The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), an autonomous organisation of the Ministry, is the focal point for forestry research, education and extension development in the country. Its directorates and institutions arc striving hard to give new directions to research and undertake pioneering research.

To ensure proper forestry education in Universities, financial assistance is provided to State Agricultural Universities through the ICFRE. Purpose of the assistance is to support B.Sc. forestry courses.

The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) conducts training programme for Indian Forest Service Probationers, State Forest Service Colleges take care of training needs of State Forest Service Officers. Training of Range Officers is conducted in Rangers college. The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, an autonomous body, of the Ministry, is involved in imparting education and training in forest management aimed at inculcation of professionalism in forestry management. Total outlay for Forestry Education and Training during 2000-2001 is Rs.8.85 crores on the plan side and Rs.7.03 crores on the Non-Plan side.

Intensification of Forestry Research towards fuller development of the Forestry Resources and their proper utilisation is one of the important objectives of this Ministry.

Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, under the ICFRE, is a Centre of Excellence in Forestry Research.

The World Bank aided project viz. Forestry Research Education and Extension Project had been taken up for a period of five years starting from 30th September, 1994. The total outlay of the project is Rs 158.75 crores. The project has been extended by the World Bank upto 31.12.2000 and the project cost is being revised to Rs. 168.065 crores.

IPIRTI. Bangalore is an autonomous organisation of this Ministry and Centre of expertise in Mechanical Wood Industry Technology Sector and is equipped with modem facilities for research and training in saw-milling and plywood. The Institute will continue research extension, demonstration and training activities.

The budget estimate for research is Rs. 55.40 crores on Plan side and Rs. 12.20 crores on the Non-Plan side.

• To conduct forest resources survey. the scheme "Forest Survey of India including Application of Remote Sensing techniques" is under implementation through Forest Survey of India a subordinate office of this Ministry. The scheme aims to achieve the following objective.
• To assess the extent of forest cover and monitor on a two year cycle the broad changes in forest vegetation cover of the country by using multi satellite data on 1:250.000 scale to prepare area thematic maps through use of remote sensing data with maximum essential ground truth verification on a ten year cycle (Most ground truth verification would be done by respective states).
• To collect, store and retrieve necessary forestry and forestry related data for National and State level Planning and to create a computer based National Basic Forest Invention system (NBFIS).
• To design methodologies relating to forest surveys and subsequent updating. This would include methodologies for:

(a) Vegetation mapping including thematic maps through the use of satellite imageries/aerial photographs:

(b) Ground truth verification; and

(c) Growing stock and volume assessment.

• To impart training in application of remote sensing techniques etc. in Modem Forest Survey Techniques to foresters at various levels of responsibility in the States/UTs/ Govt. of India.
• To keep abreast of the achievements in remote sensing technology and also build up a strong research and development base in remote sensing in the field of forestry alongwith development of new algorithms and software for both image processing and general application.
• To support and, oversee techniques/inventory work undertaken by States/UT Forest Department.

During 2000-2001 the budget provision of Rs.3.00 crore (Plan) and Rs.4.81 crore (Non-Plan) has been made.

The project "Formulation of National Forestry Action Programme" was started with assistance from UNDP and FAO. Outlay for the year 2000-2001 is Rs.0.20 Crores.

The scheme viz., Association of Scheduled Tribes and Rural Poor in Regeneration of Degraded Land aims at improving the forest cover of degraded forests with the association of tribals and rural poor, alongwith providing the wage employment and an economic resource base for sustained self employment. The outlay for the scheme during 2000-2001 is Rs. 4.00 crores on Plan side.

The Scheme Introduction of Modem 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 2000-2001, outlay is Rs. 14.00 crores on Plan side.

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.8.00 crores has been provided for CZA during 2000-2001 on Plan side.

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 "Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992" and also for the ongoing activities. Animal exchanges with Indian and foreign zoos were made. The budget provision for the year 2000-2001 is Rs.0.50 crores on Plan side and Rs.3.27 crores on Non Plan side.

