Industrial growth has brought economic activity to the Perundurai constituency, but it has also exacerbated the pollution and water scarcity crisis, with residents continuing to struggle for safe drinking water and reliable irrigation.
The constituency supports more than one million migrant workers who are engaged in the SIPCOT Industrial Estate, Special Economic Zone Complex, Textile Mills, Construction, Weaving Units and Hospitality Sector which form the backbone of the local economy. However, residents of nearby villages say the benefits of industrialization have come at a price as they continue to face environmental degradation.
Groundwater contamination remains a major problem. As many as 254 industries including dyeing, bleaching and tanning units are operating in the 2,663 acre SIPCOT estate. Effluent discharged by industries into Nalla Odai mixed with surrounding water bodies and entered Odaikattur Lake and Punjai Palatholuvu, all located within a 12 km radius of SIPCOT. Water samples from these sources show total dissolved solids (TDS) levels in excess of 5,000 mg/L, indicating severe deterioration of water quality over the years. This has led to serious health problems, including cancer, said S. Chinnasamy, coordinator of the Perundurai SIPCOT Affected People’s Welfare Association.
Tests conducted by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board in 2025 on 37 groundwater sources under the Chennimalai Panchayat union revealed high levels of TDS, nitrates, calcium and magnesium. The authorities have placed red signs in these places declaring the water unfit for consumption. Residents say the water bodies have been affected for three decades, impacting both drinking water supplies and agriculture. “Besides the placement of the slabs, the ground water remains contaminated,” said P. Kamatchi, a resident.
After prolonged protests by residents and farmers, the CETP project estimated at ₹ 136.76 crore was approved for SIPCOT. Although the foundation stone was already laid last year, work has only recently started and is expected to be completed within 18 months. However, air pollution concerns remain, coal continues to be widely used in industrial boilers. Residents are also demanding increased supply of protected Cauvery water to meet drinking and domestic needs, Mr. Chinnasamy added.
The Athikadavu–Avinashi irrigation, groundwater recharge and drinking water supply program has helped improve groundwater levels by recharging approximately 200 water bodies. Farmers acknowledge the relief provided, especially for irrigation. However, residents have pushed for at least 25 more bodies of water to be included in the system to address the ongoing shortage. With the Lower Bhavani Project canal benefiting only a limited number of villages, agriculture remains dependent on rainfall.
The Government Erode Medical College and Hospital in Perundurai cares for patients from surrounding areas, but the lack of specialized treatment facilities forces many to travel to the government hospitals in Salem and Coimbatore. There were requests to modernize the institute into a multi-specialty hospital. The workers also pointed out the absence of Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) in the district, despite the presence of a sizeable industrial workforce. Besides, there are calls to increase the bed strength of the hospital in Perundurai from 54 and to upgrade the primary health centers in Chennimalai and Thingalur.
Farmers in some parts of the constituency, including Ingur, have reported crop losses due to the growing population of peacocks. At the same time, traditional industries such as weaving face economic challenges due to rising costs and fluctuating demand.
Known for its ghee and butter, Uthukuli is witnessing a decline in market share due to factors including competition. Palm jaggery production in Kunnathur also faces setbacks, with adulteration affecting its market value.
The Salem–Coimbatore National Highway (NH 544) along with educational institutions and regulated markets contributes to sustained economic activity in the region. However, the arid nature of the area continues to favor industrial expansion over agriculture, shaping the development pattern of the constituency.
The issues in Perundurai are expected to figure prominently in the election discourse in the constituency, which has long remained a stronghold of the AIADMK, which has won here nine times while the DMK is yet to secure a victory. Thoppu ND Venkatachalam secured victory in 2011 and 2016 while S. Jayakumar won in 2021.
Published – 24 March 2026 23:02 IST
