Tamil Nadu Environment Minister’s remark on soap, shampoo use causing Noyyal River foaming draws ire

Tamil Nadu's Environment Minister, V.K. Rajeev, recently drew criticism for stating that soap and shampoo use could lead to excessive foaming in the Noyyal River, which flows through Tiruppur district. During an inspection of the river on October 27, 2026, Rajeev warned dyeing and textile units of strict action for releasing untreated effluents into the river during the Northeast monsoon season.

Following the controversy, Rajeev clarified that it was the combination of surfactants, detergents, and phosphorus causing the foaming, not industrial effluents. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) confirmed this, stating that the foaming was due to surfactants and not industrial waste. However, environmental activists and farmers have long complained about river foaming throughout the year.

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss condemned Rajeev's remarks, asserting that "even children know that the foaming of rivers such as the Noyyal is caused by the discharge of wastes into them." He demanded concrete action to protect the rivers, citing that uncontrolled discharge of textile dyeing effluents into the Noyyal River is the main cause of excessive foaming.

Ramadoss, who has inspected both rivers, urged authorities to take action against the discharge of effluents. The Supreme Court has also issued orders to the governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka regarding this issue. Rajeev had previously praised textile dyeing effluent treatment facilities while reassuring owners that steps would be taken to meet their demands, raising doubts about his loyalty to various stakeholders.