Social, Economic and Health Impact of Industrial Pollution in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Pollution of air, water and soil poisons the environment and cause diseases. The illness in a social context needs further exploration in this particular context. That also led to a reduction in agricultural production, drinking water contamination, and cause illness to both human and animal. That is how it is contributing to alterations in social structure specifically the social institutions. By studying the problem of pollution, we address the impact of pollution on health, society and the environment as a whole.
 Methods/Design: For the mentioned objectives, the explanatory design was adapted. The study will have three components. A quantitative survey using an interview schedule conducted among the members of the selected villages of Dindigul, district. Specific questions on Social, Economic and Health impacts of industrial pollution will be administered. There will be two different locations, one closer to the Tanneries and villages located 10 Kilometers away from the Tanneries. Even the later villages there are other industries such as handlooms. This will help to understand the difference in the impact of industrial pollution with specific reference to tanneries. Qualitative data aims to conduct in-depth interviews among the village leaders and Focus Group Discussions among the community members. The basic water and soil tests form the villages near tanneries will give additional evidence to understand the physical effects of pollution on the rural environment. The study has received ethical approval from the Institutional Ethics committee.
 Discussion: Due to the industrialization in the city of Dindigul and the surrounding area, the pollution from industrial outlets not only affect the environment, but it also affects the social structure, interactions, and employment.