The Scheme Introduction of Modern Forest Fire Control Methods" is under implementation since the 7th Plan period. The scheme aids at developing well-knit organised program for each State to protect forests from fire. During 1999-2000, outlay is Rs.3.10 crores.

1.6. CENTRAL ZOO AUTHORITY

Funds are required for improving the existing infrastructure of zoos and improving their management. Training and research on the management aspects of zoos is a high priority items of the Central Zoo Authority.

Enforcement of the minimum prescribed standards and norms has to be strengthened. Sub standard zoos are to be closed and animals therein can be accommodated in rescue centres. The Authority proposes to create at least four centres in different parts of the country. An amount of Rs. 12.00 crores has been provided for CZA during 1999-2000.

1.7. NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK

The National Zoological Park is a continuing scheme since 1955-56. Funds are required to meet the changes that would need to be made as a result of the modifications suggested by the Central Zoo Authority under "Recognisation of Zoo Rules, 1992" and also for the ongoing activities. Animal exchanges with Indian and foreign zoos were made.

1.8. WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA

For ensuring better management of the protected areas, Wildlife Institute of India conducts training courses to train park managers and biologiest. The Institute also conducts research in wildlife. The budget estimate is Rs.4.00 crores on the plan side and Rs.1.45 crores on the non-plan side.

1.9. PROJECT TIGER

The objective of the scheme is to ensure maintenance of a viable population of tiger in India and to reserve for all time, areas of biological importance as a National Heritage for the benefits Education and enjoyment of people. The activities of the Scheme are:-

i) Policy and planning for the development and management of Tiger Reserves in the country;

ii) To release grants-in-aid to the State Governments who have tiger reserves;

iii) Research and long term studies in the field of wildlife management.

At present there 23 Tiger Reserves located in 14 States, covering an area of 33126 sq. km. The

main thrust of the Project is protection and mitigation of deleterious human impacts with a view to

comprehensively revive the natural eco-system in the reserves. The IX Plan outlay of the scheme

is Rs. 75 Crores. It is proposed to include six new Tiger Reserves in IX Plan. The pattern of funding for

the scheme is 50 % central assistance for expenditure under recurring items of work, and 100% central

assistance for expenditure on non-recurring items of work.

1.10. NATIONAL AFFORESTATION & ECO-DEVELOPMENT BOARD

An outlay of Rs.105.705 crores is proposed for the year 1999-2000 for the schemes/programmes including Board Secretariat of National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board which are listed below:

1. Integrated Wastelands Development Projects Scheme.
2. Fuelwood/Fodder Projects Scheme.
3. Non-Timber Forest Produce (including Medicinal Plants) Scheme.
4. Seed Development Scheme.
5. Grants-in-Aid Scheme (for Voluntary Agencies).

1.10.1. Integrated Afforestation and Eco-Development Projects Scheme

Under implementation since 1989-90, this scheme promotes afforestation and development of degraded forests and adjoining lands through an integrated approach for managing these areas on a watershed basis. The objectives of the schemes are to:

1. securing peoples participation in regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas;
2. augment the availability of biomass, fuelwood and fodder;
3. extent the disseminate proven afforestation and management technologies to fulfil the larger objectives of sustainability, equity and environmental conservation with participation of the local people;
4. generate employment.

1.10.2. Grants in Aid to Voluntary Agencies

The NAEB has a mandate to promote peoples’ participation through active involvement of non-governmental organisations, voluntary agencies and the public at large. To this end, appropriate voluntary agencies non-governmental organisations are identified, encouraged and assisted to raise nurseries for free planting on forest lands and adjoining areas and related activities, which we are financed from the plan funds of the Board. For 1999-2000 an amount of Rs.2 crores (at current prices) has been proposed for this scheme. It is envisaged to sanction projects to the voluntary agencies for taking up afforestation & eco-development work.

In addition to normal monitoring by the Board Secretariat, evaluation of ongoing and completed projects is carried out through independent agencies. So far, 160 projects have been got evaluated from 1992-93 to 1996-97. From the eveluation reports, it is seen that performance in respect of about 75% of the projects ranges from good to excellent. More projects would be undertaken for evaluation.

1.10.3. Area Oriented Fuelwood and Fodder Project Scheme

This Scheme is meant to augment the production and availability of fuelwood and fodder in identified fuelwood deficient districts of the country. A total number of 229 districts have been identified as fuelwood-deficient. The expenditure under this Scheme is shared on a 50:50 basis between the Centre and the States.

For 1999-2000 an amount of Rs.40 crores (at current prices) has been proposed for the scheme. It is proposed to cover 73045 hectares area during 1999-2000.

