Govt.’s proposal to set up a CETP in Karur remains a non-starter

It became a daunting task for the industries to dispose of hazardous industrial waste of about 6,500 tonnes collected at one of the common effluent treatment plants in Karur.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

The setting up of a rejuvenated Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) remains a non-starter in Karur, which has a number of dyeing and bleaching units.

As many as eight CETPs were functioning in Karur until 2010. They were established by the like-minded entrepreneurs by entering into memorandums of understanding (MoU) to treat and discharge the effluents of their units in a common plant. Though they functioned well in the initial stages, the initiative fizzled out because of the mounting overhead cost in running the plants. All eight CETPs were subsequently closed in 2010.

Since then, the dyeing and bleaching units have been discharging the effluents by establishing zero liquid discharge (ZLD) plants individually. Similarly, a group of textile manufacturers launched a company, called Colourful Eco Park Ltd., to set up a 10 MLD common effluent treatment plant on 110 acres of land near Karur on the Karur-Coimbatore Highway in 2012. However, they dropped the proposal apparently because of the opposition of the local residents to the plant in their locality. The land purchased for the project has now been sold.

Govt.’s plan

The State government came out with a plan to establish a common effluent treatment plant in 2021 on 250 acres of land. However, it has not taken off. According to sources, the modalities of setting up the CETP is yet to be worked out and funds had not been allocated for the project. However, some entrepreneurs see the fresh announcement made in the State Budget for 2025-26 to set up a CETP in Karur as a positive development.

“Karur badly needs a CETP. At least 30 to 40 new dyeing or bleaching units are waiting to start their operation in Karur. But they could not start their units because of stringent norms and the court orders. The CETP is the only option to establish new units. The Union and State governments should expedite the process. Any delay will not augur well for the growth of textile manufacturing units in Karur,” says R. Gopalakrishnan, president, Karur Textile Manufacturing and Exporters’ Association.

Sources in the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board said the number of dyeing and bleaching units in Karur had come down to about 68 from 450 following the strict implementation of rules and regulations. Only units with zero liquid discharge are allowed to function. Others were closed for violation a few years ago. The State government was keen to set up a new CETP, they said.