DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN DISTRICT (As per Hon’ble NGT in

O.A.No.710-713/2017 dated 15.07.2019)

Statue of Adhiyaman and Avvaiyar at Adhiyamankottam

Hogenakkal Falls

INDEX

Page S. No. CONTENTS No.

1 Introduction 1

2 District Environmental Plan of 5

I. Solid Waste Management 5

II. Bio-medical Waste Management 8

III. Plastic Waste Management 11

IV. Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D) 17

V. Non Attainment cities 17

VI. Rejuvenation Polluted River Stretches 17

VII. Polluted Industrial Cluster 21

VIII. Industrial Pollution Control 21

IX. Utilization of treated sewage 22

X. Conservation of Water Bodies 24

XI. E- Waste Management 27

XII. Sand Mining 29

3 Conclusion 30

INTRODUCTION

Dharmapuri District

The first district created in after the independence of by splitting it from then Salem district on 02 October, 1965. Dharmapuri was called Tagadur during the Sangam era. The name Tagadur is derived from two Tamil words, "Thagadu" meaning iron (iron ore), and "Oor" meaning "place". The Dharmapuri district was split into Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts in 2004. Many historical rock sculptures are found in this district. Modhur, a village near Dharmapuri has remains that date back to the Neolithic age.

The district is located between latitudes N 11 47’ and 12 33’ and longitudes E 77 02’ and 78 40’. Occupies an area of 4,497.77 km2 (1,736.60 sq m) (i.e. 3.46% of Tamil Nadu). It is bounded on the north by Krishnagiri District, on the east by Tiruvannamalai District and Kallakurichi district, on the south by Salem District, and on the west by 's . The whole district is surrounded by hills and forests, and the terrain is of rolling plains type.

The whole district is predominantly covered with forests. Spider Valley located near Hogenakkal is home to many wild animals. The district falls in the migratory path of elephants. Many tribal communities depend on these forests. Vathalmalai, a mountain hamlet on top of Shervarayan hill chain has suitable conditions to cultivate coffee and jackfruit. Wild boars and spotted deer are commonly seen in Morappur and forest region. Thoppur ghat has one of the area's scenic highways surrounded by mountains and forests.The major towns in the district are Harur, Palacode, Karimangalam, Pennagaram and .

The District is one of the major producers of mango in the state, fine quality granite is found in the district. It is also one of the main sericulture belts in the state. Around 30 percent of the district's area is under forest cover. Cauvery river enters Tamil Nadu through this district.

According to 2011 census, Dharmapuri district had a population of 1,506,843 with a sex- ratio of 946 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929. Dharmapuri district shows increasingly improved performances in literacy and education. In the year 2011 it was in last position in Tamil Nadu with a score of 62%, whereas by the year 2016 it showed a 92% literacy rate and ranked 12th in Tamil Nadu out of 32.

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Preamble – District Planning Committee for Environmental Protection

Hon’ble NGT in O.A. No. 710-713/2017 dated 15.07.2019 ordered regarding constitution of District Committee (as a part of District Planning Committee under Article 243 ZD) under Articles 243 G, 243 W, 243 ZD read with Schedules 11 and 12 and Rule 15 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

In the above said order, it is stated that among others

‘Chief Secretaries may personally monitor compliance of environmental norms (including BMW Rules) with the District Magistrate once every month. The District Magistrates may conduct such monitoring twice every month. We find it necessary to add that in view of Constitutional provisions under Articles 243 G, 243 W, 243 ZD read with Schedules 11 and 12 and Rule 15 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 it is necessary to have a District Environment Plan to be operated by a District committee (as a part of District Planning Committee under Article 243 ZD)’

In this regard, Principal Secretary to Government/Chairman(FAC) vide D.O. letter dated 26.07.2019 requested Dharmapuri District Collector to prepare District Environmental plans by constituting District Committee (as a part of District Planning Committee under Article 243 ZD) with representatives from Panchayats, Local Bodies, Regional Officers, State PCB and a suitable officer representing the administration, which may in turn be chaired and monitored by the District Collector/District Magistrate twice every month and shall host the same in the website for a period of one year on or before 01.08.2019 & furnish monthly progress report to Chief Secretary to Government every month and copy of the same earmarked to TNPC Board accordingly.

The District Environmental plan of Dharmapuri District covers the following environmental issues.

