Protest Intensifies as Residents Demand Closure of Ambayathode Poultry Waste Rendering Unit

Kozhikode: Tensions continue to escalate in Ambayathode as members of the local action committee intensified their agitation demanding the closure of a poultry waste rendering plant they allege has been polluting surrounding areas for years. The protest has now moved into a relay hunger strike phase, amplifying the pressure on authorities to intervene.

The stir began on Thursday when Karshaka Congress district president and former Kattippara panchayat president Biju Kannanthara launched an indefinite fast at Ambalamukku, roughly two kilometres from the plant site. According to committee members, more residents are expected to join the agitation in the coming days.

Allegations of Environmental Pollution and Administrative Lapses

Protest leaders claim the rendering unit has been causing severe pollution across four neighbouring panchayats for the past six years. They allege that repeated complaints have gone unaddressed, leaving local communities to tolerate foul odour, waste mismanagement, and concerns over potential contamination.

Adding to the controversy, Mr. Kannanthara recently accused Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Yathish Chandra of colluding with the plant’s management to suppress public dissent. He has sought a comprehensive investigation into what he describes as suspicious phone calls and meetings between the DIG and the company.

Mr. Kannanthara also alleged that his earlier complaint had been forwarded to a subordinate officer, making a fair probe “impossible,” and has repeatedly petitioned the State Police Chief for the appointment of a higher-level officer to ensure impartiality.

Special Investigation Team Under Criticism

Thampi Parakandathi, chief patron of the action committee, criticised the special investigation team’s recent report submitted to the Kerala High Court. He said the report wrongly labelled committee leaders as “criminals,” arguing that the protestors were peaceful local residents with no criminal record.

Meanwhile, a senior local coordinator noted that police recently released a list of 92 individuals booked in connection with the violent incident near the factory on October 21. Many of those named are reportedly afraid to appear for questioning, fearing they might face additional charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Residents Claim Targeted Searches

Action committee members also allege that around 300 residents have left their homes, citing intense door-to-door police searches targeting individuals suspected of links to banned organisations. Leaders warn that if the situation worsens, they will stage an indefinite sit-in protest in front of the Kozhikode civil station.

The rendering unit has remained closed since October 21, following arson and violence triggered by a section of protestors. While the authorities maintain that strict action is necessary to prevent unlawful activities, residents insist that their movement is a legitimate environmental protest that has escalated due to administrative neglect.

For the poultry sector—which relies heavily on regulated waste management to ensure safety, sustainability, and disease prevention—the Ambayathode incident underscores the urgent need for transparent operations and community engagement in waste rendering practices.