Statement From Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd

We have read media reports that a committee appointed by the Kerala government has submitted a report to the water resources department of the Government.

It is our view that any government committee or panel reviewing claims should first determine through a process of law whether any damage was caused to the residents of Palakkad, and second, if such damage was caused, who was responsible.

Numerous investigations sponsored by the Government of Kerala and others have examined issues concerning the operations of the Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages plant in Palakkad. Based on scientific evaluation, our Palakkad plant operations have not been shown to be the cause of local watershed issues.

It is unfortunate that the committee in Kerala was appointed on the unproven assumption that damage was caused, and that it was caused by Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages.

In these circumstances, there is little for us to comment upon given the deliberations of a committee appointed with such a mandate.

We will comment further at a more appropriate time.