The TNPL has sanctioned Rs. 49.16 lakh to the TNAU towards meeting the expenses for the study which had been taken up in a systematic manner through periodical survey. Apart from project coordinators, research scholars of the college have been involved in the project which, among other things, aims at ascertaining the impact of discharge of treated wastewater from the industry on the fields.
The experiments will ensure environmental protection and guide the TNPL towards corrective and remedial measures whenever needed, according to sources.
Conservation of textures of soil in and around Mondipatti area will be the primary concern. Focus would be given to maintaining the quality in ground water, according to sources.
Global positioning system (GPS) technique is adopted for ascertaining the soil productivity and groundwater quality in the area. “Moreover, the subsurface movement of salts in soil will be monitored continuously by installing piezometers,” the source added. The role of scientists of the institute will be instrumental in ensuring proper maintenance of groundwater quality for irrigation purpose. It would suggest the right type of crop to be raised suited to the Mondipatti area. Already, the area has low to medium fertile soil.
The factory will register its maximum production in course of time. However, the TNAU has taken samples of the water and soil for analysing the pre-discharge nature of the soil. A sustained study during the course of discharge of waters from the factory when its production reaches full swing, would indicate the changes. The project would involve erection of anaerobic high rate reactors, according to sources.
A Centre of Excellence for Soil Health will be set up at TNAU Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Centre. State-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure, including buildings, will be set up. The centre would analyse the soil condition across the State and evolve ways and means for remedial measures.

Source : The Hindu