ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS DEPARTMENT

POLICY NOTE

DEMAND NO: 15

ENVIRONMENT

2013-2014

M.C. SAMPATH MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT

© GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU 2013

DEMAND No. 15 promoting environmental consciousness among the DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT school children and the public at large. POLICY NOTE – 2013-2014 Preserving, and wherever possible, improving the quality of the environment and 1. Introduction nurturing the cultural heritage of the State is an

The survival and well-being of any country essential ingredient of the Vision Tamil Nadu 2023 depends on sustainable social and economic document. Environmental preservation would progress that satisfies the needs and aspiration of encompass the entire ecological footprint of human the present generation without compromising the activity and would include increasing forest cover, interest of future generations. Environmental protection of wetlands, conserving groundwater and conservation is an integral part of the socio- rivers and other water bodies, protection of the coastal zones and fragile ecosystems, conservation economic development but due to population explosion and increasing industrialization a serious of the zoological and botanical diversity of the state, challenge has been posed to the preservation of protection of soil and other natural formations from our terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. abuse on account of human activity, efficient Conservation and enhancement of life support recycling of solid waste ensuring minimal impact on the environment, minimizing atmospheric pollution systems like land, water, forests and biodiversity are important for ecological balance. Several and in general maintaining the ecological balance initiatives have been taken by the Government for across the entire State. pollution abatement in rivers and lakes besides

1 2

2. Functions of the Department in Chennai City waterways and abatement of

pollution in selected lakes in the State. The Department of Environment was created in 1995 as the Nodal Department for environmental b) To create environmental awareness among management of the State. The Department is school children and general public through discharging its responsibilities in the following various environmental awareness areas: programmes carried out by National Green a) Implementation of the National River Corps student members.

Conservation Plan (NRCP) supported by c) Enforcing the provisions of the Coastal National River Conservation Directorate Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification.

(NRCD) / Ministry of Environment and d) Implementation of Emergency Tsunami Forests. The works are implemented by the Reconstruction Project (ETRP) with World Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Bank assistance. Board (TWAD), the Chennai Metropolitan e) Providing web-based environmental details Water Supply Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) through Environment Information System and the Public Works Department (PWD) and (ENVIS).

monitored by Environment Management f) Preparation of Environment Management Agency of Tamil Nadu (EMAT).The works Plans for small towns.

monitored include, abatement of pollution in g) Nodal agency for Climate Change Adaptation 12 towns on the banks of river Cauvery, Projects. Vaigai, Tamiraparani, abatement of pollution

3 4

3. Environment Management Agency of Tamil Cauvery, Vaigai and Tamiraparani has been Nadu (EMAT) diverted, collected and treated in Sewage Treatment Plants. Environment Management Agency of Tamil

Nadu (EMAT) is implementing river cleaning 3.2. Cauvery Stretch programme and lake conservation programme This is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme through the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and under NRCP at an overall project cost of Rs.380.58 Drainage Board (TWAD), the Chennai Metropolitan crores and implemented since 1996-97 for Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) abatement of pollution in the stretches of river and the Public Works Department (PWD). Cauvery. A sum of Rs.331.65 crores had been Environmental awareness programme in schools spent by the implementing agencies. Under core are also carried out by EMAT. The following activities, Interception & Diversion and Under schemes are taken up by EMAT for Ground Sewerage Scheme(UGSS) with Sewage implementation. Treatment Plants have been implemented through

Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board in 3.1 Abatement of pollution in the rivers under (1)Erode,(2)Bhavani,(3)Komarapalayam, (4) Pallipal National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

ayam(5)Tiruchi(6)Thanjavur(7) Mayiladuthurai (8) Ganga Action Plan (GAP) which was launched Karur-Inam Karur (9) Tiruchi – Srirangam and by in 1985 by the Government of India was extended Chennai Metro Water Supply & Sewerage Board in to major rivers of the country from December 1986 Kumbakonam. Under non core activities, as National River Conservation Plan. Under NRCP, construction of low cost sanitation, crematoria and the sewage outfall from the towns into the rivers

5 6 river front development have been completed by up by Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage local bodies. Board at a sanctioned cost of Rs.66.00 crores during the year 2001. An amount of Rs.57.50 crores 3.3. River Vaigai was spent on Solid Waste Management works and The main works in Madurai have been taken the scheme has been completed. up at an overall project cost of Rs.165.00 crores during 2007. Interception & 3.5. Chennai City River Conservation Project Diversion works and Pumping stations (Phase I & II) (CCRCP) were taken up by Chennai Metro Water Supply and The Chennai City River Conservation Project Sewerage Board and the works have been (CCRCP) aims for the upgradation of the sewerage completed. So far, a sum of Rs.113.53 crores has system and preventing the entry of raw/partially been spent for this work. Construction of Sewage treated sewage into the Chennai City waterways Treatment Plant is under implementation by i.e. Cooum, Buckingham Canal, Adyar, Otteri Madurai Corporation with JNNURM funding. The Nullah, Captain Cotton Canal and Mambalam drain. interception and diversion works and lining of This project was implemented by Chennai canals under phase IV has to be taken up by the Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. A Corporation. sum of Rs. 491.52 crores has been sanctioned by Government of India as grant for this project and till 3.4. River Tamiraparani date, a sum of Rs.392.54 crores had been spent. The sewerage is pumped into the Sewage The Under Ground Sewerage Scheme Treatment Plants for treatment by constructing 4 (UGSS) works in respect of Tirunelveli were taken

7 8

Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a total consideration under National Lake Conservation capacity of 264 MLD of sewage treated by Chennai Plan. The following 15 lakes were identified and Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. sent to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, All the above works have been completed. Government of India. Additional works under Chennai City River Conservation Project has been taken up for an Sl.No Name of District Name of Lake amount of Rs. 22.16 crores and the works are in 1 Nilgiris Ooty progress. Under non-core works, gasifier 2 Dindugul Kodaikanal crematorium at Alandur Municipality has been 3 Kancheepuram Kolavoy completed by the local body. The proposal is being 4 Salem Yercaud prepared by Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply 5 Chennai Velachery and Sewerage Board for the additional works for the 6 Kancheepuram Thiruneermalai balance amount of Rs.86.91 crore. 7 Coimbatore Big Tank 8 Kancheepuram Narayanapuram 4. National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) 9 Madurai Madakulam

