TNPCB places 18 dyeing units under lock and key in Salem district

A five-member TNPCB team has been gathering information about the units. “We identified unauthorised units based on information from the public and carried out surprise raids during night hours, when they clandestinely discharge effluents into waterbodies, drains and pits dug up by them,” said an TNPCB official.  

Most of the illegal units were found functioning inside houses and sheds, which made it difficult for officials to identify.   

“Once found, power connection was snapped, materials were confiscated and the entire structure demolished. Following continuous raids and stringent action, the functioning of polluting dyeing units has been curtailed to a large extent,” added the official. According to TNPCB, there are only 66 authorised dyeing units in Salem district. 

“As per norms, the dyeing units shouldn’t discharge any effluents. Instead the effluents should be treated,” the official said, adding they will continue to act against erring units.