The public protest against Fresh Cut Organic Products Pvt Ltd in Kattippara panchayat, the only poultry waste rendering plant in the district, intensified on Sunday (September 7) as residents launched a day-and-night protest on the plant premises and blocked vehicles carrying poultry waste. A meeting convened by District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh on Monday (September 8) to resolve the issue ended without a solution.
The plant, which began operations in 2014 and is located in Kattippara panchayat, has been facing opposition from residents of neighbouring Thamarassery, Kodencheri and Omasseri panchayats for the past five years over pollution concerns. While the foul smell from the plant has made life difficult for over 4,000 families in the region, the alleged contamination of the Iruthulli river has affected even more people. The Iruthulli River Protection Public Committee, which has been leading the agitation, alleges that the plant has been operating at nearly ten times its permitted capacity, resulting in the stench.
