Greenfile Volume 14 final

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

Green Files

Newsletter on Environment audit and sustainable development issues

International Centre for Environment Audit and

Sustainable Development (iCED)

iCED was set up in 2010. It moved to its new, green campus 40 kms from Jaipur in 2013. Its vision
is to be a global Centre of Excellence for improving accountability and governance in the area of
environment and sustainable development. It mission is to develop high quality products in
training and research to enrich environment audit through an inter-disciplinary approach enabled
by valuable partnerships. iCED is presently headed by Sh. Sunil S. Dadhe, Director General.

Green Files is a quarterly newsletter compiled by iCED Jaipur. This highlights issues on
environment and sustainable development. These issues could attract attention of public
auditors as also serve as a trigger for research / analysis. It comprises results of recent
environmental conferences-national & international; “state in focus” where environment issues
in a state in India are highlighted; critical appraisal of national environment related acts;
snapshots of recent news on environment; Supreme Court of India’s judgements on environment
issues as well as recent national and international audit reports pertaining to environment and
sustainable development.

We look forward to suggestions from readers to make Green Files more relevant. Contributions
to the newsletter are also welcome. These can be mailed to [email protected].

Contents 2
4
I. UN Forum on Forests, 11th Meeting, May 2015 7

II. National Green Tribunal Judgement on Kaziranga National Park, 2012 9
13
III. Critical discussion of rules/laws: Guidelines for conservation, 17
development and management of Urban Greens (draft), 2014
20
IV. Environment news snapshots

V. State in Focus: Assam

VI. Audit Report: Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
on Controls and Systems for Sustainable Mining in Karnataka
(Government of Karnataka Report No. 2 of the year 2012)

VII. International Audit Report: International Audit Report: Report to the
Public Accounts Committee on the establishment of national parks in
Denmark (December 2013)

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

I. UN Forum on Forests, 11th poverty eradication and environmental
Meeting, May 2015 sustainability;

(1) Background (c) To provide a framework for national action
and international cooperation;
The issue of forests has been a priority on
the international policy and political agendas (2) Objectives of the conference
for the past 15 years. At the 1992 United
Nations Conference on Environment and The eleventh session of the UN Forum on
Development (UNCED) the forest issue was Forests (UNFF11) considered the future of
among the most controversial, polarizing the international arrangement on forests,
developing and developed countries. In Rio based on challenges and its effectiveness.
de Janeiro, Brazil, intense negotiations The meeting also reviewed progress in the
among governments at UNCED resulted in implementation of the global objectives on
the Non-legally Binding Authoritative forests and the non-legally binding
Statement of Principles for a Global instrument on all types of forests. Thematic
Consensus on the Management, issues under consideration were sustainable
Conservation and Sustainable Development forest management (SFM) and forest law
of all Types of Forests, also known as the enforcement as was as cooperation and
“Forest Principles”, as well as Chapter 11 of coordination.
Agenda 21: Combating Deforestation. The
UNFF was established by ECOSOC (3) Issues discussed
Resolution/2000/35 as part of a new
international arrangement on forests. Ministerial declaration

Following nearly 3 years of intense Forests provide multiple benefits for the
negotiations, starting from UNFF5 and lives and well-being of people across the
culminating at UNFF7, the Non-Legally planet. The sustainable management of all
Binding Instrument on All types of Forests types of forests is vital to poverty
was adopted on 28 April 2007. The eradication, economic growth and decent
Instrument was adopted by the UN General employment, food security and nutrition,
Assembly (Resolution 62/98) on 17 gender equality, governance, health, water
December 2007. The purpose of this quality and supply, energy production,
instrument is: climate change mitigation and adaptation,
biodiversity conservation, sustainable land
(a) To strengthen political commitment and management, watershed protection and
action at all levels to implement effectively disaster risk reduction.
sustainable management of all types of forests
and to achieve the shared global objectives on Commitments:
forests;
(a) To strengthening the implementation of the
(b) To enhance the contribution of forests to the non-legally binding instrument on all types of
achievement of the internationally agreed forests and to action to achieve its global
development goals, including the Millennium objectives on forests;
Development Goals, in particular with respect to
(b) To integrating the forest-related sustainable

development goals and targets into the United

Nations Forest Agreement/

Instrument/Framework, taking into account

forest-related developments since 2007;

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

(c) To working through the governing bodies of international arrangement on forests beyond

member organizations of the Collaborative 2015;

Partnership on Forests to integrate the (i) To strengthening monitoring, assessment
implementation of the United Nations Forest and reporting by countries and the role of the
Agreement/ Instrument/ Framework and the Forum, in particular with regard to the
supportive role of the Collaborative Partnership implementation of the United Nations Forest
into their strategies and programmes; Agreement/Instrument/Framework and the

(d) To promoting the implementation and achievement of the forest related sustainable

financing at all levels of sustainable management development goals and targets.

of all types of forests, including by: (i) Mobilizing Supporting Agencies
new and additional resources from all sources
for the sustainable management of all types of It also called upon (i) The Conference of the
forests and enhancing the access of countries to Parties to the United Nations Framework
forest-related funds; (ii) Strengthening technical Convention on Climate Change, at its
and scientific cooperation and capacity-building, twenty-first session, to use the United
including the transfer of environmentally sound Nations Forest Agreement/ Instrument/
technology, as well as forest related governance, Framework as the integrated reference
law enforcement and enabling environments, framework for its forest-related climate
and secure tenure and access to forest change mitigation and adaptation policies
resources; (iii) Strengthening the Forum, its and action in the future; (ii) The Conferences
secretariat and the Collaborative Partnership of the Parties to the Convention on
with associated resources to ensure that they Biological Diversity, the United Nations
perform their functions; Convention to Combat Desertification in
Those Countries Experiencing Serious
(e) To developing, by 2017, a strategic plan for Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly
the period 2017-2030 to guide the work of the in Africa, and the United Nations Framework
international arrangement on forests and its Convention on Climate Change to strengthen
components; their participation and involvement in the

(f) To ensuring the allocation of adequate work of the Forum on the sustainable

resources for the implementation of the present management of all types of forests; (iii) The

declaration and resolution on the international existing and emerging forest-related

arrangement on forests beyond 2015 in various financing initiatives, including the Global

forums; Environment Facility and the Green Climate

(g) To accelerating coordination and Fund, to support the implementation of the
collaboration on all issues relating to forests and United Nations Forest Agreement.

promoting complementarity and coherence International arrangement on forests

between the international arrangement on beyond 2015

forests beyond 2015 and other forest-related It decided to extend the international
processes; arrangement on forests to 2030, with the

(h) To fully engaging stakeholders, in particular following objectives:

regional and sub-regional organizations, the (i) To advance the implementation of
forest products industry and local and sustainable management of all types of forests,
indigenous communities, in the work of the in particular the implementation of the non-

legally binding instrument on all types of forests;

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

(ii) To enhance the contributions of forests to Authorities to safe guard Kaziranga and its
sustainable development, including the ecology.
achievement of the forest-related sustainable
development goals and targets; Kaziranga National Park (KNP) has not only
been declared as a National Park/Tiger
(iii) To strengthen long-term political Reserve under the provisions of the Wildlife
commitment to this end. (Protection) Act, 1972, but is also declared as
a World Heritage Site by United Nations
Sources:- http://nr.iisd.org/events/un-forum-on- Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO). It is the home of
forests-eleventh-session-unff11/; http://daccess-dds- three-fourth of the total population of the
ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N15/123/48/PDF/N1512 rhino and contains largest single
348.pdf?OpenElement concentration of endangered species and
wild animals like swamp-deer, wild buffalo,
II. National Green Tribunal elephants, tigers and gangetic dolphins, it is
Judgment on Kaziranga National Park, the only park of its kind with a viable low
2012 land grass land-ecosystem in South Asia.