I. Solid Waste Management II. Bio-Medical Waste Management III. Plastic Waste Management IV. Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D) V. Non Attainment Cities

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VI. Polluted River Stretches VII. Polluted Industrial Cluster VIII. Industrial Pollution Control IX. Utilization of Treated Sewage X. Conservation of Water Bodies XI. E-Waste Management XII. Sand Mining

Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board requested the District Collector to prepare District Environmental Plans on the above said environmental issues and adhere to the responsibilities assigned to each of the District Committee members for compliance. Constitution of the District Committee with PA (PD) as Convenor and the committee shall periodically review the above said environmental issues on fortnightly basis and the progress on compliance shall be closely monitored. The prepared District Environmental plan and monthly progress report shall be sent to the Chief Secretary to Government, and a copy shall be hosted in the District Administration website with a copy to the Principle Secretary to Government, Environment & Forests Department.

As per the direction, the District Collector, Dharmapuri District has formed the District Planning Committee for Environmental Protection(hereinafter referred as District Committee) in Dharmapuri District on 30.08.2019 comprising of the following 17 members to evolve and execute District Environmental Plan.

1. District Collector, Dharmapuri Chairman

2. PA (PD), Dharmapuri Convener

3. Project Director, DRDA, Dharmapuri Member

4. District Revenue Officer, Dharmapuri Member

5. Regional Director of Municipal Administration, Salem Member

6. Joint Director of Health Services, Dharmapuri Member

7. Deputy Director of Health Services, Dharmapuri Member

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8. The Joint Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Member Sciences, Dharmapuri

9. District Environmental Engineer, Member Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Dharmapuri

10. Revenue Divisional Officer, Dharmapuri Member

11. Revenue Divisional Officer, Harur Member

12. The Commissioner, Dharmapuri Municipality, Dharmapuri Member

13. Executive Engineer, PWD, WRO Division, Dharmapuri Member

14. Assistant Director, Town Panchayats, Dharmapuri Member

15. Assistant Director, Panchayats, Dharmapuri Member

16. Assistant Director, Geology and Mining, Dharmapuri Member

17. The General Manager, DIC, Dharmapuri Member

Accordingly, the following District Environmental Plan has been prepared on the said 12 subjects as per the guidelines in respect of Dharmapuri District for compliance.

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DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTALPLAN OF DHARMAPURI DISTRICT

I. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

1.1 Preamble

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India has notified the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. As per the Rules, the role of local body has been specified as per Rule 15 of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and as per Rule 16 of the said Rules, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board shall enforce these Rules through local bodies.

With respect to effective implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, Hon’ble NGT had laid down several orders, of which, Hon’ble National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench on 22nd December 2016 has passed judgment in Original Application No. 199 of 2014 filed by Mrs. Almitra Patel with regard to solid waste management.

Further, for effective implementation of the said Rules, the Hon’ble NGT in its orders dated 31.08.2018 had constituted Apex Committee, Regional Committee and State Committee. Also, as per Hon’ble NGT order dated 16.01.2019 in O.A. No. 606/2018, State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) in Tamil Nadu is constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr. P. Jyothimani, Former Judge, Madras High Court, Former Judicial Member, National Green Tribunal. The State Monitoring Committee meetings were held on 12.02.2019, 22.02.2019, 29.03.2019, 30.04.2019, 30.05.2019, 10.06.2019 (hotels), 27.06.2019(Hospitals).

1.2 Solid Wastes generation in Dharmapuri District

In Dharmapuri District, there are 01 Municipality, 10 Town Panchayats and 08 Panchayat unions as local bodies. The total quantity of solid waste generation is around 61.17 Tons/Day and the solid waste is being collected and the wet solid waste is Composted and Vermi Composted. The plastic waste is collected and partly used for recycling and partly in Road laying and the inert wastes are being disposed in the landfill sites.

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Dharmapuri Municipality, MSW Biomining site at Thadangam village, Nallampalli Taluk Dharmapuri District

MSW Micro Compost Centre (MCC), Dharmapuri

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1.3. As per Hon’ble NGT order dated 15.07.2019 in O.A. No. 710-713/2017, the detailed guidelines to be followed by the District Committee in respect of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 are illustrated below.

