Index

• Forestry Education, Training and Extension

• Indian Council of Forestry, Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun

• Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun

• Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun

• Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun

• Directorate of Forest Education (DFE)

• State Forest Service College, Dehradun

• State Forest Service College, Coimbatore

• Eastern Forest Rangers College, Kurseong (West Bengal)

• Other Activities taken up during the year 2002-2003

• Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute (IPITRI), Bangalore

• Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal

• Wildlife Education and Training

• Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun

• National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), New Delhi

• Regional Museum of Natural History, Mysore

• Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal

• Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhubaneswar

• Fellowships and Awards

• Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar

• Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Awards (IPVM)

• Pitambar Pant National Environment Fellowship Award

• B.P. Pal National Environment Fellowship Award for Bio-diversity

• Dr. Salim Ali and Dr. Sankhala Fewllowship

• Environmental Education, Awareness and Training

• Formal Environmental Education

• Non-formal Environment Education and Awareness

• National Environment Awareness Campaign

• National Green Corps (Eco-clubs)

• Seminars/Symposia/Workshops/Conferences

• Library

• Centres of Excellence

• Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad

• CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai

• The Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore

• Centre for Mining Environment, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad

• The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore

• Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystem, Delhi

• Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram

• Madras School of Economics (MSE), Chennai

• Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore

• Environmental Information

• Environmental Information System (ENVIS)

• ENVIS Focal Point

• Activities of the ENVIS Centres

Forestry Education, Training and Extension

Education and training helps to broaden the horizon of the management practitioners and facilitates the movement of services in consonance with scientific principles. Forestry and Environmental education is of paramount importance and should be comprehensive and practical, embracing all the facets of the numerous problems faced. Forestry education and training in India began in the early part of this century and the present system of forestry education and training is well tailored to produce skilled forest managers so as to manage, protect and conserve the forests in consonance with the National Forest Policy, 1988 and the National Forestry Action Programme, 1999.

Index

Indian Council of Forestry, Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, an autonomous organization of the Ministry organizes and manages research, education and extension in the field of forestry. Details of ICFRE’s activities relating to forestry research are given in Chapter Seven.

Index

Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun

Index

Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun

Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) was constituted in the year 1987 by renaming the erstwhile Indian Forest College. The Academy is engaged in imparting induction training to IFS (Probationers) and in-service training of one week to three weeks duration to the in-service officers. Academy has also conducted Professional Skills Upgradation Training for the officers promoted to Indian Forest Service from State Forest Service. Brief objectives/activities of the Academy are as under :

Organizing Professional Skills Upgradation training programme for officers of SFS promoted into IFS:-

Conducting compulsory course for inservice IFS officers at middle / senior level:-

Conducting Advanced Forest Management Courses for Officers of 10, 17 & 21 years of seniority:-

Index

Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun

The FSI imparts training to forestry personnel working at various levels in order to keep them abreast with the latest advancement in application of Remote Sensing, Forest inventory, data processing and GIS in forestry. During the year, ten courses were organized.

The extension Unit of FSI is engaged in printing and publication of State of Forest Report, Inventory Reports, Quarterly Newsletter, Training Calendar, Annual Reports and other informative material generated by FSI. Publicity and liaison works, organizing workshops/conferences and conducting visits of officers, trainees and dignitaries from different organizations from India and abroad also form a part of the extension activities of FSI.

For the fist time the forest cover of the entire country has been assessed by employing digital interpretation of satellite data at 1:50,000 scale. In addition, FSI has assessed tree cover below 1 ha and which cannot be discerned through satellite imageries by using appropriate stratification, sampling and field inventory methods. In the State of Forest Report (SFR) 2001, the eighth in the series, for the first time, a nearly complete picture of forest and tree cover in the country has been documented. In addition to the publication of SFR - 2001 two reports, viz :

Index

Directorate of Forest Education (DFE)

The Directorate of Forest Education was delinked in 1991 from FRI and Colleges and now functions directly under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

The Directorate is responsible for controlling, co-ordinating and managing all the regular training course of SFS and Forest Range Officers in the country. This Directorate also organises Diploma and Certificate Courses, Short term special refresher/Capacity Building Courses, Promotion - linked skill upgradation and Basic Training Skill (TOT) courses for in service officers.

There are three State Forest Service Colleges situated in Dehradun (Uttaranchal), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) and Burnihat (Assam) and one Rangers College namely Eastern Forest Rangers college, Kurseong (West Bengal) under the control of Government of India. Besides, there are five State run Rangers, College under the technical control of this Directorate with regard to allotment of seats, syllabus and course curriculum, etc. The five State run Forest Ranger Colleges are located at Forestry and Van Panchayat Training Insititute, Haldwani (Uttaranchal), Forest Rangers College, Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), Orissa Forest Rangers College, Angul (Orissa), Gujarat Forest Rangers College, Rajpipla (Gujarat). The North East Forest Rangers College, Jalukbari (Assam) was closed down by the state Government of Assam in April 2002 and the Forest Rangers Trainees undergoing training there, were shifted to the State Forest Service College, Burnihat.

A course on "Forestry Related Issues" was allotted to the State Forest Service College, Dehradun for conduction.

State Forest Service College, Dehradun conducts a two years diploma to train State Forest Service officers of the rank of Assistance Conservator of Forests. The 2001-2002 State Forest Service Officers batch consisting of 12 State Forest Service Officer Trainees from the States of West Bengal, Nagaland, Haryana, Mizoram, Goa, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir passed out on 31-8-2002. The training of the 2002-2004 batch of State Forest Service Officers has commenced on 1st April, 2002 and the batch consists of 15 State Forest Service Officers Trainees from the States of Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir and Meghalaya.

Besides regular Two-year Diploma Course for SFS Officers, the college has also conducted two weeks Refreshers and Theme based courses of in-service ACFs on computer applications in forestry (Basic and Advance), Biodiversity Conservation and Watershed Management, JFM and Sustainable Development, Project Formulation and EI, Policy, Legal Issues and International Conventions. 11 courses in all were conducted and 99 officers were trained.

The State Forest Service College, Dehradun conducted the course for NTPC Officers during 21st to 26th October 2002 in which 14 senior officers attended the course.

The college has started Two Years Certificate Course for Rangers (2000-2002) with effect from 15th January 2001. There are 26 Range Forest Officers Trainees from the States of Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir undergoing training in the 2000-2002 batch. Training for 2002-2004 batch has also commenced from 15-11-2002.

Index

State Forest Service College, Coimbatore

The college has started a Two-year Certificate Course for Range Officers (2000-2002) from 01-11-2000, in which 27 candidates are undergoing training from different States/UTs. Another Two Years Certificate Course for Range Officers (2001-2003) has also commenced with effect from 15-11-2001.

The college also conducted two-week Refreshers and Theme based courses for Assistant Conservator of Forests on: Computer Applications in Forestry (Advance), Biodiversity Conservation & TOT Courses. 5 courses were conducted & 37 officer from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were trained.

Index

Eastern Forest Rangers College, Kurseong (West Bengal)

At present, there are two batches of "Two-years Certificate Course for Range Forest Officers" undergoing training in the college. The 2000-2002 batch and 2001-2003 batch started training w.e.f. 15-11-2001 respectively. 28 candidates from different States/UTs are undergoing training in 2000-2002 batch and 11 candidates from different State/UTs are undergoing training in 2001-2003 batch. The 2000-2002 batch passed out on the 14-11-2002.

Index

Other Activities taken up during the year 2002-2003

The Forestry Training Project supported by DFID was undertaken to assist the Government efforts to reform the systems and practices of training in India with a view to raise the quality of training imparted at various levels. The Project includes Capacity Building of State Forest Service College and Rangers Training College as Directorate of Forest Education component.

