Paper mills that comply strictly with the disposal of zero effluent discharge can operate during the Kumbh Mela 2025

Paper mills that comply strictly with the disposal of zero effluent discharge can operate during the Kumbh Mela 2025

- The Office of the District Magistrate, Meerut order, To ensure strict compliance with the disposal of zero effluent discharge by various water-polluting industrial units located within the Ganga Basin
- Thus, it is explicitly clarified through the CPCB directive No. PJ-140099/14/2024-WQM-II HO-CPCB-HO/6551 dated November 25, 2024, that units adhering to the prescribed standards and discharging fully treated effluent will not be closed during the Maha Kumbh Mela from January to February 2025.

The Pulp and Paper Times

Meerut, December 26, 2024 – In light of the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled from January to February 2025 in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government has focused on environmental conservation by issuing directives to regulate industrial operations. However, the UP government has allowed industrial units operating with zero liquid discharge (ZLD) plants to continue functioning, ensuring strict compliance.

The NCR Paper Mill Association has submitted an appeal regarding the closure orders issued for various industrial units, including paper production plants in Meerut, during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

The association highlights that paper production units in Meerut operate ZLD plants that strictly adhere to the effluent discharge standards established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB). These units discharge only treated effluents, complying with environmental norms, and therefore, do not fall under the category of polluting industries.

As per the directive issued by the District Magistrate of Meerut in reference to the semi-official letter dated November 14, 2024, certain polluting industries are mandated to shut down on specific dates during the event. This directive is part of efforts to minimize pollution during this auspicious period.

The Office of the District Magistrate, Meerut, in compliance with the semi-official letter No. 863(1)/81-7-2024-53 (Environment)/2017 dated November 14, 2024, issued by the Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, has ordered:

• To ensure the purity of the Ganga River water for pilgrims and devotees during the Maha Kumbh Mela.
• To ensure strict compliance with the disposal of zero effluent discharge by various water-polluting industrial units located within the Ganga Basin.
• If, for any reason, zero effluent discharge is not feasible, such industrial units must halt their production processes during this period.

Speaking to The Pulp and Paper Times, Mr. Vinod Agarwal, Director of Paswara Paper Limited, said, “The District Magistrate of Meerut, in line with environmental protocols for the Maha Kumbh Mela, has directed specific industrial units to halt operations on designated dates. However, paper mill operators argue that such closures are unjustified for units following environmental standards. They warn that shutting down continuous-process paper production units could lead to dire financial consequences, pushing these units closer to permanent closure.”

Mr. Agarwal further expressed concern that financial instability would hinder the timely payment of wages to workers, further straining livelihoods and disrupting the local economy.

In its submission, the NCR Paper Mill Association stated that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi, in its directive No. PJ-140099/14/2024-WQM-II HO-CPCB-HO/6551 dated November 25, 2024, issued to the Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), Lucknow, for the operation and monitoring of industrial units during the Maha Kumbh Mela, has not mandated the closure of units that discharge treated effluent in compliance with CPCB and UPPCB standards.

Furthermore, the Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), in a letter dated October 23, 2024, forwarded a roster advising industries in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to operate either on ZLD systems or dry processes.

The association also pointed out that the Honorable Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, in a letter dated November 14, 2024, referred to Public Interest Litigation No. 4003/2006 (Re: Ganga Pollution) pending before the Hon'ble High Court, Allahabad, and the subsequent transfer of the petition to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) through its order dated July 21, 2023, as well as the ongoing case O.A. No. 515/2023 (Ganga Pollution vs. State of U.P. & Others).

The association emphasized that neither the Hon'ble High Court, Allahabad, nor the Hon'ble NGT has passed closure orders for paper production units during the Maha Kumbh Mela. These units operate purification plants that treat effluents in compliance with the discharge standards set by CPCB and UPPCB.

The directive, specifically mentioned on Page 2, Paragraph 2(i) and (ii), clearly states that no industrial unit shall discharge untreated or partially treated effluent during the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Thus, it is explicitly clarified through the CPCB directive No. PJ-140099/14/2024-WQM-II HO-CPCB-HO/6551 dated November 25, 2024, that units adhering to the prescribed standards and discharging fully treated effluent will not be closed during the Maha Kumbh Mela from January to February 2025.

Lastly, the NCR Paper Mill Association raised concerns over reports suggesting that the Uttar Pradesh government is considering exempting sugar mills and dairy plants in the district from the closure schedule during the Maha Kumbh Mela. They argued that such a decision would contradict the principle of "One Nation, One Law," which is fundamental to India’s governance framework.
 

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