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SOER (Status of Environmental Report)

The Status of Environment Report, 2004 of Chhattisgarh is prepared by Chhattisgarh Environmental Conservation Board with the help of Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. The Report also analyses the Vision 2010 document brought out by the State Government of Chhattisgarh. 

    

State of Environment - Chhattisgarh has been prepared by IIT, Bombay under the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Government of India (GOI), New Delhi in consultation with Environmental Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI), Hyderabad, a National Host Institution, to assist the local government. Pressure, State, Impact, Response (PSIR) methodology, an internationally recognized method has been adopted to study the pressure on the state of environment by different sectors. The report contains twelve chapters which deal with various sectors including geography and demography, agriculture and allied sectors, water resources, forests and biodiversity, tribal development, energy and power, industries and growth, urban development, transportation and tourism, mining and health. Pressures caused by the sectoral development on environment, the present state of environment, impact of environment due to the altered state of environment and the responses of the society and the government in terms of its policies are discussed in detail in each of these sectors. 

Executive Summary

Environmental Status Report -2004, State of Chhattisgarh

State of Environment – Chhattisgarh has been prepared by IIT, Bombay under the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Government of India (GOI), New Delhi in consultation with Environmental Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI), Hyderabad, a National Host Institution, to assist the local government. Pressure, State, Impact, Response (PSIR) methodology, an internationally recognized method has been adopted to study the pressure on the state of environment by different sectors. The report contains twelve chapters which deal with various sectors including geography and demography, agriculture and allied sectors, water resources, forests and biodiversity, tribal development, energy and power, industries and growth, urban development, transportation and tourism, mining and health. Pressures caused by the sectoral development on environment, the present state of environment, impact of environment due to the altered state of environment and the responses of the society and the government in terms of its policies are discussed in detail in each of these sectors. A brief summary of the report is presented below.

 The Madhya Pradesh Reorganization Act-2000” paved the way for the creation of Chhattisgarh on 25 th August 2000. The State of Madhya Pradesh was bifurcated into Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh on the First day of November 2000 by the Government of India. The State of Chhattisgarh lies between 17 º46-24º 8 N latitude and 80º  15-84º24 E longtitude. The State measures 640 km from North to South and 336 km from East to West with a total area of 1,35,194 sq.km. Jagdalpur is the largest district (17016.40 Sq.Km) while Kawardha is the smallest district (3958.01 Sq.Km.) in area

 Land use in the State portrays a dismal picture. Some pressures of inequality of land distribution on environment are excessive grazing pressure caused due to increase in permanent pastures leading to disturbance in succession. Morover, barren and uncultivated area is on the higher percent, which leads to the dumping and accumulation of wastes, hence creating an additional pressure on environment. The present area of 1.3 lakh sq.km for a population of 12 million, makes available 1.07 ha of land per capita. It needs to be noted that only 46% of land is available for cultivation, and only 0.5 ha per capita land is used for various types of agricultural activities including cultivation of food grains, oilseeds, pulses, cash crops, fodder etc. which is barely sufficient for sustenance and speaks about the immense pressure of the population. Even under these  adverse conditions, unfortunately 2% is put as cultivable waste land, and another 2% is left as current fallow.

 The average rainfall in Chhattisgarh compares well with several other states. However, the neglect of traditional water preservation practices in recent times has led to frequent droughts. This has caused a great pressure on agriculture of the State. Further, the proportion of irrigated area in the State is only 16 percent of the total cultivable area. The soil of the region is deficient in important mineral nutrients like calcium and magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, lime and potash, which is concentrated in the lower parts of the soil layer. About 17.61 per cent of the State has very high soil drainage due to presence of coarse soil and highly undulating terrain with fairly high slope. Inadequate rains in the State has caused a pressure for fodder to most of the livestock and water during drought periods. Fodder availability in the State is also affected by dwindling forests, declining pastures and grass lands and conversion of grazing fields to cash lands. The present reservoir productivity is quite low and the aquatic ecosystem in the State is under severe pressure due to lack of essential nutrients, which govern the increase in the productivity of aquatic species. Lack of nutrient cycling has decreased the productivity of aquatic species and hence has affected the pristine aquatic resources of the State. Main pressure for horticulture is the inadequate availability of soil in the State. About 20% soil of the cultivated area in the region is red-laterite (Bhata) soil, which is mostly unutilized for growing any crop. Soil has to be treated before it can be put for horticulture development, thus imposing additional pressure to existing soil resources. Pressures to horticulture also arise from the excessive usage of insecticides and fertilizers.

