The community where the wastewater treatment plant collapsed at Cuddalore Sipcot staining unit; 19 hospitalized

Workers cleared wastewater from homes after a wastewater treatment program conducted in Cuddalore Sipcot’s staining unit in the early hours of Thursday morning | Photo source: Special arrangements

The wastewater treatment plant (ETP) at the site of the Cuddalore Sipcot dyeing unit collapsed in the early hours of Thursday morning (May 15, 2025), scattering debris and flooded houses near the unit in Kudikadu Colony.

Up to 19 people, mainly residents of the Kudikadu colony, suffer from health complications such as eye irritation, nausea and sudden reduction in energy. They were taken to Kudarol Government General Hospital.

Multiple layers damaged the compound wall located near ETP and flooded 20 houses | Image source: Special arrangement

ETP was built to process 600,000 litres of wastewater from the staining unit and install it on the structure, but abandoned at around 3.30 a.m., and although workers survived the subsequent flood, it damaged the composite wall located near the ETP and flooded 20 houses.

Witnesses said smoke from the wastewater surrounded the area in a dense area, spreading panic among residents.

Official sources said the affected residents are in a stable condition and they will be observed for a day. “We will conduct an investigation to determine the possible causes behind the incident,” an official said.

After the incident, people nearby blocked traffic on Cuddalore-Chidambaram Road, urging authorities to take tough measures against company management.

Damaged structures in floods | Image source: Special arrangements

Regional governments took quick action to curb the consequences. Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar said officials from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Commission (TNPCB) are investigating the incident on the spot.

Recommended temporary closure

Up to 19 residents were admitted to Cuddalore GH for their minor illnesses, and their condition was stable. For the benefit of public safety, it is recommended that the unit be temporarily closed. Working to clean debris and wastewater that floods the house has begun. He said the medical team was also stationed in the village to solve the problem.

According to T. Arulselvam (SACEM), Sipcot Regional Community Environmental Monitor Coordinator, “It is worrying that there are no disappointing issues with Sipcot’s accident. Basic safety measures need to be reviewed and safety audits are required in industrial units, so dyed check rigs can be ensured to ensure that the behavior of the dye ensures an increasing number of behaviors. The impacts under the provisions of the Public Liability Insurance Act of 1991.”