Kattippara grama panchayat has decided to issue a formal stop memorandum to Freshcut Organic Products Private Limited, a poultry waste processing unit in Ambayathoda, in view of local protests against environmental pollution. The move follows a renewed agitation by several residents who have taken it up as a campaign issue ahead of the assembly elections.
Sources said the panchayat secretary has been asked to explore further legal action in accordance with the panchayat’s decision. Meanwhile, officials said action will be taken only after examining the provisions of the Panchayat Raj Act.
It was on October 21 last year that a local protest turned violent, leading to an arson attack and the temporary closure of the factory. Several people, including agitators and policemen, sustained injuries in the incident. Following a complaint by factory owners, the police initiated legal action against more than 400 protesters.
The National Green Tribunal took up the matter and called upon the local authorities, Pollution Control Board (PCB) and concerned departments as respondents to allow a thorough investigation into the incident.
Residents protested mainly against the air pollution caused by the purifier. They also had an alleged discharge of sewage from the factory into a nearby watercourse. The factory owners denied the claims and sought legal protection to resume operations.
Published – 19 March 2026 20:14 IST
