The
National Conservation Strategy and the Policy Statement on Environment
and Development
1.0
PREAMBLE
1.1
The survival and well-being of a nation depend on sustainable development.
It is a process of social and economic betterment that satisfies the
needs and values of all interest groups without foreclosing future options.
To this end, we must ensure that the demand on the environment from
which we derive our sustenance, does not exceed its carrying capacity
for the present as well as future generations.
12
In the past. we had a great tradition of environmental conservation
which taught us to respect nature and to take cognisance of the fact
that all forms of life -human, animal and plant -are closely interlinked
and that disturbance in one gives rise to an imbalance in other's. Even
in modem times, as is evident in our constitutional and environmental
legislation and planning objectives conscious efforts have been made
for maintaining environmental security along with developmental advances.
The Indian Constitution has laid a new important trail in the Section
on Directive Principles of State Policy by assigning the duties f o
r the State and all citizens through article 48 A and article 51 A(
g ) which state that the "State shall endeavour to protect and improve
the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife in the country"
and "to protect arid improve the natural environment including forests,
lakes and rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for the living
creatures".
1.3
Nevertheless, over the years, there has been progressive pressure on
the environment and the natural resources, the alarming consequences
of which are becoming evident in increasing proportions. These consequences
detract from the gains of development and worsen the standard of Living
of the poor who are directly dependent on natural resources. It is in
this context that we need to give a new thrust towards conservation
and sustainable development
1.4
The National Conservation Strategy and the Policy Statement on Environment
and Development are in response to the need for laying down the guidelines
that will help to weave environmental considerations into the fabric
of our national Life and of our development process. It is
an expression of our commitment for reorienting policies and action
in unison with the environmental perspective.
2.0
Environmental Problems: Nature and Dimensions
2.1
Environmental problems in India can be classified into two broad categories
: -
a.
those arising as negative effects of the very process of development;
and
b.
those arising from conditions of poverty and under-development
The
first category has to do with the impact of efforts to achieve rapid
economic growth and development and continuing pressures of demand generated
by those sections of society who are economically more advanced and
impose great strains on the supply of natural resources. Poorly planned
, developmental projects are also often environmentally destructive.
The second category has to do with the impact on the health and integrity
of our natural resources (land, soil, water, forests, wildlife, etc.)
as a result of poverty and the inadequate availability , for a large
section of our population, of the means to fulfil basic human needs
(food, fuel, shelter, employment etc.,). Needless to say, the two problems
are interrelated.
2.2
Population is an important resource for development, yet it is a major
source of environmental degradation when it exceeds the threshold limits
of the support systems. Unless the relationship between the multiplying
population and fife support can be stabilized, development programmes,
however , innovative, are not likely to , yield the desired results.
It is possible to expand the 'carrying capacity' through technological
advances and spatial distribution. But neither of these can support
unlimited population growth. Although technological progress will add
to the capabilities for sustaining a large number d population,
the need for a vigorous drive for population control can hardly be over
emphasised in view of the linkage between poverty, population growth
and the environment.
2.3
Even today, over 250 million children, women and men suffer from under-nutrition.
The scenario for the coming years is alarming and we are likely to face
a food crisis unless we are in a position to increase crop and animal
productivity on a continuing basis, since the only option open to us
for increasing production is productivity improvement. Also, access
to food will have to be ensured through opportunities for productive
employment.
2.4
A growth in domesticated animal population has been accompanied by a
loss of area under grasslands and pastures. Hardly, 3.5 per cent of
our geographical area is under grasslands, while our domesticated animal
population numbers nearly 500 million. The livelihood security of majority
of our people depends on land and water based occupations such as crop
and anima husbandry, forestry and fisheries.
2.5
Out of total area of India of about 329 million hectares, 175 million
hectares of land require special treatment to restore such land to productive
and profitable use. The degradation is caused by water and wind erosion
( 150 million ha), salinity and alkalinity (8 million ha) and river
action and other factors (7 million ha).
2.6
Our forest wealth is dwindling due to over-grazing, over-exploitation
both -for commercial and house-hold needs, encroachments, unsustainable
practices including certain practices of shifting cultivation and developmental
activities such as roads, buildings, irrigation and power projects.
The recorded forest cover in the country is 75.01 million ha which works
out to 19.5% of the total geographical area against the broad national
goal of 33% for the plain areas and 66% for hilly regions. Even within
this area, only 11 % constitute forests witt1 40% or more of crown cover.
According to the State of Forest Report, 1991, the actual forest cover
in the country was 64.07 million hectares during 1987 -89. The loss
of habitat is leading to the extinction of plant, animal and microbial
species. According to the Botanical and Zoological Surveys of India,
over 1500 plant and animal species are in the. endangered category.
The biological impoverishment of the country is a serious threat to
sustainable advances in biological productivity.
Gene erosion also erodes the prospects for deriving full economic and
ecological benefits from recent advances in molecular biology and genetic
engineering.
2.7
Our unique wetlands, rich in aquatic and bird life, providing food and
shelter as also the breeding and spawning ground for the marine and
fresh water fishes, are facing problems of pollution and over-exploitation.
The major rivers of the country are also facing problems of pollution
and siltation. Our long coastline is under similar stress. Our coastal
areas have been severely damaged due to indiscriminate construction
near the water-line. Coastal vegetation including mangroves and sea
grasses is getting denuded. Our mountain ecosystems are under threat
of serious degradation. Extensive deforestation leading to the erosion
of valuable topsoil is threatening the livelihood security of millions
of hill people. Equally serious is the downstream effects of the damage
done upstream. Indo-gangetic agriculture. often described as a potential
bread basket in the world, is being damaged beyond repair as a result
of soil degradation. Some areas are facing problems of water-logging
and rising water tables because of poorly planned and ill. executed
irrigation. In other areas, the water table is receding because of over-exploitation
of ground water. Furthermore, the quality of groundwater is being affected
due to chemical pollution and in coastal areas, due to the ingress of
sea water. The excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides impose threat
to human health, to the genetic stocks and reduces the natural soil
fertility in the long run. The absence of an integrated land and water
use policy for the country is taking a heavy toll on these basic natural
assets.