For ensuring better management of the protected areas, Wildlife Institute of India conducts training courses to train park managers and biologists. The Institute also conducts research in wildlife. The budget provision is Rs.4.50 crores on the Plan side and Rs. 1.45 crores on the Non-Plan side.

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 tile benefit of education and enjoyment of people. The activities of tile Scheme are:

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

ii) To release grants-iii-aid to the State Governments who have tiger reserves:

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

At present there 25 Tiger Reserves located in 14 States, covering all area of more than 30,000 sq. kill. The main thrust of the Project is protection and mitigation of 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. 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. The BE 2000-2001 for the Project Tiger Scheme is Rs. 17.00 crore (Plan) and Rs. 0.06.Crore (Non-Plan).

Ali outlay of Rs. 12 7.45 crores is proposed for the year 2000-200l on the Plan side for tile 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-iii-Aid Scheme (for Voluntary -Agencies).

Schemes/Activities.

The following schemes/activities on wastelands development will be implemented by the NAEB during 2000-2001:

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:

(a) securing peoples participation in regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas:

(b) augment the availability of biomass- Fuelwood and fodder:

(c) 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:

(d) generate employment.

The scheme funds projects, formulated by using micro-planning technique to ensure the integration of various activities and resources.

This is 100(/% Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a Central Sector component.

For 2000-200 1. an allocation of Rs. 72.50 crores oil Plan side has been made for this scheme. The physical targets for the N car is to cover an area of 70.000 hectares.

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 orgamisations are identified. encouraged and assisted to raise nurseries for free planting oil forest lands and adjoining areas and related activities, which we are financed from the plan funds of the Board. For 2000-2001 an amount of Rs 2.50 crores has been made for this scheme. It is envisaged to sanction 50 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 evaluation 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.

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 2000-2001 all amount of Rs.31 crores has been proposed for the scheme. It is proposed to cover 76655 hectares area during 2000-200 1.

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 2000-2001 an amount of Rs. 16.00 crores has been proposed for the scheme to cover an area of 19.000 hectares.

The State Governments arc 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 2000-2001 an amount of Rs. 1.45 crores has been proposed for the scheme.

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-0fiented Fuelwood and Fodder Projects Schemes (AOFFP), Non-Timber Forest Produce Schemes (NTFP) and other schemes of NAEB. Reputed Non-Governmental Organisations (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 Environnient, 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 9th Plan Period.

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

a) 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.

b) 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 analyzed in NAEB. A copy of the report is sent to the concerned State Governments and districts for information and for taking necessary remedial measure.

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 a4ioirting lands with people's participation, and also act as a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences amongst the States of the region as well across the regions. In addition, these centres carry out problem-specific studies 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-.

New technologies and methodologies of participatory management, eco-development and regeneration of degraded forests arc 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.

The National Afforestation & Eco-Deve1opment Board takes up special studies of important issues relating to policy formulation- programme implementation, etc. The Board also engages special consultants for taking Lip a variety of assignments.

With a view to motivate the Grain Panchayats to undertake afforestation activities from the funds available under Rural Employment Generation and other plantation Schemes, an Award was instituted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests in 1995-96, Under this programme, the afforestation efforts of the Grain Panchayat will be evaluated after 4 years in every district. the best performing Grain Panchayat at would be awarded a cash price of Rs. 1 lakh for being the "Zile Ki Sabse Hari Panchayat." The scheme is being implemented from 1999-2000- and the process for its implementation has been commenced.

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.

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:

• establishing decentralised nurseries;
• tree planting on wastelands/farm lands;
• awareness-raising, motivation and extension work;
• involving the rural poor/tribals/co-operatives in afforestation and tree planting;
• setting up grass-roots level institutions like the Tree Growers' Co-operatives: and
• social fencing of community woodlots and pasture lands.

The Awards up to the year 1997 have been announced.

