[Development and Promotion of Cleaner Technologies, Taj Protection Mission, Environmental Health, Pollution Control in 17 categories of identified highly polluting industries, Development of Environmental Standards, Noise Pollution, Urban Environment, Zoning Atlas, Control of Vehicular Pollution, Central Pollution Control Board, Hazardous Substances Management]
The Ministry adopted the Policy Statement for Abatement of pollution in view of the increasing trend of pollution in air, water, noise etc. in the country specially in urban areas and which has impaired the quality of life of the citizens. The policy provides several instruments in the form of regulations, legislations, agreements, fiscal incentives and various other preventive strategies for abatement of pollution. The focus of various programmes and schemes of the Ministry and its associated organisations related to pollution, prevention and control has stressed on issues such as promotion of clean and low-waste technology, re-use or recyling, improvement of water quality, natural resource accounting, institutional and human resource development, control of pollution at source rather than the traditional end of the pipe treatment. The significant benefit of this approach is that when waste is reduced/eliminated or solvents are revived and reused; it leads to resource conservation during various industrial processes and minimise the levels of pollutants in the surrounding 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 also being laid on development of environmental standards, waste minimisation circles, environmental epidemiological studies, preparation of zoning atlas for siting of industries, control of vehicular pollution, noise pollution, promotion of environment education and awareness and natural resource protection, etc. Major activities carried out under several programmes/schemes during the year are as follows:
Development and Promotion of Cleaner Technologies
Industrial ecology opportunities in the Ankaleshwar/Nandesari Industrial Estate, Gujarat
The study to develop and implement Industrial Ecology opportunities in Ankaleshwar and Nandesari Industrial Estates was undertaken by the Indian Institute of Environment Management, Navi Mumbai, in association with Operations Research Group, Baroda, and was jointly sponsored by the Ministry and Gujarat Ecology Commission. The Study examines innovatives measures to achieve eco-efficiency of various industrial activities in the industrial estate to reuse, recycle and reduce waste generated from the industrial units. Consultations with concerned agencies of Gujarat Government to take up follow up actions on the findings are being planned.
Development of Market Based Instruments for Regional Environmental Management in the Kawas-Hazira Industrial Region
Ministry has initiated a new project on designing Market Based Instruments for Environment Management, taking Hazira as a pilot project. Three meetings were organized at Delhi, Surat and Hazira to interact with the industry representatives and get their support for the study. Various options for introducing Market based instruments and suggest appropriate mechanism for government interactions are being looked into through the study.
Field Demonstration and Development of Bamboo-based Composites/Panels
Demonstration Project for development of Bamboo-based Composities/Panels in the North Eastern Region sponsored by the Ministry continued during the year.
Environment Technology Verification
A conference-cum Training was organized on Environmental Technology verification during the year. The Conference has recommended the setting up an Institute for Environment Technology Verification in the country.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Steel Sector
Life Cycle Assessment is a management tool which examines from the ‘cradle to grave’ all issues associated from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing processes. The LCA in the Steel Sector had been initiated by the Ministry earlier. A Review Meeting to prepare the final report of the study was held in July, 2001 at Jamshedpur. The report is expected to be completed by March, 2002.
Cleaner Production
The National Productivity Council has prepared an Action Plan for Cleaner Production in the country. The suggestions from this Study will be reviewed and incorporated for the Ninth Plan. ADB has also funded a project on financing Cleaner Production as a component under RETA.
Adoption of Clean Technologies in Small Scale Industries
The scheme for promotion, development and adoption of clean technologies including waste reuse and recyling formulated earlier for small scale industries is being continued. During the year, the following activities have been carried out under the scheme.
Waste minimisation demonstration studies in rice mills and sago industry have been completed.
Waste minimisation demonstration studies in bulk drug and chemical sector are in the final stage of completion.
Preparation of Compendium of Success stories on Waste Minimisation has been sponsored to the National Productivity Council, New Delhi.
Training and Awareness programme and waste Minimisation/Cleaner Production in Small Scale Industries have been sponsored to DC SSI.
Waste Minimisation 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 Pollution Prevention Project. About 240 number of industries benefited by participating in the Waste Minimization Circles (WMCs) project under which 60 WMCs have been formed in different sectors in various parts of the country. About 300 Waste Minimisation options were identified by the Member units in these WMCs out of which 120 options have been adopted. These measures resulted in an estimated savings to the tune of Rs. 100 lakhs per annum. The environmental benefits accrued include reduction in water consumption to the extent of 10-35%, reduction in waste generation to the extent of 10-25%, and reduction in raw material consumption to the extent of 10-20%.
An independent review and assessment of the WMC project was undertaken. A strategy based on the conclusions and recommendations of the review consultant’s report was prepared for further improvement of the scheme. A detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) have been prepared based on which and with concurrence of the World Bank, WMC extension programme has been launched through the National Productivity Council as Nodal Agency. The activities undertaken under this programme during the year include:
Nineteen additional potential industrial sectors have been identified for establishing waste minimisation circles (WMCs).
Twenty sectorals/cluster profiles have been prepared.
More number of institutions have been identified to be trained as WMC facilitators for WMC establishment.
Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) has been awarded the work for establishing WMCs in Leather Tanning Sector.
Training package has been updated by including additional case studies and web site addresses on waste minimisation / cleaner production.
Two WMC facilitators training programmes were conducted.
33 participants from 17 institutions / organisation have been trained as WMC facilitators.
Review for 45 on going WMCs has been completed.
Fifteen new WMCs have been established.
Consequent to the Supreme Court orders various schemes relating to the protection of the Taj Mahal on 50:50 basis (Centre:State) were recommended by the Planning Commission.
A Mission Management Board under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. U.P. has been constituted to oversee the implementation, monitoring and reviewing of the various programmes/schemes formulated in this regard. Ten 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. During the year, a sum of Rs, 35 crores has been provided for different schemes under the Taj Protection Mission.
The Ministry had constituted a Committee on "Environment and Health" in order to review the current status of Environmental Health and to develop appropriate policy, strategy and action plan for environmental health. An Environmental Health Cell has been constituted which is responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Committee so also formulation of the environmental health related projects in the country for its implementation. Environmental epidemiological studies have been initiated in 11 areas to assess the health manifestations due to the effect of pollution. Studies on National Environmental Health Profile and comparative health risk assessment in eight cities have been recently commissioned through different institutions. A project on studying Benzene Exposure and Adverse Health Outcome has also been commissioned.
