The Kerala High Court has ordered the National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to assess the pollution, including air and water, caused by Nitta Gelatin India Ltd (NGIL) at Kathikudam, Chalakuddy, in Thrissur.

A division bench of Justices Antony Dominic and P.D. Rajan also directed NEERI to study the efficacy of the pollution control measures adopted by the company which produces ossein and limed ossein.

NEERI had been asked to submit the study report specifying the time required for the implementation of its recommendations to the Pollution Control Board and the District Collector.

The court issued the order while disposing of a petition filed by the company seeking police protection. The court also directed the police to provide adequate protection for repairing the discharge pipes and also for the smooth functioning of its factory. The court ordered the police to ensure that agitators did not cause any obstruction to the functioning of the factory.

Fiat to collector The court directed the Thrissur District Collector to ensure that the recommendations to be proposed by NEERI were implemented by the company. If the company did not implement any of the recommendations proposed, it should be brought to the notice of the court, the order said.

While passing a directive to NEERI to conduct a pollution study, the bench observed that there was apprehension among the people living near the factory that the company was causing environmental pollution.

“The company cannot remain insensitive to such apprehension of the people in the neighbourhood and it is its responsibility to take necessary steps to remove such apprehension.”

NEERI in its statement said that it could complete the study in 90 days.

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