Farmers in the Kalingarayan canal ayacut are annoyed with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board for its perceived failure in preventing dumping of untreated effluent and sludge by bleaching, dyeing and leather industries.
Despite several representations made by Kalingarayan Pasana Sabai to the district administration to restrain the industries from releasing their effluent into the canal, the discharge of the untreated wastes continue unabated, cultivators lamented. The issue was raised by the Sabai president V.M. Velayudham even during the monthly grievance redress meeting of farmers recently.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
All studies carried out in the past to determine the quality of Kalingarayan canal water had recommended installation of effluent treatment apparatus by all industries.
A study by the South Zone office of the Central Pollution Control Board conducted a few years ago established that discharge of untreated effluent not only reflected in poor yield of crops, but also impacted health of people living downstream.
Subsequent studies to determine physicochemical and biological characteristics indicated increase in concentration of dissolved solids in the canal water, based on quality analysis conducted at Kalingayaran Anicut, Vairapalayam, Vendipalayam, Savadipalayam, Pasur, Malayampalayam, Avudaiyaparai and Noyyal. The parameters constituted analysis of dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, ph, biochemical oxygen demand, phosphate, nitrates, total solids, turbidity, and temperature.
ADVERTISEMENT