Vapi Industries in expansion mode as GPCB Grants Approval for Effluent treatment at CETP

Surat/Vapi : After a five-year-long wait, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has granted permission for the treatment and discharge of 4 million liters per day (MLD) of effluent from 99 industrial units in Vapi at the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Vapi. This significant development paves the way for these industries to expand their operations, pending the grant of approval by the GPCB for the necessary environmental clearances.

Vapi, an industrial hub, has been grappling with the issue of effluent management for some time. The effluent generated by the industrial units in the Vapi industrial area is treated at the CETP in Vapi before being discharged into the sea through the Daman Ganga River. The CETP in Vapi currently has a capacity to treat 55 MLD of effluent, receiving approximately 50 MLD, leaving room for additional industries to utilize its treatment facilities.

However, the GPCB had previously withheld approval for the 99 industries in Vapi due to their location within a critical zone and the sensational controversy involving the then directors of Vapi Green Enviro Limited who alleged extorted Rs 10 crores from the industries in the name of getting the GPCB sanction for 4 MLD usages in CETP. In this connection, two directors were suspended and an inquiry committee was appointed.

An inquiry committee investigation revealed there were no facts supporting the Rs 10 crore embezzlement and the two directors are yet to get a clean chit.

Sources have revealed that Kanubhai Desai, the Finance Minister of Gujarat and MLA from Pardi assembly constituency in Valsad, played a pivotal role in championing the cause. Desai engaged in discussions with the chairman of GPCB and advocated for the approval of these industries, initially numbering 91 and later increasing to 99, considering the positive impact on CETP operations.

The approval for an additional 4 MLD of effluent treatment has brought immense joy to the industrial community in Vapi. This milestone not only facilitates the expansion of Vapi’s industries but also promises economic growth and potential investments in new industries that can benefit from the increased effluent treatment capacity.

However, it is important to note that the industries granted permission for excess effluent discharge will need to obtain the necessary environmental clearances before they can begin discharging the additional effluent. This regulatory step ensures that environmental safeguards are upheld while allowing for the sustainable growth of industries in the region.