T.N. government cancels approval for textile unit expansion near Kodiveri anicut

Following strong opposition from farmers, political parties, and the public, the Tamil Nadu government has cancelled the permission granted for the expansion of a private textile processing unit at Akkaraikodiveri village near the Kodiveri anicut in Gobichettipalayam taluk.

In a statement, Subi Thalapathi, president of the Kodiveri Dam-Bhavani River Irrigation Farmers Association, said the river is the lifeline of the western districts of the State, supporting over one crore people and irrigating more than three lakh acres. However, it continues to face severe pollution from industrial waste and untreated sewage.

The association said the private company had proposed a ₹500-crore dyeing and washing unit near the river, which would worsen environmental degradation. The plan was met with strong opposition from farmers, leading to multiple petitions and protests.

Despite this, the Tamil Nadu Department of Environment and Climate Change granted permission for the plant on November 26, 2024, through Government Order (3D) No. 9. In response to this, the association renewed its objections and submitted 15 years of documents detailing the company’s regulatory violations and non-compliance with pollution control norms.

Former Minister and Gobichettipalayam MLA K.A. Sengottaiyan raised the issue in the State Assembly, highlighting the potential environmental damage posed by the project and the widespread public opposition to it. On March 27, 2025, the association members met the Chief Minister and other Ministers concerned and submitted a detailed memorandum. The government then assured that a review committee would examine the permission.

Based on an inquiry report by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Climate Change issued an order on June 10, 2025, cancelling the permission granted to the company.

The association expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including farmers, organisations, and elected representatives, for their support in the protest.