10 Pollution

Pollution
10.1. Air Pollution resulted in unplanned urban development, increase in
10.1.1. Introduction
consumption patterns and higher demands for transport,
ir pollutant means any solid, liquid or gaseous

A
energy, other infrastructure, thereby leading to pollution
substance (including noise) present in the problems in many places of the State.
atmosphere in such concentration that may or tend
to be injurious to human beings, other living creatures, 10.1.3.2. Increase in Vehicular growth
plants, property or the environment in general. Air pollution Vehicle population in the State has been increasing
emanates from many sources, stationary sources such as over the years mainly on account of growing urbanisation,
factories, power plants, smelters and smaller sources such as rising real per capita income and increasing share of
dry cleaners and degreasing operations, mobile sources such personalized mode of transport. The number of motor
as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains; anthropogenic vehicles has increased in the State from 46.0 lakhs in 1999-
activities and naturally occurring sources such as windblown 2000 to 67.5 lakhs in 2003-04. Out of these, 48 per cent are
dust and volcanic eruptions. Air pollution has been concentrated in major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore,
aggravated by development that typically occurs as countries Salem, Madurai, Thiruchirapalli and Tirunelveli. Chennai
become industrialised: growing cities, increasing traffic, itself accounts for about 24.5 per cent of the total registered
rapid economic development and industrialisation, and vehicles and has more registered vehicles than those in the
higher levels of energy consumption. other cities. The registered vehicular population has
In Tamil Nadu air pollution is widespread in urban increased more than two folds during the year
areas where vehicles are the major contributors and in a few 1996-2004.
other areas with a high concentration of industries and
Table 10.1 Growth of Vehicles from year 1996-2004
thermal power plants. Vehicular emissions are of particular
concern since these are ground level sources and thus have Year as on Transport Non-Transport Total
31st March Vehicles Vehicles
the maximum impact on the general population.
1996 2,83,404 24,88,442 27,71,846
10.1.2. Driving Force 1997 3,09,817 28,72,002 31,81,819
1. Industrialization and 1998 3,44,244 32,70,004 36,14,248
2. Rampant increase in vehicular population 1999 3,68,922 37,01,812 40,70,734
3. Indiscriminate burning of garbage and refuse 2000 3,99,300 42,07,928 46,07,228

10.1.3. Pressure 2001 4,21,365 47,40,717 51,62,082

10.1.3.1. Increase in Urban Population 2002 4,32,106 52,25,991 56,58,097

Urban development is a concomitant of 2003 4,57,448 57,51,589 62,09,037

industrialisation. The process of urbanisation has been 2004 4,72,172 62,80,301 67,52,473
accelerating in the State mainly due to the fact that negative Source: Commissioner of Transport, Chennai-5

rural to urban migration is created by dearth of employment

10.3.3. Increase in Industrial Activity
avenues in rural areas. In Tamil Nadu, the urban population
has increased from 0.6 to 2.7 crores in forty years between As per the latest Annual Survey of Industries
1961-2001. This rapid increase in urban population has published by the Central Statistical Organisation, Tamil Nadu

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holds a prominent position in the industrial map of India. In Table 10.2 Small Scale Industries Registered 2002-03
2002-03 among the 15 major States, Tamil Nadu was at the No. Value in Lakhs
Details of Employment
top in terms of number of factories. It ranked second in of Industry Units Investment Production
providing employment and third in fixed and productive
Food Products 40966 81932 1079212 193845
capital, gross value of output and net value added by
contributing towards National Income. In terms of number of Beverages and 2916 4898 149715 77150
Tobacco Products
factories, the percentage share of Tamil Nadu to all India was
15.28 per cent, 11.25 per cent of employment, 9.56 per cent Cotton Textiles 24933 63007 793368 189604