S Responsibility of the Plan of Action Stake holders No District Committee responsible 1. Collection, Segregation i.. To carry out 100% door to door collection & Treatment of solid with segregation at Source. All Local bodies waste ii. Quantification of generation of solid wastes namely (Bio degradable, Non Bio degradable, Inerts, Commissioner, etc). Dharmapuri iii. Methodology of composting, bio Municipality, methanation, Waste to Energy, etc to be adopted. Assistant Director iv. Domestic Hazardous wastes such as (Town Panchayats) discarded paint drums, used batteries, CFL and Assistant Bulbs, etc to be collected separately and handed Director, over to Hazardous Waste Disposal facilities (Panchayats) authorized by TNPCB. 2. Issue of Authorisation Local bodies generation solid waste greater than under SWM Rules, 2016 5 T/ day shall obtain Authorization as per Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Local Bodies, i. No of eligible ULBs to obtain Authorization as DEE,TNPCB on -- ii. No of ULBs obtained Authorization as on --- 3. Air Quality Monitoring, To carry out Air Quality Monitoring, Water Water Quality Quality Monitoring(Ground water) & Compost Monitoring of dumpsites quality in and around processing facilities & DEE,TNPCB, & Compost quality as dumpsites as per Schedule-I & II of Solid Waste Local bodies, per Schedule I & II of Management Rules, 2016 at all Corporations TWAD, SWM Rules, 2016 at all and Municipalities. Agriculture Dept. Corporations and Municipalities 4. Creating Awareness to Special Task Force shall periodically review PRO of District the public at all the once in two weeks on the status of creating Administration, districts through Special awareness and also on the prevention of Local bodies Task Force constituted dumping of solid waste and discharge of sewage

as per G.O. (Ms) No. 58 in water bodies, action against open buring of

of MAWS Dept. dated solid wastes, etc. 5. 20.04.2019 Awareness shall be carried out through ECO- NGC Co-ordinators clubs, in Schools, NSS, NCC in Colleges

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II. BIO-MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

2.1 Bio-Medical Waste Management in Dharmapuri District

In Dharmapuri District, there are 06 Government Hospitals, 50 Government Primary Health Centre and around 60 private hospitals located to take care human health. Further, 02 Veterinary Hospital, 78 Veterinary Dispensaries and 01 Veterinary Clinic Centre are functioning in the District to take care animal health.

All the Government and Private health care facilities and Veterinary units have made agreement with common Bio medical waste facility owned by M/s. Ramky Energy and Environment Ltd (Salem) at Thangayur village, Edappadi Taluk, Salem District.

CBMWTF at Edappadi Taluk, Salem

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2.2.As per Hon’ble NGT order dated 15.07.2019 in O.A. No. 710-713/2017, the detailed guidelines to be followed by the District Committee in respect of Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 are illustrated below.

Responsibility of the District S. Committee / Plan of Action Responsibilities No District Level Monitoring Committee 1 Inventorization of  Number of bedded and non bedded The Joint Director of Occupiers and data Government and Private Health Care Health Services, on bio-medical waste Facilities in the Districts The Deputy Director generation, treatment  Number of Blood banks, Clinical labs in of Health Services, & disposal. the Districts The Joint Director  List of Institutions under Indian (Animal Husbandry Medicine attached/ separate and Veterinary  Veterinary Institution & Animal Sciences), Husbandry – DEE,TNPCB  List of Medical Institution

 Forensic Labs & RD labs, etc., II Issue of Bio Medical  As and when inventorization is added Waste authorization under Bio Medical Waste Management Rules 2016 and issue DEE,TNPCB of consent under

Water (P&CP) Act, 1974 as amended and under Air (P&CP) Act, 1981 as amended. III In each district,  Set up of Common Bio Medical Waste District Medical promoting a full Treatment Facilities (CBMWTFs) Officer, fledged Common consisting of Incinerator having Commissioner/ Block Bio Medical Waste residence time of 2 seconds, shredder Development officer Treatment Facilities with autoclaving facility, sanitary of local body, DEE, within one year landfills, ash pit etc. TNPCB, IMA. IV Monitoring of  To verify the number of dedicated District Medical Compliance under collection vehicles matching with the Officer,

