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Environmental Management in India

Report Prepared by

Western Australia Trade Office India

Mumbai
93, Jolly Maker Chambers 2
Nariman Point
Mumbai - 400 021
Phone: 91-22- 6630 3973 76
Fax: 91-22- 6630 3977
January 2012
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Index

Sr.
No.
Description Page No.
1 Overview 3
2 Environmental Management System- water air forest 3
3 Air and Water Pollution 4
4 Environmental Management in Mining 9
5 Mining and Environmental Concerns 10
6 Forestry Clearance - Mining Projects Involving Forest Area 11
7 Regulatory Environment 12
8 Issues and Challenges 13
9 Key Players Environmental Management 16
10 Waste Management in India 20
11 Overview 20
12 Waste Management Market Size and Opportunities 21
13 Current Projects & Future Projects 22
14 Key Players Waste Management 23
15 Policy and Regulation 25
16 Investment and Financing 25
17 Issues and Challenges 26
18 Conclusion 27
19 Sources of Information 28
























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Overview

Environmental management involves the management of all components of the bio-physical
environment, both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic). This is due to the interconnected network
of relationships amongst all living species and their habitats. The environment involves the
relationships of the human environment, such as the social, cultural and economic environment
with the bio-physical environment.

are to
-
S -
I -
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,


Environmental Management System

Environmental Management System (EMS) refers to the management of an organisation's
environmental programs in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented manner. It
includes the organisational structure, planning and resources for developing, implementing and
maintaining policy for environmental protection.

An Environmental Management System (EMS):
Serves as a tool to improve environmental performance.
Provides a systematic way of managing an organisations environmental affairs.
EMS is the aspect of the organisations overall management structure that addresses
immediate and long-term impacts of its products, services and processes on the
environment.
Gives order and consistency for organisations to address environmental concerns
through the allocation of resources, assignment of responsibility and ongoing evaluation
of practices, procedures and processes.
Focuses on continual improvement of the system.
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Air and Water Pollution

Overview

The environmental problems in India are growing rapidly. The increasing economic development
and a rapidly growing population that has taken the country from 300 million people in 1947 to
more than one billion people today is putting a strain on the environment, infrastructure, and the
countrys natural resources. Industrial pollution, soil erosion, deforestation, rapid industrialisation,
urbanisation, and land degradation are all worsening problems. Overexploitation of the country's
resources - be it land or water and the industrialisation process - has resulted in environmental
degradation of resources. Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing
humanity and other life forms on our planet today.

According to a study on world carbon emissions by country, India's per capita carbon dioxide
emissions were roughly 1,380 kilograms in January 2011, which was more than China (600
kilograms) but less than the U.S., with 1800 kilograms).

India has been ranked as the seventh most environmentally hazardous country in the world by a
new ranking released recently. The study is based on evaluation of absolute environment impact
of 179 countries, whose data was available and was completed by researchers in Harvard,
Princeton, Adelaide University and University of Singapore on January 12, 2011.

Brazil was found to be worst on environmental indicators whereas Singapore was the best.
United States was rated second worst and China was ranked third worst.

India and the US on November 8, 2010, signed an agreement to establish a bilateral energy
cooperation program to promote clean and energy-efficient businesses and Indian and U.S.
companies signed joint venture deals worth $175 million in the renewable energy sector.

The US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced the
establishment of a Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Centre. The proposed centre
is part of the Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE), which forms the core of the green
partnership. Funding for the centre is expected from national budgets and the private sector and
each government proposes to commit $25 million over the next five years.

A comprehensive environmental assessment of industrial clusters, undertaken by IIT Delhi and
the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), found that the environmental pollution levels in 10
major industrial hubs had reached a very alarmingly high level. The World Bank Group has
sanctioned two loans worth approx $265 million for environment management projects in India in
July 2010. Of this, $200 million will go for the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
project and the remaining for Capacity Building for Industrial Pollution Management project.


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Air Pollution

The World Health Organisation estimates that approx two million people die prematurely every
year as a result of air pollution, while many more suffer from breathing ailments, heart disease,
lung infections and even cancer. Fine particles or microscopic dust from coal or wood fires and
unfiltered diesel engines are rated as one of the most lethal forms or air pollution caused by
industry, transport, household heating, cooking and ageing coal or oil-fired power stations. There
are four reasons of air pollution - emissions from vehicles, thermal power plants, industries and
refineries. The problem of indoor air pollution in rural areas and urban slums has increased.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is not without environmental drawbacks, says a new Central
Pollution Control Board study on January 05, 2011. The study says burning CNG has the highest
rates of potentially hazardous carbonyl emissions. The study also made a case for regulating
CNG and other fuels for methane emissions. Methane, a greenhouse gas, is a key contributor to
climate change. Among the study's finds were that retrofitted CNG car engines emit 30% more
methane than original CNG engines. Almost all CNG car engines in India are retrofitted.

Studies conducted in various parts of the world have revealed a strong link between type 2
diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and continuous exposure to ultra fine particulate matter
present in the air. Particulate matter in the air which is very fine and is less than 2.5 microns in
size is called PM2.5 and has been known to cause diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Indias environmental problems are exacerbated by its heavy reliance on coal for power
generation. More than 80% of energy is produced from coal, a fuel that emits a high amount of
carbon and greenhouse gases. Coal pollution kills more than 300,000 people every year. On April
12, 2011 the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has tightened pollution monitoring
norms for power projects with a generation capacity of 500 Mw and above, integrated steel plants
with a capacity of 1 million tons per annum and cement plants with a capacity of 3 million tons per
annum. Further, the existing quantum of penalty prescribed under the Environment (Protection)
Act of 1986, which is too meagre, would be made sufficiently high without any ceiling on the
quantum of penalty amount for serious offences. This could be possible only through an
amendment to this Act. Serious offences are likely to be made cognisable by the police and non-
bailable.

Government Role in Prevention of Air Pollution

The Government of India is conscious of what needs to be done for the prevention of air pollution
in India.

The Air Act of 1981 was a first step towards the same. It created the framework for the prevention
and control of air pollution. This led to a review of the deteriorating air quality, and investigations
were launched to find the sources of air pollution in India.

Measures, actions and standards were put into effect to help reduce pollution and work towards
clean air for all of India.

Currently, there are many measures in place to prevent air pollution. Business regulation is a
main factor and one of the most stringent areas of control due to the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster.
Businesses face stiff regulations to help keep the people of India safe.

Buses in the public transportation system use compressed natural gas instead of fuel to keep
them moving. This creates a major reduction in the air pollution in Indias major cities.




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Central Pollution Control Board (India) Initiatives

The Central Pollution Control Board is executing a nation-wide programme of ambient air quality
monitoring known as National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). The network consists
of 342 operating stations covering 127 cities and towns in 26 states and 4 Union Territories of the
country. The objectives of the NAMP are to determine the status and trends of ambient air quality;
to ascertain whether the prescribed ambient air quality standards are violated; to identify non-
attainment cities; to obtain the knowledge and understanding necessary for developing preventive
and corrective measures and to understand the natural cleansing process undergoing in the
environment through pollution dilution, dispersion, wind based movement, dry deposition,
precipitation and chemical transformation of pollutants generated.

