CHENNAI: In 1972, residents of Thiruneermalai resisted government’s move of setting up ration shops in their locality as there was a surplus of produce grown to feed the entire village. Now, 47 years on, the handful of farmers in the suburbs avoid consuming their own produce.
Reason? The main source of irrigation, Periya Eri and Thiruneermalai lake, are highly contaminated with industrial effluents, domestic sewage, and meat waste, farmers allege that agricultural activity in and around this region has been rapidly shrinking.
Farmers allege that ever since Madras Export Processing Zone or MEPZ was set-up in 1984, highly toxic industrial effluents have been let out directly into Thiruneermalai lake, permanently changing water quality. “We used to get crystal clear water, sweet in taste from the borewells even at 15-ft back then. Now, polluted water from the lake has seeped into the ground, polluting the groundwater table too. We have lost hope on getting help from officials,” said N Kasinathan, a farmer who grows rice on 40 acres.
Express reported in October 2018 that private lorries had been dumping effluent waste collected from industries located in SIDCO layout at Thirumudivakkam into the Adyar river at Thiruneermalai. Locals and farmers confirmed that this activity continues, sometimes even with police protection. “A week ago, I saw a private lorry discharging foul smelling liquid into the lake near the bypass road. When I tried to catch the driver, I noticed that two constables were standing at two ends of the road guarding the truck. Even when we report this to the local panchayat officials, they take no action,” said Govindan M, a farmer.
How this affects farming
Incessant pollution to these water bodies has adverse effects on three aspects. Firstly, crops grown with this water have become resistant to pesticides due to which farmers are forced to spray extra dose of pesticide. Secondly, farmers said quality of crop has deteriorated with the colour of the crop changing from green to pale yellow. Thirdly, due to poor yield, a large number of farmers have given up agriculture altogether and started working as labourers. “Only 38 men do farming as their main profession. Three decades ago, every house used to have one member who was into farming in some way. I owned 19 acres, but I stopped farming four years ago because of this problem,” said D S Mani.
Also, farmers who still do farming develop rashes wherever this water comes in contact with the skin. Veeraraghavan V, a farmer said, “If I step into the field today, two days later I will develop a high fever and rashes all over my body.”
Possible solution
Pughazhventhan Venkatesan, a local activist, who has taken up the issue with officials for over six months, recently forwarded a petition signed by 22 farmers to Kanchipuram Collector, CM special cell and Block Development Officer. “Domestic waste being let into the lake is a huge problem, but it can be stopped immediately if officials cooperate. As most gated communities at Chromepet, Tambaram and Thiruneermalai do not have drainage connection, sewage is let into the water channels,” he said. Also, locals and farmers want a cut and cover drain like structure to be built over the water channels to protect them from pollution.
Though several attempts were made Kancheepuram Collector P Ponniah could not be reached for comments.