Political Ecology of the soft drink and bottled water business in India; a case study of Plachimada

Abstract: The bottling plant of The Coca-Cola Company caused environmental problems: water shortage and water contamination. The villagers of Plachimada did not have sufficient water supplies for daily use; furthermore, clean water was contaminated and high levels of calcium and magnesium were detected. The villagers in Plachimada started the movements against The Coca-Cola Company and they still demand compensation; however, it has taken them more than ten years to fight for their water and livelihood. To investigate what caused Plachimada’s movements and environmental degradations in Plachimada, I look through different conceptualizations of water: local and global perceptions, political ecology and commodification of water.