BJP State unit president Nainar Nagenthran on Monday (August 10, 2026) urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to instruct officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD) to conduct an immediate inspection of the Mettur dam catchment area in Dharmapuri district.

Referring to alarming media reports concerning the area near Eriyur, Mr. Nagenthran stated that a pungent, foul smell has permeated the vicinity. He highlighted that the water has turned green, likely due to the discharge of industrial effluents, creating a hazardous environment for local residents.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the contamination of catchment areas often points to a systemic failure in monitoring industrial waste disposal. Since the neighboring villages rely on this water for both drinking and irrigation, the presence of toxins could lead to long-term soil degradation and acute health crises among the rural population.

"Catchment area contamination is a critical failure of environmental governance that threatens food security and public health simultaneously."

Beyond the immediate crisis at Mettur, Mr. Nagenthran has called for a state-wide audit of all water bodies to ensure they are properly maintained and free from illegal pollution sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where exactly is the reported contamination occurring?
The contamination is reported in the Mettur dam catchment area near Eriyur in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu.

2. What specific actions is the BJP demanding from the CM?
The BJP is demanding an official inspection by the Water Resources Department to identify the cause of the pollution and a general cleanup of water bodies across the state.