Mahavriksha Puruskar, instituted in 1994 is given every year to people/organisations for trees having largest girth and height and having good health & vigour. The Awards up to the year 1997 have been announced.

Ecological Task Forces (ETFs) of ex-servicemen are employed in remote and difficult areas to undertake restoration of degraded ecosystems through afforestation, son 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 Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) concentrates on the exploration and survey of faunal resources of the country and research on taxonomy. distribution. bio-ecology, Wildlife, animal population and animal behaviours.

During 2000-2001, the Zoological Survey of India proposes to continue exploration and survey's (a total of 63, 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 ZS1, Bibliography of Indian Zoology A ill be brought out.

The provision earmarked for ZS1 for the year 2000-2001 is Rs.5.50 crores on the Plan and Rs 9.93 crores on the Non-Plan side.

The primary function of BSI is to conduct survey, exploration and identification of the plant resources of the country, list out of all endangered species, collect and maintain germplasm and genebank of endangered, threatened and vulnerable species and to undertake measures for the effective conservation of such species. It also identifies, collects and preserves specimens of plants which are economically, and medicinally beneficial to human beings. Further, it is compiling a National Data Base on plant resources of the country based on botanical explorations.

In addition to the above. BSI undertakes study of fragile ecosystems, sanctuaries, park Biosphere Reserves, EIA studies, Ethnobotanical and Geo-botanical studies.

BSI is the custodian of the largest collection (over 4 million) of herbarium specimens in SE Asia which are being maintained for over a century. The Scientists of the Survey undertake critical taxonomic study of the specimens collected and publish National. State and District floras. Plant Diversity of India and Ethnobotanical studies, etc.

The budget provision earmarked for the BS1 for 200 0-2001 is Rs.5.50 Crores on Plan side and Rs. 11.00 Crores for Non-Plan side.

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) was opened to the public in New Delhi on 5th June 1978. It is devoted to environmental non-formal conservation education. Tile NMNH has also set up Regional Museums at NIN-sore- Bhopal and Bhubaneshwar, The Regional Museums at Mysore and Bhopal have already been opened for the public during the Eighth & Ninth Plans respectively. While the Regional museum at Bhubaneshwar will be operational during the Ninth Plan period, Tile budget pro-vision proposed for the NNINH and the Regional Museums for 2000-2001 is Rs. 2.50 crores on Plan side and Rs. 0.74 crores on Non-Plan side.

The Planning Commission of India has placed a particular emphasis on the development of the Indian Himalayan region. The Institute continues to function within its approved mandate and R&D Programmes. Some of the activities which require strengthening and/or planned to be initiated during the 9th Plan period arc as follows:

All existing programmes at Head Quarter/units need strengthening in terms of infrastructure, support facilities and manpower development. Facilities and activities which need to be initiated include editorial/publications/translation cell, planning and co-ordination cell, establishment of new units (2 exchange programme of Scientists and other professionals at the National and International level related to Mountain Agenda, creation of Himalayan chair, programme of visiting professionals and experts. specialised and work oriented courses. environmental education cell, public relation cell, microbial culture collection section concentrating exclusively on the Himalayan region, a network programme on the bio-resource inventory of the Himalayan region, facilities for mass propagation and hardening/ex-situ and in-situ conservation of Himalayan species. expansion of GIS/GPS/RS Cell, etc. Creation of sports recreational, primary schooling and medical dispensary facilities within the campus is essential in view of its remote location. In addition documentation of traditional technologies and cultural practices from the Himalayan region needs to be encouraged. Facilities which require specific attention include electronic connectivity. Library and documentation, video/documentary and photography, workshop for instrumentation. Fabrication, maintenance, routine repairs, etc. R&D laboratories, land scaping, campus security and transport, etc., keeping in view, the remote location of the Institute.

The budget provision earmarked for G.B.Pant Institute for 2000-2001 is Rs. 4.50 Crore (Plan).

