The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board alleges that wastewater discharged from Tata Electronics’ iPhone parts factory in Hosur has polluted groundwater used by nearby farmland and wells, leading to a possible factory shutdown. The board issued a formal warning notice to Tata Electronics on May 25, 2026, demanding an explanation and threatening closure over environmental breaches [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The Hosur factory produces back panels and other components for Apple’s iPhone production. It is a key partner in Apple's efforts to diversify production outside China and is the second-largest supplier in South Asia after Foxconn [1, 2, 4, 5].
Between December 2025 and May 2026, the pollution board carried out five inspections of the plant following complaints from farmers about contamination and foul smells linked to wastewater discharge. Investigators found that wastewater was being discharged into a rainwater harvesting pond onsite, which overflowed and leaked into adjacent agricultural groundwater [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The pollution board had ordered Tata Electronics in December 2025 to take corrective action, but the company did not implement the changes before further inspections. Tata Electronics responded that its independent laboratory analysis showed full compliance with regulatory norms and that it is committed to responsible business practices and environmental protection. The company declined to disclose detailed responses made to the pollution authorities [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
Local farmers reported that wastewater discharge damaged crops and caused unpleasant odors, worsening their livelihoods [6]. Apple and the Tamil Nadu government have not publicly commented on the allegations or enforcement actions [1, 2, 3, 4].
India’s role in global iPhone production has grown rapidly, with forecasts projecting it will contribute 26% of worldwide output in 2026, up from 5.8% in 2022. Tata Electronics plays a major role in this expansion [3, 4, 5]. If Tata’s factory is forced to halt production, analysts say Foxconn India could gain additional orders [5].
The pollution board’s May 25 notice set a deadline for Tata Electronics to explain why power should not be cut and production halted. Further regulatory decisions and possible shutdown actions are expected soon.
