Tata’s iPhone Parts Factory Accused of Pollution: Tamil Nadu Pollution Board Threatens Power Cut and Plant Closure
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has alleged that wastewater discharged from Tata Electronics’ iPhone components factory has contaminated the groundwater in nearby agricultural fields.
The regulator has warned the company that if a satisfactory response is not received, the factory’s power supply will be disconnected and the plant forcibly shut down.
Complaints Received Regarding Contaminated Water in Fields and Wells
This Tata Electronics plant is located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, where iPhone back panels and other components are manufactured. Owners of agricultural land near the plant complained to the pollution board that the factory’s wastewater was contaminating the water in their fields and open wells. The pollution board initiated an investigation into the matter following these complaints from farmers.
Inspected Five Times; Accused of Non-Compliance
According to the regulator’s notice, the plant underwent five state-level inspections between December 2025 and May 2026 following the farmers’ complaints. In a three-page notice issued on May 25, 2026, the board stated that Tata had discharged wastewater into a rainwater harvesting pond located within its premises.
The pond overflowed, contaminating the groundwater in open wells situated on surrounding agricultural land. The board had previously issued instructions to the company on December 23, 2025, but Tata failed to take any corrective measures.
Tata’s Claim: We Are Fully Compliant with Regulations
Tata Electronics has clarified its stance on the matter. In a statement, the company said that it has conducted an independent analysis through an accredited laboratory. The study reveals that the company is fully complying with all regulatory norms.
The company is committed to responsible business practices and the protection of the environment and local communities; it has submitted its response to pollution control authorities. However, Tata has not disclosed the details of this response.
Previous challenges in Apple’s Indian supply chain
This notice presents a new challenge for Apple’s supply chain in India. Earlier, in September 2024, a fire broke out at this same Tata plant in Hosur, halting the production of iPhone components for a period.
Meanwhile, in September 2023, operations were stalled for several days following a fire at the iPhone plant of Pegatron, a former Apple supplier. Additionally, a 2024 investigation revealed that Foxconn excluded married women from assembly jobs at one of its Indian plants, although the company maintained that it was complying with all regulations.
Why is Tata Electronics crucial for Apple?
Tata Electronics is vital to Apple as the company seeks to expand iPhone production beyond China. Tata Electronics has emerged as Apple’s second-largest supplier in South Asia, following Taiwan’s Foxconn.
According to the research firm Counterpoint, India’s share of global iPhone production stood at just 6% four years ago and is projected to rise to 26% by 2026.
