Palakkad: A state-level conference was convened in Palakkad district to voice opposition against a controversial brewery project, which has sparked widespread concerns over environmental, agricultural, and social impacts. Local leaders, activists, and community representatives gathered to demand that the state government reconsider its approval for the project, citing potential harm to the region and its residents.
The conference, organized under the guidance of Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios, drew attention to the urgent need to halt the establishment of the brewery, which would require massive resource allocations and could adversely affect local communities. Bishop Ignathios emphasized that the project could place millions of liters of water and other vital resources at risk, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and the sustainability of agriculture in the Palakkad district.
Highlighting the potential hazards, the bishop noted that uncontrolled water exploitation by the brewery could lead to severe agricultural collapse, while the pollution generated by such industrial activity would negatively impact human health and local ecosystems. “The government’s initial approval of this project ignores these serious risks to the people and environment of Palakkad,” he remarked.
Opposition to the project has been voiced not only by civil society groups but also by official bodies. Both the Revenue and Agriculture Departments reportedly identified the project as non-compliant with legal norms, while the Panchayat government has formally stated that it does not approve the establishment of the brewery. Despite these objections, the state cabinet initially moved forward with the project, prompting strong criticism from local leaders and residents.
Bishop Ignathios, addressing the conference, urged the state government to revoke the initial permission and abandon plans for the brewery. He called on authorities to prioritize sustainable development and the welfare of Palakkad residents over industrial expansion.
The conference concluded with a united demand that the state government respect local concerns, environmental norms, and the objections of various departments, ensuring that Palakkad’s natural resources and agricultural base remain protected.