Erode: Erode Small Tanners Association has entered into an understanding with Central Leather Research Institute to implement cleaner technologies in Erode.
The MoU was signed during a workshop on ‘Roadmap to Sustainable growth to Erode leather sector’, organised here on Sunday to mark the World Environment Day.
As per the MoU, CLRI would help the tanneries inculcate environmentally sustainable technologies for waste discharge. Addressing the owners of tanneries in Erode during the workshop, CLRI director B Chandraseakaran said Erode had been a pioneer in implementing eco-friendly technologies. “Two recently developed technologies, ‘zero waste water discharge technology’ and “pickle free waterless chrome tanning technology’ are being implemented in Erode. Unlike the reverse osmosis-based zero liquid discharge that is in practice now, CLRI’s zero waste water discharge is cost effective and environmentally sustainable,” he said.
He said the tanners could form a cluster and approach the state government for funds to implement the two technologies in all the tanneries in Erode. “If the tanneries come together to function as a cluster, it would eventually create more employment opportunities for the youth,” he said.
Erode collector S Prabakar said a project proposal to set up waste water recycling plants in Erode, Salem and Namakkal districts was underway. The objective was to prevent discharge of waste water into Bhavani and Cauvery rivers.
The state government has sanctioned a sum of 1.4 crore for preparing the proposal by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), water board and local bodies.
