[Global Environment Facility and Small Grants Programme, UNDP, Delhi Urban Environment and Infrastructures Improvement Project, ICEF, Climate Change, Ozone Layer Protection Multilateral Regional meetings, Bilateral meetings, World Bank aided Projects, Environment Management Capacity Building, Technical Assistance Project, Industrial Pollution Prevention Project]
The Ministry is the nodal agency in the country for United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Nairobi, South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), Colombo, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and European Union. Annual financial contributions where needed, are made to these organizations. The Ministry also functions as the nodal agency for participation in international agreements relating to environment such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Convention on Wetlands of International importance, especially as waterfowl habitat, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animal, Vienna Convention for the protection of the Ozone Layer, Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Conventions on Biological Diversity and Climate Change, the Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Substances, Convention to Combat Desertification etc. The Ministry also handles bilateral cooperation, matters relating to regional bodies such as UNEP, ESCAP, SAARC, SACEP, National Environmental Council, India Canada Environment Facility (ICEF), Delhi Urban Environment and Improvement Project.
India has been pursuing its commitments under various conventions vigorously by initiating several measures nationally and by taking several important initiatives in the region.
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a financial mechanism that provides grants and low interest loans to developing countries to help them carry out programmes to relieve pressures on global ecosystems. The GEF was created to fulfil a unique niche- that of providing finance for programmes and projects to achieve global environment benefits in four focal areas viz. – Biodiversity, Climate Change, International Waters and Ozone Layer Depletion as well as Land Degradation as it relates to these focal areas. The Facility supports international environment management and the transfer of environmentally benign technologies. It is a cooperative venture among national governments, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in the specific areas of concern. The Ministry of Environment and Forests is the technical nodal point for this facility in India.
So far nine projects are under implementation while one has been completed. Presently, eleven projects have been approved in principle under GEF and are in the preparatory phase.
The Ministry’s representative assisted India’s Executive Director to World Bank during the 13th GEF Council meeting held in Washington D.C
A Global Environment Cell (GEC) with UNDP assistance has been set up in the Ministry with the objective of examination of and providing technical and scientific inputs into the process of project formulation including those for GEF assistance.
UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme
The Small Grants Programme (SGP) started in 1992 is managed worldwide by UNDP on behalf of GEF. It provides supports for small scale, community based activities which can contribute to the four GEF thematic areas. Institutions eligible for funding include non- governmental organizations (NGOs), community based organization (CBs), people’s associations and others. The pilot phase of the programme has been successfully complete in India.
The outlay for the subsequent operational phase of approximately five years duration has a committed outlay of US $ 12,00,000 being shared by GEF (US $ 5,00,000) and UNDP (US,$7,00,000). The objectives of Small Grants Programme India are intended to promote innovative local responses in one or more of the four GEF thematic areas, build the capacities of people, particularly women and tribals and their local institutions to design and implement development projects that are sustainable, demonstrate the effectiveness and potential for wide application of small-scale, decentralised community based initiatives and create public awareness on global environmental issues. On an average the project budget should not exceed Rs. 15 lakhs. So far, 13 projects of GEF/Small Grants Programme has been funded in principle and is in operational phase. Projects for possible UNDP-GEF-SGP assistance should be sent to the National Host Institution viz. Centre for Environment Education, B-24, II floor, Greater Kailash-I, New Delhi- 110 048.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has signed the Programme Support Document under the Country Cooperation Framework-I with the UNDP to enhance cooperation between the Government of India and the UNDP in the Environment sector. The programme, which would be valid upto 2001, focuses on growth with equity, poverty alleviation and human development as the central concerns. The CCF-I strategy places emphasis on technology upgradation, poverty eradication and environmental preservation etc. The four thrust areas of the Environment Programme are:-
Management of natural resources
Strengthening of capacity for decision making
Management of development and
Spread of information, advocacy and participation.
To recommend, implement and manage the projects under this programme, a Programme Management Board (PMB) has been constituted in the Ministry which comprises of senior officers of the Ministry, representatives of other Concerned Ministry, representatives of UNDP and four NGOs, one each for the four identified thrust areas. So far, 21 projects have been formally launched under the programme and the committed outlay has been fully utilized.