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 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 were waste reduction and consequently savings in input cost is possible. Activities undertaken during the year are as follows:
A project "Comprehensive Approach for Environmental Audit" has been sponsored to CPCB. Under this project, 12 industrial sectors viz. tanneries, bulk-drug, thermal power, sugar, cement, iron and steel, textile, fertilizer, pesticide, petrochemical, pulp and paper and oil refineries have been identified for evaluation of respective environmental statement submitted by the industries to the State Pollution Control Boards to assess the trend of improvements and constraints, each sector wise, for conservation of resources. During the year, all 12 sectors have been taken up by the Central Pollution Control Board for evaluation of environmental statement through expert organizations.
Waste Minimisation Demonstration studies for tanneries in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh sponsored to the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai are in progress.
A publication on environmental Audit update has been brought out.
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 inputs received from the concerned State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). As on 31.12.2001 out of 1551 industries, 1350 industries have provided the necessary pollution control facilities, 177 industries have been closed down and the remaining 24 industries are defaulting. Legal action has been taken under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against all the defaulting units. A State-wise and category-wise summary status of the pollution control in 17 categories of industries are given in Table-8 and Table-9 respectively.
State-wise Summary Status of the Pollution Control in 17 Categories of Industries
(as per information available with CPCB as on December 31, 2001)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sl. No. State/UT Total No. Status (No. of units) of units Closed C# Defaulters ## ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Andhra Pradesh 173 29 143 01 2. Arunachal Pradesh 00 00 00 00 3. Assam 15 03 11 01 4. Bihar 62 22 38 02 5. Goa 06 00 06 00 6. Gujarat 177 07 170 00 7. Haryana 43 06 37 00 8. Himachal Pradesh 09 00 09 00 9. Jammu & Kashmir 08 03 05 00 10. Karnataka 85 09 76 00 11. Kerala 28 06 22 00 12. Madhya Pradesh 78 11 62 05 13. Maharashtra 335 24 306 05 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 03 16 04 19. Punjab 45 06 39 00 20. Rajasthan 49 06 43 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 21 200 03 31. West Bengal 58 17 38 03 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1551 177 1350 24 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- # 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 per information available with CPCB as on September 30, 2001)
------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 00 05. Distillery 177 33 142 02 06. Dyes & D.I 64 08 56 00 07. Fertilizer 110 12 97 01 08. Iron & Steel 08 00 04 04 09. Leather 70 11 59 00 10. Pesticide 71 07 64 00 11. Petrochem 49 00 49 00 12. Pharma 251 26 225 00 13. Pulp & Paper 96 20 76 00 14. Refinery 12 00 12 00 15. Sugar 392 48 342 02 16. TPP 97 03 79 15 17. Zinc 04 00 04 00 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1551 177 1349 24 ------------------------------------------------------------------- # Having adequate facilities to comply with the standards.
Under sectoral approach for prevention and control of pollution in different sectors, Action Plan by the Working Group on Tanneries is being implemented. State Pollution Control Boards have been advised to follow 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 and Tiles Manufacturers 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, 2002. This is subject to the units providing the necessary bank guarantee to the Pollution Control Agencies along with the undertaking that the conversion would be completed by 30th June, 2002.
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. So far the Ministry has set up environmental standards for almost all categories of polluting industries. The standards for certain categories are being reviewed. During the year two Expert Committee meetings were held to review the standards for soda-ash, brick kilns, coke oven plants, DG sets etc.
Recognition of Environmental Laboratories under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Under Section 12 and 13 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 the Ministry recognizes environmental laboratories and the Government Analysts working in the laboratories to carry out the functions entrusted to them under the Act. While powers for recognizing environment laboratories of the Government and autonomous organizations have been delegated to the Central Pollution Control Board, laboratories in the Private Sector are recognized 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 two joint inspection were organized and application of 11 laboratories were scrutinized. So far Ministry has recognized 14 private laboratories under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. All the recognized laboratories have to participate in the annual Analytical Quality Control (AQC) exercise being conducted by the CPCB. Dummy samples are sent to the recognized laboratories and the analysis reports 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 350 complaints from various individuals/organization/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 cement, 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.
Green Belt for Abatement of Pollution and Environmental Improvement in Cities/Town in Tamil Nadu
A scheme "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 Bodies, industrialists and Industry Associations. The project is in the final stage of its completion.
Environmental Statistics and Mapping
Under the scheme during the year, a project "GIS Based Hydrological Modelling of Cauvery River Basin" has been sponsored to IIT, New Delhi. The project "Geochemical Baseline Mapping for Environmental Management in the Cauvery Basin" sponsored to the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad is in progress.
As a follow-up of the interim order of Hon’ble Supreme Court and the notification to control noise from fire crackers, the Governments of States and Union Territories have been instructed to assess the levels of noise pollution before and on Deepawali festival. A number of reports have been received which indicate that ambient noise levels recorded during Deepawali festival in the years 2000 and 2001 have come down at various locations.
The Urban Environment Information System is envisaged to prepare a database on longitudinal basis for the fast growing urban centres in coordination with the local self bodies (Municipalities). The main purpose of this programme is to
Sensitise politicians and administration on local environmental problems and improvements needed.
Inform people of the local situation and improvements achieved from year to year.
Help identify key environmental issues.
Undertake detailed studies, such as Environmental Management Plans and other environmental assessments to prepare Actions Plans for implementation of various measures to protect and conserve environment.
Bring an internal competition among the different wards of the municipality and among the various cities/ towns for improving the environment.
Assistance for Abatement of Pollution
Under this scheme, the Central Government has been by way of grants-in-aid funding the States. Pollution Control Boards, Environment Departments of State Governments and Pollution Control Committees of UTs with the aim to meet the objective of the Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution and to strengthen their technical capabilities in terms of equipment. Assistance is also given to them for various environmental pollution control schemes and projects and salary components in respect of Pollution Control Committees of UTs.