of gross value of output and 8.76 per cent of net value added Wool 2866 13699 214894 45216
during 2002-031. But this status has brought with it unwanted Silk Synthetic
and unanticipated consequences such as unplanned Jute, Hemp,
1566 61514 140301 56167
Rest Products
urbanisation, pollution and the risk of accidents. The Central
Hosiery and 126792 249496 2600400 1119061
Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified seventeen Readymade
categories of industries (large and medium scale) as Garments
significantly polluting and the list includes highly air Wood and 20603 41183 265781 99600
Wood Products
polluting industries such as integrated iron and steel, thermal
Paper and
power plants, copper/zinc/aluminium smelters, cement, oil Paper Products 27108 80812 431017 118335
refineries, petrochemicals, pesticides and fertiliser
Leather Industries 12240 49326 410040 150802
units.
Air borne emissions emitted from various industries Rubber and 15978 46335 31157 88799
Plastics
are a cause of major concern. These emissions are of two
Chemical and 18676 39651 336168 262317
forms viz., Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and gaseous Chemical Products
emission of Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Non-Metallic 13024 31288 179731 147251
Mineral Products
and Carbon monoxide (CO).
Basic Metal 6211 29687 169497 63737
Small scale industries are a special feature of Products
State's economy and these play an important role in
Metal Products 22780 62644 414596 169460
pollution. Tamil Nadu has over 4.20 lakh small scale units
in 2001- 2002 registering an increase of 8.25 per cent Machinery Parts 30474 69066 454063 124123
except Electrical
over the preceding year. In 2002-2003 the number of
registered SSIs increased to 4.74 lakh. In general, Indian Electrical Parts 12946 68484 322355 105941
small-scale industries lack pollution control mechanisms. Transport 12492 46440 206118 107734
While the larger industries are better organised to adopt Equipments
pollution control measures, the small-scale sector is poorly Miscellaneous 82128 289688 1295567 346160
Manufacturing
equipped (both financially and technically) to handle this Industries
problem. They have a very high aggregate pollution
Source: Industries Commissioner and
potential. Director of Industries and Commerce, Chennai-5.

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10.1.4. State of the issue direct impact of growth in various causal factors/
10.1.4.1. Air Pollutant emission load pressures is the increase in the emission loads of various
The National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring pollutants, which has led to deterioration of air quality.
(NAAQM) network is operated through the respective States The CPCB has been monitoring Ambient Air Quality
Pollution Control Boards, the National Environmental (AAQ) in Chennai and other important cities of the
Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur and also State.
through the CPCB. The pollutants monitored are The following are the major results of the Ambient
Sulphurdioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Air Quality, 2005 for select cities/towns of Tamil Nadu.
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) besides the v In Chennai, the minimum and maximum level
meteorological parameters, like wind speed and direction, of SPM is 92 and 204, SO2 is 4.00 and 32 and NO2
temperature and humidity. In addition to the three
is 5 and 31 micrograms per cubic meter respectively.
conventional parameters, NEERI monitors special
v In Coimbatore, the minimum and maximum level of
parameters like Ammonia (NH3), Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S),
SPM is 124 and 167, SO2 is 8 and 10 and NO2 is 43 and
Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) and
31micrograms per cubic meter respectively.
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). In Tamil Nadu, the
v In Thoothukudi, the minimum and maximum level of
NAAQM is carried out in sixteen locations which
SPM is 68 and 70, SO2 is 15 and 19 and NO2 is 11 and
encompasses Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Thoothukudi
16 micrograms per cubic meter respectively.
and Salem.
v In Madurai, the minimum and maximum level of
Based on Annual Mean Concentration (microgram
SPM is 135 and 274, SO2 is 8 and 13 and NO2 is 23 and
per cubic meter of ambient air) of SO2, NO2 and SPM and the
26 micrograms per cubic meter respectively.
Notified Ambient Air Quality Standards, the Ambient Air
Quality Status is described in terms of Low (L), Moderate v In Salem, the minimum and maximum level of SPM is

(M), High (H) and Critical (C) for Industrial (I), Residential 78 and 122, SO2 is 6 and 7 and NO2 is 25 and 32

and mixed use (R) areas of Cities/Towns in the state. The micrograms per cubic meter respectively.

Table 10.3 Summary of SO2 levels in Tamil Nadu during 2004.