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Bio Medical Waste quantity of Bio Medical Waste quantity Commissioners/Block Management Rules, generation and duration of travel. Development officers 2016  To verify the operation of GPS in each of local bodies, of the dedicated vehicles and functioning DEE, TNPCB of the tracking system in the respective CBMWTFs portal.  Ensuring Bar Coding system adopted for Yellow, red, White & Blue containers with quantification of waste.  Verification of Autoclave & incinerable waste generated by HCFs through individual HCFs websites.  To ensure all the HCFs of hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary institutions, animal houses, pathological laboratories, blood banks, ayush hospitals, clinical establishments, research or educational institutions, health camps, medical or surgical camps, vaccination camps, blood donation camps, first aid rooms of schools, forensic laboratories and research labs are collecting and sending the Bio Medical waste to common facility  Unauthorized deep burial to be prevented.  Periodic inspection at the CBMWTFs to verify the process parameters for the autoclave, incinerator are being followed V District  District Environmental Plans of the Environmental Plans District Planning Committee, Minutes of to be hosted in the the Bi Monthly Meeting shall be made PA (PD) to District Website available in the individual district Collector Revenue website under the name of District planning Committee for Environment Protection VI Monitoring of  Monitoring of Fortnight reports to be District Collector/ Fortnight reports submitted to Chief Secretary every District Magistrate. Month

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III. PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT

3.1 Plastic Waste Management in Dharmapuri District

In Dharmapuri District, there are 01 Municipality and 10 Town Panchayats and 08 Panchayat Unions as local bodies. The local bodies have been directed to ensure that the recyclable plastic waste are sold to the recyclers, low value plastic are utilized for road laying, the non-recyclable plastic waste are sent for co-incineration in Cement Plants and the remaining inerts are disposed for landfill.

In order to give thrust on plastic waste minimization, source segregation, recycling, involving waste pickers, recyclers and waste processors in collection of plastic waste fraction either from households or any other source of its generation or intermediate material recovery facility and adopt polluters pay principle for the sustainability of the waste management system, MoEF&CC has notified Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 as amended. These rules shall apply to every waste generator, local body, Village Panchayat, manufacturer, Importers and producers.

The Government of Tamil Nadu, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 notified ban on manufacture, store, supply, transport, sale or distribution of use and throwaway plastics of the following 14 types from 01.01.2019 vide G.O. (Ms). No.84 dated 25.06.2018.

1. Plastic Sheet/cling film used for food wrapping 2. Plastic sheet used for spreading on dining Table 3. Plastic Thermocol plates 4. Plastic coated paper plates 5. Plastic coated paper cups 6. Plastic Tea cups 7. Plastic Tumbler 8. Thermocol cups 9. Plastic carry bags of all sizes and thickness 10. Plastic coated carry bags 11. Non woven carry bags 12. Water pouches/ Pockets 13. Plastic Straw 14. Plastic flags

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With respect to effective implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, Hon’ble NGT had laid down several orders, of which, Hon’ble NGT in its order dated 12.03.2019 in Original Application No. 247/2017 among other things has directed all the States to prepare respective action plans for compliance of Rules and the same was submitted to the CPCB on 01.05.2019. Awareness programmes to reduce plastic usage are being conducted regularly in Dharmapuri District.

3.2Photographs showing the plastic awareness programme, rally, meeting etc.,

Plastic Awareness Rally

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Plastic Raid along with Local body and Municipality

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Plastic Awareness meeting held with Stakeholders at District Collector, Dharmapuri on 23.11.2018

Plastic Awareness meeting held with Hotel Association Members at M/s.Rama Boarding and Lodging, Dharmapuri on 15.11.2018

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Cloth bags were distributed to the public to insist on ban on usage of carry bags at Hogenakkal Tourist Spot on the event of Adi Peruku on 05.08.2018 to 06.08.2018

Awareness created regarding no industry shall manufacture, store, supply, transport, sale or distribute “ use and throw away plastic” at M/s.Madhav Marbles, Thoppur on 26.10.2018

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3.3.As per the Hon’ble NGT order dated 15.7.2019in O.A.No.710-713/2017, the detailed guidelines to be followed in respect of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016by the District Committee are illustrated below.

