Dhenkanal protests: Government cancels beer bottling plant
In the midst of ongoing protests by villagers and environmentalists followed by an uproar in the Assembly, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today ordered the cancellation of the proposed beer bottling plant at Balarampur village in Dhenkanal district.
The decision was taken after Revenue Divisional Commissioner of Northern Division DV Swamy submitted his report to the Industries Department.
“I am to say that based on factual report available, the allocation of bottling plant may be cancelled and an alternate site may be provided. Unnecessary felling of trees may be stopped forthwith and immediate plantation should be taken up,” Swamy stated in his letter to the Industries secretary.
P&A Bottlers had proposed to set up a beer bottling plant at Balarampur village. However, the locals opposed the felling of trees for the plant in Jhinkargadi forest. On Saturday, a large number of trees were felled despite stiff opposition from the locals.
Earlier this year, IDCO had allocated land for the proposed beer factory which is being set up by P&A Bottlers. As per the villagers, the NGT was supposed to have a hearing on the issue on November 20 but the administration felled trees beforehand.