The Uttar Pradesh government has reported a substantial decrease in industrial pollution entering the Ganga River, largely attributed to the stringent enforcement of zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) norms for tanneries in Kanpur. The successful implementation of these regulations, alongside upgrades to wastewater treatment infrastructure, marks a significant step towards rejuvenating the Ganga’s water quality.
The Jajmau Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Kanpur, a critical facility for processing tannery effluent, has been fully operational since its inauguration in December 2023. This plant is designed to treat industrial wastewater containing chromium, organic loads, and dyes before discharge. Complementing the CETP’s efforts, the interception of the Sisamau drain, which previously released approximately 140 million liters per day (MLD) of untreated sewage and industrial waste directly into the Ganga, has further curtailed pollution sources. These interventions have demonstrably improved the water quality in the Kanpur stretch of the river, although ongoing challenges necessitate continued vigilance.
Kanpur’s Jajmau tannery belt has historically been identified as the largest single point source of industrial pollution impacting the main stem of the Ganga. The enforcement of ZLD norms signifies a paradigm shift from previous less effective measures, which at times included the closure of non-compliant tanneries and substantial fines imposed by environmental bodies such as the National Green Tribunal (NGT). In November 2019, the NGT levied fines totaling ₹280 crore on 22 tanneries and ₹10 crore on the Uttar Pradesh government for failing to curb toxic chromium discharge into the river, highlighting years of inadequate action.
The journey towards cleaner industrial practices in Kanpur has been long and complex. In March 2021, the State Pollution Control Board ordered the closure of 94 tanneries in the Jajmau area for violating High Court and NGT orders by discharging contaminated water into sewer lines. This action followed warnings issued by the District Magistrate of Kanpur in July 2020. The leather export industry, a significant contributor to the local economy, expressed concerns over such stringent measures, with industry representatives threatening to relocate units if harassment continued.
The effectiveness of ZLD systems and advanced wastewater treatment technologies is increasingly recognized as crucial for industrial sustainability in India. These systems aim to recycle all water within the industrial process, leaving no liquid effluent. While the implementation of ZLD and other advanced treatment methods, such as Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) and Reverse Osmosis (RO), can involve substantial capital and operational costs, they are becoming regulatory necessities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has set stringent discharge norms for industries, with non-compliance leading to closure notices, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. For tanneries adopting ZLD, fresh water consumption is permitted only for process loss and domestic use, underscoring the commitment to water conservation and reuse.
The Kanpur leather industry, with its clusters in Jajmau and Unnao, has a substantial economic footprint, contributing significantly to the local economy and providing employment to a large workforce. However, its legacy as a polluting industry has led to increased regulatory scrutiny and operational restrictions. In response to these pressures, many tanneries have begun adopting innovative sustainable practices, including investments in ZLD treatment plants to achieve high rates of water reuse. These efforts are vital not only for environmental protection but also for the long-term viability of the industry itself.
The challenges in managing industrial effluent are multifaceted, involving not only regulatory enforcement but also the capacity of state agencies to manage effluent treatment plants effectively. Reports have indicated that state agencies like Jal Nigam have sometimes faced difficulties in fulfilling their commitments, leading to tanneries bearing the brunt of the blame. Moving forward, a coordinated approach involving robust monitoring, political will, technological investment, and community engagement is essential to ensure the sustainable management of industrial wastewater and the protection of vital water bodies like the Ganga.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
