Industry thrives, but pollution and water scarcity haunt Perundurai constituency
Industrial growth has brought economic activity to the Perundurai constituency, but has also deepened the pollution and water scarcity crisis as residents continue to struggle for safe drinking water and reliable irrigation.
The constituency houses more than one lakh migrant workers working in SIPCOT Industrial Zone, Special Economic Zone complex, textile mills, construction, power loom units and hospitality sector, which form the backbone of the local economy. But residents of surrounding villages say the benefits of industrialization come at a price, as they continue to face environmental degradation.
Groundwater contamination remains a significant problem. As many as 254 industries, including dyeing, bleaching and tannery units, operate on the 2,663 acres of SIPCOT land. Effluents discharged by industries into Nalla Odai mixed with nearby water bodies and entered Odaikattur Lake and Punjai Palatholuvu Lake, all within a 12 km radius of SIPCOT. Water samples from these sources show total dissolved solids (TDS) levels exceeding 5,000 mg/l, indicating serious deterioration in water quality over the years. This leads to serious health problems, including cancer, said S. Chinnasamy, coordinator of Perundurai SIPCOT Society for Welfare of Affected People.
Tests conducted by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board in 37 groundwater bodies under the Chennimalai Panchayat Union in 2025 revealed high levels of TDS, nitrate, calcium and magnesium. Authorities placed red signs at these points stating that the water is not suitable for consumption. Residents say their water supply has been affected for three decades, affecting both drinking water supply and agriculture. “Except for the installation of boards, the groundwater remains polluted,” said P. Kamatchi, a resident of the area.
After prolonged protests from residents and farmers, a CETP project estimated at ₹ 136.76 crore was given approval for SIPCOT. Although the foundation stone was laid last year, the work has only just begun and is expected to be completed within 18 months. However, concerns about air pollution remain as coal continues to be widely used in industrial boilers. Mr. Chinnasamy added that residents have also demanded increased supply of protected Cauvery water to meet their drinking and household needs.
The Athikadavu-Avinashi Irrigation, Groundwater Recharge and Drinking Water Supply Program has helped improve groundwater levels by recharging nearly 200 water bodies. Farmers are especially aware of the assistance provided regarding irrigation. However, residents are demanding that at least 25 more water sources be included in the program to address ongoing water shortages. Agriculture remains dependent on rainfall, with the Lower Bhavani Project canal benefiting only a limited number of villages.
Government Erode Medical College and Hospital in Perundurai caters to patients from surrounding areas, but lack of specialized treatment facilities forces many to travel to government hospitals in Salem and Coimbatore. There are demands to transform the institution into a multi-specialty hospital. Workers also pointed out that despite the presence of a sizeable industrial workforce, there was no Employee State Insurance (ESI) hospital in the area. There are also calls to increase the number of beds in the hospital in Perundurai from 54 and improve primary health centers in Chennimalai and Thingalur.
Farmers in some parts of the constituency, including Ingur, reported crop losses due to the increasing peacock population. At the same time, traditional sectors such as weaving are facing economic difficulties due to rising costs and fluctuating demand.
Uthukuli, known for its ghee and butter, is witnessing a decline in market share due to factors including competition. Palm jaggery production in Kunnathur is also facing setbacks as adulteration has affected its market value.
The Salem-Coimbatore National Highway (NH 544), along with educational institutions and regulated markets, contributes to sustainable economic activity in the region. But the dry nature of the region continues to favor industrial expansion over agriculture, shaping the constituency’s development pattern.
The issues in Perundurai are expected to feature prominently in the election discourse in a constituency that has long remained a stronghold of the AIADMK, which has won nine times here, and where the DMK is yet to secure a victory. While Thoppu ND Venkatachalam clinched the victory in 2011 and 2016, S. Jayakumar won in 2021.
It was published – 24 March 2026 23:02 IST