The idea for developing forestry education database at the Directorate has been conceived in order to make forestry personnel aware of history, present status and future avenues of forestry training and education. The database is expected to give an insight to forestry personnel regarding scope and opportunities of training and education in forestry and allied fields in India and abroad. It has also been decided to establish a "Forestry Information and Interpretation Centre" at the Directorate of Forest Education, Dehradun.

Index

Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute (IPITRI), Bangalore

The Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute conducts training courses for manpower of wood based panel and other wood composites industries.

IPITRI has state of art training centre in Mechanical Wood Industries Technology (MWIT) established in 1989.

The activities performed by the Institute during the year are as follows :

Index

Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal

The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) provides training in management and related subjects to officer from the IFS, State Forest Departments, Forest Development Corporation and Forest based industries with a view to inculcating professionalism in forestry management.

The Institute has two educational programmes viz., Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Management (PGDFM) and Post Masters Course in Natural Resource Management (NRM)

The two year fully residential Post Graduate Diploma in Forestry Management (PGDFM) was started in July 1988 and has been recognised and equated as a corresponding Masters Degree of an Indian University by the Association of Indian Universities.

So far, 13 batches consisting of 353 students have passed out. The 14th and 15th batches are currently undergoing training consisting of 42 students (2 from SAARC countries) admitted in PGDFM 2002-2004 batch.

The Post Masters’ Course in Natural Resource Management is specially designed to improve the skills of resource mangers, practising professionals and others involved in resource use and management.

So far 8 batches consisting of 67 participants have undergone this course. The 9th batch (2002-2003) consisting of 18 participants will be completing the course in May, 2003.

IIFM also organizes training programmes, workshops, seminars and conferences. So far, IIFM has organized 30 training programmes in different aspects and eight workshops and conferences.

During the year the Institute has undertaken nine consultancy assignments.

Index

Wildlife Education and Training

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The mandate of this Institute is to import training to government and non-government personnel, to carry out research and advise on matter of conservation and management of wildlife. Details of WII’s research activities are given in Chapter 7.

Fig. 71. Wildlife Week celebrations by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun

During the year, the following regular long term and short term training courses, workshops and seminars were organized by WII.

Index

National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), New Delhi

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is an organization of the Ministry whose main objective is to promote non-formal environmental education and conservation awareness among people through various in-house and outreach activities. It has various permanent exhibit galleries, a Bio-Science Computer Room, a Discovery Room and an Activity Room for promoting environmental awareness among different target groups.

The National Museum of Natural History organizes and conducts various in-house as well as outreach oriented programmes regularly throughout the year for the benefit of school children, college students, teachers and general public. Some of the programmes organized during the year are :-

Fig. 72. A 'Climate March' organized by National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) at India Gate with Delhi school children during COP-8

In the process of national preparedness for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 24th August to 4th September 2002, the Ministry took various initiatives. One among them was to sensitize the school children through various activities and competitions across the country. The NMNH was given the responsibility to organize various competitions in the form of Essay writing, Poetry writing, Poster making and Nature Photography.

To coincide with the Eighth Conference of Parties (COP 8) on Climate Change held from 23rd October to 1st November, 2002 in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, NMNH organized various competitions and activities related to Climate Change to create awareness among school children. Painting/Poster design, Essay, Quiz, Debate and Slogan writing competitions were conducted in different schools of Delhi.

The following activities were also undertaken in various schools divided into eight different zones:

NMNH continued its academic collaboration with the University of Delhi and assisted its Department of Environment Biology in field studies by the students.

NMNH and its Regional Museums participated in the Annual General Conference of the Museums Association of India held at Bhopal from 1st to 3rd March, 2002 on the theme "Professionalism in Museums – the Indian Introspection"

Index

Regional Museum of Natural History, Mysore

Nearly 60,000 visitors visited the museum. The Regional Museum also conducted the following programmes during the year :-

The Regional Museum was made nodal agency for competitions related to the World Summit on Sustainable Development for children in the states of Karnataka and Kerala. Competitions as Essay and Poem writing, Poster making and Photography were conducted from March to August 2002. The RMNH also organized a four days nature camp at Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary during 2002 for the prize winning children from all southern states.

Index

Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal

The Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH), Mysore conducted the following programmes during the year :-

The RMNH, Bhopal was made a nodal agency for competition related to the World Summit on Sustainable Development for children in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Competitions as Essay competition, Poem writing, Poster making and Photography were conducted over a period from March to August 2002. The RMNH also organized a nature camp in one of the prominent National Park in the region for the prize winning children from all central states.

The Mobile Museum was renovated and refurnished. An exhibition on "Sustainable Villager Life" was mounted and will be launched soon to visit the rural networks.

Index

Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhubaneswar

The RMNH, Bhubaneswar, has completed its Ist Phase of building and its exhibit development work is in progress for its permanent galleries, and informal Discovery Centre area, a Bio-Science Computer facility and a temporary exhibition.

The Museum undertook the following activities during the year :-

The Museum was made a nodal agency for competitions related to the World Summit on Sustainable Development for children in the states of Jharkhand, Orissa & West Bengal. Competitions as Essay competitions, Poem writing, Poster making and Photography were conducted over a period from May to June, 2002. The RMNH also organized a three day camp at Bhitar Kanika National Park for the prize winning children from all eastern states.

Fig. 73. Painting competition being held for school children of the Bhubaneshwar region as part of World Summit on Sustainable Development School Competition organised by the Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhubaneshwar

Index

Fellowships and Awards

The Ministry instituted the National Prize on Environment called, "Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar" to give recognition to those having been made or have the potential to make measurable and major impact in the protection of Environment. In the beginning the cash prize of Rupees One Lakh was awarded to deserving citizen/organization of India. Since the year 1991 the prize of Rupees One lakh each were awarded to Individual and Organisation category separately. From the year 2002 the prize money has been raised to Rupees Five Lakh in each category. Along with the cash prize each awardee is given a silver lotus trophy, a scroll and a citation. Any citizen of India or Organisations working in India for the cause of Environment is eligible for the award. The Environmental Prize Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Vice President of India selects the awardees. While selecting the awardee the term "Environment" is interpreted in the broadest sense possible and comprises the following areas of work:

Awardees - both organisations and individuals have since been finalised upto the year 1999. Nominations for the year 2000-2002 are being processed.

Index

Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Awards (IPVM)

IPVM awards are presented annually to the following categories.

The awards are given on the basis of innovative efforts and outstanding work in afforestation, with special reference to wastelands development and involvement of the people. The following activities are kept in view while deciding the awards:

The Awards for the years 1999 and 2000 were conferred on 16th September 2002.

Dr. Prakash Tulsiram Yerme, Tulsiram Niwas, Shastri Nagar, P.O. Udgir, Distt. Latur, Maharashtra.

