Foreword
Jute processing is a major industry in India. Majority of jute mills (81 per cent) are situated in a narrow belt along both banks of river Hugli in the State of West Bengal.

The area being a highly industrialised urban sector, the environment is in a critical state. Jute processing industry is a major contributor to the pollution. In order to prevent any further deterioration of the environment it is necessary that urgent action be taken to check the contribution of the pollutants by the industry. It was, therefore, deemed necessary to suggest Minimal National Standards (MINAS) in respect of effluent and gaseous emission standards for jute processing industry.

The jute processing industries, State Pollution Control Boards and those concerned with Environment, I hope, will find this document useful. This summary document is based on the comprehensive industry document on Jute industry prepared by M/s Environmental Engineers Consortium (EEC), Calcutta. Co-operation extended by West Bengal State Pollution Control Board during indepth studies is appreciated.