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ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Ecological Restoration and Planning for
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contd ...
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offshore regions further highlights that the samples breaking activities. The oil and heavy metal
from M-ASSBY (Mid-ASSBY), being the oldest pollution of water and sediments, changing the
running shipbreaking area, recorded relatively composition and
higher pollution load than the other ASSBY areas fig 10.1
(N-ASSBY and S-ASSBY). Relatively higher
concentration of heavy metals (like Fe, Mn, Zn, biomass of macro and micro organisms in the
Cu, Pb and Ni) in the sediments of ASSBY areas, intertidal and offshore regions, are a matter of
in general, indicates that though these metals have concern. In addition, these activities also result in
not reached critical limits, they are slowly but discharge of solid waste in all the three subsystems,
surely accumulating there. though due to high tidal current in the offshore
subsystem such waste gets diffused to a large
10.1.2 In depth analysis of modus operandi extent. Further, though there is no quantitative
of the entire shipbreaking activity; physio-chemical evidence, some degree of air and noise pollution
and biological parameters of onshore, intertidal is also felt during the ship-breaking activities
and offshore sub-systems; socio-economic (Annex 10.1), which in turn affect the efficiency
condition of ASSBY labour and neighbouring of workers. With the growth of ship-breaking
villages; and, other associated activities in and industry, several ancillary activities like rerolling
around ASSBY, help visualise the complexity of of steel, transport services, oxygen and LPG
environmental and human problems in an bottling, etc., also flourish in the area. Since there
integrated manner. Three major sources were is no regulatory zoning of the area, these activities/
identified for different types of environmental industries have grown in a haphazard manner in
problems in ASSBY area, namely, the area causing a different set of environmental
problems in and around ASSBY. Further, due to
1. poor living condition of workers due to rapid industrial development, the land use pattern
inadequate housing facilities and poor civic in the vicinity of ASSBY is undergoing change
amenities in the slums adjacent to ASSBY; causing rise in prices of land in certain areas.
2. the method of ship-breaking; and, 10.1.5 It was observed that while problems
like solid waste pollution, air/noise pollution and
3. other activities associated with the ship- occupational hazards, stem from different sources,
breaking industry. problems like high organic matter pollution, oil
and heavy metal pollution, change in floral and
10.1.3 Nine different types of faunal ecology and changes in land use pattern,
environmental issues are linked with the above basically arise from a single major source. In
three major sources. Fig. 10.1 shows the various similar terms, many of the identified problems
sources of different environmental problems and recorded wide ranging influence by affecting more
their influence zones (sub-systems). Unplanned than one sub-system. In this context, the approach
growth of slums, as discussed in the chapter on to management planning has to mainly focus on
socio-economic conditions, has resulted in lack of curbing the problem at its source.
many essential amenities like medical facilities,
drainage and sewage systems, supply of potable
water, and housing facilities, etc. As a result of 10.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE
these, while the workers, the main residents of MANAGEMENT PLAN
slums, face many health related problems; there is
loading of high organic matter in the intertidal
The overall objectives for planning of this area is
and even offshore regions. The substandard living
to maintain (or restore) the conditions of the
conditions also cause proliferation of different types
marine ecosystem, ensure sustained economic
of pathogen both in onshore and, as study reveals,
development and provide healthy living
in intertidal zones.
conditions.
Sub-objective 1: Maintenance (or restoration) of
10.1.4 Let us now look at the environmental
the marine ecosystem by:
problems which are directly caused by the ship-
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l improving the water and sediment quality, high mixing rate in this region caused by high
tidal regimes. Decomposition of this load of
l protecting the native biodiversity, and organic matter has also resulted in somewhat
higher levels of NH4-N and NO2-N. Of particular
l maintaining natural ecosystem functions. concern, however, is the fact that several pathogens
have been isolated from this system. Since it has
Sub-objective 2: Sustained economic development been proved that most of the pathogens do not
and industrial growth may be achieved through: survive in sea water for any significant length of
time, the continuing presence of pathogens
l providing healthy living conditions and observed in the intertidal zone may be due to
raising the quality of life, sustained input of pathogens into the subsystem.
The source of human waste into the marine system
l increasing the efficiency of human is predominantly the non-point discharge from
resources through training and onshore region and direct defecation in the
modernisation, and intertidal region. The problem, therefore, needs
to be addressed at the source, by a method of
l limiting the cost of environmental collection, concentration and treatment. This
measures. requires development of proper sanitation facilities,
provision for appropriate sewerage system and
treatment mechanism. An equally important step
10.3 MANAGEMENT OF THE would be to ensure the use and maintenance of
MARINE ECOSYSTEM these facilities through an elaborate programme
of awareness generation. These are dealt with in
detail in the following section related to the
Protection of the marine ecosystem and
development of housing facilities and town
improvement in the quality of water, sediment and
planning (section 10.4).
biotic features can be achieved through a series of
measures for control of pollution and protection
of biodiversity.