Common Effluent Treatment Plants
The concept of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) was envisaged to treat the effluent emanating from the clusters of compatible small scale industries as well as to reduce the burden of various Govt. Authorities working for control of pollution. Nine CETPs have been approved so far under the schemes. The financing pattern for the CETPs consists of 20% promoter’s contribution and a grant from the Central Government of 25% subject to a matching contribution from the State Government. The remaining amount could be availed as a loan from any financial institutions.
Zoning Atlas (Spatial Environment Planning) Programme has been taken up by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Environment 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 - During the year, the work has been taken for 53 districts covering 16 states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and West Bengal.
Industrial Estate Planning Studies - Under this activity, Industrial Estate planning studies have been taken up for 15 sites. The draft reports for the sites in the districts of Solan, Bulandshahar, Ludhiana, Sagar, East Godavari, East Singhbhbum, Palakkad, Kanjikode, Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills have been prepared. A manual has been developed for undertaking these studies in other parts of the country.
Mapping of Environmentally Sensitive Zones and Industrial sites—State-wise - Under this activity, the work has so far been completed for the states of Bihar, Meghalya, Kerala, Goa and Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jammu & Kashmir. The work is in progress of the States of Orissa, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Manipur, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Assam and Rajasthan.
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 (Jharkand), Korba (Madhya Pradesh), residential township of Vasai Virar Sub-region of Thane District (Maharashtra), tourism areas of Bakel Fort (Kerala) and biosphere reserve of Panchmarhi (Madhya Pradesh).
Regional Planning - In continuation of the 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. Both these studies are in the advanced stage of completion.
Environmental Atlas of India - It is a compilation of various environmental related information presented in the form of maps text, taken up jointly by CPCB and NATMO. The mapping work of the Atlas in 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.
Training - Overseas training programme on ‘Spatial Environmental Planning’ was held for working level officers during the year. On the job training is provided to the teams from the SPCBs and executing agencies from time to time by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Infrastructure Development - The infrastructure including GIS hardware and software, audio-visual equipment and cartographic equipment have been installed at CPCB for undertaking spatial environmental planning.
Pollution Control in Grossly Polluting Industries Discharging their Effluent directly into Rivers and Lakes
As per the decision of National River Conservation Authority, the Central Pollution Control Board has directed the SPCBs/PCCs to ensure that the polluting industies install requiste pollution control systems within the specified time frame. The SPCBs/PCCs were also directed to issue closure orders to those industries which have not taken necessary action within the stipulated time period. As reported by CPCB, as on 30.09.2001, 608 industries have installed the pollution control systems to comply with the prescribed standards, 238 industries have been closed and five industries have to install the necessary pollution control systems to comply with the prescribed standards. A State-wise summary status of the grossly polluting industries is give in Table-10.
Summary Status of Pollution Control in Grossly Polluting Industries Discharging their Effluent into rivers and lakes
(as on September 30, 2001) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.No. State/UT No. of defaulters No. of industries No. of industries No. of Defaulters as in August 1997, closed which have provided requisite treatment/Disposal facilities after issuance of directions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Andhra Pradesh 60 18 42 00 2. Arunachal Pradesh 00 00 00 00 3. Assam 07 06 01 00 4. Bihar 14 04 10 00 5. Goa 00 00 00 00 6. Gujarat 17 03 14 00 7. Haryana 21 09 12 00 8. Himachal Pradesh 00 00 00 00 9. Jammu & Kashmir 00 00 00 00 10. Karnataka 20 02 18 00 11. Kerala 36 04 32 00 12. Madhaya Pradesh 02 01 00 01 13. Maharashtra 06 03 03 00 14. Manipur 00 00 00 00 15. Meghalaya 00 00 00 00 16. Mizoram 00 00 00 00 17. Nagaland 00 00 00 00 18. Orissa 09 03 04 02 19. Punjab 18 01 16 01 20. Rajasthan 00 00 00 00 21. Sikkim 00 00 00 00 22. Tamil Nadu 366 118 248 00 23 Tripura 00 00 00 00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Control of Vehicular Pollution
This Ministry plays a coordinating role with the concerned ministries and its associated bodies/organization including the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoR&TH), the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises 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.
In co-ordination with this Ministry, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has notified the following:
Vide GSR 779(E) dated 29th August, 2000 extended the more stringent three emission standards known as Bharat Stage II akin to Euro-II emission standards for registration of motor cars and Four-wheeler Passenger Vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) equal or less than 3500 kg. in Kolkata and Chennai and are effective from 1.7.2001. These norms are already effective in NCT of Delhi and Mumbai (including Greater Mumbai) from 1.4.2000 and 1.1.2001 respectively.
Vide GSR 286(E) dated 24th April, 2001, notified inter-alia Mass Emission Standards for vehicle with GVW exceeding 3500 kg. and the same is effective in NCT of Delhi from six months after the date of this notification i.e. 24.10.2001. Vide S.O. 731(E) dated 31st July, 2001, these standards are extended to Mumbai (including Greater Mumbai), Kolkata and Chennai and are effective from 31.10.2001.
Vide GSR 284 (E) dated 24th April, 2001, notified Mass Emission Standards for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) driven vehicles and is effective from one month after the date of this notification, i.e. 24th May, 2001.
Vide GSR 853(E) dated 19th November, 2001, notified Mass Emission Standards for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) driven vehicles to be effective after six months from the date of this publication: This notification also includes inter-alia safety and procedural requirements for type approval of CNG and LPG operated vehicles, role of test agency, responsibility of vehicle/kit manufacture/kit supplier, responsibility of owners/users and statutory requirements of registration of vehicles. The notification No. GSR 99(E) dated 9th February, 2000 specifying Mass Emission Standards for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) driven vehicles ceased to be valid six months after the new notification comes into force.
Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) for the National Capital Region has submitted its XI and XII Progress Reports. These Reports prominently include the steps taken and monitoring made by the authority on various measures for control of vehicular pollution. During this period, the Authority submitted special reports on Clean Fuels and Standards for CNG vehicles and Refilling Stations with specific recommendations as directed by Hon’ble Supreme Court. As a result of the rigorous monitoring by the Authority, petrol with 1% Benzene maximum is made available in the NCR from 1.4.2001, 87 CNG stations have been commissioned and about 53,302 vehicles including 3727 buses are plying on CNG mode in Delhi. XIII Progress Report is being finalized by the Authority.