10 Coimbatore Singanallur Tank In the year 2004, as requested by the 11 Coimbatore Krishnampathy Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government 12 Nagapattinam Tamaraikulam of India to Tamil Nadu Government, action was 13 Kancheepuram Nemilichery taken to identify the polluted lakes in the State as 14 Kancheepuram Kadaperi per the revised NLCP Guidelines 2008 for 15 Kancheepuram Peerkankaranai

9 10

4.1 Revival of Ooty Lake footing and maintained without further pollution. As

per the instruction of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, The Government of India sanctioned detailed discussion were held with concerned Rs.1.75 crores for revival of Ooty lake. All the works departments and it was proposed to implement a were completed by the Public Works department detailed action plan with a multi sectoral approach (PWD) during the year 2005 at a cost of Rs.1.73 to clean up and revive the Ooty lake on a crores with 100% grant from the Government of permanent basis. Under EPRED fund a sum of India. Rs.4.27 crores has been sanctioned for carrying out

action plan to revive Ooty lake and a sum of 4.1.1. Additional work taken up in Ooty lake Rs.50.00 lakhs has been given as a one time under Environmental Protection and contribution to the Lake management Committee Renewable Energy Development (EPRED) constituted under the Chairmanship of District Fund during 2012-13 Collector, Nilgiris. Though the remediation was successful, in view of the continued letting of sewage water in the 4.2 Revival of Kodaikanal Lake intervening period, the quality of water has once During 2007, as per the revised Detailed again deteriorated and is not up to the standard Project Report, a sum of Rs.10.42 crores was now. On seeing reports about the deterioration of sanctioned for the revival of Kodaikanal Lake. A the quality in this lake as well as in some other sum of Rs.3.99 crores has been spent so far by the water bodies, Hon’ble Chief Minister directed that all implementing agencies. As per the site condition a the polluted water bodies especially the Ooty lake revised proposal for providing Under Ground must be cleaned up immediately on a war

11 12

Sewerage Scheme (UGSS) at a cost of students in environment related action based Rs.31.74 crores has been sent to National River programmes such as tree planting, awareness Conservation Directorate, New Delhi for sanction rallies, vermi composting, enviro-expo, enviro and to release of further funding. competitions, anti plastic campaign, cultural programmes, nature camps and celebration of at 4.3 Revival of Yercaud Lake least six green days in their surroundings.

The Detailed Project Report for Yercaud National Green Corps is functioning in Lake in Salem district has been prepared for 8000 schools located in 32 districts @ Rs.8.46 crores by Tamil Nadu Water Supply and 250 schools per district. Nearly 3,20,000 children Drainage Board and sent to National River have been enrolled as members in this awareness Conservation Directorate, New Delhi for approval. movement. The Government of India have The proposals are under consideration. approved a grant of Rs.2500/- per school every year. Training is given to master trainers and 5. National Green Corps (NGC) teacher coordinators of each district on NGC

activities and they in turn will train the NGC student In order to strengthen environmental members. consciousness and to sensitize the students about environment related issues National Green Corps 6. Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Programme has been launched in the State with Tamil Nadu has a coastal length of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), 1076 kms and it constitutes about 15% of the total Government of India support during the year 2002. coastal length of India. The Government of India The main objectives of the programme is to involve

13 14 issued the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification in 6.1 Coastal Zone Classifications

2011 under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to As per this Notification, the coastal areas have protect the coastal environment and to regulate been classified into four zones. development activities along the coastal areas, ƒ CRZ-I (ecologically sensitive), thereby aiming to ensure livelihood security to the ƒ CRZ-II (built-up area), fisher communities, other local communities living in ƒ CRZ-III (Rural area) and the coastal areas and to conserve and protect the ƒ CRZ-IV (water area which includes the water coastal stretches and also to promote sustainable areas up to 12 nautical miles of the territorial development in the coastal areas. waters and the tidal influenced water bodies.) As per the Notification, the coastal area

includes the land area from High Tide Line (HTL) 6.2. Coastal Zone Management Authorities to 500m on the landward side along the sea front,

the land area between HTL to 100 m or width of The Government of India, Ministry of the creek , water bodies etc. whichever is less on Environment and Forests, New Delhi has the landward side along the tidal influenced water constituted State Coastal Zone Management bodies, the intertidal zone and the water area Authority (SCZMA) with the Secretary, Environment between the LTL (Low Tide Line) to the territorial and Forests Department, Government of Tamil water limit (12 nautical miles) in case of sea and Nadu as the Chairman and the Director of the water area between LTL at the bank to the LTL Environment as its Member Secretary. The District on the opposite side of the bank in case of tidal Coastal Zone Management Authorities under the influenced water bodies.

