Maharashtra distilleries question effluent order

Distilleries in Maharashtra say they face a problem in the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) direction on zero-effluent discharge.

They are doing this through bio-composting, but the CPCB wants the incineration and concentration methods as well. There are 76 distilleries in question, a large number set up by cooperative sugar mills, with an annual production capacity of 920 million litres of alcohol. The issue is likely to come up for discussion at a meeting convened by the state excise minister, Ganesh Naik, in the coming week.

Maharashtra Pollution Control Board sources told Business Standard: “Most of these distilleries have adopted bio-composting. In this process, press mud generated from the sugar mill is utilised to produce compost by mixing distillery effluent. Both anaerobic and aerobic composting systems are practiced. In some plants, composting with treated effluent treated through a bio-methanation plant is also practiced. This system can achieve zero effluent if the press mud quantity matches with the effluent generated.”

The sources said CPCB had mandated new distilleries to go in for incineration and concentration measures.

CPCB sources said: “Distilleries who have not even gone in for bio-composting will face stringent action. As far as incineration and concentration technologies is concerned, CPCB is in the midst of finalisation of guidelines. Naturally, existing distilleries will be given some time to shift to incineration and concentration technologies, in a bid to avoid water and soil contamination.”

However, Bhanudas Murkute, president of the All India Distilleries Association, said incineration and concentration technologies require an investment of Rs 35-45 crore, almost equivalent to the cost of a new distillery. “In Maharashtra, almost all distilleries have achieved zero discharge by bio-composting. CPCB’s new call to adopt incineration and concentration as well will add to the cost of production. We will take up the matter with CPCB,” he said

An official of the Distilleries Association of Maharashtra said it would not be possible in the near term for all distilleries to go in for incineration and concentration technologies. “CPCB should not insist on such a technology at this juncture, when about 82.5 million tonnes of sugarcane is expected to be crushed in the current season in Maharashtra. Besides, a large number are keen to bid for ethanol supply under the Centre’s five per cent ethanol blending programme.”