33 dyeing factories shut to combat pollution in the Kaveri river

In response to a question posed by A.K.P. Chinraj, Member of Parliament, the Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav answering the question said that the pollution in the Kaveri River and the actions taken against dyeing factories and textile units in Tamil Nadu.

Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav said the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) closely monitors the water quality of aquatic resources, including the Kaveri River, as part of the National Water Quality Monitoring Program (NWMP).

The CPCB monitors a total of 62 locations along the Kaveri River on a monthly basis, with 33 locations in Karnataka and 28 in Tamil Nadu. An additional location at the interstate point of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, situated at Ajibore, is monitored on a quarterly basis.

In the period from June 2022 to August 2022, the Joint Committee conducted thorough inspections of 44 dyeing units located in Namakkal, Karur, Erode, and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu. As a consequence of the inspection findings, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) took decisive action against 33 non-compliant units, resulting in closures and issuance of show cause notices.

Moreover, the TNPCB has been actively monitoring and addressing the issue of non-compliance by dyeing factories and textile units since 2010. Over this period, several dyeing factories and textile units have been subjected to closure and fines as part of the efforts to combat pollution in the region.

33 Units Non-complying Action Taken

Dyeing unit inspections, TNPCB action

Monitoring revealed two polluted river reaches along the Kaveri River in the year 2022. One polluted reach was identified in Karnataka and the other in Tamil Nadu, based on analysis of water quality data, with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) serving as the criterion.

To address pollution caused by dyeing units operating in Namakkal, Erode, Tiruppur and Karur districts in Tamil Nadu, a Joint Committee was formed in 2022. The committee was made up of officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Change Climate, Integrated Regional Office, Chennai, CPCB and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).

The Joint Committee conducted inspections at 44 dyeing units in the aforementioned districts from June 2022 to August 2022. As a result of the inspections, TNPCB took strict action against 33 non-compliant units, including closing and issuing notices of justification.

Annex I of the declaration provides detailed information on the 33 non-compliant dyeing units that faced the action of the TNPCB. Additionally, Annex II lists the dry cleaners and textile units that have been closed and sanctioned by the TNPCB from 2010 to date.

Major industrialized cities and towns situated along the Kaveri River include Bangalore in Karnataka and Mettur, Pallipalyam and Komarapalayam in Tamil Nadu. These industrial areas are home to various chemical, dyeing, leather/tannery, pulp and paper, sugar mills, printing, and bleaching industries, all contributing to the pollution challenges facing the river.

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