In Mumbai, 24 CNG outlets are in operation with about 26,296 vehicles, plying on CNG mode.
The Ministry is involved in the recommendations of the Expert Committee constituted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on 13th September, 2001 to recommend an "Auto Fuel Policy" for the entire country, including major cities and device a road map for its implementation, taking into account the vehicular emission norms recommended by the Inter-Ministerial Task Force to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and on-going work on ethanol blending of gasoline and use of bio-fuels in transportation by the group set up by the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Non-conventional Energy Souces within a period of six months. This Committee submitted its interim report to the Government on 1.1.2002 and has been accepted.
Loss of Ecology (Prevention and Payments of Compensation) Authority for the state of Tamil Nadu
The loss of Ecology (Prevention & Payments of Compensation) Authority for the State of Tamil Nadu was constituted by the Notification No. 671(E) dated 30.9.1996 issued by the Ministry pursuant to the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgement dated 26.8.1996 passed in W.P. No. 914 of 1991. The main functions of the Authority are to assess the environmental damage in the five Districts of the State of Tamil Nadu, viz. Vellore, Dindigul, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Erode, identify the affected individuals due to the damage and determine the compensation payable to them. The amount of compensation to be paid to the individuals are to be recovered from the polluting industries. The Authority also framed schemes for reversal of the damaged ecology in the affected areas. The schemes are to be executed by the State Government under the supervision of the Central Government with resources provided by the State Government and the Central Government and certain amount to be recovered from the polluting industries for the purpose.
The Authority has completed the work relating to the main functions and the awards in this respect have been passed.
Central Pollution Control Board
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an autonomous body of the Ministry, and set up in September, 1974 coordinates the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs), and also advises the Central Government on all matter concerning the Prevention and Control of environmental pollution. CPCB, SPCBs and PCCs are responsible for implementing the legislations relating to prevention and control of pollution: CPCB also provides technical services to the Ministry for implementing the provisions of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
During the year, special thrust was given to nation-wide pollution prevention plan, particularly with reference to combating vehicular pollution, pollution control in 17 categories of highly polluting industries, implementation of action plans for restoration of environmental quality in critically polluted areas, noise pollution control and proper management of solid waste, hazardous waste and bio-medical waste.
Details of some of the major activities of CPCB during the year are given below :
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in collaboration with the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) has established a National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAMP) network, comprising 290 stations in 92 cities/towns, under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 to collect, compile and disseminate information on air quality.
The ambient air quality is monitored by CPCB, SPCBs, Pollution Control Committees, some Universities and Institutes. The data, thus generated, are transmitted to CPCB for scrutinization, analysis, compliation and publication as a consolidated report.
The air quality of different cities/town with respect to three critical pollutants has been compared with the respective National Ambient Air Quality Standards and has been categorized into four broad categories based on an Exceedence Factor (EF) as calculated by the following ratio.
Observed Annual mean concentration of criteria pollutant Exceedence Factor = ------------------------------------ Annual standard for the respective pollutant and area class
The four air quality categories are :
Critical pollution (C) : When EF is more than 1.5;
High pollution (H) : When the EF is between 1.0-1.5;
Moderate pollution (M) : with and EF between 0.5-1.0; and
Low pollution (L) : where the EF is less than 0.5
Trace Metal in Ambient Air of Delhi
Monitoring of lead, cadmium and zinc in the ambient air of Delhi is being carried out since 1992. In January 2000, four more metals-chromium, copper, zinc and nickel-were added to this list. Out of these metals, iron concentration was found high in all types of land use area. Copper and zinc were also present in significant amount but their levels were 3 and 5 times lower than iron. After the introduction of unleaded petrol in Delhi, the level of lead has gone down drastically and are well below the national ambient air quality standards. The presence of cadmium, chromium and nickel was insignificant.
Trend Analysis of Air Pollution in Delhi
A decreasing trend in annual average of SO2 was observed in industrial areas of Delhi. The annual mean concentration of SO2 did not exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) (annual average) during all years of monitoring. Decreasing trend in SO2 levels is observed which might be due to low sulphur diesel introduced in Delhi .
A decreasing trend in NO2 levels is observed which might be due to prohibition from plying of commercial vehicles more than 15 years old in Delhi. A decreasing trend in annual average of NO2 was observed in residential areas of Delhi.
SPM levels exceeded the NAAQS (annual average) during all the years. SPM concentration violated the 24 hourly standard more than 2% of the times during all the years.
High levels of CO are observed in Delhi due to increase in vehicular population especially passenger cars.
The trend in annual of RSPM also shows that annual mean concentration exceeded the NAAQS (annual average) during 1998, 1999 and 2000.
National Water Quality Monitoring Programme
Water quality monitoring was started by the CPCB in 1976 with 18 stations on river Yamuna. The programme was gradually extended and at present, there are 507 monitoring stations in the country spread over all important water bodies. Out of 507 stations, 414 stations are on rivers, 25 on ground water, 38 on lakes and 30 on canals, creeks, drains, ponds etc.
The water quality monitoring results obtained during 2000 indicate that organic and bacterial contamination are continued to be critical pollution in Indian aquatic resources. This is mainly due to discharge of domestic wastewater in untreated form from the urban centers. The municipal corporations have inadequate resources for treating the ever increasing load of municipal sewage. Secondly the receiving water bodies also do not have sufficient water for dilution. Also, the oxygen demand and bacterial pollution is increasing gradually. This situation leads to spread of water borne diseases.
The water quality monitoring results were analyzed with respect to indicator of Oxygen Consuming substances (bio-chemical oxygen demand) and indicator of pathogenic bacteria (total and fecal coliform). The results of such analysis shows that there is gradual degradation in water quality. The number of observations having high BOD and coliform density has increased during this year also as compared to last year.
Taking BOD as indicator of organic pollution, an attempt was made to estimate the riverine length under different levels of pollution as follows :
High pollution : BOD > 6 mg/l Moderate pollution : BOD=3-6 mg/l Relatively clean : BOD < 3 mg/l
On the basis of last 10 years water quality monitoring results, the estimated riverine length having different level of pollution is presented below.
