Final nod to Coca Cola plant after examining impact: Bahuguna

Dehradun, May 18: Facing opposition over proposed setting up of a

plant in the district, Uttarakhand Chief Minister

today said the project would be given final approval only after confirming that it would have no adverse impact on

.

"A team of experts will ascertain whether or not the proposed Coca Cola bottling plant in Chharba village in the district will damage the environment in the area."

"We will give the final go-ahead to the plant only after the team confirms that it will have no adverse impact on the environment," Bahuguna told a delegation which expressed its apprehension regarding the project.

Assuring the delegation from Chharba village that the state government would see to it that their welfare was not affected, he said no decision would be taken on the basis of mere apprehensions.

"Facts will be checked by experts," the Chief Minister said.

Noting that people's participation was essential for development, he said an MoU signed with Coca Cola had promised employment to 1200 locals and training to the youth by the company if required.

The company had also promised to give Rs 20 crore to the state government every year for development.

Environmental norms laid down by the Central government would have to be fulfilled by the company, Bahuguna said.

An MoU between multi-national beverage giant Coca Cola and the Uttarakhand government last month to set up a Rs 600 crore bottling plant has sparked protests by environmentalists who claim the project would adversely impact the hill state's fragile ecology.

PTI