2.8
Coral reefs are the most productive marine eco-systems and provide habitat
for diverse flora and fauna. These ecosystems are adversely affected
by indiscriminate exploitation of coral for production of lime, recreational
use and for ornamental trade. Similarly, the fragile environs of island
ecosystems have been subjected to pressures of various forms including
migration of people from the mainland.
2.9
Global atmospheric changes resulting in altered temperature and precipitation
and rising ocean levels, are no longer within the realm of mere theoretical
possibilities. Combination of local subsidence, greenhouse induced sea-Ievel
rise and coastal environmental degradation may lead to periodic floods,
incursion of salt water, melting of glaciers and river flooding. Local
changes of average rainfall will severely affect agriculture and water
supply, especially in semi-arid areas.
2.10
Compounding these human-inflicted wounds on natural ecosystems and life-support
mechanisms, we are facing serious problems of pollution and unsanitary
conditions especially in urban areas. Pollution arising from toxic wastes
and non-biodegradable consumer articles is tending to increase.
2.11
Lack of opportunities for gainful employment in villages and the ecological
stresses is leading to an ever increasing movement of resource- poor
families to towns. Megacities are emerging and urban slums are expanding.
Illiteracy and child labour are persisting. There has been a substantial
urban growth in the last four decades. This has resulted in congestion
and squatter settlements with millions of people having no access to
the basic needs of civic amenities. The green cover in our urban centres
has been largely destroyed and once beautiful garden cities h~ become
concrete jungles. The man-made heritage in India has been oft~n gravely
and even irrevocably damaged.
2.12
A large number of industries and other development projects have been
incorrectly sited, leading, on the one hand, to over-congestion and
over-pollution in our urban centres and on the other hand, to diversion
of population and economic resources from the rural areas. This has
also resulted in the pollution of most of our water bodies which are
major constituents of our life support systems. Pollution of water bodies,
in turn, has adversely affected the growth of aquatic fauna and flora
which is an environmentally undesirable phenomenon for any ecosystem.
The problems of women in villages is compounded in this whole scenario
of energy, environmental and developmental imbalance. The incidence
of malaria is high in many parts of the country. Safe drinking water
is still a luxury in many villages. Over ailments and gastro-intestinal
diseases are common due to unclean drinking water .
2.13
It is difficult to clearly delineate the causes and consequences of
environmental degradation in terms of simple one-t0-0ne relationships.
The causes and effects are often interwoven in complex webs of social,
technological and environmental factors. For instance, from a purely
scientific and technological standpoint soil erosion would result from
the cultivation of marginal lands. However, from the point of view of
a comprehensive environmental impact analysis, it is important to go
further back and analyse the circumstances that force people to cultivate
marginal lands. Viewed in this light, it becomes clear that a concern
for the environment is essentially a desire to see that national development
proceeds along rational. sustainable lines. Environmental conservation
is, in fact, the very basis of all development.
2.14
The overriding impact of adverse demographic pressures on our resources
and ecosystems due to poverty and overpopulation of man and livestock
has to be highlighted. Unless there is curb on population growth and
even a reduction of such populations and a corresponding improvement
in land use policies, the current trend of over-exploitation and ecological
degradation is not likely to improve.
2.15
Thus, we are faced with the need for accelerating the pace of development
for alleviation of poverty which is, to a great extent, responsible
for many of our environmental problems. On the other hand, we have to
avoid proceeding along paths with environmental costs so high that these
activities cannot be sustained. Development has to be sustainable and
all round, whether for the poor or the not so-poor or for the village
folk or for the town people. The development models followed so far
need to be reviewed.
3.0
ACTION TAKEN
In
recognition of the felt need for environmental protection, various regulatory
and promotional measures have been taken in our country over the past
twenty years. These include the following :-
3.1
Legal
The
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, amended in 1983, 1986 and - 1991.
The
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, amended in 1988.
The
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 , amended
in 1991.
The
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, amended in 1988.
The
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, amended in . 1988.
The
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The
Motor Vehicle Act, 1938, amended in 1988. >
The
Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.
A
Notification on Coastal Regulation Zone, 1991.
3.2
Institutions
- Department
of Environment in 1980 and the integrated Ministry of Environment &
Forests in 1985, Department of Science and Technology , Department of
Agriculture and Cooperation, Department of Biotechnology, Department
of Ocean Development, Department of Space, Department of Non-Conventional
Energy Sources, Energy Management Centre, Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research etc. at the Centre, Departments of Environment at
the State and Union Territory level.
- Central
Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards
- Central
Forestry Board
- Indian
Council of Forestry Research and Education with specialised institutions
for research in arid zone, forestry, moist and deciduous forests, wood
technology, genetics and tree breeding and deciduous forests.
- Forest
Survey of India (FSI) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in addition
to the existing organisations like Botanical Survey of India (851) and
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI),
- National
Landuse and Wasteland Development Council. National Wastelands Development
Board
- Indian
Board of Wildlife,
- National
Museum of Natural History, Centre for Environmental Education, Institute
for Himalayan Environment and Development and Centres of Excellence
in specialised subject areas are among the various institutions set
up,
3.3
Prevention and Control of Pollution
- Water
and air quality monitoring stations in selected areas.
- Use-based
zoning and classification of major rivers.
- Notification
and enforcement of standards for polluting industries through the
Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
- Rules
for manufacture, storage. transportation and disposal of hazardous
substances.
- On.-site
and off-site emergency plans for preparedness against chemical accidents.
- Fiscal
incentives for installation of pollution control devices. >
- Ganga
Action Plan to prevent pollution of the river and restore its water
quality which could be expanded to cover other major river systems
subject to availability of resources.