Type of Average Std. n Air

City Location Area (mg/m3) deviation Quality

Thiruvottriyur Municipal Office I 6 3 94 L

Madras Medical College R 5 3 94 L

NEERI CSIR Campus R 4 2 95 L

Chennai
Kathhivakkam I 19 7 102 L

Manali I 20 7 95 L

Thiruvottriyur I 19 6 101 L

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 Pollution

Type of Average Std. n Air

City Location Area (mg/m3) deviation Quality

SIDCO Office I 10 3 85 L

Coimbatore Dist. Collectors Office R 8 2 73 L

Poniarajapuram R 8 2 87 L

Fenner (I) Ltd. I 19 8 93 L

Madurai Highway R 10 3 96 L

Kunnathur Chatram R 10 3 100 L

Raja Agencies I 23 7 99 L

Tuticorin Fisheries College R 20 7 98 L

AVM Jewellery Building R 20 5 96 L

Salem Sowdeswari College Building R 7 1 144 L

Source: CPCB, AAQ Data 2004.

Note:- R - Residential and other areas, I - Industrial area, Std deviation - Standard deviation,
n - number of days monitored for 16 and more hours a day
L - Low, M- Moderate, H - High and C - Critical levels of pollution based on exceedence factor

Table 10.4 Summary of NO2 levels in Tamil Nadu during 2004.

Type of Average Std. n Air

City Location Area (mg/m3) deviation Quality

Thiruvottriyur Municipal Office I 7 4 94 L

Madras Medical College R 7 4 94 L

NEERI CSIR Campus R 5 2 95 L

Chennai
Kathhivakkam I 32 11 102 L

Manali I 35 13 95 L

Thiruvottriyur I 34 11 101 L

SIDCO Office I 51 11 85 M

Coimbatore Dist. Collectors Office R 45 8 73 M

Poniarajapuram R 43 10 87 M

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 Pollution

Type of Average Std. n Air

City Location Area (mg/m3) deviation Quality

Fenner (I) Ltd. I 25 11 93 L

Madurai Highway R 20 9 96 L

Kunnathur Chatram R 24 11 100 L

Raja Agencies I 19 15 99 L

Tuticorin Fisheries College R 18 12 98 L

AVM Jewellery Building R 18 11 96 L

Salem Sowdeswari College Building R 35 14 144 M

Source: CPCB, AAQ Data 2004.
Note:- R - Residential and other areas, I - Industrial area, Std deviation - Standard deviation,
n - number of days monitored for 16 and more hours a day
L - Low, M - Moderate, H - High and C - Critical levels of pollution based on exceedence factor

Table 10.5 Summary of RSPM levels in Tamil Nadu during 2004.

Type of Average Std. n Air

City Location Area (mg/m3) deviation Quality

Thiruvottriyur Municipal Office I 39 21 93 L

Madras Medical College R 39 15 93 M

NEERI CSIR Campus R 22 11 92 L

Chennai
Kathhivakkam I 77 23 102 M

Manali I 99 28 97 M

Thiruvottriyur I 86 31 101 M

SIDCO Office I 78 26 82 M
Coimbatore Dist. Collectors Office R 69 66 73 H

Poniarajapuram R 56 43 84 M

Fenner (I) Ltd. I 52 18 93 L

Madurai Highway R 50 30 96 M

Kunnathur Chatram R 180 80 99 C

Raja Agencies I 37 16 96 L
Tuticorin Fisheries College R 37 16 95 M

AVM Jewellery Building R 44 21 97 M

Salem Sowdeswari College Building R 36 13 143 M

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Source: CPCB, AAQ Data 2004.
Note:- R - Residential and other areas, I - Industrial area, Std deviation - Standard deviation,
n - number of days monitored for 16 and more hours a day
L - Low, M- Moderate, H - High and C - Critical levels of pollution based on exceedence factor

