[Development and Promotion of Cleaner Technologies, Taj Protection Mission, Environmental Epidemiological Studies, Environment Statement, Pollution Control in 17 Categories of identified highly Polluting Industries, Guidelines for Consent Management and Authorization, Environmental Statistics, Noise Pollution, Programme / Action Plans for the abatement of Pollution, Zoning Atlas, Eco-cities, Central Pollution Control Board, Hazardous Substances Management]
An increasing trend of water, air and noise pollution in urban areas of country has deteriorated quality of life of its citizens. The Ministry adopted the Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution, which provides several instruments in the form of regulations, legislation, agreements, fiscal incentives and various other measures to prevent and abate pollution. Thereafter, the focus of the various programmes and schemes of the Ministry and its associated organizations related to pollution prevention and control has shifted on issues such as promotion of clean and low waste technologies, reuse or recycling, improvement of water quality, natural resource accounting, institutional and human resource development, control of pollution at source rather than the traditional end of the pipeline treatment. The significant benefit of this approach is that when waste is reduced/eliminated or solvents are revived and reused leads to resource conservation during various industrial processes and minimize the levels of pollutants in the waste water in the work and ambient environment.
The issues pertaining to prevention and control of pollution are dealt with by adopting a multi-pronged approach combining command and control systems, voluntary regulations and economic instruments. Besides, emphasis is being made on development of environmental standards, waste minimization circles, environmental audit, environmental epidemiological studies, preparation of zoning atlas for siting of industries, control of vehicular pollution, noise pollution, promotion of environmental education and awareness etc.
Major activities carried out under several programmes/schemes during the year are outlined as follows:
Development and Promotion of Cleaner Technologies
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the Steel Sector
With an objective of optimum utilization of resources, Life Cycle Assessment Study in the Steel Sector has been continued with joint funding of the Ministry and three identified steel plants, viz, Bhilai Steel Plant, SAIL; Jamshedpur Steel Plant of TISCO and Vizag Plant of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. (RINL). Life Cycle Assessment is a management tool which examines from the cradle to grave all the issues associated with production, use, disposal and recycling of a given product including extraction of raw materials for its manufacture.
Sustainable Development Strategies
With the assistance from Asian Development Bank under Regional Technical Assistance Programme a project has been framed in the area of Cleaner Production.
For the utilization of press mud, a demonstration project by M/s Daurala Sugar Works has been taken up.
Demonstration Projects for development of bamboo based composites / panels in the North Eastern Region has been initiated.
A study on Industrial Complex in Nandesari, Gujarat as ‘Eco-park’ has been undertaken.
Proposal of M/s NMDC to set up Romelt Plant is taken up as a Clean Technology Demonstration Project.
Adoption of Clean Technologies in Small Scale Industries
The scheme for promotion, development and adoption of clean technologies including waste reuse and recycling formulated earlier for small scale industries is being continued. During the year, the following activities have been carried out under this scheme:
Waste minimisation demonstration studies in textile cotton yarn dyeing units in Nagari, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh have been completed.
Waste minimisation demonstration studies in rice mills and sago industry are in the final stages of completion.
Waste minimisation demonstration studies in bulk drug and chemical sector for the first phase has been completed.
Waste minimisation demonstration studies in cluster of tannery units in Kolkatta have been completed.
Waste Minimisation Circles in Small Scale Industries
A project on Waste Minimisation in Small Scale Industries has been launched with the National Productivity Council as nodal agency under the World Bank Assisted Industrial Prevention Pollution Project. About 180 number of industries benefited by participating in the Waste Minimization Circles (WMCs) project under which 45 WMCs have been formed in different sectors in various parts of the county. About 300 Waste Minimization options were identified by the member units in these WMCs and of this 120 Waste Minimization options have been implemented. These measures resulted in an estimated savings to the tune of Rs. 100 lakhs per annum. The environmental benefits of this are being estimated.
An independent review and assessment of the WMC project was undertaken. A strategy based on the conclusions and recommendations of the review report was prepared for further improvement of the scheme.
Consequent upon the Supreme Court orders dated 4.9.96 in the Writ Petition No. 13381/84, the Planning Commission estimated (in consultation with the State Govt.) an amount of Rs. 6000 crores on a 50:50 percent (Centre-State) matching basis to implement various schemes relating to protection of the Taj Mahal.
A Mission Management Board under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, U.P. has been constituted for overseeing the implementation, monitoring and reviewing of the various programmes / schemes formulated for the protection of the Taj Mahal. Schemes were submitted relating to uninterrupted power supply, augmentation of water supply, improvement of drainage and sanitation, city tree plantation in the context of environmental protection of the Taj Mahal.
The EFC Memo giving details of the scheme on Taj Protection Mission was approved in the EFC meeting held on 26.10.98. On 23.2.99, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved schemes of Rs. 222.21 crores for the 10 projects under the Taj Protection Mission.
The Government of U.P. has also prepared additional five projects covering Construction of Sewerage in Agra, Afforestation in the Taj Trapezium, Agra Bye-pass-Part II (Northern Park) Improvement of 21 Agra city roads, Construction of Parking site near the Western gate of the Taj Mahal and Construction of Agra Barrage under the Taj Protection Mission. These projects have been approved by the Mission Management Board. EFC Memo has been prepared for these projects and the EFC meeting held on 13-2-2001 in which these projects were approved.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been maintaining an Environmental Meteorology Unit at New Delhi and a field observatory at Taj Mahal, Agra to render necessary meteorological support to this Ministry. The Unit at Delhi also provides specific views to the Ministry for assessment of environmental impacts of Industrial and Thermal Power projects along with the analysis of the meterological data collected at Taj Observatory, Agra.
Environmental Epidemiological Studies
Environmental epidemiological studies have been continued in eleven areas to assess the health manifestations due to the effect of pollution. The Ministry had constituted a Committee on "Environment and Health" under the Chairmanship of Dr. P.K. Seth, Director, ITRC, Lucknow in order to review the current status of environment health and to develop appropriate policy, strategy and action plan for environmental health. The Committee has submitted its report. The Ministry has also conducted a number of programmes / workshops on the environmental epidemiology for the benefit of State Pollution Control Boards, State Departments of Environment and concerned institutions and organisations.
Environmental Statement (as part of Environmental Audit)
Submission of an Environmental Statement by polluting units seeking consent either under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 or the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 or both and the Authorisation under the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling Rules) 1989 to the concerned SPCBs has been made mandatory through a Gazette Notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Environmental Statement enables the units to take a comprehensive look at their industrial operations and facilitates understanding of material flows and focus on areas where waste reduction and consequently savings in input cost is possible. Activities undertaken during the year are as follows.
