RF_E_5_SUDHA.pdf
Media
- extracted text
-
WRF_E_5_SUDHA
^5: /
HOW NOT TO CONDUCT A MEDICO-ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY
The Central Labour Institute ( CLI ) 2Fombay, carried
out a medico-environmental study of the Gwalior Rayon Silk
Mills ( GRASIM), Nagda, Madhyapradesh in August/September
1983 to assess the occupational health hazards among the
workers.
The CLI and its regional centre at Madras is
understood to have carried out similar surveys in other
man.-made fibre units as well.
This survey has a history.
In June 1983, the peoples Union for Civil Liberties ( FUCL)
had published the findings of a survey conducted in the
GRASIM. The PUCL reported many a death/diseases attributable
to occupational diseases.
The CLI reports a large number of signs and symptoms
A
among the workers, but no terminal disability or death,
summary of their findings is given in table belpw:4
Percentage affected
Signs/Sympt oms
Exposed Group Control Group
N 123
(B 337 )
(N (123
) )
Pi les
Hypertension
GI signs and symptoms
Psychic Symptoms
Neurological signs and Symptoms
Respiratory & Cardiovasculary
Symptoms
Comparative ECG Changes
58.75
6.23
32.92
17.17
39.76
53.65
6.40
26.01
8.11
15.41
28.78
27.88
28.42
28.45
Concluding the report, the CLI states: "in the present
study, no significant difference in health status was
observed among the exposed and control groups except for
those of psychic neurological disorders which are more in
the exposed group”.
The message is loud and clear.
No
act ion is - to be taken.
A close scrutiny of the report reveals a few methodoThe most important among them are as follows
logical bias.
1.
The principal chemical pollutants in the work environ
ment of the rayon plant, according to the CLI are carbon
di-sulphide ( CS2) and hydrogen sulphide ( H2S). A third
chemical, sulphur dioxide ( SC2) has been conveniently
forgotten.
In fact, the main pollutants in the CS^ plant
and sulfuric acid plant is SO^.
It also exists in other
departments as well.
x
» concentration of these
The maximum permissible
three gases as 0recommended by the dhief Advisor of factories
( 1958) for a six hour shift is: 20 parts per million(ppm) for CS
and H S and 10 ppm
for SO2 *.
’ According to J Telsinger, Chairman of the WHO Task
Group on Environmental Health Criteria for CS2."The whole
organism is affected in cases of chronic CS poisoning”.
This sweet emelling gas, however, has a marked preference for
central, peripheral and automatic nervous systems.
Among
the reported terminal disabilities caused by CSO are
paralysis, parkinsonim, myocardial infraction etc.
2/-
2
Sulphur dioxide acts on the respiratory system, leading
to chronic obstructive lung diseases ( COLD ), which in
a nutnber of cases graduate to heart diseases.
Two of the
rayon gases have a common effect-diseases of the heart.
Toxins which act on
different systems of the body
are known to reinforce each other.
This is known as
synergistic effect.
As such, any scientific study of a
work environment should consider all the toxins as a single
unit and not as independent entities.
It is in considera
tion of this factor that the chief advisor of factories
recommended a- maximum cieling of 20 ppm when more than one
• gas is present.
2.
From the two chemicals mentioned in the introduction,
. the CLI finally settled down to one-CS .
The primary
criteria of sampling was the concentration of CS
in the
work environment reportedly measured by the environmental
team of the CLI.
3.
Sampling Bias
The study was conducted on a ’’stratified random
sample of 460 workers” selected from a list supplied by
the management.
The CLI did not bother to examine whether
the list was complete. As far as the management is
concerned, casual and badli workers are not workers of the
GRAS IM.
Secondly, a study of occupational hazards would be
totally meaningless, if it is limited to the workers who
are now on the pay roll,
The sample should have also
included workers who left their jobs> during the past
several years.
No permanent disability or death due to occupational
diseases has been reported in the CLI study,
This inspite
of publication of a-an independent survey,
Pictures of
12 of the living victims were published—
ini one of the
largest selling english magazines in June 1983.
Workers in the sample were divided into two groups
exposed and control.
The former were working in departments
with a concentration ^f CS ranging from 1 to 100 microgram
per cube meter ( mg/m ).
See table II.
No. of workers
Range of exposure
Mean exposure
67
Trace
100
36.3
117
n
38
13.4
43
it
6
1.0
30
I!
6
n 3.0
21
20
20
20.0
59
Ocas sionally
exposed to CS
337
2
39% of the workers in the exposed group were either
occassionally exposed to CS or hed an exposure ranging
from 1 to 3 mg/m clubbing this group, which is closer to
I
?
‘TV
3
unexposed group,, with those who had an exposure of 36 mq/m3
would have highly diluted the findings.
60% of the workers had been in service for more than
16 years. CLI did not bother to look for their service
records.
Interdepartmental transfers being not too
infrequent, the entire sample could necessarily not have
had the same exposure as that of the study period throughout
their service.
Rayon gases are present even beyond the work environ
ment.
Both the control and exposed subjects were drawn from
the same factory.
The study, to be objective, should have
drawn the control group from industrial workers with no
exposure history of any hazardous chemical.
The team is reported to have conducted urinary
analysis, but its result has not been given.
Tables 10 to 12 of the report provide comparative,
significant and minor ECG changes,
27.88% of the exposed
and 28.45 % of the control group workers had EC@ changes.
The age group of workers with ECG changes has not been
mentioned.
In the absence of this variable, it is
difficult to analyse this data.
This, is the third occupational health survey of
rayon industry conducted in India.
The first one was in
1958, wihen there were three mills, the oldest one
existence for only five years.
The second study was
conducted in 1970,
While the 1958 study attempted at an
objective evaluation of the working conditions and
explore ways to change it, the 1970 and 1983 study seem
to have different end in view.
The central ministry of labour, at whose initiative
the study was undertaken does not seem to be too keen to
get the facts straight.
The ministry refuses to release the
report, inspite of repeated requests.
This situation has
thrown up yet another question, though not totally unrelated
to the environmental health hazards.
Protection of
environment is the constitutionally ordained responsibility
of every citizen.
Will one be able to do this, without
——paBmanabhan V. T.
Forum for Occupational
Health and Environmental
Studies,
PB No. 44
ALWAYE - 683101
i
T
? i'
-" ’
^nOcAolf^8
/ ,
CjC^O
CXZ7 LATT^"}^-]
CcX-O<_xCx|
3.
ca <rUx
cX’^Le^t^ L'4->'
/^cx ci
nci'
mo c U__i
dj
!
o
t^r
ro //.
/9 c
C<xn^olS ex!I
c5/nc5&
G>
Mo>->
ykcfc
cn^- 1^
o-l^^
<^JLo O
&&
C yi
ZQO^
7.
•:
i
\
^■?fifigP§AL^Tg^gT.UDY POLLUTION AND ITS, EFFECTS CAUSED BY
INDUSTRIES ON TUNGABHADRA RIVER AT KUMARPATTANAM
RANIBENNUR TALUKA,DHaRWAD DIST, KARNATAKA STATE
SUBMITTED TO:
Secretary
The Department of Ecology and Environment
Government of Karnataka
bangalore-5so 001.
First Submitted
May 21/ 1984.
resubmitted with Revis ions
August 7, 1984.
ORGANIZATION submitting
THE PROPOSAL:
Coordinator,
Transnational Centre for
Non-Violent Social Change (TNC)
“Navajeevan", Station Road,
DHARWAD-580 001.
Phone: 80470.
Grams: "TRANCENTER"
*
transnational centre
(tnc)
For Non-Violent Social Change
’’Navaj eevan” Station Road,
Dharwad-580 001.(KARNATAKA)
A PROPOSAL TO STUDY POLLUTION AND ITS EFFECT CAUSED BY
{
INDUSTRIES ON TUNGABHADRA RIVER AT KUMARPATTANAM
RANIBENNUR TALUKA, DHARWAD DIST. KARNATAKA
I. INTRODUCTION:
Tungabhadra is one of the major rivers of Karnataka State.
The river irrigates about 4,80,000 hectares in Rayalaseema regions
of Andhra, Bellary and Raichur regions of Karnataka. On the bank
of this river various industrial units, both large and small, have
come up in last twenty years.
A Voluntary Organization,- has been working with the rural poor
in cluster of 21 villages in Ranibennur Taluka, Dharwad District
in Karnataka since 1979.
It has undertaken Health, Dairy, Rural
Industries and Shepherding Community Projects. The people with
whom this organization has been working, have been from time to
time, expressing their deep concern about the pollution of two
companies, located at Kumarpattanam in Ranibenhur taluka, Dharwad
District. One of the company produce s rayon grade pulp and the
other, rayon clothe.
The pulp manufacturing company was commissioned on March 31,
1972. It produces about 165 TPD (Tone per day) of rayon grade
pulp generating about 33000 m of industrial effluents per day.
The factory has been treating the effluents to “irrigation Standards”
Most of the characteristics of the pollution such as the Biological
Oxygen Demand (EOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Suspen
ded Solids (TSS) have been above safe limits prescribed by the
government. The factory has build a new Upgraded Effluent Treat
ment Plant which was completed on December 28, 1983, which is supp
osed to treat the effluents to “river water standards”, i.e.,
i.e*. BOD
of 3 0 mg/1 •
*
The rayon clothe producing company started working in 1977
and manufactures Grasilene fibre using rayon grade pulp manufactured
by the other company. The installed capacity is 800 Tons per month
of Grasilene fibre.
It also manufactures following Chemicals for
captive consumptions.
(
1. Sulphuric Acid.
2. Carbon Disulphide.
•• 200 MT/month.
3. Sodium Sulphate.
•.1050 MT/month.
.• 300 MT/month.
This company consumes 575 m3/hour of water and produces
490 m3/hour of effluents.
Over 100 villages are being effected either by water
pollution or air pollution or both, Recently, a large scale fish
kill took place on February 14, 1984 when lakhs of fish were killed
all along the stretch of over 60 kilometers of the Tungabhadra
River.
There have been warnings of the pollution in the .summer months
in the town of Hospet, more than 100 kms. away from the Factory
site and where there is a large reservior (dam) built on Tungabhadra.
river.
. . .2.
,k.ii
-2-
The villagers and affected urban persons have been protes
ting since 1972. Some papers and magazines including the India
Today have written about this pollution.
The Transnational Centre (TNC) which has been formed in
January 1983 has decided to work on this problem because the
people brought to the attention of this organization the various
effects
-- 7;- that
-- --this
J pollution has had on human and cattle health
and fish population
TNC decided to undertake scientific study
of the pollution by a multidisciplinary team, in addition to
bringing scientific awareness among the concerned people; villagers
and urbanites. It has conducted a 15 days Orientation Training
Programme for School teachers and villagers in November, 1983
in Gandhi Vidyapith, Vedchhi, Surat Dist., Gujarat and a 12 dry
Environment Camp was conducted in January 1984.
Several Organizations such as the India Development
Service (IDS), Dharwad, Institute for Youth and Development(lYD)
and the Department of Ecology and Environment and Department
of Education, Government of Karnataka have extended the financial
and other support for this camp.
II. STUDY TEAM AND ADVISORS:
A Study Team and Advisors consisting of Scientist with
extensive experience in India and abroad in Pollution, human
health animal husbandry and social sciences have been formulated
for this Team and Advisory is given in Appendix A*
Dr. Shivaram Karanth, the Gyanpeeth Award winner is the
Chairman of the Committee on Environmental Study and Action of
the TNC and the Study Team and Advisors are part of this Committee.
III. PERIOD OF STUDY:
One year; samples would be taken every month for water, soil
and biological studies.
IV. GEOGRAPHICAL area:
About 8-10 villages along the bank of the river would be
considered for conducting such studies as Chemical Analysis of
water. Soil Analysis and Biological Observations. Of tnese
7-8 villages would be from downstream of the industries at
Kumarapatnam and 1-2 villages upstream of the industries on the
Tungabhadra river bank.
V. VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE STUDY:
This study will cover several aspects as indicated below:
1. Water Analysis of the river: Both the effluents of the
industries and the resulting river water would be ancilysed. The
major indicators of pollution are: Biological Oxygen Demand. (BOD)
pH (indicator of Acidity or Aikanility, if any), Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Calcium, Magnesium and
detection of heavy metals (if any).
The samples of water and effluents would be taken at regular
frequency (e.g., monthly) and some times, more frequently, if
necessary. The points for taking effluents have been carefully
o .3.
-3chosen to assess the pollution levels. Starting with the
upstream point, the points for sample collection extend to
oyer 20 kilometres. The points downstream of the industries,
starting with the confluence points of the effluents into the
river, are carefully chosen.at villages, namely, Nadiharalahalli,
Airani, Hirebidori, Somalapur and Kudrihal. We are also select
ing some points on the other bank of the river to assess the
pollution caused by industries at Harihar.
2. Soil Sediment Analysis: For their nutrient status and
contents of heavy metals. Since there is a possibility of
accumulation of pollutants, soil sediments will be analyzed for
their nutritional status and contents of heavy metals.
3. Chemical Analysis of plants, animals and fish of
river to assess any signe of accumulation of a pollutant.
4- Biological Obserystions to find out the effects of
pollution on the plant and animal communities, their diversity,
elimination and development of dominance over other species and
as indicators of pollution.
VI. WORKING FACILITIES:
Arrangements have been finalized for carrying out Water
Analysis, Chemical Analysis etc., with the colleges nearby, The
j.J.M.Medical College, Davanagere and the Bapuji Institute of
Engineering and.Technology, Davanagere have been approached both
for the permission to use of their facilities (e.g. Chemical
and Bio-Chemical Laboratories) as well as assistance of their staff.
In addition, we have approached the Sophisticated Instrument
Centre at Karnataka University, Dharwad for the use of the Atomic
Absorption Photospectrometer for analyzing the heavy metals, if
any, and the Director of the centre has been kind enough to not
only for the use of this important machine but also has agreed to
do it at a nominal cost.
VII. FINANCE:
A preliminary budget for the study is given in Appendix B.
The area of study requiring major expenses are the Chemical
Analysis of w.ter. The personnel would include a Principal
Investigator (Honorary), two investigators for collecting field
data and information from other sources and two field assistants.
Some part time help of consultants may be necessary.
Qualifications of the Staff for the Project, in addition to
the Honorary Principal Investigator who would have good research
background in one of the major areas of study includes the following:
1) Investigators: M.Sc., preferably with Chemistry
for conducting chemical analysis; One M.Sc., with
Botany/zoology - One.
2) Field Assistants from the local area preferrably
who are familiar with the local conditions, plants
and animals and help in the work of investigations;
monitoring etc.,
3) Office Assistant: Graduate or SSLC with knowledge
of Typing end account keeping - One.
APPENDIX^A
STUDY TEAM AND ADVISORS
the tSV^ °f ™embers ,for
for the
the Study
Study Team,
Team, <constituted
by
‘
^ansnationa! Centre (TNC) to study the pollution, air and
v.ter caused by the Harihar Polyfibsrs and GRASIM, Kumarapattanam, Ranibennur taluka, is as follows:
Dir^cto/AbA^^3^5 (E£inciPal Investigator) Retired y*oint
Uf Of Agimulture, Narayanpur, Dharwad-580 008 (Ph.D in
reUCU1ture and over 25 years of experience in- Government and
research work including effects of pollution on soil).
pL?U‘ s*B’p°1isg°udar, Principal, STJ Institute of Technology
Ranibennur-581 115, Dharwad Dt., (Environment Engineer, Masters
JnVH E1” StliO ?Tth EHA»«erl„g,
for
25 vo“«
Bo^Ur'o? SUlf
°£ Karn=t'"k» inoluaing as supdt.
MLDr’ K-L-Nagabaja Shetty: Professor and Head,
Department of
M dicine, Davanagere-577 004 (MBBS and MD; over 25 years
Mob1716006 ±n Rese:irch and Teaching; Also, Dean, Faculty of
"SSL ?£ Mys“a'
of the
syuaicow
4) Dr. K.C.Patil: Head, Department of Bio-Chemistry,
College, Davanagere-577 004 (Ph.D in Bio-Chemistry, JJM Medical
carried out
research about DDT m University of Wisconsin, U.S.A, and worked
for several ye. rs there).
5) Prof. M.Shivamurthy, Department of Statistics,
Karnat:ka
University, Dharwad-580 003. (Ph.D ir statistics worked’ as
U.K.assignment in Cairo, Egypt for 6 years).
U U? ,P-Basnvaiah, Department of Veterinary Sciences
a, University
orAgricultural Science, Dharwad-580 003 (Ph.D in animal genetics,
heading a Buffalo Breeding Research Centre of the University).
7) Dr. Gopal.N.Dabade, D'_
Department of ENT, Karnataka Medical
College, (KMC) Hubli-580 020. (M.B.B.S. from" KMC and currently
currently
doing Postgraduate studies; ’worked in rural health for
-t. a year
with India Development Service,, a
--1
a voluntary
agency working in
Ranibennur taluka, Dharwad District).
r
??0?U ^VkP;Shetye' pilfabs (India) Corporation,
P.O. Box.No,
11042, 72-C, Veer Nariman Rood, Gpp
Opp: Churchgate Station,
Bombay-400 020. (Ph.D Air Pollution
—*1 ■from Institute of Science,
Bombay-has done work in the area of environment pollution
and
eq2pment?y thlS COrp°ration which develops air-pollution monitoring
P. GoDnndcivatimath,
x=cS g
ProJect
s’R'I?irem.?.th, India Development Service (IDS)/MedleriLnjtedTaluka, Dharwad Dist (M.S. and M.S.a. from
bnitea Statesworked for oyer 10 years in Industries the Field
or Operations Research and Management Science in the U.S ? and
of a ‘"i
INC).
duster of 21 villages m
Taluka; Coordinator,
in Ranibennur
Ranibennur Taluka;
. .2.
-2-
11) Dr. S.L.Pawar and. Dr. S.C.Bangalore, Medical Practioners,
Ranibennur-581 115 (Both MBBS doctors practising in Ranibennur
for over 10 years and very familiar with the areas and -the
prevalent diseases)•
The above Study Team is guided by a group of following
advisors who are well known scientists in their respective fields:
1) Dr. Madhav Gadgil, Center for Ecology and Centre for
Theoritical Studies) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012.
2) Dr. S.B.Chaphekar> Society for Clean Environment (SOCLEEN)
and Prof, and Head of the Department of Botany, Institute of
Science, Bombay-400 032.
3) Ms. Sunita Narain and ^nil Agrawal of Centre for Science and
Environment New Delhi-807 Vishal Bhavan, 95, Nehru Place,
New Delhi-110 019.
4) Dr. R.B.Patil,'Director of Instructions (PG) University of
Agri, science, Dharwad-580 005.
5) Dr. Vijay Madhavan, Kerala Shastra,? Sahitya ^mrishad (KSSP)
‘and St. Joseph College, Calicut, ^erala.
6) Dr. V.K.Damodaran, Professor Regional Engineering College,
Calicut, Kerala.
7) Dr. Vij ay Paranj apya, "Parisar”, Durga, 92/2, Erand.awane,
Pune-411 004o
8) Dr. Hari John, Deen-a.bhandu, Training Center in Community Health
and Development, R.K.Pet, Dist, Chingleput, Tamiln.adu-631 303 .
Dr. Shiv.'rem Karanth is the Chairman of the Committee for
Environment Study and Action of the TNC and the above Study Team
and Advisors are a part of this Committee. Dr. Karanth is Gnyan
Peeth Award Winner and known for his outstanding work in many
fields including environment.
(Dr. Shivaram Karanth, Saligram576 225, South Kanara E>isto, Karnataka).
'V
*
APPENDIX-Bo
... BUDGET FOR THE STUDY
(Study Period: Approx.12 Months)
I. Chemicals and glasswares
II. Equipments.
. . .Rs.
8,000-00
• • .Rs. 11,800-00
III. Salaries.
a) Investigators (two) and
Field Assistants (two)
Rs.800/- p.m. & Rs.400/respectively.
b) Office Assistant 1 (one)
Rs. 5 00/- p.m.
. . .Rs. 28,800-00
. . .Rs.
6,000-00
.. .Rs.
4,800-00
V. Vehicle charges for collection
of samples and their transport
at Rs. 400/- p.m.
. . .Rs.
4,800-00
VI. Charges for hiring Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometre•
. . .Rs.
2,000-00
VII. Stationary and Postage.
. . .Rs.
2,500-00
VIII. Typing, Duplicating and Report
material.
. . .Rs.
6,000-00
IX. Photographic materials.
.. .Rs.
2,000-00
X. Miscellaneous.
.. .Rs.
4,000-00
IV. Travel.
TOTAL
...Rs. 80, 700-00
APPENDIX ~C(ii)
Dr. H. CURUPADAPPA,
M.D. ,
Principal & Professor of Medicine.
Re f.No.JJMMC/4486/83-84
• k Off: 4222
Phone Res: 4104
J.J.M; Medical College
DAVANAGERE-577 004
Date: 2-3-1983
Dear Sri. Hiremath/
I am extremely happy to be associated with the
programme and I have expressed this on several occassions
personally with you when I met last.
I hear lot about the constructive work you are doing
in Medleri for the poor and development in various aspects.
It was really touched my heart and I am writing this letter
with a feeling that I am unable to associate actively with
your work.
I always would like to associate in any capacity
for this very useful and constructive work which you are
doing in this part of the state. The subject proposed by
you have been discussed with our Chairman, Dr. K.L. Nagaraja
Shetty and Dr. K.C. Patil.
Our Chairman Sri. S. Shivashanka
-rappa has agreed to provide the facilities of Biochemical
Leaboratory for the analysis of Effluents and the help of
Dr. K.C. Patil in your project.
Looking forward for a day when I could come personally
to see the work in which you are involved. I wTish you all
the best in this very useful endeavour of your.
With warm regards.
Yours Sincerely,
Sri. S.R. Hiremath
Co-ordinator,
C/o I.D.S.
HEPLER I
Ranibennur TaIuka
Dharwad Dist.
copy
Sd/-
♦
i
No: GNL(9)/59/83.84.
Office of the Principal,
Karnatak Medical College,
Hubli-22, Date:17/11/83.
To:
Smt.Nrimala Trivikraman,
Transnational Centre (TNC),
For Non-Vident Social Action,
98 Kelgeri Road,
Dharwad.
Madam,
Sub:- Permission to conduct chemical analysis
and Microbiological analysis of water
affluents in K.M.C. Hubli...reg.
•#
Ref:- Your letter dated 16th November, 1983.
With reference to the above, you are permitted to conduct
the following chemical analysis Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium,
Potassium, Phosphates, Chlorides, Sulphates, Lignins, Phenols,
Ph, CCD and BCD and heavy metals at this College Departments of
Microbiology & Biochemistry on water affluents.
Yours faithfully.
sd/Principal,
Karnataka Medical College,
Hubli.
copy to the Prof. & Head of the Dept, of Biochemistry/
Microbiology, K.M.C. Hubli, for information.
gk/171183
copy:
1
r
fiEPQRT OF THE HEALTH snmy yMnyrTr,. AT u
It was learnt from various source, th.*
u
PWP1., health of the
and
‘h* h’’lth
«>.
situated on the bank of Tunn.hh
^ops in the villages
bank) d0MluardB o
uah :
«pe.t.. It hae .X fnu:
’
1 <8P,Clally the 1<f‘
~ r:CtSd ln
health or these people might be due to drlnkin S .effeCt‘ °" th*
said river water polluted by the effluents dl V
th*
Polyfibres situated at Kumel » *
1Uents di8charged by Harihar
.
Kumarepatnam near Harihar
a*
ture somo time back Dr. Pawar •>
’ At thls Juno-
rft^h^
“”'■»””«>*
and „bo Is In direct contact
about th. r: "
’ :"9‘'hes
* affectfd
°f the Pe°Ple in
—
to ‘hat
m. and
told
1
of poor
in, to ’tH'Vor.iptod onVetn
oT^XT^'
flsherX •
downst re
Of Harihar Polyfltfres, Kumar.patnam, are very much
affected economically and m.dlcally. He quoted fe„ villages via.
Nadlharalaili,, niraru, Hlrooidri, Medleri and Haxanagirl. We
learnt f ror.: him that these fishermen v.ere suffering from some
skin ailments repeateaiy for wnich they used to spend lot of
money for the treatment,
r further requested us to conduct a
------- a He
skin camp for these fishermen so ss to alleviate their suffering.
This tempted us to conduct a health study to find out the fact
and to give solace to these fishermen if_ possible. Therefore,
we thought of conducting free skin disease detection and treataent camp for these fishermen v.ho stand in water for a pretty
long time. Two villages were selected. One downstream of the
Harihar Polyfibres effluent dishcarge point and another upstreem
Of it. The socio-economic conditions, the working pattern and
Other living conditions of the fishermen
-J in almost all the
tillages are similar and identical. If the disease pattern and
it s incidence in one village is different and high from that of
Other, it means that it must be due to extra factor which is
pot existing in the village where the Incidence is low.
With thit idea in mind we selected Hirebidari village which
Aa situated downstream of Harihar Polifibre effluent discharge
point about ISKms. away and where In good number of licensed
cont. 2
2
fishermen are residing and practising th <
catching, a free skin
fhelr proflesslon of fish
y
rree skin disease detection and
'»ndUct.d m this vlU„3, on 5-3-1O8S h„
treat”.nt eamp „as
Village
of my colWague, vl, Dr.
a
»lth t!» holP of 2
Viz., Dr.
“r. P.war
Pawar from Kannebennur.
Hanr.ebennur. Totally about
examined and troat^d
Out
V
1 66 patlents were
irraiea. out
Out o
off these 66 Datlant« iq
fishermen and it
12 out nt th
"
them W*re
it was
was found
found that
that 12
Ing from ‘‘Superficial
WSr9 8Uffer~
Superficial folliculitis'
folliculitis and 2 f
tltis'.
Aicuiins and 2 from -Numular duma-
A similar camp was conducted in Tumminakatti
village which
is situated upstream of Harihar Polyfibres
effluent discharge
point about 20 to 22Kms. away on 21-7-1985,
Here also totally
about 66 patients were examined and treated and
out of which
27 were fishermen. Out of these 27 fishermen
only one was
suffering from 'Superficial folliculitis
’ and rest of them were
quite normal.
Even though the socio-economic conditions and living conditions of these fishermen in both the villages are similar, the
incidence of the disease ''Superficial folliculitis' is certainly
high [77><j in the downstream
-—I village (Hirebidari) compared to
the upstream village ( Tumminakatti). This
‘ observation though
indirectly proves that there might be an extra causative factor
in Hirebidari to cause this high incidence of disease, These
fishermen stand in the river water for hours together - said to
be polluted by Harihar Polyfibres at Hirebidari and no polluting
agent at Tumminakatti village.
The water analysis report was given by the Karnataka Pollu
tion Control Board says that there are organic and inorganic
pollutants - in the river water. Superficial folliculitis is
Inflammation of the hair follicles caused by various irritanta.
Mineral acids are also known to cause irritation to the hair
follicles as a result of which patients will get itching and
pain. Itching leads to secondary infection due to scratching which incapacitates tne patient. Unless treated, the disease
does not come down - this cycle repeats. The river water near
Hirebidari village is said to have been polluted by Harihar
Poltfibredt Therefore the high incidence of the said disease
night be due to this pollution.
cont.3
I
£
V
3 -
Even though the number of patients examined was low, the
ooservation is quite significant and I feel it i8 a concrete
indirect evidence to prove the relation between the disease
pattern and the polluting agent.
Dr?S.B. MURUGESH.M.D
n
Lecturer,
I TM ua5?r‘e?t of Skin
SW,
•JJM Aledj cal College, Dayungere.
bpeciaiut (JUfl & vl,
"nijatert General Hoaplta?
a v 3 M Q P p Pj,
/
Jilly 20, 198b-.
QN MY PROPOSED STUDY ON OCC, IIAGARDS OF WORKES IN THE PULP AKD
RAYON INDUSTRIES; CASE IN POINT; HARIHAR POLiFYBRfe^~D“a'RAS''lL^TE.'
KUMARAPATNArt, HARIHAR;
It was proposed to study the hazards and effect on the health
of the workers in these factories as a study of the process reveals
that there are several possible factories which could causes impair
ment of the workers health and capacity to work;
1. Carbon-di-sulphide; used in the Rayon producing section. The gas
is produced in the factory for captive consumption. The permissslbled
/
,3 .
60
level of CS2 in the inhaled air has been fixed at 20 ppm. or t ng/m^
CS2 is a cumulative poison, attacks the central Nerous system
and causes damage to the brain and heart. It also effects the
kidneys.
2. Sulphur-Di-oxidej px-oduced in the sulphuric Acid plant, which forms
part of the factory.
The threshold limit value (TLV) is 5 PP^» Has a very strong
odoni. Odour TLV is ppm. S02 is a highly toxic gas, and is an
irritant of the mouous membranes ( the membranes of the nose, throat,
etc.,) and eyes. Per-sons who are acclimatised can tolerate 1-10 ppm
without apparent danger to health. Others cannot tolerate more than
3 ppm.
However, long term exposure can cause chronic cheat irritation,
and loss of taste and smell.
3. Non-Siliceous Dust (i.e., Dust not consisting of silica in form
of sand, or grit) including wood dusts
Non specific, but repiratory problems caused by the irritation
of lungs and membranes, various diseases are possible, depending on
composition of dust. However, the inhaletion of dust weakness the
lungs and predisposes the patient to attack of Tuberculosis or
eraphyaema. The risk is increased manifold if he is also a smoker.
... 1L
lF. Sound: Infra sound (sound at lower frequencies) has different
effects froa the effect of sound at higher frequencies (ultra sound).
Individual suscceptibility, varies, but to noise levels of 120-130
decibels can cause hearing impairments in a short while permissible
noise levels have been pegged at tJ5-9O deciless. High frequency
sound, such as the hissing of steam has various effects, other than
loss of hearing. It makes persons more accident-prone as it sometimes
induces fear, skin temperature rises, also blood pressure.
5. Vibration and mechanica (shock: caused by use of constantly
vibrating tools and machinery. Prolonged use may causes new injury,
and inflammation of tissues, surrounding the tendous, bones and
joints.
The above possible hazards I have been able to collect infor
mation a-bout nay be reasonably supposed to exist in the factories
mentioned. A visit to the factory is due to be made and it may help
in determining whether this is, infact, so.
Other pollutants such as smoke, and hazards such as heat, are
;
also possible agents of impairments of workers health. As the
objectives of this study: I would state that it would be to and
establish that the workers health is indeed impaired. In a conversation
with one of the workers, it appears there are several problems the
workers do face, E.S.I. Hospital records and the factory hospital
records would be of great interest. Any cases requiring specialised
treatment or operation are referred to the Government hospital at
Davanagere. These would also help us to arrive at the facts.
3
I
-3There are three things I desire to achieve by producing this
report are:
1 • Educating workers about what implications there are on their
health.
2. Making the Management aware of the problems caused for workers,
health and any stops they can take regarding maintenance.
3. My report makes a beginning in an area where there is very
little information to be got. Aay further workers in the field may
find it useful.
3
I
I
*
CD
^(A^jLaJr P9-^a
r
i
lkx~
uO<
jfco53
G^Trnpc=UX.'X>x
Hi 3
IKJL
C^rrO
/p^jJLp pAcuAjr pJ^
CooA
r^oxl^. (_j^Jt^\ nK-Q
e.
fcjJnzvkjL^
^AXei
PJL^arvZ
l^-g
S^Jei^ -cdL
SJaJ'’ 2oc=LX<J
qcax^A^AS.
JO-U-^\
-c^ <^J<&p_Aj2XZr e.opo ejJK^
te^>
/Ki__ pu^LVp o-i^z^
1k.Q_
ter JH4^
h
blL
1
£^__
iMr
pAepebl^.
ljy^JlU<Jc>-^\
j jVCqjiAJ
g-Xl'X
rvn
e.
^SAj^r^ycgl
Dr)
*YJI>
t)
rG
e
C7L
etfcJ f
O^
/L-J2-
<r
S
•S
K
D
peJv
,
iie^L,
1^2-
/77 ^, 7^7 I
Q^,r
K^OUX^CX^V p^oJ^xx^
Co
Kc
i
g’eo o^e-
/f?7 7tr
UlWuJ?
If^.
xx>y
/ *7
H e^>
r^^jcj-^Jk-A- e^
xULlxA. e_£
p4jJlp
■Qu>sp^l
olzXc
52’0. JLoyn^e^S
/\<S-CA\
- J\)<^K
irUl^S^jd
C^Oj4xaA_C^
.aJKLl eJLQu/)
CP-M.
<jCt>q___
£)X-A-q_ .
/o-n n. e_^
p\ >^
)
P>^Q<^X^
1
S-or^L^ c: t <a) v\
^Q. e QJL^
FlxSp Jul l
T
,
lkjL_^?>e
^Ae •fi-Aj
cA-Apper^
- J-fc~ £-& ik^juy •gU-xlM ecfed Zq
ikeM
e^g.
^c.
czJ^ GtAr^vAp-
Q.cx<
pAOC^^-
^|3j^ ^X7 »V7<^Je
^x^vjt^^Tvc^zjtc^
3'0
^V<
To c^eAluAh-q^
4 7pJo
jM-cxc^
Lq^jz
JbC^cdkci^
Ln
1
I
xXcixe_
. A^JeA— . At^o-cJkLpvg
c>>
cl^-O^lxJIjQ
l
i-x, gx^-) ^> ^4
xf(<-Q_. eLA«4 i^XCrcLct C‘
^yo-Kj
f'Y'l ^jLvkA>OZ\ C?o/
A-ILe-rj^,
^A^-2.c!Lx^n.e,
- A-e^"
crud^
X=n
—r
covttx
6LsUh_^jem
pA^diAK 3"
OjAJLxb
'K-e
^\x^Uze>v-Q_
I^-aJL-oIJpJCvcAl. _tv>
o-i~ /Lu, SrtexQJZ_
~e2.
j
rx>\ a \ C> o/
<iGL«!!Ueu
"tfe-
LcOovte-f
Luryx_A^
AO-a'J^o. fe_
.
>CXX<1 |k©Je.
I
e.
^>A^Kc^JA_e3/ei
r
XTrb
___ C^cl
.
>v^
ueA\ cA
________ L_
LoJr
__i
A?e=c\ jL^XJV
^Aa.^
e
3
oAL-ejJ cxjvjJI
L a.Z.Lt
0
lua^4
•0 Cc-
x
G^dT
^O_Tl_£L
«l)
^ej<>-Y^-^Kol_cC'v^
C
^Oc4a_xo.>^
ccA>e--£>
Axa^JS^x-k-Juxo.
<^^<21£hJO
~
Ec c-’
-EXJ.
[
G^J r
So>
w ^TVa £
i>-i €^C-j-<-Xk^
Sjc^aCyIc-^
-— r
Ci Lov 7^3
it^r"
cz
-4-?^-
XJrtx^^cIZlAe
(3^> ScxAt'Cj^J^cx- " Se><J/ SuJ^clTc
6
e,
n
7
rCU^U'VCXC. £2.
(J?)
^LAJ^J
S^JL|aA>>--. <^JLOV<cd-g.
/-u-n e- sAeJLP I J^-vxe* . £Ji>r\<=*
rAdov^JG
o
tO£ «S?JA_
So^L»-^
‘T>v<ssx-"L^.v^
z9
^lxKlea.>Uj
/r
rJ3^)
C-C2-^<XXJ^i_
>Q
tea*
C_O^\<^ouv>
u^\
L<oJls
Sera M— /
__CU^U^-X-t c__. e^e>»-O>
CcK>^<^>v dx&tjjt aoLl^C^AxLu-r-j
S^jjUck-fe^.
3o
—■
rl i
/Q^~O M T*
e^^xAexvZ^
_ ,L_. 3_3j_c>o_os
</tx
U.Qu^ . erteT ^L 1 *x<S£xaJLu
6 ry-) j ILLJovn; <^-A/'
£-A-U-Lg.Q»-^ A< xdL\x^
.
S'"
S' rvi
rvi JLLuo
ac^Wjon^
tA^oJ'eju,-^
axe^ GAjL^cKaxce^
e^cctcJr »xcJlulX<9_
^X/C- G^^lxxc<t< £1 .
-oujo
t5^ ?CCq
<^^Lie>vfi
^keWI lylte-_
- .feT-fc^U^----G/?As/y4_^c^^^^ ejt
f o J>
^?O
peJ\_
peji_
‘--
^^jj'’.
A
c-vSoJe
©
17ax lLoj"
S^zCroo £t_2
e^\e?vr>j
cB^^AjLA^vJ-k _.y>e2v
_
Xu^.
^^AaxmaJ" ^_a AgckJ^.
I
[A-U>K7lCI ^o.r-yne- Ob4jC7va3v_ Cl^'^lJ"
eJ^Ar^
■/-d
4 GelS e^e--
f
u^Je^ oj .ej/T
JS
C2. _
xUqAJ^ JUvaJ ctU-cmj^__.__ L
b^kxXsL. ikx' 5u_j3-C’J< tOOJe/G,
IaJvIJn
r^-KX
e^Jb+ejjJr
Grafts
CPoJieJu
_r^ -^ici >;
ikoV' /Kit
-f -1^—
'GXiA.CJ2_^i
f
e. r CJA^O-m.
qj^Lo
■eflkeA.
-X_e/x /
m-ewc^x: i
Ik el
7 V
gcY?>e-i .
-JU
ej^eA- ik-ct c^o>«
f
Aov-> &JrJrod^
ei
X OJ^lkojTe- /v\GJe-h-A.ccD
j
t
J'X
CO
1 ^dL!kx{)4_
J
I -KdcJrvi Qjb^-J
/jLl£
?—
>o^Ue-. usxaX
Ye
jLkdrv\
tx<9oJieJ
GOA<
g>S^a cJk
A <xi-l -OJ
^^(bcvex*- k
<50-1 G\
>^xcJh
Ss'JLo^a
^O-f
6 cJx>-^ .
Ife eAML^JT
’ JO
lvS-gg©.
7ta
J!ec57\Le^ uL? <sd
^oCKl^lcJs^
Lx
Jh^ee-co^^ SecJiivy
•OnTT
MXioxg
fpTTcJU2^v
C<
bvexJerJ ,o1a
Jcevy-).
^J_A^©c5^__kj—Li
6L
^Vozv-7 JlL" X^<eGU2^<x^ .
I
.c J
/ka.
C.-O-^AJL ivyx Y^O _
, "Tke._____ _
. jfcr* Jh-^
£_ -3u_*_pp^ i. <
>»-)
c^e^G po-££^o(_________ __
S JLcruJxZ
-eJ^e^jCSvq_ -J —
dLi^eAaA^e_z/ ^u>vCo^K19.
^<2^.
/Aga-csl ‘-a.sex-^,
^JoJc^d
Llr aJj/o^
£AjeA_Q_
liCGA^ IkeL
A>qb7^eA_
te
^ke
z
cJoAL^tog^AALoJ^
jejrvq. _
kc^_0\A. <
r_X^
i©j,tF
I SiAZ
’
A/
ai\d
! S>_O’
e^^LA <eJ/vJ
(^O-xv IxS <2 (c
U^l
lu^t
X
Aj^acfl
'| CkSK>-A
•e^ ^_o4a <J\
_2i22
J C-Oxv^ ro 11T(^ Q
L
rviejnr
e-* A-ccsqJo
e<
GXcA
ex
ZAei
v0t_ej4
ul-
e-rn
3
’"y ~7
/
y
ft
GO'VZ^
q^lA.
e/o ^fcl^o-Q^x <x_
z **1^
ej
u^y^i\
>ve_eA._2
S[>r^ryl^Cb_i^,
Tkb
ndy
foTo-V
<2.^yb^^JLL r^
|S,C^ J Ca-^gJ
CajJQILjz-j
1 ,
c_^a 1 c-x£' / ■
^rvT£>n
ooCfU
/• o<r
cjO^^ ©^.
X Cj q <=■
J _XAA <A ec / 7 ? S
^LJ'VSL'cxJ<
c\S4^-<S.
Vk^ACnj^
OOC<A ^2-UA^>po^<2zs/ / -te" A'
1
^6^
g\a
z
nr
v/k^
G' O £
I Lvy^sO^^
ix5>g^
^ST5'
V/\
pyu^ IL^cJjx^O-^^cJc^-
LaaGz^
<O—
1J_1A
^caaIJ'
CvSCxJgAo, f
«T
o^ey T
eO^eAJ2_
Gij^jLxSLtJ^ LA3-CG9, 1^dfej
o>v <x eXO^c c—
{LJEg LLXecx,
Co
ecin^ piQ^L <ac
cu\oie>
C-COv^g-J
-lUzn Tfcsz
J
(K
I
,
C_
|CiXaj-^<zOv^ clAouX^j^ cj
A G S- < A f l£xuJ^ ^JL-Ag^QL^
cU>
dgj^i
-t
rv-, 1 CA>O —
I
j^LjJLp> - ^v->
i
u£<ezd
eJ^JuJo/Ay
(2JI
t
^uu_sp^A\deJ
$eJ$tez)
f
e^^fZeveiZ
,
Jl2^k3
^AJs
QX^=^4^
Ok^LCX-A
^cKaJA^
A-OC-AyOCTL^.
e/^eL_
e e_
3 ^^JZ>LAe>jCr , v't;J
iJlP
(112
J
<o
AeoCxJG.^
I
-o^-CJv*
A em i5x>-<2uJ
v^Kaxd
b
. c^x^<eJ
Jt /^DX \
^QJLc^Aj^d
_ihe^_£^2^p^
'-fr-
o^AcJG
■AJ^ 7fe~~ KxO®k^>A <2-..oJ) \
% -(bkJL j^-cx ROx. <s. Ik or^
oh
<v j\/e^o-
o-p* MxXaJZoa_ r^Q^^Uk\
LL==£bi cA. d^cX <Ko g
/Ao-
.
<3-
■
/M-'
-^cJLdtcdf < iw\
XcloJL?
ua^A^>
(5^ Cn-j^-r) sA^v<ax=L»n
t5^ ^SCl
?SXSZL
^-c&A
H Ph
/kjm
c-^o^A
C^A^XQJ;*
k/eJS^r.
p-lki txj"
_He^&£s
fQ
HP£ rb rAPofe^
<5^-^
^-A-JUjuX-^
f
b^L [K^
/ C>
I
te
^uxj
-- ---------------------- -------------------- -----------------
Higtoa^L,
A. cj <2JAkuAC? Av =4_
7*—~"
/ <^-<^dkoA^
zJL^w Jko.
P~
■==~
L\5o3^i^
-r .f^J—^k-A gLcA^LZ^ ~<_>k-Z5o^7kc Auuuy
.evilz^ /kg, jQgU^z4
ll\J2
o^e^AAX>J^^^_ >br<^_LCLN^
2- Zp _<-t_SCv4 o o-XaAS >n
Si
£/
o.^z^ue^g
•yr^l
vr:
______ on ~lk_o.
1
Jl ]A_ tj&~
L^xuLrnxT
/k-Q ' g^xJ^~
AJeJlpuj
X
LA-A-O
tb
X
(11^. ^Al^AzkA^^L gA>' g^^jLA e aJ.u Ja r»AuA
_
«..
^0-^0 ’
L^2l / dL.
J
c^-J
-^A-^vjU^JZ
C-\
__ ____________________
g j Cc»1J2OQ zvTOv’^x / ^Jlq
_ _________
^.XES^ o^k----------------JclJ 5> oJ j>La*j
-fG I
/LaJ'' '/l^Q ‘
I
ClJ"^ ©-^XsaJ2_
l^^AcA
XuAajJ^
\zj
lko_
irt^
lXhuJ?
^A^CLdl__f
f
,
'0
4-Cr .pt
^LA.ejx.
'—-<_-V\ C_^A>\^.^-K_i<''(2|
<g2JZ»e^
_ ..COP-^JV-
-eU^AjSj^-Ov-i
6Xaj2_
1 ”
dLb>
<?--v i vX^. -r: -n
<Z£X-A_
^X)_d
")
f ^Xc2jpgLv^
>^._ meJ^L^jjc_r
^A^re.ojdk^v^
>
’
r
i
/
1)
ZJftev ^~
rJgUArsO.^oeJ.
7
O £ laJ
A^x^a^OnZ)
JY^U_^A
^^e^xjow^G
CL- '
_ r^LOTL ^oc1 qZ.Q
P&-^JLa CAA-1x^kJL|^ <gGxiAjP PXXIAA-^
U_>^
^^AX-VX£i>\
i
_ ±:
£ —
i'YX Eh^LAAJ^n^-^-^F
7
LAd4^
1
^□GkSeJ, AlaK^qj-x (Zo-C
_fb
-4-
fT0
.-pO-J
<C^O^XSJLL>^
OJbvJ^
i ,
JLeZ
Ki
q /LcaX
k
?&poAj" ©^ /kel e^xpejJ"
. i ITe^s-
(Lx^lcJ'''<ezJ
cJ'"
7<^ P<GlGJ~G
^~fcixZ/LdiX
e< JLfi
Pc
t—U^vn OXxk yZ^cxJZ O>-v~)
/gX^-XaJSxx. r
-— /I b>Xe^
^7.
ZXj^ox^oxd
C^Aa-Sx)
Jx^va Tfc
tei<oolo|
rvneu-zvfcz>a_/
-ioGj^
An UU^<gA*AAM —.-zU'vbc
-U J
i ^^eJUJcxY^
i\
I
OJ^A
o
XnclojJsI oi
'T'M C-
b\j Jke
<-*
Xick^cLx z
~~Tk.<^ J^Xuo^j .
/?5< . •
—
Q
Gx-u^zi ouU'' e_cy
/ A.e_ 'xcxaxvxl.
4ai^
cj^n.<UjL.LuJe’_J
I,
L^oJfer
•
<J
^-to^
\/,K.^
csLA^tXjc>_0
6■
Z.
i^epoJ' txj
e.c, I ^1}
— (JaCoeAjg.dj^
tl^^cijJLt^YGL
&v £L..K
s>?A
V
O-
pe^s.^2.
"i..
4lL^
tv.
I
II
Holo /CSX fo
Jj^eh-Lj^
?Ci^S. C-£^o. j_^J^_O<j~
gxtIvo.
ksrrrn
(JT,
g<JU< t
G^OL^Gi^ Qcd OpG
rGj
'uSv^
^S^k/tky i-y
l/Z. ^O^iaaUXjroA^z,
-
‘
o-V-eiA
z
Zlbo-.
eJ^e^-g. J/'^'
b‘
euA_i>-<-ox >--^ jy^_£ xjJSZo^x
H-j—^€>bxi_JL
u^ox>-i{'',e_-
*
g^a_i c
vtr^-srGbib
- 6^^rU^A ^<U^U
Jb^-oC.kkXlx> .
--gc —'Te-^cJi -^Jip^i-^-A^1
lOS"?'
. rvqG^zX-2 <xX ^W3
>. CVV LA^QuXTzt
rtpN "ferU’
TfTc7
k-01' ^■
. -
'
JjL^ o4_x>-0O'
IM
d-o.
Sob)
^ar;A
LJ
k>-j Its-^e^u-esL^
-> lju-J-K Q-C
*^4- e’><
OD •> — C
pel'?
cLe^ o^o. jJ
.5U2^
JIajC
pH
-^- -j- *
O-
<7
go r
‘'I'" <Z_^tOJ2U2 c(
13o0
AUJJ
sr°
J
1^ ^~ LcJ? S.
fVeV’ 12 015 Jla^*^l Cr
b,O. JL^JJ
6 ,o.
Iz-
rrsr u^pp^<
<^a-q—
oo iS
2
)
» 4^.
0-01
/
^T
«■
Y OpT«■
0^
yr.
•07
-^■rgSS’ ■»
000^,
’rr’V’5
- —
__ 2— ^raJonq’fN p7 ,y^O VJt*^
yb
__
57^3^?
'
jo —
lO-Q
O
“
^°!-------
o-t-o^ "
------
0/7 —'
Oh
h
He' 2
•CPQ i
0Q9l ’ 1
_51 —
^CZXl
0-^0% >QJ
y-v-fr—y^J
’^5"^
d—Sl^^V-O
^3^
s
1
( i 1 6 -2.)
4X c_<t-fi^a»tyAUjL(L^acjl-uJ^- l»-
l<er^Gu'^
Stx=^)t- — i^^lL-
^j-Ca-^A
I.
L^4X
^LU-Jx ——
•2. Cs^xr^r
(juLJE__ *_ _
g^jeOCG^XLu.
~
h ’
1
f ^-.
( oJl r&-3
L cz-^*
t'Si’
GX>V-J
I JA
e o
j.O^j|l-
----- ^^l1-
----
O « S-x^ IL^
>►
~
(cuA ■Z-')
C0-^
gXj.U-
—
r*^ I i—
I
I L-
- 7^^ I
(SO i-v^.^ I L.
'
*
—
Siju- <cl
-... - ■=to»"3,,l
l3- C
(t/.
LiCro^]
' ?rcj.i < ^-«‘C
.
- 2-S>
pi,
,'-
IS' rf‘=^K<s
1
'
O-k>
16. ?ts-»~clt;c-SItxS-XA-S-r^
|
)
o • OOJ
0
i
^ODO‘^Y’/t—
/u
O rtji <^Y'/1-
■o-s>Y /l
/7
e^'^xC
,e.
rl'^j*
----- O.$»-^|L.
f
(1^ G’-i^lL-
. .^A.
‘pj
v-i ,
I‘ c
' w i Tvq»
’h
i
4*
r?
-A^’
> K-©
w 0*
])r^
VAp^ '^'^’
Q ' Q,/
• o)
I 'G
I
‘O
^5 O
b
"
1^X50^ *S
-JSQ’O
_S / ■"
i -o------ -
O - I "
L^rv-I'scr^
O.S- "
O-^'
Xo j4
KZ-rr^y
<Z
•7
•■5«
- h
o-QZ^ -
yst^Pa
a^z; -
'6
o-QT^, ~
. ... -^■6 - -5 7
^5’S- O‘Z.
(ET’ET
^o:
‘ I
^’S
^>h^Cygp^ <7-’
Mj
1
P3-
;^Q0i
JAicL^J"
fr-joj-cJ^ '-\Tl»^<j2^ / ? 72.
------
t bp^y ^ir'
I^elie^
^ellel ^ ^Sero
A
' 7jg
Ao^ ’7^
ie’/^oLGy
fS^pG^}
—
1^
cy
LA^
d)
No * <>c_1ajO^A
j^udY.
-
cn^Jeol 1=^^
ro iTT^ 0.
^XVaJ '
lD
p^ <2X0-aj oJk*,
tA 11
-* Ao-xJierJ -<
"7^
.A<^pQ>^Jr
/7//^“ ^gAiAC^
/&U2< jq v
^2^
<_Uo ^^ic-Su
4-^'\
A dr
W_axL\js^
oj
-e
Lvc>4
d^-iL.
«=
/^OcxXr^
&^dxe^dd
fiursntAl
~
^-O-rv-)
?1Do4 La
OUAJ?
I^-^ax
~lt^.
7/Z£ Ha-tfc
iZv^S^C / 'c^J c^
6osA>kz4 •=)-
a-jr>ri pJte-2. ^sLpvA>Q.Jl’ P&-U
fe-e> t
c\3-C<-^ cJLj>xa_Q_. p>^x. uvmJIeJ)
SO Cj&-^ fvn JTeTr
I o
c^' ^-^XuEiZxi
bo
g^f< /?7X^
71
>rvi
hf<
L>A^’tfecJ G2-AJ? Q
H ,
— So_^ US-O-^L
-QST>
(zz. /\ *
&
CaA. Uk_Cj>_<J
y )\|c^2|AA_a-X'''
^-V7""
<
JkloJ^eu^ r^<s2Xoa^ > Al ee/?i
^J^L^oaJla
C^rp\
—•
Soj\
Q€ -
(F
___________kA^
Ac^OlJ
^-ev-v-j /fZcT’ ^o-cJ^qa^y C
J)eju<z£^
<<2-j3^>u OAr / ro <=*-fe^<j
/V. N t
/ O’O O Fv^n
.
*
A
|
AAlaAAa
4
loclTe>^
'd
UJ^|2)r
C^.yd'd
r _A 'JeA LAe^V
>d
o
4—
k\
^CkXX>
(J
j
H Pf~
’eJ Y •-'■ya-bt " X S. /vi lLm
LX3O--&. /Ua ’ /^A^gSryX^
^epMC
A\S)^
;±AJ
• -dz/^~c’ cS'loJfe
7
^'2L
■- OB'oO
-^k^p^a,
LxSxoJfer
—'-4^ 5=
C^^ex-J<ejg/ .
- 6Mt|y'
s oJ^cJST
pKe.cMp\ I <4.^ CaS1
. e(LpcAV3<^^
aAr 32*
1L^£U,V <sLcm (
^K\3-O^ "7J^pJA X.0--0. (JL)J''
vl'< Cx342K^_
5S ■*- cvs^fcr U-S^ETyU-
'AcaJL^l
pA^U“
.^4-^Xt^c^^gA^^L
Kvx}
JA-65
ud e>—Q --
Lu>v^ vto. /Ls-^>
It
rvA v (TPl> C
JLd
-^O-d L/VO
I
e-^Oya x ■fa. eJ!
£=§^1
aTVT
c
l^>^/m£v&vT-
^J'GXtyi
~ -^QJ.
<Z^)G.jlMx
J
Av^CtAcJz A<S
£2->^^l*J3A.vC<£
1
_
^Ji
•
cJfe^d f/^o. S-iJS> S—
?_Z5v_Tfe_ bcit’. ^LJ^y:
c_xAL> tez
(,<ST’
ivis t^ fe-o
<■'0
-J’O
Vx^3
(?J
l4a
'u
761r:
k-'UI—AU^rui
n
GJ/'X
o.^E.J------ £----
t.
g^yeAl^w-yU1
;—
_.Q
.'fc^.Ae^x^ACO-P pAKi-aj^r^J.
^-<^Ly ec/eij
l*v-A--- IaJ<XA^^-aJjC
pj
dlL^exvU
1
I
AxJ/^KA-<_jpDXA>C)yzl
-A
_x>Gt5^ /t? A
.
A;-- XSpexP i/l£Ao/)4_
_____ _
X<^ cjtty ^AlSC.AxX-^’
UcjgdJ Jqz
______
7k<
\
r. (Xi
S.
^AL |LuLp
^s^O^JAeAJ2__ La3lQ__£ _ t-vo L A~^y>v /Ch-^- CL£W <? jl^A
/o^L^y
<=< UcUa^.1
,<L<Ldr
?7?
aJL =£ox
V,
C-&.
.■S^e , Af <2£xlir
I
Qzs|
1 ^^La—OAaXkX < a
r < Ca9 .__ J-MtS'- S cIajJ /tcJ- cO-iMjl.
cJLajbw
Ca3OX,
1
cOCxfe>* p^-OvvILlXJ-X
ib G^-L-<a/O
fed2<^
?
J
XJXc-
tied" t\
-A^>-
^1 X^sr? J)p
____ X
-X
>-
— ll^ <-a,9<xX x ec<s ^Xzx>\^y
■
_22_ J_____ _____
i
Q/\^Ls^JS<
I
<
*
T
1
VXS v Lgjj/ Q'fc (
tiM 0 / /\s^'-<AL'^_C rL<_V \
t *|- /^ C\_ 02^ <
c^xjc^ L-W
/-y/nr^^P^-'
— - ..4^1<O -> >aj
Lx>"
Hp^’
KcrJc^
aJ
p-^-^-pV1 _ 4o
s
s|4rL^-Q-eK
~t
e<
ca.
<2.
Cv C?_t '
^sp-e-XS J
C' L'^^
p^i'.
o ’x-a. e-A_3-JG >-AO>
(UJt
t^sv''
XxiV^
a LoxJ5 x-K_/i.<O-V^ _ /|-'-O *AA
‘ >^17 '<tr7
'J v
cA>
V
iT" .
/cro
ir^
GJ tz
< xr- e-
e
(T-^P^
jtoL-Kfl
7U/ ttt '
__
cy
Joe-
I
^•<j'
U.3..
j
J Sfly^_j
r-^.O- C. /^ -*. -M-^ A-
^’-
2-rzj
- p'—. p K r.
1 17
L*—o-
7U
J"
jU L>
0 > v_»©v<y> v“*'
'•7
(T-L^ /7£z
gZnb
—
nr^.l
IL-
2. S-^1/ L- L
^O^j-lL. +
,c) stA^-,
n-.b
;?'.
":
i <2 cA
r-
J
VI1
3i
<>r
ra
z?<
/CCvL^/l.
_rta (T) fX,-t( SvO.—^•7 UJ
f|L. H 3 (
A.vvApoG-(r^V
- ST
*-..—•—’ 1/*
i.
‘ v*^. a Va-''
S^J U-
0Jf'P"S
>-
'fz4-
' ? ?>
go A °(0?o
I
J
•JLc'^i_^-^ (^clJ
ge^4 o^fAxJra/>
'gz
6
"Cc)^c.^>
e-Kx-l
CC1P /^ t- f1111.
‘5»
/7y
/b
^-^.a-.o A
cjO’-yk C^jC?
J LA7<
J^p'
cx/G^
/^o
_j2_—
-4-
7lLA-K-01/'
(^iFu^oJCoXy
J
t
j ’ e^-%.
c2-^j (aa_?
j^oc-' ^2>
<z
^'c3~ lb\5-A
—I L^
fXcj
f2,<a-^
II
h.
I
rv
JZ G.^-
I'-l^
\ JJ c
C^A OV o>% ^c L«
j^l-K p I^cZa- <Jj35-
Ji
-X
.
^f) <<^p7
I? cG
) <aljj
L
c^5L
P^.
(b lo ^rT
U- : C-('- 41^
'SJ 4l“''
'■
c_
p<s> <S
b-^-^ .
L^_>-A_
j
'S3
sA^-
i3>e>3 —j 0
_z:^ p0-x^
■3,^0
( 3
~
/g-o^/Z^
y
/b- p°^
( , — £>J2^ K^^A <>-Xx<_j
■—
— X.sTo
I" <2
({^
111 zl o
I' . s.<>~j >-*~-0 izjX' o"
jcJ-v*--<
>-5^] '
<?-?. Cj
-ir.- fUi1 & M ^r^r^*5
^4^
-I-
’"fejj!!
LeJ'^tx
tr
.^r£> )
d
Vcz^y
rrddd^c
.Uiwnsp-
ci_2^x<^ Ju
A12^ '
<2,a-A
(
zyj
pf
X
vP-GLeA/^^- (-<y^
*7
’ ’ "^
f^n
l-
D - j^, A <2- <2iJz'A t>CA ’■^'
,5^-24
,
U'
I"/
I'
r .
— . -—» '»— i-
I ;
fb '1^-
’
r~
■^L^Xh.^^
1^
rt^
o-^
^.r> />>
C^
^JlT
\^
1^
LaJ >-He
’
!•_A3S v"\
<©
^d:
TCi
i^> cTl-X'
Ldr H- ? -[
'O i\
J
cXabJ- c»ja_.
iT**—>
.V
I,
IL
y r^h'S^
/"-t'L.xj
5L^
J ^s-c‘
O-s
_
' O
)'”*
1V4
.^ U
k*—
t
a /2. -/Q'v
V
r -if
^e>X m'-*
<f
v<cVX
u^,J•
la/ t^. O~C--1<.i /O-’ t.
(j^)TT
d!: .
^<_-X'^cL:. J ff~o^ 1^-
c.
i'
p^<-X C> l'
[_Vt\C\.
,
J£u u.
^T
gk_*jla‘-^-.*'-^~ Ak)ox_A-k
?4?_juaJ
qp^e - ' 1
/ 4
S>
f
f
CL^J^-d
J <>l\
*-<
<2J£^-v>
, Q i^\ M- ^(LcL xxc
^U Aj^Y^
.
oe^-U
y J^Jlcjkcy-A^
>- 3-
.jU^’^- pM^-
1^4-2L^
|qJ'
c—
i
i, Lo. :
. Ji <----- ■*—
Uulax
>41 c?’*^
^Z-XD
^Uv<3 Lk^ J
\
'■/^l- P^' j i^s-.O --7--L
1
f?e4-
x
jLxL£>-M •>L--
tS^AAc. k-O- >■ ^2c
JU J
r-^-i
ir.^o x -
XFj
>»■
7
>^(5-^—’
o Cx
/?.< fe t' ^1
g-. I pP^
m,""
JL.ju£ l^-
C=j0''0-
/ 44’ G
I>
H”X
c^: -^\^r
i'1'
<4^
t^ec-;
o .
.-. ’
pL>'
JCA^
^xh-c
2
u
|-4aX
/'
\2^
■
*
( i
f
.
K^bLM
Cs-oU-^ ,
a
Xsp-As^lX-l Q3'2J‘^_4
H^‘
r—GVL
*xsr -irj
>crv^2 u>-x>—-y (,uc
i
1"
.
Mf
A,0-
20-1 fb <7* (
’X'^rti uJb<x5—'
•• fi
,
0
0
Lk pH o
UKJ^O *A
G3-^*
^.L^.
i
am J^XO-^T —'
'
tUJXS^
_, ■ -- -—-r^b~l
gGCii>j'-x
"5~i Hi
j’^
)
-?ZZ^D
p^r;’.^
/2-v^a
" '[
U
c -®-® '■''^ -
(2 ^JV-
M^Y<? 4 '^■^r.
Jj
-)£- Q
(L^
boJ^L.
bo
^c-
UhJ^^ 2 Je^
f/o
l'-a—
p-e-^
^.LU—
’-
JviJ-AiXS^^ >^7
. ‘F--- 1
re-^-t'-^j-- 2^ l^l^t--
v\ H
/I
4»3^A^i. k>° _ O- Vk e_A>-e>xj)
ejJBV’ p^o^Ud
-r^-,
C'Yn
y3M
k*
vv
-t^
^-'-Q.a-J-G X>-1Lj
C^lJV^G VUxZ——
'|<e<3
JLX5-3
'
J
- £cl-o
^-^
-4 o a
— c^cAo-vy-
Zj-s.’iC. t 'c.4
b^i2jck^>^ . fy
c L,
r .*
c
K
__-dJ 'M <-'-h&
1IUL
_ rt _V 7J >C l-bvj^V-oX' d-^_
l^
CP
J
’ Y ol^
^C-xL^rrv^ z'*'1 -
Ia-J^-^
k_C l->'-0—
£
J^1.?^
/ fp
I
gLX-*3
--
"SV
r.
r
I'\O-^
p
■*•
a
L / Lf
po--n ■
C-xp feo L>->-
■I
JL^I^ ■
He^iisL
^Tr"
k
-+
/Ju>
J
rssTS)
, e jj ^.LP^jOe^
0'’- ’-a-
i
•^-
- ftZTZ’J^-0- Ao->^^
LAJi cG^y
J*'
e
lA-A-M—£■
\t^
w
sJo
e-^p
j
fo ■
75-k_A-(/'
c <2
.
I
b 5 - Qx?
Doctors visited 7 villages in the down-stream and had
discussions with some of the group of villages in each village
eliciting their health problems. Here also it was told that
many people are complaining of abdominal pain and few of them
have undergone abdominal surgery. Majority of the fishermen are
developing itching sensation all over the body, particularly
over the lower half of the body soon after they return from the
fishing and they are developing skin rashes and various skin
problems. The villagers were also of the opinion that the
prevalence of fever, cough, breathlessness are more in the recent
years and they attribute the problems due to the air and water
pollution. Most of these down stream villagers have to use the
river water most of the time and now they are not able to use this
water because of the muddy nature of the water and foul smelling
and recently they are able to get some water supply with the help
of borewells.
The doctors have also visited 3 down stream villages where
the various health problems reported by the villagers by the
down stream were not complained.
Population Size :
Four villagers in the down stream and 2-3 villages in the
upstream will be selected to cover about 500 families of all
age groups belonging to these villages.
Objectives :
To investigate the prevalence of following morbidity conditions
in the exposed population :
1. Skin problems;
2. Digestive problems;
3. Respiratory diseases.
Staff required :
!• Medical officers
2. Lab. Technicians
3* Lab. Attendants
4. Statistical Asst.
Clerk
6. Social worker
7. Peon
4
4
4
2
1
2
2
■f
■7
Carbon disulphide
in laboratories and hospitals. Carbon dioxide in its solid
or gaseous form is commonly used to produce an inert
atmosphere in vessels or plant where there would other
wise be an explosive risk.
HAZARDS
A concentration of 5% of carbon dioxide in the atmo
sphere (i.e. 50 000 ppm) may produce shortness of
breath and headache. At a concentration of 10%, carbon
dioxide can produce unconsciousness in an exposed
person, who will die from oxygen deficiency unless he is
removed to a normal atmosphere or is given oxygen
resuscitation. Carbon dioxide does not give a warning of
its presence in an asphyxiating concentration, and a
person may unwittingly enter a confined space or
descend into a tank or vessel and be overcome before he
becomes aware of the danger and can make his escape.
[In addition to producing sudden oxygen deficiency at
high concentrations, carbon dioxide is now recognised
as being potentially toxic at low concentrations in
consequence of cellular membrane effects and bio
chemical alterations such as increased P(CO2),
creased concentrations of bicarbonate ions, acidosis
ee acid-base balance). Long-term exposure to levels
of carbon dioxide between 0.5 and 1 %, as may occur in
submarines, is likely to involve increased calcium
deposition in body tissues, including kidney; concentra
tions of 1 to 2% appearto be dangerous after exposure for
some hours even if there is no lack of oxygen.]
m.p.
-110.8 °C
b.p.
46.3 °C
v.d.
2.6
v.p.
360 mmHg (46.8-103 Pa) at 25 °C
-30 °C
f.p.
e.l.
1.3-50%
100 °C
i.t.
slightly soluble in water; soluble in ethyl alcohol, ethyl ether
a clear, colourless liquid with a sweet, etheral odour when pure,
while the technical product is foul smelling.
TWA OSHA 20 ppm
OSHA
30 ppm ceil
100 ppm/30 min peak
TLV NIOSH
1 ppm
NIOSH
10 ppm ceil
TLV ACGIH
10 ppm 30 mg/m:3
IDLH
500 ppm
MAC USSR 10 mg/m3
I
3
•W
1
Occurrence. Minute amounts may be present in coal tar
and crude petroleum.
Production. By heating charcoal with vaporised sulphur
and also by reacting sulphur with petroleum hydrocar
bons.
Uses. It is an important solvent of alkali cellulose,.fats,
oils, resins and waxes, in addition to being used in the
production of viscose rayon, in the manufacture of
optical glass, as a pesticide and in oil extraction.
'jab
SAFETY AND HEALTH MEASURES
HAZARDS
il
When the gas is extracted from the process as a com
mercial by-product, it is unlikely that the workroom
atmosphere will be seriously contaminated. When the
gas is not collected for commercial purposes it may well
be that the most viable means of preventing the contami
nation of the workroom atmosphere is the provision of
efficient local exhaust ventilation.
The first cases of poisoning were observed during the
19th century in France and Germany in connection with
the vulcanisation of rubber. Afterthe First World War, the
production of viscose rayon expanded, and with it the
incidence of acute and chronic poisoning from carbon
disulphide, which has remained a serious problem in
some countries. Nowadays, acute and, more often,
chronic poisoning occurs particularly in the viscose
rayon industry, although improvements in technology
and hygienic conditions in plants have virtually elimi
nated such problems in a number of countries.
Carbon disulphide is primarily a neurotoxic poison,
therefore those symptoms indicating central and periph
eral nervous system damage are the most important. It
was reported that concentrations of 0.5-0.7 mg/l (160230 ppm) caused no acute symptoms in man, 1-1.2 mg/l
(320-390 ppm) were bearableforseveral hours, withthe
appearance of headaches and unpleasant feelings after
8 h of exposure; at 3.6 mg/l (1 1 50 ppm) giddiness set
in; at 6.4-10 mg/l (2 000-3 200 ppm) light intoxication,
paraesthesia, and irregular breathing occurred within
1 /2-1 h. At concentrations of 1 5 mg/l (4 800 ppm), the
dose was lethal after 30 min and at even higher con
centrations, unconsciousness occurred after several
inhalations.
Acute poisoning occurs mainly after accidental
exposures to very high concentrations. Unconscious
ness, frequently rather deep, with extinction of cornea
and tendon reflexes, occurs after only a short time. Death
sets in by a blockage of the respiratory centre. If the
patient regains consciousness, motor agitation and
disorientation follow. If he recovers, frequently late
sequelae include psychic disturbances as well as perma
nent damage to the central and peripheral nervous
systems. Subacute cases of poisoning usually occurfrom
exposure to concentrations of more than 2 mg/l.zThey
are manifested mainly in mental disorders of the maniacdepressive type; more frequent at lower concentrations,
however, are cases of polyneuritis.
• ®
MATHESON, D.
Ecology:
"Man's global redistribution of carbon”. Bjbrkstrdm, A. Ambio
(Oslo). 1979, 8/6 (254-259). Ulus. 22 ref.
Occupational exposure:
oisoning due to prolonged exposure to carbon dioxide” (Die
protrahierte C02-Vergiftung). Zink, P.; Reinhardt, G. Beitrage zur gerichtlichen Medizin (Vienna), 1975, 33 (211213). (In German)
CIS 77-442 Criteria for a recommended Standard-Occupa
tional exposure to carbon dioxide. DHEW (NIOSH) publica
tion No. 76-194 (National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati)
(Aug. 1976), 169 p. 1 51 ref.
Fire extinguishers:
CIS 78-1506 Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems. NF PA
No. 12-1977 (National Fire Protection Association,
470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston) (1 977), 93 p. Ulus. 12 ref.
Carbon disulphide
Carbon disulphide (CS2)
CARBON BISULPHIDE
m.w.
sp.gr.
76
1.26
1
* j|
'I
§
a
1
T
1
i
■
<
393
I
R
sssMSKTsawi^HaxHHrrriinrir'f-.....
Carbon disulphide______________________
111
I
I
II
■
I
I
I
I
I
Chronic poisoning. It begins with weakness, fatigue,
headache, sleep disturbances, often with frighteningI
dreams, paraesthesia and weakness in the lower extremi
ties, loss of appetite and stomach ailment. Neurovegetative symptoms are also seen and impotence is rather
frequent. Continued exposure may give rise to polyneur
itis, which is said to appear after working in concentra
tions of 0.3-0.5 mg/l for several years; an early sign is the
dissociation of tendon reflexes in lower extremities.
Damage to the brain nerves is less frequent, but neuritis'
n. optici, and vestibular and sense-of-smell disturbances
were observed.
In exposed workers, the examination of nerve conduc
tion velocity is of advantage because this is reduced even
earlier than the impairment becomes demonstrable by
routine neurological examinations. (The normal bottom
limit is approximately 52 m/s.) The EEG shows diffuse
abnormalities in more serious cases of poisoning;
however, these are not specific for carbon disulph
ide only. Epigastric pain, indisposition and vomiting,
all due to atrophic gastritis, as shown by biopsy exami
nations, may be present. A slight anaemia and a moder
ate leucocytosis ’ have sometimes been recorded.
An increase in coagulation time and decreased
plasmin and plasminogen activity have also been
reported.
In exposed workers, disorders occur in the sexual
sphere (hypo, asthenospermia), and excretion of 17ketosteroids, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, and androsteron decreases during exposure. In women menstrual
disturbances, metrorrhagia and more frequent abortions
are described. Carbon disulphide passes the placenta, so
that concentration in the tissues of the fetus is the same
as in the mother.
The relationship between carbon disulphide and
atherosclerosis is a topic of special interest. Prior to the
Second World War, not much attention was paid to this
pattern, but thereafter, when classic carbon disulphide
poisoning ceased to occur in many countries, several
authors noted the development of atherosclerosis of the
brain vessels in workers of lower age groups in viscose
rayon plants.
Ophthalmodynamographic studies in young workers
who were exposed to carbon disulphide concentrations
of 0.2-0.5 mg/l for several years, showed that the retinal
systolic and diastolic blood pressure was higher than
that of the brachial artery. This increase was due to
arterial hypertension in the brain and it was reported that
arterial spasms appeared before subjective complaints.
Rheoencephalography has been recommended for
assessment of brain vessel function. Changes in resis
tance are caused by arterial pulsation, especially of
intracranial vessels and could therefore lead to the
discovery of possible increased rigidity or spasms of
cranial vessels. In Japanese workers a higher incidence
of small, round, retinal haemorrhages and micro
aneurysms was observed.
In chronically exposed men, arteriolocapillary hyalinosis was found, which represents a special type of
carbon disulphide arteriosclerosis. Therefore, carbon
disulphide may be assumed to be a contributing factorto
the origin of this sclerosis, but not a direct cause. This
hypothesis, as well as the results of biochemical exami
nations, seems to be supported further by reports about
the significant increase of atherosclerosis, frequently in
younger persons who were exposed to carbon disul
phide. With regard to the kidneys, it seems that
glomerulosclerosis of the Kimmelstiel-Wilson type is
more frequent in persons exposed to carbon disulphide
than in others. Recently, British, Finnish and other
investigators have shown that there is increased
mortality from coronary heart disease in male workers
394
exposed for many years to relatively low carbo
disulphide concentrations.
The absorption of carbon disulphide through th
respiratory tract is rather high and about 30% of th
inhaled quantity is retained when a steady state c
inhalation is reached. The time required for the establish
ment of this state varies in length from rather short, t
several hours if light physical work is done. Aftr
termination of exposure, part of the carbon disulphide
rapidly excreted through the respiratory tract. The lengt
of the desaturation period depends on the degree c
exposure. Approximately 80-90% of the absorbe
carbon disulphide is metabolised in the body with th
formation of dithiocarbamates and possible furthe
cyclisation to thiazolidane. Owing to the nucleophili
character of carbon disulphide, which reacts especial!
with -SH, -CH, and -NH2 groups, perhaps othe
metabolites are formed too.
Carbon disulphide is also absorbed through the skin i
considerable amounts, but less than through the respire
tory tract. Dithiocarbamates easily chelate many metal
such as copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, iron. In fat
an increased zinc content has been demonstrated i
the urine of animals and men exposed to carbon disui
phide. It is also believed that a direct reaction take
place with some of the metals contained in metallo
enzymes.
Liver microsome tests have demonstrated the forma
tion of carbon oxysulphide (COS) and atomic sulphu
which is bound covalently to microsomal membranes
Other authors have found in rats that carbon disulphide
after oxidative decomposition binds primarily to protei>
P-450. In urine it is excreted in a fraction of 1 % as carbo’"
disulphide, of the retained amount it is excreted to abou
30% as inorganic sulphates, the remainder as organic
sulphates and some unknown metabolites, one of whicf
is thiourea according to Yugoslav authors.
It is assumed that the reaction of carbon disulphide
with vitamin B6 is very important; its metabolism h
impaired, which is manifested by enhanced excretion o
xanthurenic acid and decreased excretion of 4-pyri
doxine acid, and further in a reduced serum pyridoxine
level. It appears that copper economy is disturbed a?
indicated by the reduced level of ceruloplasmin ir
exposed animals and humans. Carbon disulphide
interferes with serotonine metabolism in the brain b\
inhibiting certain enzymes. Furthermore, it has beer
reported that it inhibits the clearing factor (lipase
activated by heparin in the presence of a-lipoproteins),
thus interfering with the clearing of fat from’blood
plasma. This may result in the accumulation of choles
terol and lipoid substances in vessel walls and stimulate
the atherosclerotic process. However, not all reports
about the inhibition of the clearing factor are sc
convincing. There are many, although often contradic
tory, reports about the behaviour of lipoproteins and
cholesterol in the blood and organs of animals and men
exposed to carbon disulphide for a long time, o;
poisoned by it.
Impaired glucose tolerance of the chemical diabetes
type was found. It is elicited also by the elevated level of
xanthurenic acid in serum which, as was demonstrated
in experiments, forms with insulin a complex and
reduces its biological activity. Neurochemical studies
have demonstrated changed catecholamine supplies in
the brain as well as in other nervous tissues. These
findings show that carbon disulphide changes the
biosynthesis of catecholamines probably by inhibiting
dopamine hydroxylase by chelating enzymatic copper.
Examination of animals poisoned by carbon disul
phide revealed a variety of neurologic changes. In man
the changes included serious degeneration of the grey
Carbon monoxide
matter in the brain and cerebellum, changes in the
pyramid system of pons and spinal cord, degenerative
changes of peripheral nerves and disintegration of their
sheaths. Also described were atrophy, hypertrophy and
hyalin degeneration of muscle fibres.
Fire and explosion. Carbon disulphide is also highly
flammable and explosive.
SAFETYAND HEALTH MEASURES
Of special importance in the prevention of health prob
lems by carbon disulphide is the enclosure of processes
involving it, as well as local exhaust and general ventila
tion. It is also advisable to replace carbon disulphide by
less toxic substances whenever possible. The workers
should be instructed about its toxicity and fire hazard.
Wearing of respiratory protective equipment should be
left to cases of emergency.
Frequent control of carbon disulphide concentrations
in the air, such as in viscose rayon plants, is essential.
This can be done by colorimetric indicators, with contin
ual analyses, and portable air samplers. Thecarbon disul
phide content in the air can also be measured by
'posure tests such as determining the amount in urine,
._,iood, or expired air. However, these tests are generally
useful only for a rough estimation of exposure. A widely
used test in recent years is the iodine-azide test. It is
based on the presence of carbon disulphide sulphur
metabolites in urine. The level of exposure can be
estimated by the rate of iodine reduction by sodium
azide. Persons still producing a positive test on the
second day after terminating work should be placed
under careful medical control.
On the basis of pre-employment and periodic medical
examinations, persons should be considered unsuitable
for work with carbon disulphide if they are neurotic or
have serious nervous and mental afflictions, or if they
have diseases of the liver or kidneys, and atherosclerotic
changes. Young persons of either sex should not be
employed if below the age of 18. There is no evidence
that women are more sensitive to this material but,
since it is highly toxic, their work with it is not recom
mended, or only at low exposures, because of their
maternal functions and their labile condition in climac
terium.
The frequency of periodic medical examinations
depends upon the hygienic conditions at the workplace.
:arbon disulphide concentrations exceed recommenued limits, two or three medical examinations annually
are advisable. A neurologist and, if possible, a psychia
trist should participate in such examinations. Whenever
symptoms have been noted, the worker should be
removed from exposure and, if a diagnosis of poisoning
has been established, , he should not be permitted to
continue such work.
Treatment. In acute cases the patient should be removed
from exposure, made comfortable, kept warm, but not
hot, and given resuscitation if necessary.
In chronic poisoning, the prognosis is generally good
if the patient has been removed from exposure in due
time. If, however, the peripheral or central nervous
systems have been affected, the prognosis in regard to
complete recovery is very dubious; this has been
confirmed over years of observations.
TEISINGER, J.
Biological effects:
"Specific binding of CS2 metabolites to microsomal proteins in
the rat liver". Savolainen, H.; Javisato. J.; Vainio, H. Acta
eUoxicologica (Copenhagen), 1977, 41/1
"The mechanism of chronic effect of carbon disulphide on
carbohydrate metabolism". Kujalova, V.; Sperlingova I •
Frantik, E. (478-479). 3 ref. XIX International Congress on
Occupational Health: Abstracts (Zagreb, 1978).
"The effect of carbon disulphide on development of athero
sclerotic changes in rabbits fed on standard and atherogenic
diet". Wronska-Nofer, T.; Szendzikowski, S.; Laurman, W.
(492). 4 ref. XIX International Congress on Occupational
Health: Abstracts (Zagreb, 1978).
"Carbon disulfide metabolites excreted in the urine of the
exposed workers. II. Isolation and identification of thiocarba
mide". Pergal, M.; Vukojevic, N.; Djuric, D. Archives of
Environmental Health (Chicago), July 1972, 25/1 (42-44).
Ulus. 4 ref.
1
Health impairment:
CIS 77-1066 Behavioral and neurologicaf effects of carbon
disulfide. Tuttle, T.C.; Wood, G. D.; Grether, C. B. DHEW
(NIOSH) publication No. 77-128 (National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway,
Cincinnati) (Dec. 1976), 1 56 p. Ulus. 24 ref.
"Ten-year coronary mortality of workers exposed to carbon
disulfide''. Tolonen, M.; Nurminen, M.; Hernberg, S. Scan
dinavian Journal of Work. Environment and Health
(Helsinki), June 1979, 5/2 (109-114), Ulus. 12 ref.
i
Exposure limits:
Carbon disulphide. Environmental health criteria No. 10
(Geneva. World Health Organisation, 1979), 100 p. 373 ref.
Safety:
CIS 78-454 Carbon bisulfide (carbon disulfide). Data
Sheet 341, Revision B (Extensive) (National Safety Council,
444 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago) (1977), 4 p. 7 ref.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO)
m.w.
28.01
sp.gr.
1.25
m.p.
-205.1 °C
b.p.
-191.5 °C
e.l.
12.5-74%
i.t.
608.9 °C
a colourless, tasteless and almost odourless gas which is lighter
than air and burns in air with a blue flame.
TWA OS HA 50 ppm 55 mg/m3
TLV NIOSH
35 ppm/10 h
200 ppm ceil
STELACGIH 400 ppm 440 mg/m3
IDLH
1 500 ppm
MAC USSR 20 mg/m3
-
Occurrence. Carbon monoxide is produced when
organic material, such as coal, wood, paper, oil, gasoline,
gas, explosives or any other carbonaceous material, is
burned in a limited supply of air or oxygen. When the
combustion process takes place in an abundant supply
of air without the flame contacting any surface, carbon
monoxide emission is not likely to result. CO is produced
if the flame contacts a surface which is cooler than the
ignition temperature of the gaseous part of the flame. The
exhaust gas of gasoline-fuelled combustion engine
(spark ignition) is the most important source of ambient
CO and contains 1 to 10% of CO depending on the mode
of operation of the engine. The diesel engine (com
pression ignition) exhaust gas contains about 0.1% of
395
•1
0
-
r
SR
^r, 8,
Cellulose and derivatives, *
cellulose molecule or the degree of polymerisation (DP)
varies, even in the same plant. The DP of native cellulose
is more than 3 000. The DP of technical cellulose varies
between 500 and 2 000. If the DP is 1 000, the molecular
weight of cellulose is about 162 000. The DP of cellulose
is of great technical importance. The higher it is, the
stronger is the cellulose. The structural formula of
cellulose is:
ch2oh
OH
ch2oh
CH20H
OH
H
OH
H
OH
CH20H
X
Cellulose is insoluble in alcohol and etherand also resists
fairly well the action of acid and alkaline solutions.
Treated with strong acids under special conditions or
with the enzyme cellulose, it is converted into glucose.
Treated with concentrated alkaline solutions, it is con
verted into alkali cellulose, which, after removal of the
alkali, has a greater reactivity than natural cellulose.
Sources. Cellulose forms the major part of the cell walls
in plants. In cotton, cellulose is almost pure, but in wood
it is combined with other substances such as hemicellu
lose, lignin, resins, terpenes, fats, starches, proteins and
minerals. The most important sources of cellulose are
wood, jute, linen, cotton, hemp, straw and fast growing
reedy plants.
,
:■
Production. The aims of manufacturing pulp are to
separate the cellulose-containing constituents of plants
from each other and from other substances such as
hemicellulose and lignin. This can be achieved with three
principal methods: the mechanical, chemimechanical
and chemical methods. In industry the term cellulose is
given to the purified end product, the chemical pulp.
Mechanical pulping. Logs are passed through a pulp
grinder, which separates fibres from the log's surface.
This mechanical separation of fibres also causes disrup
tion or splitting of fibres. Therefore, the end product
known as ground pulp is rather feeble, but the fibre yield
is almost 100%. Wood chips pretreated by water or steam
and then mechanically ground are used for so-called
thermomechanical pulp.
Chemimechanical pulping. The purpose of these meth
ods is to produce a pulp with less split and broken fibres
than is possible with only the conventional mechanical
treatment. The coarse pulp required as a starting material
is first obtained by impregnating wood chips or sawdust
with an aqueous cooking liquor having a pH of 4.0 to
12.7, and then by mechanically separating the fibres
from the impregnated chips at a temperature of about
140 to 180 °C. A preferred cooking liquor contains an
alkali metal sulphite and/or an alkali metal bisulphite.
i
Chemical pulping. Through chemical methods the lignin
which attaches the fibres to each other is soaked away by
certain chemicals. This leads to liberating the fibres
without injuring them, and yields a strong pulp.
Chemical reactions with the cellulose and other con
stituents of wood cannot, however, be avoided, and the
yield is thus only 35-55%, depending on the method
used.
The wood used as raw material is peeled and chipped.
The chips are treated with a cooking liquor while under
high pressure and temperature. After cooking, the
cooking liquor is washed out and impurities removed.
The pulp yielded can be further treated with various
bleaching processes.
Depending on the chemical used, the chemical meth
odscan be subdivided into alkaline or acidic methods. Of
434
the alkaline methods the kraft or sulphate process is the
most common. Any kind of wood can be used as a raw
material, but pine is the most common. The chipped
wood or other lignocellulosic material is cooked in an
aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and
sodium sulphide at a temperature of about 170 °C for the
time required to produce a pulp of the required yield. The
resulting pulp contains lignin and carbohydrates in a
ratio which is determined by the specific conditions of
the process, such as temperature, time and quantity of
liquor. Because of the presence of lignin and other
impurities, the pulp yielded is brown in colour, and can
be used as such for the production of kraft paper and
packing cardboard. The cooking liquor spent is usually
concentrated and burned in a steam boiler, and the
reagent can be recycled into the process. Turpentine and
pine oil are by-products of this process.
The most important acid pulping method is the sul
phite process. Spruce is preferably used as a raw
material, because woods containing significant amounts
of resins are less suitable for the process. The digesting
of wood chips is achieved by cooking them in an
aqueous sulphite digesting liquor at elevated tem
peratures and pressures. After cooking, the substantially
lignin-free cellulosic fibre is removed from the liquor and
is subjected to various stages of washing and purifica
tion. The cooking liquor usually contains an excess of
sulphur dioxide and calcium bisulphite. The waste liquor
is a source of carbohydrates, and can be used for the
production of industrial alcohol and fodder yeast as by
products of the process. The bisulphite process is a
variation of the conventional sulphite process. The
cooking liquor contains magnesium-, ammonium- or
sodium-bisulphite without an excess of sulphur dioxide.
The pH of the liquor is 4-6. In this process also pine can
be used as a raw material.
In addition to the processes already mentioned, there
are numerous less important variations and combina
tions of chemical pulping processes. In the cooking
solutions such chemicals as ammonia, acetic acid,
sulphonates, phosphoric and nitric acid, chlorates,
nitrogen dioxide, water-ethanol mixture and oxygen
have been used.
Unbleached pulp is brownish in colour, the sulphite
pulp being brighter than the sulphate pulp. The
discolouring compounds in the pulp, such as lignin,
tannin, carbohydrates and resins, are removed with
bleaching processes. For these processes such com
pounds as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hypochlorites,
hydrosulphites, peroxides, oxygen and ozone can be
used as bleaching agents.
In the 1970s the leading producers of cellulose and
paper products were the United States, Canada, Japan,
the USSR, Sweden and Finland.
Uses. Cellulose is used in the manufacture of paper,
fillers, cellophane, celluloid, photographic film, rayon,
viscose and other chemical derivatives such as certain
explosives, etc. The kraft or sulphate cellulose is strong,
and unbleached it is suitable for linerboards, wrapping
and bag paper. Bleached draft or sulphate cellulose is
used for high quality paper products. Sulphite cellulose
has less strength and intrinsic viscosity than sulphate
cellulose. Unbleached sulphite cellulose is suitable for
the manufacture of newsprint, wrapping paper and
paperboards. Bleached sulphite cellulose is used in the
manufacture of printing and tissue papers.
