A strange and alarming sight has emerged along the Thenpennai river in Tamil Nadu, where large heaps of chemical foam accompanied by a pungent smell have begun to bubble up and accumulate along the riverbanks. The unusual phenomenon has triggered panic among local farmers and environmentalists, who fear the contamination could severely affect agriculture and aquatic life in the region.Residents and farmers near the river observed thick layers of white froth forming on the surface of the river water, especially around areas with heavy flow and turbulence. The foam, reportedly emitting a strong chemical odor, is suspected to be the result of industrial effluents being discharged illegally into the river upstream. Farmers in the surrounding villages have expressed concern that the polluted water could damage crops and contaminate soil, posing a long-term risk to livelihoods.
“This is not natural foam,” said one local farmer. “We’ve never seen anything like this. The smell is unbearable, and we are scared that this water will reach our fields.”
The issue comes amid rising water levels at the Kelavarapalli Dam, which feeds the Thenpennai river. Due to continuous and heavy rainfall in the river’s catchment areas, inflow into the reservoir has increased significantly in recent days. As of the latest measurement, the dam’s water level has reached 40.67 feet, nearing its full capacity of 44.28 feet.
To manage the situation and prevent the dam from overflowing, authorities have begun releasing 981 cubic feet of water per second into the Thenpennai river. Officials stated that this is a standard precautionary measure to maintain structural safety and manage flood risk in downstream areas.
Environmental experts warn that the release of polluted water could worsen the ecological balance of the river. The foaming indicates a high presence of surfactants or chemical waste, possibly from textile dyeing units or other industries in nearby regions.
“We urge the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and district authorities to immediately investigate the source of the pollution,” said an environmental activist based in Krishnagiri. “The health of thousands depends on this river.”
Local authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the chemical foaming incident, but sources say water samples have been collected for laboratory analysis.
As the region braces for further rains and increased dam outflow, the need for stricter industrial regulation and environmental oversight has become urgent. The farmers, already vulnerable due to erratic weather, now face an additional threat in the form of toxic water.
If immediate action is not taken, the contamination of the Thenpennai river could have widespread implications—not just for agriculture, but for drinking water, biodiversity, and public health across the region.