Enviro News letter.pmd

ISSN: 0972-3471 ENVIRO NEWS Vol.15, April-June 2008 NEWSLETTER ON ENVIRONMENT & FOREST POLICIES, PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Ministry of Environment and Forests Government of India New Delhi tgk¡ gS gfj;kyh A April-June 2008 ENVIRONEWS http://envfor.nic.in ogk¡ gS [kq’kgkyh AA 1 ENVIRO NEWS Vol. 15, April - June 2008 Himalayan Glaciers laciers in the Himalayas provide the water source for onesixth of humanity. As the temperature rises, these reservoirs of ice disappear. Dubbed the Third Pole for having the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar caps, the Himalayas boast 11 peaks over 8,000 meter (26246 feet) and around 100 over 7,000 meter (22966 feet). The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has reduced form 48,860 sq. Km. (18,865 sq. miles) in the 1970s to 48,483 sq. km (17158 sq. miles) today. The alarming acceleration of the treat is being attributed to increase global warming. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu, Nepal has predicted that Himalayas could experience intense flooding as mountain lakes overflow with water melting glaciers and snowfields. The new flood warning is based on three years of research involving site visits and studies of topographical maps, satellite image, and aerial photography. The scientists assessed 4000 glaciers and 5000 glacial lakes in Nepal and in Bhutan. The findings indicate that 20 glacial lakes in Nepal and 24 in Bhutan have become potentially dangerous as a result of climate change. Studies done by Geological Survey of India have revealed that, on average, glaciers in India have been receding at the rate of 15 m (about 50 ft) every year. Himalayan glaciers could shrink from the present 5, 00, 00 sq. km. (193,051 sq miles) to 1, 00, 000 sq. km. (38, 610 sq. miles) by 2030 if the rate of global warming is not arrested at present. The February 2007 release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on science of climate change has concluded with 90 percent certainty, that global warming is caused by human behaviour. Researchers say there is a bright side, at least temporarily, to glacial melting. While the glacial lasts, they supply fresh water for drinking, irrigation and hydropower. When glaciers are gone, some decades from now, the water supply will be diminished. Contents World Environment Day - 2008 Speech By Her Excellency The President Of India Message for World Environment Day Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar-2005 Plant and Animal Discoveries 2007 Earth Day 2008 State of Environment Atlas – India Indoor Air Pollution In India Notification (Emmission standard for generator sets ) Notification (Emmission standard for Sulphuric Acid Plant) Notification (Emmission standard for Sponge Iron Plants ) Pitambar Pant as Dr B. P. Pal National Environment Fellowship Award 2007 & 2008 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 G 14 16 Editorial Committee Dr. S. P. Sharma, Statistical Advisor Shri A. K. Johari, DIG (Forests) Shri Sanjay Kumar, DIG (NAEB) Shri B. Sikka, Director (NRCD) Ms Madhumita Biswas, Joint Director (EI) Editors Dr. S. P. Sharma Debabrata De Himalayan Glaciers ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 2 World Environment Day, 2008 T he World Environment Day is commemorated each year on 5th June, and it is one of the principle vehicles through which the UN stimulates world wide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is “Kick the Habit: towards a Low Carbon Economy”. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption. Ministry of Environment and Forests observed the World Environment Day at a function in New Delhi. Her Excellency the President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil was the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Ministers of States, Shri Namo Narain Meena and Shri R. Reghupathy and Ms. Meena Gupta, Secretatry (E&F) were present during this occasion. Senior officers of the Ministry, invited guests and other attended the function. The Day was also observed as the 30th year of the Foundation of the National Museum of Natural History. On this occasion, Her Excellency the President of India gave away the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar, 2005 and Young Environmentalist Awards, 2008 to the recipient. The title of Release of NGO Directory by Honb’le MOS (Environment) Young Environmentalist was given as a decoration to one of the Senior Group children of the Summer Programme organised by NMNH. Two publications, namely, Animal Discoveries-2007, ZSI and Plant Discoveries-2007, BSI were presented to the President of India by Hon’ble MOS (Forests), Shri S. Reghupathy. Hon’ble MOS(Environmental), Shri Namo Narain Meena released the publication of Directory of Environmental NGOs, NMNH Folder, Poster and Environment Booklet (“Paryavaran ke Baatein”) on this Day. Environment songs and skit on environment were presented by the school children along with a film show on environment. View of a Function held during World Environment Day, 2008 ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 3 Speech by Her Excellency the President Of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at the Presentation of