The situation was alarming therefore the tanners of Sialkot are attempting to shoulder their responsibility through shifting of the tanneries to a properly planned Sialkot Tannery Zone.

There is no doubt that present environmental conditions in Sialkot are detrimental to the health and well-being of inhabitants, the tanneries workers, and the farmers. An overall environmental scheme is required and the tannery relocation and establishment of Sialkot Tannery Zone forms an important step in such a programme. Central Effluent Treatment Plant will effect a significant improvement by elimination of discharge of untreated effluents in 10 tannery “clusters” in and around Sialkot. It will reduce also contamination of land and will permit farmers and other landowners to use their land and allow the future development in Sialkot.

The project is a public-private partnership and is being led by a non-profit organisation set up for the purpose, the Sialkot Tannery Association (Guarantee) Limited, which has the backing of the Pakistani government.

With funds from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), UNIDO is providing technical assistance with the planning of the STZ, including the design of a new common effluent treatment plant and a common waste management programme.