Responsibility of S. Stake holders the District Plan of Action No. responsible Committee 1. Segregation and i) No. of Material Recovery facilities All Local bodies, Quantification of established, quantity received and sent Plastic Manufacturers Plastic Wastes for beneficial uses. Association, ii) Quantification of generation of plastic Industries, NGOs. wastes

2. Channelizing the i) Recycling of waste plastics GM(DIC), TNPCB collected waste ii) Mixed with bitumen for Road laying Highway Dept. plastics(T/M) iii) Co-processing/co-incineration in Local bodies cement plants &Chettinad Cement iv) Pyrolysis plants plant, Industries, GM(DIC) 3. Issue of  No. of recycling units identified for DEE,TNPCB Registration as Registration as on 41. per PWM Rules,  No. of recycling units issued with 2016 Registration as on as on 15.  No. of multi layer plastic units identified for Registration as on Nil.  No. of multi layer plastic units issued with Registration as on Nil. 4. Action regarding Zone wise surprise inspections will be DEE,TNPCB User & carried out once in a month and if any Throwaway banned use & throwaway plastic Plastic ban manufacturers found, Directions for notification as per Closure & disconnection of power G.O. (Ms). No.84 supply will be effected of E&F Dept. dated 25.06.2018 5. Awareness Awareness shall be carried out through DoE, DEO, NGC Co- creation Eco-clubs in Schools, NSS & NCC in Ordinators. colleges

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IV. C&D WASTE MANAGEMENT

As per the Hon’ble NGT order dated 15.7.2019 in O.A.No.710-713/2017, the detailed guidelines to be followed in respect of C&D Waste Management Rules, 2016 by the District Committee is illustrated below.

S. Responsibility of the Plan of Action Stake holders No. District Committee responsible 1. Handling of Identification and Establishment of DTCP / LPA, Construction and site for construction & demolition Local Bodies demolition waste waste processing facility 2. Issue of Authorisation To grant Authorisation to C & D DEE, TNPCB Waste processing facility

V. NON ATTAINMENT CITIES

There are no Non–attainment cities identified by the CPCB in Dharmapuri District.

VI. REJUVENATION OF POLLUTED RIVER STRETCHES

6.1 Preamble

 Central Pollution Control Board in association with State Pollution Control Boards monitors the water quality of major Rivers and Lakes under the Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS) and Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic Resources System (MINARS) programme.  Based on the consolidated reports of GEMS and MINARS during the year 2005 to 2011, the CPCB has identified 351 polluted river stretches in the country. 6.2 River Stretches in Dharmapuri District  There are no Polluted river stretches identified by CPCB in Dharmapuri District.  There are two river stretches in Dharmapuri District such as i) River Cauvery (Aalambadi - Oddanur) and ii) River Thenpennaiyar (Irumathur – Theerthamalai).  There is no industrial effluent discharge from Dharmapuri District into the rivers of Cauvery and Thenpennaiyar.

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6.3 Monitoring River Water quality in Dharmapuri District River samples are being collected at Hogenakkal in river Cauvery and at Echambadi in river Thenpennaiyar periodically and being analyzed by TNPCB.

Cauvery River at Hogenakkal

Thenpennaiyar River, Echampadi Dam, Dharmapuri

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6.4 As per Hon’ble NGT (PB) O.A.No. 673/2018 order dated 20.9.2018, 19.12.2018 & 8.4.2019, the detailed guidelines to be followed by the District Committee in respect of Rejuvenation of Polluted River Stretches are illustrated below.

Responsibility of the Plan of Action Stake holders District Committee responsible 1. Sewage Management a. Identification of cities, towns and Commissioner – villages discharging sewage through Municipality & drains into river/tributary and their Panchayat Union, + quantification and characterization Executive officer, Town of pollution load Panchayat + PWD b. Identification of gap between sewage generation and treatment capacities and installing additional STPs and sewerage system where ever needed. c. Treatment and disposal of sewage and controlling open defecation. d. Preparation of detailed project report (DPR) for interception and diversion (I & D) of sewage & sullage, carrying drains to the nearby Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for which suitable site to be identified and plan for utilization of treated sewage so as to minimize the extraction of ground/surface water.

e. Execution of STP works and necessary infrastructure and ensuring household sewer connection (UGDS) for full utilization of STP. Maintains of local body STPs.

II. Solid Waste a. Identification of cities, towns and Commissioner management villages dumping solid wastes along Municipality & Panchayat the river beds. Union, + Executive b. Removal of already dumped solid officer, Town Panchayat wastes along the river beds.