The programme in the 9`1 Five Year Plan with present goals will continue integrating scientific, social, economic and cultural ingredients for achieving the objectives of socio-economic development together with environmental regeneration/conservation with sufficient funding. Total funding of the programme in the 9th plan period is proposed to be enhanced to Rs.500.00 lakhs. It is proposed to use this also for the extension of Institute activities/testing and demonstration of technology packages developed etc. in a concerted manner. Tile budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs.0.45 crores on Plan side.

The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs.4.2-1 crores on Plan side.

The main programmes being implemented under this scheme arc as under:

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 behalf of the Ministry to participants selected by the Regional Committees and also monitor the campaign in their areas. The Ministry reimburses expenses of these agencies.

This is a scheme especially designed for school students from class V.1 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 coordinating 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.

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. The budget provision is Rs.0.30 crores on Plan side.

Under the Scheme, the Ministry is providing assistance to the seven Centres of Excellence in different areas of environment. The Centre for Mining Environment, Dhanbad imparts training to inservice field personnel in environment Science and Technology with particular reference to Environment Management in Mining Areas and conducts research in the field of Mining Environment. The Centre has initiated a regular academic programme leading to M.Tech Degree in Environment Science & Engineering. The Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad and CPR Environmental Education Centre, Chennai, would be continuing their efforts in environmental awareness, creation and production of resource material. Besides, these 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. would also be carried out by both the Centres in the field of environment education and awareness. The TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram, is a Centre of Excellence for Conservation and sustainable utilisation of tropical plants diversity. The thrust areas on which the Centre will focus upon are: tropical plant diversity, tropical medicinal plant diversity and ethno-botany and R&D in medicinal and herbal formulations and preparations. The SACON was set up in 1991-92 to design and conduct research in ornithology covering all aspect of bio-diversity and to disseminate knowledge on the subject. The Centre for Ecological Science, Bangalore, is a Centre of Excellence in the field of Ecological Research, applied environmental problems and extension programmes with particular reference to Western Ghats. The Ministry provides grant to the Centres for conducting research and organising training & extension programme in specified fields. The Thrust areas in respect of the Centre of Excellence at CEMDE, Delhi are: Biological reclamation of mined areas in coal fields and iron ore mines, Afforestation and reforestation technologies for wasteland and Technologies for son amelioration and protection and the main objectives of the Centre are to: develop low-input and cost effective biological technologies useful in the biological reclamation of mined sites, evolve appropriate technology packages for enhancing the biological productivity of marginal lands, undertake research and developmental activities relevant to the sustainable development of forest ecosystems and prepare the inventory of biological resources and to formulate strategies for their utilisation and conservation. The activities of all the Centres will be continued during the financial year 2000-2001. An outlay of Rs.6.00 crores on Plan side and Rs. 1.50 crores on Non-Plan side is earmarked for 2000-2001 for providing Central assistance to all the seven Centres.

The objective of the scheme is to promote Environment 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 tile environmental Statements,

The budget allocated for the scheme is Rs. 10 lakhs per annum during the IXth Five Year Plan. The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs. 0.20 crore on Plan side.

The objective of the scheme is to prepare Environmental Maps depicting pollution data relating to air, water, son 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. The budget provision for 20002001 is Rs.0. 10 crores on Plan side.

The objective of tile scheme is to promote tile development and adoption of clean technologies including waste reuse and recycling in small scale industries. The scope of the scheme include promotion of waste minimisation and pollution prevention in SSIs through training and awareness programmes, preparation of sector specific manuals and conduction of waste minimisation demonstration studies in selected sectors. The budget allocation for the scheme during the 1Xth Five Year Plan is Rs.50 lakhs. The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs. 0.10 crores on Plan side.

The ENVIS network at present consist of 25 Centres which have been set up on different subject areas of environment throughout the country and tile Focal Point in tile Ministry. The networking of 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 tile network partners but also to liase 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 of the subject areas, not covered so far, are also proposed to be set up in phase to make the network comprehensive.