Table 10.6 Summary of SPM levels in Tamil Nadu during 2004

Type of Average Std. n Air

City Location Area (mg/m3) deviation Quality

Thiruvottriyur Municipal Office I 163 66 92 L

Madras Medical College R 103 29 93 M

NEERI CSIR Campus R 89 33 92 M

Chennai
Kathhivakkam I 134 49 102 L

Manali I 192 55 97 M

Thiruvottriyur I 136 52 101 L

SIDCO Office I 167 77 82 L

Coimbatore Dist. Collectors Office R 147 86 72 H

Poniarajapuram R 124 76 87 M

Fenner (I) Ltd. I 144 56 93 L

Madurai Highway R 110 57 96 M

Kunnathur Chatram R 397 147 99 C

Raja Agencies I 55 27 96 L

Tuticorin Fisheries College R 56 23 95 L

AVM Jewellery Building R 65 46 97 L

Salem Sowdeswari College Building R 70 29 143 M

Source: CPCB, AAQ Data 2004.

Note:- R Residential and other areas, I - Industrial area, Std deviation - Standard deviation,
n number of days monitored for 16 and more hours a day
L- Low, M - Moderate, H - High and C - Critical levels of pollution based on exceedence factor

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10.1.4.2. Industrial Sector processing industries and the AAQ of these belts is
A national survey of the industrial sector states that considerably contaminated (figure 10.1).
the total estimated emissions of SPM from the 7 critical 10.1.4.3. Vehicular emissions
industries (Iron and steel, Cement, Sugar, Fertilisers, Paper The density of motor vehicles per sq.km has increased
and paper board, Copper and Aluminium) increased from 2 from 22 in 1996 to 52 in 2004. This has led to traffic
lakh tonnes in 1947 to 30 lakh tonnes in 1997. Of these seven congestion and release of many toxic air pollutants into the
critical industries, Tamil Nadu has a significant presence in atmosphere. Particularly, the growth of two wheelers is
cement, sugar and fertilizer industries. increasing in a steep manner, contributing to about 50.6 per
Many studies have revealed that pollution is cent of the pollution load. Poor maintenance of vehicles
concentrated in a few industrial sub-sectors and that a results in the spewing out of noxious fumes into the
sector's contribution to pollution is often disproportionate to atmosphere. Roughly 400 tonnes of smoke units are being
its contribution to the industrial output. For example, discharged into the atmosphere every day by the vehicles in
petroleum refineries, textiles, pulp and paper, and industrial Chennai. Adulterated fuel adds another dimension to the
chemicals produce 27 per cent of the industrial output but problem of pollution.
contribute 87 per cent of sulphur emissions and 70 per cent of Apart from the concentration of vehicles in urban
nitrogen emissions. Likewise, iron and steel, and non- areas, other reasons for increasing vehicular pollution are the
metallic mineral products, produce about 16 per cent of the types of engines used, age of vehicles, congested traffic, poor
industrial output but account for 55 per cent of the particulate road conditions, and outdated automotive technologies and
emissions. traffic management systems. Vehicles are a major source of
No. of units pollutants in major cities.
90
80 The quantum of vehicular pollutants emitted is
80

70
highest in Chennai followed by Coimbatore, Salem,
60 Madurai, Trichy and Tirunelveli. Carbon monoxide (CO)
50
and Hydrocarbons (HC) account for 64 per cent and 23 per
40 36
cent, respectively, of the total emission load due to vehicles.
30

20 15 16 16
9 9
10 3
6 5
2
11 4 72
1 1 1 1 1
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Industry
383
1-Aluminium, 2-Caustic soda, 3-Cement, 4-Copper,
5-Distillery, 6-Dyeing, 7-Fertilisers, 8-Iron&Steel,
9-Leather, 10-Pesticides, 11-Pharma, 12-Petrochemicals,
13-Paper, 14 - Refinery, 15-Sugar, 16-TPP, 17-Zinc 986
Source : TNPCB, Chennai 32.
Fig 10.1 Categories of industries in Tamil Nadu SPM SO2 NO2 Hydrocarbon CO

In Tamil Nadu, Chennai - Manali, Cuddalore, Source: Report on Status of Environment in Tamil Nadu,
TNPCB, Chennai 32.
Vanniyambadi, Thoothukudi and Tirupur, are well known for
petrochemical, pharmaceutical, leather and textile Fig 10.2 Pollution load in tonnes/dayfrom vehicles in Chennai

