TN tanning industry has to accept zero discharge:Ramesh

Chennai, June 6 (UNI) The tanning industry in Tamil Nadu has to take it as a 'way of life and fact of life' the imposition of environmental standards for Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) by the State Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).

Talking to reporters here, Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said ZLD was absolutely essential in Tamil Nadu.

'We have to accept it as a way of life...fact of life due to maximum water stress in the State.' Tamil Nadu was the only state where the Pollution Control Board had directed all manufacturing industries to achieve ZLD norms by June next year.

He said he had asked the tanning industry in the state to prepare a detailed project report on the quantum of investment needed to meet this environmental standard.

On the investment component, Mr Ramesh said as per the formula envisaged, 25 per cent each should be from the industry and the State government and the balance 50 per cent from the Centre.

'Last week a delegation from Tamil Nadu came to Delhi where a presentation was made in the presence of Union Environment Minister A Raja and IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran', he said.

The Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, in his memorandum to the Prime Minister yesterday, had sought a Rs 150 crore package from the Centre for the tanning industry to met ZLD standards, he pointed out.

Mr Ramesh said he had already held one round of discussions with Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram. CLRI had been asked to prepare a final investment report and it would be ready in a week's time.

''Once it is received, the matter would be taken to Mr Chidambaram again for a final decision', he added.

UNI GV SY GC1821