In the administrative structure of the Central Government, The Ministry of Environment and Forests is the nodal agency for planning, promotion, coordination and overseeing the implementation of the various environmental and forestry programmes. The Ministry has also been designated as the nodal agency in the country for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and looks after the follow-up of the United Nations’ Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
Conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife, prevention and control of pollution, afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas and protection of environment, are the mandates of the Ministry and these tasks are being fulfilled by the Ministry through environmental impact assessment, eco-regeneration, assistance to organisations implementing environmental and forestry programmes, promotion of environmental and forestry research, extension, education and training to augment the requisite manpower, dissemination of environmental information, international cooperation and creation of environmental awareness among all sectors of the country’s population.
These objectives are well supported by a set of legislative and regulatory measures, aiming at the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment. Some of them are the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, the National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995, the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997, Wildlife Protection act, 1972 and Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980. Besides the legislative measures, a National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development, 1992, National Forest Policy, 1988 and a Policy Statement on Abatement of Pollution, 1992 have also been evolved.
The organizational structure of the Ministry indicating various divisions, associated and autonomous offices/agencies is given in Annexure-1.
Environment and Ecology, including environment in coastal waters, in mangroves and coral reefs but excluding marine environment on the high seas.
Botanical Survey of India and Botanical Gardens.
Zoological Survey of India.
National Museum of Natural History
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977.
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,, 1981.
The Indian Forest Act, 1927
The National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
Biosphere Reserve Programme
National Forest Policy and Forestry Development in the country, including social forestry.
Forest Policy and all matters relating to forests and forest administration in so far as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are concerned.
Indian Forest Services
Wildlife preservation and protection of wild birds and animals
Central Zoo Authority
Fundamental research, including coordination thereof and higher education in forestry.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
National Assistance to Forestry Development Schemes
Central Ganga Authority
The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997
Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute, Bangalore
Forest Survey of India, Dehradun
National Afforestation and Eco-development Board.
Desert and Desertification.
An overview of the activities undertaken by the Ministry and its associated offices/agencies during the year, is as follows:
More than 79 exploration/collection tours were undertaken by various circle offices and units of Botanical Survey of India (BSI) in different priority areas, hotspots, sanctuaries, fragile ecosystems of North-Eastern India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, South-Western Ghats, Western Himalayas, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and West Bengal. A total of 14,679 specimen, 6 soil samples, 25 water samples and 5 litter samples were collected. Out of these, 1880 specimen were identified and about 121 specimen were inventorized by different offices/units of Botanical Survey of India.
Forty two rare and wild relatives of ornamental and economic species were collected for conservation and multiplication in the Indian Botanic Garden. Population studies of rare and threatened species to determine the status of taxa as per IUCN categories were completed.
Ex-situ conservation of 340 plants comprising about 93 rare and threatened species have been carried out by multiplication at different experimental botanic gardens of various offices of the BSI.
Manuscript for 17 species for flora of West Bengal (Volume II) and the manuscript for about 270 species for flora of Sikkim (Volume I) were completed. 99 species were studied and manuscript was prepared for aphyllophorals of North-Eastern Himalayas.
Four tours were undertaken and more than 200 specimens comprising about 97 species were collected for cytological studies. Reproductive capacity of 17 wetland species of Howrah/24 Parganas were also determined.
Studies on physiology of seed germination of 133 endemic/rare/threatened species were carried out.
The national database relating to medicinal plants, type collection and rare & threatened species, developed earlier, were regularly updated.
Altogether, 72 extensive faunal surveys in different States/UTs including important eco-systems and conservation areas were undertaken by the Zoological Survey of India and its 16 regional stations located throughout the country. Detailed taxonomic studies were also carried out on the material collected during these surveys.
The national zoological collections were further enriched by the addition of 20,163 specimens belonging to 1,657 species including 16 species new to science.
Surveys were conducted for the faunal diversity in Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra, Panchmarhi Bio-sphere Reserve, Biligiri Rangaswamy Wildlife Sanctuary and several other eco-systems and conservation areas during the year.
Detailed taxomonic studies carried out during the year resulted in the discovery of a total of 13 species of insecta : diptera; one species of insecta : hymenoptera and two species of nematoda as new taxa.
Faunistic studies in the Melghat Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra and Agasthamalai in Tamil Nadu were conducted and various examples belonging to several species were identified.
Krishna Estuary and other coastal eco-system like Kerala Coast, Andhra Coast, Palk Bay Coast, etc., were studied and various examples belonging to different species were recognized and identified.
One hundred thirty examples of odonata, 225 examples of hymenoptera, 351 examples of pisces and 39 examples of amphibia were collected and studied from different districts of Kerala and identified under the Western Ghats Eco-system Study.
Four volumes of periodical records of ZSI, 10 occasional papers, one volume of Bibliography of Indian Zoology and five volumes under Fauna of States were published during the year.
The Seventh Report of the assessment of forests cover of the country, namely, State Forest Report -99 has been published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
The total forest cover of the country has been estimated as 63.73 million ha. i.e. 19.39% of the geographic area of the country. There has been an increase of 3,896 sq. km. of forest cover between 1997 and 1999 assessments.
Major gains were recorded in Andhra Pradesh (939 Sq. km.), Madhya Pradesh (635 Sq.km), Rajasthan (618 Sq. Km), Himachal Pradesh (561 Sq.km) and Maharashtra (529 Sq.km).
Survey of plantation outside conventional forests has been initiated by the FSI to assess the impact of social forestry and other forestry extension programmes in meeting fuel-wood and timber needs of the people.
