Thu Jun 19 14:33:43 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Residents of Vaniyambadi town, near Tirupattur, India, blocked trucks illegally dumping leather waste from tanneries into open plots and water bodies, specifically rivers that are tributaries of the Palar. The waste, often dumped at night, pollutes the groundwater, creates mosquito breeding grounds, and threatens agricultural activities. Police intervened and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) promised to increase monitoring of waste disposal by the region’s tanneries, many of which are small and struggle to afford proper waste treatment. The region houses over 700 tanneries, with Vaniyambadi accounting for a substantial portion. The reliance on thermal energy for leather production also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

**News Article:**

**Vaniyambadi Residents Block Trucks Illegally Dumping Tannery Waste, Highlighting Pollution Crisis**

**TIRUPATTUR, INDIA – June 19, 2025** – Residents of Vaniyambadi town, near Tirupattur in Tamil Nadu, took direct action yesterday, blocking a convoy of trucks caught illegally dumping leather waste into open plots and water bodies on the outskirts of the town. The incident has brought renewed attention to the ongoing pollution crisis caused by unregulated waste disposal from the region’s numerous tanneries.

Residents report that the illegal dumping, primarily of leather hides, is a frequent occurrence, particularly at night, in an attempt to evade detection. The waste is contaminating the groundwater supply, which is critical for both drinking water and irrigation in the surrounding agricultural villages. Key rivers, including the Kallar and Chinna Palar, tributaries of the Palar River, are also being affected. Furthermore, the waste creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising concerns about public health.

“These open plots have become breeding grounds for mosquitos, posing health risks to residents including senior citizens and children,” stated Mohammed Arif, a local resident, underscoring the health implications of the pollution.

Local police were called to the scene and confirmed that eight trucks originating from tanneries in Ambur were involved. Truck drivers admitted that illegal dumping has been ongoing for months, attributing it to a lack of adequate waste treatment facilities, particularly amongst smaller tanneries, which are then charged between Rs 6,000 – Rs 8,000 for illegal disposal.

The Vaniyambadi region is a major hub for leather production, hosting approximately 40% of the over 700 tanneries located in Ranipet, Walajah, Vellore, and Ambur. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has pledged to form special teams to monitor waste disposal practices. However, the crisis highlights the challenges in enforcing environmental regulations in a region where many tanneries rely on thermal energy, contributing to both greenhouse gas emissions and the problem of untreated waste. The residents are continuing to call for stricter enforcement and support for tanneries to implement sustainable waste management practices.

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