Under NAMP, four air pollutants viz, sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen as NO2,
suspended particulate matter (SPM) and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM /
PM10) have been identified for regular monitoring at all the locations. The monitoring of
meteorological parameters such as wind speed and wind direction, relative humidity (RH) and
temperature were also integrated with the monitoring of air quality.

The monitoring of pollutants is carried out for 24 hours (4-hourly sampling for gaseous pollutants
and 8-hourly sampling for particulate matter) with a frequency of twice a week, to have 104
observations in a year. The monitoring is being carried out with the help of the Central Pollution
Control Board; State Pollution Control Boards; Pollution Control Committees; and National
Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur. CPCB co-ordinates with these
agencies to ensure the uniformity, consistency of air quality data and provides technical and
financial support to them for operating the monitoring stations. NAMP is being operated through
various monitoring agencies. A large number of personnel and equipments are involved in the
sampling, chemical analyses, data reporting, etc. It increases the probability of variation and
personnel biases reflecting in the data. Hence it is pertinent to mention that these data be treated
as indicative rather than absolute.

Water Pollution

River Water Pollution

Contaminated and polluted water now kills more people than all forms of violence including wars,
according to a United Nations report released on March 22, 2010, on World Water Day, that calls
for turning unsanitary wastewater into an environmentally safe economic resource. According to
the report titled Sick Water, 90% of wastewater discharged daily in developing countries is
untreated, contributing to the deaths of some 2.2 million people a year from diarrhoeal diseases
caused by unsafe drinking water and poor hygiene. At least 1.8 million children younger than 5
years old die every year from water-related diseases.

80% of urban waste in India ends up in the country's rivers, and unchecked urban growth across
the country combined with poor government oversight, means the problem is only getting worse.
A growing number of bodies of water in India are unfit for human use, and in the River Ganga,
holy to the country's 82% Hindu majority, is dying slowly due to unchecked pollution.

New Delhi's body of water is little more than a flowing garbage dump, with 57% of the city's waste
finding its way to the Yamuna. 3 billion litres of waste are pumped into Delhi's river Yamuna each
day. Only 55% of the 15 million Delhi residents are connected to the city's sewage system. The
remainder flush their bath water, waste water and just about everything else down pipes and into
drains, and most of them empty into the Yamuna. According to the Centre for Science and
Environment, between 75 and 80% of the river's pollution is the result of raw sewage. Combined
with industrial runoff and garbage thrown into the river, it totals over 3 billion litres of waste per
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day. Nearly 20 billion rupees, or almost US $500 million, has been spent on various cleanup
efforts. The frothy brew is so glaring that it can be viewed on Google Earth.

Much of the river pollution problem in India comes from untreated sewage. Samples taken
recently from the Ganges River near Varanasi show that levels of faecal coliform, a dangerous
bacterium that comes from untreated sewage, were some 3,000% higher than what is considered
safe for bathing.

Groundwater Exploitation

Groundwater exploitation is a serious matter of concern today and legislations and policy
measures taken till date, by the state governments (water is a state subject) have not had the
desired effect on the situation. Groundwater Quality and Pollution is most alarming pollution
hazards in India. According to the World Health Organisation, on World Water Day 2011, on
March 22 each year, an estimated 4 billion people get sick with diarrhoea as a result of drinking
unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene. Nearly 2 million people die from diarrhoea
each year, and many of them children under the age of five, poor, and living in the developing
world.

Central Pollution Control Board (India) Initiatives

CPCB, in collaboration with concerned SPCBs/PCCs, established a nationwide network of water
quality monitoring comprising 1,019 stations in 27 States and 6 Union Territories. The monitoring
is done on a monthly or quarterly basis in surface waters and on half yearly basis in case of
ground water. The monitoring network covers 200 rivers, 60 lakes, 5 tanks, 3 ponds, 3 creeks, 13
canals, 17 drains and 321 wells. Among the 1,019 stations, 592 are on rivers, 65 on lakes, 17 on
drains, 13 on canals, 5 on tanks, 3 on creeks, 3 on ponds and 321 are groundwater stations.

Presently, the inland water quality-monitoring network is operated under a three-tier programme
i.e. Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS), Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic
Resources System (MINARS) and Yamuna Action Plan (YAP). Water samples are being
analysed for 28 parameters consisting of 9 core parameters, 19 other physico-chemical and
bacteriological parameters apart from the field observations. Besides this, 9 trace metals and 22
pesticides are also analysed in selected samples. Biomonitoring is also carried out on specific
locations. In view of limited resources, limited numbers of organic pollution related parameters
are monitored i.e. micro pollutants (Toxic Metals & POPs) are analysed once in a year to assess
the water quality. The water quality data is reported in the Water Quality Status Year Book.

The water quality data on rivers, lakes, ponds, tanks and groundwater locations being monitored
under the network is evaluated against the water quality criteria and the monitored locations that
exceed one or more parameters are identified as polluted, which requires action for restoration of
water quality. The locations on rivers, lakes, ponds, tanks and groundwater not meeting the
criteria are summarised ahead.

The Biochemical Oxygen demand (BOD), one of the most important indicators of
pollution, was observed in Amlakhadi at Ankleshwar (714 mg/L) followed by Ghaggar at
Moonak, Punjab (626 mg/l), Khari at Lali village, Ahmedabad (320 mg/L); Musi at
Hyderabad (225 mg/L); Sabarmati at Ahmedabad (207 mg/L); Kalinadi at Kannuaj, UP
(136 mg/L); Khan at Kabitkhedi, Indore, MP (120 mg/L); Damanganga d/s Daman at
Kachigaon (112 mg/L); Kalinadi at D/s of Muzzafarnagar, U.P (110 mg/l), Saroonagar,
Ranga Reddy Dist. A.P (71 mg/l), Gandigudem at Medak Dist. (60 mg/l), Hindon at
Saharanpur (60 mg/L); Yamuna at Sonepat (59 mg/l), Krishna D/s of Islampur (40mg/l),
Satluj D/s Hussainwala Firozpur, Punjab (40 mg/L); Bhima at Pune (36 mg/L);
Elangabeel System point, Assam (64 mg/l), Bharalu at Guwahati, Assam (43 mg/L);
Sukhna at Parwanoo Dist., Solan (36 mg/l), Chandola Lake at Ahemdabad (36 mg/l),
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Hussain Sagar Lake, Budamaru, A.P (33 mg/l), Dhadar at Kothada (32 mg/L),
Bhaleshwar Khadi at N.H. No. 8 (27 mg/l), Gomti at Sitapur U/s (25 mg/l), Chambal at
Dholpur (25 mg/l), Yamuna between Delhi and Etawah (10-59 mg/L) and Tapi at Uphad,
Mahashtra (25 mg/L). Due to high BOD, dissolved oxygen in these stretches observed
most of the time was either nil or very low.

Total numbers of observations having BOD less than 3 mg/l, 3 to 6 mg/l and above 6 mg/l
were 64%, 18% and 18%, respectively. The total number of observations having Total
Coliform number less than 500 MPN/100 ml was 45%, between 500-5000 MPN/100 ml
was 31% and exceeding 5000 MPN/100 ml was 24% MPN/100 ml. Similarly, the number
of observations having Faecal Coliform bacterial count less than 500 MPN/100 ml was
53%, between 500-5000 MPN/100 ml was 26% and 21% observations were exceeding
5000 MPN/100 ml.