Subedar Baburao Laxman Pethkar, 74, Forest, Sharda School Gali, Solapur - 413 001, Maharashtra

Swami Ayyappan Poongavanam Punarudharana Eco-Development Committee (SAPP-EDC), Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady P.O. Idukki District, Kerala

Madwa Krishi Vaniki Sehkari Samiti Ltd. P.O. Mau Atwara, Block Bazar Sukul, Distt. Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh,

Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports, Tringla, Batote - 182 143, Doda-District, Jammu & Kashmir

Dharampur Utthan Vahini (DHRUVA), BAIF’s Vrindavan Campus, At. Lachhakadi, P.O. Gangpur, Taluka Vansda, Distt. Navsari - 396 580, Gujarat,

Centre for Community Development (CCD), P.G. Hostel Road, Behind Neelmani Temple, Parlakhemundi, Distt. Gajapati - 761 200, Orissa

Shri Shahaji Dnyanadeo Narnavar, Range Forest Officer, West Wada Range, Taluka: Wada, Distt. Thane, Maharashtra

Forest Division - Mahabubnagar, Divisional Forest Officer, Mahabubnagar, Andhra Pradesh - 509 001

District Unit, Rajiv Gandhi Watershed Mangement Mission, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh

Indian Farm Forestry Development Cooperative Limited (IFFDC), Regd. Office: 53-54, Goberdhan, Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110 019

Shri Sachinandan Samanta, Village and Post. Paschim Chilka, P.S. Panskura, Dist. Midnapore, West Bengal - 721 647

Shri Kanwar Damodar Singh, Dropadi Nari Niketan, Shantikunj, P.O. Sandev, Didihat, Distt. Pithoragarh, Uttaranchal

Bhuan Vanasurakhya Samity, Bhuan, P.O. Chhaitana, Distt. Puri, Orissa

Gram Panchayat Badodiya Panchayat Samiti, Chaksu, Distt. Jaipur, Rajasthan

Gram Bharti Samiti, Amber Bhawan, Amber - 303 101, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Shri Chainroop Dayama, P.T. Teacher, Rajkiya Paliwal Ucch Prathmik Vidyalaya, Chappar, District Churu, Rajasthan

Noamundi Iron Mine, P.O. Noamundi - 833 217, Distt. West Singhbhum, Jharkhand

West Bokaro Division, Tata Steel, P.O. Ghatotand, Hazaribagh - 825 314, Jharkhand

Index

Pitambar Pant National Environment Fellowship Award

The fellowship is in recognition of significantly important research and development contributions and is also intended to encourage talented individuals to devote themselves to R&D pursuits in the field of environmental sciences.

The Pitambar Pant National Environment Fellowship Award for 2001 has been conferred on Prof. K.P. Singh, of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Prof. Singh works on "Soil organic matter management for sustainable agro-ecosystem by regulating decomposition and nutrient release of added leaves of litter of tree/shrub species".

The Pitambar Pant National Environment Fellowship Award for 2002 has been conferred on Dr. Tapan Chakrabarti, NEERI, Nagpur. Dr. Tapan Chakrabarti will work on "Remediation of POPs contaminated soil/water using microbial and chemical systems".

Index

B.P. Pal National Environment Fellowship Award for Bio-diversity

The fellowship is in recognition of significantly important research and development contributions and is also intended to encourage talented individuals to devote themselves to R & D pursuits in the field of bio-diversity.

The B.P. Pal National Environment Fellowship Award for 2002 has been conferred on Dr. M. L. Saini, CSS Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar. Dr. Saini will work on "Biodiversity, Conservation, Evaluation and characterization of industrial legumes and grasses adapted to aid ecosystems".

Index

Dr. Salim Ali and Dr. Sankhala Fewllowship

In order to give recognition to eminent officers and field workers for exemplary work in the field of wildlife conservation and research, the Ministry has instituted, Dr. Salim Ali Wildlife Fellowship Award for research work on avian fauna and Dr. Kailash Sankhala National Wildlife Fellowship Award for research work on mammals.

Index

Environmental Education, Awareness and Training

The Environment Education and Training Scheme of the Ministry is precisely meant for creating environmental awareness. Under this scheme, various programmes are conducted every year for creating environmental awareness both through non-formal activities as well as through formal education system. While the programmes like National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) , National Green Corps (NGC) , use of Electronic Media etc. fall in the non-formal sector, the Ministry’s initiative of taking up a pilot project for strengthening environmental concepts in the school curriculum and the linked Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) programme use the formal education system for creating awareness. The recent initiatives of strengthening Environment Education in Business Schools and development of Environmental Appreciation courses also fall in this category.

Fig. 74. Children using clinometer to study vegetation profile as part of the GLOBE programme

Index

Formal Environmental Education

The Ministry interacts actively with the University Grants Commission (UGC), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) for introducing and expanding environmental concepts, themes, issues etc. in the curricula of schools and colleges. The two Centre of Excellences, on Environmental Education, of the Ministry are also involved in the activities of the UGC, NCERT and MHRD related to formal environmental education.

This project was launched during 1999 with the World Bank support with the objectives of strengthening environment education in the formal School System. The project has been designed in two phases. In the first phase, a critical content analysis was undertaken in order to know the status of environment content in the textbooks currently being used in the schools.

On the basis of the findings of this study, the second phase of pilot implementation was designed, with the following basic principles:

Eight States namely, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab and Uttaranchal were selected for the pilot implementation of this project. These States were selected on the basis of their geographical spread, status of infusion of environment content in the existing textbooks and the willingness of the State to participate in this exercise. Eight hundred schools in these states (100 schools in each state) were selected for this initiative. For the pilot implementation, textbooks of science, social sciences and language at middle school level (standards VI to VIII) were targeted. The concerned textbooks in these States have been modified to strengthen the infusion of environmental concepts and have been introduced in the selected project schools in six states. The remaining two states are in the process of introducing these modified textbooks. The project also involved orientation for all the major stakeholders. This was done through workshops for the Educational Administrators, concerned officials of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Textbook Bureaus and state education departments besides the school principals and parents of the school students. At the same time, workshops were also conducted for the textbook writers and illustrators, where experts from the field of Environment Education provided inputs and oriented the writers in revising the existing textbooks.

Since teachers provide vital link in the delivery of environmental knowledge contained in the textbooks to the students, their orientation and training in teaching techniques is crucial to the success of this exercise. Teacher training is an important component of this project. The training is being conducted in two stages. While 40 to 50 selected people from District Institutes of Educational Training (DIETs), State Institutes of Education etc. were trained in the first stage as Master Trainers, about 500 to 600 school teachers were trained in each State during the second stage by the Master Trainers for effective delivery of the concepts infused in the textbooks. Teachers manuals/handbooks etc. have also been developed to help the teachers in classroom teaching. Stress has also been laid on field activities. The modified textbooks in the eight states have been provided to the children free of cost in the schools where this project is being implemented. The revised books, which have been introduced in the concerned schools are being taught during the current academic year. Refresher Training Programmes for the teachers are being organized to sort out the problems encountered by teachers. Annual events will be conducted at the end of the academic session to evaluate the impact of the revised textbooks on the students in terms of their environmental knowledge.

To boost field activities based approach of teaching environmental education, it was decided to include this programme as hands-on environmental learning programme under the "Environment Education in School System" (EESS) Project during June, 2002. The structure of GLOBE progamme fits very well in the new curriculum as developed in EESS. Therefore, it provided an opportunity to the students for learning by doing as majority of the measurements covered under GLOBE are based on the concepts included in the revised school textbooks. 800 schools spread over eight States covered under the EESS project are also being covered under GLOBE programme. It is proposed to train at least one teacher from each of these 800 schools in the GLOBE protocols. A stakeholders’ orientation workshop was organized in August 2002 for the Education Secretaries and the Nodal officers of these eight States and a few selected GLOBE Teachers. The plan of action for implementing this programme was discussed and finalized during this workshop. Out of the 16 (two in each State) training workshops proposed to be conducted in eight States for training 800 teachers (50 teachers in each workshop) in GLOBE protocols, 14 workshops have already been conducted. Teacher Training Kits including written material, video cassettes etc. were supplied to each participant during these workshops. It is also proposed to provide each school with an instrument kit for taking the measurements besides financial assistance for Internet connectivity. More than 100 schools, where the teachers were trained last year, are already taking measurements as specified under the GLOBE protocols. The 800 additional schools where this programme has been launched under EESS component are also expected to start taking measurements within next few months.

