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Villagers to Stage Sit-in Protest Over Toxic Groundwater from Waste Dumping
3 Nov
Summary
- Groundwater in Mudhalipalayam unfit for drinking due to high TDS levels
- Villagers plan protest at Tiruppur Corporation premises on November 4
- Environmental activist demands water and air pollution be declared a disaster
On November 3, 2025, the villagers of Mudhalipalayam are preparing to stage a sit-in protest at the Tiruppur City Corporation premises, along with their livestock and pets, to demand action against the water pollution caused by the Corporation's waste dumping.
The issue stems from the high TDS (Total Dissolved Solid) count in water samples tested from the area surrounding the Corporation's waste dump site. Four water samples collected from different locations were found to have TDS levels far exceeding the acceptable limits recommended by the World Health Organisation and the Bureau of Indian Standards.
A leachate water sample taken from an abandoned quarry north of the dump site had a TDS count as high as 120,050 ppm, rendering the water highly toxic and requiring specialized treatment. Samples from a borewell and two open wells in the vicinity also showed TDS levels of 4,754 ppm, 7,808 ppm, and 7,706 ppm respectively, making the groundwater unfit for consumption.
Apprehensive about the threat to their livelihoods, the villagers have planned the protest to force the authorities to address the water and air pollution caused by the Corporation's waste dumping practices. Progressive farmer and environmental activist P. Velusamy has demanded that the situation be declared a man-made disaster, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