 Chhattisgarh is known as the "rice bowl" of Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh used to produce over seventy percent of the total paddy production in the country. Apart from paddy, cereals like maize, kodo-kutki and other small millets, pulses like tur and kulthi and oilseeds like groundnut, soyabean, niger and sunflower are also grown. Livestock sector in the State is mainly contributed by cattle, bovines, sheep, and goats. Bovines contribute to the maximum population of livestock in the State. Raipur district tops in the bovine population, with Durg and Ambikapur taking the second and third position  respectively. Among small ruminants, goats dominate in their population followed by sheep and poultry. Bilaspur and Raipur districts possess the highest population of ruminants in the State. There are 1467 irrigation reservoirs (80760 ha.) and 45,250 village ponds and tanks, (63498 ha.) thus contributing a total of 1,44,258 ha. available for fish culture in the newly formed state. The present production of fish in the state is approximately 96,660 tonnes; however, it has the potential to increase upto 1,45,000 tonnes i.e. an increase of 50% over a period of five years proposed in 10th five year plan of 1,45,000 metric tones. The climate in the State is ideally suited for promoting horticulture on large scale. Banana cultivation is practiced in the districts Raipur, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Durg, Rajnandgoan, Bilaspur, Janjgir Champa, Korba, Surguja, Bastar, Kanker and Dantewada. Papaya is being cultivated in the districts of Raipur, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, Korba and Janjgir. Grapes cultivation is being carried out in the districts of Raipur, Rajnandgaon, and Durg.

The State government has accorded top priority to agriculture and promotes sustainable agriculture in the State, which has minimum impacts on the environment. Khet Ganga is an irrigation scheme promoted by government for rain shadow regions which is meant for sustainable utilization of ground water resources. Gaon Ganga scheme was launched on 19 November, 2000 for sustainable response to the problem of recurring drought and scarcity of water by creating a Ganges (Ganga) in every village and habitat. Initiatives by the State government towards an environmental friendly aquaculture are development of waterlogged areas, and productive utilization of inland saline/alkaline waters for aquaculture. Fruit development is encouraged through bank loan and through self finance. Fruit training centre has been established at Raipur. Gardener training centre has been set up at Bilaspur, Raipur, Ambikapur, and Bastar. Chhattisgarh has initiated and established “Integrated Livestock Development Centres” (ILDC) with the financial assistance from Rural Development Department of the State in November 1997. After establishment it has covered 33 blocks of 11 district of the State and established 170 ILDC’s. Each ILDC cell will have duration of five years.

The State has sufficient water resources and a large untapped potential. The main pressures facing this sector include the low utilization of developed water resources, inequitable development of resources, low coverage of urban water supply, low operation and maintenance budget, thin spread of resources, low recovery rate and tarrif.

 Surface water inflow into the State is through four major interstate rivers-Ganga, Mahanadi, Godavari, and Narmada. The river waters are utilized for irrigation, urban water supply and aquaculture. The estimated surface water available for use is around 41,720 Million Cubic Meter (MCM). None of the water sources are safe for drinking or bathing without conventional water treatment. The overall stage of development of ground water is low, generally in the range of 6.29% in Bastar district to 53.99% in Dhamtari district. However, there are few pockets of intensive development. Out of 146 blocks, stage of ground water development in 4 blocks has crossed 70%. Gurur Block in Durg district has the highest stage of ground water development (84.6%). Four blocks (Balod, Saja, Baramkela, and Belha) have stages of ground water development between 60 and 70%. All other blocks have stage of development less than 60%.

 In Chhattisgarh, surface water is mostly of good quality, but pollution is increasing in major towns due to increasing urbanization. Rivers such as Shivnath, Hasdeo, Indrawati, Kharoon etc. are found to be polluted at different stretches due to industrial, domestic and agricultural pollution. Among all the rivers, Hasdeo river is the most polluted. Surface and ground water resources in the State are disturbed due to major industrial centers located in the State at Bhilai, Korba, Raipur, Bilaspur, and Raigarh districts. One of the biggest steel plants of the country and many ancillary industries are located in Bhilai. In Korba, besides a super thermal power station, an aluminum smelter unit is also present. Major cement plants are operating in Raipur and Bilaspur area. Thermal power stations using coal emit vast quantities of fly ash and coal dust .If adequate measures are not taken the deposition of these on the surface water bodies can bring down the infiltration rate and consequently the ground water recharge. Water used in manufacturing industry picks up high TDS, acidity or alkalinity, heavy metals such as Cr6+, Cd, As, Hg, Ni, Fe, and Mn. etc. Where water is used for cooking purposes, algae inhibitors and pH adjustors are often used. This results in high temperature (Thermal Pollution), and increase in TDS, acidity, alkalinity etc. Contamination of groundwater with fluoride, heavy metals, arsenic, nitrate and brackishness has been reported in eight districts of Chhattisgarh. Ground water level in these districts has dropped by more than four metres in the period 1981-2000. Bhilai, Korba, Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh and Sarguja are the notable districts affected by ground water contamination.

