The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) has taken the responsibility of promoting an eco-friendly model park with the latest technology and 10 leading textile group companies in the State are all set to establish their processing units in the park, said SIMA chairman T Rajkumar, in a press release on Thursday dismissing arguments against the textile processing park in Cuddalore as baseless.

He further said that the park and the technology for the treatment and disposal of effluents have been approved by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Maritime Board, Central Pollution Control Board and the Ministry of Environment and Forest. Technology support and guidance is given by Anna University and various other competent institutions and agencies.

The textile processing park would generate direct employment to 5,000 people and indirect jobs for 25,000 people within two years.

The park is being closely monitored by the Project Appraisal Committee of the Centre while the State is facilitating the project implementation apart from giving necessary grant, he added.

Explaining the project, the SIMA chief said that the processing units predominantly use common salt for dyeing cotton fabrics which is harmless when discharged into sea, but would have adverse affect if the same is left on the surface. The textile processing does not involve any toxic chemicals which are hazardous to the marine life and foolproof technology with online monitoring system would be implemented and monitored by a competent third party agency under the supervision of Pollution Control Board.

The treated effluent to the marine standards would be discharged under the sea beyond 600 meters and after implementation of the project samples will be tested frequently and monitored by the government authorities, he explained.

He stressed that there was no need to fear about depletion of groundwater, as the processing units would tap groundwater below 1,000 feet and this was decided after SIPCOT conducted a study by engaging the geological department.

The Government of India had proposed implementing marine discharge technology and announced 40 percent grant for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) and 50 percent grant under Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS) to install and operate eco-friendly and cost effective technology.

Rajkumar further said that apart from Government of India announcing grant, the state government would also be giving grants to projects meeting specified norms in the state. A 9 percent grant for SITP and 25 percent grant for IPDS.