A publication on Environmental Audit update has been brought out through Waterfalls Institute of Technology Transfer, New Delhi.
A project viz. "Comprehensive Approach for Environmental Audit" has been sponsored to CPCB. Under this project, work has been awarded for analysis and evaluation of environmental statements sector-wise in respect of thermal power, drugs, tannery and pulp and paper to expert institutions. Similar work in respect of sectors of textile, sugar, distillery, cement, integrated iron and steel and pesticides is being awarded.
Status of Pollution Control in 17 Categories of Identified Highly Polluting Industries
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 1551 large and medium industries in 17 categories of highly polluting industries, contributing maximum to the pollution load. They have been given time schedule to install necessary pollution control equipments to comply with the prescribed standards. The progress of compliance is monitored periodically and quarterly reports are given by CPCB based on the in-puts received from the concerned State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). As on 31.12.2000, out of 1551 industries, 1326 industries have so far provided the necessary pollution control facilities, 172 industries have been closed down and the remaining 53 industries are defaulting. Legal action has been taken under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for all the defaulting units and in many cases the matter is pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Almost all the defaulting units are either in the advanced stage of installing the pollution control measures or under legal action for default. A state-wise summary status of the pollution control in 17 categories of industries and a category-wise summary status are given in Table-10 and 11 respectively.
State-wise Summary Status of the Pollution Control in 17 Categories of Industries
(as on 31.12.2000) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sl. No. State/UT Total No. Status (No. of units) of units Closed C# Defaulters ## ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Andhra Pradesh 173 29 142 02 2. Arunachal Pradesh 00 00 00 00 3. Assam 15 02 11 02 4. Bihar 62 21 35 06 5. Goa 06 00 06 00 6. Gujarat 177 07 168 02 7. Haryana 43 05 37 01 8. Himachal Pradesh 09 00 09 00 9. Jammu & Kashmir 08 03 05 00 10. Karnataka 85 09 72 04 11. Kerala 28 06 20 02 12. Madhya Pradesh 78 11 60 07 13. Maharashtra 335 24 302 09 14. Manipur 00 00 00 00 15. Meghalaya 01 00 01 00 16. Mizoram 00 00 00 00 17. Nagaland 00 00 00 00 18. Orissa 23 01 15 07 19. Punjab 45 06 39 00 20. Rajasthan 49 06 39 00 21. Sikkim 01 00 01 00 22. Tamil Nadu 119 02 117 00 23. Tripura 00 00 00 00 24. UT – Andman & Nicobar 00 00 00 00 25. UT – Chandigarh 01 00 01 00 26 UT-Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli 00 00 00 00 27. UT – Delhi 05 01 04 00 28. UT – Lakshadweep 00 00 00 00 29. UT – Pondichery 06 01 05 00 30. Uttar Pradesh 224 21 198 05 31. West Bengal 58 17 35 06 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1551 172 1326 53 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Having adequate facilities to comply with the standards ## Not having adequate facilities to comply with the standards
Category-wise Summary Status of the Pollution Control in 17 Categories of Industries
(as on 31.12.2000) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Sl. No. Category Total No. Status (No. of units) of Units Closed C# Defaulters -------------------------------------------------------------------- 01. Aluminium 07 01 06 00 02. Caustic 25 00 25 00 03. Cement 116 08 108 00 04. Copper 02 00 01 01 05. Distillery 177 32 134 11 06. Dyes & D.L 64 08 56 00 07. Fertilizer 110 10 97 03 08. Iron & Steel 08 00 02 06 09. Leather 70 11 59 00 10. Pesticide 71 07 63 01 11. Petrochem 49 00 49 00 12. Pharma 251 26 225 00 13. Pulp & Paper 96 20 75 01 14. Refinery 12 00 12 00 15. Sugar 392 47 334 11 16. TPP 97 02 76 19 17. Zinc 04 00 04 00 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1551 172 1326 53 -------------------------------------------------------------------- # Having adequate facilities to comply with the standards.
Ministry has also initiated Sectoral approach for prevention and control of pollution in different sectors. In this regard Action Plan finalized by the Working Group on Tanneries is being implemented. State Pollution Control Board have been advised to follow the suggestions given by the Working Group while dealing with tannery units. As regards distillery, the industries have been advised to follow the protocol developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute and take necessary measures to comply with the prescribed standards.
At the request of All India Brick & Tiles Manufacturer’s Federation, the duration of installation of fixed chimneys in place of moving chimneys kilns have been further extended by a period of one year i.e. up to June 2001. This is subject to the units providing the necessary bank guarantee to the pollution control agencies and the undertakings by the Federation that the conversion would be completed by 30th June, 2001.
Development of Environmental Standards
The Ministry lays-down industry specific as well as general effluent and emission standards for different categories of industries under the Environment ( Protection) Act, 1986. During the year, standards for following categories of industries have been finalized and notified in the Official Gazette:-
Standards for coal mines.
Standards for effluents from textile industry.
Primary water quality criteria for bathing waters.
Recognition of Environmental Laboratories under the Environment ( Protection) Act, 1986
Under Section 12 and 13 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Ministry recognises environmental laboratories and the Government Analysts working in the laboratories to carry out the functions entrusted to them under the Act. While powers for recognising environment laboratories of the Government and autonomous organisations have been delegated to the CPCB, laboratories in the Private Sector are recognised by the Ministry. Ministry also participates in the joint inspection of environmental laboratories with CPCB, State Pollution Control Board and Pollution Control Committees. During the year, based on the examination and recommendation of the joint inspection teams, six private laboratories have been recognised in different parts of the country.
All the recognised laboratories have to participate in the annual Analytical Quality Control (AQC) exercise being conducted by CPCB. Dummy samples are sent to recognised laboratories and the analysis report of the laboratory are compared with the standard result of the same and variations, if any, are reported to the concerned laboratory for improvements.
Industrial Pollution Complaints
During the year, Ministry received more than 300 complaints from various individuals/organistion/NGOs etc. regarding pollution being caused by certain industries. These complaints were attended to by calling reports along with the exact status and comments from the state pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees. The complaints were mostly related to pollution being caused in air, water land and noise resulting in degradation of the eco-system. Some of the complaints were also related to discharge of untreated or partly treated effluent thereby contaminating water bodies, land and ground water. Air pollution complaints were also received for certain cements, thermal power plants and brick kiln units and complaints for water pollution were received for sugar mills, distilleries, tanneries, paper and pulp industries, Action as required, based on the reports of the Pollution Control Boards were taken and the industries were directed to provide the necessary pollution control measures.
