Tanneries in Kanpur: NGT flays UP Jal Nigam over CETPs

The National Green Tribunal today took to task the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam over the operation of sewage treatment plants in Kanpur district and warned the tanneries of coercive action if they fail to comply with the environmental laws.
"Why do keep on passing the hat from one head to another. Why can't you function properly? We will throw the entire tannery industry out," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.
The observations came after the Jal Nigam failed to satisfy the Tribunal of its proposal with regard to upgradation and establishment of additional Common effluent treatment plants (CETP) in Kanpur.

The green bench directed the Central and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Boards to submit a "comprehensive and complete" joint inspection report of tanneries by April 13, the next date of hearing.
Appearing before the bench, the managing director of the UP Jal Nigam assured the Tribunal that he would provide all support to the green panel in relation to the working of CETP that has been installed by them at Jajmau, Kanpur.
The bench had on April 6, issued bailable warrant against the Managing Director of UP Jal Nigam Board for his non-appearance.

"We had directed the Managing Director, UP Jal Nigam Board, Kanpur to be present before us. He was to inform the progress in relation to the sewage treatment at Kanpur as well as the working of CETP that has been installed by them at Jajmau, Kanpur as well as with regard the removal of sludge.

"Neither any affidavit has been filed nor he is present. The counsel for the UP Jal Nigam is also not present. Consequently, we issue bailable warrant against Managing Director, UP Jal Nigam Board, Kanpur...," the Tribunal had said while directing him to be present with complete records.
Noting that Common Effluent Treatment Plant meant to treat serious pollutant effluents was practically non- functional, the bench had earlier said the public authorities should run it and other effluent treatment plants effectively to resolve such a "serious problem of environmental pollution.