Faecal Coliform, another important indicator of pollution in India, was found highest in
Yamuna river in Agra, Nizamuddin, Mazawali and Okhla (MPN 5.2 x10 6 to 3.7x10 6 )
followed by Hindon after confluence with Krishni (1.1x10 6 to 4.6x10 5 ); Ganga at
Dakshineshwar & Uluberia (1.1x10 6 to 2.8x10 5 ); Damodar at Haldia (1.4x10 6 ); Khari
at Lali Village, Ahmedabad (7.5x10 5 ); Sabarmati at Ahmedabad (1.1x10 6 to 4.6x10 5 );
Bharalu at Gauhati, Assam (2.4x10 5 ); Ganga at Varanasi ((1.1x10 5 ); Satluj at
Ludhiana (1.1x10 5 ); Tapi at Ukai (1.5x10 5 ); Kalinadi at Muzaffarnagar (3.1x10 5 );
Damanganga at Silvasa (1.2x10 6 ); and Brahamputra at Dhenukapahar & Pandu
(2.4x10 5 )







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Environmental Management in Mining

Mining and Environmental Concerns

Environmental Concerns

More than 0.8 million hectares of lands is under mining, a substantial portion of which lies in
forest areas. Important coal, bauxite, iron ore and chromite deposits in India are found in forests.
Good limestone deposits are also available near the wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and
coastal areas. Mineral production is often not in consonance with conservation of forests since at
many places commercial reserves exist below thick forests. In the site-specific mining activity,
there are large numbers of environmental issues. The main concerns include the following:

The existing terrestrial configuration gets disturbed. The magnitude of disturbance
varies depending on surface topography, geology, geometry and depth of deposit
from the surface, size of operation, excavation methodology, chemical properties of
the ore and beneficiation.
Generation of huge volumes of overburden. If not planned properly, topsoil also gets
completely lost during removal of overburden.
Uncontrolled runoff from the surface and waste dumps, rolling down of materials
especially from steep slopes and loss of vegetation increase sediments deposition in
surface water bodies.
The exposed excavations and abandoned mines are capable of polluting the surface
and ground waters and raise harmful air-borne dust.
Minerals often in sulphide, sulphate, phosphate or halide forms often give rise to
environmentally undesirable gangue materials at the mine and bio-toxic mineral
wastes at beneficiation plant.
Acid mine drainage.
Drilling, blasting, removal, storage, re-handling of topsoil, overburden and ore and
transportation of material contribute to particulates and gaseous emissions.
Effect on wildlife population and their behaviour. Sometimes increased human
activities coupled with mining operations in and around eco-sensitive regions do
disrupt migratory routes of animals, fragment connectivity between important eco-
systems, damage vegetation on a large scale and wildlife habitats.
In case of an underground mine, caving of the roof material causes abrupt collapse
of the overlying strata leading to subsidence of surface. Subsidence features can be
small, shallow depressions or deep pits gradually sloping troughs or steep offsets,
cracks or fissures or combination of these.
Often acquisition of private land for mining activities and development of township
involves displacement of people.

Associated Health Concerns

The main health hazards in metal and non-metal mines are those associated with the poor quality
of mine air and presence of poisonous gases or other airborne contaminants. Fine dust particles
in the respirable range are dangerous due to their ability to penetrate the lungs. Continuous
exposure to excessive dust can lead to development of pneumoconiotic lung diseases. Also, dust
with high concentration of toxic metals can lead to metal intoxication. Other occupational health
hazards include excessive noise from equipment and machinery, blasting operations as well as
exposure to extreme weather conditions. Mining of radioactive ores can result in exposure to
radiation. Surface mining is less hazardous than the underground mining.



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Environmental Clearances

Initially, the development projects from the public sector undertakings of the Central Government
requiring approval of the Public Investment Board of the Ministry of Finance were normally
considered for environmental clearances. For example, the multi-purpose river valley projects
were cleared by the Planning Commission, Government of India, in consultation with NCEPC in
regard to environmental aspects. Environmental impact assessment based environmental
clearance procedure was adopted as an administrative measure in the late 70s for the river valley
projects. The procedure was later extended to cover other sectors like industry, thermal power,
nuclear power, and mining. India has over 24 years of experience in conducting environmental
impact assessment of development projects. On 27
th
January, 1994, the Ministry of Environment
& Forests had issued the Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] Notification under EPA, 1986
imposing certain restrictions on undertaking new development projects or expansion and
modernisation of existing ones, unless prior environmental clearance has been obtained from the
Ministry. Environmental clearance is mandatory for 30 development projects including mining.

Environmental clearance is mandatory for new mining projects (major minerals) with mining lease
area greater than 5 ha. or expansion / modernisation of existing operations irrespective of the
quantum of increase in size of mining lease-area / production or investment involved, besides
other 29 development projects. The EIA notification provides for two-stage clearance for the
mining projects. Site clearance is also mandatory for proposals for prospecting and exploration of
major minerals when the area is more than 500 ha. However, for carrying out test drilling on a
scale not exceeding 10 bore holes per 100 sq km for prospecting and exploration purposes, no
site clearance is required. The site clearance is given in the first stage and environmental
clearance in the second stage. Besides the environmental clearance, forestry clearance under
the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is also mandatory for all the mining
proposals involving diversion of forest land for non-forest purpose. The forestry clearance is again
accorded in two-stages. In the first stage, the proposal is agreed in principle subject to certain
conditions. The second stage approval is given after receipt of compliance report from the
concerned State Government regarding transfer and mutation of the non-forest area identified for
compensatory afforestation.

The opening of mines, besides impacting the physical environmental in general, has social and
economic consequences at local level including displacement of people from the project site in
some cases affecting their environment, health and culture. Learning from the experience of other
counties, a public hearing procedure was introduced in the decision-making process in India from
10
th
April, 1997. Public hearing has been made mandatory for all the development projects
attracting the provisions of the EIA Notification. This has helped in the consideration of concerns
of the affected local communities. The large mines, which are generally in organised sector,
address the communities concerns in much better manner than small mining companies owners.
However, exceptions are always present. A few small mining companies have also responded
better with regard to environment and their relationship with the local people, setting a working
model for others to follow.

The project proponents seeking site / environmental clearance first apply to the concerned State
Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for arranging a public hearing. As per procedure laid down in the
EIA notification, the SPCB constitutes a public hearing panel for the project and publishes a
notice indicating date, time and place for the public hearing in at least two local newspapers
widely circulated in the region around the project, one of which is in the vernacular language.
Public hearing is to be conducted not less than 30 days after the publication of the notice. During
this period, all relevant documents are made available for public inspection at a designated place.
The public can send suggestions, views and objections to the Board within 30 days from the date
of the public notice. All the persons including bonafide residents, environmental groups and
others located at the project site(s) / site(s) of displacement / sites likely to be affected can
participate in the hearing. They can also give oral suggestions to the SPCB. The project
proponent is invited to give a presentation at the public hearing on salient features of the project,
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associated environmental issues, environmental protection measures, social welfare programme
for the local community and provide clarifications / answer to queries. Commitments to comply
with certain suggestions are made by the project authorities. Thereafter, the SPCB sends a
detailed report of the public hearing panel to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).

A time frame of 60 days for completion of public hearing has been set. The public hearing
procedure is not applicable to site clearance and prospecting and exploration proposals.

