At the review meeting chaired by Minister for Handloom and Textiles S. Gokula Indira to discuss measures for establishing Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in the four districts, Erode, Salem, Namkkal and Karur where there are around 2,090 textile processing units of which only 1,007 have expressed their consent for establishing CETPs.

She added that 1,205 units were functioning with the consent from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), while 885 units were functioning without obtaining permission.

Though the Chief Minister had announced setting up of CETPs at Rs. 700 crore through Rule 110 on August 11, 2014, additional funds would be requested based on the detailed project report to be submitted by the Tamil Nadu Water Investment Company Limited.

Diagnostic Study Feasibility Report (DSFR) for establishing CETPs in Erode, Perundurai and Bhavani were completed while survey is in progress in Salem and Edappadi clusters.

Environment Minister Thoppu N. Venkadachalam said that the 5 percent sledge created through zero liquid discharge (ZLD) treatment plants could be used as fuel and also as raw materials in cement industries. The sludge is stored in Gummidipoondi plant and for the first time in the State, it will be used in cement industries, he said.

Tamil Nadu Water Investment Company Chief Executive Officer I. Sadiq Hussein said that about 10,000 direct jobs could be provided by the setting up of the integrated textile processing park with ZLD in the four districts,. Also, the clusters would increase the domestic production by Rs. 7,000 crore besides preventing pollution of water bodies in the State.

Textile processing unit owners expressed the difficulties in purchasing land for CETP in Salem and financial constraints in contributing 25 percent of the project cost.

Accordint to Industries Minister P. Thangamani and Highways Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the projects were aimed at long-term for growth of the sector and urged all the unit owners to be members of the projects.