Poisoned waters of Orathapalayam threaten Cauvery

ERODE, September 22: The Orathapalayam dam across River Noyyal here, filled almost to capacity by waters poisoned by effluents from dyeing units in Tiruppur, threatens to spill out into the Cauvery. Earlier this year, contaminated water from the dam was discharged into the river, affecting standing crops in the delta region and causing a loss of Rs 3 crore to the Pugalur Paper Mills, where paper pulp stock was damaged by the waters. People in Karur, especially in Ramalingapuram village, contracted water-borne diseases, particularly skin ailments. Farmers fear a repeat of their earlier experience.