Complete 2024 guide to ETPs for Indian industries. Learn about treatment technologies, CPCB compliance, costs, and zero liquid discharge systems for your industrial wastewater.
Industrial pollution is one of India's biggest environmental challenges. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) mandates Effluent Treatment Plants for all polluting industries. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about ETPs—from technology selection to achieving zero liquid discharge.
Why ETPs are Mandatory in India
Under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and Environment Protection Act 1986, industries must treat effluents before discharge. Non-compliance leads to closure orders, heavy penalties, and criminal prosecution. State Pollution Control Boards conduct regular inspections and monitor real-time discharge through online systems.
Industries Requiring ETPs in India
Red category (highly polluting): Textiles, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, tanneries, pulp & paper, distilleries. Orange category (moderately polluting): Food processing, dairy, automobile, electroplating. These industries must install ETPs before commencing operations and obtain Consent to Operate from SPCB.
ETP Treatment Stages
Primary Treatment: Screening removes large solids, oil skimmers separate floating oils, equalization tanks balance flow and quality variations. Chemical Treatment: pH adjustment, coagulation-flocculation for heavy metals and suspended solids, chemical precipitation. Secondary Treatment: Biological processes (aerobic/anaerobic) break down organic pollutants. Tertiary Treatment: Polishing through filtration, activated carbon, ozonation.
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Systems
ZLD is mandatory for highly polluting industries in certain states. ZLD systems use multiple evaporators (MEE) and crystallizers to recover 95%+ water for reuse while producing solid waste for disposal. Though capital-intensive, ZLD ensures complete regulatory compliance and demonstrates environmental responsibility.
ETP Costs in India
Capital costs depend on capacity and effluent complexity. A basic 50 KLD ETP for food industry: ₹15-25 lakhs. A 100 KLD ETP for textiles: ₹40-80 lakhs. ZLD systems: ₹2-5 crores for similar capacities. Operating costs: ₹30-80 per KL treated water depending on technology and effluent characteristics.
Partner with Greenify
Greenify designs, manufactures, and commissions ETPs for industries across India. Our solutions include IoT-based monitoring for real-time compliance tracking, energy-efficient designs, and comprehensive annual maintenance contracts. Contact us for a free site assessment and customized ETP proposal.