10.3.1.2 Control of oil and PHC
10.3.1 Measures for pollution
Oil and PHC have been recorded in the entire study
control
area. On one occasion particularly higher
concentrations were noted at 5 km offshore zone,
The major threats to the marine ecosystem in this perhaps as a result of operational spills or illegal
region are in the form of increased loading of dumping at that point of time since the
human waste, other organic materials such as oil concentration at 1 km and 3 km was found to be
and PHC, heavy metals and solid wastes (including lower at the same time. The presence of oil and
debris, insulation and packaging materials, etc.). PHC in offshore area as we observed appears to be
Since these are all anthropogenic inputs into the a freak situation since the prevailing system of
system, the thrust of the management plan should inspection, delivery, and beaching of the ship is
be on the development of alternate mechanisms unlikely to cause any release of oil and PHC far
for disposal. away from the coast. Presence of oil and PHC
results in a much more drastic reduction in the
level of dissolved oxygen from the system. Excess
10.3.1.1 Control of human waste of oil and hydrocarbons might also result in the
formation of tar balls and gather in the intertidal
Increasing input of human waste has resulted in region, smothering the life-forms existing therein.
higher levels of BOD and COD in the aquatic The functioning of gills and other vital organs of
system. The natural consequence should have been many fish and planktonic species is often impaired
a lowering of the dissolved oxygen content. due to higher levels of oil and PHC. Although the
However, the present data do not reveal any present levels, in general, do not seem to have
alarming decline in DO, due to the particularly caused any direct quantifiable damage to the native
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flora and fauna in the intertidal area, it has carbon and various types of fumes which
potential to rapidly emerge as a major cause for will need to be contained by adjusting the
concern. stack height and installing electro-static
precipitators (ESPs), while the unburnt
The control and management of oil and PHC will sand and gravel might be reused.
essentially include a three-pronged programme, as
under: As sufficient area is available at ASSBY, in
addition, organised land filling system, an
(a) Minimising spills : Spills may occur during alternative to incineration, but which requires
off-loading of oil from the vessel before it larger area, can also be tried on an experimental
is scrapped. It is recommended that the basis, as it will also be much less costly.
entire system of off-loading of oil may be
reviewed by GMB and suitable measures (c) Monitoring : In addition GMB personnel
be adopted for eliminating spillage at any at Alang should also keep an eye by simple
stage. The current regulation provides that visual monitoring looking for any tar ball
the oil shall not be discharged or released that might appear on the coastline, either
in the sea. The issue, therefore, is of at ASSBY or 10-15 km north and south of
effective compliance of this regulation. It it. In view of the pollution potential by oil-
appears from the entire process -inspection, PHC, it is recommended that an
delivery and shipbreaking - chances of oil independent agency may be entrusted with
spillage would occur after the ship is the task of monitoring the intertidal area.
beached for breaking. GMB should, GMB may like to consider either the
therefore, provide for surprise inspection Biology Department of Bhavnagar
of the plots to check any spillage of oil. A University or CSMCRI to undertake the
monitoring mechanism is suggested in task of this monitoring and submit reports
section 10.5. to GMB at regular intervals.
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sediments in ASSBY area are within limits and see that the disturbance to sediments is kept to the
the nature of sediments provide for greater bare minimum. It is essential that no dredging is
adsorption capabilities. However, continuous input carried out in this sensitive area.
of heavy metals into the system will lead to
increasing saturation of this sediment sink as is 10.3.1.4 Control of solid waste
evident from the higher concentrations recorded disposal
from the intertidal zone of mid-ASSBY, the oldest
zone of ship-breaking activities. Therefore, given
Dismantling of machinery, equipments, gadgetry
the fact that the sediment is the ultimate sink for
and other installations from within the ships
heavy metals whose scavenging capabilities are
invariably leads to the generation of large
finite, it is imperative that every effort is made to
quantities of debris which is of little commercial
reduce its entry into the system accompanied by a
value. These include broken pieces of cement,
comprehensive monitoring programme.
concrete and tiles, small scraps from rusted iron
plates and other metallic pieces, packaging and
Heavy metals and other toxic materials form the
insulation material like glasswool, asbestos pieces,
essential ingredients of anti-fouling paints
wooden pieces, corks, thermocol pieces, rubber
covering particularly the submerged portions of
pipes, plastics, etc.
the exterior of a ship's hull. These are released in
the marine environment during the "forced
This solid waste either gets submerged or floats
beaching" process in which the undersurface of
on the surface, settling finally on the coastline.
