ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS DEPARTMENT

POLICY NOTE

ON

FOREST AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

2004-2005

DEMAND NO. 14

R. VAITHILINGAM MINISTER FOR FOREST AND ENVIRONMENT

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ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST DEPARTMENT

POLICY NOTE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. The life and well being of a nation depends on its sustainable development. It is a process of social and economic betterment that satisfies the needs and values of all interest groups without foreclosing future options. To this end, we must ensure that the demand on the environment from which we derive our sustenance, does not exceed its carrying capacity for the present as well as future generations. This conservation is pre-requisite for sustainable development.

1.2. We have a great tradition of environmental conservation which taught us to respect nature and to take cognizance of the fact that all forms of life - human, animal and plant - are closely interlinked and that disturbance in one gives rise to an imbalance in other’s. Even in modern times, as is evident in our constitutional provisions and environmental legislation and planning objectives, conscious efforts have been made for maintaining environmental security along with developmental advances. The Indian Constitution in the Section on Directive Principles of State Policy assigns duties for the State and all citizens through Article 48 A and Article 51 A(g) which state that the “State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife in the country” and “to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes and rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for the living creatures”.

1.3. Tamil Nadu has a great tradition of preserving its forest wealth and concern for environment, which has taught us to respect nature and understand the complex inter relationship between living and non-living things. The ancient Tamil poets have emphasized the importance of dense forests, clean water and fertile soil in providing ecological security to mankind.

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2. FOREST DEPARTMENT

2.1. Forests are renewable natural resource and nature's gift to mankind. Forests play a vital role in the ecological stability and rural development of our State. Ensuring ecological security of the people of the State is an important mandate of the 15 point programme being implemented by this Government.

2.2. Extent of Forests

The Forest department is custodian of 22,870 sq. kms. of forest land, which constitute 17.584% of the geographical area as against 33.33% required under National Forest Policy, 1988. Nearly half of the forest area is subjected to heavy degradation on account of biotic pressure. Various schemes and programmes of Government are aimed at restoring the degraded forest and expanding forests outside the Reserve Forest area.

2.3. Forest Policy

The forests of Tamil Nadu are governed by National Forest Policy 1988. Yet, by and large, the management of forests has been left to the State Governments. In Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu State Forest Act 1882, Wild Life Protection Act 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 and a host of Rules formulated under these Acts are being implemented by the Forest Department. Various landmark judgements given by the courts emphasizing the importance of preservation of forests have raised people's expectations in the implementation of the forest policy. The principal aim of the National Forest Policy, 1988 and the State Forest Policy is maintenance of environmental stability and restoration of ecological balance through conservation, upgradation and increase in the forest cover.

2.4. Objectives

Forests in Tamil Nadu are being managed with the following main objectives:

• Increasing substantially the forest/tree cover in the State;

• Ensuring environmental stability and restoration of ecological balance;

• Conservation of bio-diversity for the benefit of present and future generations;

• Mitigating floods and droughts and also retarding siltation of reservoirs by checking soil erosion and denudation in catchment areas of rivers, lakes and reservoirs;

• Meeting the genuine requirement of fuel, fodder, non-wood forest produce and small timber to the extent possible on a sustainable basis (through Joint Forest Management)

• Extension of improved forest technology to farmers for creating alternative sources of forest produce outside the Reserved Forests;

• Improving the habitat for all living beings including micro organisms, insects, birds and animals;

• Making available the traditional forest produce to be used rightfully by the tribal people living inside forests;

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2.5. Strategy

In order to meet the objectives, various strategies are planned as detailed below.

2.5.1. Increasing green cover

Union Planning Commission has recommended that the forest area in the country should be increased to 25% of the geographical area by 2007 and to 33.33% by 2012(which is mandated by National Forest Policy- 1988). The present forest/tree cover in Tamil Nadu is 17.584%. Earnest efforts are being taken to increase the forest cover / tree cover in the State, by encouraging tree cultivation in and outside reserved forest areas. Evidence of this is already seen in the recent State of Forests’ report, 2001 of Forest Survey of India compared to 1999 assessment by Forest Survey of India, Dehradun the total area under forest cover in our State has shown an increase of 4,404 sq. kms. (From 17,078 sq. kms. to 21,482 sq. kms.). This increase is mainly in respect of dense forest cover only. Derivation of direct economic benefits from the forests has been subordinated to this principal aim. The total percentage of area under Forest / Tree cover is reported as 21.17 % of the total geographical area.

2.5.2. Biological upgradation and ecological restoration through Joint Forest Management

Heavy biotic pressure from abutting villages is the main cause of degradation of forests. Biological upgradation and ecological restoration of these degraded forestlands is being attempted through “Joint Forest Management” for sustained flow of benefits to the people. Substantial degraded forestland remains to be ecologically rehabilitated in the State.

2.5.3. Special Area Management

Unique fragile eco-systems of Western Ghats, Nilgiris, coastal mangroves and marine areas are being protected in a holistic manner under specific programmes for managing each category.

2.5.4. Management of Sanctuaries and National Parks

Tamil Nadu is endowed with a rich bio-diversity. Of the total recorded forest area in the State, 3134.70 sq. kms or 13.7% of the total forest area is dedicated towards wildlife conservation covering five national parks, eight wildlife sanctuaries and twelve bird sanctuaries. Conservation of flora and fauna will continue to be the main objective in the maintenance of sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves. The protected areas in Tamil Nadu are also managed for preserving biodiversity and wilderness to provide nature education, recreation and inspiration for our future generation. Efforts will be made to increase the extent of protected areas under wildlife management to 25% of the total forest area of the State as the proposals for declaration of Sathy Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary and Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary are under consideration and enlarging the extent of already proposed protected wildlife sanctuaries. Many medicinal plants and plants of genetic importance will also be conserved in these areas.

2.5.5. Catchment Area Management

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There are 32 river systems, 11 Major reservoirs, 2,679 canals and 38,863 tanks in Tamil Nadu. Majority of the catchment areas lie in forest lands. To improve the forests, an Integrated Watershed Development Programme is being implemented with afforestation and soil and water conservation measures in the affected watersheds, which further help to increase the ground water level, regulate water-flow in streams, rivers, etc., and improve fertility of the land. The agrarian economy will be benefited by augmentation of the water availability.

2.5.6. Forest Protection

The forest wealth of the State is vulnerable to damage and destruction by illicit felling of trees, ganja cultivation, fire, encroachment and poachers of wildlife. To check the destruction of valuable forest products including sandalwood and other scheduled timber, several measures have been taken. Efforts will be continued to strengthen the infrastructure for forest protection and to equip the protection staff with facilities like firearms, vehicles, wireless equipments, etc.

Encroachment of forestlands by adjoining patta holders and estate owners is a serious problem to the forest administration. Action is being taken by Forest department to evict such encroachments in co-operation with Revenue and Police officials. Efforts are also being taken to strengthen the infrastructure enabling the department to curtail fresh encroachments.

2.5.7. Production Forestry

‘Timber’ is an important forest produce required by people for household as well as for industrial purposes. Indiscriminate exploitation of timber in the past and geometrical progression of population increase has led to the situation that the timber from our forests is in short supply. To meet the requirement of the local people to the extent possible in respect of timber and forest produce, large scale planting of primary and secondary timber species on forest lands, poramboke lands and canal bunds as well as encouraging the planting of timber species by public in private lands, will be taken up.

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2.5.8. Forestry for Tribal development

Tribals are at the centre of the forest eco-system. Their economy is dependent upon the forest resources. It is proposed to create tree / vegetation-based assets in tribal and forestlands that would generate sustained benefits to tribals. Employment generation, improving the infrastructure facilities in tribal villages and education will be given adequate impetus.

2.5.9. Extension Forestry

Forest Extension activities are undertaken in all districts of Tamil Nadu through Forest Extension Centres. These extension centres are disseminating tree growing knowledge to the farmers with a concept of “forests to farm lands”.

Expansion of our tree resources outside the natural forest resources outside the natural forest area is imperative to meet the ever increasing demand of the forest produce. In Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (TAP) much emphasis has been laid on Forestry Extension to attain the above objective. Forestry Extension Centres are mandated to transfer the improved technology of tree husbandry to farmland, motivate the people to take up tree planting and provide platform for eco-education and encourage discussion among youth and children. There are 15 Forestry Extension Centres and 4 Vana Vigyan Kendras in Tamil Nadu spread all over the State.

These centres have established facilities of training halls, interpretation centres and demonstration area for bio-fertilizer and bio-nutrient production. Various agro-forestry model plots, Timberatum plots, Medicinal Plants, etc., have also been laid out in these centres.

2.5.10. Community Forestry

In order to increase the green cover in the state under this programme, it is proposed to plant trees in private and community lands. Further this programme will be extended to individual/ institutional landowners who are having keen interest in growing trees. Awareness campaign will be conducted in rural and urban areas towards the reduction of unproductive cattle population in the state, which causes heavy damage to afforestation activities.

2.6. Thrust Areas

2.6.1. Forest Research

The main focus and thrust of Forest Research in Tamil Nadu is on bio-diversity conservation and bio- productivity enhancement. For conserving the forest bio-diversity of Tamil Nadu, studies on population dynamics of different forest types are being carried out.

