local authorities have failed to bring the problems under control. Recent tests undertaken by Dr. Ruth Stringer and Dr. Mark Chernaik of ELAW-US (an Oregon-based environmental laboratory) revealed high levels of contamination. From nine samples taken from around the plants run by Chemplast and MALCO, there were 17 chemicals were found to be at levels significantly above USEPA 'safe' levels. Culture/Cityscape Villagers in Mettur celebrate the Mariamman festival during the summer vacation time (May) and lasts for an entire week. The Aadi Perukku festival is celebrated every year on 18th day of Tamil month Adi. Transport By Air The nearest airport is Salem Airport, which has daily flights to Chennai. By Rail There is a railway station located near the upper part of Mettur Dam that connects to Salem. From the station there is also a daily express train to and from Chennai. By Road Mettur, being close to the transportation hubs of Erode and Salem, is well connected to both these cities as well as to Dharmapuri. Bus services operate from Erode and Salem at the high frequency, with bus services typically once every 5 minutes. There is a shortcut for Coimbatore from Dharmapuri via Thoppur, Mettur, Bhavani (which can save up to travel) without reaching Salem by NH47 due to the high volume of traffic between Coimbatore and Salem, especially between Coimbatore and Avinashi on NH47. There is also a route to Mysuru-Karnataka through Madeswaran Malai (madeswaran Betta) and Kollegal from Mettur. References Cities and towns in Salem district