The Ministry has also taken initiative to introduce environmental management in business schools. An expert group has been set up to work out a strategy for strengthening Environmental Education in Management / Business schools. As a first step in this direction, the Ministry has sponsored organisation of five workshops at various Management Institutions to sensitize the faculty of the Management Institutions towards environmental issues. These workshops were conducted at IMT Gaziabad, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, Indian Institute of Technology, Powai and Jadavpur University, Calcutta. Financial assistance has also been provided to Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore for organising a Curriculum Development Workshop and for building a resource base for teaching material for the new curriculum. Steps have been taken to include this proposal of strengthening environment education in Indian Management Schools under the World Bank funded Environmental Management Capacity Building Project.

The Ministry has also sponsored development of modules for environmental appreciation courses by IGNOU. This course of 50-60 hours duration would be offered through distance education mode and is meant for general people interested in learning about environmental issues.

Index

Non-formal Environment Education and Awareness

The Ministry, accords high priority to the promotion of non-formal environment education and creation of awareness among all sections of the society through diverse activities using traditional and modern media of communication. Some of the major activities undertaken in this regard during the year are as follows:

Index

National Environment Awareness Campaign

The National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) started in 1986 for creating environmental awareness at all levels of the society, was continued during the year with the main theme as "Water-Elixir of Life". A workshop was organised last year to streamline the activities of NEAC and on its recommendations, an action oriented component was introduced during 2001-2002 into NEAC. The inclusion of action component was stressed during this year also. The following themes were considered for financial grants for action component:

- Vermi-composting

- Waste paper recycling

- Water testing in neighbouring area

- Demonstration of roof water harvesting

- Cleaning of water bodies

Twenty eight organisations located in different parts of the country, designated as Regional Resource Agencies (RRAs) by the Ministry. A large number of them were physically monitored for the activities conducted by various participating organisations under NEAC in their areas of jurisdiction and performance evaluated.

Nearly 14,322 proposals were received from NGO’s, schools, colleges, universities, research institutions, women and youth organisations etc. from all over the country. Out of these, about 8,061 organisations were provided financial assistance for organizing awareness creating activities such as padyataras , rallies , public meetings, exhibitions, folk dances , street theatres, essay / debate, painting/poster competitions for school children, seminars, workshops , training courses, etc. and for preparation and distribution of environmental education resource materials and for following these with action oriented activities. Diverse target groups ranging from students/youths/teachers to tribal, rural population, professionals, etc. were covered under the campaign.

Index

National Green Corps (Eco-clubs)

To impart environmental education and to encourage and mobilize participation of school children in various environmental conservation activities in their localities, the Ministry has been providing financial assistance for setting up of Eco-clubs in the schools. These clubs are established in schools and each club has 30-50 members taken from among the students of Class VI to X.

As per the Coimbatore Charter of January, 2001 the Ministry intensified the Eco clubs programme to increase coverage and activity with the intention of mobilizing youth for environmental action. The student members of the Eco-clubs constitute the National Green Corps (NGC). The programme aims to establish Eco clubs in at least 100 schools in each District of the country thereby covering around 55,000 schools.

The above programme addresses various issues concerning protection and improvement of environment, e.g. solid waste management, pollution control, afforestation, maintenance of parks and open spaces, dissemination of information and creation of awareness.

The State and Union Territory Governments have been assigned the responsibility of identifying schools, teachers and Nodal Agencies. The Nodal Agencies are responsible for implementing, supervising and monitoring the programme.

The response of State Governments to the programme has been very over whelming. All the States and Union Territories are implementing the programme. By the end of this academic year, it is expected that more than 50,000 Eco-clubs would be funded in the country. During 2002-03 by Januaryb, 2003, Rs. 4.40 crores were spent on the programme.

The Central Government is providing financial assistance to the State Nodal Agencies for organizing training for Master Trainers and in-charge teachers and for printing and distribution of locally relevant resource material. Besides, an annual financial assistance of Rs. 1000/- per Eco club is also given by the Ministry. A set of resource material in the form of books, posters, booklets etc. is also provided to each Eco-club by the Ministry. Prominent Non-governmental Organisations working in the area of environment education are associated as the Resource Agencies to assist the State Nodal Agencies in implementing the programme. It has also been decided to extend the programme to colleges.

The Mass Awareness Campaign was launched with the following objectives:

Clear air, clear water, bio-diversity, conservation and management of wastes were the themes identified for the campaign.

Besides using the print and the electronic media, performing arts like folk songs, street theatre participation of general public through quiz/debate competitions etc. were also ensured in this Campaign. A high-powered Media Committee has been constituted in the Ministry to work out a strategy for running this campaign.

To encourage individual and private organizations to produce documentaries and films on the subjects related to environment, conservation and wildlife, the Ministry decided to continue support to a film festival on the theme on environment and wildlife named "Vatavaran-2002" being organised by the Centre for Media Studies, New Delhi. 100 entries were received under 3 categories of documentary, TV programme (Features) and public service messages on TV. Under the documentary category, the Golden Tree award was given to "Many faces of madness" by Amar Kanwar, the Silver Tree award was given to "King Cobra" by Romulus Earl Whitaker, the Bronze Tree award was given jointly to "Chasing Butterfly" by Gurmeet Sapal and "Chaliyar-The Final Struggle" by P. Baburaj and C. Sarathchandran. Under TV programmes (Features) category the Silver Tree award was given to the series ‘Living on the edge’ produced for Star India Pvt. Ltd. by Nikil J. Alva and Niret Alva, the Bronze Tree award was given to the series ‘Earth Charmers’ produced for Zee TV by H. B. Muralidhara, Seema Muralidhara and Sunayana Sadarangani of Beacon Television. No awards were given under public service message category. It has been decided to support "Vatavaran 2003" also.

The Ministry has entered into an arrangement with the Doordarshan for telecasting a weekly magazine programme called "Bhoomi" on its National channel. The half an hour programme in Hindi highlights successful initiatives in the field of environment and wildlife by individuals, community, NGOs and government. The Ministry also made an arrangement with the Discovery Channel to produce and telecast informercials on environment for spreading awareness.

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Seminars/Symposia/Workshops/Conferences

The objective of the scheme is to provide a common forum to professionals, scientists, environmentalists and other group of societies to share upto date knowledge and information on various technical aspects of environment and to create mass environmental awareness. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to universities / Academic Institutions / Non-governmental Organisations for organising seminars / symposia / conferences / workshops on environment related issues. During the year (up to February, 2003), 50 proposals were supported for financial assistance under this scheme.

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Library

The Library is the document repository of the Ministry for dissemination of information in the field of environment and its associated areas. It has a collection of over 25,000 books and technical reports etc. Besides, the library also receives more than 80 national/international journals covering diverse areas of environment. The library performs an important role in the planning, promotion, implementation and coordination of the Ministry’s objectives by providing timely access to relevant information to its users - oofficials of the Ministry, external organisations (both governmental and non-governmental), research students and decision makers. Apart from the technical books, journals, proceedings etc. a wide range of general books both in Hindi and English were also procured. In order provide online access to the users, the library records have been computerised using a library software ‘Alice for Windows’.

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Centres of Excellence

The following nine Centres of Excellence have been set up so far by the Ministry with a view to strengthening awareness, research and training in priority area of environmental science and management :

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Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad

The Centre for Environment Education (CEE) further strengthened and widened its scope and programmes for creating environmental awareness across the country. The activities undertaken by CEE during the year are:

Assisting the Ministry in implementing the project "Environmental Education in School System". This project aims to strengthen Environment Education (EE) in the School System. In Phase I of the project, several activities were carried out including conducting a National Consultation on EE and Commissioning Bhartiya Vidyapith Institute for Environmental Education and Research (BVIEER) to undertake an exhaustive content analysis of textbooks of all the States. Phase-II was initiated during the reporting period. Phase-II involves pilot implementation of the programme in 100 selected schools in eight selected States namely, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab and Uttranchal. The pilot project focuses at the middle school level.