15 16

Chairmanship of the respective Coastal District coastline including tidal influenced water bodies Collectors have been formed by the State from Palar River mouth to Thengapattinam in Government during 1998.The present State Coastal Kanyakumari District. The High Tide Line reference Zone Management Authority was constituted by points have been superimposed on the village Government of India vide its notification S.O.91 (E) cadastral maps on a scale of 1:5000. This work has dated 18.01.2012. The Authority meets periodically been entrusted to Institute of Remote Sensing, to take action on CRZ issues. Anna University during the year 2007. The preparation of HTL maps has been completed and 7. Emergency Tsunami Reconstruction Project an amount of Rs.2.19 crores has been spent on this (ETRP) work. The HTL maps are made available to the

To reconstruct the coastal stretches affected District Authorities.

by the Tsunami and to have a comprehensive 7.2. Erection of Stone Pillars on High Tide Line management plan for the entire coast of the State, (HTL) reference points the following schemes were sanctioned with financial assistance from World Bank. In order to facilitate the coastal community to identify the High Tide Line on ground, High Tide 7.1 Demarcation of High Tide Line (HTL) along Line stone pillars have been proposed along the the Coast of Tamil Nadu from Palar River coast at 250 m interval at a cost of Rs.1 crores. This Mouth to Thengapattinam in Kanyakumari work has been commenced during the year District 2007-08 for 13 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. Out The Department of Environment has of the 13 districts, works have been completed in demarcated High Tide Line for the stretch of the 7 districts and are under progress in 4 districts. The 17 18 remaining works will be completed before awareness programmes are proposed in 13 coastal 31.12.2013. districts at a cost of Rs.1.00 crore during 2013-14. 7.3 Preparation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (ICZMP) 8. Environmental Information System (ENVIS) The Environmental Information System The Integrated Coastal Management Plan has Centre sponsored by the Government of India is been prepared for the coastline of Tamil Nadu at a functioning in the Department of Environment from cost of Rs.4.92 crores. This information will be the October 2002. This Environment Information base for taking appropriate action in deciding any System Centre will provide information on various developments to be undertaken along the coast and aspects about the State of Environment and related the different layers of information can be made use issues of Tamil Nadu. of to assess the damage and plan for remedial measures at times of coastal hazard. Based on the ENVIS centre is engaged in collection, ICZMP, a detailed proposal for ICZMP Phase II with collation, storage, retrieval and dissemination of World Bank assistance is sent to the Government of environmental information through a website India for approval at a cost of Rs.697.68 crores. www.tnenvis.nic.in. Publication of Newsletters,

creation of web based database answering 7.4 Training and awareness programme environmental queries and conducting training To develop awareness about the Integrated programmes are some of the activities covered Coastal Zone Management Plan among the various under ENVIS. stakeholders and coastal community, training and

19 20

8.1 State of Environment (SoE) management are honoured by the State Government, every year. These Environmental The preparation of State of Environment awards which were instituted during the year 2000 Report was undertaken at a cost of Rs.12.50 lakhs are distributed during the World Environment Day with financial assistance from the Government of /World Forestry Day every year. Apart from the India. A SoE Atlas, SoE Photo Catalogues, Video above category environmental award is also given film on State of Environment and an interactive for the best Research Paper. The total number of website have been prepared under this Government awards per year is 10 with a Prize money of of India have released Rs.2.20 lakhs for the Rs.1,12,500/- . preparation of State of Environment report for

Chennai Metropolitan Area. The final report is ready 9.2. Awareness about ill effects of burning of and it has been approved by the Ministry of Rubber and Plastic Materials Environment & Forests, Government of India and was released on 21st March 2013. In order to create awareness about the ill

effects of burning of tyres, plastics and other 9. Other Activities of the Department materials on the eve of Bogi, a three-day

9.1. Environment Awards awareness campaign is organized by the Department of Environment throughout Chennai The best Non-Government Organizations, City. The Public are asked through a Public experts and individuals who make an excellent Address System and other visual media to refrain contribution in the field of environment education from burning of plastic, tyres etc. Hand Bills are and awareness, environment protection and distributed to the Public and the Eco-clubs

21 22 throughout the State. Similar campaigns are undertakings / organizations, non-governmental organized every year. Because of this campaign, organizations, Voluntary Organizations, Self-Help there has been significant reduction in the burning Groups, Tree Grower Societies, Community Based of plastics and tyres on the eve of Bogi. Organizations, Educational and Research Institutions / organizations and individuals. 10. Environment Protection and Renewable Energy Development (EPRED) Fund 10.1. Relaying Roads using plastic wastes under

The Government of Tamil Nadu in G.O.(3D) EPRED fund No 43 / Environment & Forests (EC-2) Department Based on the success of relaying of roads dated 19.7.2010 created an “Environment using plastic wastes for a length of 446.98 km for Protection and Renewable Energy Development Rs.50.00 crores during 2011-12, relaying of plastic Fund” for implementing schemes for the protection roads for a length of 577.70 km have been taken up of the environment and promotion of clean energy at a total cost of Rs.84.20 lakhs during 2012-13 in the State. from the EPRED fund. Further orders were issued releasing a sum of Rs.8.56 crores for Forests This fund will be utilized both for (a) Department, Rs.0.22 crore for Arignar Anna promotional and (b) project based activities and will Zoological Park, Rs.0.87 crore for Kalakkadu cover activities of greening of Tamil Nadu through Mundanthurai Tiger Conservation Foundation at a planting of trees outside the forest areas, initiatives total cost of Rs.9.65 crore for the additional relaying and interventions in the field of renewable energy of roads using plastic waste. Orders were also and prevention of environment degradation issued releasing a sum of Rs.0.40 crore for the through Government Departments, Public Sector

23 24 collection centre & shredding machine through the to improved livelihoods and adaptive capacities of Woman Development Corporation and vulnerable rural communities in India. Tamil Nadu is Rs.0.28 crore for renovating temple tank in one of the four partner states of CCARAI and some Srirangam. of the components are under implementation in the State. Department of Environment, Government of 10.2. Incentives Schemes and Awareness Tamil Nadu is the Nodal implementing agency. The Activities project focuses on integrating the issue of climate

A sum of Rs.30.00 lakhs has been change adaptation in various sector policy decisions sanctioned to give incentive rewards for best that reduce risk and enhance the adaptive capacity Schools, Villages and Self Help Groups for active of the most vulnerable sectors and groups. It will participation in reducing the use of plastics and also develop concrete adaptation measures Rs.30.00 lakhs for creating awareness campaign at together with the Indian state development Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur. programmes and supports the up-scaling of

successful technical and financial adaptation 11. CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN RURAL approaches. In order to achieve this project has the AREAS OF INDIA (CCARAI) following components:

