the assets of the company, including its pipeline, to ensure uninterrupted operations. The attacks have taken place in blatant violation of these orders, he said.

The plant at Kathikudam, which began operations in 1979, has been the target of several acts of vandalism by a group of self-styled protesters under the banner of the NGIL Action Council.

The company earns around Rs 170 crore equivalent in foreign exchange through exports of its products to the healthcare industry in advanced markets such as the US, Japan and Europe.

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