Thiruvananthapuram, Monday, March 22, 2010: The High Power Committee authorized by the State government to assess the extend of loss caused by the soft-drink major Coca Cola to the people at Plachimada, Palakkad , has recommended Rs 216.26 crore as compensation. The team was headed by Additional Chief Secretary K. Jayaykumar.

The 14 membered panel, in its report given to Water Resource Minister N.K Premachandran also suggested to set up a Tribunal to take the legal process forward to determine the compensation and enforce payment to the affected people due to the running of the plant in the area.

It is estimated that the due to the exploitation of water resources by the multi-national giant, in the agriculture sector, the loss has come to Rs. 84.16 crore. Health damages caused came to Rs. 30 cores and wage loss and opportunity cost to Rs. 20 crore. The cost of providing water to the villagers came to Rs. 20 corres. It also estimated the damage from pollution of water resources to be Rs. 62.10 crore.

On receiving the report the Minister said that the report would be submitted before the Cabinet for taking suitable action.