1.10.4. Scheme for Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) including Medicinal Plants:

The objective of this scheme is to survey, conserve as well as to increase production of non-timber forest produce, including medicinal plants, with a view to improve and replenish the stock of indigenous forest produce and perennial medicinal plants, which are fast depleting due to over exploitation. Concomitantly, the scheme also aims at augmenting the income of the tribal and rural poor living in and around forest areas.

During 1999-2000 an amount of Rs.15.00 crores (at current prices) has been proposed for the scheme to cover an area of 13387 hectares.

1.10.5. Seed Development Scheme

The State Governments are assisted to develop facilities for collection, testing, certification, storage and distribution of quality seeds by this scheme. The objective is to generate quality seeds, which would lead to the growth of healthy and better quality trees.

During 1999-2000 an amount of Rs.3 crores (at current prices) has been proposed for the scheme.

1.10.6. Other Activities/Programmes:

1.10.7. Monitoring and Evaluation

There is a provision for concurrent evaluation of the projects implemented under Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Integrated Afforestation and Eco-Development Projects Schemes (IAEPS), Area-Oriented Fuelwood and Fodder Projects Schemes (AOFFP), Non-Timber Forest Produce Schemes (NTFP) and other schemes of NAEB. Reputed Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS) and Institutions/Experts are engaged by NAEB for carrying out these evaluations.

Integrated Afforestation and Eco-Development Project Scheme, Area oriented Fuelwood and Fodder project Scheme and Non-Timber Forest Produce (including Medicinal Plants) Scheme have been evaluated by National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment, Bhopal. The Evaluation Report has been examined in the Board and based upon the findings, the guidelines for implementation of NAEB Schemes viz. IAEPS, AOFFP & NTFPS have been revised for the 9^th Plan Period.

In addition to the monitoring carried out by the State Government agencies, two kinds of monitoring is done at the Central level:

1. The State Governments are asked to provide Block and Village level afforestation data annually. This information is kept in the Library of the Parliament as well as in the Library of mooed to enable elected representatives’ ready access to the data.
2. Every year 10% (approximately 50) districts of the country are selected, with appropriate regional distribution, for evaluation of the afforestation activities taken up in the previous year by autonomous institutions/Egos/Vas/Regional Centres of NAEB/Retired Forests officials. The evaluation reports are analysed in NAEB. A copy of the report is sent to the concerned State Governments and districts for information and for taking necessary remedial measure.

1.10.8. Regional Centres

The Board has seven Regional Centres located in Universities National level Institutions. These Centres help NAEB in promoting extension of replicable technologies and for dissemination of research findings. They provide technical and extension support to the State Forest Departments in preparing projects for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining lands with pepole’s participation, and also act as a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences amongst the States of the region as well as evaluation of NAEB’s programmes in the Field, and organise training programmes and workshops. These Centres, and

the States they cover, are as follows:

Regional Centres	States covered under each Regional Centre
University of Agriculture, Bangalore University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan. Agricultural Finance Corn., New Delhi. Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. Agricultural Finance Corporation, Mumbai. North –Eastern Hill University, Shillong. Jadavpur University, Calcutta.	Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Lakshadweep. Himachal Pradesh, jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Chandigarh. Harlan, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, D & N Haveli. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura. Bihar, Sikkim, West Bengal and A&N Island.

During 1999-2000 an amount of Rs.1.50 crores (at current prices) has been proposed for the Scheme.

1.10.9. Communication

New technologies and methodologies of participatory management, eco-development and regeneration of degraded forests are being progressively developed. In order to share such experiences and technologies widely, NAEB documents such developments and information brings out publications, makes films and shares these with State Governments, NGOs and all those concerned with these issues. The Board has Commissioned/produced 12 films and has brought out a number of publications for the purposes of dissemination. During 1999-2000 an amount of Rs.0.40 Crores (at current prices) has been proposed for the Scheme.

1.10.10. Professional and Special Services

The National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board takes up special studies of important issues relating to policy formulation, programme implementation, etc. The Board also engages special consultants for taking up a variety of assignments.

During 1999-2000 an amount of Rs.0.10 Crores (at current prices) has been proposed for the scheme to undertake studies on the areas like eco-development, Joint Forest management, exployment generation, reorientation of existing programmes etc.

1.10.11. Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Awards (IPVM):

IPVM awards are presented annually to the following categories:

• Individual
• Panchayats
• Educational Institutions
• Voluntary Agencies
• Government Agencies
• Corporate Sector
• Government Servants (Individuals)
• Municipalities/Municipal Corporations/Cantonment Boards have been added.