- Identification
of critically polluted areas and of highly polluting industries.:
3.4
Conservation of Forests and Wildlife
- Adoption
of a new Forest Policy (1988) with the principal aim of ensuring ecological
balance through conservation of biological diversity, soil and water
management, increase of tree cover , meeting the requirements of the
rural and tribal population, increase in the productivity, efficient
utilisation of forest produce, substitution of wood and people's involvement
for achieving these objectives.
- Under
the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 stringent provisions for preventing
diversion of forest land for any other purpose.
- Setting
up of the National Wastelands Board to guide and oversee the wastelands
development programme by adopting a mission approach for enlisting
people's participation, harnessing the inputs of science and technology
and achieving interdisciplinary coordination 1n programme planning
and implementation.
- Formulation
of a National Wildlife Action Pian.
- An
exercise for preparation of a National Forestry Action Programme.
- Establishment
of National Parks and Sancturies covering about 4% of the country's
area.
- Eco-development
plans for sanctuaries and National Parks.
- Identification
of biogeographical zones in the country for establishing a network
of protected areas including seven Biosphere Reserves set up so far
.
- Management
Plans for identified wetlands. mangrove areas and coral reefs.
- Formulation
of a National River Action Plan.
3.5
Land and Soil
- Surveys
by the Ali,ndia Soil and Land{Jse Survey Organisation.
- Treatment
of catchment in selected river valley projects and integrated watershed
management projects in catchment of flood prone rivers.
- Assistance
to States to control shifting cultivation.
- Assistance
for reclamation and development of ravine areas.
- Drought
prone areas programme.
- Desert
development programme.
3.6
Environmental Impact Assessment
Establishment
of procedures for environmental impact assessment and clearance with
regard to selected types of projects requiring approval of the Government
of India.
- Prior
clearance of projects requiring diversion of forests for non. forest
purposes under the Forest (Conservation) Act. 1980.
- Formulation
of Environmental guidelines for projects in various sectors .
3
.7 Other Activities
- Eco-
Task Forces of ex.servicemen for ecological restoration through afforestation
and soil conservation.
- National
Environmental Awareness Campaigns for creating environmental awareness
through non-governmental organisations.
- Surveys
and research studies.
- Training
programmes, workshops and seminars for building up professional competence
and for creation of awareness.
4.0
CONSTRAINTS AND AGENDA FOR ACTION
4.1
The modest gains made by the steps taken during the past few years leave
no room for complacency when viewed in the context of enorn1ous challenges.
We can meet the challenges only by redirecting the thrust of our developmental
process So that the basic needs of our people are fulfilled by making
judicious and sustainable use of our natural resources. Conservation,
which covers a wide range of concerns and activities, is the key element
of the policy for sustainable development F ramming a conservation strategy
is, therefore, an imperative first step. Development requires the use
and modification of natural resources; conservation ensures the sutainability
of development for the present and in the future. The conservation strategy
is to serve as a management guide for integrating environmental concerns
with developmental imperatives.
4.2
The primary purpose of the strategy and the policy statement is to reinforce
our traditional ethos and to build up a conservtaion society living
in hannony with Nature and making frugal and efficient use of resources
guided by the best available scientific knowledge.
4.3
The agenda for actjon in this regard will include the following :
- to
ensure sustainable and equitable use of resources for meeting the basic
needs of the present and future generations without causing damage to
the environment;
- to
prevent and control future deterioration in land, water and air which
constiMe our life-support systems;
- to
take steps for restoration of ecologically degraded areas and for environmental
improvement in our rural and urban settlements;
- to
prevent further damage to and conserve natural and man-made 8 heritage;
- to
ensure that development projects are correctly sited so as to minimise
their adverse environrnentaJ consequences
- to
ensure that the environment and productivity of coastal areas and marine
ecosystems are protected;
- to
conserve and nurture the biological diversity, genepool and other resources
through environmentally sustainable development and management of ecosystems,
with special emphasis on our montane, marine and coastal, desert, wetlands,
riverine and island ecosystems; and,
- to
protect the scenic landscapes, areas of geomorphological significance,
unique and representative biomes and ecosystems and wildlife habitats,
heritage sites/ structures and areas of cultural heritage importance.
4.4
To address to the above stated agenda, the instruments for action will
include the following :
- to
carry out environmental impact assessment of all development projects
right from the planning stage and integrate it with their cost.benefit
considerations. Appropriate costs of environmental safeguards and
regeneration would continue to form an integral part of the projects;
- to
ensure that all project above a certain size and in certain ecologically
sensitive areas should require compulsory prior environmental clearance:
- to
incorporate environmental safeguards and protection measures, in policies,
planning, site selection, choice of technology and implementation
of development projects like agriculture, water resource development,
industry, mineral extraction and processing, energy, forestry, transport
and human settJements;
- to
encourage research, development and adoption of 8 environmentally
compatible technologies; and to promote application of the modem.
tools of science and technology for conservation, bridging of large
gaps ir. supply and demand as well as control and monitoring of natural
resources;
- to
elicit and ensure participation of people in programmes for environmental
improvement and for integrating the environmental concerns in planning
and implementation of development programmes;
- to
create environmental consciousness through education and mass awareness
programmes;
- to
aim at moderation of process of demand unleashed by the developmental
process itself by taking measures to recycle waste materials and natural
resources, conserve energy, conserve use of natural resources in industrial
products by measures like wood substitution and generally try to reach
moderations in life styles consistent with sustainability and human
dignity;
- to
develop appropriate organisational structures and a pool of professional
manpower to serve as the cadre for environmental management service;
and.
- to
effectively implement the various environmental laws and regulations
for environmental protection through creation or strengthening of
the requisite enforcement machinery.
5.0
PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES FOR ACTION
5.1
Population Control
5.1.1
Unabated population growth, as at present, not only adds to the economic
burden for all developmental activities, but also reduces the impact
of economic growth on our society. Therefore, for the success of our
planning, population control becomes the most urgent necessity. A comprehensive
programme, with strong political backing and appropriate socio-economic
measures, fully utilising the available scientific know-how, simultaneously
making efforts for developing new methodologies, and supported by modem
communication technology and managerial and organisational skills, is
essential for success in this most difficult area. Population control
should be a national mission for the next decade. Despite 8 efforts
of several years, population control projects have not met with success.
