Stating that work is on to establish a zero discharge common effluent treatment plant (CETP) by violating the norms at Kadayampatti in Bhavani Panchayat Union, villagers have threatened to hoist black flags atop their houses on August 15.

Over 120 dyeing units are functioning in Kadayampatti, Senkadu, Pudu Kadayampatti and Kulathu Thottam in the area.

Residents were saying that these units, in the absence of treatment plants, discharge the effluents into River Cauvery directly and pollute it. They said that the unit owners had selected a land for establishing the CETP, which is located near the water bodies.

They said that the CETP is to be established violating the norms and villagers had also submitted petition to the Collector opposing the project.

However, no action was taken as work is in progress. Hence, villagers held a meeting and decided to hoist black flags atop their houses. Its coordinator Kuppusamy said that the dyeing unit owners had already polluted air, water and land by discharging untreated effluents and starting of CETP in residential area would further pollute the area.

He said that the CETP should be established 5 km away from the water bodies, but the proposed CETP is located less than 200 m from the lake, he added.

He said that public opinion was not sought before commencing the project and wanted the plant to be relocated.