[Ganga Action Plan Phase I and Phase II, National River Conservation Plan, Yamuna, Gomti and Damodar Action Plans, Industrial Pollution Control along Rivers and Lakes, National Lake Conservation Plan, National Afforestation and Eco-development Board]
The activities of the GAP-Phase-I initiated in 1985 were continued during the year. The Steering committee of the National River Conservation Authority (NRCA) under the Chairmanship of Secretary (E & F) met thrice to review the progress of the GAP and other on-going schemes relating to river cleaning. The Monitoring Committee of the NRCA under the Chairmanship of Member, Planning Commission met twice to review the progress of various schemes and their impact on the river water quality.
Out of the 261 schemes of pollution abatement sanctioned at a total cost of Rs. 462.04 crores under GAP Phase-I, 258 schemes have been completed. The remaining schemes except one scheme of Bihar where land acquisition is under litigation will attain completion in West Bengal and Bihar by 31.03.2000. The State-wise distribution of schemes sanctioned and completed is given in Table-14. The total expenditure incurred on the implementation of the programme is 451.70 crores.
Distribution of completed schemes by type and state in GAP-I
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.No. Type of Schemes Uttar Pradesh Bihar West Bengal Total -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Sewage Interception & diversion 40 17 31 88 (40) (17) (31) (88) 2. Sewage Treatment Plants 13 5 14 32 (13) (7) (15) (35) 3. Low Cost Sanitation 14 7 22 43 (14) (7) (22) (43) 4. Electric Crematorium 3 8 17 28 (3) (8) (17) (28) 5. River Front Facilities 8 3 24 35 (8) (3) (24) (35) 6. Other Schemes 28 3 1 32 (28) (3) (1) (32) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 106 43 109 258 (106) (45) (110) (261) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Figure in brackets indicates total no. of schemes). Total number of ongoing schemes (state-wise) is as follows : -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type of Scheme Uttar Pradesh Bihar West Bengal Total -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Sewage Treatment Plants 0 2 1 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 0 2 1 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Out of the total sewage generation of 1340 mld from 25 class I towns (as of 1985), it was targeted to intercept, divert and treat 873 mld of sewage under GAP Phase-I. As against this target, capacity to treat 835 mld has been commissioned so far.
The water quality of river Ganga is monitored regularly at 27 locations from Rishikesh in Uttar Pradesh to Uluberia in West Bengal by reputed academic institutions such as Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL), Haridwar, CPCB Zonal Office, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and Patna University. As a result of the schemes completed under GAP Phase-I, the water quality of river Ganga has shown improvement in respect of the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) which is a major indicator of pollution. The summer average values of two important river water quality parameter. viz. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) for some of the important monitoring stations on river Ganga is give Table-15.
Summer Average Values for Water Quality on Main Stem of River Ganga under Ganga Action Plan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Station Name Distance Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in Km (mg/1) (mg/1) 1986 1999 1986 1999 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rishikesh 0 8.1 0 1.7 1.0 Hardar D/S 30 8.1 8.6 1.8 1.2 Garhmutkeshwar 175 7.8 7.9 2.2 1.4 Kannauj U/S 430 7.2 7.1 5.5 5.3 Kannauj D/S 433 NA 8.8 NA 4.8 Kanpur U/S 530 7.2 6.8 7.2 4.6 Kanpur D/S 548 6.7 7.5 8.6 6.5 Allahabad U/S 733 6.4 8.8 11.4 1.8 Allahabad D/S 743 6.6 7.9 15.5 3.2 Varanasi U/S 908 5.6 8.2 10.1 2.2 Varanasi D/S 916 5.9 8.4 10.6 3.7 Patna U/S 1188 8.4 7.7 2.0 1.9 Patna D/S 1198 8.1 7.8 2.2 2.4 Rajmahal 1508 7.8 7.5 1.8 1.5 Palta 2050 NA NA NA NA Uluberia 2500 NA NA NA NA --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Mean value for the months of March to June when the temperatures are high and flows are low. NA — Data not available.
A comprehensive evaluation of GAP by independent agencies (universities and R & D institutions) was undertaken in April, 1995. A cost benefit analysis of GAP was undertaken with the assistance of the Department for International Development (DFID) of U.K. The conclusions and recommendations of these studies are being used to bring about improvement in the subsequent Ganga Action Plan Phase-II and the National River Conservation Plan.
