Kozhikode: The traders association in Kerala have taken a decision that retailers will stop selling Pepsi and Coco-Cola drinks in the state. The decision was taken by the association over rising concerns of health issues and exploitation of ground water by the brand companies. A final decision will be taken next Tuesday.

The Cola companies are exploiting groundwater to a large scale and this is the reason why water scarcity is being largely encountered in the state, feel the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti head T Naseerudhin. The companies are also not taking needed steps to properly dispose the waste, he alleged. He also added that instead of these beverage drinks, locally manufactured nutritional drinks will be made available in retail outlets.

In neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the retailers association have banned Coco-Cola and Pepsi. Naseerudhin said that the retailers of TN have approached them with a request to boycott these drinks in Kerala.

In Kerala, as many as 7 lakh retailers are getting ready not to sell these branded drinks. The retailers will hold discussions with the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday and only after that a final decision on when to go ahead with the boycott will be announced.