(1) Background Unregulated quarrying and mining activities
permitted in and around the area of KNP, not
Indian Government established the National only threatens the Eco-Sensitive Zone, but
Green Tribunal (NGT) in October 2010, under also the survival and existence of rhinos,
the landmark legislation, the National Green elephants and other wildlife species. Since
Tribunal Act (2010). It is a specialized body KNP harbours the largest population of the
for handling environmental disputes. As a Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, its survival is
specialized body with expertise to handle critically dependent on the protection of the
multidisciplinary issues, the NGT is expected boundaries of KNP as well as the adjoining
to provide: areas including the Karbi-Anglong hills, from
pollution.
 Effective and expeditious disposal of
cases relating to environment, including To safeguard KNP, the Ministry of
conservation of forests and natural resources; Environment and Forests (MoEF) notified
that the expansion of industrial area,
 Enforcement of any legal right relating to township, infrastructural facilities and such
environment; and other activities which would lead to pollution
and congestion shall not be allowed within
 Relief and compensation for damages to “No Development Zone (NDZ)” except with
persons and property and for matters connected the prior approval of the Central Government
therewith or incidental thereto as per Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

A case was filed by an applicant from village In flagrant violation to the aforesaid
Bokakhat, and is concerned about the notification, there was a mushrooming of
ecology of the area and future of the Indian stone quarries were within the NDZ thereby
Rhino, Elephant and wide species of flora and causing immense adverse impact on the
fauna available in the Kaziranga National environment, wildlife and ecology.
Park. He has approached this Tribunal Unfortunately, no action was taken by the
invoking jurisdiction under Section 14(1) of
the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, inter-
alia, praying for appropriate directions to the

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

Authorities to stop illegal installation of quality of life but the non-enforcement of the
quarries and crushing units. legal provisions often result in ecological
imbalance and degradation of environment,
Relying upon the GPS mapping and Google the adverse effect of which will have to be
Earth Software, the Applicant brought to the borne by the future generations.” In the case
notice of the Tribunal that at least seven (7) of M.C. Mehta Vs. Union of India (2006) the
stone crushing units are situated within 10 Supreme Court observed as follows: “This
km radius of the Kaziranga National Park and Court has a Constitutional duty to protect the
are within the NDZ notified by the 1996 fundamental rights of Indian citizens. What
Notification. Google Earth Map further happens when violators and / or abettors of
revealed that many other stone crusher units the violations are those, who have been
were also functioning within the NDZ. entrusted by law with a duty to 30 protect
these rights? The task becomes difficult and
After receiving a notice from the Tribunal, a also requires urgent intervention by court so
reply was filed on behalf of MoEF admitting that the rule of law is preserved and people
the fact that in the year 1996 a Notification may not lose faith in it finding violations at
was issued declaring NDZ that 64 units were the hands of supposed implementers. The
located in the area of NDZ. problem is not of the absence of law, but of
its implementation.” In the case of T.N.
(2) Judgment Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs. Union of India
2012 (3) SCC 277, the Supreme Court held
In the case of Indian Council for Enviro Legal “Environmental justice could be achieved only
Action Vs. Union of India and others the if we drift away from the principle of
Supreme Court has observed that “A law is anthropocentric to eco-centric. Many of our
usually enacted because the legislature feels principles like sustainable development,
that it is necessary. It is with a view to protect polluter-pays principle, and intergenerational
and preserve the environment and save it for equity have their roots in anthropocentric
the future generations and to ensure good principles. Anthropocentrism is always
quality of life that the Parliament enacted the human interest focused and non-human has
Anti-Pollution Laws, namely the Water Act, only instrumental value to humans. In other
Air Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, words, humans take precedence and human
1986. These Acts and Rules framed and responsibilities to nonhuman based benefits
Notification issued thereunder contain to humans. Eco-centrism is nature centred 31
provisions which prohibit and / or regulate where humans are part of nature and non-
certain activities with a view to protect and human has intrinsic value. In other words,
preserve the environment. When a law is human interest does not take automatic
enacted containing some provisions which precedence and humans have obligations to
prohibits certain types of activities, then, it is non-humans independently of human
of utmost importance that such legal interest. Eco-centrism is therefore life-
provisions are effectively enforced. If a law is centred, nature-centred where nature
enacted but is not being voluntarily obeyed, includes both human and non-humans.”
then, it has to be enforced. Otherwise,
infringement of law, which is actively or Therefore, the Tribunal directed the
passively condoned for personal gain, will be Authorities to take following actions:
encouraged which will in turn lead to a
lawless society. Violation of anti-pollution
laws not only adversely affect the existing

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

(a) The 11 stone crushers which according to main feed stock. They have also not installed any
the CPCB report, were located within the NDZ pollution control devices. SPCB and other
and were non-functional at present were Authorities were directed to ensure that no tea
established/ allowed to be established within processing units using fossil fuel operated within
NDZ in contravention of the 1996 Notification. the NDZ and take immediate steps to stop their
The State Government was directed to take operation. The three tea leaf processing units
immediate steps to remove all those illegal stone located within 500 mtrs of the outer periphery of
crushers except one which appeared to be NDZ would be allowed to operate only if
installed before 1996 i.e. prior to the notification. necessary pollution control measures as may be
However, since the operation of this causes stipulated by SPCB, Assam are adhered to by
significant air pollution apart from noise those units. Further, all the tea processing units
pollution, and would lead to adverse impact on must provide acoustical enclosures in their
the ecosystem, the government was directed to electrical generators for providing alternative
take steps to relocate this unit outside NDZ. electricity.

(b) The Government was asked to take (f) MoEF and the State Government were
appropriate steps not to allow operation of the directed to prepare a Comprehensive Action Plan
23 stone crusher units existing in the vicinity of and Monitoring Mechanism for implementation
NDZ (outside the NDZ) till necessary pollution of the conditions stipulated in the 1996
control equipment and other measures were Notification specifying “No Development Zone”
installed to the satisfaction of Assam Pollution and for inspection, verification and monitoring of
Control Board and CPCB. the prohibitions imposed in the notification
referred to above, as well as the provisions of
(c) According to the CPCB report 34 brick Rule-5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
kilns were operating within NDZ out of which
only 1 unit was set up before 1996. These 33 The Tribunal stated, “After giving the matter
Brick Kilns would be closed down immediately. a conscious thought and after taking into
The 1 Brick Kiln which was established before account all the factors, we are of the
1996, should be either relocated or should be opinion that MoEF and the State
directed to install stricter air pollution control Government of Assam have totally failed in
devices. their duties with respect to implementation
of the provisions of the 1996 Notification
(d) The CPCB report further revealed that 11 and due to the callous and indifferent
miscellaneous industries existed within NDZ. Out attitude exhibited by the Authorities,
of these except 4, all other units generated lots number of polluting industries / units were
of pollution, therefore, they should not be established in and around the No
allowed to operate in their present locations and Development Zone of Kaziranga thereby
action should be taken to shift them immediately posing immense threat to the biodiversity,
out of NDZ. eco-sensitive zone, ecology as well as
environment”. It directed MoEF and the
(e) The CPCB report further revealed that there Government of Assam to deposit Rs.
were 25 Tea Factories out of which 22 were 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh only) each, with
located within NDZ and 3 within 500 m of outer the Director, Kaziranga National Park for
periphery of NDZ. Only 1 unit had made conservation and restoration of flora and
arrangements to treat its effluent. The rest 22 tea fauna as well as biodiversity, eco-sensitive
processing units located within NDZ have zone, ecology and environment of the
installed boilers for which, coal, oil, wood is the

