Industrial Pollution and Infrastructure Deficits Dominate Ranipet Election Agenda

As the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach, voters in the Ranipet constituency face persistent environmental and infrastructural challenges. The primary concern remains the unresolved industrial pollution from the Tamil Nadu Chromate and Chemicals Limited (TCCL) factory, which closed in 1995 but left behind approximately 2.25 lakh tonnes of hazardous chromium sludge. Residents in nearby villages report severe groundwater contamination, forcing dependence on water tankers and causing health issues like skin allergies. Additionally, untreated effluents from numerous leather tanneries continue to pollute the Palar River, affecting agricultural areas in Arcot and Walajah. Beyond environmental hazards, constituents complain about inadequate public transport connectivity to major cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, irregular water supply, and insufficient healthcare and recreational facilities. Despite repeated promises from successive governments, the estimated ₹650 crore required for safe waste disposal has not been allocated. The incumbent DMK MLA and Minister R. Gandhi seeks a fifth term against contenders from the BJP, TVK, and NTK, with pollution control and infrastructure development serving as critical electoral issues in this traditional DMK stronghold.