Industrial Effluents Pollute Chennai Borewells and Open Wells, Endangering Public Health
Chennai’s western neighbourhoods, particularly those within the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), are grappling with a serious water pollution crisis, largely due to the untreated discharge of industrial effluents into the canals. For residents in areas like Korattur, this ongoing issue has transformed their primary source of water – open wells and borewells – into a hazardous and health-threatening resource. The pollution has severely affected the quality of water in these wells, which now carries a dark colour, posing risks of skin conditions and illnesses among locals.
The effluent discharge, originating from industrial units near the Padi flyover, has notably affected the canal that runs from Korattur Zero Point to the Otteri Nullah. This industrial waste has been contaminating water for over two years, but the situation has worsened in recent months. The visible effects are evident in the form of rising cases of skin conditions such as itching, rashes, and burning sensations among residents. “Earlier, the skin problems were mild, but now they have become severe. Children are falling ill, suffering from infections and fevers,” explained B. Sivakami, a resident of Venkatraman Nagar in Korattur.
The water quality in the area has deteriorated to such an extent that it has affected daily activities. “We depend on wells for water. But the water is now dark and foul-smelling,” added S. Santhi, another local resident. She went on to note that the water supplied by Metrowater, too, has been compromised, likely due to contamination from the same industrial effluents. G. Srinivasan, a long-time resident, raised concerns about the air pollution, pointing to the release of harmful gases from one of the nearby industrial units. He recalled a time when the neighbourhood was clean, but the rise in industrial pollution had significantly changed the area’s living conditions.
The issue of industrial pollution in residential areas has drawn attention from local authorities, but solutions remain scarce. J. John, the councillor for Ward 84, highlighted the lack of coordination among government agencies in addressing the pollution. “The canal’s flow has been blocked due to metro construction, leading to reverse flow. The pollution has been exacerbated by leaking canal linings that allow effluent seepage into the ground,” he said. Despite the evidence of pollution, industrial units in Ambattur and Patravakkam continue to deny their involvement, with no effective mechanism in place to identify or penalise those responsible for the contamination.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has acknowledged the issue and promised to investigate the source of pollution in the canals. In collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), the authorities are planning to take necessary action against the polluting units. This will include a push for medical camps to address health issues faced by residents. However, the road to resolution is long, with local communities expressing their frustrations over the lack of action and accountability.
From a sustainable urban development perspective, this issue highlights a significant civic problem where the unchecked growth of industries is compromising both public health and environmental quality. The pollution of water resources, particularly in a city already struggling with waste management and water supply issues, has broader implications for the future. Ensuring that industries adhere to environmental standards is crucial for fostering sustainable urban growth. The government must not only focus on remedial actions but also invest in long-term solutions like better waste treatment systems and robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent further contamination.
In the long run, sustaining the health of both residents and the environment depends on a comprehensive approach that includes proper regulation of industrial waste, improvement of infrastructure, and increased public awareness. Only with coordinated efforts can the water resources of Chennai be protected and future generations shielded from the health risks posed by industrial pollution.