The provision of Rs. 25.30 crores made towards the Central share for operation and maintenance of major GAP assets has now been fully utilized. With this, the responsibility of operation and maintenance of assets rests solely with the concerned State Government.
Reports received from the monitoring agencies indicate that the operation and maintenance of assets is not satisfactory in Bihar due to the inability of the State Government to provide adequate funds for this purpose. In the State of U.P., the impact of the GAP on river water quality is not fully realized due to (a) inadequate municipal infrastructure for maintenance of sewerage systems and (b) erratic power supply for operation of assets like pumping stations, treatment plants, electric crematoria etc. Operation and maintenance of assets is generally satisfactory in West Bengal.
National River Conservation Plan including Ganga Action Plan Phase - II
Though a Government Resolution dated 5.12.1996 GAP Phase-II has been merged with the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). Thus the expanded NRCP covers 141 towns located along 22 inter-State river in 14 States. The total cost of the schemes is Rs. 2013.40 crores. During the 8th Five Year Plan, NRCD and GAP Phase-II were Centrally Sponsored Schemes with 50:50 cost sharing between the Central government and the concerned State Governments. The NRCA at its IX meeting held on 12.07.1997 decided to convert NRCP into a 100% funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme w.e.f. 1.04.1997 (IX Plan). The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. approved the 100% funding pattern in November, 1998. This decision which took retrospective effect from 1.04.1997 reduced the share of the states from Rs. 1011.97 crores to Rs. 237.78 crores i.e. a reduction of amount 774 crores. The share of the Government of India is Rs. 1776.18 crores. The Operation and Maintenance cost will be the responsibility of the State Government.
Under this Action Plan, pollution abatement works are being taken up in 21 towns. Of these 12 are in Haryana, 8 in Uttar Pradesh besides Delhi. So far 31 schemes have been completed.
Out of the project outlay of Rs. 496.45 crore the expenditure incurred totals to Rs. 390.84 crore External assistance of Yen 17.77 billion is being provided by OECF, Japan to part finance the Yamuna Action Plan. The physical progress achieved under the Yamuna Action Plan so far is 72% and the plan is to be completed by June, 2000.
Under this component, pollution abatement works are being taken up along the Gomti river in Lucknow, Sultanpur and Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. About 269 mld of sewage is targeted to be intercepted, diverted and treated under this action plan.
Out of the project outlay of Rs. 58.11 crore, the expenditure incurred totals to Rs. 12.42 crore. The physical progress achieved under the Gomti Action Plan so far is about 40% Subsequent to the CCEA’s approval in 1993, the Gomti Action Plan was posted to the UK Govt. for funding. The UK Govt. agreed to fund pollution abatement works in Lucknow town only in two phases. The First Phase comprising certain emergency works and master plan preparation finished in march, 1999. However, the Govt. of UK delayed the decisions for funding the main action programme (under the Second Phase of its project) and finally in August, 1997 refused to fund it. Thus work under the major component of Gomti Action Plan (out of the total CCEA provision of Rs. 58.11 crore for schemes implementation under GoAP, more than Rs. 50 crore is for Lucknow) could not be started even four years. after the approval of the CCEA. Subsequently, the Govt. of UP submitted revised cost estimates for Rs. 237.40 crore, which was far in excess of the originally approved outlay. Moreover the choice of technology made by Govt. of UP was not designed to control the microbial pollution to the prescribed standards. The Govt. of UP has been requested to examine the possibility of utilizing waste stabilization pond technology to control microbial pollution so as to be able to treat waste water to the desired standards.
Under this Action Plan, pollution abatement works are being taken up in 12 towns. Of these 8 are in Bihar and 4 in West Bengal. However, due to low priority given by West Bengal and problems of operation and maintenance of GAP Phase I assets in Bihar, work on DAP has not progressed.
Ganga Action Plan Main Stem (GAP-II, M.S.)
Under this Action Plan, pollution abatement works are being taken up in 29 towns. Of these 10 are in U.P, 11 in Bihar and 8 in West Bengal A total 35 schemes of pollution abatement have been sanctioned so far no scheme has been completed under this action plan. About 618 mld of sewage is targeted to be intercepted, diverted and treated.
This plan includes substantial outlays for scheme implementation in the towns of Allahabad, Kanpur and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. While the schemes in Kanpur are being taken up under the Indo-Dutch cooperation project and are being progressively sanctioned, the schemes in Allahabad and Varanasi have been finalised by the Govt. of UP only in July 99 & March 99 respectively. However, in Varanasi the schemes cleared by the Govt. of UP do not have the approval of the local body thus adding further to the delay. Schemes in Bihar are only being sanctioned after due scrutiny and examination owing to the poor performance of the State Govt. in the operation and maintenance of assets created under Ganga Action Plan Phase-I and the diversion of funds released for GAP-I works for other purposes by the State Government. The schemes in West Bengal have been duly prioritized and are proceeding at a steady pace.
