The Madras High Court has ordered notice to the state government seeking a direction to close down 34 tanneries located in and around Suriyapalayam in Erode. These units had been allegedly contaminating drinking water sources and rendering soil unfit for cultivation. The petition was filed by People Health and Development Council, a voluntary organisation for environment protection and promotion of public health. Alleging that the tanneries were functioning illegally and without sanction from the pollution control board, the petitioner said 18 tanneries were located near the agricultural zone while five were operating in residential areas.
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