5

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION

Index

• Introduction

• Development and Promotion of Cleaner Technologies
  • Establishment of the Indian Centre for Promotion of Cleaner Technologies (ICPC)

  • Demonstration Project on Cleaner Technologies

  • Adoption of Clean Technologies in Small Scale Industries

  • Waste Minimisation

• Environmental Statement (as part of Environmental Audit)
  • Network for Environmental Training at Tertiary Level in Asia and the Pacific (NETTLAP)

• Status of Pollution Control in 17 Categories of Identified Highly Polluting Industries
  • Enforcement of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 in relation to Pollution Control

• Development of Environmental Standards
  • Recognition of Environmental Laboratories under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

  • Industrial Pollution Complaints

• Control of Pollution in Delhi
  • Major Measures Recommended for Control of Pollution in Delhi

• Control of Vehicular Pollution
  • Phase-out of old vehicles/deregistration of old vehicles in Delhi

• Noise Pollution
  • Urban Environment

  • Awareness Creation for Prevention and Control of Pollution

  • Constitution of Authorities under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

• Central Pollution Control Board

• Assessment and Monitoring of Water Quality
  • Water Quality Monitoring of Indian Aquatic Resources

  • Studies on Medium and Minor Rivers

• Case Studies on Coastal Fragile Areas

• Assessment and Monitoring of Air Quality
  • National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme

  • Ambient air quality monitoring in Delhi under the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) Programme

  • Sampling and Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Ambient Air of Delhi

  • Monitoring at ITO, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi

  • Ambient Noise Level Monitoring

  • Study of dust fall rate in Delhi

  • Zoning Atlas for Siting of Industries - District-wise

  • Industrial Estate Planning

• Mapping Environmentally Sensitive Zones and Industrial Sites-State-wise
  • Sanitation Status in Class I cities

  • Status of Municipal Solid Waste in Class I cities

  • Other activities of CPCB

  • Hazardous Substances Management

Introduction

According to the Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution, the key elements for pollution prevention are adoption of the best available clean and practicible technologies at the beginning of the industrial operation rather than treatment at the end of the pipe line. One of the significant benefits inherent in this approach is that when the waste is reduced/eliminated or solvents are revived, the raw materials used during the various industrial processes are conserved and the effluents are minimised within the industrial premises. Hence the focus of various programmes and schemes of the Ministry and its associated organisations aimed at prevention and control of pollution are on issues such as adoption of clean technologies, waste minimisation, environment audit, human resource development, monitoring of polluting industries and assessment of pollution status of major metropolitan cities. The whole issue of pollution prevention and abatement is dealt with by both the command and control methods as well as voluntary regulations. Promotion of educational and awareness campaigns, fiscal incentives, development of mass based environmental standards, setting up of pollution monitoring networks etc. are being undertaken. Details of the schemes/programmes of the Ministry related to prevention and control of pollution are as follows:

Index

Development and Promotion of Cleaner Technologies

Establishment of the Indian Centre for Promotion of Cleaner Technologies (ICPC)

With the assistance of the World Bank, the Ministry is establishing the Indian Centre for Promotion of Cleaner Technologies (ICPC) as a network of expert institutions which will provide the necessary inputs in creating a data base on available technologies, their relative performance and ranking, the source (s) from where the technologies can be obtained, needed investments etc. The World Bank has provided US$ 2.00 million as grant-in-aid to set up the Centre. To begin with, two priority sectors namely; Industry and Energy have been identified for creating the data base. Counterpart funding to meet expenses of the staff for the initial three years period is to be met by the Government of India. A significant feature of the ICPC is that it shall provide evaluated and ranked technology options to the entrepreneurs.

Index

Demonstration Project on Cleaner Technologies

Under the Cleaner Production Programme through Promotion of Cleaner Technologies, a demonstration project on Thermo-Chemical Conversion Reactor for utilisation of Distillery Waste was undertaken by M/s Esvin Group of Companies. The project envisaged carrying out bench and demo plant trials before commercialisation. The trial runs have been completed and the findings submitted by M/s. Esvin to the Ministry are being scrutinised by experts. It is now proposed to commercialise the technology through a collaborative effort among the manufacturing unit(s) in the paper and distilleries sectors, Technology Development Agencies and Financial Institutions.

Index

Adoption of Clean Technologies in Small Scale Industries

The scheme for promotion, development and adoption of clean technologies including waste re-use or re-cycling, formulated earlier for small scale industries, is being continued. The following activities were carried out under the scheme, during the year:

• Training and awareness programmes and short duration educational workshops for small scale industry sector and for entrepreneurs in selected small scale industries were organised through the Small Industry Service Institutes (SISIs). These programmes focussed on bleaching, dyeing and printing, electroplating, paint industry , chemical industries, lead- acid batteries, hosiery industry, plywood manufacturing, refractory industry etc.

• Publications such as general guidelines/manuals on waste minimisation and from waste to profits have been brought out.

• Sector specific manuals on waste minimisation in respect of pulp and paper based on agriculture residues, textiles, dyeing and printing, electroplating have been brought out.

• Studies on waste minimisation and demonstration in bulk drug industry, chemical sector, textile processing units and tannery units have been sponsored in Calcutta.

Index

Waste Minimisation

A project on Waste Minimisation in Small Scale Industries has been launched with the National Productivity Council as the nodal agency, under the World Bank assisted Industrial Pollution Prevention Project. The objective of the Project is to increase the awareness, interests and the confidence of Indian Small and Medium Scale Industries to take up waste minimisation activities on a sustained basis. It also aims at generating enough indigenous capacity to create an environment of self help in waste minimisation in the industries. The proposal has two components to achieve these two objectives:

• Development of a communication strategy for launching an awareness campaign on waste minimisation; and

• Establishment and running of Waste Minimisation Circles (WMC) in small scale industries in the Country.

Fifteen Waste Minimisation Circles have been established at different places of the country with the objective of providing opportunities for sharing the views and knowledge of waste minimisation/pollution prevention among the workers in clusters of industries producing the same products. Three hundred waste minimisation measures have been identified by the members of the WMCs which on adoption have resulted in reduction of pollution load to the extent of 20 to 40 per cent. In addition, cost savings to the extent of Rs. 150 lakhs per annum is also expected.

Index

Environmental Statement (as part of Environmental Audit)

A Gazette Notification on Environmental Audit issued by the Ministry in 1992, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has made it mandatory for all the industrial units to submit an environmental statement to the concerned State Pollution Control Boards while seeking consent to operate under the relevant environmental norms. The Environmental Statements enable the units to take a comprehensive look at the industrial operations, facilitate the understanding of material flows and help them to focus on areas where waste reduction and consequently savings in material cost, is possible. Activities undertaken during the year are as follows:

• Sector wise environmental audit training programmes in respect of fertilizers, oil refinery, pesticides and food processing industry were organised through the FICCI.

