Cuddalore, 11 March, 2006 — Southern Pigments, which was shut down after repeated complaints over a period of 5 months, is reportedly back in action. The company has resumed production using a generator, and is manufacturing Calcium Chloride on contract for TANFAC. On 27 February, 2006, the factory was ordered closed by the TNPCB after repeated pressure and reminders from SACEM. The company has no authorisation to produce and its electricity connection has been severed. However, TANFAC (a Birla group company) has powerful connections, and the TNPCB seems reluctant to take action against the company. According to law, the company’s senior management has to be prosecuted. But no such proceedings have been launched. Also, there are allegations that TNPCB staff may be involved in the illegality.