Date:09/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/02/09/stories/2005020900761700.htm

Back Kerala Minister's assurance on endosulfan plant

Our Bureau

Kochi , Feb. 8

THE State Government will extend all help to renovate and retain the endosulfan plant of Hindustan Insecticides Ltd (HIL) at Pathalam unit near Eloor, the State Industries Minister, Mr V.K. Ibrahimkunju, has said. At no cost, the unit would be allowed to shift from here, he added.

Speaking at a call attention programme on HIL conducted by the HIL Club, Pathalam, the Minister said that the Government would initiate steps to renovate and preserve the plant at Eloor. He pointed out that the production of endosulfan was not banned in Kerala and the HIL plant would be able to resume production soon following the fire in the plant in July last year.

The programme was organised by various trade unions to draw attention to the plant's future in the wake of reports that the endosulfan unit may be shifted out of Kerala by the company management.

Trade union leaders, cutting across party affiliations, under the banner of HIL Samyukta Samithy, said that endosulfan produced at the HIL unit is exported to 122 countries across the globe. Of the total production in the country, only one-by-fifth takes place at the Pathalam unit.

The General Convenor of the Samithy, Mr K.N. Gopinath, alleged that vested interests were raising questions whether production would be banned in Kerala. This is aimed at discouraging those interested in investing in Kerala, he said.

He said that work on renovating the production unit is fast progressing and the production is expected to restart at the earliest.