73 more tanneries in Kanpur to reopen

KANPUR: In a breather to Kanpur’s leather industry, the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) on Friday allowed 73 more tanneries to begin operations.


Last week, UPPCB allowed 28 tanneries to start operations.

Following the order passed by UPPCB chairman JPS Rathore, as many as 101 out of 267 tanneries that faced closure will now be functional.

Two days ago, a committee constituted by the district magistrate had recommended reopening of 73 tanneries which had reduced their capacity and infrastructure to 50 per cent as per the directives of UPPCB.

The news of reopening of tanneries has generated hope among workers in Jajmau area where many tanneries are closed since December 2018.

A delegation of small tanners association had visited Lucknow on Friday to meet the UPPCB chairman who gave permission for reopening of tanneries.

President of Small Tanners Association Babu Bhai said while granting permission, UPPCB chief had repeated the condition that 50 per cent production and capacity should be maintained.

“Around 28 tanneries were functioning even during Kumbh fair as they were connected to pumping station one. In all, 129 tanneries are functioning in the city,” he added.

He said 138 tanneries were still closed and hoped that the committee would soon complete its survey and allow them to resume operations.

“Around 266 tanneries in Jajmau area are still in running stage. Around 238 tanneries of Jajmau were closed ahead of Kumbh fair,” he added.

Meanwhile, the monitoring committee of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has said the tanneries would be closed again if pollution was again found in the Ganga. It said only those tanneries should be allowed to function which are following the standards set by the pollution control board.