There are countless leather tanneries operating in India, many of which were declared illegal in 1996 due to the excessive air and water pollution they generate. Hundreds of these small family-owned tanneries are densely packed into residential districts of Calcutta, West Bengal.

Although residents and the state Pollution Control Board of Calcutta blame tannery owners for the lack of pollution control, the Board claims ignorance to their illegal operation.

The leather industry is evidently beneficial for the Indian economy, providing jobs and exports with potential for growth. However, the workers, often local families including children, continue to live in indigent conditions laboring for very little in wages. While there has been increasing emphasis on the development of the leather industry, the predominantly Muslim community’s environment remains noxious.