• Sector-specific environmental audit manuals in respect of sugar and lube oil re- refining industry have been prepared.

• Training programmes for officials of Central and State Pollution Control Boards to make them acquaint themselves with the use of the software PARYAVARAN are being organised through the Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Chennai. Based on the inputs received during the training programmes, the software has been modified to meet the requirements of the Pollution Control Boards. The software has been distributed to all the Pollution Control Boards.

• In order to make environmental statements more effective, Forum V of the Statement has been revised for notification under the Environmental Audit Rules of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Index

Network for Environmental Training at Tertiary Level in Asia and the Pacific (NETTLAP)

The Network for Environmental Training at Tertiary level in Asia and the Pacific (NETTLAP) was established in 1992 by UNEP. The overall objective of the programme is to provide a framework for catalysing, coordinating and organising environmental education and training activities in the Asia-Pacific region at the national, sub regional and regional levels. NETTLAP contributes to human resource development and strengthening of tertiary institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, and consists of institutions and individuals active in environmental education and training at tertiary level in this region. NETLAP works closely with its government appointed National Focal Points in the 37 over 200 key tertiary institutions and more than 200 staff member who are active in environmental education and training and who can contribute to and/or benefit from the availability of resource material and training programmes related to environment and development. NETTLAP also seeks to promote and support national networks in the member countries.

The NETTLAP National Foal Point for India is in the Ministry. Based on National consultations a detailed project proposal for establishing a National Partnership in Environmental Training (NPET-India) has been prepared and submitted to the UNDP for financial assistance. UNDP has included the same in the Country Programme of UNDP-India Environment which is under consideration.

Index

Status of Pollution Control in 17 Categories of Identified Highly Polluting Industries

Out of the 1551 large and medium industries identified in the 17 categories of highly polluting industries, 1261 have so far installed the requisite pollution control facilities to comply with the stipulated standards. 125 industries have been closed down and the remaining 165 industries are in the process of installing the requisite pollution control facilities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees regularly monitor the status of pollution control in these industries. Legal action has been taken against all the 165 defaulting units.

A summary of the status/action taken in respect of the 165 defaulting units is given in Table - 7.

Table - 7

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sl.No.  Status/Action  Total number of units
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)     Supposed to have complied as per 
        the affidavit given by the industry 
        (CPCB to inspect and verify)                       64
(2)     Under process of commissioning 
        requisite pollution control facilities as
        per specified time-bound programme                 58
(3)     Closure confirmed (10 by CPCB, 1 by 
        Hon ble Supreme Court)                             11
(4)     Closed on their own and directed not to 
        re-start till requisite pollution control 
        facilities are provided                            02
(5)     Matters pending in Hon ble Supreme 
        Court                                              24
(6)     Under process for appropriate action               06
-------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          165
-------------------------------------------------------------------

A State-wise summary status of the pollution in the categories of industries as on December 15, 1997 is given in Table - 8.

Table - 8

State wise Summary Status of the Pollution Control in 17 Categories of Industries

(as per information available with CPCB on Dec.15, 1997)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.No.   State/UT        Total No. of Units    Closed     C#   Defaulters##
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
01.     Andhra Pradesh         173              28      141       04
02.     Arunachal Pradesh       00              00       00       00
03.     Assam                   15              00       10       05
04.     Bihar                   62              14       35       13
05.     Goa                     06              00       06       00
06.     Gujarat                177              03      167       07
07.     Haryana                 43              03       32       08
08.     Himachal Pradesh        09              00       09       00
09.     Jammu & Kashmir         08              03       01       04
10.     Karnataka               85              06       68       11
11.     Kerala                  28              04       20       04
12.     Madhya Pradesh          78              05       58       15
13.     Maharashtra            335              19      296       20
14.     Manipur                 00              00       00       00
15.     Meghalya                01              00       00       01
16.     Mizoram                 00              00       00       00
17.     Nagaland                00              00       00       00
18.     Orissa                  23              01       13       09
19.     Punjab                  45              03       25       17
20.     Rajasthan               49              05       42       02
21.     Sikkim                  01              00       00       01
22.     Tamil Nadu             119              02      114       03
23.     Tripura                 00              00       00       00
24.     UT-Andaman & Nicobar    00              00       00       00
25.     UT Chandigarh           01              00       01       00
26.     UT Daman & Diu,         00              00       00       00
        Dadra & Nagar
        Haveli
27.     UT Delhi                05              00       02       03
28.     UT Lakshadweep          00              00       00       00
29.     UT Pondicherry          06              00       02       04
30.     Uttar Pradesh          224              15      187       22
31.     West Bengal             58              14       32       12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
        TOTAL                 1551             125     1261      165
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
#    Having adequate facilities to comply with the standards.
##   Not having adequate facilities to comply with the standards.

Index

Enforcement of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 in relation to Pollution Control

Following the decision taken by the National River Conservation Authority in their meeting held under the chairmanship of the Hon ble Prime Minister, the Ministry, through the CPCB has directed state PCBs and PCCs for issuing notice to polluting industries for installation of requisite effluent treatment system within a period of three months. The State PCBs/PCCs were also directed to issue closure order to those industries which do not take necessary action within a period of three months. As per the information received so far, there are a total of 2137 such units which do not comply with the environmental norms before discharging their waste into the water bodies.

Four Regional Committees were constituted to monitor implementation of the directions given by the CPCB/SPCBs/PCCs. The Committees also examined specific cases seeking extension of time limit beyond the three months period. Based on the justification provided by the industry the Committee examined specific cases and have recommended extension in certain genuine cases. The latest status, as on 24th November, 1997 of these units is as follows.:

---------------------------------------------------------------
(1)     Number of units which have complied 
        after issue of directions                       106
(2)     Number of industries closed                     480
(3)     Number of industries to be closed              1457
(4)     Number of industries for which 
        extension of time sought/recommended
        by the committee                                 94
---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       2137
---------------------------------------------------------------

Index

Development of Environmental Standards

The Ministry has laid down industry specific as well as general effluent and emission standards under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. During the year standards for Coke Plants (byproduct recovery type) were finalised and notified in the official Gazette. Emission/effluent standards for the following categories of industries have also been finalised:

• Battery Manufacturing Industries;

• Gas Based Power Stations;

• Standards for DG Sets;

• Temperature Limits for discharge of condenser cooling water from Thermal Power Plants; and

• Time limit for changeover from moving kilns to fixed chimney RCC kilns.