Forestry Clearance - Mining Projects Involving Forest Area

The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 has made it obligatory for the State Governments or any
other authority to obtain prior approval of the Central Government for diversion of any forest land
for any non-forest purpose.

Though mining is a site-specific operation whether by opencast or underground method, it is
considered as a non-forestry activity. Prior approval of the MoEF is essential before a mining
lease is granted in respect of any forest area. The Forest (Conservation) Act applies not only to
the surface area, which is used in the mining but also to the entire underground mining area
beneath the forest. A renewal of an existing mining lease in a forest area also requires prior
approval of the Central Government. Continuation or resumption of mining operations on expiry of
a mining lease without prior approval amounts to contravention of the Act.

For projects requiring both the forestry and environmental clearances, two separate applications
are to be submitted. Separate clearance letters are issued. A project is deemed to be cleared
only after issuance of both the clearances. Like the Expert Committee (Mining) which considers
proposals for environmental clearance, the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) of the Ministry of
Environment & Forests considers the forestry clearance proposals. Cases are referred to the
Wildlife wing of the Ministry wherever a National Park or a Sanctuary is involved for their opinion
about the project. Forestry clearance is given in two stages. In first stage, the proposal is agreed
to in principle, subject to certain conditions and after receipt of a compliance report from the
State Government in respect of compliance of the stipulated conditions regarding transfer and
mutation of non-forest area identified for compensatory afforestation, if any, and transfer of funds
in favour of the State Forest Department, final approval i.e. stage two clearance under the Act is
issued.

Exploration projects do not attract the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 as long
as these surveys do not involve any clearing of forest or cutting of trees and operations are
restricted to clearing of bushes and lopping of tree branches for the purpose sighting. In case
operations involve clearing of forest area or felling of trees, prior permission of the Central
Government is mandatory. Further, exploration should not be carried out in wildlife sanctuaries,
national parks and sample plots demarcated by the Forest Department without obtaining prior
approval of the Central Government, whether felling of trees is involved or not.

Renewal of a mining lease is considered as a grant of fresh lease. Therefore, prior approval is
required when a mining lease granted before the commencement of the Forest (Conservation)
Act, 1980, is renewed after its coming into force. In respect of the mining operations being carried
out on forest lands leased before the commencement of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
during the continuance of the lease period, the approval under the provisions of the said Act is
not required. Prior approval under the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is not
required for mining and winning any new mineral from a forest land leased for mining before the
commencement of the said Act during the leased period originally granted, if the said land is
already broken up or cleared before the commencement of the Act. Otherwise, prior approval of
the Central Government i.e. MoEF under the said Act is required.

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In respect of renewal of mining lease, temporary working permission is granted by the Central
Government up to a maximum period of one year extendable by one more year subject to certain
conditions to continue working in areas already broken up prior to the expiry of the lease, even
without formal approval for the renewal, provided the user agency has submitted the required
proposal with complete details to the State Forest Department at least one year prior to the expiry
of existing lease period and the State Government has sent the formal proposal to the Central
Government prior to the expiry of the existing lease, along with particulars and reports as are
required to be furnished in the normal course of renewal.

Where projects involve use of forest land as well as non-forest land, the project authorities
sometimes start work on non-forest lands in anticipation of the approval of the Central
Government for release of the forest land required for the projects. Though starting of work on
non-forest lands may not have technically violated the provisions of the Act, expenditure incurred
on works on non-forest lands may prove to be infructuous if diversion of forest land involved is not
approved. It is, therefore, advisable that if a project involves forest as well as non-forest land,
work should not be started on non-forest land till the approval of the Central Government for
release of forest land under the Act has been obtained.

Regulatory Environment

Specific measures already taken by MoEF to cut down delays in the environmental clearance
process:

Separate questionnaires for prospecting and exploration projects, site clearance and
environmental clearance have been brought out. Format for furnishing information for
environmental clearance has been recently revised (AnnexureI) to replace the earlier
one of 1997.

Manual for EIA appraisal was brought out in January, 2001, which is a useful reference
for appraising agencies, regulatory authorities, entrepreneurs and consultants. The
manual is displayed in the website of the Ministry of Environment & Forests.

Scrutiny of proposals has been made time bound. Preliminary scrutiny of the project is
made within three-four weeks of receipt of the proposal and comments conveyed to the
project proponent. Continuous interaction is maintained with the project authorities in
identifying the shortfalls in the EIA / EMP reports. Project-wise information is displayed on
MoEFs website so that the project proponent is aware of the reasons for pendency and
can submit additional information wherever necessary in an expeditious manner. The
website is updated every week.

A decision is taken on an individual project in maximum two sittings of the Expert
Committee (Mining). In specific cases, where more detailed studies are required, the
project is subjected to further consideration.

Under the provisions of EIA Notification, the Ministry has to complete the assessment of
the proposal within a period of 90 days after receipt of complete information and requisite
documents and decision conveyed within 30 days thereafter. The Ministry has taken
several steps and initiatives to simplify and rationalise the procedures of assessment so
that proper decisions on the clearance / rejection of the proposal can be arrived at within
the stipulated time frame. In case the decision is not communicated within this time
frame, the proposal is considered to have deemed clearance. However, this provision of
deemed clearance has not been invoked so far in any case.

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The Environmental Impact Assessment Notification of 1994 has been amended to
dispense with the requirement of public hearing in respect of the mining projects (major
minerals) with lease area up to 25 ha.

A time frame of 60 days for completion of public hearing has been stipulated.

Keeping in view that a large number of marble and granite mines operating in the country
in unscientific and non eco-friendly manner, the Ministry of Coal and Mines, the
Department of Mines has made approval of the mining plan mandatory before mining of
these two minor minerals.

To facilitate exclusion of any mining activity in the out of bound areas like National Park,
Sanctuary, thick forests overlays of the mineralised areas in these eco sensitive zones
are being prepared for benefit of all stakeholders.

Issues and Challenges

Scoping EIA: It is seen that currently, screening and scoping are not a part of the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies for the mining projects. Consequently,
some of the environmental issues, which need to be discussed in detail, are not properly
covered in the EIA / EMP (Environmental Management Plan) reports. Experience has
shown that project scoping is an essential preliminary step. The purpose of the scoping
process is to define the key issues and resources to be analysed in the EIA for
determining potential impacts.

EIA/EMP Process: The Ministry, under the World Bank assisted Environmental
Management Capacity Building mining project has also obtained recommendations of the
international consultant on changes required to be made in the EIA mechanism in India,
keeping in view the practices being followed in other countries.

i. Guidelines and timetable for a formal process to determine the scope of EIA / EMP for
each project need to be evolved.

ii. Guidelines for collection and documentation of environmental baseline data for the key
resources like surface water, ground water, flora & fauna, land use, meteorology and air
quality including socio-economic shall also be developed along with standardised format
for preparation and submission of EIA / EMPs.

iii. Today, proper coverage is not given to occupational and community health aspects in
the EIA / EMP reports. Guidelines for inclusion of full operation, mitigation, reclamation,
mine closure and monitoring in the EIA / EMP also need to be developed.

