Impact of Tanneries Waste Disposal on Environment with Special Reference to Vellore District Tamil Nadu

The Leather Industries occupies a place of prominence in the Indian economy in view of its massive potential for employment, growth and export. There has been increasing emphasis on its planned development aimed at optimum utilization available raw material for maximizing the returns particularly from exports. This paper aims at understanding the impact of tanneries waste disposal on environment. From the very beginning of industrialization in India, tanning industries have been playing a significant role in the country’s economy. Due to its importance as a labor based export oriented industry the full flourish of this industrial sector is essential. But due to the absence of proper waste management, using inferior technologies, lack of facilities for treating industrial wastes; the tanning industries especially located in Vellore district are aggravating environmental problems day by day. The discharging and dumping of wastes near the water bodies without treatment makes it almost look like an area which is lying under the blanket of pollution. It is an emerging problem not only for the environment but also as the social context of the country. This study focuses on the tanneries located in Vellore District to assess the present situation arising from such activities and proposed several mitigation measures.