In a method that would be unique in the country, about 85 per cent of water used in tanning would be recycled and reused in the manufacturing process. This was announced by the officials concerned, at the inauguration of the third edition of ‘Ambur Open’ on Wednesday.
The industry assured that it would take steps to combat pollution caused because of leather manufacture.
The two-day leather expo is being organised by the Indian Shoe Federation (ISF) in association with TUV SUD (South Asia), Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) and Council for Leather Exports (CLE). Over 118 exhibitors from the leather sector across the country converged at Ambur to showcase new technology, machinery and new opportunities.
M Mohamed Hashim, chairman of the K H Group of leather industries said the leather industry in Tamil Nadu was taking all possible measures to reduce pollution. He said the industry had invested around `300 crore to control pollution.
“We will not go back on our word given to the Supreme Court and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board that we would soon make the industry pollution free,” he said. He requested the State government to supply adequate power as the industry was incurring over 50 per cent production cost on electricity.
Chairman of CLE , M Rafeeq Ahmed said the leather industry was undergoing a crisis and the government had announced a slew of measures that included extension of all existing support to the industry towards improving growth rate. Last year the leather sector had registered a growth rate of 32 per cent and this year it would be 20 to 30 per cent, he added.
Ambur MLA Aslam Basha urged entrepreneurs in the industry to make use of the upcoming SIPCOT industrial estate near Ambur at Minnur in order to lend more support to the leather industries in Ambur.
Collector Ajay Yadav who was the chief guest on the occasion, inaugurated the event. While welcoming the various measures initiated by the leather industry to combat pollution, he said, “Bring in technology to improve power management and to tap hybrid power.”
K R Vijayan, ISF, welcomed the gathering.