Emphasis on Mine Closure: The mining method used to extract minerals from the earth
determines many aspects of post-mining topography. Disturbances depend on the
geological structure associated with the mineral, depth of the deposit from the surface,
surface character and method of mining. The natural land surface is drastically changed
through removal and placement of materials and dumping of overburden, waste rock or
tailings. Adequate amount of material is not normally available to fill the final pit created
due to mining. Therefore, proper reclamation of the mined out areas is a must. Proper
guidelines need to be developed for this purpose. A Committee has already been set up
to go into various issues relating to mine closure aspects of mining.

Size of mining lease: In India, the State Governments grant mining leases as a small as
0.5 ha. for mining of certain minerals. In such a situation, scientific working and
compliance with environmental protection measures and standards is not feasible.
14

Unscientific mining practices have altered landscapes, natural drainage pattern, soil
productivity, water regime, and air & water quality. Really, the small size mines can never
function in an environmentally friendly manner nor can comply with the regulations
regarding mine safety and conservation. When such small sized mines operate in
clusters, damage to the environment is quite serious. A twofold approach is being
adopted to tackle the problem. First is to rationalise the size of new leaseholds (except in
case of gemstones). For the existing mines, amalgamation of small leaseholds wherever
feasible or permission to go in for a collective EIA / EMP for a cluster of mines is the
second alternative. In extreme cases, where scientific and systematic working is not
possible, cancellation of the leases may be the only option. For realistic assessment of
environmental implications of such clusters, there is a need to adopt a regional planning
strategy. While carrying out environmental appraisal, emphasis is given to predict
cumulative impacts of the proposed and existing activities. A decision has been taken to
discourage such small-scale mining operations from the environmental management
point of view. Recently, a Committee has been constituted to look into the issues and
make recommendations about the minimum size of mining lease that should be followed
in the interest of systematic and scientific mining.

Environmental Standards: The existing environmental standards applicable to the mining
industry are a composite of general environmental standards except for coal. These
standards are inadequate in certain respects for effective environmental protection and
management of minerals sector when compared to international norms. Very recently,
the Ministry of Coal & Mines, the Department of Mines based on the recommendations
made by the Indian Bureau of Mines has come out with a set of mineral-wise air quality
and effluent standards for nine minerals in a suggestive form for a period of one year.
These standards are for chromite, copper, iron and manganese ore, lead and zinc,
bauxite, limestone and dolomite mines.

Demonstration of best management practices: Two demo sites having different
topographic features and environmental management issues have been selected in Goa
and Himachal Pradesh to demonstrate best management practices involving international
consultants. The purpose is to demonstrate actual implementation of specific mitigation
measures in a time bound and cost effective manner for replication at other mine sites.
This would offer advantages like:

i. Develop feasible mitigation measures and techniques for mining projects

ii. Train mine operators in principles of mining, designing, implementing and monitoring
the mitigation measures

iii. The projects will generate information that could be used for policy making and
standards setting processes

iv. Development of technical and management guidelines for different minerals mining
projects

R&D Efforts: The Ministry of Environment & Forests has funded 14 research projects in
the following identified priority areas to develop indigenous know-how:

Management of solid wastes
Optimisation of tailing pond /settling pond designs
Application of EPA models to predict pollution levels
Utilisation of industrial wastes, fly ash etc
Stabilisation and control of OB dumps
Study of air borne respirable dust concentrations at work places
Digital modelling of contamination of ground water
15

Development of fugitive dust dispersion model for mining areas
Determination of emission rates of dust and validation of air quality models
Methodology for cumulative impact assessment in non-coal mining projects


Data Bank and Networking: There are many organisations in the country, which could
effectively serve as a resource in select areas of mining environment issues. However,
because of inefficient networking capabilities, coordination among them often does not
take place. An effective database management system and networking among the
concerned institutions and the selected Central and State Government Departments and
Pollution Control Boards is being established for facilitating dissemination and sharing of
information on various aspects of mining and environmental data. The Ministry of
Environment & Forests has also initiated a project to establish and operate a pilot
Environmental Information Centre (EIC) in three States (Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and
Maharashtra) to act as a repository of validated environmental data which can be
accessed and used by the stakeholders in the environmental clearance process, to
evolve a suitable mechanism for net working with data providers / generators and to
identify constraints and develop a blue print for up scaling the scope of the Centre at the
national level. The mining data base Centre would be finally hooked to EIC.

Institutional Strengthening: Institutional capacity of Government Departments who are
responsible for policy making, legislating, standard setting and enforcing compliance is
being enhanced to ensure effective monitoring of EMPs and observation of the
prescribed environmental standards by mine operators. It has also been planned to
develop expertise in planning, designing and implementing environmentally benign
projects in the institutions working in the field of mining and mining environment. They will
also become a resource group for the Government Departments in discharging their
responsibilities and for the miners in implementation of environmentally benign designs
and carry out the specific research / studies to equip the Indian mining industry with latest
developments.

Training Resource Group Development: Environmental management training courses
based on the best practices from around the world have been taken up to upgrade the
knowledge and know-how of selected personnel from mining industry, resource
institutions, Pollution Control Boards, MoEF and other Central and State Departments in
planning, designing and implementation of environmentally benign projects; and
development and monitoring compliance of regulations, standards and EMPs.

Baseline Data Generation: It is also conceived that baseline information on micro-
meteorological and environmental (air RPM, SPM, SO
2
, NO
x
& CO; water quality
ground as well as surface, soil physicochemical characteristics; flora and fauna) data
should be generated by all agencies during mineral exploration activities.











16

Key Players

Young Advisory Engineering and Services Pvt. Ltd.
Utsav Bhawan
Kamardanga Road, Ichapur
Howrah
West Bengal
India 711 104
Tel: 033 3258 5881
Fax: 033 2677 1411
www.yearconsultancy.com

Zenith Quality Assessors Private Limited
110, 1st Floor
Gulmohar Centre Point,
S.No. 34/ A
Opposite Viman Nagar
Pune
Maharashtra
India 411 014
www.zenith-worldwide.com

Mr. G. Thirugnanam
Managing Director
Enviro Solutions & Services
10/2, Fifth Cross Extension
Bharathi Nagar
Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu
India 641 006
Tel: +91 9843030427
www.envirosolutions.in

Vitro Labs
2-2-647/ A /3, 3rd Floor
Shivam Road Ambarpet
Nallakunta Hyderabad
Andhra Pradesh
India 500 01
Tel: 044 2742 1381
www.vitrolabs.net

3-S Envo Soloutions
501\2 Royal Apartments
Sector3, Charkop
Kandivali west
Mumbai
Maharashtra
India 400 067
Tel: +91 22 67731754
Fax: +91 22 28693156
www.thomex.com/3s-envo-solutions




17

Grass Roots Research & Creation India (P) Ltd.
F-375, Sector-63
Noida
Uttar Pradesh
India 201 301
www.grc-india.com

Horizon Environmental Services Pvt. Ltd.
39, Shyamsunder Society
Near Mhatre Bridge
Pune
Maharashtra,
India 411 001
Tel: +91 20 24539136
www.horizonenvironment.com/


Shriram Envirotech
Office No. 4-5 Iind Floor,
Sk Bajaj Building,
Shastri Market
Jalandhar,
Punjab
India 144001
Tel: +91 181 6541504, 6534504
Fax: 181 222 5504
www.shriramenviro.com

Nayagara Water Solutions Private Limited
36/1, 1st Floor, Model School Road,
Thousand Lights,
Chennai
Tamil Nadu
India 600 006
Tel: 044 28295103
www.indiamart.com/nayagara