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III. Industrial Pollution a. Inventorisation of water polluting District Environmental Control industries near to the river stretch Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board b. Planning for CETPs and its DEE, TNPCB + implementation (as applicable) Department of industries + District Administration c. Identification of industries District Environmental discharging untreated industrial Engineer, Tamil Nadu effluent/sewage illegally and levying Pollution Control Board fine on such industries under Polluter Pays Principle including closure of such industries. d. Monthly sample collection along the river stretch and analyzing the samples. Displaying of Report of Analysis (ROA) in the official website. IV. Ground water a. Periodic assessment and CE, PWD (WRD), State Protection remediation of sub-surface flow and Ground & Surface Water ground water quality in the nearby Resource Data river Centre/TWAD. All Local b. Effective implementation of Rain Body (Commissioner – water harvesting and Ground water Municipality & Panchayat recharging. Union, + Executive officer, Town Panchayat) V. Eviction of a. Identification & Demarcation of Public Works Department encroachment along the encroachments along the river beds. + Revenue Department river stretches b. Action taken against encroachments. Eviction of encroachments along the river stretch. VI. Preventing illegal sand a. Identifying prone zone for illegal PWD + PWD-WRD + mining mining Revenue Department + b. 24x7 Monitoring of river stretches Police Department. and preventing illegal mining

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VII. POLLUTED INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS

There are no Polluted Industrial Clusters identified by CPCB in Dharmapuri District.

VIII. INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION CONTROL

As per the Hon’ble NGT order on application No.593/2017(W.P© No.375/2012 dated 19.2.2019 and CPCB mail No.F.Tech/39/legal/-NGT/RDS/2019-20 dated 19.7.2019, the guidelines to be followed by the District Committee is illustrated below.

S. No Responsibility of the Plan of Action Responsibilities District Committee 1 Implementation and 1.No. of ETPs required in TNPCB/ Industries. monitoring of treatment Industries(Red/Orange/17 Category) system for liquid effluent 92.

2.No. of ETPs provided in TNPCB/ Industries Industries(Red/Orange/17 Category) 92.

3. No of STPs required for the local Local bodies bodies-1.

4. No of STPs provided in the local Local bodies bodies-1.

5.Functional status of ETPs/STPs/ TNPCB/Local bodies CETPs. /TWAD/PWD(GW)/ Industries/CETP 6. Monitoring of treated effluent TNPCB/Local bodies qualities of ETP’s/STPs/CETPs. /TWAD/PWD(GW)/ Industries/CETP

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IX. UTILIZATION OF TREATED SEWAGE

As per Hon’ble NGT order dated 27.11.2018 in OA No. 148/2018 directed that all the States and Union Territories ought to prepare and furnish their action plans for utilization of treated sewage in their respective States/UTs. In this regard, an action plan for utilization of treated sewage in the State of Tamil Nadu as prepared by the Municipal Administration & Water Supply Department, Government of Tamil Nadu was submitted to the CPCB on 06.08.2019.

As per the Hon’ble NGT order dated 15.7.2019 in O.A.No.710-713/2017, the detailed guidelines to be followed in respect of Utilization of treated Sewage by the District Committee is illustrated below.

Sl. Responsibility of Plan of Action Stake holders No. the District responsible Committee 1. Collection and  Quantification of sewage in each of the local Local Bodies treatment of bodies sewage Local Bodies  Number and capacity of STP provided in each of the local bodies

2. Quality of the  Periodic monitoring of treated sewage with Local Bodies, treated sewage preferably online monitoring for the parameters TWAD, TNPCB from STPs for analysis namely pH, BOD,TSS,TDS,COD, Total N, Fecal Coliform.

3. Utilization of  Industries located near common STP shall make District treated sewage MoU with the operator of the STP so as to Administration, Local bodies, utilise the treated sewage to met their industrial TNPCB requirement after proper Tertiary treatment.  Treat sewage from the common STPs shall be utilised for Industrial use, Agriculture, ground water recharge and other non domestic use.

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Sewage Treatment Plant of Dharmapuri Municipality

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X. CONSERVATION OF WATER BODIES

The Hon’ble National Green Tribunal Principal Bench, New Delhi in its order M.A. No. 26/2019 in Original Application No. 325/2015 dated: 10.05.2019 has directed that “Identification, Protection and Restoration of water bodies like Ponds, Tanks, Lakes or any other inland water bodies etc., including water bodies having area less than 0.5 acre or more as recorded in the revenue record have to be done by the State/Union Territories”. By this ground water will be recharged, harnessing of rain water, prevention of soil erosion and maintaining the micro climate will be achieved.

