Revenue, TNPCB officials seal illegal dyeing units near Chinnalapatti; power lines too disconnected after Collector’s directive

Conveying the message to strictly enforce the laws, the Dindigul district administration sealed and disconnected electricity connection to at least 13 units, which were functioning in an illegal manner on Friday.

Following complaints, District Collector Durga Moorthy held discussions with the revenue and pollution control board authorities.

The officials said that after stringent drives, many dyeing units, which were functioning in Madurai and Dindigul had wound up as they were operating without adopting the protocols. As a result, the eco-system was affected due to the effluents being discharged.

When the Collector was informed about some units functioning in and around Chinnalapatti and at Ambathurai, she directed the officials to take stock and act as per the laws, officials said.

Though the units were instructed to shut down and warned of dire consequences, they continued with the operation. When the issue was taken up with the Collector by a few activists, she directed the officials to enforce it with an ultimatum.

On Friday, the teams fanned out in Ambathurai and found that dyeing units were operating in Dream City Colony, extension areas and in A Ramanathapuram. They also learnt that some units operated in the nights as well.

With Deepavali festival around, the dyeing units were completing their production of ‘sungudi’ sarees and other goods, officials said.

Athur Tahsildar Sureshkumar, TNPCB Inspectors Thangarathi and Tharani, VAO Jayalakshmi and panchayat secretary Senthilkumar and others were present while the units were sealed and power disconnected.

The officials said that they would submit a report to the Collector for further action.