The FSI has carried out ground inventory over a forest area of 2.28 lakh Sq.Km. in India, and 0.38 lakh Sq.km. in Nepal and Bhutan under its Forest Inventory Programme.
Conservation of Natural Resources including Forestry and Wildlife
Twelve Biosphere Reserves have so far been set up in the country not only to protect representative eco-systems, but also to serve as laboratories for evolving alternative models of development.
The International Coordinating Council (ICC) of Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO has approved bringing the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve of India on the international network of UNESCO.
Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs
Management Action Plans have been prepared for 18 wetlands for intensive conservation and managements of these wetlands. Guidelines for monitoring mechanism have also been finalized and sent to concerned State Governments for implementation.
Under Global Environment Facility (GEF) programme, four wetlands from different bio-geographic regions of the country are being taken up for intensive conservation.
In view of the significant role played by Mangroves in the protection of life and properties of people along the coastline, the development of mangroves has been identified as one of the major "thrust areas". Fifteen additional mangrove areas in the country have been identified for intensive conservation and management.
It has been revealed that there has been a significant increase of 615 Sq. Km of mangrove areas in the country during the last one decade.
Taking into consideration the ecological significance of coral reefs and anthropogenic threats to this ecosystem, four coral reef areas at Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutchch and Lakshadweep Islands, in the country have been identified for intensive conservation and management.
On the recommendation of the National Committee on Mangroves and Coral Reefs, the existing Centre of Zoological Survey of India at Port Blair has been designated as the National Institute of Coral Reef Research.
The Ministry has also been identified as the National Focal Point of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) as well as Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN).
The Ministry has launched websites on mangroves and coral reefs and established a database network for sharing of information.
A "National Policy and Action Strategy on Biological Diversity" has been drawn up as a macro-level statement of strategies, gaps and further actions needed for conservation, sustainable use and strategies and realization of actual and potential value of Biological Diversity.
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), Project was launched by the Ministry and a brochure, namely, "Call for participation", was released. Executing agencies for the States, thematic working groups, eco-regions and other sub-State sites have also been identified.
After completing all procedural formalities, the Biodiversity Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the year. The Bill has been referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee, on Science, Technology, Environment & Forests for examination and report. The Committee is in the process of recording the evidences and undertaking studies/visits to elicit the option of various stake-holders.
After approval of the Cabinet India has signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety on 23rd January 2001.
India has been elected to represent Asia on the ten-membered Bureau of an Inter-Governmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity (ICCP).
Two new centres for research have been identified under an All India Coordinated Project on Taxonomy during the year to carry out various activities on ecological research, effective conservation and management & sustainable use of biological resources.
An Expert Group has been constituted to identify and recommend proposals received under the scheme on Assistance to Botanic Gardens to augment ex situ conservation of rare endemic plants.
During the year, 18 institutions were provided financial support for improvement of infrastructural facilities in their botanical gardens.
The existing programmes encompassing activities in the area of medicinal plants, one of the thrust areas identified by the Ministry have been augmented to carryout conservation of medicinal plants found in the forests and protected areas.
Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCA) and Medicinal Plants Conservation Network (MPCN) have been established for in-situ conservation in the southern States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Botanical Gardens including those maintained by Botanical Survey of India are actively involved in the ex situ conservation of rare and endangered medicinal plants.
Four National Gene Banks have been set up to conserve genetic resources including medicinal plants.
Projects have been sanctioned on "Inventorization of Medicinal Plants" from literature sources, taxonomic inventory, inventory based on the use of medicinal plants in the Indian system of medicine and traditional healthcare.
As on 10th December 2000, 172 countries have acceded/ratified the United Nation’s Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
The Ministry is the National Focal Point in India for implementation of the Convention as well as for the formulation and implementation of the National Action Programme (NAP) for combating desertification and draught in the country. Based on the recommendations of the Working Groups of the National Steering Committee set up under the Ministry, the draft NAP has been prepared and has been widely circulated to all relevant Ministries/Departments, R&D and other organizations, State Governments, NGOs, etc. On the basis of the responses the draft is being revised
Under the Regional Action Programme for Asia, six Thematic Programme Network (TPN) areas have been identified for regional co-operation amongst member parties in the Asian region. India is the nodal country for hosting the TPN-2, namely, "Agro-Forestry and Soil Conservation in the Arid, Semi-Arid and Dry Sub-Humid Regions in Asia." The TPN-2 was launched during the year in New Delhi, followed by a field visit to Rajasthan, organized by the nodal institution, namely, CAZRI, Jodhpur.
India also participated in various Regional Symposia/Workshops held at Iran, Bangkok and Bonn under the Convention during the year.
Out of 1160 proposals received from all the States/UTs for seeking approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of forest land for other purposes, 711 proposals were decided and the remaining were either closed for non-furnishing of information or returned to/withdrawn by the State Governments or were pending with the State Governments for want of additional information.
A total number of 883 projects were approved upto 20 ha. under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 by the six Regional Offices of the Ministry located at Bangalore, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Lucknow, Shillong and Chandigarh.
The National Forestry Action Programme, (NFAP) a comprehensive strategic long-term plan for the next 20 years has been formulated by the Ministry to address the issues underlining the major problems of the forestry sector in line with the National Forest Policy, 1988. Steps were also taken in connection with the implementation of the NFAP during the year.