HAZARDS
There are special hazards in the cellulose industry
because of the many gases used in the production and
Cellulose and derivatives
bleaching processes and the waste gases which are
evolved during the pulping process. The gases used or
produced in the sulphate process are hydrogen sulphide,
mercaptans (including methyl mercaptane), and ter
penes and lye vapours. The substances used or produced
in the sulphite process are sulphur dioxide, carbon
dioxide, methyl alcohol, furfural and possibly carbon
monoxide and hydrogen sulphide. All these substances,
like the gases in the bleaching process (chlorine,
chlorine dioxide, etc.), may cause light or severe
intoxication depending on the concentration, and the
symptoms may vary from light irritation of the eyes and
the upper respiratory system to pulmonary oedema.
Hydrogen sulphide, furfural and the mercaptans may in
high concentrations also cause acute intoxications with
symptoms from the central nervous system. In the pulp
mill processes most of the acute intoxications are,
however, due to chlorine, chlorine dioxide or sulphur
dioxide.
Chemicals used in the cellulose industry such as acids,
alkalis and bleaching agents may cause skin irritation
and dermatitis.
During the peeling and chipping of wood, there may
be a harmful degree of noise. Special problems in the
cellulose industry include water pollution caused by mill
effluents, and air pollution caused especially by mercap
tans from the sulphate process.
vapour is liable to be present requires the precau
tions described under confined spaces;
(f)
ambient air concentrations of harmful gases should
be monitored continually for the registration of peak
concentrations of gases caused by disturbances in
the process. Because man's olfactory organ may
develop a tolerance to increasing quantities of
irritating gases, the sense of smell is not to be relied
upon in these situations.
Contamination of the atmosphere outside the factory
can be avoided by recirculating certain gases or by
passing them through scrubbers or chemical absorbers
before the exhaust air is emitted into the open air.
Water pollution can be prevented by burning the black
cooking liquor from the sulphate process or by using the
sulphite cooking liquor for the production of fodder
yeasts or as a fuel in steam boilers.
Derivatives
Cellulose acetate
See FIBRES, ARTIFICIAL.
Cellulose triacetate
See,FIBRES. ARTIFICIAL
Cellulose nitrate
SAFETY AND HEALTH MEASURES
Epidemiologic studies have shown that workers in
volved in pulp mill processes and exposed to irritant
gases (especially chlorine, chlorine dioxide) appear to
have symptoms of chronic bronchitis and poorer results
in some ventilatory function tests than non-exposed
reference groups. Pre-employment examinations of
persons exposed to irritants should be performed to
exclude persons with chronic cardiorespiratory diseases
from these jobs. Further health measures should
concentrate upon the prevention of acute intoxications.
Many of the dangers associated with pulping pro
cesses have been removed by automation. This concerns
especially the corrosive and irritating or otherwise
dangerous liquids, the flow of which through pipelines
can safely be controlled by modern techniques. The risks
of harmful exposure are usually connected with distur
bances in the industrial process, leaks in the apparatus or
maintenance and repair work. Other factors connected
with exposure from leaksand repairwork are mostly poor
ventilation, non-use of personal protective equipment
and defective or ineffective protection equipment.
To prevent exposure to toxic gases, the following
safety measures should be performed:
(a) periodic inspection of apparatus and equipment
should be performed to prevent unexpected leaks;
(b) good general ventilation should be provided at the
workplaces and a high standard of local exhaust
ventilation should be provided at points of risk in
the process. Suitable respiratory protective equip
ment should be available for use in emergencies;
(c) the use of personal protective equipment should be
mandatory in all risk situations;
(d) process workers should be trained to follow the
proper procedures;
(e) maintenance and repair workers should be
provided with special instructions and regulations.
Work in autoclaves, digesters, tank chambers, or
any other confined space where dangerous gas or
NITROCELLULOSE; CELLOIDIN; PYROXYLIN; GUNCOTTON; NITROCOTTON
m.w.
594.28-459.28
sp.gr.
1.66
m.p.
ignites at 169-170 °C
f.p.
12.8 °C
a pulpy, cotton-like amorphous solid (dry), or colourless liquid
to serni-solid solution, depending on the degree of nitration.
It is produced by treating cellulose with a mixture of
concentrated nitric and sulphuric acids, the excess of
which is removed by washing, digesting and boiling
procedures.
Cellulose nitrates are used for fast-drying automobile
lacquers, high explosives, colloidin, rocket propellants,
medicine, printing-ink bases, flashless propellant pow
ders, coating book-binding cloths and leather finishing.
Cellulose nitrate constitutes a serious fire hazard in
most of its industrial forms. When the nitrogen content of
its chemical composition is high, it is classified as an
explosive. When damp nitrocellulose with a lower nitro
gen content is used in normal industrial processes pre
cautions for a dangerously flammable substance should ,
be observed. The workrooms should be of fire-resisting
structure, open lights and other sources of ignition
should be prohibited and adequate means of escape
should be provided. A copious supply of water should be
available for extinguishing purposes.
J
iy
11
‘ Hl
I
Celluloid
sp.gr.
1.35-1.60
Celluloid is prepared by plasticising cellulose nitrate with ’
camphor. Pigments are generally added at this stage. It is
thermoplastic and is used in the manufacture of innu
merable articles such as toys, combs, photographic film
and pen barrels. Incorporated with solvent it is used in a
number of adhesives.
Celluloid is a very flammable substance and, for this
reason, is being replaced by cellulose acetate for many
purposes. Precautions similar to those recommended for
cellulose nitrate should be adopted in workrooms where
celluloid is used.
435
1
i
•7
Hydrogen sulphide
oarTKrneffikisLyodoroda pri ingalacionnom i k6nom putjah
vozdejstvija).
truda i professional'nyezabolevanija(Moscow),OctJ5777TO^2i25T16 ref.
(In Russian)
j
I
Hydrogen sulphide
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
SULPHURETTED HYDROGEN
r
!
m.w.
34
1.54
d.
m.p.
-85.5 °C
-60.7 °C
b.p.
v.d.
1-19
20 atm (2026-103 Pa) at 20 °C
v.p.
e. l.
4.3-46%
i.t.
260'C
soluble in water, ethyl alcohol, gasoline, kerosene and crude oil
a colourless gas with a characteristic rotten-egg odour.
TWA OS HA 20 ppm ceil
50 ppm/10 min peak
NIOSH
10 ppm/10 min peak
TLVACGIH 10 ppm 15 mg/m3
STELACGIH 15 ppm 27 mg/m3
IDLH
300 ppm
MAC USSR 10 mg/m3
Production. It is produced by reacting iron sulphide with
dilute sulphuric or hydrochloric acid or by reacting
hydrogen with vaporised sulphur. It is also released
during the decay of sulphur-containing organic ma
terials and, as such, may be encountered in mines (where
it is often called "stink damp"), gas wells, sewers, etc. It
occurs as the by-product of many chemical processes,
particularly those involving viscose rayon, synthetic
rubbers, petroleum products, dyes and leather, and in the
processing of sugar.
Uses. Hydrogen sulphide is used for the production of
various inorganic sulphides, sulphuric acid and organic
sulphur compounds such as thiophene and mercaptans.
It is widely used as an analytical reagent. In agriculture it
is used as a disinfectant.
HAZARDS
Fire and explosion. Hydrogen sulphide is a flammable
gas which burns with a blue flame giving rise to sulphur
dioxide, a highly irritating gas with a characteristic
odour. Mixtures of hydrogen sulphide and air in the
explosive range may explode violently; since the vapours
are heavier than air, they may accumulate in depressions
or spread over the ground to a source of ignition and
flash back.
When exposed to heat, it decomposes to hydrogen
and sulphur and, when in contact with oxidising agents
such as nitric acid, chlprine trifluoride, etc., it may react
violently and ignite spontaneously.
Extinguishing agents recommended for the fighting of
hydrogen sulphide fires include carbon dioxide, chemi
cal dry powder and water sprays.
Health hazards. Even at low concentrations, hydrogen
sulphide has an irritant action on the eyes and respiratory
tract. Intoxication may be hyperacute, acute, subacute or
chronic.
Low concentrations are readily detected by the
characteristic rotten-egg odour; however, prolonged
exposure dulls the sense of smell and makes the odour a
very unreliable means of warning. High concentrations
1090
can rapidly deaden the sense of smell. Hydrogen
sulphide enters the body through the respiratory system
and is rapidly oxidised to form compounds of low
toxicity; there are no accumulation phenomena, and
elimination occurs through the intestine, urine and the
expired air.
In cases of slight poisoning, following exposure to
from 10 to 500 ppm, a headache may last several hours,
pains in the legs may be felt and rarely there may be loss
of consciousness. In moderate poisoning (from 500 to
700 ppm) there will be loss of consciousness lasting a
few minutes, but no respiratory difficulty. In cases of
severe poisoning the subject drops into a profound coma
with dyspnoea, polypnoea and a slate-blue cyanosis
until breathing restarts, tachycardia and tonic-clonic
spasms.
Inhalation of massive quantities of hydrogen sulphide
will rapidly produce anoxia resulting in death by
asphyxia; epileptiform convulsions may occur and the
individual falls apparently unconscious, and may die
without moving again. This is a syndrome characteristic
of hydrogen sulphide poisoning in sewermen; however,
in such cases, exposure is often due to a mixture of gases
including methane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and
ammonia.
In subacute poisoning, the signs may be nausea,
stomach distress, foetid eructations, characteristic
"rotten-egg" breath, and diarrhoea. These digestive
system disorders may be accompanied by balance
disorders, vertigo, dryness and irritation of the nose and
throat with viscous and mucopurulent expectoration and
diffuse rales and ronchi.
There have been reports of retrosternal pain similar to
that found in angina pectoris and the electrocardiogram
may show the characteristic trace of myocardial infarc
tion, which, however, disappears quite rapidly. The eyes
are affected by palpebral oedema, bulbar conjunctivitis,
and mucopurulent secretion with, perhaps, a reduction
in visual acuity-all of these lesions usually being
bilateral. This syndrome is known to sugar and sewer
workers as "g-as eye". It has been found in the viscose
rayon industry that the severity of this keratoconjunc
tivitis is directly related to the atmospheric concentration
of hydrogen sulphide and not to that of carbon
disulphide which lowers the danger threshold level of
the former. Experimental studies have shown that the
atmospheric concentration of hydrogen sulphide must
be kept below 10 mg/m3 if keratoconjunctivitis is to be
prevented.
The existence of chronic hydrogen sulphide intoxica
tion is denied by certain authorities, whereas others
claim that this disease is characterised by headaches,
asthenia, eye disorders, chronic bronchitis and a grey
green line on the gums; as in acute poisoning, the ocular
lesions are said to predominate. Reports of nervous
system disorders including paralysis, meningitis, poly
neuritis and even psychic troubles have also been made.
In rats, exposure to hydrogen sulphide has given rise
to teratogenic effects.
Metabolism and pathology. Hydrogen sulphide has a
general toxic action. It inhibits Warburg's respiratory
enzyme (cytochrome oxidase) by binding iron, and the
oxydo-reduction processes are also blocked. This
inhibition of enzymes essential for cellular respiration
may be fatal. The substance has a local irritant action on
the mucous membranes since, on contact with moisture,
it forms caustic sulphides; this may also occur in the lung
parenchyma as a result of combination with tissue
alkalis. Experimental research has shown that these
sulphides may enter into the circulation, producing
respiratory effects such as polypnoea, bradycardia and
Hydroxylamine
hypertension, by their action on the vasosensitive,
reflexogenic zones of the carotid nerves and Hering's
nerve.
Post mortem examination in a number of cases of
hyperacute poisoning has revealed pulmonary oedema
and congestion of various organs. A characteristic
autopsy feature is the odour of hydrogen sulphide that
emanates from the dissected corpse. Other features of
note are the haemorrhages of the gastric mucosae, the
greenish colour of the upper regions of the intestine and
even of the brain.
Detection and analysis. A prime indicator of hydrogen
sulphide presence in the air is the characteristic odour,
which can be detected at even minute concentrations.
A variety of methods exist for detecting hydrogen
sulphide in the atmosphere, including the use of detector
papers impregnated with lead sodium acetate and
detector tubes, and various other reagents such as cad
mium sulphide, lead sulphide and p-dimethylphenylenediamine. A very sensitive method (1 ppb) with
sampling on silica gel and spectrophotometric analysis
has recently been described.
SAFETYAND HEALTH MEASURES
Technical prevention. Persons working on processes in
which hydrogen sulphide is either employed or given off
3S a by-product should be informed of the dangers of this
substance. Processes should be enclosed and exhaust
ventilation applied to possible escape areas. The
atmospheric concentration of hydrogen sulphide around
these processes should be monitored.
Where it is necessary to enter a confined space that
may contain hydrogen sulphide (such as a process plant
or sewer), the space should be purged and the hydrogen
sulphide concentration determined before entry and at
frequent intervals during the course of the work; under
no circumstances should reliance be placed on the sense
of smell to detect the presence of the gas.
Where the presence of hydrogen sulphide has been
detected, the worker entering the confined space should
wear suitable respiratory protective equipment of a selfcontained or airline type, a safety belt and lifeline, and
should be observed from the outside by a responsible
. worker. Hydrogen sulphide may be dissolved or trapped
in sludge in sewers or process vessels and will be
released into the atmosphere during sludge agitation.
Workers exposed to hydrogen sulphide should also wear
chemical safety goggles.
It has been suggested that calcium chloride or a
fixture of ferrous sulphate and lime should be added to
process washing water as a neutralising agent each time
the development of hydrogen sulphide occurs.
Hydrogen sulphidecylindersshould be stored in a well
5-------- •' -- -■
‘
.
.
.
.
r
.i
ventilated,, rfire-resistant
structure,
protected
from
the
weather. Smoking and naked flames should be prohib
ited in areas where hydrogen sulphide is stored or used
and electrical equipment should be of the flameproof
type. During transport the cylinders should be suitably
restrained and should bear an appropriate warning
label.
Medical prevention. Persons required to work in areas
where hydrogen sulphide may be encountered should
receive a pre-employment medical examination. Persons
with eye and nervous disorders, in particular, should not
be assigned to work entailing exposure to hydrogen
sulphide; the pre-employment examination should be
backed up by periodic examinations (preferably at
intervals of 6 months). In Italy these examinations are
compulsory for oil refinery workers, viscose spinners and
sewermen.
Diseases caused by hydrogen sulphide are recognised
as occupational-diseases in Czechoslovakia, Finland, the
Federal Republic of Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico,
Spain, Switzerland, etc.
Treatment. In the event of acute poisoning, the victim
should be removed from exposure and transported to the
nearest resuscitation centre for hyperbaric oxygen
treatment. When no such facilities are available it is
helpful to carry out artificial respiration with inhalation of
oxygen. The respiratory centre may be stimulated by
injections of lobelin and nikethamide (1 cm3 and 5 cm3
respectively). Vitamin C may be injected intravenously.
Eye exposure should be treated with boric acid
solution or isotonic physiological solutions; instillation
of a drop of olive oil has also been recommended as an
immediate measure. Forthe more serious cases, recourse
may be had to 1% adrenalin solution drops and the
application of hot or cold compresses.
CACCURLS.
Occupational health:
CIS 77-1371 Criteria for a recommended Standard-Occu
pational exposure to hydrogen sulfide. DHEW (NIOSH)
publication No. 77-1 58 (National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati)
(May 1977), 149 p. 171 ref.
"Hydrogen sulphide poisoning. Medical emergency at the
enterprise" (Intoxications par hydrogdne sulfure. Urgence
mddicaledans I'entreprise). Demaret, D.; Fialaire, J. Archives
des maladies professionnelles, de m6decine du travail et de
s6curit£ sociale (Paris), Dec. 1978, 39/12 (761-767). (In
French)
Safety:
CIS 78-753 Hydrogen sulfide. Data Sheet 284, Revision A
(National Safety Council, 425 North Michigan Avenue,
Chicago 60611) (1977), 4 p. Ulus. 7 ref.
Detection and analysis:
CIS 77-1350 An evaluation of portable, direct-reading HzS
meters. Thompkins, F. C.; Becker, J. H. DHEW (NIOSH)
publication No. 77-137 (National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati)
(July 1976), 167 p. Ulus.
CIS 79-1319 "Hazards in the work envirohment-Hydrogen
sulfide". Waernbaum, G.; Wallin, I. Scandinavian Journal of
Work, Environment and Health (Helsinki), Mar. 1979, 5/1
(31-34). 3 ref.
CIS 80-1008 H2S safety handbook (Safety Oilfield Services,
PO Box 52722, Lafayette, Louisiana 70505) (1978), 32 p.
Ulus.
Hydroxylamine
Hycfroo^llamina (NH20H)
OXAMMONI1
m.w.
33
sp.gr.
1.20
m.p.
33.0 °C
b.p.
56.5 °C
v.p.
lOmmHg (1.33-103
at 47.2 °C
f.p.
129.4 ’C (explodes)
soluble in water, ethyl alcohol and acicJ^x.
very hygroscopic white crystals or colobiQ^ss liquid with
alkaline reaction; in alkaline medium, hydn lamina is a
powerful reducing agent; in an acid medium, IT :ts as an
oxidising agent.
Production. Mainly by electrolytic reduction of am
monium chloride and alkaline decomposition of the
resultant hydroxylamine hydrochloride, or by reducing
1091
t
/
E'S. Io
‘
i.
SympY^rns
<C5a
r
/. /3//d^r& (^IL/Jjl^
nniGro c^uzj^ ryows
A^fccjeJl p^vGpo.pil]^^A.\]^Ci
Kj2^C\.Xo Ccpj Goo c^i YZ y<-^>
i^LixKa->c cs{ (S. ^x6ccy rxvo/^
)
l^p i t^> D <S-<go
(yecoplfoy)
dxx^/^X drf
C7C03 eci.
oJ^'liky
L^-) /^xZ> / / Z
J
I 6 - 3 o di B
V^p->Yc^ a
I
C5x
/>?rx^eL (&>pe&LjG
’5
pi^L^cyr^
y
/X_oZ5
^Pn^Zc.
f^vGG^^jctsJ p
J
p't l/c. /< cs->n
Lo sh
C! r
Le^>
Wt>->n t
LJ
Xia>i
L^
^LA
^>0 Y COn G Ic^o fvC
>3ci
P)^C>Cc^>C/
Lc^>
CiZ.Y^Lp)'^
I C^ie>
Z^/d CSV A <5Yl>O
/
C
__
CZx C^VgJ'I CT7 _
/ v>fe/2 >e>rz>i vC
Sv<-< C^d^tcx/ Z^z^^4^-^>c-y,
h^r- -
tcJ^ty^
^V^zstxy/cdi'^
Typic^i 4
-^‘VZ6<_Jo ^kr>o
V
Cyz>y9^»iJ^
pcr>i/i^c..
"T------ - ^—
o
Py
____ 1
.
c /___
____
C^LfZ.
ia
f^ts^n
/<cy2fcX mcc&
i
P^^jCKc Ic
C^J
■i _
D
i^e. t£
I TP^T)/TX^O Kjz d
tsite/krcl^cj
C^cK^cJiy
•yc\pl<yr»cl CtiYlkctj'_
HoKc^
/<A
e>-xe_»
^noK^nch
61
ICx
3<xz?/ cojly
I'YX-h
Pdiy rx£j-x YC^pG /Ly
yOXW^-C- Jv-l C£k f.
Mytpy^tbj <yn p^ IpciKc
ten
Uo Kylx^o cJLiz-y)
I <57_>-Cyii
\J
fpyp
(5*->
V<^4c5exKj£^ 0^
(c>Jna.^px^Vb.^I , Jjip yoezctwgiJ
/s
)
Nd>
ZcwJLI
O /I'KQJ't
fe
/3;<5cJ
Peeve.
S c'-o /cxc/cz EC
U
/^vo ^A'* cy>^ b <z->
6c5CX<^iXA /e Y( <r>—
/"f h y<^> K
C
o
bo.
x/
1
c- c^ C. Sp_
<^>c Cif’ C
Nos
C^EA^ i^tctM--
7 ■f'&VA-''">
2.7
Pc-^^y l-P^
Ty-■ I oc>
VLz> co‘5ci
Ti- 6-0
Cs>:^_ Plo-oi^
/r
"2o
I6
Uc^k>>h<yp
H>l
f3h
U7
i c>
t/3
3-o
3o
Z^oo
3.)
I
I^j /T) Ci
GS^l
r
J)
7
CrZ^(-^-^iO~n^7
SYetj-yYi Cc&J
■7
/»<
P^f)'"
P>C42.
Ofte-Tr
P'^
5
6
-yL-cX*4-^ Z>*
/6
3
Vc^ccne
3
2
ri^i ^'“^^'3
-A
p^ cJ’Xl
r
yStxAlcb-^^
6K
I
I
gcoO^/O^
I
p~,
Q. T<^]
i
46,0
33t/;33
i
)
Ctc
(c>
I
>ve Piculs <j(
y (J2 :
(P £f ■
Mp
>0
I<
(P^Gc.\ L^
ic^c^y ScMt
y^-^oVi kciJjZ
j cJ/G-
TJogcIca
J
J
4>
k
4,
(X
>
<
0
(X
0
<x
o
vn
<* (0
0
c^
0
J“
0
u
rx
-vC,
o
A)
6/
8
Q
V"
0
CX
\j
(X
[
cs
<\l
Pv
y *•
H
U
V
w 0
v? I
XJ
o
nx&
I
0
K
N
D
n
L
4
0s
\A
i
eb
u
r
\A.
N
of
[
1
I.
f
q
i
f\f
I
o
1
!
4
<<
[
(<
(X
>/
(X
x
\)
d
’
0
(X\
I
i
'j\
n\
*^D
00
'O
o
(
Jr
i
31
?
r
7
e
3
hh
<
f)FT
Vco
^po
7M
i 7 P^oA>
Ccmi^c i
C^) <-4^<^-1' 3
c^~ ‘o
I
I
Io
3
lii
1)
2o
11- /e
r
i(> -
3
2.1-2^
12.
2& 3
/
‘O'
23
i
7&
( '6-7J
9
9
&
^3
C^e)
>5
/
C>7QJ
/ 7
3
2./
3
7
i^r
I
(,
3 7?
/■Sx
/6
76
^<77
3
1-3
3i
Cj> .)
57
12 3>
cd
3/'35
I
Q 3
D 2
2Ll
/3<-e^<oKe t2>
Cocs-tx ccJLe.
(=~>
csf 8j^c
r^ (1^1
C5
2f
5f
fi«-
o
o
//k
Q3
O
c
37
27
iZ
37
/V
5
7
2.0
2
o
<9
o
I
I
/
o
o
I
2
I
O
o
O
2.
(=>5
i
o
~[c>bxcC£>
7/ / ra
5
o
LzCo^a
tq
o
o
TZJble^ti
A^/^XYVi^ cf
pM
o
xjy
o/
I
I
o
'23 k
ic>£
G>'7
3
O
5
5
2
z
>7
St? c/1 ci.
SA
.1 Uccdih ^>y>^
Co Lty
"Silk.
<0^0^/! O>-
1-113
p^lcy^P
bz. ^<h>c
NiC.^
plc^n'f^ —•
V^'6oo^<^
e
L^!>^.^.l^n^T7 j hoy; <^c^e
L
-
t£,^Q
io-n
C‘
h)'fpL'
Ao
>
y (^3
kx.1
e °J
>C./Z‘ c-'^O i
Peoiili
/<>
>o
Ao /A^
/A^
-t
C^fDO^c
y.
K-'
4/x7*t>
(
5
LJ^-> A
&>S>-f>
poi)^
/
72
Lp
Mo /^ju^
I - 3ho. jp-e <3
cc^pi^ £-
c^
e.^^wo^tf et^^© "7
x-o (^-.e'l 0-0
z
3-
of L^j-^ Is
so^3^ y2-.c>'”
yo.-tcCc^”
flc^Cr.
£&&
S'y/y'yj
,'cr>^>
S/<X c
LAxZ^^>7^
(pTAov^-’iy
h.-kP-S-n c5<y r‘L~" s'1
Wf^ L/
1€? 5reol
1^
Ghc i^^ 0 i
-* o
il
z2
To^/bte /
3^5 7
m
T&JfotL
6
3
26- 3^
^3
3/-35
Gh
34-9'>
i</-45
73
Ctc-^
<4 7
S/-^
/ L,
z^l/buL /k
tn
3/
2o
56>-
<
/
1
^J^nh
t
.1^33}
^<-c
C_e
ryy O
°7o
-31- 1
7 S'
7Z ■ I
g • I
ip ' i>
/• &
D ■
/J . o
- (2 < $"
<3
/
4 •
5-iT<5vJ
? ’ O
*
j'gy
.3
7- S’
/ ■ s~.
I ’ I,
O • t
/ ■ 4.
o. k
4- 6 i '
j~
1- 8
r g kJjA.
r^cU^'t-pe-7
Cfiz-l' C-
c> ■ t
i-
C> r fe
03
-po
/■ 2~
€_
— 0- 4
.- / > o
^0-7
D<<7
D ■ 3
Al
|
Lf- O
H
D. 7
0-^3
N
k_6tK_L\^
/■b
__ o■ ■ fc.
IS
I ‘ S’
■ G
O ■
2'4
0'2.
3-7
jZc^s -+pc 1
"Cr
& < 1
o. t
A
A
i rp
J '' P^
•+
1A ,
2- I
o-2
0.3
o.^
O- (=■
0
o■ 4
<2.
fr A-r
<? ' >
5-3
+d'? r-
' /
. <7
/■7
°'3
o
-f,j' r
6-1 ' ■-rp4j].
^dr
— ('- o
2^"
D
03
e->|^
Sieves
,
't
+
i "T
3*
a- f tj
/• t
e.
°-s
6- S’
O' 5
/■r
H-
D- I
o • (=■
) • s"
5-5
o3
— -2. - I
o-3
o-6
-20
O-b
—0<2_
■
e^-ft
*f° -dr^
6^
0-3,
A7'CtzL^Le^> czo
l^j r K‘
k7ro<ol^^
^uJojec.^ f^csr^a
/ol A>/e
.0^^ c^o
<*»
C
..
: -^fcyr
(L
(^‘7)
4-—^
AppeK k
Ze5>7
7 Qi ox>)
5 Cl-Q >)
2£>
7 (7-29)
_dEf£jc£dJLe!ttte__
y-o Cifi^J
) (& &l)
IL
lCo-^
7 Ct- H
CZ^ct^ cjoo^cm
I
3 (&■<£&
4"? Ct '3-^)
I
PjL
3. ( c> -57
/c^Kc^f
))) (32 -7 2J
3^ 6^6 0/)
7
cloche
/7 Z^-^3
h C3-Z5)
/ uAye/u«c
fr^Kc^ue
li C3^
L Co-^t)
H C5 zD
3
d C^-^)
2- 6° '&0
i Cc> ^i)
Syr^J ^<^>7^0
___
/2^^7^x/n£^?
j A^Ofc>y (^L^C-Cf
L-tt> y lJz>.^
hQb
3, (c> ^)_
I C©-29j
LLr^cCxr> Ae //tZ> h
Dey) >&^7i<sr>-^
IO
'/
co./ I
/^o ^qj_
I Iu^l/)cIc>
J Z<x*>7
Co
27-C6(>k)
GXhUy Z^/^zOCZ
^Cti^
^c^nb/Csl^ P^<2su>
•slc’-^O
___ L
i Qo
lCc>^J
7^-^icjL^j
Cn hlo^
^1 rnj^o1-
'/(jl-o^)
3C^y
Kifjt-m )
LCfy^O
s Ct>)
I
11
I
I
11
I
I'
)Z3
337
^1
M)
Ctrrthc)
Xo
//7
Cy$
3c>
cf3
33?
57
I
I
I
I!
L
TT
123
i
i
o
O
Scsuxxt?
i ’
(6S^
h
^-c-z)
y^)
i
(/<7d»
C7*/C
Pd^i
V
2
6
")
•
3^
Id^l)
^'Cl7)
,!Z.. ^
^-.X
^)
77)
Z3
ILi ! . C
(37^)
Q3 ^)
7
(3-
C-z'^
Q3 33)
2
I
^■59)
Z
(3^
^.Cl
73
. 3/
l^»
CC
_
.
32‘ 3)
^.I
7; (|.
. S’
^-
I
(^■^)
11
'^)
• <*©)
'd'pvif tczrv^
9
Chj2^>^
^Q-t>5)
3
0 7o; (C'^)
o
2
66
15'
(ii.?>z)
(3- ft)
~> .
(5«.j
7
5
.
I
11
p
11
I
!■
/f-97)
Ip. I^ahtsry
( 24 %9
(^■25;
»
/
c.
I
h-»)
zc
3
L5-^)
(3-33)
/3
(Z2.n) C'do ic.)
Lf
/
-3
^c>
^)7'<56)
C^7o)
(2a 5)
0^50
g4/»j
1°
^4fz)
L) fe7j)
Z
a
36
L^3^) /
2
(t-fc)
Q.
^'5<7)
C^) (6^)
, 5
x
'3
(y vz')
a
'3
I&IT)
rt'7
(3 3^)
7
^3)
(j^>)
+
l^)
■
O^o)
Z
Z
^5-5^)
h
Ci-i^)
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
ii
i
i
i ■
^7) Q^)
O-Mqj
I
I
I
I
I
i;
il
il
^5^
/
II
II
1
i
i
i
i
•
I
0
r
^r
o kcA,) fafeil a'Y
X-e^7
><y^X
Lroo)
^6'(4 ^2
y 0-1^)
/3^ 7/J
/ Co-SrfJ
£?^zn/UoW
6<=>
D
£
I Cc>'^)
E
D
i (o-zq)
f)
1-----
^.c
i^>^)
iJ
/ (£>■ 2<V
)
£35 C37'7t
IO
&- £> Cf ^Actzl^y
7 C^ <-V
E.‘(^ri ij^cc^
/•s/^Lffj
6T6. ^'5>)
C^7^)
(o ka.\
S^f^-Qoj
f!
C^<<s-n
E'CO
C-kxzsxA
3 (o> ^V
3 Cg>^)
■^Cf^7
S3
^^yZZ^i&K &1£S^
P^)i \C-^> Pvt c^a. !c-^
(j-^
o
<S'&/
o
"5' T S<f*.
—r^
CJyo^ci
c^n
’
5tz->ux> /3<cAj>Cc\JL
rSc>7 0cO
l(XcJyj .
)
(f -So)
^ 63)
3> ^37
13
3 ^-qg)
CAXc^ L^YicJfcn
E\3<UD "Td AiAcry?
cJcck
CJcyxJcc^_^>&- -ro^^
5/»0<A
CZ7^^vg^
P^Llyioe
vo/
c
plz (ji
^c^tck ki^k
f^Lt^c^
ckj^p rt^Di cr>>
i
/ Co-^J
Z_
a.
1
7 (^oV
1^
3 Zo fe7)
7
d (p
I
(b^)
(O'Sri)
0'87
«
(o ^0
(3?
ES. }£
'. —
I CTe^r ’
~i— /vC.XUTO''—a-^.
^7 ^eS LcLk^L
.^^M'YY|^-©> yxS^
<d^T5»'»_vxJ<i O. 1Zq1.
. Tke. E^tfev <
JLo^' J!<£a>£
y
uuo'e_>v^.Q_>
-Ia^jL^
ecej
, fct
'c’^ O-^ks
Jj
• ^i-X c
b.^jv'K
e*-i
/ p
y
'I
.« _&
cLc?> t^-A-J eX-^k"?
'•'^□lcz^ J^,jj
JA-Ko-
u
r
.’ v. K>v. ^-Ki>n ^vy
v'OsX^-
>o_A_2K S^-nj
vj_4
5j1
.jiiikxxojrct.
ChC.C>-^-X_^» (
£^Kj
■
r^
‘^-F?
gj£^
AUlxcA
V"
AuJfe^
.Arcjd ’ -L^ d&fcre±<2 J
j^1,->
x^~P^ v^<aa o L-i
rtz^ rt^k^G-i-vj-' a
■ncr~
i -s
. <fkLU.
le^.
A
£>
r U
_ <S-«rexJ'
-y-.
C2
^c^cAvALLedI
CX C-O>nd^JlA-^x4'^
«v- ^Qc'veJ&-K^>
A
^.rt^ZX
/iv o-aA^2t^ Q>
^/j
^L% /Kj2
^±i-.
L FssS!FF
-v^e^
' rv-iQ>%.^
P ^ e-
1/x-yl^A eAA^Z-^
Aj-Ltfei - / o_^ Le_
^felSlF
■g
ks, o_i'X_e-<-<A S K2: ’''k-lc^_LcLl>
Tt^
c^z->n »~vX)
C~>v^ ‘
UO
r>o<^^\.C-»->->>-g
53^eJF^ sr^nj^^
I
«=»
fc /o^q
AJAU3
U^Wl *
rVlCn>-^k^
JiFl-jOS
I
JfZyl'SCE
eAA-KJ
jfcf’t d-^SL
o
.3
)GZ>h
^vc&Jk -,^
Ox-A^i'X
A-f eS
v
Aj .-^
-%
(^. ' J>vK?A/<XGb-n ^teZS-x^S3->Z- ^Gi4/'Vx.<->^XXC_Q_jL/J'
Yc^Xj^sL
f
eJTT
c>
C2-Vxc-C5>-J—t'J*
^2,
JC\
Vx^
—£
juQJti ^A-s-—_
/
L-
_>~-v o_o-<
/
CS'*'7
e^jvt^-^syc^j
<eyKprL^a^>^'^' k
Z
■t
^Je -za'7-^^/
f
uclXJ-^.
-«
£
<^~
j-J - A
i^u>^ ‘fl
I A?
( jkho'T^/
Kz^vU^
O<-^
STi
<
r:
.
t 1/
z7
C'
Lo-j^P
IG
^t“
\J
P
,
-'■i-’
h^zx-M
fi
AxSZ^kk
'x____
K
—iT
fj^ l^JKeiQ—. *—c
ike ‘
•
,(L^J «4J
> iCs
I ^r
a^JLq_o-^q
]XoJ r^
S'
K__£2JL k-x-l ' •'
e_vu^'
z^vfa. cxi^>
fc
(J-
tl
XpvSx^^x
<f>r
CL^_a_^4 vtex
put
CS1_ ^(2_A>-Y^_-<_iA
J
V
Lu^ ( V »VXD
<2 >A c
-Q.
?T^k3
^T%
C Vejo-^'-’
R2
h
^7^4
jocXacJ-^
J
-t^
r<T.e^eJ
t<-u^
e<xo-r-v^K>A>^-^-
S_x
tcJ oJ^ejx^ J ’
W-
^j^jr !Lo
e_r<S
r^n (S-'x e-J~h^v-'^-
•H’
r
r^j
n'
Jl
A.-
X<
rs t‘2 A
7-Q
^~Z3
3
^■-
Ci?
H
I oh
G? U ■
l?7®
y® ? rW _
i
C2I |
Lh^
^»-\
irox/Afc
oJ^j-a-xo ^p>A ejvQ
y\]©^lA^O-fi C^rvyC.
(_\^
o ■ o 3. ^Zo ro O- O b V
O^° P01
^pJC-VA
rr
U
fo, 'X' <^
ej^Jk^cujj^C
kemcJ'e-
-*-
r a.
e
C>a^ JU
e or>
J
^^KcJe^j o J
, bH^
-o-V
^Jo.
I
I
7fe-/9/jf
( XdOSH ,
,
NOm'DX/^E
Lin
*Covvn
*=
>
ft3-V^
>^h_Qs,.l'<eL*v-n
(T
lU^ -Lit"
.
z
A<T_O-_lA----- >
JX_O-^ Q~^-^\
^rj^_CLy, -£ XrxJ''
—i
<?^-AJL-AC_Q_,
<5 <2__^_Q-jo(
^_1
/
Fl
e
e
., ^jyeAxJ
L<?^'Kfe’A
1
J
_^-(HLvAe cX .0
Hl k> -» V7^’
L^X3<gejlAl>A^
0< ^'(D'S5 9C
d-oHU
OA_7-xx_-S OX
0->\<2>->-vJil_0--2»
Zo Jk-Q>JLaX ^3
/Ka
CO
d. CO
Mb
MK
U
n,^ i
■"• ^Jx^oXiX
I
---
Jjctb-;
P-Cy ST^
b*^ e. L>e_^'
6oMb
T
’/ k—C
Oo Mb LV
4 O^Ht
C1
Cb^cJ
c^k)^
A^Xo-t^>4s(k^^
CC ^CyxAC^-- cb
ftJ-
sz r r bx
^r>n
-J
Q^^'
'xZ i
JtX
^o-^Jb’v^p 4<2
Yb <^ '~
£oP'b .x^ 1U=^.^
(^
op*
\r^ _,
tfcbZZ
^|_|k> .PeLj-j-e-P
s=5-M
- 4
AZsT*
t-’’^-
OxJ/’ C^v^C. —
p VX--A-^--^A-A-y'^~*—
rtoJkJ'-Tt?
<2.
LAX?
^Jy /U45_
^OOM^
-V*
&
k i ts
't^
v'^x-Q-’H
’d Tfol
Qj! v.
§ % jl A^i
dJOHL
><x>JU'-Q.
JiLcL^_>) K_A->^
to
>_ i
j' .
C^Aa_a-VCl/'P
LO'H e-
L Ajt^
> -!<d_L C04^H
O.xbx <. J2__dl
^V c. C A^A
"rtCQ
i2^
CpKlK
J<^J^|.
$
.£?oA_do>jvziLl ' iU-qL
> ,, JC^v.Q_ Tfc
So-ftA
aI
, -d,L^t-
i
I
coHt>
e.j
-O-C.J'
•> —%
pKTe.
“it3"
_XJrv-»p
o i
Q~■<!<X3<>-y
,A^
• kt)
<7fcoV^ (2 0^
LAA
5er^0JZr
)K_C
(j -<^y—a_j^_o
J^tzj ''■ *1^
(tte
JJ. Ofi
■1 OOM1^
F^-erv^'
A)
i c>..s
te"t'
l V>
• *^-
.
'
e V
Cj—’—>
;
>■^4
VuA^
foOO.
v
£
JLJ>^'<’
(S’-
j, 44
”d
(LlCp
SaJS
^c'-
<■ g;
CaJS
nJ
cJkV *5
tslcs '~-
CJCAlt*
Je^.vr'
Tt3 <^_k><.L^V.|
<2J<l £
![
<2^\
i^AX’b ewv^^J^
^tz—»
,
c^-^ G' eXQj/ CXoIa^LJ-^ gJ
2_<3 .
’
Q-JL^dtG3^L
i^cd^/CcJk -u£
dDZkjQ.
o
L\VOa/>
f
J
UJ
-r<b^ .
f
‘^zv
/JWnc^q
fTkeJUL LA C^^£-<J
c-<z
0’3 "0-7
M
o
AJO ■S^V ■
.aK^ e -f
‘
5 - ‘O
(
' S»*-’^
v^T
Il'keS.S
fD
p— ^ciX‘''
La.
-
(
L^ Wi
zZ^C
e^toC'
l
i
,
■
_
—'
^~r\
N
A
^TT^C
^Cj'x^Q
___ a h
IT^_>VA
[ka
.
7^
^J! Jox^e^^f
KvV’^^7^1
•
’
•^^IJXZT^^rr^^ r
3o
4
>r-,°
CjJ £
sejJ
pa
4P-
uLvAJ^y
,
.< ^Dvt<
•'^o'
-tf7
n-
PcU>^H
gfat^ •\eAf‘
ujZ®'
60 '■7°
e^oc e-zJ-^0^-
uTvxp^^^ d
^^y.^vvo^- —
5^x>e>^
IU^>_X2_,
$t? 7o.
-QcX'
iL^r
-1
i
KS’-a
r\
P &J?. S eArLy J-O-oJt^ J
- So
tfip'VjS
v^-x ~^)
r> rA“H~
V
•'viode^rXe.
e/K /Z<2_^
dt)
dJO >n CJ2jJ/v.of(X
<:^-P c
J-j^pex’CK
CervxCJS
i3 i
-s|
<2>y
-1- S^->-O
VQ_
3Q^J /o
kv^
e^ctk
>A.
.moQ^cJ-
OO.
r^ki cjsk*
v
j^rCl. ^^^cdcAuO^ ^Ia.
QA^^AT
'=4-—
lUftT
<yT iXo^c^o^
t^K
:Jl6^-O-aA
l(^
!y>J-Ly
SO 22
FtLc"
LxA.cjLkfey\
2
b^JyvJ^tc *
-4—.
(J.
(L^_SL-J^ t-^
r>
t
CO'2-
*'*' rV^
'U./^CkjlC
'^2
7/S
^J'^JboX/v^QcJ
kWO^
^<X /'e-’lo-^S-C--. G^'Al^iL utc^ .
-+
Oa_7^^\5Av-\
py^jt'L^ Co^
Clo-4-
<£^»-s-J
”
Tfc
_J^<L p
UA. ' Ike
LAXo<f
^X' c—- ^G^Ce-v^ ex
< j^5v_e_^-xG>^
W,
-a! c_K
/i
UA>J.«SZ^<KW?
c L--K&
jJ^V
M
/
^oerx-D _a£aJ_)^>
O^uqoA
L<A
H <
'V*^
^'V~|
> jaJL o_v<-a> -A. g.
fl ^gLA^Z-G^^ S-
its-*
O.A>—c-^
£,
4
g<aV1- ctX
b
^ X>-^-vva_O \T IG |xO^3<2_, I
-4
(L^ILc -•
C -KkA-Q—
U
(^tv Gt ej'w^<X
o
e.J^
ru ■
^TSvbvCjl-r^
e^U.
itus c»»-v^ ^9
41«^,
_LV\
XUe^
CxJC'kX^'^^
<• x^-K-^ca -uA X G¥XS!V^-5
Ca^GCIa c^Lcto £aj^v-\
q/^
. ctLc^^-^&r-A^ ^“rtOTT-
u
A-
P^^rv^-
q
ev^
vurcx,
/
d^--
_uvJ-1
;_0
Cex-ffc
'vO'S. -^»
e.^-'J-
CO >-a
e^v-Lo^-^
J
o J\_Q---J'V Cfl
I k_o
kx^
r
<^_c^KXXi- v
c#
^^c^-^—Xxx-Q-
yN A.
ubx C
fe^X'
.^LoA^ ^/ o Tfcr
Jc/C-S. e-xC^'-k
-TX^J
5r—
Cd^r'v^
J
sleJ^X, .^ji^ lb
r^t' X" ZS
Ji .XL
UtZkJSj
<^02.
*
fi
r, uxJLo-1'' ^fcj
CX.Ox_4^
r^xxSi^¥ -r=
^=>^y Pc^-w^
^O-1
;
z
,kzJJ^.^v.x-u.
<2^^— - -
<S4-^cZ^l<>A
0 e. v^C-foA v^un
-----
-*-^-
y>vo c. qlx z <~
>< c^AcXlxa^2_
‘
1
?
£L
PPpV^Lx-P&v<Acj ~ .JL A<-X_KS-V P~' V ^J
v
AJtjU
‘fA A-
-
x
e>x ^^o-v> _zJ
^A_CJ23 •
Co
c
<^y3Jx_frv-i_x_j *< «=*-X.-s53-»x\
tlVko^>4.
f'e^o
^AcXtA-p^Jt
ll
r^rtro^ ^oJcc'i.
rvqo-'.
' ck
^JZ>C AC-t
Caj^A l^
f ,U-t^^X3b-x
«<A>J
_p (B-L/-1
-4
e^xe^c-j.
rA^o--strcJP
f
cf'
_ ^yJAo^A-Xaa
s
U -r^
”
Au
I A<2-A'vn ^-5>
<t /ptLo-\>/
SxSMS-i t
' ^UoJLal^
_ufiu>_P -
£ Vjy A .
T
.Oy
O>">
^~
'jfeSo O
'Ar
:<S-
e>crw^>
j9 eo'uuNn cJU^c^
2_ .^>Le<ioO'-
t/
.^j^-) cAgu-v>-4L.£ -lS.
I '
O-~)
jtZaJ^ o_-|^-e_eJ'*
cJT
1
<A
7G~JL1AO<J2 0\5)
■> CZL^
e4,
JeXH.uxtiom
5LoyavJ
J'u.O
^Ae^vx--ve_ol Aaj^M-
o^._
7^r
-> L Y C_<D -X. VO>1
tk <'
7
/er-CrUV CA_x£^_C'n .
c-o-^vsiv^ t) zv-^y
S'
roJL? <_
un^. •^-V t 6x>nc
J/U-e'o'V><_Q -& Li A/vA^exj- -ML rvxQ -i^. k^-O-J'' -0 Q o. ^gfciuAA
M1SC4
D , .
I
V
.
'
J&^y oJLtX
L
.>?v<x>r'
XyXov-e.-^
C
- *f
'
C^<.j U..'s
z (J/vx£aO tL
-7
XuSv^C?.
c^-^s----
l x
1
'
z
CL.c>-^—A-
c
r
♦
«h
-
L_kJ^2.-
•!----
t-l-AJOvA , *^J’
OT-A-) c-OW^-G-
. ■'' c—»
<e p**. 1,3
f»j^
L^t c<=^^
V^'tCor^
Q__ _ GL-<X
*ft
-/IGF
U_^O-rKja_
#
e •>x
I M^v .
^O-vA-&--»
tZ~p
Kf—
, ,
2 J . ^*-A
^A-KS- '-^. T'
iv^>
Lx-ttC
k^ , ~
CP KJVChA^A C_,
•
fxXXuJU . So
H ^-Q
UxjOvA
r*
V-
't’'
J^kXLO'.kjj J
j!-e' 7ko^ Ju^-c
y ’TteX
^c i^G*'t
aJL4^
r
U^>
z>xoG'
titter* ezi
6x3-*^^^
^1
C2-c^ci
(
_<J .^••y>
5 e.
eJ-eu2_>^
? Vc
’i>^V\cJCaA'
t:
- vJVl?
?
E^-
<» Q
f‘=a<Xr(S-
-ci_4k
<»
CSs^i
c
k
?U0xA
U^.j2 -
4
J<
f
u
A<.s t ■
/
N-S. -r
|^KP42S
J^^/o J 0^2 ^
T
JiA-C--
fcw.vs
J
1^
1
-r
— ’^^7^X7g^ ■
*■
,
'<
X
p—
L^ TfcS
1
I
I
yeJ; EfSl""
.^-^c>*' r^
A
. —
jer^c€^'^
.J^ c__ •
c'
0 \\3
\ I
c? .'\C2—
'0
0
I
<
^
rsJ °
^e*
cj ' ■^■e-
pH
r^-
-
<a|
>/ O
e
-C
» *r
V
nKo-toxg
s,
’ cc-xILaJlo ie—
V- q v\ ytio
nXtjJ _a-va 'ike
x.C<c_a_>-LlXX (L b,
p
CZS-2_
' [k^.
y c= xn ikJJ&'e- - ,c^y
<2aj'c? c_uA.rxXJ ) gx^gI
rvA^ n rtr’JX
Ou '
c^ /fcE-'
i
jfclk.
lA^rrY-)
Jppy ^ag-cIaac! O_ I Rjl
o<z3i<ej/-‘
AaX^J)
Acx>-aJU# <e_Cf
■
jzx^J
Gcxxi^r
ZlCT“ (2yxc^-^-£.
-~
^.JL-J &
5
i-Yvr>r
i^XZX-
y
cv
c=xXL-O
c >o<" nx» v
(Km
r^CL^ K p L\3rJ^-A C Tec, >3
S si -c i-v'trv
Jbe^AlJI
£~.^ rtiST” rv-^OCJ
L •
(Lx^jCA.-^.I'^
^-Ac;= 1 c^A_
Me rk'C'
«
_
_
oskJOxXc* J cx-aJ'' c2>- J-
X>o
^cxec^-A^o
“Ci,
t-V-UX- X.UJ Y-) A A_> AO
cg.K
/fc-OA'L
V^-
c- a> ^-v=>
2-S^ .X^^
JL<?6>-
c_ |7re^? J|\jXJ2_
GxLvXlX aKagA-C—.
axr-x
jAXa.
Oex^-^P- L^cy kgjgS
^(2^
D Xo-7
XJ -hr*
)
C'OG1^-*^ ^GtCG— ,-vnGU^tx.
oXX
b^_o—.
.a
uO"
nJ
2-p>e..a^cd) rvy^~Je=.‘j-j>J)
r fl
o^j-ULo _i<ev-\
f} ^6J '
Qu JX v-G-IaXa.^
(
c L\_XZ>» A
A C-
L-oX" "j
J
< eJ cxygX
I
£.
r
C
f
OGJ^
npzAF a>-
< !L-s
o JI
hXJxEai
^8
tO-^2_
r>^Q__ eorpea.-G'd
sJ
O-
-L-
^_X
C -V'sG^-G.J
2k
ej->^ I'’
I
Ae ctJLit~ .-sU-U
r_. xje^L
c? e C2_c2-^r*
Lccsv''!
r/C_c
^oJUUl.
JU^o-U
c^kp
LaJ>^
r tiS r
•JuX^^1 -Q^
<2^.^-
tC
o
fc laA£Y
p^<2
' Ic* AA IX
cxwJ
cJboi-osV £
l/^T"
/XpXzX
ex
X [LxjoO-K
Ltiw-
-^<3 Xa ,
JI
7
iL ’XXXo A =_
1/VjO
tJA
e--
ll(p
te/xJ ^ojb'c,/
Koiol J00-
;n.
/
'•'■j
^pppp- (c
/rt< °- t g A-J, - <^~-^
rt'-a
r[J
ptX
pJL o C-C><sJ
c).e^> -W
f to l-v\_S->
IXa-J'a^v^ Z
fl^pp
’)
)
,
tup
j
D
AA3x=r^
’
;
CaoU--
Kr, "X
yoJd p>x££)
' ¥T^
<e O
CL
^-1
Tte-' LA.J1G-
Xi"
^~\<\ eJoJp' p
gj\-0
\l
(33
pv^c^0--* .Kc^^-kJLs
’Tkii
e>\c ooj.-
cXsu&iu^ pyAX^o-i/
<-Ljl <_J^ULigL^
tX/VA-C-
dex^ p'-, V
«$—■
/U^M^
Cgxa LiO^A
-
l.ok <^e Q, 'iL©
5
Ke^x1 c—
,J<Aac-J
cTC’XxJXri
■pf—
p' Toe!)
Jx)2, <<. , >lk>LA l/2=JES-»'\
SaK^CZacJ
o
hL>J\
gL4a (QAzdaA^
. ^>.C->
c
-
j^-e
/
,
P'S’m^’ kA cC-aJaTt-s.
iG
«<\
A<X2-£ VA^pJO^V
<i$2_
J
K< o
<+ Cyxprt^^'^-
Lo^jfe X«-C3^^ l-°
^vac^K. . <
Si^Vp' (\ x n
Q
X^s
.A-v^'feL ,
e7Xpbg«.<»’''
c*-
-
SOxX-ac.^-2._
PTIT^UA
^o^s^XP.
-L
oJIspIaA
‘tS'lk.
rcXc—
4
LA_ C
C^-JpA-V"
P
il^j~t.
v cL<2__
“•'
-1
L^ £r ~
‘■“z
1
V 'TMl
-‘
'i fo -* va h'XsisJujOv']
-oj^
33
G^c.'
rjjvXG^d
t
T Ji '
''
>
1^
<3L C^
J
c.
XLv^j
Lo-oj23—
ri
z^«b
U——k? j^jQ
r} l!
lKn\tA
e^p*
J
LK^od
.Wt-—
/TSjuA.
'cd t
(J
J
___ _
pA
n
ex?*'
KoJk^ TteX-d-
r
lpL<JjL -f-^^
L>C5>T
Xt3T— 7£yj2p^>f
^XCZjd
<b©ox ‘^°1
<^\UXAE>^irvnC>^
^p eS2_
■'^^c
Keep r
ra
yJ^Aci
** u
J_
SL=J^
2:
M Gu-tAJ-^-cXuCri e
^Aec- fc / ©X^V-)^ _<&
^_JLp c^lUdAdL.^ C
^>1^
Cd-A-A^ X) JLq-^ SoA1--aJLaJOz--\
^Sar-k^u.
J
CJ^v-tnp^c^. <2 AJO-vq .
-S^LLM^e..
|r>rx <_ c <e*3 (aoXjo 2._x<_
' z-»
K—A
V-
C (F5 kk^vkoz Q-. -<--4
i ■
i^-LA-5S_A La_C’ 3s
-c^' _JL
«=-j
J
c^a-ov c^y
e-'X'C-Cr?-^^
Q-Ausz^—^
^KoY^ ■
-r
f\
! jA^_
aJL^xJ C_<
z-ikoiv a
.tex tA
^-4-'K-^A3iLkZ
--Ox^Ec"
I,
/
;J_>^JLoO-y''—,
,^J—
yys-^x-^-AV
G. -Q_<
-aL-S^.
O
zk_o
JaC—
’S’aoJ) ^kkc-j-A
K,
/
~
.ir~;>, Eoo^n
E)
.<£i_AX2
(_<> pC<
“ f'0—-.
J jhs^ G^ix-~rfke>'
.-^T
Xc-x-^^
.
4xX5~i-<D
n -A L JUJ-^X !>■£
'
Sj^
.'
cjqJ^ <? Lv
B-'V - L-^pp~lk&-hx X^=>-vn CXM1 ,.cJ 4
oJ
-°
LlX
CJ
UO,J___
-^'
—•
Z
<2
'7^
TtSL
4-XA^^x/J^ j
JLdWe--
^‘CjAuA-kcO^X
C A £ <-©
A
ILx <1 LA-zAu
'J
Q^Jfe k<2^-
, b<|e>vaiJ
e-c^
/o<z'C31k<2Jr
l) \U'c^C.Oer^AZ-
cJ
f
c >o
jjy|Z^yV-»pe’A.
I
h
t /te>\
.^pmKex-c
J_vu»JecJ
e>x
i/isc£yi^
<5, Lz’J^iAzXa C_
^r£
^q ils^e-5.
aq
cCv£^
X' z.
rv'X \_J'x->—x_
2ia-cS
^-LPg^K^c)
|~(e><-Q—
f <Z
/^JEie^X
I-&
.\e<l
5^r
__ _ (->O<S>-M-
>^Ack_ O^2_
loI
^44 ^eA ^xrdLx^G-eJk^ z
1
f_ 3<>
CAc>X_Xtx-'O
i_
..
c^-p^-^
AX (Lo- -Q.
jLAJL--xip(xJ\
Cyxl eJ^2>A~LJ'-c
oJca
t
c ©JLCjuJL^-11
£”] kcxikj
Ko”
C-AS>c
k-
feJ J^5 Ae^
■ r
Q.
n
Q
\/ISCO£h:
<_...___
- -£i^\
2 >1
C'<rc a_;
’ ZTAo
w i
^u-va_a^c> c’XxxA._Q_
^u.C.
i i-od-£. k
nn <? i
ko
p^C^2£
fl
K
dxr
tto^X 'L
*s'<t
<^dr
.-A>\
.
1 k<^-
P^jOOjS^
Ook-AC b\
/k_CL
\f
OOG-<2^^
1Q_j_JU>2_J2_. (
tZV^-
pv ee. ^-
K-tJ^z-)
J^oK-k
flv
p
k «s^m e-^JQ-^ 0-2
L
i
o<r--^A c-&
r
'T'/ '1t^Q~'
o_P AreaJLflT ei i
i c^- C
^~A~j
,
?
CLO-"1*'^
'uA-K C'-
TKJT
^p^^<^VCL_
O^ .
s
■"
U
.J^L-Ox^O
OX->ir»
"C5
pv^pj .
;^c. ^Sco‘=^ p< ce^S^__
1
M1—
Z'
|
pl CtcsJLv___
^JlL.'LA-^© ! qZ.
<^oc--Llj-*-*'^
j2Ce>» <^x,i'vj /
S’fc p
CCT- ^XLU-Cr^J J/>v
OA-G^XaJ
CX>-V-}6'J'‘-^^
j
K/i
| Os®
no
cOc?
(^x ^j-JJa cA-C^
(Lj Joo«^
Poj?
coJl^
XDScA3^y-«CL z
O^-Xv^r^
<j
^—UWjQ e!xJ^
ekae,jU>
cx^-G^s>^nc
i k-AJCuxi.» P\
a
jp^q■£Lsc^J
^^12xa_J\aAaX>
PX/n^HLj
2>n ^cJLU u. «,
^^LvJqXg__
^q
dKj
24,
<sxJLtj
e^JLkc_ /Wfe~^
S.oJL(a <^2
p
Q
C'^'~A
c><y»n C'^1
gx-^JIXjo
Lx
_
V 2-iy £o-lUr
G -JCT>^' C-C^—
^>-vx ol/C c
(Ko
CAj^c^- i V K
■
^e5L'G>-L< CvLy "3— 7>1
I
3^
CO^-
pl 2-n -SoXU
L-^jX n <?
'Ls iJLjj^ _, 5\_g AaIXLSl
J
CKXLfir^. CzJLs
JLSlJOA
'.
£ e C JLA_Kj2 zs^
• Jc 1
(
/o
'
^elLc-^vi-
I w^o
Vx ex<^-c
xJLILy
i,<?Sl
■F“"
J.sjj
<JleA
p^- 1 CjUxpboo^J
sJUz^X,
JLaJ>~}
vXt^
(>_A_A^U2_--
CM<A
<2^0-0^^
<d8
C~
cJCyOvl? £
«t
.JJ-
,<xL.'eJL <
Cxlp
X Q
UK-1 C_.C^4V..O- 'Lla';--^.
Tkso-i
(_A-S<2-
3^-n
JiJexxM
e eAjituB^
L\c=l_2.'
2^ cJk
_xJb A
. ■; t
p^k^cJ
. "■
iLa?jC>„
^Uc
rtcr-
i2k> J'"
X^S.Q.
■pc^cJ
pke^v <3
^A_-L^K_Ci-^A_t
I bv
4A
J -4— 2-^ rO_Loj3vrU_
□d^vCtA c>*xA^
rxs^> G^x-O
‘X^
Sj tLZo ' 2-^\
J ts.
^JLs' c_X4L^fi
c^y ^;Lt
2ieJ^ ^L
JLcCT}
o
p ‘eO'V'rx IkOJ
’AxXhy^
1
t
pX<=2jr^ 1^-^-^^-
t
X
,A<fi3K>-x-^’ <2-fc>'—’
(Lq J 2t<
^__. , f
52. J i-veo— “el «-J-Vej
itCQ-* QAJ2_^
>7 J^G^J~-£^S^L
O<0-i~-La L3~j{
e^--
/kz-OVS ■=+- cor^pouc/^g
“Z/A/O (
£a<^<? Loe*-^^
i~/\ e/^Xt° c? ^3 <Y'4
U-X. CX^J kX
y^g iexe- cx<^Ki^_
c^-. - /pG>_xd
\ Vc>-i^-£2
L^U
.
ixb^tlT * 20 '
EJ 1 ■
-g
62. c>cm sl 11 <- uo
•j^J rMujAiejJ" . -J-^p
^J^vvT
p>M^*1
--- ., -2^
"ryvA'rreJ^ ^^|^\lke?-4Li
^xV &-»u^
u> Tt^’
_a eicL^ —• ^-VOAOJ^ ^tY-im 4P>lX^c^
;<3'Vx-\ c.
-<f
ILC
iT1
_
{/XO Mr K j
2Cp <-»^R-
AeSf Q e
.^>-- ^.“=ya
ro.la^L P^
p^0-
I
i J2
ji_e Az-<d e>x 2^.
V
MLkJ
.xl/'ejXz -p.
-2^
c^^o_U ‘=^p r
Jfl/-'
6
IM^
’
ft
fFS-^TrpUW^
^53)
c JbXX^’ O—*J
A qJ^kaJ SfTo^
O>vn
i-n
p,
J
2-x->^
X- IL ^
li
j
XOxl
0-^2^—
Pk-s^
^cJU£
-,t ii^r
2lS7-^ . 7^
__ A-J^G^K» c 1
. |
'XPj2
-jc^p^'
p
,VsJ
5 S°"'
^c>Jr
itp- cJLocJJjb
j
_. JovXJ JeyeA^xJ^d
yb“-
7^
, ^e^jjLpa- ':^b
X^P1(7 AX2
£lfcK
r
JAX
LJi
JLas.^
<’
"'T
^kc^AGB-h
_xG>
'
!^ "■
2^
kJ
czA^42-5^^ '
iKiT'- pAjUiC,^CC^_J
j)
cSLO-^
I
C’ '
Sj'p
'2^
2^
£
p
G^ A—*-'
>A JLUaX^ '.
2>!
C
JL
/
7h
■' /^e-
^eyoJLLc-
.1
^* '/'1^^’
i y~icp cA_x>—Q.
■of e/x,
^~
c? tXi—.
6-O-A—
2>A-^O
c"
J VOv^> -X-SoQo=lhcJ
J_.Q
■S
-okJ^- 7kx ~
e-A_fl J X'4. u^iA^fcJLUj^
^bvXfex-L^Ajr^g
D---- IK.O
^71
O-C
/^-OvC
kj.S^A K.
qO
Q
(aCQ‘^lc&/ qUvWLC
'-'o^jtfcoAZk
eA-n^J^c
Q—
■^-
S. -uo ->
X_A_AX<
6K
z <S>A_fezx4aJ^j2_ Ovj^AtA^Xp
^laX^C^ O-e^bJ ^S^X^n-Zl^) Aserv?^
(
—
( Zo.J\C. t,
c-i-X-Gov^L
^JC3<-3-J
.ILq.c^-z
Q
o
_ rtr T
f
tc- c
<=
^C£l/)
-4?^~Zd fc r^ejuO^cy^OP' c
l^DO^ c^L-^-jj
k-vLxJ
_X5^
Xce_v-Y-i o<a_o J Ia-g1L
I C O—L\_£5 ^\
e^xp^
.
z
J
J^<2jc£
&yK\^3rxx>'<^--
a
Cr’A'^ p vQaj
r
j'Y
. r>
J
-JJA <L
62-
d OV
^S-2_
Lz^&J32^
c53^
Z
b
£2 Oo^cM'
/
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH .STUDIES . IN TOE .SMTO FIffiffi PLANT
&
,5
Rayon with other Synthetic Fibres occupies a very
important place in the Textile manufacturing industry. In
the Viscose Rayon Plants the principal chemical pollutants
which pose hazard tc the health of workers are carbon-disulphide (CS2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S).
'.I
i.
The ^oxic. properties of CS2 are .well established.
2
Typical symptoms of exposure to this chemicals are irri
tation or excitation on one hand and weakness, fatigue,
headache, and psychic and systemic effects on the other.
Whether the effects are acute or chronic is dependant on
two concentration to which the workers are exposed and the
duration oi such exposure. There are a few published
reports to show that on prolonged exposure, cardio vascular
changes raay also occur, besides the affliction of the
central nex*vous system.. HgS, even at low concentrations
has an irritant action on the eyes and on the respiratory
tract.
Because of such hazard potentialities, an environmental study was carried out in this factory during the
' month of August, 1933 in order to verify whether the
prevailing airborne concentrations of CSg and FLyS in the
various vrork areas are within the permissible limits or
not. Following this study, in September 1983, m Occupat
ional Health study was also undertaken in this factory.
The present report deals with the findings of this study.
■ PBJJCTIiraSJ?£jnig_STOBr :
The objectives of the present study were :
1, to evaluate the health status of a sample of
workers ejcposed to the pollutants, and
2» to suggest appropriate preventive, control
measures if found necessary.
>
2
'
mTHRIAL ' 4N.D J'KffiOD ;
‘From the list of workers, a stratified random
sample was drawn and 460 wox’kers were examined clinically
for subjective compldihtlf''as;we.il as objective manifestations,
lhe incidence of the group of symptoms that could be
attributed to occupational exposure to CS2 was recorded, and
for objective measurements standard, clinical examinations
were carried out.:
" '■
'' '
FCG recording of all thd-460' workers were taken to
. evaluate.,-the possible effect of'expbsUi'c''bn'the heart.
Urine samples were tested for the presence of proteins to
evaluate
possible effect on kidney function.
Besides, the above, other relevant investigation.s
were also carried out according to requirements. These
investigations vzere serum cholesterol, urinary sugar,
haemogram, VDRL and X-Ray.
.REBUMS :
.1'
general :
Out of the total of 460 workers
, examined, 337 were from the exposed group and 123 from the
control group (Table ~ l). The table gives the distribu
tion accox'ding to the departments. Environmental levels
of CS2 are also indicated for reference,.
Tables 2 & 3 give the distribution of the workers
from various departments according to age and exposure/
service.
Table 4 presents information regarding personal
ha.bics, past illness etc. Majority of the workers were
married. Only 2 were unmarried and one was a widower,
-the percentage incidence of tobacco takiiig was almost
equal in both the groups, whereas the percentage incidence
of alcohol takino habit was slightly more in the ejcposed
group. In the past illness the percentage incidence of
tuberculosis in both the groups were almost equal.
However, only one case of diabetes was found in the
exposed group.
-
-
Syjtemic :
Gastro Intestinal System :
The various gastro intestinal complaints were loss
of apetite, constipation, indigestion, flatulence, vomitting
and pain in abdomen. The clinical findings were sore on the
tongue, enlargement of liver and tenderness in the■epigastric
region. A few cases of piles were also seen.
The overall incidence of signs and symptom^ was .
32,9% in exposed group.and 26.01% in control. The; main
complaint was the pain in abdomen followed by flatulence
and nausea (Table-5)*
PSYCHIC :
’ • •-irv^Yice of psychic symptoms like headache, -fatigue
giddiness, insomina etc. was niore in the exposed grepup
(17.17%) than in the control (8.11%) (Table-6). Th$ main
. complaints were headache and giddiness.
NERVOUS SYSTEM :
Incidence of various signs and symptoms of nervous
' system affection vzas more in the exposed group (39.^%)
than in the control (15*51%) (Table-?)*
22SPIRAT0RY and cardio vascular SYSTEM :
Symptoms of respiratory and cardio Vascular systems
involvement were equally distributed in both the groups exposed (28.78%) and control (28.42%) (Table-8).
The clinical findings.also showed no significant
difference among the two groups (Table-9)
E.C.G. •
E.C.G. changes v/ere almost equ9«l in both the
groups exposed (27.88%) and control (26,43%) (Table-10).
.
:
;
•
...
■!
■•:
...
\'
.
.-
•.
4 -
E.C.c. recordings da-'ta were further
analysed.
•
of significant change
_ - s in the heart are given in
^J’LG
inay be seen that
changes such as infarction,
ischemia, complete bundle branch
block etc. were slightly
more among the controls. Table
12 gives the minor 2CG
raay
86611 that chail^s like sinus
bradicardia
group
etc.
.011siltly more in the
exposed
Affection of eye wrc fomicJ
to be more in tiie
exceed group 02.75,y than
*• Skin
diseases ,«re founo to e
exposed and (2.43 -I) control
ot
> groups (2.59%)
„
oncroi. pain p01nts .
slightly
“ e,ln eX1>OS<ia
(4.7*) than control were
(2 4^
_ . > urinary
con.pxaints wore almost equal (1.19^)
in exposed and (O.SI^)
in control (Table ~ 13).
Signs and symptoms of gastro intenstinal disorders
wove slightly.more Ok-9%) among the exposed group than the
control (26.01#). -uch disorders have been reported in
studies in Rayon Plant. ‘
■ ■ ’in
the 60%J
Western countries also and
varied from 25% to more
than
-j It is also well knoim
that G.i.r. disorders
commonly occur amongst industrial
I workers working in shifts
not necessarily exposed to these
pollutants. Both the
exposed and control 'subjects in this
factory work in shifts. The findings were present in .'both
■ the groups. Hence it
cannot be attributed exclusively -to
' the exposure to the pollutants.
There have been some reports of cardio vascular
disorders and ECG changes among viscose rayon workers from
Western countries,
Hovzever, in studies from Japan.no
difference in the
pi evalence of cardio-vascular disorders
and ECG abnormalities has been
- --i observed amongst the
exposed and the •control groups.
7
• , ..
7
•‘k
. ..
.
//
- 5 *
Psychic and Neurological disorders were observed to
be more in the exposed group than the control. These
findings are almost similar to the findings of the earlier
study carried out in this factory in 1953. . This findings
would indicate the necessity to bring down durther the
levels of pollutants in the work environment, and thus
reduce the exposure of the workers.
There v;as no difference in the skin disorders
amongst the two groups. .Occular disorders were found to
be more amongst the exposed group. The maximum incidence
was noted from the CS^ Plant. This could be attributed
to exposure to the sulphur dust given off during handling.
■w
-■
i
4
.The various combination of systemic disorders were
analysed to assess the per’centage pi’evalence of excess
^Thidlfty. Table » 14 gives the excess morbidity which is
9»4;i in Va’, ,ynaed .group. Fr-otn the table it is evident
that percentage prevalence of disorders of individual
systems except nervous system is equal or exceeds in.the
control group. As the combination of systemic involvements
increases -the percentage prevalence increases amongst the
exposed group,
■....
' CO?rcLU?OT : .'
•»*<*r\xr •, • w.
.i C*y vk»?»
In the present study no significant difference in,
health status
observed among the exposed and control
groups except for those of psychic-ncurological disorders
which are more in the exposed group.
|«NW-
1o
A system of periodical medical examination for
workers is to be evolved. All the workers of the
departments exposed to the pollutants namely
spinning, viscose, CSg plant, after treatment,
auxiliary, and all maintenance departments should
be subjected to thorough medical examination every
six months. Workers of other departments should
be medically examined every year.
i
i-i.
E.J.G. recoi’d.ir-g" on all the woi-kers should form
an essential mt of the medical examination
besides other relevant pathological investigations.
-I&dine-Azids test for urine should be done for qll
the workers c: posed to carbon~disulphide (Details
given in Appendix 1,>)
The records of medical examination should be
maintained-:
'y and reviewed frequently as and
when the person reports for medical assistance.
2.
Appreciation course in Occupational Health for
Management Pex-sennel should be organised.
3.
The follow-up study may be carried out after a
suJ.table period to re-assess the health status of
the workers and improvement achieved due to various
recommendations made after the environmental
study which has already been made.
;'/■NcrLEDGEMENT :
We acknowledge gratefully the cooperation extended
to us by the Management of the Factory during the study.
We are also thankful of the workers who voluntarily
offered themselves’for the medical examination. Cur
thanks arc also due* to the various Trade Unions for their
cooperation in conducting the study. Lastly we thank all
those who directly or indirectly helped us in completing
• the study.
■■
'
R^SS?iCES
1. Donald Hunter »Ihe dlaeasee or Occupation
The MUdh University Press ltd., 1975 edition.
2.
•<
Bomtord, Stuart Mason & Jttchael Swash Hutcnisoris Clinical Methods", Cassell a Collier
Macmillan Publishers Ltd., London - ,975 edition’
3. aivlronmental Health Criteria 11, - Carbon
Dlsul.pMde, Uorld Ifcalte
Carbon ^sulphide, Hydrogen Sulphide
Survey
1973.
ioxide Hazards in Rayoa industries in India
Report No. 18 <199) Of-fim
r-, ■
i
1
ChleX Adviser factories
C
Sew Delhi.
y
International Labour Organisation
edition - Voi.j Geneva.
6’
AsSessaent 01
3zicyclopedia, 3rd
Environmental
Sl^T
“ &rMik Manuracturinc
Fibr8 Co. Nagdathe(K.P)
Cvalxor Bay„n
Bon-bay, 1933.
**
• “•nu'rt.K,
«--KILOOHM-!,
Append!
I
Assessment of the Exposure of Workers to CS9
by the Iodine
Azide 'Jest. . .
o
Reagents and solutions :
$
a) 0.2 N iodine solution (to be standardised)
b) Preparation of the iodine-azide reagent :
Into a 100 ml. volumetric flask pipette 50 ml 0^2 N iodine
solution, add a solution of 3 g sodium azide in 25 ml water and
fill up to the-‘mark with water*
c) Buffer solution of sodium dihydrogen phosphate.
Dissolve 110 g NaH2 P0^, 2H20 in 100 ml'of waiter.
d) Creatinine solution :
i
0o1 g. of pure creatinine is diluted in IrOO m,l of 0.1 N
hydrochloric acid.
Porcedure for iodine azide te.vt :
■•■-**• **-•!»• 'Xf. w ftr . «».
' ;
i«»«r ^bK*rtO« V4T^* j«
Measure in a test tube an aliquot of urine containing 2 mg.
of creatinine, 0»2 ml of sodium dihydrogen'phosphate gmd 1 ml of
iodine-azide reagent^ Mix well* From the moment wherp iodine
azide' reagent is added to the urine, measure the timeu. Observe
the colour of the solution aid record when the urine tpecbme
decolorised and the foam on the surface entirely whit^.
Control the end of the reaction with a starch indicator paper.
Deterniiriation of creatinine in urine :
4M • «wTx»*’*a '’'-FT-ir-igj-w.iwtn’-ii Km ■>
a
r
«*
For the construction of the calibration curve .measure
0e © © o
0.6 ml. of standard creatinine solution ip a' 25 ml.volu?metric flask8 add 1 ml. of IN NaOH and 5 ail of saturated soluti'-.'
of purified picric acid in water. Fill up after 10 minutes
with water to the mark and measure the optical density on a
photometer at 550 myu against a blank. When determining
creatinine in urine measure 0.1 ml clear tempered urine into a
25 ml volumetric flask with a micropipette, add 1 ml of 1 N
NaCJI and then proceed as above.
Calculation of exposure coefficient E :
E
c. log
—•
• ''
••
-a. <• -w.-v. . w. w.
W.-JWI .yvit.
•
C
•
2
•
-■
•
■
■■
;
mj .jr-o.
.
!
..
»»».» .mi...» . ifi <i» ^4
:
••
••
I
TAi'LE
DISTRIBUTION GF EB>0SFD Awn -miwrit • UP
Cone, of CS2
Cone e of C3O
<
As found out during
the environmental
studies>
liange
Mean
CONTROL
...--«-^'«.r-_»-,3!T- ■»
D -'par" :-=r4ts
Ci? ^^5 *
-pij ring
Viscos5
CSp plant
/ _ H.r Treatment
Auxiliary
C£..? r^iat.
Spfnr? .ig Maint,.
Aux:U/‘ .ry Maint*
A.f.?* Blaint.
Viscojs Haint.
Elect?: leal Maxnt * *
Central Maint.
(sg/rr?)
Tr.-iOO;
Trs~^38;
35.3
Tr.--6.O5
20-20?
^-■•3
3.0
20.0
30
21
8
br
9
5
Oc a s s ionally
exposed to CS^
15
9
9
1
.
\
I
I.
iotal
X
-X
r*
■
■
■- /
&
-
?
-j-jp^rtasnts
Nos / ’
3 i;
67
117
13’^
1.0
Tr • C- „ 0 *
I
Nos
> -X'
-ca
Power House
Workshop
Laboratory
Transport
Painting
Ware House
Canteen
Raw Material
Steam Cea3.
HOSQ. Plant
Grand Total : 337’ ❖ 123 « 460
8■
3
8
• 8
o
lj->-s
NK I' L
Instruiiisnts
C. S.T.
'Fire Fighting
Telephone
Peon
. .
Building
• Bardana
Sweeper
D. Cleaning
First-Aid
T.S.T.
Gan. Cleaning
■rot^l
27
15
12
•
5
3
3
?
S
2
1
.
-
■
'
,
1
1
1
1
1^.7
i
!
’■
;
I :
RIBUTION OF WORKERS BY WOHI
^4.-ww.--rrw r --r- ■;_- . ■- -
• j. A -
i
A 3 group
in years.
!
SpirirJ-Hg
Viscoss
. J"
Z EON AND BY AGE GROUPS
=C-a«*
Auxiliary
AFT
CS-
2
Maintenance (7
Depar tinent s
Total
Other
(control)
-<s.vfc-^*v.»g KTl rw
21
25
26 - 30
4
11
i
35
12
22
5
36 - 40
19
41 - 45
21
24
45
50
6
21
51 - 55
3
3
56 and above
2
TOTAL
67
31
5
5
5
(1.1)
8
13
15
62
(13«5>
10
10
17
81
(17.6)
!
I
-j
6
7
10
31
2
11
8
18
?.O
114
(24.7)
(22.5)
2
3
o
7
22
69
(15.0)
4
1
a
23
(5X-;
2
(0»43)
117
*
a.
-
21
in w---ir.tr JUft -<i»n—trwWT—
30
43
^*r- -ft winn W~ f— -l—-y,« ...«-»» i—<«» —I ^‘ll*
59
460
123
»,.:
Figure in bracket indicate percentage incidence w.r.t- of subject from the section.
Lj N •
I
I
■ .
fV
4
SL5^330?ION _0? J£0Fy®R8 BY W0Rir
----.ACTION_7ND JL,,j
Length of
exposure
in yrs.
0
6
Spinning
5
1
- 10
11 - 15
16 - 20
21 - 25
26 - JO
Viscose
Auxiliary
1
1
8
1
12
6
*
47
- 21
14
11
20
32
12
8
C ■
Others
(control)
14
1
, 23
(5.0 )
15
23
76
(16.5)
s
9
23
80
(17-4)
12
8
17
33
152
(33.0)
7
8
9
16
76
(16.5)
6
b
3
13
51
(11.1)
2
(0.43)
123
460
2
67
.
Total
15
31 -■ 35
TOTAL
Kainten-■
ance 17
departments
l-KM—• - ..
1
3
-ez- -
.
AFT
117
21
30
47:
59
>■■>»., — . ■■■ !■■ ■, , .1 ,. i .1.,. ■ »
--------- _.1_. ||r
Figures in bracket indicate percentage incidence w.r.t. of subject from the section.
£t
^■
i4
•5i
>' '-Tl
J'-'
^1.‘''1
Vi-£''Z
11
I
f
i
i
TABLE -.4
PERSONAL DATA, HISTORY OF PAST ILLNESS & FAMILY ILLNESS
■ Hi
1
Viscose
CS2
67
117^
*43'
... Unmarried
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
5
-Married.
65
116
43
30
21
59
334
118
Widower
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Tobaco Taking
chewing/smoking
47
78
34
27
12
38
236
67
Alcohol taking
18
39
14
8
7
20
106
33
Tuberculosis
2
0
0
0
1
1
3
0
Diabetes
1
0
0
1
2
1
5
2
1
0
0
.1
2
1
5
2
Marritai
status.
I
Auxiliary
Spinning
Particulars
Past illness
Family illness
for Tuberculosis
AFT
21
11
r
/■-
--t:
5
I
All
Maint.
59
■ -W.V
Total
e^roosed
337
—i-A- v-'.v _r. su-.-a
Total
control
|
i
-
TABLE - 5
KA TO;;y J< JiARDWV-iSCUL/...;. J^IJ^gAL.
Abnormal
Findings
Spinning
Viscose
^'■K7'““ ‘ ’’''TlT"™
o
0
Adventitious
sound in breath
5
(7.46)
2
(1.70)
Piles
Hypertension
Adventitious
sound in
heaz't
CSg
s-—
^3
After
i-- e n t
30" '
0
0
Auxil’ I’Y
pY.
All Maint.
—5T”
Total
ex-oosed
Total
control
123
0
2
(3.38)
2
(0.59)
2
(1.62)
7
1
(16.25; (3.33)
2
(9.58)
2
(3.38)
19
(5.64)
6
(4.36)
39
(58.20)
66
. 34
15
(56.40) (78.99) (49.99)
13
(61.89)
31
(52.53)
198
(58.75)
66
(53.65)
4
(5.97)
10
(8.54)
(5%7)
21
(6.23)
8
(6.40)
3
(6.97)
1 '
(3.33)
/
*
\
TABL8 - 6
'■'
Signs & Sj/mptoms
;
■
*
■
Exposed
.-UM.*.- vw• -nvw««-vn.n4>kM _■
—
---- -------- --------------------------------
Control
■ --r- jt ■
n^wa,,,. . .■.-..it.mn.v..
Loss of apetits !
7 (2.00)
6 (4.86)
Constipation
5 (1.41)
5 (4.06)
Indigestion
20 (5.93)
9 (7.29)
Flatulanc®
15 (4.23)
1 (0.81)
Naus©a
1 (0.29)
Vomitting
4 (1.19)
Score Tongue
3 (0.88)
Eipgastric Pain.
49 (13.83)
Enlai'gsment of Liver
5 (1.41)
Piles
2 (0.39)
awSHwaw.
TOTAL
^Aa^ua^MKUMM^MniMcaNu
111 (52.92)
,-,------,
11 (8.92)
-air. « .
-w-o/- -■•■ .* I^ nvlii^i
32 (26.01)
Figures in bracket indicate percentage incidence
of sub^act frora the section.
WeFat.
,
tr
TABLE - 7.
&wwx* rot•«r'35»•-1•
BTCIDENCE OF PSYCHIC SYMPTOMS
ran. .*. .aroan-t,..—annn.K.
wm
fc.«
*
Psychic Symptoms
Exposed
337
)
Control
123
’■>. -IK*’!A
-< - ■ ft
-r^r> t-r»
Headache
19 (5.64)*
4 (3.25)
Chr. fatigue
11 (3»26)
1 (0.39)
Giddings3
11 (3-26)
3 (2.45)
Insomnia
(0.38)
1 (0.81 )
Foregetiulness
i'la-,.-.
c.
V"
(0.59)
2 (0.59)
I.OSS O..- Ill;;;(i0
4 (1.19)
Broken sleep'1,
I
3 (0.88)
Uncontrolaole anger
1 (0.29)
Eepressicn
2 (0.59)
TOTAL ‘ '
•***^-**-
58 (17.17)
. JA r,
• **‘a*
1 (0.8-1)
m w -M
10 (8.1'1)
4X‘rr
Jiguros in bracket indicate percentage
*— '
incidence
w-r.o., of subject from the section
i.
TABLE • 8
.-x.- r*-i-
.Wf>> e
AND SYMPTOMS
Signs & Symptoms
Exposed
337
Muscle cramp
Control
125
1 (0.29)
P a i n 1n J @ g s
19 (5.64)
BaMy fatigue
Numb
3 (2.43)
3 (0.88), .
colei fingers ;
(0.88)
Pins.8 weedlcs
1 (0.81)
1 (0..29) ,
Cray/11 ng a nt s
1 (0.29)
■ ching of muscles
1 (0^81)
1 (0.29)
sensations
Tremor in hands
‘ ■.....of muscle
7 (2.00)
3 (2.43)
14 (4.-00)
1
(0.31)
5 (1.41)'
Patellar reflex
Ankle reilex-
Biceps reflex
Triceps x'cilex
E
21 (6.2.2)
3
'i'-i- (-..00)
A
(1.19)
E
13 (3.71)
D
5 (1.41)
2 (1.62)
A
2 (0..59)
1 (0.81)
. E
9 (2,60)
D
1 (0.29)
A
1 (0.29)
E
7 (2.00)
D
1 (0.29)
6 (4.86)
1 (0.81)
1 (0.29)
<R.l»ni— . .. ■ -
TOTAL
vp
E
i
am,
054 (39.76)
’*
* i* oWfatf <.-•.( -ro. >«>'»«*« r
K l^,.
• ■•... D - Di:ni,Xi
Ligures in bracket indieate
»^ul?jec (xron; 'U./.i s^ctlor-'.>
•
[
|„
p
19 (15.41)
4MWM,
- Ab sc /.t*
e re entage 1 nc 5. d an c e w.r.t.
TABLE - 9
■.- -r:
. - •■’’ptoms
.;n chest
-ugh
ax.
. *<=$* ^-p.
Viscose
'67'
117
23
(34er;3'J
14
(11.95)
6
(13.94).
(15.65)
4
(5 97)
2
(1.70)
3
(6.97)
2
(6.65)
(5.97)
4
(3.41)
4
(9.29)
■ 3
2
C3.-9-5)
6
C5.11)
^•3
(49.25)
26
(22.1?)
■.- a thle s sne s s
itation
: .;:AL
cs
Spinning
Auxiliary
2
—
"*21
3^
,
5
■
"
59
"’337". —1^—
‘Total
con ro 1
7
(11.35)
55
(16.32)
15
(12.18)
2
(9.58)
4
(6.75)
17
(4.05)
5
(4.05)
2
(3.38)
17
(4.82)
(lO=>56)
1
(5^9-)
10
(2^8.2)
2
(1.S2)
14
(23.66)
59
(28.78)
35
(23.42)
(9.99)
1
11 '
(35.63)
Total
Exp 0 s gd
0
(3.53)
13
(30.20)
Jia ini.
2
(9.58)
ures in bracket indicate percentage incidence w.r.t. of subject from the section*
: I
t
H
6
!
1
s •HO
I
J
I
•P
O
i
m
i
8 §
CM
G
'■0
;±
5
i
1
m
i
J
O;
o
G\
I
L-’ i
CM
Si
:--i;
f
T
;?<’
i.
o
Oi
C\J
n; ,
!
fl
or f-
ro\
i
*
04
I
i
I
rO
o
6
■P
CO
urx
04
•»
,.., 00-
tn
rn
•H
fH
O
o
x:o!
j.
o!
uj
CrJi
s : . o.
w
q
•H
u;-j
U'1. ? s
Pi
<!>
Ou
’■ - •?
!’)
I • . ' .JP
.*
^'b:
d
o
i
I-
•r|
•d
i
i ■«
i
• 0~<
a
8
rO
h-'l
5
I :
>.5
r
JH'
J
V
i
cv
o
x„x
1
CJ
-p
j
I
0J
bD
04
1
il
»*"
54
•H
I 0-
*
!
0)
•H
O
S-I
a
5
I
I
i
XI
g.{
O
.
o
o
d
I
i.
*
$■<
C4
ii'
i
!
•p
03
'O
I oco
J
i
8
o
i
i
5
-p
i
a
}
J72
>
I
(I)
<\J
O\
04
i
I
:-4;
Mi
04
OJ
O
M;
HS
kO
!>•
kO
1
- 0I
o
x:
J
1
O!
i
<r
I
f-zl
o
w
li
!
’4
i
F4
!
i
•:
$
(0
<u
ZJ
b.0
«H
a
<■ ■.
**
-
■• ■
*■ • •
il'
•• 7
'.1.^
S^SOAIjS Jewess JEN gOG
Significant
t
Changes in BCG.
t-~ -
i
r
4^
Exposed -
’ Nos»
t*je — «—-X4jh*~^.-7AC Vrs--. »• -sw-^err-raii-i
%
:
t
Control «• 123
Nos8
f
%
4^
Infarction
3
0.89
2
1.62
Ischisiic Changes
3
O.g>
2
1.62
Complete Bundle Branch Block
2
2
L 62
Bivertriculer Hypertrophy
O
1
0.81
c
!
*w*~*^a-**©^B
SfcT. Sagrnent Depression
i
TABLE - 12
MINOR E.C.G. CHANGES
*3t jaue.-*~wr—
«
Minor Changes in ECG
Exposed
337
{
<
Control
.123
}
y
.---- ™r * ** 39** •tw -UijcrrM
pNos. fl
%
S1 nu s b r ad i c ar di a
13
3.85
oinus tachyc ardia.
19
8
Nos*. t
%
8
6.50
■ 3
2.43
w'.