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

vicinity of Kaziranga National Park in general component of urban & peri-urban
and within the No Development Zone in environment, which moderate microclimate,
particular to be utilised exclusively by the enable ground water recharge, provide
Director, Kaziranga National Park for shade and conserve local biodiversity,
conservation, protection and restoration as improve quality of life for city dwellers by
well as for afforestation of suitable trees of providing recreational avenues. Green spaces
the local species in and around the No in urban areas also serve as insurance against
Development Zone. natural disasters. Tree cover and urban
greens significantly reduce the cost of
(3) Significance of the Judgment management of urban areas as well as
positively impacts health of its residents.
The verdict of the NGT was heralded by Trees also serve as reservoir of urban
conservationists in Assam as the first ray of biodiversity and loss of trees adversely
light for Kaziranga in almost two decades. The impacts biodiversity.
biggest challenge is to get all 25 tea factories
around Kaziranga (22 of which are located Currently responsibility for development,
within the NDZ and three are within 500 m. of protection and management of trees in
the outer periphery of NDZ) to stop using urban areas lies with number of agencies like
boilers that require fossil fuels in their local bodies, revenue & forest departments
processing units. This means that the tea etc. From a legal perspective also, this space
factories will have to install renewable energy is covered under various Acts and Rules like
heating plants and pollution control devices at the Municipal Acts, Indian Forests Act, Land
the earliest, a welcome and visionary step, if Revenue Code, Master Plans and bye laws
successfully implemented. etc. As such the actual functioning and
details varies from state to state.
Sources:
Most of the green areas are neighborhood
http://ercindia.org/files/orders/NGT%20Kaziranga%2038- parks, district and regional parks, and other
2011(App)_7Sept2012_final_order.pdf, green areas. The extent of areas that are to
http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/conservation/news/9084-a- be set out as greens under these town
reprieve-for-kaziranga.html, planning rules and guidelines have mostly
http://ercindia.org/index.php/latest-updates/latest- followed empirical guidelines and are not
ngt/306-ngt-order-on-kaziranga-national-park based on scientific findings and
requirements. As a result these guidelines
III. Guidelines for conservation, have most often fallen short in demarcating
development and management of adequate land cover under greens resulting
Urban Greens (draft) in sub-optimal benefits to environmental,
health and other related issues. Regulatory
(1) Background authorities entrusted with protection of trees
do not have a proactive role to play in
Cities and towns are emerging as centers of planning of green areas in urban landscapes.
domestic and international investments
where most of the commercial activities take There is dearth of information about tree
place. Cities face a number of environmental cover in urban areas especially for tier 2 and
challenges including dwindling of tree/ green tier 3 cities and urban agglomerations, as this
cover. Urban population in India has work has not be attempted in a systematic
increased from 17% in 1951 to 31 % in 2011 manner by Government Departments,
and is expected to reach 55% by the year
2050. Tree and forest cover are critical

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

academic organizations or NGOs. Forest urban green spaces in city planning and designing

Survey of India (FSI) has estimated around of new habitations/cities with the minimum

20% of the geographical area under tree and provision of 20% tree cover in new housing,

forest cover in Delhi and 14.9% in industrial or other related projects in plains and

Chandigarh. The tree cover in Hyderabad is 60% in hilly areas keeping in view the goals

5% of the geographical area. The estimate for enshrined in National Forest Policy, 1988

Bengaluru Urban district is 6.85%.  One of the principle objectives of the city

With a view to maintaining the planning should be to have a uniform well

environmental balance, the National Forest distributed tree/ green cover so that citizens are

Policy envisages an average forest and tree equally benefitted. This would require

cover of 33% of the geographical areas for integration of forest departments with the civic

the whole of the country. Further it has been authorities for comprehensive planning.

qualified that 2/3 of the land area should be  Protection of existing greens/ trees
under forest and tree cover in hills. The should be given high priority. It is necessary to
Municipal Acts of various States/UTs also carry out tree census periodically. A 5 year
prescribe a minimum area for parks and interval may be considered depending upon
gardens. resources.

(2) Main provisions  In new projects, efforts should be made

Policy & Legal Framework approach for for accommodating existing trees and greens.

Conservation of Urban Greens Their removal should be an exception and subject

 Integration of existing woodlands, trees, to detailed scrutiny.

parks in the Development Master Plans of cities  For safety and providing conducive

Greens growth environment for trees in city

 Preparation of management plans of environment, no concreting, hard surfacing
green spaces after resource assessment of trees should be done around trees.

 Need for common guidelines for  In case of trees felled for road widening,
maintaining/enhancing tree cover based on construction of flyovers and other infrastructure
sound scientific principles, inputs from projects, appropriate provisions for land for
communities and global best practices and local compensatory plantation should be in built in the
climatic and geographic situations. project design.

 Organization structure for looking after  It is necessary to maintain uniform
tree cover and greens in Urban areas spacing of trees depending upon the tree species
on a particular avenue.
 Guidelines for felling/ removal, pruning
and lopping of trees in urban areas  Obligatory role of citizens for supporting
tree preservation and incentives for plantation
 Financial support for urban greening may be through concessions/ rebates in taxes

Technical guidance for development and such as property tax be considered. Efforts of
maintenance of trees and greens in urban private companies. PSUs in greening under their
areas corporate social responsibility (CSR) to be
encouraged.
 In order to achieve the national goal of
33% of forest and tree cover at national level, it is  The role of every institution including
desirable to have appropriate proportion of Local Bodies. Municipalities, Cantonment Boards,

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

RWAs etc., including Central & State Government projects involving alteration of urban greens

institutions which have land available for cutting of trees.

enhancing tree cover is important in conserving  Surplus lands available with various
and expanding tree green cover. institutions, agencies like railways, industries,

 To support greenery, creation of PSUs, companies, universities & other

sufficient nurseries to provide good quality educational institutions etc. if not required by

planting stock is important. them in immediate future say 5 years can be

 Garden and avenue designing, green used for green use or tree plantations.

corridors & strips should be emphasized in the  While encouraging green spaces, local

City Development Planning including their species should be planted and alien/invasive

integration with buildings, parking & other species should be discouraged and to be planted

facilities. after successful field trial or experiences

 Tree management is a specialized skill documented in similar conditions. It is proposed
which needs professional approach and training. to create a biodiversity park in each District HQ/
Engagement of arboriculturist1, Tree Surgeons City of over 5.00 lakh population to preserve local
etc. should be institutionalized. species and create public awareness.

