Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu pollution control board (TNPCB) has closed three illegal coir manufacturing units in Katathukadavu Taluk Kinathukadavu, where villagers and farmers struggle for their closure for the past two years to protect their farms.
The generation and distribution of Tamil Nadu Corporation (Tangedco) on Friday decided on the power supply to the unit based on communication in this case from TNPCB.
TNPCB District Environmental Engineer, P Manimaran, has issued a notification of closing on September 23, since the unit, which is run by two separate companies, functions without obtaining permission from the department.
Malaipalayam and neighboring villages have taken problems with officials, because units threaten their livelihoods.
“Units used to issue waste that are not treated in open channels, contaminated ground water.
They also draw a lot of water illegally through the Borewells.
That is the cause of our concerns,” said a village resident.
Thiyagarajan, a farmer, said the units were founded two years ago without getting permission from TNPCB.
“We have made several representations to officials during the AIADMK regime, but in vain.
We have filed a petition to the Head of the MK Stalin DMK during the Assembly poll campaign.
We followed him after he became the main minister.
Furthermore, TNPCB officials appeared in action.” He said there were many units that functioned inside and around the village without getting permission.
“All such units must be closed to stop groundwater pollution.”