Mega Leather Cluster in Ramaipur, Kanpur: Central government proposes cluster to rejuvenate Kanpur’s struggling leather sector, once dubbed “Leather City of India.”
Decline Factors:
Demonetisation (2016) disrupted cash flow.
Pollution control directives (2017) reduced tannery infrastructure.
Rising effluent treatment costs.
NGT concerns over Ganga pollution (chromium, mercury).
Ban on slaughterhouses and restrictions on cattle trade.
Significance of Leather Industry:
Major sub-sectors: Tanning, footwear, garments, accessories.
India: 2nd largest producer/consumer of leather footwear.
13% of world’s leather production, significant exporter.
Employs 4.42 million (30% female, rural).
Challenges:
Export decline due to weak demand.
Synthetic leather substitutes threat.
High pollution from tanning, poor effluent treatment.
Worker health risks, poor labor conditions.
GST increased costs for MSMEs.
Revival Strategies:
Transform CETPs to CIRCLES, fund ZLD micro-treatment.
Position India as “China Plus One.”
National Leather Tech Hub for innovation.
“Bharat Leather Mark” for ethical luxury branding.
Digital Udyog Cards for workers, worker wellness mission.
Kanpur Situation:
200+ active tanneries.
NGT directed health camps due to pollution impacts.
Tanneries operating at reduced capacity, pay cuts.
Owners shifting to West Bengal, Vietnam, Europe.
Worker Impact:
Irregular jobs, decreased earnings.
Health issues (asthma, COPD) linked to pollution.
Lack of labor law implementation.
Government Initiatives:
IFLDP (Rs 1,700 crore), PLI scheme (proposed Rs 2,600 crore).
Drafting new leather and footwear policy for exports.