The compliance of these standards by industries/plants is ensured by the State PCBs/PCCs mainly through their consent mechanism.

Index

Recognition of Environmental Laboratories under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Under Section 12 and 13 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 the Ministry recognises environmental laboratories and Government Analysts working in thelaboratories, to carry out functions entrusted to them under the Act. While the powers for recognising laboratories of the Government and autonomous organisations have been delegated to the CPCB, laboratories in the private sector are given recognition by the Ministry. During the year, based on the examination and recommendation of the State Pollution Control boards, two private laboratories have been recognised.

Index

Industrial Pollution Complaints

During the year, around 680 complaints regarding various types of pollution-air, water, noise and soil have been received and attended to. Most of the complaints relate to pollution from small scale industrial units operating either amidst thickly populated residential areas or in the immediate vicinity of human settlements. The other category of complaints relates to the discharge of untreated or partially treated effluent and emissions from large and medium scale industries which contaminate the surface/ground water and create water logging, increases the levels of SPM and sulphur-dioxide which in turn may affect the crops and human health. Complaints have also been received about waste dumps, burning of animal carcass, operation of stone crushers, brick kilns, portable electric generator sets and air and noise pollution due to heavy vehicular traffic.

Index

Control of Pollution in Delhi

During the year, a White Paper on Pollution in Delhi with an Action Plan has been prepared. The White Paper is the culmination of a series of meetings/discussions held in the Ministry since May 1997, with all the concerned Central ministries, Departments, organisations, R&D experts, NGOs and eminent citizens and the Government of NCT of Delhi. Meetings were also held with the Chief Minister and the Lt. Governor of Delhi in July 1997.

The Action Plan has recommended specific measures for control of pollution relating to vehicular pollution, water pollution (pollution of river Yamuna, and industrial water pollution), industrial air pollution, solid waste generation, disposal, handling of hazardous wastes (hospital wastes and industrial hazardous wastes), noise pollution, and people s participation in making Delhi a cleaner city. The Action Plan has specific time-targets, which require to be adhered to by the implementing agencies/authorities. The White paper with the Action Plan was approved in principle by the Union Cabinet in November 1997.

Index

Major Measures Recommended for Control of Pollution in Delhi

• Constitution of an Authority under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for taking measures to protect and improve the environment and control pollution in the country. The Authority shall function under the supervision and control of the Central Government as per Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

• Constitution of a Special Court to take cognizance of offences against environment in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

• Entrusting the Sub Divisional Magistrates in the National Capital Territory of Delhi under Section 4 of the Environment (Protection) Act with requisite powers to enable them to carry out functions related to protection of the environment.

• Phasing out of in-use 2 wheelers powered by conventional two-stroke engines w.e.f. 1.4.2000 (i.e., those vehicles which are unable to meet the emission norms that will come into effect on 1.4.2000) when the tightened emission norms will come into force, in accordance with the time-schedule as given : (a) those of 15 years or more w.e.f. 1.4.2000, (b) those of age 10 years or more w.e.f. 1.4.2005 and (c) all the remaining, w.e.f. 1.4.2007.

• Retrofitting of in-use 3-wheelers with alternate fuels such as CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) with customs/excise duty exemption for such kits.

• Declaration of certain areas in Delhi as critically polluted, where there will be a vehicle free day every week.

• Making it mandatory for coal based thermal power plants to provide land for the setting up of ancillary units utilising flyash for brick manufacturing, with flyash to be provided on no payment terms by the power plants; and, where necessary, for the Government of Delhi and the Delhi Development Authority to provide land in the proximity of the plants.

• Formulating a plan though the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy whereby polluting activity is taxed, e.g., second vehicle in a household; with the proceeds to be charged to a revolving fund and used in projects for protecting the environment.

• Introduction of a curriculum of environmental projects in schools within the socially useful productive work scheme, to be performed as a group activity by the students for community and neighbourhood improvement with the objective of sensitising school children to eco-related concerns.

In pursuance of these decisions, the Central Government, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and (3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has constituted the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority for the National Capital Region.

Index

Control of Vehicular Pollution

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has recommended the notification of emission norms for passenger cars fitted with catalytic converters to be 50% lower than cars without it, meeting the 1.4.1996 emission standards, in the following manner:

----------------------------------------------------------------
Pollutant       Emission Standard for Petrol Driven 4-wheelers
                without Cat. Converter   with Cat. Converter
----------------------------------------------------------------
CO                      8.68 - 12.40        4.34 - 6.20
HC+NOx                  3.0 - 4.36          1.5 - 2.18
Total (CO+HC+NOx)       11.68 - 16.76       5.84 - 8.38
----------------------------------------------------------------

These norms have been notified by the Ministry of Surface Transport on 2.1.1998.

Phase-II of the programme for introduction of unleaded petrol has been formally notified vide, Ministry of Surface Transport s notification dated 19.2.1998. As per this Notification, unleaded petrol would be introduced in the capitals of all States and UTs and major towns, mentioned in the Table - 9 with effect from 1.6.1998 to cater to the requirements of new petrol-driven four wheeler vehicles introduced in these cities from this date.

Table - 9

Phase-II of the Programme of introduction of unleaded petrol, and catalytic converter fitted vehicles in the country from 1.6.1998

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
States/UTs                              Cities/Towns
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andhra Pradesh                          Hyderabad, Vishakapattanam
Arunachal Pradesh                       Itanagar
Assam                                   Dispur
Bihar                                   Patna, Jamshedpur, Ranchi
Chandigarh                              Chandigarh
Goa                                     Panjim
Gujarat                                 Gandhinagar, Surat, Baroda
Haryana                                 Gurgaon, Hissar, Ambala
Himanchal Pradesh                       Shimla
J&K                                     Jammu, Srinagar
Karnataka                               Bangalore
Kerala                                  Trivandrum, Cochin, Calicut
Madhya Pradesh                          Bhopal, Indore
Maharashtra                             Pune, Nagpur
Manipur                                 Imphal
Meghalaya                               Shillong
Mizoram                                 Aizwal
Nagaland                                Kohima
Orissa                                  Bhubaneshwar
Punjab                                  Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar
Rajasthan                               Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur
Sikkim                                  Gangktok
Tripura                                 Agartala
Uttar Pradesh                           Lucknow, Allahabad, Kanpur
Andaman & Nicobar                       Port Blair
Dadra & Nagar Haveli                    Silvassa
Pondicherry                             Pondicherry
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stricter emission norms for new vehicles effective from 1.4.2000 have been notified by the Ministry of Surface Transport on 28.8.1997. The progressive tightening of emission norms for vehicles at the manufacturing stage in given in Table- 10.