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10.1.4.4. Vehicle air emission monitoring Chennai alone, ambient air quality is being monitored at
Urbanisation and industrialisation have resulted in three locations under National Air Quality Monitoring
increased vehicular traffic in cities, resulting in increase in Programme (NAMP) and at five locations under Chennai
automobile emissions and toxic smoke emissions. The Board Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (CAAQM).
is carrying out the vehicle emission monitoring since 1992 Apart from Chennai, monitoring of ambient air quality is
for testing the emissions from goods transport vehicles in carried out at Thoothukudi, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem
Chennai city in 3 locations at Alandur, Ambattur and and Tiruchirapalli. Besides, six continuous ambient air
Vyasarpadi. In addition, 236 private agencies have been quality monitoring stations are established at Cuddalore,
authorised by the Transport Department in Chennai city to Tuticorin, Ranipet, Manali-Chennai, Royapuram-
check the emission level of the vehicles. Further, the Board Chennai, Kottivakkam-Chennai to evaluate the levels of
has established vehicle emission monitoring stations at pollution1.
Dindigul, Palani, Udhagamandalam (2 stations), and
10.1.5.3. Vehicular Emission Monitoring
Chengalpattu. The Board has upgraded and computerised all
There has been a rapid increase in the number of
its vehicle emission monitoring stations for testing diesel
vehicles, as a result of urbanization, economic growth and
driven vehicles and computerisation is under process for
easy availability of finance. Apart from new vehicles, old
petrol driven vehicles.
vehicles also exist often with outdated technology and non-
10.1.5. Response observance of emission norms. The quality of fuel supplied
10.1.5.1. Air Pollution Control has also compounded the problem of vehicular pollution. In

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, this regard, high octane and unleaded fuels are to be used by

1981 as amended in 1987 aims to prevent and control air the vehicle owners. The European Union emission norms are

pollution and preserve the air quality. As per the provisions a bench mark to measure and regulate vehicular pollution.

of the Act, the State of Tamil Nadu is declared as an `Air The Board is monitoring vehicular emission since 1992. In

Pollution Control Area'. The Board monitors industrial Chennai city, three vehicular monitoring stations located at

emissions through regular inspections of the air pollution Alandur, Ambattur and Vyasarpadi conduct monitoring of

control measures provided by the industries. Ambient air the vehicular emission from goods and transport vehicles on

quality survey / stack emission survey are conducted to a continuous basis. In addition to this, vehicular emission is

assess the quality of the emissions let out. In 2003-04, being monitored at Dindigul, Palani, Ooty, Chengalpattu and

Ambient Air Quality surveys are conducted in 687 Katteri. The Board tested 51398 vehicles in 2003-04. It is

industries. The Board has granted 584 consent orders for found that 13206 vehicles exceeded the threshold limit

establishment of industries and 925 consent orders to operate during the first test. After rectification of defects, 1666

under the Air Act during the year 2003-20041. vehicles did not satisfy the emission standards. In order to
reduce emission from vehicles, cleaner fuels like unleaded
10.1.5.2. Air Quality Monitoring petrol, 3 per cent benzene level, low sulphur fuel have
Air quality is being monitored by the Board to assess been introduced in Chennai. Auto manufacturers are
the concentration of air pollutants arising out of emissions also incorporating technological changes towards
from industries as well as increasing vehicular population. In this end1.