the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Purashkar on the Occasion of the World Environment Day t gives me great pleasure to participate in this function organised on the occasion of the World Environment Day. I would like to congratulate Sant Gadge Baba Amrawati University of Maharashtra whose award is being received by its Vice Chancellor - Dr. Kamal Singh, Shri Jagadish Babla of Uttaranchal and Dr. Amrita Patel of Gujarat, who have been conferred the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Purashkar for their contribution in protecting and conserving our environment. My good wishes also to Ms. Shefalika, the Young Environmentalist of the year. The World Environment Day is celebrated each year with a view to stimulate global awareness and to encourage people to become active participants in the sustainable and equitable development process so that all nations and peoples enjoy a more prosperous future. It was on this historic day in 1972, that the United Nations Conference on Human Environment began in Stockholm. Smt. Indira Gandhi, our then Prime Minister, was the only Head of Government who travelled to Stockholm to participate in the 1972 Conference. By stating that poverty was the worst polluter, she highlighted the link between environmental conservation and elimination of poverty. This launched a global debate on the need to look at poverty eradication, developmental imperatives and environmental concerns as interdependent objectives. Twenty years later, at the 1992 Rio Conference and, thirty years later at the 2002 Johannesburg Summit, the leaders of the world emphasized that sustainable development as a development paradigm should address the economic, social and environmental needs of society, and recognized that for the developing countries eradicating poverty would be an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. Therefore, today, is an appropriate occasion to re-commit ourselves to ensuring that the sustainable development process provides to all our people - health, nutrition, education and housing so that all can live a life of dignity in a clean and healthy atmosphere. Indeed, this should be a collective global endeavour for the international ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 I Speech Delivered by Her Excellency the President of India on the Occassion of World Environment Day, 2008 community that established a global partnership to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, including by providing financial and technological support to developing countries. The 21st century is confronted with the global challenge of climate change. Though all countries contribute, to some extent, to the generation of greenhouse gases, the contribution of developing countries like India is vastly different and far lower than that of developed countries. The developed countries have to their account the historical emissions of GHGs since the Industrial Revolution. However, climate change is likely to have wide ranging economic and social impacts in every country. In fact, the harshest impact is being felt by the poorest in the world who have had hardly any share in causing this problem. Global discussions on climate change must, therefore, bear in mind that the process of burden sharing should be fair and in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities. As a developing country, even though India has no international obligation to reduce emissions, it as a 4 responsible member of the world community, is taking action domestically to contribute to the global efforts. Climate change is receiving high level and focused attention in India. Prime Minister’s Climate Change Council is comprehensively examining India’s response to this global challenge. Our National Environment Policy adopted in 2006 promotes the adoption of cleaner technology and bio-friendly disposal of waste. We have promoted measures like energy efficiency, and encouraged the use of new and renewable sources of energy. We have emerged as the country with the 4th largest wind power capacity in the world. Other sources of renewable energy like solar energy are also being tapped. Under the Green India Programme, we propose to launch a massive afforestation project covering six million hectares of degraded forest land, which is probably the world’s largest. We are encouraging reusing and recycling to reduce waste. Water is a precious life giving resource and we must use every drop of water efficiently. Rain water harvesting is important in maximizing the utilization of water. The slogan adopted for this year’s World Environment Day is the importance of low carbon economy. As we look at this issue today, there can be no doubt that new and advanced technologies will play a key role in achieving this objective. Developing countries naturally expect a robust arrangement for the transfer of technology and financial support from developed countries. Governments as well as academic institutions and corporate bodies must step up research work and also develop joint research programmes across nations for meeting the challenge of sustainable development including climate change across the globe. The global community must join hands to create scientific capacity to solve these problems. The carbon footprint