Indian authorities have intensified inspections around a Tata Electronics facility that supplies components for Apple iPhones after allegations that wastewater discharge from the plant may have contaminated nearby agricultural land and groundwater.
Officials from the district administration visited farmlands surrounding the factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, on June 15, following concerns raised by farmers and a warning issued by the state pollution control authority. The plant located near Bengaluru, manufactures iPhone back panels and other components and plays a key role in Apple’s efforts to expand manufacturing operations in India.
According to reports Tamil Nadu pollution control body warned Tata Electronics that it could face a shutdown if it fails to explain findings from inspections conducted between December 2025 and May 2026. The inspections reportedly indicated that wastewater discharge from the facility may have affected groundwater sources used by nearby farmers.
One farmer, P. Pushparaj, said he had lodged a complaint with authorities after noticing what he described as dirty wastewater discharge from the facility. He claimed that agricultural productivity had suffered in recent years.
“We continued our agriculture, but we didn’t get proper yields,” he said, adding that he suspected water contamination was affecting crop production.
District official N. Velu confirmed that the survey was being conducted to assess the situation but did not provide additional details regarding the ongoing investigation.
The state pollution control authority has alleged that wastewater from the factory was discharged into a rainwater harvesting pond inside the facility. According to the notice, the pond overflowed, leading to contamination of groundwater in nearby open wells located on agricultural land.
Tata Electronics has rejected allegations of environmental violations. The company stated that an independent assessment found its operations were compliant with regulatory requirements and emphasized its commitment to environmental protection and responsible business practices.
The latest scrutiny presents another challenge for Apple’s growing manufacturing ecosystem in India. Tata Electronics has become a crucial partner in Apple’s strategy to diversify production away from China and strengthen its presence in the Indian electronics sector.
The company’s Hosur facility has previously faced operational disruptions. A fire at the plant in September 2024 temporarily halted production, while earlier incidents involving other Apple suppliers also affected manufacturing operations in the country.
Authorities have not yet announced any enforcement action, and investigations into the alleged contamination remain ongoing. The outcome could have implications not only for local farmers and environmental management but also for India’s ambitions to become a major global hub for electronics manufacturing.