Enviro Analysts & Engineers Private Limited
1-A, Enviro House,
Hansa Complex Carter Road No. 2
Datta Pada,
Borivali East
Mumbai
Maharashtra
India 400 066
Tel: +91 22 28541647/ 28541648/ 28541649
www.enviroanalysts.com

Consafe Science India Private Limited
B- 2/ 17, Sarvatra Society
Paud Road, Kothrud
Pune,
Maharashtra
India 411 038
Tel: + 91 20 254399
www.consafescience.com
18


Enviro Care India Private Limited
No. 22, 1st Cross Street
West CIT Nagar
Near Nanthi Statue
Chennai,
Tamil Nadu
India 600 035
Tel: +91 44 4286 7084, 4524 355103
www.envirocareindia.com

Quality Consultants
32, Everest Vihar, Kings Road
Nirman Nagar, Ajmer Road
Jaipur
Rajasthan
India 302 019
Tel: + 91-141-2399556
Fax: + 91-141-2399556
www.qualityconsultant.co.in

E. Q. M. S. India Private Limited
No. 305- 306, 3rd Floor, Plot No. 16
Rishabh Corporate Towers Community Centre
Karkardooma
Delhi 110 092
India
Tel: +91 11 30003200/218
Fax: +91 11 22374662
www.eqmsindia.com

Effikazy Consulting Private Limited
Plot No. 2001, No. 16 A, Vasundhara
Ghaziabad 201 012
Uttar Pradesh
India
Tel: +91-120-2882375
www.effikazy.netfirms.com

LVK Enviro Consultants
4, (Old 39) Fourth Main Road
Kasturiba Nagar
Adyar
Chennai 600 020
Tamil Nadu
India
Tel: + 91 44 24425021
www.lvkenviroconsultants.com

Suncon Engineers Private Limited
P-1/9, Sai Palace
In front Of Ved-Bhavan Bhusari Colony (Right)
Paud Road
Kothrud
Pune 411 038
Maharashtra
19

India
Tel: +91 20 25285482
www.sunconengineers.com

Terracon Ecotech Private Limited
6th Floor, 'Swagat',
Shraddhanand Road, Vile Parle (East),
Mumbai - 400057,
INDIA Tel:
91-22-2618 3939 / 40 / 41
Web: www.terraconindia.com

Ion Exchange India Ltd.
Ion House, Dr. E. Moses Road,
Mahalaxmi,
Mumbai-400 011,
India
Tel: (91) 22 3989 0909 / 3047 2042
Fax: (91) 22 2493 8737
Email: hocro@ionexchange.co.in / ieil@ionexchange.co.in
Website: http://www.ionindia.com/

Bhavi Plast (P) Ltd.
Unit no. 24, 9 Acres
Kothari Industrial Estate
Manpada
Thane West 400607
India
Tel: +9122 25890447
Fax: +9122 25890432
Email: response@bhaviplast.com
Website: http://www.bhaviplast.com/index.html

Praj Industries Ltd.
Praj House, Bavdhan,
Pune 411 021.
India
Tel: +91-20-22951511 / 22952214
Fax: +91-20-22951718 / 22951515
Email: info@praj.net
Website: http://www.praj.net/default.asp

Thermax Ltd.
Thermax House,
14 Mumbai-Pune Road
Wakdewadi,
Pune 411 003
Tel: 91-20-66051200/25542122
Fax: 91-20-25542242
Website: http://www.thermaxindia.com/






20

Waste Management in India

Overview

Management of waste has emerged as one of the biggest impediments to sustainable
development. Being one of the fastest growing economies in the world, the challenge is more
intensified for India. On the other hand, recognition of the inherent value of waste has created an
opportunity for converting waste to wealth, leading to the development of a formal waste
management industry in the country. The conversion of an overburdening environmental
challenge into a fast growing opportunity, however, requires urgent policy attention.

Any kind of unwanted or unusable material is generally referred to as waste. All our daily activities
generate waste. Different kinds of solid and liquid waste are generated in both urban and rural
areas at every stage of the supply chain (involving production and consumption). Untreated waste
of all kinds can be a potential source of land, water, or air pollution, leading to various
environmental and health issues.

Waste Management Techniques

There are various sources of waste including households, municipal bodies and other service
providers, commercial establishments, institutions, government departments, industries,
healthcare units, construction units, agriculture etc.

There are three kinds of techniques for managing this waste that are practiced in India:

Treatment Method Description
Landfill Technology - Involves disposal of waste through anaerobic methods
- Different kinds of landfills include open landfills, and biometric
landfills.
- Regional landfills are being propagated to minimise land costs
and optimise utilisation.
Recycling - Solid waste can be biologically treated to derive usable compost
or recycled into pellets to serve as fuels for other industries.
- Construction debris can be converted into saleable products like
tiles and bricks or as road paving material.
- Other recycling technologies include drum-based or pit-based
recycling at the domestic levels; solar melters for biometric
waste; recycling of construction waste by using it for other
constructions either directly or by recycling scrapings and small
pieces into sheets etc.
Incineration - Involves burning of waste materials at high temperatures for
producing inert wastes for landfills.
- It is a polluting process with possibilities of high emissions and
production of harmful residues.
- Another viable option is cement kiln incineration which
neutralises the alkaline components and does not leave any ash
or residue.
- Recently, incineration technologies are being combined with
energy recovery methods to produce power. These are
collectively referred to as waste-to-energy (WTE) strategies and
include thermo-chemical processes (pyrolysis, gasification and
oxidation) or bio-chemical methods (anaerobic, hydrolysis and
fermentation using enzymes).


21

For treating municipal liquid wastes, different technologies can be used such as on-site recycling
through percolating filter beds, bio-filters which are coir based or fluoro censors, and sumps.
Municipal wastewater can be recycled to produce potable water for reuse in gardening, bathing,
washing etc. For industrial wastewater, some technologies in use include reed bed wastewater
plants, membrane bioreactors, wastewater polishing, ultra-filtration and gravity based methods.

Waste Management Market Size and Opportunities

The waste management market in India is highly fragmented and unorganised. Further, there has
been a rapid increase in the amount of waste generated, making it difficult to regulate the market
and transform it into an organised sector.

Growing urban population, rising disposable incomes and increasing amenities and consumer
choices have led to an increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. Significant industrial
growth has multiplied the quantum of industrial waste generation in recent years. Bio-medical and
electronic waste segments have considerably added to the countrys waste basket, with India
emerging as a prime destination for medical services and a thriving information technology
services market.

The sector is witnessing increasing awareness, focused approach of the concerned authorities
towards handling the growing problem of waste management and the important role that the
private sector can play in handling the efficient disposal and recycling of waste. Nevertheless the
sector is mired with challenges of limited resources, weak enforcement of rules and regulations,
low awareness, inadequate monitoring and lack of funds.

The global waste management market is estimated to be between $300-400 billion (USD) with
equal contributions from MSW and industrial hazardous waste and a smaller share of bio-medical
wastes, e-waste and liquid waste. The waste management market in India is pegged to be $6-7
billion (USD). Thus currently India accounts for 2-3% of the global waste management market. Of
the market size in India, the organised sector is estimated to account for only 6.25%.

As per the estimates of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), MSW generation is expected
to grow at a rate of 5% per annum, putting severe pressure on land resources which are limited
and it is an expensive proposition for waste disposal.