the hull is dragged over the beach to its final resting
While there is currently no estimate of the nature
position. Thereafter, the paint coat is often
and quantum of submerged debris, there is need
manually scraped so as to avoid any fire hazard at
for manual removal of floating debris that has
the time of cutting.
accumulated all along the coastline. GMB may
arrange for removal of accumulated solid waste
While it may not be feasible to change the method
on and around the shoreline.
of "forced beaching" that is currently followed, the
scraping of paint could be contained to the bare
GMB has incorporated in its MoU with
minimum in the intertidal zone. Also, a system
shipbreakers that the material mentioned in this
for collecting the scraped material may be
para which do not have commercial value shall be
developed for onshore disposal, preferably at pre-
dumped at predetermined sites and no such
selected land-fills. Any other scraping should
material will be allowed to find its way into the
invariably take place in the on-shore region for
intertidal or onshore areas. It will be better if GMB
similar mode of final disposal.
lays down suitable penal provision. GMB, on its
part, will have to create dumps at regular distance
It is recommended that a system of dry-docking
behind the plots for dumping of such materials.
may be experimented with, in which a plot will
GMB may arrange for segregation and disposal of
have walls on two sides and a lock-gate opening
such materials. Whatever is combustible and has
into the sea. The base could be covered by a tough
no commercial value may be incinerated. The
synthetic material (to withstand abrasion during
broken pieces of cement and other hard material,
"forced beaching") and the entire space cleaned
which is non-combustible, may be crushed and
before another ship is allowed in. However, even
used as filling and building material during the
for a pilot implementation, a detailed technical
development of onshore infrastructure.
feasibility study will be required.
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Since ASSBY is strategically located at the mouth This extra space may be utilised for organising
of the Gulf of Khambhat, it will be in the larger the activities, which will include some additional
societal interest that mangrove plantations are activities relocated to this zone under the proposed
undertaken in a phased manner in suitable revised scheme. The idea is to restrict activities in
neighbouring areas such as the mouth of the river the intertidal zone to only dismantling of the super-
Shetrunji, Gopnath coast, Mithivirdi and Ghogha. structure and cutting the hull into very large blocks.
Preference will have to be given to the more salt The second and third order of cutting these steel
tolerant species like Avicennia sp. since the inflow plates, scraping of rusted scales and paints (if
of freshwater in these regions is quite low and necessary), storage of material and equipments and
erratic. The forest department of the State transportation can then be better organised in these
Government may be invited to work for the backyards. It would then be possible to develop a
greening of this coastline and also the onshore system of collecting any waste (recommended in
green belt proposed later. para 10.2.1.4) that is generated in the process and
deal with it appropriately, rather than allowing it
It will be essential to regularly monitor the status to find its way into the sea. It is proposed that this
of flora and fauna, both offshore and onshore so additional space be proportional to their current
that damage to various life forms, if any, is detected lease area.
in time and remedial action taken. It is
recommended that the task of monitoring of 10.4.2 Mechanisation and
biodiversity in and around ASSBY may be improvement of skills
assigned to Bhavnagar University, for which, if
necessary, its laboratory and other infrastructure Alang would have to be equipped to break more
may be augmented/upgraded. ships (with same number of workers by improving
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efficiency) rather than shifting the additional will complement such skill-enhancement
tonnage, which may be available in future to new measures. Moreover, general training and
sites. Firstly, Alang does have surplus capacity awareness programmes on health, hygiene, social
even now since several plots remain unutilised for security, environmental protection, occupational
long periods. Secondly, Alang has the proven hazards, safety etc. may be worked out. It is
advantage of terrain for beaching which will have recommended that GMB may constitute a working
to be proven at a new site. Thirdly, purely from group consisting of representatives of GMB,
environmental angle, Alang has proved to be a shipbreakers and experts in the field to examine
relatively safer site since the damage caused to the the suggestions made here to decide on long term
intertidal zone and onshore in 15 years is still planning for shipbreaking industry at Alang.
containable. It will, from the point of view of
maintaining ecological balance, be advisable to
examine the maximum carrying capacity of Alang 10.4.3 Safety measures
for shipbreaking after ensuring optimum use of
existing infrastructure and resources and
Although mechanisation and improvement of
considering some modernisation and skills will help in the safe operation at work, it is
mechanisation of operations. Any additional of utmost importance that the necessary safety
shipbreaking at Alang, however, should be done
measures should be taken to minimise the accidents
by maintaining the work force at the current level.