of human activity can be reduced when each individual, each household, each industrial unit - all undertake their work and activities as energy efficiently as possible and reduce wastage. On this Day, we should focus our thoughts on keeping the planet safe from degradation. Efforts to spread awareness must be stepped up. However, Government alone cannot do this. As I just mentioned, each one of us will have to contribute to this task of conservation of nature and environment. This should become a people’s movement, in which local bodies, civil society and NGOs should participate. We should address the common task of preserving the Earth and all its life forms. India is among the 12 countries immensely rich in bio-diversity. India has two out of the 18 biodiversity hot-spots of the world which are the Western ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 Ghats and Eastern Himalayas. I am aware that the Ministry has several programmes and policies to preserve the ecosystems through the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and biosphere reserves. These efforts must continue. At the same time, steps have been taken for welfare of the forest people particularly the tribal people, who have lived in and near the forests for centuries and who are also the repositories of traditional knowledge on conservation and sustainable living. Conservation and protection of the environment as also love for nature have always been a part and parcel of the Indian ethos and culture. Our scriptures and epics teach us respect for nature which is also a precondition for peace and harmony in life. The Atharva Veda says: ;Ùks f{kiza ek rs rs Hkw e s fo[kukfe rnfi jksg rwA foe eeZ ] foe ` X ofLek ân; vfiZie Pure Earth, May that we utilize your soil well, Without causing you injury or harm or Disturbing any vital element in you. These words should inspire everybody to prudently use the resources of our planet. I am informed that today we are also celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the National Museum for Natural History, an important institution to spread awareness about the evolution of the Universe and progression of life on it. Today, the Museum and its regional centers are recognized as excellent centers for non-formal environmental education. It has played a strong and active role in creating awareness, through a number of educational programmes, exhibitions, nature camps in which many children have participated. These activities will help in developing a sense of responsibility which is so essential in our every day life. Children as the citizens of tomorrow have a big stake in the future of our society, our country, the world and indeed the planet. They must be involved in activities to preserve and conserve our environment. I am happy to see young students in the function today. While concluding, I take this opportunity to once again convey my best wishes to the awardees of the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Purashkar and also wish them success in their future endeavours. Thank you, Jai Hind. 5 Message for World Environment Day, 2008 “Kick The Carbon Habit” Addiction is a terrible thing. It consumes and controls us, makes us deny important truths and blinds us to the consequences of our actions. Our world is in the grip of dangerous carbon habits. Coal and oil paved the way for the developed world’s industrial progress. Fast developing countries are now taking the same path in search of equal living standards. Meanwhile in the least developed countries, even less sustainable energy sources, such as charcoal, remain the only available option for the poor. Our dependence on carbon-based energy has caused a significant build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Last year, the Noble Peace Prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change put the final nail in the coffin of global warming skeptics. We know that climate change is happening, and we know that carbon dioxide and other green house gases that we emit are the cause. We don’t just burn carbon in the form of fossil fuels. Throughout the tropics, valuable forests are being felled for timber and making paper, for pasture and arable land and, increasingly, for plantations to supply a growing demand for bio-fuels. This further manifestation of our carbon habit not only releases vast amount of CO2, it also destroys the valuable resource for absorbing atmospheric carbon, further contributing to climate change. The environmental, economic and political implications of global warming are profound. Ecosystems – from mountain to ocean, from poles to the tropics-are undergoing rapid change. Low-lying cities face inundation, fertile lands are turning to desert, and weather patterns are becoming even more unpredictable. The cost will be borne by all. The poor will be hardest hit by weather related disasters and by soaring price inflation for staple foods, but event the richest nations face the prospect of economic recession and a world in conflict over diminishing resources. Mitigating climate change, eradicating poverty and promoting economic and political stability all demand the same solution: we must kick the carbon habit. This is the theme for World Environment Day ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 2008. “Kick the Habit: Towards a Low Carbon Economy”, recognizes the damaging extent of our addiction, and it shows the way forward. Often we need a crisis to wake us to reality. With the climate crisis upon us, business and governments are realizing that, far from costing the earth, addressing global warming can actually save money and invigorate economics. While the estimated costs of Climate Change are incalculable, the price tag for fighting it may be less than any of us may have thought. Some estimates put the cost at less than one per cent of global gross domestic product- a cheap price indeed for waging a global war. Even better news is that technologies already exist are under development to make our consumption of carbon-based fuels cleaner and more efficient and to harness the renewable power of sun, wind and waves. The private sector, in particular, is competing to capitalize on what they recognize as a massive business opportunity. Around the world, nations, cities, organizations and business are looking afresh at green options. At the United Nations, I have instructed the plan for renovating our New York headquarters should follow strict environmental guidelines. I have also asked the chief executives of all UN programmes, funds and specialized agencies to move swiftly towards carbon neutrality. Earlier this year, the UN Environment Programme launched a climate neutral network – CN Net – to energize this growing trend. Its inaugural members, which include countries, cities and companies, are pioneers in a movement that I believe will increasingly define environmental, economic and political discourse and decision making over the coming decades. The message of World Environment Day 2008 is that we are all part of the solution, Whether you are an individual, an organization, a business or government, there are many steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint. This message we all must take to heart. Mr.Ban Ki-Moon Secretary-General of United Nations 6 Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar, 2005 he Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (IGPP), constituted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, in the year 1987, in the memory of Former Prime Minister of India, Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, is conferred each year to one organization and two individuals in recognition of significant contributions in the field of Environment and carries a cash prize of Rs.5.0 lakh under Organization Category and, Rs. 3.0 and Rs. 2.0 lakh each under Individual Category, Silver Lotus Trophy and Citation. The environmental prize committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Vice President of India select the awardees. Short listing of the nomination is carried out by three Expert Members selected by the Prime Ministers Office. For the year 2005, the Ministry received a total number of 190 nominations (125 individuals and 65 organizations) out of which 34 nominations (22 individuals and 12 organisations) were short listed by the expert members. The ground truth verification of these short listed nominations had been carried out by the regional offices of the Ministry. Out of 12 short listed nominations received under the Organization category (Rs.5.0 lakh), the Committee selected. Sant Gadge Baba Amrawati University, Maharastra for its outstanding contributions to environmental amelioration, environmental conservation and creating environmental awareness in the Vidharba Region of Maharastra State. Awardees of IGPP and the Young Environmentalist with the President of India Out of 22 short listed nominations received under the Individual Category, the committee selected : (I) Mr. Jagdish Babla, Dehradun, Uttarakhand (Rs.3.0 Lakh) for exemplary contributions to the environmental protection and awareness among the local community in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand State. (II) Dr. Amrita Patel, Anand, Gujarat (Rs.2.0lakh) for her wide ranging and inclusive contributions to environmental conservation and awareness. T Young Environmentalist Award, 2008 he award of Young Environmentalist is the prestigious award given by National Museum of Natural History to the best participant of the ‘Explore the Environment Group’ (Class VIII, IX, X & XI). This year award has been given to Ms.Shefalika studying in class IX in Convent of Jesus & Mary, New Delhi for showing her keen interest in the educational sessions and the contest held during the summer programme, 2008. She won the first prize in the Declamation Contest held on 28th May, 2008. The topic of Declamation was “To Save the Species from Extinction, join hands for their protection” T ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 7 Plant Discoveries 2007 he Botanical Survey of India (BSI), a premier research organization of the country established in 1890, serves the nation by providing scientific basis for conservation and sustainable use of wild plant diversity through survey, documentation, taxonomic research and environmental awareness. During the course of plant explorations and floristic and revisionary/monographic studies, BSI scientists often discover plants new to science or new plant records for India. Since