Table - 10

Phased Tightening of Exhaust Emission Standards for Indian Automobiles

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Category                        1991            1.4.1996        1.4.2000
Petrol Vehicles: (in grams/km)
Two Wheelers:
Total (CO+HC+NOx)               20-42             8.1             4.0
Three-wheelers:
Total (CO+HC+NOx)               20-42            12.15            6.0
Passenger Cars:
Total (CO+HC+NOx)               16.3-30.0        11.68-16.76      3.69
Diesel Vehicles: (in gms/KWh)
A. Gross Vehicles Weight greater than 3.5 ton (Heavy duty vehicles)
Total (CO+HC+NOx+PM)            35.5             28.0            13.96
B. Gross Vehicles Weight less than 3.5 ton (Light duty vehicles)
Total (CO+HC+NOx+PM)            35.5             28.0            13.96-14.57
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CO: Carbon monoxide, HC : Hydrocarbons, NOx : Oxides of Nitrogen, PM : Particulate Matter.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has constituted an Inter-sectoral Committee under the Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board, to formulate an auto-oil programme to come into effect from the year 2005. The Committee will recommend emission norms for vehicles at the manufacturing stage and fuel specifications of automotive fuels for vehicles meeting such norms.

Based on the recommendation of MoEF, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has, since 14.8.1997, advanced the supply of low-sulphur diesel with 0.25% sulphur content in Delhi, from the planned date of 1.4.1999, with a view to reducing particulate emissions. The measure would also help in the introduction of diesel vehicles with improved engine design meeting stricter emission standards.

Index

Phase-out of old vehicles/deregistration of old vehicles in Delhi

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has delegated power under Section 20 of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 to the Government of NCT of Delhi, based on which the Government of NCT of Delhi has brought out an instruction on 11.8.1997 for imposing restrictions on all commercial vehicles in Delhi which inter-alia includes phasing out of old commercial vehicles in a time-bound programme beginning from April 1998 as per the following schedule:

By 31.3.1998 vehicles more than 15 years of age.

By 31.3.1999 vehicles more than 12 years of age.

By 31.3.2000 vehicles more than 10 year of age.

After 31st March 2001, no medium and heavy vehicles (both passenger and goods vehicles) more than eight years old shall ply in Delhi. The commercial vehicles being the major contributors of smoke and particulates, the implementation of this very important measure is expected to reduce the pollution load from in-use aged vehicles significantly.

The instructions issued on 11.8.97 also state that:

• After 31.3.1998, no defence services disposal vehicle and government auctioned vehicles more than eight years old shall be registered in Delhi.

• After 1.4.1998, only those medium and heavy duty motor vehicles (both passenger and goods vehicles) shall be registered in Delhi that have been manufactured after 31st March 1996 and comply with the 1996 mass emission norms and 2000 AD norms after 1st April 1999.

• To augment the pollution checking facilities in Delhi, the Transport Department, Government of Delhi has authorised the setting up of pollution check facilities in retail outlets and in garages/service stations in Delhi. The Transport Department has authorised 305 pollution checking centers for petrol vehicles and 32 for diesel driven vehicles as on 30.9.1997. In addition more than 60% of the 278 retail outlets in Delhi have pollution check facilities. To extend more facilities to the vehicle owners, it has also been decided that all future retail outlets would have pollution check facilities as a part of their services. A number of vehicle manufacturers have also equipped most of their dealers with pollution check facilities, which are authorised by the Transport Department, Delhi.

Apart from the regular enforcement activity, special intensive drives have also been carried out by the Transport Department from time to time. As a result of expansion of the pollution checking facilities and intensification of enforcement activities, the number of vehicles availing PUC check has increased during 1997, as per Table - 11.

Table - 11

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period                          January-June 1997       January-June 1996
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. of vehicles given PUC
certificates                        17.7 lakhs              6.2 lakhs
No. of vehicles tuned/repaired & 
pollution brought within 
prescribed limits                    3.3 lakhs              1.1 lakhs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Index

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is a direct manifestation of increasing industrialisation, urbanisation, vehicular traffic and other commercial activities. It is as much an environmental issue as water, air and soil pollution. Sound levels have increased over the time to the extent that it seems to be irreversible. The Central Pollution Control Board has been regularly conducting noise pollution surveys in major Indian cities. During the current year such surveys have been conducted in the cities of Varanasi and Dehradun. The data collected for Varanasi indicates that noise levels are well within the limits in all the areas except in the commercial areas where it exceeds the prescribed standards during certain times of the day. Similarly, monitoring of noise pollution for Dehradun reveals that noise levels are within the limits in the industrial and residential areas. However it exceeds the standards in commercial areas and silence zones during certain times of the day.

A high level Committee on Noise Pollution has been constituted at the National Level to look into the growing menace of noise pollution in the major metropolitan cities of the country. The committee has recommended that noise levels from the bursting crackers should not exceed 100 dBA at the distance of four meters. Accordingly, directions have been issued to all the concerned authorities at the state level to check the noise pollution from bursting of crackers.

Index

Urban Environment

An initiative has been taken to develop Environment Management Plans for the 23 metropolitan cities of the country. In this context, the North Zonal office of CPCB has taken up a pilot study titled Environment Management Plan for Kanpur Urban Area . The study aims at incorporation of environmental parameters for the urban development programme and to the carrying capacity of the area on sustainable basis. This study also outlines an implementation plan to improve the environmental quality of the existing neighbourhoods in the city through the process of regeneration. In addition to this, the following activities have been carried out in the area of urban environment during the year:

• An Action Plan for control of pollution in Delhi has been prepared and is being implemented by the Government of NCT of Delhi.

• A project has been sponsored to the CPCB for preparation of an Environmental Atlas for the metro cities and other major cities of the country depicting the pollution data relating to air, water, soil and noise and also indicating the pollution trends.

• CPCB has identified 24 problem sites in the urban areas which need immediate attention. In respect of 16 of these areas Action Plans prepared by the CPCB are being implemented in close association with the SPCBs/PCCs. Some epidemiological surveys have been sponsored in these areas to assess the health and well being of the people due to exposure to various pollutants. Such studies are in progress in Talchar, Angul (Orissa), Vapi (Gujarat) etc.

• A project has been initiated in May, 1997 by the AIIMS relating to Ambient Air Quality and Human Health in the metropolitan city of Delhi. Environmental epidemiological surveys are in progress at a number of places in the country to find out the health impact due to pollution amongst the general population.

