Tata iPhone parts plant faces scrutiny over alleged water pollution in southern India

Indian authorities have intensified inspections around a Tata Electronics facility in southern India after state regulators alleged that wastewater discharged from the plant contaminated nearby agricultural land and groundwater, Reuters reported.

Officials from the district administration surveyed farmland surrounding the Tata factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, on June 15 alongside local farmers who had raised concerns about water quality and crop yields. The facility, located about 25 miles south of Bengaluru, manufactures back panels and other components for Apple’s iPhone and plays a key role in the company’s strategy to diversify production beyond China.

Tamil Nadu’s pollution control board previously warned Tata Electronics that it could face a forced shutdown unless it explains findings from inspections conducted between December 2025 and May 2026. Regulators alleged that wastewater discharged into a rainwater harvesting pond overflowed and affected groundwater in open wells used by neighboring farms.

District official N. Velu confirmed to Reuters that authorities were assessing conditions in the area but declined to provide further details. Local farmer P. Pushparaj said he had filed complaints after observing foul-smelling discharge from the factory, adding that crop yields had declined in recent years.

Tata Electronics has disputed the allegations, stating that its independent analysis found the company to be compliant with environmental regulations. The company said it remains committed to responsible business practices and protecting local communities. Apple and Tata did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment on the latest inspections.

The environmental scrutiny presents another challenge for Apple’s manufacturing operations in India. A fire at the same Tata facility in September 2024 temporarily disrupted iPhone component production, while a 2023 fire at a former Pegatron plant halted manufacturing for several days. In 2024, Reuters also reported allegations of discriminatory hiring practices at a Foxconn plant in India, claims the company said were inconsistent with its policies and legal obligations.

Source: Reuters