Kozhikode: Unable to commence operations even after two and a half years, Orion Automotive and Tubular Batteries chairman M.P. Babu is moving legally. The government has leased out 86.44 cents of land at the SIDCO industrial park in Muchukunnu near Koyilandy to Orion to start battery manufacturing. The unit has the single-window clearance and the nod of pollution control board (PCB). But a section of people under Janakeeya Karma Samiti (JKS) opposed it tooth and nail citing pollution. Then it shifted into battery assembling. But still, the opposition continued. Unable to bear the loss, Mr Babu has now filed a police complaint and is planning to approach the district collector.
“The land is lying idle causing huge losses. I have not committed any crime and is to start an industry adhering to all norms which would provide 150 odd jobs to residents,” reasons he. Orion, which supplies battery to Middle East countries had won PCB award in 2012 for zero emission, and Mr Babu had twice picked as the best entrepreneur in the district by the industries department. According to District Industries Centre (DIC) manager Hyrunneesa C.P.M., it had all clearances.
“The unit would assemble 390 batteries per day consuming 2,500 litres of water daily including domestic usage. The filling of water in the battery is automatic, and there is no possibility of spillover. Further, wastewater did not originate, and no heating or melting of led acid would be done,” she said. "It falls under red category only because it assembles a higher number of batteries a day and not due to the hazardous nature." The PCB officials affirm that there is no need to worry about pollution. But JKS had started indefinite strike blocking the company staff entering it.
“Irrespective of manufacturing or assembling, we will not permit an industry based on lead battery as it would contaminate our land,” affirms Vineesh A.T., the joint convenor. "The company changed into assembling unit just to dupe protesters." Though the district administration had organised a presentation before residents to allay their fears, it did not evoke a response. “I had sought the police protection to start the unit. It is unfortunate that people are opposing a project without knowing the facts,” said district collector U.V. Jose.
