Cauvery water turns green in parts of Erode district
Residents and farmers suspect industrial effluents are contaminating the river in Ammapettai, Nerinjipettai and Kuthiraikalmedu.
The Cauvery river has turned green in several areas of Erode district, including Ammapettai, Nerinjipettai and Kuthiraikalmedu, according to The Hindu.
Residents and farmers suspect that industrial effluents discharged upstream have contaminated the water. They have reported a strong stench emanating from the river.
People who bathe in the water have reportedly experienced itching, and residents say they are unable to use the river water due to the change in colour. At Nerinjipettai, an agricultural well near the Cauvery has also reportedly turned green.
Residents of Ammapettai have expressed concern over possible health implications and alleged that no effective remedial measures were taken when the water turned green a few years ago.
The affected people have urged the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to inspect the areas, collect water samples, and identify the sources of contamination.
They have also called for stringent action against those responsible for discharging effluents and for measures to safeguard public health. TNPCB officials were not available for comment.