Note: Last two categories have been included since 1996 Awards.

The awards are given on the basis of innovative efforts and outstanding work in afforestation, with special reference to wastelands development and involvement of the people. The following activities are kept in view while deciding the awards:

1. establishing decentralised nurseries
2. tree planting on wastelands/farm lands
3. awareness-raising, motivation and extension work
4. involving the rural poor/tribals/cooperatives in afforestation and tree planting
5. setting up grass-roots level institutions like the Tree Growers Cooperatives and
6. social fencing of community woodlots and pasture lands.

The awards for the year 1994 and 1995 have been announced.

1.10.12. Mahavriksha Award

Mahavriksha award, instituted in 1994 is given every year to people/organisations for trees having largest girth and height and having good health & vigour. The Awards for 1994 & 1995 have been annopunced.

1.10.13. Eco-Task Force

Ecological Task Forces (ETPs) of ex-servicemen are employed in remote and difficult are as to undertake restoration of degraded ecosystems through afforestation, soil conservation and water resource management techniques. The scheme also serves as a machanism to rehabilitate the ex-servicemen on productive work and to create employment for retired army personnel mainly in the rural areas.

The provision of the scheme for the year 1998-99 is Rs.4.00 crores.

1.11. ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) concentrates on the exploration and 9 survey of faunal resources of the country and research on taxonomy, distribution, bioecology, Wildlife, animal population and animal behavious.

During 1998-99 the Zoological Survey of India proposes to continue exploration and surveys (a total of 67 surveys) in priority areas such as Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystem, Himalayan ecosystem, Estuarine, Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems including coral reefs, In addition, survey in 6 states namely Bihar , Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh and two states suveys of endangered species will be undertaken. Further, survey to 6 conservation areas will be conducted to inventoriese the fauna of those areas.

The regular publication, viz., Records of Zoological Survey of India, Annual reports of ZSI, Bibliography of Indian Zoology will be brought out.

The provision earmarked for ZSI for the year 1998-99 is Rs.595.00 lakhs .

1.12. BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

The Botanical Survey of India conducts explorations and survey of India conducts explorations and surveys to collect, identify and record the entire plant resources of the country. Botanical Survey of India will conduct 62 surveys, collect specimens of Ca 14000 and preserve specimens of Ca 12000. The BSI has regional offices spread over.all regions in the country. The provision earmarked for BSI during 98-99 is Rs.400.00 lakhs.

1.13. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) was set up in New Delhi on 5th June 1978. It is devoted to environmental education. The NMNH has set up regional museums at Mysore, Bhopal and Bhubaneshwar. The Regional museums at Mysore has become functional during the Eighth Plan while the regional Museums at Bhopal and Bhubaneshwar will be operationalised during the Ninth Plan Period. The budget provision proposed for the NMNH. and the Regional Museums for 98-99 is Rs.250.00 lakhs.

1.14. G.B. PANT INSTITUTE OF HIMALAYAN ENVIRONMENTAL & DEVELOPMENT

The G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development was established in August 1988 to carry out research activities connected with environmental problems of the Himalayan region. The Institute has established two Centres at Gangtak (Sikkim) and Kullu in (HP). The construction work at these centres is in progress. During 1998-99, budget provision of Rs. 478.00 lakhs as grants-in-aid to the Institute has been proposed besides grant of Rs.40.00 lakhs for Integrated Action Oriented R&D and extension projects in Himalayan Region.

1.15. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

As a part of Sustainable Development Strategies, studies have been initiated on Regional Carrying Capacities, Natural Resources Accounting, Life Cycle Assessment and Demonstration projects of Cleaner Technologies.

(a) Carrying Capacity Studies

All development projects utilise natural resources in one from or the other and also generate wastes. It is necessary to develop alternate strategies for sustainable development in the context of developing country like India. Carrying Capacity based regional planning takes into account not merely availability of natural resources but also the environmental quality of the eco-system so that welfare of the human beings is not impaired. To demonstrate the viability of the carrying capacity based planning process, studies have been taken in selected areas considered to be representative of similar problematic areas in the country. The regions selected for the studies are:

1. Doon Valley

2. National Capital Region

3. Damodar River Basin

4. Tapi Estuary

5. Greater Kochi

(b) Life Cycle Assessment in Steel Sector

For optimal untilisation of resources Life Cycle Assessment study in the Steel sector has been initiated with joint funding of this Ministry and three identified steel plants. Life Cycle Assessment is anew management too! which will examine from the cradle to gate various environmental issues associated -with production, use, disposal and recycling of products including extraction of raw materials.