Out of the project outlay of Rs. 443 crore, the expenditure incurred totals of Rs. 15.54 crore. The expenditure under this plan will pick up substantially, particularly in UP and West Bengal in the remaining years of the IX Plan.
Ganga Action Plan - Supreme Court Towns (GAP-II S.C.)
Under this Action Plan, pollution abatement works are being taken up in 30 towns. Of these 12 are in U.P., 3 in Bihar and 15 in West Bengal. About 162 mld of sewage is targeted to be intercepted, diverted and treated.
Out of the total project outlay of Rs. 209.90 crore, the expenditure incurred is Rs. 2.43 crore. The slow progress is due to problems of land availability in most of the towns.
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)
The National River Conservation Plan was launched in 1995 to cover 18 major rivers in 10 States of the country. Under this plan, pollution abatement works are being taken up in 46 towns. Of these 4 are in Andhra Pradesh, 3 in Bihar, 1 in Gujarat, 8 in Karnataka, 4 in Maharashtra, 11 in Madhya Pradesh, 4 in Orissa, 4 in Punjab, 2 in Rajasthan and 4 in Tamil Nadu. 159 schemes of pollution abatement have been sanctioned and 37 schemes have been completed so far under this action plan. About 1928 mld of sewage is targeted to be intercepted, diverted and treated.
Under the Indo-Dutch Sanitation Project, a common conveyance and treatment system continued to be operated for about 175 tanneries at Jajmau in Kanpur. This has helped in preventing the discharge of untreated/partly treated effluent of tanneries into river. A common effluent treatment plant for a cluster of tanneries is also proposed to set up in Calcutta under the Ganga Action Plan Phase-II.
Industrial Pollution Control along the Rivers and Lakes
In addition to 68 identified industries in the GAP Phase-I, 119 units have been further identified as grossly polluting industries in the state of U.P., Bihar and West Bengal along the river Ganga. Out of these 119 units, 83 units are in U.P., 3 in Bihar and 33 in West Bengal. Accordingly to the status report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) by September 30, 1999, 18 units in U.P., 2 in Bihar and 30 units in West Bengal were complying with effluent standards. 61 units in UP are defaulting facing action under the provisions of the Water Act 1974. In all 8 units are closed in these three States. (UP-4, Bihar-1 & West Bengal-3). State-wise distribution of these units has been shown in Table-16.
Statewise Distribution (as on September 30, 1999)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sl. State Total No. of No. of No. of No. of No. Industries Industries Industries Industries Complying Defaulting Closed ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Uttar Pradesh 83 18 61 04 2. Bihar 03 02 00 01 3. West Bengal 33 30 00 03 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 119 50 61 8 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As per the directives of NRCA, the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committee (PCCs) in Union Territories, were requested by the CPCB to initiated necessary action against defaulting units and send the list of them. The criteria defined for identification of grossly polluting industries was followed which include those which, (i) discharge their effluents into a water course including rivers. and lakes, and (ii) are either involved of hazardous substances or discharge effluents with a BOD of 100 kg/day or more of both. This resulted into identification of a total of 847 defaulting industries from 15 states/UTs, which included 366 defaulters. in the state of Tamil Nadu. This list has been further revised and No. of defaulting industries as on March, 1999 is 514. The Summary Status of Pollution Control in grossly polluting industries has been given in Table-17.
Summary Status of Pollution Control in Grossly Polluting Industries discharging their effluents into Rivers and Lakes (as on March 31, 1999)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S.No. Name of the State/UT No. of No. of No. of No. of defaulters. Complying Industries defaulters. (as on Industries after Closed August ‘97) issuance of directions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Andhra Pradesh 55 19 08 28 2. Assam 07 00 04 03 3. Bihar 14 10 04 00 4. Gujarat 17 03 00 14 5. Haryana 21 04 05 12 6. Karnataka 20 14 00 06 7. Kerala 36 32 04 00 8. Madhya Pradesh 02 00 00 02 9. Maharashtra 06 01 03 02 10. Orissa 09 03 01 05 11. Pondicherry 04 01 00 03 12. Punjab 18 04 02 12 13. Tamil Nadu 366 37 62 267 14. Uttar Pradesh 242 57 41 144 15. West Bengal 30 08 06 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 847 193 140 514 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The criteria for identification of grossly pollution industries has been further revised after discussion with CPCB and SPCBs. The new criteria for inventorying grossly polluting industries are as follows:
Industries discharging effluent into the rivers. and lakes directly or indirectly and effluent having BOD load of 100 kg or more before treatment; or
Industrial effluents containing toxicants having the effluent quantity of 2 KLD or more and discharging directly or indirectly into the rives. and lakes; or
Thermal power plants and coal washeries; or
A CETP or a cluster of industry covered/proposed to be covered under Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP).
