Chennai: Govt agencies have issued notices to the heirs of Padmanaban, the late manager of former chief minister M G Ramachandran (MGR), for operating an illegal dairy farm on land he donated. The farm, located within MGR Janaki College, has been accused of polluting the campus and discharging untreated sewage into Adyar river.
The college alumni association filed complaints stating that a cattle shed, housing around 50 cows, was set up without mandatory approvals. The farm, situated near the college canteen and classrooms, stinks and causes significant discomfort to students during classes and meal breaks, said one of the complainants, Mohammed Ghasim Anees. With more than 4,000 students, the unhygienic conditions has led to mosquito breeding, posing serious health risks, he added.
In July 2024, National Green Tribunal directed Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to inspect the premises following complaints. Water tests confirmed severe contamination, prompting GCC’s Adyar zone health officer to recommend closing the well and removing the thatched roof for fire safety.
GCC’s inspection confirmed improper waste disposal, with sewage being directly discharged into Adyar river. TNPCB, acting on NGT’s orders, also found that the farm was operating without mandatory consent and discharging untreated effluents, including wash dung and fodder residues, into the river through a pipeline. Both agencies issued notices to PM Enterprises for violations and directed them to stop discharge immediately.
Meanwhile, two of the five farm owners responded to the tribunal, alleging that the complaints were instigated by a college administrator named Kumar, who they claim is attempting to evict them. They argued that the farm was operating for more than 40 years under an agreement with M Rajendran, executor of MGR’s will, and that a civil dispute over land ownership and MGR’s will execution is pending in court.