(c) Natural Resources Accounting

A study covering the Upper Yamuma basin has been taken up to prepare natural resource accounting corresponding to the economic returns that can be co-related and appropriate measures devised for technological and management interventions to ensure a more consistent and better stream of benefits from the same resource base. The study is multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional and expected to be completed during the current year.

(d) Other studies

The on-going study of EIA & EMP of Sirmur Lime Stone Deposits in Himachal Pradesh will be completed -during the current year.

(e) Demonstration projects

The Ministry provided financial assistance to one demonstration project which involves treatment of distillery wastes. The project has been completed and a report submitted. A sum of Rs.7. 10 crores has been allocated for 98-99.

1.16. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS

The ENVIS network are present consist of 24 centres which have been set up on different subject areas of environment. The networking all the centres have been undertaken and E-mail services with Local Area Network and Wide Area Network would be installed in the network not only to link with the network partners but also to liaise with various other international databases in the fields of environment and its associated areas for easy and quick accession of desired information by ENVIS to its users. . Besides, some more new ENVIS centres on the subject areas, not covered so far, are also proposed to be set up in phase to make the network comprehensive.

Keeping this activities into consideration, a sum of Rs. 150 lakhs would be required for the scheme during 1998-99.

1.17. CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE

Both the Centres of Excellence namely, CEE, Ahmedaband and CPREEC, Chennai would be continuing in their efforts in environmental awareness creation and production of resource material required to the various targeted groups of the country. Besides, the Centres will also focus major attention in organising several environmental education and training programmes for various groups like, students, teachers, NGOs rural people, etc. Publication of newsletter on environmental educaton, databank, etc. would also be carried out by both the Centres in the field of environment education and awareness.

The Centre for Ecological Sciences, Bangalore and Centre for Mining Environment, Dhanbad would continue to ftinction to undertake the research and development projects as well as training/short term courses in their concerned fields so that they could function as the 'Nodal Centres of Excellence' in the country in their assigned subject areas. The Centres would also be advised to orgainse various short term courses in their respective fields not only to promote the R&D capabilities in the country in the concerned subject areas but also to strengthen the human resource-base throughout the country.

Keeping these activities into consideration a sum of the Rs.435.00 lakhs would required to undertake the programme for the Centres of Excellence during 1998-99.

1.18. NATIONAL NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NNRMS)

Out of 56 priority areas identified for undertaking the research projects under the scheme, about 17 areas have been covered and it is expected that remaining areas as identified by the Bio-resource Committee would be covered in a phased manner so that information generate through various projects under the scheme are used by Central Governments, State Government Departments/Agencies and various other research organisations in a more comprehensive way.

A sum of Rs. 100 lakhs would, therefore, be required to achieve this objective.

1.19. CIVIL CONSTRUCTION UNIT

Narative explanation of the financial requirements

During the year 1997-98, the Civil Construction Unit has set a target of total 83 major works for which a provision of Rs. 15.70 crores is being made in the Budget Estimates for 1998-99. Some of the above works are on-going works whereas the remaining are new major works.

1.20. NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION DIRECTORATE

The costs of all the action plans of the Directorate taken in terms at their broad classification are in excess of Rs. 100 crore as the table in Chapter I indicates. The exception to this rule is in the case of:

- Gomati Action Plan currently costed at Rs.64.01 crore (likely to be revise in the light of changes in scope of works, price escalation and non-availability of ODA aid from UK).

- Damodar Action Plan costing Rs.24.54 crores; and

- CETP, Calcutta estimated at Rs. 5 crores with Government of India's shrae being 50%.

A Plan-by-plan appraisal is attempted below:

1. The Ganga Action Plan Phase-I (cost = Rs. 462.04 crore) was launched in 1985, with the expectation that it would be completed within the five years of the VII Plan. However, the Plan is still continuing. Major reasons for its running into the 12th year are:

a. The fact that such a scheme was taken up for the first time in the country and adequate technical expertise was initially lacking.

b. Difficulties in acquiring land for the project and number of litigation cases.

c. Diversion of funds released for the projects.

d. Contractual disputes in several cases.

