Minister Blames Soap and Shampoo for Noyyal River Foam, Sparks Outcry

Tamil Nadu Environment Minister V.K. Rajeev said that household soap, shampoo and other surfactants, not industrial waste, are behind the persistent foaming in the Noyyal River, prompting sharp backlash from activists and opposition leaders. He made the remark after inspecting the river on Tuesday, Oct 27, and warned textile units against releasing untreated effluents during the Northeast monsoon. On Wednesday, Oct 28, speaking in Chennai, Rajeev stressed that a mix of surfactants, detergents and phosphorus causes the foam, and said the state is taking steps to protect people from hazardous waste. He added that complaints are being examined and addressed promptly. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) recently inspected Vaniyambadi and also found surfactants, not industrial effluents, to be the source of foam. Environmental activists and farmers have long complained about year‑round foaming in the Noyyal, and the board plans to issue an official statement. ## Reaction PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss condemned the minister’s comments, saying even children know river foam comes from waste discharge. He blamed uncontrolled textile dye effluents in Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Karur districts and highlighted farmer protests over contamination of the Orathuppalayam Dam. Ramadoss also cited similar foaming at Karnataka’s Kelavarapalli Dam and reminded that the Supreme Court has ordered both states to curb waste dumping. He questioned the minister’s support for dye‑effluent treatment plants and asked whose interests the minister was serving. ## Context River foaming often signals high levels of surfactants, which can arise from both household detergents and untreated industrial discharge. Distinguishing the source is crucial for directing enforcement actions and protecting water supplies for local communities.