1.10.12. Mahavriksha Puruskar

Mahavriksha Puruskar, instituted in 1994 is given every year to people/organisations for tree having largest girth and height and having good health & vigor. The Awards for 1994 & 1995 have been announced. The selection of the Awardees for 1996 & 1997 Awards are under finalisation.

1.10.13. Eco-Task Force

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

The proposed provision of the scheme for the year 1999-2000 is Rs.14.75 crores.

1.11. ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

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

During 1999-2000, the Zoological Survey of India proposes to continue exploration and surveys (a total of 56 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 surveys of endangered species will be undertaken. Further, survey to 6 conservation areas will be conducted to inventories 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 1999-2000 is Rs.3.25 crores on the plan and Rs.8.95 crores on the non-plan side.

1.12. BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

The Botanical 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 72 surveys, collect specimens of Ca 15000 and preserve specimens of Ca 12000. The BSI has regional offices spread over all regions in the country. The provision earmarked for BSI during 1999-2000 is Rs.4.10 crores on the plan side and Rs.10.00 crores on the non-plan side.

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 Museum 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 for the NMNH and the Regional Museums for 1999-2000 is Rs.2.50 Crores on the plan side and Rs.0.70 Crores on the non-plan side.

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 Gangtok (Sikkim) and Kullu in (HP). The construction work at these centres is in progress. During 1999-2000, budget provision of Rs. 5.40 Crores as grants-in-aid to the Institute has been made including grant of Rs.0.40 Crores for Integrated Action Oriented R&D and extension projects in Himalayan Region.

1.15. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, AWARENESS & TRAINING

1. Environment Education and Training:

The non-formal environmental education programmes are being implemented under the scheme. The main programmes are as under:

1.15.2. National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC)

This is an annual event being organised every year through Regional Resource Agencies (RRAs) spread all over the country. At present 27 RRAs are working. The prime aim of this campaign is to create awareness about environment at all levels of society. The campaign is conducted with the active participation on Non-Governmental Organisations, professional bodies educational institutions and government departments. RRAs are responsible to disburse money on be held of the Ministry to participants selected by the Regional Committees and also monitor the campaign in their areas. Expenses of these agencies are reimbursed by the Ministry.

1.15.3. Eco clubs

This is a scheme especially designed for school students from class VI to X. Schools all over the country are encouraged to form clubs enrolling students from these classes.

The Ministry encourages educational institutions, NGOs, and other organisations to act as co-ordinating agencies. One co-ordinating agency generally looks after 20 to 50 Eco clubs but in exceptional cases this limit is waived. The co-ordinating agencies receive grant in aid from this Ministry for disbursement to clubs formed @ Rs.900/- per club and @ Rs.100/- per club for their fee. Ministry has kept provision for awards and every year 3 awards are given to the best eco-clubs being co-ordinated by an agency. This scheme is exceptionally popular in the schools and every year the targets have been exceeded.

1.15.4. Seminars/Symposia/Workshops

The main objective of this scheme is to provide a common forum to professionals for sharing up to date knowledge on various technical issues related to environment and to create environmental awareness about specific issues. Financial assistance is provided under this scheme to Universities, other academic and research institutions, professional Bodies, NGOs etc. to organise seminars/symposia/workshops on specific issues related to environment.

1.15.5. Centres of Excellence

Centres of Excellence would be continuing their efforts for creation of environmental awareness. 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 education databank etc., in addition to other related activities.

1.16. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND PROMOTION OF CLEANER TECHNOLOGIES

1. ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

The objective of the scheme is to promote environmental audit as a management tool by the

industries for continual improvement of environmental performance.

The scope of the scheme include promotion through training and awareness programmes, preparation of sector-specific manuals and sectoral analysis of information given in the environmental audit statements.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS AND MAPPING

The objective of the scheme is to prepare Environmental Maps depicting pollution data relating to air, water, soil and noise pollution along with trend analysis in metro and other major cities. The scope of the scheme include preparation of environmental atlas for the metro cities and other major cities in the country depicting polluting data and their trend analysis. Also preparation of district wise zoning atlas for siting of industries in selected districts in the country.

3. ADOPTION OF CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES IN SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES

The ENVIS network at 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 phases to make the network comprehensive.

Keeping these activities into consideration, a sum of Rs. 1.50 Crores would be required for the scheme during 1999-2000.

15. NATIONAL NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NNRMS)

During the year 1999-2000, the Civil Construction Unit has set a target of total 86 Major Works for which a provision of Rs.19.55 Crores has been made in the Budget Estimates. Some of the above works are on-going works whereas the remaining are the new works.

