National Green Tribunal hears Panipat textile recycling pollution petition
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 9
National Green Tribunal hears Panipat textile recycling pollution petition
3 articles · Updated · CNN · May 9
The case alleges illegal waste and emissions from Panipat units north of Delhi, where more than a million tons of discarded clothing are repurposed each year.
Workers described chronic coughing, breathing problems, chemical burns and little protection, while dyeing and bleaching wastewater was seen flowing through open drains into nearby communities and farmland.
A 2022 household survey found nearly 93% of families reported serious health problems, and officials have issued closure notices to some allegedly illegal bleaching units, though critics say enforcement remains weak.
As new EU regulations loom, can India’s toxic textile recycling hub clean up its act to survive?
Panipat recycles the world's fashion waste, but who is paying the ultimate price for this 'green' solution?
444 Water-Polluting Units in Panipat: The Human, Environmental, and Global Costs of Textile Recycling
Overview
This report examines the ongoing struggle to control industrial pollution in Panipat, where the National Green Tribunal has pushed for stricter regulations. The Haryana government claims all 444 water-polluting units have their own treatment plants and that a compliance framework exists. However, industry leaders defend their practices while acknowledging past issues, and the effectiveness of these measures remains in question. The report highlights the tension between official assurances and real-world enforcement, showing that despite regulatory frameworks, verifying true compliance and protecting both the environment and workers continues to be a major challenge.