Dyeing units warn: Zero discharge norms may kill Ludhiana industry
2
Chandigarh: Under mounting regulatory scrutiny, dyeing units have pushed back against the blanket enforcement of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) norms, warning that the move could cripple micro and small enterprises in the region.
Ludhiana's dyeing units have cited existing compliance with pollution norms, severe financial strain, and the looming threat of unit closures.
Units argue they function as "diluters and not polluters".
The
National Green Tribunal
(NGT) is, at present, hearing a case concerning the alleged discharge of industrial wastewater into the Buddha Nullah by dyeing units in Industrial Area A. In an affidavit submitted to the tribunal, the Industrial Area-A Dyers Association contended that mandating ZLD—a water treatment process where all wastewater is treated and recycled, leaving no liquid waste to be discharged—across the board may contradict binding observations made by the NGT in other related matters.
The association maintained that its member units were already complying with environmental regulations and operating effluent treatment systems effectively.
They argued that despite compliance and willingness to cooperate, a sudden policy shift was unfairly targeting only their cluster. The association stated that ZLD was technically and financially unviable for small and micro units, not backed by govt capital investment or subsidies, and likely to lead to the closure of units, which would trigger economic hardship and job losses.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched
Seeking Alpha
Read More
Undo
The association emphasised that effluent generated by these units, after undergoing in-house treatment, was discharged into the municipal sewer and ultimately treated at the sewage treatment plant (STP), which has shown positive performance results. Citing the Punjab Pollution Control Board's (PPCB) own studies, they argued that treated industrial effluent entering the Buddha Nullah reflected better water quality than areas polluted by cow dung and untreated domestic sewage.
In contrast, illegal units operating without treatment in residential areas were unregulated and posed a larger threat to environment.
The association held that most units had obtained consent to operate from PPCB, permitting the discharge of treated effluent into the sewer after passing through effluent treatment plants (ETPs), with the applicable fee duly paid. Others have submitted applications and are awaiting approvals.
The association explained that these dyeing units had independently invested in and continued to operate sophisticated ETPs designed to treat trade effluent in compliance with prescribed discharge standards. The multi-stage treatment process includes equalisation, neutralisation, and primary to tertiary treatment to ensure the removal of pollutants.
Citing test reports and regulatory inspections, the association asserted that the discharged effluent consistently met stringent pollution control norms.
Many units had also proactively installed online continuous effluent-monitoring systems (OCEMS), enabling real-time data transmission to PPCB and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) servers for transparent and continuous compliance monitoring.
They reiterated that the practice of discharging treated effluent into municipal sewers, followed by further treatment at STPs, was an accepted method that ensured residual contaminants were diluted to permissible levels before reaching natural water bodies such as the Buddha Nullah.
This, they argued, reinforced their position that the units functioned as "diluters and not polluters".
The units underscored that by investing in ETPs and adhering to discharge norms, they had consistently acted as responsible industrial entities. They said they held valid permissions to operate, and discharge treated effluent as per environmental consents. "The continued operation of these units is vital to economic sustenance and employment generation in the region, and it is carried out in adherence to environmental regulation, without imposing an undue burden on environment," the units said.
