Study on Environment Management Strategies of Leather Tannery Units- Punjab & Kolkata Region

Abstract

This study investigates the environmental management strategies adopted by leather tannery units in Punjab and Kolkata, two major centres of India’s leather industry. Despite the sector’s significant economic contribution through exports and employment, it remains one of the 17 most polluting industries in the country, primarily due to inefficient resource utilization and inadequate waste management. The research examines the environmental implications of tanning operations, including water, air, and solid waste pollution, and evaluates the technological and policy measures introduced to mitigate these impacts. Using secondary data from government reports, industry assessments, and field-based studies, the paper analyses the effectiveness of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), waste minimisation initiatives, and cleaner production technologies. The findings reveal that while modernisation and government-led interventions—such as the Integrated Leather Development Programme and the establishment of the Kolkata Leather Complex—have led to measurable improvements, the widespread adoption of sustainable practices remains limited due to space constraints, financial barriers, and a lack of technical expertise. The study underscores the urgent need for integrated environmental policies, advanced treatment infrastructure, and workforce training to ensure sustainable growth. By exploring both ecological challenges and progressive industry responses, this work contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable industrial development. It highlights the path forward for reconciling economic gains with environmental responsibility in India’s leather sector.