Hosur Farmers Allege TEPL Plant Chemical Discharge Contaminates Water, Lowers Crop Yield
In Ullukurukkai village, Thimjepalli panchayat, Krishnagiri district, farmers report that water overflowing from percolation ponds of the Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) iPhone component plant has damaged their paddy crops. The farmlands, adjacent to the plant, have seen reduced yields, with farmers alleging that the discharge contains chemicals rather than being just rainwater as claimed by the company.
According to residents, a steady flow of water from under the plant's boundary wall flows into an exit channel through their fields. In late May 2026, acres of land were flooded after the plant's percolation ponds overflowed. The company stated that only rainwater had escaped, but farmers insist it was 'chemical water' carrying pollutants.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) issued a show-cause notice to TEPL in May 2026 after testing water samples. The total dissolved solids (TDS) level ranged from 1,916 mg/L to 2,450 mg/L, far exceeding the permissible limit of 500 mg/L (or up to 1,000 mg/L for percolation ponds). Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) was between 12 mg/L and 78 mg/L, and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) between 48 mg/L and 160 mg/L, both above the standard of 30 mg/L.
Sources in the district administration confirmed that in December 2025, a malfunction in the sewage treatment plant (STP) led to untreated water being discharged into the rainwater harvesting pond. The water collected had a strong odour, indicating partially treated effluent, though it was not entirely untreated trade waste.
Farmers, led by Pushparaj, have protested against the alleged discharge. 'Don't we know what rainwater is? This is not rainwater,' he said, emphasising their deep connection to the land. The company, which began operations in 2021, operates a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system using Reverse Osmosis and Multiple Effect Evaporators. However, the TNPCB notice indicates non-compliance with environmental norms.
The situation remains unresolved as farmers await further action from authorities. The incident highlights the tension between industrial expansion and agricultural livelihoods in the region.