The Hon’ble NGT (PB) in its order directed the States to review the existing framework of restoration of all the water bodies by preparing an appropriate action plan as per the guidelines prescribed the CPCB. Such action plans shall be prepared within three months and furnished to the CPCB which in turn will examine all such plans and furnish its comments to the Hon’ble NGT (PB), New Delhi within two months thereafter. The Chief Secretaries of all the States/UTs in the course of undertaking monitoring exercise in pursuance of the order of this Tribunal in O.A. No. 606/2018, Compliance of MSW Rules, 2016 may also include restoration of water bodies as one of the items.

The CPCB has framed “Indicative Guidelines for Restoration of Water Bodies”. In the CPCB guideline its has specified that, the action plan shall be prepared considering the five phases viz., i) Recognition Phase, ii) Restoration Phase, iii) Protection Phase, iv) Improvement Phase and v) Sustenance Phase.

In this regard a meeting was convened by the Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu with the Head of the concerned departments and discussed about the restoration of all the water bodies (Lakes, Tanks, Ponds, Ooranis) in Tamilnadu. In the meeting the Chief Secretary directed the departments governing / maintaining the water bodies to prepare an action plan indicating the number of water bodies available, number of water bodies already restored, number of water bodies which are already in good condition and doesn’t require any intervention at this stage and number of water bodies which require to be restored, the concerned departments were also asked to incorporate the action plan to complete the process of restoration of water bodies within a period of three years and submit to Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.

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It is also suggested that departments can also explore the possibilities of mobilizing Public participation, CSR funds from reputed companies, NGO’s in addition to their routine departmental schemes to complete restoration work as per the action plan.

The Chief Secretary also requested the Principal Secretary, Public Works Department to prepare action plan for water bodies including water ways in the Chennai city and other Heads of the department to send their action plan by 24.07.2019 to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department so that to consolidate and compile the report and the same will be furnished to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi through Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board before the due date i.e 10.08.2019.

As per the said orders, the guidelines to be followed by the District Committee are illustrated below.

S. Key Activities and Components Responsible Department No. PWD,PWD-WRD, Commissioner of Collection of Historical, Geographical Municipalities, Executive officer of 1. and geological data for all the Water Town Panchayat, BDO of Panchayat Bodies Unions and Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Board. Collection of catchment and lead channel pollution data, sewage PWD,PWD-WRO, Executive officer, disposal contamination data, industrial Town Panchayats, Urban local body, 2. effluent disposal data, solid waste, Rural Development & Panchayats Raj and plastic waste, e-waste, hazardous Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment waste and C & D waste disposal data Board and TNPCB. for all the Water Bodies PWD,PWD-WRD, Commissioner of Municipalities, Executive officer of Digital mapping of all collected 3. Town Panchayat, BDO of Panchayat information Unions and Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Board. PWD,PWD-WRD, Commissioner of Municipalities, Executive officer of Declaring the Designated Best use of Town Panchayat, BDO of Panchayat 4. water bodies and ascertain the quality Unions and Hindu Religious & Charitable of water as per the standard Endowment Board and SGWA.

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S. Key Activities and Components Responsible Department No. Survey to identify the source of pollution and prepare long term PWD,PWD-WRD, Commissioner of preventive measures on Sewage Municipalities, Executive officer of Management, Industrial Effluent 5. Town Panchayat, BDO of Panchayat Management and Solid waste Unions and Hindu Religious & Charitable Management and other associated Endowment Board. issues and in-situ facility availability for minimizing the pollution level. PWD,PWD-WRD, Commissioner of Deweeding, Desilting, protection of Municipalities, Executive officer of drainage basin, channels, stabilization 6. Town Panchayat, BDO of Panchayat of earthen bunds and preparing cost Unions and Hindu Religious & Charitable estimation. Endowment Board. Removal of encroachments and PWD,PWD-WRD, Commissioner of blockades, deciding on flood control Municipalities, Executive officer of 7. measures and preparing cost Town Panchayat, BDO of Panchayat estimation Unions and Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Board. Good Governance, transparency and PWD,PWD-WRD, Commissioner of empowerment of stakeholders, Municipalities, Executive officer of deciding ownership of each water 8. Town Panchayat, BDO of Panchayat body, creating awareness and training Unions and Hindu Religious & Charitable programme for conservation, Endowment Board. promoting public participation

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XI. E-WASTE MANAGEMENT

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India has notified E-Waste (Management) Rules 2016 for safe handling and disposal of e-waste in the country. The Hon’ble NGT (PB) in its order dated 12.02.2019 in O.A. No. 512/2018 has issued directions to the stake holders for effective implementation of the e-waste management rules.