Climate change will affect the Nation’s • State Action Plan on Climate Change economy as a whole. The impact will be more • Vulnerability and risk assessment severely felt by the poor who also have the least • Development of technical adaptation options adaptive capacity. The Indo-German development • Climate proofing of rural development cooperation project “Climate Change Adaptation in programmes Rural Areas of India” (CCARAI) aims to contribute 25 26

• Development of adaptation oriented financial constituted Steering Committee. These include - instruments (1) Water Resources, (2) Sustainable agriculture, • Information and knowledge management to (3) Sustainable habitat (4) Forest and biodiversity, support mainstreaming national discussions (5) Energy efficiency and renewable energy, on climate change adaptation (6) Coastal area management, and (7) Knowledge • Human Capacity Development management. Each of these sectors is represented by respective Chairman/ Secretary, Nodal Officers Recognizing this, the National Action Plan on and Working Group Members. These members Climate Change (NAPCC) taken up by Ministry of include Government departments, NGOs, academic Environment & Forests (MoEF), clearly outlines its experts and scientists. first principle as “protecting the poor and vulnerable Inputs are also expected at the district level sections of the society through inclusive and represented by farmers, fishermen, tribal groups, sustainable development strategy, sensitive to rural and urban people, as well as students and climate change”. In line with this NAPCC, the States scientists. This is because adaptation to climate in India are also preparing the State Action Plan on change requires integrated solutions that Climate Change (SAPCC). simultaneously address livelihood improvements The SAPCC in Tamil Nadu is under the and environmental sustainability. Proactive process of completion. It includes the past and measures for adaptation to climate variability and current scenario and future climate projections, as change can substantially reduce many of the well as the adaptation and mitigation strategies for adverse impacts, and thus contribute to livelihood seven sectors identified by the State through security of the vulnerable rural population.

27 28

12. Part II Schemes for 2012-13 13. Proposals for the year 2013-14

13.1 Formation of Environment Information 12.1 Formation of Eco- Clubs Dissemination Centres (EIDC) A sum of Rs.46.73 lakhs has been To disseminate environment Information sanctioned as financial assistance for the existing among the school children and the general public 1869 Eco clubs funded by State Government for on pollution, climate change, global warming etc, it carrying out various awareness activities. In is proposed to have Environmental Information addition an amount of Rs.80 lakhs have been Dissemination Centres in 10 districts at a total cost sanctioned for formation of Eco-Clubs in of Rs.20. 00 lakhs during the year 2013-14. These 3200 schools where they have not been formed Centres will have a library containing environmental during the year 2012-13. related books, display charts, blow ups (both in

12.2 Distribution of laboratory Kits to Eco Clubs English and Tamil) highlighting the issues related to A sum of Rs.55.00 lakhs have been polluted hotspots, climate change, environmental sanctioned for the supply of laboratory kits such as sustainability etc. Soil Testing Kits, Water testing Kits and Air Testing Kits to 1000 schools where the Eco clubs are 13.2 Environment Profile for Eco- sensitive functioning so as to help the students to know about Areas the environment scientifically. It is proposed to prepare Environmental

profiles for Eco sensitive areas at a cost of

Rs.30.00 lakhs during the year 2013-14. These

29 30 environmental profiles will help in the formulation of TAMILNADU POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD an appropriate policy for environmental 1 INTRODUCTION management. The Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board

(TNPCB) was constituted by the Government of

Tamilnadu in 1982 in pursuance of the Water

(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

(Central Act 6 of 1974). It enforces the provisions of

the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,

1974, the Water (Prevention and Control of

Pollution) Cess Act, 1977, the Air (Prevention and

Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the rules made

under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 which

includes

• The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986

• The Manufacture, Storage and Import of

Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 as

amended in 1994 and 2000

• The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)

Rules, 2000 as amended

31 32

• The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management • To plan a comprehensive and Handling) Rules, 2000 programme for the prevention, • The Biomedical Waste (Management and control and abatement of water Handling) Rules, 1998 as amended in 2000 & and air pollution. 2003 • To advise the State Government • The Battery (Management and Handling) on any matter concerning the Rules, 2001 and its amendments. prevention, control or abatement • The Hazardous Wastes (Management, of water and air pollution. Handling and Transboundary Movement) • To collect and disseminate Rules, 2008 and its amendments. information relating to water and • The Plastic Waste (Management and air pollution and the prevention, Handling) Rules, 2011. control or abatement thereof. • E-Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, • To inspect sewage and trade 2011. effluent treatment plants for their effectiveness and review plans,

2. FUNCTIONS specifications for corrective The main functions of the TNPCB under the measures. provisions of the Water (Prevention and • To inspect industrial plants or Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air manufacturing processes, control (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, equipments and to give directions 1981 are as follows: to take steps for the prevention,

33 34

control or abatement of air trade effluents and emissions of pollution. air pollutants and to analyze the • To inspect air pollution control same for specific parameters. areas for the purpose of • To collaborate with the Central assessment of air quality and to Pollution Control Board in take steps for the prevention, organizing the training of persons control or abatement of air engaged or to be engaged in pollution in such areas. programme relating to prevention, • To lay down, modify or annul control or abatement of water and effluent standards for the sewage air pollution and to organise mass and trade effluents and for the education programme relating emission of air pollutants into the thereto. atmosphere from industrial plants • To perform such other functions as and automobiles or for the may be prescribed by the State discharge of any air pollutant into Government or the Central the atmosphere from any other Pollution Control Board. source. • To evolve economically best viable 3. CONSTITUTION OF TNPCB treatment technology for sewage The TNPCB is constituted by the State and trade effluents. Government. It comprises a full time Chairman, 5 • To collect samples of sewage and officials nominated by the State Government, 5

