Water packaging units across Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts have pulled down shutters in protest against the closure of 92 units in and around Chennai by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). These units did not have the requisite permits from the TNPCB, which, on Thursday, asked the Electricity Department to disconnect power supply to them.
The TNPCB initiated action against these units after the National Green Tribunal’s southern Bench sought to know if any steps were taken against units functioning without due consent. The case will come up for hearing before the Bench on Friday.
The strike has already hit the supply of water in 20-litre bubble top containers across the city. These containers are the sole source of drinking water for a number of households and institutions: their consumption is estimated at 12 lakh cans per day. Customers have been told that they will not get their regular supply due to the strike and they should make alternative arrangements.
According to TNPCB sources, these three districts have 121 units, most of which are located in Red Hills, Medavakkam, Ambattur, Madhavaram and Tambaram.
“While applying for our consent, they must possess permissions from the Public Works Department or the Central Ground Water Board. Only 23 of the 121 units have permits,” said a TNPCB official.