Delhi Urban Environment and Infrastructure Improvement Project
The World Bank assisted Delhi Urban Environment and Infrastructure Improvement Project has been undertaken jointly by the Ministry and the Government of Delhi with Japanese grant of US $ 9,00,000 administered through World Bank. The study, a one year project done by M/s GHK International Ltd. was completed as scheduled. The study, keeping in mind the pressing problems being faced by the city of Delhi, will focus on the following:-
Urban Management:- Institutional framework, land development, land use planning and control and other areas of urban government.
Financial Management:- Raising resources for investment plan, debt servicing strategy, cost-recovery mechanism, other public expenditure, development of financial management system.
Environment Management:- Air quality management , water quality management, noise, protection of sensitive habitats and heritage sites and monuments.
Urban Infrastructure and Municipal Service:- Solid waste management, water supply, wastewater management and sanitation, storm-water management and flood control, housing, transport, slum and shanty development.
Social Development:- Health, education and urban poverty.
The final outcome would lead to detailed project reports for high priority investment operationalise and optimise the level of infrastructure facilities in Delhi, while improving environmental quality, public health and sanitation and assist the urban poor in slums and shanties.
India Canada Environment Facility (ICEF)
The India-Canada Environment Facility (ICEF) is a joint initiative of the Government of India and the Government of Canada created by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two Government on October 20, 1992 for the purpose of undertaking projects related to the environment.
The funding is provided by the Canadian International Development Agency. It is managed jointly by representatives from the two Government (India and Canada). The goal of India Canada Environment Facility is to enhance the environmental managerial capacity of Government/Non-government/community organisations to undertake and to manage environmentally sound development in the land, water and energy sectors in India.
While projects approved by India Canada Environment Facility so far have focussed on watershed management, future projects will concentrate on water quality and energy fields. So far 20 projects have been approved for funding under India Canada Environment Facility with a total outlay of Rs. 162.56 crores. Projects proposals for India Canada Environment Facility should be sent to the Project Director, India Canada Environment Facility, E-86, Paschimi Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi- 110 056.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
India is a party to the UNFCCC. The objective of this multilateral treaty is stabilization of the greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at levels that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The convention enjoins upon the parties to implement commitments contained in the various provisions of the convention. As per the existing commitments, India is not required to adopt any reduction and limitation of greenhouse gas emissions. A Protocol to the UNFCCC was adopted in December 1997 and is called the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Protocol is yet to enter into force. The Protocol enjoins upon the developed country parties to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by a global average of 5.2% below the 1990 levels. The various issues relating to implementation of the obligations under the UNFCCC and development of the modalities, principles, rules and guidelines in respect of Kyoto Protocol Mechanisms were the main focus of discussions and negotiations during the year 2000-2001.
The meetings of the subsidiary Bodies of the Convention viz. Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) and Subsidiary Body on Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) were held during June 12-15,2000 in Bonn, Germany and during September 11-15,2000 in Lyon, France. The meetings were attended by the officials of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and External Affairs.
The Sixth Conference of Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change was held in The Hague during November 13-25, 2000. A delegation to the Conference was led by Minister of Power, Secretary (Environment and Forests), officials of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Atomic Energy.
The Conference considered and discussed various issues relating to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Among the salient issues discussed were capacity building technology transfer, adverse effects of climate change, impacts of response measures, Kyoto Protocol mechanisms- clean development mechanisms, joint implementation, land use and forestry, policies and measures.
The main agenda which dominated the proceeding of the Conference was development of principles, rules, modalities and guidelines relating to Kyoto Protocol Mechanisms. The developing countries emphasised that priority be given to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The difference in the nature and scope, purpose and participation of the three mechanisms should be kept in constant view. With regard to the CDM it was stated that the host governments can decide whether a particular project conforms to their national sustainable development priorities. They would also be best placed to decide on the choice of areas and technologies for developing the CDM projects.
Due to lack of consensus, the conference suspended its deliberations. The discussions on these issues shall be resumed during May/June 2001.
Advisory Group on Climate Change
Two meetings of the Advisory Groups on climate change were held on April 17 and November 7, 2000 respectively. The group discussed various issues relating to Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Meetings of the Experts Groups on Land use and land use change and forestry, Kyoto Protocol Mechanisms, Transfer of technology were held to discuss the various issues and needs in so far as these relate to the needs of sustainable development.
