Alemao agrees to supply water to Coke, but…

| 23 July 1999 10:18 IST

The sword of uncertainty still hangs on Coca Cola plant in Goa while industries minister Churchill Alemao, in spite of opposition members thumping benches in the House, appears determined to supply water to the soft drink multinational "as per the availability".

Holding cards close to his chest, the Varca strongman (as he is widely known here) has however come down to a compromise not to disconnect water supply to the MNC plant. "I never disconnected it but curtailed due to non-availability of adequate water supply", he told the House, taking a swift volte face on his earlier stand.

To justify his action, he points out at the agreement reached with the Hindustan Coca Cola Bottling South West Pvt Ltd to supply water as per the availability after fulfilling requirements of other units in the Verna industrial estate, provided there is no breakdown or restriction by the PWD.

"The company had ventured to set up the plant with a clear understanding that the Industrial Development Corporation may not be in a position to meet their entire demand of water", Alemao told the House when opposition members condemned the government attitude to curtail water after production has begun.

Asking why only the MNC like Coke is being hounded, former union minister Ramakant Khalap brought to the notice of the House that the credibility of the government and the state is at stake due to Alemao’s action.

Even state opposition leader Manohar Parrikar, whose BJP had earlier opposed the Coke plant as it would conquer market of over 100 small bottlers, felt that no unit should be harassed in such a manner after production begins. They have demanded resignation of deputy speaker Alex Sequeira, who was the IDC chairman, for creating this blunder during his tenure earlier.

Speaker chief minister Pratapsing Rane, during whose chief ministerial tenure Coke was granted licence within a fortnight, wound up the debate by simply instructing Alemao to release water to Coke, though Alemao declined to give any assurance in this regard. Even chief minister Luizinho Faleiro preferred not to open his mouth.

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