NGT orders shutdown of 78 tanneries in Unnao, Banthar

KANPUR: In an order passed on Wednesday, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered closure of 78 tanneries in Unnao and Banthar. According to UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) officials, as many as 106 tanneries are operating in Banthar and Unnao.
NGT passed the order while hearing a report submitted by a team of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and UPPCB.The team had earlier collected samples from the tanneries from May 20 to 24, and reportedly indicated that they were flouting pollution control norms.
In Kanpur, 260 tanneries have already been closed in compliance of NGT and state government orders. UPPCB officials said only 28 tanneries are operating in Kanpur and have been found to be adhering to the norms.
However, NGT as well as the state government have not given any indication so far as to when the tanneries would be asked to open.
According to sources, NGT chairman A K Goel made it clear in the two-hour hearing that he would not allow any tannery, which would not meet the set standard, to operate.
NGT chairman had also asked the UP chief secretary to submit a report in this matter.
The joint team of CPCB and UPPCB had also collected samples last week and examination of samples indicated that the presence of chromium in tannery water was more than the set standard, which was over 2 mg/litre.
Regional Pollution Control Board official Ghanshyam told TOI that the sample report of Banthar and Unnao came out to be ‘negative’. “The NGT passed the order in the wake of the report,” he added.
He informed TOI that the sample report of Kanpur tanneries, including the ones which are still functioning, would be forwarded to NGT on June 10.
Ghanshyam said that five teams constituted at district level are also collecting samples from pumping stations and CETPs in Kanpur.
Kanpur Tannery Association, meanwhile, claimed the tanneries were complying with all directions of the state government and NGT. “The tanneries were closed during Kumbh, but the lockout is still continuing,” said a member of the association.