Residents in Attayampalayam plan highway blockade for action

Residents in the Attayampalayam area are upset over pollution caused by two companies. They say these companies dumped waste into a local stream, affecting the water supply. Farmers and residents have planned to block the Salem–Coimbatore National Highway on March 24 if no action is taken. The issue began on March 18 when residents noticed a change in the color of the stream and farm wells after trucks delivered industrial waste. Over 20 wells in Kolathupalayam and nearby areas were affected. This pollution has raised serious concerns about water safety in the region. Officials from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board visited the site and collected water samples for analysis. Residents reported that truck drivers had admitted to the police that they transported waste from the chemical company in Nasiyanur and a steel company at SIPCOT, Perundurai. Despite filing a complaint with local police on March 21, residents claim no action has been taken. They are frustrated with the police and district administration's lack of response and are determined to go ahead with their protest on March 24 if there are no signs of action.