The Scheme of Modern Forest Fire Control was reviewed, modified and renamed as Forest Fire Control and Management. A National Master Plan for Prevention and Control of Forest Fires for the Tenth Five Year Plan period, has also been prepared after detailed consultation with State Governments..
National guidelines on Forest Fire Prevention and Control have been prepared and were forwarded to the States for implementation.
To bridge the infrastructure gap in the North Eastern Region, funds have been released to the North-Eastern States based on their project proposals.
The concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) was implemented by developing appropriate mechanisms to involve the Village Communities in the development and protection of degraded forests on the basis of their taking a share of the usufruct from various areas.
Twenty three States have issued their resolutions for Joint Forests Management so far. As on 1.9.2000, 10.25 million. ha. of forest lands in the country were being managed and protected by 36,165 Village Forest Protection Committees.
The export of six species of exotic birds and export of Jawa Sparrow were allowed for export subject to the provisions under CITES and pre-shipment inspection.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was authorized to file complaints in regard to offence punishable under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in areas in their respective jurisdiction to control poaching and illegal trade in Wildlife.
Financial assistance for development of National Parks and Sanctuaries was provided to 157 National Parks and Sanctuaries in 25 States (including North-Eastern States) and Union Territories in the country during the year.
At present there are 27 Tiger Reserves, spreading over in 14 States and covering an area of about 37,761 Sq.Km. area in the country. An amount of Rs. 1349 lakhs was released to the various Tiger Range States upto December 2000 under the Project Tiger Scheme.
India Eco-development Project is being implemented in seven protected areas in seven different States as the externally aided, Centrally Sponsored Plan Schemes under eco-development around protected areas including Tiger Reserves.
An amount of Rs. 900 lakhs (Rs. 400 lakhs for North-Eastern States) was allocated to the elephant-range States to provide financial assistance for habitat management, management of man-elephant conflict, payment of ex-gratia relief for the loss of life, strengthening of anti-poaching measures, capture and translocation of problem-elephant populations, etc. under the Project Elephant Scheme during the year.
With reference to minimum standards and norms prescribed under "Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992", a total number of 29 Zoos including large, medium, small and mini were evaluated during the year and 18 Zoos were granted conditional recognition. The remaining zoos were issued show-cause notices for non-compliance of stipulated conditions of the recognition.
Financial assistance was provided to 21 zoos in the country for upgradation of infrastructure and veterinary facilities in order to improve upkeep and health care of the animals.
The Central Zoo Authority released an ad-hoc grant of Rs. 20.0 lakhs for carrying out urgent rehabilitation work in the Nandan Kannan Biological Park, Bhubaneshwar which was damaged due to super cyclone last year. An amount of 100 lakhs was also released by the Ministry to the State Government in this regard.
During the year, 1 : 0 Goral and 2 : 2 Red Jungle Fowls were added to the National Zoological Park (NZP) collection against 1 : 0 Goral and 2 : 2 Silver Phesants from Kufri Zoo, Himachal Pradesh.
Various competitions were organized by the NZP to create awareness amongst the school children and visitors during the Wildlife Week.
Environmental Impact Assessment
A total number of 254 projects were appraised for environmental and site clearance during the year. Out of these, 125 projects were cleared, 60 were either rejected or exempted or closed and the remaining 69 projects were pending at the end of the year.
The sponsored research project, namely, study on Sustainable Development Plan for environmental protection of Kutchch District in Gujarat, was completed.
The final notification for declaring Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani areas in Maharashtra as an eco-sensitive zone, was issued on 17-1-2001.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification was amended on 13/12/2000, exempting defence related road construction projects in border areas from the purview of the EIA Notification.
A draft notification exempting from public hearing small-scale industrial units, widening and strengthening of highways, modernization of irrigation projects and mining projects (major minerals), up to 25 hectares of lease area was issued on 3/1/2001.
Prevention and Control of Pollution
As on 31.12.2000, out of 1,551 industries, 1,326 industries have provided the necessary pollution control facilities, 172 industries have been closed down and remaining 53 industries are defaulting in the 17 categories of identified highly polluting industries,. Legal actions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 were taken for all the defaulting units.
During the year, standards for coal-mines, for effluents from textile industries, and primary water quality criteria for bathing water were finalized and notified in the Official Gazette.
A source-specific standards for noise pollution from fire crackers was notified and all the States and Union Territories were directed to enforce the standards. Noise Pollution (Control and Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2000 in regard to noise limits for generator sets run with petrol or kerosene were also issued to enforce the noise pollution control regulations.
A scheme on "Green-Belt for Abatement of Pollution and Environmental Improvement" was launched in five cities/towns of Tamil Nadu namely, Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli and in 102 municipalities to reduce the adverse effects of air, water and noise pollution and to improve the aesthetic beauty of the City.
Work has been taken up for 48 districts covering 16 States of the country to prepare the District-wise Zoning Atlas for siting of industries. Under the mapping of Environmentally Sensitive Zones and Industrial Sites, work relating to the States of Bihar, Meghalaya, Kerala, Goa and Andhra Pradesh were completed.
Twentyfour problem-areas have been identified in the country for pollution control through concerted efforts involving all the concerned agencies/industries. Action plans have also been prepared and are being implemented in respect of all these 24 areas.
As on 31-12-2000, 596 industries have installed the pollution control systems to comply with the prescribed standards, 233 industries have been closed and 22 industries have to install the necessary pollution control systems to comply with the standards as suggested by the Ministry.
A scheme on "Assistance for Development of Eco-Cities" has been prepared and circulated to the State Governments for inviting project proposals on the seven activities as outlined in the scheme.