More
stem measures such as letgislative and better incentives are needed.
5.12
Along with the development programmes to improve the living conditions,
action must be directed towards stabilisation of population including
the following measures :
- •Launching
a time bound national campaign for population stabilisation with the
small family as a socially responsible objective;
- •Increased
support for female education, female employment, and of social security
programmes;
- •Easier
access to the means of family planning and health care facilities;
- •Added
incentives in terms of taxation and other benefits for family planning;
- •Environmental
sanitation, prevention and control of communicable diseases through
integrated vector control and health education; and,
- •Adoption
of decentralised renewable energy devices that enhance quality of
life in remote pockets while taking special care of the health needs
of women.
5.2
CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
5.2
Land and Water
5.2.1.1
An integrated land anq water management approach is extremely important
to sustain the food production. animal husbandry and other activities.
5.2.1.2
Amelioration of water.logged and salt affected lands, command area development,
protection of good agricultural land against diversion to urban and
other uses, prevention of land fragmentation, maintenance of sustained
productivity of soil and conservation of lands with forests and vegetal
cover are the integral components of sustainable management.
5.2.1.3
The importance of water as a finite. though a renewable resource, must
be clearly reorganised. Land and water use are to be considered together
, particularly in the context of recurring droughts and floods. Water
conservation measures; discipline on use of water; economising the consumption
of water in households, agriculture and industry; and appropriate recycling
would be essential.
5.2.1.4
The steps to be taken for sustainable use of land and water should include
the following:
- Classification,
zoning and apportionment of land for designated uses such as, agriculture,
forestry. grassland. green areas, industrial: activities, catchment
areas and watersheds and human settlements 8 based on assessment of
their capabilities and environmental considerations.
•Enactment
of Iaws for appropriate land uses to protect the soil from erosion,
pollution and degradation;
- •Protection
of land near water bodies and prevention of construction there upon;
- •Measures
to ensure equitable access to and responsibility for iii sustainable
use of land and water resources;
- •Micro-level
planning to develop appropriate methodology and implementation of
action plan by involving the people at the village level in social
forestry programmes, land use planning, afforestation etc.;
- •Countrywide
campaign to mini mise soil and run-off losses by carrying out extensive
works like contour trenching, contour bunding, terracing, construction
of small storages, catchment treatment and protection of the vegetal
cover in the catchments and watersheds. This is to be a specific charge
of project authorities in all irrigation, power, road and agricultural
projects;
- •Restoration
and reclamation of degraded areas including 'Need .infested areas,
mined areas, grazing lands and salt affected soils;
- •Measures
for preventing wind erosion. by undertaking special programmes of
conselVation and afforestation in desert areas;
- •Development
of suitable agro-silvipastoral techniques with special emphasis on
hilly areas and in arid and semi-arid zones;
- •Building
up a network for assessment and monitoring of soil and water (surface
and ground water) quality throughout the country which should be on
a permanent basis as in the case of meteorological stations;
- •Measures
for water conservation, recycling and optimal conjunctive .use of
surface and ground water for specific uses;
- •Legislative
measures to check over-exploitation of surface and ground water for
various uses;
- •Conservation
of wetlands for ensuring sustainable ecological and economic benefits;
- •Encouragement
to and improvement in traditional methods of rain water harvesting
and storage.
- •Stringent
measures for prevention and control of pollution due to indiscriminate
disposal of solid wastes, effluents and hazardous , substances in
land and water courses;
- •Control
and abatement of pollution of water bodies from municipal and industrial
wastes generated from urban habitats by intercepting and diverting
such wastes away from water bodies;
- •Classification,
zoning and regulations for maintaining the quality of the water bodies
to protect and enhance their capabilities to support the various designated
uses; and,
- •Adoption
of low cost sanitation technology for prevention and conb'ol of poUution
in water courses.
5.2.2
Atmosphere
5.2.2.1
For Prevention and control of atmospherjc poUution including noise poUution,
the thrust will be on the following :
- •Use
of clean fuels and clean tedmologies, energy efficient devices arki
.air and noise pollution control systems;
- •Setting
up of source specific and area wise air quality standards and time
bound plans to prevent "and control poUution;
- •Proper
location of projects to minimise the adverse impact on people and
environment;
- •Incentives
for environmentally benign substitutes, technologies and energy conservation;
- •Raising
of green belts with poJJution tolerant species;
- •Developing
coping mechanisms for future climatic changes as a result of increased
emission of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases; and
- •Appropriate
action to control adverse impact on Indian continent due to ozone
depletion and other gaseous effects in the atmosphere at global level.
5.2.3
Biodiversity
5.2.3.1
About 90% of the world food comes from 20 plant species. The plant breeders
find that they have to turn more and more to the wild species to introduce
into the cultivated forms desired qualities of resistance to pests and
diseases and the ability to withstand adverse soil and weather conditions.