In the series for assessment of environmental status of the metropolitan cities of the country environmental status report have been received for the cities of Hyderabad, Jammu and Coimbatore. These studies have outlined the demographic profile, land use pattern, water quality system, solid waste management, air and noise pollution and vehicular emission of the cities studied.

Index

Awareness Creation for Prevention and Control of Pollution

The Policy Statement for abatement of pollution issued in 1992 had laid emphasis on environmental awareness and public participation in pollution control activities. Accordingly, it has been included in various educational and awareness programmes of the Ministry including Paryavaran Vahini , Films, Seminars, Workshops etc. In addition, a NGO Cell has been created in the CPCB and some of the State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees which undertake various programmes to encourage the role of masses in pollution control activities. Some of these are mentioned below:

• A 56 Episode serial has been initiated with the All India Radio for evolving a story line keeping in view the various types of pollution in the urban and rural areas of the country. Creation of mass awareness through printed media (newspapers and magazines) and audio- visual programmes on Television has been carried out to make the people aware of the pollution problem and its effects on human health.

• The NGO cell of CPCB provides financial assistance and training to NGOs to carry out pollution abatement programmes in their respective areas.

• Various exhibitions are organised from time to time to communicate the message of pollution control.

Index

Constitution of Authorities under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

In compliance with the various Supreme Court Orders the Ministry of Environment and Forests has constituted following Authorities under sub-section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:

• Loss of Ecology (Prevention and Payments of Compensation) Authority for the State of Tamil Nadu constituted on 30.9.96.

• Environmental Impact Assessment Authority for the National Capital Region constituted on 9.10.96 (Please see chapter 9 also)

• Authority for Environment Planning for Thane in the State of Maharashtra constituted on 28.11.96.

• Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority, in the District of Thane, State of Maharashtra constituted on 19.12.96. (Please see chapter 4 also)

• Central Ground Water Board Authority constituted on 14.1.97. (Please see chapter 4 also)

These authorities have started functioning as per their mandate during the current year.

Index

Central Pollution Control Board

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is an autonomous body of the Ministry set up in Sept.1974, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It coordinates the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards (CPCBs) and the Pollution Control Committees (PCCs). The CPCB, SPCBs and the PCCs are responsible for implementing the legislation relating to prevention and control of pollution; they also develop rules and regulations which describe the standards for emissions and effluents of air and water pollutants and noise level. The CPCB advises the Central Government on all matters concerning the prevention and control of air, water and noise pollution and provides technical services to the Ministry for implementing the provisions of the Environment (Protection)Act, 1986.

Details of some of the major activities of the CPCB during the year are given below:-

Index

Assessment and Monitoring of Water Quality

Water Quality Monitoring of Indian Aquatic Resources

Water Quality Monitoring is an important aspect of water quality management. It helps in identification of the areas in need of restoration, extent of pollution control required, effectiveness of pollution control efforts and water quality trend over a period of time. At present CPCB, in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) has been sampling aquatic resources at 480 monitoring stations on monthly/quarterly basis and analysing them for 24 parameters. Out of these 480, 50 stations are under GEMS (Global Environmental Monitoring System) and 430 are under MINARS (Monitoring of Indian Aquatic Resources) programmes. The monitoring data are scrutinised and compared with the water quality objectives set for different water bodies in the country. Based on the long term water quality data generated over the years, the CPCB has identified 13 heavily polluted and 26 medium polluted river stretches. The action plans for most of these stretches have been prepared.

From the monitoring results it can be concluded that at the majority of the river locations monitored, the water quality is not matching with the desired water quality. The main reason for such violation is mostly total coliform and Biochemical Oxygen Demand levels in the water. These pollutants are mainly contributed by the discharge of untreated/domestic sewage.

In the case of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers too, although massive action plans are being implemented, the water quality is gradually degrading. This is mainly due to continuous increases in pollution loads from the towns located along these rivers and operation and maintenance problems in the sewage treatment plants installed.

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Studies on Medium and Minor Rivers

Assessment of pollution loads in 26 identified stretches of medium and minor rivers of the States of Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Orissa has been undertaken by the CPCB for the National River Conservation Directorate. While the survey work of ten rivers in Kerala and one in Gujarat have been completed, work on the remaining 15 rivers is in progress. Details of the identified polluted stretches of medium and minor rivers of peninsular India are given in Table - 12.

Table - 12

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No.     River/Stretch                                           State
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1.      Damanganga/Minor: d/s. GIDC Estate Weir,                Gujarat
                        Vapi Daman village (V.T)
2.      Kolak/Minor : d/s. confluence GUDC drain,               Gujarat
                        Vapi-Kolak village
3.      Par (estuary)/Minor: after weir of Atul-                Gujarat
                        Magod-Dungari
4.      Vishwamitri/Medium (sub) : u/s, Vadodara                Gujarat
                        -confluence with R.
                        Dhadar at Pingalwada
5.      Dhadhar/Medium: d/s. confluence with R.                 Gujarat
                        Vishwamitri at Pingalwada
                        -village Amod
6.      Bhadar/Medium: village Jetpur-village                   Gujarat
                        Ratia (on coastal highway)
7.      Ambica/Medium: village Bilimora-village                 Gujarat
                        Vagheroge
8.      Khandepar (Mandovi basin - Medium)                      Goa
9.      Guloli (Zuari basin)                                    Goa
10.     Sal/Minor                                               Goa
11.     Valapattanam/Minor                                      Kerala
12.     Kallada/Minor                                           Kerala
13.     Chalakkudy/Minor                                        Kerala
14.     Muvattupuzha/Minor                                      Kerala
15.     Achencoil/Minor                                         Kerala
16.     Karamana & Killiyar/Minor                               Kerala
17.     Chaliyar/Medium                                         Kerala
18.     Bharathapuzha/Medium                                    Kerala
19.     Periyar/Medium                                          Kerala
20.     Pamba/Medium                                            Kerala
21.     Vaigai/Medium:u/s-d/s Theni                             Tamil Nadu
22.     Vaigai/Medium:Madurai - Thiruppuvanam                   Tamil Nadu
23.     Budhabalanga/Medium                                     Orissa
24.     Nagavali/Medium                                         Orissa
25.     Kalinadi/Medium                                         Karanataka
26.     Netravati/Medium                                        Karanataka
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Index

Case Studies on Coastal Fragile Areas

The coastal environment plays an important role in nation s economy because of its resources and habitat. It is subjected to a variety of environmental stresses due to developmental activities and large scale human settlement. Avoidance of conflicting uses, promotion and protection of habitats, prevention of pollution and sustainable development can be achieved through proper planning and policy formulation, for which information and scientific database are required. The following fragile coastal areas of the country have been identified for compiling baseline data, with a view to manage them scientifically.