Selected Options for Stabilizing Greenhouse Gas Emission for Sustainable Development
The Ministry initiated a two year study on ‘ Selected options for stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable development’. The project has been undertaken under the aegis of the United Nations Development Programme and has been funded by the Global Environment Facility. The purpose of the project is to assist India in identifying and assessing investment projects and related institutional and policy options for stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions and is intended to land to increased transfer of advanced technologies and investment funds by identifying sector specific project initiatives.
A meeting of the National Steering Committee (NSC) under the Chairmanship of the Member (Environment), Planning Commission with representative from Ministries of Finance, Environment, Power, Coal, Science & Technology, Non Conventional Energy Sources and UNDP was held on October 23rd, 2000 to assess the implementation of the project and also discussed the plan of implementation and other issues in the sectors such as coal, power and renewable energy with reference to options for stabilisation of greenhouse gases.
In pursuance of the obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a project for preparation of a National Communication was prepared and submitted to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to seek financial assistance for the preparation of an initial national communication under the Enabling Activities Programme of the GEF. A grant of US $ 2.00 million has been allocated by the GEF. Under the project, an inventory of the green house gases by sources and removal by sinks, will be prepared besides analyzing in detail the impacts, vulnerability and adaptation options in various sectors of economic development in the context of projected climate change. The study would be completed in a period of two years.
Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. It is an extremely rare component of the earth’s atmosphere; in every ten million molecules of air, only about three are ozone. Most of the ozone (90%) is found in the upper atmosphere (the stratosphere), between 10 and 50 kilometers (6-30 miles) above the Earth’s surface. This ozone layer absorbs all but a small fraction of the harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) emanating from the sun. It therefore, shields plant and animal life from UV-B radiation which in high doses can be particularly damaging. UV-B radiation has the potential to cause skin cancer, eye damage, suppress body’s immune system, decrease crop yield, cause damage to forests and affect ocean life. Global efforts to protect the Ozone Layer started in early seventies leading to the adoption of the Vienna Convention in 1985 and the Montreal Protocol in 1987. With a view to strengthening the global efforts, India acceded to the Montreal Protocol along with its London Amendment. Its provision became effective for India from 17.9.1992. Depletion of ozone layer is still a cause of concern as ozone depleting substances continue to be used in developing countries in refrigeration and air conditioning, preparation of foam and spray products, fire extinguishing, and as solvents in electronics and other industries.
To ensure compliance with the provision of the Montreal Protocol, several policy measures have been taken up in India. Several fiscal measures have been taken to discourage use of ODS and encourage use of ODS substitutes. Government has granted customs and excise duty exemption on goods required for ODS phaseout projects and new investments with non ODS technologies. The Reserve Bank of India has issued directions to all financial institutions and commercial banks not to finance new establishments with ODS technology. Licensing system has been adopted to regulate import and export of ODS. A ban has also been imposed on trade of ODS with non Parties.
Recently, the Ozone Deleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 have been notified. These Rules provide a legal framework for ensuring compliance of the Montreal Protocol. They set the deadlines for phasing out of various Ozone Depleting Substance, besides regulating production, trade, import and export of ODS. Rules prohibit the use of CFCs in manufacturing various products beyond 1.1.2003 except in metered dose inhaler and for other medical purposes. Similarly, use of halons is prohibited after 1.1.2001 except for essential use. Other ODS such as carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform and CFC for metered dose inhalers can be used upto 1.1.2010. Further the use of methyl bromide has been allowed upto 1.1.2015. Since hydro chlorofluoro carbons are used as interim substitute to replace CFCs, these are allowed to be used upto 1.1.2040
The Rules also provide for compulsory registration of ODS based products, importers, exporters, stockist and seller and the same provision is applicable to manufactures, importers and exporters of compressors. They are also required to maintain records and file periodic reports for monitoring production and use of ODS. Enterprises which have received financial assistance from Multilateral Fund for switchover to non-ODS technology have to register the date of completion of their project and to declare that the equipment used for ODS has been destroyed. Rules also regulate production of ODS and the use of ODS for manufacturing products containing ODS as per the above specified time schedule. Creation of new capacity or expansion of capacity of manufacturing facilities of ODS and ODS based equipment has been prohibited. Trade in ODS with non Parties has been banned. Authority has been specified to issue licence for all imports and exports of ODS and products containing ODS.
India’s Proposed Phaseout dates for ODS in the Rules are given in Table-20.