Development of emission factors for cement industries
The studies were carried out in association with National Productivity Council, New Delhi. Emission factors are very useful tools for estimating air pollutants from sources.
The emission factors with and without Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) evolved for various sections of a dry type cement plant are given in Tabl-11.
Emission Factor with and without Air Pollution Control Devices (APCD) for Dry Type Cement Manufacturing Industries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.No. Section Sub Section Emission Factors in Kg/T of Clinker Produced Without APCD With APCD --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Kiln Kiln, Raw Mill & Clinker Cooler 94 0.98 2. Grinding Cement Mill & Coal Mill 257 0.21 3. Others Packing, Raw Mill Silo, Cement Mill Silo 7 0.01 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 358 1.20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Similarly, the emission factors with and without APCDs evolved for various sections of a Wet type cement plant are given in Table-12.
Emission Factor with and without APCD for Wet Type Cement Manufacturing Industries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.No. Section Sub Section Emission Factors in Kg/T of Clinker Produced Without APCD With APCD --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Kiln Kiln, Raw Mill & Clinker Cooler 174 0.20 2. Grinding Cement Mill & Coal Mill 123 0.02 3. Others Packing ,Raw Mill Silo, Cement Mill Silo 6 0.03 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 303 0.25 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assessment of requirement of bag filter vis-à-vis ESP in Thermal Power Plants
The continuous deterioration of coal quality with increase in ash content has affected the performance of Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP). Realising the problem, some of the state Electricity Boards are planning to incorporate bag filter technologies to control the emission of particulate matter. In order to assess feasibility of installation of bag filter, a study has been initiated and indepth studies have been completed.
Description of alternate flyash disposal system for thermal power plant
Over the period a number of alternate flyash disposal technologies have been developed and are successfully operating in developed countries. The dry ash disposal in the form of ash mound and dense phase for ash disposal are few examples wherein land and water requirement ash disposal are very low in comparison to present conventional system. In order to promote these technologies in the country, a study on description of alternate flyash disposal system for thermal power plant including cost benefit assessment has been initiated in collaboration with IIT, Delhi and Flyash Mission.
Development of Clean Technology for iron ore mines and development of Environmental Standards
The main objectives of the study are as follows:
To describe clean technology for iron ore mining
To develop Environmental Standards for iron ore mines
During the reporting period, study is being continued.
Assessment of pollution potential from ship breaking activities
CPCB conducted the study through MECON, Ranchi. Two ship breaking sites namely Alang (Gujarat) and Kolkata, (West Bengal) were selected for indepth study. Report is being finalised.
Pollution Assessment and Control in Industries
Technology upgradation in existing and new Sulphuric Acid Plants
The environmental problems arising due to sulphuric acid manufacture include
Liquid effluent generated through waste heat boiler blow down, spillage and leakage from equipment, and washing of the equipment;
Off gas from absorption tower containing oxides of sulphur and acid mist.
Presently, emission limits for sulphuric acid plants are prescribed as 4.0 kg/tonne of concentrated acid produced and 50 mg/M3 for oxides of sulphur and acid mist. However, due to advancement in process and pollution control technologies it may be possible to further reduce and control the emissions of oxides of sulphur and acid mist. In recent years, number of giant capacity sulphuric acid plants are concentrated in one location . For example, two streams of 3500 MT/day each and two streams of 1000 MT/day each have been set up at Paradeep. This situation dictates minimisation of emissions from each of these plants.
With the above background, a project has been initiated to study the technology upgradation in existing sulphuric acid plants and state-of-art technology in new plants so as to reduce and control oxides of sulphur and acid mist emissions.
Pollution Potential of Mines
To assess the pollution potential of chromite mines in the Sukinda Valley in Orissa and coal mines in Talcher area of Orissa, detailed survey and environmental monitoring were conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board Eastern Zone office. It was observed at the chromite mines that enormous volume of water containing chromium in hexavalent form was being discharged into adjacent water bodies. The overburden was being dumped near the queries, as a result soluble metals may percolates to the groundwater. The treatment facilities are very limited.
Talcher area of Orissa has many coal mines and most of them are open-cast. Due to accumulation of coal near the mines, frequent fires were observed. Effluent generated from most of the workshops were being treated before discharging into the surface waters. Surface mining in Lingaraj open cast mine was an environment friendly method of primary rock excavation.
Coal Washeries
Four coal washeries were extensively studied to ascertain the effectiveness of common coal washing processes. The products of coal washeries, i.e. washed coal, middling coal and reject coal were quantified to assess the quantity of fine coal being discharged with the effluent. The emphasis was on the quality of raw coal and the process of coal washing to highlight the in-plant pollution control measures because more the coal is recovered less being the pollution. The treatment efficiency of the settling tank was evaluated to justify the claim of zero discharge. Though adequate settling tanks are available for treating the effluent, but their maintenance is not proper. During dry season, it is possible to contain the effluent, but during wet season it is difficult. It cannot be ruled out that during rainy season, surface runoff may carry huge quantities of fine coal, which ultimately join the river Damodar. It is recommended to increase the rate of settling with due attention to maintain the settling tank.
Flyash Management in Thermal Power Plants of West Bengal
Eleven thermal power plants (TTPs) of West Bengal, each having capacity exceeding 100 MW were studied for the status of pollution control, fly ash management and performance of air pollution control equipments.
The observations of the study are as follows :
Most of the power plants lack own stack monitoring facilities. In some cases there is no environmental management department in the TTP.
All the plants rely upon high ash coal, despite a gazette notification on usage of beneficiated coal.
The coal consumption was found varying from 0.52-0.87 kg/kWh.
None of the power plant was found running on full capacity.
The Plant Load Factor (PLF) was approximately 50%. Low PLF values implies decrease in power efficiency of the thermal power plants which in turn generate more pollutants.
All plants have installed ESPs to contain emission from furnaces except at NCGS. The NCGS plant has stoker fired boilers where emission is controlled by cyclones.
The design efficiency of ESPs ranges from 99 to 99.8%. However, actual monitoring results show that efficiency ranged between 80.8% to 99.77%. This indicate that many ESPs are not meeting designed efficiencies.
