Tamil Nadu Farmers Demand Action Over Toxic Foam in Kelavarapalli Dam
Farmers relying on water from the Kelavarapalli Dam in Krishnagiri district have urged the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department and the state government to take measures against the accumulation of toxic foam in the reservoir. The foam, which has appeared over the past few years, is attributed to sewage water reportedly discharged from Karnataka.
The dam receives water when rainfall occurs in Karnataka. In recent years, while inflows have increased, the foam has also grown due to the presence of pollutants. Despite repeated requests from farmers, the issue remains unresolved.
In June 2026, following rains in Karnataka, inflows into the dam rose, and foam has been observed since then. Farmers note that when the inflow is between 300 and 400 cusecs, no foam appears. However, when it exceeds 400 cusecs, foam accumulates.
Thimmaiya, a farmer, stated that officials have informed them that sewage water from Karnataka contains high levels of sulphate and phosphate, which cause the foam. He demanded that the Water Resources Department and the government raise the matter with the Karnataka government to prevent sewage discharge into the Then Pennai River.
