535. Effluent Treatment Plant

"For a chemical industry, effluent treatment is very important. Both the liquid and gaseous effluents will pose a problem. In your factory, there are no gaseous effluents. But you have liquid effluents. Therefore, it is essential that you set up a full-fledged effluent treatment plant" said the consultant.

"What will be the investment required for it?" asked Udayakumar, the proprietor.

After hearing the amount mentioned by the consultant, Udayakumar asked "Do I have to invest such a large sum? Do I have to invest money in this unproductive equipment, in addition to my investment for the manufacturing unit? Is there an alternative?"

After hesitating for a while, the consultant said, "We can treat the effluents by installing a low cost effluent treatment plant. But that plant won't function effectively for a long period. Its efficiency will come down after two or three years. After that, the percentage of impurities in the treated effluent will begin to increase gradually. At that time, you will have to upgrade that plant. But, if you set up a full-fledged plant by investing more in the beginning itself, it will function well for a long time."

"I don't want to invest a big amount for the effluent treatment plant now. I will go for the alternative mentioned by you. I will set up a plant at a low cost. After two or three years, I can upgrade it, using the profit generated by the unit" said Udayakumar.

Udayakumar went through the letter received by him through registered post. It was a notice sent by the Pollution Control Department stating that during the inspection of his factory by the officials of the department, it was found during inspection that the percentage of impurities in the effluent released by his factory was more than the permitted level and directing him to shut down his factory within fifteen days of the receipt of the notice.

Udayakumar cursed himself for his negligence and lethargy that led to his failure to upgrade the effluent treatment plant two years after starting his factory, as advised by the consultant.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 54

Avoiding Forgetfulness and Complacency

Verse 535 (in Tamil):

One who is complacent and derisive, and doesn’t safeguard himself against the repercussions, by failing to anticipate them, will resent his lapses later.

Meaning:

Getting slack and smug when relishing a joyous moment

is more harmful than excessive anger.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'kaZhivu nIr suththikarippu nilaiyam' by the same author.)

Verse 536 (Soon)
Verse 534