TNPCB takes water samples from farm wells along Palar River in Tirupattur after complaints of froth
An expert team from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has collected water samples from farm wells along Palar River in Chennampettai hamlet that
An expert team from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has collected water samples from farm wells along Palar River in Chennampettai hamlet that comes under Jafrabad village near Vaniyambadi town in Tirupattur on Saturday, after residents complained of froth formation in wells used for irrigation and domestic consumption. TNPCB officials said that the collected water samples have been sent to the Environmental Laboratory of TNPCB in Vellore for testing the level of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and pollutants. “Testing of water samples will help us understand the extent of specific chemicals and other particles in it.
It will also help trace the source of the contamination,” a senior TNPCB official told The Hindu. TNPCB officials said that formation of froth, especially along the river is generally due to discharge of untreated sewage effluents from leather tanneries and local bodies. TNPCB officials said that affected farm wells, which are located around 100 metres from the river, are not located near tanneries. Most of the tanneries are located downstream of the river. Such discharge of untreated effluents by small tanneries was noticed at Marapattu bridge near Vaniyambadi during monsoon. At present, 133 tannery units are connected to the Vanitec Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in the Vaniyambadi region.
Discharge of untreated sewage by local bodies were also not found in the vicinity of the hamlet from where water samples were collected. The testing of water samples will reveal the source of contamination of these wells. Residents said that more than 80 acres of land along the river are under coconut cultivation. Most of the farm wells and borewells in the region are used for irrigation of coconut groves. “The formation of froth in farm wells happens for the first time in the area. District authorities should guide residents, including farmers in using such water for irrigation and domestic consumption,” said C.
Sethuraman, a local environmental activist. TNPCB officials said that the expert team will coordinate with the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD Board) to ensure that residents get a permanent solution for froth formation in water bodies, especially in farm wells. At present, TWAD provides 191 MLD (Million Liters per Day) for Vellore, Ranipet, and Tirupattur for consumption every day.
The BriefWire