Keeping these activities into consideration, the budget provision of Rs. 1.25 crore on Plan side and Rs. 0.28 crores on Non-Plan side has been kept for the scheme during 2000-2001,

Out of 56 priority areas identified for undertaking tile research projects under the scheme, about 30 areas have been covered and it is expected that remaining areas as identified by the Bioresource Committee would be covered in a phased manner so that information generated through various projects under the scheme are used by Central Government, State Governments/Agencies and various other research organisations in a more comprehensive way.

The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs. 1.00 crore on the Plan side.

Under the scheme, efforts will be made to provide support to the appropriate institutions and organisations, museums and science centres for developing activities and projects in the field of environment as well as develop exhibition galleries and educational programmes relevant to ecology, wildlife and environment.

The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs.0. 10 crore on the Plan side.

The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs.0.25 crore on Plan side.

The following programmes are being handled under this Scheme:

The existing rates of Water Cess were revised in 1991 because with the rapid expansion of industries and towns, the responsibility and workload of the Pollution Control Boards have increased considerably and the funds a available with these Boards had not kept pace either with increase in costs or with the overall commitment in involving heavy financial liabilities. There is a proposal to revise afresh the existing Cess rates,

A brochure on ECO-MARK is proposed to be brought out for awareness building. A report on Comparative Testing of certain consumer products for the purpose of information dissemination on eco-friendliness and consumer awareness is under preparation. A report of pilot (pulp & paper) projection Green Rating funded under the GOI-LFNDP Environment Programme Support is being executed. The 2nd phase of Green Rating Project is proposed to be launched under the UNDP Programme.

The UNCTAD Project on 'Strengthening Capacities for Trade & Environment Policy' in India is under completion. Some workshops/seminars and symposia have been orgainsed on the policy matters.

For awareness building some programmes will be organised for government, industry, NGOs and others. So far, 186 industries have taken ISO 140001 certification.

The National Environmental Tribunal Act, 1995 provides for strict liability for damages from any accident occurring while handling any hazardous substance and for the establishment of a national Environment Tribunal for effective and expeditious disposal of cases arising from such accidents with a view to giving relief and compensation for damages to persons. property and the environment and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Act could not be enforced, as the financial implications for setting up of the Tribunal are higher. The Ministry is still consulting the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India for selection of the Chairman, NET. The budget provision is sRs.0.50 crore on Plan side for 2000-2001.

The main objective of the project is to promote cost effective pollution abatement and, in particular, to strengthen the institutional capacity of SPCBs in four States; to facilitate priority investments in clean technologies, waste minimisation and resource recovery as well as pollution control, and promote the development, diffusion and transfer to technologies with environmental benefits for the industrial sector. The term of the project is till March, 2002. This is a externally aided project. Financial aid will be given to SPCBs (i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan) under various components viz. Institutional, Investment and Technical assistance components. The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs. 22.00 crores on Plan side.

During the year 2000-2001. the Civil Construction Unit has set a target of total 88 Major works for which a provision of Rs. 15.95 Crores has been made in the Budget Estimates for 2000-2001. Some of the above works are ongoing works whereas the remaining are the new works which are proposed to be undertaken during 2000-200 1.

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 or 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.

(ii) 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.

(iii) 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.

(iv) 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.

(v) 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.

The approved project outlay for the NRCP (including GAP-11) is Rs.2013.46 crores. Of this, the share of the Government of India is Rs. 1776.18 crores and funds released by GOI upto 1998-99 total to only Rs.349.99 crores, thus leaving balance of Rs 1426.19 crores to be released. A provision of Rs.200 crores was made for the NRCD in 1999-2000. It may be possible to utilise Rs. 170 crores from out of this provision. Similar provisions will need to be made in the remaining years of the Ninth Plan to maintain the pace of expenditure. Budget provision of Rs.210.05 crores (including NLCP) is made in 2000-2001 so that the river action plans can be completed as scheduled.