As a Resource Agency for the NGC programme for 15 States and two UTs continued to link-up with and assist the state nodal agencies during the period.

As a coordinating agency for GLOBE programme, currently coordinating activities in 66 schools in India, refresher training sessions for the GLOBE teachers were conducted at Ahmedabad, Delhi, Tripura and Lucknow.

As a nodal agency for the Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE) scheme of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), 49 projects by NGO’s to develop local specific programmes and materials were facilitated by CEE. Work is also progressing on 11 CEE projects sanctioned under the Scheme. As part of the Resource Centre activities, a 30 minutes video programme documenting some of EOSE projects was produced.

CEE was asked by UNEP Regional Resource Centre for Asia Pacific (RRCAP) to take the lead in establishing a youth network in the South Asia region. A joint meeting was held in July, 2002 in Kathmandu, Nepal to launch ‘South Asia Youth Environment Network’ (SAYEN). Youth representing Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are part of this network. CEE is currently the Secretariat for the network. Second meeting was held in Dhaka in December, 2002. Activities that could be taken up at the regional, sub-regional and national levels to increase environmental awareness and action by youth have been identified. A website and a newsletter for the network has also been launched.

Environmental Youth Enterprises (EYEs) is a project being implemented in five Districts of Tamil Nadu supported by UNEP.

Under CEE’s CYWEN (Club of Youth Working for Environment) programme a month long Clean-Green Project on Water Management was undertaken.

CEE has been involved in developing a comprehensive education and interpretation programme for the Chilika Development Authority. Phase-II of the project which is ongoing includes development of the visitors‘ gallery, auditorium, sale counter, facility and directional signages, hoardings and wayside. The Centre is also working with communities and schools around the Chilka Lake.

The Gir Sanctuary and National Park is one of the seven sites, where the India Eco-development Project (IEP) is being implemented since 1997. One of the components of IEP is environment education for various stake holder groups and CEE has been involved in that role in Gir. Workshops, film shows and several types of educational materials including-Field guide, Nature Camp Manual, Eco-development Manual, Booklet on Gir Ecology, Pamphlet for Pilgrims etc. were produced during the period.

CEE is implementing a project of the National Zoological Park, Delhi to set up a reptile interpretation exhibition at the Reptile house in the park.

The interpretation programme for the Madhav National Park, M.P. and interpretation and education programme for the Coimbatore Zoo which included development of signages for animal enclosures, booklets and training programme for the zookeepers were completed.

With WHO support under the "Preparation of National Kit of Educational Material and Training Manual on Biomedical Waste Management" project, CEE has developed several booklets, posters, flip charts, stickers, etc. A bi-monthly HEWMEP newsletter was launched in December, 2002. Work is also in progress for the Common Waste Management Facility for various healthcare establishments of Gulbarga city.

In the World Bank supported UP Forestry Eco-development Project, CEE is involved in guiding the preparation and implementation of eco-development micro-plans by village communities in 89 villages of U.P. and 105 villages of Uttarachal.

An Eco-Industrial Networking (EIN) project was launched in January, 2003 jointly with the Naroda Industries Association. The project focuses on chemical characterization of the predominant industrial waste streams to identify value addition options for enhancing the reusability of the wastes.

Under a MoU with the Cleaner Production Centre of the Naroda Industrial Estate, Gujarat, a biogas generation facility was commissioned in July, 2002. To develop green belts, massive on-site plantation was carried out in nearly 60 industries and at the hazardous waste disposal site.

CEE has been involved in developing a comprehensive strategy for awareness generation for phasing out ODS in collaboration with the Ozone Action Office of UNEP-Paris.

CEE has been coordinating the ‘Education, Awareness and Training’ (EAT) Thematic Working Group of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) project supported by the Ministry and UNDP. The Working Group has submitted its final report, which has also been discussed at the NBSAP final National Workshop held at Delhi during December, 2002.

CEE in consultation with the Environmental Law Institute, US has undertaken a project to conduct a training programme for capacity building of judiciary in Uttar Pradesh. The programme has been supported by Ford Foundation.

As part of the Environment and Development Book Series project supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), a book on Water Harvesting Regimes was printed.

As part of the Video Resource Centre (VRC) activities of Television Trust for Environment (TVE), UK, CEE has been involved in the production of a new video programme of 26 minutes titled "Rebuilding Hope" on the efforts of the civil society in rebuilding their lives after the earthquake. CEE has also brought out a publication " Wild Dreams Green Screens’ which focuses on eight film makers to find out what motivated them to become environment film makers.

With support from Ministry, CEE provided a platform for multi-stakeholder consultations; documenting efforts in the country towards sustainable development; and organising nationwide school competitions for children as part of India’s preparations for World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).

Another publication titled ‘Towards Sustainability: Stories from India’ was developed for WSSD, which provides a glimpse of a variety of initiatives in India towards sustainable development.

As part of the WSSD preparations, State-wise school competitions were organised across the country, jointly with National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). CEE was the nodal agency for 21 States and 5 UTs. The competitions were conducted for two age groups – Standards 6-8 and Standards 9-12 in the categories of essay writing, painting, poetry writing and photography. Over 15,000 schools across the country were sensitised and over 100,000 students participated in the competitions. The maximum participation was from the North –East region. State level winners were invited to attend Regional Nature Camps. The camps were held at Bhitarkanika National Park, Orissa; Mudumalai National Park, Tamil Nadu; Bakore camsite, Gujarat; Corbett National Park, Uttranchal; and Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunchal Pradesh

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CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC), Chennai

The C. P. R. Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC) established in 1989 shared knowledge about the environment and the major environmental problems of the country, and spread message of conservation of the environment through both the formal and non-formal sectors.

CPREEC is also a Nodal Agency for the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India for implementing the scheme on Environmental Orientation to School Education in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Pondicherry and Tamilnadu.

Training programmes were conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry and Tamilnadu States for teachers and students living in and around national parks and reserve forests on the importance of biodiversity conservation.

The Centre has been actively imparting environmental education to school teachers and students, women and villagers on the importance of the marine ecosystem. An exhibition on environmental concerns of India was also put up for the islanders.

Three new exhibitions were organized on "Plants and People", "Our Threatened Wildlife" and "Water - The Elixir of Life". Quiz and poster making competitions on the themes of the exhibitions were organized for school students, while video films were screened for the visitors.

CPREEC and the U.S. Consulate General, Chennai, jointly organized a paper (poster) show on Biodiversity - Nature’s Vast, Diminishing Abundance to celebrate Earth Day.

Conservation and restoration of sacred groves, tanks and trees have renewed interest in traditional methods of conservation of biodiversity. The interest generated by this programme has ensured the replication of such effort in several neighbouring villages.

CPREEC annually takes up fourteen sacred groves for restoration in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamilnadu States. Soil and water conservation measures were implemented in the sites after analysis. Training programmes on the importance of sacred groves conservation were organized for stakeholders, including school teachers and students, women, villagers, priests and NGOs. A folk medium - Harikatha was used to spread message of conservation in the State of Andhra Pradesh. School students and women were provided with saplings for rearing in their schools and residence.

The programme was implemented in four Districts each in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. Women’s melas were organized. They were taught to conserve fuelwood, the importance of health and nutrition, production of smokeless chulhas and to make paper bags to increase their earning capacity and protect environment by restricting the usage of plastic bags. Community smokeless chulhas were installed in each village. The women were given tree saplings and seeds for raising kitchen gardens. This programme was carried out with the cooperation of local NGOs and Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed University), Dindigul.

The eco village at Nenmeli developed by the CPREEC is used as a training centre for school teachers and students, farmers, women, NGOs and government officials, as it serves as a model village for watershed management, biodiversity conservation, sacred groves, organic farming and a gene pool of medicinal plants with more than 76 species.

