Kozhikode: The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has ordered the immediate closure of a poultry waste-processing plant at Ambayathodu in Thamarassery, following repeated complaints from local residents about severe environmental and water pollution.

The order, issued against Fresh Cut Organic Products Private Limited, directs the company to immediately suspend all operations and completely shut down the unit. The action was taken after residents alleged that waste from the facility was continuing to flow into nearby residential areas, causing pollution and affecting the lives of people in the locality.

The Pollution Control Board had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the company based on complaints raised by local residents. It had also imposed an environmental compensation penalty for the company’s failure to comply with directions within the stipulated period.

However, complaints persisted, with residents alleging that waste from the facility continued to reach nearby inhabited areas. The latest order was issued in view of the continuing pollution concerns and the company’s alleged failure to address them adequately.

The closure order, issued by the chairperson of the KSPCB, invokes the powers provided under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The latest action comes after a complaint was filed against the company for allegedly resuming operations without obtaining fresh approval from the Pollution Control Board.

According to the complaint filed by RTI activist Saidalavi, the poultry waste-processing plant had earlier been directed to shut down after its effluent treatment plant (ETP) and bio-bed system were damaged during a natural disaster. P K Firoz, the MLA representing the Koduvalli constituency, had reportedly instructed the Kattippara grama panchayat secretary to ensure the closure of the facility following the damage.

Saidalavi later alleged that the company resumed operations after carrying out repairs but before obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) or approval from the Pollution Control Board. The complaint described the alleged reopening without prior clearance as a serious violation of environmental regulations.

The activist also alleged that the plant was causing a strong foul smell in the area and raising serious health concerns among local residents. The complaint sought immediate action against the owners of the facility, including the registration of an FIR for allegedly operating the plant without the required approval.