In consultation with the Ministry, the Ministry of Surface Transport notified rules for mass emission standards known as India-2000, akin to Euro-I for all categories of vehicles manufactured on and after 1st April, 2000 and were made effective from 1-4-2000 in the entire country. Stringent emission standards known as Bharat Stage-II similar to Euro-II emission standards for registration of motor cars and four-wheeler passenger vehicles were also notified and were made effective from 1-4-2000 in the National Capital Region.
Petrol with 1% benzene has been introduced in NCT of Delhi with effect from 1.11.2000. One independent fuel testing laboratory has also been established at NOIDA in Delhi in this regard.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as cleaner auto-fuel has been introduced in Mumbai, Delhi, Baroda and Surat. Sixty CNG stations have also been commissioned in Delhi by the Indraprastha Gas Ltd. and steps are being taken to commission other outlets immediately.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) continued the monitoring of water quality of national aquatic resources in 507 Stations, out of which, 414 stations are on rivers, 25 on groundwater, 38 on lakes and 30 are on other water bodies like canals, creeks, drains, ponds.
Water Quality Profile of the major rivers in the country were prepared and were analyzed by the CPCB on the levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and Total Coliform (TC).
The National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) Network was expanded to comprise 290 stations covering 90 cities/towns in 24 States and five Union Territories in the Country and consistently being monitored by the CPCB.
At the request and sponsorship of the UNICEF, the CPCB has developed a small testing kit for fluoride determination for water samples in field as well as in laboratory conditions. 1000 such kits are being distributed to community circles in various parts of the country for monitoring fluoride levels in drinking water.
A project has been taken up to develop Spore Testing Methodology for efficiency testing of autoclaves used for hospital waste treatment. The standardization of Spore Testing Methodology has also been undertaken using Bacillus stereothermophilus as biological indicator for its application in this device.
The CPCB also undertook the project on "Assessment of Hazardous Waste Management" in caustic soda industries, oil refineries and fertilizer sectors with a view to estimate the various types of hazardous waste generation and status of hazardous waste management practices adopted by each industry.
Hazardous Substances Management
Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, were finalized based on the comments and suggestions from the public and notified on September 25, 2000.
In order to ensure environmentally sound reprocessing of lead-acid batteries, a draft notification, entitled "Lead Acid Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 1999" was notified on 25-5-2000, seeking objections/suggestions of the public.
The status of implementation of Hazardous Waste Rules, is continuously monitored. As on 30-5-2000, there are 13,011 hazardous waste generating units in 373 districts in the country. They generate over 4.40 million tonnes of waste, of which, 1.68 million tonnes are recyclable, 0.19 million tonnes are incinerable and 2.52 million tonnes are disposed on land.
Six feasibility studies on Industrial Safety and Disaster Prevention and four studies on Hazardous Wastes Management were undertaken under a Japanese grant agreement.
A feasibility study for transportation of hazardous chemicals on National Highway No. 8, has been undertaken with the objective of creating a database on accident occurrence, nature of dangerous goods transported, accident reporting system, preparation of emergency planning and combating, accidents that occur in transportation of chemicals.
Ministry was represented in the fourth and fifth Inter-Governmental Negotiating Committee (INC) meetings on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during the year. In the fifth session of INC, the Government has proposed country-specific exemption for both products and use of DDT for a period yet to be determined and exemption for use of Dieldrin for a period of another two years to complete utilization of existing stocks in the country.
The Ministry also participated in the sixteenth technical and First Legal Working Group Meeting of the Fifth Conference of Parties (COP) of the Basel Convention was held in Geneva in October 2000. Guidelines for a voluntary trust fund for accident mitigation under the Liability Protocol was also drafted.
National River Conservation Directorate
The activities of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase-I, initiated earlier, were declared closed during the year. Out of the 261 schemes of pollution abatement sanctioned in GAP Phase-I, 258 schemes were completed and the remaining are at various stages of completion.
As against the target to intercept, divert and treat 873 mld of sewage, under GAP Phase-I, generated from 25 Class-I towns, 835 mld was commissioned so far.
The GAP Phase-II has been merged with the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and the expanded NRCP covers 149 towns located along 27 inter-State rivers in 16 States.
NRCP has been converted into a 100% centrally funded schemes reducing the share of the States from Rs. 1011.97 crores to Rs. 237.78 crores.
Pollution abatement works are being taken up in 21 towns under Yamuna Action Plan, of which, 12 are in Haryana, eight are in U.P. besides Delhi.
Under NRCP, out of the 181 sanctioned schemes of pollution abatement, 60 schemes have been completed so far. Additional component of Chennai Waterways for Adyar and Cooum rivers has been approved at a total cost of Rs. 491.52 crores during the year. Seven more towns of Tamil Nadu were approved on 24-1-2001 at a cost of Rs. 575.30 crores.
Under Industrial Pollution Control along the Rivers and Lakes, 119 industries, in addition to earlier identified 68 industries in the GAP Phase-I, have further been identified as grossly polluting industries in the States of U.P., Bihar and West Bengal along the river Ganga. Out of these 119 units, 83 are in U.P., three in Bihar and 33 in West Bengal.
The NRCD has adopted the standards prescribed by the CPCB as 100 mg/l for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and 200 mg/l for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) for the use of treated waste water on land. These adopted standards will not only reduce the cost of sewage treatment substantially but also conserve valuable organic matter in treated sewage, which is highly useful for irrigation.