Guidelines for Consent Management and Authorisation
A draft notification S.O (E) 1253 dated December 20, 1999, regarding Uniform Consent Procedure has been issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Comments/objections/suggestions were received in response to the draft notification. These were examined by a Committee constituted by the CPCB comprising chairpersons of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Pollution Control Boards, Member-Secretaries of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Boards and Assistant Secretary of CPCB. The Committee has revised the draft notification which is being issued in the form of guidelines.
Green Belt for Abatement of Pollution and Environmental Improvement in Cities/Towns in Tamil Nadu
A scheme of Green Belt for Abatement of Pollution and Environmental Improvement has been launched in five cities/towns of Tamil Nadu viz., Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli and in 102 Municipalities. The objective of the scheme is to reduce the adverse effects of air, water and noise pollution and to improve the aesthetic beauty of the city. The approach for implementation of the project is through awareness building and involvement of people in planting and protecting the trees. The participating agencies include. Forest Departments, NGOs, Public Works Departments, Highways Department, Revenue Department, Local Body, industrialists and Industry Associations.
Environmental Statistics and Mapping
Under the scheme during the year, the project on Integrated Coastal Environmental Management Plan for the zones located in East Godavari and Visakhaptnam districts sponsored to Environment Protection Training Research Institute ( EPTRI), Hyderabad, was completed.
The first phase of the project "Geochemical Baseline Mapping for Environmental Management in the Cauvery Basin" sponsored to National Geophysical Research Institute ( NGRI), Hyderabad has also been completed and further studies are in progress.
A source specific standards for noise pollution from fire crackers was notified on 5.10.99. All the States and Union Territories were asked to enforce these standards. The surveys conducted by Central Pollution Control Board and Delhi Pollution Control Committee indicate that a decreasing trend of noise has been noticed on the Deepawali Day during the last two years owing to the awareness among the people on the deleterious effect of noise pollution on their health. The other State Governments have also been requested to conduct similar surveys in their metro cities and send the reports. Some of the reports have been received which indicate similar trend.
Noise pollution, (regulation and control) Amendment Rules 2000 in regard to noise limit for generator sets run with petrol or kerosene have been issued to enforce the noise pollution control regulations.
There is an increasing trend of air, water and noise pollution in the metro cities of the country. Air and water pollution monitoring is being carried out by the CPCB. On the basis of the monitoring results, data-base in the air quality for rapidly growing urban area is being generated on longitudinal basis as it is essential to assess the impact and general trend of air quality and its change.
Similar data base is being generated for land use planning in urban of the country. The new land use is assessed from pollution angle for the development of new industrial estates which are compatible with prescribed environmental norms.
A programme to assess the environmental quality of metro-cities had been initiated and 10 reports have received and work on other cities is in progress. Based upon this data, action Plans to control pollution in metro cities has been undertaken. A number of urban projects are also being reviewed from environmental angle.
Programme/Action Plans for the Abatement of pollution
National Environmental Programme for Control of Pollution in the Country
The programme for control of pollution in the country has been evolved and is being finalized. This action plan envisages control of pollution from various sources such as industrial, domestic, vehicular, agricultural and noise. It also stipulates implementation of time bound programmes entailing coordinated inter-departmental strategies for protection and improvement of environment.
Action Plan for pollution Control in Major Cities
The Action Plan to control pollution for Mumbai metropolitan has been prepared and is being implemented by the Government of Mahrashtra with the help of their agencies. Action plan to control pollution in Chennai has also been prepared. The Government of West Bengal intends to implement the Action Plan for the metropolitan region of Kolkata prepared under the World Bank Programme. In addition, draft Action Plan for Guwahati has been prepared and those for Hyderabad and Vizag are in progress.
Zoning Atlas (Spatial Environmental Planning) Programme has been taken up by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Environmental Management Capacity Building Technical Assistance Project of the World Bank. The details of the various activities undertaken during the year include the following:
District-wise Zoning Atlas for Siting of Industries: Under this component, the work has been taken for 48 districts covering 16 States viz. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Industrial Estate Planning Studies: Under this activity reports have been completed for four sites and those for seven sites are in progrress.
Mapping of Environmentally Sensitive Zones and Industrial Sites - Statewise: Under this activity, the work has so far been completed for the States of Bihar, Meghlaya, Kerala, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh. Work for the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Orissa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Manipur, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Assam, and Rajasthan is in progress.
Environmental Management Plans for urban Areas, Mining Areas, environmentally Fragile Areas, Tourism Areas etc.: Under this activity, preparation of environmental management plans has been taken up for Taj Trapezium Zone (Uttar Pradesh), Mining areas of Dhanbad, Vasai Virar Sub-region of Thane District (Maharashtra), Vidharba Region ( Maharashtra) and Bakel Fort area of Kannur District (Kerala).
Regional Planning : In continuation of district-wise Zoning Atlas studies, Pilot Studies on Regional Planning have been taken up for Jalpaiguri district (West Bengal) and for the entire State of Tripura.
Environmental Atlas of India: It is a compilation of various environmental related information presented in the form of maps context, taken up jointly by CPCB and National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO). The mapping work of the Atlas is completed.
Capacity Building in the field of Spatial Environmental Planning: A Centre for Spatial Environmental Planning has been created at CPCB for undertaking various environmental planning and mapping tasks. Similar Centres are being created at Tripura State pollution Control Board, West Bengal State Council for Science & Technology, Kolkata, Environment Protection Training Research Institute, Hyderabad and Kerala State Pollution Control Board. Also, the project activities are being strengthened in various participating states with staff and equipment. Users training workshops aimed at disseminating the information on Zoning Atlas results were held in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Karnataka, Orissa and Bihar.
Special Projects: The World Bank had suggested considering various types of planning regions in addition to the district boundaries. Accordingly, a pilot study on ‘Water Quality Management of Cauvery Basin’ has taken up through CPCB’s Zonal Office at Bangalore. In addition to remote sensing and GIS, modelling techniques for demarcation of watersheds, identifying flow in the rivers, water quality and impacts due to discharge etc. are taken into account in the study.
Making Zoning Atlases Commercially Available
Work has been taken up for generating interactive CD with query system. The data structuring had been completed and the work was awarded to M/S ML Info Map. New Delhi.
