| The
genesis of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) for clusters of small scale
industries (SSIs) dates back to the mid-eighties. I still recollect the days of
our interaction with the Industry Association, Central Leather Research Institute
(CLRI) and the Leather Development Corporation to explore the possibilities for
collective treatment of effluents from a cluster of tanneries in Vaniyamvadi,
Tamil Nadu. The tanneries were not able to put up individual effluent treatment
facilities due to lack of funds and space. The common effluent treatment plant
designed by CLRI provided a possibility for solution to the problem. However,
it was still difficult for the tanneries to meet the expenses for installation
of the CETP. Hence, an innovative initiative was taken whereby the cost for setting
up of CETP ws was shared by the Central and State Government besides soft loan
from the financing institutions. Thus, the CETP was commissioned in Vaniyamvadi
which became a model for similar initiatives in different parts of the country.
Subsequently, the World Bank entrepreneurs have also come forward with funding
support the scheme. As a result, 48 CETPs have been commissioned by 84 projects
are in various stages of implementation thus providing the facilities for treatment
of effluent from a large number of SSI units In this issue of Parivesh, the facts
and figures on various aspects of CETPs including their present status and case
studies are furnished. We hope, it will be useful to the industries, regulatory
bodies and public at large. My colleagues Dr. B. Sengupta, Member Secretary, Shri
B.P. Shukla Zonal Officer, Kanpur, Dr. S.S. Bala, Zonal Officer, Baroda, Shri
P.K. Mirashe, Environmental Engineer and Shri R..K. Singh, Scientist 'B' have
compiled the information for this issue. |
