Toxic Foam Engulfs Hosur River After Dam Release
A disturbing environmental crisis has emerged in Tamil Nadu’s Hosur, where a stretch of the South Pennai River has turned into a sea of toxic foam. This occurred after surplus water was released from the Kellavarapalli Dam, following heavy rains in Karnataka that caused an influx of water. The release has led to massive frothy waves covering the river’s surface, with foam swirling across surrounding areas. Videos circulating on social media have raised alarm, showing flurries of froth being carried by the wind.
Authorities suspect that untreated industrial effluents from factories in neighboring Karnataka, near the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border, have contributed significantly to the foam buildup. These factories are believed to have taken advantage of the rains to dump pollutants into the river system, exacerbating the environmental damage. The foam poses serious risks to aquatic life, the river’s ecosystem, and human health, particularly in nearby communities dependent on groundwater linked to the river.
Professor Sacchida Nand Tripathi, Dean of the Kotak School of Sustainability, noted that this frothing event is part of a larger, troubling pattern of pollution in the region. He explained that untreated sewage and industrial waste, including excessive organic loads, are entering the river system. The foam created by these pollutants reduces oxygen levels in the water, leading to fish deaths and the destruction of algae, which is vital for the river’s health.
This is not the first incident of toxic foam in the region. In October, a similar event occurred following heavy rainfall and reservoir discharges, with five-foot-high froth spilling onto roads and disrupting traffic. Authorities continue to suspect that industrial units in Karnataka are responsible for these pollution episodes.
