Interview with Mr. Devesh K. Singhal, Director, CEO (Technical), Chandpur Paper
Established in 1998, Chandpur Paper, based in Chandpur, UP, India is a prominent name in the Indian paper manufacturing industry. We specialise in MG Poster and Chromo (C1S) Paper.
Paper Desk : What is the average water consumption in your paper mill’s production process, and how do you track and assess water usage at various production stages?
Devesh K. Singhal : Our average water consumption is approximately 4 to 4.5 kilolitres per tonne (kL/T) of paper produced. We maintain strict water management protocols across all production stages. Multiple flow meters are strategically installed at key points throughout the manufacturing process to accurately track, monitor, and assess water usage in real-time.
This allows us to identify areas for improvement, minimize wastage, and optimize consumption, while regular audits and data analysis further help in refining our water conservation strategies. We are also actively exploring water recycling and reuse initiatives to reduce our freshwater intake and support our commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible operations.
” We take environmental responsibility seriously. We engage with local communities by providing treated water for irrigation, supporting local agriculture, and demonstrating our commitment to community welfare “
PD : Which technologies and methods has your mill implemented to effectively reduce water usage?
DKS : To effectively reduce water usage, we have implemented several key technologies and process improvements. We redesigned the showers on our machines to lower water consumption without compromising performance.
Additionally, we enhanced our internal water circuit and adopted system closure methods, which significantly minimize wastewater generation and enable effective water reuse. We also employ kidney technologies such as micro-screen filters that improve the quality of recycled water, allowing us to increase the proportion of treated water reused in the process.
These measures collectively contribute to improved water efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and support our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
PD : Please describe your mill’s water recycling practices and the percentage of water typically reused during production.
DKS : Our mill recycles and reuses over 50% of the wastewater generated during production. Through advanced filtration technologies like micro-screen filters and continual optimization of our water circuits, we have significantly enhanced our ability to treat and reuse water within the system. These practices allow us to minimize our reliance on fresh water while maintaining process efficiency and product quality.
By maximizing the use of treated wastewater, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also contributing to long-term water sustainability in our operations. Our focus remains on further improving reuse rates through continuous innovation and investment in water-efficient technologies.
PD : What final water treatment processes are utilized at your mill, and how do you ensure compliance with environmental regulations?
DKS : Our mill utilizes a comprehensive Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) based on the Activated Sludge Process, followed by a tertiary treatment stage. This multi- step process ensures the effective removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from the wastewater before discharge or reuse.
The tertiary treatment further polishes the effluent to meet stringent environmental standards. We conduct regular monitoring and analysis of treated water to ensure full compliance with regulations set by environmental and pollution control boards.
Continuous upgrades and strict operational controls are in place to maintain efficiency and sustainability in our treatment processes, reflecting our commitment to responsible and compliant water management.
PD : How does your team maintain water quality throughout production, and what challenges do you face in this area?
DKS : We source groundwater for our operations, and the consistent quality of fresh water in our region helps us maintain water quality throughout production with minimal challenges. Our team closely monitors water parameters at various stages to ensure they meet the required process and environmental standards.
Routine checks, maintenance of filtration systems, and internal quality control protocols further support consistent performance. While our location offers stable water quality, we remain vigilant in our monitoring practices to proactively address any fluctuations and ensure uninterrupted, high-quality production. This approach allows us to uphold efficiency while meeting both operational and regulatory requirements.
PD : Please Identify the primary sources of water pollution in your papermaking process and the measures taken to mitigate these effects.
DKS : In our papermaking process, the primary potential sources of water pollution include residual inks, adhesives, and fine organic matter from waste paper. However, since we use high-quality waste paper as raw material, the level of contaminants is significantly lower.
This not only reduces the pollutant load but also enhances the efficiency of our wastewater treatment process. To further mitigate environmental impact, we have robust treatment systems in place, including the Activated Sludge Process and tertiary treatment.
Regular monitoring, chemical dosing controls, and efficient solid-liquid separation techniques ensure that the treated water meets regulatory discharge norms and minimizes our ecological footprint.
PD : How do fluctuations in water availability, such as during droughts, impact your production, and what contingency plans are in place?
DKS : Our mill is located in an area with consistently good groundwater levels, so we typically do not face significant fluctuations in water availability, even during droughts. Additionally, through the adoption of advanced technologies and continuous process optimizations, we have significantly reduced our dependence on fresh water.
More than 50% of the water used is now recycled and reused within our operations. These measures act as a strong contingency buffer, ensuring uninterrupted production. While we remain vigilant about regional water trends, our proactive approach and sustainable water management practices effectively safeguard us against potential disruptions caused by water scarcity.
PD : What strategies does your mill employ to manage wastewater and minimize its effects on local ecosystems?
DKS : To manage wastewater and minimize its impact on local ecosystems, our mill operates an advanced Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) based on the Activated Sludge Process, followed by tertiary treatment. This ensures that the treated water meets all regulatory discharge standards before release or reuse.
We continuously monitor water quality parameters and maintain strict compliance with environmental and pollution control board norms. Additionally, we’ve optimized internal water circuits and implemented system closure techniques to reduce wastewater generation at the source. By recycling over 50% of our wastewater, we significantly reduce our ecological footprint and support sustainable water stewardship in the region.
PD : How do regulations influence your mill’s water management practices, and how do you adapt to changing water usage and discharge regulations?
DKS : Regulations play a critical role in shaping our mill’s water management practices. We strictly adhere to all compliance requirements set by environmental and pollution control authorities, which guide our approach to water usage, treatment, and discharge.
To stay aligned with evolving regulations, we continuously upgrade our systems and processes —focusing on reducing fresh water intake and maximizing wastewater reuse through intermediate treatment and recycling technologies.
Regular audits, proactive monitoring, and investment in water-efficient technologies ensure that we not only meet current standards but are also well-prepared to adapt swiftly to any future regulatory changes, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable operations.
PD : Water management innovations at your mill enhance sustainability?
DKS : Recent water management innovations at our mill, such as shower upgrades and system enhancements, have cut fresh water usage, improved wastewater reuse, enhanced filtration efficiency, and lowered treatment costs, boosting sustainability and reducing operational expenses significantly.