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10.1.5. 4. Emission standards for industries Royapuram-Chennai, Kathivakkam-Thiruvallur at a cost of
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has laid down around Rs.40.00 lakhs each to assess the level of pollutants
the maximum permissible limits for different pollutants for such as SPM, Sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon
many categories of industries that contribute to air pollution. monoxide, ammonia, chlorine, flourine, etc. in the ambient
The standards have been notified by MoEF under the air and the adequacy of air pollution control measures
Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. provided by the industries. The Board instructs the

Highly polluting industries have been directed to concerned industrial units to improve the air pollution

establish their own continuous air quality monitoring control measures, whenever the levels exceed the standards

systems. These units have also been asked to set up prescribed. During the current year, towards strengthening of

continuous stack monitoring systems with computer air quality monitoring, the activities of establishing one

recording arrangements so as to monitor emissions at the automatic continuous ambient air quality monitoring centre

source itself. As per TNPCB in year 2005-06, 42 industries at Koyambedu in Chennai city, setting up of new manually

have already installed these air quality monitoring systems. operated high volume samplers in Madurai, Salem,

Self monitoring by industries through these mechanisms is Coimbatore, Trichy and Tirunelveli at a total cost of Rs.

being encouraged. 72.00 lakhs and providing flue gas analysers to Board's
laboratories at a cost of Rs. 39.00 lakhs are under process.
10.1.5.5. Ambient air quality monitoring
Highly polluting industries have been directed to
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board is monitoring the
establish their own continuous air quality monitoring
ambient air quality in Chennai (3 stations), Coimbatore (3
systems. These units have also been asked to set up
stations), Tuticorin (3 stations), Madurai (3 stations) and
continuous stack monitoring systems with computer
Salem (1 station) under the National Ambient Air Quality
recording arrangements so as to monitor emissions at the
Monitoring Programme. Under the State Ambient Air
source itself. 42 industries have already installed these air
Quality Monitoring Programme, the Board has established
quality monitoring systems. Self monitoring by industries
five ambient air quality monitoring stations in Chennai city
through these mechanisms is being encouraged.
and Tiruchirappalli. The programmes monitor the air quality
in residential, commercial and sensitive zones of the cities. 10.1.5.6. Alternate Fuel
The results of the programme are published every week in For controlling vehicular emission, cleaner fuel like
leading newspapers. Towards preparation of the unleaded petrol, petrol with 3 per cent benzene and low
environmental management plan for Chennai city, ambient sulphur fuel (0.05 per cent ) have been introduced in Chennai
air quality surveys have been conducted at forty one stations Metropolitan Area. Passenger cars complying with Bharat
in Chennai to identify the most sensitive locations with stage-II norms alone are registered in Chennai since July
respect to air pollution. The major industrial complexes, 2001. 2T oil auto dispensing system has been provided in
especially the clusters of chemical industries, are being retail outlets. The Board is also participating in a research
monitored continuously. project with a Non-Governmental Organisation and the Civil
With this in view, the Board has established six Supplies Department to study the use of gas chromatograph
continuous ambient air quality monitoring systems at to detect fuel adulteration. Action has already been taken to
Cuddalore, Tuticorin, Ranipet, Manali-Thiruvallur, introduce auto liquefied petroleum gas in Chennai as it is a

