Pollution Board Seeks Explanation from Tata Electronics Over Alleged Groundwater and Farmland Contamination Near Its Hosur Manufacturing Facility
Highlights
- TNPCB has issued a show-cause notice to Tata Electronics.
- Alleged wastewater discharge reportedly affected nearby farmland and groundwater.
- Inspections found elevated BOD, COD, and TDS levels in water samples.
- Pollution board has sought a detailed response within 15 days.
- Tata Electronics says independent tests confirm compliance with regulations.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has issued a show-cause notice to Tata Electronics over alleged violations of wastewater management norms at its manufacturing facility in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, which produces components for Apple iPhones.
According to the pollution control authority, wastewater from the facility was allegedly discharged into an open channel connected to nearby water bodies and agricultural fields, raising concerns about contamination of farmland and groundwater sources in surrounding villages near Hosur.
The action follows complaints from local farmers who alleged that treated sewage released from the industrial unit had polluted agricultural land and nearby wells. District officials had earlier confirmed that a notice had been served and that the company would be asked to explain the reported contamination.
TNPCB said it carried out multiple inspections between December 2025 and May 2026, including laboratory testing of samples collected from a rainwater harvesting pond inside the facility. The analysis reportedly detected elevated levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS), which regulators believe may indicate contamination from treated or untreated industrial wastewater.
The board stated that some corrective measures recommended during previous inspections were either incomplete or not fully implemented. It also raised concerns that overflow from the pond could potentially affect groundwater quality in nearby areas.
Invoking provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, TNPCB has directed Tata Electronics to submit a detailed explanation within 15 days and outline the remedial actions taken to address the concerns.
Responding to the allegations, Tata Electronics said it remains committed to environmental compliance and has commissioned an independent laboratory assessment. According to the company, the test results confirmed adherence to regulatory standards, and the findings have already been shared with the pollution control board.