The SPCBs had been instructed to collect the hard copies of the printed Zoning Atlases and the Environmentally Sensitive Zones and Industrial Site (ESZIS) maps.
The HPSPCB and UPSPCB have placed the information related to Zoning Atlas for siting of Industries on Internet for wider access. CPCB with the help of National Informatics Centre (NIC) has placed the Zoning Atlas information on the existing CPCB webpage.
CPCB is also in the process of preparing transmission worthy video on Zoning Atlas programme. The organisation for the taking up the work had been finalised. The service of the organisation will be subsequently used to develop a multimedia presentation on Zoning Atlas using the video clippings.
Pollution Control in Problem Areas
Preparation of the Action Plans
Twenty four problem areas have been identified in the country for pollution control through concerted efforts involving all the concerned agencies/industries. Action plans have been prepared and being implemented in respect of all these 24 areas.
The last one finalised among these is the Action Plan for Durgapur. All the 24 units located in the area of Durgapur were issued notices under Section 5 of the E (P) Act, 1986 and the Action Plan was prepared on the basis of the responses of the notices. The pollution control status in each of these units has also been prepared. A compilation on " The Action Points on Problem Areas" in respect of all the 24 areas have also been prepared.
Pollution control in grossly polluting industries discharging their effluent directly into rivers and lakes
As per the decision of National River Conservation Authority, the CPCB has directed the SPCBs/PCCs to ensure that the polluting industries install requisite pollution control systems within the specified time-frame. The SPCBs/PCCs were also directed to issue closure orders to those industries which do not take necessary action within the stipulated time period. As reported by CPCB, 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 present standards. A state-wide summary status of the grossly polluting industries is given Chapter 6 under NRCA.
Eco-cities
A scheme on "Assistance for Development of Eco-cities" has been prepared. The scheme identifies seven activities to be implemented to begin with. These include:
Environmental Management Plans ( EMPs) for urban areas
Green Belt for abatement of pollution
Traffic and Transportation Management for control of vehicular pollution
Solid and liquid waste management
Prevention and control of industrial pollution
Public participation in prevention and control of pollution
Bio-farming and dairying
The scheme has been circulated to the State Governments for inviting project proposals on the activities as outlined in the scheme.
Control of Vehicular Pollution
The Ministry plays a coordinating role in the field of controlling of vehicular pollution with the concerned Ministries and its associated bodies/ organisations including the Ministry of Surface Transport, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Industry for upgradation of automobile technology, improvement in fuel quality, expansion of urban public transport systems and promotion of integrated traffic management as the vehicular emissions is the major cause for deterioration of urban ambient air quality.
The Ministry of Surface Transport ( MoST), vide GSR 493 ( E) dated 28.8.1997 notified rules for mass emission standards known as India 2000 akin to Euro I for all categories of vehicles manufactured on and after Ist April, 2000 and were made effective from 1.4.2000 in the entire country. (Emission norms for tractors were notified on 8.9.1999 by the MoST and is effective from 1.10.1999).
In consultation with the Ministry, the MoST vide GSR 77 (E) 31.1.2000 has also notified more stringent emission standards known as Bharat Stage- II similar to Euro-II emission standards for registration of motor cars and four-wheeler passenger vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) equal or less than 3500kg, and were made effective from 1.4.2000 in the National Capital Region. These norms has been extended to Mumbai (including Greater Mumbai) form 1.1.2001 and in Kolkata and Chennai from 1.7.2001. Petrol with 0.05% sulphur maximum is being supplied in the entire NCR of Delhi with effect from 31.5.2000 and diesel with 0.05% sulphur maximum is being supplied in the selective retail outlets in NCR of Delhi from 1.4.2000.
Petrol with 1% benzene maximum has been introduced in NCT of Delhi with effect from 1st November, 2000. One independent fuel-testing laboratory has also been established at Noida in Delhi.
In Delhi, 60 CNG stations have been commissioned by the Indraprastha Gas Limited and steps are being taken to commission the remaining 26 outlets immediately.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), as cleaner auto fuel, has been introduced in Mumbai Delhi, Baroda and Surat. The number of vehicle registered with CNG kits in Mumbai, as on 20.11.2000 are 18,326. In Delhi, 7,215 vehicles have been registered so far fitted with CNG kits. The Central Government has provided indirect fiscal incentives in the form of concessional customs duty (5% ad valorem) on the import of CNG kits and its parts. According to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, financial incentives in the form of exemption in sales tax and reduced interest on loans for replacement of autos and taxis have been given in 5416 cases amounting to about Rs. 3.9 crores. The pollution load in Delhi and Mumbai in terms of sulphur dioxide and suspended particulate Matter (SPM) has comparatively decreased due to use of CNG as auto fuel.
An Inter-Ministerial Task Force has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board on 14th August, 2000 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to evolve a long term policy and a road map to be followed on vehicular emission standards and auto fuel quality.
Environment (Pollution & Prevention) Control Authority for National Capital Region has submitted its seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth progress reports. These reports prominently includes the steps taken and monitoring made by the Authority to control vehicular pollution. The Authority has made a special emphasis in expediting expansion of CNG outlets in Delhi an conversion of city buses into CNG mode by involving multi departments of the Government and its agencies, organization for streamlining and reducing the procedural delays for taking action plan for conversion of public transport on CNG mode in Delhi.
Public participation and awareness
Public participation is sought through non-environmental organisation and institutions to make the people aware of the deleterious effects of pollution on their health. Interaction meets with the non-environmental organisations and the school authorities are carried out through CPCB to apprise them of the use of water testing kits etc. These meets are utilised to identify the localised environmental problems which could be solved by mutual co-operation. Electronic media is also used of disseminating the environmental message to the general public.
The Loss of Ecology (Prevention and Payment of Compensation) Authority for the State of Tamil Nadu
The Authority has completed its work of arriving at the award. Authority met on 17.01.2001 to consider the work and finally arrive at award as directed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its order dated 20.08.1996 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 914/1991- Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs. Union of India.
The award in respect of both recoverable and payable compensation in the form of two statements listing the names and address of the industries and the respective amount to be recovered and the names of affected individuals and the amount payable to each of them has been finalized. The two statements are being sent to the Collector of Vellore District for further action.
The two statements are only part of the report and award. The report would exhaustibly deal with various technical and legal processes which are required for the determination of the compensation.