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Gujarat                         :    Gulf of Kutch
                                :    of South Dwaraka
Maharashtra                     :    Malwan-Vengurla coast
Goa                             :    Beaches of Goa
Karanataka                      :    Coastal area of Gokaran
Kerala                          :    Cochin Backwaters
                                :    Kovalam beach
Lakshaweep                      :    Coral reefs
Tamil Nadu                      :    Thiruchendur
                                :    Tuticorin
                                :    Gulf of Mannar
                                :    Vedaranyam
                                :    Pitchavaram
                                :    Mahabalipuram
                                :    Kovalam
                                :    Marina beach
Pondicherry                     :    Pondicherry beach
Andhra Pradesh                  :    Pulicat lake 
                                :    Nizampatnam
                                :    Machilipatnam
                                :    Coringa
Orissa                          :    Puri & Konark beaches
                                :    Chilka Lake
                                :    Bhitar Kanika
                                :    Gahirmata
West Bengal                     :    Sunderbans
                                :    Digha
                                :    Baikali
Andaman & Nicobar Islands       :    Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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The baseline data include information on climate, water & sediment quality, solid waste generation, tourism, urbanisation, industrialisation, natural calamities, fishing, other biological resources and bio-diversity.

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Assessment and Monitoring of Air Quality

National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme

The ambient air quality is a dynamic and complex environmental phenomenon exhibiting variations with time and space. Its evaluation is the fundamental requirement towards assessment of the nature and extent of air quality variables. Under the nation-wide National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) programme , initiated in 1984, 290 stations covering over 92 towns/cities spread over 24 states and 4 Union Territories, monitor the ambient air quality. The NAAQM network is operated through the respective SPCBs, the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur and the CPCB. Besides meteorological parameters like wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity, the stations also monitor pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and suspended particulate matter (SPM). In addition to these, specific parameters, like ammonia (NH3) hydrogen sulphide (H2 S), respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are also monitored.

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Ambient air quality monitoring in Delhi under the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) Programme

The ambient air quality of Delhi continued to be monitored at six monitoring stations located at Ashok Vihar Siri Fort, Janakpuri, Nizammuddin, Shahzada Bagh and Shahdara. The data on an annual mean basis for 1997 indicates high values of suspended particulate matter (SPM) at all the residential areas where the values are found to be more than twice that of the permissible standard. In the Industrial areas, the SPM values are found to be well within the prescribed limit. The annual mean values of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) remain within prescribed limits at all the six locations. The range of concentration of SO2, NO2 and SPM in respect of NAAQM Stations in Delhi for the year 1997, is given in Table 13.

Table - 13

Range of Concentration (Tav-24 Hrs.) of Ambient Air Quality Parameters during 1997

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                                SO2                     NO2                     SPM
Monitoring Stations     ------------------        ------------------     ------------------
                        Min.   Max.   Mean        Min.   Max.   Mean     Min.   Max.   Mean
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Ashok Vihar (R)         03      24      14        14    33      23      146     554     327
Shahzada Bagh (I)       19      38      24      32     51       45      198     518     295
Siri Fort (R)           87      28      13      23      44      38      235     701     388
Janakpuri (R)           11      24      16      20      42      35      105     573     362
Nizamudin (R)           11      23      17      25      43      37      179     966     382
Shahdara (I)            07      52      16      16      55      29      157     869     333
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Note : All values are in Microgram per cubic metre (g/m3)
       Abbreviation : R - Residential; I - Industrial; Tav - Total Average.

Index

Sampling and Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Ambient Air of Delhi

Routine measurement of 15 PAH compounds, viz. naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, benzanthracene, chrysene benzo (b) fluoranthene, benzo (k) fluoranthene, benzo (e) pyrene benzo (a) pyrene, perylene, indeno pyrene, dibenz (ah) anthracene and benzo (ghi) perylene in air particulate samples collected at the six NAAQM Stations (Siri Fort, Ashok Vihar, Nizamuddin, Shahdara Shazada Bagh and JanakPuri) of Delhi and one Integrated Air Quality Monitoring Station at the B.S.Z. Marg (ITO), New Delhi are being continued. The results obtained during July, 1996-June, 1997 are shown in Figure 55. Major findings are as follows:-

• During the winter season, the concentration of PAHs recorded was higher compared to monsoon and summer seasons;

• The lowest concentration of PAHs was recorded during summer, possibly due to photo-oxidation of PAHs and the meteorological conditions favouring the dispersal of PAH;

• During the monsoon, rainout and washout are possibly the reason for lower PAH concentrations recorded;

• Vehicular traffic, thermal power plants, open burning of garbage etc. are major sources of PAH emissions in the atmosphere of Delhi;

• B.S.Z Marg (Mixed Use Area) recorded the highest PAH concentration (50.2 ng/m3) during winter season among all the stations monitored, followed by Nizamuddin (Commercial Area) and Shahzada Bagh(Industrial Area). Siri Fort (Residential Area) recorded the lowest PAH concentration (11.3 ng/m3) during summer and 23.3 ng/m3 during winter season;

• Benzo (b+k) fluoranthene was recorded highest among all 15 PAH compounds monitored (Annual average concentration) followed by Benzo (e) pyrene and Benzo (ghi) perylene whose concentrations were above 3 ng/m3 of air. The concentration of other PAH compounds were below 3 ng/m3;

• Total annual average PAH concentration for Delhi works out 30.9 ng/m3 during the year, July 1996- June, 1997. Total seasonal average PAHs concentration for monsoon, summer and winter for Delhi (average of all stations monitored) works out to 30.1, 19.9 and 42.6 ng/m3 of air respectively;

• Naphthalene was not found, probably due to its high volatility and loss during sampling and sample processing.

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Monitoring at ITO, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi

CPCB has one Integrated Air Quality Monitoring Station at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg where monitoring of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) is done using manual monitoring techniques while carbon monoxide (CO) is monitored using continuous monitoring equipment. The ambient air quality data on annual mean basis for 1997 indicates high values of SPM. The average monthly concentration of CO recorded at ITO station is given in Figure-56 while the range of concentration of SO2, NO2 and SPM are given in Figure-57. The data set indicate that the period before January and November is critical since the average monthly value of CO exceed the permissible limit.

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Ambient Noise Level Monitoring

CPCB has been monitoring ambient noise level during Deepawali festival regularly since 1993 at seven locations in Delhi to assess the increase in ambient noise level due to bursting of crackers. During the year, besides the seven locations, monitoring of noise level was also done at Patel Nagar for a short duration between 18.00 hrs to 24.00 hrs. In addition to this, continuous monitoring was conducted at three more new locations, i.e. Kamla Nagar (North Delhi), Kirti Nagar (West Delhi), and Mansarover Park (East Delhi) during the same period, The result shows that the ambient noise level on Deepawali day range from 72.3 to 91.8 Leq dB (A) whereas on normal days, it ranged from 52.2 to 62.5 Leq dB (A).