The Government will develop mechanism for water resource management including conservation of wetlands, encouragement of optimal use and recycling of waste water, assessment and monitoring of quality of surface and ground water and its optimal utilization and promotion of judicious use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and implementing measures against their disposal into water bodies. Chattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) is involved in the preparation of action Plan for prevention/control of pollution in streams due to discharge of sewage into the water bodies of the State. The State Government has initiated the Rs.6,000 million ‘Indira Gaon Ganga Yojna’ scheme under which every village would be provided with atleast one dependable and sustainable source of water for drinking and other needs. The scheme also sensitizes the communities towards the need to preserve water and avoid wastage. Under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP), Government of India has sanctioned a loan assistance of around Rs.3280 million for three major projects. According to government estimates, Rs.98,870 million would be needed to make drinking water available through out the State.

Forests of the State are subject to enormous pressures due to the large human and cattle population and widespread rural poverty. These pressures are resulting in deforestation and forest degradation. The pressures on biodiversity include population growth, settlement patterns and the accompanying consumption levels. Medicinal Plants in the State have been significantly disturbed by land clearing, development and agriculture. The aquatic biodiversity of the State is under severe threat due to climate change, heavy pollution load from industries and run off from agricultural fields. About 645 medicinal plants are present in the State. Studies conducted by medicinal plant experts in this region have identified 31 species to be on the verge of extinction, 96 species as endangered and 70 species as precious in the State.

About 12% of the India’s forests are in Chhattisgarh, and 44% of the states land is under forests. Identified as one of the richest bio-diversity habitats, the Green State of Chhattisgarh has the densest forests in India and above all, over 200 non-timber forest products, with tremendous potential for value addition. The state covers 4.4% of the total geographical area of the country. Over 0.59 lakh sq. km area in the State is under forest constituting about 44% of its geographical area. Its neighbouring state Madhya Pradesh, has 26.9% of its entire area comprising of 83,016 sq.km for forest cover and it constitutes about 11.0% of the country’s forest and tree cover. Out of the total forest cover placed at 56448 Sq.Km., the extent of dense forest  is 37880 and open forest is 18568 Sq.Km. The changes in forest cover in the year 2001 as compared to 1999 shows a decline in forest cover by 245 Sq.Km.(0.432%).  

The floral biodiversity is complex comprising of different species including Aonla, , Neem , Imli , Harra , Bel , Baheda , Baibidang , Baichandi, Adusa, Kalihari, Safed Mulsi, Kali musli , Aloe vara , Lemon grass , Bixa orellana , Ashwagandha, Isabghol , Sarpa gandha , Malkangni , Kali haldi , Nirmali , Kuchla , Tikhur , Keokand , Kiwanch , Sarphokha Bhuai amla , Giloy , Nagar motha , Kalmegh , Satabar , Bidarikand , Ananth Mul , Brahmi , Bach , Jangli haldi , Jangli piaj , Rasna , Chitrak,  Shankpuspi , Ratti, Tejraj , Bhojraj , Gokhaur , Bavachi, Bhragnraj , Salparni and senna . In Chhattisgarh 1,685 specimens of different plant species have been collected. Till now 1685 species belonging to 785 genera and 147 families have been identified and preserved in the herbarium. Ten dominant families of Chhattisgarh are Fabaceae, Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Acanthanaceae, Convulvulaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiacaeae, Scorphulariaceae.

The wild fauna consists of  Tiger, Panther, Sambhar, Blue bull (Nilgai), Chinkara, Chital, wagtails, Munias, Blue king fisher, Jangli murgi, Red Spur fall, Phakta, Ducks, Baj, Harial, Neelkanth Kabootar, Koel, Bhura Teetar, Kala Teetar, Tree pie, Drongo, Shikara, Giddha, Bagula, Dubchick, Wild pig, Hanuman, Langoor, Rhesus monkey, Porcupine, Hare, Wild dogs, Jungle cat, Jackals, Hyena, Fox, Kobra, Python, Monitor lizards, Peacock, Barlets, Bulbulis, Minivets oriolets, Wild cat, Cheetal. Barking deer, Jackal, Sloth bear, Flying squirrel, Crocodile, Otter and Civet.

Direct and indirect negative impacts on forest plant and animal resources, on ecological functions of the forests (including conservation of biological diversity and carbon and water cycles) are caused by poorly planned and implemented extraction of timber and non-timber products, logging and transport roads, construction of facilities for logging camps or for recreational activities in the forests, and by waste accumulation. Direct and indirect impacts on human health, and on cultural and social foundations also occur in and around areas of active forest utilization.