Central Pollution Control Board
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an autonomous body of the Ministry coordinates the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs), and also advises the Central Government on all matters concerning the prevention and control of environmental pollution. The CPCB, SPCBs and PCCs are responsible for implementing the legislations relating to prevention and control of pollution. They also develop rules and regulations which prescribe the standards for emissions and effluents of air and water pollutants and noise levels. The CPCB also provides technical services to the Ministry for implementing the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
During the year, special thrust was given to nation-wide pollution prevention plan, particularly with reference to combating river pollution, vehicular pollution, pollution control in 17 categories of industries and implementation of action plans for restoration of environmental quality in critically polluted areas and noise pollution control.
Details of the major activities of the CPCB during the year are follows:
The Central Pollution Control Board has been monitoring water quality of national aquatic resources in collaboration with concerned State Pollution Control Boards at 507 locations. Out of 507 locations, 414 stations are on rivers, 38 stations on lakes, 25 stations on groundwater and 30 stations are situated on other water bodies like canals, creeks and drains. As many as 430 locations are covered under the Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic Resources (MINARS) programme, 50 stations under the Global Environmental Monitoring Systems (GEMS) programme and 27 locations are under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) programme. The monitoring at 371 stations is done at monthly interval while at 136 stations the monitoring frequency is quarterly. The collected samples are analysed for 22 physico-chemical parameters.
The monitoring data reveal that organic and bacterial contamination are the critical pollution factors in the Indian water resources. This is mainly due to discharge of untreated wastewaters from the urban agglomerations.
The water quality monitoring results were analysed with respect to Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Coliform (TC). The analysis of the water quality for the past 13 years reveal that the BOD values below 3 mg/1 were above above 60% during 1986 to 1991, the values gradually came down to 54% in 1994-95 and again jumped to 57% in 1998, the values gradually came down to 54% in 1994-95 and again jumped to 57% in 1998. This indicates that the water quality has gone down during 1986-91, but slightly improved during the period 1991-1995. Similarly, there is a gradual increase in number of observations having BOD more than 6 mg/l from 7% in 1989 to 15% in 1998.
On the basis of last 10 years water quality monitoring results, CPCB determined the surface water in terms of riverine length having different level of pollution as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------- Sl. Level of Riverine Riverine No. Pollution Length Length in % ----------------------------------------------------------- 1. Severely polluted 6,086 14 2. Moderately polluted 8,691 19 3. Relatively clean 30,242 67 -----------------------------------------------------------
Review of water quality monitoring programme
The present water quality monitoring network is quite extensive, but not adequate to cover all the variations observed. Significant changes observed during last 20 years are as follows:
Change in land use pattern
Change in water use
Change in hydrological conditions due to abstractive uses of water
Growth in urban population
Growth in industrialisation
Increase in agriculture activities
Increase in use of chemicals in agriculture
Increase in use of chemicals
The average distance between the stations work out to 80 kms on the major rivers, 250 kms on the medium rivers and 50 kms on the minor rivers.
Water Quality Profile of Major Rivers
River Baitrani: The water quality did not meet the desired criteria due to high levels of BOD at all the monitored locations. Increasing spatial trend along the direction of flow observed for BOD, DO and Total Coliform during the year. However, the concentrations have been observed within limits.
River Brahmani: The river did not conform to the desired level due to high BOD, throughout the river stretch except at Rengali, which meets the desired Water Quality Criteria. Total Coliforms were within Water Quality Criteria limits except at Dharamshala and Pattamundai, where these are just meeting the desired level. DO is always observed conforming to the desired level.
River Brahmputra: The river did not conform to the desired level through the stretch, except at Nimatighat & Pandu, where it is just near to the desired class. DO & BOD concentration are observed within Water Quality Criteria limit of desired class throughout the stretch.
River Cauvery: River Cauvery flows through the state of Karnataka and Tamilnadu. In the entire stretch, the levels of DO were always within the desired levels, whereas the levels of BOD and Total Coliforms were much higher than the desired levels at some locations.
River Ganga: BOD exceed the desired Water Quality Criteria limits at down stream (D/S) Kanpur, D/S Varanasi and Trighat. Total Coliforms were higher than the criteria limit in the river stretch up to Rajmahal and thereafter it has been well within the criteria limit of the desired class. However, DO level meet the desired level at all the locations except at Varanasi D/S.
River Godavari: Levels of DO & Total Coliforms are almost meeting the desired class in the entire stretch between U/S of Gangapur Dam and Rajahmundry D/S. The levels of BOD were higher than the criteria limits in the stretch between Gangapur Dam and Raher and there after it is conforming to be the designated best use criteria class.
River Krishna: The river water quality did not match the desired levels at all the monitored locations in the stretch between Mahabaleshwar and Sangli and at Rajapurweri, due to high levels of BOD.
River Mahi: Total Coliforms were higher than the criteria limit at Badnawar, the first monitoring location and there after in the entire stretch it is conforming to the criteria limit for the desired class.
River Mahanadi: The river water quality of BOD did not conform to the desired level at monitored sites in the stretch starting from Hirakund Reservvor till the end of the stretch of Cuttak D/S. Although Total Coliforms and BOD are meeting the desired class, trend is upward.
River Narmada: The Total Coliforms where higher at the bathing places throughout the river viz. Sethanighat U/S, Hoshangabad, U/S, Hoshangabad D/S and Garudeshwar during the year. BOD is observed violating at Hoshangabad D/S only.
River Panner: Adequate data for Total Coliforms are not available. In terms of DO and BOD, the water quality is meeting the desired class in the entire stretch.
River Sabarmati: Water Quality of river Sabarmati in the entire stage stretch (starting from Jain Mahudi Temple, 150 Km, from origin to village Miroli Taluka Descroi, Ahmedabad) was very bad in terms of BOD and Total Coliforms.
River Subarnarekha: Total coliforms were violating the desired level at all the monitored locations except at Chandil Bridge. There is inadequate data for BOD parameter.
River Tapi: DO values for the entire stretch starting from Nepa Nagar to Kathore is meeting the desired class. In case of BOD, it is violating from Ajand village till end of the stretch i.e. Kathore whereas in case of Total Coliforms it is meeting the desired class in the same stretch only.
National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)
Air Quality Monitoring is the measurement of various pollutants to study the pattern and movement of air masses and deterioration of air quality. Monitoring programme help in estimating the dynamic concentration levels of various pollutants from time to time, based on dispersal mode of original concentration at sources and at receptor end.
Air quality monitoring programme is a continuous operation for generation of valid information on various air quality aspects for interpretation in long run.
