Synopsis
An Indian pollution regulator has warned Tata Electronics, a key supplier for Apple's iPhones, about a potential factory shutdown. The regulator alleges wastewater from the Tata plant in Hosur has contaminated groundwater near farms. Inspections found the factory discharged wastewater into a pond that overflowed. Tata claims an independent analysis shows full compliance with regulations.Listen to this article in summarized format
The TNPCB also warned of a forced shutdown unless the Apple supplier gives a satisfactory explanation, as per a May 25 show-cause notice reviewed by ET.
The TNPCB said 'frequent complaints' were received from owners of adjacent agricultural land, alleging that the unit was discharging the wastewater into the open channel leading to nearby lake and adjoining open land and was also storing the wastewater within the premises in a pond like structure, thereby affecting the nearby agricultural fields and contaminating the well water.
The complaints led to five state inspections between December 2025 and May 2026.
"Tata Electronics is committed to responsible business practices and protection of the environment and local communities," a spokesperson from the company said in a statement to ET. "Immediately after hearing from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), we commissioned an independent analysis through an accredited laboratory. The independent study determined that we are in full compliance with all regulatory norms. We have conveyed our response to TNPCB accordingly in a timely manner."
As per the show cause notice, the specific condition laid down by the TNPCB was that Tata Electronics would ensure that there was no discharge of effluent either treated or untreated into storm water drain at any point of time. "The occupier shall forthwith keep the Board (TNPCB) informed of any accident of unforeseen act or event of any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter or emissions are being discharged into stream or well or air as a result of such discharge, water or air is being polluted," it said.
It said that based on the inspection and the Reports of Analysis of the samples collected revealed values of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) that were comparatively higher when compared to the normal rainwater characteristics. It said the elevated values were observed in the Rain Water Harvesting pond located on the northern side indicating the discharge of treated/untreated wastewater into the rainwater harvesting pond, overflow from which is leading to contamination of groundwater in the open wells located in the adjacent agricultural lands.
The TNPCB also said that the unit had not taken corrective action on certain instructions issued by the TNPCB as per a letter dated December 23, 2025.
