New Delhi, Apr 5 (KNN) In the directives issued by the Supreme Court last month, the industries across Gujarat will have to shut down if they do not have Primary Effluent Treatment Plants (PETPs). The State Government was directed to ensure compliance within three months that is by May 22, 2017.

With merely a month left to set up the plants, the MSME units in Gujarat seem worried and look for an extension from the Government.

Talking to KNN, Mahesh J. Patel, General Secretary, Ankleshwar Industries Association said, “It is a very short time given for the Industries to set up the plant, it is impossible for the industries to comply with the directive this soon”.

Further Mahesh talked about the problem for the small scale industries to set up the treatment plant.

“Small scale industries in Gujarat are built on 600 m, 700 m or to the maximum on 1000 metres of land. Constructing an Effluent treatment Plant requires almost 500 metres which makes it practically as well as logistically difficult for the MSMEs to set them up,” he explained.

Instead, Patel suggested that setting up of common treatment unit is a better option that the government should explore.

“MSMEs can have a common PETP, further there can be a common discharge unit for the Estate. This will help reduce the cost and make it feasible for the Industries to comply with the directive. Also it will be easier for the Government to monitor since the discharge will be from one common point” he added.

Patel appreciated the Courts decision of coming up with policies to save the environment, however he registered his protest on the implementation and timeframe aspect of the same.

Similar opinions seem to emerge from industrialists from across the state. Anil Sharma of ABC Organics and Chemicals said “The given time is too short and we are in the process of approaching the Supreme Court collectively to demand an extension”.

Meanwhile he also voiced his concern for the environment. “Whatever decision the Court has taken is positive, we all are willing to comply with it, we all want to do our bit in saving the environment, but we need some more time, an extension of minimum two months is must” he added. (KNN/ DA)