NGT asks SIPCOT to consider setting up common sewage and effluent treatment plants in industrial parks

The South Bank of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) to consider setting up common sewage and effluent treatment plants inside industrial parks.

While hearing a petition filed by K. Shanmugam, a resident of Kancheepuram, on discharge of effluent into stormwater drains by 11 industries of SIPCOT Sriperumbudur, the bench noted that as per the report of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, no sewage or untreated or treated effluent was discharged from these units.

However, three of the 11 units are not operating their sewage treatment plant (STP) and effluent treatment plant (ETP) properly. “It is not mentioned whether the TNPCB has taken any action in this regard against the erring units. It also does not say that it has imposed any fine on the erring units. Let the TNPCB file a report to this effect,” the court said.

Stating that SIPCOT is responsible for developing industrial areas and allotting specific plots to various industries, the bench said it may be appropriate for SIPCOT to have a common STP and ETP even though the size of the industries may be small.

“Let the above things be taken into consideration by SIPCOT and also be implemented in the existing areas and in their future areas,” the bench said.