The quality of coal is critical for ESP performance. The ash content in the coal supplied to power plant ranges from 30- 40% and sometimes more than 40%. This fact is critical if the standards to be complied with. Besides the coal quality, poor ESP maintenance, switching off some passes, improper operation of fields and poor repairing are other significant issues related to emission control. Most of the TPPs are not meeting the standards.
Total fly ash generation from the power plants located in West Bengal is about 25,000 tons per day.
Recirculation of effluent was not observed at many plants.
Most of the ash ponds are inadequate and overflow goes straight to the river.
Implementation of Bio-medical Rules in Kolkata
The Central Pollution Control Board carried out bio-medical waste management study in nine hospitals in Kolkata having bed capacity more than 500. During the study it was observed that there was barely any biomedical waste segregation as per the Biomedical Waste Rules. No pre-treatment is given to the wastes.
The study reveals that the average waste generation/bed is 250 gram/day, therefore having a bed capacity of 5450, the city of Allahabad generates 1.3 MT/day of biomedical waste, which deserves segregation followed by prescribed treatment and safe disposal.
Recently, Allahabad Nagar Nigam has allotted a land to Allahabad Nursing Home Association for installation of Common Treatment Facilities for small nursing homes. Allahabad Nursing Home Association is in process to contract the management and handling of biomedical waste to private party.
Inventorisation of Hazardous Waste
The Central Pollution Control Board had taken up studies on inventorisation of hazardous waste generation in various States, with a view to identify hazardous waste generating units, quantification of hazardous waste generated and present practices adopted for hazardous waste management by various industrial sectors. During the year, studies in the States of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Chandigarh, Pondicherry, Daman, Diu & Dadra Nagar Haveli, have been completed.
Criteria for Hazardous Waste Disposal to Landfill and Management of Leachate
The hazardous wastes generated by the industries are required to be disposed in secure landfill. The landfill sites generate leachate. If leachate is not collected and treated properly, it may contaminate groundwater resources. In view of the hazard characteristics of leachate, CPCB has taken up a project on "Development of Standards for Leachate from Hazardous Waste Disposal Site". The project has been completed and the draft report has been prepared containing identification of hazardous waste suitable for land disposal, guidelines for leachate collection and removal system, criteria for disposal of hazardous waste into secure landfill and suggested treatment options for treatment of leachate generated form hazardous waste landfill site and environmental standards for leachate.
Recommended Criteria for Hazardous Waste before Disposal into Secure Land fill
Leachate Quality Concentration PH 4-13 Conductivity < 100,000 mS/cm Total Organic Carbon (TOC) < 200 mg/l Phenols < 100 mg/l Arsenic < 1 mg/1 Lead < 2 mg/l Cadimum < 2 mg/l Chromium –VI < 0.5 mg/l Copper < 10 mg/l Ncikel* < 3 mg/l Mercury < 0.1 mg/l Zinc < 10 mg/l Fluoride < 50 mg/l Ammonia < 1,000 mg/l Chloride < 10,000 mg/l Cyanide < 2 mg/l Sulphate < 5,000 mg/l Nitrate < 30 mg/l Absorbable organics bound Chlorine < mg/l Water soluble content < 10 % Strength Transversal strength (Vane Testing) >25 kN>/m2 Unconfined Compression Test > 50 KN/m2 Axial Deformation < 20% Degree of Mineralisation or content of Organic Materials Annealing loss of the dry residue of 550°C < 10 Wt.% Oil & Grease < 4 Wt. %
Industry Category-wise Identification and Characterisation of Hazardous Waste Streams
In order to facilitate identification of hazardous waste streams (product & process-wise) and their appropriate disposal, CPCB has undertaken a project on identification of hazardous wastes streams in various industrial sectors, for the purpose to characterise the hazardous waste streams, estimate hazardous waste generation per tonne of product, to assess the scope of pre-treatment, reuse and recovery of hazardous waste generated from each stream and also to propose the waste minimisation options for reduction of hazardous waste generation. At present, the study has been taken up for three major sectors viz. Petrochemicals, Pesticides and Dyes and Dye Intermediates.
Preparation of Laboratory Manual on Characterisation and Analysis of Hazardous Waste
According to the Schedule 2 and 3 of the amended hazardous waste management rules, the hazardous wastes are classified on the basis of waste substances with concentration limits and waste characteristics. For the purpose of characterisation and analysis of the hazardous waste, CPCB has initiated for preparation of Laboratory manual for the regulatory agencies. The manual will be circulated to the State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees and other officials during the training programme being organised by CPCB.
Assessment of Hazardous Waste Management
CPCB has also undertaken assessment of hazardous waste management in three industrial sectors viz. Caustic soda industries, oil refineries and fertilizer industries with a view to assess the quantity of hazardous waste generated from various sources in the plant, present hazardous waste management practices adopted by the industries and to formulate guidelines for safe disposal of hazardous waste.
The central Pollution Control Board has taken up several projects related to municipal solid waste management. Some of these projects are:
Anaerobic digestion of domestic solid wastes
Study on compost quality and its application in agriculture
Characterisation of municipal solid waste compost
Review of existing processing technology of municipal waste
Assessment of existing Municipal solid waste dumpsites
Assessment of impact of existing and completed municipal wastes landfill sites at Kanpur
Management of municipal solid waste in Hardwar and Rishikesh
Preparation of guidelines for environmental management of religious places
Hazardous Substances Management
The Hazardous Substances Management Division is the nodal point within the Ministry for management of chemical emergencies and hazardous substances with a view to promote safe management and use of hazardous substances including hazardous chemicals and hazardous wastes, in order to avoid damage to health and environment. The thrust areas on which the activities are carried out are:
Chemical Safety
Hazardous Waste Management and
Solid Waste Management
The Ministry is also the nodal point for the following three International Convention:-
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals & Pesticides in International Trade and
The Stockholom Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Various Programmes and activities carried out under these thrust areas during the year are as follows:
It has been decided to bring the entire gamut of activities relating to hazardous substances under the frame-work of a comprehensive National Chemical Profile, which is proposed to be prepared based on the UNITAR guidance document. The report will assess the existing institutional, administrative, technical and legal infrastructure vis-a-vis the requirements of safe handling of chemicals in the country. This activity is being supported under the Canada-India Environmental Institutional Strengthening Project.
