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Can children save one of India's most polluted places?

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Smitha Tarur Krishna | Tabea Mergenthaler
July 14, 2026

Growing up beside some of India's most polluting industries, children in Ennore use photography and film to expose what others ignore — and fight for change.

Children in Ennore, a heavily industrialized neighborhood in Chennai, India, are documenting pollution through photography, films and street theatre to demand cleaner air and water. Residents link years of industrial emissions, oil spills and coal fly ash to widespread health problems, while researchers and community groups warn of long-term impacts on children. Despite court orders and some government action, locals say pollution remains and are pushing for lasting environmental change.

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