India's biological diversity is very rich but .unfortunately its wealth
is being eroded due to various reasons. This diversity needs to be preserved
and the immediate task will be to devise and enforce time bound plans
for saving the endangered plant and animal species as well as habitats
of biological resources. Action for conservation must be directed to
:
- •Intensification
of surveys and inventorisation of biological resources .in different
parts of the country including the island ecosystems. The survey should
include information on distribution pattern of particular species/population/communities
and the status of ethno-biologically important groups;
- •Conservation
of biodiversity through a network of protected areas including Biosphere
Reserves, Marine Reserves, National Parks, Sanctuaries, Gene Conservation
Centres, Wetlands, Coral Reefs and such other natural habitats of
biodiversity. This should include taxonomic and ecological studies
on the flora and fauna with adequate emphasis placed on the lower
vertebrate, invertebrate and micro-flora which are important in contributing
to the healthy maintenance of ecosystems;
- •Full
and correct rehabilitation of rural poor/tribals displaced due to
creation of national parks/biosphere reserves/tiger reserves;
- •Conservation
of micro-fauna and micro-flora which help in reclamation of wastelands
and revival of biological potential of the land;
- •Protection
and sustainable use of plant and animal genetic resources through
appropriate laws and practices;
- •Protection
of domesticated species/varieties of plants and animals in order to
conserve indigenous genetic diversity;
- •Maintenance
of corridors between national forests and other protected areas;
- •Emulation
and support for protecting traditional knowledge for conservation;
- •Development
of methodologies to multiply I breed and conserve the threatened and
endangered species through modem techniques of tissue culture and
biotechnology;
- •Discouragement
of monoculture and plantation of dominating and exotic species, in
areas unsuited for them and without sufficient experimentation; and,
- •Restriction
on inb"oduction of exotic species of animals without .. adequate investigations.
5.2.4
Biomass
5.2.4.1
For the vast majority of our rural people, the foremost need is for
fuelwood, timber, fodder, fibre, etc. The issue of sustainable resource
utilisation, therefore. has to be spedally addressed first from the
point of view of the biomass requirements of the rural poor. Action
must be directed to :
- •Divising
ways and means by which local people can conserve and use thereafter
the resources of the common lands and degraded forests, so that they
have a stake in the continuing productivity of the resources;
- •Encouraging
private individuals and institutions to regenerate and develop their
wastelands;
- •Raising
of fuelwood species and provision of alternatives to reduce dependance
on fuelwood;
- •Taking
measures to increase the production of fodder and grasses to bridge
the wide gap between supply and demand;
- •Raising
of bamboo and species providing small timber for local house-construction
and agricultural implements;
- •Increasing
biomass to meet essential requirement of biomass based industry;
- •Promoting
direct relationship between forest-based industry and farmers to raise
needed raw materials, provided this does not result in diversion of
prime agricultural lands and displacement of small and marginal farmers;
- •Extensive
research and development in forestry for better regeneration and improved
productivity;
- •Development
of technologies for enhancing the productivjty and efficiency of use
of all biomass resources (both terreStrial and marine);
- •Institutional
and technological systems to enable rural artisans to sustain biomass
based crafts; and,
- •Curtailment
of the supply of subsidised biomass based resources to industrial
consumers.
6.0
DEVELOPMENT POLICIES FROM ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVES
Implementation
of the aims and objectives of conservation and sustainable development
will require integration and intemalisation of environmental considerations
in the policies and programmes of development in various sectors.
Curtailment
of consumerism and shift towards use of environment - friendly products
and processes, and low waste generating technologies through conscious
efforts and appropriate economic policies including pricing of natural
resources as well as fiscal incentives and disincentives will be the
guiding factors for ensuring conservation and sustainable development.
For
environmental conservation and sustainable development, the steps which
need to be taken in some of the key sectors of development activities
are outlined in the following sections .
6.1
Agriculture and lnigatlon
For
sustainable management of agriculture and irrigation, the action points
should include the following :
6.1.1
Agriculture :
- •Development
of pesticides and insecticides policy for the country; Development
of integrated pest management and nutrient supply system;
- •Development
and promotion of methods of sustainable fanT'ling, especially organic
and natural fanT'ling;
- •Effident
use of inputs including agro-chemicals with degradation of environment;
- •Phasing
out and stoppage of persistent and toxic pestiddes and their substitution
by environmentally safe and appropriate pesticides;
- •Promotion
of environmentally compatible cropping practices, biofertiJisers and
biopesticides;
- •Restriction
on diversion of prime agricultural land for other purposes;
- •Ensuring
land for different uses based upon land capability and land productivity;
- •Evolving
cost effective and efficient methods of water conservation and use;
- •Incentives
for cultivation of crops with high nutritive value and those with
lesser demands on water and energy inputs;
- •Encouraging
crop rotation patterns;
- •Strengthening
of local bodies like Zilla Parishads, Panchayats and : Samitis to
ensure effective decentralisation and optimal resource management;
and ,
- •Anticipatory
programmes and contingency plans for disasters such as drought, flood
and climate change.
6.1.2
Irrigation
- •Priority
to small projects to meet the requirements of irrigation without causing
significant alteration in the environmental conditions;
- •Revival
of traditional water management systems and development of alternate
irrigation systems such as harvesting and conservation of run-off
rain water;
- •Measures
for increasing the efficiency of wateruse, water --conservation and
recycling;
- •Measures
for provision of drainage as an integral component of irrigation projects
and to prevent water logging and leaching;
- •Watershed
management through catchment treatment of the drainage areas, protection
of vegetal cover and measures to prevent siltation in an integrated
manner with the irrigation authorities being fully accountable; catchment
treatment would be so designed as to have a direct impact on the life
of the reservoir, hydrological regime and life support systems. It
would depend on the location specific conditions in each case;
- •Adoption
of command area development approach for all irrigation projects to
ensure optimal utilisation;
- •Critical
assessment of irrigation projects and delivery system5 to ensure optimal
utilisation of water resources along with measures to mitigate environmental
and social damage;
- •Focus
on decentralised network of small irrigation and water projects with
minimum environmental disruption which will be of great value to local
communities and yet capable of generating surplus for other areas
at low cost;
- •Design
and implementation of irrigation projects which. .are environmentally
sustainable, based on lessons learnt from a cntical analysis of all
past projects; and ,
- •Continuous
and ongoing evaluation and monitoring of all projects.
6.2 Animal Husbandry
The
actjyjties relating to animal husbandry should concentrate on the following:
.
