The Contamination of a Significant River Basin by India's Leather Industry Manufacturing Practices
In the heart of Tamil Nadu, a pollution crisis has been unfolding, affecting the health of residents, farmers, and tannery workers alike. The tannery industry, a significant contributor to India's leather export earnings, has been under scrutiny for its impact on the Palar River and surrounding areas.
The Supreme Court held tanneries in Vellore district accountable for causing "irreversible damage" to water bodies, groundwater, and agricultural lands in January. Yet, despite the January 2025 ruling demanding the cessation of untreated effluents discharge, compensation to affected families, and implementation of pollution control measures, reports indicate ongoing pollution and health risks persist.
Farmers in the area are experiencing reduced crop yields and quality, and many have been forced to switch to working in the leather industry due to the crisis. In Puliyankannu village, 19-year-old Manuja's father has been battling asthma for two years due to the chemical odour in the air.
Chaithanya's research reveals elevated metal pollution in lake water, sediment, and plant samples around Ranipet, partly due to nighttime wastewater dumping. Moreover, Chromium VI, a carcinogenic contaminant, has been detected in leather products from Tamil Nadu at levels exceeding legal limits.
The pollution has caused irreversible damage to water bodies, groundwater, agricultural lands, and public health. Raja, a resident in Santhipuram, states that his family suffers from health problems due to contaminated drinking water, including respiratory problems and kidney issues in his daughter.
Activists allege that pollution continues unchecked despite the systems and notices in place. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) does not take action against tanneries that violate environment norms, according to these activists.
The Palar River, a drinking water source for 50 villages and 30 towns, flows through Tamil Nadu and drains into the Bay of Bengal near Chennai. A 2024 study on groundwater in Vellore revealed alarming levels of heavy metals, with all samples exceeding pollution thresholds.
A senior medical practitioner in Ranipet, A. Kabilan, states that the contamination caused by untreated industrial waste, chemicals, and heavy metals has led to widespread health problems. Environmental activists believe the TNPCB has been inadequate in its enforcement of pollution norms.
Calls exist for stronger involvement from domestic regulators and international buyers to enforce cleaner production practices and supply chain responsibility. Hydrogeologist Elango agrees, stating that European and international buyers must take responsibility for sourcing from industries that meet environmental standards.
The court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to compensate affected families, recover costs from the tanneries, and implement measures to stop the discharge of untreated effluents. However, effective enforcement remains lacking, leading to continued environmental damage and health hazards related to tannery pollution in the Palar River basin.
- The ongoing pollution in the Palar River basin, despite the 2025 Supreme Court ruling, raises concerns about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.
- The environmental policy urgently needs reform, as the continued discharge of untreated effluents from tanneries in Tamil Nadu is having detrimental effects on both water security and environmental-science, which directly impacts health-and-wellness.
- To mitigate the health risks associated with the pollution crisis in Tamil Nadu, it is crucial to integrate science and technology into environmental policy, focusing on cleaner production practices and responsible supply chain management, as advocated by hydrogeologist Elango and other environmental activists.