 Sustained availability of irrigation quality  There are many trees of historical
water is a critical requirement for successful importance in cities which need to be identified
creation and management of urban greens. Since and preserved. Tree tourism may also be thought
cities are facing acute scarcity of water, it is of as an activity for generating interest among
proposed to make all necessary arrangements for local people and nature enthusiasts.

treatment of waste water for use in urban greens  In additions local bodies, district

maintenance. administration, state governments may propose

 To enhance urban greens and tree cover, appropriate measures for meeting any specific
emphasis should be given to create appropriate requirement of a particular area.

green areas in old as well as new cities.

 Residents, corporates may be Source:
encouraged to contribute in innovative designing
including vertical terrace gardening for enhancing http://www.moef.nic.in/sites/default/files/draft-fp-
24714.pdf

green cover including quality, biodiversity IV. Snapshots: Environment
conservation and aesthetics of greens. news (April to June 2015)

 Restoration of Urban Greens such as

colony parks, avenue trees should be considered India, a victim of e-waste crime

as an essential activity under urban renewal Much of the 40 million tonnes of electronic
project like JNNURM. waste produced around the world viz. old

 Need for formal consultation with smartphones, TVs, laptops and obsolete

experts, foresters on urban greens in respect of kitchen appliances finds its way illegally to

Asia and Africa every year, says a report by

the United Nations Environment Program

(UNEP). Close to 90 per cent of the world’s

1 Arboriculturist is one who practices or studies electronic waste worth nearly $19 billion is
cultivation, management and study of individual trees, illegally traded or dumped each year, to
shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants.

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

destinations half way across the world. Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure
While the European Union the U.S. and Development Corporation that all approved
Japan are the primary origins of e-waste colonies are to be covered with 100%
shipments, China, India, Malaysia and facilities for sewage treatment and that no
Pakistan are the main destinations, says the sewer waste is disposed in drains. The action
report. The vast majority of illegal e-waste plan would also take into account population
ends up in landfills, incinerators, and in ill- growth and associated increase in
equipped recycling facilities. generation of waste up to 2031.

NGT wants impact study 2,168 tube wells contaminated in Puri

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has Out of total 8,145 existing tube wells in Puri,

directed setting up a proposal to water of as many as 2,168 have been tested

scientifically and comprehensively study the contaminated. The tests were done in the

cumulative environmental impact due to wake of the jaundice outbreak in the town.

construction of dams in Arunachal Pradesh. 67 tankers would be pressed into service for

Admitting a petition, the NGT also issued 24×7 supply of water in Puri town during the

notices to the Union Power ministry, Union upcoming Nabakalebara festival in July this

Environment ministry, Assam government, year. A total of 61 water-harvest wells would

Arunachal government and the Brahmaputra be dug for the purpose.

Board, seeking their affidavits within six 893 textile units in Sanganer served closure
weeks. The NGT has also sought details of notices
the dams approved in Arunachal Pradesh
and their status. Following a high court order, the Rajasthan
State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) has
Demarcation of eco-sensitive zones sought issued closure notices to 893 textile units in
in Karnataka Sanganer. All these units have failed to

The State Cabinet on Thursday decided to install a common effluent treatment plants

recommend the Centre on demarcation of and are discharging 17-18 million litres per

Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) around 31 day (MLD) of untreated chemical water into

protected areas in Karnataka. The Cabinet Dravyawati river. The power department and

has resolved that the 31 national parks (NP) PHED have been asked to snap all electricity

and wildlife sanctuaries (WLS) will have and water connections of the identified

varied extent of ESZ. This may vary from 100 units. The court has asked to shut 213 units

meters to one or two kilometers. The Forest by May 31 and rest by June 30.

department has already notified ESZ around After Oil Spill, Unique Mangrove Forest
Bandipur National Park. Faces More Threats

State forms panel to check toxic discharge On December 9, 2014, a wrecked tanker
into Yamuna released approximately 94,000 gallons

The Haryana government has constituted a (78,271 Imperial gallons) of heavy fuel oil

committee and ordered it to come up with into the Shela River, which runs through the

an action plan to check the discharge of toxic Sundarbans, the sprawling and remote

waste into the Yamuna via the Badshapur mangrove forest shared between India and

drain. Instructions were issued to the Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal. Now

Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon, Haryana another shipping disaster is unfolding, as a

Urban Development Authority and the capsized cargo vessel, Jabalenoor, leaks 200

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

tonnes of potash fertilizer into the Windmills wipe out Rayalaseema’s green
Sundarbans’ Bhola River, southeast of the cover
earlier oil spill. Experts warned that
biodiversity of Sundarbans may face severe Thanks to suitable climatic conditions and
damage again as the area, where the cargo also availability of adequate land to set up
sank, is sanctuary to dolphins. windmills, In about 100 km long stretch, from
Vajraakarur mandal in the northwest part of
Debris piles up at reserve forest the district towards Roddam mandal, have
been identified as suitable locations for
The Sitakunda forest under Kambalakonda tapping wind energy and most of the
Wildlife Sanctuary has been turned into a government lands, including semi hillock
dumping ground. Garbage, especially regions of the forest department, were given
construction debris from different parts of on lease to private companies to establish
the city is dumped here since the last six windmills. Unfortunately, with no proper
months. Residents of nearby localities say a guidelines to protect the existing greenery,
huge part of the garbage comes from the these companies have reportedly denuded
adjacent Visalakshinagar, where several new the hillocks of green cover for setting up the
buildings are being constructed. Throwing windmills, for building roads to transport
garbage in a reserve forest is illegal as per equipment and to lay the electricity lines
Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act. As along with transformers at each windmill to
there is no arrangement of an incinerator, connect with the grid.
the heap is spread over an area of more than
three km. Moreover, the polythene in the Mafia plundering Sutlej bed in Ferozepur
waste can cause death of herbivorous
animals like deer and antelope, which are The mining mafia continues to dig into the
ample in the area. Sutlej riverbed here as the authorities
concerned have failed to tighten the noose
Forest fund gets Rs. 38,000 crore boost around the culprits. From the riverbed, the
sand is moved to specified dumps at nearby
In a move which may give a major boost to places, to be sold to customers at exorbitant
the country's efforts to increase its green rates. A major portion of the road from the
cover under a law, the Union Cabinet in June highway till the mining site lies damaged due
gave its approval for introducing a new to the movement of heavy vehicles and
legislation in Parliament. The proposed law - loaded tractor-trailers.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2015 -
seeks to create an institutional mechanism to 1 lakh trees chopped over 8 years for Metro,
properly utilize a corpus of Rs. 38,000 crore PWD projects in Delhi
for afforestation and other related works like
wildlife care and ecological services under Over one lakh trees were cut during 2006-
central and state monitoring authorities. 2014 to make way for Delhi Metro and PWD
Besides utilizing the unspent accumulated projects, bringing down the city's green cover
amount (Rs. 38,000 crore), the new to 10% from the minimum desired level of
authorities -which are to be set up both at 33%, a Delhi high court appointed amicus
the central and state levels -will also monitor informed the court on Wednesday. Stunned
use of fresh accrual of an estimated Rs. 6,000 by the “magnitude “of trees cut for various
crore per annum to newly created “non- projects, a bench of justices B D Ahmed and
lapsable interest bearing“ funds. Sanjiv Sachdeva said it “certainly enabled air
pollution to increase in Delhi“. The court