and the damage caused by them. It is recommended
The major machinery currently used in ASSBY
that the GMB should take into consideration the
are the TATA 320 cranes of 18 ton capacity which
following points
pose a finite limit to the size of the blocks that are
hauled up on the shore to about 12 tons each. It is l The GMB should set procedure and ensure
suggested that the capacity of this first order cutting
its compliance through the shipbreakers for
may be developed with the help of experts. This
carrying out welding/cutting of vessels
may entail improved cutting equipment (such as
containing flammable/hazards materials.
laser units), much larger hauling facilities and
development of appropriate skills. l Facilities to identify the unknown
chemicals/ substances and their safe
One or two cranes of very large capacity may be
disposal.
procured by GMB or by a private agency for hire
by the individual ship-breakers as per need. The
l Rules for working inside the closed
orderly sequence of ship-breaking plots and the
containers.
relative geological stability of the coastline should
facilitate the laying of rails for mounting these l GMB should appoint one qualified safety
cranes and providing operational flexibility.
engineer/manager to ensure that the safety
However, enhancing the hauling capabilities will
measures are adhered to.
be a critical factor in the overall proposed scheme
and will need detailed technical feasibility studies.
l Usage of substandard equipments
Alteration of working methods and attendant (machines and tools) e.g. LPG cylinders,
upgradation in safety measures will also need to lifting devices etc. should be avoided.
be looked into.
l While performing different tasks, the
The present workforce constitutes mostly of
labourers must use the appropriate personal
unskilled labourers, except for the cutters who are
protective appliances such as :
semi-skilled. An increased level of organisation
of the activities, as proposed, will require Eye Protection - Safety Goggles
specialised labour inputs. Depending on the
Face Protection - Face Shield, Hood
existing knowledge, skills and physical attributes,
Body Protection - Apron, Suit
various training programmes may be initiated for
Hand Protection - PVC/rubber
creating specialised bands of workforce. The
hand gloves
provision of identity cards, as proposed by GMB, Foot Protection - Gum boot,
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Even if we do not consider the multiplier effect spend average 10% of their wages or at 10% of
and overall benefit to society, the above figures the total wage bill, that is, Rs. 7.8 crore a year.
viewed in a 10 year timeframe would justify an
expenditure of Rs. 90 crores or Rs. 103 crores as We have considered the option of encouraging the
the case may be on housing since the industry workers to own their own homes by giving them
depends mainly on manual labour. soft loans after they are constructed by a central
authority. This, however, will not be a desirable
10.5.1.3 The assumptions made here are on option since workers may not manage their
stagnating tonnage and prices of 1996-97 without township or accommodation well and problems
taking into account the normal inflation factor over would arise when some workers leave Alang.
ten years. The State Government and GMB would Moreover, our assumption is that 90% of workers
naturally plan to take larger share of shipbreaking would need single accommodation. Therefore,
business in years to come in which case all the most of the buildings will be of dormitory type.
figures except for housing cost would be revised Joint ownership in such case would be impractical.
upwards.
10.5.1.4 Financing of the housing project at
As discussed earlier, workers stint on housing. ASSBY would need some imaginative planning.
Nearly one third of them have constructed sheds We suggest that 75% of cost may be contributed
of their own. The rest spend below Rs. 108 to above by :
Rs. 500 on housing. Looking to the wage structure
at ASSBY, it should be possible for workers to I. Shipbreakers
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II. Metal Scrap Fund shipbreaking plots is not only inadvisable from
the point of view of safety but it also would preclude
III. International Agencies such as ADB, Ford further development and modernisation of ship
Foundation, KFW, etc. breaking activity suggested in para 10.3.1 in larger
interest of environmental management. While
IV. GMB conceding that it is always difficult to move people
away from their existing dwellings, however
25% of the cost with interest may be recovered miserable, there does not seem to be any option
from workers as rent and maintenance charges. but to do so, if we are serious about ecological
restoration of ASSBY area and preservation of
The critical question to be dealt with are: overall environmental quality and workers' health.
An effort has been made to propose new dwelling
I. Who will construct the township for sites and over all township development in drawing
workers? 'B'. This is indicative and may not be capable of
being followed in all detail. The exact prices of
II. Who will administer it? land for having housing and service activities have
to be decided upon in consultation with all
10.5.1.5 It is recommended that the entire concerned. What is important is that these should
township may be planned and constructed by GMB be outside the CRZ.
