a pulp and fibre unit, owned by Grasim Industries, is facing criticism from Kerala-based environmentalists led by the Chaliyar Action Council.

On July 12, the council demanded immediate closure of the unit, along with full compensation for victims of pollution in the area.

At a press conference held recently, council spokesperson C Suredranad alleged that during its 36 years of operation the Grasim Industries-owned unit has destroyed the ecosystem of the region with toxic emissions and effluent discharges. He also alleged that the effluents carry heavy metals like mercury, which is carcinogenic.

However, the company has refused to acknowledge such allegations and is favouring the closure of the unit on the ground that the state government is not providing enough raw material.

The activists, who are working in concert with Greenpeace International, are also planning to take up the issue with the New Delhi-based n ational Human Rights Commission (nhrc). They are also seeking the intervention of the Central Pollution Control Board ( cpcb).