NEW DELHI: Health officials in India’s southern Tamil Nadu state are investigating complaints from farmers near a Tata Electronics factory that produces components for Apple’s iPhone.
The probe centres on allegations that liquid discharge from the plant in Hosur affected nearby agricultural land and water sources. Farmers have complained of crop damage, foul smell and skin-related issues, although officials said no health cases have yet been clinically established.
Health inquiry under way
According to Reuters, district health officials have been examining the matter since at least late May after complaints from farmers in Ullugurukkai village, where the factory is located. A May 27 letter by a government medical officer said wastewater had accumulated in nearby farmland and affected wells.
Two water samples from farms were submitted to a state laboratory, with both testing positive for E. coli, a bacterium commonly linked to faecal contamination. Officials said further test results are still awaited.
Tata cites clean samples
Tata said this week that the state pollution board had dropped its scrutiny after recently collected water samples from inside the facility did not indicate contamination. The pollution board has not publicly commented on the matter.
The plant, opened in 2021, makes iPhone back covers and other parts. The case is being closely watched as India expands its role in global electronics manufacturing, with the country expected to produce 26 per cent of the world’s iPhones in 2026.