Considering the above, the guidelines to be followed by the District Committee regarding E-Waste Management are illustrated below.

Sl. Responsibility of the Plan of Action Responsibility No. District Committee 1 Inventorization of E- i. List of electrical and I. GM, District waste generation electronic equipment Industries Centre manufacturers, dismantlers, II. Commissioner of, refurbishers, recyclers shall Municipality & BDO be obtained from the District of Panchayat Union Industries Centre, Local and Executive officer Bodies. of Town Panchayat. ii. Issue Press Release in News III. DEE, TNPCB Papers for getting E-waste authorization and consent under Water & Air Acts by the manufacturers, dismantlers, refurbishers, recyclers. 2 Details of E-waste No. of manufacturers, i. GM, District Industries generation dismantlers, refurbishers, Centre recyclers identified and the ii. Commissioner of quantity of e-waste managed by Municipality & BDO of them. Panchayat Union and Executive officer of Town Panchayat. iii. DEE, TNPCB 3 Verification of EPR The District Collector, DEE, TNPCB Authorization of Dharmapuri District has producers, E-Waste instructed the DEE, TNPCB to management furnish the Verification of EPR, facilities of collection Authorisation of Producers,

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centres, dismantlers, E-Waste management facilities of recyclers Collection centres, Dismantlers and recyclers within a week’s time.

4 Checking of illegal The District Collector, i. Commissioner of E-waste Dharmapuri District has Municipality & BDO of management. instructed the Commissioner Panchayats Union and Municipality & BDO of Executive officer of Panchayats Union and Executive Town Panchayats officer of Town Panchayats, ii. Police Police, DEE, TNPCB to furnish iii. DEE, TNPCB the Verification of EPR, Authorisation of Producers, E- Waste management facilities of Collection centres, Dismantlers and recyclers within a week’s time. 5 Information, The District Collector, Dharmapuri i. District Administration Education and District has instructed the PRO- ii. PRO-Dist. Communication Dist. Administration, DEE, Administration (IEC) plan for TNPCB, Commissioner/Executive iii. DEE, TNPCB creating awareness to officer of Municipality, Panchayats iv. Commissioner/Executive the public Unions, Town Panchayats, Chief officer of all Educational Officer, to furnish the Municipalities, details report on Information, Panchayat Unions, Town Education and Communication Panchayats (IEC) plan for creating awareness v. Chief Educational to the public in coordination with Officer, and Eco-Club, Eco-Club, NCC & NSS NCC & NSS Coordinators Coordinators

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XII. PREVENTING ILLEGAL SAND MINING

The Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (PB), New Delhi in order dated 8.4.2019 in O.A. No. 673 of 2018 has mentioned in Para 15 (ix) that ‘The Task force will also ensure that no illegal mining takes place in river beds of such polluted stretches’.

The Government vide G.O (Ms). No. 135 Industries (MMA.1) Department dated 13.11.2009 has reconstituted District Level Task Forces and constituted Taluk Level Task Forces for prevention of illegal mining / transportation of minerals. Accordingly, the District Level Task Forces shall collect / review the information/cases / issues to the illegal mining / quarrying and to monitor the functions of the Taluk Level Task Forces. The District Level Task Force shall meet once in a month without fail to discuss the illegal quarrying / mining / transportation / damage caused to the environment and to send report to State Level Task Force.

The Taluk Level Task Force shall make frequent surprise checks in the mining / quarrying field and on vehicles transporting minerals so as to arrest illicit quarrying / mining / transportation of minerals by forming flying squads and submit its report to District Level Task Forces and it shall meet fortnightly.

In the event of illegal mining, the village administrative officer, Tashildar, officer-in- charge of Department of Geology and Mining at District Level and the Police officer in-charge of the area shall be held responsible for not taking proper action against the offenders and the concerned District Collector is requested to take Departmental action against them and send a report to Government.

Considering the above, the guidelines to be followed for preventing illegal sand mining by the District Committee is illustrated below.

Sl. Responsibility of Plan of Action Stake holders responsible No. the District Committee Preventing illegal i. Identification of river stretches Taluk Level Task Force river sand mining where there are chances for illegal i. Tasildhar –Convenor sand mining. ii. Inspector

ii. Frequent surprise checks in those iii. Forest Officer (Forest Range river stretches by the Taluk Level Officer) Task Force and submit reports to Rep from Dept of Geology and

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Thank You