Kumbh Mela 2025: 100 paper mills in Ganga Belt to shut operations for 24 days, Industry braces for financial impact amid environmental mandates

Kumbh Mela 2025: 100 paper mills in Ganga Belt to shut operations for 24 days, Industry braces for financial impact amid environmental mandates

- The shutdown of paper mills for 24 days will adversely impact profitability amid sluggish demand and declining exports
- Paper mills from Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are already selling their finished kraft paper in North India
The Pulp and Paper Times

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: In light of the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela, scheduled from January to February 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government has focused on environmental conservation by issuing directives to regulate industrial operations. As per the semi-official letter dated November 14, 2024, from the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, industries will be required to shut down in phases according to a predefined roster.

This measure, similar to previous years, aims to ensure the cleanliness of the Ganga River during the event, which is expected to attract millions of devotees from across India and abroad for the holy ritual of bathing in the river.

Industries located in the Ganga River Basin have been instructed to cease production activities as per a specified roster during the event.

As per the semi-official letter (No. 863(1)/81-7-2024-53(Pariya)/2017, dated November 14, 2024) issued by the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Lucknow, industries must ensure the suspension of their operations on the dates specified in the attached roster, particularly before the main bathing festivals.

"Paper mills located along the Ganga belt have been directed to close their operations four days prior to each royal (Shahi Snan) bathing in the river. There are six royal baths scheduled over a span of 40 days, from January to February 25. As a result, paper mills will remain closed for 24 days during these two months," informed Mr. Ayush Garg, Director of Kamakshi Paper Mill, situated in Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh.

Industries with zero liquid discharge systems must ensure complete compliance with zero effluent discharge protocols. Other industries are required to maintain continuous operation of their effluent treatment plants. 

Speaking to The Pulp and Paper Times, Mr. Dinesh Goyal, Director of Ramaa Shyama Papers Mill in Bareilly, said, "This shutdown of paper mills during the Kumbh Mela will directly impact around 100 paper mills located along the Ganga River belt. The paper industry is already facing challenging times with low demand and a market crisis, but in the larger public interest, we are cooperating with the government to shut down the mills."

Paper mills with ZLD systems are in discussions with Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) officials to lift the ban on ZLD mills. "Paper mills are already incurring losses due to low demand and overcapacity issues. We request the Pollution Control Board to allow ZLD mills to operate. During previous Kumbh Melas, paper mills were permitted to operate as long as no treated water was released into the river system. We expect a visit from CPCB or SPCB teams in the coming days to review the ZLD processes," stated Mr. Pankajj Agarwal, Managing Director of Bindlas Duplex Ltd.

The shutdown of paper mills for 24 days will adversely impact profitability amid sluggish demand and declining exports. Kraft paper mills in western Uttar Pradesh have proposed planned shutdown over the past few months to mitigate the effects. This stoppage is intended to exert upward pressure on the prices of finished kraft paper. "The cleanliness of the Ganga River during the Kumbh requires collective efforts. We are planning not to shut down our mill entirely during the scheduled/planned shutdown," Mr. Goyal added.

Special monitoring and control mechanisms are being planned this year to enhance the cleanliness of the Ganga River and facilitate the large number of devotees participating in the Mahakumbh. The administration's focus remains on preserving the river's purity and ensuring a successful and spiritually fulfilling event for all attendees.

On the market dynamics, Mr. Pankajj Agarwal said, 'Paper mills from Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are already selling their finished kraft paper in North India, impacting our profitability. This Kumbh Mela will provide them with even more opportunities to capture our market.”

Baths: Paush Purnima - January 13, 2025, Makar Sankranti - January 14, 2025 Royal Bath (Shahi Snan), Mauni Amavasya - January 29, 2025 Royal Bath (Shahi Snan), Basant Panchami - February 3, 2025 Royal Bath (Shahi Snan), Maghi Purnima - February 12, 2025, Maha Shivratri - February 26, 2025
 

Web Title: Kumbh Mela 2025: 100 paper mills in Ganga Belt to shut operations for 24 days, Industry braces for financial impact amid environmental mandates