Apart from the constitution of Citizens’ Monitoring Committees in every town where the NRCP is being executed, Divisional Review Committees and a Monitoring Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister of concerned State have been set up to review the progress of work of the projects sanctioned under NRCP.
Detailed guidelines for taking up activities under public participations have been finalized by the NRCD in consultation with the leading NGOs and were circulated to the State Governments.
In order to avoid diversion of funds by State Governments, it has been decided to make releases of the funds directly to the implementing agencies as a measure of improvement in the River Action Plan. It has also been decided to use waste stabilization pond based technology for sewage treatment wherever possible and to use the treated sewage for irrigation purposes in order to address the problem of bacterial pollution.
Under National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) three wetlands, namely, Ropar, Kanjli and Harike from Punjab and two wetlands, namely, Sambhar and Udaipur Lake Complex from Rajasthan have been selected by World Bank for undertaking conservation programmes.
National Afforestation and Eco-development Board
Under Integrated Afforestation and Eco-development Project Scheme (IAEPS), the approach of Samanvit Gram Vanikaran Samirddhi Yojana and creation of Forest Development Agency, is being implemented on pilot basis to establish convergence in flow of funds for development of rural areas for the purpose of maximising the impact of the schemes of the Ministry. This is being implemented in the first phase in selected territorial/wildlife divisions in all the States/UTs which have adopted Joint Forest Management resolutions.
Area-oriented Fuel-Wood and Fodder Project Scheme, is implemented on 50 : 50 sharing basis with the State Governments with a view to augment production of fuelwood and fodder in the 242 identified fuelwood deficient districts of the country to meet the needs of the communities.
Bamboo and medicinal plants’ plantation have been identified and declared as one of the thrust areas of the Ministry. Twenty projects for bamboo plantation and 17 for raising medicinal plants have been sanctioned during the year.
Afforestation in the coastal areas in the country with suitable tree-species to form shelterbelts has been taken up as one of the thrust area programmes with the objective of mitigating the impact of strong cyclonic winds. This includes 13 projects in the coastal States of the country.
Financial assistance continued to be provided to various NGOs and other voluntary agencies for afforestation and tree-planting activities under the Grants-in-Aid scheme during the year.
NAEB continued to monitor the progress of afforestation and seedling distribution under Point No. 16(a) and (b) of the Twenty Point Programme.
The Regional Centres of the Board located in universities and national level institutions continued to help NAEB in promoting extension of replicate technologies as well as for dissemination of research findings during the year.
Under the Research and Development Schemes, 21 new research projects were initiated 30 studies were completed and 59 on-going projects were reviewed and monitored for their progress during the year.
The thrust areas of research were prepared with due consultation with various experts, scientists, researchers, etc., and an outline of 21 thrust areas were identified and circulated to all concerned. The salient findings of the completed research projects have been fed into the Ministry’s website.
In order to mitigate the problem of water scarcity in the hills both for drinking and irrigation purposes, Villages Environment Action Plan has been prepared and training provided to around 70 workers from various support organizations in Uttaranchal and Bundelkhand regions during the year by the G.B. Pant Institute on Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPHED), Almora.
To address the issue of high mortality during laboratory to land transfer of tissue culture raised plants, the GBPHED also identified four bacteria as microbial inoculantes for hardening of tissue culture tea-plants prior to the transfer to open lands resulting the plant growth and promotion of tissue culture.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and its eight research institutes and three centres of advanced studies located in various parts of the country continued several research activities to cater to the research needs of different bio-geographical regions of the country.
A substitute of pectin from Cassiatora seed gum used in food industry was identified and the process of making this substitute was standardized by the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Methods were also standardized to isolate dyes from Shorea Robusta (Bark), lantana (leaves) and other species by the Institute.
The protocol for micro-propagation of Oxytenanthera stocksii, a bench-scale production using macro-proliferation methods was developed by the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore. The Institute also demonstrated varioius agro-forestry models to the farmers in the field.
The Institute of Wood Science & Technology, Bangalore, devised a method to prevent leaching of colouring matter form Ptero carpus marsupium wood by chemical treatment.
Cost-effective tissue-culture protocol was developed for Dendro Calamus strictus, and the tissue culture protocols for bambusa vulgaris as well as kaempferia galanga, the medicinal plant, were developed by the Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur. The Institute also developed methodology for identifying indicators for selection of potential JFM sites.
Vegetative propagation of Gmilena arborea through grafting was standardized through routing of single nodal cuttings by the Institute of Rain and Moist Deciduous Forests Research, Jorhat.
The Tropical Forests Research Institute, Jodhpur, completed the detailed studies on the bio-ecology of insect pests of Prosopis spp. with special emphasis on the management of gall forming insect.
Suitable planting techniques were developed for afforestation of water logged sodic site by the Centre for Social Forestry and Eco-Rehabilitation, Allahabad.
The ICFRE also continued its various externally aided projects during the year and fed the salient findings of the projects in to its newly developed web-site for easy and quick accession of information by the users.
In order to develop bamboo composite panel material, the Indian Plywood Industries Research & Training Institute, Bangalore, developed technologies for layered Bamboo Mat composites like Bamboo Mat Board (BMB) and Bamboo Mat Veneer Composites (BMVC) The Institute also developed Bamboo Mat Corrugated Sheets (BMCS) suitable for roofings and an eco-friendly alternative to ACC roofing sheets.
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun continued its research activities on the ecological, biological, socio-economic and managerial aspects of wildlife conservation in various parts of the country.
The Institute also continued its ten research projects on the various species during the year.