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Study of dust fall rate in Delhi

The measurement of dust fall rate indirectly indicates the amount of pollutants emitted by the industries. A study on dust fall in Delhi area is being undertaken at six locations, identified on the basis of area use, three stations are located in residential areas the other three are in industrial areas. The study reveals that the mean values of total dust recorded in industrial areas during 1997 are greater than at residential areas. This may be attributed to the various industrial processes like grinding, crushing and industrial emissions.

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Zoning Atlas for Siting of Industries - District-wise

The Zoning Atlas for siting of industries, zones and classifies the environment in a district and presents the pollution receiving potential of various sites/zones in the district and the possible alternate sites for industries, through easy-to-read maps. The industrial zones are identified based on the sensitivity and pollution receiving potential of the district. The work which involves a large volume of spatial data is being done using GIS (Geographic Information System). The pilot studies on preparation of Zoning Atlas for siting of industries taken up during 1995 in 19 districts covering 14 States have been extended to 36 districts in 16 States during 1997-98. The Atlases prepared in the first phase of the programme have been validated with the concerned Government Department/agencies and are now being published for public use. A training programme to educate the end-user of the Atlas viz. implementing agencies like Industrial Departments, Pollution Control Boards etc. has already been conducted in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and similar training programmes have been chalked out for other States as well.

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Industrial Estate Planning

As a continuation of Zoning Atlas study, industrial estate planning studies are being taken up at a more micro-level (1:50000 and lower) to finally come up with sites for industrial estates. The main objectives of the project are:

• To identify areas from the suitable sites arrived at the Zoning Atlas where industrial estate can be established taking into account the requirements of the industries and the economic and social requirements.

• To carry out sensitivity and impact studies at a more detailed level to arrive at the best candidate sites for industrial estates.

• To recommend pollution abatement infrastructure and measures for proper management of the estates.

• To recommend land use regulation around the industrial estates.

  As a pilot study one suitable site each from the following four districts arrived at from the Zoning Atlas study has been taken up:

• East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh

• Palakkad, Kerala

• Mysore, Karnataka and

• Central Valley Districts, Manipur.

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Mapping Environmentally Sensitive Zones and Industrial Sites-State-wise

This activity aims at presenting the information on environmentally sensitive zones viz. national parks, reserved forests, protected forests etc. and industrial sites, statewise, in the form of maps. These maps will be useful in taking decisions on industrial sites. The pilot study for Bihar taken up in 1996 has been completed and 11 more states have been taken up during 1997-98.

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Sanitation Status in Class I cities

There are 299 class I cities in the country as per the 1991 census. A questionnaire survey was conducted to study the water supply, wastewater generation, collection treatment and disposal in these cities, which indicates that the total quantity of water supplied in 299 cities is 20, 833 mld and wastewater generated is 15,722 mld. Out of this, 24% receive treatment mostly partial before disposal. The per capita water supply in class I cities is 182 lpcd, which is an improvement of about 22% over the 1988 water supply values.

Index

Status of Municipal Solid Waste in Class I cities

A questionnaire survey was conducted to study the status of municipal solid waste generation, their collection, treatment and disposal in the 299 class I cities of the country. The total municipal solid waste generated from these cities is estimated to be 48, 134 tonnes per day, of which 62% is contributed by the 23 metro cities, which contribute 51% of the total population of class I cities. The average per capita generation of solid waste for class I cities works out to be 0. 376 kg/ person/day. The compostable organic matter ranges from 24% to 58% of the solid waste with an average value of 35% by weight for the class I cities.

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Other activities of CPCB

• Pursuant to the directions of the Hon ble Supreme Court, inspection of 66 Hospitals in Delhi were carried out to find out the effectiveness of incinerators installed and to assess measures adopted for segregation, collection and disposal of solid waste. Two alternate technologies namely Autoclaving & Microwave have been recommended for Hospital Waste Management.

• Pursuant to the directions of Hon ble Supreme Court in the matter of Environmental Society vs. Union of India, inspection of 38 brake lining and clutch facing industries using asbestos as one of the raw material was carried out.

• Pursuant to the directions of Hon ble Supreme Court inspection in industrial units and evaluation of performance of the common effluent treatment plant located at Bollaram and Patencheru Industrial area of Medak, A.P, were carried out.

• An Inter-Sectoral Committee to finalise the emission norms effective from 1.4.2005, for vehicles at the manufacturing stage has been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chairman, CPCB.

• The mass emission standards for motor vehicles manufactured on and after 1st April 2000 AD have been notified on the recommendation of the CPCB.

• Based on recommendation of the CPCB and the Ministry, low Sulphur Diesel (0.25%) has been introduced in Delhi on August 15, 1997.

• Specifications of engine oil for two stroke engine have been recommended for notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

• Based on the recommendation of the CPCB a draft notification on the mass emission norms for vehicles fitted with catalytic convertor has been issued by the Ministry of Surface Transport.

• A Reference Materials Task Force (REMTAF) has been constituted for development of priority environmental reference materials and to establish a national data base on such environmental reference materials at the CPCB.

• About 6000 data sheets relating to large and medium scale industries were scrutinised and processed by CPCB for inclusion in the annual survey of industries conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).

• State of Environment reports have so far been prepared for Delhi, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Madras & Jammu. Similar studies have been taken up for Agra, Mumbaiand Jaipur during the year.

• An inventory of ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances) use in the commercial and industrial sector RAC in NCR, Delhi has been initiated.

• Industrial Estates Survey Reports have been prepared for 12 states of the country. During the year, such surveys have been initiated for the States of Orissa and Gujarat.

• The Minimal National Standards for the Textile Industry developed earlier are being revised.

• A Task Group has been constituted to assess the environmental implications of using chlorine and its compounds for different purposes, and to suggest precautionary measures that are required to be taken.

• A project titled Duckweed based waste water treatment system and assessment of nutritive value and economic return has been sponsored to M/s Sulabh International to evolve a cheap method of sewage treatment.

• An information booklet titled Ecomark - A scheme on labelling of Environment Friendly Products has been published for creating mass awareness about the scheme.

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Hazardous Substances Management

• The Red Book for Crisis Management has been revised keeping in view the Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996 dealing with the setting up of a 4 tier Crisis Management System in the country.

