Tata iPhone factory contaminated farmland water, India pollution body alleges

India's pollution control board has accused Tata Electronics, a key supplier for Apple's iPhone production, of contaminating groundwater with wastewater discharged from its factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The regulator has warned of a potential forced shutdown unless Tata provides a satisfactory explanation for the alleged environmental breach.

Farmland owners in the vicinity of the plant had lodged complaints for months, asserting that factory wastewater was polluting their land and open wells. These complaints prompted five state inspections between December 2025 and May 2026. A regulatory notice dated May 25, reviewed by Reuters, detailed findings from these inspections.

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groundwater in the open wells located in the adjacent agricultural lands

The inspections reportedly found that Tata discharged wastewater into an on-site rainwater harvesting pond, which subsequently overflowed, contaminating groundwater in adjacent agricultural lands. The notice also stated that Tata had failed to implement corrective actions following a previous letter from the pollution board in December 2025.

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in full compliance with all regulatory norms

Tata Electronics, however, maintains its adherence to environmental standards. In a statement to Reuters, the company said it commissioned an independent analysis through an accredited laboratory, which determined that it is "in full compliance with all regulatory norms." Tata reiterated its commitment to responsible business practices and environmental protection, adding that it has responded to the pollution authorities.

Apple, known for its strict environmental guidelines for suppliers, and the Tamil Nadu government have not yet responded to requests for comment. This incident adds to a series of challenges faced by Apple's supply chain in India, including past fires at Tata and former supplier Pegatron facilities that briefly halted production. The notice from the pollution board requires Tata to explain why its operations should not be shut down.

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committed to responsible business practices and protection of the environment and local communities