Current in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts are based on a combination of holistic eco-system based schemes and those specifically based on apex key species. Some of these are in the form of programmes such as Bio-sphere reserves, Tiger reserves, national parks and sanctuaries, wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, deserts and mountains. Since the conservation of an entire range of species is neither practical nor possible, survey organizations may identify the key stone and umbrella species. Conserving such species ensures protection of all related species as well. Similarly, there is a need to develop models/packages for the conservation of endemic species as well.  There are three National Parks and 11 sanctuaries. Indravati National Park is the only Tiger Reserve declared so far.

The involvement of communities in forest management is now a significant feature of national as well as state forest policy. The state has begun community-based initiatives in executing forest schemes/programs. A new Joint Forest Management (JFM) resolution, specifying clear guidelines regarding formation of JFM committees, allocation of rights and duties among the communities and sharing of benefits to communities has already been issued in November, 2001. There are two types of JFM committees in the state. One is Forest Protection Committee (FPC) and the other is Village Forest Committee (VFC). FPCs are formed in those villages which adjoin dense forests. The VFCs are formed in those villages, which adjoin to degraded forests. JFM committees have been formed in all the six territorial circles of the state. There are 7787 FPC and VFC covering about 7495 villages in the state.  They cover about 48% of the total forest area of the state. The state Govt. has formed a medicinal board in the year 2001 to promote medicinal plant conservation in the state. The medicinal plants  board aims at educating the people for proper identification, uses and medicinal plants conservation. The board would also give new direction to medicinal and herbal plant cultivation, marketing and exploitation.  The state has also formed a State Bio-diversity Board in the year 2001 to supervise formulation of state Bio-Diversity Strategy and Action Plan. A state level wildlife board has also been constituted in order to advise to state Govt. on the matter of wildlife conservation under the wildlife Act-1972.

Chhattisgarh has the largest tribal population in central India, which is diverse in location, origin, socio-cultural history, language, livelihood and level of development. In Chhattisgarh, tribal concentration is in the northeast and the southern parts of the State. The northeastern area is home to the Oraons, Kawar, Majhi, Bharia, Agaria, Nagasia, Khairwar, Dhanwar and Korwas, comprising districts of Surguja, Raigarh, Bilaspur and areas of other adjoining districts. The area has a number of primitive tribes such as Korwas and smaller groups of Baiga. The southern area comprising Bastar and Dantewada districts have very high tribal concentration and are populated by various tribes such as the Gond, Bhatra, Halba, Maria and Pardhi. In terms of population, the Gond is the largest tribe in Chhattisgarh.  Poverty and deprivation, low income for livelihood and sustenance and loss of biodiversity and productivity have succumbed the tribes to health hazards. Fever, jaundice, malaria, cough, dysentry, fever, bodyache, headache,  stomachache, are the common health ailments which are the health impacts on the tribal community in the State. The Department of Tribal and Scheduled Castes Welfare (DTSCW) looks into the development of tribal areas and communities in the State. The department promotes and protects the rights of the tribal communities in accordance with the spirit of consultation. It also implements programs for the educational and economic development among tribal people of the State.

Chhattisgarh is leveraging ahead to be the power hub of the nation. The construction of hydropower plants for electric power generation in the State (Korba, Hasdeo Bango) has altered  sizable portions of land. This has disturbed the wild life habitat and the farm land. Electric power plants that use water for power production or cooling alter or eliminate natural ecological and hydrological functions in aquatic systems. These facilities affect riverine, estuarine, and marine systems, and they have contributed significantly to aquatic species decline. Hydroelectric dams have caused erosion along the river bed upstream and downstream, and this has further disturbed wildlife ecosystems and fish populations in the State.

Chhattisgarh has a potential capacity of 50,000 MW of power given its rich coal resources. Along with Bihar and Orissa, Chhattisgarh accounts for nearly 84 per cent of the coal reserves in the country. With an installed capacity of 1360 MW and an average demand of 1200 MW, Chhattisgarh is already a power surplus State. Hydro-electric power currently accounts for nearly 8 % of the State’s electricity output. About 121.5 MW of electricity generated in the State is from hydro-power stations.

Energy conversion significantly impacts several areas of concern from a health and environment point of view, including indoor and urban pollution, acidification, climate change, and land degradation. The combustion of biomass produces air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates such as soot and ash. Asthma is the most common non-infectious, non-smoking related chronic respiratory disease in Chhattisgarh. 

Various measures have been taken by the government for energy conservation. Chhattisgarh Environment Conservaiton Board (CECB) has directed all the thermal power plants in the State to utilize fly ash as per the provisions of the MOEF, 1999. To create awareness and dissemination of information, in addition to several meetings at the State Government and District Level Workshop and seminars on fly ash utilization has been organized in the recent past. The State government has taken up an ambitious project for electrifying over 1253 villages in remote areas with solar energy. Biomass power plants have been promoted by the State Government for non-conventional energy generation. Approximately 1,00,00 Mw non conventional energy power bas been generated through biomass power plants between 2000 and 2002. A biomass project of 6 MW has been set up in Bilaspur. Efforts to tap geothermal and tidal energy are also continuing. The geothermal fields in Tattapani in Chattisgarh are being developed for power generation.

