Summary:
"We cannot ignore the issue of Ganga pollution as we have to ensure clean and continuous flow of water. "We are not in favour of closing down industries but environment clearances are required before we order reopening," added Rathore. Hence, reports are being sought from the ground level on whether the tanneries are fulfilling minimum standards in treating discharge," said Rathore. Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) chairman JPS Rathore confirmed that tanneries would have to wait for some more time to reopen and it could be two to three months before UPPCB gets the inquiry report. LUCKNOW: Thousands of labourers, mostly Muslims and Dalits, who had lost their livelihood since UP government ordered the shut down of about 300 tanneries along the Ganga in Kanpur and Unnao for almost three months during the Kumbh Mela , will have to wait for some more time before they return to their workplaces.While the state urban development department, which supervised the Kumbh, had recommended the reopening of tanneries earlier this month, the order was later stalled, seeking environmental approval..