The team conducted a cross-border research project in India, Spain and Morocco, tracking European brands and Indian suppliers through export and import databases. It has also collected laboratory test results and dozens of testimonials.
The investigation has focused on tracing several suppliers in Pune, including Motherson Sumi, Bharat Forge, and Amphenol, which export components to Spain and Morocco for European automotive brands. The investigation documents water, soil, and air pollution, which puts 10 million residents at risk.
The research delves into pollution from factories in the Pune suburbs of Chakan and Pimpri Chinchwad that manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) and electric and electronic parts and components for European EVs and regular vehicles. Pune is one of Maharashtra State's 36 districts. Located at the foot of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, the city is home to major rivers such as the Mula, Mutha, Pavana, Indrayani and Bhima. In order to generate employment and income, the government developed many industrial clusters housing factories that manufacture automobiles, technologies, and heavy machinery. These factories discharge effluent water directly or indirectly into the aforementioned rivers, which provide drinking water to the local population and irrigate almost one million hectares of agricultural land, providing livelihoods to millions.
Key findings
- Some Indian suppliers send components to Spain and Morocco for electric vehicles (EVs), regular cars, and military industry chains, for brands and companies such as Audi, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Volkswagen, Citroën, Lancia, Opel, Audi, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Volkswagen, Renault, and Stellantis (Fiat, Chrysler Automobiles, Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel). They also supply the Spanish company INDRA and car models such as the Renault Mégane, Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa, and Lancia Ypsilon.
- We even have EV chargers for Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Škoda, Mercedes, VW, Tesla, Toyota, Volvo, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Cupra, Fiat, Ford, Honda and Hyundai.
- Supply chains contribute to the water crisis by carrying phosphates, nitrates, phthalates and chlorides in rivers, as well as causing dangerous cadmium and nickel pollution, mass fish deaths and farmers abandoning land. This can lead to diseases such as dengue, as well as allergies and digestive and respiratory problems.
Image © Varsha Torgalkar - The Amphenol Company, which manufactures EV components, discharges wastewater into an open drainage system in Bhosari, Pune.