In order to collect information about nature, sources and extent of air pollution, a National Air Quality Monitoring Programme is conducted by the CPCB with the following objectives.
Identification of areas in need of restoration of air quality and their prioritization
Identification of nature and extent of pollution control need
Assessment of effectiveness of pollution control programme
Air Quality Monitoring Network
The National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) Network has been progressively expanded steadily to comprise 290 stations covering 90 cities/towns in 24 states and five union territories in the country and consistently being monitored.
The air quality measurement/monitoring undertaken at various monitoring stations in Indian cities, respective monitoring agencies and parameters monitored are depicted in Table-12.
Air Quality Parameters Monitored in Air Quality Monitoring Programme in India
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ S. No. Air quality monitoring No. of air quality Parameters monitored Monitoring agency Programme monitoring stations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. National Air Quality Monitoring 290 SO2, NO2, SPM, CPCB/SPCBs Programme (NAMP)* RSPM# 2. Global Environmental Monitoring 30 SO2, NO2, SPM, NEERI/CPCB System (GEMS), World Health RSPM, CO, Pb, PAH Organization 3. World Bank Programme ** 8 SO2, NO2, SPM, CO, SPCBs RSPM, O3, HC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * In Delhi / New Delhi the additional air quality parameters monitored are Carbon Monoxide, Benzene, PAH, Ozone, Lead, Cadmium and Zinc. ** The monitoring stations have been recently established. # RSPM recently been introduced.
Air quality, with regard to sulphur dioxide (SO2) oxides of nitrogen (NO2) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in industrial and residential locations in various cities/town was monitored during the reported period and evaluated on the basis of Exceedence Factor (EF) in terms of low, moderate, high and critical.
Status of efforts for supply of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Agra
The Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) has already completed gas pipeline work for all the industries falling in priority zone (Zone-I) on the Trans side of River Yamuna. CNG supply is already available in the premises of all the 115 industries in this zone. Out of 115 foundaries, units, 78 industries are cupola based. For these, efforts are underway to develop suitable technology to operate cupola on CNG. Presently, no cupola based industry is using gas and the use is confined to only non-cupola units. Regarding other priority zones which are on the other side of river Yamuna, the supply of gas is dependent on the installation of supply line across river Yamuna. The options of providing support to the gas pipeline across the river are being evaluated by the Ministry of Surface Transport and National Highway Authority of India in accordance with Hon’ble Supreme Court directives.
Firozabad
Sixty four industrial units have entered into the contracts for supply of CNG thereby contracting the full earmarked quantity of 0.3 mmscmd for Firozabad. The laying of pipeline distribution network, connecting all the 64 industrial units has been completed. 36 out of 64 units are presently utilising CNG and the remaining units are likely to start utilising gas soon. Most of the industries connected with CNG supply are consuming gas for part of these process while consumption of the coal still exists.
Pollution Reduction Measures at Mathura Refinery
The refinery has taken various steps to restrict sulphur dioxide emissions with reference to consented limit of 450 kg/hr by UPPCB.
The use of coal in captive thermal power plant is completely banned and is subsituted by natural gas since Dec. 1996.
Better crude management is being practiced by processing of 60-65% of low sulphur crude in Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU).
Low sulphur fuel is used in furnaces.
Commissioning of high efficiency Sulphur Recovery Unit.
70% of the total fuel requirement are met by using natural gas.
Use of low coke catalyst in FCCU.
Continuous monitoring of Ambient Air Quality undertaken at four identified locations viz Keetham, Farah, Sikandra and Bharatpur (Rajasthan).
Desulphurisation of fuel gas is being adopted.
Plantation of over one lakh trees within and around the Refinery.
The Central Pollution Control Board took up a project on ‘Identification of minimum level of production for certain toxic chemicals manufactured by SSI to ensure pollution control. This project covered the intermediates of synthetic chemicals, such as dye & dye intermediate, pesticides, bulk-drug and leather chemicals.
This study indicated that there are 750 chemicals produced by the small-scale industries, out of which, 57 chemicals (intermediates) have been classified as toxic. This is further sub-classified on the basis of toxicity into three tracks:
Track I – Twelve chemicals are identified as highly toxic
Track II – Nineteen chemicals are identified as medium toxic
Track III – Twenty six chemicals are identified as low toxic
Considering above toxicity criteria and the affordability of the industries for pollution control to meet the required limits i.e. suitable percentage of annual burden (annual operation and maintenance and amortized capital cost of pollution control devices required to be installed by the industries to the annual turnover, which depends on the scale of productions, the following actions suggested.
Track – I Chemicals not to be produced by SSI units.
Track II & III chemicals, if produced by SSI units, the minimum level of production capacity should be 600 TPA in a designated location, preferably in an industrial estate, where CETP exists.
Development and distribution of Fluoride Testing Kit
At the request and sponsorship of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), New Delhi, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has developed a small testing kit for fluoride determination for water samples in field as well as in laboratory conditions. One thousand such kits will be distributed to community circles in various parts of the country for monitoring fluoride levels in drinking water. The Kit has been designed and developed by a team of scientists of the Board. This is a small portable kit equipped with required glassware, plasticware, reagents, colour chart and user manual. The method of estimation is based on colorimetric principle using SPADNS (Sodium 2 – (parasulfophenylazo)- 1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalene disulfonate) and Ziconium-dye lake reagents. The kit will be useful to the civic authorities and public at large for monitoring the fluoride levels of drinking water and other water sources.
Development of Certified Reference Material (CRM’s) for toxic metals in industrial effluents
The need for development of CRM’s for heavy metals in the country for environmental measurements has been realised and accordingly the CPCB has undertaken a project for development of CRM’s for toxic metals.
During the 1st Phase of the Project, the Certified Reference Material for nickel and chromium are being developed for use of environmental organisations. In order to develop the CRM’s from effluents of electroplating industries, the effluent samples from various electroplating industries have been collected and analysed for chromium, copper and nickel.
Based on the preliminary studies, standard solutions prepared in laboratory and electroplating industrial effluent have been utilized for developing CRMs of chromium, copper and nickel metals and distributed to 32 reputed environmental and R & D laboratories in the country for analysis, in order to certify it as Reference value.
With the intensive development of health care, there has been mushroom growth of hospitals and nursing homes. The growth has eventually boosted generation of quantum of medical wastes from hospitals and nursing homes. The safe disposal of infectious hospital wastes is a matter of serious concern. The Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 notified by Govt. of India, has stipulated rules for proper collection, storage, transporation, treatment and disposal of bio-medical waste. As per Biomedical Waste Rules, 1998, the hospitals have to install treatment facilities like autoclaves, incinerators etc. for treatment of bio-medical wastes generated from their premises.
