The scheme of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) has been initiated by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, where financial assistance in the form of subsidy is provided at the rate of 25% from the central government and 25% matching contribution by the state government through MIDC 20% and MPCB 5%. The CETP scheme was essentially evolved to provide techno-economic viability and facilitating compliance of environmental standards by small scale industries. The scheme is now well established and in Maharashtra, we have 11 CETPs in operation at various industries estates of MIDC. In case of CETPs at Taloja, Tarapur and Dombivli, the work of creating additional capacities in CETP is in progress, while in case of Aurangabad (Waluj), Ichalkaranji etc. construction work of CETP is due to be taken up shortly.

Preparation of feasibility report, construction and day to day operation and maintenance of CETP is entrusted to a Society/Company that is formed by user industries and an executive body created from the members is responsible for management of CETP operations. We have observed that generally, because of the internal rivalries and some other reasons, there are clashes in body responsible for CETP's operation. As a result, CETP operations are upset and/or in some cases there are delays in upgradation/augmentation of the capacities of CETPs. Thus, continues discharge of partially or inadequately treated effluent into the environment.

The small scale industries are large in number and their volume of effluent is much less. In some cases, many SSIs even do not generate industrial effluent, but they are also required to be the members of the CETP Society. SSI units being large in number, do have majority in terms of sheer numbers and as a result, they occupy important positions in executive body such as President, Secretary, Treasurer etc

Most of the SSIs do not have major stake in CETP as compared to those of large and medium industries who use the CETP for hydraulic load and polishing treatment by way of dilution etc. If the CETP do not perform to the desired standards, MPCB takes strong action against violation and all the members in the industrial area are then affected by the action of the Board. This can be avoided if the CETP operates properly and this is possible only with commitment and dedication for pollution control by the executive body

In order to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the CETP including undertaking the works for expansion etc. for improving the performance of CETP, the important office bearers of the CETP Societies i.e. President, Secretary and Treasurer must be representatives of those industries who have contribution of industrial effluent at least 25m3/day. In this situation it is expected that they will also have certain stakes to ensure proper operation and maintenance of CETPs. The existing situation where we see the executive body which is insensitive to proper O&M of CETP can not be allowed to continue. Board and the State has certain stake and responsibility in this regard. Board can not sit as mute spectator. Number of public complaints and Assembly questions arise due to improper O&M of CETP resulting into the water pollution of the receiving body.

In view of the above, I, Dr. Dilip B. Boralkar, in exercise of the powers conferred on me under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 propose to issue directions to you as under

1. The CETP Society shall elect its President, Secretary, Treasurer from the representatives/members of industries who are discharging at least 25m3 of industrial effluent per day.
2. The financial stake holders' representatives, one each, from MoEF, MPCB and MIDC shall be co-opted as Members of the Board of Directors
3. You should submit your say/objections within a period of seven days from the date of receipt of these directions, failing which the Board will be constrained to issue appropriate action as may deem fit in your case, which may be noted

This has reference to the proposed directions issued under Section 33 A of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 to you vide letter dtd. 13.07.2006 and the meeting of the representatives of all CETP’s held on 25.08.2006 for the proper operation & maintenances of the CETP. The minutes of the meeting were circulated vide letter No. MPCB/RO(P&P)/TB/B-2624, dtd. 19.09.2006

On the basis of the discussion in the meeting to ensure proper operation & maintenance of CETP in compliance with the environmental standards. I, Dr. Dilip B. Boralkar, Member Secretary of the M.P.C. Board in exercise of the powers conferred on me under the Section 33 A of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, hereby direct you to comply as under:-

1. Boards guidelines for operation & maintenance of CETP shall be strictly followed by you and compliance report shall be submitted every month to MPCB.
2. Operation & maintenance of CETP shall be done by the qualified personnel / contractors
3. You shall set up Local Area Environment Committee for vigilance purpose, consisting not more than 4 members in the industrial area from MPCB/ MIDC/CETP representative / Local body/ Panchayat
4. You shall set up Local Area Environment Committee for vigilance purpose, consisting not more than 4 members in the industrial area from MPCB/ MIDC/CETP representative / Local body/ Panchayat
5. You shall consider for setting up of auxiliary units for the benefit of the members of CETP depending upon the requirement such as Acid Recovery Plant (ARP), Multiple Effect Evaporator (MEE), Solvent / Waste Water Recycling Unit, etc
6. You shall undertake audit from Third Party and submit report to the M.P.C. Board office once in a year by April end
7. You shall install online TOC analyzer for continuous monitoring & record shall be submitted every month to MPCB.
8. You shall form Technical Working Committee in consultation with MIDC & MPCB.

Copy to:
1. Principal Secretary, Env. Department, Mantralaya, Mumbai.
2. Chief Executive Officer, MIDC, Mumbai- 400 093.
3. All Regional Officer, MPCB.