Confusion Surrounds Industries Regarding Effluent Disposal Policy In Gujarat

The industrial state that hosts chemical, textile, pharmaceutical, and other industries, generates tonnes of mismanaged polluted water.

When a new factory is set up, it is required to establish its own Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), through which the effluent is treated and then sent to a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) for further treatment.

The water treated by the CETP is then discharged into water bodies like the Sabarmati River, municipal Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), or other officially notified disposal locations. In cities like Ahmedabad, Ankleshwar and Jetpur, industry associations manage the CETPs. But in the absence of a single clear policy regarding the method to be followed for the disposal of polluted water by the CETPs, pollution levels have worsened.

After the High Court repeatedly directed the government and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) to clean up the Sabarmati River, industries and CETP operators have gradually begun moving towards the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) method over the past three years. Several large CETPs are now preparing to adopt the ZLD system.

But due to indecision on part of both the central and state governments, industries and CETP operators in Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat are now in a state of uncertainty. This is because, recently, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued a draft notification mandating that all industries in the country should follow the ZLD method.

A tentative deadline was set, with partial compliance required by 2026 and full compliance by 2028. In response, many industries in Ahmedabad have started preparing to adopt ZLD. Two CETPs have already become operational under the ZLD system already. 

Amidst this, the state government has indicated plans to introduce a Deep Sea Discharge (DSD) project in Ahmedabad as part of the upcoming state budget, to be announced on February 20, 2025.

When industry representatives met the government, they were informed that there was no need to worry about ZLD, as the DSD project would be introduced for Ahmedabad, leqaving the stakeholders wondering which wastewater disposal method to follow. 

One industry representative, who is trying to set up a ZLD-based CETP, told The Secretariat that they are ready to follow all government policies and guidelines regarding wastewater disposal, but the government and GPCB has to provide clarity and a single option first.

Chirag Bhimani, an environmental expert, talking to The Secretariat, said, “Currently, Gujarat is experiencing exponential growth in the industrial sector. While it is positive that the state offers multiple options for industrial units to discharge their treated effluents, but this has also led to confusion.”

Another industrialist, who is investing in a ZLD-based CETP, expressed concern that he is set to lose a lot of money if the state government introduces the DSD project. 

An announcement regarding Ahmedabad's DSD project is anticipated in the upcoming Gujarat state budget. However, it takes 5-7 years for such projects to get executed. The industry remains clueless as to which wastewater disposal method should be implemented during these years.

Some stakeholders showed concern regarding its successful implementation. The state and central government’s wastewater disposal policies currently do not align with global technological advancements and practices, leaving key stakeholders worried about a level playing field. 

Currently, industries pay about 2 paise per litre for disposal into regular CETPs. However, under DSD, the cost would rise to approximately 6-7 paise per litre, and under ZLD, the cost is around 12 paise per litre.

If the government proceeds with the DSD option, industries will be reluctant to join CETPs that charge 12 paise per litre. Those who have already invested in ZLDs say they are still willing to follow policy, but government has to finalise one first.

Meanwhile, the Sabarmati River continues to wallow in sewage.