Additionally, the cost of the scheme was revised upwards due to cost increases and scope changes to Rs.462.04 crore compared to the original Rs.256.26 crores. Expenditure measured as find releases by the Government of India has been of the order of Rs.447.54 crores as on date.

The plan is expected to finish by March, 1998. Hence, the projection for the next year is Rs. 12.70 crores, to take care of balance payment.

2. Regarding Ganga Action Plan, Phase-II, there are 6 sub-components associated with this plan.

(i) The Yamuna Action Plan approved in 1993 with an original cost of Rs.356.78 crores was scheduled to be completed by 1998-99. It is being funded with loan assistance from the overseas Economic Cooperation Fund of Japan at a cost of 17.77 billion yen.

From 1996-97, the Supreme Court has entered the scene. Orders issued by the Court were that works under the Plan in Haryana and Delhi were to be completed by 3 1 st March, 1997. This schedule, however, has not been met but the Plan in these two States are expected to be completed by 31st March, 1998.

The delays in this programme have been on account of:

- undue time taken to finalise the treatment technologi\y for sewage treatment plant

- failure of the State Government to release their matching sharee for the plan; and

- further delay in appointment of Consultant by the external funding agency with a view to monitoring the progress of the plan.

Expenditure on the scheme so far has been Rs. 157 crores. It is likely to step-up in the coming months. Expenditure projected for next year would be still higher in view of the need for completion of the plan by March, 1999.

(ii) The Gomati Action Plan, the Damodar Action Plan and the Calcutta CETP are all less that Rs. 100 crores individually.

(iii) The Ganga Action Plan has launched into its second phase with effect from July, 1995 when additional 19 towns along the Ganga over and above the 25 covered in the first phase were taken up for pollution abatement work. In the first instance, the approval of the Action Plan was received only for the UP and Bihar components. In October, 1996 the Cabinet approval was received for the West Bengal component of the Plan covering 9 towns. The total cost of the programme is-currently of the order of 416.36 crore of which capital cost are Rs.398 crore.

The plan is expected to be completed within 4 years from the date of approval of schemes in a particular town. Expenditure in terms of fund release by the Government of India for the programme has been Rs. 3.55 crore only. Progress is rather slack, basically because of slow preparation of DPRs by the State Government.

• their reluctance to release matching share to implementing agencies
• withholding Government of India's funds from executing agencies.

(iv) The component of the Ganga Action Plan Phase-11 pertains to the towns that have been covered under the directions of the Supreme Court mainly class 11 and class III towns. About 30 towns have been taken up under this phase at a total cost of Rs.231.69 crore of which capital cost constitutes Rs.220.64 crores., The plan received approval in October, 1996 and is expected to be completed with the IX plan period.

Expenditure incurred under the programme has been of the order Rs.2.69 crores so far. Slow preparation of DPRs by the State Governments and the same problem of funds indicated earlier do the scheme. In a number of cases, the DPRs prepared are not in line with guidelines issued by the Directorate and, therefore, have been returned for repeated revisions.

3. The NRCP was approved in July, 1995 at a cost of Rs.772.09 crores. It covers 46 towns located along the banks of 18 major rivers spanning 10 states. A10 year implementation span has been approved for the programme. Progress has been rather slow largely on account of reasons bedevilling the other Action Plans. Expenditure under the plan was about Rs.30 crores by June, 1997.

Later Developments

As a result of the problems faced by the States in providing matching 50% share under the Action Plans, the National River Conservation Authority took a decision in July, 1997 to convert the 50:50 Centre/State funded action plans into 100% Centrally funded plans, with effect from April, 1997. However, the CCEA approval for the conversion is currently awaited. This conversion and with release of funds directrly to implementing agencies without routing them through State Government, may serve to reduce the time taken in the implementation of the Action Plan.

The National Lakes Conservation Programme is a new scheme which received approval from the Planning Commission in April, 1997. Although in its original form, the proposal was to take up 21 urban lakes for pollution abatement activity, the Planning Commission has only approved clean-up operations in 10 lakes. One more lake namely the Bhoj in Madhya Pradesh has been already taken up with foreign assistance from the OECF. A tentative cost estimate of Rs.637 crores have been proposed for Cabinet approval.

1.21. ASSISTANCE FOR ABATEMENT OF POLLUTION

Financial assistance is being provided to various SPCBs/CPCBs, national institutions, etc., for specific projects, studies, purchase of equipment, salary components in respect of Pollution Committees of UTs, etc. This is being provided on the basis of the requirements made by consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board.