reorganization of BSI in 1954, the BSI scientists have described one new family, 29 new genera and discovered over 800 plants new to science and several hundred new plant records for the country, thus significantly adding to our knowledge of the plant diversity of the country. During 2007 alone BSI scientists discovered 23 species and six varieties as new to science and one genus twenty eight species, one subspecies and one variety as new records for Indian Flora. The ‘Plant Discoveries 2007’ provides general awareness about this notable contribution of BSI scientists during 2007. T Animal Discoveries 2007 oological Survey of India, the department under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India was established in 1916 as an offshoot of the Indian Museum Zoology Section, primarily to promote survey, explorations and research leading to the advancement of knowledge on various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of the country. Since last 92 years, the scientists’ of the department are undertaking surveys, and inventorisation, describing authenticated taxonomic work on different groups of animal under “Fauna of India, Fauna of States and Fauna of Ecosystems” containing description of known and new discoveries of animal of the country and abroad. The scientists’ of the department so far, described 4415 species and subspecies new to the science. During the year 2007, 67 new species to the science and 18 new records to the country’s list of species are added, which is being released on the occasion of the World Environment Day. Z United States Environmental Protection Agency 2008 Stratospheric Ozone Protection Awards he United States Environment Protection Agency honoured 39 individuals, organisations and companies from around the World for their outstanding contributions and efforts to protect the Earth’s climate and Stratospheric Ozone layer. Dr. A. Duraisamy, Director, Ozone Cell, Ministry of Environment and Forest has been awarded “2008 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) award for Protection of Stratospheric Ozone Layer” at the special ceremony held on the afternoon of Monday, 19th May, 2008 at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 8 T Earth Day, 2008 arth day is observed on April 22 each year as a day of observance for the need to protect the earth. The Ministry of Environment and Forests organised the celebration of the Earth Day through various eco-clubs for creation of awareness on the issue of “Climate Change and Global Warming” throughout the country. The major focus of the activities was, however, the National Capital i.e. New Delhi where four major NGOs conducted several activities. On 22nd April, 2008, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) organised a function where school students took the pledge to support public transport and committed to proliferate the message through a signature campaign ‘Say Yes to Public Transport”. Shri Namo Narain Meena, Hon’ble Minister of State for Environment emphasised the importance of environmental conservation and management and urged to exercise self control in consumption and use natural resources judiciously. Dr. R. K. Pauchauri, DG, TREI and Chairman IPCC, through a video message in an interview taken by the students, urged the use of public transport and car pooling to reduce emissions and energy dependence. Hon’ble MoS (E&F) E also released the dossier and CD of the ‘Interactive State of Environment Atlas” produced by the Ministry. Development Alternatives -observed the day by formally launching the Climate change Mitigation Programme in Delhi. Ms. Meena Gupta, Secretary (E&F), who was the Chief Guest, released the informative booklet on ‘Climate change mitigation and personal carbon calculator’ in CD format. Health Care Foundation of India observed the Day by involving more than 300 eco-clubs by focussing on the topic “Global Warming”. Cultural performances on the main theme were staged by the students. Posters- cum -slogan making competitions were also organised besides on-the -spot quiz competition. These activities were followed by a symbolic march for 2 kms. To sensitise the general public towards the environment related issues. Indian Environmental Society organised essay writing and poster competitions besides putting up an exhibition on environment. Distribution of Prizes by Honb’le Minister of State (Environment) ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 9 State of Environment Atlas - India T he status of environment and the contribution of conventional development strategies to achieve sustainable development have been a matter of increasing concern over the last few decades. Recognising the need for a systematic database as a planning pre requisite the Ministry has developed an “Interactive State of Environment Atlas” in collaboration with Development Alternatives, New Delhi. The dossier and CD of the SoE Atlas was released by Shri Namo Narain Meena, Hon’ble Mos (E&F) and Ms. Meena Gupta, Secretary (E&F) on the Earth Day i.e. 22nd April, 2008 at a function organised by the Ministry in collaboration with The Energy Resources Institute in New Delhi. The Atlas provides information on all aspects of green (forests), blue (water) and brown (pollution) environmental