PMK, CPI oppose use of river water by cola companies

Chennai: PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss and CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan on Friday opposed the permission for soft drink companies Pepsi and Coke to draw water from Thamirabharani river.

While Anbumani wanted the state government to cancel the permission for the soft drinks companies to draw Thamirabharani water, Mutharasan wanted the scrapping of licences for the two companies.

Anbumani alleged that the state’s arguments in the court were in favour of the multi-national companies resulting in the court decision and said the state government should take responsibility for the verdict.  

Pepsi had obtained permission to draw 15 lakh litres daily and Coke is allowed to draw 9 litres of water, Anbumani noted. While all the companies are using ground water, the quantity of water and the impact caused on the environment should be taken account when deciding whether to allow them or not.

Citing a verdict by the Kerala High Court which said Cocoa Cola company in the state could function only if the company did not use ground water and made alternative arrangements, the PMK MP said similar judgment should have been delivered in the Thamirabharani case too.

At a time when the state is facing severe drought and water scarcity, providing water to Pepsi and Coke is not acceptable. The permission given by the state for the two companies to draw water should be cancelled and a comprehensive policy should be formulated to decide on allowing private companies to use ground water, he said.

Expressing shock and surprise at the high court order, Mutharasan said the court should reconsider its verdict taking into account the drinking water requirements of people in five districts and their irrigation needs.  The state government should also cancel the licence granted for the two companies, keeping in mind the interests of people.