India’s Proposed Phaseout dates for ODS in the Rules
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ S.No Name of Activity Phaseout Date ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Manufacture of Aerosol products for pressurized dispensers (excluding metered dose inhalers for medicinal purpose). 1-1-2003 2. Manufacture of Polyol for foam products 1-1-2003 3. Manufacture of foam products including foam part of Domestic Refrigerator 1-1-2003 4. Manufacture of Fire Extinguishers or Fire Extinguishing Systems. 1-1-2001 5. Manufacture of Mobile Air-Conditioners and charging at Automobile industry 1-1-2003 6. Manufacture of other Refrigeration and Air-conditioning products 1-1-2003 7. Manufacture of different products using HCFC 1-1-2040 8. Use of methyl bromide except pre-shipment & quarantine. 1-1-2015 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A number of activities were undertaken during the year to disseminate information on ODS phaseout to industry and others. A news-letter ‘VATIS’ on ozone issues is being published once in every two months and is being distributed to about 2000 persons/ institutions. The International Day for Protection of Ozone Layer was celebrated at the National and State level on 16th September 2000. On this occasion third edition of the booklet titled "The Montreal Protocol: India’s Success Story" was published, which apart from detailing the evolution of the Montreal Protocol, outlines various initiatives taken by the Government of India to fulfil its obligations under the Montreal Protocol. A national painting competition was organised on the occasion of the 6th International Ozone Day, 16th September, 2000. A sticker and a poster were printed and distributed among industry, government officials and students with a view to raise awareness. A video cassette on Ozone Layer Protection was telecast on Doordarshan on 16th September , 2000. A special day cover was also brought out by the Department of Post on this occasion. An exhibition on Ozone Friendly goods was also organised. A workshop on the Ozone Depleting Substances (Control and Regulation) Rules was also organised on 16th September, 2000.
Thirty five investment projects and eleven 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. These projects will phase out 9158.5 Ozone Depleting Potential tonnes when completed. The gradual phaseout strategy for production of chlorofluorocarbons ( CFCs) in India is under implementation. US$ 11 million has been released this year for CFC production sector phaseout. India’s concerns on further adjustment to the phaseout schedule for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for developing countries, issues related to process agents, measures to facilitate the transition from CFC based metered dose inhalers (MDIs) were taken up in the 12th Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
India was elected as a Member of the Executive Committee and Co-chair of the Open Ended Working Group of the Meeting of Parties for the year 2001.
Multilateral/Regional Meetings
Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)
Minister for Environment & Forests, Secretary ( E&F) and JS (IC) participated in the 8th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) held in New York from 24th April to 5th May, 2000. The Proceedings of the Commission were divided into three segments viz. Multi-stake holder dialogue, high level segment and the drafting group. The issues of (i) Agriculture and Land Resources (ii) Trade Economic Growth and Investments and (iii) Financial Resources and Mechanism were considered by the Commission. Other issues on which Commission deliberated upon were preparation for Rio + 10, and the forestry issues arising from Inter- governmental Forestry Forum.
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. The agenda of the Forum was as follows:
Major challenges to environmental policies in the new century.
The future role of the UNEP in the United Nations System of the 21st Century.
Preparations for the Earth Summit in 2002.
With about 100 countries represented, of which nearly 65 at the Ministerial Level, Global Ministerial Environment Forum, was perhaps the largest conference on environmental issues in the recent years. Its core discussions involved Ministers and Heads of delegations who held an in-depth debate triggered by presentations of a select group of eminent speakers from the private sector and the scientific/technical community.
The Indian delegation played an active role in the meeting. It also helped in contributing to a concrete outcome of the Conference. At least half a dozen Ministers (Sweden, Kenya, Pakistan, etc.) and over a dozen other countries conveyed at the official level, their profound appreciation to the Indian delegation for its constructive role. India’s image as a leading player in shaping international environment policy also stands strengthened.
India also actively participated in the various Conference of parties/technical committee meetings of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Convention on Biological Diversity, Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes, Convention to Combat Desertification, Montreal Protocal on Substances that Deplete Ozone layer, Ramsar Convention, Governing Council of Global Environment Facility.
Minister for Environment and Forests led the delegation to Japan to attend the ESCAP Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development during 4-5 September, 2000. The meeting comprised of State of Environment and Sustainable Development policy issues as well as critical environmental issues, status of compliance, discussion on draft Regional Action Programme and declarations.
