Chennai, July 2025 – In a significant regulatory development, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has officially granted Consent to Operate (CTO) for the expanded milk processing facility of Aavin’s Ambattur dairy, which now has approval to process up to 5 lakh litres of milk per day—a significant step towards stabilizing milk supply in Chennai.
The approval, however, follows a ₹5.1 crore environmental compensation penalty imposed on Aavin for previously operating beyond its sanctioned limit without consent. While deemed modest relative to Aavin’s operations, the penalty resolves longstanding compliance concerns and clears the path for increased production.
Officials from the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (TNCMPF) confirmed that the federation is targeting a 22-lakh-litre daily milk supply to Chennai in the coming months, with the Ambattur plant playing a central role.
“With CTO now in place and ETP upgrades completed, Ambattur is positioned to become a backbone facility for milk processing in the metro,” said a TNCMPF spokesperson.
Regulatory Compliance Achieved After NGT Scrutiny
Following sustained scrutiny by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Aavin has completed the required environmental upgrades:
- Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) certified by IIT Madras to handle 700 kilolitres/day
- Samples from March and April were found within pollution control limits
- Installation of plastic waste compactors and enclosed storage sheds
- Strict segregation protocols are now in place
Earlier violations had included:
- Exceeding the 3 lakh LPD processing cap
- Illegal effluent discharge near Korattur Lake
- Unregulated accumulation of plastic and dairy waste in open areas
The TNPCB’s latest report notes that the plant is now compliant, setting a precedent for environmental accountability within India’s public sector dairy cooperatives.