TN: Toxic foam chokes South Pennai River near Kelavarapalli dam, farmers seek action

Chennai, July 1 (IANS) The persistent accumulation of toxic foam in the South Pennai River near the Kelavarapalli dam in Hosur has emerged as a major concern for farmers in Krishnagiri district, with cultivators urging the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments to jointly investigate the source of the pollution and take immediate remedial measures.

The foam has been visible in the river for nearly a month and has become more pronounced following recent rainfall in Karnataka, which increased the inflow into the Kelavarapalli dam.

Farmers fear that worsening water quality could adversely affect irrigation, agriculture and the overall ecological health of the river. The Kelavarapalli dam is a vital irrigation source for thousands of acres of farmland in the region. Farmers dependent on the reservoir have expressed concern that continued pollution could threaten crop cultivation and reduce the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the command area.

Local farmer organisations believe the pollution is largely linked to untreated sewage entering the South Pennai River upstream, particularly from urban areas in Karnataka. They have also called for a comprehensive assessment of industrial units, including mills situated along the river in both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, to determine whether industrial discharge is contributing to contamination.

Representatives of farmer associations are expected to meet officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD) to press for urgent intervention and seek a coordinated action plan involving both states.

They have demanded scientific studies to identify the exact sources of pollution and implement measures to prevent untreated waste from entering the river.

Officials of the Water Resources Department said routine monitoring of the river water is being carried out every month. Preliminary findings indicate elevated levels of sulphates and phosphates, which are commonly associated with sewage contamination rather than chemical industrial effluents.

The department has also found that dissolved oxygen levels in the affected stretch have fallen below one milligram per litre, indicating severely degraded water quality that is incapable of supporting aquatic life, including fish.

Water samples are being regularly collected and sent to laboratories in Chennai and Pollachi for detailed analysis of various quality parameters.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board is also conducting independent sampling to assess the extent of contamination.

Farmers have urged the authorities to expedite the investigation and implement long-term pollution control measures, warning that continued deterioration of the South Pennai River could have serious consequences for agriculture, biodiversity and public health in the region.

–IANS

aal/dpb