35 36 persons to represent local authorities, 4. MONITORING OF INDUSTRIES AND ISSUE 3 non-officials to represent the interests of OF CONSENT agriculture, fishery or industry or trade, 2 persons to With the increasing pace of industrialization represent the companies or corporations owned by in Tamilnadu, the need for continuous monitoring of the State Government and a full time Member pollution due to industrial sources has become Secretary. The TNPCB has established its significant. Industries are required to provide organization structure with a three-tier system pollution control measures to meet the standards consisting of head-office at Chennai, Regional prescribed by the Board. The field officers of the offices and district offices with total staff strength of Board inspect the industries under their jurisdiction 759. There are 32 district offices, 29 are headed by periodically to assess the adequacy of pollution District Environmental Engineers and 3 by Assistant control measures provided by the industries to treat Environmental Engineers. To assist the Board in sewage, trade effluents and emissions and to monitoring the industries, 5 Advanced monitor their performance. They also investigate Environmental Laboratories and 10 District complaints of pollution received from the public, Environmental Laboratories are functioning. These organizations and the Government. For effective laboratories carry out analysis of samples of monitoring, industries are categorized as, Red, sewage, trade effluents, emissions and hazardous Orange, and Green according to their pollution wastes. potential. Also the industries have been classified as Large, Medium and Small scale based on the gross fixed assets of the industry. Depending upon

37 38 the category and size, industries are monitored 1388 ‘Consent to Establish’ orders and periodically. 1385 ‘Consent to operate’ orders under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as 5. PROCEDURE FOR ISSUE OF CONSENT amended during the year 2012-2013. Processing of files for issue of Industry requires to obtain consent for consent/renewal of consent, issue of authorization discharge of sewage / trade effluent into any stream etc. are done manually. In order to speed up the or well or into sewer or land under the Water processing of files for consent, authorization etc., it (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as has been decided to computerise the process, by amended and to operate the plant in air pollution customising software currently used in other State control area (entire Tamilnadu) under the Air Pollution Control Boards. (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 as amended . The consent is issued to industries in 6. CARE CENTRE two stages. ‘Consent to Establish’ is issued depending upon the suitability of the site before the The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board industry takes up the construction activity. ‘Consent enforces the Water (Prevention and Control to Operate’ is issued before commissioning the Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control industrial unit but after the conditions of the Pollution) Act, 1981 and various Rules under the ‘Consent to Establish’ are complied. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. To enforce During the year 2012-2013, 17313 samples these acts Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board is of sewage and trade effluents from the industries issuing consent orders/authorization orders to were collected and analysed. The Board has issued industries. In order to help the industries /

39 40 entrepreneurs to apply for the consent application Centre has simplified and standardized the receipt and other applications of the Tamil Nadu Pollution of applications. It effectively monitors the application Control Board with the required documents, it is from the time of its receipt to the issue of the considered that there is a need to have a dedicated consent order. The Centre counsels industries on team to guide the industries / entrepreneurs in the rules, it helps them to file the applications, it filling up the application and also to simplify and gives the status of pending applications, and standardize the application submission process as dispatches consent orders within specified time well as to expedite the issue of consent orders. limits through the single window. Three officers have been specifically posted to the Care Centre for The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has, this purpose. therefore, established a “CARE Centre” (Central Application Receiving Centre) as an industry The Care Centre has been instructed to friendly initiative to help industries to file issue of consent within the time limits specified applications painlessly and to expedite the process below: of issue of consent / authorization at a single point. Sl. Category of Time limit for issue of All the consent fee payments can also be made at No. industries consent / rejection of the Care Centre. In the first phase, this Centre application etc. caters to the needs of industries / local bodies 1 Red 30 days located in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram 2 Orange 15 days District, comprising industries in Chennai, 3 Green 10 days Tambaram, Ambattur, Kancheepuram, Sriperumpudur and Tiruvallur areas. The Care

41 42

All applicant entrepreneurs can know the and the small scale red category units once in a status of their applications online by accessing the year. Similarly the large and medium scale orange TNPCB website. In addition, any clarifications category units are inspected once in six months pertaining to filling up of application or ascertaining and the small scale orange category units once the status of their application, issue of consent / every two years. The less polluting green category authorization, can also be obtained over telephone units are inspected once every two years. by contacting the Care Centre. Senior officers of the Board regularly review the issue of orders by the 8. COMMON EFFLUENT TREATMENT PLANTS Care Centre. STATUS During the year 2012-13, 1760 applications The TNPCB plays an important role in the were received by the Care Centre and establishment of Common Effluent Treatment 1025 consent orders have been issued. Consent Plants (CETPs) for clusters of small-scale industries fees of Rs. 695.17 lakhs was also collected by the in various parts of the State. Small-scale industries Care Centre. often express financial difficulties, lack of space and other reasons, which prevent them from putting up 7. INSPECTION OF INDUSTRIAL UNITS AND individual effluent treatment plants. The Board SAMPLE COLLECTION PERIODICITY assists the units in mobilization of financial resources and in the technical scrutiny of the The field engineers in the District Office proposals for the establishment of common effluent inspect the large scale red category units once treatment plants. Common effluent treatment every three months. The medium scale red category units are inspected once in four months

43 44

plants have been formulated in the following Corporation. During 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and sectors:- 2005-2006, State subsidy of Rs.86.49 lakhs to M/s. Kovai Telungupalayam Common Effluent Treatment Tanneries 13 Schemes Private Limited and Rs 114.32 lakhs to M/s Textile Bleaching & Dyeing Units 30 Schemes Perundurai CETP has been granted. Hotels & Lodges 1 Scheme Total 44 8.1. ACTION TAKEN REGARDING THE DYEING/ BLEACHING UNITS OF TIRUPPUR Out of 13 CETPs which were set up by The Noyyal River Ayacutdars Protection tanneries, 6 CETPs have achieved Zero Liquid Association filed a contempt petition before the Discharge. Out of 30 CETPs set up by Textile Hon’ble High Court of Madras and in due Bleaching & Dyeing Units, 18 CETPs are operating compliance of its order dated 28.01.2011, the and 16 have achieved Zero Liquid Discharge, Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board in its remaining 12 are closed. State and Central proceedings dated 01.02.2011 closed Governments sanction the subsidy for 754 bleaching and dyeing units covered under implementing the CETP schemes. Prior to 2003-04 20 CETPs/IETPs of Tiruppur. the Government of Tamil Nadu has sanctioned To resolve this serious issue affecting the Rs.26.88 crores towards subsidy for the common livelihood of thousands of workers and the export effluent treatment plants and out of this Rs.22.66 units, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamilnadu on crores has been released as on 31.03.2003 through 28.07.2011 held a meeting with the representatives the Board and Tamil Nadu Leather Development of the Dyers Association of Tiruppur and