An amount of Rs.3.00 crores has been proposed for the financial year 2000-2001. The main activities will revolve around release of Central assistance to the concerned State Governments for wetland conservation for activities like mapping, landscape planning, hydrology, control of encroachment, eutrophication abatement, aquatic weed control, wildlife conservation, fisheries development environmental awareness etc. for MAP's of 20 identified wetlands in the country. The research projects will be sanctioned, as per the guidelines and a policy decision taken in last meeting of the National Committee, to sanction research projects only in identified wetlands. The meetings of national Committee on Wetlands and Research Sub-Committee will be convened during the year. Organisation of workshop for evaluation of progress of ongoing research projects, completed research projects and MAPs will be undertaken. Finalisation of guidelines for monitoring mechanism in regard to MAP's and updating of directory of wetlands using remote sensing technology along with ground truth data will be completed. This is more relevant as India along with Japan have been elected members of the Standing Committee on Ramsar Convention for this triennium and as such our country has to play major role in all convention activities for the present triennium. Process has been initiated to designate 20 more wetland sites from India in the list of Ramsar sites. The budget provision of Rs.3.00 crores has been made for 2000-2001 on Plan side.

An outlay of Rs. 9.00 crores on Plan side and Rs.7.50 crores on Non-Plan side has been made for 2000-2001. The activities of CPCB are grouped into nine Project Heads. Salient features of each project is summarised as under:

CPCB in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) has set-up Water Quality and Air Quality Network. The expenditure incurred by the State Boards is reimbursed by CPCB. Besides Water and Air Quality Monitoring, there are number of ongoing programmes which include- survey of polluted river stretches, review of primary water quality criteria, assessment of non-point pollution sources, bio-monitoring of national aquatic system and assessment of pollution from point sources. State specific surveys are also taken up through the Zonal Offices of CPCB.

CPCB has set-up a laboratory facility at its Head Office and the Zonal Offices have also been provided with minimum laboratory facilities. The strengthening of laboratories is an on-going activity and the laboratories are to be strengthened from time to time for undertaking analysis of critical pollutants. The new parameters have been added-up for analysing the bio-medical waste, hazardous waste and other important toxicants like Polychlorinated biphenyl. CPCB has also proposed R&D schemes relating to various aspects of prevention and control of pollution. The regular analytical quality control tests and training to the staff of Pollution Control Boards is proposed.

CPCB has already developed Standards for disposal of treated liquid effluents and gaseous emission in respect of major polluting categories of industries. Some of the standards need to be reviewed from time to time taking technological improvement into consideration. It is proposed to undertake review of standards in respect of those categories of industry which have already been covered.

CPCB is proposing to undertake training programmes for the benefit of SPCBs/PCCs. Regional training programmes would be conducted through Expert institutions and ZOs. The important areas which will be covered under the training include; Bio-medical waste. Municipal solid waste, Cleaner technologies. Vehicular noise pollution control and others.

This is an on-going programmes under which major expenditure is on the operation and maintenance of existing network. Some of the documents of CPCB are placed at internet facility.

The important activity under the Pollution Control Enforcement is to ensure compliance of 17 categories of polluting industries and industries discharging waste water into rivers and lakes. The Action Point prepared by restoration of environmental quality in the critically polluted area is also under implementation through the concerned SPCBs. As an on-going activity under the Environment Surveillance Programme it is proposed to have regular inspection/visits of polluting industries and also undertake compliance to the various Court's directive. The other on-going programmes include: Preparation of Zoning atlas- chlorine use and optimisation in India, Environmental Audit, Noise pollution control, monitoring of compliance for bio-medical and municipal solid waste and others.

Under this Project head. studies on existing treatment technologies and performance of technologies for cleaner production are taken up. The important on-going programmes include: performance evaluation of sewage treatment plants. risk assessment in chemical industries, control of noise levels from gensets, treatment technology for distillery, effluent, root zone treatment and others.

