India's Tata Group's iPhone parts production plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, has once again become the focus of local public opinion due to pollution accusations. After a farmers' protest that almost escalated into violent conflict, the local health department has launched a new investigation into the factory's pollution issues.
According to previous reports, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had threatened to order the Tata iPhone factory to suspend production for rectification earlier on June 15, 2026, because multiple inspections found that the factory’s contaminated wastewater had seeped into surrounding wells. The regulator also accused Tata of not responding effectively to complaints filed by the TNPCB. However, just one day later on June 16, the TNPCB abruptly terminated the relevant proceedings. Tata later said that its independent investigation showed that the factory was operating in compliance with relevant environmental regulations and that Indian regulators had "decided not to take further action in this regard."
However, according to the latest report from Reuters, the local Indian health department is still moving ahead with an independent investigation based on formal complaints submitted by nearby farmers. According to an inspection report forwarded to Tata, investigators found discharges emitting a "strong stench" at the site and making surrounding water sources "unsuitable for drinking water for livestock." The report also pointed out that due to the pollution, local residents have suffered from skin-related health problems, triggering strong dissatisfaction and concern among rural communities about the factory's sewage discharge.
While surveillance and investigations were ongoing, tensions erupted into clashes on the ground on June 15. That day, a group of local farmers entered the Tata factory land in an attempt to take photos of a pond that was said to be contaminated. According to the description, a factory security officer then took out a gun, and the farmers claimed that they shouted "then shoot us" on the spot. The security officer then backed down and the situation did not escalate into violence.
The current health investigation dates back to at least late May 2026, when the TNPCB completed a round of environmental inspections for the plant. The Tata factory in Hosur, which mainly produces iPhone back covers and other key components, is an important part of Apple's push to expand its production footprint in India in recent years. Since Tata acquired Wistron's iPhone factory in India in 2023, the group has continued to increase related investments and reached a cooperation with Pegatron in 2024, planning to invest more than US$1 billion in expanding iPhone manufacturing capabilities in Tamil Nadu.
So far, neither Tata nor its partner Pegatron has publicly responded to the latest pollution and health investigation. Apple has yet to issue any official comment on the matter.