Since the onset of the industrial revolution, there has been a steady change in the composition of the atmosphere mainly due to the combustion of fossil fuels used for the generation of energy and transportation. Air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting the developing and the developed countries alike. The effects of air pollution on health are very complex as there are many different sources and their individual effects vary from one to the other. Air pollutants that are inhaled have serious impact on human health  in the State affecting the lungs and the respiratory system. About 26.1% of children under age 5 suffer from acute respiratory disorders (ARI) along with fever and diarrhoea.

The industrial sector contributes 30% of the state’s GDP. The spur in the industrial growth has consequently led to an increase in environmental pollution. The large scale generation of hazardous industrial waste has imposed a huge pressure on water resources of the State. Industrial growth also has resulted in an increase in employment and urbanization. Large scale immigration to the State has resulted in a huge pressure on natural resources including land, air and water.

The state has 165 large and medium scale industries with an investment of over Rs.8,000 crores giving direct employment to over 230,000 persons. The spur in the industrial growth has consequently led to an increase in environmental pollution. The major industrial centers in the State are located at Bhilai, Korba, Raipur, Bilaspur, and Raigarh districts. One of the biggest steel plants of the country and many ancillary industries are located in Bhilai. In Korba, besides a super thermal power station, an aluminum smelter unit is also present. Major cement plants are operating in Raipur Bilaspur  area. Urban air is highly polluted in many districts, especially Korba due to the industrial activity in the district.

The industrial units in the State have not constructed the Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). Lack of planning during establishment of industrial units towards effluent treatment and management has led to the adverse effects of industrial effluent discharges upon receiving water bodies.  About 60% of the small and medium category industries in the State fall under the red category. This will impose a severe threat to the environment and has to be dealt with carefully. Industrial pollution has led to health impacts in Rajnandgaon district in the State.

As per the information available with CPCB as on 30th June 2002, out of the total major category industries numbering 16, 1 is closed already, 14 of them have the necessary facilities for implementation of pollution control measures. The government encourages industries to adopt clean technologies and processes and funds are being provided for the setting up of combined facilities for effluent treatment and hazardous wastes. Public and private sector industries involve themselves actively in environmental protection.

NMDC has incurred total expenditure of about 11.43 crores for Environmental . protection, upgradation and Pollution control measures for all its projects. Preparation of  district wise zoning atlas for the proper sites of industries has been taken up by the State government. Towards waste recycling and reduction, fly ash utilization has been promoted by Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board. It has also instituted the “Environmental award” for industrial pollution control. Grasim Cement, Rawan, Raipur is honored with Vanvasi Sant Gahira Guruji Maharaj Chhattisgarh Environment Award-2003 for its outstanding work for environment conservation in the industrial sector.

There are 16 districts in the state, major ones being Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, Korba and Bastar.  The urban population of Chhattisgarh is 41.75 lakhs which is 31% of the total population of the State. The spread of urban population also differs in its level of concentration in the State. Raipur and Durg account for almost half of the total urban population in Chhattisgarh. The urban pressure has thus increased on the key districts. The rapid urbanization along with other major problems of shelter and basic infrastructure facilities, environmental degradation sets in. A large quantity of waste is generated resulting in air, water and noise pollution. There has been a tremendous pressure on the existing basic urban services including land and waterways. In Bilaspur, an underground sewerage line was constructed almost 20 years ago, but is not being used, as it is not connected to houses. Similar situation prevails in Korba, where most of the houses have individual septic tanks.

The urban air in Chhattisgarh is rapidly getting polluted due to emissions generated from various anthropogenic activities. The combustion of fossil fuels for domestic energy needs, for power generation, in motor vehicles and in industrial processes is the principal source of air pollutants in urban and industrial areas. The most common air pollutants in urban industrial environments are suspended particulate matter (SPM), sulphur dioxide (SO2), the nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3) and lead (Pb). SPM levels have exceeded the critical limit of discharge for both Industrial and residential areas. It is significant to mention that Korba is one among the cities topped in the list of top ten polluted areas.

Growing urban agglomerates generate large quantity of waste, both liquid and solid. The district towns have not been provided with any facilities for proper treatment/disposal of the wastes. Abandoned quarries and local depressions are converted into land-fill sites. Septic tanks are used for individual household. Leachate from old mine tailing and settling ponds also causes ground water pollution. These problems are associated with both active and abandoned mines.

