Coca-Cola shuts Varanasi plant on pollution board order

Beverages giant Coca-Cola's plant at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has been shut after the Uttar Pradesh pollution control board withdrew permission to operate over alleged violation of environmental norms.  

“In an unprecedented move, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) withdrew the consent to operate to the Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages plant at Mehandiganj, Varanasi," the company said in a statement.  

The single-line plant produces soft drinks only in glass bottles and belongs to Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, the bottling operations unit of Coca-Cola.  

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages has moved the National Green Tribunal, challenging the order.  

The company said the tribunal has already had three hearings related to the matter and will come up again before the tribunal on Friday.