The Supreme Court has ruled against the unchecked dumping of untreated effluents by tanneries into the Palar river in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district. 

• The court highlighted that pollution has severely affected the river, which is a crucial water source for farmers and local residents.

Palar River: An Overview

• The Palar River is an important river in southern India. 
  • Palar River, also known as Pālāṟu in Tamil, means “Milk River.
• Origin and Course
  • Source: Begins in the Nandi Hills, located in Chikkaballapura district, Karnataka.
  • Path:
    • Karnataka → Andhra Pradesh → Tamil Nadu
    • Joins the Bay of Bengal near Vayalur, south of Chennai.
• Major Tributaries
  • The Palar River has two key tributaries:
    • Ponni River (Left Bank)
      • Originates at 1,050 meters altitude in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.
      • Flows eastward and southeastward, joining the Palar near Walajapet.
    • Cheyyar River (Right Bank)
      • Originates in the Jawadhu Hills, Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu.
      • Flows northeastward, merging with Palar near Tirumukkudal.
    • Together, these two tributaries contribute to about one-fourth of the total catchment area of the Palar River basin.
• Irrigation and Dams
  • Several dams and reservoirs have been built along the river, especially in Tamil Nadu.
  • These structures help in storing and distributing water for irrigation.

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Environmental and Health Impacts of Untreated Effluents from Tanneries

• Water Pollution: Discharge of untreated effluents leads to contamination of water bodies, affecting aquatic life and making water unsafe for human consumption.
• Soil Degradation: Pollutants can seep into the soil, reducing its fertility and affecting agricultural productivity.
• Health Hazards: Exposure to toxic chemicals in effluents can cause serious health issues, including skin diseases, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Pollution disrupts the natural balance of ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the overall health of the environment.

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