Setback to India’s iPhone mission? Farmers opened front against Tata factory

Tata Electronics' iPhone parts manufacturing factory located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu is embroiled in a new controversy. Following complaints from farmers, the state health department is investigating what effect the waste water coming out of the factory has had on the surrounding fields and the health of the people. Some farmers allege that their crops have been affected due to contaminated water and skin related problems have also been seen in people. This matter has come to light at a time when India is moving rapidly towards becoming a major manufacturing center for Apple. This factory located in Hosur was started in 2021 and many important parts including back covers of iPhone are manufactured here.

Serious indications in the health department report

According to Reuters report, local health officials have been investigating this case since the end of May. A letter sent by a government medical officer said that due to the waste water coming out of the factory, a strong foul smell is spreading in the area and the water is no longer potable for animals. The letter also mentioned that the factory's waste water was contaminating the surrounding agricultural land and clean water from wells. E. coli bacteria have been found in water samples taken on the basis of farmers' complaints, which is generally considered a sign of water pollution caused by sewage or urine. However, the investigation of the health department is still going on and the final report is awaited.

Tata rejected the allegations

Tata Electronics, in a recent statement, said that the water samples taken from the factory premises by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board have not been tested in any way. No signs of pollution have been found. The company claims that the board has also finished its investigation process. According to sources, in December 2025, a pump in the factory's water treatment plant broke down, due to which some part of the treated sewage leaked out. However, the company says that the problem was resolved immediately.

Important matter for India's iPhone manufacturing mission

This dispute is not just a local environmental issue, but is also related to India's ambition to emerge as an alternative to China for Apple. According to experts, by 2026, about 26 percent of the world's iPhones can be made in India. In such a situation, this case related to Tata factory is being considered an important test of the balance between industry, environment and local communities.