Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd pollutes, but does not pay

KOLLAM: The Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd that has been polluting the Chittoor village with its toxic output is liable to pay compensation to the residents under the provisions of the Public Liability Act, according to the  information gathered under the RTI. Around 850 families living in some 150 acres of land surrounding  the KMML have not been paid any compensation for at least a decade.

The Public Liability Act stipulates providing compensation to the victims of an accident which occurs as a result of handling any hazardous substance.

The Act applies to all units associated with the production or handling of any hazardous chemicals. The company, however, has paid a premium of Rs 3,41,847 for the public liability insurance policy under the Kerala state insurance department, according to the RTI information.

Many residents in the village were diagnosed with cancer, lung-related diseases and allergies owing to dispersal of titanium dioxide violating environmental laws. The ‘Chittoor package’  providing rehabilitation along with compensation remains on paper  with the residents protesting in the streets.

Neethu Aravind, chief coordinator, People for Better Kollam, said, “The KMML authorities have been denying compensation for the residents under the Public Liability Act. The government is also not concerned about  the residents. The farmers in the area are desperate with their agriculture affected by the toxic soil. We plan to conduct further protests to avoid tragedies like  Bhopal and that occurred due to endosulfan,” he said.