The practice of permitting film shooting along waterbodies, closer to forest boundaries, which results in polluting the environment and water, has come under flak with the ongoing film shooting in the Aliyar reservoir.
For the last few days, a film is being shot on sets erected at the zero point in the dam area. Entry of summer vacation tourists and visitors is restricted. The film production unit has, however, obtained permission from the Public Works Department (PWD) officials in Chennai, PWD sources said.
Environmental activists and NGOs pointed out that the unit had erected sets in the water for which they had excavated soil from the catchment area. Chemicals used on the sets have changed the colour of the water. The polluted water could endanger the lives of the fishes, they added.
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The wildlife that used to visit the reservoir for drinking water has been disturbed by the music, bright lighting and presence of large number of film unit personnel. The litter left behind everyday by the film production unit has resulted in heaps of garbage lying there, say tourists. The issue cropped up last year, when film shootings were permitted at the Nandangarai check dam near Coimbatore, Thirumurthy and Amaravathy reservoirs.