The Central Pollution Control Board has taken up a project to develop spore testing methodology for efficiency testing of autoclaves used for hospital waste treatment with the following objectives:
To standardize the spore testing methodology for assessment of the efficiency of autoclaves used in hospital waste treatment.
In situ assessment of the efficiency of autoclaves installed at various hospital within NCT-Delhi using biological indictor.
The standarization of spore testing methodology has been undertaken using Bacillus stereothermophilus as biological indicator for its application for efficiency testing of autoclaves used for hospital waste treatment. The standardized methodology has been field tested at various autoclaves installed at hospitals with in NCT-Delhi for their efficiency testing. The observations and findings of field testing are presented in Table-13. The results indicate that the Bio-medical waste treatment autoclaves installed at the hospitals are satisfactory with respect of sterilization of bio-medical waste undertaken at these autoclaves.
Table Efficiency Testing/Validation of Hospital Autoclaves in NCT-Delhi by Spore Testing Methodology
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S. No. Autoclave Location Sampling Month Location inside Autoclave Observations Efficiency / Validation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Autoclave – I July, 1999 From inner wall towards Turbidity developed Partially Mangolpuri door, placed spore strips in two tubs (5 & 6) satisfactory / in 6 tubes in bags for Unsatisfactory efficiency testing. 2. Autoclave – I October, 1999 Exposed spore strips No turbidity Satisfactory Mangolpuri in 8 tubes in bags inside developed autoclave in any tube. 3. Autoclave – II February 2000 Exposed spore strips in No turbidity Satisfactory Sarita Vihar 5 tubes in bags inside developed in autoclave any tube. 4. Autoclave – III February, 2000 Exposed spore strips in No turbidity Satisfactory Jehangirpuri 5 tubes in bags inside developed in autoclave any tube. 5. Autoclave – IV February, 2000 Exposed spore strips in No turbidity Satisfactory Delhi Gate 5 tubes in bags inside developed in autoclave any tube. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Remarks : In case of the spore testing stripes does not develop turbidity after exposure and incubation, then the efficiency of the autoclave is considered satisfactory (i.e. acceptable sterilisation).
A project on compost initiated earlier was continued by the CPCB during the year. Seven numbers of distillery units were inspected and dry data was collected.
The study reveals that bio-methanation reduces the BOD and COD load by about 60% and 90% respectively and use of generated methane gas reduces the consumption of fuel by 65%. Thus, disposal of "spent wash" from distillery by making the "compost" is one of the most viable option. The ground water analysis results show that manufacturing and application of compost does not cause any significant ground water pollution as on date. On the hand, the yield of sugar cane and quality of sugar is reported to have increased by 8-10% due to the use of compost made out of spend wash and press mud.
Management of Hazardous Wastes
The project on inventorisaton and management of hazardous wastes in various states was taken-up, with a view to identify hazardous waste generating industries, qualification of hazardous waste generated, present hazardous waste management practices adopted by various industrial sectors and proposed hazardous waste management plan for the state. So far, CPCB has published the study reports for the states of Punjab, Gujarat, J & K, Kerala, Orissa and recently for the state of Andhra Pradesh and National Capital Region (Noida, Ghazibad, Meerut and Faridabad).
The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India has notified the Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Amendment Rules, 2000 vide notification No. SO 24(E), dated January 6, 2000.
In the light of amended Rules, CPCB has undertaken the project on identification of hazardous, waste streams in various industrial sectors, their characterization and waste minimization options, with a view to identify and characterize hazardous waste streams from each process, estimation of hazardous waste generation per tonne of product, and to assess the scope of pre-treatment, reuse & recovery of hazardous waste generated from each stream and also to propose the waste minimization option to be adopted for reduction of hazardous waste generation. During this year, the study has been taken-up for Pesticides, Dye & Dye Intermediate and Petrochemical Sectors.
CPCB has also undertaken 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. The report on technology development and control of pollution in caustic soda industries is being documented.
Measures to be taken for Control of Pollution from Distilleries
Methods of Treatment
The distilleries may adopt any or combination of the following measures.
Composting of spentwash with pressmud / baggasse/agro-residues by primary treatment (anaerobic digestion with methane recovery) and necessary measures to prevent contamination of groundwater due to leaches.
Concentration and Incineration of spentwash.
Primary and Secondary Treatment and utilisation of treated effluent for irrigation to meet the norms of 500 mg/l of BOD and 2100 mg/l of TDS for use of treated effluents in irrigation as per protocol were developed by IARI. Since inorganic constituents are of primary concern for land application, the treated effluent should be stored in lined storage tanks/lagoons, during the period when it is not used for irrigation to avoid groundwater contamination.
Primary and secondary treatment followed by either dilution with process water and tertiary treatment or mixing the treated effluent with the sewage for terminal treatment in the Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants.
Any other method to ensure compliance of prescribed norms.
Operation and Maintenance of ETPs
Performance assessment studies are required in each distillery to evaluate the energy requirement and efficiency of individual units of the ETPs vis-à-vis design parameters. Performance of the ETP’s is to be periodically checked on the basis of records of energy consumption through the dedicated energy meters provided for ETPs.
Discharge of Effluent
Discharge of effluent directly or indirectly through the drains into the drinking/bathing water courses should be avoided because the of colour, even when the treated effluent meets the BOD norms 30 mg/l. Where it is unavoidable, distilleries must ensure colour removal besides conforming to the BOD limits to be prescribed depending upon the conditions.
Hazardous Substances Management
Amendments to the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 amended 1994, were notified on January 20, 2000.
A comprehensive set of amendments to the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 were notified on January 6, 2000.
The final notification on Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 were issued on 27th July 1998. Two amendments to these Rules were notified on March 7 and June 2, 2000.
The final notification on Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 on 2nd September 1999 has been issued. The implementation and monitoring committee (IMC) constituted under the chairmanship of Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board for follow-up of the recommendations of the National Plastic Waste Management Task Force has been holding regular meetings. State/UT Governments are being regularly pursued to complete inventorisation of plastic recycling units on priority and to ensure effective implementation of the Rules.
A draft of the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules was issued by the Ministry on 27th September, 1999 inviting objections / suggestions from the public within 60 days. The comments/objections have been examined by an Expert Committee. Based on the Committee’s recommendations, the final Rules have been 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 25th May, 2000 seeking objections/suggestions of the public. The objections/suggestions received are being examined.
