HC orders to close down plywood companies

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the Chief Conservator of Forests, Malayattoor Divisional Forest DFO and the State Level Empowered Committee to close down the plywood companies functioning at Kuttipadam in Vengola panchayat.Justice P R Ramachandra Menon passed the order on a petition filed by T K Kurian and two others, who reside near the company. The court has further directed the officers to execute the court order and file a report in 10 days.Police assistance can be sought for executing the order, the court said in the order. According to a Supreme Court order, plywood companies cannot function without the clearance by the central empowered committee or the state empowered committee.The DFOs do not have the power to issue clearance for woodoriented business. These companies have been functioning under the licence issued by Malayattoor DFO since 2003.