and its management be given to shipbreakers in
small clusters depending on workforce of each. It is also noted that GMB has proposed acquisition
There should, however, be inspection and of various areas of land in Mathavda, Bharapara,
supervision of sanitation, conservancy and general Manar, Alang and Sosiya villages. Though some
upkeep of houses by GMB's personnel. This will of the acquisition was proposed several years ago,
also make allotment easier. actual acquisition has been very little. Moreover a
good deal of area proposed for acquisition is
This scheme will also necessitate review of period already occupied by slums. GMB has heavy
of current lease of plots since the plot holders will responsibility of managing a difficult industry with
not be enthusiastic to take over the responsibility a large unskilled workforce which has migrated
of house allotment to their workers, management from far away places. The workforce at Alang is
and upkeep of residential accommodation and much more than the workforce employed in some
collection of rent if they do not have occupation of of the industrial estates of GIDC. If GMB is
plot at least for 10 years. expected to accept the recommendations made in
this report and work on some schemes already
prepared by them, it is essential that GMB is armed
10.5.2 Location with requisite authority to deal with such a massive
task. Otherwise, management of the Alang site
will continue to be below standard, further growth
The location of residential area, as mentioned
of ASSBY will be halted and ecological
earlier, should be away from the work area. As
per the current regulation it should be beyond the degradation will continue unchecked. Such a
CRZ, i.e., beyond 500 mt from the shore line situation would naturally attract activists of
different kind who would then campaign with
(Annex 10.2). The approximate CRZ is shown in
vigour to support various causes and also move
drawing 'A'. It should also be noted that most of
the courts. All that should be, and is, avoidable.
the slums are presently located within the CRZ.
It is, therefore, in the self interest of the State to
In many cases these dwellings are just behind the
Shipbreaking Plots with only the service road as create an Area Development Authority and
the divider between the place of work and place of according it the status of Notified Area to ASSBY
site. For obvious operational reasons it is
living. This situation is clearly unacceptable not
recommended that GMB, in this special case, may
only for conforming to the CRZ regulation but also
be designated as the Notified Area Authority by
for maintenance of environmental quality and
appropriate legislation, in view of the complex
prevention of pollution of intertidal zone. Also,
such close proximity of a human settlement to nature of management of the site and the fact that
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GMB is the concern authority for this industry. the total requirement of water will be 8.9 Mm3
As regards housing, it is recommended that in 2001 AD and increase to 13.19 Mm3 by 2031
locations may be selected north of CRZ zone. If AD. This means that the water supply sources
there are any insurmountable problems in must have a capacity to meet this annual demand
acquiring land there, marginal adjustments may after evaporation and distribution losses (5%).
be made in CRZ line. If availability of adequate The gross capacity of the supply source,
land north of CRZ line causes problems, the area therefore, has been considered as 1.5 times the
marked in red stripes in drawing 'B' may be annual demand.
considered as a special case since the Manar river
would divide the work area and the residential area. Implementation of the project has been planned
Balance requirement of land should be beyond in two phases: the first one, to be commissioned
CRZ line with minor adjustments if necessary on by 2001, is based on internal sources to generate
logistic grounds. 12 Mm3 of usable storage to meet the total
demand of 8.9 Mm3 (industrial township supply
of 3.84 Mm3 for 75000 population and rural
10.5.3 Water demands and supply supply of 5.05 Mm3 for 1.15 lakh population).
The second phase will be based on external
sources. In this, the unharnessed water of
As mentioned earlier (para 9.3.5) safe drinking
Shetrunji has to be tapped by constructing one
water is rare at ASSBY. Presently, the daily supply
tidal regulator of 6 Mm3 capacity at Saltanpur
is made by 200 tankers (each of 5000 liters
and one weir of 5 Mm3 near Velavadar. This
capacity) to meet the requirements of about 50000
people. This turns out to be 20 lpcd and is nowhere will augment the first phase to meet an ultimate
close to the prescribed norms of 140 lpcd. It is, demand of 13 Mm3 in 2031 AD for a projected
population of 2.65 lakh. A total cost of Rs. 101
therefore, recommended that GMB should initiate
crore (Rs. 50.3 crore in first phase and Rs. 50.7
measures to meet not only the present water
in second) is estimated for the project. The
requirement of ASSBY but also plan for the future.
second phase is to be undertaken after an
The growth and prosperity of the industry and the
villages being inter-dependent, it is in the long- assessment of the status of the industry in the
term interests of GMB that nearby villages are also area in about 2005 AD.
ensured of this basic necessity. Therefore, ASSBY
plots, township and the nearby villages are together
considered as project area for preparing a water 10.5.4. Green belt
supply plan, the details of which are provided in
the additional report on water supply (GES 1998). It is recommended that the area between the plots
The project area forms more or less an independent and workers' residential quarters, which is not
hydrological unit (watershed) covering 330 km2 put to agricultural use, may be taken over for
of area. The area has a surface water potential of creating a green belt with the help of the forest
43 Mm3 at an average rainfall of 620 mm. In Dept of State Government. It will, however, have
addition, it receives 161 Mm3 of unharnessed to be borne in mind that in the initial phase,
water from Shetrunji river catchment. only the indigenous tree species should be
selected for developing the green belt.