UNEP/EAP Bangkok held National Consultations on November 28 & 29, 2000 in New Delhi on State of Environment Report for India being prepared by them. Representatives from the Ministry, Tata Energy Research Institute and other agencies participated.
Bilateral cooperation programmes and follow up of MoUs/Joint Statements of Intent have been signed with Brazil, China, Germany, Iran, Russia, Tajikistan Turkmenistan, USA and Vietnam.
Minister for Environment & Forests (MEF) visited Tehran on the invitation of the Vice President of the Ministry of Environment, Government of Islamic Republic of Iran during 1-2 July, 2000. During this visit, MEF had discussions with the Deputy Head of department for Human Environment Mr. Yousef Hojjati on issues concerning natural and international environment concerns. MEF had also discussions with the Minister of Constructions and Jehad, Mr Saidikia who is in charge of forestry issues. Particular interest was shown by the Iranian side in seeking India’s help in organising training programmes for its officials in forestry management and development of natural park/protected areas.
MEF had a meeting with the Vice President of Department of Environment Dr.(Ms.) Masumeh Ebtekar and the discussions revolved around various environmental concerns, Ms. Ebtekar showed particular interest in bio-diversity conservation, particularly in compliance of bio-safety protocol and legislative and policy framework adopted by India to incorporate bio-safety protocol. The Iranian Minister was also interested in seeking India’s knowledge in respect to ex-situ breeding of endangered species. MEF apprised the Iranian Minister about various steps taken by the Government of India in the recent past on developing pollution standard in the field of industrial and vehicular pollution. He also apprised the Vice President about various thrust areas which have been identified for special focus by the Government of India and the activity undertaken in these areas.
Hon’ble MEF led the Indian delegation to discuss bilateral issues with Deputy Prime Minister of United Kingdom Mr. John Prescott during 1-3 October, 2000. MEF also met Ms. Claire Short, Minister for International Development, Mr. Michael Meacher, Minister for Environment and Mr. Peter Hain, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwelth Office. India indicated the country position on various issues relating to climate change, and its insights on the UNFCCC process. India referred to the need for concrete British assisted projects in India, including air quality strategies, modelling, traffic planning and management, I & M programmes, river cleaning, hazardous and bio-medical waste handling and disposal.
Mr. Kjell Larson, Minister of Environment of Sweden visited India and held bilateral discussions with the Hon’ble MEF on 30th October, 2000 in following fields of environment :-
Global issues – UNEP/GC 21, CSD 9, 10 year review of Rio and Global Governance
Climate Change
Chemical (i.e. in products and (Persistent organic pollutants)
Trade and Environment (i.e genetic resources, air pollution)
Environment Management Capacity Building Technical Assistance Project – Research Component
The main objective is to enhance competence of the research staff engaged in promotion of environmental research and improve infrastructure facilities with an ultimate aim at providing scientific basis for environment management and economic development.
Important activities under the project are:-
Review of the existing schemes, priority setting procedure, procedure for funding, dissemination of the results of research, monitoring etc.
Prepare Environmental Research Management Plan (ERMP) based on the review as mentioned above.
Provision of Hardware and Software for management of information on environmental research.
Training in Research Management and Methodology.
An Advisory Committee has been constituted to guide and monitor the activities of this sub-component. The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCIL), Hyderabad was appointed as Consultant to prepare Environment Research Management Plan (ERMP). The ERMP report was discussed by the Expert Advisory Committee and has been accepted by the Ministry.
The hardware has been identified and the requirement for procurement has been communicated to Project Implementation Cell. Training strategy, both for domestic and foreign, was also prepared and submitted to World Bank for their clearance.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Sub-component
The Ministry has made a provision of US $ 6.5 million for the sub-component "Ambient Air Quality Monitoring" in the World Bank Environment Management Building Technical Assistance Project and is being implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board. The objectives of the project include:-
To strengthen air quality monitoring with reference to specifics pollutants like Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter having aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micron (PM10) Benzene, Volatile Organic Carbon (VOC) etc. in ambient air.
To develop strategy to control respirable particulate matter (PM10) in ambient air of metropolitan cities.