A total number of 11 collaborative projects on several species as well as the study of its habitat were coordinated by the Institute during the year.
National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS)
Twentyone projects recommended by the Standing Committee on Bioresources and Environment (SC-B) constituted by Planning Commission have so far been completed under the NNRMS Scheme. These projects addressed several environmental and ecological issues.
Education, Training and Information
Forestry Education, Training and Extension
The ICFRE, Dehradun continued to organize, direct and manage the activities related to forestry education, extension and training during the year.
The Institute also started two M.Sc. courses on Forestry and Wood Science Technology, in addition to the two on-going PG-Diploma courses on Plantation Technology and Pulp & Paper Technology during the year. 101 students were enrolled in these courses and a total number of 216 fellowships were allotted to various institutes.
Thirteen training courses covering the subject-area of tree-planting, tree-hybrids, vegetative multiplication, nursery techniques, etc., were organized by the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, during the year.
Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun conducted nine in-service training courses for 181 IFS officers during the year. The Academy also conducted two Professional Skill Upgradation courses and 55 officers, promoted from State Forests Service of different State Cadres, were trained under the programme.
Training courses of varied durations on ‘Application of Remote Sensing Techniques in Forestry, GIS, etc.’ were organized by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, for Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, Working Plan Officers (WPO), State Forest Service (SFS) officers, Forest Range Officers (FRO) during the year.
The Directorate of Forest Education, Dehradun, organized various short-term courses for in-service IFS officers, and other induction courses as well as training programmes for RFOs, DFOs, FOs, etc. during the year.
The Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute (IPIRTI) Bangalore, conducted one-year Postn Graduate Diploma courses in "Mechanized Wood Industry" and various short-term courses for the benefit of peronnel industries during the year. The Institute has also been recognized as one of the Centres for persuing research programme leading to the award of Ph.D. Degree by the FRI, a deemed university.
The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, conducted its 12th batch of ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Management’ and seventh batch of ‘Post Masters’ Course’ equivalent to M.Phil Degree in ‘Natural Resource Management’ during the year.
Under the Management Development Programme, the IIFM also imparted training to serving forestry personnel from the various State Forest Departments, NGOs and officers from other development departments.
Wildlife Education and Training
The XXI Diploma Course for the officers from various States/Union Territories in the country as well as from other SAARC countries were completed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dehradun, during the year.
The VII M.Sc. course on ‘Wildlife Science’, commenced in July 1999, was continued by the WII during the year with 12 students from India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
Various training programmes on Wildlife Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Eco-tourism Planning and Management, Wetland Conservation and Management in the Protected Areas, etc., were conducted by the WII during the year. Variious personnel belonging to IFS cadres and officers from other organizations participated in these programmes.
National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)
The NMNH continued to promote non-formal environmental education, conservation and awareness among the people through various in-house and out-reach activities during the year.
On the occasion of International Ozone Day, an exhibition was organized by the NMNH in collaboration with the Ozone Cell of the Ministry. A set of posters on various environmental themes was also released during the World Environment Day on 5th June, 2000 by the Museum.
The NMNH and its Regional Museums in Mysore and Bhopal also conducted diverse activities on conservation and education among various groups during the year.
The Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (IGPP) for the years 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were awarded both to an individual as well as to an organization to the various awardees by Hon’ble MEF during the year.
The Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Awards and Maha Vriksha Puraskar for 1998 were awarded by Hon’ble MEF during the year.
Shri K. Thulsi Rao, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Andhra Pradesh, was selected for Dr. Salim Ali Wildlife Fellowship Award for 1999 and Shri Ranjan Kumar Das, Divisional Forest Officer, Assam was selected for Dr. Kailash Sankhala National Wildlife Fellowship Award for the year 2000.
Shri Gangaram Bishnoi from Chirai Village, Rajasthan was given a token award of Rs. 50,000/- in recognition to his great sacrifice for protecting a Chinkara from the poachers.
Environmental Education, Awareness and Training
Formal Environment Education and Awareness
The Ministry interacted actively with the UGC, NCERT and the Ministry of Human Resource Development, for introducing and expanding environmental concepts, themes, issues, etc., in the curricula of schools and colleges.
The study on ‘Status of Infusion of Environmental Concepts in the School Curricula and the Effectiveness of its Delivery’ under the Environment Education in School System a sub-component of the World Bank assisted Environment Management Capacity Building Project was continued during the year.
Non-formal Environment Education and Awareness
The National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) for 2000-2001 was organized by the Ministry with the major theme as "Keep our Environment Clean and Green" as well as with sub-themes on various environmental issues like management of garbage and other solid wastes, control of air pollution, plantation and protection of trees, keeping sources of drinking water clean, etc.
Under this campaign, 4581 organizations such as NGOs, universities, schools and colleges, research institutions, women and youth organizations, Army units etc., from all over the country, were provided financial assistance for conducting awareness creating activities and for preparation and distribution of environmental education resource material to a wide range of target groups.
With a view to assessing the effectiveness and impact of the NEAC, three institutions were requested to undertake evaluation of the programme during the year.
About 1500 Eco-Clubs were set up/supported in different parts of the country during the year, with the objective of imparting environmental education as well as mobilising participation of school children in various environmental conservation activities in their localities. A proposal to raise a National Green Army of students has been developed under which the eco-clubs programme is expected to be expanded to cover every district of the country.
Fortyfive proposals were supported for financial assistance under Seminars/Symposia/Workshops Scheme to provide a common forum to professionals for sharing uptodate knowledge on various technical issues related to environment and to create environmental awareness specific issues.
The Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad and the CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai developed several innovative programmes and material for creating environmental awareness across the country.
Both CEE and CPREEC organized a number of training programmes on environmental education designed for different or specific target groups and conducted a number of exhibitions on environment and its related areas in order to inculcate awareness among the people for conservation of nature and natural resources.
Both CPREEC and CEE were awarded the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar for the year 1996 and 1997 respectively in the organization category for their outstanding contribution in the field of environmental education and awareness.
The Centre for Ecological Sciences, (CES), Bangalore carried out 24 projects in the broad areas of bio-diversity of India, ecology and conservation biology, animal behaviour, mathematical ecology and evolution, conservation genetics and molecular ecology, climate variability, eco-development, energy and environment, etc.
The Centre for Mining Environment (CME), Dhanbad, continued its three-semester M.Tech. programme in Environmental Science & Engineering and provided environmental management inputs for academic activities of the Indian School of Mines, (ISM) Dhanbad. Apart from organizing several training programmes on environmental management in mining areas, the CME also conducted a number of R&D activities in its field and recorded the salient findings for dissemination of information to all concerned.
The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore continued its research activities in ornithology covering all aspects of biodiversity during the year. A total number of 16 research projects were also initiated by SACON.
The Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Eco-system (CEMDE), New Delhi, successfully rehabilitated the Morrum mined out site at Bhatti and desertified lands of Asola Wildlife Sanctuary using the low input and cost-effective restoration technology developed by the Centre. The Centre also continued its activities in the assessment of biodiversity of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve at the ecosystem and community levels. A number of conservation indicators have also been identified by the Centre for conservation and management of biodiversity.
The Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Tiruvananthapuram, enriched its ex-situ collections in the garden by introducing 735 accessions of live plants of rare, endangered and endemic species collected from tropical regions of India.. The Institute also continued its on-going programme on preparation of an Atlas of the endemic plants of the Western Ghats of India. The Institute also continued to function as the coordinating centre for "Research on Orchids" under All India Cordinated Project in Taxonomy.
The Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Network with the Focal Point in the Ministry and its 25 Subject-area Nodes, known as ENVIS Centres located throughout the country, continued its activities in environmental information collection, collation, storage, retrieval and dissemination to its users.
The ENVIS Network responded to a total number of 14,695 queries during the year, of which 13,495 were national and 1,200 were international.
The ‘ENVIRONEWS" a newsletter of the Ministry reporting various important policies, programmes, enactments of new legislations/rules, important notifications and other decisions taken by the Ministry from time to time continued to be published by ENVIS Focal Point during the year.
‘Paryavaran Abstract’ a quarterly journal reporting information on environmental research in Indian context continued to be published by the ENVIS Focal Point. The relevant database of Paryavaran Abstracts has also been developed and fed in the Ministry’s website for easy and quick retrieval of relevant information by the users.
The homepage of the Ministry, developed by the ENVIS Focal Point, was periodically updated during the year. Several major documents including Annual Report, Environews, Paryavaran Abstracts, State-of-environment Report, guidelines for the funding schemes, etc., published by the Ministry were fed in to the homepage by ENVIS Focal Point. These can be browsed at the URL http://envfor.nic.in.
The website of the Sustainable Development Networking Programme (SDNP), a joint project of UNDP and IDRC, Canada and implemented by ENVIS was developed. This can be browsed at URL: http://sdnp.delhi.nic.in. The website of SDNP provides a wealth of information on nearly 25 thematic areas, ranging from pollution, biodiversity, wildlife conservation to agriculture, biotechnology, poverty, climate change, etc. The website of SDNP now contains nearly 15,000 linkages to various databases, libraries, organizations, publications and listserves providing information on sustainable development practices, issues, debates, success stories, conventions/treaties, etc. The site was visited by about 75,000 national and international users during the year.
In an effort to disseminate knowledge about sustainable development and to act as a distributed clearing house of information, SDNP also set up 11 nodes in various parts of the country, each having been assigned a specific area. Each node is now in the process of developing a website on its ear-marked area with an interface to the local language.
ENVIS also continued to function as a National Focal Point (NFP) and a Regional Service Centre (RSC) for South-Asia Sub-Region Countries for INFOTERRA Network, a global Information Network of the United Nations’ Environment Programme. As NFP and RSC of INFOTERRA, the ENVIS network provided information to about 1200 queries received from the various sub-region countries during the year.
All the ENVIS Centres continued their activities related to the development of the databases in their specific subject-area and dissemination of information to all concerned. Apart from the publication of ENVIS newsletter in the specific subject-area and other relevant documents/journals, the relevant websites by these Centres are being developed for easy and quick accession of information.
Legislation and Institutional Support
The Water Cess Act is being amended to enhance the water cess rates for augmenting the resources of the Pollution Control Boards to carry out the increased workload and responsibility with the rapid expansion of industries and towns. A Bill in this regard has already been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 15.12.2000.
The Ministry has issued 18 notifications on different products criteria to help consumers to contribute their mite in the protection of the environment. A brochure on eco-mark has also been brought out for awareness building in this regard.
The second phase of the Green Rating Project of the industry, has been launched under the UNDP Programme, during the year.
Under the World Bank aided Management Capacity Building Project (Environmental Law Component), a number of training/workshops/seminars were organized to strengthen the legal framework by the National Law School of India University in association with the Ministry.