Experiments are also being conducted by the Research wing on genetic combing which helps in identifying the plus trees of each species yielding higher utilizable bio-mass viz., fruits, stem, wood for veneer, plywood, fuelwood, wood for construction, etc. Such useful varieties have been assembled in the germplasm bank of all Forest Research Stations. Outstanding contributions through research for productivity enhancement

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have been made in sandal, casuarina, eucalyptus, tamarind, bamboo, timber, plywood and veneer species as well as oil yielding trees.

Tamil Nadu has its genepool garden in the Western Ghats with 4000 tree species, mostly endemic and endangered, out of which 1000 species are targeted for ex-situ conservation during this year by the research wing of Forest Department. Further, the research wing of Forest Department is developing post harvest technology for utilizing the under exploited timber species for furniture and house hold timber.

2.6.2. Human Resources Development

Forest department is one of the oldest departments in the State. Over the years it has made significant contribution in conservation and development of forests of the State through its skilled human resources. This will be further enhanced through appropriate training and skill development measures. During the year 2003- 2004, training has been imparted to 23 Rangers and 154 Foresters in Southern Forest Rangers College (SFRC) at Coimbatore and to 120 Forest Guards in Tamil Nadu Forestry Training College (TNFTC) at Vaigaidam.

2.6.3. Women’s participation

In order to ensure household food security, millions of rural women are burdened with the duties of collection of firewood, fodder and water. Dwindling forest resources further make their work very difficult. Hence, emphasis will be given to ensure that the poorest women with greatest dependence on bio-resources secure access to decision-making and control over their livelihood resources. To ensure this, many women Self Help Groups are being formed under Joint Forest Management.

2.6.4. Employment Generation

Nearly 75% of the outlay on forestry goes for employment generation. Efforts are being taken to tap the latent employment potential of villages adjoining forests through the participatory involvement of the rural community. This will go a long way to strengthen the socio economic fabric of the villages.

2.7. Achievements during 2003-2004

1. During 2003-04, Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project was implemented at a cost of Rs.85.78 crores for raising plantation over an area of 47,500 hectares involving developmental activities in 150 villages. 150 Village Forest Committees and 489 Women Self Help Groups were formed and a total number of 52.14 lakhs mandays were generated. These Self Help Groups have been linked with the schemes of the State Women's Development Corporation and are functioning effectively.

2. So far (from 1997-98 to 2003-04), this programme has covered about 457454 hectares involving 1257 Village Forest Councils with an expenditure of around Rs.623.57 crores. The water harvesting works under this programme has increased water availability in these villages by 5 to 10% despite poor rainfall.

3. As against the target of 22 lakhs seedlings for planting in 3100 ha., 27 lakhs of quality seedlings other than karuvel such as neem, vagai, sisu, tamarind, pungan, eucalyptus, subabul, casuarina, etc. raised

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under Waste Land Development Programme were planted on tank foreshores over an area of 3508 ha. at a cost of Rs.305.72 lakhs.

4. Rejuvenation camp (Special Health camp) has been conducted for the elephants in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary for 30 days from 16.11.2003. In all, 100 elephants belonging to Forest Department, various temples, mutts and individuals participated in the Rejuvenation camp. An amount of Rs.3.14 lakhs was sanctioned towards feeding, infrastructure and Ayurvedic medicines. All the elephants have been transported to their original place safely after completion of the rejuvenation camp.

5. Under Hon’ble Chief Minister’s calamity relief fund, a project with an outlay of Rs.76.10 lakhs was undertaken during 2003-2004 to augment the water resources for the benefit of elephants in six forest divisions viz., Hosur, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Erode and Sathyamangalam.

6. Revenue of Rs.3864.17 lakhs was realised by sale of 276.00 metric tonnes of sandalwood.

7. Under the comprehensive wasteland development programme 8 lakhs quality saplings were produced for planting in 13 districts by the Agriculture Department. (See para 2.9.11)

8. 38,902 Ganja plants over an area of 47.0747 ha. worth of about Rs.119.34 lakhs were destroyed upto 31.03.2004.

9. An amount of Rs.8.50 crores has been realised upto 31.03.2004 from the sale of teak trees in Tanjavur division.

2.8. Forest revenue and expenditure

2.8.1. Revenue

The revenue receipt during 2003-2004 (Revised Estimate) and proposed Budget Estimate for 2004- 2005 are detailed below.

Sl. 2003-2004 2004-2005 No. (Revised (Budget Source of revenue Estimate) Estimate) Rs. in lakhs Rs. in lakhs a) Sandalwood 3000.00 5000.00 Supply of raw materials to b) 194.00 205.00 industries c) Non-Wood Forest Produce 37.33 37.13 d) Timber, Fuel, Bamboo, Cashew, Casuarina, Softwood, Farm Forest 4765.77 4767.96 plantations and others. Total 7997.10 10010.09

2.8.2. Expenditure and outlay

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The plan outlay under forests during 2003-2004 has been Rs.113.45 crores. Details of expenditure during 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 under various schemes are given below: (Rs. in lakhs) Expenditure Budget Expenditure during Estimate for during Name of the Scheme 2003-2004 2004-2005 2002-2003 (Revised (Actuals) Estimate) State Forestry 7202.97 8539.60 8832.87 Schemes Centrally Sponsored 910.06 465.86 763.08 Schemes (100%) Scheme shared 125.61 between State and 149.84 65.61 Centre Total 9155.30 9661.56 8238.64

2.9. Major schemes for 2004-2005 - On going schemes

2.9.1. Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project

During 1994-95, our Government conceived a unique programme called Tamilnadu Afforestation Project, which is being implemented for a period of five years from 1997-98. The project activities were contemplated upto 31.03.2002 with total outlay of Rs.499.20 crores against which an expenditure of Rs.441.00 crores was incurred upto 31.03.2002. Due to successful implementation and owing to Japanese yen escalating over its then rupee value, the Project was continued with the balance money for two more years viz. for 2002- 2003 and 2003-2004 at a cost of Rs.172.00 crores. To keep up the enthusiasm and continuity, it has been proposed to implement the scheme at an outlay of Rs.50.00 crores during 2004-2005 from State funds. It has been proposed to cover 28,653 ha. spread over in 110 villages.

2.9.2. Wildlife Schemes

Wildlife schemes in Tamil Nadu are implemented with the main objective to conserve and protect the flora and fauna of the protected areas. Development works like habitat improvement measures, research and development, conducting of census, education awareness programmes, protection measures, eco-tourism, conducting anti-poaching camps, fireline clearing, providing drinking water facilities to the local villagers, health camps, erection of publicity hoarding etc., are being undertaken in Sanctuaries, National Parks and Biosphere reserves.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park is one of the biggest and most scientifically managed zoos in India. Special emphasis will be given for ex-situ conservation of endangered species, habitat improvement and public amenities in the zoo.

During 2003-2004, these schemes have been implemented at a cost of Rs.361.38 lakhs. During, 2004- 2005, the outlay is Rs.611.06 lakhs.

2.9.3. Hill Area Development Programme

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This scheme is being implemented for eco-restoration in Nilgiris. The objective of the scheme is to enlarge the permanent green cover and to regulate biotic interference in the forest so as to preserve, protect and develop the ecological condition through afforestation and soil conservation and other developmental activities. Activities like tree planting in degraded forest areas, erection of chainlink fence around shola forests, enriching degraded sholas through soil and water conservation measures, scraping and maintenance of fire lines to prevent forest fire are being executed under this scheme.

During the year 2003-2004 this scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.327.59 lakhs and the above scheme is proposed to be implemented with a financial outlay of Rs.300.00 lakhs during 2004-2005.

2.9.4. Western Ghats Development Programme

The Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu comprise of 5,596 square kilometers of forests, out of the total forest area of 22,870 square kilometers. To avoid the degradation of forest eco-system and to improve the existing status of forests with the enriched fauna and flora of Western Ghats, gap planting, construction of water harvesting structures in micro watersheds, planting with minor forest produce species and habitat amelioration and manipulation for wildlife will be taken up. All schemes under this programme will be implemented by involving people through Joint Forest Management and on integrated watershed basis.

The scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.399.33 lakhs during 2003-2004 and the above scheme is proposed to be implemented with financial outlay of Rs.300.00 lakhs during 2004-2005. During 2003-2004, an amount of Rs.35.00 lakhs has been sanctioned and spent towards conservation and development of medicinal plants in priority watersheds of Western Ghats region. It has been decided to continue this scheme at a cost of Rs.28.60 lakhs for 2004-2005 after approval of the Union Planning Commission, Government of India.

2.9.5. Integrated forest protection

The main objective of this scheme is to control forest fires and strengthen the forest protection in Tamilnadu. The works like fireline clearing, assistance to Joint Forest Management committees, creating water bodies, purchase of vehicles and communication equipments, purchase of fire fighting tools, etc., are being undertaken.

During 2003-2004, this scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.146.66 lakhs and it is proposed to implement this scheme during 2004-2005 at an outlay of Rs.400.00 lakhs.

2.9.6. Forest Research

The main focus and thrust of forest research in Tamil Nadu is in the fields of bio-diversity conservation and bio-productivity enhancement. The above scheme has been implemented at a cost of Rs.185.00 lakhs during 2003-2004. It is proposed to continue the scheme during 2004-2005 at a cost of Rs.203.00 lakhs.