Besides continuing the water quality monitoring of the rivers. Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Hindon and Western Yamuna Canal under Phase-I and II, water quality monitoring has also been initiated for the rivers. Sutluj in Punjab and Betwa, Tapti, Khan, Kshipra, Narmada, Wainganga and Chambal in Madhya Pradesh, Godavari in Andhra Pradesh and Cauvery in Tamil Nadu. Suitable institutions for taking up water quality monitoring in other rivers. covered under NRCP have been identified and the process of monitoring shall be taken up shortly. All the participating laboratories involved in water quality monitoring have been subjected to Analytical Quality Control (AQC) by the CPCB. The institutes/universities carrying out the water quality monitoring have been entrusted with the additional responsibility of evaluating the performance of the sewage treatment plants set up.
The environmental standards followed by NRCD have been synchronized with those prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Earlier, the NRCD adopted the following standards for Bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) for the use of treated waster water on land.
BOD - 50 mg/litre
TSS - 50 mg/litre
The NRCD has now adopted the standards prescribed by the CPCB as BOD - 100 mg/litre and TSS- 200 mg/litre, thus, (a) reducing the cost of sewage treatment substantially, and (b) conserving valuable organic matter in treated sewage which will be highly useful for irrigation.
At the same time, the standards for levels of microbial pollution in river water and treated wastewater for irrigation have been made stricter in the interest of public health.
River water
Fecal coliform count of MPN
500 per 100 ml. (Desirable)
Fecal coliform count of MPN
2500 per 100 ml (Maximum permissible).
Treated wastewater
Fecal coliform count of irrigation
(Desirable) MPN 1000 per
100 ml.
Fecal coliform count of
MPN - 10000
per 100 ml (Maximum
permissible)
Only waste stablization pond technology, which is Eco-friendly and simple to operate, will be mainly supported to treat wastewater now onwards. This decision marks a decisive shift from the past. The earlier technologies adopted were power intensive and capital intensive, technologically more complicated and difficult to operate and maintain. The waste stabilization ponds in contrast can be constructed and maintained by the local community and are not power dependent. The waste stabilization pond technology is recognised to be the only cost effective technology, the world over, capable of killing pathogens to make the levels of microbial pollution in treated waste water safe for agriculture, aqua - culture and bathing. Land is the primary requirement for waste stabilization pond technology. The procurement of land should be arranged speedily by the State Governments so that additional projects can be executed without and delay. A committee of experts, which examined the technology, options in case sufficient land was not available for adoption of waste stabilization pond technology also recommended that a thorough search followed by a public hearing must be ensured to locate sufficient land. In extreme cases where land is not available then conventional technologies followed by maturation ponds could be considered. But achievement of standards is in no way to be compromised. Since, river water is extensively used in our country for bathing, this shift in technology with a focus on reducing microbial pollution makes the approach people friendly and relevant for health.
All treated wastewater (treated to appropriate environmental standards) shall be used for irrigation instead of being discharged back into the river. This will have the following impacts:
Protect the river by eliminating the discharge of organic matter into it and, thus, improve its ecology. The river will no longer be used as a dumping ground to receive waster water.
Provide clean and fresh water for bathers. and communities dependent on the rivers.
Prevent degradation of the soil by providing the rich organic matter in treated sewage to the fields, thus, reducing their dependence on chemical fertilizers. for crop nourishment.
Increase agriculture fields by enabling multiple crops to be raised on the same extent of land by making available treated waste water throughout the year for areas which are otherwise starved of water for irrigation.
Ensure a proper ecological balance since organic matter will be taken to its place of origin, namely, land in the rural areas.
Promote in - land aqua - culture and fisheries and, thus help to supplement the income of the rural farmer.
Help in recharging the groundwater table, and
Avoid the use of power for exploiting ground water, thus, conserving scarce national resources.