This is an on-going project under which programme relating to mass awareness are taken up. The activity also include: Publication of reports on various aspects relating to prevention and control of pollution.

The important on-going programmes under this project head include-, inventorisation of hazardous waste in various States', development of Standards for leachate from hazardous waste dump site, assessment of hazardous waste disposal facilities in industries, organising training and workshop, follow-ups of Committees constituted for hazardous wastes/chemicals.

Financial assistance is being provided to various SPCBs/PCCs. national institutions. etc.. for specific projects, studies, purchase of equipment, salary components in respect of Pollution Control Committees of Uts, etc. This is being provided on the basis of the requirements made b~ these units. Before extending financial assistance, the demands are considered in the Ministry in consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board.

An amount of Rs. 12.75 crores has been approved by the Planning Commission for the above Scheme for the NA hole period of IX Five Year Plan 1997-2002. Out of this. an amount ofRs.2.75 crores has been spent (i.e. upto the end of current financial year 1999-2000). The balance amount of Rs. 10 crores has to be utilised in the remaining part of IX Five Year Plan i.e. 2000-2001 and 2001-2002. An amount of Rs.0.50 crores (including 0.25 crore for Environment Policy & Law) has been kept in BE 2000-2001 for the above scheme.

As per the revised formula effective from 1.4.1998 of water Cess reimbursement of SPCBs/UT PCCs, upto 80% of the Cess amount collected by SPCBs/PCCs will be reimbursed to them in accordance with Section 8 of the Water Cess Act, 1977 for meeting their approved expenditure requirements. Of the Cess amount collected upto 20% will remain with the Central Government for undertaking specific projects in any part of the country through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) subject to approval by the Central Government. A budget provision of Rs.45.00 crores has been made under the Non-Plan side during 2000-200 1.

Consequent to the Supreme Court orders dated 4.9.96 in the Writ Petition No. 13381/84, the Planning Commission estimated (in consultation with the State Govt.) an amount of Rs 600 crores on a 50:50 percent (Centre-State) matching basis to implement various schemes relating to protection of the Taj Mahal.

A Mission Management Board under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, U.P. has been constituted for overseeing the implementation, monitoring and reviewing of the various programmes/schemes formulated for the protection of the Taj Mahal. Schemes were submitted relating to uninterrupted power supply, augmentation of water supply, improvement of drainage and sanitation. city tree plantation in the context of environmental protection of the Taj Mahal.

The EFC Memo giving details of the scheme on Taj Protection Mission was approved in the EFC meeting held on 26.10.98.on 23.2.99, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved schemes of Rs. 222.21 crores for the following 10 projects:

During the year 1998-99, an amount of Rs. 32 crores had been released to the Government of UP by this Ministry and a sum of Rs.50 crores has, been provided from the Ministry's budget for 19992000 for different schemes under the Taj Protection Mission.

State Govt had already released Rs. 67.84 crores in 1998-99 and Rs. 29.05 crores upto upto 30.9.99 in respect of the following schemes, the details of which are given below:

The Government of U.P. has prepared the following additional five projects under the Taj protection Mission and these projects have been approved by the Mission Management Board:

These schemes have to be put up to EFC and required to be obtained CCEA approval.

The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs.50.00 crores on Plan side.

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. The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs.5.00 crores on Plan side.

All development projects utilise natural resources in one form or the other and also generate wastes. It is necessary to develop alternate strategies for sustainable development in the context of developing countries like India. Carrying Capacity, based Regional Planning takes into account not merely availability of Natural Resources but also the environmental quality of the eco-systems so that the welfare of the human being is not impaired. To demonstrate the viability of the Carrying Capacity based planning process, studies have been taken up in selected areas to be representative of similar problematic areas in the country. 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 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.

(c) 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.