Draft rules to ensure proper collections and recycling of used oil and waste oil generated in the country is being finalised.
Draft rules for classification, labelling and packaging of hazardous chemicals are being discussed by an expert committee for finalisation.
A Red-Book containing duties to be performed during emergency, names, addresses and telephone numbers of key functionaries of State Governments, State Pollution Control Boards, Chief Inspectorate of Factories, Experts / Institutions has been published and circulated. Information is being collected for updating the next edition of the Red-Book.
Implementation of the Manufacture, Storage of Import of Hazardous Chemical (MSIHC) Rules, 1989 and Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996 is being pursued vigorously with the State/Union Territory Governments. At present, there are 1436 Major Accident Hazard Units (MAH) in 250 districts. As per latest reports, 1389 on-site plans and 90 off-site plans have been prepared. Thirteen States have constituted State Level Crisis Groups.
Out of 55 Hazard Analysis Studies taken up, 47 studies have been completed. During the year eight new pockets have been identified for hazardous analysis studies. Based on the recommendations of Hazard Analysis, six off-site Plans for Rourkela, Barouni-Begusarai, Guwahati-Bongaigaon, Salem, east Godavari and Ujjain were taken up of which off-site plans for Rourkela and Salem have been completed.
Financial assistance for conducting training programmes on Emergency Preparedness, Accident Prevention and Hazardous Waste Management has been provided to various institutions in the country.
The Country report on Major Accident Hazard installations is being updated and a survey on isolated storages of hazardous chemicals is also being conducted in the country.
The Status of implementation of Hazardous Waste Rules is being continuously monitored. As on 30th May, 2000, there are 13011 hazardous waste generating units in 373 districts in the country. They generate over 4.4 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. Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu generate over 63% of the total waste generated in the country.
The Committee for grant of environment clearance to import/export of recyclable wastes has held 12 meetings so far, 44 applications were processed for clearance from environmental angle for imports. 27 applications of 21 units were recommended to DGFT and 13 applications were rejected. Imports of metallic wastes for recycling (zinc ash, zinc skimming, brass dross and copper cables) after careful scrutiny of the capacity of units for environmentally sound management of the wastes have been permitted.
A scheme for registration of units possessing environmentally sound technology for recycling specific wastes has been finalised. Only Units registered with the Ministry would hence forth be eligible to import recyclable placed on OGL and also participate in domestic auctions of such recyclables.
In a Public Interest Litigation W.P. No. 657/95 – Research Foundation for Science Technology and Natural Resource Policy vs UOI being heard in the Hon’ble Supreme Court, a High Powered Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.G.K. Menon was constituted to oversee the strict and faithful implementation of relevant rules and regulations on management of hazardous wastes. The High Powered Committee (HPC) has submitted its final report on the ‘Wastes, Lying in the Ports/Customs/ICD’s (One of the Terms of References) to the Hon’ble Court. The final report (3 vol.) was submitted on 25-1-2001.
W.P. No. 967/89 – Indian Council for Enviro Legal Action vs UOI and others on Groundwater Pollution and Soil Degradation in Bichhri Village, Udaipur (Raj) due to indiscriminate disposal of Toxic Wastes is being heard in the Supreme Court. The scheme for remediation of the contaminated site submitted by the Ministry was approved by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The National Productivity Council was appointed as Project Management Consultant (PMC) and after inviting international bids for conduct of feasibility study (Phase–I) the consortium M/s SENES Consultants Ltd., Canada and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur was selected for carrying out feasibility study. The draft feasibility study report submitted has been reviewed and final report is being prepared.
Nine developmental studies on hazardous waste recycling and recovery technologies, state-of-the-are report on metallic wastes, waste oil etc. and characterization of hazardous wastes were funded by the Ministry. The draft reports were evaluated for finalization.
Final reports of study on recycling/recovery of used/waste oil assigned to IIP, Dehradun, guidelines on identification, characterisation and testing of hazardous wastes assign to Anna University, study on metallic wastes assign to NML and study on waste oil and oil emulsion, waste containing cyanides and heavy metals bearing waste assigned to NPC have been received.
Two training programmes were conducted for training of hospital staff at various levels. One study has been sponsored for survey of hospital wastes in South Delhi and orientation of hospital staff for better management of the wastes.
Industrial Toxicology Research Centre was sponsored to carry out a study on the presence of toxic substances (additives, plasticisers, pigments, etc). in plastic toys in different parts of the country.
Six Feasibility Studies on Industrial Safety and Disaster Prevention and four Studies on Hazardous Wastes Management have been undertaken under a Japanese grant agreement. Except for the (TOR-7C) all other reports have been finalised and accepted.
A feasibility study for transportation of hazardous chemicals on National Highway No. 8 has been undertaken with the objective of creating a data-base on accident occurrence, nature of dangerous goods transported, accident reporting system, preparation of emergency planning and combating accidents that occur in transportation of chemicals.
Interim Reports on the two studies, namely, (I) study on Persistent Organic Pollutants and Preparation of state-of-the-art report on POP/PIC Chemicals; and (ii) state-of-the-art report on Chemicals and Products whose Production and Import / Export has been banned by other countries but continue to be produced and used in India, entrusted to Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow and Natural Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies, New Delhi respectively have been received.
The Ministry provided funds to the Fly Ash Mission, Department of Science and Technology for installation of a dry fly ash bagging plant at Badarpur Thermal Power Station. The Department of Science and Technology and Badarpur Thermal Power Station are also contributing funds for the project. The bagging plant will help in bagging of dry fly ash in re-usable bags.
A Steering Committee has been constituted by the Ministry to oversee the implementation of the Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998. The Committee finalised the draft amendments of the above rules, which have been notified. The Steering Committee has recently been reconstituted. The World Health Organisation has been approached to impart training to personnel of SPCBs and PCCs who are involved in implementation of Biomedical Wastes Rules. Proposal for funding a demonstration project on common biomedical waste treatment has been posed to the Indo-Canadian Environment Facility.
The Ministry deputed its officials to attend the fourth and fifth Inter-governmental Negotiating Committee (INC) meetings on persistent organic pollutants (POPs). In its fifth session of INC, the Government has proposed country specific exemption for both production and use of DDT for a period yet to be determined and exemption for use of Dieldrin (Annexure A) for a period of another two years to complete utilisation of existing stocks in the country.
The 16th Technical and First Legal Working Group meeting of the 5th 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 is being drafted.