11

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

directed the state government, PWD, DDA Move to de-notify parts of 2 Madhya
and DMRC to file affidavits on the number of Pradesh sanctuaries for sand mining
trees cut and number of trees planted in
various areas of the capital in the past 15 Unable to curb wanton illegal sand mining,
years. state government has initiated a move to
denotify parts of Chambal and Son gharial
Rajasthan has no approved geo-reference sanctuaries in Morena and Sidhi districts,
forest map respectively. A proposal is likely to be put
up before state wildlife advisory board in its
Rajasthan leads the country with the largest next meeting to consider the same.
geographical area under mining leases,
hence leading to largest diversion of forest Sand mining threatens heritage
land. But despite the ministry of environment
& forest requesting the state for a geo- Illegal sand and mud mining is rampantly
referenced forest map since 2011, the state taking place close to the once magnificent
still does not have an approved geo- garden called Fatehwadi that was built by
reference map. famous sufi poet Abdur Rahim Khan-i-
Khanan, one of the Navratnas of emperor
Punjab set to lead in rooftop solar power Akbar. Illegal mining has also shaken the
generation foundation of the already dilapidated
Fatehwadi that is barely four kilometres from
The state government through its nodal Sarkhej Roza. Sabarmati River, which took a
agency Punjab Energy Development Agency sharp bend in front of the ancient site, is now
(PEDA) allotted rooftop solar power projects almost dried up and has become the site of
to three companies and a religious dera. illegal mining over the past few years.
These companies will together generate 65
MW, and commercial generation, after the Jharkhand to develop mine management
rooftop solar power plants are set up, will system
start by March next year. t is looking at
generating 100 MW of rooftop solar power in Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today
the next one year. ordered development of Jharkhand
Integrated Mines and Minerals Management
Uttarakhand may hand over mining to System to keep vigil on mining and expedite
Private Firms activities in a transparent manner. Issuing
directions to the Mines & Geology
Peeved over receiving flak for its perceived Department in this connection, Das said the
failure to check increasing volume of illegal system would simplify the mining process
mining activities, the State Government and prevent illegal mining, according to an
might decide to hand over the mining sector official release.
to the private sector, said the Finance
Minister. The mining sector is one of the Rampant stone-mining in Dikhow damaging
primary sources of revenue for the State ecosystem
Government. However, the Government has
reasons to worry over unauthorised mining Despite ban on mining of stone along the
going on in full swing across the State, Dikhow river, illegal stone mining is a thriving
particularly along the Teri region, said the and lucrative activity in Sivasagar district.
Minister. Indiscriminate and illegal mining of stone
along the Dikhow river has not only led to
depletion of marine life but also posed a

12

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

threat to Dikhow river. Illegal stone mining Pali villagers in Rajasthan embark on a
using JCB machines is rampant along the mission to protect leopards
banks of River Dikhow in these areas. The
extent of illegal mining can easily be gauged Villagers of three panchayats in Pali have
from the large number of trucks carrying come together and unanimously agreed to
stone to stone quarries located in different form a community reserve to protect the
places near the river, which are common leopard. The draft notification of 'Jawai
sight. Bandh Leopard Community Reserve - T' is
awaiting nod from the government. Once
City wetlands lose 99% value to notified, it would be the largest community
urbanization reserve in the country, where villagers would
say no to mining and yes to protecting the
Degradation has stripped the wetlands of forest and the leopard.
Bengaluru of all their value. The loss in value
is a staggering 99.8%, an IISc study has Source: http://www.indiaenvironmentportal. org.in
revealed. The study put the valuation of a
relatively pristine wetland in Bengaluru at (Selected News articles for the period April-June)
Rs. 10,435 per hectare per day. However, a
polluted wetland of the city is valued at a V. State in Focus: Assam
mere Rs20 per hectare per day. Pointing out
that the number of water bodies in Greater Covering an area of 78, 523 sq. km.
Bangalore has shrunk from 207 in 1973 to 93 Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur,
in 2010, the study says that 72% of the lakes Mizoram, Meghalaya, West Bengal,
have lost their catchment areas, 66% are Bangladesh and Bhutan surround Assam.
now sewage fed and 14% are hemmed in by Geology has endowed the state with many
slums. According to the study, 54% of lakes hills and rivers. These have tremendous
have been encroached for illegal buildings. influence on the soil quality, drainage
pattern, land use, vegetation pattern,
Govt flip-flops yet again on Uttarakhand population pattern, culture, etc.
dams
(1) Environment Scenario

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) (a) Forests
government will refer the matter to another
expert body it wishes to set up, which will The recorded forest area in the state is
now review not just these six but all the 26,832 km2 accounting for 34.21% of its
projects on the Ganga basin in Uttarakhand. geographical area. The forest cover is 35.28%
NDA government, unwilling to outright of the state’s geographical area. The state
reject six new dams in the Uttarakhand hills has 1444 km2 of very dense forests, 11,404
despite its expert panel recommending so, km2 of moderately dense forest and 14,825
has decided to refer the matter to another km2 of open forests. There has been a
expert body it wishes to set up. The new decrease of very dense forests to the extent
panel will now review not just these six, but of 17km2 in very dense forests and 154 km2 of
all the projects on the Ganga basin in moderately dense forests since 2009. A few
Uttarakhand. decades ago, Assam had a very large canopy
of green cover; but today, the green cover is
much below the norm. According to the
National Forest Policy, on an average, a
region should have 33 percent of the total

13

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

geographical area under forest. The forest (Porcula salvania), hispid hare (Caprolagus

cover should be 60 percent of total area or hispidus) and the recently rediscovered

more for hills and not less than 20 percent of white winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata)

the total area in plains. The reason for the A recent camera trapping exercise in the last

decrease is attributed to the prevalent remaining lowland rainforests of Jeypore-

shifting cultivation practices/extension of Upper Dehing-Kakojan (ca 570 sq. km) in

encroachment in some areas. Assam, indicated that these forests harbor

Alarming deforestation in Assam led the the highest number of wild cat species in the
Supreme Court to impose a ban on logging world including the clouded leopard (Neofelis
and movement of timber by trucks. This has nebulosa), marbled cat (Pardofelis
adversely affected the wood industry in marmorata), and golden cat (Catopuma
Assam. The Supreme Court ban, however, is temminckii), as well as four relatively widely
till satisfactory working plans for sustainable distributed species —tiger (Panthera tigris),
exploitation of forests are developed. leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat
Unfortunately, most of forest divisions have (Prionailurus bengalensis), and jungle cat
not prepared their working plan. The main (Felis chaus). Animals like Pygmy Hog, Hispid
causes of deforestation have been excessive Hare, Indian Bison etc., are critically
logging for industrial uses for meeting endangered. Assam is also very rich in
fuelwood and other needs by households medicinal plants and many other rare and
and for jhuming cultivation. endangered taxa and is characterized by high
levels of endemism. Assam‘s richness of
(b) Biodiversity flowering plants is estimated at about 3010.

