Industrial growth has brought economic activity to Perundurai constituency, but it has also deepened the crisis of pollution and water scarcity, with residents continuing to struggle for safe drinking water and reliable irrigation.The constituency sustains over one lakh migrant labourers engaged in the SIPCOT Industrial Estate, the Special Economic Zone complex, textile mills, construction, powerloom units, and the hospitality sector, which form the backbone of the local economy. However, residents in surrounding villages say the benefits of industrialisation have come at a cost, as they continue to face environmental degradation.Groundwater contamination remains a major concern. As many as 254 industries, including dyeing, bleaching, and tannery units, operate in the 2,663-acre SIPCOT estate. Effluents discharged by industries into Nalla Odai have mixed with nearby waterbodies and entered Odaikattur Lake and Punjai Palatholuvu Lake, all located within a 12-km radius of SIPCOT. Water samples from these sources show total dissolved solids (TDS) levels exceeding 5,000 mg/l, indicating severe deterioration in water quality over the years. This has led to serious health issues, 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 across 37 groundwater sources under the Chennimalai Panchayat Union revealed high levels of TDS, nitrate, calcium, and magnesium. Authorities have installed red-marked boards in these locations declaring the water unfit for consumption. Residents say waterbodies have been affected for three decades, impacting both drinking water supply and agriculture. “Except for placing boards, groundwater remains contaminated,” said P. Kamatchi, a resident.Following prolonged protests by residents and farmers, a CETP project estimated at ₹136.76 crore was sanctioned for SIPCOT. Though the foundation stone was laid last year, work began only recently and is expected to be completed within 18 months. However, concerns over air pollution persist, with coal continuing to be widely used in industrial boilers. Residents have also been demanding an 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 Scheme has helped improve groundwater levels by refilling around 200 waterbodies. Farmers acknowledge the relief provided, particularly for irrigation. However, residents have sought the inclusion of at least 25 more waterbodies under the scheme to address persistent shortages. 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 at Perundurai caters to patients from surrounding areas, but lack of specialised treatment facilities forces many to travel to government hospitals in Salem and Coimbatore. There have been demands to upgrade the institution into a multi-speciality hospital. Workers have also pointed to the absence of an Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) hospital in the district, despite the presence of a sizeable industrial workforce. In addition, there are calls to increase the bed strength at the hospital in Perundurai from 54 and upgrade primary health centres at Chennimalai and Thingalur.Farmers in parts of the constituency, including Ingur, have reported crop losses due to the increasing peacock population. At the same time, traditional sectors such as weaving are facing economic challenges due to rising costs and fluctuating demand.Uthukuli, known for its ghee and butter, is witnessing a decline in market share due to factors, including competition. Palm jaggery production in Kunnathur is also facing 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 dry nature of the area continues to favour industrial expansion over agriculture, shaping the constituency’s development pattern.The issues in Perundurai are expected to figure prominently in the electoral discourse in a constituency that has long remained a stronghold of the AIADMK, which has won here nine times, while the DMK is yet to secure a victory. Thoppu N.D. Venkatachalam secured victory in 2011 and 2016, while S. Jayakumar won in 2021.Published - March 24, 2026 11:02 pm IST