The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical (MSIHC) Rules, 1989 and the Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996 are the main tools for ensuring chemical safety in the country. Implementation of both the Rules by the State/UTs governments is constantly pursued and monitored. As on date, there are 1460 Major Accident Hazard Units (MAH) in 28 districts of the country. As per the latest reports, 1395 on-site Plans and 114 off-site plans have been prepared. All the states except Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir have constituted State Level Crisis Groups.
A software has been developed with the help of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), using GISNIC and ARCHIE on risk contouring of Vapi industrial estate, Gujarat which gives a clear picture of the relay effects of an accident, namely, the potential of an accident to trigger other accidents in units falling in the risk zone and cumulative effects thereof. During the year, this study has been extended to cover the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu which have a large number of MAH units. A feasibility study on the vulnerability and Risk Assessment of Transportation of Hazardous Chemicals has also been undertaken in these states. A draft Country Report on MAH installations has also been prepared.
A study on transportation of hazardous chemicals on National Highway No. 8 has been initiated during the year 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. The draft report has been submitted.
Final draft of the Guide to the Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996, prepared through WHO funds, has been received.
A Sub-scheme entitled ‘Industrial Pocket-wise Hazard Analysis’ has been in operation since the Eighth Five Year Plan. Out of 180 Hazard prone industrial pockets, Hazard Analysis studies were initiated for 65 pockets during the Eighth Five Year Plan. Out of these 65 studies, 53 have been completed and final reports prepared. During the year, 10 new pockets were identified for such studies. Based on the recommendations of the study reports, off-site plans for the Districts of Dhar, Ahmed Nagar, Medak and Rangareddy are being prepared.
Several cases of chemical accidents involving insulated storages have come to light in the recent past. In this regard, lack of inventorisation of such storages and poor enforcement of legal provisions have been identified as the major factors. A survey on Isolated Storages of Hazardous Chemicals was initiated during the year to address this issue. The draft report has been prepared.
Under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 as amended in 1992 all the MAH units handling chemicals in excess of the threshold quantities referred to in the schedule are mandated to take an insurance policy and deposit an equal amount in the Environment Relief Fund (ERF) to ensure immediate payment to the chemical accident victims. It has been decided to entrust the administration of the ERF to the United India Insurance Company. Modalities are being worked out regarding service charges payable to this company.
The legal instruments for management of hazardous wastes are the Hazardous Waste (Management &Handling) Rules 1989, as amended in 2000, the Biomedical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules 1998 and the Batteries (Management & Handling) Rules, 2001. Major responsibility for implementing these Rules is with the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) / Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) and to some extent with the state Departments of Environment. The status of implementation of the HW Rules was monitored during the year. A questionnaire was circulated to all SPCBs/PCCs to determine the extent of implementation of the Biomedical Waste Rules. Responses received are being studied. As recommended by the steering committee on Biomedical wastes comprehensive guidelines are being prepared to facilitate effective implementation of the Biomedical waste Rules. A comprehensive set of rules entitled "Batteries (Management & Handling) Rules, 2001" has been notified by the Ministry in may, 2001. These rules have been notified to regulate the collection, channelisation and recycling as well as import of used lead acid batteries in the country. These rules stipulate that used lead acid batteries can be auctioned/sold only to recyclers registered with the Ministry on the basis of their possessing environmentally sound facilities for recycling/recovery.
As per current assessment, 4.4 million tones of hazardous wastes are being generated by 13011 units spread over 373 districts of the country. The states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu account for over 63% of the total hazardous wastes generated. This data is based on the waste categories indicated in the HW Rules, 1989, and needs to be revised since the amended HW Rules, 2000, categorise wastes on the basis of processes and waste streams. All the SPCBs/PCCs have been advised to undertake re-inventorisation of hazardous wastes as per HW Rules, 2000.
The High Powered Committee (HPC), constituted as per the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of Writ Petition No. 657 of 1995 filed by the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Natural Resource Policy against the Union of India and others, under the chairmanship of Prof. MGK Menon, has submitted its final report on the "Management of Hazardous Waste". The report was circulated to all the concerned bodies such as CPCB, SPCBs, PCCs and the State Departments of Environment, during the year for comments. A meeting of Secretaries of the Environment Departments of the States and Chairmen, State Pollution Control Boards was also held in September, 2001 to discuss and finalise the responses of these bodies to the various recommendations of the HPC. Final comments of the stakeholders such as the Ministry, other Central Ministries, CPCB, SDEs, SPCBs and PCCs on the recommendations of the HPC, have been submitted to the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
The W.P.No. 967/89- filed by Indian Council for Enviro Legal Action against UoI and Others on Groundwater Pollution and Soil Degradation in Bichhri Village, Udaipur (Rajasthan) due to indiscriminate disposal of Toxic Wastes, is being heard in the Supreme Court. The Draft Final Report of the ‘Remediation /Reclamation of Hazardous Waste Contaminated Areas in Bichhri village, Rajasthan" has been submitted and approved by the Advisory Technical Review Committee.
As per the Hazardous Wastes (M&H) Rules, 1989 and 2000, all hazardous wastes are required to be treated and disposed off in the manner prescribed. In the absence of common disposal facilities in the country, permission has been granted to the hazardous waste generating units in the small scale sector, for storing their wastes temporarily in a secure, lined pit/facility within their premises. As a demonstration project, the Ministry of Environment & Forests has supported the setting up of a common Transport, Storage & Disposal Facility (TSDF) at Trans Thane Creak (TTC), Maharashtra. The facility is expected to be ready shortly. A common TSDF in Rangareddy District of Andhra Pradesh is being set up under private sector initiative with financial assistance from Australia and the State Government of Andhra Pradesh. Phase-I of the facility has been commissioned. The Ministry will provide financial support for Phase-II of this facility.
