Toxic Foam Crisis in Tamil Nadu: Environmental Alarms Raised

The National Green Tribunal has addressed the alarming issue of toxic foam polluting the Pennai River in Tamil Nadu. The contamination, linked to industrial waste from Bengaluru, poses ecological risks and health hazards. Regulatory authorities have been involved to investigate and ensure adherence to environmental laws.

The National Green Tribunal has demanded answers from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, alongside other stakeholders, concerning the presence of toxic foam in a Tamil Nadu river.

The tribunal examined a media report on the alarming contamination in the Pennai River near Hosur, Krishnagiri district. The report attributes the toxic foam to the release of surplus water from Kelavarapalli dam after heavy rains, worsened by industrial effluents and untreated sewage from Bengaluru.

This foam, reaching up to 10 feet in height in areas, has caused environmental and health concerns, including decreased oxygen levels in water, fish deaths, and increased risk of waterborne diseases for communities relying on groundwater. The tribunal cited violations of environmental laws and involved multiple regulatory authorities in the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)