A. Industrial pollution control
It is proposed to ensure that large and medium polluting industrial units and stand alone polluting small scale industrial units (SSIs) install and operate pollution control devices and meet the norms. It will be ensured that small industries located in clusters and in industrial estates are covered under common effluent treatment plants (CETPs). Siting of pollution industries will be insisted to conform to the zoning plan which would be integrated with state industrial policy. Action plans will be effectively implemented to reduce pollution in all the critically polluted areas.

B. Water pollution control
Most of the rivers, streams, and large stretches of the coastal marine environment in India are highly polluted with municipal waste, waste generated from industry, chemical agents from fertilizers, pesticides from crop protection, and silt from degraded catchments.
Untreated sewage and other non- industrial wastes account for four times as much
pollution as industrial effluent. In the major cities, less than 50 per cent of the total
wastewater generated is collected and less than one- fourth is treated. The consequence of such pollution is high levels of waterborne diseases which account for two-thirds of all illnesses in India with a significant loss in productivity. Although there is a Coastal Regulation Zone Notification designed to protect the coastal marine ecosystems, implementation is weak and marine pollution continues largely unabated (15). Close monitoring of the discharge of industrial effluents into water bodies will be
enforced. A comprehensive plan is proposed to be prepared for setting up of sewage
treatment facilities in 1,591 towns having populations more than 20,000). Over extraction of groundwater will be regulated. Areas of groundwater pollution will be identified and a plan will be implemented to contain this.
9

C. Air pollution control
Air quality in India's major cities indicate that ambient levels of nitrous oxides, sulphur dioxide, lead and suspended particulate matter are often higher than World Health Organization and Indian standards. Sulfur dioxide levels in nine of the country's major cities exceed national standards. Other harmful substances such as ozone are not monitored. Major contributors to air pollution problems in India include thermal power stations, industrial factories, vehicles, and the use of non-commercial fuels such as coal briquettes, animal dung and trash by large sections of the population. The negative environmental effects from increased fossil fuel use will likely increase as India seeks to meet the energy demands of its expanding economy. Coal will play a predominant role in this expansion. The major pollutants from coal exploitation include the principal green house gases (GHGs), particulate air emissions, coal mining runoff and wastes, and coal ash solid wastes which pose a large-scale disposal problem (16).
In view of the fact that cooperation of the state government is an essential factor in
successfully implementing pollution control programmes, it is proposed to work with the state government for preparing location specific plans for reducing automobile pollution, and prevention of burning of biomass/garbage or any other material (except approved fuel) in the cities and towns to reduce secondary sources of air pollution. It is also proposed to set up a national network of air pollution monitoring stations for the parameters notified in respect of ambient air quality standards and for parameters for which standards have been prescribed for various sources. A database of pollutants releases into the air from different sources will be built up.

D. Strengthening of central and state pollution controls board
The board targets/activities proposed under the above are the training of officers, upgradation of laboratories, capacity building in state pollution control boards / pollution control centers of the Northeast and in the new states of Uttranchal, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand.
Economic instruments for prevention and control of pollution will be evolved. To
implement the various economic instruments, specific proposals will be formulated
keeping in view the relevant considerations which may require a separate set up.

E. Environmental impact of human health
Environmental studies will be initiated to assess the impact of various pollutants on
human health. Measures will be taken to control/eliminate major source of pollutants
which have an adverse effect on human health. Phasing out of highly polluting obsolete technologies is also envisaged during the Tenth Plan period.

F. Hazardous substance management
Comprehensive national chemical profiles are proposed to be prepared. Emergency
response centers will be established in all industrial pockets with a large number of
accident hazards units as also inventorisation of isolated storage of hazardous chemicals.
Some of the other goals set for the Tenth Plan include effective implementation of the
10
Public Liability Insurance Act; preparation of database on risk-prone areas; setting up of hard hazardous-based disposal facilities in all states where significant quantities of hazardous waste are being generated; establishment of sub-regional training centers for implementation of the Basel Convention, setting up of custom laboratories and capacity building of custom officers for checking contraband trade in hazardous chemicals/waste; implementation of environmentally sound practices in ship dismantling and proper management of biomedical wastes; municipal solid waste; plastic waste; and, chemical waste.

G. Soil contamination and environmental degradation
Contaminated sites are proposed to be identified and soil remediation plans will be
prepared. Reclamation of degraded areas is another programme envisaged.

H. Environmental impact assessmen (EIA)
Capacity building will be undertaken for decentralized EIA of projects and monitoring of compliance of clearance condition. Detailed shoreline management plans and Coastal Zone Management plans are proposed to be prepared as also strengthening of state coastal zone management authorities. Plans for conservation of sensitive ecosystems will be prepared and implemented. Scoping of mega projects and strategic EIA for specific sectors will be undertaken.

I. Ecological survey, conservation and ecogeneration
Ongoing programmes are proposed to be strengthened and a status paper on achievement indicating the extent to which efforts have yielded the results will be brought out. Added efforts will be made to conserve biodiversity for ecological security including proper evaluation of environmental risks associated with transgenic crops. The overall objective will be to set an example/model highlighting India’s achievement in conserving ecologically sensitive area such as mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands and representative ecosystems through biosphere reserves.

J. Awareness, education, training and research
Comprehensive packages are proposed to be developed on critical issues making them effective so that messages reach citizens like the pulse polio programme. Schools and colleges are proposed to be covered for participation in environmental programmes. On the job trainings are proposed. Sustainable relationships with R and D institutions and academia will be developed for programme formulation and execution.

H. Environmental law and policy
The main theme will be revamping of environmental laws for ensuring their effective
implementation, training of judicial officers in environmental laws and strengthening of enforcement mechanism (17).

National river conservation directorate (NRCD)
DONOR PRIORITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB)

The International Human Development Programme (IHDP)

Winrock International India

NGO'S PRIORITIES IN THE ENVIRONMENT SECTOR

Development Alternatives (DA)

The Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR)

Foundation for the Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions

Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), New Delhi

The Small Industries Pollution Problem

Environment Protection, Energy Conservation & Audit Services [Page-21]