To support a training programme of the staff of the Central/State Pollution Control Boards to keep the scientist/engineers up-to-date with the state-of-the-art practices of monitoring and control of air pollutants.
Under the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAAQM), the CPCB in consultation with State pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees have established 290 stations spread over 92 towns/cities throughout the country. Under the present World Bank Project strengthening of ambient air monitoring stations have been taken-up. Projects taken up during the first phase include:
Strengthening of NAAQM Stations in 23 class 1 cities with Respirable Particulate Matter Samplers.
Strengthening facilities for monitoring and analysis of PAH and heavy metals.
Strengthening facilities for monitoring of noise level at traffic intersections and street canyons.
Procurement of instruments/equipment such as Respirable Dust (RSPM) Sampler, PM10 sampler, Gas chromatography with FID detector, Atomic absorption spectrophotometer and noise level meter etc. have been arranged through RITES. These instruments would be provided to various monitoring stations under different State Pollution Control Boards for strengthening their capabilities and collection of air monitoring data.
Development of Standards Sub-component
The Ministry has made a provision of US $ 1 million for the sub-component "Development of Standards" under the World Bank Environment Capacity Building Technical Assistance Project. The project is being implemented by CPCB. The basic principle being adopted at present for Development of Standards for toxic pollutants and non-toxic effluent emissions are techno-economic feasibilities, social acceptibilities and impact on health and environment. Under the World Bank project studies on specific standards development have been taken up based on the latest state of art technology. The objectives and the activities planned for the project include.
To study the methodologies adopted world-over and their applicability in India to update indigenous methodology
To develop industry sector specific standard
To review ambient water and air quality criteria and
To review control technologies for specific pollutants.
Under the project review /development of industry specific standards for the following areas have been taken up:-
Emission standards for Pesticides Manufacturing Industries.
Emission Standards for Petrochemicals Manufacturing Industries.
Control Technologies for total Dissolved Solids in industrial effluents.
Emission and effluent standards for oil refineries.
During the year, an overseas training programme was conducted and eight participants from CPCB/ SPCBs and the Ministry participated in the training under the programme. The objective of the training programme was to gain exposure to the methodologies adopted in developing the environmental standards and strategies adopted for pollution control by certain developed countries. The local consultant’s report in areas relating to pesticides manufacturing industries, oil refineries, petrochemicals and total dissolved solids have been received and are under further examination and action by the implementing agency. Procurement of Gas Chromatograph under international competitive building through RITES, have been processed.
Industrial Pollution Prevention Project
It is an on-going scheme which started in 1995 and which will continue upto March, 2002. The Scheme is being evaluated at regular intervals by the World Bank authorities. The objective of IPPP is to promote cost-effective pollution abatement from industrial sources. The project focuses on the most polluting industrial sectors as defined by GOI (17 industrial sub-sectors) and will comprise of three components, viz. (i) Industrial (ii) Investment (iii) Technical Assistance. Under this Scheme, funds released by GOI is reimbursed by the World Bank. The participating States under this Scheme are – Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. A total sum of U$$ 23 million ( Rs. 98.90 crores) has been allocated for IPPP by the World Bank. The main thrust areas/achievements etc under this scheme are as follows:
Procurement of equipment for four SPCBs, viz. A.P., Karnataka, M.P and Rajasthan
Provision of facilities for the labs in the SPCBs of the four States mentioned above
Imparting of training to the personnel of PCBs
Provision of funds to industries for waste water recycling plants
Provision of funds to Gujarat for software procurement and training under the GIS project
Upgradation of training package under the Waste Minimization Circle. Three training programme for facilitators to be organized. Sixty circles to be established. Four newsletter to be issued.
Analytic and monitoring equipment for the PCBs as well as for small regional laboratories have been acquired. Tenders for six IFB packages of equipment have already been awarded and four more are under various stages of finalization.
Funds have already been sanctioned to the four SPCBs for refurbishing laboratory facilities including upgradation of existing facilities and provision of additional space for infrastructure.
Funds have already been provided for one IWRP Project and two CETP Projects.
Two training programme have been conducted and 39 Waste Minimization Circles have been established till date.
International Training/Seminar/Workshops
Several officials from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, State Environment and Forests Departments, Central and State Pollution Control Boards, NGOs and autonomous bodies/institutions of Central and State Government were nominated for various international Training’s/Seminar/Workshops etc. during the year.