45 46 announced the grant of an interest free loan of Rs. Rs.75.00 crores was sanctioned in G.O.(Ms).No. 200 Crores for modifying the existing Zero Liquid 209 dated 31.12.2011 by the Environment and Discharge system of the CETPs following which the Forests (EC-1) Department to the Tamilnadu Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Pollution Control Board for payment to the farmers Department issued G.O.Ms. No.11 dated belonging to the Noyyal River Ayacutdars 31.01.2012, sanctioning Rs.179.34 Crores in this Protection Association numbering 535 to alleviate regard to 18 CETPs. the sufferings of those farmers who have been waging a legal battle for the past Further, 16 CETP Companies covering 15 years. The Hon’ble High Court in its order had 427 member units have been permitted by the quashed the above Government Order. Therefore, Board to commence their trial run with the existing the Board has remitted the entire amount of ZLD system, capable of achieving a maximum of Rs.75.00 Crores. Further in this regard the 30% to 70% of their capacities, to demonstrate and Government and Noyyal River Ayacutdars prove these technologies. Apart from this, 57 IETPs Protection Association has filed appeal before the are also permitted to operate with ZLD system by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the matter is Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. sub judice with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

At the same time, to complete the 8.2. ACTION TAKEN ON TANNERIES IN distribution of compensation to the affected TAMILNADU farmers, the Government sanctioned Rs.2.55 crores to the Collectors of Tiruppur and Erode in In Tamilnadu State, there are 775 tanneries September 2011. Apart from this, a sum of mainly located at Vellore, Kancheepuram, Dindigul,

47 48

Tiruvallur, Tiruchirapalli and Erode Districts, Kancheepuram District will be commissioned involved in the processing of Hides / Skins adopting within a months time. In 2 CETPs (Vaniyambadi & East Indian tanning / Chrome tanning process to Thuthipet CETP at Ambur) the works for RMS are produce finished leather. nearing completion. The CETPs at Dindigul and Madhavaram Of these 775 units, 641 units are members of have a proposal to mix the treated tannery effluent 13 functioning common effluent treatment plants. from their CETP with one-third of the treated The remaining 134 units have set up their own sewage from the proposed STP of the individual effluent treatment plants. Of these, Municipalities to meet the TDS standards. 75 individual Tanneries have provided Reverse Osmosis Plant followed by Reject Management 9. WASTE MANAGEMENT system and operating the same. 9.1. MANAGEMENT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID Further, of the above 13 CETPs, 6 CETPs at WASTE SIDCO Ranipet Finished Leather, Perundurai With increasing urbanisation and rising level SIPCOT, Pernampet, Trichi, Melvisharam and of municipal solid waste generation, there is an Ranipet of Vellore District have completed and urgent need to evolve scientific approaches for the commissioned their Reverse Osmosis Plant and management of municipal solid waste. The Reject Management System. Another 3 CETPs at enforcing authority for Metropolitan cities are the SIDCO-SIPCOT Phase II Ranipet, Maligaithope, Commissioner of Municipal Administration and Ambur, and Pammal - Pallavaram CETP, implementing authorities are the Municipal Commissioners. Similarly at the District level, the

49 50 enforcing authorities are the District Collectors and these non-biodegradable materials are thrown in implementing authorities are Municipal open places, roads, canals, lakes, water bodies, Commissioners. Pollution Control Boards have besides finding their way into the municipal solid powers to issue authorisation to municipal waste and landfills. Plastic waste pollutes the land, authorities, to monitor the compliance of the water and air. standards regarding ground water, ambient air, leachate quality and the compost quality including The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has incineration standards for waste processing and been taking many initiatives to deal with the plastic disposal facilities. The Board has issued wastes. Many awareness programmes were authorisation to 7 Corporations, 76 Municipalities conducted by TNPCB on the ill effects of plastics and 114 Town Panchayats for composting of and the need to use alternatives to ‘use and throw’ municipal solid waste and setting up waste plastic items. All marriage halls, hotels, educational processing facilities. The Board is advocating the institutions, Government offices in Tamilnadu were concept of segregation of wastes at source, instructed not to use ‘use and throw’ plastic items. reduction, recycle and reuse of wastes to avoid any environmental issues during handling. Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board has identified 2561 industries manufacturing plastic products like carry bags, plastic sheets, plastic 9.2. MANAGEMENT OF PLASTIC WASTE ropes, PVC pipes, etc. Out of these 2561 The use of non-biodegradable material industries, around 489 industries are manufacturing especially plastics has been increasing rapidly in the plastic products from recycled plastics. These the State of Tamilnadu in recent years. After use,

