Kasur District in Punjab, Pakistan, is not only known for its fertile agricultural lands but also for being one of the country’s largest leather processing hubs. With over 200 small and medium-sized tanneries located primarily in and around Kasur city, the district plays a vital role in supplying processed leather for local and international markets. This article explores the negative impact of leather industry waste on Kasur’s agricultural soil, highlighting the chemical composition of pollutants.
Overview of the Leather Industry in Kasur
Kasur’s leather industry has been active for decades, with most tanneries concentrated in the Kasur Tannery Zone located on the outskirts of Kasur city. These units process raw animal hides using various chemical-intensive methods, including:
- Liming and dehairing
- Chrome tanning
- Dyeing and finishing
The process generates large volumes of liquid and solid waste, much of which contains hazardous substances, including heavy metals, sulfides, and acids.
While a Combined Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) was initiated to address pollution, its limited capacity and lack of compliance among many tanneries have resulted in untreated or partially treated effluent being discharged into canals, drains, and open land — often close to agricultural fields.
Composition of Leather Waste and Its Soil Impact
The waste from tanneries contains a range of toxic chemicals that, when absorbed into the soil, significantly reduce its fertility and biological activity. The most harmful components include:
1. Chromium
- Used in chrome tanning, hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) is highly toxic
- Accumulates in soil, inhibiting seed germination and root development
- Leads to heavy metal buildup in crops, posing health risks for consumers
2. Sulfides and Sulfates
- Cause soil acidification and reduce microbial diversity
- Interfere with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, reducing natural soil fertility
3. Chlorides and Salts
- Increase soil salinity, especially in areas with poor drainage
- Hinder plant water uptake, leading to stunted growth
4. Organic Load and Sludge
- Solid waste and sludge dumped near fields cause surface sealing
- Results in poor soil aeration and compaction
Affected Areas and Farming Communities
The villages and agricultural zones closest to the Kasur Tannery Zone and the Degh and Pandoki drains are most affected. These include:
- Sheikhum and Ali Ahmad
- Kot Haleem Khan
- Khokhar Town
- Balloki area (downstream along irrigation channels)
Farmers in these areas report declining yields, changes in soil color and texture, and increased crop failure in vegetables, wheat, and fodder crops.
In some places, fields previously considered high-yielding have been abandoned or converted to non-food use due to long-term contamination.
Effects on Crop Health and Human Safety
Leather industry waste not only degrades soil quality but also directly affects plant and human health:
- Crops irrigated with polluted water show poor growth, discoloration, and low nutrient content
- Heavy metals like chromium are absorbed by food crops and may enter the human food chain
- Long-term exposure can lead to skin diseases, respiratory issues, and kidney problems among farmers handling the soil
- Livestock grazing in contaminated fields may accumulate toxins in milk and meat
Lack of Regulation and Monitoring
Although environmental protection laws exist in Pakistan, enforcement in Kasur remains weak due to:
- Limited capacity of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Poor monitoring of tannery operations
- Inadequate functioning of waste treatment facilities
- Low awareness among farmers about the risks of irrigation with contaminated water
The Kasur Tannery Pollution Control Project (KTPCP) was launched in the 1990s with international support, but progress has been inconsistent.
Farmer Perspectives and Adaptation
Many farmers near the tannery zone have raised concerns but received no compensation or technical support. Some adaptive measures they have tried include:
- Shifting from food to non-edible crops like ornamental plants
- Mixing tannery waste water with canal water to dilute toxins
- Applying gypsum and organic matter to partially recover soil quality
- Using raised bed farming to limit crop root exposure
However, these are temporary fixes, and long-term soil restoration remains a major challenge.
Solutions and Recommendations
To address the serious impact of leather waste on agricultural soil in Kasur, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:
1. Strengthen Effluent Treatment and Monitoring
- Fully operationalize the CETP with real-time monitoring
- Enforce penalties on non-compliant tanneries
- Establish independent water and soil testing labs
2. Promote Cleaner Production Methods
- Use vegetable tanning or low-chrome alternatives
- Recycle tanning liquor and reduce water usage
3. Soil Remediation Programs
- Apply phytoremediation (using plants to absorb toxins)
- Incorporate organic compost and green manure to restore soil life
- Train farmers on safe irrigation practices
4. Policy and Public Awareness
- Introduce zoning laws to separate industrial and agricultural zones
- Run awareness campaigns about the risks of toxic irrigation
- Provide incentives for eco-friendly industries and sustainable farming
Conclusion
The unchecked disposal of leather industry waste has had a devastating impact on the agricultural soil of Kasur, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and the safety of local food systems. With rising environmental awareness and the growing need for sustainable development, it is critical to implement strict pollution controls, educate communities, and support soil recovery initiatives. Only a coordinated effort between industry, government, and civil society can ensure that Kasur remains both an industrial and agricultural asset for Pakistan.