India regulator alleges Tata's iPhone factory contaminated farmland water

An Indian pollution regulator has accused Tata Electronics, a key supplier for Apple's iPhones, of contaminating groundwater near its factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) alleges that wastewater discharged from the plant polluted farmland wells and has warned of a potential forced shutdown unless Tata provides a satisfactory explanation.

Complaints from farmland owners near the plant led to five state inspections between December 2025 and May 2026. According to a regulatory notice reviewed by Reuters, these inspections found that Tata discharged wastewater into an internal rainwater harvesting pond, which then overflowed and contaminated the groundwater in adjacent agricultural lands.

Tata Electronics, however, stated that an independent analysis commissioned by the company determined it was in full compliance with all regulatory norms. The company affirmed its commitment to responsible business practices and environmental protection.

This situation adds to a series of challenges faced by Apple's supply chain in India, including fires at other facilities and allegations of discriminatory hiring practices by Foxconn. India is projected to significantly increase its share of global iPhone production in the coming years.