An important objective of the Ninth Plan is to ensure environmental sustainability of the development process through participation of people at all levels. This has been incorporated in the Ganga Action Plan. The monitoring reports prepared on important parameters. like BOD, DO and Coliform were published as water quality bulletin and distributed to all the implementing agencies, State Pollution Control Boards, Enforcement Agencies and Planning Commission. Subsequently data on critical parameters is being published in leading newspapers. by Pollution Control Boards. This practice is being followed diligently so as to create awareness amongst the general public about the serious problem of River Water Pollution. Informed citizens are capable of taking preventive and corrective action with respect to River Water Pollution. In this way they complement the regulatory and the market-based instruments enforced to deal with water pollution.
Citizen’s Monitoring Committees are being constituted in every town where the NRCP is being executed. The constitution of the Committee has been a pre-condition for sanction of schemes. In addition, Divisional Review Committees and a Monitoring Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister of the States are also reviewing the progress of works.
A sum of Rs. 7.95 crore has been embarked for public participation in various towns under the NRCP (including GAP Phase-II). Detailed guidelines for taking up activities under public participation were finalised by the NRCD in consultation with leading NGOs. These have been circulated to the State Governments. Detailed Project Reports under the Yamuna Action Plan are now being approved under public participation. Moreover, padyatras, rallies, shramdan activities are also being taken up through directly assisting reliable and effective Non-Govt. organisation operating in the towns covered under GAP Phase-II. Since the river action plans / GAP require the baking of the public for effective implementation, a committee was constituted for ascertaining the opinions of leading NGOs, public health engineer and environmentalists with regard to the manner of implementation. The reports prepared by the Committee are being given due consideration while formulating the schemes under the river action plan to make them more responsive to the needs of the public.
National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP)
In 1993, National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP), was carved out of Wetland Programme to focus on urban lakes which are subjected to anthropogenic pressures. Lakes were identified under this Programme falling in major towns. Out of these, Bhoj lake from Madhya Pradesh is already getting assistance under funds provided by OECF, Japan. The Government after getting pre-feasibility reports (PFRs.) from 10 concerned State Governments, where the lakes have been identified for conservation, posed the whole project at a total cost of Rs. 637 crores to Cabinet Committee for approval. However, the Ministry was directed to seek assistance from foreign funding agencies and come back to CCEA for approval of the scheme. Only in principle approval was given for Dal Lake Conservation Programme (DLCP) in Jammu & Kashmir.
National Lake Conservation Plan was posed to different external agencies for funding, out of which World Bank evinced some interest. A concept paper was made and was sent to World Bank. Terms of reference of the project were finalised. World Bank specifically selected three wetlands viz. Ropar, Kanjli and Harike from Punjab and two wetlands viz. Sambhar and Udaipur Lake Complex from Rajasthan for undertaking conservation programme. However, as per recent guidelines of World Bank, the concerned State Govts have been requested to send the proposal to the World Bank. Work on DLCP, approved in principle by Cabinet Committee is in progress. An amount of Rs. 25 crores has been released to the State Government as additional Plan assistance.
Improvement in the River Action Plan
The NRCD has undertaken a series of measures to improve the performance. Keeping in mind the experience gained by the implementation of GAP-I, the important measures include:
To avoid diversion of funds by State Governments, it has now been decided to make releases of money directly to the implementing agencies.
To minimize slippage on account of delays in land acquisition, the State Governments have been asked to process the schemes of land acquisition first before the schemes of sewage treatment plants etc. are approved.
A Standing Committee on the National River Conservation Authority (NRCA) has been constituted under the Union Minister of Environment & Forests to enable a more frequent review of the progress of these programmes.
A Project Advisory Committee has also been constituted to strengthen local stakeholderships, Mayors. and Chairmen of the respective local bodies as members of this committee.
The matter of continuous supply of electricity for operation of assets has also been taken up at the highest levels with the Governments of Bihar and U.P. concurrently, on the directions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the State Pollution Control Board have issued show cause notices to the local bodies which are responsibly for non-operation of assets in Bihar and U.P. under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. CPCB has also issued notices to such local bodies under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
In order to address the problem of bacterial pollution, it has been decided to use Waste Stabilization based technology for sewage treatment and use the treated sewage for irrigation purposes.