The Eastern Himalaya and the Assam plains About 293 species of orchids have been
have been identified as an Endemic Bird Area reported from Assam representing 44.39% of
by the Royal Society for Protection of Birds. North East species and 24.42% of species
The global distribution of 24 restricted-range occurring in India. Assam also has much
species is limited to the region. The richness bamboo (41 species) and cane species
of the Eastern Himalayan region‘s avifauna is diversity (14 species) including some species
a function of the diversity of habitats reported only from Assam. As many as 952
associated with a wide altitudinal range and plant species of medicinal value are found in
its unique location at the confluence of the Assam. More than 800 species of birds are
Indo-Malayan, Indo-Chinese and Indian recorded in Assam, with sub-species, the
biogeographical regions. In fact North East total number rises to 960. Among these
India including Assam supports some of the birds, 8 are listed as Critically Endangered, 9
highest bird diversities in the world, believed Endangered and 29 as Vulnerable in the IUCN
to be second only to the Peruvian Andes. Redlist. These birds represent a total of 5.8%
Assam also lies along two migratory routes of of the total 800 birds of Assam. The critically
birds - the Central Asian flyway and East endangered include Pink-headed Duck,
Asian-Australian flyway. Assam falls within a White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture,
mega biodiversity zone of the world. Assam Slender-billed Vulture, Red-headed Vulture,
is famous for its megafauna including the White-bellied Heron, Bengal Florican and
rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), golden langur Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

(Trachypithecus geei ), hoolock gibbon Protected Areas in Assam: Lying along the
(Hoolock hoolock) and other highly mighty Brahmaputra River, the Kaziranga
endangered species like the pygmy hog National Park covers an area of about 430 sq.

14

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

km. Kaziranga park is the oldest national park Assam are fast shrinking due to both natural

in Assam. This park is known for the great and anthropogenic causes. The extensive and

one horned rhinoceros. But among the tall uncontrolled growth of water hyacinth, and

elephant grass and rugged reeds, marshes & the raising of dykes and embankments along

shallow pools are hidden many other the river banks are thought to be the main

animals. Manas National Park is famous for causes of the deteriorating condition of these

the Majestic Tigers. Hispid Hare, Pigmy Hog wetlands. These wetlands are subjected to

and Golden Langur are some of the rare harsh organic processes caused by debris

species of animals to be found in the park from floating vegetation and silt carried by

apart from the Tiger. Orang Wild Life rain water. Another alarming cause is

Sanctuary is popularly known as mini rampant human settlements, industrial

Kaziranga and is located towards the north developments and other economic activities

bank of Brahmaputra. Pabha or Milroy that disturb the ecological balance and lead

Sanctuary is located in Lakhimpur Dist., and to the loss of these wetlands.

was created to protect the wild water (d) Waste management
buffalo. Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is the Municipal Solid waste management (MSW)
home for elephant, Indian bison and many

other species of birds & animals. Dibru- Assam has shown high decadal urban
Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for population growth rate in recent years
wild horses and is a safe haven for extremely resulting in tremendous pressures on land,
rare white winged wood duck and many natural resources and basic infrastructural
migratory birds. Laokhowa Wildlife facilities. As per the census 1990 and 2001,
Sanctuary is famous for one horned Rhinos, number of classified towns increased from 93
wild buffalo, Swamp deer and many varieties in 1991 to 125 in 2001. In Assam, the
of birds. The other Protected Areas are Municipal Solid Waste generation rate is 196
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Namber Wildlife TPD in 4 main cities.
Sanctuary, Barnadi Game Reserve and Pani
Dihing Bird Sanctuary. According to estimates, total quantity of daily
solid waste generation in Assam is 300TPD.
Wetlands The Boragaon area site has been earmarked

Assam harbours at least 3500 freshwater by the Government of Assam for the MSW
wetlands covering 1012.29 sq km that, disposal. The energy that could be generated
according to satellite data, constitute 1.29 from the waste in Guwahati city is estimated
per cent of the total geographical area of the to be approximately 4.2 MW daily. This
state. Most of these wetlands are in the energy, if properly harnessed, can solve the
floodplains of the rivers Brahmaputra and power crisis problem of the city to a large
Barak and their tributaries and include beels, extent. The West Boragaon Treatment plant
swamps and marshes. Two species of is undergoing certain changes in order to
endemic aquatic plants, two critically adopt the novel methods of waste
endangered, seven endangered, and 26 treatment. A new provision for treatment of
vulnerable species of fishes, five near hazardous and electronic waste is also
threatened, six vulnerable species of underway at the plant site.

freshwater turtles and 133 species of birds Biomedical waste management
have been recorded from the 35 major
wetlands in Assam. However, the wetlands of According to a CPCB report, in 2009, 4595
kg/day of biomedical waste was generated

15

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

(2009) out which only 56% were getting deforestation, and other human activities
properly treated. There were approximately being the major causes.
1004 health care facilities in the state with
19331 beds. However, only 1 Common Bo Barak river, the second largest river in
Medical Treatment Plant was operational Assam, has earned a dubious distinction: it is
and was being utilized by only 75 health care one of the 37 most polluted rivers in the
facilities. country. And Silchar has been identified as
the single-largest source of the pollutants
(e) Water issues draining into the river. Water samples were
collected from select sites on the highly
Surface water pollution polluted 20-km stretch of the river near this
town and scrutinised against 20 basic
Assam is endowed with enormous water parameters to test the quality of water. The
resources. The large perennial rivers and tests revealed the presence of an alarming
other water bodies with the rich aquifer level of bacteriological contaminants in the
speak about vastness of its water resource. water samples. The survey traced the
Surface water is available in the forms of presence of the lethal coliform bacteria
river, stream, lake, swamps, pond etc. The (both total and faecal) in the samples
ground water is available at low to moderate between 1,500 maximum possible number
depth almost in entire state. Although there (MPN) per 100 ml and 1,10,000 MPN per 100
is seasonal and regional variation in the ml in June. The excess coliform spawns a
availability of water resources, the annual wide spectrum of ailments such as
availability of water resource remain almost diarrhoea, cholera and hepatitis.
same.
Ground water pollution
Brahmaputra it is one of the biggest and
most important river of the world. It The annual replenishable ground water
originates near the upper waters of the resource is 27.23 BCM with Net Annual
Indus and Sutlej, and a little to the east of Ground Water Availability being 24.89 BCM.
the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet between the The ground water exploitation status is
Kailash range and the Himalayan range. The satisfactory with no over-exploted or critical
tributaries namely Subansiri, Ranganadi, districts. Assam’s found waer is
Dikrong, Buroi, Borgong, Jiabharali, Dhinsiri contaminated by Flouride (parts of
[North], Puthimari, Manas, Beki, Aie, Goalpapra, Kamrup, Karbi Anglong, Nagaon
Sonkosh are the main tributaries on the districts), Arsenic (Dhemaji) and iron Cachar,
North while the Noadehing ,Buridehing, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Goalpapra,
Desang, Dikhow, Bhogdoi, Dhansiri[South], Golaghat, Hailakandi, Jorhat, Kamrup, Karbi
kopili, Kulshi, Krishnai, Dudhnai, Jinjirana are Anglong, Karimganj, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur,
main on the South Bank of the river Morigaon, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sibsagar,
Brahmaputra. Sonitpur districts).

