Environmental pollution and waste dumping issues reported in southern India

Environmental concerns are rising in southern India due to severe water pollution and illegal waste disposal. A field study by BioSynk revealed critically low dissolved oxygen levels in the Thenpennai river at the Kelavarpalli dam near Hosur. Oxygen levels were recorded at just 0.1 to 0.2 mg/L, a state indicating severe organic pollution that makes the water unsuitable for aquatic life. The dam, a vital water source for the SIPCOT Hosur drinking water scheme and local agriculture, has also shown elevated levels of phosphorus, nitrates, and total dissolved solids, leading to toxic foam and water hyacinth growth.

Simultaneously, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is addressing the illegal interstate movement and dumping of biomedical waste. Following reports of Kerala medical waste being dumped in villages in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, the NGT has directed authorities to inspect treatment facilities in Kerala to ensure waste is reaching authorized sites. The Kerala and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Boards are developing a joint monitoring protocol to prevent illegal disposal in border districts and to enforce stricter surveillance and verification of waste consignments.