• Off-site Emergency Plans for Alwar and Vapi are under process of finalisation. The seven off-site emergency plans commissioned during 1996-97 are nearing completion. Off-site emergency plans for Taloja. Pune, Surat and 24-Parganas are proposed to be initiated soon.

• As required under the Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996, a Crisis Alert System (CAS) has been established. Latest computer facilities were procured and a local area network has been established. The Central Control Room at the Ministry (R.No.705) has been equipped with the facilities namely E-mail (Email-id: indu@envfor.delhi.nic.in) Fax (4360737) and NIC - net connection. The first meeting of the CCG was held on 20th January 1997.

• In order to assess the hazard potential of Industrial pockets in the country a scheme on hazard analysis survey of industrial pockets was initiated in 1992. So far, 45 industrial pockets have been studied. Twenty six reports have been accepted and three revised reports have also been approved. Five reports are being revised after review. Report of 10 hazard analysis initiated during 1996-97 are being received. Eight studies are being initiated during 1997-98.

• As per orders of the Supreme Court a demand note for Rs.40 lakhs was served on the erring industries in Village Bichhri, Rajasthan for remediation of the 320 hectare contamination due to indiscriminate disposal of hazardous waste. The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been retained as Project Management Consultants for helping the Ministry in conducting the remediation work at Village Bichhri. An Advisory Committee has also been constituted to guide the execution.

• A major initiative has been taken during the period under report to sensitize the State Pollution Control Boards to implement the Hazardous Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989. Necessary information on hazardous wastes management in the States has been collected and maintained in computerised form.

• Preparations have been completed for conducting a SAARC Expert Meeting on transboundary movement of hazardous wastes as recommended in the SAARC Ministers meeting.

• A note for the Cabinet has been finalised for ratification of the amendments to the Basel Convention adopted COP-3 regarding prohibition of hazardous waste movements for dumping and recycling by 31.12.97.

• In pursuance of the of Hon ble Supreme Court, a High Powered Committee on Hazardous Wastes has been constituted under the chairmanship of Prof M.G.K. Menon, former Union Minister, Science and Technology to oversee the strict implementation of relevant rules and regulations on management of hazardous wastes.

• Inter-Ministerial consultations were held to firm up India s stand which was presented at the COP-4 to the Basel Convention held during 23-27th Feb. 1998 at Kuching, Malaysia.

• Conduct of a UNCTAD programme on waste recycling, especially waste lead batteries has been approved after consultation with industries and associations.

• The Committee for grant of NOC for Import/Export of recyclable hazardous wastes has been reconstituted and a meeting was held.

• The first preparation meeting for an International Convention on POPs is scheduled for June 98. A study has been initiated to guage the implication of an International Convention.

• A study to suggest amendments to the Indian Trade Classification Harmonised System (ITC-HS) code to harmonise it with the Hazardous Waste Rules has been initiated.

• A National Poison Information Centre has been set up at of the Department of Pharmacology, AIIMS, New Delhi. The Centre has brought out a number of brochures and booklets which may help in the treatment and management of poisoning due to chemical and other products. An antidote databank is also being developed at the Centre.

• During the period under report, two meetings of the Genetic Engineering ApprovalCommittee were held on 25.7.97 and 4.11.97 to consider various proposals dealing with the manufacture, import and marketing of products based on hazardous micro-organism and genetically engineering organisms.

• The Draft for the revision of Rules for Manufacture, Use, Export, and Storage of Hazardous Micro- Organisms Genetically Engineered Micro-organisms or Cells, 1989 has been vetted by the law Ministry and the same is to be notified after obtaining necessary approvals.

• A developmental study entitled Pesticides Contamination in Nilgiri District with Special Reference to Avifauna is under progress at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) since August, 1994. The project is aimed at assessing the use of pesticides and to evaluate the present level of contamination in the Nilgiri District in selected species of birds as indicators of the quality of environment.

• A project on the Thermal Decomposition of Carbamate Pesticides is being pursued jointly by the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune and the Central Leather Research Institute, Madras. The final report is awaited.

• Draft rules for better treatment and disposal of Bio-medical wastes have been issued on 6th October 1997 and comments from the public are being received.

• Financial assistance for creation of management structures for implementation of the rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was extended to the Chief Inspectorate of Factories, Tamil Nadu and Chief Inspectorate of Factories, Uttar Pradesh this year.

• During 1997-98, under the scheme for training of various categories of personnel in the area of Accident Prevention, three level training courses have been funded to institutions suh as the Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal, National Productivity Council, New Delhi, Human Resource Development Foundation, New Delhi, Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, and National Safety Council, Bombay.

• The UN Expert Committee on Transport of Dangerous Goods has drafted a globally harmonised legislation in Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Hazardous Chemicals. The national legislation being drafted on the subject is being dovetailed with the globally harmonised system. Amendments to the Motors Vehicle Rules, 1989 are being proposed.

• Further Amendments to the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 have been finalised based on the decision of the Working Group constituted by the Ministry of Labour and comments from the implementing agencies. The draft is being finalised after vetting by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

• Amendments to the Hazardous Waste Management and Handling Rules have been finalised. The rules are being reviewed by a Committee of Experts before notification.

• A notification banning import of wastes containing the following as constituents or wastes bearing the following as contaminants viz. Beryllium, Selenium, Chromium(Hexavalant), Thallium, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides and their intermediates/residues thereof including outdated pesticides was issued on 15th April 1997.

• The second edition to the Guide to Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989 incorporating all amendments and necessary interpretations has been finalised, approved for printing and communicated to the press.

• The draft scheme for the Environment Relief Fund has been recast as amendments to the Public Liability insurance Rules, 1992. After considerable deliberations, it has been decided to seek the concurrence of the Committee of Secretaries for approving the General Insurance Corporation as the administrator of ERF.

• The National Plastic Waste Management task Force set up by the Ministry has submitted its report in August 1997 and has given a series of recommendations for effective management of plastic wastes in the country. As a follow up of the recommendation of the Task Force, an Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) has been constituted under the chairmanship of Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board for a period of two years to review the implementation of the recommendation suggested by the Task Force. The first meeting of the IMC was held during the year.

• A project for setting up of a Pilot Plant and development facility for manufacture of R-wood Products using Industrial Waste (Fly Ash & Red mud) has been sanctioned to the Regional Research Laboratory, Bhopal.

• An Interim Report on the use of Fly Ash as underground minefill to reduce environmental impact of fly ash has been obtained. The project is on-going.

• The National Productivity Council has submitted its report on survey and assessment of Plastic Waste in India. The report is being reviewed.

• An Interim Report III on use of Municipal Waste in Road Construction has been submitted by the Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi. The project is on going.

Index