There is lack of sanitation in all the cities. The discharge of untreated/partially treated wastewater in the urban centres pollute the water resources. The toxicants have direct impact on fauna, flora and human beings. Eutrophication has resulted due to the addition of nutrients like phospohorus and nitrogen in rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs etc. Towns like Raipur and Bilaspur have sewerage system which suffers from lack of maintanence.

Urban local bodies have been formed in the State for an efficient urban planning and management. The Government is paying attention to all aspects of urban infrastructure, including urban transport, drinking water, sanitation and sewerage, solid waste management, street lighting, parks and recreation areas, leisure infrastructure, and integrated traffic flows. The Government is considering promulgation of an Urban Infrastructure Development Act to facilitate private sector participation. Urban local bodies would prepare a master plan for solid waste management. Segregation of waste into bio degradable and non-degradable at the source of generation, enforcement of polluter pays principle with heavy fines for public littering, slum rehabilitation and  preparation of integrated environmental management plan for urban centres are some of the responses of the State and society towards urban development.

Environmental pressures arise due to the increasing vehicle population in the State. According to Directorate of Economics and Statistics, the total number of vehicles increased from 7,12,976 (1999-2000) to 7,81,469 (2000-2001) (9.61%) and a phenomenal increase to 856,840 (2001-2002) (10.91%). The average road density in the State is 25.5 km per100 sq.km. Districts like Korba, Koriya, Bastar, Raigarh, Surguja and Dantewada have very low road density and there is a need to increase road length in these districts. There is a mismatch between road length and traffic density which has increased due to the vehicle population. Most of the roads are kuccha roads and they cause more emissions of pollutants due to fuel wastage from vehicles  affecting State economy.   Petrol-driven vehicles increased at a higher rate than the diesel-driven vehicles. Motor cycles and scooters have resulted in increased emission of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons which are a great pressure on the environment. They have increased the urban air pollution of the State. Environmental pressures arise due to the increasing vehicle population in the State.

Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions are the major contributors for urban air pollution. Average CO and HC emissions of various types of petrol-driven vehicles monitored during 1999-2003 for Bastar District showed that the average CO and HC emissions from the passenger cars were 4.88% and 1704 ppm, respectively, which is significantly higher than the standards prescribed for the petrol driven four wheeler. Increasing smoke density from the vehicles pollute the urban air and sometimes impair vision also. Vehicular emissions and air pollution due to transportation has adversely affected the health of the citizens. Acute Respiratory illness dominate the State’s illness among Children. In CG state, diarrhoea accounts for 25% of the state’s health burden. Other diseases related to poor water, sanitation and hygiene in the state include Malaria, Cholera, Tuberculosis, infectious diseases Gastroenterititis, Trachoma, Poliomyelitis and Protein-energy malnutrition. Prevelance of high incidence of respiratory illness among the urban children is an indication that air is getting polluted.

Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) has implemented the vehicle emission monitoring system in the State. CECB is carrying out the Vehicle Emission Monitoring since 1.5.92 for testing the emissions from goods transport vehicles in Raipur City in 3 locations. CECB has established Vehicle Emission Monitoring Stations in the other districts also. Vehicle Emission Monitoring Stations have been established in Raipur, Korba, Jagdalpur and Bilaspur. Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board has installed and commissioned Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems in major industries under the World Bank aided Industrial Pollution Control Project.  Further, establishing a Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System at major towns is under progress.

The high quality of the built and natural environment of the State is well documented and widely recognized. It has attracted a large number of tourists. There is concern that the increase in large numbers of visitors will exert pressure on the quality of the environment which attracts them to the area. Future growth in the tourism and leisure sector is expected, but if this is to happen in a sustainable way, the issues of access and travelling within the area must be addressed.

The Tourism Policy is focused on creating an unique image for the State and to position it as an attractive destination. It aims at promoting economically, culturally and ecologically sustainable tourism in the state. Besides strengthening the quality and attractiveness of the tourism experience in Chhattisgarh, it strives to preserving, enriching and showcasing the rich and diverse cultural and ecological heritage of the State.

Chhattisgarh is the richest State in terms of mineral wealth. Chhattisgarh State, owing to its typical geological set up, is like a museum of minerals. With over 28 kinds of major and minor minerals present in the State, Chhattisgarh is the leader in terms of mineral potential among all the States. Pressures on the environment arise due to land degradation due to the dumps created by mining activity. There are substantial areas under forest cover and are occupied by tribal communities and the mining projects have immensely affected their habitation. Rehabilitation measures are still under progress for the project affected persons at the Boda Daldali mines in Kawardha district and at the Mainpat mines in Sarguja district.  