MSID:: 122228479 413 |
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Chinese President Xi Jinping retiring? His once in a decade move leaves big hint
Chinese President Xi Jinping , widely regarded as a leader for life, is beginning to delegate authority to key organs of the ruling Communist Party, a first in his over 12-year rule. Xi's move sparked speculation that he may be laying the groundwork for an orderly power transition or scaling back his role in preparation for possible retirement. Speculation about Xi's power transition was rife after state-run Xinhua news agency recently reported that the powerful 24-member Political Bureau of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) in its meeting on Jun 30 reviewed a set of new regulations on the work of the party's institutions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is your tinnitus getting worse? Do this immediately (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo The meeting presided over by Xi himself stressed that the regulations will further standardise the establishment, responsibilities, and operations of the CPC Central Committee's decision-making, deliberative, and coordinating institutions. Such institutions should exercise more effective leadership and coordination over major tasks and focus on planning, discussing, and overseeing major tasks, the Xinhua report said. Live Events While the overseas Chinese dissident community in recent months was abuzz with speculation of a power struggle within the secretive and tightly controlled CPC, a China-based political analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity said the regulations on these party bodies could hint at preparations for Xi's retirement. "The rules may be set up to regulate the bodies because it's a key time for power transition," the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on Sunday quoted the analyst as saying. Other experts, however, averred that Xi, regarded as the most powerful leader after CPC founder Mao Zedong, may be delegating some powers to focus on larger issues. "It does seem that Xi might pay less attention to day-to-day details, which necessitates a policing mechanism to ensure that his policy priorities are still being carried out by lower-level officials," Victor Shih, a specialist in Chinese elite politics and finance at the University of California San Diego, told the Post. Xi also skipped the BRICS summit being held in Rio de Janeiro from Sunday. This is the first time since he became president that he will be missing the summit of the emerging economies. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is heading China's delegation at the summit. Xi's move of delegating power comes amid US President Donald Trump's tariff war disrupting China's USD 440 billion exports to America, besides major headwinds faced by the Chinese economy, with growth falling due to continued slowdown, and the collapse of the housing market, the mainstay of the economic growth. The crisis was exacerbated by the government's attempts to rein in the corporate sector and the unsuccessful zero COVID policy of shutting down Chinese cities during the height of the pandemic, resulting in the industry and business coming to a grinding halt. Since he took over power, becoming the General Secretary of the CPC in 2012, Xi, who was previously the Vice President, rapidly consolidated his power hold in the key power centres -- the party, the presidency, and the powerful military as the Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) -- the overall high command of Chinese armed forces. As he firmed up his grip over power structures, carrying out China's biggest anti-corruption campaign in which over a million officials were punished and dozens of top generals purged, Xi was declared as "core leader" of the party, a designation that was conferred only on party founder Zedong. Later, the key rule of the president's term of two five-year terms was amended by the legislature, paving the way for him to get elected for an unprecedented third five-year term as the General Secretary of the Party in 2022 and as President of the country in the following year. All of Xi's predecessors retired after two five-year terms, while he continued in power with no term limits, earning him the label of president for life. Analysts say his plan to remain in power or share power was expected to unravel before or during the next five-year congress of the CPC to be held in 2027, by which time his third term will end.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
US-India trade deal: Industry ready for any outcome, says CII chief; flags sectoral risks, supports government stand
Representative image As the 90-day suspension on the US-imposed reciprocal tariffs ends on July 9, Indian industry remains prepared for any outcome from the ongoing trade talks with the United States, according to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Rajiv Memani. Speaking to news agency ANI, Memani stressed that India will not sign any agreement that compromises national interest. "The Indian government has given considerable time to understand industry concerns, issues and opportunities. Every industry, every size of industry has been consulted to understand how India should be positioned," Memani said. He added, 'There is no compulsion in this regard… India will only do this deal when it is in India's and America's interest.' The potential bilateral trade deal is being closely tracked as the July 9 deadline also marks the end of the suspension of a 26 per cent additional import duty on Indian goods entering the US. As per news agency PTI, a favourable outcome could lift sentiment across trade-sensitive sectors like IT, auto and pharmaceuticals, which have been under pressure in anticipation of higher tariffs. Memani acknowledged the sector-specific impact if the deal does not go through. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Paras Floret Low-Rise Flats Paras The Florett Book Now Undo 'It is certain that some sectors and some industries will face difficulties, but industries do not want to work in a way that harms the country,' he said. The automotive sector is particularly vulnerable due to Mexico's existing zero-tariff trade agreement with the US, which gives it a competitive edge. 'If there's a 25 per cent gap, then Mexico becomes most competitive,' he warned. He also pointed out that Vietnam's garment industry, with its 20 per cent tariff advantage, poses another challenge for Indian exporters. 'The garment industry could become slightly less competitive,' Memani added. Even if a deal is finalised, Memani cautioned against expecting instant benefits, calling FTAs a 'long game.' He explained that both countries would need to make structural adjustments, and the Indian industry would need to improve its competitiveness. 'Many American companies may also invest in India to export from India. Indian companies will also have to focus on their competitiveness,' he said. According to PTI, market analysts believe the tariff deadline will be the key macro trigger this week. Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking noted that the outcome 'could shape global trade dynamics,' while Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments said a deal would 'further lift market sentiment.' Foreign fund flows are also expected to react to the trade developments. V K Vijayakumar of Geojit added that FII buying will depend on the trade outcome and Q1 earnings signals, with firms like TCS and Avenue Supermarts scheduled to release results this week. 'Trade deals are two-way. Some things will be good, while some sectors may face challenges,' Memani summed up, underlining that Indian industry stands firmly behind national priorities, with or without a deal. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Who is Rajan Kabra? The quiet CA Final topper from Mumbai with back-to-back AIR 1s
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced the results for its May 2025 exams. Results for Foundation, Intermediate and Final levels went live on 6 July. This year, Mumbai's Rajan Kabra has topped the CA Final with an impressive 516 out of 600 marks, bagging the All India Rank 1. Rajan Kabra sets new mark Rajan Kabra's 86 percent score led the Final exam chart. Nishtha Bothra from Kolkata followed at second place with 503, while Manav Rakesh Shah came third with 493 marks. In the Intermediate category, Disha Ashish Gokhru clinched AIR 1 with 513, Devidan Yash Sandeep came next with 503 and Yamish Jain and Nilay Dangi shared third with 502. At the Foundation level, Vrinda Agarwal topped with 362 out of 400. She was followed by Yadnesh Rajesh Narkar and Shardul Shekar Vichare at close margins. Who is Rajan Kabra? Rajan Kabra is no stranger to topping charts. In May 2022, he secured AIR 1 in Intermediate too. He began his CA journey with a Foundation score of 378 out of 400 in July 2021. His steady climb reflects a style rooted in curiosity and discipline, not just cramming notes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Conheça o Alarme com Sirene que afasta os Ladrões com 40% Off Verisure Saiba Mais Undo What sets Rajan apart is how he sees exams. He says his journey is driven by questions, not just answers, and by 'a mindset that values the process as much as the prize.' How did he do it? While many stick to textbooks, Rajan blends theory with practice. He works as an industrial trainee at Boston Consulting Group, picking up real-world lessons in strategy and business. He is also known among friends for his love of fiction. Harry Potter tops his reading list. In school and college, Rajan actively joined debates, quizzes and elocution contests. Live Events In recent years, he has turned to geopolitics and global finance. For him, these areas connect balance sheets to the wider world. He believes learning should keep evolving, saying he sees education as 'a continuous process rooted in growth, awareness and intellectual curiosity.' Pass rates show tough road The results again show how demanding the CA course remains. In the Final, 22.38 percent cleared Group 1 and 26.43 percent passed Group 2. Just 18.75 percent managed to clear both groups together. For the Intermediate exam, pass rates were lower: 14.67 percent for Group 1 and 21.51 percent for Group 2. Only 13.22 percent cracked both at once. At the Foundation level, the pass rate stood at 15.09 percent. Boys performed slightly better than girls this year, with 16.26 percent qualifying against 13.80 percent. ICAI CA Final May Toppers 2025 Check list of CA Final toppers below: Rank Name Marks (Out of 600) Percentage AIR 1 Rajan Kabra 516 86% AIR 2 Nishtha Bothra 503 83.83% AIR 3 Manav Rakesh Shah 493 82.17% ICAI CA Intermediate May Toppers 2025 Check list of CA Intermediate toppers below: Rank Name Marks (Out of 600) Percentage AIR 1 Disha Ashish Gokhru 513 85.50% AIR 2 Devidan Yash Sandeep 503 83.83% AIR 3 Yamish Jain/Nilay Dangi 502 83.67% ICAI CA Foundation May Toppers 2025 Check list of CA Foundation toppers below: Rank Name Marks (Out of 400) Percentage AIR 1 Vrinda Agarwal 362 90.5% AIR 2 Yadnesh Rajesh Narkar 359 89.75% AIR 3 Shardul Shekar Vichare 358 89.5% How to check the ICAI CA May 2025 result Candidates can check their results online. ICAI has advised students to head to or From there, they must click on the May 2025 results link, enter their registration number, roll number and date of birth, and download the mark sheet. To pass, candidates must score at least 40 percent in each paper and an overall 50 percent in each group. Those scoring above 70 percent earn a 'Pass with Distinction' badge. ICAI will soon share details of the membership process and a convocation ceremony to honour the toppers. The institute urges students to watch its websites for any updates or official interviews. Rajan's story stands out not just for the numbers. It reminds many that behind India's most gruelling exams, there are stories about balance sheets, debates, and even wizard tales. The CA remains one of India's toughest badges to earn — and for many, it stays worth it.