1.20. NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION DIRECTORATE

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in its decision on 9.11.1998 approved the 100% funding of the River Action Plans by the Government of India from 1.4.1997 with a condition that land cost will be entirely borne by the State Government after 1.4.1997. The centages on the project cost will be 8% as against 14% under 50:50 funding pattern. Earlier, the projects were being implemented on a 50:50 sharing pattern between the Centre and the States. As a result of the change in the funding pattern, the share of the Government of India has increased by Rs.687.73 crores from Rs.1088.45 crores to Rs.1776.18 crores and the share of the State Governments has decreased by Rs.774.69 crores. The Ganga Action Plan and the National River Conservation Plan have assumed enormous importance in view of the large budgetary outlays for their implementation. Financial assistance from the Government of India on such a large scale is prompted by the concern to protect the major fresh sources in the country. The State Governments have been requested to fulfil the following conditions to be eligible for assistance here afterwards:

(i) Projects involving land acquisition will be sanctioned only after land acquisition proceedings

have been initiated by the State Governments.

2. The Detailed Project Reports shall be accompanied by the resolution of the concerned local

body approving the proposal they are recommending to the Government of India by the State Government.

3. A fifteen-year design period shall be adopted for structures under the GAP/NRCP. The first module equivalent to design requirements for five years will be funded by the Government of India while the cost of the second and the third modules will be borne by the State Governments.
4. Any savings in the implementation of the schemes in one town can be used to offset escalation of costs in other towns of the same state. However, escalation in costs beyond the CCEA approved costs for a state will have to be borne by the concerned State Governments.
5. All treated water discharged from the sewage treatment plants will be utilised for irrigation for which the State Governments will have to take up the programmes for providing channels from the treatment plants to onwards. This will be checked when examining detailed project reports in NRCD. State Governments are also requested to provide for this component additionally for the relevant schemes already sanctioned and under implementation, before they approach the Ministry for the release of funds.

10) Improvement of Master Plan of roads of Agra city 21.22

Total 222.11

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1.25. CLEAN TECHNOLOGY

As part of sustainable Development Strategies, studies have been initiated on Regional Carrying Capacity Planning, Natural Resource Accounting, Life Cycle Assessment and Demonstration of Cleaner Technologies etc.

1. Carrying Capacity Studies

1. Life Cycle Assessment in Steel Sector

For optimal utilisation of resources, Life Cycle Assessment Study in the Steel Sector has been initiated with joint funding by this Ministry and three identified steel plants. Life Cycle Assessment is a new management tool which examines from ‘cradle to grave’ various environmental issues associated with production use, disposal and recycling of products to identify interventions to improve the output, reduce the waste, recycle the wastes in the same or ancillary units, conserve raw materials and energy etc. LCA starts with extraction of raw materials and ends with reuse of scrap.

2. Natural Resource Accounting

A study covering the Upper Yamuna Basin has been taken up to prepare Natural Resource Accounting corresponding to the Economic Accounts which reflect contributions to GNP without accounting for wastage of resources. NRA leads to proper measure being devised for technological and management interventions to ensure more consistent and better stream of benefits from the same resource base. This study is multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional. Findings of the study are now to be debated among planners, economists and other so that the methodology is adopted leading to presentation of Resource Accounts at the time of presenting the Financial Budget every year.

3. Demonstration Projects

The Ministry sponsored a study to develop Gasification Technology and its Demonstration for effective treatment of distillery wastes. The Project has been completed.

1.26. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES MANAGEMENT

Hazardous Substances Management Division 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 arising due to chemical disaster. It is also proposed to implement the remediation of the contaminated sites and establishment of Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities for Hazardous Wastes. Proposed activities are outlined below:

Proposed activities:

1. Strengthening of Hazardous Substances Management Structure in States.
2. Strengthening of crisis management structure in the country including setting up of Emergency Response Centres.
3. Accident prevention and emergency preparedness.
4. Augmentation of training facilities and conduct of training courses for training in accident prevention and emergency preparedness and hazardous waste management.
5. Prepare reports of status on compliance to international Conventions and stand on upcoming Conventions.
6. Formulation and implementation of Acts/Rules including amendments.
7. Developmental projects/studies and pilot plants.
8. Setting up/augmentation of Centres/Institutes for hazardous substances management.
9. Implementation of various provisions of Biomedical Wastge Rules, 1998.
10. EIA studies for hazardous wastes disposal sites and setting up of two Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) in the country.
11. Implementation of the Project on Remediation of the contaminated sites and identification of new sites for remediation.
12. Evolve policies and programmes for sound management of hazardous waste.
13. Evolve policies and programmes for sound management of solid waste.
14. Establishment of Databases and activitites related to Agenda 21, UN Expert Committee on Transportation of Dangerous Goods.