THE ENVIRONMENT

 

Air pollution &Water pollution

Hazardous substances management

Coastal regulation zone

Pollution control committee

  

               State of Environment :

The inhabitants of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are fortunate to have a clean environment so far, obviously due to existence of extensive forest cover, limited population and very little industrial activity in these islands.  Studies conducted by the Central Ground Water Board, Eastern Region, Calcutta, Central Electro-chemical Research Institute, Chennai and Central Pollution Control Board, Zonal Office, Calcutta have shown that the levels of air, water and noise pollution in these islands are well within the limits.

                       Air Pollution

The industrial activities are scattered in these islands. Most of the industries are located in South Andaman especially near Port Blair.  The industrial activities are basically wood based and automobile workshops. At present no major air pollution from industrial sources are threatening in the A & N Islands.  Another major source of air pollution is emissions from vehicles but it is not alarming.      

Water Pollution

           There is no water based industry in the A & N Islands.  The water pollution level is very much below the limits.  Port Blair is the only thickly populated town in these islands.  The Municipal Council is responsible to maintain cleanliness in the town.  In absence of a sewerage system in the town, the sewage goes to sea through the drains and gutters. Development of a sewerage system for Port Blair Town is under active consideration.  The population throughout the islands is wholly dependent on surface water for their domestic needs.  The Central Ground Water Board, Eastern Region, Calcutta had undertaken a hydrogeological investigation and analysis shows that the ground water is of good quality and suitable for domestic consumption and drinking purpose.  

  Hazardous substances Management

            In A & N Islands no industrial unit producing hazardous substances exist.  However, there are three plywood industries which use hazardous chemicals.  Regular inspections by the local Pollution Control Committee are carried out.  All of them have prepared the Emergency Plan and Safety Report as stipulated in the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989.

• Solid Waste Management

Due to increasing population and developmental activities the waste generated is being released into the adjoining coastal environment affecting its quality. The administration has engaged National Environmental Engineering Research Institute(NEERI), to assess the impact of solid waste and suggest remedial measures.  

• Bio-Medical Waste Management 

            There are three Hospitals, four Community Health Centres and seventeen Primary Health Centres. Andaman Nicobar Pollution Control Committee, is taking necessary steps for safe Environmental management of Hospital Wastes under the Bio-Medical Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules 1998.  

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)

            This Union Territory has a coastline of 1962 km. which is ¼th  of mainland India. The provisions of Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 as amended from time to time are being implemented by various designated authorities as stipulated in the Govt. of India approved Coastal Zone Management Plan for these islands. In this Union Territory of A & N Islands, the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) have been categorized into three zones-CRZ-I, CRZ-II and CRZ-IV. CRZ-I forms the major part which includes reserved forests, protected forests, mangroves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, ecologically sensitive areas etc. The entire rural/revenue area is under CRZ-IV except a very small area which is under CRZ-II. No new construction is permissible with 500 mtrs. Of the High Tide Line in CRZ-I and within 200 mtrs. of the High Tide Line in CRZ-IV areas. Thus, it helps in protection of the coastal area and hence the environment to a considerable extent.

              In the absence of perennial rivers, the sea beaches are the only sources of sand required for the various constructions and infrastructures. Sand mining from the selected sites in non-degraded areas is being regulated by a Committee, constituted for the purpose under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of this Administration, with the approval of the Central Govt. from time to time by amending the CRZ Notification, 1991.  A State Level Environment Council under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor advises the Administration on issues related to environment protection. 

  Pollution Control Committee

            The Pollution Control Committee Andaman and Nicobar Islands was formally constituted on 24^th November 1991 by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and it has been notified in the Gazette of India vide no. 33 on 16^th January 1992.

        Constitution

            The committee has the Secretary (Science & Technology) as its chairman, the Director (Science & Technology) its member-Secretary and seven members which include Head of the Departments of Environment & Forests, Police APWD, Port Management Board, Health, Agriculture and Industries.  

         Objectives

1.      To Plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention and control of Pollution of water, Land and Air.

2.      To encourage conduct and participate in investigation and research into problems of Pollution of Water, Land and Air for the Prevention of such Pollution.

3.      To prescribe, modify and review the standards relating to discharge of trade effluent of sewage, emissions into the Air from Industries and Automobiles and Oil spills from Ships.

4.      To Reach the people and educate them on Pollution and its Consequences and to make Pollution Control a mass movement.

          Functions

1.               To enforce the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1977 and Amendment Act, 1991 the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Environment (Protection)Rules, 1986.

2.               To co-ordinate the Activities of various Developmental Departments and Industries.

3.               To inspect sewage or Trade effluents works and plants for the treatment of sewage and trade effluents and disposal of sewage or trade effluents.

4.               The committee may establish a Laboratory to perform its functions under these sections efficiently including the analysis of samples of water from any stream, well, river or sea or samples of any sewage or trade effluents.

5.               To take legal actions against defaulters.

        The following Acts and Rules notified by Central Pollution Control Board are being enforced by the Committee in these islands.

  1.      The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, as            amended up to 1988.

2.      The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1975.

3.      The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)  (Procedure for Transaction of Business) Rules 1975.

4.      The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) cess Act 1977, as

      amended by Amendment Act, 1991.

5.      The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) cess Rules, 1978.

6.      The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, as amended by the amendment Act, 1987.

7.      The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1982.

8.      The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Union Territories) Rules, 1983.

9.      The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

10.  Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989

11. Manufacture, Storage and import, export and storage of Hazardous        Micro-Organisms Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells Rules,  1989.

12. Bio Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 1998

13. Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rule 1999.