The video van supplemented environmental education efforts by visiting the schools during the day and the same villages at night in order to increase local awareness.

A seminar on "Environmental Legislation – 30 years since Stockholm"and another on "Economic Botany" was organized for college students of Chennai.

CPREEC also organized a conference on "The Survival of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve" at Ooty. The conference provided an opportunity for the tribals to come out with their problems and find solutions.

The Centre also hosted a seminar-cum-workshop on "Environmental Journalism" in partnership with the International Center for Journalists, Washington D.C., and the Indian Institute for Journalism and New Media, Bangalore. The workshop was intended to provide participating local journalists with valuable knowledge of key environmental issues, along with journalism skills that can be readily applied within their news organizations.

CPREEC surveyed several intact sacred grove sites and selected five intact groves for a pilot study, organized workshops for Joint / Assistant Commissioners of the Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), Government of Tamilnadu and village meetings at the selected sites. A poster and pamphlet on "Conservation of Sacred Groves" developed by the Centre were distributed. Teachers and students were taken to the groves to understand their importance. Video films on the subject were screened and tree saplings were also distributed. Rallies were organized by students and women to spread awareness among the rural masses about the importance of sacred groves.

Funded by UNEP, the project was implemented in the Irula tribal villages of Chokkanalli, Chemmanatham and Anaikatti, and in the Paniya tribal villages of Kundur and Koravayal. Under the project :-

The Multimedia Environmental Education Centre (MEEC) sponsored by the British Council, Chennai was inaugurated. The inauguration was unique with an online chat session on "Our Threatened Wildlife", connecting schools in Chennai, Pondicherry and Kanchipuram. Subsequently, chat sessions on various environmental issues were organized every week, and many school students have benefited so far.

The second C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre Annual Award for Environmental Education was given to Shri. M. Ramadoss, Headmaster, CGBVS Government Middle School, Nenmeli, Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu, by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman of the CPREEC on June 6, 2002.

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The Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore

The Centre for Ecological Sciences combines basic ecological research, applied environmental problems and extensions work, with particular reference to the Western Ghats. During the year the Centre carried out 25 projects in the broad areas of Biodiversity of India, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Animals Behaviour, Mathematical Ecology and Evolution and Conservation Genetics and Molecular Ecology, Climate Variability, Change in Environment and Human Ecology, Eco-development, Energy and Environment. Highlights of works carried out during the year are as follows:

Fig. 75. Garnotia alata Janowski - a grass endemic to South India

This study examined the effects of alteration of tropical rainforest vegetation structure and composition on bird community structure and the influence of life-history traits on species persistence in the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats. Systematic sampling for vegetation and point count surveys for birds were carried out in cardamom plantations abandoned for 5 and 15 years, plantation-rainforest, edges, a selectively logged forest patch, and adjoining undisturbed rainforest sites. Principal components analysis of vegetation variables revealed clear differences between undisturbed and altered sites in woody plant and cane densities, canopy covet-, and’ vertical stratification. Bird species richness was lowest in cardamom plantations abandoned for 5 years and highest in logged and undisturbed forest. Bird species richness and similarity with undisturbed forest were significantly positively related to the, vegetation component representing woody plant and cane (Calainus spp.) densities. Sites that were more similar in tree species composition had more similar bird communities whereas similarity in foliage profile between sites did not influence bird community similarity. Birds that were rare, large-bodied, and belonged to the carnivore, omnivore, bark-surface feeder, and terrestrial insectivore guilds were adversely affected by habitat alteration. Restoring woody plant and cane densities and rainforest floristic composition in disturbed habitats may be required for management and conservation of bird communities typical to the region.

Juvenile hormone modulates reproductive division of labor in the adult stage in primitively eusocial species and promotes the production of queens while it modulates age polyethism and promotes the production of foragers in highly eusocial species. Ropalidia marginata is a primitively eusocial wasp that shows both the phenomena of regulation of reproductive division of labor in the adult stage as well as age polyethism. Hence, R.marginata is a particularly interesting model system to study tile evolution of the effect of Juvenile hormone. The study demonstrated that a single, topical application of 100 ig of Juvenile hormone’0111 per female wasp accelerates ovarian development of wasps held in isolation. Similar application to wasps released back on to their natal nests, has no effect on their rate of behavioral development as witnessed from the age of first performance of feed larva, build, bring pulp and bring food. We conclude therefore that in R.marginata, Juvenile hormone has retained its original function of modulating reproductive division of labor and has not acquired the function of modulating age polyethism, even though R. marginata shows some features of the highly eusocial stage.

Ecological impact of Joint Forest Management (JFM) in India was assessed using the studies undertaken at national, state and forest division levels. It was found that there are very few studies that have specifically addressed the ecological aspects under JFM. It is estimated that little over 14 million ha of forests are brought under JFM, covering nearly 50% of the open forests in India, how much of it has developed into good forests is not really known. The study noted that in four states i.e., Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal, the recruitment was significant, amounting to 17% of the regenerating individuals. In Karnataka, over 10% of open forest has been brought under JFM, while a lot of wasteland could still be brought under JFM. The JFM plantations are dominated with exotic firewood species and low in timber and non-timber species resulting in lower biodiversity. Biomass growth rate was comparatively higher in JFM forests as compared to national average.

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Centre for Mining Environment, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad

A state-of-the-art microbiology laboratory with the following facilities was established at the Centre for Mining Environment, Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad during 2001-2002:

Universal trinocular research microscope for more accurate image interpretation and analysis, Laminar flow chamber for innoculum transfer, coliform test, etc and Digital colony counter with several sophisticated components.

Various academic, Human Resource Development and R&D activities carried out by the Centre during the year are:

The Center continued the three-semester M.Tech programme in Environmental Science & Engineering and provided environmental management inputs in the following academic programmes of ISM:

- B.Tech (Mining Engg.)

- B.Tech (Mineral Engg.)

- M.Sc. (Tech) Applied Geophysics

With a view to integrate environmental management with mining practices, inputs were provided in the following post-graduate academic programmes of ISM:

M.Tech (Opencast Mining)

M.Tech (Mine Planning and Design)

M.Tech (Fuel Engg.)

The Centre continued to conduct extensive human resource development activities namely:

The following R&D activities were continued :

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The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore

The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) was established in 1990 under the Centres of Excellence Scheme of the Ministry and registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

The mission of SACON is "to help conserve India’s biodiversily and its sustainable use through research, education and peoples’ participation with birds at the centre stage". The objectives are mainly to (1) design and conduct research in ornithology covering all aspects of biodiversity and natural history, (2) to develop and conduct regular courses in ornithology and natural history for M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. and also short-term orientation courses in the above subjects and (3) to create data bank on Indian Ornithology and natural history.

The thrust areas identified and the activities undertaken during the year are given below:

Studies on two threatened species, namely the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and two near-threatened species, namely the Nilgiri Pipit and Greyheaded Bullbul were continued during the year.

The Nilgiri Laughing Thrush is found only in the shola forests of Nilgiris and no where else in the world. The study highlighted the basic habitat requirements and the various threats to them, A habitat map of the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush was prepared using Romote Sensing and GIS tools.

Fig. 76. Nilgiri wood pigeon

The project on the Edible-nest Swiftlet was continued. In the Interview Island, 180 nests were recorded during the year. Many or the edible nest Swiftlets were also ringed to study the movement pattern.

The ex-situ conservation programme involved transfer of 34 eggs of the edible nest Swiftlet into the nest of Whitebellied Swiftlet. These eggs will be incubated by the Whitebellied Swiftlet and it is hoped to develop a population of the Edible-nest Swiftlet through tile foster parents.

