Kanchipuram silk textile park

Abstract

Indian textile industry is one of the largest in world. Previously is remained predominantly unorganised but since 1991 the scenario started upgrading. This happened mainly due to the economic liberalisation. At present the Indian textile industry is a major contributor in export, marketing, employment and in turn enhances the GDP of the country. The statistics shows textile sector is second in providing employment after agriculture. It amounts to 17 % country‟s export earnings and contributes 4 % to the gross development product. Thus the growth and development of textile sector has a direct bearing on the country‟s economy. Another striking fact is that the government and its policies were very lenient in framing the pollution control strategies for textile industrial sector. The prime importance was given for socio economic development and the environmental impact aspect got almost ignored. Since last few decades, the prolonged discharge of untreated effluents from dyeing and bleaching units has shown hazardous results. The reduction in crop productivity, contamination of ground water and surface water sources, eradication of fresh water fisheries and lot many environmental threats. In 1997 the court passed the order for closure of dyeing units without effluent treatment plants. Since then the government framed strict guidelines for setting up IETP (Individual Effluent Treatment Plant) and CETPs (Common Effluent Treatment Plant). This became the basis for initiation of SITP (Scheme for Integrated Textile Park). Thus the design and development of textile sector is governed by eco-friendly and lesser environmental impact guidelines. The design of Textile Park is important as it‟ll set a benchmark for future construction. Climate responsive smart design with blend of open spaces, recreational spaces will add efficiency to work place. The IGBC green industry criterions will be implemented in achieving an ideal environment friendly and sustainable Textile Park. This will finally be a model for upcoming textile park projects in India.