issues in the forms of maps, data, tables, photographs and bibliographic materials in an easy to use format so that it can be shared easily and quickly amongst the stake holders. It is also having interactive maps on specific themes and an interactive geo spatial web site on environment Atlas status, trend, PSIR framework analysis with tools of interactivity. The Atlas could be browsed at http://envfor.nic.in and http:/ /www.moef.gov.in. The CD containing Atlas could be purchased as below: Price: (I) More then 100 CDs, Rs. 25/- per CD (II) For less then 100 CDs, Rs. 100/- per CD Availability: By cash from the Information Facilitation Counter (IFC) in the Ministry (C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 003). By post: Only by Demand Draft in favour of “PAO, Ministry of Environment and Forests” payable at New Delhi. Send your request to:Statistical Advisor Ministry of Environment and Forests Paryavaran Bhawan C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road New Delhi 110 003 Release of SoE Atlas on Earth Day, 2008 Wetland Conservation Programme he draft notification on Regulatory Framework for Wetland Conservation, after approval by Minister of State (Environment) has been put on the website of the Ministry (http://envfor.nic.in) on 9th July, 2008. This will remain on website for 60 days. State Governments and concerned Central Ministries have been requested to give their expert opinion/comments on the draft notification. After getting valuable comments, the same will be incorporated in the text and sent to M/o Law & Justice for vetting. Thereafter it will be notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for implementation. ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 10 T Indoor Air Pollution in India - a serious growing issue he general perception about “Air Pollution” comes in many people’s minds that it is associated with the contamination of urban air from automobile exhausts and industrial effluents. How ever in the developing countries including India, the problem of Indoor Air Pollution far outweighs the ambient air pollution, especially in the rural community. Indoor Air Pollution describes the amount of contaminants in the air inside the building or other enclosed spaces. Indoor Air Pollution describes the amount of contaminants in the air inside a building or other enclosed spaces. Indoor air pollution caused by burning traditional fuels such as dung, wood and crop residues, causes considerable damage particularly the health of women and children. There is evidence associating the use of biomass fuel with acute respiratory tract infections in children, chronic obstructive lung diseases and T pneumoconiosis in the resident of Ladakh villages. Cataract and adverse pregnancy outcome are the other conditions shown to be associated with the use of biomass fuels. According to recent reports, approximately half of the worlds population and up to 90% of rural house holds in the developing countries still rely on unprocessed biomass fuels for cooking and heating purposes. India has largest burden of disease due to the use of traditional household fuels. It has been estimated that every year half a million women and children die each year from indoor air pollution in India. Finally there is enough evidence to accept that indoor air pollution is responsible for high degree of morbidity and mortality warranting immediate steps of intervention. To improve indoor air quality a study was conducted by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), concluded that common houseplants Indoor Pollutant and Health Effect Source of generation Insulation which is falling apart, and other deteriorating materials such as floor tiles, siding and roofing. Construction materials used before 1979 Biological Contaminants House dust, poorly maintained air (Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, conditioners, wet or moist walls, Animal Dander, Mites) humidifiers, wet or moist carpet or padding, bedding, furry pets. Carbon Monoxide Motor vehicles, furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves, gas space heaters Environmental Tobacco Secondhand smoke from cigarettes, Smoke cigars, pipes, and other tobacco products Formaldehyde Pressed wood products, gluse, cabinets and furniture, cigars, cigarettes, pipes, and permanent press clothes Pollutants Asbestos Health effect Asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers Allergic reaction, asthma, eye, nose and throat irritation, humidifier fever, influenza and other infectious diseases. Headache, nausea, angina, impaired vision and neutral functioning Respiratory problems, bronchitis & pneumonia in childern, emphysem, lung cancer & heart disease Eye, nose and throat irritation . coughing, fatigue, rashes and allergic reactions causes cancer in animals. Death at very high concentration Nerve and brain damage particular in children, growth retardation, kidney damage Lead Nitrogen Dioxide Organic Chemicals Radon Lead-based paint, solder in food cans and pipes, drinking water. Building constructed before 1979. Cigars and cigarettes, pipes, gas stoves Eye, nose and throat irritation. May cause and furnaces. impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections in young children Paints, aerosol sprays, dry cleaned Eye, nose and throat irritation.Headaches, clothing, disinfectant, arts and craft damage to liver, various types of cancer supplies. Soil under building, some earth derived Lung Cancer construction, materials and groundwater April-June 2008 ENVIRONEWS 11 such as bamboo palms and spider plants not only make indoor spaces more attractive , they also help to purify the air, They came up with a list of the most effective plants for treating indoor air pollution. The recommended plants are: 1. Philodendron scandens ‘oxycardium,’ heartleaf philodendron, sweetheart plant 2. Philodendron domesticum, elephant ear philodendron 3. Dracaenam fragrans ‘Massangeana’, cornstalk dracaena 4. Hedera Helix, English Ivy 5. Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant 6. Dracaena deremenesis ‘Janet Craig, Janet Craig, dracaena 7. Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii Warneck dracaena 8. Ficus benjamina weeping fig 9. Epipiremnum aureum, golden pothos 10. Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’ peace lily 11. Philodendron selloum, selloum philodendron 12. Aglaonema modestum, Chinese evergreen 13. Chamaedorea sefritzii, bamboo or reed palm 14. Sanseieria trifasciatia, snake plant 15. Dracaena marginata, red-edged dracaena 16. Sansevieria laurentii, Mother-in-law, tongue NASA found that some of the plants were better than others for absorbing these pollutants, all the plants had properties that were useful in improving overall indoor air quality like English ivy, gerbera daisies, pot mums, peace lily, bamboo palm, and Mother-in-law’s Tongue were found to be the best plants for treating air contaminated with Benzene. The peace lily and Bamboo palm were very effective in treating Trichloro-ethylene. NASA also found the bamboo palm, Mother-in-law, tongue, warneckei, peace lily Dracaenas marginata, golden pathos, and green spider plant worked well for filtering formalde-hyde. Source: ENVIS Newsletter, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow Ministry of Environment and Forests Notification New Delhi, April 11, 2008 G.S.R. 280 (E).- In exercise of the powers conferred of the powers by Sections 6 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act. 1986 (29 of 1986), the central government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Environment (Protection) Rules. 1986, namely:1. These rules may be called the Environment (Protection), second Amendment Rules, 2008 2. They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the official Gazette. In the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, in schedule I a) in serial number 88, relating to “Emission standards for generator sets (up to 19 kilowatt) run on petrol and kerosene with implementation schedule; in ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 paragraph D , existing item number shall be renumbered as (i), (ii),(iii) and (iv) respectively, and after item number (iv) so renumbered the following item number and entries shall be inserted , namely:“(V) International Centre for Automotive Technology, Maneswar (Haryana)” b) in serial number 95, relating to ‘Emission Limits for New Diesel Engines (up to 800KW) for Generator sets (Gensets) Applications; in the sub paragraph 8, after item (ii) and the entries relating thereto, the following item and entries shall be inserted namely:(iii) International Centre for Automotive Technology, Maneswar (Haryana)”. (F.No.Q-15022/2/01-CPA (Pt.) R.K Vaish, Joint Secretary 12 Ministry of Environment and Forests Notification New Delhi, May 7, 2008 G.S.R.344(E) - In exercise of the powers conferred by Sections 6 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, namely: 1. (1) These rules may be called the Environment (Protection) Third Amendment Rules, 2008 (2) They shall come into force on the date their publication in the Official Gazette. 2. In the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986(i) In Schedule 1, at serial number 23, relating to “Sulphuric Acid (Emission of Sulphur Dioxide and Acid Mist)” for the existing entries, the following shall be substituted, namely:S. No. 1 23 Industry 2 Sulphuric Acid Plant Parameter 3 Emission standards Limiting concentration in mg/Nm3, Unless stated Plant capacity for 100% concentration of Sulphuric Acid (tonne/Day) Sulphur dioxide(SO2) up to 300 Above 300 Acid Mist/Sulphur Up to 300 Trioxide Above 300 Standard 4 Exisiting Unit 1370 1250 90 70 New Unit 1250 950 70 50 Note: (i) Scrubbing units shall have on-line pH meters with auto recording facility (ii) The height of the stack emitting sulphur- dioxide or acid mist shall be minimum of 30 metre or as per the formula H=14(Q)(01) (Whichever is more). Where “H” is the height of stack in metre and “Q” is the maximum quantity of SO2 expected to be emitted through the stack at 110 percent rated capacity of the plants and calculated as per the norms of gaseous emission. (iii) Plants having more than one stream or unit of sulphuric acid at one location, the combined capacity of all the streams and units shall be taken into consideration for determining the stack height and applicability of emission standards. (iv) Plants having separate stack for gaseous emission for the scrubbing unit, the height of this stack shall be equal to main