Residents suspect industrial pollution as Cauvery water turns green in parts of Erode district

The Cauvery water has turned green in several areas of Ammapettai, Nerinjipettai and Kuthiraikalmedu in Erode district, causing concern among residents and farmers, who suspect that industrial effluents discharged upstream have contaminated the river.

After being released from the Mettur Dam, the Cauvery enters Erode district at Nerinjipettai and flows for 84 km through Ammapettai, Bhavani, Karungalpalayam in Erode city and Kodumudi before entering into Karur district.

Residents and farmers say they are unable to use the river water because of the change in its colour. Some people who bathe in the water have reportedly experienced itching. They suspect that chemical effluents discharged by industries operating upstream of the Mettur Dam are responsible for the discolouration. At Nerinjipettai, an agricultural well near the Cauvery has also reportedly turned green. A strong stench emanating from the water has added to the concerns of people living along the river.

Residents of Ammapettai have expressed concern over the possible health implications of the suspected pollution. They have urged the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to inspect the affected areas, collect water samples and identify the sources of contamination. Residents said the river water had turned green in Ammapettai a few years ago as well. Despite repeated representations, no effective remedial measures had been taken, they alleged.

They have urged the TNPCB to identify the sources of pollution and initiate stringent action against those responsible for discharging industrial effluents into the Cauvery. They have also called for measures to safeguard the river’s water quality and public health. TNPCB officials were not available for comment.