The core schemes of STPs and interception and diversion account for the major expenditure under the River Action Plans. The impact of these programmes on the public will be visible only when non-point sources of pollution as disposal of garbage, cattle sheds along the river banks, cattle wallowing in the river and disposal of dead bodies and animal carcasses are simultaneously tackled by the local bodies. The Ministry proposes to appoint a Technical Group from IIT, Kanpur to carry out a detailed survey at Kanpur of the extent of pollution of the river from non-point sources.
It is proposed to execute Memoranda of Understanding between the Central Government, the State Governments and respective local bodies to ensure operation and maintenance of assets as well as pollution abatement from other non-point sources like garbage, cattle washing in river, cattle sheds and open defecation along the bank on a sustainable basis.
A new criteria has been introduced while examining the project proposals where the financial status of the local bodies of each Action Plan town is being evaluated and schemes are approved only when a firm commitment for appraisal and maintenance is a available from them.
Regular consultations with Members. of Parliament, MLAs and Mayors. Presidents in the major Ganga Action Plan towns are being held to discuss outstanding problems of operation and maintenance, delay in implementation of the programmes and measures necessary to control pollution from non-point sources.
A scheme of ‘Green Rating’ of municipal towns is proposed to be introduced under which large towns will be rated on the basis of overall cleanliness and hygiene. ‘Green Rating’ proposal for Kanpur and Delhi has already been sanctioned.
The environmental standards for river water quality have been synchronized with those prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board. The NRCD has now adopted the standards prescribed by the CPCB under the Environment Protection Act, for the application of treatment waste water for irrigation, thus, (a) reducing the cost of sewage treatment substantially, and (b) conserving valuable organic matter in treated sewage which will be highly useful for irrigation. At the same time, the standards of levels of Microbial pollution in treated waste water for irrigation have been prescribed in the interest of public health.
A committee of NGOs, environmentalists and public health engineers. has been constituted for suggesting measures of improvements in the river action plans. The recommendations of the committee are being given due consideration while formulating the Schemes under the river action plans to make them more responsive to the needs of the public.
National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board
The National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB) was set up in the Ministry of Environment and Forests in August, 1992. Prior to this, the National Wastelands Development Board (NWDB) was functioning in the Ministry with the mandate of regeneration of forest as well as non-forest lands in the country. In 1992, NWDB was transferred to the newly created Department of Wastelands Development in the Ministry of Rural Development, with the revised mandate of regenerating degraded non-forest and private lands, while NAEB was given the task of promoting afforestation, tree planting, ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the country, with special attention to degraded forest areas and land adjoining forest areas, national parks, sanctuaries and other protected areas, as well as ecologically fragile areas like the Western Himalayas, Aravallis, Western Ghats, etc.
The mandate of the NAEB is as follows:
Evolve mechanisms for ecological restoration of degraded forest areas and adjoining lands through systematic planning and implementation, in a cost effective manner.
Restore through natural regeneration or appropriate intervention the forest cover in the country for ecological security and to meet the fuelwood, fodder and other needs of the rural communities;
Restore fuelwood, fodder, timber and other forest produce on the degraded forest and adjoining lands in order to meet the demands for these items;
Sponsor research and extension of research findings to disseminate new and proper technologies for the regeneration and development of degraded forest areas and adjoining lands;
Create general awareness and help foster people’s movement for promoting afforestation and eco-development with the assistance of voluntary agencies, non-government organizations, Panchayati Raj institutions and others. and promote participatory and sustainable management of degraded forest areas and adjoining lands;
Coordinate and monitor the Action Plans for afforestation, tree planting, ecological restoration and eco-development; and
Undertake all other measures necessary for promoting afforestation, tree planing, ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the country.
The National Forest Policy, 1988, lays specific emphasis, inter alia, on securing the participation of local communities in the management and development of forests, while meeting the subsistence needs, particularly of fuelwood and fodder, of these communities to achieve sustainable environmental development as well as forest conservation. NAEB has evolved specific schemes for promoting afforestation and management strategies, which help the States in developing, specific afforestation and eco-development packages for augmenting biomass production through a participatory planning process of Joint Forest Management. A brief description of these schemes operated by NAEB is on Follows:
Integrated Afforestation and Eco-Development Projects Scheme
This 100% centrally sponsored scheme is intended to promote afforestation and development of degraded forests by adopting an integrated approach to the development of land and other related natural resources on watershed basis through the micro-planning process. The total central assistance provided to the states under the schemes was Rs. 203.12 crores, the physical achievement being 2,98,981 ha. The revised Ninth Plan allocation for the scheme is Rs. 273.87 crores Out of the total budget of Rs. 38 crores for 1999-2000, Rs. 38 crores had been released as on 7.3.2000. One hundred and four projects have been sanctioned so far to the States in the Ninth Plan with a total outlay of Rs. 211.35 crores.
