The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB)’s order to lock the boilers of member dyeing plants connected to the 40 MLD common effluent treatment plant (CETP), Focal Point, and impose a fine of Rs 75 lakh for repeated environmental law violations has the dyeing sector in a frenzy.
The textile and apparel manufacturers, who depend on these dyeing units to colour their fabrics, now worry that the PPCB move would compromise their output because the dyeing units won’t be able to operate as intended for a considerable amount of time due to the sealing of their boilers. Therefore, the businessmen have requested the PPCB and State Government to rethink the decision.
Apparel Technology and Common Facilitation Centre (ATCFC) chairman Vinod Thapar said, “PPCB’s action on dyeing units linked with 40 MLD Focal Point CETP will deal a big blow to the garment industry.”
Ludhiana MSME Association president Harish Kairpal said, “The recent action by PPCB will cripple working of the garment industry which is directly connected with the dyeing units.”
He added by saying, the industry strongly feels that the State Government should assist in the industry’s purchase of the most up-to-date equipment for replacing the conventional dyeing process with waterless technology in order to address the issue of pollution. Businessmen cannot currently afford non-polluting technology due to its exorbitant cost, which is too high for individual capability.