The scheme for "Registration of Recyclers/ Reprocessors of Wastes as Actual Users having Environmentally Sound Management facilities" initiated in 1999, was continued during the year and five meetings of the Registration Committee were held. A total of 232 proposals were considered in these meetings. Registration was granted to 119 units, applications of 44 units were rejected and 69 cases deferred. As on date, 192 units have been registered with the Ministry, out of which 70 are used/waste oil reprocessors, 50 are lead scrap processing units while the remaining are non-ferrous metal waste processing units. The list of registered recyclers/reprocessors is posted of the web-site of the Ministry and is updated regularly. Rigorous monitoring of the registered units has been initiated during the year to ensure that all the conditions included in the Registration Letter are complied with by the units. The Regional Offices of the Ministry have been entrusted with the monitoring work.
A Training Programme on "Inventorisation and Operation of Manifest System for Management of Hazardous Waste" was held in Germany during 10-22nd December, 2001, which was attended by 19 officials representing various SPCBs, CPCB and MoEF. The objective of the programme was to provide training to the scientists and engineers of these organizations in the area of Hazardous Waste Management.
A training Programme on Hospital Waste Management was also organised during the year by WHO, USEPA and USAID, for the officers of Central and State Government , SPCBs and Medical Professionals. The Programme included visits to a number of hospitals and hospital waste management facilities in the United States of America.
The Regional Centre of the Basel Convention for SAARC countries has started preliminary operations during the year. The Centre is being supported under the Canada-India Institutional Strengthening Project. A meeting of experts on hazardous waste management from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives was held in New Delhi during October, 2001 to finalise Needs Assessment of these countries to plan activities of this Centre during the next five years.
The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000, the Fly Ash Notification, 1999 and the Recycled Plastics Manufacture & Usage Rules 1999 constitute the regulatory frame work for management of solid wastes in the country.
As a follow-up of the decision taken in the National Conference of Environment & Forests held during January, 2001 at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, a Committee on Plastic Waste Disposal has been constituted during the year under the Chairmanship of Shri Ranganath Mishra, former Chief Justice of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The Terms of Reference of the Committee are as follows:
To examine various environment issues related to indiscriminate littering of plastic wastes with particular reference to disposal.
To examine various regulations on plastic wastes disposal brought out by the Central and State Governments and suggest appropriate measures for collection, segregation, treatment and disposal of plastic wastes.
The Ministry, along with the Fly Ash Mission, Department of Science and Technology, had provided financial support to the Indian Institute of Technology,, New Delhi for installation of a dry fly ash bagging plant at Badarpur Thermal Power Station, New Delhi. The bagging plant has been installed and commissioned and is being operated regularly.
Two meetings of the Committee to review the progress of utilization of fly ash and the implementation of the Fly Ash Notification were held during the year, and the following decisions have been taken:-
A Task Force on Mine Back-filling to be constituted.
Use of fly ash in High Way Projects to be coordinated with the National Highway Authority of India.
Amendment of the CPWD rate list to be ensured
Specifications for the Pozzalana Portland Cement (PPC) products to be finalized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The Task Force on Mine Back-filling with fly ash has been constituted with the following Terms of Reference:-
Review feasibility of mine back-filling with fly ash.
Identify parameters to declare abandoned mines fit for fly ash disposal and list them in various coal mines.
Enumerate environmental conditions that should be adhered to for Mine Back-Filling /Stowing.
Evolve a strategy and mechanism for safe transportation of fly ash for mine back-filling/stowing.
Economic Feasibility of levying Cess for sound management of fly ash transport, disposal, R&D etc.
The first meeting of the Task Force was held in December, 2001.
In WP:888/96 pertaining to Prof. Almitra H. Patel Vs. UoI and others, being heard in the Supreme Court, the petitioner has sought 12 directions of which one relates to the preparation of a suitable Waste Prevention and Eco-friendly Packaging Rules in order to minimise needless generation of solid wastes.
International Conventions/Protocols
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
India is a signatory to the Basel Convention which requires countries to ensure that hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials are managed in an environmentally sound manner.
During the year, the Ministry participated in the 18th & 19th sessions of the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the 3rd and 4th sessions of the Legal Working Group (LWG) of the Basel Convention. The TWG is preparing technical guidelines for environmentally sound management of ship-breaking. India is actively participating in this effort along with Norway and The Netherlands.
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals & Pesticides in International Trade
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals & Pesticides in International Trade was adopted at the Conference of Plenipotentiaries at Rotterdam in 1998. Steps have been taken to obtain the approval of competent authority to sign and ratify the Convention.
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
India has adopted the Stockholm Convention on POPs on 23rd May, 2001. The Convention seeks to eliminate production, use, import and export of 12 POPs wherever techno-economically feasible and, in the interim period, restrict the production and use of these chemicals. Steps have been taken to obtain approval of competent authority to sign the Convention.
Legislations relating to Hazardous Substances Management
The "Batteries (Management & Handling) Rules have been notified on 16th May,2001, for regulating the collection, channelization and recycling of the used lead-acid batteries in the country as well as their import.
Amendments to the Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000 have been prepared, inter-alia, keeping in view the recommendations of the High Powered Committee on Hazardous Waste Management. Draft amendments have been finalised on the basis of input given by the Committee constituted by the CPCB for the purpose.
A set of preliminary rules entitled "Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Hazardous Substances" stipulating requirements of classification, labelling and packaging of hazardous chemicals, hazardous wastes and preparation have been prepared to enhance safety during handling of hazardous substances and to ensure safety and health of the public during handling of such substances.
The Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules were notified in 1999, which prohibit the use of recycled plastics for packaging foodstuff and prescribe a minimum thickness of 20 microns for both recycled and virgin plastic bags. Draft amendments to these rules have now been finalised in consultation with the committee on Plastic Waste Disposal.
With the enactment/notification of several new rules such as the Flyash Notification, 1999, the Bio-Medical Waste Rules, 1998, the Recycled Plastics Rules, 1999, the amended Hazardous Wastes Rules, 2000, the Municipal Solid Wastes Rules, 2000, and the Batteries( Management & Handling) rules, 2001 in the last 3-4 years, significant additional responsibilities have been given to the SPCBs/PCCs. A two year scheme for strengthening the manpower and infrastructure of the SPCBs has therefore been initiated to ensure effective implementation of these Rules.
The list of Studies/Projects on different areas of Hazardous Substances Management, supported by the Ministry is given at Annexure - V.