- •Development
of an animal husbandry policy for the country ;
- •Intensification
of sterilisation programme for containing unsustainable growth in
livestock population;
- •Improvement
in genetic variability of indigenous population;
- •Distribution
of animals like goats under the Integrated Rural Development programme
strictly consistent with the availability of pasture lands to reduce
pressure on the lands;
- •Propagation
of wildlife and wildlife resources management on . sustainable basis;
- •Selective
breeding of animals used for draught power to conserve fuel;
- •Promotion
of stall feeding and rotational grazing; Restoration and protection
of grazing lands;
- •Involvement
of local people in the policy planning on pasture lands and stall
feeding to avoid fodder scarcity; and,
- •Incentive
for growing fodder crops and establishment of fodder banks.
6.3 Forestry
Concerted
efforts should be made for raising the forest cover and for conservation
of existing forests which constitute an essential life support system
and an important source of food, fibre, fodder, fuel and medicines etc.
For attaining the goal of hayjng at least one third of our laf1d area
under forest cover, intensified measures on a mission mode are required
to be taken along with commensurate mobilisation of resources for this
purpose. As outlined in tfle National Forest Policy {1988), the action
points should include the following :
For
prevention and conb"ol of pollution and environmental hazards in energy
generation and use as also for encouraging popularisation of environmentally
benign energy sytems, the following measures should be taken:
- •Environmental
impact assessment prior to investment decisions and site selection;
choice of practicable clean technologies for energy production and
processes including waste utilisation, treatment and disposal of solid
wastes, effluents and emissions;
- •Location
of energy generation projects based on environmental considerations
including pollution, displacement of people and loss of biodiversity;
- •Decentralised
small projects for meeting the rural energy needs and incentives for
use of non-conventional energy sources;
- •Incentives
and punitive measures (including proper pricing) to prevent abuse
and to promote the use of energy efficient devices in the production
and distribution systems and for energy conservation in all sectors
including households, agriculture, industry, power and transportation;
- •Concerted
efforts for development and propagation of non. conventional renewable
energy generation systems; and,
- •Setting
up of biogas plants based on cow-dung, human excreta and vegetable
wastes.
6.5
Industrial Development
Environmental
considerations should be integrated while encouraging 1- industrial
growth. The action points in this regard should include a m;., of c
promotional and regulatory steps which are as follows :
- •Incentives
for environmentally clean technologies, recycling and reuse of wastes
and conservation of natural resources;
- •Operationalisation
of 'polluter pays principle' by introducing effluent tax, resource
cess for industry and implementation of standards based on resource
consumption and production capacity",
- •Fiscal
incentives to small-scale industries for pollution control and for
reduction of wastes;
- •While
deciding upon sites, priority to compatible industries so that, to
the extent possible, wastes from one could be used as raw material
for the other and thus the net pollution load is minimised;
- •
Location of industries as per environmental guidelines for siting
of industry;
- •Enforcement
of pollution control norms in various types of industrial units depending
on their production processes/technologies and pollution potential;
particular attention to be paid to highly polluting industries;
- •Encouragement
for use of environmentally benign automobiles/motor vehicles and reduction
of auto-emissions:
- •Collective
efforts for installation and operation of common effluent treatment
facilities in industrial estates and in areas with a cluster of industries;
- •Introduction
of 'Environmental Audit' and reports thereof to focus on environment
related policies, operations and activities in industrial concerns
with specific reference to pollution control and waste management;
- •Dissemination
of information for public awareness on environmental safety aspects
and stringent measures to ensure safety of workers and general population
against hazardous substances and processes;
- •Preparation
of on.site emergency plans for hazardous industries and - off-site
emergency plans for districts in which hazardous units are located;
- •Public
liability insurance against loss or injury to life or property;
- •Setting
up of environment cells in industries for implementing environmental
management plans and for compliance of the requisites of environmental
laws;
- •Internalising
the environmental safeguards as integral component of the total project
cost;
- •Environmental
impact assessment from the planning stage and 8 selection of sites
for location of industries; and,
- •Clearance
by Ministry of Environment & Forests of all projects above a certain
size and in certain fragile areas.
6.6
Mining and Quarrying
T
o prevent and to mitigate environmental repercussions in mining and
quarrying operations, action must be directed to :
- •Mined
area rehabilitation and implementation of the environmental management
plans concurrently with the on-going mining operations to
ensure adequate ecological restoration of the affected areas;
- •Rehabilitation
of the abandoned mined areas in a phased manner so that scarce land
resources can be brought back under productive use;
- •Laying
down of requisite stipulations for mining leases regarding tenure,
size, shape and disposition with reference to geological boundaries
and other mining conditions to ensure systematic extraction of minerals
along with environmental conservation;
- •Emphasis
on production of value added finished products from mining so as to
reduce indiscriminate extraction;
- •Upgradation
and beneficiation of minerals at the source, to the extent possible
in order to ensure utilisation of low-grade mineral resources and
to reduce the cost of transportation, processing and utilisation;
- •Environmentally
safe disposal of the by-products of mining;
- •Restriction
on mining and quarrying activities in sensitive areas such as hill
slopes, areas of natural springs and areas rich in biological diversity;
- •Discouraging
selective mining of high grade ores and recovery of -associated lower
grade ores during mining; and,
- •Environmental
impact assessment prior to selection of sites for mining and quarrying
activities.
6.7
Tourism
To
ensure sustainable growth of tourism without causing irreversible damage
to the natural environment, activities relating to tourism should take
care of the following :
- •Promotion
of tourism based on careful assessment of the carrying capacity and
support facilities such as transport, fuel, water and sanitation;
- •Development
of tourism in harmony with the environmental conditions and without
affecting the lifestyles of local people; and,
- •Restriction
on indiscriminate growth of tourism and strict regulation of the tourist
activities in sensitive areas such as hill slopes, islands, coastal
stretches, National Parks and Sanctuaries.