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cleaner fuel. Twelve auto liquefied petroleum gas dispensing exceedingly fast rate. Most of the water bodies in the State
stations have been commissioned at Koyambedu, Guindy, are affected due to sewage, chemicals, oil, industrial
Avadi, Mogappair, Kilpauk, Ambattur, Chrompet, Waltax effluents and undesirable extraneous matters. The discharge
Road, Vyasarpadi, Royapuram, Ambattur Industrial Estate of domestic sewage and industrial effluents into natural
and Mount Road. Steps are being taken to popularise the use watercourses such as rivers, streams and lakes of Tamil Nadu
of liquefied petroleum gas for auto-rickshaws, call taxis and results in physical, chemical and biological changes leading
other private vehicles which will help in improving air to undesirable conditions. The stress on water resources is
quality. from multiple sources and the impact can take diverse forms.
TNPCB is assisting in the implementation of the The growth of urban megalopolises, increased industrial
action plan evolved for the improvement of air quality in activity and dependence of the agricultural sector on
Chennai city. Periodical reports on implementation of the chemicals and fertilisers has led to the overcharging of the
action plan are being sent through the Environment and carrying capacity of our water bodies to assimilate and
Forests Department, Government of Tamil Nadu to the decompose wastes.
Environment Protection and Control Authority, Delhi
constituted as per the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme 10.2.2. Driving Forces
Court of India.
The following are considered to be the major driving
10.2. WATER POLLUTION forces of water pollution.
10.2.1. Introduction ! Urbanisation
Water is one of the most important natural resources ! Industrialisation
essential for the survival of living organisms. Water as a
10.2.3. Impact
commodity generates concern for being an exhaustible
resource and also because of the environmental issues related Industrial Pollution: There are more than 3000
to its degradation. Pollution of water courses may take place industrial units in Tamil Nadu which have been classified
due to natural causes such as silt carried by run-off, organic under the highly polluting or "red" category. The total
wastes of plants and animals, minerals leaching through effluent generated is about 6 lakh litres per day of which
soils, thermal pollution and algal blooms. It may also be due more than 5 lakh litre (85 per cent) is generated by large
to the discharge of domestic and industrial wastewaters. industries. About 400 units discharge directly into rivers. Of
Toxic chemicals used for agriculture and other purposes, particular concern are the tanneries which are located in
solid wastes, oil from garages and cleaning of vehicles, Vellore, Kancheepuram, Dindigul and Erode districts. The
drainage from farms and manure, land surface drainage, effluents have caused serious problems in the Palar basin.
cattle washing, watering and dipping agricultural wastes, Similarly, there are a large number of textile bleaching and
dust fall, wastes due to recreational use, intrusion of sea dyeing units in Tiruppur, Erode, and Karur, which have
water and many more such activities cause pollution of water contaminated the Noyyal, Amaravathy and other water
bodies. bodies.
Amongst the aforesaid sources of contamination, the There are five main industrial complexes in Tami
impact of untreated sewage discharge is escalating at an Nadu: Manali/Ennore, Ranipet, Cuddalore, Mettur and

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Tuticorin which have chemical, petro-chemical and other along the coast in Thanjavur district. Manufacture of
industries. These complexes have also become magnesium chloride solution plant is located in
environmental hotspots. There are cement units, distilleries, Ramanathapuram district. Manufacture of aluminum
sugar, sago, paper, dairying, electroplating, chemical and flouride, urea, ammonium chloride, caustic soda
fertilisers (Agro chemicals), mining industries, ores/mineral manufacturing factories is located in Thoothukudi district.
processing industries and a variety of other industries which Except some of the major industries, the effluents coming
are water consuming and also generate large quantities of out of the industries are disposed off in the coastal area.In
effluent. Some of the industries have also provided the Cuddalore the major problem confronted in the town is due
treated effluent for irrigation with some degree of success. to the development of Cuddalore chemical complex by the
However, other industries, particularly a pulp plant faced SIPCOT near the coast. There are 12 major industries very
serious problems when the effluent used for irrigation close to the seacost. The treated effluent from the industrial
contaminated the surrounding wells. unit is discharged on land. Another industrial complex along
the coast is found near Nagapattinam. This group consists of
10.2.3.1. Coastal Pollution
a TNEB, Thermal Power station at Nannilam, WIMCO
The major activities that are responsible for coastal Bromide extraction plant at Vedaranyam, Mettur chemical
pollution in Tamil Nadu are discharge and disposal of Plant manufacturing Liquid Bromide, the Indian Steel
untreated domestic and industrial wastes, discharges of Rolling Mill at Thirunindravur of Tiruvar.
coolant waters, harbour activities such as dredging, cargo
10.2.3.2. Sewage Pollution
handling, dumping of ship wastes, spilling of cargo's
chemicals and metal ores, fishing activities etc3. There are 14 In Tamil Nadu out of the 151 Municipalities and 5
major industries located in the Ennore-Manali areas. The Corporations, only 15 Municipalities and 4 Corporations
industries at Manali and Ennore are mostly chemical based, have partial under ground sewerage system. The river water
manufacturing petro-chemicals, fertilizers, is used downstream for irrigation or drinking by
pharamaceuticals, paints etc. There are two power plants at people/livestock, contamination of the river has increasingly
Ennore, namely, Ennore Thermal Power Plant with a become a serious problem in many of the river basins of the
production capacity of 200 MW and North Chennai Thermal State. River basins like Palar, Tamiraparani, Cauvery,
Power Plant with a production capacity of 600 MW. The fly Noyyal, Bhavani and Amaravathy face serious pollution
ash continuously deposits in the sea. The industries at problems due to sewage.
Ennore-Manali are using a wide variety of raw materials and
discharge waste products into the air, water or land as 10.2.4. Response
gaseous emissions, liquid effluents and sludge, respectively. All the industries discharging effluents are regulated
In the coastal area of Tamil Nadu 488.02 MLD of wastewater by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. They have to
is generated and only 226 of MLD is treated. meet the effluent standards fixed by the Board. Industries pay
Several chemical industries are located in the a cess based on their water consumption to the Tamil Nadu
SIPCOT industrial complex at Cuddalore. Refineries, Pollution Control Board. Most of the industries have
bromide extraction plant and chemical industries are located constructed effluent treatment plants. In small industrial