Area Oriented Fuelwood and Fodder Projects Scheme
This centrally sponsored scheme is implemented on 50:50 sharing basis with the State Governments with a view to augment production of fuelwood and fodder in the 242 identified fuelwood deficient districts of the country to meet the needs of the communities. The revised Ninth Plan allocation for the scheme is Rs. 200 crores and out of budget allocation of Rs. 35 crores during 1999-2000, Rs. 24.74 crores had been released as on 7.3.2000. Twenty-five projects have been sanctioned so far to the States in the Ninth Plan with a total outlay of Rs. 200 crores.
Conservation and Development of Non -Timber Forest including Medicinal Plant Schemes
Under this 100% centrally sponsored scheme, financial assistance is provided to the State Governments for increasing production of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) including Medicinal Plants. It has a special focus on tribal population for whom NTFP is an important source of livelihood. The revised Ninth Plan allocation for the scheme is Rs. 80.50 crores. Out of total budget allocation of Rs. 12 crores during 99-2000, Rs. 11.32 crores had been releasedas on 7.3.2000. Twentyfive projects have been sanctioned so far to the States in the Ninth Plan with a total outlay of Rs. 63.50 crores.
Implementation of IAEP, AOFFP and NTFP Schemes during the 9th Plan
Four key elements are being emphasised in the above three schemes during the Ninth Five Year Plan. These are: Promotion of Joint Forest Management, Micro planning, incorporation of Improved Technologies, where necessary, during the nursery raising/plantation, and Monitoring and Evaluation of the projects. The other features are:
The watershed/catchment area approach will continue to be followed wherever possible.
Planting will be permitted up to the 5th year of the project to allow full establishment of VFPCs/JFM etc. Five years. of maintenance will be permitted for all plantations as compared to the 2-3 years, allowed earlier.
Trees and Pastures Seed Development Scheme
The State Governments are assisted under this 100% centrally sponsored Scheme to develop infrastructure facilities to generate quality seeds, which would lead to the growth of healthy and better quality trees. Financial assistance is provided to the states to develop facilities for collection, storage, testing, certification and distribution of quality seeds. From 1998-99, seed production of pasture grasses and legumes including selection of superior of superior stands of endemic grasses, their collection, processing, storage and distribution has also been included in the scheme. A one-time central assistance is provided to the States to meet non-recurring expenses relating to infrastructure development, while State Governments meet all recurring expenditure. The revised Ninth Plan allocation for the scheme is Rs. 11.30 crores. Out of total budget allocation of Rs. 1.80 crores during 99-2000, Rs. 0.56 crores has been released as on 7.3.2000. Seventeen projects have been sanctioned so far to the States in the Ninth Plan with a total outlay of Rs. 7.04 crores.
In tune with the philosophy of eliciting and nurturing people’s participation, the Board provides financial assistance to Non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and Voluntary Agencies (VAs) for afforestation and tree planting activities under this scheme. During 1999-2000 against an allocation of Rs. 2 crores Rs. 1.87 crores had been released as on 7.3.2000 to various NGOS and VAs.
Four Eco-Task Forces (ETFs) of ex-servicemen are being funded by the NAEB. These ETFs comprise of ex-servicemen and are commanded by serving JCOs and Commissioned Officers. Forest Departments of the State Governments, in which the ETFs are located, provide technical support to the ETFs. The activities undertaken include afforestation, pasture development, soil and water conservation and other restorative works. The 9th plan allocation for the scheme is Rs. 24.00 crores. Budget allocation of the Scheme for 1999-2000 is Rs. 8.00 crores against which 7.42 crores had been reimbursed as on 7.3.2000. The ETFs are presently located at Kiarkuli (U.P.), Bikaner (Raj.), Samba (J&K), Pithoragarh (U.P.).