Brahmaputra is polluted due to petroleum (f) Air Pollution
refining units which contribute most of the
industrial pollution load into the basin along Growing air pollution has emerged as a
with other medium and small industries. The serious concern in the city, with vehicular
main problem facing the river basin is that of emission and dust contributing a major share
constant flooding. Floods have been of the deteriorating air quality. The Pollution
occurring more often in recent years with Control Board Assam (PCBA) which has been

16

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

monitoring the city’s ambient air quality Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) is a
under the National Air Quality Monitoring comparative analysis of environmental
Programme (NAMP) has recorded high levels achievements, challenges and priorities
of air pollution in all its monitoring stations in among Indian states. ESI measures the
the city. Data with the air quality monitoring potential of states to maintain their
station at Bamunimaidam reveals presence environment in the coming decades given
of respirable suspended particulate matter the various environmental resources that a
(RSPM) and suspended particulate matter state is endowed with. Dimensions of
(SPM) well above the prescribe limits. Air sustainability both as historical conditions
quality data from January to May 2015 shows and present efforts are mapped through 40
that levels of PM10 are persistently high in all indicators. Assam ranks 8th on this scale.
the monitoring stations of Guwahati.
Indicator Score Indicator Score
(2) Laws and Polices
Population 0.10 Waste 0.49
Some of these are: pressure
Generation and 0.11
 Rules framed under the Water -0.16
(Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 Management 0.36
(Assam Rules-1977)
Landuse and 0.42 Water quality
 Rules framed under the Water Agriculture -0.32
(Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 Environmental 0.60 and availibility
(Assam Rules-1977) Budget -0.44
Air quality Energy
 The Air (Prevention & Control of and pollution
Pollution) Assam Rule, 1991, framed under Air Forest and Management
(Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 Diversity
Impact on
 The Environment Protection Rules, 1986
(2000). Human Health

 The Hazardous Waste (Management & and Disaster
Handling) Rules, 1989 and its Amendments.
Source:
 The Manufacture, Storage and Import of
Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 and its http://www.nicra-icar.in/nicrarevised/images/
Amendments.
State%20Action%20Plan/Assam-SAPCC.pdf,

http://www.ripublication.com/ijerd_spl/ijerdv4n4spl_

01.pdf; http://www.cpcb.nic.in/wast /

bioimedicalwast/ StatusBioMedicalWaste2009.pdf,

http://cgwb.gov.in/gw_profiles/st_assam.htm,

http://www.pcbassam.org/aaq1.php,

http://www.pcbassam.org/env_laws.htm,

http://www.greenindiastandards.com/assam.php?sta

teid=6

 The Bio-medical Wastes (Management VI. Audit Report: Report No. 3 of
and Handling) Rules, 1998, and its Amendments. 2014 Government of Assam - Report

 The Municipal Solid Wastes of the Comptroller and Auditor
(Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 General of India on Kaziranga

 The Recycled Plastics Manufacture and National Park-Issues and Challenges

Usage Rules, 1999, (1) Background

 The Noise Pollution (Regulation & The protected area concept for Biodiversity
Control) Rules, 2000, conservation has figured prominently around
(3) Environment Sustainability Index the world. Kaziranga National Park, legally

notified as a National Park in the year 1 974,

17

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

is a name known worldwide for its success in  Manpower available was sufficient and
the conservation history of one horned adequately trained to effectively face the
Indian Rhinoceros. It also provides a natural challenges;
habitat for a number of rare, threatened and  The protection measures undertaken by the
charismatic species. A symbol of dedication authorities were adequate and effective in view
for the conservation of amimals and their of the present threats;
habitat, Kaziranga, with a National Park  Efforts were made to continuously develop
status represents the single largest protected the wildlife habitat and notify additional areas to
area within the North-east Brahmaputra make it favourable for the wild animals and the
valley to provide long term viable existing territorial integrity of the park was
conservation. The outstanding conservation intact; and
values made Kaziranga National Park to get  Efforts were made to reduce the biotic
inscribed on the World Heritage List of disturbance caused by human settlements and
“Convention concerning the protection of industrial activities around the Park.
the world cultural and natural heritage" in
the year 1985. The Audit objectives were benchmarked
against the following sources of audit
However, sudden increase in poaching of criteria:
Rhinos has attracted attention of the public,
wildlife lovers, Government and other non-  The Wild life (Protection) Act, 1972;
government organizations working on the  Wildlife Conservation strategy, 2002;
field. Further, deaths of animals due to  National Wildlife Action Plan 2002-16;
floods, biotic disturbance from human  Instructions issued by the Government of
encroachments around the Park had been India and State Government;
the matter of concern for the wildlife  Guidelines of the schemes in operation;
authorities of the State of Assam. Also,  Various Court verdicts including those
eminent citizens of the State expressed their issued by the Green Tribunal; and
concerns for protection of the Rhinos from  Monitoring mechanism prescribed
the threats posed from poachers during the
meeting of the Audit Advisory Board in (3) Audit findings
December 2013. In view of the above, it was
decided to take up this performance audit.  Failure to review the management plan
despite the need for deviations from the core
(2) Audit objectives and criteria objectives in view of poaching pressure rendered
it partially redundant resulting in a disconnect
The audit objectives were to ascertain with the Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) which
whether: should otherwise flow from the management
plan.
 There was a long term perspective plan
supported by annual action plans aligned to the  Against the financial outlay of r 93.76 crane
former -for long term conservation, protection proposed in the original APOs for 201 0-11 to
and development; 2012-13, the Kaziranga National Park (KNP)
 Funds allocated were adequate to manage authorities got only Rs17.37 crane which was
the activities of the wildlife habitats and funds about 19 % of the funds demanded.
were made available to the wildlife managers in  The funds allocated by the State
time; Government towards wildlife sector and KNP vis-
a` -vis total plan outlay of the State ranged
between 0.03 to 0.07 per % and 0.005 to 0.02 %

18

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

respectively during the years 2008-09 to 2012- proper and timely utilisation needs to be
13. prescribed and strictly complied with, preferably
 Out of 100 freshly recruited forest guards by adopting the system being followed by other
and Foresters - I deployed in KNP, 73 were States where the cycle works on quarterly basis.
withdrawn within one year resulting in Also, periodic reports/returns may be devised to
deployment of aged staff on frontline duties. monitor progress of the activities within the
Reasons for transferring out the fresh recruits out prescribed timeframe.
of KNP despite increase in poaching cases/arrests  The vacancies in the staff strength,
of poachers were not on record. especially in the frontline cadre need to be filled
 None of the wildlife guards of KNP were up immediately and a staff motoring mechanism
imparted any training during 2008-09 to 2012-13. prescribed.
Besides, these guards do not have firing practice  Additional allowances commensurate to the
as the fresher training module contains only arduous nature of duties need to be rolled out
theoretical training on arms and ammunition for the frontline staff; existing allowances need
to be revised periodically to be at par with
 Though 83 personnel had laid down their market rates and given uniformly to all types of
lives while on duty, family members could only personnel on frontline duties.
get casual jobs instead of compassionate  Anti-poaching camps and watch towers
appointment; besides, there is no adequate need to be installed along the boundary of the
insurance on the life of the frontline staff. park. This may be backed by a strong periphery
Further, the additional allowances paid to the network by constant patrolling by wildlife
frontline staff are not commensurate with the personnel and members of the village defense
arduous nature of duties. parties.
 There is neither adequate number of anti-
poaching camps on the periphery of the park nor  A database of licensed weapons around the
a fool-proof periphery protection plan which park needs to be put in place in co-ordination
resulted in increased poaching instances mainly with the district administration. Besides,
near the park boundaries. extensive search and seizure of unlicensed
weapons available in the fringe villages as well as
 Out of six additional areas preliminarily the hills need to be carried out by forming joint
notified in 1 984-85, the KNP authorities are yet parties from Army, para-military, police and
to take over three additional areas though wildlife personnel.
records available show that these areas had
already been handed over to them by the civil  In view of the emerging threat, intelligence
administration in 2005. Survey conducted by gathering may be given maximum emphasis
Circle Officer in 2009 revealed that substantial while the Department need to ensure flow of
area of Government land was under illegal required funds for the purpose.
encroachment.
 IT techniques (analysis of CDR, mobile
 33 eco-development committees had been tracking etc.,) including the usage of location
formed in 2002, but not a single has started based services need to be put into extensive use
functioning even after 12 years. by the intelligence cell as mentioned above.