Currently landfill resources account for about 90% of waste disposal. The growth of MSW is
outpacing the rate of urban population (2-2.5%). This is further expected to compound the
problem of MSW management. Till date, only a few Indian cities have developed sanitary
landfills. There are about 22-25 treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDF) and about 120
individual and 13 common incinerators in the country. The proposed capacity expansions
estimate doubling of these facilities by 2015.

E-waste is the fastest growing segment of solid waste. Industry estimates suggest that the e-
waste generated in India, including imports, is growing at a pace of 20% per annum. The bio-
medical waste market is estimated to grow at a similar rate with greater access to medical
facilities in Tier II cities. Currently, there are no large scale facilities for disposal of such wastes
and ample opportunities remain to be explored in these segments.

As per United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF)s estimates, rural India generates 5.5-6.5
million litres of liquid waste (greywater) and 110-115 mt of solid waste (organic/recyclable) per
annum. Large quantities of the solid wastes are recycled in the form of animal feed, manure or
household fuel while the remaining is burnt in open fields. The wastewater is allowed to run off to
the nearest water source. Thus, there exists an opportunity for treatment and recycling of these
wastes for drinking water supply and manufacture of saleable compost.


22

Current Projects

Over the past two years, the waste management sector has witnessed a considerable decline in
the share of projects sanctioned under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission
(JNNURM).

In 2009-10, a total of 66 projects were sanctioned as compared to 137 projects in 2008-09, a
decline of 51.83%

Meanwhile eight major projects have been completed in the past one to one n a half years, all of
them in the solid waste management and sanitation sector. They are:

Name of the Project City (Year of
Completion)
State Implementing Agency
Sewerage Treatment Plant Hyderabad
(2009)
Andhra
Pradesh
Hyderabad Metropolitan Water
Supply and Sewage Board.
Sewerage Treatment Plant Vishakhapatnam
(2010)
Andhra
Pradesh
Greater Vishakhapatnam
Municipal Corporation
Waste to Bio-Fuel Plant Delhi (2010) Delhi Environment Department
Wastewater Recycling and
Water Treatment Plant
Wazirabad
(2010)
Delhi Delhi Jal Board
Solid Waste Management
Plant
Kundapur
(2010)
Karnataka Kundapur Town Municipal
Council
Brahmapuram Refuse
Derived Fuel Plant
Kochi (2010) Kerala Kochi Corporation
Integrated Solid Waste
Management of Koyambedu
Wholesale Market Complex
including O&M of bio-
methanation.
Koyambedu,
Chennai (2010)
Tamil Nadu Chennai Metropolitan
Development Authority
Bharwara Sewage
Treatment Plant
Lucknow (2010) Uttar
Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam


Future Projects

Projects worth $288.9 million (USD) are currently in the pipeline, of which the majority is under
the sewerage sector

Name of the Project City State Cost (USD in
millions)
Sewerage Treatment Plant Guntur Andhra Pradesh 88.9
Bio-gas Plants under the second
phase of Cauvery Water Supply
Scheme (Stage IV)
Bangalore Karnataka -
Sewerage Treatment Plants in
Bangalore City
Bangalore Karnataka 177.8
Solid Waste Management Plant Thiruvananthapuram Kerala 3.9
E-Waste Treatment Facility Mumbai Maharashtra 8.2
Sewerage Treatment Plant Khargar, Navi Mumbai Maharashtra 13.4
Sewerage Treatment Plant Bundi Rajasthan 5.1



23

Key Players in Waste Management

Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited
TSR Towers, Rajbhawan Road
Hyderabad 500 082
Andhra Pradesh
Tel: 040 44422222
Email: info@ramky.com

Operations: MSW management, Industrial Hazardous Waste Management (IHWM), E-waste
management, biomedical waste management.

SPML Infra Limited
Plot no. 65, Sector 32
Gurgaon 122 001
Haryana
Tel: 0124 42044601
Fax: 0124 4269139
Website: www.spml.co.in
Email: info@smml.co.in

Operations: MSW management, Liquid waste management.

IL&FS Waste Management & Urban Services Limited
D-64, Defence Colony
New Delhi 110 024
Tel: 011 24654563 / 66
Fax: 011 24654562
Website: www.iwmusl.com
Email: info@iwmusl.com

Operations: MSW management.

Selco International Limited
1-1-336/49, Viveknagar
Chikkadpally
Hyderabad 500 020
Andhra Pradesh
Tel: 040 27630677
Website: www.selco.co.in
Email: selcoproject@gmail.com

Operations: MSW management.

Sulabh International Social Service Organisation
Sulabh Gram
Mahavir Enclave
Palam Dabri Road
New Delhi 110 045
Tel: 011 25031518 / 9
Fax: 011 25034014 / 45521733
Website: www.sulabinternational.com
Email: sulabhinfo@gmail.com

Operations: Sanitation.

24

Degremont Limited
Unitech Business Park
Tower A, South City 1
Gurgaon 122 001
Haryana
Tel: 0124 4680100
Fax: 0124 4080103
Website: www.degremontindia.net
Email: pramod.bapna@degremont.com

Operations: Liquid Waste Management.

Jamshedpur Utilities & Services Company Limited (JUSCO)
Sakchi Boulevard Road
Jamshedpur 831 001
Jharkhand
Tel: 0657 2146000 / 6646000
Fax: 0657 2424219
Website: www.juscoltd.com
Email: contact@juscoltd.com

Operations: Liquid Waste Management, MSW management.

Attero Recycling
B-92, Sector 63
Noida 201 301
Uttar Pradesh
Tel: 0120 4087100
Fax: 0120 4087101
Website: www.attero.in
Email: sourcing@attero.in

Operations: E-waste management.

K.K. Plastic Waste Management Private Limited
No. 50, Y.V. Annaiah Road
Yelachenahalli
Bangalore 560 078
Karnataka
Tel: 080 40947005
Fax: 080 40575594
Website: www.kkplasticroads.com
Email: kakbest@hotmail.com

Operations: Plastic waste management.

Greenscape Eco Management Private Limited
512, Elegance Tower, Commercial Centre
Jasola
New Delhi 110 025
Tel: 011 40515662 / 41555091 / 0 9810592923
Fax: 011 40515661
Website: www.greenscape-eco.com
Email: info@greenscape-eco.com

Operations: E-waste management.
25

Policy and Regulation

According to the Constitution of India, waste management, which is a part of public health and
sanitation, is a state subject. Hence the State Governments plan, design, implement, operate and
maintain SWM schemes. The 74
th
Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 which is considered as
the most important act for the urban infrastructure sector has entrusted this activity to urban local
bodies (ULBs).

Under this act, ULBs are responsible for delivering SWM services, with their own staff,
equipment, and funds. The management of MSW is one of the most important obligatory
functions of the ULBs, which is closely associated with urban environmental conditions. The
outcome however has been less than satisfactory as only a few states have managed to
completely implement structures mentioned under the act.

Investment and Financing

This rapid increase in volumes and types of waste is leading to a growing demand for waste and
wastewater treatment which further increases capital requirements for the sector. According to
World Bank estimates, 20-50% of the total sector budget is spent on SWM by the municipalities
of a developing country. This is despite the fact that between 3060% of all the urban solid waste
remains uncollected and hence untreated. A study by the World Bank also estimates the total
cost per ton of SWM in India as Rs. 1,000-1,200, excluding the cost of land. Thus, a city of 1
million generating around 500 tpd, would incur a cost of Rs. 500,000 to 6,000,000 per day to
manage its waste.

