New Delhi will study the environmental impact of units engaged in dyeing or washing of garments and metal surface treatment activities such as electroplating and phosphating.

Effluents from such small scale units operating in non-conforming and residential areas flow directly into the Yamuna, increasing its pollution load.Most of these units operate without permission orwithout effluent treatment plants. Their effluents have high concentrations of ammonia and phosphates, one of the primary reasons behind the thick foam on the river water.

Activities such as dyeing or washing of jeans and other garments or metal surface treatment — electroplating, phosphating, and anodising etc. — have huge water consumption and pollution potential. An environmental study will be conducted to know the pollution potential and its treatment facilities, impact on the environment and remedial measures. It will ascertain how much water is being used by these units and the capacity of the treatment plants and water bodies in their areas.

Effluents discharged from such units are a cocktail of carcinogenic chemicals, dyes, and heavy metals which also pollute drinking water sources. Some textile dyeing industrial units were found to be operating without any license or pollution clearance certificate. The dyeing units were releasing polluted water without treating it first.