stack. (ii) In Schedule VI, in part -D, in para III relating to Load/Mass Based Standards, in serial number 4, for the existing entries, the following entries shall be substituted, namely: S. No. Industry Parameter Standard Quantum Limit in kg/tonne Plant capacity for Existing New 100% Unit Unit Concentration of Sulphuric Acid (tonne/day) Up to 300 2.5 2.0 Above 300 2.0 1.5” (F.No.Q-15017/29/2007-CPA ) R.K Vaish, Joint Secretary 13 24 Sulphuric Acid Plant Sulphur dioxide (SO2) ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 Ministry of Environment and Forests Notification New Delhi, May 30, 2008 G.S.R. 414(E) – In exercise of the powers conferred by Sections 6 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986), the Central Government thereby makes the following Rules further to amend the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, namely :1. (i) These rules may be called the Environment (Protection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2008. (ii) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 2. In the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986,(i) in schedule, I, After serial number 98 and the entries relating thereto, the following serial number and entries shall be inserted, namely :- Sl. No. 1 99 Industry 2 Sponge Iron Plant (Rotary Kiln) Parameter 3 Particulate matter (De-dusting unit) (Rotary Kiln/Dedusting unit) Carbon Monoxide (Vol./Vol.) Stack Height** (minimum) Note:* Emission shall be normalized at 12% CO2 in stack emission. ** Stack height shall be calculated as H=14.0 Q0.3 where Q is emission of Sulphar Dioxide (SO2) in kg/hr. i.c. SO2 (kg/hr) Height (metre) Up to 12.68 30 12.69 – 33.08 40 33.08 – 69.06 50 69.07 – 127.80 60 127.81 – 213.63 70 Particulate matter Exiting unit New unit (mg/my3) 100 50 Note:(i) Stack attached to de-dusting unit shall have minimum height of 30.0 metre. (ii) If, De-dusting unit is connected to After Burner Chamber (ABC), emission shall be emitted through common stack (minimum height 30.0 metre) having separate arrangements for emission monitoring for de-dusting unit. B. Fugitive Emission Standards Particulate matter Exiting unit New unit ( µg/m3) 3000 2000 Note:(i) The existing industry shall comply with a standard of 2000 µg/m3 after one year from the date of notification. (ii) Fugitive emission shall be monitored at a distance 10.0 metre from the source of fugitive emission as per following : Standard 4 A. Emission Standards* Fuel Type Limiting value for concentration Coal 100mg/Nm3 Gas 50mg/Nm3 Coal/Gas 1% Coal/gas 30.0m ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 14 Area Raw material handling area Crusher area Raw material feed area Cooler discharge area Product processing area Other areas Monitoring location Wagon tippler, Screen area, Transfer points, Stock bin area Crushing plant, vibrating screen, transfer points Feeder area, Mixing area, Transfer points Over size discharge area, Transfer points Intermediate stock bin area, Screening plant, Magnetic separation unit, Transfer points, Over size discharge area, Product separation area, Bagging area As specified by State Pollution Control Board/Pollution Control Committee C. Effluent Standards pH 5.5 - 9.0 Total suspended solids 100mg/l Oil & grease 10mg/l Chemical oxygen demand 250mg/l Note :(i) All efforts shall be made to reuse and re-circulate the water and to maintain ‘Zero discharge’. (ii) Stormwater drain shall be provided within the premises of the industry so as to avoid mixing with effluent. (F.No.Q-15017/95/200-CPA(Pt.) R.K Vaish, Joint Secretary ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 15 Invitation of Nominations for The National Fellowship Awards for Pitamber Pant National Environment Fellowship and Dr. B.P. Pal National Environment Fellowship Award for Biodiversity for the years 2007 & 2008 Applications are invited from Indian nationals for the following fellowships:(i) Pitamber Pant National Environment Fellowship Awards for the years 2007 & 2008. (ii) Dr. B.P. Pal National Environment Fellowship Awards for Biodiversity for the years 2007 & 08 These National Fellowships are given each year to one scientist / expert and are instituted in recognition of significant Research and Development contributions made by the scientist / expert and to encourage him / her to continue R & D pursuits in the area of environmental sciences and biodiversity, respectively. Nominees should be below 60 years and his / her application for both the fellowships should be supported by at least two Fellows of the National Academy of Science / Engineering / Agriculture. The duration of the fellowship is for a period of two years. The details of the fellowship award, procedure and proforma for submitting applications as well as the terms and conditions are given in the guidelines available on the website of the Ministry (www.envfor.nic.in) The applications complete in all respects should be sent by registered A.D. Post in 10 copies and one set of reprints and other documentary evidence of achievements in a confidential sealed cover by 15th October, 2008, addressed to:- The Adviser (Dr. G.V. Subramanayam) RE Division Ministry of Environment & Forests Paryavaran Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003 ENVIRONEWS April-June 2008 16