The Department of Chemical Engineering, Vidhyadeep Institute of Engineering and Technology (VIEAT), organized an Industrial visit to Narmada Clean Tech, Ankleshwar for the students of Degree and Diploma Chemical Engineering. The visit was organized under the guidance of Head of the Department, Prof. Urmila Chauhan, with the objective of providing students with practical exposure to industrial wastewater treatment, environmental safety, and sustainable waste management practices.
Narmada Clean Tech (formerly known as Bharuch Eco Aqua Infrastructure Limited) is a company engaged in wastewater management and disposal. The organization operates on a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model and is a subsidiary of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC). It is jointly promoted by member industries from the Ankleshwar, Jhagadia, and Panoli Industrial Estates. The company plays an important role in ensuring the safe treatment and disposal of industrial effluent generated from these industrial areas.
The main objective of Narmada Clean Tech is to provide environmentally safe treatment of industrial effluent and dispose of the treated water deep into the sea, thereby keeping Amlakhadi Creek, the Narmada Estuarine Zone, and nearby areas free from pollution and protecting aquatic life. The project also provides a long-term solution to effluent disposal problems, encourages industrial development and expansion of the three industrial estates, and supports the sustainable growth of Bharuch District.
Environmental protection has become a major priority across the world. Both the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat have implemented several pollution control acts and regulations to protect the environment. However, effective implementation of these policies at the ground level remains a major challenge. Narmada Clean Tech is an excellent example of how environmental protection policies can be successfully implemented through industrial collaboration.
Before the establishment of this project, the treated effluent from the three industrial estates was discharged into a natural creek called Amlakhadi, which ultimately flowed into the Narmada Estuary. This raised serious environmental concerns among the local population and NGOs. As a result, the High Court intervened and directed that the disposal of effluent into Amlakhadi be stopped. Subsequently, a high-level committee decided that the effluent should be treated up to marine discharge standards and released into the Gulf of Khambhat beyond the Narmada Estuarine Zone. To fulfill this directive, Narmada Clean Tech was established.
The initial project included a Final Effluent Treatment Plant (FETP) that receives treated effluent from the three industrial estates and further polishes it to meet the required standards. The treated effluent is then transported through a pipeline to the deep sea in the Gulf of Khambhat, where it is discharged through a scientifically designed diffuser system that ensures rapid dispersion and dilution. This system has been operational since 2006 with a permitted capacity of 40 MLD (Million Liters per Day).
Later, in 2016, a separate conveyance system from the Jhagadia Industrial Estate to the landfall point with a booster pumping station was commissioned to support industrial development in the region. The permitted capacity of this additional system is 35 MLD.
During the industrial visit, students were given detailed information about the wastewater treatment process, effluent polishing techniques, pumping systems, and deep-sea disposal methods. Industry experts explained how environmental standards are maintained and how regular monitoring is conducted to ensure that the discharged water does not harm the marine ecosystem. Surveys conducted in the receiving ocean area have indicated that no adverse impact on aquatic life or the ecosystem has been observed.
The visit helped students gain valuable knowledge about environmental protection, wastewater treatment technology, pollution control measures, and sustainable industrial development. It also helped them understand the importance of responsible waste management in modern industries.
At the end of the visit, Vidhyadeep Institute of Engineering and Technology (VIEAT) expressed its sincere gratitude to the management and staff of Narmada Clean Tech for providing the opportunity for this educational visit. As a token of appreciation, mementos were presented on behalf of VIEAT to the CEO Dr. Umesh Chauhan, Mr. Tushar Bhatt (HR), and Industrial Expert Mr. Pankaj Tailor for their valuable support, guidance, and cooperation in organizing the visit and sharing their industrial knowledge with the students.
The department also extended special thanks to the management and staff of Narmada Clean Tech for their cooperation and for facilitating such an informative industrial exposure for the students. The visit proved to be highly informative and beneficial, helping students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real industrial practices, while also strengthening the academic–industry connection for future collaborations.
