This move puts to rest the two-decade struggle over the issue of pollution in the Ganga between the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the tannery owners of Jajmau.

The project aims at constructing the biggest leather complex in the country. It will also be equipped with facilities like residential accommodation, shopping complex and a school.

Plus, the project also aims to expand the leather industry and shift the tanneries of Jajmau to Chamrauli.

Earlier, this issue was undertaken by various leading leather industrialists.

The project report on the Leather Park, prepared by the Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited, was given the nod by the Ministry of Industry on January 21.

The park will be developed at a cost of Rs 500 crore on 200 acres. Former Chairman of Council of Leather Export and leading leather industrialist, Mukhtar-Ul-Amin said: “Our hard work has been paid off, and we are confident that the construction of the Leather Park will soon kick off.”

The park will indeed be a major boost for the industry, which has been hit adversely by the ongoing global recession. “The project is still in the initial phase. But it is a major step towards increasing the leather business and working in a safe and healthy atmosphere,” added Amin.

During the tussle between the UPPCB and the tanners at Jajmau, several tanneries had been sealed and notices were served to majority of the tanners for flouting the norms. Following which more than 150 tanners of Jajmau had made plans to shift their business to Bihar.

Regional Officer of UPPCB Radhey Shyam told The Indian Express: “I met the members of the Jajmau Tanners Association, and they are pleased with the concept of the park.”

Shyam claimed that it was for the first time that the Jajmau tanners were willing to shift to another location. “The problem will not arise in convincing the prominent tanners, but shifting the small units from Jajmau will be a difficult task,” added the UPPCB official. Appreciating the project, Founder member of UP Leather Industries Association, Mohammad Ishaq said: “Even the tanners were looking forward for a permanent solution to the issue, and the park has given them the opportunity to shift their business to Chamrauli, which is barely few kms away from Jajmau.”

According to Ishaq, majority of the leading leather industrialists have already shifted to Unnao, and if planned in a phase-wise manner, the remaining units will have no problem in shifting their units to the adjoining district.

Treasurer of Jajmau Tanners Association Ishtiyaq Ahmed said shifting to Chamrauli will come as a major boost to the leather business.