51 52 have been inventorised and brought under the establish plastic waste collection centres. Chennai purview of Water and Air Acts. Corporation, Madurai Corporation and Dindigul Districts have established plastic waste collection The Ministry of Environment and Forests, centres with shredders and these wastes are used Government of India vide Notification dated for making plastic roads in Corporation maintained 4.2.2011 notified “The Plastic Waste (Management roads and local body roads. TNPC Board and Handling) Rules, 2011”. As per this notification, encourages the units come up with proposal to no person shall manufacture, stock, distribute or sell establish energy oriented units using plastic waste any carry bag made of virgin or recycled or into oils. The collected plastic waste is being compostable plastic, which is less than 40 microns utilised in cement kilns for co-processing as energy in thickness. Plastic carry bags, multilayered plastic resource. pouch (or) sachet units, recycle plastic carry bags units shall obtain registration certificate from 9.3. MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTE Pollution control Board. The Board has issued Registration Certificate to 121 units manufacturing The TNPCB is taking effective steps in plastic carry bags / multilayered plastics. handling and management of hazardous chemicals and treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes in The Board is conducting plastic waste an environmentally safe manner. The Board has awareness programme in all districts. These identified and listed out 2771 units generating programmes are periodically conducted with local hazardous wastes under the Hazardous Wastes bodies and the Plastic Manufacturers Association to (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 as on 31.03.2012. A

53 54 common hazardous waste treatment storage and District and SIPCOT has been addressed to disposal facility (TSDF) is established at SIPCOT allocate a suitable site in Sriperumpudur, industrial estate, Gummidipoondi and it is in Kancheepuram District. operation. The Federation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants, Tiruppur, has identified a site at 9.4. MANAGEMENT OF BIOMEDICAL WASTE

Karupagoundarpalayam, Nallur village, Tiruppur taluk, Tiruppur District and the Federation of CETPs The Biomedical Waste (Management & & ETPs in Karur have identified a site at Mathagiri Handling) Rules, 1998 applies to every occupier of Village, Krishnarayapuram Taluk, Karur District to an institution generating, collecting, receiving, establish a secure landfill facility for disposal of storing, transporting, treating, disposing and / or any sludge generated from treatment of textile dyeing other form of handling of bio-medical waste. As per effluents. Consent to establish has been issued by the Rule, authorization of SPCB is required for the Board to these two facilities. To adopt recycling handling of bio-medical waste. It is the duty of the and reuse principles, cement industries are occupier of an institution generating biomedical encouraged to utilize the hazardous sludge from waste to take all steps to ensure that the biomedical various industries like Textile, Engineering, waste is handled without any adverse effect to chemical, petroleum etc., Various cement human health and environment. Biomedical waste industries are using these hazardous wastes either shall be treated and disposed in accordance with on trial basis or permanently as raw materials/fuel. schedule I and in compliance with the standards Further, action is being taken to establish a prescribed in schedule II of the said rules. common hazardous waste treatment storage and The Board has so far inventoried 3707 disposal facility at SIPCOT, Perundurai, Erode private hospitals, 308 Government hospitals in the

55 56

State. All these hospitals have made agreement All the 11 common treatment facilities have with the Common Biomedical Waste Treatment been issued authorisation by the Board and cover Facilities (CBMWTF) for the disposal of the 3450 health care facilities. biomedical waste. The CBMWTF consists of autoclave, shredder, incinerator and secured 9.5. MANAGEMENT OF E- WASTE landfill facilities. In Tamilnadu, 11 CBMWTF are in TNPCB has been taking several initiatives in operation. These follows :- the management of E-waste generated in Tamilnadu. A committee consisting of professors of District Village Anna University, representatives of NGOs, an Kancheepuram Thenmelpakkam village expert from National Metallurgical Laboratory has and Kinnar village been formed to study management of E-Waste Vellore Kandipedu village generated in Tamilnadu. A workshop on E-waste Coimbatore Orattukuppai village was held to create awareness among the (two facilities) stakeholders. TNPCB has issued consent to 19 E- Thanjavur Sengipatti village waste recyclers for segregation and recovery of Ramanathapuram Muthuvayal village PCB, IC, Iron, Copper, Rubber, Glass etc., PCB/IC Nilgiris Coonoor wastes are exported to foreign countries such as Tirunelveli Pappankulam village USA, Singapore and Malaysia to recover the heavy Salem Thangayur village metal present in the said wastes. Other wastes are Virudhunagar Undurmikidakulam village sent to authorized industries in the country for recycling them. TNPCB has so far issued consent

57 58 to operate for 19 units for recycling of E- waste in Programme. Besides these, TNPCB is also Tamilnadu. monitoring the Air Quality level in major cities / towns in Tamilnadu during the festival seasons like 10. MONITORING OF AIR & WATER QUALITY Deepavali & Bogi. The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India has revised the air 10.1. AIR QUALITY MONITORING quality standards since 18.9.2009. The ambient air With the increased industrial activities and quality in residential, industrial, commercial and vehicular pollution in the vicinity of major cities, the mixed zones are monitored by these stations. quality of ambient air is affected. As per the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the 10.2. CARE AIR CENTRE entire State of Tamilnadu has been declared as air pollution control area. The Board is monitoring the In order to monitor both source emissions ambient air quality in Chennai (8 stations), and ambient air quality on a real time basis, TNPCB Coimbatore (3 stations), Thoothukudi (3 stations), has established a Centre for Accessing Real Time Madurai (3 stations) Salem (1 station) and Air (Quality) Information Report (CARE AIR) at the Tiruchirapalli (5 Stations) under the National Air Head office of the Board. This is a continuous real Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). This time emission monitoring system which is monitoring programme is conducted with the 50% functioning on 24 X 7 basis. This is the first of its financial assistance of Central Pollution Control kind in the whole country and has been appreciated Board. In addition, 3 Ambient Air Quality monitoring by the Government of India. When the emission stations in Cuddalore and 2 in Mettur are under levels exceed the norms, an inbuilt alarm system establishment under National Air Quality Monitoring has been established to inform the concerned