(d) Demonstration Project

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

The outlay for Bio-diversity Conservation for the year 2000-2001 is Rs. 1.00 crore. Description of the activities alongwith their tentative budget requirements are as follows:

Formulation of legislation on bio-diversity

After approval of the Cabinet. the bill for bio-diversity legislation will be introduced in the Parliament. The tentative expenditure for establishing the regulatory body for implementing the Act is Rs. 100 lakhs.

Bio-diversity is a complex subject and issues are still evolving and emerging. It is, therefore, required that consultations/brainstorming session be organised on specific issues such as bio-safety. IPRs, traditional knowledge, benefit sharing, ex-situ collections etc.

CoP-5 scheduled for May 2000 is expected to adopt decisions such as preparation of the second National Report, compilation of information on ex-situ collections, adoption of bio-safety protocol. The follow-tip of these decisions would have to be undertaken during the year.

Other activities to be undertaken during the year include: commissioning of studies relating to specific aspects of bio-diversity, conservation of medicinal plants, conservation and management of sacred groves, and conservation of coastal and marine bio-diversity.

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. A new Scheme on augmentation of Customs Laboratory, training of its officials, establishment of Sub-regional Centres for training on hazardous wastes management and development of comprehensive chemical programme under CIDA assistance is proposed. Proposed activities are outlined below:

a) Augmentation of Infrastructure for enhanced compliance of regulation on Hazardous Substances.

b) Capacity and capability building of the 4 Tier Crisis Groups including establishment of Emergency Response Centres and Poison Control Centres.

c) Programmes and activities in the area of Accident Prevention and Emergency, Planning, Preparedness and Response.

d) Augmentation of training facilities and conduct of training courses for training in accident prevention and emergency preparedness and hazardous waste management.

e) Developmental projects/studies and pilot plants.

f) Implementation of various provisions of Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules. 1998 and Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules.

g) Setting up of two Hazardous Wastes Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) in the country for Hazardous Waste in the country.

h) Identification of contaminated sites and remediation of Hot Spot.

i) Elaborate policies and programmes for Sound Management of Hazardous Chemicals and Wastes lead acid battery, waste on, etc.

j) Formulation of New Schemes under Indo-Canadian bilateral agreement.

k) Elaborate policies and programmes for sound management of Bio-medical and Urban Solid Waste - Common incineration facilities, land disposal facilities, etc.

1) Follow-up implementation and policy initiations on Agenda-21, Expert Committee, Basel Convention, PIC, POP APELL and IFCS.

in) Follow tip implementation and policy initiations due to Public Interest Litigations in High Court and Supreme Court,

For implementation of these activities in 2000-200t, the budget provision is to the tune of Rs.4.10 Crores.

Under the project for strengthening the country's Environment management Plans and capacity building several sub-components have been included for funding. These are Environmental Research. Environmental Standards. Environmental Economics, National Environmental Awareness Campaign including introduction of Environment Education in school system, NGO Environmental Action Fund, Environmental Law, Mining sector, Zoning Atlas, Ambient Air Quality Monitoring, Coastal and marine Area Management, Institutional Strengthening and Gujarat State Environmental Action Plan.

The progress of implementation of the various sub-components under the project is reviewed periodically by a team of experts from the World Bank and suggestions made for speedy execution of the project. Initially the detailed Project Implementation Plans prepared for each sub-component tinder went several revisions on the advice of the World Bank. The selection and appointment of national and international consultants also took considerable time on account of adherence to the procedures prescribed by the World Bank. These mainly contributed to some shortfalls in achieving the targets originally envisaged. However. these have not resulted in escalation of the project cost and instead the project outlay for the present has been primed to US S 43 million by the World Bank. The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs.32.00 crores on Plan side

During the year, it is proposed to release financial assistance to the Centres for research and training set-tip during 1999-2000. It is also proposed to set-tip a few more Centres for research in priority gap areas. In addition, review meetings will be held to monitor the progress of the programme. Meeting of the Steering Committee will also be held.

The budget provision for 2000-2001 is Rs.2.50 crores on Plan side.