Loft axis deviation
15
4.45
3
2.43
Right axis rotation
1
0.29
1
o.a-t
Counter clock-wise
rotation
2
0.58
1
0.81
Clock~wise rotation
2
0.58
3
2.43
Short P.R.’ interval
3
0..87
Minor T. wave changes
7
2.07
1
0.81
Low-voltage
13
5.34
7
5.65
A
0.87
3
0.87
1
0.81
Incomplete bundle
branch block
Minor S.T
depression
• *1
-*• ■ —’
*r •
J9S5M.c -??.lASa£2 ’
Complaints
Spinning
67
Viscose
117
OS
432
AF
30
Aux.
21
All Maint.
59
Exposed
3D/
•.-A-
>
Sye
4
(5.97)
S'-rnn Diseases
3
(4.47)
(1-70)
5
(7.46)
o
(5.12)
1
(1.49)
(1.70)
20
(17.06)
Urinary Complaints
,2
(6.6 >)
2
(9.58)
■
(2.32)
. 2
(6.66)
1
-(4.79)
2
(4.64)
2
(6.65)
■
<>
Pain Joints
9
(20.9)
1
gx
2
(9.53)
7
(11.83)
1
(1.69)
C ontno?
123
»•’-
44
(12.75)
11
(8.92),
9
(2.59)
3
(2.43)
16
(4.74)
3
(2.43)
4
(-1.19)
1
(0.81)
m bracket xncacaxe pex^centage incidence w.r.in of subject from the section^
1
i
♦
TABLE. ^.,14
pRti^AT -‘MCE (r,0> OF VARIOUS COT®IC<oTiU^c
Eicposed
: 11=337
Systemic affections
_
%
31 <■ 1
No Disease
N.S. only
RCVS only
G.I.T. only
Psychic only
Eye only
Joint Pain only
Sking only
■ ■
7.5
13-1
8.1
4.2
■3.0
. 0.9
Eye
Pain Joints
%___ _
to. 5
. 5.9
0.1
-0.8
-0.6
-1.0
-0.7
-2.4
1.5
0.8
1.6
13.0
8.S
. 4.3 .
4.0
1.6.,
■ 2.4
1
N.S. + Psychic
RCVS
N.S.
G. 1 • I.
N.S.
N.S. + Eye
M.S. + Shin
M. S. "i* RCVS + Psychic
N. S. + GIT + RCVS
Psychic
N.S. ■f' GIT
N.S.
GIT
Eye
■>,. RCVS ■■!• Eye
Bove
?sy -IRCVS -I- Eye
RCVS + Skin
RCVS + GIT
RCVS ❖ JointPain
RCVS + Psy. + Eye
RCVS ■-:- GIT +. Joint Pain
RCVS
Psy» •>-i- Joint Pain
pain
RCVS -!■ GIT y_Psychic
Psychic
.11 ; + GIT
Psychic + Pain Joints
Psychic
Eye
Psychic •i- GIT •J' Eye
psy. ■•!• Gil
Pain Joints
GIT + Pain Joints
GIT
Skin
GIT + Eye
Eye -i- Skin
Difference =
excess
morbidity
Control
N=123
.1.5
2.4
0.9
0.6
0.3 ■
0.6
1.2
1.8
0.6 ‘
■■0.6
4.3
2.4
0.3
3.9 .
0.3
0.9 '
0.3
0.6
2.3
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3%
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0-3 ,
0.3
100
1.6
■
0.9
0.6
0.3
-1.0
-0.0
.1.8
0.6
-1.0
3.5
1.4
0.3
-4.5
0.3
0.1
0.3 .
0.6
• 1.»6
1.3
• i
' J5
0.3
8.4
0.8
0.3
1.8
2.4
0<8
0.8
100
■
1.5
0.3
0.3
-2.1
0.3
0.6
-2.0
0.6
-0.2
0.3
0.3
9.^
• GIT - Gastro Intestinal System; 5; ,
.
(NS ”• Nervous Systems& Cardiovascular System; i’sy. - Psychic.)
RCVS - Respiratory 2
ES.
^intervals. This has resulted in numerous variant strains
\hich tend to group themselves serologically into
families or subtypes with closer resemblances among
family members than to strains of the other families. Five
subtkpes have been recognised in the human popula
tion. Tbe period of prevalence of each family has been 10
or mores years. The "swine” family was prevalent from
1981 -28.and was the virus of the pandemic of 1918-19.
Hong Kono influenza virus H3N2 was the only influenza
A subtype Prevalent in man from 1968 to 1977. In 1977,
strains of the HIN family which had not been seen since
1957 reappeared first in China and then in Russia and, in
early 1978, inYnany countries. To date (summer 1979) it
has been isohated from many outbreaks of disease,
almost solely confined to children and young adults with
no previous experience with the subtype. However,
strains of the Hong Kong H3N2 family continue to be
isolated. This is unique, since prior experience has been
that when a new subtype emerges, the old vanishes.
Changes in the antigenic composition of strains occur
from year to year during the prevalence of a family but are
of lesser degree than\the change giving rise to a new
subtype.
\
Antigenic variation Ylso occurs among strains of
influenza B viruses, but rhe degree of variation observed
has been much less thamamong influenza A viruses.
Influenza in industry
to\special occupational groups such as transport
worfc^rs, hospital staff and other public service em
ployee^, however, the old and sick in whom the disease
tends tcN^e more severe possibly constitute the most
important g<oup for vaccination at present.
It should bexstressed that unsatisfactory conditions of
work, such as overcrowding and poor ventilation, should
be dealt with rigdtously, not only because of the likeli
hood of infection bu\because of the effect on the general
health and well-beingsof the workers.
There is no specific therapy for influenza.
\
HENNESSY, A. V.
"Influenza”. Davenport, F. M. c\l2 (273-296). Viral infec
tions of humans. Evans, A. S. \d.). (New York, Plenum
Publishing Corporation, 1979). \
Influenza: the virus and the disease. Stuart-Harris C Schild, G. C. (London, Arnold, 1976)?\42 p.
"The search for the ideal influenza vaccine\ Davenport F M
Postgraduate Medical Journal (Oxford), T979, 55 (78-86).
83 ref.
\
"Revised requirements for influenza vaccine (inactivated).
inactivated).
Requirements for influenza vaccine (live)" (148-194). 7 ref
ref.
WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization. 30th
Report. Technical report series 638 (Geneva, World Health
lealth
Organisation, 1979), 199 p.
\
\
During an epidemic the incidence
idence of influenza illness
among workers will, in most\ndustries, be very similar to
the incidence found for thoVe of the same age in the}
general population. Influen;
Influenza viruses are transmittedi
from . individual
to individual
droplets
.
-r..
\ by
r' large
r -'------ . of
This
typ\of transmission
transmission requires
requires
Lrespiratory
e^|Pl!?t?_rY_ssecretions.
_e:C[®tlOins’. T*"
118 typ^of
3 close association^between the\pfected and susceptible
persons and thus the family unit i\the principal source of
infection for Adults
adults. However, ik .nd..ctr.oe
industries in which
inffintinn
close contact between workers i\ a requirement or in
overcrowded and underventilated slants, the incidence
rate may become much higher than \hat observed in the
population at large.
\
Information Anri dnnnmontatir»n
!nTormailon anq OOCUmentatlOn
The increasing complexity and diversity of technological
processes, the growing number of chemical compounds
that find their way into industry, agriculture and other
branches of economic activity
activity <and, last but not least, the
development of new tools and
tify, evaluate and control occupational hazards compel
the occupational safety and health specialist to make
arrangements for the systematic gathering of a substan
tial amount of information. The knowledge acquired by
an industrial physician, a safety engineer or an industrial
hygienist during the course of his basic and subsequent
training periods is no longer adequate to enable him to
Prevention
\
provide satisfactory answers to all the problems with
It has been shown repeatedly that influenza virus vaccine which he is likely to be confronted in his day-to-day
affords a high degree of protection against influenza A activity. He will therefore be required to supplement this
and influenza B. When potent vaccines containing
knowledge by drawing on various sources of informa
strains of influenza virus that are closely delated to the tion.
epidemic strain have been tested in controlled field trials,
This need is less obvious but none the less present in
the incidence of influenza has been reduced by 80% or the case of undertakings, institutions and persons who
more in the vaccinated group. In many countries a killed
assume occasional or peripheral duties in the field of
influenza virus vaccine containing both A and B viruses
occupational safety and health. It is perhaps even greater
is used while a live, attenuated one is employed on a
in countries where literature and experience in this field
large scale in the USSR. Both are equally effective. Two
are scant or non-existent and there is no possibility of
types of killed vaccine are licensed in some countries,
obtaining competent advice on the spot.
one a purified, whole virus vaccine, and the other a sub
Problems sometimes arise not because information is
unit vaccine where the immunising antigens haye been
lacking or difficult to obtain, but because its mass is
extracted with various lipid solvents. The great advan
overwhelming. It is thus understandable that quality and
tage of the sub-unit vaccine is that it is much less selection of information are more „.,
i
important
than
reactive, and systemic reactions are rare. In experienced quantity. If one excepts the larger corporations
individuals, a single dose of vaccine gives an adequate
cdcdLctr
-----institutions
that* are well endowed with library or similar
antibody response; however, in inexperienced indi facilities, difficulties arise in many cases where reliable,
viduals, satisfactory antibody levels may only \be specific and reasonably adequate information has to be
achieved after two doses. The amount of antigen in a
located and obtained at fairly short notice. The eliminavaccine is
in terms
the -----------------international
unit (IU) tion or minimisation of occupational hazards calls for
l given
- - of■■■
—
i _*!
■
r
'.V
wmeh is based ona standard dried reference preparation
prompt and efficient action, and the time element there_z a group',
fore assumes vital importance.
established u.,
by the iA/nrx
WHO. 1Immunisation of
l -rshould be completed in the autumn before the expected
The information cycle
epidemic appears. Yearly vaccination is recommended
for essential industries, as prediction of epidemics is very The findings of research workers and the observations of
uncertain. If repeated annually, vaccination may con
specialists in the field can make no practical contribution
siderably reduce sickness absenteeism due to the to progress in occupational safety and health unless they
disease. In many countries the use of vaccines is limited
are brought to the attention of those responsible for the
1109
■
MT'
Information and documentation
implementation of safety measures and the supervision
of safe working conditions. For this goal to be attained,
three fundamental conditions must be fulfilled:
(1) The information must have been published in a
"document", the expression "document" being taken in
its widest sense.
(2) This document must be brought to the knowledge
of persons whom it is likely to interest.
(3) These persons must make proper use of it.
The complete information cycle, therefore, comprises
three main phases: the emission, transmission and use of
information; these phases correspond to sectors (1), (2)
and (3) of figure 1.
This diagram can be completed by indicating the
secondary loops (2'), (4) and (5). Because of the proli
feration of scientific and technical publications of all
kinds, specialised documentation centres are coming to
play an increasingly important part in the information
field, sometimes themselves producing so-called
secondary publications which periodically draw atten
tion to significant work (loop 2'); this will be dealt with
below. In addition, certain periodicals publish communi
cations sent in by readers, and thus introduce an element
of feedback (loop 4). Finally, the user may himself
produce information (loop 5) which will be introduced
in turn into the cycle.
*0 the
Author
4
1
\\
\\
\\
\
Production
Publisher
3
| Usee |
4
Transmission
Primary
Use
publications
Secondary
publication
2
2'
Information
centre
SBMHS
Original publications
••••••• Abstracts, bibliographies
Figure 1. The information cycle.
For the information produced to fulfil its purpose
completely, it is clearly not sufficient for the cycle
outlined above simply to be closed: the information must
also conform to certain criteria of quality, be presented in
an appropriate form, be used systematically and with
discrimination and, once classified and stored, must be
easily retrievable. Practical suggestions relating to
improved liaison between authors, editors and users of
periodicals, the presentation and intrinsic quality of
articles, and the possibilities of improving readers'
personal information work were put forward and dis
cussed as long ago as 1969 at a meeting of editors and
users of occupational safety and health periodicals from
21 countries (International Symposium on Occupa
tional Safety and Health Periodicals, ILO, Geneva,
7-8 July 1969).
11W
The nature and sources of information
The time is long past when personal communications
between individual research workers formed the main
and sometimes only channel for the exchange of infor
mation. Periodicals (technical and medical), research
reports, specialised works, proceedings of symposia and
other meetings are now the main vehicles for the
exchange of occupational safety and health information,
without, however, containing all the useful information
which is available. It is sufficient to mention laws and
regulations, standards and directives, information
sheets, toxicological data sheets, films, slides, theses,
patents, manufacturers' catalogues, etc., to give some
idea of the vast, heterogeneous mass of documentation
which exists. Moreover, this mass, which already
amounts to more than 40 000 documents a year, con
tinues to grow rapidly.
The fact that these documents may be published in
different languages-the main ones being English,
French, German and Russian-creates another formid
able obstacle to their utilisation. In any case the vast
volume of documentation relating to the detection, analy
sis, evaluation and control of occupational hazards is
such that exhaustive searches based on the original docu
ments themselves have become practically impossible.
Reports of pure or applied research carried out at
universities or specialised centres, or by learned soci
eties, generally provide the most up-to-date information.
Books are much less up to date at publication, while in
this respect, periodicals occupy an intermediate position.
These differences very largely explain the increasing
favour enjoyed by meetings of specialists, which offer
the possibility of spontaneous reciprocal exchanges.
Their growing number and the fact that they are
becoming increasingly scattered geographically, how
ever, make it impossible for specialists to participate in as
many of them as they would like.
For the great majority of specialists, therefore,
periodicals continue to offer the most convenient means
of keeping abreast of the latest developments and trends.
Approximately 70% of useful documentation relating to
occupational safety and health consists of articles
appearing in periodicals and 10% of the periodicals in
question-which can be considered as "basic" periodi
cals—contain almost two-thirds of the useful informa
tion, the remaining one-third being very widely scattered
in more than 1 300 titles.
It would be wrong, however, to conclude from this
that all periodicals hold the same interest'for the
occupational safety and health specialist. The quality of
specialised periodicals is in fact very uneven, even
allowing for the varied interests of their readership; some
of them publish a considerable proportion of repetitive
and trivial articles and information of secondary interest
which frustrate the readers.
Generally speaking the reader will be wise not to
assume that mere publication of information is a guaran
tee of its accuracy or value, or to accept an article
uncritically simply because the author is well known
through having published many articles. He would be
well advised to place more reliance on work published by
institutions with a solid reputation (labour inspectorates,
public health inspectorates, specialised occupational
safety and health organisations, accident insurance
institutions, chemical manufacturers' associations, stan
dards institutions, etc.) or under their auspices.
The role of documentation services
The increasing volume and complexity of the documen
tation relating directly or indirectly to one or another
aspect of occupational safety and health, together with
___________ _ Information and documentation
the difficulty of locating, obtaining, scrutinising, classi
fying (indexing), filing and retrieving the documents
themselves, confers more importance to the documenta
tion or information officer as well as to the so-called
"secondary" publications.
Whereas the task of the librarian formerly was to store
documents which provided replies to inquiries addressed to him (passive information), the modern docu
mentalist must be capable of anticipating the needs of
customers, with whose basic interests and temporary
preoccupations he should therefore be familiar (active
information). Since his task is to provide information
discriminately and promptly, he must master informa
tion-processing techniques and have sufficient scientific
knowledge to assess the value of the documents which
he scans and carry on a meaningful dialogue with users.
It is equally necessary for him to know from which
sources he can fill the gaps in his own service by
contacting other documentation centres.
Secondary publications
The factors leading to the setting up of documentation
and information services in establishments with suf
ficient resources to afford these has also led to the
establishment of centralised systems to cope with the
mass of primary documentation (that is to say, the
original documents themselves) and pass on its sub
stance to a large circle of potential users. In this way the
latter are freed from the onerous task of scanning which
would normally be theirs and they can concentrate their
attention on those documents which seem to them to be
the most useful.
This has resulted in the appearance of a number of
"secondary" publications, the purpose of which is to
draw attention to the publication of important primary
documents; generally, a summary or abstract of the
document is provided, accompanied, where appropriate,
by some indexing symbol to facilitate classification and
subsequent retrieval of the information provided.
These secondary publications-whether abstract
bulletins or cards, or simple lists of bibliographical
references-are generally very selective. Selection is
• determined not only by the intrinsic value of the docu
ments themselves, but also, and to a very large extent, by
the availability of the resources required for scanning in
a wide range of disciplines and languages, the cost of
which is relatively high. Certain sectors (e.g. ionising
radiations and nuclear energy, mines) and certain
languages (English and Russian) enjoy a privileged
position. In the field of occupational safety and health,
the most comprehensive computerised abstracting
service at present is that provided by the International
Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre
(CIS), established in 1959 by the International Labour
Office (see separate article). Another widely used service
is that provided by the Occupational Health and
Industrial Medicine series of Excerpta Medica.
required. In the field of occupational safety and health,
where the volume of information to be processed de
spite everything, remains within definite limits, experi
ence allows a number of general rules to be established.
1(u_ terms
lcllllo lcl
aiucu iui
me purpose
r
The
retained
for the
of indexing a
document can be determined subjectively
---------or
statistically.
A* the present
-------- - time the process of- abstracting
y
At
and
classifying documents remains a clearly intellectual task
Moreover, indexing based on consideration of the title
___
aLorl_e.*s a c1ruc^e and deceptive process which should be
abandoned,
Any form of indexing, whatever its depth, results in
practice in an appreciable loss of information. Certain
information systems have adopted two levels of index
ing-one (using primary descriptors only) for the com
pilation of annual subject indexes, and another
(including secondary descriptors allowing for a greater
indexing depth) for the performance of more specific or
more comprehensive searches.
The better the classification system and the method of
searching, the easier and more efficient will information
retrieval be. It is essential that each inquiry be formulated
as clearly and precisely as possible, so as to restrict the
search to relevant aspects alone.
For example an inquirer interested in cadmium pro
teinuria among workers in battery factories should direct
his search in the first place towards documents which
combine the three facets "cadmium", "proteinuria" (or
"kidney disorders") and "battery manufacture" (or any
equivalent descriptor), rather than considering all docu
ments relating to other hazards associated with battery
manufacture (1, 2, 3, 4), to other substances likely to
cause kidney disorders, but which are not encountered in
luulllcl
battery manufacture (5), to
other muubuiai
industrial duplications
applications
of cadmium (6) or to other pathological disorders which
• •
-• y
could be caused••by cadmium
(7).
Making use of information
However great the effort made by publishers and editors
in compiling, preparing and presenting information, a
substantial effort is still required of the user, despite the
wealth and refinements of the modern data-processing
techniques at his disposal.
The practical value of documentation increases pro
portionately with the degree of relevance and rapidity
with which individual documents can be retrieved; the
method by which the information is abstracted and
classified obviously plays a determining role.
There are a prion no good or bad classifications; the
systems chosen are valid for a given group of users only
and by virtue of their ability to provide the services
Figure 2.
Search strategy.
If, in the light of the information found, he now wishes
to extend the scope of his search, he can include docu
ments in which the three facets "cadmium", "kidney
disorders" and "battery manufacture" are combined in
pairs (shaded areas in figure 2).
Finally, if he wishes to make an exhaustive search, he
can next complete his investigations by including
documents which include one of the facets "cadmium",
"kidney disorders" and "battery manufacture" (grey
areas in figure?). The value of this search strategy
obviously increases as the mass of documentation to be
7777
I
i
\
Injection, accidental
searched also increases and the user's interest becomes
more specialised.
In countries which do not yet have sufficient resources
to produce or, at least, to assemble adequate docu
mentation, persons responsible for occupational safety
and health may experience considerable difficulty in
locating, selecting and processing the information which
they need. In this case they will find it to their advantage
to approach either the regional offices of the competent
international organisations (ILO and WHO, in the first
place) or a specialised institution of a country whose
language is accessible to them. They may wish to make
use also of the various information networks providing
access to computerised data bases in the field of occu
pational health and safety or related fields. Examples of
such data bases are:
- TOXLINE, operated in the United States by the
National Library of Medicine and containing more
than 500 000 references to human and animal
toxicity studies, effects of environmental chemicals
and pollutants, adverse drug reactions, etc.;
- RTECS (Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical
Substances), compiled by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the
United States and providing toxicity and related data
(TLVs, recommended standards in air, etc.) for more
than 30 000 substances;
- CHEMLINE, operated jointly by the National Library
of Medicine and Chemical Abstracts Service;
- ECDIN (Environmental Chemicals Data and Informa
tion Network) developed by the European Com
munities in Ispra, Italy, to provide information on
chemicals potentially dangerous to the environment
and human health;
- CANCERLINE, operated by the National Cancer
Institute in the United States;
- MEDLINE, operated by the US National Library of
Medicine and containing more than 600 000 refer
ences to biomedical articles from more than
3 000 journals; etc.
in many instances, where the number of documents to be
handled does not exceed say 30 000 to 40 000, that
conventional methods of information indexing and
retrieval yield results which, from an over-all point of
view, are more satisfactory to the user and at any rate
more economical in their operation.
ROBERT, M.
List ofperiodicals abstracted. International Occupational Safety
and Health Information Centre (CIS) (Geneva, International
Labour Office, 1978), 95 p.
CIS Thesaurus. Occupational Safety and Health. International
Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS)
(Geneva, International Labour Office, 1976), lOOp. (plus
4 supplements, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981).
International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Health
Periodicals. Reports and conclusion (Geneva, International
Labour Office, 1969), 1 39 p.
"Recent advances in information storage and retrieval relevant
to occupational hygiene". Wright, R. B. Annals of Occupa
tional Hygiene (Oxford), 1981,24/3 (31 3-322). 6 ref.
Injection, accidental
Injection injuries of the hand are apparently increasing
with the multiple uses of high-pressure spray and injec
tion equfftment. It seems that such injuries occur more
frequently than is commonly recognised.
The pressut^is applied to the supply containers are
70-200 N/cm2, but final delivoften deceptiveH^mall,
’
ery through a nozzh\or spray head with a fine aperture
creates pressures froirt\340-7 000 N/cm2. These conditions are met by severa* .ommon types of devices:
(a) the fuel injection systeh^ of internal combustion
engines, particularly diesei 'engines;
(b) airless spray paint guns;
(c) pressure lubrication devices (grease
ns);
Computers in documentation work
Whenever any task appears to be beyond the capacity of
humans, it is fashionable nowadays to assume that it
must be entrusted to a machine. The development of
electronic data processing and the availability of
increasingly powerful computers have led to their use in
documentation work. According to circumstances, this
may be fully warranted, desirable, premature or totally
unjustified on economic grounds. Moreover, there is a
general tendency to underestimate the amount of
preparatory work input required for storing data in a
computer's memory.
If computers are remarkable for numerical calculation,
they have not been designed for automatic information
processing. The only 'logical operators available being
"and", "or", "except", the result is that even if the search
equation is correctly put, an appreciable percentage of
documents are missed or are irrelevant. This situation,
which is tacitly accepted, imposes the need for a com
plementary "human" search and check.
It must further be recalled that in the great majority of
cases, electronic data-processing techniques provide
only references to documents; they do not eliminate the
need to consult these documents to locate the informa
tion required. A thorough and objective evaluation
should therefore be undertaken, covering all the opera
tions involved, so as to determine in each case the
economic feasibility of using a computer. It will be found
1112
'a
I
Figure 1.
Grease gun injury 72 hours post injury. Note wound
of entrance near flexion crease. Tendon sheath filled
with grease.
.—
hinliiHliillilMn ii<ti
■
ft
I.T
Epidemiology
be atopic, i.e. constitutionally disposed to the common
allergies, should be placed in other jobs. Asthma, hay
fever and eczema are the main conditions that should be
considered contraindications for this type of work,
although in doubtful cases, skin testing and assessment
of lung function may provide more definite information.
In addition, persons with chronic skin disorders,
respiratory diseases or with a tendency to sensitisation
should not be exposed to work with enzymes.
!
I
ROBERTSON, D. S. F.
If
CIS 77-1648 "Bacillus subtilis enzymes: A 7-year clinical,
epidemiological and immunological study of an industrial
allergen”. Juniper, C. P.; How, M.J.; Goodwin, B. F. J.;
Kinshott, A. K. Journal of the Society of Occupational
Medicine (Bristol). Jan. 1977, 27/1 (3-12). 20 ref.
CIS 77-1 980 "Diagnostic tests in the skin and serum of workers
sensitized to Bacillus subtilis enzymes". Belin, L. G. A.;
Norman. P. S. Clinical Allergy (Oxford), Jan. 1977,7/1 (5568). Ulus. 19 ref.
CIS 79-1 38 "The development of a fluorometric method for the
assay of subtilisins". Chien, P. T. American Industrial Hy
giene Association Journal (Akron, Ohio), Oct. 1 978, 39/10
(808-816). 27 ref.
I
I
Ii
I
Epidemiology
J
i,r
i
j:
Epidemiology as an approach to health and disease
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and
determinants of health statuses, or, more restrictively, of
diseases in human populations. It embraces two bodies
of knowledge: one of epidemiological methods of
investigation and one of epidemiological contents
generated by the application of such methods. Epide
miological contents are notions on the health profile of
communities, on the distribution and aetiology of
specific diseases (communicable and non-communicable), on the health effects, at population level, of
environmental factors as well as of medical, technologi
cal and social interventions, particularly of a preventive
nature.
Epidemiology and clinical medicine, which also
includes methods of investigation (diagnosis) and
substantive notions on diseases, may be seen as parallel
but on different levels of observation: the population for
epidemiology, the individual for clinical medicine.
Correspondence tends to occur between these two
plans: for example the clinical observation of a case of
asthma associated with a history of exposure to welding
fumes may find, sooner or later, its counterpart at the
population level in epidemiological studies aimed at
testing whether the causal hypotheses (e.g. about the
particular fumes and compounds regarded as respon
sible) prompted by the clinical observation are tenable.
This more or less unplanned course of events has
happened again and again in the history of medicine in
general and of occupational medicine in particular, and
has proved essential for the identification of occupa
tional hazards and their subsequent prevention. What
has emerged more and more clearly in recent years is the
need for a more systematic, rigorous and timely use of the
epidemiological approach as a tool to foster health in the
workplace. In this sense the epidemiological approach to
health and diseases can contribute to at least three main
goals:
(a) identification of environmental hazards in the
workplace, the oldest and still most prominent goal ;
768
I'
(b) monitoring of the health effects of changes in the
working environment including the enforcement of
primary prevention measures (e.g. engineering
changes in a plant) and of control limits for toxic
exposures;
(c) evaluation of the usefulness of secondary preven
tion measures, for example of cytological screening
programmes for the early detection and treatment of
'occupational diseases.
These goals can be pursued through the use of
different types of investigations which are customarily
regarded as belonging to one of two distinct, but in fact
somewhat overlapping, categories: descriptive and
analytical.
Descriptive studies describe the patterns of distribu
tion of a disease or of a symptom (say backache) or of a
physiological variable (weight, heart rate) or, more
generally, of any health condition (until death) in one or
more groups or populations. They include descriptions
of variation of disease occurrence in relation to time, to
space and to personal characteristics such as age, sex,
ethnic group, social class, occupation, etc. They also
include correlation studies of disease occurrence with
other variables, for example of chronic non-specific lung
disease mortality with levels of atmospheric pollution.
Finally they include clinical case reports and clinical case
series in which the coincidence of a disease (say aplastic
anaemia) and an exposure (say to a solvent) has been
observed. Descriptive studies are useful to generate
hypotheses and to provide suggestive evidence on •
cause-effect relationships, while they are weak if
regarded as a tool for testing aetiological hypotheses. A
descriptive study usually represents a form of secondary
analysis of existing data primarily collected for purposes
other than the study in hand, for example censuses, vital
statistics (of deaths, births, infectious diseases, acci
dents, etc.) or of labour statistics (e.g. of absenteeism).
Analytical studies, on the other hand, provide much
more cogent evidence for testing hypotheses about
aetiological factors in man. They are usually designed to
test in a specific way one or a few hypotheses, and they
may take one of three main forms: cross-sectional
studies, in which a biological response is measured atthe
same time as exposure levels, for example forced
expiratory flow at one second and air concentrations of
a respirable dust are measured for several occupational
groups; retrospective or case-control studies, in which
previous exposure to suspected pathogens is assessed
and compared in cases (say lung cancer cases) and
controls (subjects without lung cancer); prospective or
follow-up studies, in which subjects differently exposed
to suspected pathogens are followed up and their
disease (or death) experience is recorded and compared.
Role of the occupational physician in epidemiological
investigations
The physician operating within an occupational health
service can and should have an important function in
epidemiological investigations on the occupational
environment. By collaboration with other technical and
non-technical parties (such as industrial hygienists,
personnel managers and union officers) and by personal
initiative he can ensure;
(a) that records documenting each worker's job history
do exist and are stored in good condition for several
decades. There is an obvious need, still very
infrequently met, for "exposure oriented" (rather
than "administration oriented") records in which
the job history is described and codable in a way
<1
Epilepsy
that would allow for matching with environmental
measurements in the workplace. Less ambitiously
the simple fact of keeping for a long time whatever
administrative records are in current use (personnel
books, payroll sheets, etc.) is a most valuable
contribution on which the feasibility of many
epidemiological studies on long-term pathological
effects (e.g. cancer, pneumoconioses) is critically
dependent;
(b) that medical documents contain essential informa
tion on diseases and occupational exposures prior
to enrolment in the present industry as well as on
such important personal habits as smoking (re
corded in some detail);
(c) that records of different types in current use
(administrative, medical, environmental hygiene)
are gradually rendered reciprocally compatible so
that information pertaining to a given worker and
scattered among different records can be easily
linked for epidemiological research purposes.
Development of compatible records is all the more
indicated when computerised systems of records
are introduced, as happens in many large modern
enterprises.In this development full attention is to
be given to guaranteeing the protection of informa
tion of a personal and confidential nature;
(d) that biological measurements of exposure, when
ever they are deemed relevant, are appropriately
performed (in respect to obtaining the biological
material and to the analytical procedures) and their
results recorded and kept together with any
corresponding environmental measurements;
(e) that when medical interviews and examinations are
periodically carried out, some monitoring of their
quality in time is performed and, if at all possible, a
programme of standardisation and quality control
of the procedures is adopted.
These points outline what may be considered as a
basic instrumental contribution of the occupational
physician to epidemiological studies, by ensuring that
relevant data of good quality are available. Hopefully he
should take a more active role in the actual design,
conduct, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological
investigations, from simple descriptive to analytical,
carried out in the working population under his
responsibility in collaboration with epidemiologists. This
involvement of the occupational physician may arise on
the occasion of an ad hoc study of a problem, or it may
take the form of a continuous commitment, if, for
example, an on-going programme of epidemiological
surveillance of a working population is established in
respect to short-term or long-term toxic effects, or both.
Such programmes are becoming more numerous.
Sometimes other epidemiologically oriented activities
are grafted on to these programmes, such as, for
example, prophylactic trials to control non-occupational
diseases like hypertension in the working population.
When a substantial and permanent epidemiological
effort is developed, the team in charge ought to include,
besides the familiar figures of the occupational physician
and the industrial hygienist, that of the medical
epidemiologist or statistician epidemiologist.
SARACCI, R.
General:
Foundations of epidemiology. Lilienfield, A. M.; Lilienfield, D. E. (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1980).
Epidemiology: principles and methods. MacMahon, B.;
Pugh, T. (Boston, Little, Brown and Co., 1 970).
"Epidemiological strategies and environmental factors". Saracci, R. International Journal of Epidemiology (London),
June 1978, 7/2 (101-111). 77 ref.
Occupational epidemiology:
Industrial pathology. Epidemiological approach (Pathologic
industrielle. Approche epidemiologique). Lazar, P. (ed.)
(Paris, Flammarion Medecine-Sciences, 1979), 365 p. (In
French)
Occupational epidemiology. Monson, R. (Boca Raton, Florida,
CRC Press, 1980), 256 p.
Epilepsy
_
Epilepsy is one of the world's greatest social problems. It
is a serious and widespread disease which may cause
disability of varying degrees. Statistics indicate that
between 0.5 and 6% of the world's population is affected
by the disease-the wideness of the range being the
result of the different statistical criteria employed in
various countries.
The picture of epilepsy varies considerably depending
on the stage and aetiology of the disease. The most
dramatic feature is the epileptic fit (the grand mat)
characterised by loss of consciousness, convulsive
seizures and, in some cases, bloody foaming at the
mouth; the non-convulsive attack (the petit mal) is
ostensibly less dramatic. Frequently the patient may
suffer alternately from different forms of attack; there
may also be mental disorders (excitation with aggressive
and destructive tendencies, paranoic episodes). Attacks
may occur at any time and are usually preceded by ill
defined sensations called aura; it is common for
epileptics to suffer from amnesia during the attack and
to be confused afterwards. The disease may produce
permanent mental changes and even, in severe cases,
intellectual degradation; however, most epileptic
patients are mentally normal and competent.
Work capacity
There is still wide prejudice concerning the work
capacity of epileptics and their increased proneness to
accidents. However, recent research has shown that this
prejudice is unfounded. Persons in whom epileptic fits
are preceded by warning aura and who are not subject to
paroxysmal mental disorders readily adapt to work and
normal social life, and it has been found that the leading
of a normal active life raises the patient's morale, reduces
the frequency of epileptic fits and may delay or prevent
the onset of intellectual degradation or psychopathological conditions. Moreover, research has also shown that
accidents are no more frequent among epileptics than
among other population groups. Nevertheless, persons
whose form of the disease does not respond to treatment
and who suffer from frequent attacks, mental or
pseudoneurotic disorders, or severe alcoholism have
considerable difficulty in adapting to the work
environment.
The possibility of employing an epileptic depends on
the form and severity of the disease, the degree of
disability, the type of work envisaged and the relevant
working conditions. It is generally considered that 75%
of all epileptics can be suitably adapted to work. In
addition, a large proportion of the remaining 25% can
also be employed provided the work is in line with the
severity of their disease, and provided suitable social
welfare, medicolegal and other conditions are met. The
proportion of epileptics who are totally unfit for work is
small.
Contraindicated employment. Certain jobs may endan
ger the epileptic himself or persons working with him. To
avoid all danger of an accident in the event of an attack.
769
I j
i
||
H
| |
I I
hi
J
u
IJ
1
•J I
oi
DEPARTTIENT OF CONnUNITY MEDICINE
/;e Training Programme
Post—graduat
'(Biostatistics)
Collect ion and Handling of Data 1
DISCUSSION t?
Exercise
A class experiment with 60 first-year male
medical students involved
The measurements were to be
their measuring bloofi pressure. on one another.
The results for systolic blood
read to the nearest even number of mm Hg.
pressure (in mm Hg) arc;
142
134
110
98
13.0
142
136
120
118
130
116
140
118
122
128
128
114
138
104
116
110
.100
128
128
124
140
108
146
116
114
152
118
140
128
116
110
138
132
118
120
122
120
108
112
94
130
130
118
120
128
108
120
124
110
124
132
132
130
102
118
correct to the nearest even number of
i) The measurements wore stated to be
mm Hg-
evidence that this degree o$
On examining these data, is there any
accuracy was not always achieved.
ii) Obtain a frequency distribution of these 60
observations and present the
data graphically.
Exercise 1s2
concentration of load he had investigated
from the 140 children whose urinary
but under 5. He found in
Dr Green sleeted the 40 who were aged at least 1 year
concentrations of copper in umol/24 hs
the urine- the following i
0.74,
0.83,
0.69,
1.16,
0.30,
0.72,
0.45,
0.70,
0.98,
0 .36,
0.94,
0.42,
0.76,
0 .65,
0.77,
1.24,
0.42
0.52,
0.10,
0.78,
0.55,
0.63,
0.90,
0.64,
0.66
0.65,
1.04,
0.74,
0.96,
1.12,
0.62,
0.58,
0.86
0.34,
0.50,
0.73,
0.75,
0.85,
0#48,
0.81,
Wbat is the mean when calculated.
/2
2
i)
From the individual observations,
ii) From a frequency distribution of the observations
0.1 from 0.1 to 1.3 umol/24 h?
Answer 2
arroriQed ot intervals of"
-
i) 0.6965,
ii)
0.705 umol/24 h.
wish to compile
3. Two nurses,
the day shift or
information
considered in the study.as anything
the night shift.
A "loss of weight” was
Theu------nurses took the following data
on
“
3
pound
lost
during
work
hours,
above one
of 14 working dayss
over a period
f
SEE*
Nurse 2
Nurse 1
Shift
Ut » loss
Shift
Yus.
No
Yes
^cs
Night
Day
Night
Night
Day ,
Day
Night
Night
Day
' No
Yes
Yes
No
Night
Night
Night
Day
Day
Night
Night
Day
Day
Night
Day
Day
Day
Night
No
No
No
No
Yus
Night
Day
Night
Night
Day
’ No
Ut e loss.
NoNo
•Yus
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
•
..
t
Yes
No
Yes
• No
Yes
three -way table
both nurses compared
— f of nights of weight loss for
b) Find the relative frequency
of night shifts,worked o
to total number
f—‘
a) Summarise the data in a
c)
Find the same
relative frequency for each nurse.
rLSUlt-s-cf duplicate determinations of the
4. Table given below shows the
uf triglycerides in six male subkcctss
fasting levels
——=—=—=—=— ”=="—
_•)
A
8
0
D
E
F
_
—
Fasting level of triglycerido(mg percent)
Subj oct
Dot orminat ions^l.
~~
Determination 2__ Mean
.=—JX—=—=—=————“—
170
193
110
135
135
115
178
186
205
118
123
119
131
(all 12 observations)^ , 740
Tot al
Sum of squares (all 12 observations)^
199
114
129
127
123
Tot al
mean
difference__ _
■
-16
-12
- 8'
12
16
-16
870
145.0
= 264,920
Also useful 8 (1740) 2/l 2 = 25.2,300___________
...3
3
A. Find the variancceg
1)
Among all 12 observations;
2) Among thu.means of the six subjects
B. Verify algebraically that the variance among two observations, denoted as
and x^j can be expressed as
x
S2
= (X1 - X2)2/2
obtain the variance among the two duplicate
C. Using the result in Part B,
Thun obtain the mpan of these
observations for each of the six subjects,
six variances.
indicate which variance is most
D. For each of the following situations,
appropriate and why?
1)
Evaluating the precision of a new technique for measuring triglyceride
1cvcls•
2) Determining whether there are significant changes in triglyceride levels
before and after various meals.
E
Discuss how
A new technique for measuring triglyceride levels is proposed.
you would determine the unbiasedness and precision of this new tcchnique.
Asuming lyho now technique- is unbiased and more precise than the previous
one, what else would y u consider bef re recommending its adoption?
9
3. Twenty p'ist menopasual women who had undergone a hyst erect cmy during their
premenopausal years received synthetic estrogen therapy daily for four months,
Aft er treatment the following estrogen valuvus
were record cd's
61
58
54
54
81
56
81
75
61
80
92
59
63
83
71
58
82
92
69
94
Compute the mean,
variance, standard deveiation and
coefficent of variations.
^****************
'J.
•17
REPORT OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT TO STUDY THE PROBLEM
OF POLLUTION IN WATER AND AIR CAUSED BY
M/S. GWALIOR RAYON FACTORIES
LOCATED AT NAGDA, HARIHAR, AND MAVOOR
APRIL, 1984
u
r
REPORT OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED BY THE
DEPARTMENT
OF
ENVIRONMENT
TO
STUDY
THE
PROBLEM
OF POLLUTION IN WATER AND AIR CAUSED BY M/S GWALIOR
RAYON FACTORY.
1.
BACKGROUND
The Government of India in the Department of Environment, vide
Order No. H-l 1016/91/83-EPC dated November 18, 1983 constituted
an expert committee to study the pollution problems of the three
units of M/s Gwalior Rayon Factory located at Nagda, Madhya
Pradesh, Mavoor, Kerala and Harihar, Karnataka.
The order spelling
out the composition and the terms of reference to the Committee
is enclosed (Annexure I).
2.
The Committee visited
the
factories and held meetings as per
details given below :
M/s Gwalior Rayon, Nagda
January 1 to 4, 1984
M/s Gwalior Rayon, M.avoor
January 22 to 24, 1984
M/s Gwalior Rayon, Harihar
January 25 to 29, 1984
Meeting at Delhi
February 15 - 16, 1984
Final meeting at Delhi
3.
During
the course
of
- March 13 - 14, 1984
inspections and
meetings the Committee
held discussions with local medical officers and employees state
insurance doctors to get an idea of predominant health complaints
in the population,
certain
The Committee visited nearby villages to es-
the effect of pollution caused by the factories on the
population and vegetation.
The Government of India had earlier
constituted a Committee under the chairmanship of Shri S. Hanmanth
r.
2
Rao who is also the Chairman of the present Committee to speci
fically study the Mavoor Plant.
The findings of that Committee
were also; considered by the present Committee. The State Pollution
Control Boards of Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka provided
necessary
technical
notes
on
the
various
measures
undertaken
by the factories.
4.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF THE PLANTS
4.1
Gwalior Rayon Factory :
Nagda Plant
This plant is located at Nagda on the main Bombay-Delhi Western
Railways and located at the banks of the Chambal River in the
State of Madhya Pradesh.
manufacture of
The plant is basically engaged in the
manmade fibre (viscos fibre) and ancillary units
for the manufacture of caustic soda, carbon disulphide, sulphuric
acid are installed.
MW
A captive power plant with a capacity of 50
is also established.
The Nagda township has a population
of over 56,000 as per 1981 census.
4.2
Gwalior Rayon Factory :
Harihar Plant
There are two units of the above factory located at Harihar, namely,
for the manufacture of Rayon grade pulp and High Wet Modulus
Fibre.
The plant is located at Kumarapatnam on the banks of
river Tungabhadra and the towns Harihar and Davangare are located
at about 3 and 18 kms respectively having a population of more
than 60,000 and 100,000 respectively.
At the plant ancillary captive
power plant with a capacity of 7 MW, carbon disulphide (CS2)
plant and sulphuric acid (H^SO^) plants are established.
4.3
Gwalior Rayon Factory :
Mavoor Plant
This plant is established for the manufacture of rayon grade pulp
and staple fibre and is located about 19 kms east of Calicut town
3
in the State of Kerala and on the banks of ri
river Chaliyar. Here
also ancillary captive power plant with' a capacity of 8.35 MW,
sulphurip acid plant and carbon disulphide plants
are established.
Installed capacities for various products in the above
three plants
are tabulated below.
Product Manufactured
Installed capacity
tonnes per day
Nagda
Mavoor
Harihar
200
163
Rayon grade pulp
5.
Sulphuric acid (H^O^)
210
50
^0
Carbon disulphide (CS2)
38
15
10
Fibre
200
Caustic Soda (NaOH)
200
Captive Power Plant
(MW)
I
50
30
8.35
7
The manufacturing process details for each product at the plants
are separately given in Annexure II.
6.
In all the three plants, in the process of manufacture, the following
solid, liquid and gaseous wastes with pollution potential are generated, the details of which are given in the table below.
Important
Products
Pulp
Air
Pollutants
Water
Particulate material
Organics exerting
from soda recovery
BOD, colour imparting
mercaptens sulphur
lignin, <T.S.S.
Solid
dioxide
Carbon
Hydrogen sulphide
disulphide carbon disulphide
Con td
4
Important
Products
Air
Water
Sulphuric
Sulphur dioxide,
acidity
acid
sulphur trioxide,
Pollutants
Solid
acid mist
Fibre
Caustic
Carbon disulphide
zinc
Chlorine (unutilised)
Mercury
Soda
mercury
ladden brine sludge
Power
Particulate material
bottom
Plant
sulphur dioxide
collected coal ash
7.
ash
and
The existing facilities at the factories for air and water pollution
control are listed below :
Plant
Air
Water
1
2
3
Solid
HAR1HAR PLANT
Pulp
Sulphuric
acid
Fibre
Electrostatic
Anaerobic lagoons
Inplant control mea-
Precipitator
followed by acti
sures
(Chemical re
vated sludge
centricleaner rejects
covery section)
treatment
etc.
to
remove
Nil
re
Carbon disulphide Zinc removal plant
recovery from
(but should be
spinning section
upgraded and capa
upto about 10
city increased.
per cent
Power
Mechanical dust
Haphazard dumping
collector
at improper location
Con td
5 :-
1
2
3
4
MAVOOR PLANT
Pulp
Fibre
Electrostatic
Anaerobic lagoons
precipitator
followed by aerated
(Chemical reco
lagoons and activated
very system)
sludge plant
Carbon disulphide Zinc removal plant
recovery from
(but should be
spinning section
upgraded capacity
upto 40 percent
method)
Sulphuric
Scrubbing with
acid
caustic and
water
Power
Mechanical dust
Plant
collector
Improper landfill
NAGDA PLANT
Fibre
Carbon disulphide Zinc removal plant
recovery from
(should be upgraded
spinning section
.and capacity in
upto 40 percent
creased
Carbon
Sulphur recovery
disulphide
plant and a
standby flare
Power
Multiclone
Haphazard dumping
of
coal
ash
and
cinder at improper
location
Sulphuric
acid
Caustic
Soda
Nil
Nil
'J
6
8.
The Committee inspected in detail both with regard to the manu
facture process as well as the pollution control methods adopted.
The Committee also inspected the pollution control facilities
as built and extensions if any, under construction and studied
the
conditions in
the receiving water of
the respective rivers
for some distance below the discharge point of the effluents from
Whenever possible, local population was also contacted to get an idea of the problem encountered by them, Dis-
the factories.
cussions were also held with the available local Registered Medical
Practitioners, Employees State Insurance Doctors to find out whether
any specific ailments or diseases attributable to the pollutants
discharged from the factories has been established. _ The efforts
made in utilising the treated effluents for agricultural use parti
cularly at Nagda were also inspected.
The discharge points of
the effluents to the rivers were inspected in detail including termi
nal disposal facilities constructed.
The concerned State Pollution
Control Boards made available data regarding monitoring of the
quality of the raw and treated effluents and air quality data as
available. In a few places public representations voluntarily made,
were also heard.
Based on detailed inspections made and on scrutiny of informations
made available by local authorities the Committee after detailed
deliberations came to its conclusions regarding the problems of
pollution as exists, adequacy of, the treated facilities as available
at present, and proposed improvement required for good environ
mental protection of the area concerned.
The findings of the
Committee are discussed hereafter and described in respect of
each plant including the necessary recommendations for upgradation,
improvement etc., of the system as necessary.
The Committee
observed certain features common to all the three plants regarding
abatement
of
pollution
and
general
recommendations
on
these
are listed in para 11 of the report after the specific recommendations for each plant.
7
9.
OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1
Nagda Plant
9.1.1
In the case of caustic soda plant the Committee was informed
by
the industry that a treatment system for mercury removal
is to be shortly put up.
It is presently found that segregation
of mercury bearing effluent is not in practice. The mercury bearing
effluents should be immediately segregated and treated to a level
of 0.01
mg/1 of total mercury by April, 1984 as committed to
by the Industry and then discharged through the common outlet.
The lagoon in which the brine mud is stored is far from satisfactory.
The lagoon may give way at anytime.
Considering the amount
of mercury that will be present in the brine sludge it is immediately
necesssary to strengthen all the sides of the lagoon and there
should be only one outlet for any emergency overflow and any
such overflow should be processed through the proposed mercury
removal plant.
The industry must provide within a year, mechanical
dewatering facility to reduce the moisture content of the sludge
and store the resultant cake in the lagoon till such time as safe
disposal site is identified by the appropriate authority,
The filtrate
must be processed through the mercury removal plant.
9.1.2
The efficiency of zinc removal plant being critical on pH and
settling
automatic
pH
controller
and
chemical
dosing
systems
should be installed and 1 mg/1 of total zinc in the treated effluent
achieved in conformity with the Minimal National Standards fixed
by the Central Board for Manmade Fibre Industry,
Safe disposal
of zinc sludge should be ensured.
9.1.3
The
Committee
that a biological
treatment facility for
the entire effluent is under construction.
This has to be expedited
noted
and performance to meet the standards stipulated by M.P. Pollution
Control Board (ensured for river discharge.
8
9.1.4
The freaked effluent travels
meeting 'the river Chambal.
with
to
boulders
enrich
through
a long natural drain before
In the drain cascades may be created
oxygen
resource
of
the
waste
stream.
■
9.1.5
The Com mitte noted that characteristics odour of sulphur compounds
could be sensed upto eight kilometers from the factory,
factory.
Though
the factory has switched over to' electrical furnaces
------ .-------- -for the
...j manufacture of carbondi.sulphide, it is
ii> considered
tnat
tne
sulphur
considered that the sulphur re
covery system for hydrogen sulphide is not being operated in an
efficient
manner.
The
handling
of
recovered
and
raw
sulphur
should be| streamlined.
9.1.6
There are five sulphuric acid plants (two 25 tpd, two 50-tpd and
one 60 tpd). All the plants are based on single contact single absorp-
tion propfss.
lated
th^t
Based bn analysis of data on sulphur use it is calcu-
the
plants
sulphur dioxide per day.
DCDA
together
combined
will emit
5840 kg
of
It i§ recommeded that at the eatliest
platns
may be installed replacing the five
As an immediate measure the tail gases from the units
process based
units.
must be (Scrubbed as in practice at the Mavoor Plant and
proper
disposal of scrubbed liquid ensured.
9.1.7
The ash generated from the power plant is dumped near the river
Chambal.
A series of boulder/sand filters should
be provided
at the foot of 'the stacked material to prevent pollution of river
during
ra^ns.
been taken.
stack
of
the
Attempt
to vegetate
the dumps is seen
This has to be intensified.
power plant should
be
to have
The emission from the
restricted to
150
mg/Nn?
or as prescribed by the State Pollution Control Board.
9.1.8
The Committee considered the repprt (1983) of Industrial Hygiene
Division df Central Labour Institute,
Data on concentration of
carbon disulphide in the CS2 manufacturing unit, churn rooms
,and ripenning section were examined.
The permissible limit (TLV)
3
being 60 mg/m , it was found that except for inside the churn
during
scrapings
the
measured
concentrations
were
within
the
1
9
limit.
the
The time weighted average of exposure concentration to
workers
The following
were found to be within the limit.
in
contained
recommendations
report
the
important
found
are
and reproduced here and recommended for adoption by the plant
authorities :
a)
The existing dry churns may be substituted by wet churns.
churns should be coated with teflon
the dry
Alternatively
based nonstick paint so that the need for
g°
inside
the
interim
for
scrapping
should
air
respirators
and
inside
b)
c)
the
churn
period
the churn
for
scrapping
the
workers
invariably
no
worker
is
the workers to
entering
the
provided
be
During
eliminated.
churns
dry
with
supplied
should be permitted
to go
for scrapping without using a respirator;
Exhaust ventilation through the underground duct on spinning
machine No.
5, 6 and 7 should be made more effective;
Shutters
be
should
for
provided
the
trip-rollers
and
the
cutters in all the machines;
d)
It should be ensured that the operators close the shutters
after attending to the tow breakage;
e)
The tow wastes should
spinning halls.
be immediately
removed from the
Alternatively, the same could be deposited
in drums provided with colose-fitting lids;
f)
Regular
monitoring
of
the
environmental
gases
should
be
motivation of
the
carried out and the results systematically recorded;
g)
Training
programmes
for
education
workers,
supervisors
and
middle
should
be conducted
to
and
management
personnel
make them aware of the hazards
associated with the operations and the preventive and control
measures that need to be taken;
1
.......... UL.x-.,,
14 :Relevant
1981 and systematic work is being initiated.
tion) Act,
•j
rules to the Act have been framed in all the three States concerned
and the implementation of the same is under process.
The Commit
tee therefere, felt on the point of air pollution control that imme
diate action should be taken both by the industry and the State
Boards for regular
monitoring of the emissions from the various
stacks as also
air quality in the affected areas.
air
the
quality , being
it is necessary
function
a
to have
therefore,
is
conditions,
meteorological
micro-meteorological stations established
at the sites of these industries.
tee
the
of
Ambient
The recommendation of the Commit
systematic
that
of
monitoring
the
emissions
and the ambient air quality together with the operation of micro-
meteorological
direction
station
of
measurement
for
are to be established and
wind
velocity
and
monitored by the concerned
Only after observed data over a period of time
State Boards.
are available, can a definite plan of action for control of pollution
be established in its totality,
information,
standards
for
In the meanwhile, based on available
emission
are
being
recommended
by
the Committee which are given in the following paragraph.
10.2
Emission Standards
(a)
Carbondisulphide
Based
on
available
information
except
country seems to have set a standard for emission.
Committee
feels that it
standard for C$2 emission.
the factories should
no
Czechoslovakia
other
Hence the
is not possible to prescribe a rational
It is reiterated at this juncture that
adopt source control
measures to maximise
cs2 recovery in the' spinning section.
(b)
Hydrogen Sulphide
33
Based on available information a standard of 7.3 mg/m is widely
3
accepted limit from any source. Hence 7.5 mg/m is the suggested
limit.
10
h).
After
the
all
above
recommendations
are
implemented,
a follow-up study should be carried out in order to assesi
the extent of improvements achieved.
9.1.9
The submissions
‘
made by
local public including ESI doctors and
the Municipal Chairman did not reveal evidence of higher■ mortality
rate (Annexure III) or incidence of specific disease pattern which
'they could attribute to pollution.
9.2
Mavoor Plant
9.2.1
The Kerala State Pollution Control Board had found that the capa
city of the effluent treatment plant of the factory was not commen
surate with the volume of wastewater generated and the pollutional
load created.
Hence the Board directed the Company to instal
additional facilities so that the entire volume of wastewater can
be treated conforming to the specified standards.
Till then, the
wastewater generated in the factory must not exceed the capacity'
Accordingly the Company
of the existing effluent treatment plant.
reduced
effluent
generation,
mainly
to about 65% of the installed capacity.
by
limiting pulp
production
The Company also informed
the Board that they do not intend to raise the pulp production
rate in
the foreseeable future.
The Board arranged continuous
monitoring of the effluent quality and the results show that, since
November,
1983
the
standards
requisite
'
I
have been
achieved
the case of 12 out of the 13 parameters specified.
The parameters
are :
1. PH
8.
2.
BOD
x9. Zinc
3.
Phenolic Compounds
10. Ammoniacal Nitrogen
4. Oils & Grease
in
x
Mercury
11. COD
5.
Suspended Solids
12. Lead
6.
Sulphides
13. Hexavalent Chromium
7.
Total Residual Chlorine.
... JUL
11
BOD is now less than 20 mg/1 as
against the specified limit of
Only COD continues to be in excess,
of the order of
300 to 500 mg/1, the limit being 250 mg/1.
But the Board is not
insisting on the achievement of the COD limit.
30 mg/1.
9.2.2
The success in achieving the effluent
proper operation of
by
standards is to be maintained
treatment
plant.
Any enhancement
the
in effluent generation over the
9.2.3
only
after
the
installed
satisfactorily
capacity
The State Board
present reduced rate is to be allowed
augmenting the treatment system for
and
the
same
facility
being
may consider relaxing the COD limit,
technologic and economic feasibility and other conditions
operational.
considering
the samel
warranting
9.2.4
The reported success of M/s Hindustan Paper Corporation .
in Kerala
in removing the colour of the effluent be studied by the
• Industry
by the end of 1984. Depending on
the feasibility, the State Board
may consider the question of imposing limit for colour,
considering
its aesthetic importance.
9.2.5
Storm water has to be
9.2.6
Instruments for continuous
I •’
and separately disposed.
recording of pH and flow measurement
have to be installed for the
zinc removal plant and for the final
effluent.
The Minimal National Standards
of 1 mg/1 of total zinc
prescribed by the Central Board should be achieved.
9.2.7
Proper dispersal r
arrangement at tail end of the effluent
pipeline
has to be provided.
9.2.8
All
other
the
Committee
recommendations
constituted
covered
by
vide Order No. Q-17012/2/81/EPC
mented.
the
in
the
report submitted by
Department
of
Environment
dated 12.3.1983 should be imple-
12
«
9.2.9
More attention has to be paid to solid waste disposal. . Land filling
is to be done in a scientific manner. No waste is to be dumped
on the river side and construction of boundary wall on the river
side is to be expedited.
9.2.10
The
Central
Labour
Institute has proposed to conduct in-plant
study similar to the one conducted at Nagda in respect of carbon
The recommendations thereof
disulphide and hydrogen sulphide,
should be implemented for improving the work environment.
9.3
Harihar Plant
9.3.1
In the newly provided biological treatment plant continuous spray
of effluent to suppress foam is needed.
It was observed by the
Committee that the newly constructed plant is under 'stabilisation.
This should be achieved expeditiously and the treated effluent
should conform to river discharge standard as stipulated by the
State Pollution Control Board.
9.3.2
The bypass arrangement seen at the time of the inspection is
A guard pond of at least one day's
reported now to be closed.
capacity to store untreated effluent at times of power failure
should be provided, the contents of which should be pumped back
for treatment before disposal.
9.3.3
The Committee noted that a* zinc recovery plant is being put
Till then the existing zinc removal plant should be provided
up.
with an automatic pH recorder to effectively operate the plant
at the optimum pH and to achieve limit of 1 mg/1 of total zinc.
9.3.4
The State Board may consider relAking the COD limit, considering
technologic and economic feasibility and other conditions warranting
the same.
<
9.3.5
The reported success of M/s Hindustan Paper Corporation in Kerala
in removing the colour of the effluent should be studied by the
...---- USNM,
.. ...JIIW------ x.
13
Industry by
the end of
1984.
JMKL-l'!
:-
Depending on the feasibility, the
State Board may consider the question of imposing limit for colour,
considering its aesthetic importance.
9.3.6
The efficiency of the electrostatic precipitator provided for the
collection of sodium sulphate in the back liquor recovery system
should be
monitored and recorded.
Emissions from other stacks
should be measured for the respective pollutants and record main
tained.
The limit for emission should be 150 mg/Nm3
or as pres-
cribed by the State Board.
9.3.7
The present site being used for cinder/coal ash dumping is causing
nuisance to the nearby village,
This has to be shifted to a safe
place
so as
to avoid
this
nuisance.
Management of
the dump
by vegetation is necessary.
9.3.8
Tail gas
from sulphuric acid
plant has to be scrubbed
as done
in the Mavoor Plant.
9.3.9
The Industry, through the Central Labour Institute should conduct
a study similar to one done at Nagda to determine the
exposure
level to workers in the CS 2 plant and the fibre plant.
The recommendations of the study should be implemented by the industry.
10.
AIR QUALITY AND EMISSION STANDARDS
10.1
While discussing the subject of air pollution,
that
no systematic
monitoring
of either
the Committee observed
ambient
air quality or
------------ air
stack mmonitoring has been done either by the industry
or by the
State Boards at these .three locations. Some results of an ambient
air quality monitoring at Nagda done by the industry
before the Committee,
were produced
The Committee however felt that unless
observed scientific data are available over a period of time, no
definite conclusions can be drawn,
This is particularly so with
reference to the ambient air quality in the areas where human
fui
mei the
me oiaie
Further
State boards
Boards are engaged in implementing the provisions of the Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollu-
settlements exist,
15
(c)
Sulphur dioxide
(from Sulphuric acid plants)
The suggested limits are furnished below :
Limit for SC^ Emission
SI. No.
(d)
Limit for Acid Mist
Quantum of kg/t of H?SO.
(100%) averaged over
2 hours
Type of
Plant
1.
Single
absorption
2.
Double
absorption
Concentration
mg/m
10
50
50
Particulate
The particulate emission from any source should not exceed
mg/Nm
(e)
150
or as prescribed by the State Board.
Mercaptans
At present no standard
is considered
necessary
for mercaptans.
11
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL THE THREE FACTORIES
11.1
A good pond of at least one day’s capacity to store untreated
effluents under emergency conditions such as power failure etc.
in the factories is to be provided.
Under no circumstances the
untreated effluent should be by passed into the rivers.
Any existing
bypass arrangement should be permanently closed.
11.2
Wherever
tank
foaming
interfering
problem
is
with aeration
encountered,
or
whether
in 'anaerobic
in
aeration
lagoons resulting
in dry foam becoming airborne, suppression of the foam through
effluent spray or by the application of anti foam agents has to
be done and further a barrier of trees should be raised allround
lagoons so as to arrest the air borne foam.
11.3
Wherever coloured effluent is discharged into a river, proper disper
sal must be ensured to minimise the effect.
Every effort should
be made for removal/reduction of colour with advance technology
available.
----- -------
16
A
11.4
removal plant at all
the three locations
requires upgrading to meet the standard of 1
mg/1 of total zinc.
of
The operation
zinc
Proper pH control and optimal settling are required to be ensured.
Proper disposal of zinc sludge should be ensured.
11.5
Wherever units in the treatment processed are constructed with
earthen bottom and sides, they should be made totally inpervious
to prevent ground water pollution.
The unit processes,
may be
for example anaerobic lagoon, aerated lagoon etc.
11.6
The conditions of consent regarding bioassay may be strictly imposed
on all the three plants in view of the magnitude of the effluent
the
and
discharged
general
complaints
received
in
this
regard.
Additionally, a system of biomonitoring
may also be established
by
effluents
bypassing
a
portion
of
the
treated
through a
fish
aquarium to give an immediate an indication of any altered condi
tions in the treated effluent.
11.7
Sulphur recovery from the exhaust of CS2 plant has to be maximised
at Nagda and to be initiated in the Mavoor and Harihar Plants.
11.8
Establishment of ambient air quality stations at appropriate loca
tions for continuous monitoring of particulate, CS?
SOn and F^S
HnS
2, SO^
is necessary.
All the stacks should be monitored for the respective
parameters.
In
ambient
monitoring
meteorological
parameters
should also be included. . For this it is necessary to establish a
micrometmeteorological stations,
Records of data should be pro-
perly maintained.
11.9
Recovery of carbondisulphide in the fibre section is of paramount
importance
section.
per
to
protect
the working
The
present
use
of
fibre.
It
reported by advanced countries that
tonne of
is
environment
carbondisulphide is
iin
the spinning
about . 315
kg
through improved technology upto 90 per cent recovery is achievable.
The recovery is reported at 40 per cent in the case of Nagda
and Mavoor plants and upto 15 percent at Harihar due to process
variation.
It is recommended that all the plants should take attempts
in the direction of maximum feasible recovery.
—...
17
»»■
11.10
Scientific
management of solid waste dumps has to be put into
operation.
This applies to coal ash dumps as well as other solid
waste dumps.
along
Vegetative protective
cover with
tree plantation
a retaining wall/bund to be provided to present run
with
off dumping rains.
Efforts should be made for utilisation of cinder/
coal ash for constructive purposes such as making bricks.
11.11
The Committee strongly feels that any treatment plant constructed
would not meet the requirements unless it is satisfactorily operated.
Therefore,
emphasis is laid on proper maintenance and operation
of the treatment plant including the necessary skilled and trained
man power to be deployed for this purpose.
An adequate laboratory
for operational control should also be set up.
Addition of nutrient
optimum performance of the biological
maximising domestic
for
sewage generated within the factory with the industrial effluent
should considerably help . in reducing the amount of nutrients to
be added and this is strongly recommended for adoption in
the
three plants.
11.12
The Committee considered the aspect of pollution control at source
by reducing the load of pollutants entering the effluent stream.
This can be achieved by both inplant control as well as process
innovations wherever
To some extent, as reported by
feasible.
the industry, this has been achieved in the Harihar Plant by way
of reduction of total quantity of chemical involved.
Implementation
of these measures no.t only , reduces the total pollution load but
indirectly is of economic benefit to the industries.
recycling
of
process
waters
in
the
plant
Additionally
including
system
also be affected to reduce the totals quantity of water used
well as the pollution load generated.
to
undertake
systematic
study
on
can
as
The industry is recommended
these
points
and
implement
the requisite appropriate measures.
11.13
There is an aprehension in the minds of the people around these
factories
the
at
Nagda,
Harihar
emission
from
the
and
waste
Mavoor
products
that the
cause
effluent and
immense
damage
18
to the human health, cattle life, fish life and agriculture.
The
Committee on going through the records made available and hearing
the views of the local people have come to the conclusion that
no specific evidence has come forth to support such apprehensions.
This
is
mainly because
there has
not been any
systematic and
scientific studies done in respect of human health, cattle health,
agriculture and fish life due to effluent and emission out of the
waste products of these factories.
mended
It is, therefore, strongly recom
that the concerned Departments like Health, Veterinary,
Agriculture, Fisheries of the States may conduct detailed scientific
and systematic studies on these issues under the guidance of the
State
Pollution
Control
Board
and
examine
these
problems
in
detail so that correct picture of the situation can be made available.
/ANNEXURE
Copy of the lett-r
K’r No.HFW
226 CCE 81 dated
18-12-1981 from the; E
Deputy Secretary to Government
H.F.W Department (FW)) aadressed to the Joint
Director (Health),
n
Family Welfare Services, Bangalore.Health and
j
Sub: — Shifting of Navagal village
in Ranebennir
Taluk of Dharwad District.
*n account of the effluents by the Harihar
Polyfibres into the Thungabhadra riv^r, the
health of th<= residents of surrounding villages
particularly that of Navalagalu is seriously
affected<
Vhilc action is being takerT seperately
regaraing prevention of control of water pollution,
it is necessary that steps are also taken under
the Public Health Act to safeguard the health
of the residents.
I am therefore to request you
to examine this with reference to the relevant
dl.
statutes and indicate the action already taken
or proposed to be taken in this regard.
1 5!
.
Eir.^ry action is requested.
■
S<4/“ (M.v.Muddebihal)
Deputy Secy, to Govt, (FW)
Health & Family Welfare Dept
"Copy"
Sd/for Director of Health & F.W.services
■
r
!
!■
J.
rn
t'
E-. LIRE
i
From:il-
I
Dr.S.B.Kalasoor,
MBBS., MS(ENT)
District Health & Fa...ll
y
Famlly
welfare Officer, Dharwad
U
Dharwad
Dated: 17.6.1981
No . ENT/CMd/ 15/81 -82
Dear Sir,
t
subi’ ri°v£ wax:c^sutxorof Tun^^
0
ill
I
I would like to inform
you that during the course
of discussion at' your Chamber about the Joint
Inspection
report of Tunga-bh.drai river water
pollution at Harihar
Poly-fibre Fictory, Harih
;r, as a result of discharge
of effluent from the Factory Harihar.
I am enclosing herewith
a copy of the Joint
Inspect ion report for your kind
perusal and needful
in this matter.
With kind regards.,
To:
Sri.J.Vasudevara. ,'i,a.s
Deputy Commissioner,
P H A R W A D.
I
I. ■
h
Yours f.ithfully,
Sd/(S.B.KALASOOR)
I
f
-5-
The Committee made a detallea review on the condi
tions stipulated by the Board ano the physical results
by 3Tr82Y the ''Ct°ry’
BWd has
by 31-7-82 a standard of 100 mg/1. of BOD will be
that
th6 lnCUStry and th lt by AugUSt' 1983
WD shall be reduced to 30 m,/1. Tht factory hQs nQt
been able to achieve 100 mg/1. during the stipulated
per od e., by 31-7-82 ana the committee felt that
with the e.isting sludge deposit in
in the
the anaerobic l,goons
it might be difficult to achieve the same. However, the
ac ory authorities have assured that 5 new aerators
will be installed in the existing cerated lagoons which
should give better performance and with the inplant
. Ji
.Ui
lOl
;hI
;pi
11;
-
control measures now being adopted by the industry, the
committee was of the opinion th-t at best they may achieve
°D level of 180 "'Q/l- Since in any way the
extention works to the treatment plant at an esti
mated cost of about Rs. 1.00 crore, as reported by the
noustry, was in brisk progress, they may be permitted
to have 180 me/1. of B.O.D., in the final effluent
till the end of August, 1983 and thereafter the B.O.D
limits should be more than 30 mg/1.
The Board in its meeting held on 30-10-82 conSidured the recommenctions of the Technical Advisory
Committee and decided as follows :-
1) that tne effluent treatment plants shall be
com_.-leted in all respects by 31-8-83 and the treateo
effluents should conform to the standards for river
discharge i.e. / reduction of BOD to less than 30 ng/i.
and COD less than 250 img/1.
II
I
2) in the interimi period i.e.z upto 31-8-83
(during the period of construction of the treutment
plant) the factory should maintaiiyf a BOD level of
not more than 180 mg/1.
■
3) Every endeavour shall be nude by the industry
to adopt further inpl mt control mu '.sures for
reducing
total pollution load on the tre .tmunt plant
and
ultimately on the rivur itself.
I ■
I'
.. 5
In the meanwhile/ the factory was stopped from
17th October 1982 to 21st February 1983 due to
strike by the workmen. The factory in its letter
dt.22nd Feb.1983 has informeo that they are now
organising the start up of the work on effluent
tre itrnent works and the due d .te of completion of
the treatment works will go forward at least by
5 months i.e.z they may be in a position to complete
the job only in January 1984.
The Board is pursuing the industry to expedi
tiously complete and commission the treatment works.
Sc/Member-Secretary
Karnataka State Board for
Prevention and Control of
Water Pollution/ Bangalore.
-2-
r
After several discussions ot Government level/ -it was
finally decided that the industry should further treat
the effluents so that it is fit to be discharged into
the river since the agriculture utilisation scheme is not
feasible at the meefing held on 16-12-1981 in the
chambers of the Chief Secretary to the Government.
proposals for treating the effluents to the standards fit
for discharing into the river in case the irrigation
utilisation schenedo not materalise as early as 12-12-1-'
A time upto the end of’ 31-12-1981 w-js gi \en for imple
mentation of irrigation utilisation scheme.
the effluents for irrigation within the stipulated time/
they w^re addressed to send proposals for further treat
ment to-render the effluents fit for discharging into
the river. iVs.Harfhir Polyfibers informed the Board
in their letter dt.23rd Jan.1982 that they h we finalised
r
to bring the treated effluent to a BOD level of JOO mg/1.
a time of 5 months is reasonable and for treating the
discharge i.e., bod level of 30 mg/1. and COD level of
250 mg/1.z a further time of 13 months may be required.
The Board in its meeting held on 3-3-1982 discussed
the subject in detail and decided as follows:1) H/s.Harihar Polyfibers Ltd., should take measures
to improve the performance of the existing treatment
ana machin-ry supply to.treat the effluents to a level
100 mg/1. in 5 months i.e., by 31-7-1982.
fit for discharging into the river i.e., i B.O.D., level
2) They should treat the entire effluent to the
of 30 rag/1. e_.eluding prehydrolysate waste which will
standards required for river discharge i.b.z a BOD level
be treated by F/s .Harih.r 1 Polyfibers itself.
of 30 mg/1. and a COD level of 250 mg/1. by 31.8.1983.
They
in the meanwhile, a team of officers of the Board
WQS deputed to inspect the industry in the 2nd and 3rd
week of the January 1982 to continuously observe the
3) During the interim period of 5 months i.e., upto
31-7-1982 the final BOD level should not exceed 180 mg/1.
•it any time.
The decisions of triu Board
U/erc communicated to
the industry.
Thu Technical Advisory Committee of the Board
method of treatment adopted ana any imbalances in
the functioning Of the plant, to arrive nt a correct
The study tern
h s furnished a detail d study report which w ,s
reviewed by -.the Technical Advisory Committee.
The
inspected the industry on 16-lJ-Jyg2 to review the
progress achieved by the industry, it was also
Observed th .t the inplant control measures adopted by
the industry to reduce the pollution load such as
Technical Advisory Committee of the Board in its
oust removal from debarking section, recycling of
meeting held on 30-1-1982 discussed in detail the
rejects from buffer screen, separation of high ash
above subject in order to assess the time required
cont. nt fibre, reduction in the use of caustic in the
for tre.ting the entire effluent to the se anaards
plant and recycling of prehydrolysate liquor have a
fit for discharging to river in the light o
...;.uey r.port mace by the team during the continuous/
tre tment plants and
definite bearing on the total pollution load, on the
tlsc observed the adequate
^rogruss on putting up the trcTtmcnt plant/
.. 3
.. 4
i
I
V
B'
that for improvement of the existing treatment units
units to bring the effluent quality to a BOD level of
time estimate for further-regulations .
HrI
The committee felt
Engineers Ltd.,..BomlW for the total process engineering
would be completed in. 17. months subject to Force Majeuro.
i’r
stmdards fixed for river discharge the colours problem
would by and large be taken care of.
the contract on that day with f^s .Hydraulic and General
..ISO informed th A they will expect that entire project
liM 1
Regarding colour
entire effluent to the standards required for river
Since the industry has not been able to utilise
'n-I
monitoring of the treatment works.
present in the effluent, the Technical Advisory Committee
also opined that if the effluents are treated to bring
down the COD level to 250 mg/1 as laid down in the
This Board had directed the industry to get further
it
-3-
I
n
8
/ AIMI'IEzlUKE
!a note on't.REaTMENI
.2
•D DISPOSAL OF EFFLUPNT
5 HARIHAR POLYPIBRES?
___ _BARTHAR
Karnut a ka ■^t^-PoAlution Control Board, Bangulore-1
xsited Naluvagal/ Kodgai/ Airani villages
7-3-1983
of the people residing in those villages are sulf ring
akiny dio.uw# itching ind stomachache sporadically.
which may due to downward river sod water of the factory.
In this connection a random survey has been conducted
by the PHU Airani ouring the month of November 1979 and
the report by the
PHU Airani supports the sane effect
without
I have been to the office of the Asst.Commissioner/
Haveri on 21-9-82 and contacted the shirested-r and the
I
I HI
III'
ft
1
.ad discussion with the factory
ascertained from the local enquiry that
concerned
clerk
as the Asst.Commissioner was
not available in the office and eqnquired about the
process taken by the office in connection with the
Kind Acquisition regarding shifting of Nalavagal village.
It is ascertained from the discussion that the Land
Acquisition process is undv_-r progress.
Action for
about 17 acres of land is over out of 37 acres r^quireo
for the new village vicinity proposed for Nalavagal
village.
The process of remaining portion of acquisition
is moved and will be settled within a short course of
time .
■ROM
However, the Asst.Commissioner’s office will
furnish the det ills regarding land acquisition process
of Ndlavagal village as per the request of the letter
dated 20-9-82 addressed to the Asst.C ommissioner by this
or fice.
The PWD authorities will taken up thefurther action
of planning estimation in connection of residential
houses to be constructed for the new Nalavagal village
soon after the acquisition process is completed by the
authorities concerned as it is ascertained from the
enquiries made in the PWD oifice Haveri.
This is for your kino infornution.
Your s fa itn fu1ly,
Sd/u..-aUh Cun.- r-vlcriT- T/c
M/s Harihar Polyfibers is located at Kum^rapatnam
near Harihar on the bank of Tungabhadra river. The
industry was commissioned on 31-3-1972 and produces about
170 tpd of rayon grade pulp generating abo«t 33,000 M3
industrial effluents per day. The industry has put up
a treatment plant for treating the effluents and the
treated effluents are being discharged into Tungabhadra
river. The effluents after treatment are not meeting the
standards for discharging into river which requires a
BOD level of 30 mg/1. The irujor pollutants are suspended
solids, B.O.D., C.O.D, PH and colour.
Ever since the inception of the Board in 1974, the
matter of treatment of effluents is being actively
pursued with them and an inspection was rm de in Fbbruary,
1975, when directions were issued to put up the treatment
plant to treat the effluents satisfactorily. National
Environmental Engineering Research Institute, was
appointed as their Consultants by the firm and based on
the advise given by National Environrnent31 Engineering
Research Institute, a flow-sheet w-)S developed in
January, 1976 for treating th. effluents entirely. 1The
treatment proposals are to segregate and treat the
prehydrolysate waste? separately and combine the same
with rest of the effluents and treat them in serated
lagoons before discharging into river. The treatment
works as per the flow-sheet evolved has been corripleted
by the firm at a reported cost of Rs’.98.00 lakhs. The
effluents after the above treatment conform to the stan
dards required for utilisation on land for irrigation
purpose after addition of gypsum and are not suit ible
for directly disch urging into river.
The industry corresponded with various Government
departments and Agricultural University so that the
treated effluent could be utilised for irrigttion.
.. 2
I
I
f
R
||O-
ilfet
Dharwad
22-9-82
To,
The District Health and F.T/ .Officer,
Dharwad.
Subject: Pollution of Tungabhadra. water by
Harihar Polyfibre factory - regarding.
Sir,
As per your instructions, I have visited the
Haxihar Poly Fiber Factory on 20-9-82 and contacted
H1
Sri Jain the VicePresident of Administrative Branch
of tne Factory and
over the letter of this
office- regaroing enquiries made by this office and
I .
Vi
discussed with him in connection with the pollution
air
of Tungabhadr i river water r i/s-.rrounding and
shifting of. Nalavugal village.
The Vict-President
explained the .things about the matter and the details
:■■■
letter will be supplied only after return
of
of the officer concerned who is out of station.
He
assured that the same will be despatched within3 days.
It is expressed by the Vice President that the
factory
<!■
has not qiven any assurance regarding
bearing of the compensation
V
Ir
N :1avagal village .
for shifting of
It is learnt from the discussion
■’ approved for
that the authorities have not
expansion.
work to Mr.
The Vice-President entrusted the part of
who is
concern officer and the
s tme officer took me rounds on the factory area and
shown some part of mechanical process of effluent and
aisGh.irge-»2rom the spot verification
it is observed
that the machineries concerned were working at the
■
t
time of spot inspection.
The details of the points raised in this office
expected
letter are
/to be furnished by the factory
3?
1
-3-
-2scientific project-the study of the Tung.ibhadr.i rivut
The de-ju fish sumpKs wnich were aiven n
Fisheries Department w s examined by the Central“in'Ld^
downstream of M/sl .H.irih .r Polyfibers factory z for which
Fisheries Research
assistance from the Department of Environment, Government
of India, was being sought for.
delay in compiling this information for you both on
could not be determined z but however
account of pre-occupation of work as well as the episodal
opinion th.it fish were healthy and
may not have died due to
any disease
pollution that took place.
H!
ill
There was slightly
Institute, Banyalore/ and they
the opinion tint the
the fish
fish were
in a-highly
awere in
putrefied
condition and hence the
specific
re
the Specific causes for their death
I am herewith enclosing a
r they are of the
or parasitic infection. This only confirms with
Board that due to low Dissolved
copy of the salient features which might h^lp to formulate
the view of the
your study of the Tungabhadr i river unu^r the Government
levels must have killed the
of India grant for your-intormation and further needful.
Perhaps, these points <
may be of use in the= study pro.josGd
to be conducted by you under the
Govt.of India <grunt
lat'-r on.
1 am endorsing i copy of the same to Dr.G.K.Jayaram at
Bangalore.
Regarding the analysis reports of the Tung-.bhadra
river water from 13th to 17th Fx_b.84z as a part of
Oxygen
: fish.
Il2
fib
tnaV1SC hlVe TOtlced that
poly
mers » --^uilt a. sophist 10.^0. ^lvAtso Sludge pa
after the episodal pollution, the ph and Dissolved Oxygen
from Nadiharalahalli village slightly downstream of
Harih-ir Polyfibers effluent discharge point upto Harala-
halli Bridge w .s done.
It was seen that the Dissolveo
Oxygen levels at a low of 0.5 ppm at Nadiharalahalli on
15-2-84 and in various stretches of riv^r upto Mylara the
Dissolved Oxygen content in the river water varied
from 0.8 to 2.8.
The DiSSOiVed oxygen started
improving thereafter and from 17th onwards although
at the downstream of Harihar Polyfibers effluent
ii
discharge point the Dissolved oxygen level was /
2 ppm it picked up a level of 7.6 which is almost
fAirly normal lor tht river. At Hircbiure village on
'i
l&th th-
Dissolved oxygen even at th^ downstream of
Harihar Poly fibers, it w..s recorded
t
t
of 7.8.
At this stage when the levels of PH and
Dissolved oxygen in the riwr were controlled and
h d almost returned to normal, the prohibitory
orders were lifted with effect from 20-2-84.
Fish
kill must hve occurred earlier on account of low
Dissolved oxygen levels in the river water.
Now the
river water dissolved oxygen and ph levels are almost
at the normal levels ano will not cause any problem
of fish kill etc.,
.. 3
I
f 'Ctory authorities have
reported that on
account of frequent power
trips etc.zand aIso consequent
to the own captiye power unit
having failed at the same
timez the st .bilifeytign is^Tot
continued. .The Board is
monitoring the some and expects that within a month
or two
the plant should run under full
stabilisation conditions
yielding an efflujnt
conforming to the st ind.ards fdt_
for discharge ioto^the ■XiYi.r_£xcfcfzt,ioit_CQlo.ur
which_ ___
may P<-rs ist_fgr
Khgth down sere ,m.
As at
dd-t.^chnoi-og-y-^i-eu^-^retnovu 1 of colour.
With regardsz
is 7.4 ppm
and at Haralahalli Bridge it tud picked to a maximum
»!■
recently commissioued — 2b-^2-»3 .and reuutr.-s to undhifgo st '.bilisation before ■L-!ltresults c;n be. .
Y our
<.■
I
In Cf r e ly z
Shri ,S.K.Hir<m 'ithz
Project Co-ordin ttorz
India Development Service(I)
Project officez
z
Mcdleri-581 211z
R mebennur Talukaz
Dharwad districtz
Karnataka
Encl: 1 Note.
i
I
Grams: "JALA1
J4A"
T^lcx: 0845-8348
Phones576581
R^s: 71670
s-ya-.-- m .
s.",.,™ „o, „.c..
CHAIRMAN
'
^hatma Gandhi Road,
on/AiKHAW.
BANGALORE-560 001.
D.0 .NO .KPWPB/IWK/3/IND/AE-q/84/15172 Dated >24-2-1984
Dear Dr.S.R.Hirenuth,
’ e are in receipt of both your letter and telegram
r yarding episooai pollution in £ Tungabhadra river down
stream of VS.Harihur Pol^fibers f .ctory. Immediately on
receipt of information regarding fish kill, action was
taken to depute the specialised team of this Board
for detailed investigation and simultaneously prohibi
tory order was clanped on the industry to stop discharge
of effluents into the river in view of the fish kill
that has taken plac^. Intensive survey was done,
upto Haralahalli Bridge slight downstream of Mylara
village, only after conditions returned bick to normal
in the riv r, the prohibitory orders were lifted. The
i
i
treatment plant was inspected and detailed directions
have also been issued to the industry regarding further
action to be taken. I am- given to understand that
Shri.T.H.Nanjappa, Assistant Executive Engineer has
also been to Medleri village in this connection, .as
anxiety was expressed by your organisation. The Board
alw '.ys monitors such situation very closely and,
immediate and prompt iction is taken as soon as it
receives information on any such unlikely happening.
Even in the pxesent instance, I am sure you were also
satisfied Kg.-iruing the promptness of the action taken
by the Board. Such unsual happening although a very
rare, c-.nnot be totally predicted and the situation
will have to.be tackled on the bis is of conditions
as they develop. This piescnt incidence, it would
appear, is on account of uncontrolled discharge
i
di effluents and possibly on account of power failure
in the supply system to the factory.
Earlier, when you hid aiscussed regarding the
pollution effect of Tungabhaora river with me, you
Kid asked for cert-in information regarding the
industry ano the monitoring of the Tungabhad.a river,
since you were also proposing to t ike up as a
.. 2
TREATMENT
average
•s.aj j r- ■ r
CHARACTERISTICS,
Si.No.
1. ^T^WyCTION:-
Result
Tolerance
Limits
Parameter
6.7
300
360
5
1220
5.5 - 9
10 •) mg/lit.
30 mg/lit.
50 mg/lit
250 mg/lit.
3 BOD 5 days at 20 C
4. Ammonical Nitrogen
5. COD
7TT-! 1 4 4 L n
4 * % *
SI.No.
Parameters
%
*
1. Temperature e5'"
‘S
ja to
1. PH
at 20°C
2. B.O.D 5 days
mg/L.
3o ^'hemical Oxygen
demand mg/L.
Suspend Solids mg/L.
4.
i
II
1 I;
1 to 3.0
4 to 56
OF RAW INDUSTRIAL
------- ""DRAINS
■
Characteristics
170
5.6 to 7.8
r Hnvs at 20 C mg/lit
8. Chemical Oxygen demand mg/l^
average
raw [materials
pulp i/^fonousl13 r£9uircd iQr ihe nunuf xcture
36
9.4
928
500
170
7.8
24 to 34
7.7 to 9.4
4 to 968
4 to 500
2. P H
3. Turbidiy .u lts -1
4. Conductivity MSM
5. Alkalinity mg/lit
a
Oxygen mg/llt.
V. Dissolved
Bw ^uxica/oxygen
demand
CHARACTERISTICS.
Peak values
Range ot Values
.
effluent
^3 Pulp
Prehydrolysate
Mill
waste fed"* into
settling tank drain
waste
- -water
n<= *r ^?L<'.r1inrtorn5't^rst/ locKumarapatn.am
near Harin ,r in KarnV^ist^^n
bxnk < - ~‘
River. The industry „us ccnnisslone^o^^
Tun^bh^r ■
produces about,16b TPD ci -wrn
2
31-3-1972 and
about 33,000
1 -^uyon
,7~3 m3
•
*
-ayon grade pulp r-generating
n^stri':U effluents
per day. Tbr
Th, industry had
hud put uu i .i- ^ndustri:11
treating the
n
,
Up a treatment p'
,
plant
for
Tungibhadra P-iv^r
^’he cffh
bein9 discharged into
net meeting the standard"“orl^^ tre ‘tntent are
reyuircs
BODSol
levs
’ of 30 ^
m x/It n-d
lnto
river which
P
H, Suspended
id3-,°^
pollutants
aru_
abo^r6brTODUSc?™n'iES1Oned °n 3l-3-1972
AT STATION HARALAHAjLl^BRI^
TO DECEMBER 83
PERIOD JANUARY| —--------- — _ __ _
T-’l
polyftbers,
kumarapatnam
1
PH
2*. Total Suspended. Solids
I
Imature LOF
from
is follows:-
3.0
56
Besides the ibovc mentioned
r iw materials they make
use ox the following.-
DIFFEkENT
3*
P1;os;£h‘Jtti 2- Sodium Diehrenute
o. udOa...cants 4. Crease, etc.
BRIEF b^SCRIl^TIpN OF RiAMUFACTURING PROCESS•
Recovery Bleach
drain
drain
waste
waste
water
water
9.5
10.0
6.5
3,0 to 5.0
700
600
450
30,000
1,26,400
12,000
3,550
1,000
2,720
1,000
2,000
250
is prchydlSf^rfi^
rnxd rhd iS ?hiPPed;
anC‘ WAS- TheSofuti^Kn^n
XuniVor7d Wth
and Na s.
Solution known
Bl&'k r?? pil-ssur‘-‘ washers where the spent liquor called
stipl5''tcd froin the unilcaditd pulp and is
/c/tli i /cowry 'suction for evapiration, combustion,
i^caotu-w-r^.xi'g, proceniing and recycling.
unble
l'ulP is then screened and thickened.
Th.
iKer^ce coming out from the thickener contains the
uesidu. 1 ilka-.i .fiU the fine fibres. Part of this wiste
W’cti6n
'h brown,-ln ^iour is resued in the washing
jv-Aion aid the surpu us wut^r goes out as effluent.
th
rd
UPbltpvlp then goes to ble ching
P-J’Bt.
pl mt produce the effluent called "ble ich
efflu.-.n_ . Afcu.- blc-aching the pulp is further screened
■.or removing thi sand ttc. md is then thickened. The
ble caed
thickenea pu\o goes to pulp drain section
■;2e bUxp
throujh the screw presses and blown
with not 'x.<. uii< d 4na billed,
-ihe entire wnite water
.from screw presses ic recycled and used.
y.ii- El 11s : -
By li nufacturing 165 TPD of rayon grade pulp
33,030 I! . Q..,y of effluent will be generated.
