NGT Demands Response over Tamil Nadu’s Pennai River Becoming Toxic Due to Foam
National Green Tribunal: NGT has taken cognisance of a report that says there is toxic foam in the Pennai River near Hosur in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. NGT issued notices to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), and the district administration of Krishnagiri on the issue.
The NGT has taken this decision after media reports regarding the pollution of Pennai River, that flows through this region. The reports say surging water that released from Kelavarapalli after heavy rains has caused poisonous foam to accumulate in the river. The reports claim that it is up to 10 feet high at some places; the industrial effluents and untreated sewage from Bengaluru are suspected to have contaminated the river causing serious environmental degradation.
Foam formation and consequences on the rivers’ health:
The foam in the Pennai River is one of the most acute threats to the environment, and it can be considered as a result of several chemical pollutants that, besides detergents and phosphates, have been released into the river due to effluent and sewage outlets. Foam in such situations is mainly observed when turbulence occurs in water due to the mixture with pollutants at the time of maximum inflow when the excess outflow happens at Kelavarapalli dam during rainfall.
Not only does it become a blight, but it also risks the river’s severe ecological deterioration. According to NGT, the presence of foam decreases dissolved oxygen levels in water and proves to be noxious to the aquatic lives and mainly the fishes. The lesser the dissolved oxygen found in water increases the death toll of fish, among other tiny algae that critically sustain the system of the river. The suds also increased the spread of water-borne diseases by the local users who depend on groundwater associated with the river’s catchment system.
It is not the first time that dangerous foam has appeared in Hosur. In October 2024, a spell of heavy rain and a water release from Kelavarapalli dam caused the streets to overflow with foam as high as five feet. The traffic was slowed down, and the local authorities were compelled to urgently clear the street.
Legal and Environmental Implications
This move by the NGT is based on the reasons that pollution with foam can be in contravention of some environment acts, namely the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The former acts require that the industrial effluents and sewage be treated prior to their being allowed to be let loose into the water to save it from getting polluted and preserving the health and well-being of human and environment in general.
It stated that, despite the serious questions thrown up by such pollution through toxic foam, there was some issue of non-compliance to the environmental norms. It viewed that except for causing an overall environmental degradation, it was injurious to health due to discharge into the river, where its water or its groundwater happened to be used for drinking purposes and otherwise, by the different groups of people in the locality.
After such grave reservations, NGT asked for a report in detail by the concerned officials as to how such an effervescent scenario has unfolded; what the concerned authorities have been doing, are doing, and plan to do in such regards and steps which are envisioned for the longer run. Recently, the tribunal issued notices to the Chennai regional office of Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, as well as to the CPCB, TNPCB, in addition to the magistrate of Krishnagiri District.
They will be presented with a request to return notice to the NGT and the measures undertaken to avoid pollution and to adhere to environmental standards.
Government and Community Involvement
It is focusing on coordination that would make governmental agencies work efficiently in collaboration with boards of pollution control at the central and state levels, while regarding the matter of water pollution, the other challenge that environment has to face. Krishnagiri district administration is also being reminded not to allow local people to get adversely affected by adverse effects of water contamination and problems related to foam.
Involvement of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, besides different pollution control boards, will show increased acceptability of the call for integrated long-term steps toward the fight against industrial pollution in the country. This intervention by NGT is focused strictly on the case of Pennai River; however, it shows that water pollution from non-treated waste from industries and sewage exists almost everywhere in India, especially areas close to its industrial cities such as Bengaluru.
Further Hearing of the Case
The case is now rescheduled for further hearing on February 10, 2025. The NGT will study the responses of all the parties concerned and take further decision accordingly. In the meanwhile, the local authority in Krishnagiri district and the adjoining areas are expected to continue cleaning up the foam and try to reduce the pollution in the river.
This case also brings out the unrelenting nature of challenges of Indian authorities in managing river and water bodies pollution mostly in urbanized and industrial set-ups. Treatment of industrial effluents and, in general, effective wastewater remains a big test to India in its quest to meet targets on environmental compliance.
Conclusion:
The poisonous foam has been spotted appearing in the Pennai River, Tamil Nadu. As such, a cause of concern for water pollution in the state has emerged, and through suo motu, National Green Tribunal action, one reflects on such industries and authorities and how one can keep them on their toes about their respective roles in such cases. As this case unfolds, it will lead to further discussions regarding the improvement of control measures for pollution, the compliance of environmental laws, and the protection of water resources in terms of both human health and ecological well-being.
Source: National Green Tribunal Report, December 18, 2024