1.22. REIMBURSEMENT OF WATER CESS

As per the existing water cess reimburseme3nt formula, 50% of the total collection is reimbursed to them straightway and 25 % at the time of achieving the target of the financial year. The present reimbursement formula is under revision and it is proposed to reimburse upto 80% of the cess collected amount to the SPCB/PCCs and upto 20% to the CPC13 for the projects of national importance. However, the formula is expected to be finalised by the end of the current financial year. An amount of Rs.50 crores has been kept for RE 1997-98 and Rs.55.00 crores in the BE 1998-99.

1.23. TAJ PROTECTION MISSION

In the Taj Protection Mission there are a number of schemes such as:

1. Uninterrupted Power Supply Project

2. Taj Afforestation Programme

3. Agra Barrage Project

4. Gokul Barrage Project

5. Solid Waste Management Project

6. Improvement of sewage and drainage system

7. Construction of By-pass for the National Highways.

All these projects will be implemented by the Government of UP with total cost estimate of Rs.600 crores. 50% of the total cost estimate will be provided by the Central Government through the Budget of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. Actual demand for the year 1997-98 is yet to be obtained from the Government of UP. However, in the recent meeting held on 8.12.97 chaired by the Chief Secretary, Government of UP, all the implementing departments of the Government of UP have been directed to put up their demand immediately to the Ministry of Environment & Forests through the Mission Management Board. Rs.50 crores has been allocated for 98-99.

1.24. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Over 200 ongoing research projects will continue to be supported. Further it is proposed to start 30 new projects during 1998-99. It is envisaged that at least two Coordinated Research Projects which includes proposal to start a Coordinated Project on Micro-Propagation of Endangered / Threatened Medicinal Plants. The monitoring and review of the progress of the ongoing projects will be continued with a special emphasis on utilisation of research work for solving the practical problems on resource management. A sum of Rs.4.00 crores has been allocated for 98-99.

In case of B.P. Pal National Fellowship for Biodiversity, facilities will continue to be provided to the previous awardees. Pitamber Pant Fellowship will continue.

1.25. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES MANAGEMENT

HSMD will continue various programmes outlined below and monitor the implementation of this programme. In addition, intensive interactions with State Departments of Environment, State Pollution Control Boards are envisaged for effective implementation of rules on Management of Hazardous Substances and Chemical

Crisis Management. It is also proposed to implement the World Bank Projects namely, Industrial Safety, Disaster Prevention and Hazardous Wastes Management and Hazardous Waste Management in 4 States.

Proposed activities:

Strengthening of Hazardous Substances Management Structure in States. Strengthening of crisis management structure in the country including setting up of Emergency RL.1-ponse Centres. Augmentation of training facilities and conduct of training courses for training in accident prevention and emergency preparedness and hazardous waste management. Prepare reports of status on compliance to international Conventions and stand on upcoming Conventions. Formulation and implementation of Acts/Rules including amendments. Developmental projects/studies and pilot plants. EIA studies for hazardous waste disposal sites. Evolve policies and programmes for sound management of hazardous waste. Evolve policies and programmes for sound management of solid waste. Establishment of Databases and activities related to Agenda 21, UN Expert Committee on Transportation of Dangerous Goods. World Bank Project. Implementation of the World Bank Project on Industrial Safety, Disaster Prevention and Hazardous Waste Management. Hazardous Waste Management in 4 States. For implementation of these activities in 1998-99, the allocated budget outlay is Rs.9.16 crores.

1.26. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

1. Follow-up on Indo-US Common Agenda on Environment.

2. Follow-up on Indo-Brazil Cooperation on Environment.

3. Bilateral cooperation programmes and follow-up of MoUs signed with Russia, Turkmenistam, TaJikistan, Vietnam, China, Iran.

4. Nomination of officials for training abroad in the field of environment and forestry.

5. Implementation of World Bank assisted India: Environment Management Capacity Building Technical Assistance Project.

6. Implementation of the World Bank assisted under Environment Management Project for Delhi and Surat.

7. Follow-up and implementation of various UNDP/GEF projects.

8. Preparations for 6th CSD Meeting to be held in 1998.

9. Preparations for GEF Assembly Meeting to be hosted by India in April, 1998.