Surat’s Textile Hub Gears Up For Deep Sea Cluster Project
Surat, India’s leading diamond and textile hub, is set for a major industrial shift as the Gujarat government moves closer to launching the ‘Surat Cluster Deep Sea’ project, a landmark environmental initiative aimed at supporting over 400 water-intensive industries, including textiles, powerloom weaving, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and agro-processing.
The pilot project will facilitate the disposal of around 600 MLD of treated industrial wastewater from key industrial zones such as Kadodara GIDC, Eco Textile Park, Palsana GIDC, Pandesara GIDC and Sachin GIDC. Treated effluent from Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) will be discharged through a common deep-sea pipeline, extending 10 km offshore at a depth of 1 km. While 80 per cent of the project cost will be borne by the state government, the remaining 20 per cent will be funded by participating industries.
The project aims to provide a long-term, sustainable wastewater disposal solution for Surat’s vast processing and chemical manufacturing base, significantly strengthening environmental compliance across the cluster.
Momentum has picked up following the receipt of the No Objection Certificate from the Gujarat Maritime Board, which had earlier delayed progress. With funding issues resolved, the government is expected to float tenders shortly, based on a proposal submitted by the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA).
At a recent meeting held at Pandesara GIDC, Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Pravin Mali highlighted the role of Surat’s industries in advancing environmental protection and urged textile units to align growth with sustainability under initiatives such as Mission Life.
The government has also made it clear that non-GIDC industrial units must connect to the nearest CETP, failing which strict action may follow as Gujarat tightens its stance on polluting industries.
Industry leaders attending the meeting, along with GPCB officials, discussed infrastructure development, skill creation and groundwater management, underscoring the Deep Sea Cluster project’s importance in shaping the next phase of Surat’s textile-led industrial growth.