A national conference on environment and forests was organised by the Ministry at Coimbatore during 29-30th January, 2001. The conference was attended by the State Environment and Forests Ministers, Secretaries to State Governments, Principal Chief Conservators of Forests, Chairpersons of the Central and State Pollution Control Boards, Senior Officials of the Ministry and Members of the Consultative Committee of Parliament related to the Ministry. A set of recommendations known as "Coimbatore Charter" has been made.
All the State Governments and the Union Territory Governments have been advised by the Ministry to implement the decisions taken in different disciplines under the Coimbatore Charter on Environment and Forests.
A Global Environment Cell (GEC) with UNDP assistance has been set up with the objective of examination and providing technical and scientific inputs into the process of project formulation including those for Global Environment Facility (GEF) assistance. Thirteen projects of GEF/Small Grants Programme have been funded in principle so far.
The World Bank assisted Delhi Urban Environment and Infrastructure Improvement Project, has been undertaken jointly by the Ministry and the Government of Delhi with the Japanese Grant.
The meetings of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), viz., Subsidiary Body on Implementation and Subsidiary Body on Scientific and Technological Advice, were held during June 12-15, 2000 in Bonn, Germany and during September 11-15, 2000 in Lyon, France. These were attended by the officials of the Ministries of Environment and Forests and External Affairs.
Hon’ble Minister of Power led the Indian delegation to attend the Sixth Conference of Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Hague, during November 13-25, 2000. Secretary (E&F), officials of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Atomic Energy formed part of the delegation.
The International Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was celebrated at the national and state level on 16.9.2000. On this occasion, third edition of the book entitled "The Montreal Protocol - India’s Success Story" was published. A sticker and a poster were printed and distributed among industries, Government officials, students, etc., with a view to raise awareness on this subject. A Workshop on the Ozone Depleting Substances (Control and Regulation) Rules was also organized on this occasion.
Thirty five investment projects and 11 non-investment projects costing US$10.80 million were approved by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol for the year, 2000. The gradual phase-out strategy for production of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in India is being implemented.
Hon’ble Minister for Environment and Forests participated in the VIII Sesion of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), held in New York from 24th April to 5th May, 2000.
Hon’ble Minister for Environment and Forests and Secretary (E&F) participated in the First Global Ministerial Environment Forum - The Sixth Special Session of the Governing Council of the UNEP, held in Malmo, Sweden from 29-31 May, 2000.
Hon’ble MEF led delegation to Japan to attend the ESCAP Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development, held during 4-5, September 2000. The Conference dealt with various environment and sustainable development policy issues as well as critical environmental issues, status of compliance, etc.
Bilateral Cooperation Programmes and follow-up of MOUs/Joint Statements of Intent were signed with Brazil, China, Germany, Iran, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, USA and Vietnam.
Hon’ble MEF led the Indian delegation to discuss bilateral issues with Deputy Prime Minister of United Kingdom, during 1-3 October 2000.
Administration, Civil Construction, Plan Coordination and Budget
The strength of the Ministry, including the National Afforestation & Ecodevelopment Board and the National River Conservation Directorate at the Head Quarters presently is 1,216 under various groups out of which 1,049 employees are in position.
With the creation of three new cadres, viz., Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttaranchal, the Indian Forest Service now consists of 24 State cadres. The present authorized strength of the Service is 2756.
During the year, 28 direct recruits and 68 State Forest Service officers under the Indian Forests Service (IFS) Promotion Regulation, have been inducted into the service. Twenty IFS officers from the State cadre have also been appointed to man Central Forestry Posts at the Centre against the central deputation reserve.
The post of Inspector General of Forests and Special Secretary, has been re-designated as Director General of Forests and Special Secretary. The two posts of Additional Inspector General of Forests have been re-designated as Additional Director General of Forests. Four posts at the level of Deputy Inspector General of Forests to the Government of India, have been upgraded to the Joint Secretary level and redesignated as Inspector General of Forests.
In persuasion of the instructions issued by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, a scheme of granting cash awards to the sections/desks/units for showing high performance in O&M activities has been launched by the Ministry.
A Grievances Cell has been constituted to attend the complaints of public regarding environmental problems. Joint Secretary (Administration) has been nominated as Public Grievances Officer of the Ministry. During the year, 211 grievances were received from the general public.
The Office Council of the Ministry constituted under the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) Scheme continued its activities during the year. Two meetings of the Council were held to discuss and sort-out various matters pertaining to the staff.
"Hindi Fortnight" was celebrated during 18-29th September 2000. A number of officers/staff participated in various competitions of Hindi Essay Writing, Quiz, Noting/Drafting, Hindi Typing and Dictation, etc. Sixty five Officers/Staff were also given the awards.
The ‘Medini Award Scheme’ with the objective of encouraging original Hindi book writing on the subjects related to Environment, Forestry, Wildlife, etc. is being implemented by the Ministry and cash awards are being given under the scheme.
The Civil Construction Unit (CCU) created in the Ministry completed 11 civil construction activities in various wings of the Ministry, its attached and subordinate offices as well as autonomous organizations located in various parts of the country.
In order to have better environment, use of timber is eliminated in construction of buildings, and its substitutes are being used by the CCU.
Solar water heating system encouraged for use in hostels and office buildings for conservation of electrical energy.
The budget allocation of the Ministry for 2000-2001 was Rs. 850.00 crores against Rs. 700.00 crores for 1999-2000.
The Ministry has been allocated an out lay of Rs. 800 crores for the Annual Plan 2001-2002 and Rs. 3013.84 crores for the Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002).