2.9.7. Integrated Tribal Development Programme

Under this scheme, raising of plantations in tribal areas, construction of school buildings, formation of road in tribal areas and departmental activities in sandal estates are proposed to be carried out.

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2.9.8. National Afforestation Programme

In order to establish linkages between rural development, assured rural employment generation and forest conservation, Government of India have contemplated Forest Development Agency concept with interlink approaches under a single umbrella scheme National Afforestation Programme. The Government of India funded afforestation schemes are being implemented from 2002-2003 onwards through Forest Development Agencies on Joint Forest Management basis for which Forest Development Agencies are being formed in the implementing divisions. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has sent proposal for forming 31 Forest Development Agencies covering territorial and wildlife divisions. So far, the Government of India have sanctioned Forest Development Agencies to be implemented in 25 divisions with total outlay of Rs.7323.93 lakhs upto 2006-2007 and sanctioned Rs.1778.65 lakhs for the year 2003-2004. For the year 2004-2005, the Government of India sanctioned Rs.1812.01 lakhs for these 25 Forest Development Agencies.

2.9.9. Tank foreshore plantations

Tamil Nadu Forest Department was implementing the Social Forestry project with the financial assistance from Swedish International Development Authority, Sweden since 1981. Raising karuvel trees in the lakes / tank foreshores has been the major component under this scheme besides raising plantations in degraded hillocks and poramboke lands. The Swedish International Development Authority financial assistance was discontinued with effect from 01.04.96. Later on, ban was imposed on karuvel planting in lakes / tank foreshores, etc. Now the ban has been lifted. As a follow up raising karuvel plantations was revived and during 2003-2004 the scheme was implemented at a cost of Rs.350.00 lakhs. It is proposed to continue the scheme during 2004-2005 also at a cost of Rs.350.00 lakhs.

2.9.10. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere

A project proposal on "Conservation and sustainable use of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserves Coastal Bio-diversity" has been approved for assistance from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). The objective of the project is to conserve coastal bio-diversity and to reduce the pressure on the marine sea resources caused by overexploitation and shift it to land based activities through employment generation. The project with an outlay of Rs.123.94 crores will be implemented by this department through a trust, which has been constituted by the Government. This project was launched by the Hon'ble Chief Minister on 18.07.2002.

During 2003-2004, an amount of Rs.50.00 lakhs was received from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) as initial assistance. An amount of Rs.47.60 lakhs has been spent upto 31.03.2004. During 2004-2005 the scheme is proposed to be implemented with an outlay of Rs.2.00 crores.

2.9.11. Wasteland Development Programme

The Wasteland Development Programme in Tamil Nadu is being implemented with the objective of making unproductive wastelands productive. During 2003-2004 Forest Department produced 8 lakhs quality seedlings for planting in wastelands of 13 districts viz., Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga, Madurai, Coimbatore, Erode, Karur, Perambalur, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram, Dharmapuri and Vellore during

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2004-2005 and they will be planted by the Agriculture department. An amount of Rs.33.63 lakhs was spent during 2003-2004 under the scheme for the above purpose.

2.10. New Projects

2.10.1. Tamil Nadu Natural Resources Management Project (Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project Phase-II)

Forests in Tamil Nadu are mostly confined to the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Deccan plateau. Due to excessive grazing, forest fires and head load removals, these forests have been subjected to heavy biotic pressure and consequently a sizeable extent had become degraded. Poverty leading to destruction of forests and destruction of forests leading to poverty constitute a vicious circle. There is an immediate need to treat about 2,50,000 hectares of degraded forests in another 1000 villages under Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project Phase-II of the Project titled “Tamil Nadu Natural Resources Management Project” with an outlay of Rs.779.00 crores for a period of five years to be implemented in 1000 villages has been formulated and recommended by State Government to Government of India for posing to Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) for assistance.

2.10.2 Part-II schemes

During 2003-2004, an amount of Rs.287.12 lakhs has been spent for implementing 17 Part-II schemes. The following 36 part-II schemes with an outlay of Rs.1279.17 lakhs for protection, buildings, roads, forest settlement, improvement of zoos, etc. have been approved by Standing Finance Committee for implementation during 2004-2005.

S. Amount Name of the Scheme No. (Rs. in lakhs) 1. Improvement and maintenance of 12 10.00 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas and 8 Medicinal Plants Development Areas 2. Carrying out wildlife census in reserve forests 5.00 outside protected areas 3. Improvement of Arignar Anna Zoological 5.00 Park 4. Upgrading aquarium in Arignar Anna 10.00 Zoological Park, Vandalur 5. Construction of 5 semi permanent 5.00 antipoaching sheds 6. Habitat improvement for five bird sanctuaries 10.00 7. Raising, conservation and management of 15.00 mangrove plantation (275 ha.) 8. Raising, conservation and management of 10.00 mangrove plantation in Kazhuveli swamp near Marakkanam (500 ha.) 9. Strengthening of forest check posts by 12.00 constructing permanent building for 5

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S. Amount Name of the Scheme No. (Rs. in lakhs) important check posts. 10. Providing Global Positioning System - 5.00 instruments to all field officers 11. Strengthening of forest protection - purchase 40.00 of vehicles in lieu of condemned vehicles 12. Forest settlement - creation of boundary stone 15.00 pillar / construction of cairns 13. Carrying out afforestation works in the 17.50 encroachment evicted areas in Madurai 14. Forest road improvement in Dharmapuri 850.00 district - Upgrading by improvement and black-topping the road between Pennagaram - Ethakinaru 15. Providing drinking water facilities, lab 2.00 equipments to the students and separate toilet for girls of Pudurnadu Forest Higher Secondary School, Tirupattur division 16. Construction of 2 additional class rooms at 5.00 Palampattu Elementary school of Amirdhi range 17. Improvement of Forest schools at 1.00 Vasanthapuram and Nellivasal of Tirupattur division 18. Improvement to the Teachers quarters at 1.50 Pudumadavu, Nellivasal and Vasanthapuram of Tirupattur division 19. Repairs to 2 existing Teachers quarters at 3.00 Jamunamaruthur 20. Construction of HM quarters at Forest Middle 5.00 School, Kovilur, Tirupattur division 21. Construction of Teachers quarters at 4.00 Kalyanamandai, Vellore circle 22. Providing sports facilities, class room 5.00 furniture, teaching aids, school books, note books to 18 tribal schools. 23. Raising bamboo plantation 18.60 24. Cultivation of medicinal plants in 100 ha. 17.10 25. Raising and free supply of seedlings to 6.00 public. 26. Raising of 1,00,000 taller seedlings in 30 x 45 30.00 cm. container for free supply to control the pollution in each circle @ 10000 seedlings for 10 circles during 2004-2005 for health and educational institutions. 27. Training in HRD in Forest Department 5.00 28. Imparting training and improvement of 20.00 Southern Forest Rangers College,

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S. Amount Name of the Scheme No. (Rs. in lakhs) Coimbatore. 29. Improvement of Tamil Nadu Forest Training 15.00 College, Vaigai Dam 30. Telephone facilities for 15 Forestry Extension 2.97 Centres in Tamil Nadu 31. Improvement of Berijam road leading to 18.00 Mathikettan shola - Kodaikanal division - 4 kms. 32. Improvement of Timber Depot in Thanjavur 10.00 division 33. Construction of Conservator of Forests’ 6.00 office building at Dindigul 34. Renovation of Makkampalayam rest house 3.50 and providing water facilities 35. Raising plantation in coastal shelterbelt areas 58.00 in Virudhunagar and Trichy circles. 36. Improvement of black topping of roads in 33.00 Theni district - Kumuli - Cumbummettu Road - 3 kms. TOTAL 1279.17

2.11. Corporations

2.11.1. Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd.

The main objectives of the Corporation are to raise, maintain and harvest pulpwood and cashew to meet the needs of industries and to supply firewood to meet the fuelwood needs of the public. The Government of Tamil Nadu has paid the entire share capital of the Corporation. The Corporation is having under its control an area of 71,013 hectares of Reserve Forest leased out by the Forest Department. This Corporation has an authorised share capital of Rs.10.00 crores and a paid up share capital of Rs.3.00 crores. 2.11.2. Achievements

The details of the plantations raised and maintained during 2002-2003, 2003-2004 are furnished below: (in hectares) 2002-2003 2003-2004 Raising Eucalyptus Plantations 1162 2307 Raising Cashew plantations 907 1128 Raising Casuarina plantations 57 48 Raising plantations (Nelli) 75 64

For the year 2004-2005, the Corporation has proposed to raise high yielding pulpwood plantations over an area of 3000 hectares, cashew plantations over an area of 1000 hectares. It is also proposed to raise 50 hectares of casuarina plantations using clonal technology, 10 ha. of teak / bamboo plantations. The corporation has also proposed to raise eucalyptus clonal plants over 50 ha.

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2.11.3. Pulpwood supply

During the year 2003-2004, the Corporation has supplied 1,52,000 Metric Tonnes of pulpwood to wood based industries and realised revenue of Rs.16.00 crores. During the year 2004-2005, this Corporation anticipates to supply about 1,70,000 Metric Tonnes to the wood based industries.

2.11.4. Sandalwood oil factory

In the sandalwood oil factory, the Corporation has produced 1701.100 kilograms of oil during the year 2003-2004 and also produced other by-products. The corporation has sold 2362.392 kilograms of sandalwood oil as well as other by-products during 2003-2004. By taking strenuous efforts the Corporation has established the brand name of its sandalwood products in the local and international markets. During the year 2003-2004, the Corporation exported a quantity of 80.00 Kgs. of oil and realised foreign exchange of Rs.23.55 lakhs.

2.11.5. Income and expenditure details for 2002-2003(actuals), 2003-2004(Revised Budget Estimate) and 2004-2005 (Budget Estimate) are furnished hereunder: (Rs. in lakhs) Profit (+) Year Income Expenditure Loss (-) 2002-2003 (Actuals) 3233.45 3123.79 (+) 109.66 2003-2004 3358.28 2650.87 (+) 707.41 (Revised Budget Estimate) 2004-2005 2634.17 2334.38 (+) 299.79 (Budget Estimate)

2.12. Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited, Coonoor

With a socio-economic objective of rehabilitation of the repatriates from Sri Lanka to India under the Shastri - Srimavo pact, a project for raising Tea Plantation was started by the Government of Tamil Nadu as Government Tea project in 1968 and implemented through the Forest Department. Subsequently, the project was registered as a Government undertaking under Companies Act, 1956 as Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited and came into effect from 01.04.1976. The authorized share capital is Rs.10 crores and the paid up share capital is Rs.5.96 crores.

The Planting and rehabilitation programme were implemented in a phased manner. This Corporation has raised Tea plantation over 4431.92 ha. and has rehabilitated 2445 families repatriated from Sri Lanka. At present, the Corporation is providing employment to about 6329 permanent workers and about 1300 casual workers.

The Corporation is providing housing, permanent employment and other amenities like free water supply, free medical attendance, crèche, primary education, maternity benefit, sickness benefit, leave with wages, National and Festival holiday wages, warm clothing, bonus, gratuity, provident fund, etc., to the permanent workers. The present wage rate is Rs.74.62 per day.

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The actual physical achievement of green tea leaves and made tea for the year 2002-2003, actuals for 2003-2004 and estimate for the year 2004-2005 are furnished below:-

2.12.1. Yield of green tea leaves (lakhs kilograms) 2002-2003 (Actuals) 2003-2004 Estimate for 2004-2005 (Production) (Actuals) 447.57 429.76 525.00

2.12.2. Made tea production (lakhs kilograms) 2002-2003 (Actuals) 2003-2004 Estimate for 2004-2005 (Production) (Actuals) 107.87 105.55 126.00

2.12.3. Income and expenditure details (Rs. in lakhs) Revenue by Profit (+) Year sale of tea and Expenditure Loss (-) other items 2002-2003 (Actuals) 4549.59 5148.00 (-) 598.41 2003-2004 4104.00 4534.00 (-) 430.00 (Provisional) 2004-2005 5234.00 5387.00 (-) 153.00 (Budget Estimate)

The Corporation by efficient management and through various cost control measures has brought down the cost of production of made tea from Rs.54.16 per kg. during 2000-2001 to Rs.43.00 (Provisional) during 2003-2004. But the price has declined sharply from Rs.47.59 during 2001-2002 to Rs.38.23 during 2003-2004. Inspite of this steep fall in price and adverse climatic conditions during the past three years, the Corporation has reduced the loss. 2.13. Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited, Nagercoil

Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited has rubber plantations in 4279.78 hectares of forest land taken on lease from Forest department in Kanyakumari district, which is the only district in Tamil Nadu with soil, climate and topography suitable for the growth of rubber trees. Arasu Rubber Corporation was registered on 20.08.1984 under the Companies Act, 1956. The authorised capital of the Corporation is Rs.4 crores. The paid up capital is Rs.2 crores.

The Corporation has been incurring losses from 1997-98 onwards. More than 70% of rubber trees under the control of Arasu Rubber Corporation were planted during 1960s and 1970s and as per the guidelines of the rubber board, the trees which attained 30 years or more, will yield less and it is uneconomical to maintain such plantations. In order to meet out the loss in production and to make the Corporation more viable and to provide continuous employment opportunities to the existing workers (around 1800) a decision is taken to undertake replanting works with high yielding clones as advised by the rubber board after felling over matured rubber trees. During 2002-2003, replanting works were completed in 32 hectares. During 2003-2004 replanting was done over 100 ha. and during 2004-2005 another 100 ha. will be taken up for replanting. Likewise it is decided to fell over matured rubber trees and to replant high yielding clones in other areas / coupes also in the forthcoming years in a phased manner.

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2.13.1. Production and sales (Revenue and expenditure) (Rs. in lakhs) Year Field Revenue by Expendi- Profit (+) latex sale of rubber ture Loss (-) produc- and other tion items 2002-2003 2834 1378.64 1319.38 (+) 59.26 (Actuals) 2003-2004 2700 1668.25 1388.99 (+) 279.26 (Estimate) 2004-2005 (Budget 2700 1681.42 1387.74 (+) 293.68 Estimate)

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3. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

3.1.1. Spiralling population and increasing industrialization have posed a serious challenge to the preservation of our terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The survival and well being of any nation depends on sustainable social and economic progress that satisfies the needs and aspiration of the present without compromising the interest of future generations. Therefore environmental conservation is an integral part of the socio economic development. Ecological security is one of the important goals of the Hon'ble Chief Minister's 15 Point Programme. Conservation and enhancement of life support systems like land, water, forests and biodiversity are important for ecological security of Tamil Nadu. Several initiatives have been taken by this department for pollution abatement in rivers and lakes besides promoting environmental consciousness among the school children and the public at large.

3.1.2. The Department of Environment was created as the nodal Department for dealing with Environmental Management of the State. The Department is entrusted with the implementation of major projects like pollution abatement in the river Cauvery, Vaigai and Tamiraparani; Pollution abatement in Chennai City waterways; National Lake Conservation Programme and all aspects of Environment other than those dealt with by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. 3.1.3. Recycling of solid and liquid wastes, bio-composting, rainwater harvesting, tree planting, etc., are important in achieving environmental conservation. Environmental conservation requires attitudinal change and generation of awareness among the people. This is best done by infusing these ideals in the young minds of school children. The Schemes proposed for 2004-2005 includes components, which are in line with the Tenth Plan Proposals and the Hon'ble Chief Minister's 15 Point Programme and will help in environmental awakening and ecological regeneration.

3.2. Objectives of department

Implementation of National River Conservation Plan, for the abatement of pollution in River Cauvery, Vaigai and Tamiraparani.

Implementation of Chennai City River Conservation Project.

Implementation of National Lake Conservation Programme for the abatement of pollution in the selected urban lakes.

To carry out various environmental awareness programmes through National Green Corps and Eco- Clubs.

To enforce the provisions of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification.

To provide web-based information through Environmental Information System on the Status of Environment Tamil Nadu, the Biodiversity profile and the status of river cleaning activities in the state.

To deal with all aspects of environment other than those dealt with by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board from time to time.

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3.3. National River Conservation Programme - Five Towns

The department has been implementing a centrally sponsored scheme of “Abatement of Pollution in five polluted stretches of river Cauvery in Tamil Nadu” namely Tiruchy, Erode, Bhavani, Kumarapalayam and Pallipalayam at an overall project cost of Rs.3627.75 lakhs since 96-97. The project period is 10 years. A sum of Rs.1780.51 lakhs was utilized upto 31.03.2004, through the executing agencies namely Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, and the concerned local bodies. So far 100% of work in Tiruchy and in Erode and 70.72% in Kumarapalayam has been completed. The project proposals for Interception and Diversion works in respect of Bhavani, Interception and Diversion and Sewage Treatment Plant works of Pallipalayam and Sewage Treatment Plant Phase-II in respect of Komarapalayam have been sent to Government of India and their approval awaited.

During the year 2003-2004, Rs.122.40 lakhs were utilized for the above scheme. A sum of Rs.1780.51 lakhs was spent so far and the work will be continued during 2004-2005.

3.4. Chennai City River Conservation Project

The estimated cost for intercepting and treating sewage in six Chennai city Waterways is Rs.49152.00 lakhs. The project mainly endeavors to intercept sewage outfalls joining the Chennai City Waterways namely Cooum, Buckingham Canal, Adyar, Otteri Nullah, Captain Cotton Canal and Mambalam drain. The project is being implemented since 2001. About 82% of the interception and diversion work and about 12% of the Sewage Treatment Plant work has been completed with a financial achievement of Rs.19658.16 lakhs till 31.03.2004.

During the year 2003-2004, Rs.7670.60 lakhs were utilized for the above scheme and work will be continued during 2004-2005.

3.5. National River Conservation Programme - Seven New Towns

Government of India have approved a proposal for cleaning the River Cauvery, Vaigai and Tamiraparani along the seven towns namely Tiruchy-Srirangam, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Karur, Mayiladuthurai, Madurai and Tirunelveli at a total cost of Rs.57530.00 lakhs. Of this, 50% of the cost is obtained as grant from Government of India and the rest 50% is met by Government of Tamil Nadu, the local bodies and also through public contributions.

About 43% of work in Madurai, 40% in Mayiladuthurai, 35% in Kumbakonam, 31% in Karur, 30% in Tirunelveli, 26% in Thanjavur and 13% in Tiruchy-Srirangam has been completed.

During the past three years an amount of Rs.11323.59 lakhs has been incurred under the project through executing agencies namely Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board and concerned local bodies.

During the year 2003-2004, Rs.7791.66 lakhs were utilized for the above scheme and work will be continued during 2004-2005.

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3.6. National Lake Conservation Programme

Environmental upgradation through bioremediation of Ooty and Kodaikanal Lakes has been undertaken under the National Lake Conservation Programme at a total cost of Rs.688.00 lakhs. Government of India has released Rs.150.00 lakhs for Ooty Lake and Rs.200.00 lakhs for Kodaikanal Lake. Of this, Rs.141.63 lakhs have been utilized upto March 2004 for Ooty Lake. Works to the tune of Rs.31.80 lakhs has been completed in Kodaikanal lake. Due to the stay order of the Court, further work has been stopped in Kodaikanal Lake. Necessary action is being taken by the District Administration to vacate the stay. During the year 2003-2004, Rs.66.61 lakhs were utilized for Ooty Lake and Rs.14.31 lakhs were utilized for Kodaikanal Lake and work will be continued during 2004-2005.

3.7. Coastal Zone Management

In order to protect the coastal areas and implement Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 1991, Government of India have constituted a State Level Coastal Zone Management Authority with the Director of Environment as Member Secretary. Various proposals are scrutinized and processed by this authority. Similarly, the functions of the ‘Expert Committee for issue of environmental clearance for Thermal Power Projects’ are also coordinated by this department.

3.8. Environmental Awards

The State Government will honour the best Non-Governmental Organizations, Experts and individuals in recognition of their excellent contribution in the field of environment and distribute the environmental awards during the World Environment Day celebration.

3.9. Performance on the schemes in 2003-2004

3.9.1. Restoration of a temple hillock on pilot scale

To provide green cover to the degraded temple hillocks in the state, a pilot scheme for Eco restoration of "Sholingur Temple Hillock" in Vellore District is implemented at a cost of Rs.9.00 lakhs, out of which, Rs.6.00 lakhs has been released to Forest Department, which has completed the planting work. The Environment Management Agency of Tamil Nadu is developing irrigation infrastructure for the plantation at a cost of Rs.3.00 lakhs.

3.9.2. Environmental Education and Awareness

Financial assistance at the rate of Rs.5000/- per eco-club was given to 60 model eco-clubs of selected schools during 2003-2004 for establishing model vermi-composting or rain water harvesting unit in their schools.

3.9.3. Environmental Research and Development

Research proposals received from reputed Universities/ Research organizations were scrutinized and best proposals were selected for assistance by an Expert Committee consisting of the Director of Education Training Institute of Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board, Joint Director of Environment Management Agency of

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Tamilnadu besides Joint Director and Director of the Department of Environment. A sum of Rs.9.78 lakhs has been released to the Centre for Environment Studies, Anna University, Chennai, CPR Environment Education Centre, Chennai and Bharathiar University, Coimbatore for three research projects.

3.9.4. Environmental amelioration through Self Help Groups

The pilot programme for manufacture of hand made paper and paper bag making units through Self- help Groups and Non-governmental Organizations has been implemented in five corporations of Chennai, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Madurai and Salem at a cost of Rs.12.00 lakhs during the year 2003-04. The Self-help groups have already started the production of usable paper products from waste paper materials.

3.10. National Green Corps

Under National Green Corps programme 2900 schools Eco-clubs have been started @ 100 schools per district. About 40 to 50 students are enrolled in each school under a teacher coordinator. This year the National Green Corps programme is being extended to additional 1450 schools @ 50 per district. On the whole, over 2.50 lakhs school children have been covered under this massive eco-awareness programme covering 5500 schools all over the state. Environmental awareness under this programme is organized through thematic campaigns, tree planting, competitions and eco-camps.

The Department of Environment is functioning as the State Coordinator of National Green Corps. Government of India has released a sum of Rs.76.19 lakhs has been incurred for National Green Corps activities so far.

3.11. Environmental Information System

An Environmental information System node has been commissioned in the Department of Environment under the World Bank supported project called Environment Management Capacity Building Technical Assistant Project of Government of India. Department of Environment has been identified as the State Node for the Environmental Information System. This Environment Information System node provides with information on various aspects of Tamil Nadu Environment besides giving details about the State of Environment of Tamil Nadu, the rich biodiversity of the state and river cleaning activities undertaken in this State through a web based information system. Under this Environment Information System Programme, a Workshop on the state Bio-diversity was held on 5.12.2002 and another workshop on the conservation of rivers on 27.08.2003. An amount of Rs.12.44 lakhs has been sanctioned by Government of India for this programme and a sum of Rs.7.34 lakhs utilized upto March 2004.

3.12. Preparation of Report on State of Environment

Preparation of a State Environment Report is under progress for Tamil Nadu with the financial assistance of Rs.12.50 lakhs from Government of India. Of the Rs.5.00 lakh so far received from the Government of India Rs.1.77 lakhs has been utilized till March 2004.

3.13. A Pilot Research Project - Eco City

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For developing environment friendly cities in future, an "eco-city plan" has been prepared for Kancheepuram Town through National Environment Engineering Research Centre, Chennai, at a cost of Rs.2.50 lakhs. A seminar was conducted on 08.01.2004 at Kancheepuram and the draft report was reviewed in detail and the final report will be available shortly.

3.14. Carrying capacity evaluation - Thoothukudi City

To scientifically evaluate the carrying capacity of Thoothukudi city, a report is prepared at a cost Rs.5.20 lakhs through Water and Power Consultancy Services New Delhi. The final report will be presented in a workshop at Thoothukudi for a detailed study.

3.15. Environmental Education - Clean and Green Streets - A Pilot Project

The burden of excessive human claims on the earth's biological system is aggravated by yet another human excess - the generation of waste. Due to accelerated human activity, the quantum of generation of solid waste in the urban agglomeration is increasing manifold. The solid waste contains both biodegradable and non- biodegradable constituents. One of the basic methods in the management of the solid wastes is segregation at source and proper utilization recyclable materials and composting of biodegradable waste.

Already, over 1260 school eco-clubs have been established and under National Green Corps Scheme of Government of India 2900 school eco-clubs have been established at the rate of 100 schools per district in the State. Another 1450 school eco-clubs will be started under National Green Corps Programme of Government of India this year. As a new approach and practical location specific eco-friendly activities, the idea of proper utilization of biodegradable wastes and greening their immediate surrounding may be infused into the minds of young students of the educational institutions, in the state, which would convert these institutions into not only eco-friendly but also socially responsible model institutions.

For this purpose, under a pilot project comprising of 40 school eco clubs will be selected in Chennai Corporation; they will be requested to adopt one street adjacent to their school under this scheme. The solid waste generated in the adopted streets will follow source segregation. Biodegradable wastes will be composted by forming aerobic composting/vermi composting pits in the school premises, natural manure will be prepared. Tree Saplings will be planted in the adopted streets and the bio-manure prepared will be used for the above saplings. Thus the National Green Corps Eco-club adopted streets will be made clean and green. The eco-club members will disseminate the message of environmental conservation. The teacher coordinator of the eco-club will be incharge of the programme at the school level. One part-time street beautifier will be engaged by the school for actual door to door collection of segregated garbage composting and watering the avenue plants during summer. It is proposed to give an assistance of Rs.18,750/- per school under the programme. A sum of Rs.7.50 lakhs has been provided for this pilot programme under Part II Scheme for the year 2004-2005 for 40 schools in Chennai Corporation. The revenue generated by selling the recyclable material like paper, plastic bottle, etc., and sale of compost will ensure the sustainability of the programme in the long run. Based on the success of project it may be extended to other towns in the coming years.

3.16. Environment Research and Development

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Programme

Specific need based innovative Environmental Research projects will be promoted in the areas of Solid Waste Management, Lake conservation and Bio Medical Waste Management. Research capability of various universities such as Anna University, Madras University, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai Kamaraj University, Bharathiar and Bharathidasan University, Non Governmental Organisations will be made use of for this purpose. Selected research scholars/students will be provided Research Associates/Senior Research Fellowship/Junior Research Fellowship under the project as per University Grant Commission / Indian Council of Agriculture Research norms for assisting the Department of Environment in this regard. Hence, for this innovative research component has been allotted Rs.10.00 lakhs for the selected research projects to address the land, water and air issues of immediate concern during the year 2004-2005 under Part II Scheme.

3.17. A Water Quality Monitoring laboratory will be established to monitor river water quality

The Department of Environment has undertaken cleaning of the rivers and lakes in Tamil Nadu under National River Conservation Programme and National Lake Conservation Programme. National River Conservation Programme is being implemented in Five Old Towns namely, Erode, Bhavani, Kumarapalayam, Tiruchy and Pallipalayam, Seven New Towns namely, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Karur-Inam Karur, and Tiruchy-Srirangam besides Chennai. Similarly, Ooty and Kodaikanal Lakes have been taken up for conservation under National Lakh Conservation Programme. It is important to undertake the baseline survey and also monitoring of water quality over the next three years. It is proposed to establish a small water quality monitoring lab in Department of Environment for exclusively monitoring the water quality of the river Cauvery, Vaigai, Tamiraparani, Chennai City Waterways besides Ooty and Kodaikanal lakes. As the conservation of rivers and lakes being one of the important mandates of the Department of Environment, establishment of water quality monitoring lab in Department of Environment is quite essential. This will also facilitate uniform analysis of the programmes monitored by the Department at State level.

The proposal will involve engaging laboratory personnel on contract basis and the lab will be under the control of the Deputy Director (Environment Impact Assessment). He will be assisted by technical personnel for testing the water quality. A sum of Rs.10.00 lakhs has been provided for the above programme during the year 2004-05 under Part II Scheme.

3.18. Conservation of Coastal Ecosystem

Coastal area forms a highly complex and dynamic eco-system, sensitive to developmental pressures. With the growth of cities, towns, ports, industrial establishments and other developments, great expanses of the coasts have been altered to such an extent that they now hardly resemble the original form; degradation and multi-utilization of beaches are affecting the aesthetic and environmental values with significant economic and recreational loss. These could be avoided through prudent coastal development and management based on assessment of ecological values and potential damage from coastal developments. Conservation and regeneration of existing mangroves along the coast is being undertaken by the Forest Department and tourism activities by the Department of Tourism. Fisheries and Ports have important role along the coast.

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i) An integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan involving various departments, agencies and all the stakeholders will be prepared for the Tamil Nadu coast during the Tenth Plan engaging suitable consultants. A sum of Rs.10.00 lakhs has been provided for this proposal under Part II Scheme for the year 2004-2005.

This Department is also implementing Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 1991 under the Environment Protection Act 1986 and conservation of coast in line with this notification is quite essential. Government of India have emphasized that violations along the coast should be checked by the State Government through increased surveillance. It is proposed to form a Green Squad for Coastal Conservation for checking CRZ violations and a sum of Rs.2.00 lakhs has been provided for this proposal under Part II Scheme for the year 2004-2005.

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4. TAMIL NADU POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD

4.1. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, established in 1982, enforces the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as amended, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 as amended, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 as amended and the relevant provisions/rules of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to prevent, control and abate pollution and for protection of environment. The pollution control laws and rules are as follows,

• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as amended in 1978 and 1988.

• The Tamil Nadu Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1983.

• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 as amended in 1991 and 2003.

• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Rules, 1978 as amended in 1992.

• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 as amended in 1987.

• The Tamil Nadu Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1983. • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

• The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986

• The Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2000 and 2003.

• The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 as amended in 2000.

• The Bio-Medical Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 as amended in 2000 and 2003.

• The Recycled Plastic Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 as amended in 2003.

• The Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000.

• The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

• The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001.

The Board functions with its Head Office at Chennai. There are 25 District Offices at Chennai, Coimbatore, Vellore, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Ambattur, Tambaram, Vaniyambadi, Hosur, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Karur, Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Thirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Uthagamandalam, Nagercoil, Pudukkottai, Villupuram and Nagapattinam.

The Board has established 3 Advanced Environmental Laboratories at Chennai, Salem and Madurai, 10 District Environmental Laboratories at Ambattur, Vellore, Cuddalore, Tiruchirapalli, Dindigul, Thirunelveli, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Hosur and Manali and one Mobile Environmental Laboratory at Thoothukudi.

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4.2. Interaction with other departments

The Board interacts with other concerned departments/ institutions to take a coordinated action for the protection of environment. The Board extends effective assistance to local bodies in urban solid waste management, by providing training and technical assistance.

4.3. Monitoring of industrial pollution

With the increasing pace of industrialisation in Tamil Nadu, the need for continuous monitoring of pollution from industrial sources has become significant. All industries have to take necessary pollution control measures to meet the standards prescribed by the Board. The field officers of the Board periodically inspect every industry under their jurisdiction to assess the adequacy of pollution control measures provided to treat the effluent and gaseous emissions. For effective monitoring, the Board has classified the industries into red, orange and green, based on their pollution characteristics.

4.4. Procedure for issue of consent

The Board has laid down effluent standards, ambient air quality and emission standards. The Board issues consent to industries in two stages under the Water Act and the Air Act for establishment and operation of industrial units. Consent to establish is issued depending upon the suitability of the site, before the industry takes up the construction activity. Consent to operate is issued after installation of effluent treatment plant and air pollution control measures, before commissioning production. While issuing consent, the Board specifies the standards to be complied with by the industrial units. Consent order issued to industrial units includes in addition to primary conditions relating to emission and effluent, the conditions regarding obtaining ISO 14001 certificate (Environmental Management System), green belt development, rain water harvesting facilities, maintenance of Government health institutions, vehicle maintenance and responsible contracting of vehicles, good house keeping including non-use of throwaway plastics.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India notified the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 1994 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. As per the notification, 30 types of industries scheduled therein have to obtain the environmental clearance from the Government of India. As per the amendment dated 10.4.1997 issued in the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 1994, the Government of Tamil Nadu issued orders for constituting public hearing panels to consider the views of the public on these projects. Public hearings are being conducted from the month of May 1998 onwards in the respective District Collectorates for the applications received for setting up certain specified industries/projects. As on 31.03.2004, 242 public hearings have been conducted. On receipt of the recommendations of the public hearing panels constituted, the Board considers the issue of no objection certificate to those industries/projects. With the no objection certificate of the Board and the Environmental Impact Assessment report, the proponents have to approach the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India for obtaining environmental clearance. After production of environmental clearance obtained from the Government of India, consent to establish is issued by the Board.

The Board has granted 4,132 consent orders for establishment of industries under the Water Act and 4,068 consent orders for establishment of industries under the Air Act from 1995-1996 upto 31.03.2004. It has

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granted 21,659 consent orders to industries to operate under the Water Act and 18,829 consent orders to industries to operate under the Air Act from 1982-1983 upto 31.03.2004.

4.5. Complaints and legal action

As on 31.03.2004, the Board has issued 28,793 show cause notices and 4,279 closure orders to industrial units for not complying with the conditions stipulated by the Board. The Board has filed 321 cases under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as amended and 134 cases under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 as amended against the erring industries for the contravention of pollution control laws.

4.6. 17 Categories of Highly Polluting Industries

The Board has a special monitoring cell at its head office, Chennai to monitor the 17 categories of highly polluting industries, specified by the Government of India. 190 large and medium units have been identified under 17 categories of highly polluting industries and these are being closely monitored by the Board.

4.7. Common Effluent Treatment Plants

The Board plays an important role in the establishment of common effluent treatment plants for clusters of small polluting industries in various parts of the State. Tamil Nadu is a pioneering State in India in establishing common effluent treatment plants. So far, proposals for 50 common effluent treatment plant schemes have been formulated. Of these, 33 Common Effluent Treatment Plant schemes are under operation and 17 common effluent treatment plant schemes are under various stages of implementation. The details of common effluent treatment plant schemes are as follows,

Sl. Sector Number of Number of No. Common Common Effluent Effluent Treatment Plants Treatment Under Operation Plants Formed 1 Tanneries 24 schemes 14 schemes 2 Textile Bleaching and 25 schemes 18 schemes Dyeing 3 Hotels and Lodging 1 scheme 1 scheme Houses Total 50 schemes 33 schemes

14 common effluent treatment plants at Pammal, SIDCO-Ranipet, SIPCOT Phase-II Ranipet, Vaniyambadi (Valayampet), Vaniyambadi (Udayenthiram), Ranipet (V.C.Mottur), Ranipet (Melpudupet), Ambur (Thuthipet), Ambur (Maligaithoppu), Pernambut (Bakkalapalli), Melvisharam, Dindigul, Madhavaram and Tiruchirapalli (Ramji Nagar) covering 624 tanneries have been commissioned. 18 common effluent treatment plants at Veerapandi, Chinnakkarai, Kasipalayam, Kunnangalpalayam, Andipalayam, Mannarai, Angeripalayam and Manickampurampudur in Tiruppur area, Karuppampalayam, Amaravathi Nagar, Thirumanilaiyur, Sukkaliyur, Ramakrishnapuram, Light house area, Sellandipalayam and Andankoil in Karur area, Ayyampet-Muthialpet in Kancheepuram district and at Perundurai in Erode district covering 817 textile

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bleaching and dyeing units have been commissioned. One common effluent treatment plant for 90 hotels and lodging houses at Kodaikkanal has also been commissioned.

Towards the implementation of common effluent treatment plants, State subsidy is granted by Government of Tamil Nadu, upto 25% of the project cost and Central subsidy is granted by Government of India, upto 25% of the project cost. The Board, after receiving the subsidy amount from Government, releases the amount to individual common effluent treatment plants based on the progress of the work.

The Board has so far received Rs.25.90 crores from the Government of Tamil Nadu towards subsidy for 48 common effluent treatment plants and released Rs.22.66 crores as on 31.03.2003. During 2003-2004, State subsidy of Rs. 28.83 lakhs has been granted. The Government of Tamil Nadu have also released Rs.6.77 crores as state subsidy for 9 more common effluent treatment plants through Tamil Nadu Leather Development Corporation as 25% of the project cost.

The Government of India has so far sanctioned Rs. 20.60 crores as Central subsidy to 48 common effluent treatment plants in Tamil Nadu and released the same through the Board, Tamil Nadu Leather Development Corporation and Industrial Development Bank of India. The Board has so far received Central subsidy of Rs. 12.84 crores and released Rs. 11.65 crores to common effluent treatment plants. Government of India has released Rs 4.29 crores through Tamil Nadu Leather Development Corporation and Rs. 3.47 crores through Industrial Development Bank of India to the common effluent treatment plants. Out of the Rs. 20.60 crores sanctioned by Government of India, Rs. 19.40 crores has thus been released.

4.8. Cleaner Technologies

With active support and encouragement from the Board, industrial units in Tamil Nadu have started switching over to cleaner technologies such as adoption of membrane cell instead of mercury cell in caustic soda manufacturing, adoption of dry process instead of wet process to reduce air pollution in cement factories, adoption of double conversion and double absorption technology in sulphuric acid manufacturing, gas carburising instead of cyanide salts in heat treatment and cyanide free electroplating. Pulp and paper industries are being encouraged to go in for elemental chlorine free bleaching to reduce the formation of organo-chlorides including dioxins. Industries consuming ozone depleting substances are systematically changing to environment friendly compounds.

The common effluent treatment plant at Perundurai for textile dyeing units has provided on-line total dissolved solids monitoring device in the raw wash water line to automatically divert the high total dissolved solids (more than 2,100 mg/lit) effluent for evaporation along with the segregated dye bath effluent.

Major industries have been asked to get the ISO 14001 certificates, which are awarded for adoption of best environmental management systems in their plants. During the last three years 102 industries have obtained ISO 14001 certification. 83 industries are in the process of getting the certificates.

4.9. Waste minimisation

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With the adoption of cleaner technologies, there has been progress in waste recovery and waste minimisation. Examples include recovery of materials such as chrome from tannery effluent and ammonia from fertilizers. Out of 15 distilleries, 13 distilleries have gone for biocomposting of their effluents with press mud of sugar factories for achieving zero discharge of trade effluent. 2 distilleries are not in operation at present. 12 textile dyeing units at Tiruppur have provided reverse osmosis system and salt recovery plant for reusing in the process.

4.10. Water conservation

As a water conservation measure, three major industries in Manali and Basin Bridge area are utilising about 25mld of city sewage in their plants after tertiary treatment for cooling purposes. A major petroleum refinery unit at Manali, 12 textile dyeing units at Tiruppur and 2 tanneries at Ambur have provided reverse osmosis plants for recovering the process water from the effluent. The recovered water is reused in the process. In sugar industries, water condensate from evaporators is reused.

4.11. Energy conservation

As a measure for fuel conservation and recovery, all the distilleries are recovering methane gas from their spent wash through anaerobic digestion. Major sugar factories have installed co-generation power plants. The sago units recover methane gas from their trade effluent through anaerobic digestion. A tannery in Melvisharam has installed a power generator using methane recovered from anaerobic digestion of fleshings from tannery. Other industrial units are encouraged to use less energy and this is being audited through the environmental statements of the unit.

4.12. Air Quality Monitoring

With the increased industrial and commercial activities in the vicinity of major cities, the ambient air quality is affected by emissions from the industries and from the ever increasing vehicular population. As per the provisions of the Air Act, the entire State of Tamil Nadu has been declared as air pollution control area.

4.13. Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

The Board is monitoring the ambient air quality in Chennai (3 stations), Coimbatore (3 stations), Thoothukudi (3 stations), Madurai (3 stations) and Salem (1 station) under the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme. Under the State Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme, the Board has established 5 ambient air quality monitoring stations in Chennai city and 5 in Tiruchirapalli. The programmes monitor the air quality in residential, commercial and sensitive zones of the cities. The results of the programme are published every week in leading newspapers.

The major industrial complexes, especially the clusters of chemical industries, are being monitored continuously. With this in view, the Board has established 6 continuous ambient air quality monitoring systems at Cuddalore, Thoothukudi, Ranipet, Manali-Thiruvallur, Royapuram-Chennai, Kathivakkam-Thiruvallur at a cost of around Rs.40 lakhs each to assess the level of pollutants such as suspended particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, ammonia, chlorine, flourine, etc. in the ambient air and the adequacy of air pollution control measures provided by the industries. The Board instructs the concerned

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industrial units to improve the air pollution control measures, whenever the levels exceed the standards prescribed.

During the current year, towards strengthening of air quality monitoring, the activities of establishing one automatic continuous ambient air quality monitoring centre at Koyambedu in Chennai city, setting up of new manually operated high volume samplers in Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore, Trichy and Tirunelveli at a total cost of Rs. 72 lakh and providing flue gas analysers to Board's laboratories at a cost of Rs. 39 lakh are under process.

Highly polluting industries have been directed to establish their own continuous air quality monitoring systems. These units have also been asked to set up continuous stack monitoring systems with computer recording arrangements so as to monitor emissions at the source itself. 42 industries have already installed these air quality monitoring systems. Self monitoring by industries through these mechanisms is being encouraged.

4.14. Vehicle Emission Monitoring

Urbanisation and industrialisation have resulted in increased vehicular traffic in cities, resulting in increase in automobile emissions and toxic smoke emissions. The Board is carrying out the vehicle emission monitoring since 1992 for testing the emissions from goods transport vehicles in Chennai city in 3 locations at Alandur, Ambattur and Vyasarpadi. In addition, 120 private agencies have been authorised by the Transport Department in Chennai city to check the emission level of the vehicles. Further, the Board has established vehicle emission monitoring stations at Dindigul, Palani, Udhagamandalam (2 stations), and Chengalpattu. The Board has upgraded and computerised all its vehicle emission monitoring stations for testing diesel driven vehicles and computerisation is under process for petrol driven vehicles.

During the year 2003-2004, out of 51,398 vehicles tested, 13,206 vehicles exceeded the limit during their first test. After rectification of defects, 1,666 vehicles still did not satisfy the standards. The Board has initiated action to check the emission levels of the buses run by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation of Chennai Limited. Computerised emission testing centers have been provided by the Board in the Metropolitan Transport Corporation Depots at Adyar, Alandur, Ayanavaram, Anna Nagar, Vadapalani and Tondiarpet. Other Transport Corporations have also been instructed to closely monitor the emission levels of their buses. All the Government Corporations and Departments have been requested to ensure that their vehicles do not exceed the emission norms so as to set an example to others.

For controlling vehicular emission, cleaner fuel like unleaded petrol, petrol with 3% benzene and low sulphur fuel (0.05%) have been introduced in Chennai Metropolitan Area. Passenger cars complying with Bharat stage-II norms alone are registered in Chennai since July 2001. Action is being taken to introduce liquefied petroleum gas in Chennai as it is a cleaner fuel. 7 liquefied petroleum gas stations have been commissioned at Koyambedu, Guindy, Avadi, Mogappair, Kilpauk and Ambattur. Government policy to encourage mass transport and the use of liquefied petroleum gas for private vehicles will help in improving the air quality.

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The Board is assisting in implementation of the action plan evolved for the improvement of air quality in Chennai city. Periodical reports on implementation of the action plan are being sent through the Environment and Forests Department to the Environment Protection and Control Authority constituted as per the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.

4.15. Noise Level Monitoring

Towards controlling noise pollution in urban areas, about 44,500 air horns were removed from buses and lorries throughout the State. 29 districts have been declared as air horn free districts. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Chennai was the first to declare its corporations ‘air horn free’. Other transport corporations have followed suit. For noise level monitoring at the district level, sophisticated noise level meters have been provided to the District Offices of the Board at the cost of Rs. 88 lakhs.

4.16. Water Quality Monitoring

Pollution of major rivers in the State is caused by the discharge of untreated sewage from the urban local bodies and panchayats and untreated or partially treated effluent from industries. The Board is collecting the samples periodically to monitor the quality of rivers and to instruct the polluters to take corrective measures. In case of industrial pollution, it is the responsibility of the industrial units to provide the required effluent treatment plants either individually or collectively so as to achieve the standards. Pollution abatement schemes are being implemented in the river stretches of Cauvery at Tiruchirapalli, Bhavani, Erode, Pallipalayam and Komarapalayam and in the river stretch of Vaigai at Madurai under the National River Conservation Programme. Other rivers and water sources are also proposed to be taken up under the National River Conservation Programme.

4.17. Water Quality Monitoring Programmes

Under the Global Environmental Monitoring System, the Board is closely monitoring the quality of water in the Cauvery basin at Mettur, Pallipalayam, Musiri and ground water quality at Musiri. Similarly, water quality of rivers Cauvery (16 stations), Tamiraparani (7 stations), Palar (1 station) and Vaigai (1 station) and the three important lakes in Udhagamandalam, Kodaikkanal and Yercaud are being monitored under the Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic Resources System by the Board. The Board is continuously monitoring the Chennai city water ways to prevent pollution due to discharge of trade effluent from industries and sewage from local bodies and is collecting and analysing samples of river water and outfalls at regular intervals, since 1991.

The Board is now creating awareness on non-point sources of pollution. One of the major non-point sources of pollution is from chemical based agriculture. Awareness measures taken by the Board have pointed out the need to shift to more eco-friendly organic agriculture by use of less chemical pesticides/fertilizers.

4.18. Wastes Management

4.18.1. Hazardous Substances Management

The Board has taken effective steps for handling and management of hazardous chemicals and treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes in an environmentally safe manner. The Board has identified 2,318 units

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generating hazardous wastes and completed identification of hazardous waste streams in respect of existing units as per the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2000 and 2003.

Industries located in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts have formed the Industrial Waste Management Association for establishing a common hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility through a private operator. The site at Melakottaiyur village, Chengalpattu Taluk, Kancheepuram district has been identified as a site for establishing this facility.

Based on the instructions of the Board, the federations of common effluent treatment plants at Tiruppur have identified a site at Nallur village, Karupagounderpalayam, Tiruppur taluk, Coimbatore district for establishing a common hazardous waste secure landfill facility. The federation of common effluent treatment plants in Karur have identified a site at Mathagiri village, Krishnarayapuram taluk, Karur district for establishing a secure landfill facility for disposal of sludge generated from treatment of textile dyeing effluents.

The Board is promoting a few landfill facilities at strategic locations to ensure that such facilities are properly monitored and the associated environmental problems are effectively managed.

The Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules, 2000 provide for implementation of environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes including their reprocessing or reuse as raw material and disposal of residues after extracting the reusable materials. In Tamil Nadu, hazardous wastes such as waste oil and lead from used batteries are being recycled in an environment friendly manner by the facilities, which are authorised by the Board and registered with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The Board is also exercising control over the generators and auctioneers. Only authorised and registered facilitators are allowed to handle these wastes.

The Board has also identified 25 isolated storages used for storing of hazardous chemicals. Due to close monitoring, 73 industries have taken policies under the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991. During 1997- 1998, the logistics for hazardous substances management cell have been made at a cost of Rs. 12.60 lakhs from the Board's own fund. During 2002-2003, an adhoc sanction for Rs.41.95 lakhs for the project on hazardous substances management has been received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. 4.18.2. Municipal Solid Waste Management

With increasing urbanisation and rising levels of municipal solid wastes, an urgent task is to evolve scientific approaches to segregate, handle and dispose the solid wastes in urban areas. In this regard, a project of conducting feasibility studies on solid waste management for the local bodies of Udhagamandalam, Kodaikkanal, Palani, Tiruchendur, Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, Mamalapuram and Kuttralam, which are all centres of tourism, has been taken up at a cost of Rs.23.60 lakhs from Board's fund. Tiruppur municipality has started segregation of waste at source. A private agency is composting the segregated waste for the past two years. Further 92 other municipalities have started segregation of waste at source and the composting work has begun. The Board has issued no objection certificates to 32 municipalities/corporations for composting of municipal solid wastes.

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Workshops on municipal solid waste management were conducted during August 2001 for all the commissioners of municipal corporations and municipalities and in December 2001 for the executive officers of town panchayats and again during August 2002 for municipal commissioners. A seminar on decentralised sewage treatment and biomethanisation as a technological option for municipal solid waste management was conducted during November 2002 for municipal commissioners. Various programmes towards achieving zero garbage have been conducted at district levels regularly. During 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, 26 awareness programmes on source segregation of municipal solid wastes were conducted with 6,160 participants in and around Chennai.

4.18.3. Plastic Wastes Management

Realizing the environmental problems caused by indiscriminate use and disposal of plastics, awareness has been created regarding reduction in the use of throwaway plastics through various campaigns. A mobile exhibition, exhibiting eco-friendly alternatives to plastics was arranged in Chennai city, which was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 03.08.2001. District level programmes on ‘Children Against Plastic’ were launched in September 2001. Financial assistance of Rs.1.25 lakh was provided to each District Collector for the conduct of campaigns to encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives to throwaway plastics in their districts. Billboards educating people against the use and disposal of throwaway plastics were placed on Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses, in Chennai. Awareness campaigns were conducted in Nilgiris, Kodaikkanal, Yercaud, Rameshwaram, Kaniyakumari and other tourist towns and cities. Continuous awareness programmes are being conducted for the devotees using the girivalam path of the Thiruvannamalai temple. The Nilgiris district, Hogenakkal, Kaniyakumari, Kodaikanal, Ooty, Rameswaram, Valparai, Yelagiri, Yercaud, Thirumoorthi falls, etc., have been declared as throwaway plastic free areas. As an alternative to plastics, a training for the production of palm leaf products has been conducted to self help groups in Salem, Vellore and Cuddalore through the Central Palmgur and Palm Products Institute of Village Industries Commission.

Action is being taken at the Government level on cleaning up of National/State Highways and other District Roads to make them free of plastic wastes, encroachments and other polluting activities. This would help to make a drive through Tamil Nadu, an aesthetic experience.

4.18.4. Bio-medical Wastes Management

The Board enforces the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 as amended in 2000. As part of this process, the Board has so far inventorised 317 Government hospitals and 1,835 private hospitals. The Board has issued directions to the Government and private hospitals to take time bound action for identifying sites and setting up common facilities for management of biomedical wastes in coordination with Indian Medical Association. So far 10 sites have been identified by the Indian Medical Association for establishing the common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities for the private health care units. The components of a common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facility are autoclave, shredder, compactor, incinerator for anatomical waste, secured landfill facility, laboratory and vehicles for transportation of wastes. In respect of biomedical wastes generated from Government hospitals, separate facilities are being envisaged in 6 municipal corporations. For smaller towns ‘on site’ autoclaving and deep burial is to be done. The Board has also conducted training in management of biomedical wastes for its own staff, members of Indian Medical

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Association and other medical and para medical personnel. Two common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities at Thenmelpakkam village and Chennakuppam village in Kancheepuram district are under operation. Two more common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities at Kandipedu village, Vellore district and Sengipatti village, Thanjavur district respectively are nearing completion.

4.19. Other activities of the Board

4.19.1. Applied Research and Development

The Board has established an applied research and development wing in the Advanced Environmental Laboratory at Chennai for developing cleaner technologies that would reduce the generation of pollution. The Board has established a research fund from cess fund of the Board to assist various institutions for conducting research studies in the field of environmental protection, pollution control and development of cleaner technologies. A committee has been formed to scrutinise and select suitable projects for assistance. So for 9 such projects have been sanctioned with an outlay of Rs. 45.38 lakhs.

4.19.2. Environmental Training Institute

The Board has established an Environmental Training Institute with Danish assistance of Rs.4 crores at its head office to impart training to industries, local bodies, non governmental organizations and the staff of the Board to enable to monitor and advise industries on pollution abatement and prevention techniques. The Environmental Training Institute has conducted 185 training programmes and trained 7,946 participants from December 1995 upto 31.03.2004.

As per the provisions of Water and Air Acts, one of the functions of the State Pollution Control Board is to impart training on prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution. The Environmental Training Institute collects course fee from the participants for meeting the expenditure pertaining to course materials and refreshments. Income collected from the participants from April 1997 to March 2004 is Rs. 51.27 lakhs.

4.19.3. Environmental Awareness

An environmental pavilion set up at Periyar Science and Technology Centre, Chennai conducts painting, essay writing and oratorical contests on environmental issues. Video films and short films are screened. The Board has established a pollution awareness and assistance cell in the Corporate office. Environmental awareness programmes and workshops on vehicular pollution, noise pollution control, hazardous waste management, solid waste management, biomedical waste management, plastic waste management, protection of ozone layer, rain water harvesting, etc, are being conducted. Special awareness campaigns are conducted against air and noise pollution during festival seasons such as Deepavali and Bogi. These campaigns were quite successful. Awareness programme regarding permitted activities in residential area is being taken up so as to ensure that residential areas remain unpolluted. To create an awareness among the public on various environmental issues, an amount of Rs. 1 lakh each has been given to the District Collectors by the Board.

4.20. Schemes

4.20.1. Preparation of Environmental Atlas

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The Board has prepared environmental management plan for Chennai city and submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board for finalisation. The Board with assistance of the Central Pollution Control Board is implementing the spatial environmental planning programme for preparing district environmental atlas in respect of Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Coimbatore, Vellore and Thoothukudi as per the revised criteria of the Central Pollution Control Board.

4.20.2. Externally Aided Projects

The Board has signed an agreement on 24.11.2000 with the United States Trade and Development Agency to conduct a feasibility study on industrial waste water recycling and reuse for the tanneries in the Vellore region. The entire project cost is 1,80,100 in United States Dollar. The study has been completed and the final report from the agency appointed by the United States Trade and Development Agency is awaited.

4.20.3. Green Awards

To encourage District Collectors to play a proactive role in promoting sustainable development in their districts, the Government has instituted green awards for protection of the environment. Green awards were given to the District Collectors based on the assessment of the personal contribution of the Collectors to the promotion of environmental protection and sustainable development. Green awards were given to the District Collectors of the Nilgiris, Salem and Virudhunagar for the year 2001-2002 and to the District Collectors of Kanyakumari, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Salem, Thiruvannamalai and Vellore for the year 2002-2003 for their work in environmental protection and pollution control. The Awards were distributed by the Hon'ble Chief Minister on 05.06.2002 and 05.06.2003 respectively. These awards had motivated Collectors to focus on the issues relating to environment in their districts.

“Green Innovators Award” was instituted by the Government during the year 2003. This award was given to an industrial unit, which has contributed innovatively in tackling a major industrial pollution problem in the textile processing industry.

R. VAITHILINGAM, MINISTER FOR FOREST AND ENVIRONMENT

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