Total water potential of the area is 189 Mm3, of
which 43 Mm3 is from the internal surface sources, The indigenous species that may be planted in
118 Mm3 is from the external surface sources and mixed plantations may include trees such as
28 Mm3 is groundwater. The groundwater being Acacia catechu (Khair), A. leucophloea (Harmo),
a common property resource, no water supply A. nilotica (Bawal), Albizzia lebbek (Siris),
scheme can be safely designed based on this Azardiacta indica (Limdo), Balanites aegiptiaca
resource. Thus, only surface water sources have (Hingorio), Butea monosperma (Khakra)/
been considered for the proposed water supply Kesudo) Cassia siamea (Kesia), Zizyphus
project. mauritiana (Bordi/Khareki bor) for flat or
undulating areas while for seasonal stream and
The calculations for the project area indicate that for the banks of the rivers species like Holoptelia
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the status of this area for its overall development. in this field for their inputs. The proposed
It is recommended that GOG should declare environmental cell will be responsible for the
ASSBY as notified area, called Alang Area effective and timely implementation of various
Development Authority (ADA), which would be components of management plan
properly governed by a cross-sectoral
implementing agency. The composition and broad The proposed cell will facilitate appropriate
functioning of ADA has already been discussed coordination and integration within and outside
earlier. It is thus visualised that ADA, once the GMB working system. Here two levels of co-
constituted, would play the most crucial role in ordination and integration have been envisaged.
the socio-economic development of the area. One internal and other external. Interaction at both
the levels simultaneously is necessary. The
GMB can also play a crucial role in socio-economic different internal stakeholders, viz., ASSBY
development of this area by evolving and officials, shipbreakers, transporters, workers, etc.,
implementing an awareness programme for have to play a vital role. As the different internal
different target groups (including workers, ship components of the shipbreaking activity including
breakers and other inhabitants) of the area about technical, physical, administrative, financial,
health, hygiene and environmental issues. This can social, etc., may also respond to the introduced
be done with the help of Bhavnagar Univ. and a programme, appropriate cooperation from all
communicator of proven merit, preferably knowing becomes necessary for harmonious
Gujarati besides Hindi and English. implementation.
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4. Changing consumption patterns: less 17. Oceans and seas: coastal area development;
wasteful lifestyles; sustainable consumption marine protection; living resources;
levels; informed consumer choices. uncertainties and climate change;
international co-operation and co-
5. Demographic dynamics and sustainability: ordination; island development.
national and local level integration of
population and environment. 18. Toxic chemicals: chemical risks
assessment; classification and labelling;
6. Health: pollution health risks; basic needs; information; risks management
communicable diseases; vulnerable groups. programmes.
7. Human settlements: shelter; land and 19. Hazardous waste: cleaner production, waste
settlement management; environmental minimisation, institutional capacities; co-
infrastructure; energy and transport; human operation between different authorities.
resources and capacity building; disaster-
prone areas. Depending upon need, appropriate items from the
above list can be selected for preparing specific
8. Water supplies : drinking water; sanitation awareness packages for different groups.
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in a camp of rural workers, if the facilitator educator may put forth the contradiction by
is conversant with this logic. saying, "why different written materials
have different interpretation of the same
fact?" This practice helps develop a critical
b. The facilitator approach towards written materials.
c. The process
d. ASSBY villages
The starting point for organising the
ASSBY villagers are local, whereas the ship
programme content of education must be
breaking workers are migrant. But the
the present, existential concrete situation
and reflecting the aspirations of the people. reference point of both the groups is the
Utilising certain basic contradictions, we same. Their class characteristics are also
the same. Hence the philosophy and method
must pose this existential concrete, present
of training are also the same for both. Only
situation to the people as a problem which
the content of training would differ, as
challenges them and requires a response -
mentioned in the profile of these two
not just at the intellectual level, but at the
level of action. groups.
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Eckert, J.M. and E.R. Sholkovitz (1976). The Govindaraju, K. (1994). Compilation of working
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transactions of American Fisheries Society. Varshney, P.K., K. Govindan and B.N. Desai
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N.N.Murti, Marine gastropoda of Bombay-Part Desai (1980a). Water quality of the river
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161-164.
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ANNEX 1.1
1. Overall scope of the study :
Proceedings of the strategy It was generally felt that there was a need to
planning workshop for study on broaden the context of the study by emphasising
ecological restoration and the large-scale ecological characteristics of the
region which will be related to the specific ship-
planning of breaking activities. Large oceanographic processes
Alang ship-breaking yard such as tides and currents will influence critical
parameters such as flow characteristics and
(ASBY). sediment transport which will, in turn, have a close
bearing on the fate of pollutants. This was
Vadodara, July 20, 1996. illustrated by the fact that whatever is dropped in
the East African coast reaches the western shores
Background and objectives of the of India in only 45 days during the monsoons.
workshop:
Documenting the process of change, especially in
the coastal geomorphology, coastal processes and
Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) has
socio-economic features, over the past fourteen
undertaken a study for the ecological restoration
years will not only reveal the trends but also
and planning of the Alang Ship-breaking yard provide a basis for forecasting. It was also
(ASBY) at the instance of the Gujarat Maritime suggested that a system of monitoring be evolved
Board (GMB). The objectives, scope of study and
on the basis of some critical parameters that may
time-frame have already been worked out by GEC
be identified during the course of the study.
and approved by the GMB. Accordingly, GEC has
appointed a Senior Expert and Coordinator for the
A number of well-known cases of extreme
project who has initiated the task of building up a degradation and subsequent restoration, both
multi-disciplinary team to work on the different within the country (e.g. Panaji and Kerala coasts)
components of the project.
and abroad (e.g. Chesapeake Bay and Thames
estuary), were cited. A review of such successful
However, it was felt that a consultation with
programmes will be useful while formulating
national and international level experts at the
appropriate recommendations for ASBY.
planning stage would benefit the team members
in terms of conceptual clarity, operational It was emphasised that the programme on Alang
strategies and coordination.
should not be viewed in isolation. It must be
integrated with other on-going studies for a more
Therefore, the specific objectives of the workshop
meaningful and long-term perspective.
were
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e) Fishery: experimental trawling (to make and different coliform groups in water and
qualitative and quantitative evaluation of sediments.
the fishery resources);
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b) Area - The residential zone of the industrial 2. Dr. B.N. Desai, former Director, NIO, Dona
Paula, Goa.
labourers will be focussed for primary data
collection, particularly with regard to
3. Dr. Pranav N. Desai, Director, CREST, New
demographic profiles, economic activities
Delhi.
and social impacts caused by proximity to
commercial zone.
4. Dr. Shailesh R. Nayak, Scientist, Space
Application Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad.
Secondary data from the hinterland will be
collected within a radius of 10 km. Data
5. Dr. Sanat A. Chavan, former Director,
will pertain to demographic profiles, civic
Marine National Park and CCF, Gujarat.
amenities, landuse pattern, ancillary/
tertiary industries, history of banking
6. Dr. (Mrs.) Vijayalakshmi Nair, Senior
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5. The increase in the organic load and the of handling and differences in the tidal
presence of pathogens were mentioned range. It was suggested that further
as features that were becoming investigation of this variability may perhaps
increasingly common in the entire lead to a better insight for the management
coastline of our country. This may be of this problem.
attributed to the rapid proliferation of
human settlements in these regions 8. Concern was also expressed about the
which are often bereft of basic amenities floating solid wastes, largely plastic and
of water supply, sanitation and other petrochemical products used in the ships
essential infrastructural facilities. primarily for the insulation. These were
observed to accummulate at various places
6. Levels of some heavy metals (like iron, along the coastline and, occasionally got
zinc, copper and lead) were high in the collected and were incinerated by some of
sediments. While metals like iron (Fe) the plot-owners. Experimental dredging
and zinc (Zn) have a low pollutant was also suggested for ascertaining the
potential, higher levels of lead (Pb) and presence of sunken debris, if any.
copper (Cu) are causes of some concern.
In general, the level of these pollutants
were observed to decrease with distance Discussions on the management plan
from the middle of the ASSBY. Mercury,
though not so important in the water, may
It was mentioned that because of several site-
be measured in the sediments and in the attributes, the levels of pollutants did not exhibit
tissues of fish for its known impact on any drastic change with area and time. However,
the life-forms. It was stated that further
it was noted that the levels of some pollutants were
studies were required for coming to any
definitely higher in the ASSBY region as
definite conclusion about the impact of
compared to the control sites. It was also noted
these metals.
that the levels of these pollutants generally declined
with distance from the ASSBY. Therefore, in order
It was also mentioned that, given the to prevent further the building up of pollutants in
highly dynamic and complex movement
the coastal waters and sediments, which might
of the water and sediment in the Gulf,
ultimately damage the living organisms and impair
there is definite need for continuous
vital ecological functions, a pragmatic and effective
sampling and consistent analysis for
management plan should be implemented.
different heavy metals (monitoring) in
order to trace their entry and movement 1. The major problem of degradable organic
in the ecosystem. Since practical
waste, as indicated by the high levels of
difficulties exist in monitoring of such a
BOD, NH4+-N and pathogenic microbes,
system, a mechanism for sharing of the
can possibly be managed through proper
data and efforts may be made with
disposal of sewage. Proper management of
leading agencies like the National human settlements, even if done in a phased
Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and manner, will improve the situation
Department of Ocean Development
considerably and, that too, in a relatively
(DOD).
short time. Some of the essential features
for the management of human settlements
7. Though the range of variability was
will be:
pronounced, the oil-PHC was high in and
around the ASSBY. The possibility of oil l relocation, preferably 500 m away from the
being washed in after the rains was also
high tide line;
mentioned, since some increase was
observed during the post-monsoon
l provision of community/ household
period. High variability was attributed to
sanitation facilities, preferably those
differences in the type of vessels, mode utilising minimum water;
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mentioned that efforts should be stepped larger pieces, it may also not be a cost-
up for preventing the entry of such material effective solution for the pollution and other
into the water. Also, all the combustible related problems. However, such a scheme
components could be collected and could be taken up on a pilot basis, it was
incinerated in an acceptable manner, suggested.
perhaps using a common incinerator.
10. The afforestation measures adopted by
8. It was noted that paints were the major GMB were also discussed. It was mentioned
sources of heavy metals in the coastal that vigorous efforts were needed along
waters and sediments and the process of with a scientific approach for a successful
beaching caused significant scraping off of plantation in the area. Suitable sites could
the under-surface. It was also observed that be identified, with the help of NIO, for
the concentration of lead and copper were selective regeneration of mangroves while
on the high side and this could be a cause some basic understanding of the sand dune
of future concern since these tend to ecosystems will help in developing a
accumulate and magnify in the biotic scheme for their ecological regeneration.
systems ultimately leading to toxic The Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology
conditions. Regular monitoring of (GUIDE), Bhuj, is uniquely placed to
sediments and their concentrations in undertake such a study.
tissues of various organisms were absolutely
essential. Apart from the Central and State 11. Since Alang is a major source of revenue
Pollution Control Boards, it was mentioned for the State, sustaining the activities and
that the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals developing appropriate spin-off enterprises
Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar are of paramount importance. It was
would be monitoring the Alang area under therefore suggested that although the
the COMAM programme of the DOD, industrial laws (as applicable to the Small
Govt. of India. It was agreed that CSMCRI Scale Industries (SSIs)) are applicable here,
would provide this data to GEC, the ship-breaking activity needs to be given
particularly those related to heavy metal an industrial status and Alang area needs
concentrations in the water and sediments. to be declared as an industrial estate. This
It was also agreed that the NIO will help will ensure the protection of labour
with the generation of data related to metal interests, streamlining of operations and
accumulation in tissues. apportionment of responsibilities.
It was also noted that although till date 12. The multiplicity of authorities was one of
there has been no ship in Alang ship- the major hurdles for the successful
breaking yard known to contain PCBs, the implementation of any holistic
issue needs to be settled through an recommendation that may be made. It was
examination of the same, since this was noted that the regulatory powers of GMB
being raised time and again in different was restricted to maritime activities only
fora. while there were other State agencies
responsible for land, water, basic services
9. A system of dry-docking was also proposed etc. The proposal for setting up an Alang
in which a plot could have walls on the two Development Authority was discussed in
sides and a lock-gate opening into the sea. this context. It was mentioned that although
The substrate could be covered by tough GMB has to take the lead in this regard,
synthetic material to withstand abrasion this body must have complete autonomy
during forced beaching and the entire space and it should be constituted with the active
cleaned before another ship is allowed to participation of all agencies in that area.
come in. It was mentioned that such a This apex body should have the nodal
proposition would not only lead to "parking responsibility for the all-round development
problems" and problems of breaking off the of the Alang area and should function in a
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On the part of ship-breakers, the approach has to 11. Dr. Pranav Vyas, Assistant Professor,
shift from mere "Kabadi" to industry. Their Department of Microbiology and
responsibilities should include those which are Biotechnology, MS University of Baroda,
common with the other entrepreneurs such as Vadodara.
housing, community facilities and other social
security schemes. However, this enhanced 12. Gujarat Ecology Commission was
responsibility can be shouldered effectively by the represented by its Chairman, Director
ship-breakers if the lease term is enhanced and (Ecology) and Ecologist.
some sort of continuity is ensured.
13. Gujarat Ecological Society was represented
by its Chairman, Manager, Ecologist and
Participants of the workshop: Research Associate.
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ANNEX 10.1
National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 1994
* Annual Arithmetic of minimum 104 may exceed but not on two consecutive days,
measurement in a year taken twice a week 24
hourly at uniform interval Note:
** 24 hourly/8 hourly values should be met 98% (1) National Ambient Air Standard: The level
of the time in a year. However, 2% of te time it of air quality necessary with in an adequate
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177