Silent Valley is one of the core areas of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats which is one of the 24 hotspots of biodiversity and 218 endemic Bird areas of the world. All the four globally threatened endemic birds of the Western Ghats occur here, thus forming a very Important Bird Area of India.

The centre initiated studies on the bird community of the park as a beginning to launch an ecosystem study area with participation from the various organizations and experts to cover various aspects of the ecosystem.

Population decline in many species of birds appears to be a continuous phenomenon. Even one of the most common birds, namely House Sparrow has become uncommon in many parts of the country, and the same has been felt the world over, One of the major factors responsible for this is, increased use of pesticides.

Low concentrations of pollutants at lower level in the food chain could get magnified and manifested in a way which can easily be detected in birds by virtue of their higher trophic position. Hence, the efforts at SACON to monitor the levels of environmental contaminants in Indian avifauna have been an ongoing endeavour,

Forty-one dead birds were received during the year belonging to 23 species from various parts of the country. Notable among them are the Peacock, Greenbilled Malkoha, Night Heron, Greyheaded Myna and Flamingo. In many of the tissue samples analyzed, several banned or restricted persistent organochlorine pesticide residues were detected. Impact of pesticides on birds need not always be mortality. It could as well lead to several adverse effects such as decreased fertility and hatching success, embryonic malformations and behavioral anomalies in adult birds and several physiological disturbances leading to population decline in long run.

Fishes have been used as indicators of wetland ecosystem health as they are fairly at the top of the aquatic food chain and are conspicuous integrators of local contaminants. Under the Inland Wetlands of India project around 1700 fishes belonging to 66 species from 177 wetlands spread over the entire country were collected during 2002-2003 and are being analyzed for various contaminants, namely metals and pesticides. The predictable out come of the project would be a state-wide contamination profile of the wetlands that would be useful for prioritizing conservation measures.

As fish is one of’ the victims of heavy metal contamination in an aquatic ecosystem, a study was launched to document the levels of metals, namely copper, lead, zinc, cadmium and chromium in fresh water fishes having commercial potential in Coimbatore. Variation in contamination among seasons and species were assessed and fitness for human consumption evaluated.

In the perspective of’ human consumption and safety, the levels recorded are within the statutory limits and could be considered safe provided the per capita consumption does not exceed 250 g of fish per week. If there is increase in the consumption, accordingly, the safety limits have to be evaluated.

A large extend of montane shoals and grasslands of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve have been cleared for various monoculture plantations, hydroelectric dams and human habitation, although some patches are left relatively undisturbed. A project was undertaken to study the alterations of shola-grassland habitats on the reptile diversity. The study shows that species which are highly specialized like the Salea horsfieldii are worst affected by such alterations.

SACON initiated a project to prepare People’s Biodiversity Register concentrating on the fringe area panchayats of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Fig. 77. Integrated Wetland and land use map of district Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh

Hornbills are one of the major groups of birds affected by various anthropogenic activities, as they nest only in tree holes and depend largely on fruits for food. It has an intimate interaction with a variety of tree species.

The study established the dependence of the Malabar Pied Hornbill on specific species of trees and in turn, to a certain extent, dependence of the specific trees on the hornbills for the seed dispersal.

One of the major activities of SACON during the year was the programme on wetlands. A project sponsored by the UNDP-GOI on "Inland Wetlands of India", mapped the wetlands of 72 districts and studied about 500 wetlands selected from 25 States. The project involves the various Regional Remote Sensing Agencies for mapping and around 600 persons from all over the country with 15 State Coordinators for field work. The study collected information on the status of waterfowl, aquatic vegetation, socioeconomics of selected wetlands and also fishes for analysis of pesticides and metals. The study has produced various maps showing the major wetlands in the country and the salient features and the threats being faced by each of them.

Wetlands were prioritized using the occurrence of endangered, endemic species of both plants and animals and also the contamination levels. All available publications on wetlands were consulted. It is proposed to prepare a Protected Area Network for the wetlands in the country analogous to that of Protected Area Network for the forests and wildlife. A national and state-wise directory of major wetlands are being prepared under the project.

The Salim Ali Nature Club programme of SACON for the schools had 52 schools during the year. Around 1100 students attended the programmes. SACON also launched a Nature Club for the colleges during the year.

The MoEF, towards the end of the year, has recognized SACON for setting up ENVIS Node for Wetland Ecosystem. The enormous data collected under the Inland Wetlands of India project and maps brought out on the wetlands of various districts are all being made user-friendly for access through Internet.

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Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystem, Delhi

The Centre has been carrying out research and development activities in four major thrust areas : (i) development of ecological restoration technologies; (ii) development of bioremediation technologies; (iii) bioprospecting; and (iv) assessment of biodiversity and development of conservation strategies. The major achievements made by the Centre in each of the four thrust areas are summarized below :

Fig. 78. A five-year old ecologically rehabilitated morrum mined outsite at Bhatti (Delhi) showing grassland with scattered trees

The Centre has been continuing to develop site-specific restoration technologies for ecological rehabilitation of degraded lands, besides monitoring the ecosystem development on the old rehabilitation demonstration plots. Two barren hilltops composed of only boulders were selected. To stabilize soil and enrich the nutrient status of the soil, 20 perennial grass species and their associated microbes were introduced. All the 20 species have been established and the ground cover is emerged out.

As many as 29 native species have colonized the rehabilitated sites. These include Ceropegia bulbosa, which was hitherto considered as locally extinct species.

An integrated technology package has been developed by the Centre for the management of flyash and put to work on the Asia’s largest flyash mound of NTPC - Dadri. The technology package developed addressed the issues relating to (i) dust blow from the fly ash mound and slope stabilization of flyash mound, (ii) bioremediation of flyash and (iii) development of value added plant communities on one of the Asia’s largest dry flyash mound.

Roots of three Himalayan plant species: (i) Meriandra strobilifers, (ii) Thalictrum javanicum, and (iii) Rumex hastatus yielded colouring matters that have potential use in food processing and pharmaceutical industries. These three species are important medical plants used widely in Indian systems of medicines.

The Centre has been working on the ecosystem dynamics and functions in the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR) one of the biologically richest tropical evergreen forest ecosystems and hottest hotspots. Besides understanding the community patters, a number of conservation indicators have been identified. Forest gaps, keystone species and mycorrhizae play a critical role in maintenance of biodiversity in tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Fig. 79. Allamanda neriifolia variegata - a new spontaneous mutant raised by TBGRI

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Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram

TBGRI with its mandate for conservation and sustainable utilization of tropical plant diversity and a National Centre of Excellence in ex-situ conservation of tropical plants are actively pursuing its goal through various R&D programs involving state of the art technology. During the ensuing period the institute carried out the following activities.

The TBGRI hosts a well established Garden system with various Functional units including conservatories for special groups.

The arboretum with 800 species of tree was strengthened further with the addition of 12 tree species endemic to western ghats and 30 species of wild crop relatives belonging to the genera Cinnamomum Citrus, Garcinia, Myristica and Syzygium.

Fig. 80. Fern collection at TBGRI

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Madras School of Economics (MSE), Chennai

The Ministry has recognized Madras School of Economics, Chennai, to be a Centre of Excellence for Environmental Economics for a period of five years beginning 1st April 2002. The Ministry has agreed to collaborate with the Madras School of Economics on :

The Centre has already been provided support for activities such as (a) study of Eco-Taxes (b) Trade and Environment, study of leather sector, and (c) Environmental Economics website creation and maintenance. The Steering Committee for Centre of Excellence in Environment Economics in its meeting held in June 2002 has recommended an allocation of Rs. 20 lakhs in addition to allocation for study on ecotaxes for Rs. 10 lakhs for the year 2002-03. A total of Rs. 28 lakhs have already been released to MSE. The balance amount of Rs 3.40 lakhs for eco-taxes project will be released on receipt of project report and utilization certificate.