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clusters, although the units are connected to common Common Effluent Treatment Plants. In addition to the
effluent treatment plants, the level of treatment is often not leather industry, textiles, dying, hotels and lodges are also
satisfactory. bound to generate adverse externality. For coping with the
incidence of pollution of varying proportion, the Board has
10.2.4.1. Water Pollution Control
established 33 Common Effluent Plants in different places.
Water pollution is being prevented and controlled by Establishment of the Common Effluent Treatment Plant
enforcing the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act impacted on the reduction in the quantum of pollution. The
1974 as amended in 1988. The TNPCB categorizes the Common Effluent Treatment Plant constructed in Nagalkeni
polluting industries into three, viz., Red, Orange and Green near Pallavaram is showcasing the effective role of the
with reference to seriousness of water pollution. Under `red' TNPCB in abatement of water pollution.
category, there are 17 industrial concerns which are prone to
10.2.4.4. River Cleaning Projects
adverse environmental spill over. The industries which are
highly polluting the atmosphere have to obtain letters of In Tamil Nadu out of the 151 Municipalities and 5

consent to establish' and `consent to operate'. The Board had Corporations, only 15 Municipalities and 4 Corporations

issued 4,822 letters of consent to establish industries and have partial under ground sewerage system. Sewage

22,663 letters of consent to operate under the Water Act. schemes are under implementation in the municipal towns of
Erode, Pallipalayam, Bhavani and Komarapalayam and
10.2.4.2. Water Quality Monitoring Tiruchirappalli corporation located along river Cauvery
under the National River Action Plan. The Department of
Water quality ensures health and human
Environment is in charge of coordination of River the
effectiveness. For attaining high water quality the Board is
National River conservation Plan (NRCP) and National
constantly watching the inland water quality through two
Lake conservation Plan (NLCP). The objective of the NRCP
major programmes, amely Monitoring of Indian National
is to improve the water quality of major rivers, through
Aquatic Resources System and Global Environmental
selected pollution abatement schemes. The important works
Monitoring System. The water quality of rivers, namely,
being taken up under the NRCP includes interception and
Cauvery, Thamiraparani, Palar, Vaigai and lakes of
diversion of sewage, laying sewage lines, construction of
Udhagamandalam, Kodaikannal and Yercard comes under
sewage treatement plant, providing low cost sanitation,
the first category whereas water quality in Cauvery basin at
electrical crematoria, river front development and
Mettur, Pallipalayam, Musiri and ground water monitoring
improvement of Bathing ghats. The NRCD also sanctioned a
at Musiri comes under the second programme1.
project to clean up the six Chennai city waterways including
10.2.4.3. Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) cooum, Adyar and Buckingham canal by arresting 422
sewage outfalls joining these waterways.
Leather industry creates emission of high incidence of
pollution affecting the water quality in the neighbourhood 10.3. References
but also tells upon the ambience. In order to arrest the 1. Anon, 2005. Economic Appraisal 2003-04 & 2004-05,
effluents of waste from the leather industries, the Board has Evaluation and Applied Research Department, Govt. of
been directing the leather industry to come under the fold of Tamil Nadu.

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