Chemical foam in river destroys crops: Farmers

Krishnagiri: Crops are slowly withering because of chemical foams in the Thenpennai river water being used for irrigation at Kelavarapalli and surrounding villages in the district.
Untreated chemical effluents from the factories in the area are released into the river, causing chemical foam in the water. Over the past three weeks, chemical foams were high in the water.
Crops such as vegetables and coriander leaves are grown near the riverbed.
Expressing their concern, residents and farmers have appealed to the state government and district authorities to act immediately and stop releasing effluents into the river.
They have urged the Central Water Commission (CWC) to act against companies and factories in Karnataka that pollute the river.
K Mariappan, a farmer, said chemical foams can be seen on the water and it is a recurring issue every year. Despite the Tamil Nadu government’s plea, the Karnataka government has failed to take any action against these negligent companies and factories, he said.
The Thenpennai River benefits approximately 9,083 acres.
This water is crucial for cultivating various crops such as vegetables, millets, cut flowers, pulses, and groundnuts.
“The crops are damaged when the chemical-laced water is used for irrigation,” Mariappan stated.
The river was contaminated in May with toxic froth forming on the surface. Farmers urged the state government and district administration then to resolve the issue.
In response, a 15-member team from the Central Water Commission (CWC), led by chairman Kushvinder Vohra, visited the Kelavarapalli dam on June 9 to assess the situation and implement necessary measures.
During their two-day visit, the team, accompanied by K Asokan, the principal chief engineer of Tamil Nadu WRD, thoroughly examined the Kelavarapalli dam and the Thenpennai riverbed.
“They also collected water samples,” Asokan said, adding that they were assured that necessary actions would be taken.