59 60 industry and the District Environmental Udhgamandalam lake, Kodaikanal lake, Yercaud Engineer/Member Secretary through automated lake, Veeranam lake, Poondi lake, Red hills, Porur SMS for remedial action immediately. So far, and Pulicate lake are also being monitored. 115 industries have been connected to the CARE AIR centre and their emissions are monitored 10.3.1. TAMIRAPARANI RIVER continuously. Apart from the above, monitoring of effluent discharge has also been included and is Samples are collected from 12 stations and being monitored at the centre. analysed. The water quality of the river Tamiraparani is categorized for the designated best 10.3. WATER QUALITY MONITORING use of out door bathing, drinking water source with conventional treatment followed by disinfection. The basic objective of the Water (Prevention 10.3.2. CAUVERY AND ITS TRIBUTARIES and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is to protect the quality of water resources. To ensure this Samples are collected from 33 stations and objective, regular monitoring of water quality is analysed. In general, the water quality is required. The TNPCB is monitoring the water categorized for the designated best use of outdoor quality of major rivers and its tributaries at 43 bathing, drinking water source with conventional locations under Monitoring of Indian National treatment followed by disinfection and also for fish Aquatic Resources (MINARS) programme and 4 culture and wild life propagation. locations under the Global Environmental

Monitoring System (GEMS). Apart from the

MINARS programme, 8 lakes such as 61 62

10.3.3. VAIGAI RIVER 10.3.5. LAKES

The water quality of the Vaigai river is being The water quality of the Udhagamandalam, monitored by collecting the samples from the Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Veeranam, Poondi, Red Hills, collection well of Thirubuvanam head works. The Pulicat and Porur lakes are being monitored and water quality of the infiltration well is categorized for are categorized for the designated best use of the designated best use of outdoor bathing, drinking drinking water with conventional treatment followed water source with conventional treatment followed by disinfection and fish culture and wild life by disinfection. propagation.

10.3.4. PALAR RIVER 10.4. MONITORING OF CHENNAI WATER WAYS

The water quality of the Palar river is being Water ways of Adyar, Cooum, Buckingham monitored by collecting the samples from the Canal and Otteri Nullah are being monitored at collection well of Vaniyambadi Municipal head 13 river stations and 18 industrial outlets and works. The water quality of the infiltration well is Sewage Treatment Plant outlet. categorized for the designated best use of drinking water source with conventional treatment followed 11. OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE BOARD by disinfection. 11.1. ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING INSTITUTE Environmental Training Institute (ETI) is an organizational wing of TNPCB established in 1994. The main objective of the training institute is to 63 64 impart training to staff of the Pollution Control instead of cyanide salt in heat treatment and Board, representatives of Industry and cyanide free electroplating. Pulp and paper non-governmental organizations. During the year industries are encouraged to go in for elemental 2012-13, the Environmental Training Institute has chlorine free bleaching to reduce the formation of conducted 22 training programmes, in which organo-chlorides including dioxins. Industries 2186 participants have been trained. consuming ozone-depleting substances are systematically changing to environment friendly 11.2. CLEANER TECHNOLOGIES compounds.

The TNPCB is insisting major industries to 11.3.ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND provide cleaner technology options rather than PUBLIC PARTICIPATION end-of- pipe treatment. With active support and encouragement from the Board, the industrial units A special ambient air quality survey on the in Tamilnadu have switched over to cleaner day before bogi and on the day of bogi are technologies such as adoption of membrane cell conducted in Chennai at 15 places to know the instead of mercury cell in caustic soda status of air pollution caused due to bogi. During manufacturing, adoption of dry process instead of Deepavali, noise level and Ambient Air Quality are wet process to reduce air pollution in cement monitored. The Deepavali survey is carried out in factories, utilization of 25 to 30% of fly ash in PPC the important cities of Tamil Nadu viz. Chennai, cement manufacturing, adoption of double Trichy, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Vellore, conversion and double absorption technology in Salem, Hosur, Tiruppur, Dindigul and Cuddalore. sulphuric acid manufacturing, gas carburizing

65 66

As a part of awareness programme the Procurement of Notebook/Tablet computers mobile exhibition vehicle is also sent to schools for with internet facilities for District Engineers at a creating awareness among the students. Apart cost of Rs. 50 lakhs. from the above, TNPCB has conducted awareness programmes on various environmental issues for • Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has the public, school students, other institutions etc., presented the Tablet Computers for the District Environmental Engineers on 11.4. PROGRESS ON ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE 11.9.2012. DURING 2012-13 Filling up of vacancies for the post of Assistant Computerization of activities of TNPCB @ a cost Engineers and Environmental Scientists. of Rs. 50 lakhs

• Appointment orders for 52 Assistant • Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and Engineers and 12 Environmental Scientists NIC, Gujarat has made presentation on issued. 16.7.12 and 8.8.12 on the computerization activity • MOU signed for customization of XGN software

67 68

Construction of new office building at Villupuram, Thanjavur and Pudukottai at a cost Preparation of new guidelines for recycling of of Rs. 3.75 crores e-waste. • CPCB has finalized the guidelines for • Revised building plan and detailed cost e-waste management. estimate will be obtained and construction will be carried out by Public Works • Board will prepare the new guidelines in Department. accordance with new guidelines of CPCB.

Establishment of 5 Continuous Ambient Air 11.5. LIBRARY Quality Monitoring stations for Chennai

Corporation area at a cost of Rs. 6.25 crores The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board

Library was established during the year 1989. At • Procurement of Five numbers of Continuous present, it has a collection of about 11,092 books Ambient Air Quality Monitoring equipments and reports. The Library subscribes to 76 Journals will be completed before July 2013. (English & Tamil), 9 Newspapers and 16 Magazines

Establishment of 1 mobile continuous Ambient related to environment. Membership of the above Air Quality Monitoring stations for Chennai Library is open to all students, public and those who Corporation at a cost of Rs. 1.20 crores are interested in protection and improvement of • Procurement of one mobile Continuous environment. Ambient Air Quality Monitoring equipment will be completed before July 2013. 69 70

11.6. NEWSLETTER

TNPCB is publishing a newsletter on quarterly basis, containing the news about the activities of the Board, environmental issues in various districts, poetry and essays on environmental issues etc. This newsletter is widely circulated among the Government Departments, District Collectorates in the State. Copies of this newsletter are sent to other State Pollution Control Boards in India.

M.C. SAMPATH MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT

71