During mining operations, a lot of dust and fumes are added in the air and they enter the human body and the area of its influence is greatly increased in summer when strong winds are quite common. The noise level in the open cast mines of Korba has gone up to 90 decibels. It should be brought down to 45 decibels as residential localities may be affected.  The water stored in open spaces in depressions and ponds contains harmful components in many cases. Such waters are hard, contain more solids, dust particles and microscopic organisms which introduce a number of diseases in the long run and cause health hazards. Worm infections, jaundice, dysentery and skin diseases are quite common in the population of Korba district.

Gold and Uranium mining has caused serious health impacts across the State. The Koudiska village in Rajnandgaon district has been found to contain higher levels of arsenic. A few of tubewells and dug-wells contain water with very high levels of arsenic and people drinking water from these wells suffer from arsenical skin lesions. Out of the total number of adults and children examined at random, 42% and 9%, respectively have arsenical skin lesions. 75% of the people have arsenic in the hair above the toxic level and 91% in the nail above the normal level. During mining operations, a lot of dust and fumes are added in the air and they enter the human body and the area of its influence is greatly increased in summer when strong winds are quite common. The noise level in the open cast mines of Korba has gone up to 90 decibels. It should be brought down to 45 decibels as residential localities may be affected.  The water stored in open spaces in depressions and ponds contains harmful components in may cases. Such waters are hard, contain more solids, dust particles and microscopic organisms which introduce a number of diseases in the long run and cause health hazards. Worm infections, jaundice, dysentery and skin diseases are quite common in the population of Korba district.

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) is actively involved in environmental protection. NMDC has started afforestation on a planned pattern in consultation with Divisional Forest Officer (Social forestry) of concerned areas with the objectives of increasing the density around the project and  township, stabilisation of degraded lands and waste dumps for preventing soil erosion, rehabilitation of mined out areas, improving the condition of the catchment areas and stream courses and aesthetic look of the township areas. 

About 30% of the total burden of health in Chhattisgarh is attributable to environmental causes. A high prevalence of malnutrition; a high burden of communicable diseases in children and adults that includes malaria, water-borne diseases, tuberculosis and leprosy; an exploitative private system of healthcare are the main pressures faced by the health sector of the State.

Malaria continues to be a major health problem with 13, 000 cases reported in 2000. The cases reported upto October 2001 are 14.6 per cent less than those reported in the corresponding period. In CG state, diarrhoea accounts for 25% of the state’s health burden. Other diseases related to poor water, sanitation and hygiene in the state include Malaria, Cholera, Tuberculosis, infectious diseases Gastroenterititis, Trachoma, Poliomyelitis and Protein-energy malnutrition. . In Chhattisgarh, 26% of children under the age 3 years suffer from fever, the same 26% children with ARI and 21% have diarrhoea. About 62% ill with ARI are taken to health facility compared to 57% in Madhya Pradesh. About 59% of children ill with diarrhoea are taken to medical facility or health care provider.

Ground water contamination with arsenic has shown severe health impacts on the population of Rajnandgaon district of the State. Koudiska village is severely affected. About 42% of adults having arsenic skin lesions. About 75 % of people having arsenic above toxic level in hair and 91% of people having arsenic above toxic level in nail

The National Anti Malaria Program (NAMP) is being implemented all over the country and 100% central funding is provided to tribal districts in Chhattisgarh, where a five year enhanced malaria control project with assistance of world bank is in operation. Centrally Sponsored disease control programmes for the control of Malaria, Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Blindness, Aids, etc. Danish support has been extended to the new State as Chhattisgarh Basic Health Services Programme (CGBHSP). Leprosy Elimination Programs have been successfully implemented in the State. National Leprosy Elimination Program (NLEP) services have been successfully integrated into general health services. Arsenic contamination of ground water would be prevented by setting up small scale treatment plants at the panchayat level and the affected population have to be treated immediately.

The report gives the following recommendations

Agriculture and allied sectors

  • Promotion of sustainable farming including organic farming and crop rotation

  • Encourage use of bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticides.

  • In respect of fisheries, multipronged approach is essential to attain a sustainable aquaculture for the State.

  • Scientific management of fisheries will lead to an environmental friendly fish farming in the State. Unwanted and undesirable fishes from the pond must be removed. In few cases lime treatment desired. Species, numbers and ratio of carps need to be maintained. Apart from this, supplementary feed to fishes needs to be given.

  • In respect of horticulture, cultivation of crops like banana with proper drainage can not only contribute to the economy of the villagers, but also helps in maintaining soil productivity thorugh out the year.

  • Selection of crops should be based on the agro-climatic conditions. This would lead to successful horticultural practice in the State. Development of horticulture on State mission mode can change the scenario of the economic conditions of poor villagers.

Water Resources

  • Under National River Conservation Plan, the effects of industrial pollution on surface

     water must be studied. Along with this, the changes in sanitation technology, recycling

      domestic wastes must also be studied and promoted.

  • In arsenic affected village of Koudiska, efforts should be made to install small scale treatment

     plants to reduce the level of arsenic in ground water.

