Soap, shampoo cause river foam: TVK minister's remark draws social media flak

Tamil Nadu Environment Minister VK Rajeev has drawn criticism on social media after attributing the frothing and foaming seen in rivers to the use of bathroom soap and shampoo, triggering a political attack from PMK president over his remarks as well.The controversy comes amid concerns over river pollution in Tamil Nadu, particularly the foam formation in the Noyyal River in Tiruppur, where industrial effluent discharge has been a longstanding issue.Rajeev made the remarks during a visit to Tiruppur, where he chaired an inspection meeting with officials and visited dyeing factories to assess pollution-control measures.Addressing the issue of river foaming, the minister initially attributed it to sewage contamination and said authorities were acting on complaints. He subsequently included household soap and shampoo use among the possible causes, drawing ridicule and criticism online.Explaining the government's response, Rajeev said, "Foaming issue is because of sewage water problem. We are addressing it. Our officers are taking action on all complaints being given. They are sending me reports at 1 am". He added, "Foaming also happens because of bathroom soap and shampoo. If water falls from a height, foaming happens. Immediately complaints are being taken up with local authorities".The comments prompted a sharp response from PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, who questioned the minister's explanation and raised concerns over the government's approach to river pollution."Is soap and shampoo use reason for the foam bubbling up in the rivers? Whose voice is the Environment Minister echoing?" Ramadoss asked, expressing concern that the minister had attributed the phenomenon to domestic products despite the known problem of untreated waste entering water bodies.The PMK president maintained that industrial effluents were a major cause of foam formation in the Noyyal River, which flows through Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Karur districts.He pointed to the discharge of dyeing-industry waste into the river and cited farmers' opposition to the opening of the Orathupalayam Dam, where contamination from industrial effluents has been a longstanding concern.He also referred to the foaming reported at Kelavarapalli Dam on the Thenpennai River, attributing it to waste discharged into the river in Karnataka.According to the Ramadoss, the issue has been raised repeatedly, with the Supreme Court issuing orders to the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments in connection with river pollution.The PMK president further questioned the context of Rajeev's remarks, noting that the minister had inspected the Kasipalayam Common Effluent Treatment Plant in Tiruppur, praised the functioning of treatment facilities and assured dyeing-unit owners that their demands would be addressed.He called for urgent measures to prevent industrial effluents, urban sewage and solid waste from entering rivers and other water bodies.The remarks have put the spotlight on the government's handling of river pollution, with the effectiveness of effluent treatment and enforcement measures likely to remain central to the debate.The immediate focus will be on whether the state government strengthens monitoring and takes further action against sources of contamination.- Ends