5 tanneries fined Rs 1 lakh each for PCB norms violation
LUCKNOW: The Kanpur unit of special task force (Magh Mela) has levied a penalty of Rs 1 lakh each on five Jajmau-based tanneries for violation of roster norms introduced by the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB).
Power supply to these tanneries was also disconnected with immediate effect.
UPPCB officials said the tanneries were found to be violating roster norms introduced to keep pollution in river Ganga under control ahead of Magh Mela scheduled from second week of January.
On the directions of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , at least 27 STFs comprising members of UPPCB, electricity department and executive magistrates were formed in districts through which the Ganga passes.
Member secretary of UPPCB Ashish Tiwari said, “There are four pumping stations at Jajmau which are responsible for pumping waste discharge of local tanneries to common effluent treatment plant (CETP), where solid waste is segregated and waste water is treated before been released into the river. However, due to overburden of waste discharge via pumping stations, it was decided that only two pumping stations will work at a time, subsequently forcing tanneries to follow roster in which each tannery was supposed to work 15 days a month.”
“However, even after reminder ahead of Magh Mela, five tanneries were found violating norms and continued to release waste into Ganga.We have directed power department to disconnect supply to tanneries and also imposed Rs 1 lakh penalty each,” he added.
UPPCB also issued notice to at least seven other industries in Kanpur asking them to take appropriate measures to check air pollution.