Index

Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore

During the current financial year, Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore was approved as a Centre of Excellence on Medical Plants. The Centre of Excellence will take up activities related to :

The Centre has started functioning w.e.f. October, 2002.

Index

Environmental Information

The Environment Information division is the nodal point in the ministry for Environmental Information System (ENVIS), operation of the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) Program and the NGO cell. The division maintains the Ministries web Site URL. http://envfor.nic.in and the sustainable development gateway web site at URL http://sdnp.delhi.nic.in.

A new website URL http://www.envis.nic.in was launched for networking of ENVIS Centres & Nodes.

The division also publishes ‘Paryavaran Abstract’, an abstracting journal, a quarterly Newsletter " ENVIRO NEWS and the Annual Report of the Ministry.

Index

Environmental Information System (ENVIS)

The focal point of ENVIS, located in the Ministry coordinates the activities of all the 25 Centres, set up on environmental related subject areas. A list of ENVIS Centres along with subject-areas, web-sites and contact e-mail addresses is given in Annexure-II. During the year the focal point and the ENVIS centers focused on the development of home page, which was accomplished and laid stress on the strengthening of the information resource repositories.

Major activities of the ENVIS focal point and the ENVIS Centres during the year are as follows:

Index

ENVIS Focal Point

Fig. 81. Number of queries responded to by ENVIS Focal Point during the last four years

Fig. 82. Number of queries responded to by ENVIS network during the last five years

- The ENVIS focal point responded to 363 queries and the ENVIS Centres over 19,694 Queries. A histogram showing the number of queries processed and responded to by the ENVIS Focal Point during last four years and ENVIS network during the last five years are given in Figure 81 and 82. Efforts were made by the network to provide substantive information as far as possible. In cases, where the information was not readily available, the network provided "Referral Service" to the users. The major subject areas on which the queries were responded to pertain to laws, waste management, CRZ, environmental education and awareness, air and water pollution, wetlands, etc.

- The website of the Ministry, http://envfor.nic.in, developed by ENVIS Focal Point was updated continuously during the year. Information has been provided under the heads; Current Events, Data Bank, Clearances, Legislations, Parliament Q&As, ENVIS, Citizen Information, NGO Directory, WSSD Documents, GEF Cell, Funding Schemes. Details regarding various Divisions, Subordinate Offices, Autonomous Institutions and Public Sector Undertakings and also publications of the Ministry namely: Enviro News, Paryavaran Abstracts, Annual Report, State of Environment Reports, Treaties / Conventions / Declarations etc. are available on the website.

- The Sustainable Development Networking Programme (SDNP), a joint project of UNDP, IDRC, Canada and the Ministry, and implemented by ENVIS, was concluded on 31.12.2001. Updation of the SDNP website, URL: http://www.sdnp.delhi.nic.in, developed earlier under the programme, which provides information on 27 thematic areas is being continued. All the services provided by SDNP i.e. "Developments Today" containing information on sustainable development issues scanned from nearly 40 national and 30 international newsletters / journals, "Event Reporting Service", containing schedule, theme, venue, etc., of important workshops/conferences on sustainable development, query answer service, etc., were continued during the year.

- The ENVIS Focal Point implements the World Bank assisted Environment Management Capacity Building Technical Assistance Project (EMCBTAP), which aims to strengthen the ENVIS scheme of the Ministry. The ENVIS sub-component of the EMCBTA Project is slated for a period of 18 months from January 2002 to June, 2003. The project aims at broadening the ambit of ENVIS to include varying subject areas, and status of information / data pertaining to environment and has been achieved through participation of academic institutions, organizations, State Governments and NGO’s. The participating institutions, called ENVIS - Nodes have been assigned specific subject area in the field of environment and are responsible for collection, collation and dissemination of relevant information through web.

- Eighty one ENVIS Nodes, have now become functional (Annexure VIII). A total number of 90 nodes are being planned to be set up in various State Department of Environment / State Pollution Control Boards, Universities, academic institutions, corporate sector and NGOs with expertise in specific environment related areas to develop the nation-wide web-enabled network on environmental information. A Monitoring Committee has been set up to advise and guide the implementation of the EMCBTA Project. Four meetings of the Monitoring Committee were held during the year.

- A portal on Environmental Information System at http://www.envis.nic.in has been developed under the EMCBTA Project. It would act as a mother portal for all the 80 operative ENVIS Centres and Nodes, and 16 other Nodes planned. The portal would act as a catalyst for inter nodal interaction and information on seven broad categories of subjects related to environment, under which the Centres and Nodes have been classified. The websites of the ENVIS Centres and Nodes can also be directly accessed from the home page of the portal. Information on major events, activities and current updates of the entire ENVIS Network is made available on the click of a mouse. Through "Contact Us" one can reach the ENVIS Secretariat with any kind of queries. An added advantage of this feature is that any subject specific query would also be directed to all the Centres and/ or Nodes categorized under that subject for better and faster response. The portal also helps the clients to check out ENVIS related sites like DELNET, INSDOC, BTISnet. Details of the Committees setup to advice and monitor the project are also made available. The other important features of the portal are details of the ENVIS related publications including ENVIS Newsletters brought out by the ENVIS Nodes, subscription to the e-version of the ENVIRO NEWS. An opinion poll and Open Forum makes it interactive for our clients to put up their views on different aspects of environment.

- In the fourth Monitoring Committee Meeting held on 7-08-2002, 20 subject Areas and institutions were approved for setting up of ENVIS Nodes through out the country under the project. 5 New subject areas namely: Cleaner Production and Technologies, Bio-medical Waste Management, Sustainable Development, Aviation and Environment, Population and Environment were also identified. Of the 20 areas identified 15 ENVIS-Nodes have been set up so far.

- ENVIS also continued to function as a National Focal Point (NFP) and a Regional Service Centre (RSC) for South-Asia Sub-Region Countries for INFOTERRA network, a Global Information Network of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). As NFP and RSC of INFOTERRA, the ENVIS network provides information to queries received from the countries in the sub-regions.

- ENVIS also continued close liaison with various other national information systems in the country like National Information System on Science & Technology (NISSAT), Bio-Technological Information System (BTIS), etc., for exchange of environmental information and to avoid duplication of efforts in the field of environment and related areas.

- Two Issues of "Paryavaran Abstracts", reporting information on environmental research in Indian context was brought out during the year. About 300 national and international environment-related journals are referred to for compilation of the relevant abstracts. The abstracts are arranged under major categories like air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, environmental management, ecology, health and toxicology, forestry, wildlife, etc. A subject-keyword index for retrieval is also available. The journal is distributed to about 3000 users. All Issues of "Paryavaran Abstracts" are available on the Ministry’s website.

- Four issues of "ENVIRO NEWS", a quarterly news letter was brought out by the division with the objective of disseminating information about various important policies, programmes, new Act and rules and amendment to existing legislations, important notifications, new sanctioned projects and other important decisions taken and events hosted by the Ministry from time to time to a wide cross-section of the society including administrators, policymakers, planners, scientists, environmentalists, students, NGOs, voluntary bodies and the general public

Fig. 83. Homepage of the Ministry website (http://envfor.nic.in)

Fig. 84. Homepage of the ENVIS website (http://www.envis.nic.in)

Index

Activities of the ENVIS Centres

All the 25 ENVIS Centres continued their activities relating to collection, collation, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information on the subject areas allocated to them during the year. Besides strengthening the databases and responding to various national and international queries. All the ENVIS Centres developed their home-pages and websites with an ultimate objective of disseminating information. Highlights of some of the major activities of the ENVIS Centres during the year are as follows:

Index