ISLAMABAD: The first ever project for the establishment of Tannery Zone (STZ) at Sialkot for Climate Change Adaptation through tanneries relocation in leather industrial zone to be inaugurated soon by the Chief Minister (CM)of Punjab after its successful completion.
Director Environment Protection Department Govt. of Punjab Waseem Ahsan Cheema while talking to private news channel said that the Sialkot is the only export-oriented city of Pakistan, where 99 percent industrial production is meant for exports.
The STZ project would help in shifting of tanneries located in and around city to centralized location and to provide various facilities like common effluent treatment plant, solid waste disposal site and common effluent collection system, he highlighted.
He explained that this would help in effective control of environmental hazards caused by tanning industry in the region.
It is very important project ensuring compliance towards social responsibility and would be instrumental in systematic growth of this sector while addressing the environmental concerns to minimize the pollution, he added.
He said chief minister of Punjab was giving full attention to this project and he will soon visit the city for its inauguration in Sialkot.
STZ was being developed on 392 acres costing Rs 406 million, he informed.
He further said Sialkot is recognized as one of the leading exporters of leather based products in Pakistan, adding, the tanneries around the city were involved in processing of finished leather and “Wet Blue” hides and there tanneries are resulting in degradation of environment through air, noise and water pollution.
At present 276 tanneries operates in 10 clusters around Sialkot and caters the industrial needs. The concept of setting up of STZ was to address environmental issues and to ensure pollution-free atmosphere to the people, he said.
He said the export city was totally ignored by the past governments as a result of which, the city was deprived from its due right, share in development despite of its contribution to national economy in the shape of revenue and earning foreign exchange.
He adds, the exports of leather products from the country would also increased after completion of this project.
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