The quantity of waste is expected to grow and so is the cost of managing it. Although
considerable efforts are made by the government to fund these projects, there are still major gaps
in the area of investments and technical know-how.

Current Financing Sources

Annual budget: The state and local governments allocate some part their development
budget to finance waste management projects in their areas.

Local taxes: SWM constitutes 25-50% of the municipal budget in most ULBs in India.
Also, since a large number workers are involved in sanitation, street sweeping and
related activities, SWM accounts for a very high percentage (75-85%) of salaries. From
the revenue side, a percentage of the property tax is used for solid waste service. In
some ULBs, this portion is clearly identifiable as a conservancy tax.

User charges: In some cities in India, neighbourhood associations provide the primary
collection services and collect a fee in return from every household. In other cities, where
solid waste collection is franchised to private operators, households pay the fee directly
to the operator but the quantum of the fee is set by the local government. There is no
unified system of fee collection in India since the amount of waste generated per
household differs from city to city. The charges for the commercial and industrial sector
should be higher and in accordance to the polluter pays principle. The high charges are
expected to motivate these units to reduce the waste generated by them.

Grants: The ULBs can take grants under different programmes of the government for
management of waste - the JNNURM, 12th Finance Commission, State Finance
Commission and the UIDSSMT.

26

Environmental bonds: Local governments in some countries float environmental bonds
to arrange funds for creating environmental infrastructure and providing services related
to SWM.

Multilateral aids: International institutions such as the World Bank and Asian
Development Bank (ADB) have been supporting projects related to waste management
in India.

Loans: In recent years, ULBs have approached the capital market for raising money
directly or indirectly. A case in point is the Tamil Nadu Urban Development Fund which
makes loans to ULBs and in turn borrows from the capital market.

Private equity: Apart from these options, the waste management sector is fast catching
the eye of private equity players.. As India transitions into a more western livelihood with
increased consumption of packaged material, waste volumes can only increase.
According to industry experts multiple revenue streams and government subsidies make
the waste business attractive with expected return on equity in excess of 25%. Support
from JNNURM, availability of by-products and WTE products, and longer contract
agreements make the sector quite attractive.

Issues and Challenges

Lack of information: The level of awareness for paying proper costs for the waste
generated is not enough with the generators of waste, both at the domestic and the
industrial level. This results in open dumping or unsafe disposal of waste. Further, this
has also made it difficult to find detailed data for the waste generated and hence to
formulate a proper strategy for waste management. Since many small-scale waste
disposal and recycle projects are currently undertaken by the informal sector, finding
actual information regarding the costs and revenues of any waste disposal project is
neither easy nor perfect.

The degree of community sensitivity and public awareness in India towards proper waste
management practices is low. There has been no major effort in the past to create
community awareness, either about the likely perils due to poor waste management or
the simple steps that every consumer can take, which will help reduce waste generation
and promote effective management of the waste generated.

Implementation issues: The lack of regulatory control for the management of waste in
the past has led to the stockpiling and unscientific disposal of waste in the country over
the years. Although the concept of waste management is now receiving increased
attention, the waste which has already accumulated remains a challenge. A lack of
enforcement allows unscrupulous waste handlers to fake compliance while dealing
incorrectly with the waste in practice. Further, there is no established framework for the
collection and recycling of wastes such as e-waste and plastics. The amount of these
wastes is increasing unchecked because of the rapid economic growth, urbanisation and
upgraded income level of workers. Overall, India has among the most exhaustive
acts/rules formulated for environment protection and waste management in the world.
However, adherence to these rules has always been a major problem. Multiple
institutional structures with over lapping jurisdiction, absence of a regulatory authority,
and lack of municipal capabilities are some of the primary issues resulting in poor
compliance of rules/acts.

Manpower & technical issues: There is a visible lack of trained and aware manpower in
the waste management sector in the country. Collection is mainly done by rag-pickers
and segregation and transportation is carried out by scrap dealers in the unorganised
27

sector who are not properly trained for handling different types of wastes. Even at the
regulatory levels there is an absence of complete training and information about waste
handling as well as a shortage of manpower. Officials from related government agencies
like customs and pollution control boards acknowledge their inability to check every point
of waste generation because of shortage of men and machinery. They resort to random
checks or tips from the respective departments intelligence teams. Besides, the problem
is aggravated because of delays in determining the nature of waste generated due to lack
of state-of-the-art equipment and technology. There are also concerns regarding unsafe
recycling activities by the informal sector. Recycling activities are very labour intensive
such as manual segregation or dismantling and extracting of valuable metals like gold
and silver by simply heating e-waste with no focus on pollution control.

Inadequate treatment and disposal capacity: Another challenge is a mismatch in
treatment capacity and generation. Few states in the country have treatment, disposal
and storage facilities (TSDFs) or incineration facilities. In the states with these facilities,
there is a mismatch in generation and treatment capacity. For instance, while Andhra
Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have surplus capacities to handle the
present quantities of waste generated in their states, TSDFs in Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal do not have adequate capacity for the
same. Further, the growth of such capacities has been slow.

Conclusion

India is one of the most promising environmental markets in Asia. A comprehensive plan for
waste management across waste types and generators can ensure optimal use of this
opportunity. As environmental awareness grows and the land deficit and prices continue to rise,
there will be greater regulatory, social and economic pressure on industries to step up
investments in technologies and practices that ensure optimal waste management. Industrial and
municipal waste will continue to remain a much sought after service sector given the current
economic and population growth rates. Meanwhile, a shift in focus from waste management to
waste reduction is expected.

To ensure efficient implementation of strategies for the future, an urgent step in the present will
be to correct the lack of information on current waste generation and projections for future
generation in the country. The quantity of waste generated should be regularly weighed. This
must be complemented by characterisation studies. The baseline data must be collected in a
scientific manner using predetermined parameters like population size, sector wise generation,
activities of industrial, commercial and health units, seasonal variations, etc.

With energy recovery from waste emerging as a suitable option for waste that cannot be recycled,
more countries are widening the horizon of their waste management hierarchies. This involves
more comprehensive waste management integrating strategies of reduction, reuse, recycling and
recovery of energy as well as involvement of all stakeholders (consumers, producers, informal
sector, NGOs, governments, judiciaries etc.) under the waste management hierarchy.

Finally, national level policies must be complemented with relevant state level policies and local
level regulations and by-laws. The laws should be simple; not open to interpretations and easy to
implement, thereby ensuring compliance.






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Sources of Information

Waste Management in India by India Infrastructure Research

http://india.gov.in/sectors/environment/index.php

www.mbendi.com

www.ibef.org

http://www.mbendi.com/indy/wste/as/in/index.htm

http://www.indianindustry.com/energy-conservation-services/12671.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_management

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability_and_environmental_management

http://www.scribd.com/doc/19143609/Mining-and-Environment-India

http://www.gits4u.com/envo/envo4.htm

http://www.gits4u.com/envo/envo4.htm

Disclaimer:

The information covered in this report is gathered from various sources. We do not hold
responsibility for the correctness of the information. It is advised to thoroughly verify all of the
facts and due diligence before entering into any contract.