Narol textile cluster to upgrade effluent treatment capacity

AHMEDABAD: Ahmedabad's Narol textile cluster, known as the country's largest cotton textile processing hub, is set to upgrade its Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP).
The current capacity of the CETP, which stands at 100MLD (million litres per day), will be boosted to 130MLD. This expansion project, estimated to cost around Rs 75-80 crore, will be collectively funded by approximately 120 member units of the Narol Textile Infrastructure and Enviro Management (NTIEM).
The NTIEM oversees the operations of the Narol CETP, which commenced its activities in 2017.While the individual units within the cluster possess a consolidate, consent and authorization (CCA) for a total of 23MLD, the CETP holds a CCA for 100MLD. Furthermore, the CETP has received Consent to Establish (CTE) for a capacity of 130MLD, paving the way for the planned upgrade.
"Our CETP strictly adheres to the Gujarat Pollution Control Board's (GPCB) regulations, and our COD levels are significantly below the permitted discharge standards. Over the past two and a half years, the CETP's performance has shown remarkable improvement. Despite prevailing challenges of weak demand, our members are eager to expand the CETP's capacity. We are preparing to embark on this upgrade project," stated an NTIEM representative.
Sources indicate that the CETP upgrade plan has recently obtained approval from NTIEM members. "We aim to increase the CETP's capacity to around 130MLD, up from the current 100MLD. Although the full capacity may not be fully utilized given the current market scenario, we believe that this enhancement will enable us to meet superior effluent discharge standards," added another NTIEM source.
Narol houses approximately 120 companies with a combined processing capacity of around 2.50 crore metres per day. However, the industry faces challenges due to weak demand and fluctuating cotton prices. A senior NTIEM member expressed optimism, stating, "Despite these challenges, India is poised to receive increased export orders in the upcoming years, and companies are committed to ensuring their environmental compliance. The total cost of CETP upgradation is projected to be around Rs 75-80 crore, with member units making significant contributions. During our meeting, we also deliberated on the allocation of the additional 30% capacity."