6.8
Transportation
For
prevention of pollution and for development of environmentally compatible
transportation systems, the following steps should be taken:
- Improvement
in mass transport system to reduce increas
- Improved
transport system based on bio-energy and other non- polluting energy
sources;
- Rail
transport and pipeline transport instead of road transport, where ever
possible, by appropriate freight pricing so as to reduce congestion,
fuel consumption and environmental hazards;
- Transportation
of hazardous substances through pipelines;
- Improvement
in traffic flow through proper maintenance of roads, . updated traffic
regulation and strict enforcement of prescribed standards;
- Enforcement
of smoke emission standards for containing vehicular exhausts, at the
manufacturer and user level;
- Phasing
out the use of lead in motor spirit; and,
- Regulations
for environmental safety in transportation of hazardous substances.
6.9
Human Settlements
T
o check unplanned growth of human settlements and to ensure a better
quality of life for the rural and urban population, the action points
should include the following :
- •Creation
of gainful employment opportunities and provision for meeting the
basic needs through better communications, entertainment, medical
and educational facilities in rural areas to check rural-urban migration;
- •Decentralisation
of urbanisation through establishment of secondary cities and towns
with requisite infrastructural services a. and employment opportunities
by developing human settlement .perspective plan at national and state
level;
- •Disincentives
for industrial and job location in existing urban centres which have
exceeded their carrying capacity;
- •Improvement
of infrastructural facilities such as water supply, sewerage, solid
waste disposal. energy recovery systems and transportation in an integrated
manner;
- •Promoting
the use of indigenous building materials and appropriate construction
technologies by revising building and planning codes supporting small
scale production, skill upgradation of aritisans ~nd people oriented
delivery systems;
- •Conservation
of heritage sites and buildings, through regulation to ensure that
these are not demolished, encroached upon and affected by indiscriminate
construction and pollution;
- •Stock-taking
of buildings, areas, monuments of heritage value ir -:he country;
- •Recycling
of existing building stock to save green open compounds and save building
material;
- •Planning
of shade giving and fruit bearing and ornamentalalong the road side,
in the compounds of schools, hospitals. Govemment as w-ell as private
office buildings, places of worship, places meant for public fairs,
assemblies and markets, and the periphery of play grounds and water
bodies;
- •Botanical
gardens representating the local flora;
- •Raising
of gardens, parks and open spaces in the towns and cities for public
use and for promotion of environmental consciousness;
- •Laying
down a system for the propagation and protection of urban forestJy
by assigning responsibility amongst the various authorities;
- >•Deterrent
measures to discourage indiscriminate growth of human settlement and
polluting industries in vulnerable areas such as hilly regions and
coastal stretches;
- •Environmental
appraisal of projects related to urban development and regional planning,
preparation of environmentaVeco- development plans for sensitive regions
and sub-regions for evoMng desirable norms and space standards;
- •Prevention
of environmental health problems and associated communicable and non-communicable
diseases by educating people on personal hygiene, sanitation and use
of portable water;
- •Creation/
strengthening of health care facilities for all sections of society
both in rural and urban areas; and,
- •Establishment
of monitoring systems and epidemiological data to ensure adequate
earlywaming system for prevention and control of diseases.
7.0
International Cooperation
7.1
A major threat to sustainable development has been visualized, in recent
years, from environmental problems of a global nature-ozone layer depletion,
global warming and climate change, destruction of biological diversity,
transboundary air pollution, marine.pollution and land.based marine
pollution, transboundary movement of hazardous substances. On a philosophical
plain, the scientific proof of such problems provides an opportunity
to reconsider the development path ushered in by the industrial revolution,
and the blinkered pursuit of lifestyles which place extreme pressures
on the natural resource base. But at a practical level, it means pressures
on developing countries to take measures which they can ill-afford.
7.2
It has been India's firm conviction that it is the process of industrialization,
and the continued profligacy of industralized economies that have created
the problems which threaten our planet and its lifefonns. Not only do
they use up non-renewable rlatural resources in disproportionate quantities,
but create discharges and emissions which disturb delicate balances
in eco-systems and atmospheric equilibrium. It is true, of course, that
this has not been done consciously or intentionally ( except in matters
such as dumping of hazardous wastes, or the use of nuclear and chemical
weapons). Nevertheless, the responsibility is clearly established, as
also the need for urgent and effective action, by the developed world,
to prevent global diaster. This includes not only direct action, but
also indirect measures such as creation of an economic order which helps
developing countries to exert less pressure on their own natural resources.
7.3
The Indian apprOdch to global environmental problems is generally in
keeping with other developing countries and has the following basic
elements:
Our
economic development cannot be hampered in the name of the global environment,
which we have done nothing to damage and can do little to save. Our
resources are required to meet our developmental needs such as education,
nutrition, health services, drinking water, housing, sanitation, agriculture,
industry, infrastructure, even all of which we find it difficult to
provide having been behind in the race for development. Without this
development, threats to the environment will in any case grow. In the
short run, this developmental effort could even add to the discharges
and emissions which cause global problems -but these are miniscule compared
to the quantities which industralized countries have already contributed.
In any case. such emissions etc., can easily be compensated for a marginal
reduction of the same in the industrialized world;
- For
environmental protection and improvement, we will do our best with
the resources available in the country. With new and additional funding
support and transfer of environmentally sound technologies from the
developed countries, we will be in a position to augment our capacity
to deal with the environmental problems; and,
- Regulatory
international regimes can be useful in some areas - such as ozone
depletion or even climate change -provided the special situation of
developing countries is fully addressed. But in other sectors -such
as forestry -such a regime is neither workable nor accpetable. In
such sectors, what is required is a reduction of international economic
and commercial pressures . which generate unsustainable exploitation,
and additional financial - resources to tackle the damage already
done.
7.4
India's traditional lifestyle -still followed by a vast majority of
itS population :.- has always emp~asized conservation of plant and animal
life, waste minimization, recycling, simplicity in food habits and other
such environment -friendly attitudes. There is no doubt that with economic
development will also come lifestyles which require more intensive resource
use. On the one hand we have to minimize the adverse environmental impacts
of development ( e.g., through legislation and control, impact assessment
and monitoring, eduction and awareness). On the other, we have to continuously
see how far the traditional Indian ethos can be reflected in modern
lifestyles. If these efforts are supported by adequate financial resources
from the international community, as well as the transfer (and development)
of 8 environmentally sound technology, India can contribute significantly
to the international action to deal with global environmental problems.
