PALAKKAD: The Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Limited has in a statement said that the allegations of excessive usage of groundwater by the company is baseless. This has been substantiated by studies conducted by all expert bodies, it added.

In an official statement by the company, it said that the plant at Plachimada in Kerala has not been operational since March 9,2004.

J. Venkatesan

New Delhi: Even as the case relating to the Mullaperiyar dam has been posted for hearing on November 17, a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday requested Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan to constitute a new Bench to take it up.

K.S. Sudhi

KOCHI: The Kerala State Wetland Cell has written to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest for extension of the time for submitting its views on the draft regulatory framework for wetland conservation. The deadline for submission was Wednesday.

This is the second time that the cell is approaching the Ministry for extension.

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During September-October 2006, chikungunya patients in Bangalore complaining of eye problems were studied. Nine had lesions in the eye.

KOCHI: K V Thomas MLA urged the Chief Minister to call a meeting of political parties and fishermen organisations to discuss the draft of the proposed Coastal Zone Management Act.

In a statement issued here on Monday, Thomas said that the Act would adversely affect the fishermen and the coastal belt in the state.

Delhi A Close Second, Followed By Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Kerala is ranked No. 1 among the 21 major states (large in geographical area) in the latest composite Education Development Index(EDI) prepared for the primary and upper primary levels of schooling for 2006-07.

Sajimon P S: HOW many cell phones have you used till today? Know where all those old phones you sold have gone? Any idea what happened to the lead, the plastic and the antimony in those phones you happily got rid of ? The bad news is that they are going to come right back to bite you.

Pradeep Pillai I THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the Government is gleefully choking new SEZ applicants, the State

C. Gouridasan Nair

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is planning to amend the Kerala Groundwater Act 2002 to put curbs on indiscriminate use of groundwater.