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| Environment & Environment Technology |
Environmental degradation is reaching serious dimensions in India’s most important cities. India’s three largest cities are among the world’s ten most polluted cities. Ambient air quality trends in the major cities indicate levels of suspended particulate matter higher than the prescribed limits, especially in summer months. Nitrogen dioxide levels are steadily increasing in urban centres with growing vehicle emissions. |
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The major causes of degradation in other parts of India are: |
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Organic waste, industrial waste, chemical fertilizers and pesticides |
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Chemical effluents affecting the atmosphere, soil and water |
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Hazardous chemical waste into land fills |
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Deforestation caused by wanton felling of firewood and timber. |
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| While there is a well-laid out Government Policy on Environment, stringent implementation of regulations has not been possible at the ground level due to the widespread nature of the problems and the absence of any interim solutions without disrupting essential economic activity. Wherever drastic action has taken place, it has often been under the orders of the Supreme Court, issued in public interest. Important examples are: the ban on polluting vehicles in Delhi, dislocation of polluting kilns near the Taj Mahal, the ban of all timber felling in the North East areas, and the cleaning of major rivers, all being landmark rulings on public interest litigations filed by environmentalists and NGOs. |
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The Ministry of Environment and Forests is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government for the planning, promotion, coordination and overseeing the implementation of the various environmental and forestry programmes. The Ministry has also been designated as the nodal agency in the country for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
Conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife, prevention and control of pollution, afforestation and degeneration of degraded areas and protection of environment are the mandates of the Ministry. These objectives are well supported by legislative and regulatory measures, which are aimed at the preservation and protection of the environment Some of them are Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, the National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995.
Prevention and Control of Pollution
Major steps were taken for nation wide pollution prevention plan, particularly with reference to combating vehicular pollution, pollution control in 17 categories of highly polluting industries, implementation of action plans for restoration of environmental quality in critically polluted areas, noise pollution control and proper management of solid wastes, hazardous wastes and bio-medical wastes.
In India the ‘Ecomark’ label is awarded to goods meeting the specified environmental criteria and the quality requirements of Indian standards. Since 1991, Ecomark criteria for 16 product categories covering approximately 450 products have been finalized and notified.
Water Pollution
Water pollution is a major concern that is being addressed by the Ministry, with significant support from international agencies and donors.
The Central pollution Control Board has been monitoring water quality of national aquatic resources in collaboration with concerned State pollution Control Boards at 870 locations in 26 States and 5 Union Territories spread over the country. The monitoring is done on monthly or quarterly basis in surface waters and on half yearly basis in case of ground water. The monitoring network covers 168 Rivers, 53 Lakes, 5 Tanks, 2 Ponds, 3 Creeks, 3 Canals, 12 Drains and 181 Wells.
For protection of polluted areas and river stretches, critical-areas, sectors, industries, pollutants, and river stretches have been identified. Critical pollutants identified are lead, mercury, pesticide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and asbestos (air pollutant). A scheme on setting up of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in cluster of small-scale industries had been undertaken in the country under a World Bank Scheme on Industrial Pollution Control. So far, 88 CETPs have been approved for providing financial assistance. |
| Government Policy and Incentives for Pollution Control Projects |
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Subsides upto 50% of capital costs and Soft loans at liberal interest and ten year periods for Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) set up by an industrial cluster |
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Low excise duty of 5% on a list of equipment purchased for pollution control |
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Depreciation allowance upto 100% for specified anti-pollution devices for tax purposes |
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A rebate on water access charges and cess to firms having pollution control facilities |
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National Awards have been initiated for industries making significant contribution towards development and use of clean technology, products or parks that prevent pollution and finding innovative solutions to the environmental problems |
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Foreign investment is allowed up to 74% in any industrial or service venture through the automatic approval route |
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| International Cooperation initiatives include: |
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Global Environment Facility (GEF):
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) provides financing aimed at global environment protection within the framework of sustainable development. So far, sixteen projects are under implementation while three have been completed. Presently, eleven projects have been approved in principle under GEF and are in the preparatory phase. A Global Environment Cell (GEC) with UNDP assistance has been set up in the Ministry to provide support to GEF Operational Focal Point.
European Commission (EC): India-EU Environment Forum, with waste management as the main theme, under the Indian-EU Joint Working Group (JWG) on Environment
UK:India-UK High Level Dialogue on Sustainable Development, covering research and analysis in both countries; environmental integration including environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment; and engagement of the private sector
Finland:India- Finland Joint Working Group on Environment
United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA): Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Environment for policy and technical cooperation for the protection of environment as well as to pursue sustainable development. The activities covered under this MoU are environmental governance, air and water quality management, management of toxic chemicals and hazardous wastes. Projects relate to areas such as environmental health, environmental management system, environmental risk assessment and risk management, public access to environmental information, public participation in environmental decision-making environmental education, strengthening of the environmental law regime and implementation of international environmental agreements.
India –Canada Environment Facility (ICEF) : The India-Canada Environment Facility (ICEF), for undertaking projects related to the environment. The primary focus of the ICEF is to enhance the capacity of Indian institutions and organisations to promote and deliver sustainable development programs addressing the environment. The funding is provided by the Canadian International Development Agency.
Environmental Research & Development
India has launched an Environmental Research Programme (ERP) especially for dealing with problems related to air, water and soil pollution and development of suitable cost effective technology for abatement of pollution. Emphasis is given on development of eco-friendly biological and other interventions for prevention of pollution, development of strategies/technologies, instruments etc. Projects are also encouraged for development of biodegradable plastics, epidemiological studies, ways and means to reduce impact of mining, chemical pollution of soils, hazardous substances including pesticides, heavy metals, etc. Waste recycling and resource recovery from waste along with development of eco-friendly and cleaner technology are given priority.
The ERP includes research projects on multidisciplinary aspects of environment and ecological protection, conservation and management at various universities, research and development institutions and reputed non-governmental organizations of the country. It is also proposed to train officials / scientists in India and abroad to familiarize them with R & D Management in Europe and USA. India has taken up the task of preparation of State of Art Reports in 23 critical areas, which require immediate attention for promoting Research & Development. |
| Opportunities |
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Conducting studies towards understanding the cause-effect relationships between environmental factors and health. |
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Undertaking research projects on environmental issues |
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Imparting training to scientists, engineers in development and dissemination of technologies that have the potential to mitigate environmental damage and enhance human well-being – |
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Creating awareness among diverse stakeholder groups (spanning policy-makers, industry representatives, children and local communities) about risks associated with environmental damage |
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Implementing schemes for environmental control and sustainable development |
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Providing technical services to Government Pollution Control departments – including impact assessment studies |
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Setting up industrial parks with complete pollution control infrastructure in areas like leather tanning, dyes and intermediates, etc |
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Setting up Common Effluent Treatment Plants. |
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ICREON