8.0
SUPPORT POUCIES AND SYSTEMS
Implementation
of the aims and objectives of environmental policy will need support
policies and systems for filling up of the gaps in the existing institutional
set up, legislative instruments and enforcement mechanisms, research
and development, mobilisation of financial resources, creation of public
awareness and training of professionals .
8.1
Strengthening of institutions and legislation
8.1.1
It will require strenghtning of existing institutions at different levels.
It will need a close linkage among the compartmentalised sectors which
have been historically dealt with by separate organisations. It will
call for a change in the institutional mechanism for enlisting public
participation. It will necessitate quick decision making on d.evelopment
projects based on assessment of their potential of rendering long term
sustainable benefits to the society at large, particularly vulnerable
sectjons. It will be also require effective implementation of laws and
regulations for environmental protection through strengthening of and
closer interaction among the regulatory bodies and administrative machinery.
8.1.2
Existing laws and enforcement mechanisms should be subjected to periodic
review to evaluate their adequacy and efficacy in the light of changed
circumstances and experience.
8.2
Natural Resource Accounting
8.2.1
As economic policies form the frame-work for a range of sectoraJ development,
it will be necessary to consider how these policies affect the quality
and productivity of environmental resources. This will require a system
of resource accounting along with the other exerdses of cost benefit
analyses.
8.2.2
In essence, indicators of growth such as GNP and GDP should inckJde
a measure of depletion cost and value judgements in terms of environmel1tal
resources. It will require instruments and expertise for evaluation
and conscious trade offs, where unavoidable, to meet the legitimate
development needs.
8.2.3
The Government will prepare, each year, a natural resources budget which
will reflect the state and availability of resources like land, forests,
water etc. and which will rationally allocate these resources in keeping
with the principles of conservation and sustainable development.
8.3
Training and orientation programmes
8.3.1
Available management resources in the enterprises/projects would be
oriented towards environmental considerations and expertise to be developed
through appropriate training programmes.
8.3.2
Formal education and training programme in specialised areas of pollution
control and environmen~1 management will be a continuing need. For this
purpose, intensive programmes for education and training will need to
be introduced in the universities, IITs and other professional institutions.
Environmental education at the school level including training of teachers
shall be an important component of educational programmes.
8.4
Promoting Environmental Awareness
T
o raise public awareness and involvement in environmental activities,
the mass media ranging from local folk lores to electronic media should
serve as a vital role. T o raise public awareness on environmental issues
and to promote peop!e's participation in environmental activities and
conservation of natural resources, development of environmental education
resource material and use of traditional and modem media of communication
need to be strengthened. Scope and functions of the existing environmental
education centres should be further strengthtned and enlarged to develop
a network of infrastructure for environmental education including development
of C'rientation centres and provision of educational material for visitors
at the national parks, sanctuaries and tiger reserves.
8.5
Promoting appropriate environmental technologies
Existing
research and development efforts need to be strenghthned to develop
the appropriate low cost technologies considering the possibilities,
opened up by biotechnology, genetic engineering, information and material
technologies and remote sensing, tailored to the local environmental
and socio-economic conditions.
8.6
Rehabilitation of Project Oustees
8.6.1
While implementing the projects in various sectors, conscious efforts
should be made to avoid displacement of local people. Where it is unavoidable,
necessary measures should be taken to ensure their rehabilitation by
providing suitable facilities.
8.6.2
The Government will fonnulate a comprehensive national rehabilitation
policy which, apart from other things, ensures that the oustees are
economically better off than before and above poverty line as a result
of their rehabilitation.
8.7
Role of Non-Governmental Organisations
8.7.1 Implementation
of the conservation strategy would be impossible without active participation
of the people. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) can playan important
role in mobilizing the people at grassroots. This will need a network
among NGOs and interface between people and Government to work on community
involvement, providing information on environmental surveillance and monitoring,
transmitting development in ..science and appropriate technology to the
people at large.
8.7.2
Environmental Information Centres should be set up at the district level
to generate knowledge regarding traditional and endogenous system mangement
practices. NGOs at the district level should be involved in the mangernent
and dissemination of the environmental infom1ation.
8.7.3
Non-Governmental Organisations, citizen groups and village level institutjons
like forests panchayats, and Gram Sabha should be empowered with locus
standi and support for mobilisation of public opinion and participation
in development activities.
8.7.4
Managerial capacity of the NGOs should be strengthened. Training 8 programmes
for NGOs on regional basis should be organised. An advisory cell for
rural NGOs should be made available at all district headquarters..
8.8.
Women and Environment
Women
at the grassroot level should be actively involved in the conservation
programmes which should be income generating and self financing and
sustainable on a long term basis and the Government Ministries/Departments
should have an NGOs cell or at least Liaison Officer for interaction
with the NGOs.
8.9
Partnership role of Centre and State Governments
Effective
implementation of necessary measures, as outlined in the Statement,
will be facilitated by a partnership role of Central and State Governments.
Many environmental problems assume national significance. Hence, the
policies and programmes at the State and Central level should be drawn
up keeping in view overall national policy considerations. A monitoring
mechanism involving central and state Government representatives will
be set up for inter-action as required for implementation of the policy
initiatives.
9.0
CONCLUSION:
9.1
It is only through such initiatives the contours of which have been
I highlighted in preceding paragraphs, we will be in a position
to resolve the conflicts which often arise between the environmental
concerns and developmental pursuits that have a direct bearinq on the
very fabric of our society and life styles.
9.2
The task before us would be daunting if it were not for the many positive
factors that are emerging: people's movements to conserve their own
environment, greater public and media concern for environmental
issues and spread of environmental awareness among children and youth.
9.3
It is upto us, as State and citizens, to undertake development process
in keeping with our heritage and the traditional conservation ethos
and in harmony with the environmental imperatives of this land.
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