Salem Textile Park Proposal Divides Community Amid Government Restructuring

SALEM: Uncertainty has again surrounded the proposed textile park in Salem, with two sections taking opposing positions over the project following the state government's recent decision to restructure it. While one group sought for the project to be scrapped over fears that dyeing units could be introduced later, another sought its implementation without the dyeing units, citing the employment, export and economic opportunities it could bring to the district. Announced in 2021 as an Rs 880-crore project, the park was originally planned to include dyeing units under the Salem Yarn Colouring Park (SYCP), along with a Common Effluent Treatment Plant and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD). Farmers and residents opposed the proposal, saying dyeing units could affect groundwater and agriculture in nearby villages. The protests intensified in November 2025, bringing work at the site to a halt. No major work has taken place at the site since then. Following the change in government, the project underwent a change. Salem Collector K Elambahavath said on July 24 that a government order issued on July 22 had changed the project from Salem Yarn Colouring Park to Salem Integrated Textile Park Private Limited. The G.O. also directed SIPCOT to identify another suitable location for setting up zero-liquid-discharge dyeing units. However, those opposing the project said the GO had not given a clear assurance that dyeing units would not be allowed inside the textile park in the future. M Arun Kumar, secretary of the Salem Water Sources Protection Movement, said the order mainly changes the name of the project and directs SIPCOT to identify another location for dyeing units.