Sivakasi cracker units should adopt modern technology |
30-04-2014 30th April 2014 Courtesy: The Hindu Business Line Sivakasi cracker units should adopt modern technology The firecracker industry in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, can be made safer for the workers by modernising production and adopting safer technologies, said G Thyagarajan, former Director of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai. Speaking at the Foundation Day celebrations on Wednesday, he lauded CSIR-CLRI for its environment-friendly practices and improving the working conditions in tanneries in Kolkata. Pollution levels were brought down after the tanneries relocated to the Calcutta Leather Complex, which set safety standards for workers and incorporated environment-friendly practices, he recalled. So many people die in Sivakasi because of the hazardous working conditions, he said, adding that an effort similar to that taken for the Kolkata tanneries will benefit the firecracker industry. SP Thyagarajan, Professor of Eminence and Dean, Sri Ramachandra University, pointed out the contribution of the leather research institute in coming up with newer methods to augment production and cut costs for the leather industry. AB Mandal, Director of the CSIR-CLRI, said researchers at the institute hold technology patents for cleaner production, and the industry should make use of them. The institute also announced a tie-up with Vaniyambadi Tanners Enviro Control Systems, which represents 120 tanneries in Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu, to help them implement pollution control measures. Sayeed Ahmed Pakkar, Director, Vanitec, said CLRI will receive ₹10 lakh from the tanners for its assistance. |