Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Coimbatore farmers allege casting unit pollution damaging crops, groundwater
Some farmers who live in two villages in Coimbatore, India, are very worried about a factory near their farms.
The factory makes things out of cast iron.
The farmers say the factory sends out dirty smoke and bad smells.
They think this pollution is hurting their plants and the water under the ground.
They also say people are getting sick, with sore throats and coughs, and some animals have died.
Two farmers named P. Ramakrishnan and Sundara Pandyan said their crops keep getting ruined.
One farmer grows tomatoes and chillies and says his plants have suffered for about ten years.
Farming costs about Rs 50,000 per acre, so ruined crops mean lost money.
The farmers have asked the government for help many times, but they say the problem continues.
Now they want a full investigation so their farms, water, and health can be protected.
Farmers from Appanaickenpatti and Karadivavi villages in Sulur taluk, Coimbatore district, allege a nearby cast iron unit is causing air and groundwater pollution.
They claim toxic emissions have damaged crops, contaminated groundwater and threatened livelihoods for several years.
Residents report health problems including eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, sore throat and psychological distress, as well as livestock deaths.
Farmer Sundara Pandyan says his tomato and chilli crops on three acres about 200 metres from the unit have repeatedly withered over the past decade, with cultivation costing around Rs 50,000 per acre.
The farmers say repeated petitions to authorities, including the Pollution Control Board and Revenue Department, have brought no lasting remedy, and they demand a detailed investigation and immediate control measures.
- Who
- Farmers from Appanaickenpatti and Karadivavi villages in Sulur taluk, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.
- What
- Farmers allege that emissions from a nearby cast iron unit have polluted the air and groundwater, damaging crops, harming public health and threatening livelihoods.
- When
- On Saturday.
- Where
- Appanaickenpatti and Karadivavi villages in Sulur taluk, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- They claim toxic emissions from the casting unit have destroyed crops, contaminated groundwater and caused health problems among residents.
- Alleged pollution source
- Cast iron (casting) unit near agricultural areas
- Affected villages
- Appanaickenpatti and Karadivavi, Sulur taluk
- Location
- Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu
- Reported health effects
- Eye, nose and throat irritation, persistent coughing, sore throat, psychological distress
- Other reported damage
- Crop destruction, groundwater contamination, livestock deaths, damaged trees
- Peak emission times
- Night hours, Sundays and government holidays
- Cultivation cost
- Around Rs 50,000 per acre
- Farmers' demand
- Detailed investigation and immediate measures by district administration and pollution control authorities