  • Sewage treatment plants (STPs) should be promoted to reduce the mixing of sewage with

      surface water bodies.

  • Rain water harvesting should be made mandatory for all new dwellings of the

      State to conserve water resource

  • Conjuctive use of ground water along with prevention of runoff (by land leveling)

     will help in conserving  ground water resources.

Biodiversity and Forests

  • Ecological habitats of the State need an immediate survey and analysis. A comprehensive Geographical information systems for ecological habitats should be developed.

  • Efforts should be made to conserve disappearing medicinal and herbal plants in the State.

  • Local communities should be educated on conservation and sustainable utilization of bio-resources and provide incentive mechanisms to local communities to protect and preserve traditional knowledge, innovations and practices. These incentives can be in the form of a part of the profits accruing from the commercialization of these resources and knowledge systems.

  • Modern techiniques of ex-situ conservation like “tissue culture” and biotechnology should be promoted for the preservation of endangered and threatened species of wild flora and fauna. Planting of exotic floral species and introduction of exotic faunal species should be avoided.

Tribal Development

  • Local communities should be mobilized through eco-awareness generation and information, exposure visits, technical training, skills training and specialist studies.

  • Local institutions have to be developed and training has to be imparted in participatory resource appraisal and micro-level planning, monitoring and evaluation for local leaders and project staff.

  • Tribal masses should be taught to identify biological resources of importance for conservation and biodiversity and regulate their use.

  • Women should be involved in capacity building and training programs and they should be nominated to decision making bodies.

Energy and Power

  • Encourage the use of non-conventional and renewable sources of energy such as small hydro, wind, biomass and solar energy.

  • Practice environmental friendly techniques of electricity generation to ensure that wild life are not disturbed due to heavy noise generated in conventional systems.

Industries and Growth

  • Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) should be constructed  in the Industrial growth centres.

  • Mechanism in place should be created for the proper storage of solid and hazardous waste generated by industries.

  • Focus on more research initiatives to reduce the adverse impact of industrial discharges and emissions on environment

  • Monitoring on a regular basis water quality in degraded zones, and air quality in disturbed areas should be taken up at the district level.

  • Private participation should be encouraged towards environmental protection and conservation in industrial planning and development

 Urban Development

  • There should be proper collection and storage of municipal solid wastes

  • At least one common waste treatment facility should be set up in each district for solid waste handling and management

  • Source Segregation of wastes should be practiced at the collection centres.

  • Mass awareness campaigns on hygiene and solid waste disposal should be conducted in all the urban centres through urban local bodies

  • Common biomedical waste facility should be set up at every main city and district to treat and dispose biomedical waste in a safe manner

  • Urban local bodies should take initiatives to encourage public participation in maintaining a healthy and a hygienic urban environment.

Transportation and Tourism

  • The government should accelerate the construction of rail mass transit, ring road, suburban local road network and other transport facilities to decrease the transit time and distance, thereby improving the quality of environment through lesser vehicle emission.

  • Ambient air quality monitoring program initiated by Chhattiisgarh Environment Conservation Borad (CECB) has been implemented only in few districts like Bilaspur, Korba, Raipur, Dantewada and Jagdalpur. It should be implemented in all districts.

  • Vehicle Emission Monitoring Stations have been established in Raipur, Korba, Jagdalpur and Bilaspur by CECB. Establishment of monitoring stations at all districts and legislation will reduce the severity of air pollution prevailing in states like Durg and Rajnandgoan.

  • Most of the kuccha roads cause more emissions of pollutants due to fuel wastage from vehicles. They should be converted to pucca roads.

  • Eco-tourism should be promoted to conserve ecological resources of the State

  • Wildlife tourism should be encouraged towards the appreciation of floral and faunal heritage of the state and for the purpose of setting up of wild life destinations.

Mining

  • The Government should ensure that exploration and mining activities are undertaken by ensuring that mining sites are rehabilitated according to environmental standards.

  • Environmental impact assessment of all mining projects in environmentally sensitive areas should be ensured.

  • Regular monitoring of major mining areas

  • On-site mineral beneficiation should be encouraged to reduce impact of transportation, processing and utilization

  • Suitable abondandoned pits should be used for recharge of ground water.

 Health

  • Periodic water quality monitoring and chlorination of drinking water should be implemented in village panchayats to prevent water borne diseases.

  • Mass awareness programs and campaigns through press, television and radio talks should be conducted to create awareness among the populace regarding the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ regarding diseases including diarrohoea, gastroenteritits and malaria.

  • Measures should be taken to initiate studies related to indoor air pollution and Health Impact.

  • The effects of arsenic on health should be prevented by setting up small scale treatment plants at the panchayat level and the affected population have to be treated immediately.

   


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