Supreme Court Criticizes Tamil Nadu Govt Over Palar River Tannery Pollution, Issues New Orders

Chennai/New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu government over its failure to prevent tannery waste discharge into the Palar River, a key water source for several districts. The court, citing severe environmental violations, has issued fresh directives to curb industrial pollution and demanded strict compliance from state authorities.

Background: Palar River Pollution Crisis

The Palar River, once a vital water source for Tamil Nadu’s northern districts, has been heavily polluted due to unregulated industrial waste discharge, particularly from tanneries. The contamination has:

⚠ Severely affected groundwater quality in the region

⚠ Led to health issues among local residents

⚠ Threatened agricultural lands dependent on the river

Despite previous court orders, environmental regulations, and pollution control measures, tannery units in areas like Vellore, Ranipet, and Ambur continue to release untreated effluents into the river, worsening the crisis.

Supreme Court’s Directives & Warnings

During the latest hearing, the Supreme Court expressed strong discontent over the Tamil Nadu government’s inaction, stating that:

🔹 The administration has failed to enforce pollution control laws

🔹 Polluting industries have been allowed to operate despite non-compliance

🔹 Monitoring agencies have been ineffective in ensuring clean water supply

The court has now ordered:

✅ Immediate action against non-compliant tanneries

✅ Stricter monitoring of effluent treatment plants (ETPs)

✅ Regular water quality testing and public disclosure of pollution levels

✅ A compliance report from the Tamil Nadu government within four weeks

Government & Environmentalists React

🌱 Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB): Officials assured that new measures would be enforced to tackle pollution.

🌱 Environmental Activists: Experts argue that the state has ignored warnings for decades, calling for stronger penalties and stricter enforcement.

🌱 Local Residents & Farmers: Villagers dependent on Palar River water continue to suffer from health issues, crop damage, and loss of livelihood.

Previous Attempts to Curb Pollution

The Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) have issued multiple rulings in the past, mandating:

🚫 Strict industrial waste management protocols

🏭 Installation of advanced effluent treatment plants

💧 Regular inspections and penalties for violators

However, lack of enforcement, corruption, and industrial lobbying have led to continued pollution of the river.

What Happens Next?

The Tamil Nadu government must now act swiftly to:

✔ Shut down violators who fail to comply with pollution norms

✔ Upgrade existing wastewater treatment plants

✔ Ensure transparency by publishing pollution control efforts

With the Supreme Court closely monitoring the situation, authorities have no option but to act immediately to prevent further environmental damage.