I
i
|1
of
1. W jod 2. Causuic
c
S°p?cake-sodium Sulphate
4. suilphur ic- Z_
l j. j 5.
Acid
'hlorine 6. Sulphur Dioxide
7. Sociurn ^lorate 8.
Lime She11/Lime Stone
9. Eurnipe Oil 10. Kerosene 11. Surfactant
12. Scdia.n Chloride*.
T
■1
-a
■M
RRI^F EFFLUENT TREATMENT PROCESS ADOPTED
*■
■
■
Y THE FACTORY
J
Upgraded Effluent Treatment Plant
f
■'
•
•
•
SI.No.®
Par^mettrs
1. Temper turq C°
*;
• r
TUNGA'^HAp-A RIVE ' ! AT:'R QUALITY \T M.-iK STYTION DOWfb ST:-EAM Ot
HARIH J. • POLYFIP. 'PS EFFLUENT DISCH u<GE POINT------------------------Discharge point us^obst-rv^d during the period January ‘S3 to
December v83.
Range of'value-
26 to 34
2. PH.
6.9 to 8.5
3. 'Lurbidity units
6 to 1000
4. Conductivity MSM
12 to 600
5. Alkalinity
54 to 510
6. Dissolved Qxygen mg/lit
1.6 to 7
7. BOD 5 days at 20°c mg/lit 1 to 180
8. Chemical Oxygen Demand wg/ 30 to '690
lit
34
8.5
1000
600
510
7.0
180
690
SI.No.
I
Paiameters
p
Hi
-
1
!l’!
UMi
1. Temperature O .
2. PH
3. Tu. bid it y units
,
4. Conductivity MSm*"
5. Alkalinity mg/lit
6. Dissolved Oxygen mg/lit
7. Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand/
5 days at 20°C mg/lit.
8. Chemical Oxygen demand, rrg/lit
Range of values
26 to 37
7.5 to 8.4.
2 to 600
7 to 300
34 to 115
7 to 8.6
1 to 2
10 to 80
Peak values
31
8.4
600
300
115
8.6
2.0
80
Aft65 neutraU2in9 the PH liquor, the
will he subjected to cooling in cooling lagoon
followed by anaerobica treatment in three numbers anaerobic
lagoons oper ited in series. The overflow from the anaerobic lagoon is subjected to aeration in aerated lagoon (9
aerators 20 HP each).
Peak values
Tung .bhaarr-i Riv^r Water Quality at station upstream of M/^s .
Hirihar Polifibers water intake point as observed during the
period January 19,83 to December 1983.
J
efflJnt
1
O-
(2) Pulp Mill Effluent;- Pulp mill effluent is
JTfedi° settli“9
clarifier, ^ overflow from
the clarifier will bfc mixed with bleach drain effluent
and recovery effluent.
^^in erriuent
rtr.. Thxx?ulp mil1' recovery drain effluent and bleach
drain effluent will be mixed with prehydrolysate effluent
FCrthPSte^lln9 ta"k a£^ the a./teaYgo^n of ph liguor.
an
miXe? eftlufcnt will go to new (additional)
naerobic Lagoon three numbers operated in parallel
°yerflow from the anaerobic lagoon will go to biological
‘Ctor (activated sludge process) having 17 Nos. 9
praters with 40 HP motor each. The overflow fr^n the
ciar^?1
^-^‘-ted to final settling in
• he °Vtrflow from the clarifier will be
ischarged into rung ibhaira river which is expected to
have a B.q.d of 30 mg/1.. which is the stipulated
standard for the discharge of effl 'nt into river.
The
hrS cowissiongd the treatment plant.
The st iiilisation of the treatment units will take
another one or two months after which the treated
effluent is expected to conform to the standards
stipulated.
I
/ANNEXURE
"JALARAKSHA"
Teltix No.
0845 8348
Telophonu No. 576570
54762
K/ARNATAKZx STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
Bulloing'
Dt.25-2-1984.
I ND/A E -8/84/15182-83
N . DV’R/
To
The Officer in-charge.
Central inland Fisheries
Research Institute, No.51,
Sth Cross, 7th Main Road,
Malleswaram,
BANGALORE-560 003.
Sir,
-_rt of Tungabhadra River
Sub: Analysis report
13-2-1984 to 18-2-1984.
Water from 10
Ref: Dr.S.P.Ayyar, scientist - 2 D.O.letter
dt. 17-2-84, addressed to the Chairman,
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board,
Bangalore.
Adverting to the above I am enclosing herewith the
analysis report
of the Tungabhadra River Water analysed
and dissolved oxygen for the period 13-2-1984 to
for PH •
is desired by you, for kind inforimtion.
18-2-1984
Yours faithfully,
s<y -
MEMBER SECRETARY
Enc1: an i lysis Report.
C.c. to:
Mr .S .K .Hire math ,
India Development S'-rvice(F),
Project Office, Medleii-581211,
Ranebennur TaluK,DHAR- AR DIST.
Sd/for MEIiBER SECRETARY
/AbNEXURE
I’
to
I
1
o£
•
I
m oi
i % p
th
th Q
>
8.Kp
^8*
£ H-
(B 3
th P-
(I. Cb
Ss
to
C
P
d
3 3,
ft tf
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
cn
ft
P
(b
IM
I
I
f
!
P
iQ
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
O
cn
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
I
h
to to
• •
CD cn
i
M to O'
• d
O <B
b □‘S^bth^
o
I
to
8
O'
trr
I
|
I
0
CD
O'
I
I
I
i
i d "
ia> 1i s
»
CD
cn
to
CD
b
I
I
.
I o i-d I
cn
in
’I
l
It-J I *0 l~j I
.XU
O I = ill
I _ l«p I
- ' §
o
I
I
I
I
I
I
'
I
1
-a
■
•
I
O'
•
•
cr> a» •>
•
I
I
I
I
I
However more detailed
, are required to be
In case of recurrence of the mortality,
arr mgements would be mide for investigations.
|03 I
|£> I
I
‘ u
I
Evidently,
the effluent released in the river has polluted water
made.
I
I
I.'-1!
s !•?
I
discharge point of M/s .Harihar Polyfibers.
effluent toxic elements.
I
rO'3
oxygen content of tne river water downstream the
analysis of water regarding the nature of the
IK I
I
I
l
I
The report shown a clear reauction in the dissolved
ana caused fish mortality.
111
I
I
I
I
I
I
Control Boird, Bangalore.
Ito I
'
i
i
i
13.2.84 to 18.2.84,, from the Karnataka State Pollution
I>
1.1!
b
i
>
I• ID
is; -
o
I
i
bhadra river water (for PH and dissolved oxygen) from
1 q *4! 2
■ 1 °~ r)i s
. ’si i
to
I
I
might have received the analysis report of the Tunga-
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
■
I
I
I
By now, you
►O |f '
I
I
I
I
of the mortality could be determined.
• ° *l-f* ii
I
I
highly
putrifled condition and hence no specific cause
111
UP
I
I
samples Jab ought from Medleri were in
l
r3 1 o
: !111
I
I
As mentioned in the earlier letter, the fish
IV i
IV
I«
ICD I O
I 3
I 0
• 11 s r I
z
I
j
Si8.
I
I
I
I
I
s
z
!
I
I
i
i
I
i
I
dateas 24.2.1984.
>
i m
I H
it- i cn
i
February 27z 1984
We are in receipt of your letter No.fish/4/1984
!s
i
£
Dear Dr.Hirem th.
I
i
cn
i
i
i
i
i
I
I
i
(D
i
Ii
(n
Central inland Fisheries
Research, Institute 51, 8th
Cross, 7th main Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore-560 003.
Dr.s.R.Hirematn.
Project Co-ordinatorz
India Development Service(I).
Project Office, Medlc-ri-581211,
Ranebennur Taluka, Dharwar District.
I
I
I
I
I
i
H
” kQi
tn fl)
ffi ID
H K
U1 iQ
(b
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
d
i
I
i
BGI/TP/-Misc/84
To,
II
• s
&& &' P;
3 <
rt h-
i
I
I,
U £b
O ’p«
i.
■
1 i?
’ 5*
SH hO'■
th tn
3
0
1I S[i
U> 3
p rt
Dr.S.p.nyyar,
Scientist-2
Officer-in-charge
I
I
I
I
I
I
’ 2
S' fl!
>0 ft
d
0 B
3
I
I
I
t-t>
01
•. (B
~ th
X
ij th
h
3- §
£S
iD rt
3
I
r
O
U) O
■ th
X
O (B
n th
a- th
G’d-
tn
ft
P
fl!
o
3
1
% 0
g-o.
rt in
ft
M
(T.
I
0 ~
O
CL CD
Pcn I
O
O' 'D
a •
P O'
kQ
^8'
►o a
o
. ■ w
rt
rt m
fl)
►O U
. 2 &
c. pI” 5
•
CD
O
o 0
ft
1
7? f th A' th 3
C P(T) t-a m
Cb
p- >
tn
d
j to
P
P 7?
£> 3
(D cn
CbiQ
H- (D
cn
a i
P*
I D >-■
P -J
kQ •
tn to
I
W z
c+
X
(I) pt-h 3
548 th O
*“E!3 d
!
U1
O'
H' kD CD -J
1
I
I
i zw
o
i • •
i
i
O
I
I
I
I
With kind regards.
Yours sincerely,
Sd/(Dr.S.P.Ayyar).
II
■A
I
REPORT ON SURVEY OF_
TUNGaBHA J J' <A RIVER CAaRIEIj OUT BY
K.O.JOSEPH
1
zn in water of the OF area of
The cencentr ition of zn
3.nee organisms
arc having high ,
GRASIM is rather high. "S-T-—
threshold for Zn, the metal concentration observed in fish
samples collected from the same locality WtS not so
remark 'blc •
I visitea some fishing vill »ges along the bank of the
river on both upstream and downstream of the sit of these
industries. The fishermen complained about the heavy
fish kill in the river downstream of HPF effluent discharge
p<lnt on 14th/15th Feb. 1984. They complained about the
unusual decrease in fish catch, non avail ibHity of bigger
fishes, recuctiori’in durability of fishing nets and the
catch getting spoiled before they could be taken to the
market.
The river Tung .bhacr
i tributary of river Krishna, X
runs for > dlst .nce of 125 km Along the ^^t border of
Dharwae district. Two industries viz., F/s tjurihAr Poly
fibres Ltd and m/s.Gwa 1 ior Ray11 k M.miit_-p2turlng
—
^^Va/LSatnX'^n^n^u/Tau^
Sad
district, Karnataka. These two f .ctori.s discharge their
treated effluents directly into the river.
Th& ^^uA^ton: S™ o/RZn^r^rpuip 1972'
Sn^rS3 “33™00Om3 S/ind^trial^ffluents per day.
The pulp is produced by pre-hydrolysed process. The riw
materials usee for the manufacture of pulp is as follows.
1 .Wood
2. Caustic soda
3. Sodium sulphate
4. Sulphuric laio
i
I
I
7. SoCium chlor ite
8. Lime she11/Lime stone
9. Furnace oil
10. Kerosene
5. Chlorine
i:. Surfactant
6. Sulphur dioxide 11.
12. Sodium Chloride
a
Silk
Manufacturing
'Company (GRASIM)
The Gwalor Rayon
; GRASILENE fibre
started working in" 1977 and manufacturers Polyfibres Ltd.
.using rayon grace pulp maoe by
ar
(HPF). The installed capacity is 800 tons pur month of
Gr-isilene fibre. It also manufactures the
th ’following
che icals for captive consumptions.
200 MT/month
•hl. Sulphuric icid
\2. carbon disulphide 300 MT/month
1050/MT/month
U3. Sodium Sulphate
The GRASIM consumes 575 m?
3 per
per hour of water and
consumes
produces 490 rn per hour of effluent.
wat.r, sediments and biologic. 1 ^hs^e collected
from outfall (OF) are.s■ of
°™
h,£$°ries
both
factories ^I^an^H
it Kumarapatanam. above outfall (AOF)
i nd be1ow out fall (B F) are at Irani.
The river water when it is mixtid with the HPF
effluent is dark in colour - just the same colour as
that of black coffee and it emits slight foul ouour,
while river water is brown in colour where it is mixed
with GRASIM effluent.
7-2 in the OF ire as of both
Benthic fauna w<.re sparse
factories where is they were ffairly ibunoant in the
other stations.
Velon net collections brought in a variety of fishes
(Oxygaster becailaz Puntius k lus z B ■.rilius sp) and prawn
(Macrobrachium sp.) at the a/of AND BOF areas while there
were nd-Dfc _,A.t_.tlLQ_-3reas . ’ OF areas of both factories. But
aoult fishes (Puntius kolus ant. Ostercbrurn vigors!!) weie
collected operiting Cast net near the OF regions.
Hydrochemical analysis was .clone—jir our .labor itory^-at
Madras and He3vy Metal Estim tions_lJbd^cx_.a-nd,-.fish
samples were done at the Ana lytic al T ■ 11 o r . tory«/
Maaras using Atomic absorption spectrephotometer(AAS)byme.
The results of water. Heavy met il and Plankton
analysis are given in T ible 1, II and III.
Rable . I
Tungabhaari River Water Quality as observed on 24.11.1984
OF area
AOF
Par uncters
c
25.2.
1 'ater Temp. (CO
7.21
PH
6.40
Dissolved O^(ppm)
'9
110.0
TPPM)
Alkalinity IPPM)
18.0
C.O.D(PPM)
Total suspendedSolids (ppm)
He wy M»-r ;.ls
ZN
Cr
Pb
Hg
Cd
(mg/ml)
0.04
nd
nd
nd
nd
OF area
GFUS IM
HPF
26.4'
8.77
3.20
260.0
280.0
50.0
26.3
7.01
3.00
340.0
370.0
78.0
3.20
nd
rad
nd
no
2.26
0.08
nd
no
nd
.
BOF
26.0
7.09
5.20
180.0
68.0
1.0
0.03
nd
no
nd
k
E
nd = not detected
T tble II. Heavy Metal contents in adult
ilsh (Puntius K> lus) Collected from OF regions
of GiUSIM and HPF.
METALS
zinc
'hr rnium
Lc ad
Mercury
Cadmium
Concentration (Mcj/q.Dry weight)
82.0 - 120.0
‘
0.12 - 0.13
nd
nd
nd
H
I
I
“
’
“TTble III
Analysis of Plankton sampj.es collected fr-..m Tung, ithaclra River
AOF
OF are-i OF area
GRASIM
HPF
BOF
------- (No/1)
Synedra Sp
Spirogyra Sp
Podis !itrum Sp
Gonochilus sp
Vortice Ila sp.
Mcnostyla :Sp
h*
f
TOO
3CF
IO
60
nil
nil
nil
20
20
nil
nil
ni 1
20
nil
20
nil
nil
80
nil
nil
nil
10
nil
nil
10
nil
nil
nil
the
Director,for
kind
infurnut 1 n
Submitted to
'J
/ANNEXURE
TELE:
Q
O
*•
O
tn
I sr I
• co
04
I
I CM
I i0
CM
O O mo ff>Q in o
mo >O SO cm o
From
TO
I
M
J
i
ji
i’l^
l‘o*
• CM
x:
I
i
e w
u-o
rj O
> S
•
ff: e*
CO
O
ft
O
1°.o
qo o m
O O o cmM
o
.8
'.^2. H_
O
O
( O
O r~- O rH i m i o i
in
O mO co
o
m
LDOOuniDOLDOO
I
cm
■I <N
-•
x:
in
1
ri 3
e mJ
ft <0
‘I
1
CM CM CM
•H
w t>
>H
s
o
c
h3
■
r <* q
W
I
rj
'li’P
'4 O CM «
il
w
6
1
2
ft
s
.a
g “
r
w
ft
11
I O*
• CO
I X
I CM
I 10
i
• ST
I CO
mo
cm o
\O o
cm in
r cm
I
• e*
I co
1'
I
I
i
I
1* UT*
CO
fe1 rM
un
m cn
CM CM I
I O vD I
X iom
O O
O mo I
• • • I
I m r- m
i
I
i
l
-P
3
THE DIRECTOR
Mr. S. K .Hirem. i th,
President,
Transhational Centre (TNG),
Medic ri-581 2U
Tq: Ranibennur,
Dist.Dharwad,
Karn it aka.
Sir,
Kincily refer your letter No.TNC-27/336/84 dated
5.12.84. I find that the line of study suggested by
Sri C.K.Murthy, Asstt.Director of Fisheries (Riverine),
Govt.of Karnataka- in his D.O.letter Nu.RSH/l/84-85/9
dt.9*7.84 and the suggestions made by Karnataka State
Pollution Control Bo^rd (letter No.DWR/3/lND/*%-8/8415691
dt.3.3.84) are quite useful. From the various reports
it is apparent th it the fish kill curing Feb.'84 was due
to low DO in the Tung abb a ci ra river duu to uncontrolled
discFT^rge of effluent from 14/s Harihar Polyfibre. Moreover. 3.~7~^~S'.l"ppm of zinc has a Is o been detecfc^-iD----the effluept of M/s; Gwalior rayon which is also dr.-iincu
eLflucnt in the saic river. The effects of zinc on growth/
reproduction and met bclism of fish 'ire needed to be
studied. The report on survey 0*. the river carried out
by Sri K.Q.Joseph, Scientist curing 23-24 Nov., ‘84 is
enclosed herewith f^r further information in this reg ire.
Yours f lithfully,
Sd/fur DIRECTOR
i
I
CM CO CM
m HH
Enclc: As st JtfG
000
in in in
i
l
I rCrX | I
i
i
i
l
l
I
m CO CO
cn cn
[o
I
O O
m in
1 • • 1
1 cm r- i
• CM
I . .
•
£
H
Q
r*oor^c*'incMOO
CO CO CM
cOQorocncM'-iOin
ooooA'y'-icoincM
■y m
CM
rH CM
I cm
l’
I CO
. Ch
I rH
o
• CO
20
(J
Uw
TJ
rH
C E • •
n rj Z
I ST
• CO
Q
4!
* ™CM
o in o m o o o
O NO
oo
• •••••• I
in \0 m co o m o •
m o cm xo co t-" in
cm co co cm m CM CM
n
s
!
•
i
I
u
o
i
o
m
I co
CENTRAL INLAND FISHERIES
RESEARCH INSTIT TE
Barr ickpore West Bchj'al.
Datfed 3 JANUARY 198b
1
••••••
I > m m m m m
o
cot'Chr'incMCOO
CO CM ■H CM CM CM
CN
&
g
IRAM: FISHSEARCH.
BARRACKPORE
PHONE: B'PORE 161, 321z 322
/X.1
I CM
01
r cm
cn
• CM
Ji
€
i.
w in
4J -H
§
c u
j
5
£
c
d
3 'U
i—< O'
r< 'O
r< -h
(0
rj p
W CO
i
<—< M*
i' i §
E -H
0 r4
OJ MM MM (1.1
1M O OT fl
•H M
qj
.
3 f) 5
C ' ro r-M
(U l> M M
OJ -H fl
> C ffl d 'H
-H P rU
r.)-H Jux: C
r; £■
-H nJ ‘u ri
fi rjrj C
gi EO
JH
>
t
E -J < '
0 o
r! -H -H 1 3 X2
ftOCMZrXX-in^O
i’
/AWE; UK‘E 'iH'/
/
, , •,r/?PY'-rnm^nt
Karn.at iki
N. .rGM/GV’S/Lab. 10/Cjl5 .
office of the Senior Geologist,
Ground Water Survey unit,Dept.of
Minus and Gee-logy/Belgium.
D-.it ed 01-9-198‘x.
TO
Thu Asst.Ex.Engineer
PHE Sub-Dn.Ranebennur.
//iNNEXUkE
I, Dr.S.L.P-iW ;r, M.n.B. S Private Medical Practiti
oner (Age 40 years) residing at Ranebennur woulo like t
report preliminarily as under:
Sir,
On hearing some complaints from the fisherman of
Hirebidari, Mecleri and Airani villages situated on the
left b-ank of Tung abh^dr i river supposed to be affected
by HPF water pollution - two Dermatologists from
Div-ing^re and I examined the fisherman and our observ itions are as follows:
Sub: Chemical Analysis of Water samples reg.
Ref : Your Lr.No.PHE/RNR/CaS/84-85/595-A dateo 7-7-84
Please find herein unclosed analysis results of fourteen
samples of Dharwad District, sent to this office vide letter
hove for chemical analysis.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-Senior Geolosit
Name of the Doctors:
1copy’
1) Dr.Murugesh, M.D. D.Y.D
Lecturer J.S.M.Medical College, D.nvangere
Government of Karnat ik-i
Office of tne Senior Geologist/
Ground Water Survey Unit/Dept.of Mines
md Geology/Belgium.
Datec: 19.9.1984
No. GM/GHS/L.ib.10/84-85
53801
To.
Thu Asst .Ex.Engineer
2) Dr.Rjjashekhar, D.V.D
Lecturer
•i)
PHE Sub DN.Ranebcnnur ^hqrwac district.
Sir /
To.
Skin camp conducted
of HPF.
About 2
Mines and Geologyz Bely ium.
Dated 9-10-1984
The Asst.Ex.Engineer
?HE Sub-dn. Hine ben nur Dist .Dh,->rv/ id.
Sir,
Sub: Chemical ^n .lysis of water samples rug.
•Re.: 1. Your Lr .No.PHE/RNR/Cs/84-85/
dt.1.8.84
2.
"
PHE/RNR/DR/US/84-85/712 dt.16-5-84.
Pie isc find herein enclosed analysis results of
twuntyfive samples of bh-^rw id District, sent to this
office vide letter above for chemical analysis.
Yours f.ithfully,
Sd/Scnior Geologist
‘copy '
.t Hirebidari village downstream
fishermen md other public were examined.
Most of the fishermen Were suffering from 'Super
ficial Folliculitis"
Sub: Chemical Analysis of Water samples reg.
Ref: Your Lr.No.PHE/RHR/COS/84-85/639 dto.20.7.84
Please lind herein enclosed malysis results of
twelve samples of ^rwad District, sent to this office
vide letter ibove for chemical analysis.
Yours f lithfully,
Sd/- Senior Geologist.
' C'-PY'
Government of Karnatak-a
01 lieu of the Senior Guoioyist,
N> .BGM/GWS/L-^b.lO /84-85
Ground Witcr Survey Unit,Dept;of
5177
J.J.M Mud.College D->vangere
b)
Another skin camp w ts c-. nducted in a controll vill ige Tauuninakatti - upstre am of HPF
about 25 fishTrnSn were examined along with other
public.
None of the fishermen except one or^two
wr.rc suffering from Fe.llicula<L dermatitis :
The Skin specialists after refering literature
are ol the upiniong th it tills skin olse^sc which is
rampant in the fisherman of Hirebid .ri village could
be due to irrit tion by mineral adds.
A det lileu report will be submitted in due course after g- ing through the records in dec ill.
11/8/85
Sd/(Dr.S.L.Pawir)
Ranibennur
I
GRAM: FISHSEARCH
TELE:
I
;<t /
/ANNEXURE
barrackpore
Central inaind Fisheries
PHONE: B'POPE 161,321,322
Research Instutute
Barr.ckpore, West Bengal
Dated: 12 April 1985
NO.104/TC/85-
/CAR
THE DIRECTOR
To
The Member Secretary,
• Karnitaka State Pclluticn C^ncr.,l
6th, 7th and 8th Floors,
Public Utility Builoing,
M.G.Rcad, Bangalore-I,
Karn it aka.
o.iro t
Sir,
Subject: Survey of Tung thhaura riv<_r by CIFRI
i
erpRT/S/^.^f tO1TYr 1Ctt"r N°-UWiy3/IND/AE8/StudyCnF,RI^ 5?/18u13
ttG 13‘2-83- No conclusion can be drawn
bv Sr?!? c
fnvtsti9 ■‘tional report submitted
Srl K.O.Joseph, scientist. However, some important
trends^are noticeable in the information. It reveals
that the tJJtfaUtegign Qf Harihar polyfibre (HPF) exhibits
more adverse, hydrobioiogica! conoitions a mpareu to that
Prt'Svnc« OI both^p.A Zn .at the outfall
<J^ 2n at the cut f all of o.RASSIM indicate more
tex.ic nature of- the effluent l.t out from HPF. Non^-covery of water quality like DO, Zn & Cr has been felt
uptc' I5An4-' downstream of bgth the effluent discharge
points as compared to above the outfall zone.
Bioaccumu
lation of Zn and Cr in fish body has been detected.
pyrth<r invosti tion in this regard will throw more
light on extent of pollution vis.-a-vis aquatic productivity.
1
t
I.
i
Yours faithfully.
(A.V.Natarajan)
Director
r
I.
Copy fcrwarced to sri S.R.Hirem ith, President Transriaticml Centre, Medlar 1-581211, Rnnibennur Taluka,
K^rn .t ika for inforntitie-n with reference te> his lette
no.TNC-27/85 dated 22.1.85.
I
I
AK
"REPORT OF THE VISIT TO THE
/1S op STUDY ON
tungabhadra
RIVER"
- ----------- --
The study
«-■
team consisting c-f Dr.A s ^alnnk-1
r - ,
r..f Botany,
R,
Karn,taka Unlv£sit v Dh^d
'
Department of
Dr.P G Dandav.tlm.th, Sri.C.K.M thy an^M Y tol?^
vis itcv.
the following areas of stuc.y cnAlst July
From
>
/annexURE
Sd/Director
1. NH-Rrioge
2. Halasabalu
5. Combined effluent(Finally Treated Effluent)
r ilahalli
S.'Wcbidari
2. Raghavencra Temple
SSsii'l'ne
-fluent stream
o. 200 m.downstream of point «i
discharge of F.T.Effiuent
6. rtirani
10. Scm.alapur.
‘'*’M
a*
The visit u
was undert iken primarily to investigate ano
look for si._ns of visible
■ effects of air ana water pollutionalong Tungabhaora river <on both the plants ind aquatic
organisms.
The obscrv .tions nre as under:
Plant species: Some of the wild plant species
the v nX
Plant species growing near
T?he Harih.r P.lyflbre P.ct.ry
were fount, te be affected by
M the gaseous
substinces emitted by the ff tetory chimney,
Tips md tender parts of Croton .
r-L
sparsiflours a common wceci showed cle ar indication, of’
_Ch 1 O£gsis_(ghlores is is e,
one e>f the indic.^t i c ng
1 ir pollution which is
____ by yellowing
.s shown
The-yul lowing
of ilea’.ves starts
- _~7
from tip ano the margin -of leaf.
___
Similar
effects were also noticed in other *pl
dant
species such a Leucas aspera and accacia sp.etc.
Amongst all the species occurred crutonsparsif i or us showeu m-pdlmum effect.
As regard the effect of effluents it his
rivn/hSUw^d/i?
thb Vegut ltlcn alon9 tht
f fhri
luft dVWI1 atrt;:irn o£ Harih ir Polyfibres ^how gr-^.ual changes from the pollutee;
uncont areas or less conta'plnated are lS. As the effluents are get
diluted an increase in the number of plant
species w.s ebserved.
A; thH n^lnt of confluence of effluents
with river only a few species like Munnkri,
-gjilblz Gynondon Were observed. At
>
r'/
V "“T 15 km' aW'jy fr-m thl- affluents
one nv<_r bank veget ition showed different
composition like Typh ■. angustif-Jia , Moniora
spz Cyper-us rotund us, Scirpus sp~EcliFtTilfra
Yitex nog undo.
-----------------The above dbserv ition cle trly. i n,
f ,
in
ore.e-r
rtuuy
1t< thu°vcntt 'tf
nnOrL
"r to,®
th- extent . .f e.mugt causeu
CctilLt stuev
Ttareunc the £1Ct
°ry 11
'-"Lls f^tory
it n
needs
a father
OM J?
-tudy.
it might » to
possible to
to identify
identify one or tw.
u possible
-U3td
indicators
- -----°ch' inC"'n bC
used
as aS
indicators
of ofiir
Croton sparsiflocus may prove to be i
promising pl mt as an inoic .tor Of atmospheric pollution.
8<V(Dr.A.s.Sulanki)
Se//Dr-.KH..
r, «
.. .
' -3"
b^thing purposes.
is safe fo r other nurroses.
-2-
5.3
J i
7
PESIDUZL CHID RIME:- The values of residual chlorine in the
The results of the stu*y conducted on the rivers
rivers range* from nil to traces keening the
* Tungabha^ra were reporte* in the Annual reviews of 1904
water safe
in respect of residual chlorine.
A ^w MICA L NIT RD GE N; - Presence of Z.mnonical Nitrogen was jpt
an* t heyji* is cussed, below:
£ 1
I:
However the values shovy that the wat r
TEMPER'TURE: - The temperature in the river Tungabha* ra
during the year 1983-84 range* from 24°C to 28°C causing
found in the river Tuncnbhadra during the study.
no pollution -in respect of Temperature.
'calcium AND MAGNESIUM:- The values of Calcium and Magnesium
in the riv^r Tungabha*p r'nge* from 7 to n2 and 2 to 13
PH: - There is no pollution, in the river Tungabha*ra in
-espcctively.
respect of PH as the values of PH in the river ranged from
respect of calcium and Magnesium,
SULfcH/TES:- There is no pollution in the river Tungabha*ra
7.3 to 8.6 during the year 19p3-84.
CONDUCTIVITY;- The values of cnnductivity in the river
indicate that the water in the river i's unsuitable
culture.
/
r fish
But the values are well within the permissible
Hence there is no po 1 lution in the river in
in respect of chlorides^ The values of Chlorides in the
river -r=nbe* from 13 +o 124 during the study.
SULF HIDES -ND FLOP PIPES:- Sulphides and Fluorides were
found to be completely absent in the river Tunqabha^ra
limits prescribe* for the wa-ter to be use* for irrigation.
The values of conductivity in the rivers Tungabhadra
*uring the study.
gpDIUM AND PERCENT SODIUM:- Values of Sodium an* Sodium
ranged firm HI to 594 during the ye=»r 1983-84.
FREE-CB 2 The values of Free O 2 in the river indicate
the considerable pollution and the water is unsultable
Percent in the river Tunga 'ha*ra ranged from 2 to 70 and
for fish culture as the Free <T) 2 values in the river were
causino the water unsuitable for irri^natjDm
•
gt ? , p, ; - The values df S.A.f. in the river Tuna^bhadra during
generally found to be higher than the permissible limit,
5 to 49.
7
The values indicate the po1lution in the river
19P3-n4 range* from' O'. 10. to 2.41.
The values indicate
^he values of the Free-O 2 intheriver Tungabha*ra during
the year 1983-84 range* from Nil to 51.9.
the pollution to in the river tn ^gnme extent.
DI SSD LVED OXYGEN (P.O.);- The values of Dissolve* Oxygen
rOpTA.SSIUM:-
in the rivs'r Tungabha*ra range* from 2.3 to
a.6
indicatinc
crnsiderable pollution in the river in respect of D.t.
DSD:- The values of the B.« .D in the river Tungabhadra
in*ica*te considerable orga'-ic pollution rendering the
w^t^ri unsult ble for various purposes.
The values of
The values of potassium in the river Tunqa-
bhadra range* from nil to 4.
There is no pollution in the
river in resnect of potassium.
NITRATE NI'TFOGEN
ND NITRATES:- The values of Nitrate
Nitrogen an-* Nitrates in the river r-nge* from traces
to o.oo and tracess to 0.3 5 respectively. There isjio—
B.O ,D in the river rance* from 0.1 to 4.1 (Fig.6, photos
pollutt-'n in the river Tunaabhadpa in respect of Nitrate
11, 12 an* 13) .
OXYGEN CONSUMED:- The values of the Oxygen consumed in the
river Tungabha*ra indicate the, pollution in resnect of
The values in the river range* fr^m
Oxygen consumed .
Nitrogen and Nitrates.
0.2-to 22.r.
values
TOTAL H/FOMSSS:- The
---- ------ of total hardness in the
river■Tunc=bha*ra rance*
ranoe* firm
from 31 to 160. Hence there
I RD NC'IO TfL r- ND DISSOLVED)-: - The values of the tot^l Iron
and Dissolve* Iron in the river Tungabha* ra range* from
0.5 tn 4.0 and 0.3 to 2.0 respectively.
It is obvious
from the values that there is a ^considerable pollution
is no pollution in the river in respect of total hardness.
in the river Tungabha*ra in respect of Iron content.
The results of total Alkalinity wore
The
rerorte* in the form of carbonates and Bi-carbnnates,
1 iffiST H?TE:- The values of Phosphates in the river TungaThere is no considerable__
bhaAj-. range* from nil to 1.0.
values of carbonates an* Bi-carbonates in the river
Tungabha*ra during 1983-84 range* from nil to 4.8 an* 32 to
dilution in the river in resnect 'of Phosphate.
«—-----------83 r.) N; - Presence of Bnir-n was not■ foun* in the river Tuma-
263 respectively.
bha*ra during the study.
gQ..TAL. ALKALINITY; -
Generally, the results indicate that
the wat-r in the river is unsuitabla for drinking an*
I
.. 4
7.
f
/ANNEXURE, ' -‘G.
-4-
SI LI CP: - The values nf Silica in the riv-r Tungabhadra
frm P to 24 ^uring 1983-84.
K1 576570 &
Telephone No. 54752 •
scribea f r Silica for the woter to be useA for various
pu rpo ses.
PxLUMlMlUM: - The values of Aluminium in the river Tung^bhadr^ ranged from 0.3 to 32.3 in-’iceting the considerable
pollution in the river in respect of Aluminium.
KARNATAKA STATE POLL-UTION-eeNTROL-BOARi>^
6th, 7^^th Floors, Public Utility Building,
AJ O pro
bLdt
1;
_ /TsLCuJlKLcl . L
tr .
Dated: 5.10^84
No.DWR/3/IND/AE 8/84/9646
1
r
Mahatma Gandni Road/ Bangalore-1.
To
c
Telex No. 0845 2&A8 8348
Telegram: "JALARAKSHA” ■
N-> limits were nre-
The Cc-ordinator,
Transnational Centrez
Nivaieevan St ;tion Road/
D H A R W A D - 580 00k«
Od-v~, ci-*-*- C-l U <Cd
oj tjcaj
No
; 6-D .
PH
.
.
(9
OJ-
Ij
<5
I
pe
Sir,
; i River from
Sub: Analysis report of Tungabhadra
M/s Harihir Polyfibres to Kur
1— iv
. ithi viilage.
Please find herewith enclosed analysis reports/ per
taining to. the river water guality for samples collect^ from
jVs.Harihar Polyflbres to Kuravathi vill^ for a peri
from M tch, 1984 to, august, 1984,
The river w .ter sample
collected at the monitoring stations viz., upstream
Harihar Polyfibers, downstre ifn of Hailhar Polyfibers
(about 200 ft. from discharge point) and Har.lahal i.
I
pLc^p^-^
ji
?
Bridge, are being analysed for 21 parameters as indicated
in .injure - I, IIj HI-
The river water samples
collected at other stations are being analysed for 4
important para^ters onl^, which is furnished ip
Annexure IV. during July .nd “ugust, 1984, as these
monitoring station, (vjlue Annexure IV) were not approachable,
i
the results e.f the. same are not furnished.
!
H^vur,
from September, 1984 and onwards, the results w
sent to you regularly.
Rug .ruing inform.tlon regulruu on M/s.Gwalior
Rayon Silk M.nuf .cturlng (We vin ) Cc Ltd. .It is to
i
I
st.tud th t the s.me has already been fuMshed vide
this office Itter NO.DV4V3/IW/AF 8/84/7284 dt.30-3-84.
This is for your inform-ition.
Y<.urs f lithfully/
s<ymember secretary
H
I I
GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA
KARNATAKA ENGINEERING RESEARCH STATION KRlSHNARAfASAGARA
COMPLETION fEFORT
UNDER
Research Scheme Applied to River Valley Projects
CENTRAL BO AID OF IRRIGATION AND POWER
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF WATER RESOURCES PFO JECTS
3.1.3.8.1.79. Analysis of Water Samples from the Rivers
of the Southern Region of Karnataka State
K.V.NAFASIMHA MURTHY
DIRE CTO R
JUNE 19^4
__ _______ 2
i
Page -20CHAPTER-5
THE TUNGABHADRA RIVER (PHI IOS 11, 12 and 13- Fig,. 6).
5
INTRODUCTIO Ns- Tungabhadra river is the continuation of
Tunga ^nd Bhadra rivers
the rivers Tunga and Bhadra.
5.0
cembixe at Kudli in Shimoga District and merge as Tungafrom Kudli and flows about
bhadra.
TungafchS^f^
. in Karnataka State through Shimoga/*®!?fA^ll 17U,
200 Kms.
Hasapet, Bella ry an^o Raichur Districts. Finally the
river, flows into Andhrapr^desh.
A storage resear/oir
is constructed acrpsB the river at Mallapuram village
near Hospet town. The dam is called Tungabh=.dra dam.
The Tungabhadra riv^r irrigates the lands lying in
Bellary and Raichur Districts of Karnataka State and
Ananthapur, Cud^apah and Kurnool District in Andhra-
I;
pradesh, apart from generating power.
Tunqabhadr^
project is a inter-stote Multipurpose project. The
project was a joint venture of the erstwhile governments
. ®Qf Hy<ieraba<A (Left side) i^nd Madras right side, Due to
the re-organisation of states, the project became a joint
venture of Andrapradesh and Mysore.
Ibtal irrigated
area under this project in Karnataka State is 89.853
He eta res.
5.1
As an extension of the studyt Tungabhadra river f
was also taken up for the study during 1903-84.
Three
points have been selected on the river and were given
ende numbers TB1, TB2 and TB3 accordingly (index-1 and
Fig.IB)
5.2
■
'
Major industries and towns which discharge the no 1 lu—
tants into the river are, Harihara Polyfibre factory,
Ki rlosear> Bath! Sugar Works and Ho 1 alo re town, Hinnali
town, Malebannur, town Har 1 hara town and other villages
I situated along the banks of the river.
' -5~
I'
Line content in the ooay of- fish; The most toxic pollutant
in the effluent dischartcd into the river is zinc, zinc
beinb a heavy metal, is v^ry toxic and has tot the tendency
to Lct bioaccumulated in the fatty tissues of the equatic
organisms, including fishes. Such stored Zinc can find
entry into human body through fish, and can cause harmful
effects. An attempt was made to analyst the zinc, accumu
lated in the meat and liver of fishes, collected from both
downstream and upstream to effluent discharte point. The
analyse will be completed shortly.
■f
Comparision of fish catches; In order to analyse the present
fish catch, landed from riv< r stretch bbth from upstream and
downstream of
effluent discharge point efforts art beint
made to collect the data pertaining to fish catch at Medicri,
Hirebidiri from the downstre-am and at Makanur in the up
stream. The data have to be processed, which will be com
pleted shortly.
j
Review of literature: It may not be out of place, to
include some of the findinLs of the earlier workers in
this field.
I
-6from processing d) Sugars tannins, 11/ninq
□mpounds or catechols extracted during l , phe nolle
e) conversion of waste fulfite to sulfatepulpings.
•
- ' as a consequence of sulfite pulpingint.
=USS'S:
C *T3xicity
individual components This varies- with the
species of the organism. component and also with the
Recommendations ?£..
of ad
?dvisory Panel of National
Research Council of Canada
-- 1 has been provided
-d in the
annexure-3.
is
AD/l-hSt Bhr'IClo 0h‘ PUL^ Mill V.ASIES;
Xjz
i
a.
Suspended soxicis; For optimum protection of fresh
water fisheries, suspended solids concentration of less
than 25 ppm are rccomm,cndcd. Spraiitue and Me Leese (1968)
have stated that pluttint of tills by particulate
matter has bee., found to be one important reason for fish
death. Suspended solids will also increase the turbidity
of receivint waters, and this can interfere with condi
tions that favour “tood fish Fauna" (EIfaC, 1964). In
a lake- or similar site, this can contribute what Elor..nta
(1970) has terms or "lit .otroplic conditions in which the
reduced penetr.ition of sunlight affects the phytoplankton.
Parker etc. at (1972) hive reported that effluent from a
kraft mill at AJ.bc rni Inlet. B .0 .resulted in colored
and turbid waters which caused a 33)o p< r Toot depth
average extinction of incident licht. This resulted in
most photosynthetic ortunisms bcint limited to surface
waters, which in turn caused much lower dissolved oxyt.cn
levels and increased bacterial concentrations at deeper
wat(rs.
Susptndcd solids can also lead to benthal deposits
(Me known et at 1968) which produce mats on the bottom of
recei/int wate.s, with resultant abstraction of fish food
and spawning traunds (Silber 1969) Pearson (1972) has stated
that "the most serious effects oi the establishment of
such (benthic; conditions is the creation of an anaerobic
blanket deposit of fierc- and wood chips at the sediment
surface which results in the complete elimination of the
existing benthic fauna1' Lerner (1963) pointed out the
anaerobic prdduction of H S and considers
2
that pollution caused by suspended particulates is a more
serious matter than that caused by other components
present in effluents-.—
-i
■
b. Oxygen demand; The biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in
aquatic ecosystems can be increased by 5 phases of pulp
and paper operations; a) silt and orta*ic matter contri
buted by erosion in IollIhl practices; b) bark, wood
Chios and sawdust from wood preparation, (e) hood iibr<s
2inc
The Mhaal
>
contains
zinc for
published by CuXr.j'B.2rd‘fo^thfc0Ulnent ®‘ries5
2/1979-80
of water pollution. N< w Delhi) (A.nnl^entl?n and Contro1
the effluent
of afore\ i h r
fcxure-*) j However
in, soft,
izhzj even
The effect
more consplcX^ rt-Pr3d^tlon, and metabolism'
---------- 1 are
/til thes.
st factors xindicate the necessity for a
detailed study sppeadinL"r’-''over a year or two, so that
all the seasons can ue covered.
Sd//ksst Uirector of Fisheries
(Riverine)
/annexure
/ANNEXURE
GOVERNMENT OF KARNAT/kKA
Telegr-un; "JALaRaKSHA"
Telex Na.
(Department of Fisheries)
Nc.IBH:117/83-84
•!
a
Telephone No*
Directorate of Fisheries in Karnataki
Ban alore-560001, Dated:12.3.1984
IS
0845 8348
576570
547^2
Karnataka st >.te pollution control board
To
The Secretary to Government of Karnataka,
Agriculture and ’Animal Husbandry Department
Multistoried Builoing,
bangalore-560001.
Sir,
No.25, 6th, 7th & 8th Fluors, Public Utility Building,
Mahatma Gandhi Road, BANGALORE-560 001.
-DATED: 24-4-84
No.DWH/3/AE8/84.753
To
Sub: Mortality of fish in Tungakhacira River
near Harihar Polyfibres - reg.
Ref: Government letter No.AaH 18 sfm 84
dated 24.2.84.
The Project Officex,
India Development Service (I)
Medleri 581 211
Ranebennur Taluk,
Dharwar District.,
With reference to the Govurnm.nt letter cited above-,
I am to state th-t the Chairman, Karn itaka state Pollution
Control Board, Bangalore had been requested by this
office to send a team of their Technical Staff to the
spot to investigate the cause of death and report the fact.
§
I
on the Episodal Pollution causing the fish mortality in
Tungabhadra River which is self explanatory.
In continuation of this officer letter under referenc."
Copy of
the letter received from the Chairman, Karnataka State
cited above, whtrein the Tung.ibhadra River water analysis
Pollution Control Board, Bangalore and Note are enclosed
was furnisheo for the p«_rioci 13-2-84 to 18-2-84 as desired
herewith for kind perusal.
by you.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/M.Jayarij.
Director of Fisheries.
Copy submitted to the Development Commissioner and Special
Secret try (Fishuri^s), Vicihana Soudha, Bangalore with rcf
to the letter No.D.1189/84 dated: 6.3.84.
M/s.Harihar Poly -Fibers & Graselinc effluent for the
Copy to Member Secretory, India Development Service(I)
Project Office, Medleri-581211 Rinebennur Taluk,
Miarwxr District, Karnataka for information.
Director of Fisheries.
!|
Sub: Analysis report of K/s Harihar Poly
Fibers effluent P/s Grasilene effluent
and Tungabhadra river water quality
during Feb, 13-7-1984.
Ref: This office letter No.DWiy3/IND/AE8/84/
15182-83 c.t, 25-2-84 addressed to CIFRI,
Bangalore and copied to IDS.
In term they have sent a detailed report along with Note
■
Sir,
Ple.iSo find herein enclosed Analysis report of
period 13-2-84 to 17-2-84,
for your information.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/for MEMBER SECRETARY
FROf'1 ~4/S_ HARIHAR
ANALYSIS REPORT OF TREATED EFFLUENT
~
POLYFIBERS
I
L
■ w
'ANNEXURE ‘
- - OdVERNMENT OF ICiRNATAKA
Parameters
Date
PH
13- 2-84
6.5
14- 2-84
7.9
T.S.S. B.O.D.
mg/lit. mg/lit
Remarks
C.O.D.
mg/lit
200
156
1000
180
140
880
Department of Fisheries
C.K.MURTHY,
Office of the
.Asst .Director cf Fisheries ,
Asst.Director of Fisheries
(Riverine), Dh^rwad.
Dharwad.Dated: 9th July 1984
D.0.No.RSH/1/84-85 ./9
No discharge cf effluent
15- 2-84
-Do-
16- 2-84
i
Dear- sir,'
Sub: Mortality of Fish in Tungabhadra River near
Harihar Pplyfibres - Regarding.
-Do-
Ref: 1. Your office Memo NO.RSJV117/83-84 dt.26.4.84
17- 2-84
3. This office letter of even No.dtd:23.5.84
ANALYSIS R^ORT OF TREATED EFFLUENT_FR^r^s .GWALIOR F<AYON
------ -SIL MANUFACTURING . WEAVING COMPANY
Parameters
T.S.S.
B.O.D
Date
PH
13- ^-84
7.1
125
15- 2-84
8.2
30
16- 2-84
6.7
140
5
COD
52
Remarks
Zinc
34
32
Further, I wish to state that my esti
mates and observations have been made, in the best possible
manner, after utilising existing facts ana figure.
I am of the opinion that a detailed study on the effect
rag .ra.
5.1
Ng monitoring
14- 2-84
I am herewith enclosing some of my observations pertaining
to abovesaid subject.
of eifluent on the fishery of Tungibhadra Riv>-r, is quite
1500
3.7
essential.
308
3.7
.ispects:
No monitoring
Such study may need tu look into two major
a) Regular pollution monitoring in the field inclusive
of physico-chemical analysiszstudy of phyto and zoo
17- 2-84
b) Standard bioassary experiments both in the labor itcry
and in the fiuld t<. delineate the effect of identified
pollutent on commercially important fishes, and fish
fooG org inisms.
Sc/for MEb’BER SECRETARY
Further, ginc being one of the most toxic he .vy metal
especially in fresh w iters, needs greater studies.Speir(1978)
opines th it in the streams of low water hirdness. Zinc
I
concentrations grieater thm approx.0.1 mg/L are expected to
cause detrimental effects upon the ecosystem.
Zinc is also
known to cause reproe uctivc impairment of fresh water
wishes at the concentr-ition level of 0.05 to 0.34 Mg/L.
I
The t^noency of he ‘vy niee.ds inducing Zinc, to get
accumulated in the f itty tissues ut fishes and other
aquatic organisms pe-ses serious problem, even to human
population. Hence it is ejuite desir ble to hive a detailed
stuoy for a longer period, minimum of unt yeir.
This I submit xor your kind perusal ind further need
ful action.
Your s si nee rely,
Sd/-(C.K.Murthy)
To, Sri.M.Jayaraj,B.E.,Director of Fisheries, B ingalore.
Copy subniitted to.
1. The XfeNixK Deputy director of tish. rKs, Belga urn.
Copy with compliments to:
With regrds.
li
9
'T'h.
<5..n4«-.r Acqf
Fiiro^r
f 1’Hqh, rl. K .id.
r
POLLOTION COWTR^r^^-^7
No
Mut-.tn^ndS
'
No.DWjy 2/IND/AE-8/84/15691
Dated: 3-3-84
The Director Of Fisheries,
Gov»_rnment of Karn itaki,
BANGALORE.
Sir,
Sub: Mortality
StVf'syg;*1- “■“■v3/i..AB-i«svl55„.7t,
•■t Is In '•^ntinuution Of this office letter
----- *
. wO inform as follows:-
under reference.
Board ha.ve^inspvct^Q^the^filuent6^01 °f officers from the
iVs.Harihar Polyfibers Tu n hh h tre;tment P^nt of
connected places on th/ ^.g.bhadra river and other
charge point of M/s.Harihar^olvf?b °f
effluent dis1904 to 19th February 1984
ff9m 16th Febru-*Y
villagers whom cont acted during the .^5^^nSpection ^he
mortality on 14th and m+-b vZ?9 th visit reported fish
was .iso’ seen laying here and th^
fCW d^d fish
the Tungabhadra river.
°n thG lfc'£t bQnk
moot
:f£ ^-conditions lround the treatthe e-iv.r, -.nd after det -iLd
°n
left “ bjnk °i
th.re han Uen
uncont^lKo
iS £elt tiut
and possibly on account 2f po^er f^Sr^in^^^T
system to the f .ctorv
L tenure in tht* supply
I
ol.-s.r^d^L^tb^X^r'cual^
officers it was
Febru..ry 1984. ana h^d HmSst r t
lmpr°Wd fr^ ^th
l&ch tJruary 1984 and n
r^rn.G to normal on
were Lifted with effect from^the 20^%^ A>rohibitorY orders
l
incustrial effluent
------ ) is under control.
Fish- hes^.osuarch Instltut ‘"t^
^4 In^nd
the Central Inland
I
j
I
i
i
I
- • ■
-.hit the fieh T, o 7
be -malys. d°but h v*3 A
have since reported
l^d_condition and could not
<0*
I
O' O' 4*
tor k2nd Xxusae" ^ls°a .1 pollution is
ilso enclosed
Yours faithfully,
SO/.
for MEMBER SECRETARY
■ o.
-2~
C7USIN<~: FISH
XN tunc.
rOLYFI9REs:-----~ -D-3CHd^E-O^^LUBti.7rjTO7rM^^
Har-«kM/s ndtihar iolyfibers i
‘
is lo c^t id At
H^riharon the Bank 07 ^^
Kumaranatnam
• ra rive r.
The industry
ennmisstonea on 31.3.1972
and pro-luces about 17q TFD
Of rayon qr,z,ae nuJr
nr ra t .i n n nbo ut 33
-*
st rial effluents per ge
of inaud,y.
The nulD is33,000
pre-hydmiyseH nrnCess.
nroriuce-’ by the
Since th/j’re^
lu^s^“t ’ trr3lt™nt pl,nt.
river st»nd^rds directio
'176 ?nt confirming tn th->
nut up the necessary'^Ssio"
by this Bo
a rH tn
to complete the Sa^ by 3? *2%ho
^trnent >lAnt ahri
effluents meet the HvJr Ji’i u 3/ S) th,t the treated
comrlete^ the extensinns tn
r
w.
The factory
treatment plan* within the
s-me
i:^5ninT:n^^ieC4e%ns&11;;Li:2i.
an <->n 20,12.19^3,
anaerobic
I'"’ r a r>l ont
time will be
is beine done!
the °rer',tbns nf
the Plant, which
P°b-19O, there were reports of fish
h
Wrlhar
r
wrs tAken by this Bc.Arr- t" A r■^^ion
un-’er secti-n 32(1) (c)
r1-'-hi bib . ry o r-t,, r
effluents fmm th? Lctr n,
si™?t
^sch^rao xx of
effluents from the
site fn r sUrvey and tnsr,e^ton
kill in
of effluents beino discharged; the stabilisation
process on the plant, maintenance and operations of
the lagoons e*c., were issued. The Board is closely
monitoring the quality of the rtv~-? r wat: r for~~a
■
consider ble d.is t * nee dr Wn s t ream.__ There has-been ns
untoward incident fpm 26.2.^ 1111 to-d=.y that is
for a period after the prr hibito’ry orders we re lifted.
ar
‘7
Therefore this can be a puie instance of acute
rower shortage beino felt and nawar failures, as si-multnaeously at this point of time the caotive rower
T'lr-nt of the industry also- out of corrrnission, unernt rolled discharge from
plant of such magnitude cannot
be ruled nUt.
Instructions have been issued to the
Industry to creat spate? cepAcity out of rhe abandoned
anaerobic laroon, jr- that a twi days' storage at full
production level of the untreated effluents can be
created £n the factory itself to take care of any
imbalances in the system on account of rower failures
and the sto rc-d effluent ran be later on Passed thr-unh
the effluent tre-tment plaDr and at any given t-ime and
■only the treated effluents conforming tr- the standards
laid fy,wn by the
^re di5Ch-rnPa into the rivir.
's at present, the situation is well un-d-zr cnn+rl.
s<V-
CH'in^AN
control measures.
s^A
It woul^ r-,..-,
appearx that on account
account of
of frequent
frequent rower
failures, uncr'ntr-'ller’
ce
to
the
rlv^r
harqG
4°
f
trG
^tor
1 effluents
^i^ take r>l
ct w me rive?r causina, fish kill
The
fish kill
^«nstregmWaSTh^ D°»P ?
ext?nt of 10 to Is’Kms.
[
i
hove CA^th^ish^nlr 1OwD-"--
th.- rlvr mL7ht
thr
irnnl-'rnent"tizon of the prohibitory or^r •
the D.O levels reerv-rpd to 2 mcr/1. dnwnstr-am of the'
inSKm2r9a rr'int tO 7*6 mg/1- ^'Hirobadre villas ^ut
D°0 ?cvAl''W?StfVm; On 1?th
ir>th Peb^ry ‘3-1, the
D.O levels just below the discharge rrint itself wa010/1 ’ as nJ1’ effluents were beinn discharged.
■
rivorSinae\°u a1O£e rrDnitorin^ the D.O. levels in the
river had picked to normal statSz the pro hibitr, rv ordar=
?^h^^ctinns hA . been issu.:r
cn. industry regarding the manner of treatment of
2
s
■ ft: r MEMBEf.-SECFET,'FY/
K^rnot.^k-- Sr=»te Bo^r’ for Prevention
enH Cbn+ re 1 of Water To 1 lutionz B^noaIn r■■ •
IT
-4People of Nalav-guly are appalled that the factory,
management which has spent Rs. 25 crore on the industry has
been’unable to supply the agricultural scientists with
a gas cylinder and - ther instruments to enable them to
g-nduct their experiments on the e-rth
effected
bv pollute^ water from waste chemicals.
Thansk t this
snafu, the term of the university’s evtension taam is
being extended indefinitely. Till the exoeriment is
-ipd the results are known, water from the
Snks sha^U rontlnue to pour into the Tungabha.r,
^d the Karnataka Government shall not clear the lift
I
irrigation scheme.
Scientists and analysts of the Bangalore Water
“ntt^ - 1yhfeiLrrvr.ntSiinqHa9riharroS"!Thef“
^ireSn^oTFbe^e n^gV^SrSj they
•I:
jW-
ration. Once
leave on their own ^nt^,
manegeration.
ment vnuld hardly'* have
n f?rk out anything as comoensation
"The factory could
wJ}ether we stay on here
amidst our Inslow
death
;
PUhp “
C le^ve them free
pull out on
our own.
management will come out
on top and save roney"!" '
resI;onse< Vhllin is indignant.
"It is a
Problem created fey the Government. The ball is now in
their court", he sais £sked if Harihar
----------- Polyfibers would
oear the cost of rehabilitating
• • •t1e:Uvpfed villagersinot'.
ELturiKl to do go.
11 not commit myself right now on the
subject".
It is certain that
the slow,
agonishing
^eath is gradually reaching itsas climax,
n^b^dy
r seems
^°in
-2y
tO heln the •'’™^ed village r
of Nalavagulu and its 3,000-odd inhabitants.
r*’*
ana
!■]
-5human blonr. vessels be free from its effects? The
inhabitants.
slze
?bie_nu
X^
~
sizeable
number.
“The factory management ;
But instead, it is prepared to
all typos of pollution, , temnle and then surreptitiously
rmney frrr constructing a
the’polluted water from the tanks into the
turning on t
Tungabhad ra".
r
94 H-nirs of exposure to the Nalvaguiu
Less than 24 hours
v
itchy ana Our eyes watery,
atmosphere was enoug tprincipal of J.J.MediYet Dr^J^^^X^”--e-^Htamli'es fr>m Nalavagalu was 3s
cal college, Davanagepe eig^
shetty said some pc^pL
lii
1
11l
I
‘•sfsai’fe.sst’«««
of jaundice which was prevalent in an a
But he was not aware of any s^^a°^^perintendent
Nalavagulu
a^eri^efieral Hospital,Bavanagere.
!*
I
- «« -
f.
;;
and from where they came.
po iecup: A -fire, sc^ol^cber^ente^t^tbero
has been no let u*
a} , fors social workers and enviN^vasulu-politicans legislat
r.ght anr, to elimlnat(
r^nmental scientists- hold the village with its upturned
tho blight which has
water and poisoned atmosphere,
soil, polluted drinking
But these a11 have been mere
in its vice-like grip,
promises air* bland assurances.
have been presenting
The Lang suffering Navagulans
’••Please offer us 4C acres of the
only one major demand.
'fiom all toxic effects oif pollution
land elsewhere free
for
each
one
of our families a hearth”.
and build j
- y but 11 year
- demand is not of tody or Y^terday
Their
Lncal
nffici,._t with stone-walling.
r.
old which has only met
toxic elements emanatthat if tals and villagers ‘emphasis
y
(X’Uld pollute and pn is ioni the atnPing from the factory
utensils and vessels, how lon'3 coul1'!
sphere and destory u
1
■
1
I.
5
1
I:
-3-
i
-2-
+.av -Fibre with which the
fashion worli is ta'le
Eb rlo m H~>pe_: Once th®
-■ Xl^ o^Ury eil^ ottVer-wflY.
smooth silken
started r- 11tation began "tai! chimneys bil^ ^^ot^^xic byThe factory's ^Ingle’ Y^V^beina •
Nevertheless the
sho we ring s^o t ti...
ted =, all liveing being.
stalk
^Xuiu| ?^iiXres go
......
unlike their
’s, stave on
stoic
- A = 11V Chores■ wi^-^^ikino
skeletons.
walking skeletons,
They a re l - berrt-rending scenes
— 3 of
1 ny,
of ag^
a<pny,
- d Lx- -. —
INDIA
and
deformity.
<•..
holding the 1 roofs*
ssuffering
1
rllno huts, beams - 1 at the merest touch,
Pillars supporting
rumble into ^ow’er^^^ articles maee
Of houses alnost
Rn<1
Pieces of rusted st r
brittle as: roasted pappa s. to
P’lyflb5es
of iron
- ^pttchcr present^'' by Harlhar
H
■s a co just crumb ip
A brass water pit
tw0 yeRrs
trlefl-tn lift it ell
t^nNlSU®n«’S P^tooranh-r tri
I
V
element are ontaminated.
afflicted
whPt Are the type of
for its unhurried
the people of Nalavagulu, osetting? Even
S^.-RS’S.^JS
ailment.
in four years, h- is u
the hospital.
*
ho spitdl. ny
Twelve year
^mB^^^^^^a^a^ign-iy-^-^^^r^ne
has already u..
non1- t-^rge^n°n hl°s sW^d/once ana Is none
t-
n
I;
!
fflicte^ by
to be ato
Every Nalavaguly hom<J Snt^s ^nks
this all
thanks3 tO t..
bewii^oting -riety ^fnaiX?inpp
V-’^^Xrks
llutlnn.
bills, ppc»-r^ck&d
nervasive, corro&x
eruptions, biiit>,
contnon sympto ms
skin and skin
yellowing
soles, SburnilgXsen^ltp^1^cgC^lrr?Jan^lunknown
Jkialai’y ° t
’ by
unknown m----Of the” eyes as in J.-.
the intestines.
islteH NAlAVAgulu butsifle every
St ran qc Diseases:
in
a
rning
we
v
The no
This uni
hutment were skeletal
nail, vomiting.
Vr>use and h
intriguing.
It
gainst the wall/ v
sarees loaning sickness' vz-^s rathe r subject themversal "no rning i that women refuse to
lady affii0’1’**
later transpire
f o r the
1— unknown ma
selves tn surgery
seen to hava
the intestine.
’• g ailments
also. Many tanks,
5 and baffli-1}1^
—
diseases
animals
St range
fence or
livestock :■and other
arc without any which graze
afflicted 1the
f
a
nth
-r
anima
ls
l^id out near
Ca+tletanks, ■’Hnk-ttW -po-1 luted wat^r
protective ring.
aisepnee rting
these t
into
The no st
nearby walK
in them.
oinstaht stream
:
a
rown
o ften
is nn
the cRUSc^ing
c
I on to
and very
in ihese tanks
^"^pps
of
water
nr
mxide
.^nd
keeps
on
aspect c
’s up In addition
.Aflltinn to Cartoon
froth th»t.bulb
V
of ithe surrouna
rIng
---- areas.
3
anO. chemical vapc-ur, this incessant froth permeates the
atmosphere azd pollutes the air, day and night. The
froth bubbles keen on popping about and their spray
settles cown on human eye, ear, rose, besides contami
nating exposed food. Mallikarjun, in his e^rly 30s
bitterly complained of partially losing his eye-sight
on account of this spr?Y while working in the fields.
At the Polyfibers premises, the works manager
Dr.Kabra dismisses the whole thing as the handiwork of
interested parties.
“Th^re is no environmental pollu
tion but nlv political pollution here and the press
has blow it out of all nroportion," he- said and refusal
to cpmment
rr>mrnent any further. Vice President and Chief Exe
cutive of the plant. K.I.Philip, however, was more for
the coming:
"This iis the only company in India, other
than our Mavoo r factory (near Calicut in Kerala), which
produces dissolving pulp with pre-hydrplysis sulphate.
We 'produce 90 percent of the country's dissolving pu^p.
Vie- havb -ut up a Rs.x.2 crore treatment system and are
^n limi R<.30,000 a. dcy to treat the water discharged.
With righteous indignation Philip explain that the
effluent discharge takes place one kilometre downstream
of Nalavagulu. The open drainage system traverses
private land of the factory.
"Why should we snend
another is.25 lakh for covered drainage pipes?
He asKs
in 1978, the factory camg to an understanding with the
Government th-=>t the fretted effluent would conform to
TCI. irrigation standards. Every nnnth the Karnataka
Water Pollution Control Board monitors the treats w t r
from the Pb ly fib res' plant and has so far not found fault
with the system.
- tptally disagree that the effluent
discharged causes pollution.
It may b%krakish because
of the ligmune waste, "says philin, as if all is well
in Halavnculu.
Artr.lttlnq thcic
Arir.lttinq
theic was
vms limits Atmospheric pollution
■— -was
— 3 using roasters
gomotimr. beck when the factory
masters Philin
Phiilo
s -ys,"'"folio
following
wing’the
rhe tnstillAtlon
installation of a recovery boiler with
J '
- ' ----layman's
electro
static precipitator
(aust-------arrestor,in in
iayman s
loncruaoc) , at a cost of bs.3.2 crore, the air the Nalavagu....s bre th is as pure as mountain air
He blames the
Ka-potala Government for not sanctioning a lift irrigation
scheme for utilising the treated relluteH w»ter f?*
which Harihar lV>lyfibers have agree,! to spend ^reatea
Ono - iiir lamented, the
the scheme
s cheme vruld divert the treat
-iffluent from the Tung*bhadra and irrigate 2,74f acr s.
Anpnlpd?T-.day all the waste water and
an'1’ sewage frem the Poly
.--brers olant Slows directly into socially laid out
r
- ’^fo-e betno emptied into the river. A five
w.io- tanko --fore beinc
1
earmarked for analysts
?T^XliX^ i-he agricultural university in Bangain re
-o conduce' o.p-rlim-ntai farming practices
trC. w,rer.
This experimental forming practices
Utillslni -le treov-fl water. This experiment* 1
_
2;.UriVAtron is expected to sproAfl over
i-hiee
■ >re
But the agro-ccnnomlsts anfl plant p*tho
legists Of the agricultural university on this ^ensi'
uoix have been handlcapr-e'’ by lack of special sensitive
] Ab-) rat-* ry instruments made of glass.
1
1
I
■1
I
g
I
If
a
■
/ANNEXURE
FEBRU/RY 1-15,
J
I
Zannexure
s
T
19P1-
1 NVE,STIG-”TIP N
Dcffth <~>f a Village
1
GOVE,^lMENr OF Ka NATAKA
Nc'.HF’
132 CpE c8
K rn'.t
.
G, v.foment SccrCt-iti-;t,
M.S. uilting, ill Stige,
r ang-ilore, Dt: 21st Jan 1981.
MFETING NOTICE
A meeting to discuss the shifting-of the Nalwaqal _
village in Dharwad Dist.to another alternative place
as well as to decide the execution of the Lift Irrigation
work by utilising the treated effluent of M/s Harihar
Polyfibers will be held in the Gh.ambers of Minister for
Health & F.W on 24th January 1981 at 11-00 A.M.
A background note prepared on the above referred
subject is enclosed.
You are requested to kindly make
it convenient to attend the meeting,
the above
referred place, time and date cf the meeting.
sd/(M.V.Muadebihal)
Deputy Secretary to Government,
Health & F.W.Department
1 To:
The Secretary to Govt.of Karnataka Bangalore
The Revenue Commissioner, Govt, of Karnataka, B;ngilore.
The Secretary to Govt.Agriculture & Animal Hus1 andary.
Bangalore
The Secretary to Govt.Health & F.W.Deptt.
The Special Secretary, (Irrigation) Govt.of Karnataka
Bangalore
The Chairman, Karnitaka State Board for Prevention and
Control of Water Pollution, Bangalore.
The chitf Engineer, Minor Irrig.tion & PHC North Eharwad.
The Director of Agriculture, Bangalore
The Director of Research, University of Agricultural
Science, Hebbal, Bangalore
M/s Harihir Polyfibers Kumarpatham, Harihur.
The Deputy Commissioner, Dharwad Dist.Dharwad.
Copy
for information to the Private Secretary to
the Ministry for Health & F.W.
pollution, the dark side of rapid industrial develop
ment, tends frequently to be hid-’en fr>m the public view.
But anyone who has live- near a factory or rower station
knows the perils nose^ by the poisonous rubbish that is
pumpe-1 into the =»ir, ^umpe-’ on the roadsides and fields
orcallously discharge'3 into rivers.
Few places have ex
perienced the dancers pose1 by pollution as starkly as thcviHagers of Nalavagulu in Karnataka who have been fighting
an 11 year bed tie to protect themselves firm effluents
discharged by a chemicals factory one kilometre away.
Last
fortnight, INDIA TODAY’S South India Bureau Chief SAM RATAPP>
and correspondent SREEDHAR PILLAI visited Nalavaculu to
investigate the problems faced by the vi Hagers.
Their
repo rt:
NALAVAGULU Village on the banks of the Tungabhadra in
Chitradurga district
Karnataka, caught in the vice-like
grip of escalating atmospheric pollution and contaminated
water supply faces slow though relentless death.
Within
the ambience of the industrial township of Harihar, home
of Birla’s Polyfibers, 'the 3,000 — odd nopulation of
Nalavagulu today faces a orim prospect;
cling to the land
of their forebears slide down into extinction or shiften
masse to some safer haven. A.K.Abdul Samad, Karnataka
health Minister, after his recent visit to Na lavagulu, said
there could be m compromise on shifting the people, which
hacS been the consensus of the populace of this .unhappy
villaae for almost
decade n^w. All th^t is needs is
40 acres of land *na ena^gh funds to build them modest n-w
dwellings. But who is going to foot the bill? The
Karnataka Government has not shown the slightest, inclin tion ror has K.r.Philip, Chief Executive of the *.25
crore Harihar Polyfibars spread over * sprawling 00
acre campus.
The Nalwagulu villaqers hardly have any escane batch.
f strange mal^gxips the people
even their
w.,s set in motion following the going on stream of Kari
h-r- ^iv^'bers in H69. The villagers describe th- maxa y
as “a strJ.nce type nf tuberculosis”, which could nrov
fatal apart fmm being debititating.
Where the Birlas chose in the 160s the lani between
th^y»Xt,.W3bun1ant
500 ^a^^v^hrCate/fall^^^
I
gifts
its devotees),
^n
turned out to be a nightmare.
.. 2
-4-3-
.
i of the -»bove Agreement,
and effluent under condition
it is stated as follows,
and maintain tw> sets of
Pl-^^nt tn.
Tanks of adequate
effluents of the pulp
Factory and to utilise
r^ise Agriculture fmm the lanfl to be
poreolation water
rr>.->n+-
I.
aownstreams ofthe River.
effluents
9 ,< 70 from
- • i a.->tcd
fpnd
«+-■»-pr Nn.U.e.xx-*-*
fs p .r tletter
NO
Analyst
•- ■
2 „ qPnir'r Chemists an'’
respect of
C.P.Hartman SBanonlo
05)ncl71
Shrl C.P.Hartman
re-9 in X Tungdbhanra
analysis
,.,f riV;r
• * - -) is
an'1 Wrt-rt
,r wM?/r samoles ■
The opinion
opolyfibre
f
. Bxwrnatldh
cwrv e
effluent.
-1by °fr»
faew^
—
/ polluted
Rlv or water sent
I
as fo 11OWS .
The sample
human
chemic’’!
>e r t r
■ -- adjudent to
the bank of the
The vi113^
I(irnises and on
f .V ryill-ution
— - of C1 beTnq omitted
>lyfibre highest
a result
an
d
sm
ke b^lng
nnt
suffers
River
*
1V1;. gases
the Chimney which a
-r the
ocaused ’by
t e 4=-.rtPiV
;
through
tntt'uy
1 utinn °t nr J
• re is
po 1
propose that
above ftC
this ........
putp^c 1
x^vel =>n<’ it 1 s
.
safe heights tP
level
gmeentration.
sefq
—.-nt ratio n. Fn r
of t’alaV’’q
be
vill^g
1
?
the
litate tthe whole
V1.e Chimneys ^7
may
aAvisabie in reh
distances.
numb1- r 7,
Pt P safe
lent io ner’. nb'JV'^
view of the points m<
8. In
n
is suggested3 as follows
it
necessary ar"TXnrtlon' thrtugh^he y^r
=>} The necessary
.^^
“rtSirinrtX^n, if necessary by
(
see th^t
all
24
hr-urs
cirtifloculrtor.
fo r
providing one
• . ensure* thrt the effluenl■ w^rlngOnns
b)
It
is
Ch^i\r?^r^irt ou^n^Xtl- for any reason
’h:;x222!..h
throuohout tn« y«
or defects.
The -bove suggestion should be implemented forthwith
’ ‘ - action by the Department of Health and
by necessary joint
F.wYservlces and Boar'’ for prevention of water pollution.
the entire
has get
from the
from
r of effluent
rtibm c?uaI
that to let the
. ‘\__i„„n-ure
agriculture crons ano pete
usea for
lea into the river.
is
correct o £.
len^ to 1be
Erectly
the riv^r^ nf fgpeement
water
effluent
lai'1 aown in tte
w,ter has ‘Tt
The conditions
g
of letting out of t haZfl
to
'1 ras
f'
tO abo .
in respect
s --situated
imnlimented in o i er
.
viliag-is
the
to
10 be
000 p-'pul'tion reslr'ing in r
tn Havanur.
the discharging point of"
I
c) The entire quantity of effluents being discharg~’
every dAy directly into the river should be utilised for
Agriculture crons ?s ner the deed of agreement and only a
pereclated water from this land should be allowed into
the river.
, . 4
The meantime. the necessary preventive action to be t n-k-z-n
int pollution Of water, by effluents may
ithotities recommended.
Sd/Sd/-
District Health and
Family Welfare
Officer, Dherwed.
Assistent (bmmission-er
Haveri Sub-Dn*Haveri.
SH/-
I/c Assistant Engin er, PHE,
Renibennur.
1
ANN
R
-2-^
JOINT INSPECTION 1-ErORT
In the matter of pollution of Tungabhadra River water
as a result of c’ischarge of effluent from poly fibre
Factory, Harihar, the Joint Inspection by: —
1. Dr.s.B.Kalasoo r
Dist.Health and F. W.O f f icer Dharwj
2. Sri M.Eraiah.,
Assist. Cbmmissioner,Sub.Dn. Haveri
3. Sir Paf’manabha rao,
:
Jr.Engineer, I/c of Asstt.Executive
Engineer, PHE Dn.Ranibennur.
4. Shri P.M.Subbaiah., CEO TDB Ranibennur
5. Shri B.K. Nan jundagouda, Tahasilda r, Ranibennur
6. Dr.B.N.Sanklinur, Medical Officer, NLCC Hav^ri.
7. Dr.N.M.Naik, AMDH Aitrani.
was done on 18.8.1975 at ab^ut 12.00 afternoon to 2.30 P.M
i
i'
I
Shri Raj Gopal Technical Officer, Polyfibre Factory,
Harihar and Sri V.B.Kulk=>mi., Public relation 0 f ficer., ro lyfibre factory, Harihar were present at the time of inspect! >n.
On cping through the inspection as regards after beino
taken from Tungabhadre river for the use of above said
factory and inspection upto the point of discharge of effluent,
the following points are noticed and the information as
regards the use of water etc., w-s provided by the officers of t
the Poly-fib
_
' re factory
~v
-present
at the time oF inspection.
T 1. The total in take of water for the factory per day
in 48,C00-are from the Rivr.
I
2.
i
I
The arrount of water used in the process of making
pulp is being utilised 44000 out of which the amount
of w^ter that oomes out of the factory as effluert
is 30,000 Cms. the remaining 14,000 cms water is
utilise’ for fibre factory.
3. This 32,000 cms of water coming out of the factory
is being subjected to chemical dioojss as follows:
a) The effluent waters is first t=»ken to clarifloculeto rs - Wh re it is stores for 6(six) h’rs.
I
I
h
i
i;
b) From the Clarif locul^to rs the effluent is led
to a chamber in which is the affluent is said...
to he subject to chemical treatment where 2.1
tons of Urea 1.5 tones of B.H.PCDiamin’phosphate)
is being used p'r ev ry 30,000 cms of .ffluent
water.
c) Then from this chemical processing chamber the
effluent water is I 'd to lagoons which are
seven in numbe r.
d) In these lagoon during which time the effluent
is seif, to be subjected to r’ry through mecha
nical air triers which are 19 in number situate
in the 5 lagoon.
e) The flluent water t=>kcn 6 fl=ys to pass f rn m t ho
1st lagoon to the last lagoon.
f) The wa! - r from the last lag'on is loA out by
open cutter f’rain to flow an^ is being
for
discharge into Piv-r Tungabha^ra Piv'-r directly
about
km downstream from village Nalavagal.
.. 2
1!
There is a seperat--. open gutt~r independent of thio
Ch-mirt]1XnU9h WhiCh tne effluent water can leA fmm the Chemical nrecessing chamb~r directly withr)Ut Dassin3
t rough the lacpons.
This open gutter leads the
effluent water independently to the point beyond the
lagoons to a point where it joins the effluent wat’r
mine out of the lagoons. The above pattern meant for
fa to9!]^
wgtar safe is required to wo rk satisthe lfgo1onslthDUt being
Hire.ctly short circulating
polnts’w'y^lS^-feECCti-n°n 18-8-1579 th* fouowing
3. One cla riflo cul-to r w^s not functioning due to
some mechanical breakdown.
b) The effluent water was found to be not being
chemically treated at the chamber.
c) Ab-ut 75% to 80% of the effluent water was found
being le- directly from the Chemical processing chamber
mat out being a led into the lagoons through the separate
gutt. r is mentioned in above (4) and w.3s led to channel
directly into the gutter leading into the river.
d) All the mechanical Air Driers were found not fun
ctioning said to be due to some mechanical problem^.
e) The non-function!ng of one of the cl^ riflouculato rs
w-s noticed during the previous visit to the polyfibre
factory, Harihar by the DH & FW Officer, Dharwad in which
time the o n-functioning was explained to be due to regular
periodical cleaning of the tank.
to
bf the land^within the,
premised of the po lyfibre’ facto ry is being used fcrr
growing s?rne crops like, grass, maize, banana and coconut
etc..
The agriculture operation is being said to be irri
gated by using effluent waf-r aft^r being chemically treated
and gypsum is said to be used for Agriculture operation.
The 'bovi plantation and s •me grown up maize and
Banana also was inspected. Thu maize crons seems to be
h ..althy and coconut and banana did mt look.as healthy.
The use of effluent water toward utility fo r Agriculture
operation has got to be examined by Agriculture experts.'
It is stated by the official of the ^bove factory that
about 3h,ooQi Cms of affluent watur per day can be utilised
fo j use of the- crops in an ar a of ^b'^ut 100 acms—^rs per
their calculation, the whole affluent water bf about
3C,000 cms success is yet to be used for Agriculture
purpose which needs about 100 aer.-.s of land if the whole
affluent water has to be made use of so as to avoi’ the
affluent water being directly led into the river.
7. Jn gaing through the records, it is seen that the
Deed of Agroomunt has been made on 16th Dec 1968 between
t hi. Gwalior Rayon Silk mf'a.(v/VG) Cbmpany Ltd and Director
of Health & F.Planning Services, Bangalore State of Mysore
in respect of proper disr>os61 of Factory's solid water
.. 3
T'
-4l
-5-
On the date of th^ visit of effluent, discharged
was yelloish colour and the BCD was reported to be of
the order of 150 mg/1 .
The discharce was said to be
about 450 cusecs in the river.
exhaust
The Executive Engineer, PHE Division Dharwad, h^is
given the details of the water supply position of
several villages of Ranebennur taluka and Haveri taluka
(cfopy enclosed).
fi
i
1
1
I
Further, it may be mentioned that the people of the
villages (about 4 villages upto Kurvatti) on the right bank
of the river also experiencing’acute shortage of drinking
water since waste water flows are. carried to the bank by
cross currents an^ winrl as observe^3 during the river
pollution survey stu^ief <aone by this office. They stated
to have represented to the factory authorities for providing
drinking water facilities but in vain.
The village, peopie (onboth flanks) d-n the down stream
of .Harihar Polyfiber complained of . itching, rashes and
other diseases. This may h^ve to be further investigated
with the co-o rd i nation <Df the health authorities.
Fish
life is s»id to be affected now and then beyond Harihar
in the stretches of the river upto Hirebidare village
which may h^ve to be seen and observed carefully.
Further, the Hirebidare village people are observed
carefully,.
Further, the Hirebidare village people are
said to have rejected the offers of the factory for
providing borewells and pleaded fora permanent remedy
to river po 1 lution either by not discharging the factory
effluent into the river by a closed cycle process or
use of irrigation by the factory people on the own land.
III. Air pollution caused by the Chimney of Harihar
Poly-fibe rs:Three Major chemneys are provided for dispersion
of flue gases into the atmosphere.
*I
i) The recovery bo iler chimneys a re _.prnyided fo r
recover sodium sulpha'this chimney is of about
7'6 M.Hight. The hot gas is passed through electrostatic
precipitator. The sodium sulphide slahes formed at the
bottom is collected along with the blank liquor and the
same is re—used in the process.
It was informed that
about 6 Kgs. of Sodium salts are aenorated par ton of
pulp produced with optimum efficiency.
The recovery ^f
the chemical is said to be about 3 2% and ->hout B to 10
tons of the chemicals is recovered per day and only about
200 to 300 Kgs of the sr^^iurn salts arc said to be lost
t’R’fough chemney each day.
Further, the factory proposes to install one more
recovery boiler to increase the recovery efficiently
to 95% and this is said to act as stand bye for present
recovery efficiency where one of them fails to function.
The factory intends to keep both the boilers in operation.
.. 5
characterisation of
W^s infi- fmed- that
vapours are lat out,
comnoiMs^rto^ay)11^11 bO1.1"r Chaney e-pnates sulnhur
compounds (2 to 3%) to a gr ater extent since sulphur
c ntent in the furnace oil which is used as the fu°l
of thc chlmnay exhaust
I
Factory informed that the quantity of the flue gases th ,could be disposed off through cnimney is l, 24,00C CMT/hr an^
pjesentiy about 92,000 CMT/hr is disposed Off.
^Ut £ to 6 small chimneys are provided to throwout
stroke and ash by burning of coal and firewood. They intend
to replace these boiler chimneys witff' the'sefond recovery
toiler which is expected to be instt a lied in 1978.
The chimney design details and drawings and other
logging details of flue cases quantity, chemicals recovered
were not m^de avaiiebig.
The factory authorities informed th=>t the heights of
the
chimney
are
according
’.. individual chimney
a
hC\™a
Ue^A
5u set_ac
5° rr1ing to t
the
designed pna the same is said tn be go t approved ^by.f he
fo ct-• ry inspectorate authorities and'bnilar inspectoT.’
Regarding the proposal or raising the height of the
chimneys the factory authorities informed that it would
not be practicable nor feasible to raise the chimney
height further since the heicht:: are designed on boiler
requirements.
o
No studies either by f^efry cr any etzther agency is
done €^assess tW emTtrants thfo'ugh the chimney'into
atmosphere and its effect on the surrounding environment
ond human bc-in's.
However, the factory authorities informed
that as reporfcal.to, ^jERi N^gr^ix^fter the studies were
made at Rayon grade, pulp factor, -f. Mavoor, no. harmful
constituents are reported to b? found in the atmosphere
around that area there. The rgoit of M1ERI may be calle 1
for reference which may given as idea of the constituents
in the flue gases emitted. ^Howcw r, pnllutional effect
cannot be assessed based on fhis : eport unless an inde
pendent study is made since the environment conditions
■are different basically the moisture contents in the air
is cloarly different here aomp '.ro'J to Mavoo r on the
sea coast.
The te-*m is of the opinion that in ’.bs^nge of any data
on the constituents of the- gases emitted through chimneys,
and its pollutiopaX effe.cfo.gn ai ntsphere, pecessary of
raising the height of the chimney ould not be consolidated.
Therefore the team suggests that arrangements for such
studies should be taken by the foefory and any of THe”
National Research Centres. lik«. bEERI., Nagpur to evaluate
the atmospheric pollution said to hwe b-an taken place.
Furth.-r, the factory should take up the analysis of flue
gases emitted through the chimneys and logcing of the
-m#tte-ri a 1 s exhau stc the chemica.LH rccnv-’Twl should be
ma intained.
Sd/Sd/_
(N.R.SUBFAMANYZ)
(M ERAIAH)
BnarH Engineering & Mcmb'rs Secretary KamaDeputy Di
tak i State B">-<r ' for Prevention & control
rector of
of Water Pollution Bangalore,
II
H
~2-
f
+.L hin9 section and the prchydrolysated effluents from
the aerated lagnon a.e mixed and led on to commn aerated
lagoons. The over-flows from the last / (4th) lagoon is
passe through a final settling tank of about 8 hours
detention and the overflow is discharged into the riv-r
^^eiru^nnJ\tAke nff cLannel.
Cbntinmus operation
of t;he units should be ensured by periodic checks by the
Board and the obtaining the logging details of the punining,
quantity of effluents discharged providng independent
metering devises for all the pumping units and other machi
nery abso rblng po we r and oontinuous flow recording device.
^Iso sampling devices both at inflow and out-flow of the
treatment units be regularly checked and logged and monthly
statements to be sent tn the Board for information and the
registrar must be avail-ble for inspecting officers to
satisfy themselves of the performance.
A scheme w~-s prepared to make use of the trade efflu
ents after treatment for irrigation.
Public wo rks Depart
ment prepared ?n estimat- for Rs.3.P lakhs to construct
an irrigation canal to irrig-te --bout 1400 acres of land
owne^ by private cultiv'-to rs. The Agricultural Department
is also cbnsiderino the ove personal.
ili
I
J.
The fp£lpjy—aui-ho-E-lti-e-s-info-rmed that presently the
treated effluents are_.conforming to irrigation standards
after gypsum for sodium correction and the BOD level was
fegojted .tb be about 150 mg/1 and dUe to hypo chlo rite j
treatment colour rQ-'luces fram 6000 to 500 hazen William' S
Unit and in turn this partially reduces the BOD due to
precipitation in early reaches to a harmless condition
to men and cattle.
The 'factory authorities informed that they would
be in position to opingjjown the B3D level to 100 mg/1
by another one year by which time the aerobic treatment
sys' cm gets stabilised and expressed difficulty to achieve
a BOD level of 30 mg/1 being the prescribed standards.
After this the biifluen • s could be dischahged into inland
surface water.
I I
!•
Incidentally it has been impressed to authorities
to totally remove the by pass device prior to treatment
which at present is working off and on defeating the
treatment done when pass is off, as let of time will >e
needed to stabilise the system.
If necessary a duplicate
treatment units, a re to be provided. If for any reason
they have to take shut down of the present system.
This
may r result to an a Inn st nearly fool proof of system so
far as the beneficieri-os of the riv- r wot' r now effected
by the present single treatment passages system.
The Stat? wat-.r pollution control Board is taking
ar'.n ropri ate action to see that the factory implements the
scheme to company with the provisions of the Water
(prevention and control of pollution) Aot 1974.
This team has not again diSCUS6ed the points already
covered exhaustively in the:-
i. Three men cr? mm it tee "Report on the pollution of
Tungabhadra riv r by the industrial wastes from
M/s. Ha r i h? r Po lyf ib ■ rs 9 7 3 . .and
2. Report of the Committee on Ghvcmmcnt Assurances
of Legislative Assembly on Industrial PollutionMav 197.6..
.. 3
*
H-'-
-
II.
Providing of drinking water facilities to the
Yjjj-dges, surrounding Harihar Polyfibers.
The teamoof officers visited alona with the
following officers some pf the villages to’ascertain the
drinking water supply facilities.
a)
b)
Spi.K.N.Sethyanarayan - Assistant Engineer, No*4.PWD Sub-Dn.
Ranebennur.
Sri. S. N. Na ray an Rao
- Asst.Engineer, P.H.E.Dn.DhqrwaH.
M/s.Haihar Poly fibers have provided bore wells to the
following villages situated on the left flank of the river
as those villages hxs are severally affected due to the
pollution of river water.
1.
Nadjhali village*- The village is situated at about
2-3 miles downstream of the factory. Ponulation is about
1500. Water supply has been made by the factory autho
rities. Out of t.wQ-.provided one borewell which
is yielding ~>bout 2000 gph is provided with a pump.
It
is reported that pump is run for about 2 hours in the
morning and evening.
A water tank is also provided.
Nr> st^nd bye pump is provide'’ an*^ pilot lamp is also
be provir,C';’.
Maintenance an*'! repair w^rks are attencie^ by the
factory authorities.
The village penpie have . repo rtert
th&t they are not using the river water ^ue to heavy
pollution and their health is said to have been affectedafter the advant of the factory.—
2.
Airani Vil 1-qc t- Situated ati about 5 miles down stream
Population is reported as 1930. .The bdre
oft he 'f'a^ to ry .".
wells yielding 2010 gph of wat r are provided. Pumpsets
of 3 HP and 5 HP are provided.
Na sta-ndbye pumps are
provided. Pump house required some repai'S ground water
tank is provided. Water supply works arc maintained by
the factory.
river water is said to be not used dUe to heavy
pollution.
Airani Muth;- XktX-bO.re. wal-ls are provide'’. One bore
3)______________
The bore well yields about
well is erected with a pump.
1500-2000 gph.
The team also visited Ncyundl vi l l = ge situated at
the right b^nk ofthv river down stream ne-r confluence
p-'inf~of Varada river The river water was being used
by people for washing, bathing and drinking. The river
water was turbid.
FrurUex-n^rUfa.U-ahdHi Rp-.-d bridge situated at
about 3 5. JCms. .dpw.i stream from factory, it was observed
that the river was
turbid with colour both due
to sedimentation and turbid water. Penpl-s were using
the water for drink,in9«
. . 4
I
I T
I
/ANNEXURE Q z
KE ORT ON THE IMPLEMENT; TIO N 0 F THE ASSURANCE GIVEN BY
THE MINISTERS ON THE FIDO I-' FEG/’FDING TUNB?.GHADPA RIVER
WATER POLLUTION BY M/S.HARIHARI POLYFIBERS AND RAISING
THE HEIGHT OF THE COMPANY AND THE DRINKING WZ-iTER FACILI
TIES PROVIDED ID VILLAGES DOWN STREAM SIDE OF THE
FACTO RY:
£
The term of the officers consisting of the following
visited the H=rihar Palyfibers on 2.5.1577 and 3.5.1977
and visited some villages down stream of the facto
'
the western bank of the Tung^bhad ra river.
ii!
II
1. Sri.N.R.Subramanya:
Boarri Engineer an^ Member Secre
tary, Karnataka State Bo a r^ for
Prevent ion and Control of Water
Pollution/ Bangalore.
2. Sri.M.Er^iah:
Deputy Director of Industries
and Cbmmerce, Dharwad.
The points of references considered we re:
i
I.
Water pollution contn'l measures taken by M/s.Harihar
Polyfibers to treat and dispose the trade effluents.
II.
Water supply facilities provided to the villages situ
ated on the western side of the river and which are
supposed to have been affected by the po Hutted wat ar.
•Il
III.
!
I)
I(
1
H
■
■i
II
Aij_XPllution caused by recovery boiler and furnace
oil boiler raising the height of the two chimneys.
Water pnllutlo n co nt ro 1 measures taken by M/s Harihar
Poly fibers f a cto ry:
The team of officers consisting of Sri, N. R. Sub ram any a.
Board Engineer and Members Secretary of the Water Pollution
Cbntrol Board and Sri. N.Eraiah, Deputy Director of Indu
stries and Commerce/ Dha'wad visited the factory and
treatment works 'm 2.5.1977 along Vzith Dr. K. R.Kabra,
Technical Superintendent of the industry.
C
I
The factory was reported to have goTinenqgd the, pro-?
duction of F-ayou Grade pulp in the y-■r 1973 with a capa
city'of 6^ tons/d ‘.y'And the pin ductfr/n w-s ihefiased to
about 110 to 125..tnn ,s/dFiy_by 1973 with a corresponding
effluent ’ischGrgc of about 5.0 rngd present production
c:’pdcTtywas reportc 1 to b:. about 137 to ns /d .ay and th*cTTIucnt* discharge is 33/000 M^/day(7.2 rngd).
The trade effluents are carried in different drains
and tr'.ated..
a) The prehydrolystat.c waste is segrated and neutra
lised with lime and treated in an anaeroboc lagoon of
3 5 days detention at present output of product and
effluent generated and followed by aerated lagaon with
six days detention.
b) The pulp mill affluents and effluents from th'Soda recovery section is decolourised using calcium
hypr-chlorite solution and then treated in clarifier.
The overflows from the clarifier is treated in aerated
lagoons with five dPys of detention at present output/
r f per, duct and jrff luent geneiated with total volume
uvail-blG i.' all t he^Tae ratb rs. The effluent from
.. 2
>•-
___ _
c
I
-1-
1
■ 1
J
t
r
in the neighbouring areas to utilise effluent water for
experiement had to be conducted eto see it ’was possible to
maintain the soil in good condition.
*
agricultural purposes. The company may also undertake
th« task of levelling the lands and making them fit to
Tae Chairman, Water
Pollution Control Board, stated that the Industry had
receive the discharges from the factory.
written to the Director of Agriculture on l£th March 1973
that the effluent will bo treated by November 1975 for
use in Agricultural operations.
19. The committee felt that the time had arrived
16. The Secretary, Agriculture, was of the opinion
that the effluent waters could be used for agricultural
purpose if the BJ'.D content- was reduced to about 100.
That did not however mean he could, given an assurance
straightaway that the water will actually be used for
agriculture.
Ib r this, according to him; there were many
obstacles in the way..
Firstly, all the land in the
Neighbourhood of the*factory were in private possession
when the Cbv-rnmcnt should take a cle^r and final
decision in regard to disposal of wastes.
Since the
alternative schemes of using the effluent waters for
agricultural purposes or for forest cultivation were
not feasible in the present circumstances, the Cbmpany
should be told in emphatic terms that they should
asommission the second-ry treatment plants by September
1976 or else face the consequences of closure of the
industry. The ChmmittcQ_f.^p_Pha^ the . Limi-t-atjon of
and the owners would ha e to be persuaded to accept the
use of polluted waters fo-r c<ivation.
It was not
ea.sy to achieve this purpose, because th're was boun<i to
be resistance ft-m the cultivators,
As an alternative
it was po ssible,th«t the lands cauld be acquirer’ by
Government and be used as Gdv?.mment f-^rm.
This was
however -- slow' process and would take many years.
A time of
three nonths may be given fo r this pu rpose.
September 1976 given to the industry by the Board,
was too generous t 'king into account the fact the
factory has been in ope ration for more than 3 years.
The
Government was not prepared to take up this responsibility
at this stage.
J
17. The Secretary, Shod and Fbrost Department
stated that .the/fo rst lands about 1GD Kms. away will ’not b
able to absorb the huge quantities of
isch^rg; frirn
the fa cto ry a t the r^e of 5 mill io n g a 1 h.a n s a day.
The forest did not need much we.ter exc-pt tor some
water regtiljed by the small nursery.
Hence the
scheme to divert the waters to use in for sty was
not feasible.
Q
18. The Additional Secretary, Public vorks Deparyment observed, that the industry had an obligation to
bring dov/n the BOD content to a certain level before
it let it out to the river.
In o rdor to oscaoe this
obligation they readily agreed to finance the a.>ns'fruction
of irrigation channel.^ t a cost of Rs. 3 lakhs.
Actually,
tTie secand. ry tre-tment of effluents would oast the
company Rs,
30 lakhs .and the Gbvcmme.nt should
insist that the company should complete installation
Of second •>ry tre-^mant plant within the stipulated
.■
period ie., September 1976. Alternative schemes were
not feasible. The ?)ep<artment was however ready to put
up the irrigation channels, if a final decision was taken
to dispose of polluted Wat. r for cultivation.
If the
Company ,jo desired, it might persuade the agriculturists
t
.. 7
i
f
-4-
Jaundies and Hepatitis were rampant *a the river banks but
these diseases may ir may not be due to the p«llutl*n by
the industry.
Nb survey ef the area had been made and no
scient if ic study had Jnen conducted .
11. In the Renebennur Taluk of Dharwar District,
The pollution
can be felt upt» 2(L mi-lGs ■dQ-wnsX^c.gm.
The water under
mined the health of the cattle though in slew degrees.
The K.M.C HDsnital at Hubli which .an.alYsefL.the. wate r
in August l?7-5, said, the raw wat^r was unfit for con
sumption.
No survey was conducted, in regard to the
effect of pollution in this area als».
12. The Chairman *f the Bord aporisad the Committal
of the rork done by the B**ard. The factory management
had set up the decolourising units followed by lime
recovery.
Also, massive lime dosage a r range m. 2 nt for
ta5eSo^W«er-triK:3s5Uhte^?ef^re^^tlDnpletion of different pollution control works which was
inspect io
being closely watched by correspondence and inspection
II1
visits.
1 3 . The Gb ye rnment anno int ed a_ Qommi 11 ^e o f g3<]2.4,tto
in the ye^r 1973.... -The report c 1 rrly indicted the
industry for its callous disregard in polluting water
I
instruct.igns but did not toth.r to enforce them before
the factory went into production.
through which the river fl/*ws, about 14 villages with a
peculation of 4p thousand were..affected.
-5-
The Health Department attempted at giving a few
in the river.
The committee examined the mattar at a
time when the river had plenty of water.
It w^s rath r
unfortunate that ^sufvey wa^^ne of the effects on
That committee
river pollution durino the dry nonths.
mwevcr, even
report WPS kept In cold storage ^nd
.nd nobody borh.-red to
find our «hat follow up action
was
a ct io n wa s taken on the report.
14. The Committee tried to ascertain from the
Health and Indust rias Departments what action was taken
o n the report but m inform-tion was forthcoming.
15. The oemmittee felt that the Harihar Poly
fibres was the wj rst culprit arrnne these who
courageously polluted the environment with impunity.
Here again was the same sorry t^le of the G)v‘• rnment
remaining an indifferent spectator to the svil dee is
perpetrated on the people as a while.
Nb conditions
were imposed in the terms of licence excoot for a stray
rsf^rencc that the Sfte O’) ve mine?nt shoul'* b<s satisfied.
There was nothing
T
on record to show that the state Gtrvernment were
prevailing upon the industry to observe the elementary
precautions to abate pollution of the river until the
formation of the Pollution CbntroP-Board. Not much
correspondence ensued in regard to this matter, till the
existonce- Ministers were fnwav.-r not
w.
ing in making assuring statements to calm.down the
tempers of an agitated Legislature, but practically
no follow-up action was taken.
The industry was there
fore scot-free to discharge its unwanted wastes into
the river, without fear or inhibition of reprisals from
O vemment. Subsc-guently, the Harihar Polyfibres seemed
t° have made out a case for use of effluents for aaricultur or irrigation. On 9th October 1975 the Cbrrmitt?e
took evidence from the Secretary to Government, food
end Forest Department, the Secretary, Agriculture and
Animal Husbandry Department, Additional Secretary,
Public Works and . Elect rici ty Department, the I/c
commissioner and Secretary, Health and Municipal Admini
stration Depa-rtment.
The Chairman Board for Prevention
and C-ntrol of Water fo llution and i^s Mem>r secretary
wore present also.
Asked as to what action Government
j
had taken on the report of the committee appointed to
study this problem in 1973, the Secretary, Agriculture
and Animal Husbandry stated that Gov/mment investigated
into the Question of discharging the effluents to the
forest ovf r a' distance of 7 to 8 kms. for cultivating
irrigated plantations. The issue was considered in
fovemb r, 1973, December 1973 and in June 1974.
The
Agriculture Department tested the effluents and found
it unsuitable for agriculture orc-rations.
Th? effluents
wore then sent to the for st Research Institute at n.hra
Dun in 1973 and they replied in January 1974 that th
matter has to be referred to the National Institute at
N.-.r-pur.
The Secretary stat-.-d th.nt even if the effluent
to be used fOr
for i
irrigated
plantations, the
rri9dted plantations,
rur-off will1 cpt back to ^
t-hg
U- jJ^r.
-Y-Also, the Agriculture
Department had no experience s0 for in raising crops
by using polluted water. According to him, there was
bound to be gradual deterioration of the soil and
. .6
5
S
■
*
-3-
-2-
be let out in to Tungabhadra river.
with a production of 10 tonnes and gradually increased tn
9C tonnes. Sri Gobel infr rmed that the industry had con
sulted NEERI before going into production.
He reported
that NEEPI stated that unless, the characteristics of the
effluent were known it uould not be possible to offer
advice on the remedial steps necessary to treat the waste.
The Committed was later informed that NEEPI was aksed only
f->r characterisation of their wastes in 1972 without any
reference to the treatment methods and they have submitted
the characterisation results.
any other consultants.
The factory did not approach
The Jbmmittee felt that Harihar
Polyfibre had experience with similar wastes in their
f etory at Mavoor.
4. In the year 1972^
NEEPI stated that the raw effluent
from the.factory was harmful to agricultural crops.
In
1972, the' effluent were discharged into their experimental
farm and it was found that it would not be good for crons.
5. Asked if the industry was prepared to divert the
effluent water into the nearby forest area, the General
j.
Manager stated that the Irrigation Department had made a
survey ft r the construction of a canal and the rpmpany had
According to the nanage-r
agreed to pay the cost thereof.
ment, for agriculture even 500 BOD was not harmful, but
II
11
the Sodium content should not eve-red 60 per cent.
With
decolourisation of effluent percent to 75, it can be made
use for aoriculture purposes.
The General Manager further
The indust-ry had been
attempting to deroleurise the effluents in the last 3 nonths
_4£ing massive lime treatment.
7. Another aspect of the problem was pollution create^
by suspended solids.
The industry had installed a clarifier
sc th-1 suspended solidft
the waste wil’l'be separated^*
8. The company had dug borej^all^ at a cost of 1.35 lakhs
vh®
ib the-CQuestioned
— * *■
" closely,
'
“
the Chairman cof" the
' '
-Board stated that with the existing
scientific knowledge it may not be possible
r„
------ * tr reduce B.O.D
content of the waste water was reduced to 30 by end of
September 1976, the fluents wil) not be allowed to b©
Ifct into
into the river. Questioned further, the General
Manager stated that the company
“I “J was making all efforts
t j reduce B.O ,D content even earlier if possible.
?. The Cbrpmittee during its visit, Observed that
the final discharge of effluent into the river was darkbrown in colour. It had a pungent odour, The Cbmmittee
met a few of the villagers
»
_______________
They were all uniformity
vocal in exposing their tales of we and suffering,
The
several protests made by them have fallen cn deaf ears.
Before the industry began production the villagers were
using the raw water of the river for drinking bathing
for cattle etc.
Naw, it was unfit for any of these
'W
Even the wells near the hank we re'polluted.
1
The river
added that the forest situated 10 Kms away will not be a.
which they used t radl tlonal ly over centuries, was an
convenient place for discharge of effluent since the
anathema now and the villagers uniformly cursed the
discharged water would form into lake, creating more
The Minister for Jbrcst had visited
and note problems,
factory as the source of all their ills.
the factory and made a few suggestions but no action was
7 villagers in Harapanahally Taluka and 24 in Hadgalli
10. The Deputy Or mmissio ne r, Bellary, said that
Taluka were affected by this river pollution.
t^ken subsenuently.
6. The management however assured the committee
nronths,
JCn sunmer
He was not sure of the population
25 miles down stream.
suggested by competent authorities to solve the problem.
that was affected. Thu water in this area tasted bitter;
it had an oily surface. The District Health 0fficer
They were receptive to the suegestions of the Government
The management claimed that of all the 3
industries in India producing this typ*1 of rayon 'ulp
the Harihar Polyfibre have done the maximum to minimise
the harmful effects of pollution.
The industry had al readv
spent 28 lakhs for treatment works and was p'epared to
send another 30 lakhs for this purpose.
The Raw^tfluents
frun the factory contained 1000 B.O.D and it had to be
reduced to <- mininnm of Ji, if it sliould be alb’wod to
a3
the pollution effect could be felt right upto
that the industry was prepared to take up any measures
or the Board.
!
purposes. , It was punoent in smell, dark brown in colour
and had af-fected their health and welfare. The people
developed stomach ailments and rash on the skin.
The
cattle that drank the water cot diseases and perigjjsd.
reported th^t people complained of skin rash.
The
Deputy Commissioner said that the fact that the people
on the river banks asked for s/inking *f np re bore
wells in an area which was not affected, by water scarcity,
spoke volumes of the low quality of water in this area.
.. 4
a
i
[
/AN^IEXURE
p
Rs -OFT Op TF1E co MM Tmmp t? an r~r\
■
>.
'
H
^xented_2n_27th^M^ 1976
XX
XX
XX
PAFT_ III
3
HAPTHAR
1.
The Assurance Cbmmittee visii-AH
10th September 1975
Mr.V.P cphe!
/
The
m
•u
^mmittee was received by
. .general Manager and Officers of
The tommittee saw discharge of effluent ln
I
I t
™
a
: zsdinvhe treatraent -—betor r r1
final discharge into the Tungabhadr. river.
2. Harihar Polyflbres, whlch w?s
is situated on the bank of Ilrngebhadra rtver in p
" 1'7?
Tdluka of .Dharwa- □istriet
a "
* P-nebennur
‘
trlct- According to the General
— ge., the t,tej investment In the industry was 15 err res
rupees.
J
It ^toy^-U00°J-"to^ers and 300 ambers'
of rtaff.
r
e
I1.
»i
of
—- rcij-l ion gallons c "
■-<nd discharged as effluent 5 million^'
c
J
! !
The industry „.
s located
locatcFin
w^s
in an ar’^TT^O ,cre.
The
11.
o
■
day at the present r^te of production. The
reasons for the location
the industry
Harihar, the
Genera] Manager stated, were availability of sufficient
we re
wai ejy svstn
TT117- "W m*teri*ls
easy com.unication .
—Ji^Lb^enJ^ased to the industry fer a
peri-d
30 _y?z'rs in the first, instance.
The present
Eduction
Pulp
be.
ween 115 to- 125 tonnes a day..
The Genera] Manager stated that
uuudi t.inns were imposed
in reoa rd to the
tlB’linent ,,f effluent in the
f-ems of
licence i nue<l to the factory. There was however
a general
stipul■ tion th-t the Sf . te Government should be
satisfied
■
in regard to this mat tor.
3‘ The O’-D o-'n<-onrs Of the treated effluent et
Wf^, ...0 to 2bC mg/t ;)y .sgeirtst the permis - Ible
Hmlt of 30 mg/1 .nd in
present aonFlitlon
r
nosorble for some miles downs, re,m. apert flDm the
i j
■he General M,n.-lg.;r stated th. t the industry w >s aw.,re
lifeely to rs
^>ilc UiSllSg €he
the harmful effects of ,x Mutton by this f.,cto ry end
h ve therefore t.ckled this moblem even at the
to,oe£.
Aco'rding to him, the clnrifier was Installed
ii^lt.nenusiy wjth the
Th,.. Industry st,reted
WLERANCE LIMIT FOR EFFLUENTS DISCH ARGED FROM l^S .GRASELENE
ANNEXURE-I
Si.No.
Si.No.
Characteristics
•.u-ui Mltrcg-n
mg/1. Max
9. Ammonical
Mitrogun (asN)
(
10. Total KjeJ-dal Nitrogen (asN) mg/1. Mix
Ammonia (as NH ) Mg/1. Mix
Dem and ng/1.(5 c ;y s
13. Cnemical Oxygen Demtno mg/1. Max
14. Arsenic (as AS), mg/1. Max
15. Mercury (as Mg), mg/1. Max
16. Le-ac (as Pb), mg/1. Max
- . . mg/1. M
+6
17. Cadmium (as. Cd),
' ‘iX+1>
18. Hexavalent Chromium (as
(as Cr )mg/l. Max.
19. Total Chromium (-’.s Cr) mg/1. Max
20. Copper (as Cu), mg/1. Mix
21. Zinc (as Zn) mg/1. Max
22. Selenium (as Se), mg/1. Max
23. Nickel (as Ni) mg/1. Max
24. Boron (asB) mg/1. Max
25. ^yanice (as 'CNO , mu/1 . Max
26. chloride (asi Cl)/ mg/ 1. Max
" . Max
27. Flourioc (as F), mg/1.
■ -> ((as P) mg/1. Max
28. ^issolvuc. Phosph?xtes
29. Sulphate (is SO.)
SO^) mg/l.
mg/1 M^x.
30. Sulphite (as S) , mg/1.. Max
az’. Pheno^o pounc.3 (.s C6H50H)
1.0
50
100
5.0
30.0
250.0
0.2
o.ai
0.10
2.0
0.1
2.0
3.0
1.0
0.05
3.0
2.0
0.2
1000
2.0
5.0
1000
2.0
Absent
1.0
1. Colour & Odour
2. Suspended solids mg/1. Mux.
3. Particle size of susjjencca solias
See Note 1
100
shall pass 850 micron
IS sieve
4. dissolved solids(inorganic)mg/1 .Max.
2100
5. Temperature C°Max.
shall not exceed 40 in
any section of the
stream within 15 metres
downstream from theeffluent out-let.
6. PH value
6 to 8.5
7. Oils and Grease mg/1. Max
10
8. Total Residual Ohlorine mg/1.Max
1.0
9. Total Kjeldal Nitrogene (as N) mg/1.Max
100
10. Free Ammonia (as NG3) mg/1.Max
5.0
11. Biochei.ica 1 Oxygen Demand mg/1.
(5 days at 20*C)
12. Chemical Ox:vgen
’
Denund mg/1.. Mux
13. Hexuvalent ’chromium(as Cr+ ))mg/l .max
14. Zinc (as Zn), mg/1,
M
mg/1, Max
15 . Chloride (as Cl)mg/l.. Max
16. Smphate (as S04)Jmg/l. Max
4
17.. ^ulphide (as S)z- mg/1. Max
18.. he io-assay for toxic constituents
33. Radioactive Materials:
10“7
j I
b) Beta Emitters
34. Bio Assay
i
I
pc/ml.Max
Tolerance Lin,its
I
Tolerance Limits
S.^otal Resiou .1 ChlorimcMg/1.Max
a ) Alpha Emitters, pc/ml. Max
Chur acteristics
io"6
Not less than 9p^
t^st animiis s.avll
survive in 96 hrs.
The test snail be
conducted is P^r
IS 6582
remove colour ano
NOTE: All efforts should 1*0 made t
fir as practicable.
unt>l'- us<:nt ooour ds 1 — - Sd/- 10/7/85
for MEMBER SECRETARY
30.0
250.U
0.1
1.0
1000
1000
2.0
Not less than 99% of
the test animals
shall survive in
96 hours test. The
test shall be con
ducted as per
IS 6582 of 1972
a
a
a
•^S
Note: All efforts should bei.ade to remove colour and
unpleasant odour .is f ;r as practicable.
Sd/- 10/7/85
for MEi BER SECRETARY
7
/
ii
/ANNEXURE
Telex Nd.0045 8348
Telephone No.576570
54762
Tt Ingram t “JALAR-AKSHA’'
Under the circumstances, one= can clearly see the
rationality of our finoing out a ;sedation for the
problem without any further oelay.
0/
KARNATAKA STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
There is no gain s-.ying the fact th it we are
r’
No.25/ 6th/ 7th & 8th Floors, Public Utility Building
milit :ting a.jainst the growth of the Industries but
Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bangalore-560 001
wt.—want is the ...growth of Industries without the
cost of the public he dth^
This is a point of vit.il
import inc-_ to be borne in mine while festering • the
i
!
industries.
: 1' ,
►
ire panic-striken, they are 1 ibouring
uno^r a misgiving th .t nothing t mgible is being
Sub: Effluents standards stipulated to
M/a.Harihar Poly fiber and M/s.Graseline
inc that a democr icy which augers-we11
Ref : This Office Letter No.KSPCB/DWf^53/
IND/AE-8/85/6009 Dated 8-7-85.
for the people is being jettisooeo. by the vested
li
I
Sir,
done by th« Legislators who are the representatives
of the people
I
The Secret.ry,
Tr .nsnational Center (TNC)
"Navajeevan"
St it ion Roady
DHARWAD 580 001
We reiterate the.fict that Birl-a Co.z has no
ignore the public ht 1th und.rlyinj such a pollution.
' V
L
To.
right whatsoever to defile the river w.iter nor to
People
DATED: 11 JUL 1985
No .DWR/3/IND/AE-8/85
6342
interests.
In continuation of this office letter cited above
Yours faithfully,
Sq/Chairman V.P.C. Hirebidari.
please find herewith enclosed the tolerance limit stipulated
to M/s.Harihar Polifibcrs and f^/s.Graseline which was
left out by oversight.
Yours faithfully,
sq/-
/COPY/
10/7/85
for MENS ’R SECRETARY
:ncl: As ibovc
TOLERANCE LIMIT FOR EFFLUENTS DISCHARGED FROM r>/s.HARIHAR
POLIFIB ERS
ANNEXURE-I
Si.No.
I
I -1
Characteristics
1. Colour and odour
2. Suspended Solids, mg/1. Max.
3. Particle size of Suspended solids
4. Dissolved Solids(inorga.de)mg/1. Max.
5. Tamper it are C° Max.
6. PH Value
7. Oils and Grease mg/1. Max.
I
Tolerance Limits
See Note 1
100
shall pass 850
Micron IS siuVe
2100
Shall not exceed
40 in any section
of the stream
within’ 15 metres
downstream from
the effluent
outlet.
6 to 8.5
10
7
/
/ANNEXURE
To,
7/2/73
The District Health and Family
Planning Officor, Dharwar.
Subject: Resorting to speedy steps for the
elimination of thu disaster of Tunga Bhadra Riv^r water pollution by
M/s Birla Poli Fiber ano Paper Project
Co., Harlhar.
Request for
Sir,
Never bo-fore in the History of our village do we rccollect to have faced with such a sordid rackeet as the
pollution of the Tunga Bhadr i River water by the 14/s.Birla
Poly Fibers, Harlhar, which is situsted about eight miles
up from stroom from our village (Hirei.idari).
2.
For the last 8 months the T.B.River water is being
pollutted, the pollution inducing poisonous chemic ils. It
is admitted on all hands th X the intak of this water
■
proves injurious to public health as well as to the cittle.
3.
with a view to inculcate upon the various Government
authorities and the St itc Government, the Supreme importance
of their probing into th« eiumano and outery of the public
and of their resorting to urgent meosurus to find cut a
solution for this irksome question, we have invariably
sent Telogr-ms to the Taluka ano ^istrict authorities ano
thereafter to the Ministers of. the State but to no ayaiJ—
Recently tnis question which has caused gre it agi
tation and perturbetion among the villagers, has been uis-
I
cussee. of the floor of the Mysore stite Assembly when both
the Health Minister for Industries have openly admitted
the fact that the T.D.Riv>_r is being polluted by the
Birla Co., th it the pollution is such as to precipit ite
the health of the villagers on the bank of the Tunga Bhadra
River ana th it Cs-Qtr^vKGevernmcnt.^h.Js been airu.icy
apprised of this disaster with a request to set up a
committee to prove inte this question and to work cut
a solution that fulfills the demand of the public.
From tnis, it is manifest that the problem has
planted the people in a st .;te of flutter .and quandary.
■
People arc no longer ready to wilt under this
qefilcment as river water is
is much essential to them
as the aii wnich is meant for the existence of the
people.
y/ANNEXURE
Dr.N.M.Madesayya, B.Sc., MBBS, DPH.,
. Deputy Director (Communicible Diseases)
II
Directorate of Healfchand F.P.Services,
Bangalore,
Dated: 21.8.X2Z2L»
D .O.No. CMD .PHA. 28/72-73
I1
1
De -r sirz
Subject: Complaint against l^/s .Harihara
Polyfibres.
Ref: Your letter No.315 PMS 72 dated
8.7.1972.
a
0
With reference to your letter cited above, I have to
state that the District Heilth & Family Planning Officer,
Dharwar, and the Personal Assistant to the Executive
Engineer, narwar (PH & Engineering Division); have
inspected Harihara Pciyfibres on 24.6.1972 and have
collected nin«_ samples of water as per details given
hereunder:
Time Bottle
Date
No. nDescription
No.
1. Anaerobic Lagoon over flow
12.00
22.6.72
1
sample
2. Confluence point in the River
13*45
2
28.6.72
near factory
3. Tungabhadra River at Vadiharla14.00
3
22.6.72
halli village
4. Tyngahhadia River at Dittur
14.30
4
22.6.72
village
5. Tungabhadra River at Airani
14.45
5
village
22.6.72
6. Tungabhadra Riv^.r at Hirebidari
15.00
22.6.72
6
village
7. Tung .bhaora Rivur at Aeration
11.30
7
23.6.72
fountain at Ranebennur
8. Tungabhadra River at Filtered
11.30
23.6.72
8
water at Ranebennur
9. Anaerobic Ljgo_in Ov^r -flow
1
I
sample at ^irla’s Polyfibres
Harihar
24.6.72
15.00
9
The final report from the District H'-nlth and
i -
Family Planning Officer, ^harwar is await^u for submitting
a detailed report. As regards constitution of Team as
suggested in your Letter, separate proposals will be
sent as p-_r the recent of the final reply from the
District Health & Family Planning Officer, Dharwar.
Yours sincerely.
Shri. K. . Ramakr is hna,
Under Secretary to Govt.
H M A Department, D'Lore
Shri.J.c*Lynnz
Private Sec.to the Chief Minister,
Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore.
II
r
j/
/ANNEXURE
L
Subject: Pollution of Tung bhaeira River Water by
effluent oischirge.,
' ,
Nu-.GIVMSC
Dharwar 29-6-1972
To
The Commercial Manager/
Harihar Poly Fibres,
Kumar-P itham P.0.Nalvagal,
Taluka Ranebenn^r.
Sir,
M.my complaints have been received from the residents
of Nadiharlahalli, nir mi etc., abeut the pollution cf
Tung:.bhaura river water by effluent discharge by your
factory.
It has been reported by the District Health and
Fjnaly Planning Officer, Dharw -r ‘'mo the P.A to the
Executive Engineer, PHE Division, Dharwar after a
Joint inspection on 24.6.1972 tha^ the effluent being
cischorgeu in the river consists of most of the dangerous.,
chemicals ix which may harm the human life and cattle.
It is also reporteG th-it the so c illee, treated effluent
remains untreated chemically ano dissolved oxygen is
reduces, which eno mgers the fishes ano is even hazardous
to the public health.
I
I I
Therefore, in the interest of public he .11th of the
rcsitents cf Naoiharai.ahalli, Ziirani, Hirebiori anei •
Nalavagal, I wculel request you to stop discharging the
effluent of your factory inte the Tungabhadra river forth
with and intimate this office the action taken by you
within 7 Gays from the date of receipt of this letter*
The Government is also being moved to oepute the Director
of Health & Family Planning Services a.nd the Chief
Inspector of Factoiies to inspect your factory ai?d suggest
spit ible .u.;ys about ol^eoaal p/ e f fluent 7 Untib'reee-iptr—
of instructions from these officers, you are requested
not to discharge effluents inte the river water in the
interest of public he 1th.
Ycurs faithfully/
Sei/(E*. K .Bhattacharya )
Deputy Commissioner/ Dharwar
Copy w.c.s.t
f
thu District Hc.iltn .inci Family Planning Officer/
DWR
Executive Engineer/ PHE Division,Dharwad.
The Assistant Commissionert Huveri/Dn.z
Havuri
The Tahsilclir, Ranibennur.
The BOD/ Ranibennur.
Scl/For Deputy Commissioner, Dharwad.
I
/
/annexure *J2/
PULPING SECTION
THIS PEED OF
DECEMBER 1568 BETWEEN THE ^A^I
STa COMPANY incorporated
o
s>
<
Gwalior Company s
its registered office
82
is
»v000
I
h
approached the
them to set up a j
in the State
I
o
L.
Ml
c~~n'
o
11II •
2
cy
T^rT..
■1
i I i
o
o
I
J
O
o
c«
I
*1
PRESSURE. WASHERS
Ti
5
waf'ro
RECOVERY
UVIIKT
;
Chipper house
washing
5
i
VACUUM WASHERS 7 STAGE
s ►-
rfT
CENTRlj
XEANERS
liiii
CLEANER
TANK
L
:
LIO TANKS
»-Q-£i-o
Cooking
©
Mysore and
•• •,h': '
to the Industrial
ite1 to
WHEREAS the company had appli
o£ the
^sQre for their
State of Mysore
Areas Development Board in^h^S D±rector o£ Health and
1 tnereot =*- WHEREAS the Director
approval thereof dn .
„£ Mysore vide their
4qprvictcS;
state of
Mysore August 1968 has
Family Planning
Ser3^0569/67-68
dated
Hated
9
reference CMD.PHA-63-20569/6/ 6
agre(=ment regarding
X-d^:iC“t:ry'se:olid wastes and effluents.
I
© © ©
?*)
_ LX
uj
!
Q
2 o
a u> “
-Lr
©
M
ui
11
K
5
-1>-
z
bleaching
X
CYCLONE
co
Q
X
-
NgLJT_is hereby A9REy_|§--y^-sora
1.
Atting th.
in consideration of
staple Fibre Plant
company to ^^Xnnur Talu£) Is ©ve said the
near .Hapih^ra .(Ranib
nalntaln two sets of
,
company shall construct ?
ation tanks of adequate
Cliri-floculator anu stdlm^ t tl^
ef£luents of
capacity jto treat ef^fti ¥
Gf the factory and
. the pulp' and staplu 1 ^r£
treatment to raise •
to Utilise the efflment f r
aliOwed the
land to be led into the
2.
3.
IN
SCREW
PRESS
-- —3 and
Theecompany hereby agrees to treat the sewage
adequately by a
sullages of the residential colony
the Department.
modern method suggested by ----nrfioerlv dispose off the otner oy
: The Company shall Pr<^*^ y
in a sanitary
^n^s^^^^bFh^^m^t
SIGNATURE
1. for
J
Witness
1. Sd/7(C .M .Be 11 lappa
Colonel Retd)
2. Sd/-C.Achutin
Ad (P & E)
16.12.68
GWALIOR RAYON SILK MFG.(WVG)C
Deputy Director (Communicable DU
Directorate of Health Services,
RAYON GRADE PULP
|
ffl->_
___
recovery section
COAL FIREO
BOILER
hL
POWER
__
RtC BOILER 2 NOS
nft
_
a<
a
Jo
UJ
Bi
Exirt
KI
ffi
2
a
D
<z»
su
O
DISSOLVING TANK
r1”
-------- ►
J rr.
LIME bin
. iI
2.
j
|
mud filter
5
MUD WASHER
b
Sd/-
CR.N.SZ^BOO)
Special
of Attorney Holder.
Special Power
Power of
’-qanathan) 16/12/68
2. Sd/- (M .L .Log-...
BALING
PRESS
| HASH DRYER
[
GENERATOR | A
mEis
WITNESS^-HEREOF THE^TIES HaV^H).^[’WRITrEN .
Baling
drying
Th.
MOT A.R F
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF PRODUCTION PROCESS
Bangalore.
t
I
5
£
3
,o
s
U)
D
O
1
i
i!
/
I
/ANNEXURE
H-1
Government of Mysore
As regards the clearance of the Health Department for the
location of the plant, it was stated by the Joint Director
of Health Services that in Directorate’s letter No.CMD.PHA.
63-20569/67-68 dated 9th August 1968, N/s.Gwalior Rayons Silk
Mfg.(Wvg)Co.,Ltd, , have been asked to execute an agreement
to the following effect:
(1) That the Company should be agreeable to construct and
maintain two sets of clari-floculator and sedimentation tanks
of adequate capacity to tre it effectively all the effluents
of the pulp and staple fibre, plants of the factory and to
utilise the effluent for ,land_treatment to raise agricultural
crops only and finally allow the percolation water from the
land to be led into the river.
(2) To treat the sewage mo sullages of the residential
colony adequately by a modern methoa suggested by the Depart
ment . and
(3) To properly dispose of the other waste products of
the factory in.a sanitary fashion as suggested by the Depart
1
I
ment .
He stated that clearance from the Health Department
i
equid be given only after receipt of this undertaking,
Shri saboo stated that since the Directors of the Company
are overseas on business assignments at present, a regular
undertaking on stamped paper could be given only after
their return, and since this is likely to take sometime,
the Health Department could consider issue of the
permission on receipt of an undertaking by means of a
letter from the Company, agreeing to execute the agreement
as suggested.by the Department. It was agreed that the
necessary permission for the location of the plant might be
issued by the Health Department on receipt of the suggested
letter so that acquisition proceedings could be initiated
immediately, and the formal undertaking might be got
entered into by the Company after the Directors’ return.
It was noted that whether it is the old site or a new site
to be selected, the same conditions will operate as far as
the clearance from the H'.alth Department was concerned.
NO. CMD.PHA.63-20569/67.68
Directorate of Health & Family
Planning Services in Mysore,
Bangalore-9, Dated: 27th sept.68.
To
M/s Gwalior Rayon silk Mfg(Wvg)Co.,Ltd.,
(Pulp division) Birlakootam Mavoor,
Kozikode-Kerala.
Sir,
Sub:- Est iblishment of pulp and staple fibre
plant in Mysore state.
Ref;
No,CMD.PHA.63-20569/67.8 dt.9.8.68
2.
3.
4.
RNS 5839/68.9 CM.dt.3jtd Septr.68
RNS 4047/68.9 dated 4th Septr.68
IADB/404/68-9 dated 9th Septr.68.
With reference to the above subject, stating that you
have undertaken to execute
an agreement with the Govt.of
Mysore binding the compan"
company to implement the suggestions
that would he made by this'i
etc., as r
sold'to
<C’f
company' who are
said
to be
be on over-s
the matter has been Given tousll,tis? assignments, and that
out an agreement and forth
advisers to draft
. executed without further deli
that the same will be
minutes of the di^±Ln, h7
the
of the
. of the secretary to Government r"
SuPtr.68 at the Chambers
DepM.nt, the Directorate of
and?"d^trles
objection to your starting the nt ^ *arvlcei have no
acquiring sites etc
hC pfeJ-lm^ndry works of
of the pulp fibre plant =>fOwne?h^°n
tdle establishment
purp riDr<. Plant at Harlhar in Mysore state.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
Director of Health & Family Planning
K
S•
Co,n‘'
Gwalior Rayon
“Utt.
The Managing Director, M.S I r Tt-ri
Member, Mysore Industrie
r
u.,
& Executlve
(Sd) M.D.Shivananjappa,
CHAIRMAN
(COPY)
Sd/-(s. R. RcijannaO
Secretary,
Director of Health & Family
Planning Services.
■ ■
I
/ANNEXURE 'H'/
MINUTES of the meeting held on 3rd September 1968 in the
chambers of the secretary to Government, Commerce and
Industries Department in connection with the proposed
establishment of a Pulp & Staple Fibre plant at Harihar.
1
I
PRESENT.
1. Sri M.D.Shivananjappa, I.A.S.,
Secretary to Government,
Commerce & Industries Department.
2. Sri T.Shamanna, I.A.S.,
Commissioner for Industries:
Director of Industries & Commerce.
3. Dr .Na rayan a .Gpjsi&u
Joint Director of Public Health
CHAIRMAN,
M. I.A.D.Board
MEMBER,
M. I. A ID.Board
a
4. Sri R.N.Saboo,
Vice-President (Fin. & Com.)
The Gwalior Rayon Silk Mfg.(Wvg.)Co.Ltd.
5. Colonel Belliappa,
Representative of the
Gwalior Rayon Silk Mfg.(Wvg.)Co.Ltd.
Bangalore.
6. Sri L.N.Sarnpathkumar, I.A.S.,
Managing Director, M.S.I.C.Ltd., and
Executive Member, Mysore Industrial
Areas Development Board.
II
The Chairman informed Shri Saboo that on the renewed
!'
O
I
I
I
'
t;'' ■
representation of H/siGwalior Rayon Silk Mfg.(wvg.)Co.,Ltd.,
to waive the farther deposit of Rs.2.5 lakhs which the Mysore
industrial Areas Development Board had asked the Cornpany to
make, a favourable decision was likely to be taken by the
Board shortly. However., it would not be possible for the
Board to consider the request of the Conipany to do away with
the Bank guarantee. Shri Saboo agreed that his Company
would provide a Bank guarantee for the balance amount of the
estimated value of the lands to be acquired, after taking
into account the deposit of Rs.2.5 lakhs made with the Board.
In this connection, Shri Saboo stated that he had
recently inspected an alternative site, just opposite to
the site now under consideration on the other bank of
the river which he considered to be more suitable, He
f-
V-
I
1
I
'i
B
I
stated that afttr a quick survey of this new site, he will
be able to communicate the final decision of the Company
regarding the site selection within about a week, after
which the Board could take further action for acquisition
of the lands. It was noted that this new site will fall
within the Ranebennur Taluk of Dharwar District. In
Shri saboo’s estimate, the cost of acquisition in this new
nite was likely to be less than that in the situ
I
E
NO.CMD.PHZ
-20569/67-68
/ANNEXURE 'G1/
Directorate of Health Services,
Bangalore-9, Dated:24th June 68.
To
The Officer incharge.,
The Mysore Industrial Areas
Development Board, Bangilore.
Sir,
Sub: Est-blishmunt of Pulp and staplu Fibre Plajit
in Mysore State.
The Vice President (Finance and Conmerce), tb«
a
the G«
Gwalior
Rayon Silk Manufacturing (WVG)Co.,Ltd.,Kozhikodekerala,, has
requested the approval of this office in the matter of
i
H
(
A no objection certificate from this Department will be
given on the specific cond.ition that the management of the
factory will agree to carryout whatever suggestions that are
made by this Department during the course of construction and
after the factory starts working with regard to the disposal
of solid and liquid wastes of the factory.
Therefore, I request you to kindly arrange to forward
an undert iking as above from the management or the factory so
that a no objection certificate can be given for establishing
of the Pulp 6. Staple and Fibre Plant at Harih ir on the bank
of Tungabhadri river.
*
I
I
<
at Harihar on the bank of Tunga Bhadra Riv^r. As you are
a are, the effluents from the various factories established
on the banks ot rivers like Cauvcry, Tungabhadra, Bhadra,
Kali, etc., have been badly polluting the river water and
make itunsuitable for either domestic, animal or agricultural
use. These rivers are the source of obtaining good water for
both domestic and agricul
tural use to the people of the State. Therefore, it is very
necessary th :t sufficient me .sures should be undertaken by the
factory management to adequately treat and then dispose of the
effluents into the river which is not the case at present in
any of the factories.
tz
The Gwalior Rayon silk Manuf -cturing (WG)Co.Ltd. (Kozhikode^VG nOt ^rovided any basic data regarding the solid
and liquid wastes th-t will be going out of the factory and
their magnitude. -They have also not stated in what way the
liquid w istes will be tre itqd before they discharge the same
into the Tungabhadra river. Therefore, it is not possible to
suggest adequate metsures for the sanitary disposal of the
effluents from the Pulp and Staple libre Plant which they intend
>.st iblishing on the banks of the Tungabhadra river at Harihar.
According to the plan that has been sent to this office by the
man igement oi the- factory, it may be said that the site- selected
for the factory is suitable.
■
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-Director of Health
Services.
Copy to the Vice President(Finince and Commerce),the Gwalior
Rayon Silk Manufacturing(WVG)Co.,Ltd.jost Box No.37,KozhikodeKerala(India) for inform tion ano further needful with reiefejce to this letter No.RNS.14589/67-68 dated 27th February 1968,
Sd/No.CMD.PHA.63-20569/68-69
For Director of Health Services,
Bangalore-9 Dt:29.6.68
Copy to the District H dth ind Family Planning Officer, CIHtj tduig.i fox information.
Sd/-
i
I
i
f
if
3
.a
[
• y..’
;•<
%
01
i
.
!■
►
Annexure 1E’ continued
►
TABLE-II
/ANNE.-URE 'F1/
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR DRINKn« WATER BY WORW
HEALTH 0RG.6NI NATION (1963)
Substance
si.
No^
|
Maximum
accepta
ble con
centration
TABLE
b-k-ixinw
allovi®
conct®
tratl®
500 mg/litre 1500
liti
*5 Units
50 Unid
2 . Colour
**5 units
25 Unit!
3 . Turbidity
Unobjectionable
4, Tastes
Unobjectionable
5. Odour
0.3 mg/litre 1.0 Mg/lit]
Iron
(as Fe)
0.1 mg/litre 0.5 mg/liJ
7. Manganese (as Mn)
1.0 mg/litre 1.5 mg/lid
8. Copper (as Cu)
5.0
mg/litre 15.mg/litrJ
9. Zinc (as Zn)
200 mg/lit
*75
Mg/litre
10. Calcium
150jrig/liti|
50 mg/litre
11. Magnesium (as Mg)
200 mg/litre 400 mg/lit
. 12; '^tlphate (as Sd )
200 mg/litre 600 mg/lit
13. Chloride (Cl
)
6.5 or 9.3
7.0-8.5
14. ..PH range
500 mg/litre 1000 mg/lit
15. - Magnesium+Sodium Sulphate
Substances(asPhenol)0.001 mg/litre 0.002mg/i
16. Phenolic
17. Carbon Chloroform(extract)
0,2 mg/litre 0.5 mg/lit|
(C.C.E)***
18. Alkale benzyl sulphate(ABS) 0.5 mg/litre 1.0 mg/litl
Name of emission
Particles
1. C.^rbondisulphide
(CS2)
Total solids
-I
*Platinum - Cobalt scale
**Turbidity units.
j
I-)* Concent rat ion greater the 0,2 mg/litre indicate
the necessity for further to determine the
Causative acj«=nt.
TABLE-III
Physical and Chemical Standards for drinking water by
Government of India, Ministry of v-iorks and Housing
Si.
No^
'1B
I
Characteristics
1 PH
2 Total Hardness
3 Chlorides
4 Sulphates
5 Nitrates
5 Calcium
7 Magnesium
8 iron
9 Coppe r
10 Cyanide
11 Lead
12 Turbidity
, ,
Acct
- pt
* -.ble
c
Cause for
regaction
7 to 8.5
200
200
200
45
75
30
0.1
0.05
0.05
0.1
2.5
6.5 to 9.2
600
1000
400
45
200
150
1.0
1.5
0.05
0.1
10
2. Sulphurdioxide
(s02)
3. Non-siliceous
dust
(le.dues not con
taining of
silica in form
of sand or grit
.inducing dust)
Nature of the said
Particles
Permissible level
It is a cumulative poison.
At ticks the Central Ner
vous system and causes
damage to brain, heart,
and kidney.
20 parts per
million or
60 mg/rn
Produced in Sulphuric acid
plant and from the bur
ning of charcoal and fur
nace oil. The gas is
Slightly toxic. It attacks
and i/it^tates the mucous
membrane of nose, throat
and eyes. A person accli
matised to the gas can
withstand 1-10 ppm of S02.
Narmal persons can tolerate
upto 3 ppm S02. Long term
exposure lead to chronic
chest pain and loss of
taste and smell.
Threshold limit
value
Nonspecific, Respiratory
problems caused by the
irrit ition of lungs and
membranes, a variety of
diseases are possible,
depending upon composition
of dust- However, inhalation
of cast, weakens the lungs and
predisposes patients t. a-tt-a-eta
Tuberculosis
Emphynocma.
6
l
5.0 ppm
R
1
>!
5
►
s
r
*
li
•'T.
/ANNEXURE 1E»/
TABLE - rTOLERANCE LIMITS FOR INLAND SURFACE ATERS SUBJECT TO
POLLUTION (IS: 2296 - 1984)
’•
SI.
No.
1. B.O.D. at 20*C for 5 days
2. Dissolved Oxygen % saturation
3. PH
4. Cyanides (as CN)
5. Lead
)
(Pb
6. Chlorides (as Cl)
Tolerance Limit
For raw
For
waters
Fish
used for
Culpublic water ture
supply and
bathing
3
40
6.0-9.0
0.01
0.1
For
Irri- .
gation
40
6.0-9.0
600
600
’7.
•
I
Free. Carbondioxide
8. Ammonical Nitrogen
9. Boron
(as B)
10. Sulphates (as. S0^)
11. R1metrical Conauctance
Micr<4iilkns/Cm.
12. Percent Sodium
13. Coliiorm organisms
(monthly average mpn
per 103 ml)
(a) Not more than 5000 with
less than 5% of the samples
with value
20,000 and less
than 20% of the samples with
value
5000.
6
1.2
2.0
100
(a)
3000
60
/
ra
K
E
^■
P
<fe
I
S’
zr
o
G
t
P
"A
O
a-
<
&
’."•
//
- y
-
*
!
a
g
I
h
-i.
zi
£ -
g
&
p
UH- /V
4
1
'<V
w
}
v.
u
i
'} D
)
o
< 50
z
CR
o
'
■
■
r
■
I:
/ANMEXuh~E 'C1/
VILLAGES ON THE RIGHT BAiJK OF TUNG^HaDRa RIVER
DO ’NSTREAM OF HARIHAR POLYFIBRES AND GRASILENE""
PLANTS AT KUNA RAPA PNAM 7 RANI BENNUR^TALUK ( DHARl AR
district' * ’
"
I.
p
I®'ife
(CHITRADUPGA DI ST RICT)
1. Dt.etur
2. Pamanahalli
3. Saruthi
II.■ HAR/iPAN \HALLI TALUKa (BELLyRY DISTRICT)
4. Chikkabidari
5. Otalahalli
6. Kaciati
7. Nandyal
I
i
I
I
8. Nittur
9. Basapur
10. Tavargundi
11. Halavagal
12. Garbagudi
13. siduapur
III. HADGaLI TaLUKA (BELLaRY district)
14. Haravi
15. Haravi-Basapur
16. Llnganayrikanah.illi
17. Hirekuruvatti
18. Mylar
■;
I
IB
fcF
feI!
fcr
fe
■
Ik
fe
1
b
I®
?
INDIA DEVELOPMENT SERVICE (I)
-
INTEGRATED RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMESELECTED VILLAGES IN
RANIBENNUR TALUK, DHARWAD DIST.
T*LUK/
1
o
Hu.es.
o
b
-I
t=^
x>
-4
>
o
O
0
AMS
0
O
G
O®?HC
1-
°HARANGERI
HONNATT/
•S'
I P.0.<
r-";/
P.O.) I
WBELUR
I
1
■ '••MAIDOOR
{
o
—■.-X
'
i
o
.
*
•UDAGATT I
lANKASAPUR'-.,
<
*
____ _
\
MEDLERlPp. T* 1 •/konanatambagi
•BEVINAHArLLI '<----- - —"■'TTA
•-- r.ADnq*
GANGAPUR
o
HCFC-/
Q
o
o
"n--
RANIBENNUR
O
o
o
O
o
1
o
o
o
o
o
o
,o
Zo
8
\
o
* I
G
o
I
pHC PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE
I
H'.
C
HEALTH CENTRE
FAMILY PLANNING CENTRE
POST OFFICE
✓0
x
-J
V-
<
O
*
O
1 O-
UOUHCE: DHARWAD DISTRICT CENSUS HAND BOOh - 1S71
4
I :•
/
o
INCLUDES TANDAS.
!
y*
0
'<9/
x
□
a
a
f-
\
• N<
o
o
/
p.oA
o
o
o
HC FC © • (
r
O
o
o
;
r
—
9 •; •P.O.
•P-0. ;HlREBIDRieuV
[HIKEBIDI
•, YAKALASW AREMALLAPUR
RAV/ATANAKATTI
— _ . —''-J I I
MRAN^/ /
o
O°
•yallapur\\
"r-'
P.O.X \
POSITION OF
RANIBENNUR TAL.
IN DHARWAD DIST.
An<ira Pradesh
Krishna
Kurnool
1
!
/
)
J
,^v
r
- 436^.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BANGALORE
-56W.P.NO.
6
INTERIM 1-RAYER
OF 1985
BETWEEN
(a) Pending he uring nnd final disposal, the jl
Tr.nsn .tional Centre for non-violent
Social Change & Others
.. PETITIONERS
monitor the river Tung ibhaor i at v irious stations
State of K-.rnataka & Others
.. RESPONDENTS
upstream apd downstream from Messrs.Harihar Poly
affidavit
1st Respondent—Board be directed to continuously
VERIFYING THE WRIT PETITION
fibres for the 21 parameters along with an independent
S.R.Hiremath, aged -41- years, President,
agency to be nominated by this Hon'ble Court and
publish the results thereof in a local newspaper
at rtgulir weekly intervals;
a
Transnational Centre for non-violent social Change, Medleri
Dharv/ad District, presently at Bangalore, do hereby solemnly
and
affirm and state as follow^:(b) pending hearing and final disposal, the
1st Respondsnt-Bo ird be uiructed to ensure that
.all the bye-pass devicds obtaining in the RespondentCompany's divisions of Messrs.Harih;r Polyfibres
’ Qh'd Messrs.Gr isilene at Rani*.ennur. are closed forth
y
J-4-
with 7
and
J. 1 am the President of the 1st Petitioner - society
ana oeing conversant with the facts of the case I am
cuthoriseo to swear to this affidavit on behalf of the
1st petitioner and also on behalf of other petitioners.
2 . The statements made in paragraph numbers 1 to 74
of the writ petition are true to my knowledge, based on
(c) pending bearing and final disposal, the 1st
Respondent-Board be directed to ensure that the 9th
Respondent-Company discharges the effluent. on to .the-
information and records which I believe to be true.
2
I state that Annoxures ' A'
to 'aL'
are truecopies
of their respective originals.
land at irrigation st mdards and/or below the
BANGALORE
permissible limits as specified in Annexure 'E'
DATED: 28/x1/1985
S^ithat the effluent percolates, to the 1 md before
UiiJriFIED BY ME:
it reaches the river. .
advocate
NO. OP CCR^ECi'IO'jS:
BANGALORE.
18TH NOVEMBER 1985.,
ADDRESS FOR SERVICE:
ADVOCATE FOR
ETITIONERS
SRI G.P.SHIV.iPRAK/^SH,
ADVOCATE,
11, JEEVAN BUILDINGS,
—KUMrtRA PARK EAST,
BaNGALORE-560 001.
Petition /d drawn by Mr .Anand Grover
DEPONENT
/
-54-
-55-
(a) an appropriate writ, order or direction
■
directing the
. . Respondent-Board to continuously
(e) an appropri.te writ, order or direction
monitor tfte river Tungabhadra at various stations
directing the 2nd Respondent and 2nd Respondent-Board
upstreams and downstreams from Messrs.Harihar Poly
to subject the licence issued to the Respondent-
fibres for 21 parameters for which results have been
Company. to the condition that if the Respondent-
disclosed in the Annexure hereto and marked as
Company fails to maintain the effluent discharge
Annexure 'E*. and publish the results at regular
within the permissible limits within six months.
weexly intervals so that they are available to the
licence would stand cancelled apart from penalties to
public free .of cost;.
be impqsed and damages that they would have to pay to
I.
the persons who have suffered loss;
(b) an appropriate writ, order or direction
directing the Respondent-Company to disclose to the
(f) an appropriate writ, order or direction
9th Respondsnt-Company to provide
Petitioners and to Respondents 1 and 2 the complete
oirecting the .
production process of the manufacture of''’Messrs.Hari
alternative land to those villagers who can no longer
har Polyfibres as well as Messrs.Grasilene at Ranibennur as well as th exact nature of the raw materials
h
carry on,their occuptions on account of the pollution
by the Respondent-Company over the last 10 years;
consumed, the intermediates produced and the effluents
(g) an appropriate writ, order or direction
discharged;
(c) an appropriate writ, order or direction
directing the 2nd Respondent State and the 1st
I
Respondent-Board to attach a condition to the
licence of the 9th Respondent-Company requiring it
to discharge the effluent to irrigation standards
(i) directing the Respondent-State to ascertain
the loss that each villager in the villages
concerned fyas incurred since 1973 on account
of the pollution caused by the RespondentCompany by discharge of effluents;
(ii) directing the Respondent-Company to pay the
compensation to each of the villagers in
accordance with the loss incurred as
and/'or below the1 permissible limits as
as set out in
ascertained by the 2nd Respondent in
Annexure 'e' hereto so that the effluent is allowed
prayer (g)(i) above;
to percolate to tlje land before, it reaches the river;
(d) an appropriate writ, order or direction
a
(iii) directing the 9th Respondent-Company to pay
exemplary damages for the pollution caused
by,it since 1973 to the villagers; and
directing the 2nd Respondent-St ite ind 1st Respondont-Board to ensure the closing of ill by^--pass
(h) pass such other order or orders as this Hon'ble
Court deems fit to. grant including the award of costs. .
devices obtaining in the Respondent-Company's
divisions of Messrs.Harihar Polyfibr^s and Messrs.
Grasilene forthwith;
.. 56
I
1
MS
«B|r
j
-53-
intermediates proqueed as well as the exact nature
69.
of effluents discharged.
Tht in the circumstances aforesaid the Respon-
oe’nt-Company ought to be directed to close all the
GROUNDS
67.
That it is abundantly clear from the circumOil
bye-pass devices through vhich it discharges effluents.
70.
That in the circumstances the Respondent-Company
Stanges aforesaid that the pollution caused by the
ought to be directed to keep the effluent to irrigation
Responds.nt-Company for the last 10 years including
standards and discharge it on to the land to allow it to
during,;the.period after the installation of the new
percolate before it re iches the river.
treatment has endangered the health of the nearby
villagers and the refusal on the part of the Respon
71.
That the Respondent-Company ought to be directed
to remove the coffee colour from the effluent discharge.
dent-Board or State to take any action against the
Respondent-Company, violates the rights of Petitioners
.
•
f'
■
and other similarly situated under Article 21 of the
I
Constitution of India.-
72.
That the Respondent-Board ought to be directed
------------ ------------------
The inaction on the part of
to ensure that no uncontrolled discharge takes place
of any effluent at all.
the State is all the more reprehensible that inspite
of the duty cast under Article 47 of the Constitution
73.
That on failure to comply with the stipulated
conditions as mentioned herein, the licence of the
of India the State Government and its agencies have
Respondent-Factory ought' to be directed to be cancelled.
♦
not taken any action agiinst the erring RespondentCompany.
Article 48A enjoins that the State shall
endeavour to protect and improve the environment.
Consequent to pollution assuming dangerous
proportions which is evidenced by scientific data.
to protect and improve the natural environment
many of the youngsters belonging to agricultural
including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and
families are leaving town in search of occupation
to have compassion
elsewhere.Within a short while, if environmental
ng creatures.
That the refusal of the Respondent-Board to
pollution is not controlled most of the villagers
take any positive action to abate the nuisance of
will be forsaken.
pollution and allow the Respondsnt-Company to con
necessary.
tinuously pollute the river atmosphert and land
Immediate action is therefore
Hence the prayer for interim relief.
PRAYER
above permissible limits is arbitrary and violative
of the rights of the Petitioners and oth^r persons
similarly situated under Article 14 of the Consti-
f
74.
Besides, Article 51A(g) casts a duty on every citizen
68.
L_
GROUNDS FOR INTERIM PRAYER
THEREFORE, the Petitioners pray that this
Hori'blc Court be pleased to issue .. 54
-51-50-r
limits
of the efr^uent discharged is the "lignins" removed
from the wood by the 'mother liquor' and discharged
the said stwdy also showed that samples have
bten taken on rare occ isions not more than once a
into the effluent;
month and therefore do not reflect the true trend.
Respondent-Company's xx contention that there is no
61.
t
i
technologies to remove the black colour simply cannot
T^t the Petitioners' own study; hive indi-
be believed inasmuch js the black colour which is due
’•cated extremely low levels of DO and extremely high
to lignin is removed from the wood by the mother liquor
levels of BOD practically -pprcaching 300 on, certain
days;
which absorbs it and which is itself purified by
that In this context the study conducted by
removal of lignin through another process available
independent-persons, for the period February to June
in the Respondcnt-Company.
1984 clearly indicates that-the BOD levels of the
river were extremely high;
62.
that in the circumstances the
65.
That the medical examination conducted in the
villagers, particularly fishermen, have clearly
That the study conducted by the Central Board
shown that the fishermen suffer from diseases of
for Prevention and Control of Water Pollution/ New
the skin, in particul ;r superficial folliculitis as
Delhi, have also clearly showed that the effluent
discharge had abnormally high';leyels of Zinc;
well as ulcerations of the stomach which have nece-
that
ssitated operations for a very large number of
the study conducted by the Central inland Fisheries
villagers;
Research Institute, Bengal had also indicated that
by the Respondent-Company it has not disclosed either
(a) the effluent discharge showed hardly any DO,
to the Respondent-St-ite or Responoent-Board or to
(b) high levels of zinc from 3.7 to 5.1 ppm (c) river
anybody,else the chemicals and the constituents in
water when mixed with effluent w3s dark in colour
J
just the same colour of black.coffee, and (d) the
I
river water admitted a foul odour;
-j
63.
that till today, despite pollution caused
the production of Rayon grade pulp the production
process or the exact nature of effluent discharged
—
by it •
Th t in the circumstances it is necessary in
66.
the interest of justice to have an independent moni
That the Petitioners and the public at
large have a right to know the cause of the pollu
I
toring agency which will monitor the various parameters
tion including the production and manufacturing
along with the representatives of the Respondent-Board
process since it is affecting their quality of
which will publish the results'regularly and make them
life'and impairs their life in terms of health and
available to the public at large.
environment.
64.
That it is^uite well known that zinc
to be directed to disclose the production process
accumulates in fish, accumulation of zinc in fish
has extremely toxic effects;
that the coffee colour
Therefore, the Petitioners ought
the exact nature of the raw materials, the
I
.. 52
/
R
l
>
I
!
s-
r
-48IX.
that on account of the air pollution caused
-4959.
Th-at, thcrtfore, it is absolutely clear that
by the Respondent-Company even from 1974 to 1983 .the Respondent-Company had wil
(i) the pillars supporting, the huts/ beams/
holding roofsz crumbled to powder on
mere touching;
8
(ii) pieces of steelz tinz household articles
made of iron became as brittle as papad;
7I
tions of the licences or maintain the effluents below
the permissible limits and the Respondent-Board and State
failed to take any action against it/ but.instead.
(iii) the villagers of the nearby villages
suffered from stomach diseases;
allowed the Respondent-Company all the liberties to the
X.
residents of 'Ranibennur..
that / therefore/ it was clear that the
Respondent-Company was violating all the norms with
impunity.
56.
fully and deliberately neglected to abide by the condi
That in the circumstances/ the Respondent-
Board and State was bound to take action against the
Respondent-Company/ including the cancellation of
its licence, which it failed to do;_ that/ instead
of taking action against the Respondent-Companyt the
defaulters/ the Respondent-Boird and the Respondent-
State were seriously considering shifting of villages./
particularly,Nalavagal.
detriment of the interests of the citizens and the
60.
That in December/ 1983/ the new effluent
discharge treatment plant was commissionea by the
Respondent-Company ht Messrs.Harihar Polyfibres which
was to st.ibilize by the beginning of 1984;, that despite
the commissiong andtst bilization treatment plant/ there
was a 1 -rge scale fish kill on 14th February 1984;
that this larcjk; scale fish kill was in fact on account
of the uncontrolled discharge, pi effluents from
M/s.riarihar Polyfibre;
that the uncontrolled discharg^
of the elflucnt resulted in the significant lowering
of p.o which resulted in the large scale fish kill;
57.
That more ov cr t. the Respondent-Board in its
that contrary to earlic-r assertions of Respondent-
meeting on 3rd March/ 1982 and its further meeting of
Company the uncontrolled effluent discharge was not
30th October/ 1982/ the Respondent-Board allowed the
due to the power failure allegedly occasioned at the
Respondent-Company to discharge the effluents upto the
factory but was prob .bly due to the discharge of the
BCD level of 180 mg/1 COD level much above 250 mg/1
effluent without treating through the bye-pass system;
till 31st August/ 1983 much above the permissible
that the analysis, of the effluent discharge also indicated /
limit/ without authority of law in complete dereliction
that large amount of toxic zinc had also been dis-
of its duty.
charged jnto the river causing deliterious effects
58.
That by allowing the R^spondunt-Company to
directly discharge the effluent intoxhe riv^rz the
on the fish;
that though some of tht simples collected
in October/ 1984 .and analysed by the Respondent-Board
SSI
(
I
-4 6-
-47-
(■iv) eiidt results of analysis of samples of
(e) that the condition imposed in the licence
the river on 9th,October 1974 carried <out
by the Agricultural Department also
showed that the river was being polluted
above the permissible limits;
I;
VII.
were not observed and the Health
.did not bother to enforce the few instru-
ctions th-t it had given;
(iii) that the Committee appointed in. 1977 pursuant
to the report^f the;i7gisl<<tiVy Committee
th-at afer the Water (Prevent and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974, came into force in 1974, the
had visitedthe site and reported that
(a) the factory authorities stated that^B^^
levels could not be brought down below
Respondent—Board laid down the minimum standards for
the Respondent-Company, being 30 mg/1 for BOD and
100 mg/1;
(b) there"was no continuous treatment of the
250 mg/1 for COD and therefore the Re spo nde nt-St ate
■i
was bound to take action against the Respondent-
i
Company including the cancellation of licence, which
it hag failed to do so far;
VIII. • that admittedly from 1974 to 1983, the
effluent as"€Kefe was several bye-pass
systems which avoided effluent treatment
altogether, as a result of which totally
untreated effluent was being discharged,
and, therefore, total elimination of bye
pass device wis recommended;
Respondent-Company has not complied with minimum
(c) that‘the river water was yellowish in
standards set by the Respondent-Board as
I
colour;
(d) fish lite was drastically affected;
,(i) samples of the river taken in 1975 by the
Respondent-Board and the Agriculture Depart
ment showed that pollution was. above the
permissible limits;
(e) air pollution was being caused as Sulphur
c^ToLnds along with carboridioxide and soot
was being released despite which no
characterisation of exhaust gases had been
(ii) that an Assurance Committee in its report
dated 27th May 1976 pointed out -
' done by the Respondent-Company;
(a) that BOD levels were nearly 1000 mg/1
when they should have been tx.low 30 mg/1;
(b) thataccording to the Respondsnt-Company
the technology existing at the time
could'only bring the BOD levels to
60 mg/1 instead of the required level
of 30 mg/1;
(c) the water in the river wus brown in
colour .on account of the liejnids dis
charged into the river;
(d) that the villagers affected had developed
stomach ail/ments as well is rushes on
I
I
of the inspection of the site
(iv) th It the report
on Wth August, 1979 revealed that (a) one of the clarifloculators
functioning;
wis not
(b) effluent water was not treated in the
chamber;
(c) 75% to 80% wis being released into the
river through the bye-pass system;
(d) all mechanical dryers were not functioning,
and the report, therefore, stated that
water should be treated to be utilised
for agricultural crops;
i'
r
I
-45-
-44III.
To sum up
55.
Many materials are used, in the process which
include the following., some of which are extremely
I)
that in accordanc
with the undertaking dated
16th December 1968 the Respondent-Company was to -
(i)(a) construct and maintain two sets of
clarifloculators and sedimentation tanks
of adequate capacity to treat effectively
all the effluents of pulp and staple fi
bres of the factory;
(b) use the effluent for land treatment to
raise agricultural crop; and
(c) finally allow percolated water from land
to be led into the river.
(ii) treat sewage and sullage by modern methods
suggested from time to time;
■
(iii) properly dispose of wiste products in a
sanitary fashion as suggested by the
toxic. viz-, fa) i>’Qod (to) Caustic Soda (q>
^ium Sul
phate (d)sulphuric Acid (o) ^chlorine (f) Sulphurdioxide
(g) Sodium Chloride (h) Lime Shell/stone (i) Furnace
oil (j)
k
rosene (k) Surfactents (1) Sodium Chloride
Cm) Trisodium Phosphate (n) Soqium Dierimite (o) Lu
bricants (p) Grease (q) M. rcury;
IV. •
that the Petitioners are not aware of the
present nature of.the effluents discharged including
the following
j
(a) Lignins*(b) Phenolics^(c) zinc^(d) Chromium
'//
-(e) M^rcuryAf) Carbondioxide (g) Carbon Monoxide
//
(h) Sulphurdidxicfe (i)'Mercaptans^(j) Particulate*
matter (k) Coal ash (1) Xanthate? (m) Elemental
Department;
3
sulphur;
that on commissioning of the plant and ever
sinc£ they the Respondent-Convany has -
V.,
th it immeaiitely after commencing the plant, the
ne irby villages started feeling the ill-effects of the
(i) discharged liquid effluents pollution.caused tyy the Respondent-Company;
I
1
I
I
(a) directly into the river without feeding
the water on to the land to be perco
lated through the land before entering
the river;
(b) without dequately treating it to raise
■ agriculture crops i.e. to irrigation
standards, and on most occasions,
(c) without treating it at all;
(ii) discharged air effluent, including sulphur
dioxide directly into the air;
(iii) discharges solid effluents, including coaj
ash, sulphur by dumping the said solid £oxic
effluents on the Nilv-.ajal village thereby
viniafr<na the undertaking uiven by it/
VI.
that admittedly from 1972 till 1974, the river/
water showed high levels' of pollution (,i)
as (disclosed
‘
\
by
’
the
analysis referred to in
letter of 21st August, 1972, the rivt r water
showed extremely high levels of BOD;
(ii) that analysis in 1973. referred to in the
letter of 7th February, 1973, also showed
high levels of BOD, much ibove the permitted
levels;
(iii) th it the Report by the Committee set up by
the Karnataka legislative Assembly in 1973
also clv_ -irly pointed out th it the river
Tung J h idi i w .s being polluted bv the 'pfiApOAteiA?*" Q'v'-epawy
■
:
i
--442-
the R1-spotlit nt-Boa rd st..tin
a therein that though
a
f vilUfeCs and Doctors, who pcriortofaethtr with the na“*> a
.
petitioner Society,
have bean collected.■ men operation3 1
herein and souk others
Dr.S.h.Powar, the 2nd Petition.r
52.
of ailments as a
coined number of P-sons =omplainiht
qll,t of pollution. These persons reside in the left bank of
result ox
p
_
Tn<‘
river Tu^abhadra close to the two units
■
no conclusion Can be drdWn
from the preliminary
investigational report of Sri.Joseph, some
iuiprrtcint trends were noticeable namely, that the
area exhibited more adverse hydro-bioloLicai
conditions..
i
1
It was also noticed that both
Chromium and Zinc was the out fall in Harih^r
■Polylibres and only zinc was the out fall in
brasil^np in ilc^tln^ more toxic nature of the
Harihar Polyfibres eifluenis.
Moreover, bio-
i- mccululation of zinc and Chromium had also been
noticed. Hereto art cvniiexed and marked
as
4g _ i^nnexure
■■
50.
The- study team of the Karnataka Univer-
AlsVof ptrsTs^have had sto^eh operations,
Krd carried out study with appropriate conuro
had carrx^u
from diseases
in the affected
affected area
area were
were suiferint iron
the fisherman
Tht Dermatolobisi3
/rficial folliculitis.
skin
includint
sup
of
have opined that the diseases of
who accompanied Dx-.P owar
account of interaction of mineral acids
.7- skin could’b:c on
K copy of the statement of Dr.S.L.Powar to
to the skin.
ra hi r to and iifrhed as ^m;exur(—a
| j^Jffithis effect isiarmexed hereto a
sity’s Department of Botany had also visited the
. affecucd areas to detect visible effects
1
I
I I
I i
II
^UlLitiJRE /MS
villagers have also filed applic-tion
Soiae of the
Some
fl
M
■
Criminal procedure, inter allo,
r
under section 133 of Code of
H^rihar polyfib*'s
alletint tUt-the effluents discharge d by
July, 1985.
art
above the permissible limits
f or a
and therefore have asked
conditional order directing
■■'I -W
the R<spondtnt-Company
-divisional Mabistratv ’
ks the
—
— Subsaid applications,
on theHaveri has not taken any
any’ action
............................
S3ffiv 3f tbe Villers, were
were constrained
constrained to file a Writ
1'te ffledlcgi^'ncta jf pjUatl.Jn hfiVt
beta studied by MidiCui Personal.
I
mt
certain days.
54,
;
few
wh^ ch is 3.QQ_f?£-
hikh Itve.
levels alsoshowed_J'£rJ
■
conducted certain
71
indicated the effects oi air and wattr pol].ution
□n plants and tht-ir association with the
rivtr
bank j he re t o
annexed and marked as iwinexure
the said report.
lhe said study is datud 1st
51.
Petitioners have themselves
with the help of certain experts.
tudies
on
the
pollution
s
• i/11
to June, 1985, the^O,
This c.le. rly shows on February
of air
and water pollution on the fxoral species, on the
banks of the river Tunfeabhadra.
The preliminarjstudy concluded that the oost rv.-itions clearly
Ii
11
$3. • . The
A
to remove the
the nuisance,
nuisuu^ .
Lurt e nunib.r
of persons tho reside alone the baide of river
Tuntabhadra have been operated, for stomach
Hon’Die Court for
. . <£3
r ^Mtiously in accordance with 1^ .
of the matter expeditiously
the Sub-div^l^^^8^ 1
I
'
OS
Os
i PL
r
f’
w
I
-41-
-de
procedure for tue determination of the B.O.D in
specifically for treating Zinc rich stream,
takint up the samples and an analysis wtrt
from c/aluatine the capacity bl the clarifier to
followed.
properly settle the zinc Hydroxide precipitate, it
The said study shows that the effluent
also recommended other measures for the prevention
showed the very hiLh lev^l of B.O.D at the dis
charge point.
depart
of carry over of sludge from tne clarifier.
The river water also show very
hith level of B.O.D to the discharge point to
Village Hirtbidri which is 12 Kms. from the dis
charge point,
H
a
copy of the table
48.
showing B.O.D
Director, Central Inland Fisheries Research
i
Institute, Barakpose, West^TniSI, had wfiTtTh to
i
47.
frig Harihar Polyfibres load shown go.pTo _nd from
T hL£*Aral B0Ard.Xor_the
Pruvcntion and
.4
New Delhi, has also
made.a study of the pollution
control of Harihar
Polyfibre with special reference to zinc,
The said
study has noted th.t the iudidivuai Zinc
lean
streams emanating from Splnnint
sections I and II
<
and from after Treatment Sections I and II
tained less, than 20 mt/i of zinc.
I
Grasiltne shown 3.7 to 5.1 ppm of Zinc,
I
fish.
The said .letter enclosed leport on the survey
carry ovi r of sludj e from clarifier should also
Therefore, the report recommended
that ion-exchange unit should be installed
and 24th November, 1?8*.
I
I
The said report noted that
the river water when mixed with effluents from
Messrs.Harihar Polyfibrus was dark in colour just
the Same colour of black coffee and emitted a v<_ry
foul odour while water, of the river was brown when
mixed with effluents of Craslltne.
The said
report further noted the Kvcl of Zinc in the water
in the area was quite hi6h.
i
u copy of the said
Atlld
.Ji-1
neruto and marked as n.nn<xure
4J.
AH-1
The Director of the said Cuntr-1 Inland
Fisheries Ke search Institute has also sent a
letter dated 12th April, UBb to the Membt r-SuCretary
.. *2
41
I
carried out by one k.O.Joseph carried out from-v23-
letter tokAtbhr wit^h the said report is annexed
tre ited
effluent provided that optimum ph maintenance by
proper lime dosing lz ensured. Moreover, th\
be prevented.
of Zinc on trowth, re production and. metabolism in
How<ver, the
4.inc 1 mt/l could only be achieved in the
The letter
continued that it is important to $tud> the effect
Cop-
concentration of zinc lean‘ stream before it
ente rs
the latoon was found most oi the time
treater than
20 mt/l. The maximum noted bcint
60 mt/1. This
confirms the by-pass of zinc rich
streaiii from
. drain H to the zinc lean streams.
The report
further concluded that the permissible- level of
\
the 1st Petitioner statinL~thcrFin_that the effluents
‘ Control of Water Pollution,
I3
By letter dated 3rd January,• lv85, the
rivur after the
discharte point is ar
annexed hereto and marked as
AH
4nnexure
iJi
!
I IS
I
w values at different points in the
x^^LaJRE
I
1
I
!
&
!
W:
-39-
-38-
in different villages from tore wells and river
By its letter dated 5th October, lU8d, thL
45.
Member-dccretar, of the nes^ndent-Board has sent
watur.
to the Petitioner No.l analysis-reports, of the
analysis of samples of wat^r for v.irious chemicals
f
The villages from which samples were taken
included Nadiharailha111 (2.8 Kms .), Alran (9.6 Kms),
samples
Hirebldri (12 Kms), Somalapur (20 Kms), Kudrihal
(30 Kms), H-.rant.iri (33 Kms).
Th< riC1urcs in
!I
stream of
Messrs.Harihur PolyfibTcs to Kuruvatti
village, as
rt 21 parameters.
discharge" point.
letter contained four annexures
There
analysis of the report of the waU r
therefore not fit for human consumption,
Tuntabhadra river.
as hardness of core well water.
In the ueantiuieij in 1983-8*1, the Karnataka
I
Entinecrint Research S*- .tion, Krisnnaraja SaLar,
I
had carried out a study of Tuntabhadra river at
various points down stream of Earth ir Polyfibres.
■of the said, letter dated 5th October, 108a together
The results show that the P.O values ranee from
2.3 to 8,6 indie..tine the consider ible pollution.
In respect of D.O. B.O.D values raaUJlA-£E2m.
0.1 to ^.1 also indicated the considerable
samples from
These results at the first
rmissible limits.
blush appear to b^ within the pt:
, the samples have
However, it has to be noted that
of the month. This
bten collected only one day
oi the state of
cannot wfleet the true picture
of Harihar-Polyfibres, purtiaffairs downstream
the fact that in the case- of
cularly in view of
at Kumarpatna namely,
rc spondtnt-Compuny’ s units
rusilene have had
Messrs.Horihdr Polyfibres and i.
the Tunt-d^^ra
a consistent history of pollmint,
river uvel above the possible' limits. Copy
solids, Lieh level of social concent, as well
44.
The said
containing the
cltarly snow that the wat.r is not potable and
The said
I
with its annexures is annexed hereto and ^rked
as iinne^UEk..
46.
M’t
' The petitioners h.wc ulsc r-. ^nested
ur.Prabhu.lendavutlmath,
■. Pollution expert of
ortaaic pollution rendering the water unsuitable
for various purposeSj
the valut s of Oxy^eu con-
sumed in the said river also indicated pollution
in this river.
A copy of the extract of the
report r» Vitin/, tn Nk.ssrs.Harih.;r Polyfibres
.
is annexed and marked as A.nnexuru
.
A [p
. . 39
Karnataka
I
well as upstream of Messrs.Harihur
Polyfibres.
results also clt .rly reveal hiLh level of total
I
collected in the River Tuneabhudra down
brackets indicating the distance from the effluent
Iht rusalt from the Bore wells
I
University to conduct water analysis
of the river Tunt^tdiudra downstream of
■The said Doctor
Messrs .Harihar polyflbr^s.
Dr.Daiivatliaath, conducted the study from February
B.O.D only, Standard
to June, 1984 and tested the waler
fw
s:
s
o
p"
p
(A
S’
p
*•.. p
s
(F
o
p
*c
I g
p
s
z
o
o
•o
"
O'
r
C
P
M
,?
(A
p
S'
O'
s
P
P
P
s
N
I
(T'
P
(fl
(fl
o
o
p1
p
n
O
O
P
o
p
■£
s
r
•o
S'
p
P
P
s
S'
p
p
p
o
p
o
(fl
S'
(t
p
P
o
(fl
o
H
F
o
IF §
s
ff>
S
s
(A
S'
D
p
(fl
p
o
s
p
tr
o
p
s
s
s
£
p
p
S
I
r>
c+
s
£
o
i
g
o
s
s
o
PU
o
(A
(fl
p
S'
(fl
(fl
2
b
(
Fhs
S'
’r-
s
s
s
n
P
•tj
'T‘
S
P
o
c*
u
s
?
s
o’
p
c+
r g
O
S
p
B
o
s:
a.
o
o
p
I
GJ
•c
p
p
c‘.
(fl
g
i
•<
o'
Q
g.
p
b.p §■
<’
o
CD
P
(A
£
s
I
tT
(A
II
p
5 ss
tr
o
B
o
K'
p
S'
p
S'
g
<r
P
uT
B
s s s
s
»->
Q
P
P
S'
p
(T
o
*■<
b
b
F £c+
£ P
s’
S'
o
o
p
p
s:
S'
S
p
p
p
b
Y
tc
o
s
p
c+
o
B
S'
(A
P
s
»o
o
S
b
£
s
p'
£
p
s
*<
’ r.
(A
p
S
p
p
N
P
JO
.r
r:
o
P
p
o
P
p
£.
(fl
*0
t)
C-
•o
o
s
s
o
O'
h
£5
£
p
o
p
w
S’
s
to
o
c
B
o_
p
r
S'
o
P
o'
O'
P
a
a
o
s
P
CD
O
P
c
s
k-3
P
•o
o
B
& 8
?
S'
(A
o
S'
(0
hi
P
a
H
s
B
%
<
P
S'
s:
p
(fl
O
P-
I
o
o
a
£
P
w
rj
p
(fl
o
£
H
p
a'
o
O
£
p
(fl
£
S'
S
p
(A
p
p
o
(fl
W
o
S'
P
r
P
p
B
*0
S'
S'
<
•>
t
B
S'
O
ss
*0
o
o
tn
(fl
P
u
p
P
S'
S'
P
«r
p
s
o^
PT
P
p
I *<
I
<
S'
P
p
s
co
r>
-
PPP
O'
r
►i
P
P
8
EF
t-9
p
o
s
£
s
p
s
P
p
S'
o
p
S'
O
P
Q
p
p
a
.Is
h;
(A
(A
A-
g
o
p
H
§
P
2
*<
O
S'
(J
P
P
u
o
s
£
p
P
(A
I r! 5
p
(fl
a
*<
S'
I “■
c
r g.
s
n
»P
o
s
p
p
tc
oo
o'
o
r>
(A
£ £
o
Er
p
Q
I S'
r
r
F
p
p
r>
P
p
rl £ s
p
s
(fl
I
fr
p
(fl
o
O
p
p
p
cn
p
s-
•
PT
u
p
p
S'
O
P
Or
•e
(0
M
F
-
»>
?
r
(A
(r.
(a
S
P
£ g
GJ
S'
c ’ 7
cn
G
tr
S'
►3
?
p
tr
s
r
s
o
»*x
GJ
CD
O'
g
p
h!
g
£
CD
£
o
s:
i s
I
S'
S'
p
p
(fl
r
s
o
p
o
S
“
p
I
I5
S'
w
o
o
o
P
s
s
o
?
*r
O'" £
P
(Z
O'
•c
(C
CD
£
I
S'
o
f
g
CD
P
s
o
o
*<
o
p
p
(fl
p
p
p
p
(A
S'
Fp
P
O
o
p
o
p
u
I
O
o'
b
S'
p
S'
P
p
H
o
a
(a
s
o
r
u>
£
P
(A
g
CD
S'
o
S'
o
S
p
o
p
F
S
p
o
(A
f
s
o
o
p
(A
(A
p
s
B
S'
(A
p
s
S'
£
S'
O'
<"
r
03
O'
p
I F.
s:
S'
so
o
s
p
(fl
s
p
*o
p
o
S
c+
U
O'
o
CT.
p
&
'£ • &I o
o
EC
if
i
§
s
P
<!
o
s
a
S
(fl
p
p
«:
o
S'
p
5
P
►o
s «<
g
s
o
p
S'
(A
l<
S'
p
1
F
o
s
o
co
o
s
O'
4
. O
s:
' -
I <£
<T
o.
O
c
I
(A
■
o |
IF
P
m
S'
is
s
A
p
I
P
p
p
frj
u
£
•O
O
(A
O
U)
U)
p
P
b r
c
p
(A
*G
I. Mj
'
P
Q
P
o
P
S' go
P
p
S-
N
£
p
O
£
o
s
(A
s
s
(A
O
o
o
(A
e
p
f b
p
S' S'©
s
-■
(A
£
p
p
s.
(A
(A
o
o
p
©
p
p
B
o
p
hJ
<e
s•
&■
w
o
F
c
c
o
o
1
%
O
(A
rx
*u
B
S
Q.'
£
p
s
u
ct
S'
p
Qrj
s £
Or
£
P
S
S'
o
p
co
s
(fl
F
p
»p
4
P
B
o
o
S
c~
£
«•
p
P
IP
E
S
p
M
Ir
Oj
n
I
Z-
1-J
I i
s ’SN
p
P
£ S'
S’
I
*<
f
o
S'
S
P
o
o
o
o
P
s
c
o
s
s
p
o
o
p
B
i
S'
fr-
p
s
a
S'
S h
•O
Q
P
S
P
S
P
^^WIXSS
P
o
tx
S
o
BI "
s
s
o
S'
o
co
(fl
p
P
S'
o
p
p
*0
r
P
s
(A
B
o
(fl
s
p.
tr
<T>
p
Hh
s
p
u
so
S'
p
p
o
g,
s
if
.P
£
p
I
•o
P
r* ’
t
£ t
(fl
p
o
P
O
(F
«to
S'
O
O
O
P
S
P
I £
p
p
p
(fl
w
E.
"o
o
s
p
p
p
©
p
r
P
r
S
o
&'
T'
3
P
£ p I *c
S'
S'
''
hO
o
S'
o
S
r
o
p
s
p
(S
O’
Q
p
■-F
b
gp
I
g
(A
I
o
i
GJ
-35-
-34-
content in the luntabhadra river, due to the un
controlled discharge of effluent from Messrs.Hari-
I •
har Polyfibres.
the office of the 1st petitioner further analyses
of the water for various parameters in respect of
It further stated that the fish
effluents discharged by Messrs.Harihar Polyfibres
analysed, though in putrified condition, they were
and Messrs.Grasilenc for the period from 13th to
otherwise healthy and normal confirming that low
DOmicht have caused the kill.
17th February, 1984.
The said letter
values for two days-w^s far in excess of the sti-
The said note inter alia repeated contentions of
palate d maxiuiu.n of SO m^/l.
It also added that the uncon-
level of kiinc in a period und». r study.
It concluded that the fisii kill could be
jkiJ itL
r
42.
It stated
AHbEkURf ...
that instructions had been issued to Messrs.Harihar
of Fisheries (Riverine), Dnarwad, to seudy the
Polyfibres to-create spare, capacity ou^t of the
fish-kill that occured on 14th January, 1984.
abandoned anaerobic lagoon for any future imbalance
As a part of this study, the team had visited the
in the system on account of power failures.
fishing village of Medleri on 25th May 1984.
A
is annexed hereto and mark* d us Annvxure .
Al\nEAlJRL .. .
h.
The
That the fisheries rights of the concerned
area hid been leased out to tlit Fisueries 5o-
Department by the Director of Fisnerits by his
1( tt< r date, d 12th March, 198a.
The
said note inter alia pointed out as follows*
State in its agricultural and-Animal Husbandry
I-
r
4
"A Few Aspe-cts' of the Episodic Fish Kill",
was sent to the, Secreit Lry of the- Ri.spondent-
I
r
team made u study and produced note e-ntitli d
AB
A copy of the said lette-r and the said note
!'
In the meantime , the 6th B^apiddrnt has
deputed a team headed by the Assistant Director
copy of the said letter dated 3rd March, 1984
i
hereto and marked as Annexun '
AD
failures with a simultaneous occusance of power
failures in the qaptive power pl.^nt of Messrs.Hari-
-i
A copy of
the said letter d^ted 24th April, 1984 is annexed /
o' pure instance of acute power shortage and powe r
har Polyfibres not bcinL ruled out.
In respect of
Messrs.Grasilene, the data showed abnormally high
trolled disch.irte uas on account of frequent power
failure s.
h
only for two days which showed that the B.O.D
•j
also enclosed a note on the episodic lish kill.
the s <id letter.
The data enclosed for B.O.D
operative Society, of Ranibennur.
In 1983-84, the
i
copy of the-
least amount was about 4.1000/- per annum.
said letter dited 12th March, 1984 is annexed
A3
The
fisherman would normally purchase licence from
hereto and marked as AnneAdre
the society.
By a letter dat.d 24th April, 198a, the
T.-e licence fte varied according to
the harvest of the fishing wealth.
Member-Secretary of the Re sponde nt-Board sent to
It PQlRted
out tbit ttkre was a decrease in the fiah catch
. . 35
of a considerable amount on account of t-he fish kill.
. . 36
■
I
—
I
-32-
fl#
1st Respond- nt had deputed a specialised team for a
-33-
dctaiK 4 investib\tion and simultaneously issued
analysis of the r. suits of PH and P.O at the lun^abhadra
prohibitory orders which were lifted only after con-
river at various points durint the period Idth, to. 18th
ditions in the river returned buck to normal. The
said letter further stated that such episodic fish-
February 1984.
kills were of a rare occurence which could not be
totally predicted and was probably on account of
’ add
’
to 1st petitioner, a copy of which is hereto annexed
Z. The perusal of the results
and raarke d as Annt>ure
show that acidity (reflected in PH) was not even tested
r/
at various stations and in the stations tested it
uncontrolled discharte of effluents possibly due to
power failure in MessrsnHarihar pjlyfibres.
A copy of the said letter was endorsed
showed a marked tendency towards acidity,
The
TJie report
testing oi samples- carried out durinL various
also showed that D.O content was reduced significantly
downstream of the effluent discharge point from a
figure of 7 mg/l to nc rly Zero immediately at a
periods a§. well as the salient features of
point of effluent discharge.
said letter also .enclosed various data relating to the
Messrs.Harihar Polyfibres and brief du scription of
the effluent .treatment process.
!
39.
A copy of the said
February, 1984 had written to the Respondent-Board
letter dated 24th February 1984 together v^ith the
enquiring about the analysis of the fish samples
enclosures therewith is annexed hereto’and marked
A eiEj.JRf
Y
r?s A,an5xure
biven by.ithc 1st Petitioner to the Fisheries Depart
The ann<xures to
ment.
In rvply to th*- said letter, the Central
the said letter inter alia show that during the
Inland Fisheries Rese^rcn Institute by its letter
pt. riod from January to, December, 1983 the upstream
dated 27th Ftpruary 1984 had written to the 1st
values of b.O.D was between 1 to 2 while pit the
petitioner s'tuting th t th< analysis of D.O from
tfflaent discharge point it was nc irly 180 on an..
13 to 18th February 198x conducted by the Respondent
average.
I
collectively.
The 1st Petitioner by his letter dated 24fch
t-
board showed a clc.r reduction in D.O which w^s the
However, the average values arc not
important as what is required is the actual values.
cause of the fish kill which in turn v.as caused by
But even after effluent treatment, thx. B.O.D
values resulted on occasions a peak value of
3p0 while the maximum permissible limit is that
the effluent n lease d in the river.
analysis of the water r^garding the nature toxic
elements ^as re eA tire d to be made ,
the period January to Ducembir 1983 was-1220 -mgA
^ntuxart
by-a letter d.tcd 2oth February 1984, the
40.
Membc r-Se cretury oF-the-Respondent-Board had
•^collectively.
It appeals that by a letter dated 3rd
March 198^ the Mcmbcr-Scer. tary of the Respondent-
sent to the officer in charte, Central Inland
.. o3
A copy of the
s_iid letter is annexed hereto and marked as
while the m.ixlmum pe rmissiblc limit was 2bO mg/l.
Fisheries Research Institute at Bangalore , the
■
K ?s M-
I;
K j.
I
I
' ■
however further pointed out that a more detailed
of 30 mg/l in the case of C.O.D., the uve rage _Xor
:38.
The letter
i i- ®
board had written to thc Director of Fisheries of
v
SB-
ka ) I
the RwSpondent-Sv:ate< inter alia stitint th t the
Ixre^a
wvea lr WxAz-e eetc -—- crv\ 61 c< cuaef
i 4 ■
'i
r-*
-30-
-31-
1982 B.O.D-level will.havi to bt Itss than 250 mt/l.
is removed by vibro-scrccns'and used as land-fill
(b) in the inte.rvenin& period till 31st Autust,
and fuel.
The clariiicd effluent is chen mixed
■
1983 B.O.D levels would oe permitted at 180 mt/l and
with bleach effluent and subjected to anaerobic
(c) every endcuvour should be made oy the industry
treatment, followed by seration in the bioloeical
to adopt further inplant control measures for
reducing pollution load on the treatment plant and
ultimately the riv^r itself.
reactor.
pamphlet entitled "New Directions in Effluent
A copy of the said
Treatment- at Harihar Polyfibres” w.xich de scribes
note dated 7th March, 1983 is annexed hereto and
marked as A^nc^urc.
khaEa-JRE
X
‘36.
I
$
the above process.
X
.The
said effluent treatment plant was commissioned in
It appears that on 23rd December, 1083
the Respondent-Company had installed a new effluent
December, l^SB and.- t^oe treatment of the effluent
plant involving a reported expenditure of 2s. 1.05
was to stabilize to *30 mt/I by bifeinnint of 1984.
'!
crores.
By the new treatment plant, the effluent
37.
was supposed to be treated throuth two primary
fishkill in the -Tux^abhadra River downstream of
such.that out of the three effluents, namely
Messrs.Harihar Polyfibres.
14th February 1984, ihcrc was a lur^i scale
a letter to the 1st Respondent calling upon it to
take action in the matte r.
wood Was dissolved in water, first neutralised and
and letter as and when produced.
after, aeration is carried out in lagoon to
The
improve its oxyte u content and quality.
: .Pulp will and the r> cov*. ry effluents are subjected
to primary clarification.
The resultant sludge
. . 31
:■
orders were issued by the 1st Respondent to the
Phosphate arc
arc added so that the wood sufcar tots
lherc-
It appears that
irnnie diatcly on receipt of the te legram, prohibitory
Batoons where autrienls like urea and Diammonium
anaerobic
unafAbic micro organisms.
orkanisms.
Th< Petitioners crave
leave to refer and rely upon the s tid telegram
There-
after,.the effluent was; taken into, anaerobic
4C compose d
Immediately thereafter
the 1st Petitioner had despatched a telegram and
prehydrolysate effluent comprisint essentially
then settled to re raov e the suspended solid.
f
effluent treatment plant and its stabilization on
including bleachinL and (3) RecoV' ry effluent, the
n;
Despite the commissioninL of the said
•clarifies, three anaerobic lagoons and a biolofcicai reactor. The system was rcportidly designed
■( 1) Prehydrolysate' effluent, (2) pulp Hill Effluent
>.| -
The Re spondc nt-Company had published
I
Re sponde nt-Company, prohibiting it from carryirit on
any production.
The Petitioners crave leave to
refe r and re ly upon the said »rde rs as and when
produced.
By its loiter dated 24th February 1984
the 1st Respondent wrot, to the 1st Petitioner,
inter alia, statlut that immediate ly on receipt
of the teii tram and letter of 1st P-titioncr the
. . 32
■
'fc
hi I
I
Jal
-29-
the _0.D level o- 30 mL./l.
-28-
The entire project
within x^moubua.
17 months.
was co be completed witnin
He met once Sri.Jain, the Vice-President of the
The report
lurtht r uoted that a team of officers ol tz e
1.
The said
Respondent-Board had inspected the factory in the
Health Supervisor also visited the Villages of
2nd and 3rd wick of January, 198?, which team had
Nelavagalu, Kodayal and Airani near the factory.
submitted a technical report.
Administrative Branch of the factory.
•
where he found most of the residents suffering
The report further
recorded that in its nuetinL of 3rd March, 1982,
i
from skin diseases including itching and stomachache.
it las be tn decided (a) that b.O.D level should
The latter further pointed out th.^t the earlier
be brought down to 100 mt/l by 31st July, 1982,
studies in this behalf of Airan village supported
(b) brint down B.O.D level to 30 m^/l and C.O.D
these observations.
A copy ol the said letter is
level to 250 mg/l by31st August, 1983 and
i
Ai-JNEy. URE
annexed hereto and rr rked as Annexure
(c) durint-the in-trim period upto 31st July,
-W
1982 the BoO.D should in any case not exceed
35.
In the meantime, the Respondent-Board was
180 m^/l.
holoing meetings from timt^to time to work out a
I
Thereafter, ’the technical committee
scheme- for utilisation of the effluents after they
of uhe Respondent-board inspected the factory
on 16th October 1982 and noted that the factory
were treated ano brought down to a permissible
had not been able to achieve the level of 100 mg/l
level.
In this respect, the Respondent-Board had
prepared a note dated 7th March, 1983.
The said
note* inter alia stated that the Respondent-Company
had been initially called upon to treat the dffluents
to poke it fit for use for agricultural purposes by
a stipulated period.
However, as the- Respondent-
Company could not come up with a scheme within
the stipulated period, the Respondent-Board had
calleo upon the Respondent-Company to further
treat the effluents for directly discharging them
into' the river.
In this respect, the Rcspondent-
Company hid informeo the Respondent-Board by
•^^7 its letter datud 23rd Jane .ry,-1982 th-tt it has
finalisea a contract with one Messrs.Hydraulic
and General Engineers Limited, Bombay, lor the
total process, engineering .and machinery supply to
tre :t the effluents to bring them down to the
by 31st July 1982 and despite assurances from the
I
Rcspondent-Company.
The Commiutec felt that
Messrs.Harihar Polyiibres would at best be able
to brint. down the b.O.D level to 180 mt/1.
The
Tcchnicax Advisory Committee of the board rcconimtnded that, in view of the extensive work to the
treatment plant at an estimated cost of ib.l crore
which was in protress they should be allowed to
dischart*-' exflucnts witn the b.O.D level oi
180 mL/l till August, 1983 and thereafter not
more tnan 30 mt,/I.
Thereafter, in its met tint
on 30th October, U82, the Committeo accepted
the rcccmmcnddtions ol* the Teclinical Advisory
Committc. and decided that (a) after 31st August
~ 30
if
K*.-
P
r" ....
>
-21-
-26-
places.
Joint inspection report of 18th August, 1979z
Thereafter, by a notice dated 21st
January, 1981 the Deputy Secretary, Department of
there was no action on the part of the authorities
Health and Family lj'elfare of the Respondent-State,
of the Res^-onoents.
informed that a meeting was to be held on 24th
discussed'between the bureaucrats.
January, 1981 to discuss the shifting of Nalwagal
J.
a
.
Annexury
Joint Inspection Report of 17th August, 1979.
The situation h^d become so acute
clearly indicating that
1-16 February, .1981, carried a report entitled
the matter had not prLgressed from the discussion
"Death of a village", describing the Nalwagal
stage despite the f
A copy of the
T
worse and by a letter dated 18th December, 1981,
the Deputy Secretary, Health and Family Welfare
thick smoke, showering soot, mingled with chemicals
Department wrote to the Joint Director of the
and other toxic by-products blighted all living
Pillars supporting huts, beams holding the
The situation was getting from bad to
33.
The said report, inter alia, pointed
out that the Factory's tall chimneys bellowing its
people.
that the villages were
actually dying off.
said report is annexed hereto and marked as
T
U
u.arked as Annexure.
Annexure
X:
A copy of the saio letter is annexed hereto and
The
Popular magazine "India Today" in its issue dated
village and the proposed shifting.
ANNEXURE
By a letter
Family Welfare Officer, Dharwad forwarded the
“ s------
that the matter was reported in the press.
The matter was being still
dated 17th June 1981, the District Health and
I
A copy hereto is annexed and marked as
village.
ANNE?URE
Despite tht. r<comment; xtions ma cits in the
32.
being put for-shifting villages to alternative
Director ite of Health and Family Welfare Service
I
ol
the Responuent—State st iting therein that while
roofs of the houses, almost crumbled into powder
action has been taken separately regarding the
at the merest touch.
Pieces of rusted steel, tins.
control of water pollution, it was necessary th it
household articles made of Iron, Brass look as
brittle as roasted pappads.
st<-;ps were also taken under a Public Health Actto safeguard the he ilth of the Residents. A copy
A brass water
pitcher presented by the Harihir Poly f ibres to the
1981 is annexed
of the letter dated 18th December,
Nelavagal school only two years before, just
crumbled when India Today Photographer tried to
lift it.. The said report also descrill-lc the ail-
1%
M-'NE. ore
7
hex .to and marked as Annexure
3fl.
It
. V
ippuars th-t on 20th September, 1982,
me nt s and diseases that the residents of the said
village suffering from such as sking and stomach
the Health Supervisor of Dharwad had visited the
diseases.
directions of the District Health Officer of Dharwad.
f actory of Hurih.r Polyfibres pursuant to the
.. 28
. . 27
/
-25-
-24-
R«= sp once nt -Comp .3ny continucd to pollute the river
recommended the total removal of the by-pass device.
Tungakhadra with impunity.
The report also noteo that there were very few
villagers complained yet again to the District
Authority.
water in the river was yellowish in colour and
the various officers of
Fish life was being
drastically affected on this account.
f
Ultimately after repeated complaints,
facilities for alternative drinking water and the
B.O.D was over 150 mg/1.
£
As a result the
the District inspected the
site on 18th August, 1979.
The said Officers node
a Report and noted that at the time of Inspection
The
Sooium sulphate through the Chimney through the
functioning
(a) one l>f the clarifloculators was not
(b) the, effluent wat<_r was not being treated in the
electrostatic precipitator was only about 32%
chamber (c) about 7b to 80% was; being released into
Committee further xjojnted out that recovery of
the river through a by-pass system, and (d) all the
and that no characterisation of the exhaust gas from
mechanical air driers were not
the chimney had been done by the Respendsnt-Company,
found functioning.
The furnace oil boiler
that the clarifl*The report further pointed out
be functioning on
culators had b^en noticed not to
The report also
the e.irlicr visit by the officers.
chimney released 2 to 3% sulphur compounds along
being adversely
pointed out that the crops v^re also
when it was known that Sulphur compounds Carbondioxide
and water vapour were known to be let out through
similar plants elsewhere.
with Carbondioxidv ind soot.
ffected.
Though the Respona<_nt-
It suggested th>-t
(i) it be ensured
Company authorities stated th-t they were going to
throughout the 24 hours,
that clarifloculators function
instal further recovery plants, no drawings of the
to chemical
(b) the effluent water is subjectee
existing recovery systems or the proposed ones
processing and air drying in the lagoons without
were made available.
interruption and (c) effluents should not be
directly discharged into the river but should be
The team was of the opinion
that as there was no data on the constituents of the
utiliseo for agricultural crops.
gases emittco through the chimneys the effect on
ruxjort recoroing the
pollution levels by raising height could not be
determined.
A copy of thu said report recording
the visit of 2nd and 3rd Miy, 1977 is annexed hereto
-H and marked as Antx.xure J u •
30. •
assurance, inspections
v^lE'URE_
R
md reports, the Harihar
■Polyfibres and Grasilene Divisions of the
.. 25
A copy of the said
inspection of 18th August,
R
1979 is annexed hereto end marked as Annexure_
31.
the villagers
The conaitions, however. for
did not improve.
The Petitioners say that despite all the
■
The villagers cow Id neither
drink the wat^-r nor use
it for agricultural pur-
facilities made for
Th^re were not many
and proposals were
the villagers for drinking water
. . 26
poses.
■
r
-23-22-
2S.
district, 14 villages with the population of 40,000
were affected.
h?.d given an assurmct that the Government would
The pollution could be felt about
20 milu^ downstream.
ensure th it measures are taken by the Respondent-
The KME Hospital at Huhli
stances, between 2nd and 3rd May, 1977, a team
All this was despite the
comprising Sri N.R.Subramanya, Sri M.Eraiah and
I
fact that‘‘according to the Respona-ent-Company, the
Sri K.R.Kabra had visited the site to determine
factory management had set up decolourusing units
..(a) the water pollution control measures ,taken by
followed by lime recovering sections.
Messrs.H.iiihar Polyfibrea (b) the xix water supply
The
Committee felt that Harihar Polyfibres w.ts the worst
facilities provided to the villagers and (c) the air
culprit amongst those who courageously polluted the
pollution causeci by the recovery boiler and the
environment with impunity and that the Government
furnace oil boiler.
rerniinecl'an indifferent spectator to the evil deeds
on their visit.
perpetrated on the people as a whole.
I
The Committee
The said persons made a report
After describing the existing
effluent treatment plants, which has been described
further pointed out that, no conditions were imposed-
hereinabov
in terms of the licence’and that the Health Depart
nuous operation’of the effluent treatment units
ment did not bother to enforce the f<_w instructions
should be ensured by periodic checks by the
that it had given.
Respondent-Bo.ird by y .rious methods and that monthly
The Respondent-Statu, the
the said Committee stated th it conti-
'Report pointed out, was doing nothing to prevail
st itements in this behalf ought to be sent to the
upon the industry to observe element try precautions
Bo ird.
to avoid the pollution of the river until the forma
all the details should be kept available for
tion of the Respondent-Board.
inspection.
’The report
‘
A copy of the said
report dated 27th May, 1976 is annexed hereo and
ANNE^VRE
P
In the cireum-
Company to treat the effluents.
had analysed the water in August, 1975 and found it
unfit for consumption.
On the siid report^ the Minister concerned
mirked as -Annexure
p.
.
ilso statuu that a register for
.
i
"
The report noted th .t B.O.D level was
approximately 150 mg/i and that the factory
In the meantime, on or
uthorities pointed out th it they would bring down
about 15th/16th June, 1975 the experts from the
the B.O.D level to 100 mg/1;
Agriculture Department h d also visited the site
to achieve hh-. prescribed standard of 30 mg/l*
and taken^samples.
The tests of these samples
but it was difficult
The Committee Also st itcu that-there was a by-pass
also indicated that pollution was above the
system i.e. a system which avoided effluent treat-
Permitted levels.
ment pl int altogether as- a result of which, un-
The petitioners crave leave to
refei and rely upon the s dd tests as and when
treated effluents were dischargee.
produced.
The report
.. 24
.. 23
i
-20-
,k,ich art'
—
her.to and
rkfcd a8 Ann&JUrtJ
Thereafter, by a letter dated 22nd
out that though the Responds nt-Company had stated
April, 1975, the
Responuent-Board called upon the Respondent
that it had consnlted NEERI (National Environmental
-Company
to treat the effluents from Messrs.Harihar Polyfibres
Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur) for the
so that they are within the
prescribed limits indi-
effluent disposal before going into production.
gated under the said Act.
The Petitioners crave 1e ave
however, it was later found that NEERI was only
to refer and rely upon the
said letter dated 22nd
ask^d for characterization of wastes without any
April, 1975 as arid when produced.
.l.-i
reference to treatment methods.
The' said report
further stated that NEERI had stated that the raw •
27.
In or about June, 1975,
the Chairman and the
Member-secretary of 1st Respondent
v.isitea the Harihar Polyfibres and the area around it. At about the
ef'.luents from the factory were harmful to agricultural crops.
The raw effluents had BOD levels of
app r oxi mat e 1 y 1000 mg/1.
According to the report
same time. the experts ..of thd Agricultural
Department
hod also-visitedi the site and had taken samples,
ax the Respondent-Company had a Ire idy spent 28 lacs
for the purposes of effluent treatment and was
The Petitioners und^rst ;n^ th it these
samples also
prepared to spent another 30 lacs.
indicated that the pollution in Tungabhadra
ther stated that on close questioning, the Chairman
was above permitted levels,
river
The Petitioners crave
leave to refer and rely upon the
28.
In the meantime in 1974, the Assurance
Committee bf• the
--he Karnataka
state Legislature was..
■-T
:
of the Respondent-Board had. stated that according to the
said report^ as and
when produced.
The report fur-
existing scientific knowledge at that time, the
•I
I
B.O.D level could not ?-e reduced below 60 mg/1, where..s
the Ru.spone.ent-Board had issued instructions for the
B.O.D level to be below 30 mg/l.
The Committee had
'
constituted. It visited the plant on 10th September,
.(
1975. The Assurance Committee of the Karnataka
Legislature submitted its report on 2.7th May,
1976.
also interviewed the villagers who stated that several
. protests made by them had failed on deaf ears,
river water was dark brown colour with pungent
The said report inter, alia states
that the B.o.D
km!
levels of the treated effluents
ailment and rashes on the skin.
was between 200 and •’ <.
250 mg/I against the permissible limit
The
odour and the villagers had developed stomach
The Report indi-
of 30 mg/I
Gated that according to the Deputy Commissioner,
which did not allow acquatic life including fish
Bellary, seven villagers in Harapanahally taluka
life for some mile§ downstream apart from damage
and 24 in Hadg-tlli Taluka were affected by this
likely to cause to. the public.
river pollution.
It further pointed
.. 21
)
c
In thu summer months, the
pollution effect could be felt upto 2-5 miles down-
stream.
Jaunciic^ and £j&putitis were rampant on
the- river banks.
In Ranibennur taluka of Dharwar
J
r
-19-
-18-
.24.
and Family Planning Services wrote to the Respondent-
Thcreafter, on or nbout 16th August, 1973,
an Expert Committee was appointed by the, Legislative
State giving the details of the samples and the
I
Assembly to investigate the pollution in the
tests ,pn the water collected on 24th June, 1972 at
various places of the Tungabhadra river.
Tungabhadra river.
It comprised three members.
In
The said
!
the year 1973 itself, it published a report entitled
letter shows extremely h^gh amount of BOD much
'Pollution of the Tupgabhadra river by industrial
above the permissible limit of 30 mg.
A copy «f.
wastes from-Messrs.Haiih.r polyfibres division of the
the said letter is annexed hereto and marked as
Respondent-Company.
AHNEXURE M Annexure • FO' .
22.
Despite
ill the complaints by the villagers
discharge of effluents.
i
do not have a copy of tlje said report.
However, it
•j.
Tungabhadra hid b<en polluted by poisonous chemicals
He fur-
which would be injurious te public health.
Thereafter, on or about 9th/10th August, 1974
the Factory and the area around it.
They had
collected samples from various parts at Tungabhadra
river.
Planning Officer, Dharwad stating that th-^ river
I
experts from the Agricultural Department had visited
By a letter dated 7th February 1973 the Chairman
Hirebidri wr«te to the District Health and
The Petitioners
' 25.
The position became worse.
of the Village Panchayat Committee of Village
Company on or about 23rd. April, 1974.
appears that.no action was taken on the said report.
who resided along the Tungabhadra river and were
the greatly affected, there was no let up in the ■
This report was forwarded to the
The Petitioners believe that the tests of the
samples also showed that the pollution of the river
caused by Messrs.Harihar Polylibres was above the
!
permitted levels.
ther pointed that what they wanted was growth of
inoustries without cost to public health.
The
. J 26.
In the meantime, on 23rd March, 1974, the
letter enclosed results of tests on water samples
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
which show extremely high B.O.D levels much
came into force in Karnataka under which the 1st
A copy of the said
■.bove the permitted levels.
letter dated 7th February, 1973 is annexed hereto
ANNEXURE cy and marked as Annexure
'
Respondent was constituted.
Section 17(1) (g) of the
said Act inter alia obliges the Respondent-Board to
lay down the effluents standards for sewage and
trade effluents and for the quality of the receiving
23.
Thereafter, in early 1973, the question
water.
It appe irs that the Respondunt-Board has
of effluent discharged by the Harihar Polyfibres
laid down tolerance limits for Messrs.Harihar Poly
into the river Tung.V-hadra was raised in the
fibres ana later for Messrs.Grasilene.
Karn-ituka Assembly.
assured the Assembly that a Committee would be
eWaevO
Copies of
The concerned Minister had
will look into the trw .tment of
.. 20
i
I \
. -rl6-
The Petitioners submit th^t the Respondents are to
pl • ■ >
be directed to. disclose the exact nature and quantities of the nuteri -Is used in the process of manu-
facture at the plants by Messrs.Harihar Polyfibres and
and the product from the lagoons were mixed and
Grasilene units.
led on to common aerated lagoons .
18.
The overflows
from the last lagoon were passed through a final
The Petitioners are not aware of the exact
setting tank for 8 hours detention and the over
nature of pollutants in air, water or soil or in the
form of solids.
flow was supposed to be discharged into the river
However, the Petitioners have
through a weir and tike off channel.
gathered that so f r as water pollutant §
con
A schematic
diagram showing the effluent tre itment, process
cerned these include Dignins, phenolic compounds
prior to December, 1983 is annexeo hereto and
and other organic toxic subscances and inorganic
ANNEXUp.E
m-rked as Annexure fc 1.
substances like. Zinc, fchromiuny Mercury, which are
all toxic.
20 4
The air pollut ints include Carbon Dioxide,
. Carbon Monoxide, Suphur-Dioxide end othur gases.
plant at Harihar, the residents of the nearby
I
villages started suffering adverse effects in
The foams generated from the lagoons and the
I
Biological Reactors ilso enter the air.
Immecii.itely after the commissioning of the
their health.
Solid
They complained to the Deputy
pollutants include coal ash, rejected kanthete
Commissioner of Dharwad that the effluent discharged
materials, elemental sulphur etc. which are dumped
consisted of most of th«_ dangerous chemicals which
by the Ffcaspencnsnt-Company nearby Ndavagal village.^
may harrtv human life md cattle.
Infact> the
effluent ha.d-not b^een treated chumicaljy at all.
19.
Prior to December, 1983, the treatment of
Thereafter, by.a letter d ited 29th June, 1972,
effluents involved few phases, viz. (1) The pre-
the Deputy Commissioner, Dharwar wrote to the
hydorlysate waste w,-As segr<.g .ted and neutralised
Commercial Manager, Harihar Polyfibres recording
and lime and treated in an anaerobic lagoon for
, the above mentioned f-^ct and requested him to dig-
35 days followed by detention in a separated
charging effluent forthwith and report the action
lagoon 6 days and (2) the pulp milk effluents from
taken within 7 days.
the Soda recovery section w^s decolourised using
Calcium Hypochlorite solution and then treated in
a clarifier.
datud 29th June, 1972 is annuel hereto and
AfitJEXURE
mjrke^ as Annexure 1 L1 .
The overflow from the clarifier was
treited in aerated lagoons by detention for five
days.
A copy of the said letter
The effluent from the bleaching section
21.
*
However, there was no improvement in the
situation. F'
“
By a letter
d;ted' 21st
August, 1972,
-Hu? Pestufw
tx
’ <7
I
-14-
.■>L:
lignins from the wood it absorbs the
black or coffee colour.
•• J
and becomes
-15-
As the white / liquor is
recycled# the lignin which was removed by the recovery
17.
procedure# is removed from the white in the recovery
charged,by both Harihar Polyfibres and Grasilene units.
section and the white liquor is reused.
It appears,-th_it Approximately 33000 M3 of effluents
Numbcr d£ toxic effluents were and are dis-
■
The lignin
and other materials are, therefore, discharged from '
are:disgorged, per day.
the drain.
gallons pf WAter of river Tungabhadra#
The cellylose which has now been ex-
Out of the nearly.,6 million
imillion
tr cted is bleached with the mixture of Sodium Hy
gallons are discharged into the Riv^r with .toxic
droxide and. Chlorine .
effluent^.
Aft«r ble-ching# it is wished.
.
i
■
, ,concentration has never been disclosed by the
The end product is of cellulose which is known as
a Rayon Grade pulp.
Ttyv exact nature of effluents and the
i V—
1
1
| r
■
_■ •
,Respondent-Company to the public at large#
As mentioned earlier# some
It is
of it is fed into tne Grasilene unit and other is
submitted that in the context of th^ fact that
sold out.
large number of the people have and are( suffering
In the Grasilc-ne plant# the cellulose is
mix's<4 with Carbon di Sulphide in the barrel called
from serious health effects on account of pollution
the Churn,
The product at this st ige is known as
it is incumbent upon the Respondent—Company and the
Xanthate.
The Xanthate is again dissolved in dilute
Respondent State to disclose the nature of the
causting soda solution which turns it into viscose.
effluents so that -the Petitioners and other^
Viscose# which looks like thick honey is pressed
similarly placed persons can exercise their right
through spinnarattesz which have many extremely
to life under Article 21 in a proper and in a
fine por<=s.
meaningful way.
This process# known as spinning#
It is submitted th it the Petitioners
includes a bath in Sulphuric acid and other salts.
and others"Similarly situated arc ent it lea to know
Harihar Polyfibres and Grasilene units also have
and the Respondent—Company is bouno to disclose
allied units in the s ’.me site which manufacture
any information relating to the nature of effluents
Carbon di Sulphide# produced by the burning charcoal
which adversely affect their right guaranteed under
and sulphur und^r high pressure and temperature.
Art i des: 19(1) (a) and X 21 of the Constitution of
Causting soda is also obtained by electrolysing
India.
common salt (Sodium Chloride) in wat^r (Brime)
the Respondsnt-Company uses the following materials
which process uses mercury.
Messrs.Harihar Polylor the manufacture of pulp at
i
I I
Sulphuric acid is
fibres:
also manufactured by burning Sulphur and dissolving
the resultant Suphur-di-oxide.
(1) Wood
The process of
(3) salt cake - So
dium Sulphate
manufacture in a schemetic form is annexed hereto
ANMEXURE
K
and marked as Annexure
'K' .
The Petitioners say that it appears that
Cis)
(5) Chlorine
(7) sodium Chlorate
(»). Furnace oil
(1(D) Surfactants
r 1 -a \ TricrxHi'm PhnpiihatG
-
(2) Caustic Soda
(а) sulphuric Acid
(б) sulphur Dioxide
(8) Lima Shell/Lime Stone
(10) Kerosene
(12) Sodium Chloride
(14) Sodium Dieremote
6) Grease
■
H
1
-13—12 T
25th M'^rch/ p72* the
Thereafter on or a£t«r
of tne Respondentplant of Harihar Polyfibres
at Kumarpatna in Ranibennur
15.
(a) that the R^sponotnt-Company would -
(i) construct and maintain two sets of
clarifloculators and sedimentation
tanks of adequate capacity to treat
effectively all the effluents of the
pulp and staple fibres of the
Factory:
Company was commies ionea
taIuka.
an area
Thu; plant occupied c
period of 30 years.
This land hud been specially
acquired by the Respondent-St ite
(iii) finally allow percolated water from
the land to be Ku into the river;
(b) tre it sewage and sullage by modern methods
suggested by the Department from time to
and
September, 1968 is annexed and marked as Aimexure^'H1 .
Thereafter, by a letter d.^ted 27th September,
of the exact details of-1
petitioners are not aware
However, from the information
the production process.
as agreed in the meeting of 3rd September, 1968, the
The wood is / , first chipped
Directorate of Health Services would have no
reduced to flakes.
objection in the Respondent-Company starting the
Centigrade for
about 175 degree
Acid medium at about PH 3.0.
in the chipper and then
It is then
subjected to steam at
; approximately 90 minutes
preliminary work of ^cguiring the site at Harihar
By this process,
in an
September, 1968 is annexed hereto and marked as
carbons are removed
inorganic materials and penta
digested by cooking
Thereafter, it is
from the wood.
consists of Sodium Hydroxide/
it in white .liquor which
Annexure
11* ’
Sodium Carbonate
Thereafter, the Rusponuunt-Company executed
the wood which
' extracts the pulp from
in connection with establishment of the pulp fibre
plant.
14.
A copy of the said letter dated 27th
an Agreement dated 16th December, 1968 incorporating
the undertaking/
copy or whicii is -Annexed hereto
and marked as Annvxuru__ hJ*.
. .
r
facture the
on the Respondent-Company executing the Agreement
of the erstwhile State of Mysore wrote stating that
ANNEXURE
of’ Harihar Poly fibres manu-
various
sources,
that has been available from the
enumerated:
of the process are
the following details
is wood.
The raw ^terials for the process
1968 the Directorate of Hu.-jlth and Family Planning
ANNEXURE
•hPi
The said plant
Pulp p«r day.
s nearly 170 tonns of Rayon Grace
fictures
of the a Id Rryon Grade Pulp, nearly
A portion
the Grasilene division to nanu20 tonnS/ is used by
Viscose. The
artificial fibre, known as
A copy of tne Minutes of the said meeting of 3rd
13.
for the purposes of
Utter in 1977/ the
setting up of the said plant.
commissioner at the same site.
Grasilene Plant was
16.
(c) properly dispose of waste products in a
sanitary fashion as suggested by the
Department.
ANNEXURE
H
qf 80j acres
Rc s ponce nt-Company for a
which was leased out to
(ii)use the effluent for land treatment
to raise agricultural crop/ and
time;
I
13
and Sodium Sulphide.
30% cellulose and removes lignins
70% of the wood.
This process
consists of
which constitute
As the white liguor
removes the
.. I**
I
-10-
Matterz Hydrocarbons and metallic bases.
-11-
Pollution by Sulphur Dioxide is particularly
the approval of the office of the Directorate of
dangerous as with water in rain it produces
Health of the erstwhile State of Mysore for plant
sulphuric acid, resulting in a phenomenon known
as "AQD RAIN".
for effective treatment and disposal of the effluent
Acid rain kills fish and other
to be discharged from the proposed Harihar Polyfibre
acquatic life, corrodes building and monuments,
unit.
damages forests and crops ano poses substantial
Director of Health Services of the erstwhile State
threat to the terrestrial life including human
beings.
of Mysore had written to the Mysore Industrial Areas
A table showing the toxic effect of some
Development Board stiting therein that the Respon-
of the well known air pollutants is annexed hereto
ANNEXURE
E
!
dent Company had requested the approval of his
and marked ,as Annexure ' 1 f* .
10.
By.a letter dated 24th Jbne 1968, then
office in the matter of effective treatment and
disposal of effluents from the proposed Harihar
Industrial effluents may also cause solid
He pointed out that the Respondent-
and soil pollution apart from the pollution men-
Polyfibres.
tioned above.
Company had not provided any data regarding the
The Industrial effluents depending
It further
on the type of industry will produce certain toxic mate-
wastes that were going to be discharged.
rial peculiar to that Industry.
Thus a captive r
stated that a 'No Objection Certificate' would be
plant produces caustic soda through electrolysis
given by that Department on the specific condition
of Brine will require mercury which if discharged .
that the management of Respopden^ No.9 would carry
J
.
out whatever suggestions .that were made by the said
is extremely toxic and well known for the Minamata
. disease.
Department.
A copy of the said letter dated 24th
June, 1968 is annexed hereto and marked as
11.
I
It appears that in or about 1968, the
Respondent-Company decided to set up a RayonGrade
Pulp plant at Harihir.
For setting up of the said
ANNEXURE
G
Annexure ’G ' .
12.
Thereafter, on 3rd September, 1968 a meeting
plant, approval of the Director of Health under
was held between the erstwhile Mysore Industrial
the Mysore Public Health Act, 1944 was required.
Area Development Board and the representatives of
It appeals in or about 1968, that the Vice-
the Resplendent-Company.
President of the Respondent-Company had requested
agreed that the Respondent-Company would give a
,
It appears that it was
letter pending a formal undertaking by it which
.. 11
would contain inter alia as follows:
• • 12
-
I
I
-9-
-8-
water through the well known process
of Photosynthesis.
Dissolved Oxygen: oxygen
water.
DO:
Moreover t large-.-number of disease causing organisms
are also released with the rubbish thrown in the water.
The amount Of
> aerobes.
BOD:
required
inorganic
The organisms'1 known as protozoa have the capacity to
destroy these germs•
COD:
These protozoa also require oxygen
.
However, as the river can only supply
j
a limited amount of oxygen, large amounts of rubbish
off in the upper layers the anaerobes rise und begin
Anaerobes work by
1 extracting hydrogen.and combining it with
Sulphur
producing the foul smelling hydrogen sulphide gas.
As a result the water becomes turbid. Sunlight
cannot penetrate the surface.
■
Algae without
fish without the
sunlight being to die off and the
In the result.
oxygen from algae also dies off.
river devoid of life.
1 the re remains foul-smelling
Scientists have devised various parameters
, which
for measuring pollution and purity of water
7.
may be enumerated as follows:
measuring the quantity of
TS: Total solids: waste discharged.
>DS: Dissolved Solids: measuring the solids
dissolved
TSSs
Total suspended solidss measuring the
remaining solids which
have not dissolved.
measuring the total
MPN: Most Probable Number: of bacteria in Water.
number
.. 9
important parameters of water
in the ordinary
COD, DO levels.
pollution are BOD,
exceed 30 Miligram
course BOD levels should not
250 Miligram per
litre, COD should not exqeed
per
level should not be less than
litre and D.O
These
■ litre for fish to survive,
4 miligram per
the COD
If the bod level or
the
upper-limits.
are
low t
level is exceedingly
or
the
D.Q
level a.re high
standard
die off. There are
the river begins to
for the
the various authorities
values stipulated by
Standard values of the
mentioned
parameter.
above
international Stanlaid down as per
said parameter
annexed hereto
water are
dards for inland surface
Annexure '.E1
and marked as
for water pollution.
above parameters are
The
9.
atmosphere
that the out door
Pollution
implies
Air
harmful
concemtration which are
materials
in
contains
environment•
beings, animals and the
to the human
of various
Air pollution is
is caused
caused through burning
8.
. result in depletion of oxygen and the aerobes and
-protozoa begin to die. As the oxygen level falls
to attack the was^e matter.
materials.
the acidity and alkalinity.
PH:- Measurement of
of heat in any body.
Temperature: Measurement
If the quantum of rubbish
which comes from the algae.
goes up, the oxygen required by the aerobes and protozoa
also goes up.
dissolved in the
annexure
E
The most
in the emission of various gas
fuels uhich results
■' ' Carbon
V.
H4^1de, Carbon mono oxide,
including
dioxide,
m qusoended Particulate
Dioxide, Oxide'of Nitroxan, Suspend
.. io
-7-
-A-
of selected villages along the Tungabhadra river
and crops in
•human population> cattle^ anim
Ranibennur taluka in Dharwad district, Harapanahalli
6.
taluka of Chitradurga district in Karnataka state.
the Petitioners think it fit to briefly describe
The River Tungabhadra is a tributory ->f the river
what the nature of water pollution is.
It separates Dharwad district from the
districts of Chitradurga and Bellary.
A map
Oxygen and water are absolutely essential for life.
Water is used extensively by everybody and is there-
Krishna in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is annexed
to a fit state to be used again is nature itself.
The main agency for restoring water
The Tungabhadra
Through the evaporation of water by the heat of
river enters the Dharwad district in the taluka of
the sun, water is distilled when it returns as
Hirekerur and passes through Ranibennurt Harapanahalli
rain;and fills up the rivers and the ocean.
hereto and marked as Annexure 'A1.
The main Railway
The
rivers thrdugh movement imbile oxygen which is
line from Pune to Bangalore after passing through
essential for life to be sustained in the rivers.
the Taluka of Ranebennur intersects the river
When rubbish is thrown into a river, solids sinks
Tungabhadra near the village Nelavagul in Ranibennur
to various levels and are attached by either aerobes.
A map showing selected
•microorganisms which require oxygen for their
villages of Ranibennur taluka of Dharwad district
sustenance or anaerobes, microorganisms which do
and the course that the Tungabhadri follows is annexed
not require oxygen for their survival.
hereto and marked as Annexure 'B*.
Harihar Poly-
fibres and Grasilene Divisions of the RespondentCompany are located near the village of Nelavagul on
<
While
aerobes are found at higher levels in the water.
anaerobes are found at lower levels •
The organisms
consume the rubbish converting organic matter into
the northern side of the Railway line and on the
inorganic and mineral matter which cannot purify
Western Bank of River Tungabhadra in Ranibennur taluka.
but also despoil the water.
Its location is marked by an 'X’ in the map of
sumption, of Rubbish by these organisms uses up
Ranibennur taluka, Annexure 1 Br hereto*
The
oxygen in the water.
villages that are on the right bank of the Tungabhadra river downstream of Harihar Polyfibres are
listed in a list annexed hereto
c
Both
for spoiled.
taluka of Dharwad district.
annexure
As is well
showing the river Tungabhadra as it joins up River
and Hadagali and Jiavcri talukas.
ANNEXURE
B
As this petition concerns water pollution/
known the earth is an ‘oxygen-water planet*.
it runs for
approximately 125 Kilometres in Karnataka.
A
are alsp annexed hereto and marked ans Annexure 'D*
and Hadagali taluks in Bellary district and Harihar
Krishna.
ANNEXURE
ANNEXURE
D
Annexure 'C' talukawise.
by the aerobes and convert it into useful organic
matter.
.. 7
Algae present in the water
then absorb the inorganic and mineral matter produced
and marked as
Maps showing the location
The process of con-
Algaez being plants, release oxygen into the
.. 8
I
I
-5-
2.
The present putition raises important
4.
The 2nd Respondent is the Secret try to the
questions of law. viz: -
Government of Ecology and Environment of the
Respondent-State .
The 3rd Respondent is the secretary
(a) Whether the discharge of the effluents
by the Respondent-Company above permissible
to the Department of Commerce and Industries of the
Respondent-State.
limits, as laid down by the concerned
authority under* various statutes' for the
The 4th Respondent is the
purposes of protecting health, resulting
in adverse effect to the human population,
Director of. Health and Family Welfare Department
of the Respondent-State .
The Sth Respondent is
cattle, domestic animals,and crops does
not violate the rights of the Petitioners
and persons similarly situated under
Article 19(1) (g) and 21 of the Constitution
the Director of Fisheries of the Respondent-State.
The Respondent Nos.6, 7 and 8 are the Deputy
Commissioners of the Districts of Dharwad, Chitradurga
and sellary respectively.
The 9th Respondent
is the Company incorporated under the Gwalior Company
Act (Act I of Samvat 1963).
It has two divisions
operating in Dharwad District, namely, (1) Messrs.Hari-
of India?
the light
(b) Whether the Re sponde-nt-Company
of the adverse effects to the health of
the populat ion1, cattle, domestic animals
banks of river Tungabhadra
and crops on the
t.
can keep the nature of the toxic effluents
har Polyfibres, and (2) Grasilene Unit.
3.
discharged secret , and whether it is not
obliged to disclose such information to the
Petitioners ano to the public at large and
failure to do so would not be violative of
Both these divisions of the Respondent-
Company are situated on left Bank of the River 'Runga-
the rights of the Petitioners and others
similarly situated under Article 19(1)(a)
of the Constitution of India?
bhadra at Kumarpatnam of Ranibennur taluka of
Dharwad district in Karnataka.
They both discharge
toxic effluents into the Tungha River without
adequately treating them.
(C) Vtether the failure to take steps to prevent
effectively the pollution by the RespondentCompany through the discharge of the effluents
in air, wit.r, Mnd and soil consistently for
As a result the Tunga-
bhadra river h-is been heavily polluted for over
Ia5\'- 1
13 years now.
kill.
It has resulted in one major fish
a period of 13 years by the RespondentState and by its officers does not violate
The River Tungabhadra being the only source
the rights' of the Petitioners and others
Similarly situated under Article 14 of the
of drinking water for the entire population
residing on both banks of riv^r, the health of
Constitution of India?
the human population, domestic animals, cattle
The present petition is concerned only with
i -
and crops down stream of Messrs.Harihar Poly*■ fibres and Grasilene arc adversely affected.
5.
the effect of discharge
liquids and gases by the
.. 5
of toxic effluents, solids,
Respondent—Company to the
6
f
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BANGALORE
(ORIGINAL JURISDICTION)
W.P.NO.
OF 1985
BETWEEN
'■ I
1. Transnational Center (TNC),
a Registered Society for
Non-Violent Social Change
having its registered office
at 'Navajeevan',
Station Road,
Dharwar-580 001,
represented herein by its President,
Mr.S.R.Hiremath.
r hi .
■ 'T
.1 i-i
,
■
2. Dr.S.L.Pawar,
aged -40- years.
Board Member,
India Development Service (I),
Ranibennur.
3. Gurulingamma Dharanappanavar,
aged -45- years,
resident of Haranagiri Village,
Ranibennur Taluk.
i
1.
4, Hanumappa Bajentri,
agpd -50- years,
resident of Medleri,
Ranibennur Taluk.
3. Holebasappa,
s/o Munavva Sanganavar#
aged -56- year^g,
resident of Hircbidari,
Ranibennur Taluk
O:
.. PETITIONERS
AND:
1. The Karnataka state Pollution
Control Board,
a statutory authority constituted
under Water (prevention and Control
of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the
Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981.
2. The Secretary t« Government,
Department of Ecology and
Environment,
State of Karnataka,
Vldhana Soudha,
Bangalore-560 001
• ■
■
i
c•
.. RESPONDENTS
Contd...
.. 2
i'
/ to Gov - mmer..
-nt of Commerce and Industries/
- of Karnataka,
uhana Soudha,
Bangalore-560 001.
to ameliorate
g
gr—
The s
the condition of the rural poor in
Dharwad in Karnataka
and1 around the District of
Petitioner has been
State. In particular, the 1st
relating to environment
very active in the issues
such as the pollution caused by release of toxic
4. The Director of Health and Family
Welfare, state of Karnataka,
Ananda Rao Circle,
Bangalore-560 009.
5. The Direotor of Fisheries,
State of Karnataka,
Multistoreyed Building,
Dr.Ambedkar Veedhi,
Bangalore-560 001.
and other effluents in the Tungabhaara river in
Dharwad District by the 9th Respondent-Company.
The Petitioner Nos.2 to 5 are all residents of various
6. The Deputy Commissioner,
Dharwad District,
Dharwad.
villages on the. Banks
7. The Deputy Commissioner/
Chitradurga District,
Chitradurga.
adversely affected in one way
of the Tungabhadra River
and the towni of Ranibennur.
■i
or the other by
the pollution of the Tungabhaara
•i
9. Gwalior Rayon Silk Manufacturing
(Weaving) Company Limited/
A Company incorporated under
the Gwalior Company’s Act,
and having its registered office
at Nagda, Madhya Pradesh and
having its administrative office at
Kumar a pat na m ,
Ranibennur TaIuka,
Dharwad,
.. RESPONDENTS
Karnataka
river caused by
9th Respondentrelease of the. toxic effluents by the
is the statutory
Company. The 1st Respondent
(Prevention
authority constituted under the Water
8. The Deputy Commissioner/
Bellary District/
Bellary.
(
All of them have been
■
1
and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1994 and the Air
Pollution) Act, 198!•
(Prevention and Control of
with the responsibility under the said
It is ch^ged
alia tfb Acts and Rules to inter
(a) pl-^n
PETITION UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
The petitioners abovenamed beg to state as
follows J-
air and water
Government on the
(b) advise the State
same;
and disseminate information a nd
(c) to collect
pollution;
relating to, air and water
u
.• f '
FACTS
1.
The Petitioners 2 to 5 are citizens of
India.
The first petitioner is a social action
group dedicated to the social change by non-violent
.. 3
/
•. 4
I'
•J' - Agreement dated 16-12-68
12. Annexure 'J'
69
K'1 - Diagram showing manufa
13. Annexure 1' K
cture and effluent treatment process
in respondent -company
70
14. Annexure 'L' - Letter dt. 29-6-72 of
Dy.Commr. Dharwar to Herihar Poly
fibres
71
15. Annexure ’M' - Copy, of letter dt.
21-8-72 of Dy.Director(Communicable
Diseases) to Government in HMA Dept.
72
16. Annexure 'N' - Copy of letter dt. 7-2-73
of Chairman, V.P.C. Hirebidari to Dist.
Health & Family Planning Officer,Dharwad. ..
73 & 74
17. Annexure 'O' - Copy of letter dt. 11-7-85
of Karnataka State Pollution Control
Board to 1st Petitioner with enclosures
.•
75 to 77
18. Annexure 'P' - Report of Committee on
Govt. Assurance of Legislative Assembly
on Industrial pollution dt. 27-5-76
78 to 84
19. Annexurejp1 - -Report on implementation
of assurance given by Minister regarding
water pollution of Tungabhadra who
'Visited on 2-5-77 & 3-5-77
85 to 89
20. Annexure ’R* - joint Inspection Report
made on 18-8-79
90 to 93
21. Annexure ' S' - Meeting notice dt.21-1-81
94
22. Annexure ' I" - Report dt. 1-16 Feb. 1981
95 to 99
23. Annexure * u* - Letter dt. 17-6-81 of
Dist.Health & Family welfare Officer
^00 to 100
24. Annexure 'V' - Letter dt. 18-12-81 of
Dy.secretary , HFW Dept to Jt.Director
of the Directorate of HFW
101
25. Annexure ' w‘ - Letter d*t. 22-9-82 of
Healther Supervisor,Dharwad to Dist.
H & FW Officer Dharwad.
102 & 103
26. Annexure 'x' - A note dt. 7-3-83 on
treatment & disposal of effluents of
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
104 to 108
27. Annexure ’¥* - Letter dt. 24-2-84 of
Karnataka State Board for Prevention
and Control of Water Pollution _to
109 to 115
1st petitioner
28. Annexure •z' - Letter dated. 25-2-84 of
z Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
to Central Inland Fisheries
116 &
-331. Annexure 'AC* - Letter dt. 12-3-84 of
Directorate of Fisheries to Govt. in
AAH Dept.
32. Annexure 'aD' - Letter dt. 24-4-84 of
Karnataka State Pollution Control
Boarct to India Development Service (i)
33 . Annexure 'aE' - Letter dt. 9-7-84 of
Asst. Director of Fisheries to Director
of Fisheries
34. Annexure 'aF' - Completion Report of
Karnataka Engineering Research
Station .in K.R. Sagara
35. Annexure 'aG' - Letter dt. 5-10-84 of
Karnataka State Pollution Control
Board to 1st Petitioner
36. Annexure 'ah'
Results cf analysis of
water samples from Tungabhadra river
37. Annexure 'aH-11- Letter dt. 3-1-85 of
Central Inland Fisheries with enclosures
118
30. Annexure 'aB' - Letter dt* 3-3-84 of
Karnataka state Pollution Control Board
to the Director of Fisheries
119 & 121
125 to 131
132 to 135
136
137
... . 138 to
141
39. Annexure 'aK’ - Report
"
of visit.to the
Tungabhadra river by' a team of Karnataka
University, Dharwad
142
40. Annexure 1 aL'
Statement. .
Dr. s.L. Pawar dt. 11-8-85
143
bangalore
28TH NOVEMBER 1985.
I
123 and 124
38. Annexure 'aJ' - Letter dt. 12-4-85 of
Central Inland Fisheries to Karnataka
State Pollution Control Board
41. VAKALATH
117
29. Annexure ’ AA1 - Letter dt. 27-2-84 -of
Central Inland Fisheries to 1st
petitioner
122
140
copy of
144
Rs.3/-
ADVOCATE for petitioners
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BANGALORE
W.P.NO.
OF 198 5
IA4S3
BETWEEN
Transnational Center (TNG) &'
Others
..PETITIONERS
AND:
The Kernatake State Pollution
Control Board and others
..RESPONDENTS
INDEX
Si.
No.
DESCRIPTION
pages
From
1. Memorandum of Writ Petition
2. Affidavit verifying writ Petition
3 . Annexure ’a l Map showing river
Tungabhadra joining river* Krishna
in Karnataka & Anara Pradesh
4. Annexure • B‘ - Map showing gele-r
cted villages of Ranibennur Tq.
& the course Tungabhadra river
follows
5. Annexure ’C* - List of villages
on the right bank of Tungabhadra
river
6. Annexure ’D1 - Maptshowing sel^-..
cted villages along Tungabhadra
river
7. Annexure ' E'
International
Standards for Inland surface
water
8. Annexure 'F' - Table showing
toxic effect of some of air
pollutants
9. Annexure ' G* = Letter
Let ter dt. 24-6-68
of Directorate of Health Services
to the Mysore Industrial Areas'
i
I
J
10. Annexure 1H‘ - Minutes of meeting
dt. 3-9-68
11 •Annexure 'H-l'- Letter dt. 27-9-68
from Director, te of Health &
family Planning Services to
Gwalior Ruyon silk Mfg (wvg)Co.Ltd. ..
i
1
TO
C/fee
Paid
56
Rs. 100/-
57
58
59
60
61
62 &
63.
!
64
65
66 &
68
67
4
III
For the health study the following steps are propesed.
1) Review of technical reports / studies carred out on this
plant area and other similar plants in India
(Mavoor Kerala and Nagda M.P.)
2)
Literature sur vey health problems associated with plant
manufacturing rayon and other related chemicals.
3) Contacting loc al sources of health information vix
general practitioners, primary health centre staff ESI
staff, practitioners of indigenous systems of medicine
distric level health staff referral medical college staff etc.
4) Compiling available recorded health data from the above
This would give us a broed idea of the problem.
5) For the field investigators we could Identity local health
workers and wo rkers from various voluntary oagencies in
kamataka, who are already past of an association called
Federation of voluntary organizations for rural development
(FEVORD) who have been meeting of regularly and working
together on so me issues. The advantages of th&s would be
i) it would prevent dependance on Outside "expertM group
ii) if would build up local confidence interest and
awarence
iii) it would build up state lenal network and lobbying
group
iv) it would provide for language facility in Kannada
which would be ital to get good information / history
6)
The investigative team would also need the presence of
competent clinicians as many reported forie manifestations
affect the neurological system and higher mental functions,
reproductive system, skin respiratory system and gastro
intestinal system.
The Regional Occupational Health Centre (R.O.H.C.)
Bangalore is also undertaking a study on the impact on
human health. Linkages and exchange of information with this
group should be built up. This is more duplication of effort
as the skills and approach of the 2 groups are different
and could be complementary.
8)
Investigations like analys is of chemicals / toxins in
water / air / soil, human beings, animals plants etc need
sphisticated equipment and are a necessary backup to the study
Institutions like ROMC and Ind fan Institute of Science etc
have the infrastructure and skills to do these.
...5
9)
An epidemiological case contro 1/ community based,
morbidity survey of the exposed and unexposed populations would
be the basic field study, this could be upstream and down
stream of the facto ry
10)
Dissemination of Information so obtained to the local
population, voluntary groups, medic al profession policy
mak ers etc would compreise the communication strategy.
1.1)
Further stps would depend on the outcome of the above
12)
Occupational health hazards of the factory workers
specifically would also need to be studied.
All the above
mind.
IV})
are just some points that came to my
They need di scussion’ and new points will also emerge.
An organizational
aspect that als o needs discussion is should
mfc take this up as a gooup
group activity or should it be done as
individuals Interested in evironmental / occupational health who
are also members of mfc or not necessarily so.
Whatever the group identity possible roles that it could
play are - reference work, design of epidemiological study9
partic ipation in planning the training of local health workers
to und erstand this particular problem, fiLrspmtnt organizing
meetings to bring health people from different groups toghether
analysis of data etc.
I .
4
r
An approach to the study of the health aspects of environmental
pollution caused by a rayon factory in Harihar, Karnataka?
Thelma Narayan, July 1986
Introduction
I
a)
Background to the problem
Harihar polyfibres and GRASIM ( Gwalior Rayons and Silk
Manufacturing Grasilene Unit) are located near the village
Nelavagal on the Western bank of the Thungabhadra river in Ranibennur Taluka (Dharwad dist*) of Karnataka. They have been a
source of pollution to the environment reportedly affecting water
and fish life, soil and plant life, the air and animal and human
health. There have been protests by the people against this and
issues have been raised with the concerned government departmental
authorities. The issue has also been discussed in the state Legis
lative Assembly. There have been official reports and scientific
analysis of water, soil, fish and plant life by the various dept’s
and also by specially appointed committees. As yet there is no
comprehensive report concerning the effects on human health.
A non-governmental organization called the India Development
service which was working in the field of development in that
. region was faced with this problem of pollution. Along with the
participation of some of the affected people they tried to help
overcome the situation by going through the various official chan
nels. Subsequently a group called the Transnational Centre for
Bon Violent Social change (T.N.C.) was formed. This group joined
its voice and Gandhian methodology of action with that of the
affected people to protest against the pollution caused by the
factory. Pbblic awareness of the problem was increased. They,
have also been involved in promoting a more systematic, scientific
study of the problems through the Dept of Fisheries, University of
Agricultural Sciences etc. They are also in touch with groups
involved in Mavoor, Kerala (K.S.S.P.) and Nagda M.P. which are
the'two other sites where the Birlas have rayon manufacturing
plants.
r
I
The TNG have been in touch with the medico friend circle and
during the annual meet at Khandala in January 1986 they requested
mfc to undertake a study of the effects of pollution (caused by
the two factories), on human.health in the surrounding areas.
The Regional Occjupational Health Centre an ICMR institute based
in Bangalore (Regional branch of the National Institute of Occu
pational Health,Apmedabad) has also been requested by TNC to con
duct a similar study. This project has been approved and is al
ready in the planning stage. An outline of their study proposal
is also available'-.
b)
MFC and investigative research
The Medico Friend Circle at this point of its growth has
been discussing its own role as a group. Historically MFC has
been a loosely knit group of like-minded individuals who meet
once or twice a year to discuss health issues of common concern
within the framework of a broad understanding that health action
must be part of a broades process .of social change. During the
past two year it has increasingly been felt by members that to
make any impact at at a state or national level we have to move
forward from being just a discussion group and evolve a strategy
towards becoming more effective. The experience in Bhopal was a
challenge to the group to intervene meanlgfully in an unjust
situation where the lives and health of thousands of people were
weighed against the interests of a multinational and the beuro- ■
cracy. There, in an accentuated, acute.situation we faced many
A discussion paper for the mid-annual meet of the
medico-friend-circle at Dalli Rajhara MtP. (July 1986)
A
2
questions and forces which exist as undercurrents every where viz
the impact of the ’modern' development, process on the health and
lives of people; the functioning and attitude of the medical system
and the beaurocracy in which the needs of the poor are unimportant
and unheeded; the commercialization of medicine; the potentialities
as well as the irrelevance of much of medical research; the poten
tial committment of voluntary groups and activists and the para
doxical inability of such groups to work together etc. At this
time the debate as to the role of mfc which had commenced with
articles in mfc bulletin No.100-101 continued and after much dis
cussion the following major areas of focus for mfc as a group have
emerged.
i)
Critical analysis of government health policies and
programmeSu
ii)
iii)
iv)
Alternative strategies in health care
Investigative field research to support health action
Communication / lobbying on specific health issues for
policy change.
Our discussion and response to the request from TNC to study
the health effects caused by the Rayon factory and its associated
units must be in the context of this background.
II
Points for consideration
1)..There, has been a long history of expert committes and technical
reports by governmental and' other agencies during the 14 years
since the inception of the Harihar Polyfibre Factory. These have
build up a good theoretical / scientific base and documentation
regarding the adverse effects on the environment particularly on
water, air, soil fish and plant life. Effects on human health
have been observed and mentioned, but not studied epidemiologically.
Modifications in the safety plant and their proper implementation
have been suggested. However despite all the efforts, there has
been marginal or no impact on the actual situation. Recommendation
by the various committees have not been adequately implemented and
the pollu-tion and its adverse effects continue despite it being
faithfully documented in various files.
Hence this should’ not be viewed as a primarily technological
problem. Infact the technological solutions in terms of altera
tions in the design of the effluent treatment plant etc have al
ready been made known to the concerned authorities. The company
has been consistently not taking the necessary action on the various
recommendations, or else some modifications in the plant are made
but not utilized for actual effluent treatment most of the time.
This ’ non-compliance has not been followed by appropriate govern
mental action to ensure that the company complies with the recom
mendations.
Hence the approach in any future investigation should be to
wards building up or strenghtening the peoples control over the
process. For this demystification and transfer of knowledge is
essential. This can be done by supporting / working with local
non-governmental groups, particularly those which are already build
ing up organizational abilities of the people, This would be a
slow process and should be built on actual facts, Giving in to
sensationalism would not help build credibility of the case.
This process would need inputs by a variety of people with
different skills who would play basically a supportive role to
the people eg.from the fields of medicine, biochemistry, fisheries^
agriculture, environmental engineering,toxicology, sociology, law
et. Here working together is important even through difference of
various sorts may exist. A "more committed to people than thou"
attitude would be futile.
. .3.
9
I
3
In summary then, in case we do embark on an investigative
field study of the effects on human health, the philosopy would
be that we are using a technological tool in a social process
through which an attempt is being made towards building up an
alternative more just and equitable value system. Hence the focus
would be on the awareness building or education aspect of the
process. This approach would definitely alter the methodology,
speed etc of the team working there.
Some steps of the process
III
1)
For the health study the following steps are proposed.
Review of technical reports / studies carred out on this plant
area and other similar plants in India
(Mavoorp Kerala and Nagda M.P.)
2)
Literature survey of health problems associated with plant manu
facturing Rayon and other related chemicals.
3)
Contacting local sources of health information viz general
practitioners, primary health centre staff, E.S.I. staff,
practitioners of indigenous systems of medicine district
level health staff, referral medical college staff etc.
4)
Compiling available recorded health data from the above centres.
(Steps^i- to -4“ would give, us^a broad idea, of the problem..
For the field investigators we could identity local health
5)
workers and workers from various voluntary agencies in Karnataka,
who are already past of an association called Federation of Volun
tary Organizations for Rural Development (FEVORD) who have been
meeting regularly and working together on so me issues, The advantages of this would be.
i) it would prevent dependance on outside "expert” group
ii) if would build up local confidence interest and awareness
iii) it would build up state leval network and lobbying group
iv) it would provide for language facility in Kannada which
would be vital to get good information/history/etc.
6)
The investigative team would also need the presence of competent clinicians as many reported toxic manifestations affect the
reproductive
neurological system and higher mental functions
Reproductive
system, skin, respiratory system and gastrointestinal system.
7)
The Regional Occupational Health Centre (R.O.H.C.) Bangalore
is also undertaking a study on the impact on some hspects of human
health. Linkages and exchange of information with this group
should be built up. This is not a duplication of effort as the.
skills and approach of the 2 groups are different and the studies
could be complementary to each other.
8)
Investigations like analysis of chemicals/toxins in water/
air/soil, human beings, animals plants etc need sophisticated
equipment and are a necessary backup to the study Institutions
like R.OoH.C, and Indian Institute of Science Bangalore etc
have the infrastructure and skills to do these. They need to
be contacted so also other technical institutions in that
region of Karnataka.
4.
4
An epidemiological case control/community based, morbidity
survey of the exposed and unexposed populations would be the basic
field study. This could be ofyacarefully selected sample both
upstream and downstream of the factory
9)
10)
Dissemination of information so obtained,-to the local popu
lation, voluntary groups, medical profession, policy makers etc
would comprise the communication strategy of this study effort.
11)
Further steps would depend on the outcome of the above
study.
12)
Occupational health hazards of the factory workers specifi
cally would also need to be studied.
All the above <are just some points that came to my mind.
They need discussion and
—J. new points will also emerge.
IV)
Some furthur issues
a)
Anorganizational aspect that needs discussion is-should mfc
take this up as a group acctivity or should it be done as individuals interested in
n environmental/occupational health who are also
members of mfc or not necessarily so.
b)
Whatever
play are
i)
ii)
iii)
the group identity possible roles that it could
Reference work
Design of epidemiological study
Participation in planning the training of local
health workers to understand this particular
problem
iv) Organizing meeting to bring health people from
different group together
v) Analysis of data etc.
Note
A resource file on reports and articles available
on this problem is being compiled- Some literature
survey has also been undertaken. These will be
available with the mfc office:' shortly.
COVVtFMTY Hr*.LTH CEU
3zb. V Mfiin, 1 bimjic
Roramangal*
x
Bancialort-BSOOM India
es'. io
THE STORY OF A DYING VILLAGE
A CASE STUDY OF POLLUTION PROBLEMS
EDITOR
V. K. DAM ODARAN.
PUBLISHED BY:
THE ASIAN SCIENCE COMMUNICATORS 1 ORGANISATION
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Callicut Regional Engineering College P.O.
673 601, Kerala, India.
1
J
t
♦
,■
. e'. $
■
The Story of a Dying Village:
A Case study of Pollution Problems
First Published
Malayalam text by
Translated into English by
Scrutinised by
Edited by
Proof
November 1981
Prof. M.K.Prasad
Dr. P.G.Kurup.
: Dr. K.T.Vijayamadhavan
Prof. V.K.Damodaran.
: Prof. V.M.N.Nambudiripad.
English Version published by Asian Science Communicators
Organisation (ASCO)Printed at
Copyright
President
Price
The Bharathi Press, Calicut.
: ASCO
Profl N.Kodagoda.
Medical Faculty, Colombo Srilanka.
Rs. 3-00
This booklet is published with the financial assistance of
the Committee on Science and Technology in Developing
Countries (COSTED)
!•
... .2.
*
-2♦
FOREWORD
This is the story of a continuing battle for survival of
an Indian
village which
wmou xs
Indian village
is on the verge of dying, a vj^age
severely hit by air and water pollution- Nature nas
very kind to this village in the past, but now with the rumble
of gaint machines symbolising development,
the neighbourhood, the villagers are becoming more ^more^
pessimistic about the possibility of tnem being
' a
25 S K:2.i?vljsyra®av.„ «na sponsored
2yss2)
seienu.no anelyals of the
a aeraned
most affected area of Vazhakkad.
significance to all concerned.^ The communication link, that
established between the villagers and the voluntary science
is
popularisers changed the course of the agitation- Vazhakkad
Vazhakkad^is
cutside
the
state
of
now known for their heroic struggle even <---of relief. a permanent
Kerala, Though there have been intervals
---- -solution has not been evolved and implemented.
This booklet gives; a graphic account of how during thu ia^.
life in a village has been <_
J
j solution for the problem..
vers ion of the report of the stu^^^eam, ^e^Srvin
A niallyalam version
print earlier. This is an updated version of the ^ole^story^^
of the
kind courtesy
brought out with tne kind
courtesy^
Pies elsewhere, facing
:
Ulldb
utucx
cuiiLiuuiix
Parishad, in the hope that-othex <
the people of Vazhakkao
similar predicaments \will
--- understand
—
and their misery.
■
-a of this story cuts across far beyond the
The importance
■of’this rustic Kerala Village- I hoPe ^is information
frontiers c- --will flow faster than the waters of Chaliyar, rous
of the'Nations and force the concerned agencies to
aid of this stricken village and usher a new era of prosperity
to the people of Vazhakkad.
V.KeDAMODARAN
Editor of Publications.
ASCO.
Calicut R.E. College,
November 18, 1981.
o »3.
•>
-3-
THE: STORT OF a
A DYING^VILLAGS
POLLUTION^^OBLEMS
A case study onj
Three decades ago, Mavoor,
Mavoor, a
agricultural
Calicut city was a picture of rural
western
prosperity«
Ghats and i
valley was
river ’
■ glistened with crysuai clear wao
drinking,
valleyof
the rural life. The river water was usea^ro^
,rri_
part
c
bathing,
washing and °ther daily necessities, |ol^ction of
gating land. Fishing, sheH-fish collection,
n for
Vsand and such other occupations g°yga Jivel!
many. Huge «untry Scats loaded with hill^roou
commodities plied along tne i r
rose into small hillocks
southern bank of the river
landscape rose into. s
with graceful slopes. The viilage tuckea in
ln the
Of this elevated bank is known^es Y^hakku
to be a
g
greenery of lush vegetation, the s
i
~ ev^n g holiday resort!
symbol of agricultural prospe i y.
'retreat into the tranquil
of the city aristocrats who
iaden with nuts
havans of nature.
oconut an
ed around the trunksof
sway.-iO. in the breeze, pepperwines wr.PP^
v
table crOp;
Avery other tree, stretcnes of banana plants
^n«hpw
grew in rich abundance during summer chil ren c i
ri]rnl
?reL hunting for rlpo apples. In brief, a typical rural
community lived here in harmony with mother earq \
± t±_
bounty. Like those of Mavoor folk, their lives were also inti
mately interwoven with the waters of Chaliyar.
uh: air«s„«sr^uxi
In 1958, the Kerala Government accorded sanction to the
Birla group firm Gwalior Rayons i'h start its Pulp actory
X Mavoor valley. The Government undertook to supply raw
mateSaX like bamboo and soft wood to the firm at a nominal
late of one and a half rupees per ton. The factory was a sc
grunted f aci11 td es to liberally use the water from Chai y<. .
When the valley reverberated with the rumbles of gigantic
machinery, the villagers felt overjoyed with the symbols of
|
industrial progress that would be open to them, of the modern
amenities that would reach the village and of the new mans
trial prosperity that would sase -che.ir lives, They were all
with ceaseless activity.
proud of their new acquisition, humming
1__
As years rolled by, the clean mountain air of the village
disappeared ord a foul stench hung on lake an eerie spirit.
The crystal clear water of Ghaliyar became a black, soupy
concoction. Often, dead fish floated on the riveradding
the stench-of death and decay. Fish.ng and shell-fish eo_l 1 notion
ceased to be remunerative. People did not dare.to even bathe
in the river or use the river water for irrigation. Village s,
who used to fetch their drinking water from the river, had to
treak to distant wells in the interior. The smoko from the
factory- chimneys drifted across the river and spread on the
Vazhakkad slopes like a shroud. Houses on this slppe were
nerched at an elevation higher than the chimeny tops, ano, one
refore, had to face the fumes in full blast. Leaves of crops
started yellowing (Chlorosis) and withering, the palms hardly
be re nuts, the pepperwines dried up, cashew-trees became
defoliated and sc on. In brief, the smoke from the valiey
crippled the agricultural economy of Vazhakkad hillocks. Along
with these damages, many people got afflicted with various
....4.
-4types of allergic ?nd respiratory disease. In other words, the
robust health of the rustic population was yet another casualty
of industriat pollution. People bore the brunt of all these
ruins in health and wealth with fatalistic patience, in the hope
that the great! technocrats who erected the gigantic machines
-r I I
~ —.»•*<■]H
-
-t
r:T
A. — J- <1^
for the problems of pollution also* But alas, they kept playing hide and seek with the people, employing the tactful exper
tise Of evasion rather than the technical skills required to si
olve the problem.
Disillusioned by the evasive tactics of the factory manage
ment and exasperated by their own endless misery, the villagers
of Vazhakkad launched their first agitation against environmen
tal pollution in 1963. The management; promised to discharge effluents directly into the sea and complete the laying of the
required 20' km ^popeXiniw by 1965. As an interim relief measure
for drinking water supply for the villagers, they also agreed
to dig wells along the banks. The promises were soon foregottn,
except for a few wells that were dug here and there. This to pu
blic agitations in 1965 and 1967. As usual new promises were
held out and new agreements made-all which were in retrospect
not even woth the paper they were written on. In 1968, as a
result of public agitation, the State Government constituted an
Export Committee to deal with the proolem. After four years of
deliberations, in 1972, the Export Committee gave its report with specific recommendstions for Affluent treatment before dis
charging water into the river« There were no signs of impleme
ntation of the recommendations and therefore, yet another pub
lic agitation took place in 1973. As a result of this, a Review
Committee was formed to inspect the progress in the implementa
tion of the recommendations of the Export Committee. In 1974,
the Parliament enacted the Water Act, and the Kerala State Bo
ard for Prevention and Control of Water Pollution came into exi
stence. The same year a new agreement was made at Ramanilayam,
Trichur under the leadership of the then Hon.Minister Mr.K.Karunakaran. According to this, the factory agreed to discharge
the treated effluents at Chungappalli, a. brackisti water stret
ch of the river 7 km downstream of the factory, instead of dis
charging it at Kalpalli through the 1.6 Km pipeline. This plan
was also kept in cold storage under one pretext or another.Dur
ing the emergency period, tne agitators were kept at by using
intimidation and diversionary tactics. In 1977, wh^n an Esomates Committee of the Kerala State Legislative Assembly, headed
by Mr.T.S.John visited the area, the local people were success
ful in persuading the team to visitthe areas affected the poll
ution. learn for themselves the true facts of the misery caused, and seek redressal of their genuine grievances. The revela
tions of this unusual visit astonishdd Che Estimates Committee,
and thus a factual report of the grave problem reached the high
er levels of the Government.
In 1978, the factory was closed $
during the summer conths due to labour trouoles. It was at this
time the study presented herein commenced. It extended up to
March 1979, more than a year.
At present/ the existing effluent treatment system is in
adequate to detoxify the pollutants or remove them. The air is
obnoxious with the foul fumes liberally emitted by the factory.
To add to the helplessness, the much sought after legislation
on air pollution control remained deeply entangled in the anvi
ls of the Parliament. The management of the factory continues
to engage evasive tactics with utter disdain and disregard to
the human agony of the 200 000 population that live on the ba
nks of rhaliyar. worse still is the plight" of a democratic go
vernment which watches the sad scene like a mute spectactor, en
trenched in stoic silence and apathy. Amidst all this chaos and
neglect lives a population trying to retirieve
. . .5.
I
/
-5>
their lives rrom the tentacles of
monster. Their
of the
the pollution
pollution monster.
T^-n ^Ls that-they happened to be born in these villages.
Will their shrill voices, be ever headed to? Will they every
gain salvation from the pollution monster of will they continue
to be scoffed off as worthless pawns in the game of industrialization?
SI^TCH; Sketch showing the factory and the
affected areas.
PHOTO i Noxious fumes Oeching out of the factory
chimneys <>
f£HE_PRQBLEM:
line j.actory of the Mavoor Gwalior Rayons is located on the
northern bank of River Chaliyar. The factory pumps in 68 milli
litres of water every day (Pulp division-48 MID. Fibre divisionzo MED) from Chaliyar and after using it for various processes,
discharges the effuents back into the river, The Chaliyar
river flows westwards into the sea. P
During summer months the
water level in the river becomes very low."
» ” There is considerable
decrease in the flow of water in the river from January onwards.
During high tide, because of tidal effects, the effluent water
t-rom the factory outlet is swept upstream. The effluents may thus
contaminate the intake water used by the factory. To prevent this
backlash of effluents the company constructs a bund across the rivex
close to the point of its water-intake. This results in further
stagnation of the water downstream of the bund. The water
becomes black in colour and emits an extremely foul odour,
It
is thus.rendered unfit for drinking, washing,
washing bathing of
:
irrigation. Fishing
and clam shell collection activities in this
region are badly affected. rThis
"
havoc has been repeated during
every summer since 1962. The people inhabiting the shores of
Chaliyar. raised their voice against this.. The smoke emitted
tlqe fsctory is carried by the south eastenly winds to the f:
and eighth wards of Vazhakkd Panchayat. During the monsoon season
t le smoke forms smog in these villages causing health hazards to
men and animals and destroying plant life. Agricultural crops
are seriously affected by the smoke and their’yields reduced. A
good number of people have fainted breathing the air which is
polluted with poisonous gases. This air pollution aggravated the
misery of the villagers. The misery of environmental pollution
drove the agitated villagers into confrontation with the factory.
The present study deals with the various aspects of this
environmental problem. The studies comprise the causes and
effects of water and air pollution in Mavoor and vicinity as also
the methods of solving both types of pollution.
PHOTO: Agitated villagers trooping into fight
for their survival nobody could discussed
them.
PHOTO: ’’Death lays its icy hands on o .
tomorrow?
H
fish today !
o - o 6.
/
I
<1
I
-6-
II
i
Water Pollution;
i
Certain general points may have to be elucidated
discussing the problem of water pollution in hallya *
is a two-fold advantage in establishing chemical industris
on the shores of rivers: first, easy and economic transportation
of raw materials and products, and second, the say disposal of
effluents of the industrial process into the waterway,
effluents from Mavoor factory mainly consist of organic wastes.
Organic wastes when discharged into rivers, disintegrate natural y
in the river water and are rendered harmless. This VP
natural treatment is carried out by the biological activ y
microbial organisms (mainly bacteria). If the concentration
of the organic wastes does not exceed certain limits,
quality of the water will be maintained at the normal xevels
Sy the bacterial action. Bacteria involved in this process
consume large quantities of dissolved oxygen in wa
low quantities of organic matter and high amount
oxygen are indicative of a fairly good water quality.
in dissolved state in water is indicated by.DO). The method
of quantifying pollution of organic wastes in
estimate its BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand).
(BOD is
expressed
in
milligrams
,
that
is used, up m
amount of oxygen,
five days from 1 litre of water kept at 20 C ) •»
It indicates the quantity of'• dissolved oxygen consumed by
the aforesaid biological activity of bacteria and thus
for the chemical cooversion of organic wastes within the waterbody.
With increase in the amount of organic pollutants reaching the
waterbody, the amount of dissolved oxygen in water will decrease
rapidly. In extreme cases, the biots of the water gets deprive
of oxygen.
These bacteria which carry out the chemical conversion of
organic material in the presence of oxygen are known as aerobic
bacteria. When all the available oxygon is used.up anaerobic
bacteria come into action. These bacterial utilise oxygen
molecules from the chemical compounds like.nitretes, suiphates
and phosphates and liber te methane amines, sulphur, p osp orous,
etc., I'hese by-products poison the waterbody. . hus, 1-.
e.
amount of organic pollutants reaching a scream is very hig i
not only leads to depletion of dissolved oxygen in water but also
renders the water poisonous. This is how water pollution is
caused harmless looking organiematcer<,
Organic substances when discharged into streams or rivers
may also be chemically converted or Oxidised in the presence
of dissolved oxygen. Estimation of the amount of Oxygen use
up for this process also helps to meassure the amount of organic
pollution. The amount of oxygen used up for this process during
an interval of 2 hours is termed the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand;.
The lower the CCD the lesser is the pollution.
If the amount of the organic effluents discharged into
rivers is more than the amount that can be naturally treated by
the river, the factory has to obey the statutory demand to treat
the effluent prior to discharge,,
A comperative statement of the water quality parameters of
the Chaliyar river water and the prescribed^value of^these
Standards IS 2296
parameters for clean river water (as per' Indian
1---- -(1974) and IS 2490 (1974)
) are given in Table 1. Only the
major parameters have been considered.
•
"I
T
-
-d
-1— 1-—-
. o7
F
7
i
TABLE 1.
i
Water Quality
parameters
Indian Standard
(Is 2296-1974.)
(is 2490-1974)
1.
2.
PH
DO
5-6.5
.85 -100 percent
3o
BOD
6.0-9
40 Percent
Saturation Value.
30 PPm
4.
TSS
100 mg/1
5 -100 mg/1
Chdliyar River Water
(when the Fibre Divi
sion factory was cl
osed)
21-35 ppm
Total suspended solids
upper limit.
All phyto-and zoo.
]_plankton
’
commonly found in flowing water
have been found in the Chaliyar river,. Different kinds of fishes-grey mullet/ (eel, Etroplus,
~ ~
. catfish and pr.awns-and clams
have also been found in large numbers.
Table 2 gives the properties of the effluent water that is discharged in to the river after tre:tment
‘
' 1__
in the factory when
the pulp Division factory was also working.
TABLE 2.
parameters
Indian Standard'
Unit Value
(when the factory was
working)
!•
PH
5o5~9
5.0-7.7
2.
BOD
3 0 ppm
200-250 ppm
3.
COD
250 ppm
1 200-1 300 ppm
4.
TSS
100 mg/1
1 500 mg-1
When
efflents are
ere discharged into the river/
river. it
wnen treated erruenus
gets diluted with the river water and should not cause any dr
astic change in th^ quality of the river water. The efflents
cause changes in the quality of the river waterbecause the effluents do not conform to the prescribed limits of the Quali
ty parameters Table 3 gives b ccmpariscn ..between the eff luent
quality; parameters stipul '.tud by the water pclluticn con
Bc-rd and the actual quality parameters of the effluent discharqed by the Mnvoor factory.
The river waters where it is mixed with the effluent
watei is dark in colour -just the same colour as that of black
coffee and it emits severe foul odour.
There are ino planktonic organisms or fishes in this water and it cannot be
c
- ’used
- J even
for washing or bathing. It is
claimed that the so
called
.111^
__ - --- J "treated” effluent
water from the
rectory can safely
be
used
for
irrigation.
.
-------- But the experience
at local agriculturists has disproved this. Crops which were
irrigated with the water containing the effluents were found
:o die out soon. It is also claimed that the treated effluents
sich in artifical nutrients is good for paddy cultivation.
Such claims also have been
During the period when the .pulp division factory was under ia-yoff/ i.e./ after January 1978’.
8
TABLE 3
............ .
■ ......... .
1.. —...... ■" '■■■!*■■ '■ 1 ■ 1 '
Quality Parameters
• 1
Actual-value of the
Rayons. Factory
Effluent.
Prescribed Limit
PH
5.5-9*13
7.7-9>56
0.0
2,
DO (min)
3.
BOD
30 mg/1'
390-950 ppm.
4.
COD
1200-1800 ppm.
5.
TSS
250 mg/1
100 mg/1
6.
Sulphate.
7.
( 'lilnr-i do .
18Q0-2980 mg/1.
2290.00 mg/1.
569.30 mg/1.
MP tri lie ions «.
(a) Zine.
... . 5 mg/1.
(b) Lead
. .. 0.1 irg/l.
(c) Mercury.
- • » 0.01 mg/1
•
+++4-+
+++
sunjoct-Lo pi.ctcU.cal studies and the results show that the factory
^-re'‘highly harmful to any crop including paddy. The
ret.ul^ of a similar study has been published by N.Kumar (19 78)*
This study points out that irrigation with polluted water is
lazaraous even if such hazards are comouflaged by increased
production. Industrial effluents, when used as irrigation water,
leads to accumulation of ions of heavy metals like lead, cadmium
and mercury in the soil which gradually get asborbed by the plant
and may reach man through the food chain. It may be stressed
unat extensive stiidies have to be carried out before it is
•proposed to use effluent water from Mavoor factory for irrigation.
The Source of Water Pollution:
L-.hr it- ic, dih
11™- whhu h
Puh is slhr La h
leicvinq the Lin
-
with Water (resulting in the effluent pH wash
high Steam pressure in the cooking
'
ft ° caustic soda ^nd sodium sulphate,
Lk digested semifluid and washed. After
S's:1S
r
blLk “ifuoLtLsL37' C^UStic
can be recovered fJom' the
L fLlt evanor.ted6 L
f°r th®
the black liauor
a fuLLe
StL
1 thS organic materials are burnt “in
the residues Le d? 1
aLy °f S°da' from the remaining fluid,
’ of the effLeL LrL
the factory. This forms a part
stream).
am fr°m the Ra^ons factory at Mavoor (First
* N.Kumar: Effects of polluted irrigation
---~n water cn growth,
content and accumulation of heavy metals in plant parts. sugar
The
Journal of Indian Botanical Survey, V-57,Dec.1978.
O O O 9 *
-9-
The
?ul? i;
has to be ggain washed. In d /
a
is used for the manufactdone several tines. n.
SschargS after washing
ure of paper and rayon. ihe .effuents a s
g
p
combined
and other process mentioned above, are togetner_Kn^^^ .
effluent stream (second
effluent and form the major par. of the ---stream).
Rayon manufacture
dene in the : ibre
■ -a is done
factory. There
pulp is tirst rxeaet^ wx
---to^St^Lit-lSoiowHGhrHhiii-oeliulos^i^
solution/ to get alkali-cellulose.
filtered out and '-- --ripening/ the
------xanthating by treating^ the
Thus a compound known as alkali co u
the absence of air.
Th is extruded through an acid oath to
xanthate is obtained,
p -in fibre form. ihe fibre is washed, bleached
fibre-making processes
regenerate cellulose in fibre torm
and again washed. The waste waters from the f
}
' ., Of the
Sl-SKnr^-^tS^S g earn constitutes
• - 3 -4-5- percent/
combined effluent
recovery eSeOnSf Iwi^kstream 20-25
^^S2sfrom
f?^7the
Ih^i:nry
and
percent.
? effluents as such
Law does not permit discharge of these
discharged
effluents been dis-?^~~ directly/
---"Yet
into the river. Had ’ the
i a few days become a river of death*
de .u. *
Chaliyar would have
r'-t-c: -inin the -cress that at times the effluents f o
there were Jreport xn
Into CnollyoP
of
wed directly (or were
treatment. On
On all
u-_ ~such °^caS^ons' ^r|h^VQn fuch occasions, tae
fishes in the river. It has beenbe seen rising
and
steam
river water became "burning hot “ The
an hazardous
rrdous nature
nature of the
from the surface of the rive .
_1
‘ "
recognised from the
first stream of eMluwt^n readily be i-^ro as the
’ ’
high HOD values.
Its BOD is ^110^ '
from 1,000 -1/200
BOD of the second stream of effluent ranges ri
,
mg/l and that of the third sweat, is around 250 mg/1.
Effluent Treatment in the_ Factory:
The factory management
thntt^/^lp'r>rcduction
their effluent from t^every day they
Pade a
rrangehad made
arrangein 1963. It is also claimed the t the
_rrLding to the expert
■’ . effluent
ments for the treatment of- the
effluen according
J
-/ the then Director of
advice of Dr. T .R. Bhas kar ar. th
' Calcutta . The Government
“nd Public Health.. Calcutta,.
Institute of Hygiene and Fubi:
*_
•_ in
with the Cnief
of Kerala appointed an xpeinntneering Department as the
Engineer of the Public Heaiua - g
Gommittee suggested
Chairman. After
llhods. The factory claimed^that^
they have implemented
implemented these
these suggestions b/ MoVcor Gwalior Rayons,
• - , steps 1 -^ted 31-7-1977) >
of
Pcilution;
OI: . Envoronmental
1
Manorama
in
Malaysia
Manorama dated Ji /
Advertisement
Ths piussht
is designed as follows. Thu pH str bacterial action
cooling pond and
Slltate btcS^l growth, urea
in an open pond.
tcCiiiu
nsnutrients tc this pond. On
ammonium phospate are suP\lx
,
actiOn, the sludge settles
-oninletl n of the anaerobic bacteria
4-nri+- i temid is transiTg • oeicom of the pen.eglthil™ferrod to another pond for aeryx^ ed through a clarifier
The combined effluent stream it passec. throng
..10,
-10-
enriched with nutrients and settled in a pond. All the streams
of effluents are finally discharged into a lagoon for areation
(aeration is done with surface agitators) and settling. Under
the pretext of supplementing bacteria and nutrients, the septic
tank sawage from the factory's residential colony is also
discharged into this lagoon. The supposedly treated effluent
water from this lagoon-like tank is discharged through a pipe
line into Chaliyar at Kalpalli, nearly 1.6 km downstream of the
factory, even though the allowed discharge point is at Chungapally
6 km. downstream of this factory.
laadeq-uacies of the Present Treatment Systems
The properties of the treated effluent from the factory
have been indicated in Table 3. The quality parameters of this
supposedly treated effluent does not conform to those prescribed
by the Water Pollution Control Board. R glance at Table 3
reveals the remarkable differences in pH/ DC, BOD and COD values.
pH value indicates the hydrogen ion concentration of the liquid,
■^t decides whether a liquid or solution is alkaline or acidic.
If the pH is 7.0, the solution is neutral i.e, neither acidic
nor alkaline. The pH of pure water is 7.0. River water for
human consumption should have a pH of 6 to 8. The Mavoor
effluent was observed to have a pH between 7.7 and 9.56. This
means that at times the effluent
is highly alkaline. The
BOD of the effluent varies between 390 and 950, where a$ the
prescribed value of the parameter is only 30. The stipulated
limit of COD for effluent water is 250, but the factory effluent
has high COD ranging from 1200 to 1800.
It has also been found
that the effluent water contains high amount of suspended solids,
chemical compounds like sulphates and chlorides and heavy matal
ions of zinc, lead and mercury. The Gwalior Rayons Administrator
himself has confessed in his press release dated 17-12-79 that
the factory could not attain the prescribed limit of BCD in the
effluent water. According to his press release, the BOD values
(in ppm) were 148, 210 and 208 during January 1978; 225, 160,
167, 217 and 220 during November 1978 and 150 during February
1979. The press statement itself is a clear admission of the
inadequacy and inefficiency of the present effluent treatment
system.
The permitted production capacity of pulp in the Mavoor
factory is 150-200 tons/day. This would lead to a discharge
of about 40,000 nr of effluent water.
(250 m of effluent, water
for every ton of pulp produced is a normal estimate)• A study
of the physico-chemical properties of the factory effluent" from
the Gwalior Rayons raises the following suspicions.
One: The daily production of pulp may be higher than that is
permitted under the present effluent treatment system. The
effluent treatment process being designed to suit a smaller
quantum, excess production wilt lead to problems of insufficient
storge space and inadequacy of interval available for treatment.
In brief, the present system is unable to cope up with the
excess of effluent discharge caused by overproduction.
Two: The present arrangements for effluent treatment are
inadequate•
Three: Even if treatment arrangements are available and
adequate, the treatment is being carried out just as an eye wash,
with no one to seriously check and supervise the operations.
In the final analysis, all the above doubts were found to
be genuine causes for the improper treatment of effluents, The
effluent treatment arrangements at Mavoor factory are not
capable of handling all the effluents streaming out of the process.
..11
11
I
The treatment techniques are inefficient. The third doubt is
confirmed by a statement issued by the Estimates Committee of
the Kerala Legislative Assembly which visited the factory in
August 1977. It reads:
’’A visit to the factory revealed that chemicals
are not
used in sufficient quantities for the treatment of the effleent water". (.K.P.Mohanaz Mathrubhoomi dated 29-10-78).
The first effluent stream is subjected to anaerobic bact
erial action in an open pond. As the surface layers of the
water in an open pond is not anaerobic, the expected process
takes place only at the bottom of the pond. C02, H2S, and CH4
gases released during this process escape into the atmosphere
and cause perpetual air pollution in the region. The sludge
settled at- the bottom of the anaerobic tank is collected and
dumped on the river side. It leaches into river water and
ultimately finds its way to the river itself-thus turning out
to be yet another source of water pollution.
The conditions are no way better in the treatment ponds
used for aerobic bacterial action. Sub-surface aeration 1/
insufficient in spite of the fans working at the surface ct
water. The fans only cause formation of foam at the surface
of the effluent in the pond. The team gets blown into the anmosphere, raining fine dust in the vicinity.
The septic tank sewage discharged into the last la^onre'‘
quires special mention. This discharge is made under the pre
text of helping aerobic bacterial action. The sewage is intro
duced into the lagoon at its western-most part (close to the
outlet pipe that discharges the effluent to the river). Aera
tion and aerobic bacterial action take place only in the eas
tern half of the lagoon. The sewage, in fact, flows along the
western boundary of the lagoon and gets discharged into Chaliyar through the discharge pipeline. As there is no stagnation
of water in the lagoon, the possibility of even a portion of
the sewage getting diffused into other parts of the lagoon
can be ruled out. Sewage disposal into the river is unlawful
The possibility of viruses of contagious
diseases reaching the river is alarming. As certain disease-causing viruses(e.g.
hepatitis, .virus) live for about 40 days, the sewage treatment
process.should extend for more than 40 days of storage before
disposal. The fact that such viruses may take only a single
day to move upstream and reach the drinking water reservior
for the Calicut city at
Koolimadu is indicative of the gra
ve consequences lurking behind the present arrangement> There
should be specific arrangementss for the sewage treatment at
Mavoor factory's residential colony itself. The present su
rreptitious method or discharge of untreated septic tank sew7”"
age into ths river should not be allowed.
The Chungappalli Solution.
At present the effluent outlet is located at Kalpalli. it
wes proposed to shift the discharge point to Chungappalli which
Is about 7 km west of Kalpalli. This solution was the outcorxi.e of the 1974 agreement signed at Ramanilayam, Trichur, in
order to ialleviate the sufferings of the people of Vazhakkad.
Wherever the
he outlet the located, the situtaion will not impr
ove as long as the effluent continues to be untreated or imp
roperly treated before discharge.
Instead of properly treatInti the effluent and getting rid of the dangerous and toxic
feJtciCtions from it, adopting this technique of shifting the
oi^rlet point will only serve as a diversionary tactic. Even
i i the discharge is ma de at Chungappalli during summer the
fuood currents of the high tide may take the polluted water
12.
12
far upstream. To prevent this, a bund may have to be constru
cted at Chungappalli also, resulting in highly stagnant cond
itions in the river and enhancement of the pollution problem
there. The Kalpalli outlet scheme provided atleast some dilu
tion before the effluent water reached regions downstream of
Kalpalli. The Chungappalli solution will render the river wat
er dark, dirty, foul and toxic, unfit to any living being. More
over,
judging from past experience, there is’ every likeliho
od of laxity creeping into the maintenance of the effluent tr
eatment system by tne factory.. In course of time the river wa
ter will become useless 'and deadly.
The Chungappalli solution
i.e., discharging it further downstream is the most unscientific and illogical solution one can think of to solve the problem
of river-water pollution due to effluent discharge from a pulp
factory.
Socio-economic Aspectso
The economic setback suffered by the people in the region
downstream of Mananthalakadavu due to the pollution in Chaiiyar river has not oeen estimated. The water cannot be used for
agricultural activities. The river has become unfit for water
transport. Those who earned their livelihood by fishing and
collecting clam shells have lost their work. The children res
iding in the Yatheemkhana (muslim orphanage) at Vazhakkad have
no water to bathe and wash. To only well which provided them
drinking water has also become acidic (PH 6.0), As Chaliyar is
pulluted, the river water downstream cannot be used by any oth
er industry.
This fr ct inhibits further growth of any industry requir
ing unpolluted water in the 20 km stretch downstream, and makes
the river a virtual monopoly of one industry. This is a clear
instance of how industrial curbs industrial growth in an area.
At present, there are a few tile factories in the area. It is
worth investigating how the wastes end toxins let loose by the
pulp mill will affect the future of the small industries down
stream.
ATR POLLUTION.
The smoke from the Mavoor factory blows southward and southe eastward. The factory is located in the low lying Mavoor
vally on the opposite bank of Vazhakkad, which is en elevated
slope of the southern bank of Chaiiyar. Hence the smoke blowing southeastward most of the time spree ds constantly over the
hilly slopes of Vazhakkad area. The toxic fumes emanating from
the factory thus
■ affect the entire population of about 8,000
people inhabiting Vazhakkad and their crops and livestock..
The toxic gases responsible for air pollution in the area
are (1) Sulphur dioxide (S02) , (2) hydrogen slulphide (H2S),
(3) carbon disulphide(CS2), (4) carbon monoxide (CO). and
5) chlorine (C12). Apart from these the smoke may also contain
dust carbon particles and unidentified trace fractions of
many other substances.
Of the above, only sulphur dioxide and dust particles vere estimated in the present study, though the existence of the
others have been well established, Sulphur dioxide was estimated' during February-March 1979. At the time of estimation.the smoke was spreading in the southest direction from the chi
mney (The measurements were taken at a point south of the Chi
mney) . That is, the estimation was not done in an area of hi
ghest concentration of smoke and hence gives only an average
value of the possible S02 concentration during summer in the
Vazhakkad Yatheemkhana area.
The average ■ value of 802 concentration was found to be
..IS.
13
366.00 g/m3, i.e., 1.399 ppm. This may be compared with the
maximum permissible limit of S02 in atmospheric air, which is
o.l ppm. The average concentration of dust particles was fou
nd to be 2 290 ppm.
THE SOURCE OF THE POISONOUS GASES.
1. Production of Sulphuric Acid.
Sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide are emittedl from the
factory's sulphuric
1
_._a_ end
_ __n the
t
-» , .
acid plant
carbon disulphide
plant.
Thezfactory has its own sulphuric
acid
plant
producing 40-45
—
x------------------- —
j----------------tons/ day of acid by the contact process. In this
this precess
precess sulsulphur iss ^heated
1
- by
•
steam and the molten sulphur is burnt in air
to ’■ produce sulphur dioxide. Sulphur dioxide is absorbed into
water to form sulphuric acid. After the production of sulphuric
acid, the residual sulphur dioxide is emitted into the atmosp
here.
2 . Production of Carbon Disulphide.
The Mavoor factory produces 9 tons of carbon disulphide P
day-- Molten sulphur is poured on top of very hot charcoal.
The sulphur gets vaporised and combines with carbon to produce
carbon disulphide. The process also leads to the production
of hydrogen sulphide, which is normally burnt out. On burning,
hydrogen sulphide gets oxidised into sulphur dioxide which aga
in escapes through the factory chimney. The smoke may also
contain residual hydrogen sulphide.
3. Production of Pulp.
The process of pulp
'
production was explained earlier. The
production of alkali-cellulose xanthate requires carbon disuIphide
Iphide.o rhe residual carbon disulphide gets liberated and escapes into the atmosphere through the ventilators of the fectory building.
4. Production of Steam.
Steam is produced at the rate of 43.2 tons/hour. Water is<
boiled by burning furnace oil. rThe
~’
smoke produced by the burning of oil contains carbon dioxide,, carbon monoxide, sulphur
dioxide and carbon particles. all of which are air pollutants.
DANGERS OF AIR POLLUTION.
The damages caused oy air pollution in man, animals and
plants are well known. The most toxic air pollutant at Mavoor
is sulphur dioxide. Carbon disulphide liquefies quickly, sett
les on the vegetation outside the factory and destroys them.
Sulphur dioxide causes severe problems in man and plants.
The stuoies carried out by Rjn Hicky in 1971* have shown
that high concentration of sulphur dioxide in air causes old
ege cancer, heart diseases and diabetes.
In another study,
Hicky has shown in 1974 that this gas is capable of causing mu
tations in human beings.
7
lt‘ damages
the lung epithelium and
facilitates easy access to germs which
---- 1 cause respiratory and
otner diseases.
People breathing air contaminated
with sulphur dioxide are more susceptible-to tubu. b.ulosis.
In plants.
this gas causes chlorosis (yellowing of leaves, withering of
*Hicky.- R.u.(1971). Air pollution in Environment, Resources,
pollution and Society. Ed. Murdoch W.W.Sinauer Associates,
stanfard. Conn.
o.l4.
I
14
the dee ch of the
tacflowers and fruits, and ultimatelv
uj.
— -plants
i,
devemselves. The leaves of the plant loose the_green colour,
of photosynthesis. Durlop brown patches and become Kincapable
:
dioxide
in the air gets ,
ing the monsoon season, the sulphur
s—j.-dissolved in rain water and reach the ground as sulphuric acid,
thereby increasing the acidity of the soil.
The agricultural damage caused by sulphur dioxide at Vazh—
5 lakhs 1 Damages hove been
akkad is assessed to be about Rs.
pepper,
mango cashew and jack
extensive on coconut, arecanut. j
Table
4
gives
the
agricultural
losses incurred by
fruit trees,
the Sth and 8th wards of the Vazhakkad Panchayat.
TABLE
SeNOe-
4.
Tree?
Totally destroyed
Pertially desroyed.
1.
Coconut
75
IB 12
2 o
'Jack fruit.
12
667
3 o
619
1440
4.
Cashew
Arecanut
172
2073
5.
Pepper (number of beds) ■»
132
1315
It has not been possible to assess the impact of <-hese to
xic gases on the,people working inside the factory. Carbcn di
sulphide does not escape through chimney it spreads insiae the
buildings before escaping through the ventilators. The erJ_ects
of this toxic gas on the workers employed in the Fibre cm.vision
need special study and assessment.
HEALTH SURVEY AT VAZH/-KKAD.
It was well known that a few medical camps and preliminary
health check-ups had earlier been conducted at Vazhakkad. Such
surveys had shown tnat lung diseeses, anaemia and skin oisecises
were widespread in this area. Of about 300 children who were
medically examined from the 5th ward at a previous medical sur
vey, the majority were found to have respiratory diseases. Of
the 2 343 people examined from 422 houses in this ward, 856
were repprted to have had a history of lung diseases c,nd am
ong them 515 cases remained uncured even after treatment,
medical examination camp was conducted by the District Medical
Officer of Malappuram on 25th October 1978. The report of the
examination has not yet been brought to light.
It wo.s under these circumstances that the present sample
survey was carried out. A random survey from 165 houses loca
ted in the Sth and 8th wards of Vazhakkad Panchayat, situated
on the polluted southern shore of Chaliyar, as ~ also the 4th
ward of the same Panchayat which is not directly exposed to the
pollution from the factory, was carried out. Data were colle
cted on age, occupation, health, nutritional status and dis
eases of the men. women and children in these houses. The sta
te of health of'each individual in the ho: sehold was personally
~ ~, and D, without
assessed and categorised into four groups A,B,C,
”
. in
776 individrelevance to complaints made or recorded.
1- total
-The data is presented in
uals were studied in the survey. L._
+’ Courtesy: Malayala llanorama, 24-10-1978.
15.
♦
4
15 <
Table5 o
TABLE
5.
Health Condition
Age Group
Age range.
1.
2.
A*
B.
C.
D.
1-5
5*19
6
34
60
18
90
4
3.
4.
20-39
29
40-50
8
5.
50+
82
187
127
64
50
4
32
2
30
25
1
468
215
11
TOTAL..o.
776
loo iiidividuals who were suspected to nave definite sysm
ptoms of disease were selected for preliminary medical exo.mi
nations.
102 of these individuals underwent medical check-up
on 8-4-1979 at a camp organised jointly by the Calicut Unit o.:
the r.ndian JS'edical Assocl tion and the National Serv: io Scheme
Unit of the Medical College, Calicut. Of these, detailed mediccl examination at the Medical college was found nece-ssary in
the case of 51 individuals. This shows that 50 percent of th”
osc who
underwent medical examination had serious diseases.
Subsequently, these seriously-ill patients underwent further
disugn.osis and treatment at the medical college under the care
of specialists.
Though, at present, there are not enough evidence to pin
point diseases that are directly caused by air pollution at
Vazhakkad, the survey amply proves that nearly 50 percent of the
random samples taken are seriously diseased people* This obser
vation should be viewed as a warning of the health hazards pro
duced by air pollution.
air pollution control.
Present Arrangements.
.There are chimneys to dispose off the gases from inside
the factory. But there is no adequate arrangement to properlydispose off the residual sulphur dioxide escaping from the sul
phuric acid plant. There is no metering device to measure the
quantum of residual sulphur dioxide in the plant and the worker
men simply let in ammonia into the stacks when the smell of
sulphur dioxide becomes too intense.
There is no provision to collect the carbon disulphide th
at escapes during rayon production. There are only few7 conden
sers to trap the carbon disulphide th-it is liberated during
cellulose regeneration process. rThe hydrogen sulphide that is
' , so as to
formed during carbon disulphide production is^ burnt,
j'onvert it into sulphur dioxide. However, this process does
not ensure complete conversion of hydrogen sulphide, All these
The technology to
jeses together cause serious air pollution. l-_
air
pollution
is
discussed
elsewhere
in this report.
arresi <■
3. SOLUTIONS.
1c Wa ter Po1lution.
+^-^od""hoaLth?’’ B-Average health conditicn seen in rural areas
in India., Ca-poor health, D-totally unhealthy.
.16.
a o
*
<»■
16
-a repeatedly declaring that
management has 'been
The 'factory
'
solve
the water pollution prtechnology required to. completely
This claim has been repeated in their
SeS
This is not
not true.
true. m
Tn our
our o.,n
own coun
try there are firms
firms which
which have
have designed effluent treatment sy
stems for pulp, rayon and fertilizer factories, and there are
Alas! If the
factories which treat and reuse their effluents.
awards in 1965, '74
Gwalior Rayon scientists, who secured 1CMA j are no.t aware of
in
and ’76 and the Hari Om Asram award
effluent treatment techniques and recycling of effluent water,
who^else will?"It'is'only unpardonable negligence that is res
ponsible for the lack' of proper solution to the pollution p ■
blem at* Mavoor 6.
Activated sludge technique is suggested here for the tiea—
--- »
tment of pulp factory effluents.^ Thu process is not expensive
modifying
the existing facand can be implemented‘by slightly
•
a
brief
flow
diagram of this
ilities at the Mavoor factory,
treatment process is given in this report. As already 2ot^d/
there are mainly three streams of effluents that have uO e
three, the one containing.residuax blacx i
dealt with. Ofthe
C- - ’has> to be subjected to anaerobic
iquor and having.high B OD
bacterial treatment .io a closed
clos'? digester.
water has to be maintainFor this, the PH of thi
t-..effluent
-- r--ed at 7.0 after adding appropriate nutrients,, The process will
sulphide and methane^ Of thliberate carbon dioxide^ hydrogen
j
ese dioxide may be removed chemically and hydrogen sulphide may
be scrubbed with ferricoxide. Mathane may be collected and cmay be supplied as cooking gas. This will take care of the
coking fuel requirements of the families in the facotry's residential colony.
The bottom sludge from the anaerobic digester may be puconverted into activated
ihped out , dried and burnt or may be
i be introduced into the
carbon, The supernatant fluid may then
second
and third streams of
-treatment tank and mixed with the s
effluents.
The resultant effluents may then be treated wtih activated
sludge. This will require some imodifications to the present
aerobic lagoon. Air is to be pumped into the effluent and the
effluent-- r^cyclcO mere than once till it becomes clean. The
Pettie^ 'residue may then be dried and used in tile and brick
■•industryThe supernatant water- is to be filtered through actthe filtered water may be reused in
ivated carbon filter and
.•
the factory or discharged into the river, This discharge wa
ter will conform to the 1ST specifications fer effluents.
2. Air Pollution.
A permanent method of controlling the emission of sulphur
'
j is its conversion into sulphuric
dioxide into the
atmosphere
acid, employing the} double
<----- contact double absorption process.
,
in
fact,
reduce
the consumption of. sulphur in the
This will
It
may
be
argued
that rhe factory does not require.
process.
large quantities of acid and therefore, it will be uneconomic
to employ this precess. In that case, the factory should opt
to purchase the acid from elsewhere and thereby put a stop to
sulphur dioxide pollution.
An interim solution is to pass the residual sulphur dioxide through manganese 'dioxide suspension in a scrub tower. This
will facilitate 99 percent absorption of sulphur dioxide. Manganese sulphate. produced as a by-product, is a useful chemical
compound which will fetch a good market.
The’chimney smoke may be passed through a. scrubbing tower
containing sodium hydroxide solution before letting it cut.
17.
’=
*
PROPOSED EFFLUENT TREATM5MT SCHEME FOR-GWALIOR RAYONS/ MAVOOR
manure
gas for
cooking:
Power gen•
nutrient
add.
I
drying beds
GaR.
pulp division.
V
-t-
___ 7
i, .
“t e#ter$e
drain from
drying bed.
i
!
i
!
Lari
/__ fi^rX
A
——stage
TI
I__
prepared by: jose remesh babu
consultant engineers/ Calicut.
/
cooling
----- —
1 (Time kiln
I
|
'
I_
a=aerbbic
treatment
activated
sludge.
add nutrient. -
666
(Neut
Lrali
A
j
I
S
!
----
I
___ CQ^
J
■J/
--j
Q
I Stage
clarifier.
sludge for
toy making
II stage
clarifier.
sludge to brick
making and for
activated carbon
manufacturing•
2jt
“f
E mUOOEHT;
te . ' ■
/
•iI
I--
j
■t.
i
1L
f. • f
W■
'
r
^81
Kr
o
ggfcgsa ■
.,,:...,,,. 4~...„.,
"JSWrs
wfc_
■
fcs^gli'
I"
||||||
'l/;'-
3^
fn-*
s^ltaS"
■
Itfl
•/;
I
• ■
V*'. •/-S*’
'»
’"' ' ’'
■ ‘^4
■■
1/
so
:
v'■•
•;
11
•?i;
as
A pollution challenge
The textile-related industry in Karur and Tirupur in Tamil Nadu, and the large workforce involved,
face an uncertain future following court-ordered closure for failing to check pollution.
ASHAKRISHNAKUMAR
in Karur
Photographs: S. Thanthoni
' I VYMIL NADU’s major textile towns, Karur, known for cot_L ton textiles, and Tirupur, known for hosiery, face an uncer
tain future in industrial terms. The Supreme Court on May 14
refused to stay the orders ofthe Green Bench ofthe Madras High
Court, which virtually directed the closure of more than 900
bleaching and dyeing units in the towns for polluting the envi
ronment, particularly ground and surface water. The Green
Bench, comprising Justices M. S. Liberhan andE. Padmanabhan,
declined to grant them any further extension of time beyond May
66
11 to enable them to set up common effluent treatment plants
(CETPs). The orders with respect to 434 units in Karur and 470
units in Tirupur were passed on April 21 and 25 respectively.
About two lakh workers in Karur and four lakh workers in
Tirupur depend on these units for their livelihood directly or
indirectly. The Tamil Nadu Government had called a meeting
with the representatives of the industry and environmental
groups in Chennai on May 7 and decided to support the industry’s plea to the Supreme Court seeking si:ix more months to
comply with the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board’s
(TNPCB) order that CETPs be set up to control the emission
of effluents.
The textile industry, involving handlooms and power
looms, began to flourish i in Karur after farmers switched over
FRONTLINE, JULY 3, 1998
g
|
life
.1
to it in a big way as agriculture became unviable following fre in the 1990s with dyers switching to vat and reactive dyes such
quent monsoon failures. During the last three decades the town as prochean from Naphthol after European countries banned the
emerged as a major textile centre with its 1,000-odd powerloom import of textiles treated with azo-dyes.
and handloom units producing bedspreads, towels and fur
According to District Environmental Engineer K.
K.
nishings. Sales in the domestic market has amounted to Rs. 150 Gokuldas, the toxic parametres had gone far above tolerable lev
crores a year in recent times. Units in Karur exported textiles els: the level of suspended solids was 2,000 milligrams/litre
worth Rs.400 crores annually in the mid-1990s. The number
against the maximum permissible 100mg/l; total dissolved
of direct exporters, which was six or seven in the mid-1970s, solids (TSD)
^5 5,000 mg/1 against the permissible 2,100;
grew to over a hundred by that time.
biological oxygen demand (BOD) was> 250 mg/1 against 30;
With the growth of the weaving industry, dyeing and bleach chemical oxygen demand (COD) was (
600 mg/1________
against 250;
ing activity expanded. There are about 1,000 units along a 17- chlorite was 4,000 mg/1 against 1,000; and
sulphate was 1,500
km stretch on the banks of the Amaravati, which undertake mg/1 against 1,000.
dyeing, bleaching, weaving, tailoring, knitting, knotting, pack
Most of these units were small or tiny and their pattern of
aging, transporting and trading. These units together employ
iploy development was haphazard. They failed to install effluent treat
about two lakh people. Hank yarn processed in this area accounts ment plants; they let out their waste into open drains or in the
lor over 70 per cent of the yarn dyed and bleached in the State. Amaravati and its 12 irrigation channels. This led to pollution
They feed handlooms in Salem, Dindigul, Tiruchi, Erode,
not only in Karur but the adjoining and downstream areas.
Coimbatore, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts.
P.R. Kuppuswamy, convener of the Committee for
Protection of the Cauvery, who filed the petition relating to the
T^HE dyeing and bleaching units use a variety of toxic chem- Tirupur
cn
t1
jUr units, said. Qn either side of the Amaravati, water
A ica s, including hydroxides, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid became unfit for cultivation
. ---- ----------- .i as the effluents killed the germs
and sodium nitrate. 1 he toxic content of the effluents increased and worms in the soil, reducing soil fertility. The effluents
FRONTLINE, JULY 3, 1998
67
<
ASHA KRISHNAKUMAR
Workers’ concerns
r I TIE Madras High Court’s directive
JL to the polluting dyeing and bleach
ing units of Karur and Tirupur to wind
up their operations, has given the envi
ronment movement a shot in the arm.
However, it has put the livelihood of
lakhs of families in peril.
Karur’s handloom units and
Tirupur’s hosiery units are highly
labour-intensive. These industries and
their allied units employ, directly or
indirectly, more than six lakh workers four lakhs in Tirupur and two in Karur.
Tirupur Banian Cloth Manufacturers
Association president S. Rathnaswamy
says: “The workers are the backbone of
the industries in the two towns.”
As the handloom, powerloom and
hosiery units struck roots in the two
towns, units involved in tasks such as
dyeing and bleaching, stitching, knit
ting, knotting, packaging, transporting
and trading came up in large numbers.
One reason for the this is the very nature
of the industry. No unit, however big,
has under one roof the facilities to carry
out all the processes required for the con
version of yarn into the final product.
For instance, an entrepreneur could buy
yarn and have it dyed or bleached at one
place; knitted or woven at anoth
er; calendered (steam-ironed) at
a third place; printed at a fourth;
and then cut, stitched and ‘fin
ished’ elsewhere. The disruption
are
of any one of these activities will
the dyeing and
affect the whole chain. In Karur
bleaching units.
Pictures show
there are over 1,000 handloom
colour mixing.
or powerloom units and 1,000
allied units; Tirupur has over
1,500 knitting units and as
many allied units.
Under this system, which allowed
progressively greater division of labour,
work was available in plenty and a skilled
worker .could earn Rs.600 to 1,200 a
week in Tirupur and Rs.200 to 800 in
Karur. People came to Tirupur and
Karur every day for work from places
within a radius of about 40 km; at peak
season the towns attracted farm workers
and also farmers from the arid southern
districts of Tamil Nadu.
With the closure of a large number
of dyeing and bleaching units (many
more face closure) many of the workers
have no fall-back option.
Karur district secretary of the Centre
of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), M.
liBil
68
IM
>
/
I
-'...J
w
r’
Ki >
Big
FRONTLINE, JULY 3. 1998
I
11
Kumar, said that most of the workers
might migrate to adjoining areas in
search ofjobs. Many of them have begun
to work as casual labourers.
The dyeing units faced closure
towards the end of last year. But the clo
sure was only for a short period and they
remained in business with the help of
stocks held. However, according to
Kumar, this time around the situation is
bad, for nobody knows how long the
units will remain closed. According to
Karur Exporters Association secretary
M. Sivakannan, the impact of the court
order will be felt after a month, when the
yarn stocks are exhausted.
S.M. Murugesan, who worked for
Balamurugan Dyeing (one of the units
that was issued the closure order in April
but was operating on May 9) for the last
six years, went to nearby Chennimalai to
work in a spinning mill when the dye
ing units in Karur were closed last year.
However, now he is not sure of getting
a job even in the adjoining districts as,
according to him, all units using hank
yarn will be affected; 80 per cent of the
hank yarn used anywhere in the State is
sourced from Karur. Murugesan, like his
co-workers Shanti, Periaswamy and
Shanmugam, has come to terms with the
reality, and has begun to work as a casu
al labourer.
S. Ramesh has been working in a
dyeing unit in Karur for the last 12 years.
He said: “Never was I worried about
work as I am today. I do not know how
I will support my family (of six) after a
month if the dyeing units do not
resume.”
According to Kumar, the Pollution
Control Board (PCB), the Government
and the dyeing units allowed the prob
lem to fester for too long. Kumar said
that the number ofjobs created as a pro
portion to the quantum of investment is
higher in the case of smaller units. “So
there is an urgent need to find a solution
to the pollution problem,” he said.
No one concerned - the owners of
the units, the Pollution Control Board,
environmentalists, workers or the
Government - seems to want the dye
ing and bleaching units to shut down. At
the same time, everyone agrees that the
units should not continue to pollute the
environment. The only solution, there
fore, lies in the Government, the dyers
and the PCB making an all-out effort to
set up effluent treatment plants at the
earliest. ES
_______ __________________
FRONTLINE, JULY 3. 1998
69
caused various health
problems such as skin
allergies and lung infec
tions.”
Little was done to
correct the situation until
May 1993 when the resi
dents of about 20 villages
covered
by
the
Ihanthoni
protected
water supply scheme
started getting blood-red
water from their taps. On
May 3,
1993, R.
Subramanian, secretary,
Karur Consumer and
Environmental
Protection
Council
(KCEPC), approached
the TNPCB seeking the
closure of the polluting
units. Although the
7 NPCB replied the very
.......-K
next day assuring him of
action, nothing came of
it. The local residents
took to the streets and 1Work in progress in a dyeing unit.
their relentless agitation
forced the District Revenue
ing of the owners of the dyei
f/'i
F '«
■ -^11®
- siS 3
help of the Government. The State Government proposed to
set up a GET P at a cost of Rs. 5 crores; Rs. 4 crores was to be
provided by it and the Centre and the rest of the cost was to be
borne by the polluting units. The Dyeing Owners Association
set up the Karur Taluk Dyeing and8 Bleaching Effluent
become ks tnimLns0"11’3"7
a" d
“
cd as subsidy by the State and Central r
...
was subsequendy increased to 50 per ceU40 p’eZJem^m
Of India (this componem was later reduced to 30 pjr'^^d
w^m h™'
fooe “ntrlbuted bX d>'crs- W»rk on t'
k on the project
but rhe
m" 1 "k .On?P‘,"les were formed for this purpt
purpose,
b rs trk£
memIn Ph
tbe,subs,dly
/ component
component proved
proved difficult
difficult to
to come.
cot
to the
Noven’ber 1995. theKCEPCwr
1995, the KCEPC wrote
to
A IT819%
th'
to take action. There was no response. ™
OnPC
March'
As the residents continued to get coloured water from the fofo™'l'r|eJ<^™'C iExCCU!'VeEn8ineer>TNPCB,Tiruchi,'
mformed the KCEPC that etght CETPs would be set up after
taps, they presented a
ividtng the area into as many zones, and that work had
memorandum to the
| begun on only three of the CETPs that had originally been
DRO seeking a ban on
planned, because of delays tn getting Government subthe letting of effluents
S!dy. Again, the progress was tardy.
into the Amaravati. On
In March 1997, the National Trust for. Clean
June 7, 1993, the DRO
Environment and the KCEPC approached the Green Bench
issued notices under
seeking the closure of the polluting units. The writ petition
Section 133 of the
was admitted m July 1997 and the TNPCB was directed to
Civil Procedure
Erode,
Code (CPC) to 60
^ATiT °f the 608 UnitS' 434 were t0 be ^tached
to CE1 I s, 167 were to set up their own treatment plants, and
units to close down
seven had stopped operations.
within three days.
’Karur
rFTpCOrdln- t0 aTNPCB reP°rt °fAugust 12, 1997, some
However, the pol
Ct 11 s were in various stages of construction while in the case
lution
remained
of others work was yet to start. Of the 167 units that had opted
unchecked. In 1994, after
not to be attached to CETPs, only one had set up a treatment
a prolonged agitation by
plant of its own; 162 umts had not started work on their plants.
local residents, the State
On August 4, the court directed the TNPCB to ensure tint
Government announced
in the next three months those units which released untreated
a plan to set up five more
effluents into the Amaravati were closed down.
CETPsatacostofRs. 10 i
In September 1997, the polluting units filed petitions seekcrores - 40 per cent of the |
an imunction to restrair he TNPCB from forcing them to
amount was to be provid- |
c e dov n. But closure no.
vere issued to these units on
70
FRONTLINE, JULY 3, 1998
to do so. Many units,
however, continued to
operate.
The dyers’
and
bleachers’ associations
moved the Supreme
Court seeking more time
to set up CETPs, and the
State Government sup
ported their appeal. The
Supreme Court on May
14 ordered status quo in
both
cases,
and
adjourned the case to
May 27. The case will
now come up forbearing
!1
on July 20.
W
i
MS iw
According to C.
Ganesan. who is also the
chairman of CETP com
panies, Karur-Andankoil
Pollution Control Ltd.
and Amaravati Pollution
Control Ltd., the task of
laying the pipelines from
At a dyeing unit that remains closed.
the various units, which
are scattered all over the
November 20, 1997 on the expiry of the deadline set by the
•
.
town, is a difficult and
court.
™e-consumIng one as the pipelines have to pass through the narrow lanes and bylanes of the congested town.
The stoppage of work in the dyeing units affected the weaTextile Exporters Association secretary M. Sivakannan
mg rndustry. o feed the export market, yarn had to beICWCJV
sent ( 7reCS,Wlth Ganfesan- He says
the delay was mainly in getErode and Salem for dyeing. This increased rhe cost <of'dved
" '
of dyed ting clearances from government departments. According to
yam. 1 he increased cost could not be passed on to the buyers
because prices had been committed earlier Also a i
.
mm, the single window clearance system’ introduced hv rhp
consignments were returned as the colours did not match the
the bureaucracy. Residents opposition to laying pipelines right
rders. According to C. Ganesan, managing director, A-Tex
outside their doors also slowed down the
work. Two
Two units
units —
thousands of workers were rendered jobless in Karur.
the work.
FnvUr T "iS F"6 a'ld Bleaching Ltd and Vanchi Dyeing
approach and jointly inspected the affecmTareaT The°y filed a ffTeTipeline^
'bk T
’"8 CC''“
rance from
ffle fflnclin^ h^'
h" ' ~
~ar
7aa
iting
earanCe
frOm the Railways
Railw-^ a!
joint report in the Madras High Court on lanuarv 22 99R
P'pehnes
have
to
be
laid
across
tracks.
the pipelines
seeking three months’ time to set up CETPs. The court accept ’ madeVen
’“k/ ’’ KaruPPamPalayam. work on which has
pp.f.'jP0" and allowcd the units that had agreed to be linked thHnletand"^ '
h**"
Problems in ^ying
o CEI Ps to unction until the CETPs were set up. The units
er a bomb H ?
thc
terrain- Aft« thf
that had opted out of CETP plan were not allowed to function
adn niZi
k k Co'mbatore in Feb™ary, the district
However severtd units are said to have worked between January through
k nV “
• '
°f eXpl°siveS t0 smasb
and April in violation of the court order
J
7 hrouSh rocks- Other operations, such as the erection of agitaAccording to a TNPCB report of April 6, among the units
T5’ PumPs and so ,on’ have been completed.
that were not hnked to the CETPs, 115 had not begun work BleachiSp^'n ’
Kamr Taluk Dyeing and
on their treatment plants. As for the eight CETPs, the level of that we
k7 O'™"5 Assoclation> “ys: “It is not our fault
compleuon of civil work ranged from 38 per cent to 90 per stouW inr “
“ "’“y'’6
deadline-Tbe Government
cent, but mechanical and electrical works were noj aken up
PRT™ t0
the Profects'’
°f
C.«™ JU
„ X,k AXTiirf
w„ J
nil'll s
~
unhsroCETp'8h7yS Departments t0 ,ay pipelines from the
units to CE FPs and to construct manholes and collection wells.
1 he court dismissed the petitions on April 22. The TNPCB
sent closure orders to thc units that came under CETP and also
O those that had promised to set up individual ETPs but failed
Tlv K 0 km
p W different tn Tirupur, which is hardly 00 km away, tor most part of the year, only toxic efflu
ents flow in the Cauverys tributary, the Noyyal, which cuts
across Tirupur. The 700-odd dyeing and bleaching units here
have rendered water m a 30 km radius of the town unfit for
nn7umpi‘m' These UnitS dlscharge nearly 13 million litres of
untreated effluents into the Noyyal every day. The sodium con-
G—“ -
FRONTLINE, JULY 3. 1998
71
I
tent in the effluents is fast displacing the calcium and magne
sium present in the soil and making farming unproductive.
Besides the chemicals usually used in dyeing, chemicals that
have the toxic benzidine structure, which are used in the pro
cessing of cotton, also add to the damage.
From humble beginnings in the 1930s, Tirupur’s hosiery
industry has grown immensely, first as a domestic supplier and
then as an exporter. Units situated in T irupur accounted for for
eign exchange earnings equivalent to Rs. 18 crores in 1985; since
the early 1990s, the industry has been fetching Rs. 2,000 crores
every year in foreign exchange. To cater to the growing demand,
numerous small dyeing and bleaching units were set up along a
stretch of 30 km on either side of Noyyal, most of them without
securing a ‘no objection certificate’ from the TNPCB. All these
units release raw, untreated effluents into the river, affecting not
only 1 irupur but also areas in the neighbouring Periyar district.
1 he I irupur municipal hospital reports widespread incidence of
skin diseases and pulmonological disorders./
I he fortunes of I irupur, which was already passing through
a crisis because of its inability to meet competition from
Bangladesh, China, Thailand, I aiwan and Pakistan, dipped
further in 1996 owing to the pollution the dyers and bleachers
were causing.
The Tirupur Dyers Association formed Tirupur Effluent
Treatment Company Pvt. Ltd.(TETCO) in 1991, to set up four
treatment plants with 50 per cent State and Central subsidy for
each. At that time, according to Tirupur Dyers Association pres
ident N. Kandaswamy, there were 200 units. By the time a sur
vey was done for the plants and a project report prepared, three rest were to have individual plants
years had passed and thenumber of units had increased fourHowever, there was no progress in the setting up of the
foJd. He says that the TNI CB should have obtained no objec- CETPS, and in December 1995 the TNPCB set January 31,1996
non certfflcates before they began operations.
as the deadline for the dyeing units to start work on CETPs. With
e technical work on the treatment plants was entrusted no progress in sight even in February 1996, Karur Taluk Noyyal
to Larsen & 1 oubro Meanwhile, the State Government capped Irrigation Farmers Association president P.R. Kuppuswamy filed
its subsidy at Rs. 50 lakh a plant. A share capital of Rs. 1 crore a public interest petition before the Green Bench of the Madras
( per cent of the cost) had already been raised from the asso- High Court seeking the closure of all polluting units in Tirupur.
ciation s members and 10 acres of land had been purchased The court ordered the TNPCB to issue show-cause notices to
through the Revenue Department.
these polluting units and then file a status report on the ETPs.
As the work on the CETPs got delayed, the cost rose to Rs. According to a November 27, 1997 INPCB report, more than
40 crores, and the members share capital went up to Rs. 8 crores half the units had not started work in the ETPs.
(20 percent). A sum of Rs.31 crores
was to be raised from the financial
institutions. As the revised esti
mates showed that each member
\< / U
had to pay between Rs. 50,000 and
Rs. 1.5 lakh every month towards
fixed and recurring expenditure,
the dyers shelved the idea.
All the while, untreated effluents
released into the Noyyal caused fur
ther damage to ground and surface
water. The effects of the pollution
were evident at the Orathapalayam
dam, which is 20 km downstream of
Tirupur and which irrigated 20,000
acres of farmland.
In June 1994, the Coimbatore
Collector met representatives of the
TNPCB and the Tirupur Dyers
Association and an agreement was
1 An effluent
reached to set up eight CETPs. Of
\ treatment plani
the 800-odd dyeing units 300 were
to be connected to these CETPs. The
72
FRONTLINE. JULY 3. 1998
1
to the Green Bench.
On February 10, the Green Bench agreed to extend the
deadline for the setting up of the CETPs by three more months,
until May ll. This concession was extended also to the 321
units that were to set up their own ETPs and had completed
over 75 per cent of the work. The rest were to face closure.
On April 25, the Dyers Association sought more time,
maintaining that there was a delay in getting machinery, power
connections and Central subsidy. But the Green Bench was
firm. It ordered the closure of all the units that did not have the
facility to treat their effluents.
I
»
; 1
4 ’ ■■
1I? -^i1
'7 ;■ i
7:; '■
$ ■" j
I
/•J.
tf;
•r1
'-/■T 'I
fi|&
J
I ‘1
F -1
IJ
111
A common effluent
treatment plant.
On March 6, 1997, the Green Bench directed the units that
had constructed treatment plants to apply to the TNPCB for
consent to start work by the end ofApril and ordered those that
had started work on the ETPs to complete the work by June
1997. It ordered the closure of 114 units tliat had not taken
any steps to treat their effluents.
On June 20, 1997, the Green Bench, on a plea from the
DyersAssociation,cxtendedthetimeuntilNovember20,1997.
But as the setting up of the EIPs was delayed, a consensus
approach, as in the case of Karur, was sought to be adopted and
a joint inspection was undertaken in February 1998 by coun
sel lor all the parties concerned. A joint report was submitted
-.7 "2?:
■
A CCORDING to the latest TNPCB report, of the 464 units
.Zkthat are to be set up individual ETPs, 174 have completed
100 per cent of the work, 199 have completed 75 per cent of
the work; and the rest less that 75 per cent of the work.
According to one estimate, over Rs.40 crores have been
invested in the eight CETPs. The Rs.6.75-crore, 75-member
CETP at Veerapandi is the only one that is almost complete.
The chairman of the company that has launched the CETP, P.
Subramanian, said: Only the State subsidy has reached us. The
Central subsidy and the Rs.75-lakh loan from the Small
Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) are yet to
come.” While 115 units have completed work on individual
ETPs, they are yet to get the TNPCB’s consent.
According to S. Appuswamy, secretary of the Federation of
Tirupur Common Effluent Treatment Plants, the task of treat
ing the 13 million litres of effluents that is generated every day
is an enormous one. The project, started in 1996, encountered
numerous difficulties, and the resultant delay pushed up the
total cost from Rs. 22 crores to over Rs. 35 crores, he said.
1 he Central subsidy for the two CEFPs at Chinnakarai and
Kasipalayam has been released through the IDBI. But the money
is locked up as these CE TPs do not have any arrangement with
mv
wivwi
the IDBI to
receive it. The bank imposes stringent conditions that the CETPS
---A j pay up the equivalent of six monthly instal
ments and provide collateral security equivalent to the loan
amount (apart from the land, the plant and the machinery of
CETPs). Like Karur, Tirupur also faces bottlenecks in laying
pipelines for CETPs. In many cases, power supply has not been
provided. The ban on the use of
—explosives is also a hindrance.
According to Appuswamy, the
groundwater in Tirupur town is
polluted to a considerable extent: it
contains 3,000-4,000 ppm of TDS
against the permissible limit of
2,000 ppm. He claims that the tech
nology to treat such a voluminous
discharge in non-existent. What is
required is research to bring down
the TDS level to reasonable limits
■BRI
and
cut down the level of salts in
Effluent from a
dyestuff, according to him. The dis
dyeing unit being
posal of sludge in another problem.
discharged into
It is estimated that at least 100
the treatment
tonnes of sludge will have to be dis
trough at a
posed of every year.
dyeing unit;
With all these problems, the
nset) the water
industry face a difficult future. But
kfter treatment.
the pollution the dyeing and
bleaching units cause is even more
worrisome. ■
llfcl
FRONTLINE, JULY 3, 1998
73
i).
*
4 cc^,UWi.rv ..;alth cat
1
/ .(^ry Hoorjss. Marks (;C3Sj
£^MuALOaE.6fi00a1
Papers ;resented by the staff of Regional Occupational Health Centre,
?orc . Indian Medical Association Hall on the ncassion of World
i,7t :iy on 5th JUNE 1980 at 4-00 p.m.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Dr. C.R. RAMACHANLRAN
What surrounds the man is his environment which includes the living,
ie. biological and the non-living, which is the physical, For his life
and living, man depends upon his environment, Unless the environment is
clean and hea~j thy, the man cannot remain healthy, The environment, is
g:.uerally kept in equilibrium by natural forces. The biological environ
ment consists of mutually dependant organisms "The Eco System". It means
that the biological system has very well adapted to the physical environ
ment and is in equilibrium. It will remain so till it is forciably
disturbed.
The natural environment is such that the waste products of one
organism (generally the higher organism) form the nutrientsj for some
other organism which are lower.i rThus the waste products are bio-degraded
is what
is called
and resynthesised. fThis
--- —
--- —
----- —as the natural recovery of
forces like rain, wind and heat, help
the environment. (Certain physical
„
the natural recovery by washing, leaching, dispersing and dissolving the
wastes. The waste generation sometimes is at a rate which is faster than
that of the recovery. Then there is accumulation of waste. The accumu
lated wastes alter the normal character of the environment and the en
vironment is polluted. The polluted environment is unnatural where bio
logical process is difficult. It means destruction of bio—environment•
The pollution therefore arrests the natural recovery of the environment
thereby adding more pollution, Surely the quality of human life will
not be good. That is disease and death for man.
_1, has been brought up to throw waste indisMan, from l_i_
his choldhood,
are taught to throw refuse out through the window,
criminately. Children
(
■'
children and adults defecate Just away from their
house,, The same
..f
'he creates
’
’
"later.
*
► The
behaviour pattern exists in what
T— industries
their
waste
material
outside
their
premises
and
automobiles thre
throw '
their waste outside their engine and through a tailpipe just outside
the vehicle. However, all these wastes are thrown into the environ
ment .
Today a biwildering variety of materials in astonishingly large
quantities are thrown into the environment by the civilised man because
of the industrial progress he has made. This rate of generation of
waste is several folds higher than the rate of recoveryr of the enIndustrial
vironment. Therefore the environment- gets polluted. The
T.
.. 2 ..
2
was res polluter, air, water and soil. Man has greatly enhanced his capacity
tc
?ntribv.t". .: the pollution. Detergents, pesticides, plastics are neces
sary for hrs o7.ratable living, but are terrible strain on environment.
ce =. •■.or one important need of man today and the problem it
Let us cc
Petre1 jam and its products are life blood of industrial advance
creates. Petrel.
ments. When p< : :^1 is burnt in the internal combustion engine, the waste
products it generates are given in Table - 1.
TABLE - 1
Every 1000 1 of petrol burnt (generates
Carbon monoxide
560 Kg.
Hydrocarbon
24-48 Kg.
Oxides of Nitrogen
6-18 Kg.
Aldehydes
600 gms.
Sulphur dioxide
280 m5
600-1200 gms.
Organic Acids
250 gms.
Amonia
250 gms.
Oxides of metal (Lead, Zinc, etc.)
40 gms.
The effects of Pollution are not always dramatic. The chaos and the
damage created by it is many times realised only several years later.
Some well documented effects of pollutants in the air are given in Table-2
and Table-5•
TABLE - 2
Effects of Air Pollution
Effects
Type of Pollutant
Sulfur dioxide
Hydrofluoric acid
Chlorine
Oxidants
c
Burn the leaves
destroy seedlings
retard the growth of trees
Oisone
Several organic compounds
* in effect destroys vegetation
Sulfur dioxide from smelting plai.r.
have affected vegetation upto a
radius of 15 miles from source ci
emission.
3
Fluorides
Arsenic
Cyanide
Contaminates foliage
the grazing cattle
is destroyed
Acid mist
Hydrocl J oric acid
Sulfur it oxide
Oxides of Nitrogen
0
0
makes rainvater acidic.
Corrosion of buildings,
bridges and machines.
Hydrogen Sulphide
5
Destroys lead based paint
Destroys glasspanes
Fluides
Ozone
0
Damages rubber
Tar and soot
0
Damages the surface
TABLE - 3
Effect of Pollution on Health
Increase in respiratory disorders,
Increased prevalence of chronic bronchitis,
Irritation of all mucous membranes.
Increased deaths in extreme age groups and
in those with cardio-respiratory disease,
Increased incidence of cancer.
Pollution has produced acute catastrophis in several part of the
world. The following illustrates2-
TABLE * 4
Some Acute Air Pollution Episodes
Episode
1. Meuse Valley
Belgium
Dec. - '1950
Event
Temperature
inversion.
Result
6J deaths.
Many cattle died•
Accumulation of
smoke and fog.
.. 4 ..
4
k
2. Donora Valley
Pennsylvania,
Oct.. V948
Stagnant weather
for 4 days
20 deaths
Many became ill.
3* London
5-8 Dec. 1952
Dense fog
(Smog)
4000 excess deaths.
Countless became
ill.
Almost all persons who became ill at these episodes
were still ill
10 years rates.
New York
- 1953
0
0
- Repetition of London Story
Tokyo
- 1959
Some examples of effect of water pollution -
TABLE - 5
Some Water Pollution Episodes
Episode
Event
Result
Mina Mata Bay
Methyl mercury waste < Large scale mercury poison
let into sea. Fish
ing of Population and
from the region
Animals 121 studied cases
consumed.
including 22 congenital
minamata disease.
Agano River
Niigatta
River pollution by
mercury contain
ing waste.
1956 - 1972
1964 - 1965
Delhi -1957
Miraj-Sangli
-1975
49 cases
6 deaths
Urban sewage contami Over 30,000 cases viral
nating urban water
hepatitis•
supply.
-do-
Estimated number of
45$000 cases of Enteric
fever, probably more.
.. 5 ..
I
I
5
Soil. Pollution
Japan
Cadmium fumes, pollu
ting soil; Rice grown
there eaten by popula
tion.
1970 - 1971
The itai-itai disease A painful Osteomalacia.
There are innumerable studies all over the world focussing the
attention to acute and chronic effect of Environmental Pollution. They
all lead to the same conclusion, ie. pollution is both dangerous and
expensive.
Advancement of man calls for Technological progress. This can be
and should be dene without destroying the very source of his existence.
He should not cut the root of the branch in which he sits. That is
what all antipollutionists have been trying to tell the world for over
J decades now.
x *
PM/468O
X
*
X
*
X
*
X
6 -
AlR POLLUTION SURVEY IN BANGALORE
ER. A.M. KOMERWAR
The clean air has a composition for which human system
is well adapted. Any material added to this sooner or later
have a harmful effect on living organism or inanimate materi
als. Usually pollutants are thought to be coming to the at
mosphere from human activities ? but nature often supplies more
polluting substances. Major volcanic explosions are chief
producers of airborne dusts. Lightening caused forest fires
as well as other natural processes released iiiuch more carbon
monoxi ■ le than do human activities. Many of the^plants in forest
are said to release hydrocarbons which contribute to haze.
Eventhough9 the tonnage of pollutants released by nature is far
more than that released by people, those caused by human acti
vities are produced where human and their possessions are most
densely concentrated. Hence air pollution caused by human
activities are now of a major concern.
AIR POLLUTION - is defined as the presence in the outdoor
atmosphere of one or more contaminants, such as dust, fumes,
gas, mist, odour, smoke or vapour in quantities of character
istics and of duration so as to be injurious to human, plant
or animal life or to property or which unreasonably interacts
with comfortable enjoyment of life and property.
'
On an average a man consumes about
1.5 kg. of food per
but
the
total
consumption
of
air
for
oxygen requirement
day, buu uajlc
*
- ■
' ’
’ "
1 .
That
varies from 12-69 kg. per day depending
on the
workload^
of *pollutants in
is why the lsmall"concentration
--- -------, air matter
because the intake of such toxic substances will.be much more
through air than the intake through food, which is of great
concern.
■ ~
’
J
In 19h8,
1948, Donora,
Donora Pennsylvania, out of a population of
14,000 people,
people, 43°/o fell ill and 10% were severely affected on
account of photochemical smog formation followed by frequent
temperature inversions. The persons died were of age group
52-84 years; most of them died on the third day of the episode.
The concentration of sulfur dioxide was estimated to be 0.5 to
2 ppm. and a high level of particulate matter.
In 1952, the photochemical smog formed in London called
»KIJ.TER SMOG” was the cause for 4000 deaths. Here also the
concentration of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter was
found to be high. New York also experienced similar episodes
in 1953 and 1962 where many deaths were reported.
- 7
The above mentioned episodes conclusively establishes that
the air pollutants such as sulfur dioxideparticulatemate
hydrocarbons, oxidants, etc. are responsible for high mortality
and immediate health effects.
efforts are
After these episodes, worldwide eiiorrs
arc being
uej-iig made
mau-c to
u
clean the air. O^all
Of all thes°,
these, the efforts made by Environmental
a
•
a detailed research
Pollution Agency (EPA)
is ’ worth mentioning,
is undertaken on various pollutants such as emission from source,
dispersion. retention in air, their interaction and effect on
human health, vegetation .and “ateriais. Tne formation of photo
chemical smog in laboratory ana its effect on
highly appreciated. Depending on these scuuies
many epid
miological studies conducted by EPA, monitoring of the following
six major pollutants in ambient air are recoimiende .
V
1. Total suspended particles
2. ' Sulfur dioxide
3. Carbon monoxide
4. Oxidants
5. Oxides of Nitrogen and
6. Hydrocarbons.
The standards are set depending onl the concentration which
can minimise the effect. Two" types^of standards are available,
they are:
1. Primary standard for human health effect and
2. Secondary standard for effect on other material
of value.
Air* -quaXi-ty
Tn addition to this there are other
c-— National
Arsenic,
Asbestos,
standards for some hazardous materials,? e.g. lead, Mercury,
3, Chromium
Beryllium, Cadmium, Chlorine,
Chromium,y iron,
radioactive
substances3, sulfates,
nitrates, other odourants, imainly
to control the,
sulfides and some solvents, These are i
emission from source.
EFFECT OF AIR POLLUTICN:
effect of gaseous
There
There are
are large number of studies oni Though
the studies
pollutants and particulates on animals.
of pollutant^;, it
were made with fairly high concentration
_
_
numar health. It has also
can be used for extrapolation to Jie studies
made in different
beenl proved by many epidemiclogioal gg ,■_ • , Not only human
.
areas having high concentrat:'-jn of pO-i-luiaais
it also
affects the
health is affected by air pollution, but
tu: ii-
8
vegetation, engineering materials and materials of aesthetic
value. A roueh. estimate of cost in 1970 in America shows that
12.3 billion 'u?;.lsrs worth damage was caused by air pollution.
Much damage vzas du.- to particulate ma •‘ter and sulfur dioxide.
The formation of smog reduces vision of the eye, and in winter
sometimes it may lead to accidents.
Our common experiences'shows that the driver following
the truck with thick blanket of exhaust has to hold his breath
and sometimes gets involved in accident as he cannot see the
vehicle coming from opposite side while overtaking. Landing
of aeroplanes is difficult sometimes -owing to.thick fog of
winter and the air pollutants sometimes make it impossiole.
Many such instances have been reported. Much is talked of
Mathura Refinery and Tajmahal and perhaps need no further
details.
AIR POLLUTION SURV.'
IN BANGALORE
For the purpose of air pollution studies, 15 sampling
stations were selected. The stations were representatives of
broadly divided into: Industrial, Commercial and residential
areas depending on the activities involved at those places.
After a careful visual survey, the station was selected so as
to represent the general atmosphere of the area. It was
ther close to a particular source of a pollutant nor was it
too far away. The samples were collected for a duration of
three months, from March to May and each sampling station was
monitored five times. These months were selected particularly
to give an average pollution level as it will be least in rainy
season and maximum in winter. The samples were collected for
eight hours everyday.
MATERIAL AND METHOD: The nature of samplin
sampling conducted can be
divided in two classes (a) Gaseous and ((b) Particulate
matter. The gases sampled were sulfur dioxide, oxides of
nitrogen, oxidants and sulfides.
a) Sulfur dioxide:-
Sulfur dioxide is absorbed in dilute aqueous solution
of sodium tetramercurate to form the non-volatile dichlorosulfitomercurate complex ion. This reacts with formaldehyde
and acid bleached pararosaniline to form red purple complex,
which is estimated colorimetrically. The colour is propor
tional to the concentration of sulfur dioxide in air.
b)
Oxides of Nitrogens-
Ambient air was passed through a train of * bubblers con
taining aqueous sodium hydroxide as.the,absorbing medium.
bubbler containing
Between two bubblers, a L.'./
'
" Pot. permanganate
- 9 was bridged. This ensures the conversion of reduced form
of nitrogen oxide to nitrogen dioxide. The samples collected
were analysed by converting nitrate ion formed to the coloured
complex which indirectly gives the amount of NC^ in ^’ir ,
e) Oxidants
Alkaline potassium iodide reacts with oxidants in air
and forms hypoiodide. This on neutralization liberates
liberates the
iodine which is proportional to the concentration of oxidants
in air.
Samples were collected in Alkaline Pot. iodide solution
and were analysed colorimetrically.
d)
Sulfides
Hydrous cadmium oxide was the absorbing medium for air
Sulfides form cadmium sulfide
containing sulfides. L
' which
are later on converted into methylene blue dye. This colour
indirectly gives the amount of sulfides in air.
A small Vacuum pump was used to collect the gaseous sam
ples. Four different bubblers containing appropriate absorb
ing media were connected to pump via manifold. The flow was
kept minimum and was regulated with manifold valve. The air
flow into bubblers were read by a rotameter. The samples
were collected for a duration of 4 hours and were analysed
the same day.
2.
PARTICULATE MATTER:
Glass fibre filter paper was used to collect the parti
culate matter in air. the paper was held by a metallic cone
and through a rotameter, it was connected to Vacuum pump.
The air was drawn with a flow rate of 25 litres per minute.
The difference between initial and final weight of filter
paper is the weight of dust collected. Weight of dust divided
by volume of air in 3 will give /jg/ 3 which is the unit,of
expression of the dust level* The cone was kept 6 feet high
to avoid the dust of floor to settle directly on the filter
paper. The dust so collected represents the suspended parti
cles in air.
CONCLUSION:
A critical assessment of the data reveals that the general
trend of pollution level is increasing, Levels of sulfur di oxide,
oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in air is high
4
- 10
in commercial area when compared to industrial and residential 3
area. The permissible level for particulate matter is 150 /ug/nr
while it can be seen that even in residential areas in few occa
sions the level is more. The highest concentration of dust is
one in commercial area which is 1000 /ug/mJ.
Sulfur dioxide level is also more in commercial area.
Though the other sampling stations show a lower concentrations
of these pollutants, it should be noted the recent studies con
ducted by EPA concludes that -a concentration of 9 /ug/.^? of SO^
in air can show the aggravation of respiratory disorders.. The^
maximum sulfur dioxide level recorded is in the area where the
industry is located which uses sulfur as one of its raw materials.
The effect of sulfur dioxide alone will not be recognised in
such a low concentration but high level of particulate matter
can make it significant, as-both considered together show a
synergetic effect.
Not much studies are available with low concentration of
oxides of nitrogen but few references indicate that it can be
toxic in combination of other pollutants. It is found that the
oxides of nitrogen are more once again in commercial area which
is obvious as the main source of these pollutants is automobile
exhaust.
Lead is a cumulative poison and its entry into body through
inhalation can contribute maximum to toxic effect. The permi
ssible limit for lead in air is 1.5 /ug/nr whereas from the
data it can be seen that this level almost exists throughout
the city except in few stations. The maximum lead value recor
ded is 22 /ug/m3; in one of industrial area.
The present study was conducted by random sampling and
fairly gives an indication of levels of various pollutants in
city. A continuous monitoring of few stations for 24 hours
will give a clear idea of the level of pollution. Also if an
epidemiological survey is also conducted in area of high pollu
tion, it will be quite helpful in assessing the risk of pollu
tion in Bangalore.
e- S'.
UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING
D. Narasimha Reddy
Centre for Resource Education.
201. Maheshwari Complex. Masab Tank. Hyderabad 500 028
& T. R. Kolanu
Administrative Staff College ot India
Hyderabad
In this paper in its first section, we attempt to give a brief introduction about the need for environmental Public Hearing
(EPH) for development projects. In the second section, we outline various dimensions ot the Environmental Public
Hearing from the point of view of people's participation. In the final section, we analyze the critique ol EPH and
present concluding remarks.
SECTION!
In the process of modernisation and development. India since its independence has taken
up various development projects. Owing to the general levels of consent to the
democratically elected governments there was not much of opposition to the development
projects in the initial stages. Hence till early 1970's. development projects taken up by
Central and State governments have neither been debated extensively nor discussed in the^
public forums thoroughly before implementation. This scenario was facilitated by lack of
public consciousness about environmental factors. The whole discussion was limited to
the domain of the Executive and Legislature.
Silent Valley project in early 1970's is the first development project that received
opposition on the grounds of environmental unsustainability. Since then a plethoia of
projects have been opposed on environmental grounds in various paits ot the countix. As
environmental concerns got strengthened internationally, and realization of the negative
impact of development projects dawned on the people, opposition to development
projects grew in volume and quality. The voice of the people championing the cause of
environment was becoming more strident and forceful. Recognizing this. Government
had promulaated various environmental laws, and established institutions for
environmental regulation in the country. In fact it was made mandatory for the industry
or the project authorities to submit Environmental Impact Assessment (E1A) and also
submit Environment Audit annually. But such measures enabled administrative
regulation alone and often the local people and concerned NGO‘s were kept in the dark
about the various facets of the project.
No issue incites more emotion in environmental decision making than the question ot
what sort of information should weigh most heavily. Should information rely more on
cost-benefit analysis, than on health, safety, and natural resources data in deciding how
much to control a potentially dangerous substance9 How important are the socio
economic and political impacts of a regulation in comparison to its cost or its
environmental impact? One reason tor this controversy is the habit of the Pailiament to
achieved
but ---thin with
write environmental laws thick with objectives to be -----—
enlightenment.
1
Even if EPH law is clear about the relative importance of different aspects in the
procedure, controversy is likely oxer whether various participants weie biased 01
prejudiced in the way they created or considered information. In the last five decades in
India, experience has shown that opposing claims of costs and benefits surrounds most of
the development projects. However, in recent years, a growing body of research suggests
that scientists and other technical specialists may be influenced by political, economic, or
other social values when making apparently professional judgments concerning the extent
to which a project may constitute a hazard to humans or to the environment. Almost
every one deplores this bias, but devising an assessment piocess that eliminates it is
difficult. Todav the quest for laws and institutional arrangements that reduce or eliminate
the influence of undesirable factors in environmental policy making continues with
unabated fervor. EPEI on development projects is going to demonstrate how difficult it is
to engineer the legal and institutional arrangements that assure 1that only the right factors
affect decision-making at the right time.
There are several factors, right or wrong, which affect EPH at various times.
Environmental Public Hearing has been necessitated basically because of the discussion
on the effects of development projects on environment, people, and ecology. Most of this
discussion centered broadly on the impact of the development projects vis-a-vis social
justice, developmental pattern and rights of the people. Continuing on this, there was
elaborate discussions and debate on the necessity and need for a paiticulai pattern of
de\ elopment.
En\ ironmentalists' perspective of development has not always been popular nor it is
accepted as a dominant perspective. It is to be noted here that despite its limited appeal,
environmental perspective has been gaining acceptance steadily, based on the experience
and increased awareness and consciousness. Still there is a large section of population,
which remains beyond the borders of this debate (as is normal in any change concerning
the society). For this reason, it is often contended that the debate on development patterns
almost became an academic exercise, involving lobbies of interest on either side of the
debate on environment and ecology. The day was almost won by the anti-enviionmental
interests, basicalIv because people s representatives, who were elected democi atically .
supported it. To overcome this, environmentalists tried an assortment of activities like
tryinu to set their representatives elected, influencing policies through seminals and
workshops and interactions with government personnel, and raising the consciousness ol
the people and their representatives through rallies, demonstrations, articles, media
presentations, meetings and discussions.
However, these attempts have only been able to make a peripheral dent. Also, most of the
arguments of the environmentalists were never “tested by democratic means. Basically,
there is little communication between the proponents of the project and the people
opposing it. Hence, it has. and is likely to give scope for accusations and counter
accusations between the project authorities and the opposing parties. Very often these
parleys are filled with emotions rather than objective rational debate. Environmental
public hearing is set to change this scenario.
2
Consequently. EPH will be valid and successful as long as people have enough
judgement and discrimination to arrive at the best possible choice. EPH is likely to be
swept away by vested interests, if and when people are not provided with sufficient
information on the project in consideration and the alternatives available. This requires
enormous efforts by NGOs and community interests to educate the people on the
development project. Herein the role ot NGOs increases multi-fold.
A person who would inquire into the essence and attributes of various kinds of
development must first of all determine "what is development"? At present this is a
disputed question. However, a fair implementation of EPH requires a clear definition of
development projects in verifiable or rational terms. This is because in EPH often the
debate can enter the plane ot emotion (something beyond truth and knowledge). In this
regard, the only approach to it is to perceive any development project in a long-term
perspective. But this capacity to visualize long-term perspective ('climb the ascent')
cannot be expected to be among the people from all walks ot lite. As said eailiei. it
becomes the responsibility ot social sciences and NGO s to provide such a peispective to
the common people.
Environmental Public Hearing is not just an administrative exercise wherein hearing is
conducted to meet the requirements ot the legislation. But it is a measure to disclose all
the relevant information regarding a developmental project to various sections ot society,
which are either affected by its implementation or have interests in the pioject. It
facilitates the local governments and people to debate and discuss the pros and cons ot
the project and arrive at a decision regarding its impact on the local economy, polity and
ecology . EPH provides a platform for getting together government departments, non
governmental organizations, project authorities and the local people wherein each paity
has a chance to hear the opinion and views of others regarding the project and to put forth
their position and understanding about the project. It also enables the project authorities
to address the apprehensions, il any. being carried by various parties. EPH is a step
forward to the realization of the right to information. It acts not only as a means to
provide information but also gives scope for a healthy debate and discussion on the
various facets of the development project among different sections of society. But it has
to be understood that EPH is not a forum to arrive at a decision whether to implement or
not to implement the proposed project because such an authority rests with the laigei
democratic institutions.
SECTION-11
Environmental Public Hearing is going to introduce all the factors that apply to
•“democracy", into the whole debate on development patterns. As in any democracy,
different players will plav the game ot environmental public heating, and the entiie
process is subject to all the conditions, which affect an instiument of demociacy. This is
because en\ ironmental public hearing is also a meeting ot people wheiein theie will be
debate and discussion on choices. The object of interest would be who ate the
3
participants, what is their interest in participation, and how do they participate in the
deliberations? EPH is not clear about this.
Political philosophers since the times of ancient Greek period have been deliberating on
people’s participation in the decision-making. According to Plato, people in general are
ignorant and selfish and hence lack the necessary wisdom to arrive at proper decisions.
He advocates the benevolent institution of Philosopher King for making the decisions of
the society. Aristotle defines a citizen as one who has the power to take part in the
deliberative or judicial administration of any state. However his idea of citizenship is that
of the independent gentleman who has enough experience, education and leisure to
devote himself to active citizenship. According to him. the self-interest of such a citizen
is a covenant of social progress. Thus. Aristotle links the idea of self-interest with that of
social progress through greater individual effort and competence.
Contractualists of modern times like Hobbes. Locke and Rousseau have talked about a
social contract that permitted the Executive to govern on behalf of the people. Rousseau
advocated direct democracy wherein the people themselves would make laws and
execute them. But is it possible? It is interesting to note that Rousseau has talked about
educating the ordinary people regarding the democratic procedures and norms through
the institution of a ’’Legislator”. If this is applied to EPH. going by Rousseau’s definition
of a Legislator.'it is the social scientists and the NGO’s who should perform the role of
the Rousseau’s Legislator.
Bentham says that there is no objective standard by which how an individual could agree
on personal interest or mat of the community, yet he thought that government and social
science could be advanced by reducing differences of metaphysics into differences of a
simpler, and more measurable order. Problems of utility can more easily be boiled down
to issues of fact than can problems of fundamental belief. To apply Bentham's suggested
method to a modern illustration: if a slum clearance project in an industrial city is debated
in terms of fundamental issues like free enterprise and socialism, then an agreement is
impossible. If it can be shown that cost to the community in terms of increased crime, illhealth. fire hazards, be weighed against the cost oi putting up better housing with
assistance from public funds, then the original gap can be considerably narrowed. If we
apply these thoughts to EPH then it can be seen that social scientists and the NGO’s have
a vital role to play in ensuring a fair EPH and meaningful participation of all concerned
people in the deliberations.
The knowledge of the best choice may have some value as a norm and standard, but on
the other hand it is often unattainable. Therefore, the participants in EPH should not be
concerned with that which is best in the abstract, but with that which is best relatively to
circumstances. The general consideration should be not only what is best, but also what is
possible and what is attainable by all. There should also be a distinction between projects
that are carried on "with a view to the common interest" from those that serve private
interests, whether of one. of few. or of many.
4
The philosophy behind EPH is that when many ordinary persons meet together, their
collective wisdom and experience may be superior to that of the few good. An ordinary
individual feels attached to various and often conflicting, religious, social, political,
economic and cultural groups. While participating in EPH. his/her conscience has to
decide, in each instance of conflict, which loyalty comes first.
Is the multitude fit to participate in EPH so as to have a healthy debate and discussion'7
The first objection could be that those who are unlettered, vicious and undiscerning are
not fit to participate in policy decisions. For these limitations, there can be objection to
people with malice and ignorance. However, these objections have been proved wrong.
Most of the people are neither vicious nor undiscernible despite being unlettered, most of
the time: all or most of them are of sound mind and reason and have a right desire for the
decision making and for obeying the laws, and other customs. Parliamentaiy elections
have proved this several times. Even otherwise, every citizen has the capacity to judge of
what has been proposed to him by someone else, and can discern what must be added,
subtracted, or changed.
The second objection is that it is very difficult, or impossible, to harmonize the views of a
large gathering, but such is not the case with the few and the informed people. Hence it is
considered as a need to have only a few involved in informed debates. Further more that
which can be done by few people need not have the involvement of the many. This
objection carries little weight for even though it is easier to harmonize the views of the
few than many, it does not follow that the views of the few are superior to the views of
main. Indeed it would be wrong to entrust the participatory right to the few because they
would consult their own private interest rather than the common benefit.
The third objection is that the democratic participation is to be done by the wise and the
intelligent people who are generally few in number in any given society, therefore the
participation of many is not a necessary requirement. This objection can be addressed by
the argument that the assembled multitude of all of the people can better discern and
desire the common justice and benefit than any part ol it taken separately, howexei
prudent the lew may be.
An important dimension to a better EPEI is the degree and nature of public participation
in the hearings. This would solely depend on the extent of publicity given (by using all
possible channels of communication) to the Hearing and the extent of awareness spread
among the people by various institutions and individuals. The degree of participation
should be such that the assembled gathering should at least reflect all the concerns and
viewpoints on the proposed project. Nature of participation is determined by the amount
of education that people received with regard to public hearing. A certain level of self
discipline among the participants is a must to a smooth conduct of public hearing. Hence
it requires inculcation of democratic norms wherein the individuals have a capacity to
accept opposing arguments and viewpoints and putting forward one s opinion. Thus the
participants in the EPH should be in a position to agree or to disagree on the issues ol
debate and discussion.
5
Every common individual as a citizen of the country has the right to take part in EPH
wherein he/she may and may not be an affected party. Each of them may have a private
interest and the common interest but in participating in EPH they should have the
common interest as a guiding principle. The general deliberations of the assembled
gathering may not necessarily be directed to elicit the will of all or the will of the
majority. Each participant should try to decide what is in the general interest and they
should comprehensively debate and discuss environmental considerations of the project
to be decided, and the perception of what is in the general interest is not distorted by the
existence of. and participation in debate of. factions. If all the relevant conditions are met.
then the purpose for which EPH has been enacted will be adequately addressed. After
EPH if any of the participants feel that they are forced to comply with the proposed
project, against their interests then, they can always approach judiciary for redressal of
their grievances or utilize all the possible democratic means to register their opposition.
EPH with all its features might tall short of the expectations of some and might be
regarded as a retrogressive measure by some others.
SECTION - III
Critics of the EPH are of two kinds one which is espoused by the industry or project
authorities along with some governmental officials who might view it as another measure
to impede the faster development of the country. The second set of critics is the radical
environmentalists who might consider EPH as a measure that serves limited or no
purpose in furthering the cause of environment.
The first kind of criticism has always been there for almost all the en\ ironmental
legislation in India and as well as in abroad. But it should be noted that inspite of so
many environmental laws and regulations, natural resources of the country continue to be
degraded/polluted with little respite. Secondly, there are increasing instances of
opposition (both from the NGO‘s and local public) to the industrial and developmental
projects from various parts of the country. One plausible reason for these controversies
could be the lack of informed debate and discussion on the proposed project. The
instrument of EPH can address this if it is used in its true spirit.
The second criticism aired by environmentalists might have a valid point in demanding
for going beyond public Hearing and asking for decision making power to the community
to decide on the concerned development project. Such a radical step might sound as a
most progressive step but it has its own pitfail when we think in terms of practicalitv of
the issue. To illustrate, most citizens are affected by decisions, which are made at their
workplace, by their local government, perhaps by a regional government, and by their
national government. Even issues like disarmament and international pollution control
affect them, which require more effective international decision-making. However, there
cannot be direct participation by everybody concerned.
6
*
thetmicroc°sm- many PeoPie are members of voluntary associations such as
Dire lmocraScvrShUnitn l‘ Pr°feSS10nal associati™s and parent-teacher associations,
ht^i v
u, L
majonty participation within all of these organizations is
hte ally lmpossible because of time constraints_ no matter how
technology develops. It also seems clear that a merely formal, direct democracv in all of
hese organizations, which is exercised by largely self-selected small minorities is not
preferable to representative democracy.
minorities, is not
iZ“a“iV’ l,’S1],ul”’s ™
li^ly to be representative of different
ews within the community on given issues than a self-selected minority which actually
, eicises the formal right of all to participate. To add another: presumably at least 50
re'™ d
f n"n\beTOfa"
»“ld "e™ » P—ipate in a voie f“ ihXote
eld outcome binding on its members. But even if communication technology
e eloped so that it would be physically possible for people to do all the necessary
mg time constraints would make it impossible for most of this to be informed voting
re It ekhe
1Ctl°nfOt
dem0CraC'V within a11 the associations mentioned would
wo d l
6W ChangeS t0 thC 'StatUS
(because >^st decisions by vote
cfs y
t
inSutflcient votes bemg cast), or in members being compelled to
cast votes most of which would inevitably be uninformed.
ofTlf d ’rthere ai'e °ther COnditions- which Prevent P^ple from exercising their capacity
of self-determination successfully. Two importantly, different types of sLch conditions
taye already been alluded to. First, people may have the capacity for self-determination
t it may not have been developed into an operative ability. In the second type of
condition, people do have an operative ability, not just a capacity or potential1 for self-
P-™ -bere fere exercising
Such an understanding of the dynamics of people’s participation will enhance the role of
emnonmental public hearing in environmental regulation, and conservation protection
and lestoiation of environment and ecology.
En\ iionmental Public Hearing is a positive regulatory instrument that can be used for the
following purposes:
- As a forum for all the concerned individuals (stakeholders of local resources and
einnonment. project authorities, government officials. NGO’s. environmentalists
and social scientists) to come together and arrive at a sustainable option.
Piomote the cause of right to information in legal terms.
- Facilitate a healthy debate and discussion of the various dimensions of the project
in an objective and rational manner.
H J
'
lhe common p"b,ic wi“reby 8“era,i”811
t
tt
r Promote conservation of natural resources and environment.
Procedures ^vernine EPH should fill the existing gap (among the proponents and
Hence without expecting too much from the given legislation on EPH we must use th s as
ail ™
cause of eovkoamenl in a meaningful manner. On a note oi
X<im"H in ,he long run mighr sene as a faeiiilaior for eomnmnnr decisionmaking on the development projects.
8
Towards Better Management
of Hospital Waste
Symbol for Bio-hazard
Frequently asked Questions about the
Bio-medical Waste (Management and
Handling) Rules, 1998
Centre for Environment Education
Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad 380 054
Phone:91-79-6442642, 6442651 Fax:91-79-6420242
E-mail: ceeindia@vsnl.com
Supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Government of India
CEE
Centre for Environment Education
?§
< 3 m S’
CP *0
3 re
cr
o
„
o
CP
3- ja
H’Sd
>—• 2
p
z:
2
o CP
‘
3 B
9- re
3 re &
_
re cl S?
p
d. <
re g
o.’
cp
s
o
O
Qd
re
S’ « S
3 “ E
«
CD
O
£2
3 *
Q
o
g S1
i
2 §
CT*
d
CL
G
LM
00
3" ~ i
" g B
CP
CP
o
o
B. ~ &
f-S. 2 8
-d
%
£
p
3
o
re“ 3
5*
“
re re
“
d- re
OQ CL
~
W CP
3
re
o
3
d' Gfl
CL “
<-*
tT*
’P re
p >nx-
55
II
£• 3
a
=?• §
0
©
?• 8-
£
»aSi.
FT
2
n
§
§
&
a
§•
a
is-
Qrq
3
?-•
* 00 3 S
2 S’ 3
2- Z P.
re
••
d
00
3
re p
ir
c/>
-°
1-1 S'
q
- ’ re
S
,■
J f ? f5
CP
CP
O S'
S'
II
d5 5'
S
’
2. £.«
CP
aI
r§-
0
Si.
i—* •,
3 3
o re
< pj
TO
re
Bre
I.
BCP g-g Cl
<—t
ST
►■+>
CP
I ft |a s
CP
CP
? s* s g- B? “eg.
3* C3 cp
g.^ B
— Ja
re 3
CT*
3
3
>-**
O
o
?r
o *
CD
U
3 re *
“
c
?
do 3 re J.
B’
re o
VI*
U
rz,
>-»
§2 B CP reo>-+>
CP
&*. p
r»
3 w
3
3 S a
.
’
u
o
go
3 7
r»s S’ 3r4
M 3. 5
- d B
§
r-fr-f- re
re CP
re
(2. 3 3
, Tt
re S ffl
CL
B 3
P S' re
b
E5.• r*
ddl o o
^33
re x
Q. 2
g S3. g
re cp
cn cl <z> g •
d
g.
a.
o’
s g
’
O
2 £5
p
’
go
rLg.&
m
h
oo
’
a « n
S - 2
8 ” g
o’
3 o ^3
g:
r»
cn
□ £ to
o
3^o
2 cp o
5
JD
3L
go
pa
E3
ET ST “
3
£0
g
2^
Integrated Health-care Waste Management Plan
General
Wastes
Sharps
Infected
Wastes
Infectious
Wastes
Chemical
Wastes
Kitchen waste.
Metal cans.
Paper, cardboard
boxes, noninfectious plastic,
etc.
Needles, Blades,
Broken Glass
Catheters,
Cannulas
Pathological waste,
Soiled dressings,
Animal carcasses,
Microbiological
& other laboratory
wastes
Containers, Syringes,
Liquid wastes,
Radiological Wastes
GREEN
GREY
BLUE
YELLOW
BLACK
Source
Segregation
Chemical Disinfection
and Sterilization
Deep Burial
or Incineration
Separate
Collection
Wet waste
for composting
Shredding
I
I
Dry Waste
for recycling
N)
Source:
Recycling or
Landfilling
Towards an Integrated Health-care Waste Management Plan;
Centre for Environment Education, New Delhi
Landfilling
Recycling
or Landfilling
Annexures
Contents
The Rules makes it mandatory for all health-care institutions to
regularly conduct a survey of the quantity and type of waste
generated by a hospital. This exercise forms an important part of
any hospital waste management scheme. This quantification can
assist the concemed Authorities in determining how waste can be
treated, handled and finally disposed. An example of a survey form
given below.
Hospital Name
-"
Hospital Area
Date
Time/Shift
Unit/Ward/OT, etc.
Designation of Worker
Type of segregation
Method of collection
and frequency
Type of treatment-Onsite
Type of treatment-Offsite
____________
Method of storage
Other comments
Type of waste
Container
Quantity/ Number
Type of
treatment if any
Disposal
Other "
Comments
Source: Based on Meglia Kela et.al. Managing Hospital H'aste-A guidefor health care
facilities, Srishti. September. 1998
s
1. Introduction
2. What are Bio-medical wastes?
3. What are the health hazards associated with
poor health care waste management?
4. What are the steps being taken in India to manage these wastes?
5. What are the different categories of health care
institutions in the country?
6. What responsibilities do institutions generating
bio-medical waste have?
7. In order to comply what has to be done?
8. When do the Rules come into force?
9. Where in health care establishments are waste generated?
10. What are the various categories of waste and how are they
to be treated?
11. What is the first step in waste management?
12. How are wastes to be segregated?
13. How are bio-medical wastes to be stored after segregation?
14. What is the care to be taken in storage and transportation?
15. How are waste to be treated?
16. What is waste autoclaving?
17. What is microwaving?
18. What is incineration?
What is deep burial?
^0. How are liquid waste to be treated?
21. What else can be done to manage waste?
22. How can waste be reduced?
23. What materials can be recycled?
24. Conclusion
25. A Glossary of some relevant terms
26. References
27. Annexures
1
2
2
3
3
4
5
5
6
6
8
8
9
11
11
11
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
22
23
25
26
References
1. Central Pollution Control Board, Pollution Control Acts, Rules and
Notifications thereunder, Pollution Control Series - PCL/ 2/
Vol. 1, 1992
2. Centre for Environment Education. Towards an Integrated Health
care Waste Management Plan. CEE, New Delhi, 1998.
Department of Community Medicine, M S Ramaiah Medical College,
Health Care Waste Disposal - An Exploration, Bangalore
4. Krishna Shyamala, Towards an Intergrated Healthcare Waste
Management Plan, CEE Delhi, New Delhi
5. Megha Kela, et.al, Managing Hospital Waste - A guidefor health care
facilities, Srishti, September, 1998
6. Mehta Geeta. Hospital Waste Management - Guidelines for
Implementation, November 1998.
7. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, The
Gazette ofIndia - Extraordinary Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii),
New Delhi, July 20,1998
8. M S Ramaiah Medical College, Information and Learning units for
Safe Management ofHealthcare Waste- Working manualfor Hospital
Disposal, Bangalore
9. P.M. Bakshi, The Environment (Protection) Act, Indian Law
Institute, 1986
10. Pulse Pharma Pvt. Ltd, Safe Disinfection and Disposal ofBio-Medical
F Waste, New Delhi
11. Report of the Committee constituted by the Hon. Supreme Court of
India, Solid Waste: Management in Class I Cities in India, March,
1999.
12. Experiences from the “Communication Strategy for Hospital Waste
Management"’ Workshop held on 22-23 July, 1999 at Ahmedabad for
doctors from NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, organised
by Centre for Environment Education.
3.
s
incineration: process of burning materials so that only ashes remains,
incineration waste: includes ash generated from incineration of bio
medical waste.
infectious diseases: transmission which may occur through one of the four
major pathways:contact with the organism, airborne inhalation, transmission
through a common vehicle, or vector- borne spread of the micro-organism,
infectious waste: includes all medical wastes which have the potential to
transmit viral, bacterial or parasitic diseases. It includes both human
animal infectious waste and waste generated in laboratones and
veterinary practice.
medical waste: any waste which is generated in the diagnosis, treatment or
immunisation of human beings or animals, in research activities, or in
production or testing of biologicals.
microbe: a microscopic living organism. The term is often applied to any
organism that causes diseases such as bacteria, fungi or virus.
on-site: in the hospital or health care facility premises.
off-site: a site away from the hospital or health care facility.
pretreatment: treatment of waste at site of generation which may include
disinfection/sterilisation and mutilation.
segregation: segregation ofdifferent types ofwaste based on the requirement
of pretreatment and disposal methods.
toxins: any poison formed by an animal or plant organism as a product of
its metabolism. Example, venom is the toxins of snakes. The term usually
refers to poison that are produced by bacteria.
A
treatment: treatment of waste to render it non-hazardous, non- infectious or
reduce the bulk, within the medical facility (on-site) or outside the medical
facility (off-site). Treatment may be done by chemical treatment, incineration,
microwaving, shredding, autoclaving, etc.
vaccines: is a preparation of disease-producing (pathogenic) organism, or
some part of them that is given to induce immunity.
E
Introduction
The management of health care wastes is the subject of considerable
concern to public health and infection-control specialists, as well as the
general public. It is a well-known fact that in several types of health care
activities, various types of hazardous and contagious materials are
generated. The entire community outside the health-care establishment is
totally dependent on the care and responsibility with which the technical
and administrative personnel of any health-care establishment handle
4heir waste and make it totally inoccuous before disposing it in the
^neral environment. Even though the consequences of discarding such
wastes carelessly are well known, it is only recently that adequate initiatives
to manage this waste in a scientific manner are being taken in India.
Till recently, health care waste has often been treated casually, with such
wastes often being thrown in open garbage dumps either within the
hospital premises or in nearby municipal bins, or often mixed with
general waste, posing a great threat.
Of late, there has been growing public concern regarding efficient
management of hospital waste for a number of reasons. Health care
professionals and the general public are at risk due to this. Many
diseases are spread by improper treatment and disposal of bio-medical
wastes. Unscientific disposal of health care waste may contaminate water
sources, soil, etc. Ragpickers expose themselves to diseases like hepatitis
B, tetanus, staphylococca, etc. while handling items like needles, surgical
gloves, blood bags, etc.
Due emphasis on management of medical wastes has been stressed in the
High Power Committee report of the Planning Commission. Subsequently,
^^part of its National Environment Protection Plans, the Ministry of
^ffvironment and Forests has promulgated the Bio-Medical Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 1998. The Rules are a welcome step
towards improving the overall waste management of health care units in
India. To be effective, the Rules need the active involvement of concerned
institutions and authorities, and cooperation of the general public.
In this publication, the term ‘health care waste’ is being used in preference to “hospital
wastes” to encompass waste from all health care settings, namely: clinics, dispensaries,
hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, dental health care settings, maternity homes, first aid
posts, etc.
□
What are Bio-medical wastes?
Bio-medical waste is defined as waste that is generated during the diagnosis,
treatment or immunisation of human beings or animals, or in research activities 4
pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biologicals.
How Much?
The quantum of waste generated in India is estimated to be 1-2 kg j
per bed per day in a typical hospital (Bureau of Indian Standards),
and 600 grams per day per bed in a general practitioner’s clinic
(Based on study made by MS RamaiahMedical College).
What are the health hazards associated with poor health care
waste management?
Proper disposal of health care waste is ofparamount importance because of
its infectious and hazardous characteristics. Some of the specific problems
of improper management include:
- organic portion of health care waste ferments and attracts fly
breeding, which may increase the risk of infection of waste handlers,
and (eventually) the general public.
- poor management can increase risk of infections to medical, nursing and
other hospital staff
- injuries from sharp s can result to all categories of hospital personnel and
waste handlers.
- poor waste management and poor infection control can lead to
noscomial infections inpatients.
- increase in risks associated with hazardous chemicals and drugs being
handled by persons handling wastes at all levels.
- poor hospital waste management encourages disposables being
repacked and sold without proper disinfection.
- poor management practices can lead to disposed drugs being repacked
and sold.
□
A Glossary of some Relevant Terms
auimal house: refers to a place where animals are reared or kept
for experimentation or testing purposes.
attenuated vaccine: vaccine made thin in consistency.
autoclaving: destruction of microorganism by steam under high pressure.
biologicals: any preparation made from organism or micro-organisms or
^^roducts of metabolism and biochemical reactions intended for use in
^Riagnosis, immunisation or the treatment of human beings or animals or in
research activities.
carcasses: dead body of human beings or animals.
catheter: a rigid or flexible tube for introduction into vessels or organs of
the body. The instrument is commonly used to drain the urinary bladder.
contagious diseases: diseases which are transmitted from one person to
another either directly, by contact with the secretions of the body, or
indirectly, via some inanimate subjects such as a drinking glass, doorknob
or contaminated water source.
cytotoxic drugs: drugs that are used to destroy cells or prevent their
multiplication. They are mainly used in the treatment of cancer and
occasionally for treatment of disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, general
waste: includes domestic waste, packing materials, non-infectious animal
bedding, waste water from laundries, and other substances that do not pose
a special handling problem or hazard to human health or environment.
hazardous waste: waste with a potential to pose a threat to human health
^^md life.
high level disinfection: using heat or chemicals to destroy viruses, bacteria,
fungi and most spores.
hospital waste: all waste coming out of hospitals of which around 85 percent is actually non-hazardous wastes, about 10 per-cent are infectious and
about 5 per cent are non-infectious but hazardous.
immunisation: process ofprovidingimmunity to various infectious diseases.
Such immunisation is also known as inoculation or vaccination.
H
Conclusion
$
What are the steps being taken in India to manage these wastes?
Implementation of the Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling)
Rules would require the coordinated working of several departments within
a health-care institution. Besides the conventional infection control committee
involving medical and nursing staff and administrators, the Bio-Medical
Waste Management committee will have to include personnel and
representatives from all departments such as housekeeping, laundry, kitchejk
security and others, who have a role to play in generating, handling, storing;
transporting and disposal of waste.
The Government of India has promulgated the Bio-Medical Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 1998. These are a welcome step
towards improving the overall waste management of health care units in
India. These rules are applicable to all persons who generate, collect,
receive, store, transport, treat, dispose, or handle bio-medical waste.