NAEB has been designated as the nodal agency in the Centre for monitoring the progress of afforestation and seedling distribution under point No. 16(a) and (b) of the Twenty Point Programme. Afforestation and tree planting activities are taken up through the schemes of Ministries of Environment and Forests, Rural Development, Agriculture and Cooperation, Water Resources Development, as also through the funds provided under the State Plans. The performance during the Eighth Five Year Plan, and in the Ninth Plan so far is given in Table-18.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial Year Targets Achievements Seedlings Area Covered Seedlings Area Covered Distribution (Public lands Distribution (Public lands (for planting on including forest foor planting on including forest private lands) lands) in private lands) lands) in Nos. in Lakhs hectares Nos. in Lakhs hectares -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eighth Plan 62,585.11 55,22,201.00 55,790.00 50,67,030.18 1997-98 11,166.10 11,46,800.00 10,335.63 9,65,638.15 1998-99 11,166.10 11,75,000.00 9,377.86 11,05,275.67 1999-2000 12,130.35 13,18,480.00 6,905.15* 8,88,124.96* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Tentative
It is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme started in pursuance of the National Forest Policy, 1988 in the VIII Plan to associate trebles and other local poor people in rehabilitation of degraded forests in tribal dominant areas. Besides improving the forest cover of degraded forests, the scheme also aims to providing wage employment and usufructs to the tribal people.
The specific objectives of the scheme are:
To improve forest based biomass resource base in degraded forests and to manage it on a sustained basis for domestic needs of the identified communities.
To involve local scheduled tribes and other rural poor in protection and development of degraded forests.
To provide gainful employment and a sustainable economic base to scheduled tribes and rural poor in the vicinity of their habitation.
The scheme during the VIII Plan was implemented in nine States namely, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Orissa, Rajasthan, and West Bengal with a total outlay of Rs. 735 lakhs. The target for regeneration was 10550 ha. During the Plan period 8330 ha degraded forests were rehabilitated and another 2240 ha area was covered during 1997-98 as spill over works. The target for the IX Plan is 15677 ha. including 5677 ha. spill over target of the VIII plan to be completed in the IX plan. Total Financial outlay of the scheme in the IX Plan is Rs 1500 lakh. State-wise details of the scheme for the current Plan is given in Table-19.
State-wise target, budget allocation, and amount released during the year 1998-99 and 1999-2000 (up to 1.1.2000) during the IX Plan period
Amount sanctioned & released (Rs. in lakh) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S. No. State Target (ha.) Fin. Sanction Release during Release during for the Plan for the 9th plan 1998-99 1999-2000 (Rs. in Lakhs) (1.1.2000) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Andhra Pradesh 550 64.35 6.552 19.656 2 Bihar 1200 157.60 32.860 0.000 3 Gujarat 750 99.45 14.040 15.000 4 J&K 780 98.51 12.168 16.000 5 Karnataka 1000 130.50 18.720 10.000 6 Madhya Pradesh 1650 219.37 51.680 50.000 7 Maharashtra 11000 148.29 5.000 16.510 8 Manipur 750 89.21 9.360 10.000 9 Mizoram 500 59.67 6.552 18.018 10 Nagaland 500 59.67 6.000 0.000 11 Tripura 420 48.73 4.550 8.000 12 Rajasthan 800 107.64 15.910 32.058 13 W. Bengal 200 32.76 0.000 0.000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 10,200 1315.75 183.392 195.242 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition Rs. 230.569 lakh have been provided to complete the spill over target of 5677 ha. of the 8th Plan as well as for the maintenance of some of the plantations raised during the 8th Plan.
New technologies and methodologies of participatory management, eco-development and regeneration of degraded forests are being progressively developed. In order to share such experience and technologies widely, NAEB documents such developments and the related information in the form of publications, and shares these with State Governments, NGOs, and all other concerned agencies. The Board has brought out a number of publications for the purposes of dissemination. During 1999-2000, a compilation comprising success stories of individual, community and corporate sector efforts in afforestation proposed to be brought out.
Augmenting Women's Participation in Forestry
In order to promote the role of women in forestry, an Advisory Committee was constituted by the NAEB in October 1998 to examine the issues related to women’s participation in forest management and afforestation programme in the country and to suggest the intervention considered necessary, both at the policy and the field levels, to actively promote women’s participation in the forestry sector. The Final Report of the Advisory Group was received in September 1999.
The Board has seven Regional Centres located in universities and national level institutions. These Centres help NAEB in promoting extension of replicable technologies and dissemination of research findings. They provide technical and extension support to the State Forest Departments in preparing projects for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining lands with people’s participation, and also act as fora for the exchange of ideas and experiences amongst the states of the region as well across the regions. In addition, these centres carry out problem-specific studies as well as evaluation of NAEB’s programmes in the field, organize training and workshops on relevant topics. The centres, and the states they cover, are given in Annexure-II.