UPPCB seeks nod for closure of 11 tanneries

“Magh Mela is approaching and thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the river on the occasion of Makar Sakranti. During this time,polluted water from tanneries should not be discharged in the river,” said Radhey Shyam,Pollution Control Board Regional Officer.

Five tanneries — Amaan Tannery,Eagle Tannery,J R Leather,Society Leather and Welcomes — in the Jajmau area were earlier shut down for not installing treatment plants and continuously discharging polluted water in the river. At that time only,permission was sought for the closure of other defaulting tanneries — the order is expected by Saturday,said Shyam.

“These tanneries,located in Jajmau area,have continued to discharge waste water in the river despite repeated warnings,” he said.

Shyam,however,did not disclose the names of the tanneries. “It will not be appropriate at this moment as the tannery owners will start lobbying against the order,” he said. He warned that neither treated nor untreated water should be discharged in the river. Since Magh Mela is approaching,the Board will take strict action against any defaulting tannery,he added.