Chennai, 17 August (H.S.) : The water around Coimbatore's Vellalore dump yard has been found contaminated, according to a report by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). The contamination is attributed to the dumping of wet waste in the facility, which has led to high levels of pollution in the air and water.

The TNPCB report reveals that the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and chloride levels in the groundwater are excessively high, exceeding the permissible limits for drinking water standards. This is particularly alarming in areas such as Mahalingapuram and Konavaikalpalayam villages, where the groundwater is heavily polluted.

The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has been dumping waste in the Vellalore facility despite its license ending in 2019. The TNPCB has taken note of this and is working towards finding a solution. The CCMC has received a sanction of ₹90 crore for the next phase of the bio-mining project and plans to start work after the elections.

The contamination of water sources poses significant health risks to the residents living in the surrounding areas. The TNPCB has installed air-quality detection devices in five locations near the dump yard, which have recorded poor air quality. The water pollution, however, remains a major concern.

To address the issue, the CCMC plans to set up a biogas plant with a capacity to process 250 tonnes of waste. This initiative aims to clear the piled-up waste, retrieve the land, and restore the environment in the area. Additionally, a rejuvenated water storage facility has been commissioned at the Vellalore dump yard to enhance water reuse and fire safety measures.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary