ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST DEPARTMENT

POLICY NOTE 2005-2006

DEMAND NO. 14

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Forest as a life supporting system plays a very crucial role in the ecological stability and rural development of our State. It is the forests that have preserved the soil and their heavy humus that has acted as a porous reservoir to retain water and gradually releasing it in a sustained flow over a long period of time to feed the low lying agricultural areas. Management of forests conserves the basic land resource, while yielding high level of production in five major areas of use viz. water, wood, forage, wildlife and recreation for the benefit of society.

1.2. 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. 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.

1.4. Ensuring ecological security of the people of the State is an important mandate of the 15 point programme being implemented by this Government.

1.5. The forest eco-system of the State consists of a variety of flora and fauna representing remarkable bio- diversity essential for the environmental stability and water conservation thereby creating food security for survival of present and the future generations.

1.6. This policy note for Forest Department, while identifying the immediate concerns of the forestry sector in the State, lays down broad guidelines for future management perspectives by encouraging participation of local village communities in Forest Management through Joint Forest Management by organising them into Village Forest Committees.

1 2. FOREST DEPARTMENT

2.1. 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.

2.2. Forest Policy

The National Forest Policy of 1988 of Government of lays down the guiding principles for Forest Management in India. As the management of forests has been left to the State Government, a State Forest Policy in consonance with the principles of National Forest Policy is under consideration. 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 tree cover. 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.

2.3. 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;

• Stabilizing coastal eco-system from natural disasters like Cyclones, Tsunami, etc.

• 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);

• Harnessing non-conventional energy resources and contributing to energy security of remote villages;

• 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, beetles, butterflies and animals;

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

2.4. Strategy

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

2.4.1. Increasing green cover

Union Planning Commission has recommended that the forest / tree cover 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). 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 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. The total percentage of area under Forest / Tree cover is reported as 21.17 % of the total geographical area.

2.4.2. 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 (JFM)” for sustained flow of benefits to the people. Substantial degraded forestland remains to be ecologically rehabilitated in the State.

2.4.3. 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.

2.4.4. Management of Sanctuaries, National Parks and Biosphere reserves

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 two biosphere reserves. In addition to these, there are 12 birds sanctuaries declared for protecting the bird habitat outside Reserve Forest areas. 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, 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.

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2.4.5. Catchment Area Management

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.

2.4.6. 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.

2.4.7. 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.

Encouraging the planting of timber species by public in private lands is the main thrust of the department and steps are being taken up for liberalising, various rules regarding growing, transport and utilisation of timber.

2.4.8. 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.

4 2.4.9. 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 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 (VVKs) in Tamil Nadu spread all over the State.

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

2.4.10. Energy from non-conventional sources

In order to provide electricity to the remote villages which are not covered by grid extension, Forest Department has proposed to extend its activities in the area of power production including motive power from renewable energy sources like bio-mass and tree born oil seeds.

2.4.11. 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 beyond the carrying capacity in the State, which causes heavy damage to afforestation activities. 2.5. Thrust Areas

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

5 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.

2.5.2. Human Resources Development

The 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 2004-2005, training has been imparted to 58 Rangers and 78 Foresters in Tamil Nadu Forest Academy (TNFA) at and to 120 Forest Guards in Tamil Nadu Forestry Training College (TNFTC) at Vaigaidam.

2.5.3. 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.

2.5.4. 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.

2.6. Achievements during 2004-2005

1. Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project

During 2004-05, Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project is being implemented at a cost of Rs.69.09 crores for raising plantation over an area of 28,653 hectares involving developmental activities in 110 villages. 110 Village Forest Councils (VFCs) have been formed to implement this project during 2004-2005.

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.623.55 crores. The water harvesting works under this programme has increased water availability in these villages by 5 to 10% despite poor rainfall.

2. 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 have been formed in the implementing divisions. So far, the Government of India released

6 Rs.3095.35 lakhs for these 30 Forest Development Agencies, out of which Rs.2214.36 lakhs has been utilized by the 30 Forest Development Agencies covering an area of 19550.37 ha. 3. Part-II Schemes

During 2004-2005, Part-II schemes with an outlay of Rs.1279.17 lakhs for protection, buildings, roads, forest settlement, improvement of zoos, etc. are being implemented.

4. Rejuvenation camp (Special Health Camp for the elephants)

Rejuvenation camp (Special Health camp) has been conducted for the elephants in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary for 48 days from 18.11.2004. In all, 111 elephants belonging to Forest Department, various temples, mutts and individuals participated in the Rejuvenation camp. An amount of Rs.5.52 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. Salutary effect of the camp was evident.

5. Sandalwood Revenue

Revenue of Rs.5898.34 lakhs has been realised by sale of 335.70 metric tonnes of sandalwood from 3 final cleaning depots.

6. Ganja plants destruction

5494 Ganja plants over an area of 9.220 ha. worth of about Rs.100.00 lakhs were destroyed.

7. Sale of Teak trees in division

An amount of Rs.501.00 lakhs has been realised from the sale of teak trees in Thanjavur division. 8. Awards for outstanding contributions - Indira Priyadarshini awards

Indira Priyardarshini Vriksha Mitra Awards for 2001 were awarded during 2004-2005 for outstanding contributions in Afforestation and wasteland development to the following divisions / Village Forest Councils (VFCs) / persons from Tamil Nadu.

Vellore Forest division - For excellent work in restoration of degraded forest through Joint Forest Management (JFM).

Ungatti Village Forest - For innovative development works Council in in re-afforestation and water harvesting of degraded forests.

Thiru. N.S.A. Velu For his successful tree cultivation Mudhaliyar, Farmer, in his ravine lands. Puliyangudi village of district.

9. Chief Minister’s gallantry award

While celebrating the success of operation cocoon in which the smuggler Veerappan was shot dead, Hon’ble Chief Minister has rewarded 104 Forest Personnel. An amount of Rs.109.20 lakhs was distributed as cash and 56 persons were given one-step promotion. In addition, 105 Plot Watchers are given regular consolidated wages.

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10. For the first time Government of India recognized Southern Forest Rangers College for training IFS officers and 33 IFS Officers all over India have undergone one-week compulsory training here. Southern Forest Rangers College is now renamed as Tamil Nadu Forest Academy.

11. Geomatics Centre

The Geomatics Centre has digitized all the forest boundaries namely division, range, beat, Reserved Forests for the entire State. The Geographical Information System (GIS) facility has been created in all the territorial forest divisions covering most of the districts. Forest fire mapping using satellite imagery has been completed for entire Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu.

2.7. Forest revenue and expenditure

2.7.1. Revenue

The revenue receipt during 2004-2005 (Revised Estimate) and Budget Estimate for 2005-2006 are detailed below. (Rs. in lakhs) Sl. 2004-2005 2005-2006 Source of revenue No. (R.E.) (B.E.) a) Sandalwood 6691.08 8025.63 b) Timber 801.83 841.92 Supply of raw materials to c) 765.75 804.04 industries d) Other Minor Forest Produce 12.06 12.66 e) Farm Forestry plantations 997.00 1046.85 f) Bamboo, Cashew and Softwood 56.10 37.96 plantations g) Other receipts 1767.96 1856.36 Total 11091.78 12625.42

2.7.2. Expenditure and outlay

The plan outlay under forests during 2005-2006 has been Rs.13787.44 lakhs. Details of expenditure during 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 under various schemes are given below: (Rs. in lakhs) Expenditure Expenditure Budget during during Estimate Name of the Scheme 2003-2004 2004-2005 for 2005- (Pre- (Revised 2006 Actuals) Estimate) (Proposed) State Forestry Schemes 12092.85 11776.11 13787.44 Centrally Sponsored 528.30 546.17 474.47 Schemes (100%) Scheme shared between 253.19 601.66 573.72 State and Centre Total 12874.34 12923.94 14835.63

8 2.8. Major schemes for 2005-2006 - On going schemes

2.8.1. 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.445.99 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.177.56 crores. To keep up the enthusiasm and continuity, the scheme is being implemented at an outlay of Rs.69.09 crores during 2004-2005 from State funds to cover an area of 28,653 ha. spread over in 110 villages. During the first year of the TAP Phase-II project i.e. 2005-2006, it is proposed to implement the project at a cost of Rs.85.89 crores covering 29,250 ha. of degraded forests and 135 fringed villages.

2.8.2. 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 2004-2005, these schemes have been implemented at a cost of Rs.1075.16 lakhs. During, 2005-2006, the outlay is Rs.1129.39 lakhs. 2.8.3. Hill Area Development Programme

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 2004-2005 this scheme is being implemented at a cost of Rs.375.17 lakhs and the above scheme is proposed to be implemented with a financial outlay of Rs.442.64 lakhs during 2005-2006.

9 2.8.4. 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 is being implemented at a cost of Rs.386.28 lakhs during 2004-2005 and the above scheme is to be implemented with a financial outlay of Rs.420.20 lakhs during 2005-2006. During 2004- 2005, an amount of Rs.28.60 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 to conserve and develop the medicinal plants at a cost of Rs.20.00 lakhs for 2005-2006 after approval of the Union Planning Commission, Government of India.

2.8.5. Raising Teak plantations on Padugai lands

The Government has accorded administrative sanction in G.O.(D)No. 22 E & F (FR VI) Department dated 29.1.2004 for the cultivation of teak in Padugais in Thanjavur, Trichy, , and Salem divisions at a total cost of Rs. 21.39827 crores during a period of 5 years from 2003-2004 to 2007-2008 covering an area of 16050 ha. This will be implemented at a cost of Rs.382.30 lakhs to raise planting in 3715 ha. during 2004-2005 and at Rs.474.45 lakhs to raise plantations in 3295 ha. during 2005-2006.

2.8.6. 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 2004-2005, this scheme is being implemented at a cost of Rs.485.00 lakhs and it is proposed to implement this scheme during 2005-2006 at an outlay of Rs.485.00 lakhs.

2.8.7. 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.225.42 lakhs during 2004-2005. It is proposed to continue the scheme during 2005-2006 at a cost of Rs.227.78 lakhs.

2.8.8. 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

10 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 (FDAs) covering territorial and wildlife divisions. So far, the Government of India have sanctioned Forest Development Agencies to be implemented in 30 divisions with total outlay of Rs.8522.03 lakhs upto 2006-2007 and released Rs.3095.35 lakhs, out of which expenditure incurred is Rs.2214.36 lakhs. For the year 2005-2006, the Government of India sanctioned Rs.2207.22 lakhs for these 30 Forest Development Agencies.

2.8.9. 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 2004-2005 the scheme was implemented at a cost of Rs.565.02 lakhs. It is proposed to continue the scheme during 2005-2006 also at a cost of Rs.563.49 lakhs.

2.8.10. 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.140.00 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.

A trust has been registered during February 2001. Since the formation of the Trust, out of Rs.130 lakhs advance released, Trust has carried out the works to the tune of Rs.120.00 lakhs. Various activities have been undertaken by the Trust during 2004-2005 with an outlay of Rs.11.20 lakhs. During 2005-2006 the scheme is proposed to be implemented with an outlay of Rs.11.20 lakhs.

2.9. New Projects

2.9.1. 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 1,77,500 hectares of degraded forests in another 800 villages under Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project Phase-II with an outlay of Rs.567.42 crores for a period of eight years. A Minutes of Discussion (MOD) on TAP Phase- II between Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) and Forest Department, Government of Tamil

11 Nadu and Government of India was signed on 05.10.2004 to implement the project for eight years commencing from 2005-2006 to 2012-2013.

2.9.2 Part-II schemes

The following 36 part-II schemes with an outlay of Rs.1313.08 lakhs for protection, buildings, roads, forest settlement, improvement of zoos, etc. have been approved by Standing Finance Committee for implementation during 2005-2006.

S. Amount Name of the Scheme No. (Rs. in lakhs) 1. Providing drinking water facilities to wild 30.00 animals 2. Improvement and maintenance of 12 5.00 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) & 8 Medicinal Plants Development Areas (MPDAs) 3. Carrying out wildlife census in reserve forests 10.00 outside protected areas 4. Improvement to the entrance of Arignar Anna 10.00 Zoological Park (AAZP), 5. Zoo education programme construction of 10 20.00 room dormitory for accommodating participants of the zoo education programme 6. Establishing a Herbal plot and interpretation 10.00 centre building with facilities for Sidda in Amirdhi 7. Construction of semi permanent anti poaching 5.00 shed 5 Nos. @ Rs.1.00 lakh each 8. Habitat improvement for 8 bird sanctuaries 16.00 9. Improvement of park house in Guindy 2.00 National Park 10. Mapping and assessment of biodiversity and 16.00 preparation of working plans 11. Raising of coastal shelterbelt plantation to 52.00 avoid soil erosion and to reduce velocity of wind in and Trichy circles to mitigate disaster

12. Raising of Mangroves 100.00 13. Strengthening of forest check posts by 12.00 constructing permanent building for 5 important check posts @ 2.40 lakhs / each 14. Providing Global Positioning System (GPS) 1.25 instruments to field officers - 5 Nos. @ Rs.25,000/- per unit 15. Strengthening of Forest Protection - Purchase 40.00 of 10 Nos. of vehicles in lieu of condemned vehicles 16. Forest settlement - Construction of 1875 15.00 cairns during 2005 2006

12 S. Amount Name of the Scheme No. (Rs. in lakhs) cairns during 2005-2006 17. Carrying out afforestation works in the 17.50 encroachment evicted areas in Madurai (250 ha. @ Rs.7000/ha.) 18. Imparting weapon training to Forest Personnel 15.00

19. Providing drinking water facilities, Lab 30.00 equipments to the students and separate toilet for girls providing sports facilities, class room furniture, teaching aids, books in 18 tribal schools 20. Raising bamboo plantation in 269 ha. @ 25.00 Rs.9300/- per ha. 21. Enhanced agro forestry activities for 5.00 promotion of 15 species of bamboo 22. Raising and free supply of 2 lakhs seedlings to 6.00 public 23. Raising of 83,333 taller seedlings in 30 x 45 25.00 cm. container for free supply to control the pollution in 3 corporation cities, , Madurai and Trichy 24. Training for Human Resources Development 5.00 (HRD) in Forest Department 25. Imparting training and improvement of 10.00 Southern Forest Rangers College (SFRC), Coimbatore 26. Tamil Nadu Forestry Training College 10.00 (TNFTC), Vaigai Dam 27. Enriching library in State head office 5.00 28. Improvement to Amirdhi - Kinnikulam road in 30.00 29. Improvement and black topping of Kumli - 30.00 Kumbammettu road, in Theni district 30. Improvement to Pennaikadu Perumballam 30.00 road in district 31. Improvement and black topping Moolakadu - 30.00 Manalodai road in Trichy 32. Improvement to Link road to 10.00 Chinnapazhamalai to Moolakkadu - Manalodai road in Trichy 33. Construction of rest house at Shobanapuram 3.00 in Patchamalai hills in Trichy District 34. Construction of additional floors in Forest 11.00 Office Complex in Southern Forest Rangers College, Coimbatore to accommodate the O/o. Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore part amount

13 S. Amount Name of the Scheme No. (Rs. in lakhs) 35 Purchase of new vehicles for the newly 23.33 created Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests posts 36 Raising shelterbelts in coastal areas as 648.00 protective shield against Tsunami TOTAL 1313.08

2.9.3. Jatropha curcas project

The Government sanctioned Rs.1 crore for raising jatropha curcas demonstration plots in 115 Joint Forest Management Committee villages covering 460 ha. in Tamil Nadu covering a period of 3 years from 2004-2005 to 2006-2007.

2.9.4. Repair and re-construction of Coastal Shelterbelt and Mangroves.

The coastal shelterbelt plantations and mangroves along the coastline of Tamil Nadu, protected the people and property from the recent tsunami attack and in the process some younger plantation have suffered damage. Further there is also scope to cover the remaining length with this Bio-shield in phased manner. Accordingly, a proposal costing about Rs.10 crores for repair and reconstruction of coastal shelterbelt and mangroves has been posed to World Bank for funding.

2.9.5. Village energy security through bio-mass.

In Tamil Nadu, there are many remote villages and hamlets which do not have the supply of electricity as they are not covered through grid extension. To provide electricity and motive power to these villages, a project titled “Village Energy Security through Bio-mass” to produce electricity from renewable energy resources is posed to the Government of India through Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) costing Rs.98.96 lakhs covering a period of 5 years.

2.9.6. Eastern Ghats Development Programme

In order to conserve and develop Eastern Ghats as a water security to the farmers for which proposals are formulated for an amount of Rs.105.00 lakhs for undertaking Minor Forest Produce plantations, Tribal life supporting activities, free supply of seedlings, eco-awareness programmes and fire protection work, etc. during 2005-2006.

2.10. Corporations

2.10.1. 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

14 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.3.76 crores.

2.10.2. Achievements

The details of the plantations raised and maintained during 2003-2004, 2004-2005 are furnished below: (in hectares) 2005-2006 2003-2004 2004-2005 (Proposed) Raising Eucalyptus 2307 3005 3500 Plantations Raising Cashew 1128 1062 1000 plantations Raising Casuarina 48 50 40 plantations Raising plantations 64 -- -- (Nelli) Raising Misc. -- 250 100 plantations

2.10.3. Pulpwood supply

During the year 2004-2005, the Corporation has so far supplied 80,071 Metric Tonnes of pulpwood to wood based industries and realised revenue of Rs.12.14 crores. During the year 2005-2006, this Corporation proposes to supply a quantity of 75,000 Metric Tonnes to the wood based industries at the price fixed by the Government.

2.10.4. Cashew

For the year 2004-2005, an amount of Rs.4.13 crores is expected to be realized towards sale of cashew thopes. The tender is scheduled to be held during the end of January 2005 for leasing out thopes for 2005 season.

2.10.5. Sandalwood oil

In the sandalwood oil factory, the Corporation has produced 471.00 kilograms of oil during the year 2004-2005 and also produced other by-products. The corporation has sold 853.00 kilograms of sandalwood oil as well as other by-products and exported 81 kilograms of oil during 2004-2005. By taking strenuous efforts the Corporation has established the brand name of its sandalwood products in the local and international markets. Corporation has realized revenue of Rs.295.00 lakhs by local sale and Rs.29.00 lakhs as foreign exchange.

2.10.6. Income and expenditure details for 2003-2004(actuals), 2004-2005(Revised Budget Estimate) and 2005-2006 (Budget Estimate) are furnished hereunder: (Rs. in lakhs) Profit (+) Year Income Expenditure Loss (-) 2003-2004 (Actuals) 3138.18 2795.39 (+) 342.79 2004-2005 3855.14 2859.94 (+) 995.20 (Revised Budget

15 Estimate) 2005-2006 2924.49 2480.45 (+) 444.04 (Budget Estimate)

2.11. Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited,

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 6453 permanent workers and about 2093 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 actual physical achievement of green tea leaves and made tea for the year 2003-2004, actuals for 2004-2005 and estimate for the year 2005-2006 are furnished below:-

2.11.1. Yield of green tea leaves

(lakhs kilograms) 2003-2004 (Actuals) 2004-2005 Estimate for (Production) 2005-2006 429.79 416.00 493.00

2.11.2. Made tea production

(lakhs kilograms) 2003-2004 (Actuals) 2004-2005 Estimate for (Production) 2005-2006 105.55 110.40 118.32

16 2.11.3. Income and expenditure details

(Rs. in lakhs) Revenue by sale Profit (+) Year of tea and other Expenditure Loss (-) items 2003-2004 (Actuals) 4221.14 4600.80 (-) 379.66 2004-2005 5460.00 4829.00 (+) 631.00 (Provisional) 2005-2006 5974.00 5189.00 (+) 785.00 (Budget Estimate)

The Corporation by efficient management and through various cost control measures has reduced the loss, inspite of this steep fall in price and adverse climatic conditions during the past three years.

2.12. Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited,

Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited has rubber plantations in 4279.78 hectares of forest land taken on lease from Forest department in 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.10 crores. The paid up capital is Rs.8.45 crores.

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 increase 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. The corporation has completed replanting works in 103.60 hectares during 2003-2004, 95.20 ha. during 2004-2005 and nursery works have been undertaken to carryout replanting during 2005-2006.

2.12.1. Production and sales (Revenue and expenditure)

(Rs. in lakhs) Year Field latex Revenue by Expendi- Profit (+) produc- sale of ture Loss (-) tion rubber and (Tonnes) other items 2003-2004 2668 1681.18 1563.74 (+) 117.44 (Actuals) 2004-2005 2025 1429.05 1404.25 (+) 24.80 (Estimate) 2005-2006 (Budget 2500 1552.55 1424.56 (+) 127.99 Estimate)

17 3. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

The survival and well being of any nation depend on sustainable social and economic progress that satisfies the needs and aspiration of the present without compromising the interest of future generations. Environmental conservation is an integral part of the socio-economic development. But the spiralling population and increasing industrialization have posed a serious challenge to the preservation of our terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Conservation and enhancement of life support systems like land, water, forests and bio-diversity are important for ecological security of Tamil Nadu. Several initiatives have been taken by this Government for pollution abatement in the rivers and lakes besides promoting environmental consciousness among the school children and the public at large.

3.1. Objectives of Department of Environment

The Department of Environment was created in 1995 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 and National Lake Conservation Programme besides all aspects of Environment other than those dealt with by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.

Activities such as recycling of solid and liquid wastes, bio-composting, rainwater harvesting, tree planting, etc., are important in achieving better 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. Therefore the schemes proposed for 2005-2006 include 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. Coastal Zone Management

In order to protect the coastal areas and implement Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 1991, the Government of India have constituted a State Level Coastal Zone Management Authority with the Secretary to Government, Environment and Forests Department as the Chairman and 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" and “Committee for monitoring Fly Ash Notification” are also coordinated by this department.

3.3. Environment Management Agency of Tamil Nadu (EMAT)

In order to coordinate with the Government of India and various implementing agencies and effective monitoring of implementation of the works under National River Conservation Plan and National Lake Conservation Plan, an autonomous agency called "Environment Management Agency of Tamil Nadu" has been constituted in 2002. This agency is coordinating to strengthen the river and lake cleaning activities of the Department of Environment. The following schemes are coordinated by EMAT with the Director of Environment as its ex-officio Member Secretary.

18 (a) National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

The department has been implementing a centrally sponsored scheme of “Abatement of Pollution in five polluted stretches of river Cauvery in Tamil Nadu” at an overall project cost of Rs.3627.75 lakhs since 1996-97. The project period is 10 years. A sum of Rs.1945.39 lakhs has been spent by the executing agencies viz., Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) and concerned local bodies as on 31.01.2005. The above project is being continued as a 100% centrally sponsored scheme. This scheme will be continued during 2005-2006.

Under Non-core schemes such as, construction of Low Cost Sanitation facility (LCS) and River Front Development (RFD) have been completed. Under Core-schemes, Interception and Diversion as well as Sewage Treatment works are being implemented through the TWAD Board in Erode, Bhavani, , and Tiruchy towns. All the works have been completed in Tiruchy, Komarapalayam and Erode while the works in Bhavani are under progress. Approval of Detailed Project Report is awaited in respect of Pallipalayam.

(b) Chennai City River Conservation Project (CCRCP)

The Government of India have approved Rs.49152.00 lakhs for intercepting and treating sewage in six Chennai city Waterways. The CCRCP project is being implemented through Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). The project mainly endeavours to intercept 314 sewage outfalls joining the Chennai City Waterways viz., Cooum, Buckingham Canal, Adayar, Otteri Nullah, Captain Cotton Canal and Mambalam drain. Out of the 16 packages under this project, six have been completed while the work is in progress in 10 packages. Over 95% physical work has been completed and a total expenditure of Rs.28853.00 lakhs has been incurred under this project upto January 2005.

(c) National River Conservation Programme - Seven New Towns

The Government of India have approved a proposal for cleaning the river Cauvery, Vaigai and Tamiraparani along the seven towns viz., Tiruchy, Thanjavur, , , , Madurai and Tirunelveli at a total cost of Rs.57530.00 lakhs. Of this, Rs.28215.00 lakhs is the grant from the Government of India and the rest of the amount is met by the Government of Tamil Nadu, the local bodies concerned and through public participation. The project spread over 4 years envisages provision of underground sewerage system, sewage treatment plants, low cost sanitation and solid waste management to rid these rivers of pollution.

Pollution abatement programme in the river Cauvery and Chennai City Waterways Project will be continued during 2005-2006 with the assistance of National River Conservation Directorate of Government of India. The Detailed Project Reports have been approved by the Government of India for all the Seven towns viz., Madurai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Mayiladuthurai, Karur and Tiruchy. The core works are being executed by CMWSSB in Madurai and Kumbakonam. The works in respect of Karur, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli and Tiruchy are being implemented through TWAD Board. An amount of Rs.23444.69 lakhs has been spent upto January 2005 towards the scheme.

19 (d) National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP)

Environmental upgradation through bioremediation of and Kodaikanal Lakes is being undertaken under National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP) at a total cost of Rs.688.00 lakhs. The works are being executed by the TWAD Board, the Public Works Department and the local bodies. An expenditure of Rs.33.37 lakhs has been incurred on Kodaikanal Lake Project and Rs.142.48 lakhs has been incurred on Ooty Lake project upto January 2005. Ooty Lake has become clean now after the treatment. (e) Palar River Conservation at

A project has been prepared to provide underground sewerage to Ambur Municipality besides diluting the treated industrial effluent containing high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) with treated domestic wastewater at an estimated total cost of Rs.25.00 crores and sent to Government of India for approval. Similar proposal for and Wallajah Municipalities has been also prepared for Rs.25.00 crores and sent to Government of India for approval. This project will be beneficial to the people of Ambur, Ranipet and Wallajah Municipalities by providing underground sewerage system and minimise pollution of the river Palar besides bringing down the TDS of the treated industrial effluent. The project will be undertaken with the 70% financial assistance of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the rest from the contribution of the Municipalities (25%) and industries (5%). The Government of India's approval is awaited for these two schemes.

3.4. Achievement during 2004-2005

(a) Environmental Awards

The State Government will honour the best NGOs, 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 on June 5th every year. This is a recurring scheme.

(b) Eco-clubs

To create environmental awareness among school students, 1260 eco-clubs have been formed in 29 districts by this department involving educational institutions and NGOs. Besides the Eco-clubs, workshops and seminars are also conducted on environment and allied fields and supported. This is a recurring scheme and will be continued during 2005-2006.

(c) Environment Education - Clean and Green Streets - A Pilot Project

A pilot project has been initiated comprising of 40 school eco-clubs in Chennai to adopt one street adjacent to their school premises 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. The natural manure prepared will be used to fertilise tree saplings planted along the adopted streets. Thus the streets adopted by the National Green Corps (NGC) Eco-club will become clean and green. The eco-club members will disseminate the message of environmental conservation. The teacher coordinator of the eco-club is in-charge of the programme at the school level. An assistance of Rs.18,750/- per school is given under the programme.

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(d) Environmental Research and Development

Innovative Environmental Research projects have been promoted in the areas of bio-remediation of lakes and remediation of effluent affected sites using appropriate tree species. A Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment of Tsunami affected coastal and marine areas has been undertaken during February-March, 2005.

Out of a sum of Rs.10.00 lakhs allotted for the year 2004-2005, a sum of Rs.4.94 lakhs has been released to the institutions. The balance amount will be released during 2005-2006.

(e) Monitoring River Water Quality

The Department of Environment has undertaken cleaning of the rivers and lakes in Tamil Nadu under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP). NRCP is being implemented in Five Old Towns viz., Erode, Bhavani, Komarapalayam, Tiruchy and Pallipalayam, Seven New Towns viz., 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 NLCP. It is important to undertake a baseline survey and also monitor the water quality in the subsequent years. It is proposed to establish a small water quality monitoring lab in the Department of Environment for exclusively monitoring the water quality of these rivers and lakes by testing the samples effectively. A sum of Rs.10.00 lakhs has been provided for the above programme during the year 2004-05. The machinery and equipments are being procured at a cost of Rs.8.40 lakhs.

(f) Conservation of coastal eco-system

Coastal area forms a highly complex and dynamic eco-system, sensitive to developmental pressures such as industrialization. These could be minimized through urbanization and prudent Coastal Zone Management practices. 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, Ports and Industries have important role in the coastal development.

An integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan involving various departments, agencies and all the stakeholders will be prepared for the Pulicat to Palar stretch of Tamil Nadu coast during the Tenth Plan.

This Department is also implementing Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification, 1991 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and conservation of coast in line with this notification is quite essential. The 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.

The Government of India have sanctioned Rs.5.00 lakhs for this purpose with which a vehicle has been purchased. Out of the Government of Tamil Nadu allocation of Rs.12.00 lakhs, a sum of Rs.5.00 lakhs is proposed to be spent under this scheme during 2004-2005 and the balance Rs.7.00 lakhs during 2005-2006.

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3.5. Achievement in the schemes with 100% Government of India grant during 2004-2005

(a) National Green Corps (NGC)

In order to strengthen environmental consciousness among students, a National Green Corps has been launched in 4350 schools located in 29 districts @ 150 schools per district. The Government of India have approved a grant of Rs.1000/- per school. Training was given to Master Trainers and Teacher Coordinators of each district. A state level steering committee and district level monitoring committees have been formed to monitor the implementation of this programme. NGC will be started in 150 schools in District during 2004-2005. This ongoing scheme with 100% Government of India grant was continued during 2004- 2005.

(b) Environmental Information System (ENVIS)

The State Node for the Environmental Information System (ENVIS) sponsored by the Government of India is functioning in the Department of Environment. This ENVIS Node will provide 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. The Government of India have upgraded this ENVIS Node to ENVIS Centre. An amount of Rs.10.92 lakhs has been sanctioned by the Government of India for this programme. This scheme was continued during 2004-2005 also and this 100% Government of India grant assistance scheme will be continued in 2005-2006 also.

(c) State of Environment (SoE)

The preparation of a State of Environment (SoE) Report has been undertaken at a total cost of Rs.12.50 lakhs with financial assistance from the Government of India and a sum of Rs.5.00 lakhs received so far has been spent on this programme. Twelve district level consultation workshops on SoE was organized during 2004-2005. This scheme will be continued in the financial year 2005-2006 also.

3.6. Schemes proposed for 2005-2006

(i) Combating desertification of land

Desertification of land is a major environmental problem, which has direct impact on the livelihood of the inhabitants by way of declining food output, adverse environmental and socio-economic conditions. “Desertification’” can be termed as a process by which the productive potential of the soil and vegetation they support gets reduced at a fixed level of inputs. The main factors responsible for desertification are wind erosion, runoff induced erosion, increase in soil salinity etc. The major concern related to desertification is the loss of natural ability of renewable resources to renew themselves and thereby impairing the livelihood security of the people in the area. Desertification also leads to scarcity of drinking water and reduction in irrigation potential.

Tamil Nadu has about 3.7 million ha. of lands under various stages of degradation. The main areas in the districts of , Erode, Theni, Sivagangai and face this problem. Initially, a

22 pilot project is proposed to be taken up in Ramanathapuram district, which will include Oasis Plantation for stabilization of sand dunes, construction of check dams and percolation ponds for soil and moisture conservation and formation of Self Help Groups for alternate employment generation. The scheme will also involve planting of legumes and grasses to support animal husbandry in these areas. This project may become a model for tackling larger areas in future under the “United Nation Convention for Combating Desertification Programme”. A sum of Rs.15.00 lakhs is proposed, to carry out this project over 100 ha. during the year 2005- 2006.

(ii) Eco-city plan for

The Eco-city concept is comprehensive to make cities economically vibrant, socially equitable and environmentally supportive. In this direction the first task is to translate this conceptional framework into “Environmental Management Plan” (EMP). This will lead to preparation of implementable, time bound action plan in respect of towns and cities. The overall objective of the programme is to incorporate environment considerations into Urban Planning and prepare an Environmental Management Plan for improving the quality of environment. For the year 2005-2006 it is proposed to undertake the heritage town of Tiruvannamalai.

The objective of the programme is to map the environmental profile of study area and to identify the environmental pollution hotspots. Preparation of environmental management plan includes rehabilitation and mitigation measures and to recommend guidelines for environmentally compatible land use planning. Tiruvannamalai, being a temple city attracting lot of tourists, special emphasis must be given to the carrying capacity of the city. A sum of Rs.10.00 lakhs has been proposed for this project to be carried out during the year 2005-2006.

(iii) Aesthetic Amelioration of Temple Hillock at

Reversal of loss of ecology has been included as one of the components under Tenth Five Year Plan. There are number of temples located on the top of hillocks in Tamil Nadu. Most of these hillocks are barren. Similarly most of the compostible waste generated in the temple premises and its environs is not being put to proper use at present. This could be composted and used as manure in the process of revegetation. The sullage water could also be used for watering the saplings. Better environmental management of the surrounding areas of the temple is also warranted. This will be undertaken in coordination with the local body and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment department. The Environmental Management of the temple premises and its environs will include establishment of a “Nandavanam” comprising of flowering trees and shrubs of relevance to the temple hillock. This will include planting of “Sthalavriksham” viz. Kadamba (Anthocaphalas cadamba) or temple trees of the Palani temple, planting of tree saplings and construction of stone wall tree guards, application of manure prepared from the locally available solid waste, etc. Sowing of hardy legumes and grasses will also assist early eco restoration. Few mini check dams will be constructed for soil and moisture conservation and for providing water to the planted saplings. Deepening and desilting of the existing temple tank will also be taken up. A pilot project has already been undertaken in Sholingur Temple in last year. For the year 2005-2006 it is proposed to take up this project in the Temple Hillock of Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy of Palani in Dindigul District.

23 A sum of Rs.10.00 lakhs has been proposed for this project to be carried out during the year 2005- 2006.

(iv) Eco-restoration plan for selected lakes in Chennai City

There are about forty six lakes in Chennai city. Most of these lakes are polluted with sewage and garbage and are environmentally degraded. Being in and around the city, these lakes are also prone for encroachment. Chennai being a water scarce city, the eco-restoration of these lakes will go a long way in augmenting the water requirements of the city and also will be recharging the dwindling ground water table. During the monsoon season the residential areas around these lake areas get inundated due to blockages in the natural drains to the lakes. In order to alleviate these problems, a comprehensive eco-restoration plan for selected city lakes is proposed to be formulated at a cost of Rs.10.00 lakhs during the year 2005-2006.

(v) Greening of Sholingur temple hillock

Aesthetic amelioration of Sholingur Temple Hillock in Vellore district was carried out as a Pilot project by the Forest Department with the participation of HR&CE Department. Planting of tree saplings and legumes such as “Stylo”, planting of “Sthalavriksham”, establishment of “Nandavanam” were taken up in 50 ha. during the previous year.

Afforestation of over 50 ha, maintenance of greenery already planted and desilting of the temple tank at the foothills and creating a Nandavanam around it are proposed to be taken up at a cost of Rs.6.00 lakhs.

4. TAMILNADU 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 Board functions with its Head Office at Chennai. There are 25 District Offices at Chennai, Coimbatore, Vellore, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Ambattur, , , , , Thanjavur, Karur, Salem, , Erode, , Dindigul, Thirunelveli, Virudhunagar, , Uthagamandalam, Nagercoil, , 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.

4.2. 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

24 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.

4.3. 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 an industry is issued depending upon the suitability of the site, before the industry takes up the construction activity. Consent to operate the industry 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 31.12.2004, 286 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 an industry is issued by the Board. The Board has granted 4,822 consent orders for establishment of industries under the Water Act and 4,752 consent orders for establishment of industries under the Air Act from 1995-1996 upto 31.12.2004. It has granted 22,663 consent orders to industries to operate under the Water Act and 19,828 consent orders to industries to operate under the Air Act from 1982-1983 upto 31.12.2004.

4.4. Legal action

As on 31.12.2004, the Board has issued 30,418 show cause notices and 4,401 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.

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4.5. 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.

4.6. 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 25 schemes 18 schemes and Dyeing 3 Hotels and 1 scheme 1 scheme Lodging Houses Total 50 schemes 33 schemes

14 common effluent treatment plants at , SIDCO-Ranipet, SIPCOT Phase-II Ranipet, Vaniyambadi (Valayampet), Vaniyambadi (Udayenthiram), Ranipet (V.C.Mottur), Ranipet (Melpudupet), Ambur (Thuthipet), Ambur (Maligaithoppu), Pernambut (Bakkalapalli), , Dindigul, and Tiruchirapalli (Ramji Nagar) covering 624 tanneries have been commissioned. 18 common effluent treatment plants at Veerapandi, Chinnakkarai, , 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 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 Government of Tamil Nadu has sanctioned Rs. 25.90 crores towards subsidy for 48 common effluent treatment plants and out of this Rs. 22.66 crores has been released as on 31.03.2003 through the Board

26 and Tamil Nadu Leather Development Corporation. During 2003-2004 and 2004-2005, State subsidy of Rs.57.66 lakhs has been granted to M/s. Kovai Telungupalayam Common Effluent Treatment Private Limited. 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.

4.7. 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.

As a demonstration project, a model dust suppression and containment system for a stone crusher unit in Kancheepuram district and a model effluent treatment plant for a sago industry in Salem district have been installed. The Environmental Training Institute of the Board and the Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University have proposed a training manual and conducted training programme on environmental management for electroplating industries.

The Board will conduct research oriented studies to promote cleaner technology in small scale industrial units like sago, stone crushing and foundries by engaging suitable agencies.

4.8. 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, 19 textile dyeing units at Tiruppur and 3 tanneries at Ambur have provided reverse osmosis plants for recovering the process water from the effluent. The recovered water is reused in the process. The 19 textile dyeing units at Tiruppur have also provided salt recovery plant for reusing in the process. In sugar industries, water condensate from evaporators is being reused.

27 4.9. 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.

4.10. 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.

4.11. 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. Towards preparation of the environmental management plan for Chennai city, ambient air quality surveys have been conducted at 41 stations in Chennai to identify the most sensitive locations with respect to air pollution.

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, -Thiruvallur at a cost of around Rs.40.00 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 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. 72.00 lakhs and providing flue gas analysers to Board's laboratories at a cost of Rs. 39.00 lakhs 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

28 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.

4.12. 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 , Ambattur and Vyasarpadi. In addition, 236 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 . 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.

The Board has initiated action to check the emission levels of the buses run by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation of Chennai Limited. 6 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. 2T oil auto dispensing system have been provided in retail outlets. The Board is also participating in a research project with a Non-Governmental Organisation and the Civil Supplies Department to study the use of gas chromatograph to detect fuel adulteration. Action has already been taken to introduce auto liquefied petroleum gas in Chennai as it is a cleaner fuel. 12 auto liquefied petroleum gas dispensing stations have been commissioned at Koyambedu, Guindy, , Mogappair, Kilpauk, Ambattur, Chrompet, Waltax Road, Vyasarpadi, Royapuram, Ambattur Industrial Estate and Mount Road. Steps are being taken to popularise the use of liquefied petroleum gas for auto-rickshaws, call taxis and other private vehicles which will help in improving air quality.

The Board is assisting in the 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, Government of Tamil Nadu to the Environment Protection and Control Authority, constituted as per the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.

4.13. Noise level monitoring

Towards controlling noise pollution in urban areas, about 52,586 air horns were removed as of December 2004 from buses and lorries throughout the State. All the districts have been declared as air horn free districts. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Chennai was the first to declare its corporation ‘air horn free’. Other transport corporations have followed suit. For noise level monitoring at the district level,

29 sophisticated noise level meters have been provided to the District Offices of the Board at the cost of Rs. 88.00 lakhs.

4.14. 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 for pollution abatement under the National River Conservation Programme.

4.15. Water quality monitoring programmes

Under the Global Environmental Monitoring System, the Board is closely monitoring the quality of water in the Cauvery basin at , 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 three important lakes in Udhagamandalam, Kodaikkanal and Yercaud is 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. Strengthening the water quality monitoring of select river stretches and lakes including bio-monitoring will be taken up in association with educational institutions.

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.

4.16. Wastes management

4.16.1. 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 and inventorised 2,177 units generating hazardous wastes and compiled a computerised database 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.

The hazardous waste generators around Chennai, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts have formed an Industrial Waste Management Association and identified a facilitator to put up a storage and disposal facility. Finalisation of the site for setting up the facility is under progress.

30 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 secured landfill facility. The site has been notified by the State Government. The federations of common effluent treatment plants in Karur have identified a site at Mathagiri village, Krishnarayapuram taluk, Karur district for establishing a secured landfill facility for disposal of sludge generated from treatment of textile dyeing effluents and the proposal is under process.

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. In order to effectively monitor the compliance of hazardous waste generating units with the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, four task force teams have been constituted and the task forces are monitoring the hazardous waste generating units for strict compliance of the Rules. It is further planned to strengthen this wing by utilising the services of research associates from reputed educational institutions.

4.16.2. 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. Tiruppur municipality has started segregation of waste at source and has engaged a private agency for composting the segregated waste. All the municipalities have started segregation and collection of waste at source and the composting work has begun. The Board has issued no objection certificates to 56 municipalities and to one corporation for their site identified for composting of municipal solid wastes. Out of this, authorizations have been issued to 11 municipalities to commence their composting works.

The project proposal furnished by the municipality on municipal solid waste management to make it a model has been approved and Rs. 30.00 lakhs has been released as first installment by the Central Pollution Control Board. Under the model eco-city project of the Government of India, renovation of 5 old tanks at Thajavur, improvements to slaughter house, garbage collection and disposal system are being taken up at a cost of Rs.135.00 lakhs. Detailed project proposal received from Thanjavur municipality has been forwarded to the Central Pollution Control Board for approval. Seed money of Rs. 1.00 lakh each has been given to Mamallapuram and Kanyakumari special grade panchayats to take up pilot projects in select towns to make them modern eco-cities.

Workshops for the local bodies on municipal solid waste management have been conducted in Chennai as well as in districts. From the year 2001 and upto 31.12.2004, 7 workshops have been conducted exclusively for the local bodies. Similarly various environmental awareness programmes towards achieving zero garbage

31 are being conducted at district levels regularly. 38 awareness programmes on source segregation of municipal solid wastes have been conducted with 9,260 participants in the last two years.

4.16.3. 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 are conducted in tourist towns and other pilgrim centres. As an alternative to plastics, training programmes for the production of palm leaf products have been conducted to self help groups in Vellore, Cuddalore, Salem, Kancheepuram, Thiruvannamalai, Erode, Kodaikanal, Thoothukudi, Ponneri and Chennai (3 programmes) through the Central Palmgur and Palm Products Institute of Village Industries Commission.

4.16.4. Biomedical 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 11 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. These 11 common facilities have been issued authorization, out of which 6 common facilities at Thenmelpakkam village and Chennakuppam village in Kancheepuram district, Kandipedu village in Vellore district, Sengipatti village in Thanjavur district, Muthuvoyal village in Ramanathapuram district and Coonoor in the Nilgiris district are under operation. 5 common facilities at Orathukuppai village in Coimbatore district (2 facilities), Thangayur village in Salem district, Undirumikkadakulam village in Virudhunagar district and Ettankulam village in Tirunelveli district are under establishment. 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.

The Board has conducted training in management of biomedical wastes for its own staff, members of Indian Medical Association and other medical and para medical personnel. A separate Bio Medical Waste Training cell has been set up in the Board Office. Training of staff in Government hospitals in and around Chennai city have been taken up in coordination with Consumer Action Group, a non governmental organisation with expertise in the field.

32 4.17. Other activities of the Board

4.17.1. 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 based on the thrust areas identified by the field officers of the Board.

4.17.2. Environmental training institute

The Board has established an Environmental Training Institute with Danish assistance of Rs.4.00 crores at its head office to impart training to industries, local bodies, Non-Governmental Organisations and the staff of the Board to enable to monitor and advise on pollution abatement and prevention techniques. The Environmental Training Institute has conducted 230 training programmes and trained 9,764 participants from its inception upto 31.12.2004. The Environmental Training Institute of the Board is proposed to be upgraded so as to perform a proactive role in the promotion of environmental tools and technologies in association with reputed institutions.

4.17.3. 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 are being conducted regularly. During the current year, upto 31.12.2004, 31 awareness programmes have been conducted with 38,000 participants. Special awareness campaigns are conducted against air and noise pollution during festival seasons such as Deepavali and Bhogi. These campaigns have been quite successful. Awareness programme regarding permitted activities in residential area is being taken up so as to ensure that residential areas remain unpolluted. During the year 2004-2005, the Board has sanctioned and given Rs. 1.00 lakh each to all the District Collectors for promoting eco-friendly pilgrim centers and for creating awareness regarding various environmental issues through Non-Governmental Organisations, environmental activists and volunteers.

4.18. Schemes

4.18.1. Preparation of environmental atlas

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 districts. The environmental management plan for Chennai city has also been prepared and submitted for finalisation to the Central Pollution Control Board.

33 4.18.2. 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.

4.18.3. Green awards

To encourage the 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 are 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. These awards have motivated Collectors to focus on the issues relating to environment in their districts. Green awards were also given to the municipal commissioners for the year 2003-2004. Green Innovators Award was given during the year 2003 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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