(4) Audit recommendations  In view of GoI directive, a default area of 10
Major audit recommendations are as under:- kms from the park boundary may be declared as
eco-sensitive zone and action as per the GoI
 Timelines for preparation of management notification be taken immediately.
plan, submission of APOs, release of funds and its
19

Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

 Construction of resort/hotels without horned rhinoceros, the National Green

permission of park authorities, change in land Tribunal has issued notices to 71 hotels,

use patterns, and encroachment of government resorts and dhabas which have encroached

land needs to be investigated. into the eco-sensitive zone of the Park. NGT

 Government orders regarding parking of has directed Assam to take positive action in
trucks, establishment of dhabas, construction respect of the recommendations made in
without prior permission of KNP authorities, the CAG Report and place before it the
along NH 37 and mining activities in the Karbi action taken report within three weeks.

Anglong hills adjacent to NH 37 needs to be Source:

issued immediately to prevent further http://www.saiindia.gov.in/english/home/Our_Products/Au
urbanization and disturbance to wildlife habitat. dit_Report/Government_Wise/state_audit/recent_reports/A

 Distinct boundary pillars need to be ssam/2014/Report_3/Report_3.html

installed and GPS mapping ensured at strategic

locations of the additional areas which had been VII. International Audit Report:
taken over from civil administration. Report to the Public Accounts
Committee on the establishment of
 The illegal settlers in the Deosur chang and national parks in Denmark
other adjacent areas need to be evicted (December 2013)
immediately in a time bound manner.
Alternatively, efforts may be made to classify the (1) Background and purpose of audit
Deosur Chang area as another additional area to

the Park. The Danish national parks are of a more

 6th additional area: Immediate recent date than those of the other
arrangements need to be made to take over the participating countries. The existing three
area from the civil administration and the illegal Danish national parks were established from
settlers evicted within a fixed timeframe. If need 2008 to 2010. Moreover, in other
be, orders from the competent Courts may also participating countries, status as a national
be obtained in favour of eviction. As regards the park implies protection of the natural values
control of fishing in the river, help from the – corresponding to the IUCN international
district administration may be obtained for law definition – whereas in Denmark the
enforcement at strategic points of the river. establishment of a national park does not per
se imply any protection of nature. Instead,
 2nd, 3rd and 5th Additional areas: Timebound Danish national parks are subject to the
action need to be taken in co¬ordination with nature regulation already applying under
the civil administration to free these areas of Danish legislation. Finally, unlike most
occupation, both legal and illegal by (i) paying foreign national parks, Danish national parks
compensation to the permanent spattered and include residential and industrial areas, e.g.,
(ii) evicting the encroachers to ensure direct the town of Ebeltoft is located in Mols Bjerge
control of the park authorities over the land and National Park. The Danish National Park Act
camps erected at strategic locations. (national parkloven) was adopted in 2007

(5) Impact of the Report and to date the Minister for the Environment

After the Comptroller and Auditor General of has established three national parks in Thy,
India about the dire state of management of Mols Bjerge and the Wadden Sea. The
Kaziranga National Park, home to one- National Park Act sets ten equally important
objectives for the national parks. On the

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

other hand the explanatory notes of the Act The Nature Protection Act (protects
state that the main objective of the national particular natural habitat types, ie, lakes,
parks is to strengthen and develop the water courses, marshland and meadows of a
natural values, including the creation of large certain size – the so-called section 3 areas;
connected natural areas. In addition, the Preservation Areas, the world’s oldest
national parks must collectively represent nature protection instrument from 1917, and
the most important natural habitat types in wildlife reserves, established under the
Denmark. The Act is based on the Danish Game Act. EU’s habitat and bird
assumption that national parks meet their protection directives ensure the protection
objectives by voluntary means, for example, of a number of endangered species and their
by entering into agreements with the land habitats. The directives have been
owners affected. The Act does not in itself implemented in the Nature Protection Act
afford any protection to the natural values in and the Forest Act, which provide the
Denmark which are protected by other framework for designating the so-called
legislation, for instance the Danish Nature Natura 2000 sites in Denmark.
Protection Act and the Danish Forest Act
(skovloven). Accordingly, the establishment (3) Key findings and recommendations
of national parks should be seen as a
supplement to nature protection work. In The objective of the Danish national parks is
2013, the national parks appropriation not only to strengthen and develop nature;
totalled DKK 22.5 million, ie DKK 7.5 million national parks must also meet other
for each national park. In addition to the objectives, e.g., to promote an
government appropriation, the national understanding of nature, tourism and
parks are expected to seek external funding business development. In addition, national
for their activities. parks depend on the local land owners’
willingness to cooperate and their own ability
(2) Audit objective, scope and criteria to raise external financing. Accordingly, there
is no guarantee that the establishment of
Because national parks only started national parks will help strengthen and
operating recently and because the National develop nature. The main findings were:
Park Act is based on voluntary instruments
and an uncertain financing basis, the  The Ministry of the Environment’s three
examination focused on how the Ministry of executive orders on national parks set the
the Environment has helped national parks framework of how national parks must
comply with the National Park Act in the long contribute to strengthening and developing the
term. Audit examined this by addressing the natural values. Audit found that the executive
following question: orders do not include clear or quantifiable targets
for the national parks’ activities, but rather
 Has the Ministry of the Environment formulate overall goals, which the boards must
supported and followed up on the target-setting subsequently concretise in the national park
and performance of the national parks, so that in plans
the long term the national parks can strengthen
and develop the natural values, including the  The examination showed that the
creation of large connected natural areas? Ministry of the Environment does not
systematically collect information about the
Danish nature is protected and regulated by activities of each national park, but is in the
a number of acts which were used as criteria: process of developing such a model.

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Volume no. 14 for the quarter ending June, 2015

 The objective of the Danish national
parks is not only to strengthen and develop
nature; national parks must also meet other
objectives, e.g. to promote an understanding of
nature, tourism and business development. In
addition, national parks depend on the local land
owners’ willingness to cooperate and their own
ability to raise external financing. Accordingly,
there is no guarantee that the establishment of
national parks will help strengthen and develop
nature.

The main recommendations were:

 In future the Ministry of the Environment
should increase its support to the national parks,
so that in the long term they will be better
positioned to strengthen and develop nature.

 The Ministry should particularly support
the national park boards’ formulation of clear,
quantifiable targets which the national parks can
use as basis for prioritising their activities.

 The Ministry of the Environment should
immediately start following up on national park
development and performance to obtain a basis
for assessing whether the national parks can
contribute to fulfilling the objective of the
National Park Act to strengthen and develop
nature in the long term, including the creation of
large connected natural areas.

 Audit recommends that in future the
Ministry of the Environment evaluate the
National Park Act at regular intervals to obtain a
basis for assessing the extent to which the main
objectives of the Act have been fulfilled, that is,
whether establishing national parks has
contributed to strengthening and developing the
natural values, including the creation of large
connected natural areas, and whether the
national parks collectively represent the most
important Danish natural values.

Source:

http://environmental-auditing.org/Portals/0/AuditFiles/6-
2013.pdf

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