The Tamil Nadu government would constitute a technical committee to look into the apprehensions on pollution in Bhavani river due to a planned expansion of a textile processing unit in Gobichettipalayam taluk in Erode district, Minister Thangam Thennarasu informed the Assembly on Monday.
Based on the report and recommendations by the technical committee, the State government would make its decision on this issue, Finance Minister (also holding environment portfolio) Thangam Thennarasu said. He was responding to a call attention motion moved by members, including AIADMK’s K.A. Sengottaiyan.
As for Mr. Sengottaiyan’s request not to allow effluents from dyeing units into rivers, the Minister said the State government was against allowing the release of effluents from dyeing units into rivers. “I have instructed officials of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to undertake steps in this regard,” Mr. Thennarasu said.
According to a detailed report tabled in the House by Mr. Thennarasu, M/s. Sri Bhavani Textile Processors Private Limited was operating a unit in Gobichettipalayam taluk in Erode district since 1984 and expanding by obtaining necessary permission.
Due to litigation pending before the Madras High Court and over receipt of complaints, the permission for the unit was not renewed between April 2005 and 2020. Since the fine imposed was not paid and for want of valid permission, the electricity supply to the unit was disconnected and orders were issued to close it down in July 2014.
Following a case in the Madras High Court, electricity connection was resumed in April 2018 but only for maintenance purposes which was valid till May 2018. In January 2022, the permission was extended for six months. The electricity supply was resumed in July 2022. The unit has renewed the permission between 2020 and 2026.
A new management took over in May 2023, which applied for permission for operating additional facilities. During inspection, it was found not to be in use. Since 2023, there have been been objections against the unit by farmers.
Based on inputs received from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and field inspection report from the Erode Collector during 2023 and 2024, permission was granted in February 2024 that was valid till March 2026. The unit has not undertaken any expansion, so far.
There have been protests against the unit, the Minister said. During the public grievances redress meetings held by the Erode Collector on February 28 and March 28 this year, complaints were received in this regard. They have been apprehensive that the unit due to its close proximity, there were more chances of polluting the Bhavani river.
Published – April 07, 2025 08:52 pm IST