These Rules are also applicable to any ,institution generating bio-medical
^aste including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dispensaries, veterinary
institutions, animal houses, pathological laboratories and blood banks, or
authorities in-charge of these institutions.
Physicians could play a key role by educating para-medical staff, peers,
administrators, and hospital board members about the importance of
handling infectious medical waste in a scientific manner.
The institutions mentioned above and persons who have control over such
institutions and/or premises, are collectively referred to as “occupier”. It
is the responsibility of the occupier to take all steps to ensure that such
waste is handled without any adverse effect to human health and the
environment.
They can contribute by aicouraging recycling efforts, stressing on separation
of infectious and hazardous waste from the conventional waste stream with
the goal of redudngthe amount ofmedical waste that needs to be incinerated,
and by bringing these issues before professional medical associations.
Because there is often a lack of awareness among hospital personnel at
various levels and in the community, it becomes vital to formulate an
effective communication strategy, specific to each of the target groups
identified, to make them more aware of proper management of hospital
waste. There is an urgent need to develop appropriate educational material(|
both print and electronic, for better understanding of hospital waste
management.
s
Constitutional Guarantee
Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the right of life
and personal liberty. The expansive interpretation to this by the
judiciary includes the fundamental right to clean environment,
health and medical care.
What are the different categories of health care institutions
in the country?
The Rules make it mandatory for all categories of health care
institutions to comply with its directions within the specified
timeframe. The different categories of health care institutions can be
enumerated as follows:
□
1.
ii.
Governmental institutions
Teaching hospitals, major hospitals, district hospitals, taluka
hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres including
the sub-centres, primary health units, day care centres, dispensaries,
mobile clinics, blood banks, pharmacies, laboratories, specialist
hospitals, autonomous hospitals, corporation maternity homes,
corporation dispensaries, urban family welfare centres.
Non-governmental institutions
Teaching hospitals, general and specialty hospitals, nursing homes
day care centres, dispensaries, clinics of general practitioners,
pharmacies, laboratories, blood banks.
iii. Others
Dispensaries, day care centres, hospitals, blood banks, laboratories,
pharmacies, clinics of CGHS, ESI, those belonging to defence
establishments and different public and private sector units, eg.
factories/industries.
What responsibilities do institutions generating bio
medical waste have?
It is mandatory for such institutions to:
set up requisite bio-medical waste treatment facilities like incinerators,
autoclave and microwave systems for treatment of the wastes, or ensure
requisite treatment of the waste at a common waste treatment facility,
make an application to the concerned authorities for grant of authorisation.
Each application for grant of authorisation shall be accompanied by a fee
as may be prescribed by the Government of India.
- submit a report to the prescribed authority by 31 January every year. The
report should include information about the categories and quantities of
bio-medical handled during the preceding year.
maintain records about the generation, collection, reception, storage,
transportation, treatment, disposal and/or any form of handling bio
medical waste.
- report any accident to the prescribed authority.
□
Type of waste and options for treatment before recycling
Management options available
Types of waste
Primary
Other
Paper
recycling
composting
Polythene bags
recycling
bCardboard materials
recycling
Polythene covers
recycling
Leftover food
piggery
composting
Meal leaves
composting
composting
- bottles
reuse
recycling
- syringe
recycling
deep burial
- ampoules
recycling
deep burial
- vials
reuse
recycling
- bottles
reuse
recycling
- syringes
recycling
deep burial
- drip set
recyclin g
deep burial
- top of vials
deep burial
recycling
- razor blade
deep burial
recycling
- nails
deep burial
recycling
Glassware
Plastic
Sharps
Note:
1. The healthcare establishments should ensure that all the waste (especially
items highlighted in italics) is adequately and appropriately decontaminated
before being submitted for any of the above methods.
2. For plastics, recycling is safer compared to deep burial.
Source:
Based on M S Ramaiah Medical College, Information and Learning
units for Safe Management of Healthcare Waste-Working manual for
Hospital Disposal, Bangalore
What materials can be recycled?
A large percentage of waste generated within health care institutions is
non-infectious in nature. It consists of food waste, paper, cardboard and
plastic packaging, etc. which can be recycled. Recycling can reduce the
load on the incinerator and disposal facility. Food waste can be
segregated at source and then composted, preferably within the health
care institution, since there is danger of this type of waste becoming
contaminated and infected. Paper, including confidential documents, can
be shredded within the institution and then sold to agents along with noi^^
infected cardboard, plastic, etc. Some other items that can be considered
for recycling after proper treatment are:
• Glass after cleaning and disinfection
• Paper
•
Corrugated cardboard
• Aluminium
• X-ray film
• Reclaimed silver from X-ray film
• Plastics: non-infectious component only.
Recycling of waste however should be considered only after adequate
disinfection and sterilisation has been done.
In order to comply, what has to be done?
J
After setting up required waste management facilities (see following pages),
the occupier needs to make an application in Form I (Bio-medical Rules 16),
to the Prescribing Authority for Grant of Authorisation. The Prescribing
Authority on receipt of the application will make such inquiry as it deems
fit, and if it is satisfied that the applicant possesses the necessary capacity
to handle bio-medical waste in accordance with the Rules, it will grant or
jgnew an authorisation as the case may be. An Authorisation will be
Wanted for a period of 3 years, including an initial trial period of one year
from the date of issue. A provisional authorisation will be granted for the
trail period to enable the occupier/operator to demonstrate the capacity
of the facility.
When do the Rules come into force?
The Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998
explicitly state that waste handling and treatment facilities shall have to
be established within stipulated deadlines (see table) or earlier, for all
waste generating establishments.
Category of Health Care
Establishment
Hospitals and nursing homes in towns
with population of 30 lakhs and above
II. Hospitals and nursing homes in towns
with population of below 30 lakhs
ft (a) with 500 beds and above
I.
Deadline for
Establishment
By 31 December 1999 or earlier
By 31 December 1999 or earlier
(b) with 200 beds and above but
By 31 December 2000 or earlier
less than 500 beds
(c) with 50 beds and above but
By 31 December 2001 or earlier
less than 200 beds
(d) with less than 50 beds
By 31 December 2000 or earher
IH. All other institutions generating
By 31 December 2002 or earher
bio-medical waste not included in I and H.
(Extract from Schedule VI- Rule 5)
B
□
The following general measures are proposed to reduce, re-use and
recycle waste:
W here in health care establishments are wastes generated?
The different location or points of waste generation are:
- operation theaters/wards/labour room/OPD
- dressing rooms
- injection rooms
- intensive care units, ITU, CCU
- dialysis room
- laboratory
- corridor
- compound of hospital or nursing home.
What are the various categories of waste and how are they
to be treated?
There are various types of bio-medical wastes. Each type has to be disposed
according to its characteristics. The table below gives an idea about various
categories of bio-medical wastes, their treatment and disposal options.
Category
1.
3.
- Incentives and product discounts should be given to consumers for
return of packing or bottling materials in good condition to
producers or retailers, to promote re-use.
- The present trend towards one-time-use packaging needs to be
reversed. Multi-use bottling practices needs to be re-introduced.
- Hard-to-recycle materials like pet bottles, metalised plastics films,
styrofoam, etc. must be phased out unless producers take
responsibility for their recycling or re-use.
Use of bio-degradable plastics for packaging, rather than nonbiodegradable plastic materials, could be encouraged through tax
rebates.
-
Incineration/ deep burial
Animal Waste
How can waste be reduced?
Animal tissues, organs, body parts,
carcasses, bleeding parts, fluids, blood,
experimental animals used in research,
waste generated by veterinary hospitals
colleges, discharge from hospital, animal
houses
Incineration/ deep burial
Microbiology & Biotechnology Waste
Local autoclaving/ incineration,
microwaving
Waste from laboratory cultures, stocks or
specimens of micro-organisms, live or
attenuated vaccines, human and animal cell
culture used in research and infectious
agents from research and industrial
laboratories, waste from production of
biological, toxins, dishes and devices used
for transfer of cultures
6
All manufactures producing a variety of products should seriously
endeavour to use re-usable packing materials so that after the
delivery of goods, the packing materials could be collected and used
over again. They should also consider minimising or avoiding
use of unnecessary packing materials by employing innovative
designs.
-
Human Anatomical Waste
Human tissues, organs, body parts
2.
Treatment and Disposal
r
Proper strategies for waste minimisation can greatly reduce the quantity
of waste generated. They are particularly important in facilities relying
on disposable plastic items for patient care. The use of disposables,
((particularly syringes and needles, has increased considerably, generating
potentially infectious waste with limited options for treatment and
disposal. Waste minimisation can be achieved by:
-
use of reusable items made of glass and metal
-
selecting non-PVC plastics
-
ensuring segregation of waste at source
-
establishing an effective and sound recycling policy.
s
These limits are applicable to those hospitals which are either connected
with sewers without terminal sewage treatment plant or not connected to
public sewers. For discharge into sewer with terminal facilities, the general
standards as notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 shall be
applicable (See Box).
Category
4.
Waste sharps
Needles, syringes, scalpels, blades, glass,
v
Treatment and Disposal
Disinfection by chemical
etc. that may cause punctures and cuts. This
treatmen t/autoclaving,
includes both used and unused sharps.
microwaving and mutilation/
shredding.
Discharge of Liquid Wastes into sewers
Section 3. (1) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 Notification
dated 19 November 1986, New Delhi states that "for the purpose of
protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing
and abating environmental pollution, the standards for emission or
discharge of environmental pollutants from the industries, operations or
processes shall be as specified in Schedule I to IV"
The Schedule contains general standards for discharge of effluents.
Standards for 35 parameters are specified for effluents which are to be
discharged into municipal sewage.
5.
Discarded Medicines & Cytotoxic Drugs
Waste comprising of outdated, contaminated Incineration/ destruction gand
drugs and discarded medicines.
disposal in secured landfills.
6.
Soiled Waste
Items contaminated with blood, and body
Incineration/ autoclaving/
fluids including cotton, dressing, soiled
microwaving.
plaster casts, linens, bedding, other
material contaminated with blood.
7.
Solid Waste
Waste generated from disposable items other Disinfection- chemical
than waste sharps such as catheters,
intravenous sets, etc.
What else can be done to manage waste?
Everyone is concerned by the growing problem of the disposal of hospital
waste. The problems in treatment and the scarcity of land for processing and
disposal of waste and environmental remediation measures has made it
necessary to seriously consider how to avoid or reduce the generation
waste. It has also become necessary to consider ways to re-use and recycle
waste where appropriate, with all necessary safegaurds and precautions.
These steps will help ensure that minimum quantity of waste needs to be
processed and disposed off. Medical professionals need to take a lead in
achieving this. It also requires a very effective public awareness campaign
coupled with commitment by industries and efforts of decision makers at all
levels.
8.
Liquid Waste
treatment, autoclaving/ micro
waving and mutilation/
shredding.
Waste generated from laboratory and
Disinfection by chemical
washing, cleaning, house-keeping and
treatment and discharge into
disinfecting activities.
drain.
Incineration Ash
Ash from incineration of any
Disposal in municipal landfill.
bio-medical waste.
10.
Chemical waste
Chemicals used in production of
Chemical treatment/ discharges
biologicals. chemicals used in
into drains for liquids and
disinfection, as insecticides, etc.
secured landfills for solids.
(Extract from Schedule I - Rule 5)
18
□
Categories and colour coding recommended for segregation in health-care
establishment, including the categories mentionedinthe Bio-Medical Waste
Regulations of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of
India.
Cat 1.
Type of Waste
Container
Colour
Human Anatomical waste,
Tubs,
YELLOW
blood and body fluids,
buckets
bandages,animal and
slaughter house waste,
microbiology and
with lids
What are the operating and emission standards
for incineration?
I'
All incinerators are required to meet the following operating and
emission standards:
Operation standards
1. The combustion efficiency (CE) which is computed as given below
should be at least 99.00 percent.
CE computation:
*% CO
2
CE =
extremely soiled linen.
Cat 2.
Sharps - Two types
Reusable sharps such
as some needles,
*
**
Stainless
steel container
scalpels, surgical
4
WHITE
or
TRANSLUCENT
instruments seperated by
needle/ sharp seperator
Waste sharps such as broken
glass, disposable needles,
Percentage of carbon dioxide emitted
Percentage of carbon monoxide emitted
2. The temperature of the primary chamber should be 800±50° C.
3. The secondary chamber gas residence time should be at least one
second at 1050±50° C, with minimum oxygen in the stack gas.
Cardboard
carton
BLUE
Emission standards
blades, etc.
Cat 3.
Disposable plastics,
rubberdatex gloves
Bags or
buckets, stainless
RED
steel drums
Cat 4.
Chemical wastes,
all hazardous wastes
X100
%co2 +**%co
biotechnology waste,
Bucket with
lid, cardboard
BLACK
Compostable waste
Buckets/drums/
trolley
Cat 6.
Office paper
Cardboard boxes
Concentration mg/Nm3* at
(12% CO2 correction)
Particulate matter
150
Nitrogen oxides
450
HC1
50
* Normal per cubic metre at Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP).
carton
Cat 5.
Parameters
GREEN
Source: Towards an Integrated Health-care Waste Management Plan; Centre for
Environment Education, New Delhi
What are the standards and requirements for incineration?
Minimum height of the stack should be 30 metres above the ground.
Suitably designed pollution control devices should be installed/
retrofitted with the incinerator to achieve the above emission limits.
15
¥
What is incineration?
What is the care to be taken in storage and transportation?
Incineration is a thermal process for burning waste at a very high
temperature. At present, incineration is considered to be the most feasible
method to treat infectious wastes, particularly pathological waste such as
anatomical body parts. The aim of incineration is to ensure complete
combustion of the waste. Incinerators however, need to be located outside
the city limits. The emisions from the stack will have to comply with the
standards laid down by the Central Pollution Control Board.
E
-
No untreated bio-medical waste shall be stored beyond a
period of 48 hours.
- If for any reasons it becomes necessary to store the waste beyond
such period, permission from the prescribed authority (established
by the Government of every State and Union Territory) must be
W taken, and it must be ensured that it does not adversely affect
human health and the environment.
How are wastes to be treated?
A number of techniques exist for treatment of waste to render it nonhazardous, non-infectious and/or reduce the bulk within the medical facility
(onsite), or outside the medical facility (offsite). These include chemical
treatment, incineration, microwaving, shredding, autoclaving, etc.
What is waste autoclaving?
More on Incineration
An incineration plant involves heavy
investments. Furthermore, incineration
can only be applicable if the supply of
combustible waste is stable and
amounts to at least 50,000 metric tons/
year. These hurdles can be overcome
by setting up common incineration
plants to handle wastes from a number
of hospitals, nursing homes,
pathological laboratories, etc. This
method can reduce the cost of
investment which is shared and also
ensure a regular supply of waste to be
incinerated. Incineration plants
however should be installed at
appropriate location to avoid nuisance
to patients or neighbourhood and close
enough to the point of generation to
cut the cost of transportation.
Untreated bio-medical waste shall be transported only in specially
designed vehicles.
I
A concern in the use of incinerators is'that the energy consumed in order!
to maintain the desired temperature is very high. In case of oil fired
incinerators, there is also pollution created by burning of oil for burning
bio-hazardous waste. Also, the ash from incinerators is hazardous and
must be handled with care. Medical professionals need to be increasingly
concerned about environmental pollutants such as dioxin and mercury
from burning PVC clinical instruments.
One of the most attractive features
of the incineration process is that
it can be used to reduce the
original volume of combustibles by
80 to 90 per cent. This provides an
efficient way to reduce the waste
volume and demand for landfill
space. Incinerating hospital wastes
provides the best way to eliminate
methane gas emission emmitted
from waste management
processes.
-
The principle of autoclaving is the destruction of micro-organisms by
steam under pressure. Autoclaves are used in health care facilities for
sterilisation of heat-resistant patient care items requiring access to body
tissues. Autoclaving is an effective method for treating infectious waste
before disposal. Autoclaving is necessary for treatment of the following
types of waste:
a. Waste arising from microbiology and biotechnology laboratories
which may include highly infectious waste such as cultures. These
" must be autoclaved in special containers and then sent for disposal.
t
b. Plastic disposables (infectious) including blood bags, urine bags.
These should be autoclaved in special containers. Autoclaving will
not cause visible mutilation of some plastics. Plastics are rendered
sterile after autoclaving. Mutilation and shredding is then advised to
prevent illegal reuse.
Autoclaves are of two types, gravity flow autoclave and vacuum autoclave,
each with its own set of standards for operation.
0
1
What are the standards and requirements for gravity flow
autoclaving?
Plastic disposables (infectious) including blood bags, urine bags,
etc. should be autoclaved in special containers. After autoclaving,
the plastics are rendered sterile and shredding can be carried out.
Waste should be loosely packed to allow the penetration of steam.
Ideally, shredded waste should be subjected to autoclaving to allow
even steam penetration. However, shredding of infectious waste is
hazardous unless a shredder which has the capacity to disinfect the
waste is used.
When operating a gravity flow autoclave, medical waste shall be
subjected to:
- a temperature of not less than 121°C and pressure of 15 pound
per square inch (psi) for an autoclave residence time of not less
than 60 minutes.
- a temperature of not less than 135°C and a pressure of 31 psi for
autoclave residence time of not less than 45 minutes.
Waste should be shredded and mutilated after autoclaving, to
prevent illegal packing and reuse.
- a temperature of not less than 149°C and a pressure of 52 psi for an
autoclave residence time of not less than 30 minutes.
What is microwaving?
Microwave utilises electrowaves that enter into or penetrate materials.
Through the special arrangement of the entry of microwaves into the
treatment chamber, the waste is evenly heated to a temperature of 97°C100°C. Microwaving makes it possible for treatment of waste at site
(point of generation) and waste do not require shredding. Microwaving in
special mocrowaving waste treatment facility is suitable for the treatment
of most infectious waste, with the expection of body parts, human
organs, contaminated animals carcasses and metal items.
What are the standards and requirementsfor vacuum autoclaving?
When operating a vacuum autoclave, medical waste shall be
subjected to a minimum of one pre-vacuum pulse to purge the autoclave
of all air. The waste shall be subjected to the following:
- a temperature of not less than 121 °C and a pressure of 15 psi for an
autoclave residence time of not less than 45 minutes.
• a temperature of not less than 135°C and a pressure of 31 psi for an
autoclave residence time of not less than 30 minutes.
What are the standards and requirementsfor microwaving?
- Microwave treatment shall not be used for cytotoxic, hazardous or
radioactive wastes, contaminated animal carcesses, body parts
and metal items.
What special care is to be taken in waste autoclaving?
The guidehnes are as follows:
- Waste shall not be considered properly treated unless the time,
temperature and pressure indicators indicate that the required time^^
temperature and pressure have been reached during the autoclave
process. If for any reasons the parameters are not met, the entire
waste shall be autoclaved again.
- Autoclaving is necessary for waste arising from microbiology and
biotechnology laboratories which may include highly infectious
waste such as cultures. These must be autoclaved in special
containers and then sent for disposal.
H
)
The microwave system should completely and consistently kill the
bacteria and all other pathogenic organisms. This can be ensured by
using approved biological indicators at the maximum design
capacity of each microwave unit. The indicator organisms to test
the system are Bacillus subtilis spores using vials or spore strips
with atleast 1X10^ spores per millimeters.
Domestic microwave cannot be used to microwave hospital wastes.
H
PREPARING FOR A CAMPAIGN
•
Presentation at Nineteenth Annual Pesticide Conference, Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against
the Misuse of Pesticides; Boulder, CO; May 18-20, 2001.
Mary O’Brien
Science and Environmental Health Network
There isn’t anybody here who hasn’t prepared for and engaged in a campaign; and many of you have led
and/or been part of highly successful campaigns. So all 1 can share on the topic of preparing for a
campaign are some reflections drawn from campaigns I’ve participated in, helped lead, or watched.
I’m going to list 15 suggestions for campaigns and some of them necessarily cannot apply in particular
circumstances, but they are general ideas that pass through my mind when planning a campaign:
1.
Our campaigns need to be large in scope.
They can be intensely local, as in one’s school district, or regarding one noxious weed in one national
forest. But each campaign should be large in vision: that is, we need to try to contribute to solving
very large, systemic, national and global problems through our campaigns, even if they are local. For
instance, a campaign about pesticides in schools needs to contribute to solving the larger problems of
how our public educational institutions are organized; how children see their bodies in relation to
toxics (e.g., one third of the girls in an elementary school in which pesticides are halted will be
smoking by the time they are in high school); how corporations influence what happens in our schools;
our right to know; the problem of our whole society using toxics which don’t have to be used.
It isn’t that we need to talk about all those problems in our campaign, but the language we use in our
campaigns; the methods we use; the outcomes we’re seeking, should fit in with what needs to be done
globally. “Think globally; act locally.”
2.
Whenever possible, our campaigns should focus on changing the rules.
For instance, we can try to get pesticides like the sulfonylureas, or atrazine banned or highly restricted,
but those are almost fruitless campaigns within the current cost-benefit rules which EPA developed
and operates under. Pesticides are registered for use under cost-benefit analysis - that is, if company
profits exceed the value of our lives, then the pesticide must be registered. That is an immoral and
scientifically bankrupt rule - and it needs to be changed.
A coalition campaign within Massachusetts, for instance, is working to install the precautionary
principle as state policy for children’s health (and hopefully, eventually, for the health of all ages and
species).
3.
Our campaigns should have positive, feasible goals that connect up with the way almost all people
believe.
We will always be outspent in our campaigns, and we will always be misrepresented. Therefore, to
win, we need to be connecting up with something that runs strong and deep with most citizens. For
instance, “We shouldn’t pollute children if we don’t have to;” or “We shouldn’t use our streams as
industrial wastebaskets if the companies don’t have to.”
When Eugene, Oregon citizens undertook an initiative campaign to establish a comprehensive
reporting system by manufacturers regarding all their inputs and outputs of hazardous chemicals, we
knew that in survey after survey (locally, nationally), 90% of American citizens believe they should
have the right to know what toxics are being used and released in their community. Our campaign
hooked up with that simple message, and though we were outspent and the mayor, City Council,
newspaper, and business groups opposed us, we won 55% to 45% (see www.ci.eugene.or.us\toxics)
4.
Our campaigns should simultaneously address environmental care, social care, and democracy.
When we plan our campaigns, we need to consider people, workers, children, trees, birds, fish, and
participant democracy in both our processes and campaign goals. If we take care of people and not our
other relations, we are simply digging ourselves into more alienation from the world in which we are
embedded. If we take care of fish and birds and little children, but don’t pay attention to people who
are trying to make a living, we end up at cross-purposes with a basic need in our society to work. If we
are not inclusive in our campaign; if we want to direct the campaign without input from lots of people,
we contribute to a crippling of democracy.
5.
We need to intend to win.
We will design our campaigns very differently if we are absolutely determined to win than if we half
expect to lose. We have an obligation to win, because our campaigns are for health and democracy
and nature, not for ourselves alone. So we need to do everything possible to win, including careful
strategy, accuracy in all information, ambitious fundraising, strong participation by people with all
kinds of skills (more about that later), never coasting, etc. We basically have to plan our campaign in
such a way that we are addressing the question, “What will it take to be certain to win?”
6.
We need to involve unlikely people.
We need to involve youth; business people; city councillors; church leaders; old people; artists; writers;
media; local prisoners; whomever. We absolutely HAVE to leave our comfortable, warm circle of
environmental activists, and contact others who may care about the issue, but who haven’t thought about it;
or haven’t been approached for how they could help.
We also have to go talk to people who will never support us, but who, after talking with us, will be not
likely to demonize us. Let me give an example from that Eugene right-to-know campaign. Near the start
of our campaign, I knew that the frontrunner candidate for Mayor, closely aligned with the Chamber of
Commerce, was not going to support our campaign. But I phoned him up to ask if we could talk about it.
We met for lunch, and he listened to our plans for the law. He surprised me when he said, “Five years ago
1 would have thought this law was too strict. I don’t think so now. We have too many toxics in our
environment.” He indicated that he was not going to support it, however, for a technical reason: We were
campaigning to have this as part of the city’s constitution (charter) rather than as an ordinance. This is
because if it were passed as an ordinance, the City Council could alter it, but if it were passed as a charter
amendment, the City Council could not change it without taking it back to the public for a vote. However,
this candidate said that if he became mayor (which he did), and if our right-to-know law passed (which it
did), he would always defend it. He has been true to his word: He has twice testified on behalf of it in the
state legislature when it was being attacked by industry lobby groups, and he has always defended it to
detractors.
7.
We need to have a bizillion ways people can pitch in to help.
The best campaigns are those that can be pitched in to by people we hardly know. The first time I ever
helped with any political action (other than protesting the Vietnam War) was when I saw a petition
printed in a magazine. It was a campaign by the Sierra Club to get a million signatures asking for the
resignation of James Watt, Secretary of the Interior, under President Reagan. I lived in Los Angeles; I
didn’t belong to the Sierra Club or any other advocacy group; and I had never taken any environmental
action. However, this one seemed simple enough, so I set up a card table in front of Safeway (I didn’t
even know if this was allowed). While I was setting it up, a man in a car parked nearby was watching
me. It seemed to me he was glaring at me. When 1 finally got my card table and sign and petition and
chair set up, he opened his car door, shuffled over in bedroom slippers, and gruffly said to me, “Give
me that petition. I’ll sign it.” “All right!” I thought. “I can do this!”
We need to NOT burn out people. If we’re burning people out, then we’re not running our campaign right,
because we’re not involving enough people to share jobs.
We need to give people very specific jobs that they can feel comfortable doing, and then not ask them to do
twenty other things. This is a major failing of campaigns: we often don’t figure out a whole hierarchy of
tasks - from tasks that take 20 hours a week to tasks that take 20 minutes a week.
8.
Thank everyone all the time.
In my town of Eugene, I am active with an all-volunteer group, Citizens for Public Accountability.
This is an extraordinary group: we have met every week since June 1995; that’s six years. That’s a lot
of meetings, and we do a lot of activities. But we also constantly thank each other; report what each
other has done; are grateful for whatever people do. It (and winning our campaigns) keeps us going.
It takes so little time to thank people; and it keeps morale so high.
9.
Provide the public with simple answers to every argument the opposition has or might make.
If you can anticipate the arguments that will be used against you, ahead of time, give the public the
answers before they even hear the arguments.
Go talk to the opposition and find out what they think of your proposal.
Most people cannot help themselves from answering a question, so you will find out valuable
information if they answer. And if they WON’T answer your question, you can tell the media they
won’t answer your question. Asking questions is a win-win strategy. You get answers you can work
with; or you don’t get answers, and you can work with that.
10. Spread out power.
Have a steering committee; have lots of spokespersons; encourage people to figure out ways to help.
Avoid even using your group’s name as leader, if the campaign will be more powerful that way. In
that Eugene, Oregon right-to-know campaign, which involved gathering 11,000 signatures, being in
public debates, running a six-months’ long campaign, we never indicated that Citizens for Public
Accountability (CPA) was a leader. We had spokespersons who were CPA members; and some who
weren’t. We never mentioned CPA; we simply referred to “citizens” working on this campaign, and so
that’s how the newspapers, and radio and TV talked about the campaign. Likewise, many citizens
pitched in who were not at all involved with CPA, because they understood that this was a campaign
“by citizens,” so they could identify with it.
Why do you need credit, if the point is to win?
11. Be funny.
Your humor should avoid being nasty. Make sure some of the humor is on yourselves; have the
humor be a signal to people out there that this is a grand undertaking.
I remember in the 1980s when Greenpeace was part of an extensive campaign in the Great Lakes
region regarding persistent bioaccumulative toxics. In their campaign to get the International Joint
Commission on Great Lakes Water Quality to address the issue of how chlorine was the root of most
persistent bioaccumulative toxics in the Great Lakes, they used a huge banner, saying “Dow shall not
kill.”
Once in Australia, I watched a news conference regarding Antarctica put on by Greenpeace. They
conducted the entire news conference in penguin costumes, and relayed their message regarding the
need for an Antarctic protection treaty from the point of view of penguins.
Both of these instances have remained etched in my mind long after I have forgotten so many other
messages and news conferences. It is probably the same with you, if you think back over the years:
You probably remember humor.
12. Be accessible so that all kinds of people can see themselves joining your campaign.
The Wilderness Society of Australia once undertook a massive, year-long blockade against the
construction of a dam on the Franklin River. It was ultimately successful, even though road
construction began during their campaign; even though hundreds of citizens were jailed. But one thing
The Wilderness Society insisted on for their spokespersons: Always wear a suit. Hold news
conferences in a suit; get thrown into the river in a suit; get carted away in a suit. Why? They wanted
people who watched the campaign to identify with the campaigners; to understand that these were
people like them. They wanted to make it easy for people to join the blockade. And it worked. Old
women were being thrown in the river, business people were being thrown in the river. Ultimately, the
party in federal power fell over the Franklin Dam issue, and the dam was never built.
Thus, I would suggest that you never isolate yourselves by your clothes, or knowledge, or
righteousness. You want to be seen for what you are: a person who cares about the future, children,
etc. Act on the assumption that everyone cares, and more of them will believe that they, too, can help.
13. Have great art.
Never underestimate the power of superb art; superb posters. A campaign to end nuclear power in
Oregon had a poster I still see on people’s walls - it was great art.
The logo for our Eugene right-to-know campaign was roughly a fish with a human face with a downturned mouth and an “X” for its eye. The simple slogan was ‘ignorance is toxic.” We used that art
and slogan on everything - bumper stickers, lawn signs, buttons, ads. The black fish on a yellow
background. Thus, with not much money, we looked like we were everywhere, and the art became
immediately recognizable.
Some months after we won, a lobbyist that had been hired by the Chamber of Commerce to oppose our
campaign confided to one of our activists that when she saw our logo, she knew she was going to lose.
14. Do your whole campaign without ego.
The point is not your organization; or you. The point is winning for the Earth and its living beings. So
ego should have exactly zero to do with our campaigns. To the extent that it helps to be essentially
invisible, do it. Who cares if some politician who jumped on the bandwagon at the last minute gets
credit? Just make a big deal of thanking the politician. The Bamako Convention of African countries,
which forbids other countries to pay (bribe) African countries to accept their hazardous waste for
disposal, was largely written by Greenpeace. Their name never appeared in connection with it.
If the campaign depends on you being recognized, you’re doing it for the wrong reason, and it isn’t
being run right.
15. Have fun.
Life is too short to be all wound up in anger and tightness and
finger-pointing. If you lose a round, but have had fun, then you’ll be
around for the next round. If your campaign plan sounds like drudgery,
re-do it until it has some grand fun in it. Your campaign then will not
only add years to your life, it will be attractive to others.
And that’s 15 points, and so I’ll stop there. Have fun. Win.
•
Presentation at Nineteenth Annual Pesticide Conference, Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against
the Misuse of Pesticides; Boulder, CO; May 18-20, 2001.
II
A 'peer review' of a study presented by HLL team at CHC,
on workers in HLL Thermometer Factory in Kodaikanal
A. BACKGROUND
•
In August 2001, CHC organised a skill share for a number of environmental health
groups that were campaigning against certain environmental hazards in different parts
of India. The purpose of the skill share was to help campaigning groups study the
local health problems linked to the environmental hazard in a more scientific and
systematic way. The skill share was entitled Community Health Environment Survey
Skillshare (CHESS).
•
One of the case studies presented by a group from Kodaikanal was the problem of
Mercury related human and environmental hazards in and around Kodaikanal due to
improper hazard control and waste disposal processes of a local mercury thermometer
factory. As a preparation for the skill share a two member team from CHC (Dr.
Mohan Isaac, Professor of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro
Sciences (N1MHANS), Bangalore; and Dr. Anur Praveen, a young doctor volunteer of
CHC visited Kodaikanal and interacted with some of the ex-workers to make a
preliminary situation analysis. 'Their preliminary report was circulated which
highlighted some of the findings and the need for a more rigorous scientific study.
•
A few weeks later, the Medical Adviser of HLL, Dr. Rajagopal contacted CHC, and
requested CHC to give them an opportunity to present the findings of a recent study
done on over 250 workers at the HLL factory. As a professional resource group
concerned about peoples and workers health, we welcomed this opportunity to
dialogue with the industry. We appreciated this as a sign of greater accountability and
transparency. This dialogue took place on 27th November 2001.
B. THE PRESENTATION
•
Dr. T. Rajagopal - Corporate Medical Adviser; Dr. Premala Mascarenhas - Area
Medical Officer; Dr. H.V. Ravi Mohan - Occupational Health Physician; Dr. Anil South East Asia Business Manager; and Dr. Ashok - who deals with environmental
issues formed the HLL team that visited CHC on 27th November 2001 to make the
presentation.
•
The CHC team included many of our associates who arc also involved in occupational
and environmental issues. The team consisted of Dr. Ravi Narayan, Community
Health and Occupational Health Consultant, presently Community Health Adviser of
CHC; Dr. C.M. Francis, a physiologist - endocrinologist, also the retired Dean of St.
John’s Medical College and presently Consultant of CHC; Dr. Mohan Isaac, Professor
of Psychiatry at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore,
Dr. T. Venkatesh, Professor of Biochemistry, St. John's National Academy for Health
Sciences and heavy metal toxicity expert for South Asia; Mr. As Mohamed, Asst.
Professor of Statistics, Department of Community Medicine, St. John's Medical
College; Dr. H.R. Rajmohan, Director of Regional Occupational Health Centre,
Bangalore (branch of NIOH, Ahmedabad), Dr. Krishnamurthy, Senior Scientist of
ROHC and Dr. Sampath Krishnan, Fellow-Community Health, CHC and Dr. Anur
Praveen, a doctor volunteer, CHC.
,
•
In spite of an earlier request, the HLL team did not send us a report of the study in
advance as requested, but made a presentation at CHC, using overhead projection
sheets, summarising the background, the objectives, the methodology and the findings
and analysis of a survey of around 255 workers. These workers had showed up at the
visit of a 3 member medical team, in response to a newspaper announcement
requesting them to be present for a medical evaluation, a few months after the
operations in the factory had been closed.
•
The CHC team and associates raised queries and shared comments as the presentation
progressed. We again requested for a report of the study, since peer review is not
adequately effective if peers are just shown slides or OHPs in a presentation, which
nearly always has a constraint of time. However, though it was mentioned that we
would get a report, so far none has been received. We, therefore, invited all our team
members and associates to put down in writing the key issues and comments that they
have to make on the study. We hope to pass this on to the study organisers and to
others, who wish to assess and tackle the problem of human and environmental health
caused by the HLL factory.
C. PEER REVIEW AND COMMENTS
•
Handicapped as we are with the absence of the copies of the OHP sheets presented at
CHC by Dr. Rajagopal or any documented or printed report of the study - these
comments listed below may be taken as issues of concern with the study design and
process of analysis, that may have affected the assessment of the actual problem. A
biological monitoring approach rather than an occupational health monitoring
approach seems to have predominated in the study design. The HLL team's response
to some of these points raised were:
i)
"we have that type of analysis" or
ii) "we shall look into that matter",
but in the absence of a printed, circulated report it is difficult to say whether the
comment or criticism has been adequately responded to in the study or subsequent
analysis thereof.
1. The Sample - ’Opportunistic’
Any sample of workers that are based on those who show up on invitation of a
medical team visit - announced by letter or newspaper or whatever method is what in
epidemiological terms is called an 'opportunistic' or 'grab' sample. Extreme caution
has to be then taken to make any sort of judgement about the whole population of
HLL workers, past and present because extrapolation from an 'opportunistic sample',
which has self-selection bias, is usually invalid.
2. Occupational History - an important parameter not adequately considered
A more rigorous sampling method may have to be used or else using detailed
occupational health history the available sample may need to be subdivided into
'internal controls' for enhancing the comparisons. The 'opportunistic sample' may have
workers with different years of work experience in the factory and different jobs or
sections as well and these differences can be used to evolve subgroups. Clubbing
them together by age or any other parameter, disregarding the occupational history,
especially when the exposure is occupational, is again not a rational method of
analysis. Clubbing previous employees, recent current employees and temporary
employees is also not a good procedure.
2
3. Lack of clarity in study objectives:
a) It was not clear whether the study was based on any hypothesis eg., exposed -vscontrol or more exposed -vs- less exposed. All the data was clubbed together which
seemed to confuse the situation.
b) There was no attempt to link the biochemical parameters with clinical examination.
These were presented as different tables. So, whether there are correlations between
clinical findings and investigations or between exposure and health effects were not
clear.
4. Inadequate use of data on health from Company records
Too much emphasis was put on the study conducted without adequate use of
supplementary information available with the industry, eg.. Periodical monthly
monitoring, annual medical check up. occupational data. The data from the periodical
medical examination and the monthly urine examination for proteinurea, mercury level,
etc., were presented but not correlated. These need to be reviewed in greater detail.
5. Absence of Exit interviews
Even though the 'turnover’ of workers seemed to have been large, the management does
not seem to have had ’exit interviews’ which would have helped to determine whether
'health reasons' were an important component of the decision to leave the job.
6. Averages highlighted without range
The significance of the results especially values of urinary mercury were given without
any indication of standard deviations or 95% confidence limits. The significance of the
results could therefore have been assessed if standard deviations are also shown.
Averages are important but range of daia within averages is also crucial.
7. a) Further analysis of individuals with higher urinary mercury levels needed
The presentation highlighted the unwary of ex employees, present employees as well as
other workers. Some levels did exceed the prescribed levels. Who were these? What
was the exposure? What were the effects? What action was taken? This was not clear.
b) A close follow up of employees (wiio showed higher levels) and their levels analysed
separately would have indicated pattern of reduction. A meaningful occupational
break up like exposure versus urinar/ levels; or experience -vs- urinary concentrations
of mercury, levels -Vs- sex distribauon (male/female workers and distribution of Hg
levels); age -Vs- Hg distributions: job processes -Vs- Hg urine distribution - would
have provided clearer occupational health status of employers.
8. Quality control of Lab Tests not undertaken
The study does not seem to have followed external and internal quality control methods.
All tests were done by the same laboraiory.
9. Data to be analysed against all guidelines
The data should be looked at by existing reccczmended health based biological exposure
limits like WHO/ACGIH, EPA and NIOSH 02 an individual and group basis. This study
compared only WHO guidelines. The biological monitoring centred around urinary
mercury level prescribed by WHO/OSHA
Indian Factory Act adopting OSHA
prescribed limit. Lower limits are nowadays used and this must be considered.
10. Personal environmental monitoring rather than area sampling
a) Finally, in the monitoring of work environment, rather than area sampling representing
background mercury pollution, it would hsve been better to have attempted personal
monitoring as a better indication of concentrations in the breathing zone of the
workers. Also the details of job processes covered for air monitoring; levels existing at
mercury / non mercury areas and / or environmental mercury at production / non
production sections - would provide meaningful comparisons and facilitate
understanding subjective concentration of air home mercury levels at different job
processes and / or sections of the factory.
b) Also, as factory involves glass-processing (which generally involves heat), a picture of
work environmental heat parameters like DB. WB, WBGT would have provided not
only the extent of heat stress (if present) but also would have given an idea of work
environment air temperature which could be a critical factor for mercury to get
airborne in the environment.
Finally, while there are many other minor points that can be included in a spirit of peer
review and dialogue, we concluded that
• the study seems to have been undertaken in somewhat of a hurry; without adequate focus
in planning and analysis to the occupational health principles involved in such a study.
• While it may have been a good beginning the analysis of the data must be done more
carefully, perhaps with some involvement of external peers and advisers who can help
this process - so that a more sound analysis of the problem can be made to help get further
clarity on the situation.
•
To begin with a circulation of detailed report of the study including objectives,
materials and methods, efforts at standardisation, findings and analysis and
discussion of findings should be done immediately in a true spirit of transparency
and accountability.
•
Occupational health hazards are not uncommon even with the best of efforts. The only
way forward to improve and protect workers health is to begin to look at the evidence in a
more interactive, participatory and holistic way so that there is:
>
>
>
>
•
clarity of the problem,
careful monitoring of evidence, and
evidence based evolution of solutions.
HLL needs to set an example of corporate social responsibility in this matter.
HLL needs to set an example of corporate social responsibility in this matter.
[A summary based on notes provided by Dr. T, Venkatesh, Dr. H.R.
Rajamohan, Dr. Krishna Murthy and Dr. Ravi Narayan and Dr. C.M. Francis]
Community Health Cell, 367, Srinivasa Nilaya, Jakkasandra 1st Main,
Koramangala 1st Block, Bangalore - 560 034.
4
s-
A 'peer review' of a study presented by HLL team at CHC,
on workers in HLL Thermometer Factory in Kodaikanal
A. BACKGROUND
?/
•
In August 2001, CHC organised a skill share for a number of environmental health
groups that were campaigning against certain environmental hazards in different parts
of India. The purpose of the skill share was to help campaigning groups study the
local health problems linked to the environmental hazard in a more scientific and
systematic way. The skill share was entitled Community Health Environment Survey
Skillshare (CHESS).
•
One of the case studies presented by a group from Kodaikanal was the problem of
Mercury related human and environmental hazards in and around Kodaikanal due to
improper hazard control and waste disposal processes of a local mercury thermometer
factory. As a preparation for the skill share a two member team from CHC (Dr.
Mohan Isaac, Professor of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro
Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore; and Dr. Anur Praveen, a young doctor volunteer of
CHC visited Kodaikanal and interacted with some of the cx-workcrs to make a
preliminary situation analysis. Their preliminary report was circulated which
highlighted some of the findings and the need for a more rigorous scientific study.
•
A few weeks later, the Medical Adviser of HLL, Dr. Rajagopal contacted CHC, and
requested CHC to give them an opportunity to present the findings of a recent study
done on over 250 workers at the HLL factory. As a professional resource group
concerned about peoples and workers health, we welcomed this opportunity to
dialogue with the industry. We appreciated this as a sign of greater accountability and
transparency. This dialogue took place on 27th November 2001.
B. THE PRESENTATION
•
Dr. T. Rajagopal - Corporate Medical Adviser; Dr. Premala Mascarenhas - Area
Medical Officer; Dr. H.V. Ravi Mohan - Occupational Health Physician; Dr. Anil South East Asia Business Manager; and Dr. Ashok - who deals with environmental
issues fonned the HLL team that visited CHC on 27th November 2001 to make the
presentation.
•
The CHC team included many of our associates who are also involved in occupational
and environmental issues. The team consisted of Dr. Ravi Narayan, Community
Health and Occupational Health Consultant, presently Community Health Adviser of
CHC; Dr. C.M. Francis, a physiologist - endocrinologist, also the retired Dean of St.
John’s Medical College and presently Consultant of CHC; Dr. Mohan Isaac, Professor
of Psychiatry at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore,
Dr. T. Venkatesh, Professor of Biochemistry, St. John’s National Academy for Health
Sciences and heavy metal toxicity expert for South Asia; Mr. As Mohamed, Asst.
Professor of Statistics, Department of Community Medicine, St. John's Medical
College; Dr. H.R. Rajmohan, Director of Regional Occupational Health Centre,
Bangalore (branch of NIOH, Ahmedabad), Dr. Krishnamurthy, Senior Scientist of
ROHC and Dr. Sampath Krishnan, Fellow-Community Health, CHC and Dr. Anur
Praveen, a doctor volunteer, CHC.
f
•
In spite of an earlier request, the HLL team did not send us a report of the study in
advance as requested, but made a presentation at CHC, using overhead projection
sheets, summarising the background, the objectives, the methodology and the findings
and analysis of a survey of around 255 workers. These workers had showed up at the
visit of a 3 member medical team, in response to a newspaper announcement
requesting them to be present for a medical evaluation, a few months after the
operations in the factory had been closed.
•
The CHC team and associates raised queries and shared comments as the presentation
progressed. We again requested for a report of the study, since peer review is not
adequately effective if peers are just shown slides or OHPs in a presentation, which
nearly always has a constraint of time. However, though it was mentioned that we
would get a report, so far none has been received. We, therefore, invited all our team
members and associates to put down in writing the key issues and comments that they
have to make on the study. We hope to pass this on to the study organisers and to
others, who wish to assess and tackle the problem of human and environmental health
caused by the HLL factory.
C. PEER REVIEW AND COMMENTS
•
Handicapped as we are with the absence of the copies of the OHP sheets presented at
CHC by Dr. Rajagopal or any documented or printed report of the study - these
comments listed below may be taken as issues of concern with the study design and
process of analysis, that may have affected the assessment of the actual problem. A
biological monitoring approach rather than an occupational health monitoring
approach seems to have predominated in the study design. The HLL team's response
to some of these points raised were:
"we have that type of analysis” or
i)
ii) "we shall look into that matter”,
but in the absence of a printed, circulated report it is difficult to say whether the
comment or criticism has been adequately responded to in the study or subsequent
analysis thereof.
1. The Sample - ’Opportunistic’
Any sample of workers that are based on those who show up on invitation of a
medical team visit - announced by letter or newspaper or whatever method is what in
epidemiological terms is called an ’opportunistic’ or 'grab' sample. Extreme caution
has to be then taken to make any sort of judgement about the whole population of
HLL workers, past and present because extrapolation from an 'opportunistic sample',
which has self-selection bias, is usually invalid.
2. Occupational Histon - an important parameter not adequately considered
A more rigorous sampling method may have to be used or else using detailed
occupational health history the available sample may need to be subdivided into
'internal controls' for enhancing the comparisons. The 'opportunistic sample' may have
workers with different years of work experience in the factory and different jobs or
sections as well and these differences can be used to evolve subgroups. Clubbing
them together by age or any other parameter, disregarding the occupational history,
especially when the exposure is occupational, is again not a rational method of
analysis. Clubbing previous employees, recent current employees and temporary
employees is also not a good procedure.
2
3. Lack of clarity in study objectives:
a) It was not clear whether the study was based on any hypothesis eg., exposed -vscontrol or more exposed -vs- less exposed. All the data was clubbed together which
seemed to confuse the situation.
b) There was no attempt to link the biochemical parameters with clinical examination.
These were presented as different tables. So, whether there are correlations between
clinical findings and investigations or between exposure and health effects were not
clear.
4. Inadequate use of data on health from Company records
Too much emphasis was put on the study conducted without adequate use of
supplementary information available with the industry, eg., Periodical monthly
monitoring, annual medical check up. occupational data. The data from the periodical
medical examination and the monthly urine examination for proteinurea. mercury level,
etc., were presented but not correlated. These need to be reviewed in greater detail.
5. Absence of Exit interviews
Even though the 'turnover' of workers seemed to have been large, the management does
not seem to have had 'exit interviews’ which would have helped to determine whether
'health reasons' were an important component of the decision to leave the job.
6. Averages highlighted without range
The significance of the results especially values of urinary mercury were given without
any indication of standard deviations or 95% confidence limits. The significance of the
results could therefore have been assessed if standard deviations are also shown.
Averages are important but range of daxa within averages is also crucial.
7. a) Further analysis of individuals with higher urinary mercury levels needed
The presentation highlighted the urinary of ex employees, present employees as well as
other workers. Some levels did exceed the prescribed levels. Who were these? What
was the exposure? What were the effects? What action was taken? This was not clear.
b) A close follow up of employees (who showed higher levels) and their levels analysed
separately would have indicated pattern of reduction. A meaningful occupational
break up like exposure versus urinary levels; or experience -vs- urinary concentrations
of mercury, levels -Vs- sex distribndon (male/female workers and distribution of Hg
levels); age -Vs- Hg distributions: job processes -Vs- Hg urine distribution - would
have provided clearer occupational health status of employers.
8. Quality control of Lab Tests not undertaken
The study does not seem to have followed external and internal quality control methods.
All tests were done by the same laboratory.
3
9. Data to be analysed against all guidelines
The data should be looked at by existing recommended health based biological exposure
limits like WHO/ACGIH, EPA and NIOSH or. an individual and group basis. This study
compared only WHO guidelines. The biological monitoring centred around urinary
mercury level prescribed by WHO/OSHA
Indian Factory Act adopting OSHA
prescribed limit. Lower limits are nowadays used and this must be considered.
10. Personal environmental monitoring rather than area sampling
a) Finally, in the monitoring of work environment, rather than area sampling representing
background mercury pollution, it would have been better to have attempted personal
monitoring as a better indication of concentrations in the breathing zone of the
workers. Also the details ofjob processes covered for air monitoring: levels existing at
mercury' / non mercury areas and / or environmental mercury at production / non
production sections - would provide meaningful comparisons and facilitate
understanding subjective concentration of air borne mercury' levels at different job
processes and / or sections of the factory.
b) Also, as factory involves glass-processing (which generally involves heat), a picture of
work environmental heat parameters like DB. WB, WBGT would have provided not
only the extent of heat stress (if present) but also would have given an idea of work
environment air temperature which could be a critical factor for mercury to get
airborne in the environment.
Finally, while there are many other minor points that can be included in a spirit of peer
review and dialogue, we concluded that
• the study seems to have been undertaken in somewhat of a hurry; without adequate focus
in planning and analysis to the occupational health principles involved in such a study.
• While it may have been a good beginning the analysis of the data must be done more
carefully, perhaps with some involvement of external peers and advisers who can help
this process - so that a more sound analysis of the problem can be made to help get further
clarity on the situation.
•
To begin with a circulation of detailed report of the study including objectives,
materials and methods, efforts at standardisation, findings and analysis and
discussion of findings should be done immediately in a true spirit of transparency
and accountability'.
•
Occupational health hazards are not uncommon even with the best of efforts. The only
way forward to improve and protect workers health is to begin to look at the evidence in a
more interactive, participatory and holistic way so that there is:
>
>
>
>
•
clarity of the problem,
careful monitoring of evidence, and
evidence based evolution of solutions.
HLL needs to set an example of corporate social responsibility in this matter.
HLL needs to set an example of corporate social responsibility in this matter.
[A summary based on notes provided by Dr. T, Venkatesh, Dr. H.R.
Rajamohan, Dr. Krishna Murthy and Dr. Ravi Narayan and Dr. C.M. Francis]
Community Health Cell, 367, Srinivasa Nilaya, Jakkasandra 1st Main.
Koramangala 1st Block, Bangalore - 560 034.
4
G- l>
The Second Statement of
Shared Concern
In the last three years—since many of us signed the first statement of shared concern
environmental awareness has grown dramatically in India. Its most noteworthy aspect,
however, is that it has become increasingly humanised. The growing understanding of the
importance of the natural environment and its complex linkages with culture, the economy
and society, has helped to put the human being, particularly the last human being that
Gandhiji always talked about, at the centre of the environmental concern. And this has
brought the environmental concern itself right to centre of older concerns like poverty,
unemployment, inequality and oppression.
x-.
..
Yet, little of practical note has happened in these years that can give us the confidence to
say that the trend towards environmental destruction has been arrested. On the contrary, as
this report amply documents, environmental degradation continues unabated.
The Bhopal disaster has stunned those responsible for pollution control, and put fear in
the hearts of millions of industrial workers and people living near factories. But Bhopal is not
the only disaster. Subtle and invisible processes continue to undermine human and natural
resource base. Thousands of workers in factories and fields all across the country are
maimed and killed every year. Satellite data has confirmed that India is indeed losing more
than a million hectares of forests every year, something that forest departments have
consistently and perversely sought to deny. All our hill and mountain ecosystems, the
cradles of our life-giving rivers, are deteriorating rapidly. Even in heavy rainfall areas where
forests should be in full bloom, the land is becoming a barren desert. Every day thousands of
hectares of India's once-rich biosphere slide into a vast wasteland; the only difference in
three years is that today the word 'wasteland' has become a part of official vocabulary. These
wastelands cover no less than one-third to one-half of India's land mass. Meanwhile, the
quality of life in towns and cities is degenerating rapidly. Environmental degradation
threatens every Indian today.
The creation of wastelands has hit every rural and urban household. Even bare necessities
for survival like fuel, fodder and water are now so difficult to obtain that women and children
have to spend extraordinary amounts of time scrounging for them. When life becomes
impossible within the rural ecosystem, because of growing floods, droughts, deforestation,
soil erosion or because of declining soil productivity, people simply give up and join the"
Stream of urban migrants, leading to what urban planners call 'unplanned urban growth .
The process of transforming India into a wasteland, which began under the British rule,
has continued under the post-independence governments. The most brutal assault has been
on the country's common property resources, on its grazing lands, forests, fivers, ponds,
lakes, coastal zones and increasingly on the atmosphere. The use of these common property
resources has been organised and encouraged by the state in a manner that has led to their
relentless degradation and destruction. And sanction for this destructive exploitation has
been obtained by the state in the name of 'economic advancement' and scientific
management'.
Nature can never be managed well unless the people closest to it are involved in its
management and a healthy relationship is established between nature, society and culture.
Common natural resources were earlier regulated through diverse, decentralised,
community control systems. But the state's policy of converting common property resources
into government property resources has put them under the control of centralised
bureaucracies, who in turn have put them at the service of the more powerful. Today, with
nd participation of the common people in the management of local resources, even the poor
have become so marginalised and alienated from their environment that they are ready to
discount their future and sell away the remaining natural resources for a pittance.
Indian villages have traditionally been integrated agrosylvopastoral entities, with grazing
lands, agricultural fields, forests and groves, and water sources like ponds, wells and tanks.
The state's development programmes have torn asunder this integrated character of the
villages. The state has rarely implemented plans to manage and enrich entire village
ecosystems.
The crying need, is to redefine the role of the state. Instead of trying to play the role of
the enabler, and doing it efficiently, many official agencies also want to play the role of the
producer. Forest bureaucracies, for instance, are entrenched in their belief that they can
grow trees. Just imagine what would have happened if the agriculture department, which
today largely plays the role of the enabler through its research and extension, was also to
assume the responsibility for growing crops! Famine would probably stalk the country every
year.
The process of state control over natural resources that started with the period of
colonialism must be rolled back. The earlier community control systems that regulated the
use of common natural resources were often unjust and needed restructuring. Given the
changed socio-economic circumstances and greater pressure on natural resources, new
community control systems have to be established that are more highly integrated,
scientifically sophisticated, equitable and sustainable. This is the biggest challenge before
India's political system—not just the politicians and their parties, but also citizens and social
activists. In the last decade or so, voluntary agencies and people's movements—like the
Chipko Andolan in Garhwal, the Bhoomi Sena in Maharashtra or the Chattisgarh Mines
Shramik Sangh in Madhya Pradesh, to name some—have consistently shown that despite all
odds, this kind of social restructuring is possible.
There is no reason to believe, as this report documents, that India's population has
outstripped the capacity of the country's environment to yield its biomass needs. True, the
productivity of our basic natural resources like land and water will have to be increased
substantially. But sustainable increases will be possible only under a system of participatory
management and control. Every planner and politician must remember that the environment
is not a fixed asset. In fact, India's resource-illiterate planners have steadily turned it into a
wasting asset with their development programmes and with each passing day, its population
supporting capacity decreases instead of increasing. India can beat the problem of poverty,
unemployment, drudgery and oppression only if the country learns to manage its natural
resource base in an equitable and ecologically sound way. But equally, if poverty,
unemployment and inequality are not removed, it will be impossible to save the
environment.
All this poses serious questions for our leadership, and opportunities, too. No other
activity can simultaneously provide more employment today and attack the problems of
poverty, drudgery and landlessness, than programmes to regenerate the country's
ecological infrastructure. But emphasising and implementing these programmes will require
a vision that is sadly lacking in our leaders. And yet facing up to the environmental challenge
— the challenge of equitable and sustainable development — could unite the entire country
at this time of strife and violence.
There is no doubt that international technological pressures will test our leadership
severely. A major and extremely rapid technological transformation is taking place in the
advanced industrial countries, with simultaneous developments in microelectronics,
biotechnologies, ocean engineering technologies, communications technologies,
renewable energy systems and various other areas. These technological changes will not
only bring about profound changes in the entire technostructure of the industrially
advanced countries before the end of this century, but they will also have deep ramifications
for the rest of the world. In the developing world, where development has seldom meant
more than a mad race to catch up with the West, these technological changes will pose
serious problems. If catching up with the West needed a major commitment in the 1960s and
1970s, it will require the total commitment of all our national resources in the 1980s and
1990s.
This will raise serious questions o-f choice. Do we develop our science to stay in the
technological race, to enter the 21st century on the terms of the world technological powers?
Or do we develop our own science focussing on our land and water resources, on our
forests and grazing lands, and on removing the growing environmental imbalances that
threaten the very survival of millions of our countryfolk?
The question clearly is: what sort of development do we want? World geopolitics may
demand that we follow the 'technological imperative'. Justice demands that we follow the
'national imperative'. India's leadership has little choice. And this choice will have to be
made consciously by the country's political system—and not be left to scientists and other
experts.
Ironically, the most dramatic failure is in an area where 'modern' science and technology
have been applied the most, the urban system. Even though India will largely remain a rural
country, it will possess the world's largest urban population by the turn of the century.
Managing these large urban systems will pose colossal problems. Already the political
system is buckling under the size of the urban system and the speed with which it is growing.
India's premier city, Calcutta became unmanageable during the 1960s and 1970s. Bombay is
rapidly becoming so in the 1980s. And before the end of the century, it will be the turn of
Madras and Delhi. Many lesser cities like Kanpur died a long time ago. And almost nobody
pays any attention to the hundreds of small and medium towns that dot the country. The
quality of urban life is declining everywhere and in every area: slums are growing, housing
problems are increasing, transport problems are becoming unmanageable, water is scarce
and undrinkable, insanitary conditions are proliferating, and the air is becoming
unbreathable.
Planners and politicians often like to use the phrase 'unplanned urban growth'. But this is
a misrepresentation of facts. Urban-led development has always been a basic feature of
planning in India. The rural development strategy has not been to develop rural areas per se,
to meet the basic needs of the rural poor in particular. But the strategy has mainly been to
'develop' the rural areas by putting their resources at the dictates of the urban markets and
by transforming the rural environment itself into mass monocultures of marketable
commodities. In this sense, much of rural development has simply been an extension of
urban development. And within the urban system we have completely and blindly followed
the extremely high cost and resource-intensive Western model. The result is on one hand, an
exploding urban system, which despite disproportionate investments, is bursting at its
seams, and, on the other, a badly mauled and ravaged rural system, whose productivity is
declining every day, and which keeps pushing more and more people into an increasingly
chaotic urban system.
If this growing rot has to be stemmed, an alternative pattern of development has to be
found urgently both for our towns and villages. Urban and rural development have to occur
in a symbiotic manner. Such a process will require planning for more self-sustaining urban
areas and the enrichment of the rural environment to meet the rural population's diverse
biomass needs for food, fuel, fodder, soil enrichment, building materials, agricultural
implements and artisans' raw materials. Planning for rural development must, therefore, be
redefined to mean planning for integrated rural ecosystems.
The creation of integrated rural ecosystems will call for an extremely sensitive use of
science and technology. It will call for the development of a peoples' science that
harmonises the principles of traditional knowledge with modern science to serve the
complex human needs in a sustainable manner. Most of today's scientists have little to offer
towards these goals. Their experience is limited to simple monocultures, whether in
farming, in forestry, in fisheries or in animal husbandry. And their science has proved too
rudimentary and simplistic for managing complex ecosystems.
This Scenario definitely does not mean that India ought to turn its back to global
technological advancement. But its imagination and its ingenuity will lie in making
appropriate choices. We don't have to be swept off our feet by the glamour of modern
artefacts; we have to use our intelligence to choose and to match our technological
capabilities to real needs.
It is possible to use the principles of materials science and structural engineering to
construct sturdy, comfortable and aesthetic mud homes. As discussed in this report, of all
the building materials available in India, mud can make the maximum contribution towards
providing decent housing for all. Again, India's planners do not have to design cities for
motorised private vehicles which pollute the air, contribute to urban sprawl, make us more
dependent on fossil fuels and make the transport svstem less accessible to the urban poor. It
is possible to plan tor an urban transport system combining private bicycles—still the most
accessible and non-polluting form of transport—with a highly efficient, modern and
sophisticated public transport system. The list of feasible and equitable innovations is
endless.
All this requires a clear vision, an imaginative and honest political system, in which
elections are fought without black money, contractors and land speculators are put under
control, the industrialist who pollutes is prosecuted, and so on. This country never had a
greater challenge before it and never a more urgent need to restore ethical values in its
social and political life. The land can be greened and the environment improved, but only if
the people who control the socio-political system can learn to control their greed.
Sanjay Acharya
Vinay Aditya
Anil Agarwal
Dilip Ahuja
T.N. A trey
Ramesh Awasthi
Ravi Bhagwat
Rajiv Bhartari
Bhubanesh Bhatt
Chandi Prasad Bhatt
Arun Bhattacharjea
Prajul Bidwai
Dilip Chinchalkar
Ravi Chopra
Priya Deshingkar
Ramana Dhara
Vinod Dhawan
Darryl D’Monte
Hartman De Souza.
Walter Fernandes
'Zafar Futehally
Madhav Gadgil
Sanjeev Ghotge
Mohan Hiralal Hirabhai
S.R. Hiremath
John. C. Jacob
Ulhas Jajoo
Ashok Jhunjhunwala
Ashish Kothari
Smitu Kothari
Sharad Kulkarni
Balraj Kumar
John Kurien
Kailash Malhotra
Pradeep Malhotra
Thomas Mathew
Anupam Mishra
S.M. Mohnot
Alok Mukhopadhyay
Sathis Chandran Nair
Nani
Sunita Narain
Sevanti Ninan
Manjula Padmanabhan
Vijay Paranjpye
Jyoti Prakash
M.K. Prasad
K. Ramakrishna
Narendra Rautela
Dunu Roy
Bittu Sahgal
S. Santhi
Kalpana Sharma
Ravi Sharma
Bnj Raj Singh
Srilata Swaminathan
Rajesh Tandon
B.L. Verma
Rajiv Vohra
Dismantling Dams Part-I
Subject: Dismantling Dams Part-I
Date: Fri, 12 May 2000 14:06:14 +0550
From: ’’GIRISH SHAH” <girishk@bom3.vsnl.net.in>
To: "PREMDASS" <SOCHARA@blr.vsnl.net.in>
Date: 11/05/2000.
International experience in effective environmental management have their foundation
in strict adherence to legal status. In this context, environmental laws are
implemented with utmost precision in the West. Irrespective of the power of entrenched
lobbies and attempts at filibustering, statutes laid down to safeguard the environment
have to be abided by to the only option available: dismantling the dams.
[From "Down to Earth" Nov 15, 1999]
If you need copy of the article send your address.
FOR SUBSCRIBING TO VINIYOG PARIVAR SENT A BLANK EMAIL TO
girishk@bom3 .vsnl.net.in
CONTAINING SUBJECT 'ADD TO MAILING LIST'.
FOR DELETING FROM THE MAILING LIST SEND A BLANK MESSAGE TO
girishk@bom3 .vsnl.net.in
CONTAINING SUBJECT 'DELETE FROM THE MAILING LIST'.
Note: If you are already a member of our mailing list and receiving emails regularly,
then no need to subscribe again. If you have any interested friends please send
their e-mail addresses to us or give our e-mail address to them and tell them
for subscribing us.
(O
t/
/
/A«
<9
/v-’’
'
cc1
THE ACTION PLAN FOR CLEAN AND GREEN CITY
1.
The task given to the core group was to frame an action programme for Solid
Waste Management for Bangalore City.
2.
It was decided that the Action Plan would be of two broad components
3.
The Short Term Action Plan which could be taken up immediately:
An attempt has been made to look at major waste generators and work out
an action plan based upon types of wastes generated by them. Activities for the
resident’s association and school is also planned.
4.
The long term action plan looks at the management process of collection of
waste, its transportation and the various disposal options including the cost
analysis.
I
I
I
1
I
!
1
XII
I
Ir
!
I
SHORT TERM ACTION PLANS
j
1, Formation of w^ird level committees consisting of
Health Inspector
(Member Secretary)
Junior Engineer, Engineering Department (Members)
Horticulture Inspector
it
KEB -Line Supervisor (street lights)
I*
Water supply and Swerage Board
Police Inspector of the area
Member from the Residents Association
Nursing Homes Manager
it
Shopping Complexes Association President
ii
Thus there would be 87 ward committees. This will meet once in a month. 2
members from each ward committee will meet at the Constituency level. One from
each Constituency will met the core team and the Administrator once in three
months. The core team will meet the Administrator once in a month.
To solve local civic problems. This local committee should identify and tackle local
j
civic issues and must be empowered to give orders to the concerned department for
immediate action as well as see that the work is executed immediately. In case of any
difficulty it may be brought to the notice of the Administrator through the Core
group.
Suggestion; A small sum of Rs.5/- or Rs.10/- per month could be collected from each
house. A matching amount of the total amount so collected could be provided by
the Bangalore City Corporation. This sum will be used for minor repairs and
problem in public places/utilities.
2
1
2.
Hotels Restaurants and Clubs;
Comment: Spending Corporation Tax money to transport organic matter is a
colossal waste. Organic Waste is in demand and various organisations and
institutions must be asked to organise their own collection systems and making
compost.
EDUCATION : A meeting with the president and the board of Hotel Owners
Association to discuss feasibility of the suggestion as well as to find out their
solutions to the waste problems. This meeting may be called for by the
Administrator of the Bangalore City Corporation. Section 256 of KMC Act 1976 may
be invoked.
CORE TEAM'S ROLE : to design a strategy for action and awareness creation based
on the outcomes of the above meeting.
CEE South can take up the responsibility to coordinate any education or awareness
programmes that may seem necessary.
CORPORATION'S ROLE : Suitable changes to be made in the bye laws so that while
paying their trade license fee, they should be charged an equal amount as Garbage
Disposal/Garbage Clearing fee.
The use of plastic bags, plastic cups, styrofoam cups to be discouraged and slowly
eased out.
ROLE OF HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION : Since mostof the bigger Hotels/Restaurants
send the waste food to the piggerries, handling of this waste and methods of its
transportation to be standardised .
Excess food to be channelised through NGOs to Old Age Homes, Orphanages, Slums
etc.
3
i
larger I lolels and (dubs which have space must be made to compost the organic
waste generated by them. This could be encouraged by the Corporation. This may
Ibad to less and less rolling waste on the roads and better gardens in the Garden City.
The Recyclable wastes generated in these establishments must be kept separately and
chanellised through ragpickers for recycling. This can be coordinated by Mythri
Sarva Sewa Samiti, REDS, BOSCO and other Rag pinker Associations
of slandarised sizes must be used by the holels/restaurants, size depending on
amount of waste generated. The hotels must not dump their wastes into the Public
Bins. Insleatl, (hey must be stored in bins within the hotel premises and dumped
directly into the* collection lorry or the designated place.
3
Parks and other 1 alter 1’ree Zones
It is proposed that litter fee zones.be declared in the following areas to
begin with
a. M.C. Road
b. Brigade Road
c. Cubbon park
d. Bangalore (. ity corporation (N.R.Square)
e. Vidhan Soudha
f. I ligh Court
The plan of action / modus operand! for litter free zone would be as follows,
b’or a period of 2 months (or any short lime) there would be trained
1
volunteers to remind people not to litter. At the same lime more bins will
need to be placed in this area and the people will need to be asked to throw
waste only inside these bins. After 2 month a method of fining
the litter bugs could be thought of.
4. ENFORCEMEN I
The Mobile Court could b(» reconslituled and could lx* the body to levy the
fine. Other offences under KMC’ Act, Birth and Death Registration, Prevention
of Cruelly to animals. Prevention of Food Adullralion and Traffic offences may
be tried by the* mobile court.
Nominating civic w.irdens for l-nlorcemenl is essential.
4
A
5. Hospital Wastes : Besides the fact that separate colour coding/red bins with lids
must be set up at Hospitals with DANGFR written to discourage too many
people from interfering with such waste, needless and syringes must be
crushed and the waste must be thrown into the Special Corporation Trucks
assigned for hospital and nursing home wastes.
3 separate trucks working lor hast. West, South zones ol city must be assigned
to collect wastes from hospitals and nursing homes. These should go directly to
the sanitary landfill for disposal.
6. Apartments, Residential Colonies
These should be formed into Associations/Civic Forums and remain
a vigilant force for civic problems.
Household composting of garbage must be promoted by the corporation
through awareness. Also there could be competitions organised for the
areas as to the most beautiful garden, cleanest street, ward etc. Awards
must be instituted for pourakarmikas of each of these wards.
NGO, CBOs and other willing to take up composting of segregated wastes
in areas must be encouraged. Encouragement must come through making
available a single window for clearance of permission to use corporation
land for composting. Introduce b^H system and house to house garbage
collection.
However, the corporation must make it compulsory for these NGOs
to educate the residents in the area about the importance of segregation
of waste and the relation of improper garbage disposal to their health.
Also only those NGOs segregating the wastes must be allowed to compost
it.
5
The Corporation, could also encourage the citizens/residents to form
associations for participating in the garbage management and tree planting
programmes. This would encourage to solve other civic problems. They can
help to reduce nuisence from unauthorised garages/trades also pollution and
tackle water/sewage problems.
7.
Karnataka Compost Development Corporation should be managed on
scientific lines to produce compost out of city garbage more efficiently.
J.
Commercial Areas and Offices: Introduction of 2 types of bins in these areas.
Segregation to be ensured so that the recyclables can be channelised and the
organic waste be composted. Paper banks and Bottle Banks can be established to
help channellise the recyclable waste. The shop to shop collection system
should be introduced.
9.
All Schools and Colleges may launch Awareness Programme on Solid Waste
Management and start managing their own wastes. The directives from the
Administrator BCC and the Education Office of BCC could make this
programme compulsory in each school. Concepts of reduce, reuse, and recycle
the waste should be taught in schools. This will serve to inculcate healthy
waste habits and non litterring habits among the children and will thus go a
long way in improving the cleanliness of the city in the future.
10.
Publicity should be given to successful stories of clean and green city activities
of NGOs and these aclivites should be replicated by encouraging the
community.
11.
Insanitary condition are causing diseases and death in slum areas. SHE (Social,
Health and Environment) clubs under IPP VIII project may be formed in all the
400+slums for the comprehensive health and development, including
education as per the project report.
6
I
LONG TERM ACTION PLANS :
I.
Re-routing of trucks to collect separate kinds of waste and their routes
should be based on recommendations of a team of experts.
II.
Updation of Corporation Bye laws relating to
(i) Hotel Licenses/Club Licenses to be used only after charging a
Garbage tax.
(ii) Littering on roads, public parks, around lakes and other tourist spots.
(iii) Disposal of transportation of hospital waste
(iv) Disposal of Domestic Waste
(v) Just as there is stipulation as to the distance between houses, space
for parking and so on. Apartments must also be made to compost the
organic wastes wherever possible and the recyclables must be channelised
through ragpickers, whatever is left must be kept in bins within the
compound of the apartments. From here it must be loaded directly into
the truck.
1.
It is imperative that the city corporation undertakes a study
IMMEDIATELY to clarify the following
a) What type of waste is really generated in different place in Bangalore.
b) How much of this type of waste is generated in each of these places.
c) Current system of waste clearance duration, frequency, operational
difficulties, etc.
d) Vehicle and bin design.
2.
It is imperative to establish a coordinating link for collecting or
transporting similar types of wastes from different sources.
3.
Each type of waste be appropriately disposed and must be routed to the
appropriate disposal route
e8IIospital/Nursing 1 lome Waste -> incinerator OR sanitary landfilling.
Hotels/Clubs/Kalyana Mantaps -> Composting in their premises
Domestivc -> Neighbour hood/household composting
7
5
Industrial -> All recyclables to recycling industry.
4.
Developing Sanitary landfill sites on a scientific basis to utilize the land so
developed into a future play ground or park.
PLEASE NOTE
Garbage should be touched or exposed after it is discarded. Second handling
should not be permitted.
Our resources are finite and we need to recycle every bit that we can to live
sustainably.
Organic recycling of nutrients through composting is a simple and appropriate
method of dealing with organic waste. This will encourage more gardens in the
garden city.
Transporting organic waste with corporation tax money is self
defeating. Whoever wants organic waste must make arrangements
to pick it up themselves.
Maximum recycling of paper , glass and plastic can be done if segregation is
made compulsory. This will save energy and Natural Resources.
1.
Meding with NGOs to formulate plan of action based on the BCC initiatives
2.
Meeting with Owners/Managers of Nursing homes / Hospitals for managing
the infected waste
3.
Meding with I lolel owners, clubs. Restaurant owners - to transport and
compost their wastes and encourage to deliver it to piggery.
4.
I day Training for Corporation School Teachers - Aug, 16 - 30 at Mayo Hall
5.
1 day training for Health inspectors
6.
Meeting of residents groups
- September, 7 -10 at Mayo Hall
i
8
S-
Concept Paper
Pollution Control through Consent Management:
Committee system and Public Participation
In India, pollution control has been a major issue for good governance. With introduction
of Water Pollution Act in 1974 and establishment of State-wise Pollution Control Boards,
pollution control mechanisms have come a long way. There are different experiences in
different States. In Andhra Pradesh, pollution control activities were geared up in the
early 1990s. with the pressure from citizen groups, global interventions and central
government's active role-play. Authorities have been utilizing different approaches,
strategies and tools to control pollution. Most of these have failed, or have achieved
partial success basically due to inadequate response from the industries, fellow
government departments, low technological inputs, administrative inadequacies and other
management factors.
To overcome some of these problems. APPCB has established a consent management
system, which is probably similarly done in other States. As per this system. Committees
have been appointed every year to consider and give consent to new and old industries
alike - separately; these consents are consent for establishment and consent for
operations. In order to demonstrate that these consents are as per procedure and
transparent, APPCB has included representatives of civil society. These Committees were
established in each district or as per Zonal offices. It has been ten years since these
Committees have been formed, though the membership has been changing almost every
year. So far. there has been no effort to look at the efficacy of these Committees in
achieving the objectives the set out for them.
Centre for Resource Education has been part of some such Committees. Recently, it has
been organising workshops on urban environment management for NGOs in 6 major
cities of Andhra Pradesh. These and other interactions enabled CRE to make a
preliminary assessment of the situation with regard to Committee system of consent
management. Some of its observations are as below:
1. Committees have been working steadily in trying to control pollution in different
areas. However, due to a string of factors, the information base of most of these
decisions is very thin and is dependent on the information provided by the
industries themselves.
2. Inadequate participation of the membership due to sheer volume of applications,
poor understanding of technical information and improperly arranged information
before the members.
3 Public complaints and representations are not put before the Committee members.
4. Environment Impact Assessment and Environment Audit reports are not referred
at all.
5. Procedural approach is not taken recourse to: oral assurances of the industry are
generally taken for granted.
Centre for Resource Education.
201. Maheshwari Complex. Masab Tank. Hyderabad 500 028 India
Ph. 0091-40-661 3367 E-mail: creind@hd2.dot.net.in
1
Concept Paper
Often, committee discussions with the indivdual industries end up in a stalemate as no
when has any information on the particular technology which can solve the problem.
Industries also find it easier to ‘thrust* the onus of finding answers to their problems with
technologies on the Committee. Most often, the consent in such cases is given with some
nominal conditions which do not mean anything practically.
These and many other factors (personality of the Committee member, internal balances
between different members, etc.) have not been able to do full justice to the consent
management. With the result, consents have reduced to routine affair with a behind-thecommittee methodology running the show.
This assessment shows that there is a need for enabling the development of the capacities
of the Committees and the APPCB staff to utilize the Committee system properly. Such a
capacity building programme is also necessitated by the requirement for next generation
of pollution control approaches. These Control mechanisms have to be developed given
the fact that more sophisticated industries are being set up, stringent environmental
norms, expanding role of the pollution control board and growth of pollution itself.
In order to build a capacity building programme. Centre for Resource Education is
proposing three one-day workshops in three regions of Andhra Pradesh. Participants
would include representatives of all the related organizations and the past and present
Committee members. Discussions in these workshops would be collated and analyzed to
develop a capacity building programme.
The aim of this activity is to enable effective public participation in the consent
management system of pollution control.
Possible collaborations include Administrative Staff College of India and AP Pollution
Control Board.
Period of Implementation:
May to July, 2001
Budget:
Total (per workshop Rs.l lakh)
Rs.3.00,000
Centre for Resource Education,
201. Maheshwari Complex, Masab Tank. Hyderabad 500 028 India
Ph. 0091-40-661 3367 E-mail: creind@hd2.dot.net.in
2
£ - s-
MAKING THE MOST OF ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING
A THOUGHT PAPER FOR EPH MONITORING
FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE ENVIRONMENT
The Ministry of Environment and Forests. Government of India, through a Gazette
Notification dated 10th April 1997. made environmental Public Hearing for
developmental projects mandatory. This is in addition to the process ot environmental
clearance, which includes Environment Management Plan, and Environment Impact
Assessment. But the EPH Notification carries little details of the procedure to be adopted
for conducting EPHs. No guidelines have been developed in this regard. As per the
Notification, an Executive Summary of the project will have to be submitted to the
Pollution Control Board, along with the plan for environmental management.
Consequently, a notice for Environmental Public Hearing shall be published in atleast
two newspapers widely circulated in the region around the project, including one in
vernacular language. A public hearing panel will conduct the proceedings. This panel has
broad representation as mentioned in the Notification.
There are many lacunae in the EPH notification, and also so far it has been implemented
in a lackadaisical manner, owing to lack ot details and guidelines. This in the long run is
going to negate the entire process of EPH. In any case. EPH notification in its present
form needs to be welcomed as a step in the right direction. However, it requires
development and modifications in order to make it a more potent instrument tor
protection and conservation of environment and ecology.
Environmental Public Hearing has been necessitated basically because of the discussion
on the effects of development projects on environment, people, and ecology. Most of this
discussion centered broadly on the impact ot the development projects vis-a-vis social
justice, development pattern and rights oi the people. Thus there were elaborate
discussions and debate on the necessity and need for a particular pattern of development.
Environmentalists' perspective of development has not always been popular nor it is
accepted as a dominant perspective. It is to be noted here that despite its limited appeal,
environmental perspective has been gaining its acceptance steadily, based on the
experience and increased awareness and consciousness. Still there are large sections of
population who remain beyond the borders of this debate (as is normal in any change
concerning the society ). Thus, the debate on development patterns almost became an
academic exercise, involving lobbies of interest on either side ot the debate on
en\ ironmcnt and ecology. The day was almost won by the anti-environmental interests,
basically because people's representatives who were elected 'democratically* supported
it. To ox ercome this, environmentalists tried an assortment of activities like trying to get
their representatives elected, influencing policies through seminars and workshops and
interactions with government personnel, and raising the consciousness of the people's
• representatives.
1 lowex er. these attempts were able to make only a peripheral dent
Cenire for Resource Education
201. Maheshwari Complex. Masab Tank. Hyderabad 500 028 India
Ph. 0(10 I —10-06 I 33b" E-mail: creind (i hd2.dot.net.in
Also, most of the arguments of the environmentalists were never tested by democratic
means. Environmental public hearing is set to change this set up. EPH is going to put
democracy into the whole debate on development patterns.
However, the game of environmental public hearing will be played by different playeis
and is subject to all the factors which affect a democracy. This is because en\ ironmenta
public hearing is nothing but a meeting of people wherein there will be a debate an
discussion on choices.
EPH will be valid and successful as long as people have enough judgment and
discrimination to arrive at the best possible choice. When they opt for unsustainable
projects, it can be understood that the EPH is quickly swept away by vested interests.
Development projects should be defined in verifiable or rational terms, because often the
debate can enter the plane of emotion (something beyond truth and knowledge). In tns
regard, the only approach to it is through vision and revelation, and few are blessed will
the capacity to "climb the ascent" to such visions. Aristotle defines a citizen as one who
has the power to lake part in the deliberative or judicial administration ol any state.
Howex er his idea of citizenship is that of the independent gentleman who has enough
experience, education and leisure to devote himself to active citizenship. But are all the
citizens of this country educated and experienced enough to discern the issues befoie
them?
There should be a distinction between projects that are carried on "with a view to tie
common interest" from those that sene private interests, whether ol one. of lew or o
mam If this (the distinction) is not made apparent during the EPH process either by the
uovernment or the NGOs or the academicians, then the whole exercise is going to be a
farce.
Environmental Public Hearing is not just a administrative exercise that an hearingjs
conducted to meet the requirements of the legislation but it is a measure to disclose all the
relevant information regarding a developmental project to various sections ol societ)
which are either affected by its implementation or have interests in the pioject
facilitates the local government’s (in our case the Panchayats) and people to debate anc
discuss the pros and" cons of the project and arrive at a decision regarding its impact on
the local economy, polity and ecology.
EPH provides a platform for meeting of divergent interests, governmental organizations.
non-<>overnmental organizations, project authorities and the local people wherein eacr
pan^has a chance to hear the others opinions and views regarding the project and to pu
forth their position and understanding about the project. It also facilitates the project
authorities to address the apprehensions, if any. being carried by various parties. EPH can
develop into a forum, which can facilitate environmental mediation.
EPH is a step forward in the direction towards the achievement of the right to information
legislation. Il acts not only as a means to provide information but it gives scope loi a
Centre for Resource Education
201. Maheshwari Complex. Masab Tank. Hyderabad p00 028 India
Ph. 0091-40-661 3367 E-mail: creind@hd2.dot.net.in
healthy debate and discussion on the various facets of the development project among
different sections of society.
A person who would inquire into the essence and attributes of various kinds of
development must first of all determine "what is development"? At present this is a
disputed question. The knowledge of the best choice may have some value as a norm and
standard, but on the other hand it is often unattainable, and therefore the tiue
en\ ironmentalists ought to be acquainted not only with that which is best in the abstract,
but also with that which is best relatively to circumstances. We should consider, not only
what is best, but also what is possible and what is attainable by all.
The philosophy behind EPH is that when many ordinary persons meet together, their
collective wisdom and experience may be superior to that of the few good. And. even
citizen has the capacity to judge of what has been proposed to him by someone else, and
can discern what must be added, subtracted, or changed.
Bentham knew full well that there was no objective standard by which individual could
agree on personal interests or that of the community, yet he thought that government and
social science could be advanced by reducing differences of metaphysics into differences
of a simpler, and more measurable order. Problems of utility can more easily be boiled
down to issues of fact than can problems of fundamental belief.
However, certain conditions exist which prevent people from exercising their capacity of
self-determination successfully. First, people may have the capacity for selfdetermination. but it may not have been developed into an operative ability. In the
second tvpe of condition, people do have an operative ability, not just a capacity oi
potential for self-determination, but circumstances external b them prevent them from
exercising the ability successfully.
No issue incites more emotion in environmental decision making than the question of
what information should weigh most heavily. Should cost-benefit data be accoided
greater importance than health and safety data in deciding how much to control a
potentialIv dangerous substance? How important are the political impacts of a legulation
in comparison to its cost or its environmental impact ?
Even if a law is clear about the relative importance of different criteria in environmental
policv making, controversy is likely over whether various participants were biased or
prejudiced in die way they created or considered information. In recent years, a growing
body of research suggests that scientists and other technical specialists may be influenced
by political, economic, or other social values when making apparently professional
juduments concerning the extent to which a substance may constitute a hazard to humans
or to the environment Almost every one deplores this bias, but devising a risk assessment
process that eliminates it is difficult. The quest tor law's and institutional arrangements
that reduce or eliminate the influence of undesirable factors in environmental policy
making continues with unabated fervor in these times- a sign of how difficult it has
Centre for Resource Education
201. Maheshwari Complex. Masab Tank. Hyderabad 500 028 India
Ph. 0091-40-661 336" E-mail: creind <7hd2.doi.net.in
become to engineer the legal and institutional arrangements that assure that only the right
factors affect decision making at the right time.
Some of these thoughts were presented in a National workshop organized in December.
1997. at Hyderabad. Subsequent!} , we had attended two Environmental Public Hearings.
In both these Hearings involving the establishment of pharmaceuticals in the vicinity of
two villages, the residents had outrightly rejected the proposals, albeit with experience
and the awareness provided by us.
The experience in these EPHs has confirmed our belief that there is a need for an
Environmental Public Hearing Monitoring Group. Given the situation in rural India,
handicapped as it is with illiteracy, ignorance and social fissures. EPHs in future are
going to be highl\ organized and well orchestrated affairs of the Corporate sector to
manipulate the people's interests in order to gain upper hand in the debate. It is likely that
advocates of modern dexelopment. against the sustainable development, are going to
employ all means of influence to route the direction of debate in favor of their captive
interests.
In this regard. Centre For Resource Education proposes to establish an EPH Monitoring
Group, which w ould take up the cause of the people and ensure a free debate at the EPHs.
irrespective of the decision.
The main objective is to ensure a free, fair and educated debate about the problem,hssue
at hand.
Objectives
1. To enable the people to develop enough judgment and discrimination to arrive at the
best possible choice through the instrument of EPH.
2. To define development projects in verifiable or rational terms.
3. To bring out all the relevant information regarding a developmental project and place it
before various sections of society which are either affected by its implementation or have
interests in the project.
4. To facilitate the prevalence of the collective wisdom and experience of the common
people.
5. To neutralize the circumstances external to people from preventing them to exercise
their opinion and collective wisdom.
6. To pursue the scholarship of establishing laws and institutional arrangements that
reduce or eliminate the influence of undesirable factors in environmental policy making,
i.e. to engineer the legal and institutional arrangements that assure that only the right
factors affect decision making at the right time.
Centre for Resource Education
201. Maheshwari Complex. Masab Tank. Hyderabad 500 028 India
Ph. 0091-40-661 3367 E-mail: creind@hd2.dot.net.in
Activities
1. In order to ensure a fair debate, a Core Team will be formed which would participate
in all the EPHs conducted in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
2. The EPH Monitoring Group will publish information about proposed projects in the
local language and distribute it among the people in the particular area. This would be in
addition to the Executive Summary of the project, presented by the proponents of the
'development' project. These publications not only will have the information on the
project, but also the future scenario in the area once the development project is taken up.
This includes Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment, on the local natural resources,
flora, fauna, people and their economy.
3. EPH Monitoring Group will organize training classes for the members of the Core
Team, as also independent NGOs. on effective participation in the EPHs. This is
important so that the Core team members or the proponents of sustainable development
have to be skilled enough to direct the course of debate and also knowledgeable enough
to offer expert opinion to the people w henever they require his/her interventions.
4. EPH Monitoring Group will publish a Newsletter on the EPHs in the State, possibly in
collaboration with the Government, to publish and document the EPH process. Probably,
a State-level EPH information Centre can be developed for access to different sections of
the society. This Centre can be one-stop source for all EPH-related activities and
information. Activities can include Workshops. Symposiums and publications.
5. EPH Monitoring Group will coordinate with the media to ex \er the EPH proceedings,
outcomes, discussions, etc.
6. EPH Monitoring Group will organize environment education campaigns to ensure
adherence to sustainable development principles, by the civic society- and’the governing
svstems.
7. EPH Monitoring Group would also the monitor the actions and decisions of the
government and the proponents of development', after the EPH decision, for or against.
This monitoring includes the promises of the proponents in the EPH. and how tar they
have been fulfilled.
8. EPH Monitoring Group will undertake campaigns and legal actions wherever EPH
decisions are against the interests of the local people.
Methodology
Initially, about 7 young people will be identified, to cover the EPH process in the 7
districts of Andhra Pradesh, where maximum industrialization is taking place. This
includes Rangareddy. Medak. Nalgonda. Mahbubnagar. Hyderabad. Vishakhapatnam.
Centre for Resource Education
201. Maheshwari Complex. Masab Tank. Hyderabad 500 028 India
Ph. 0091-40-661 3367 E-mail: creind n hd2.doi.net.in
and East Godavari districts in the State of Andhra Pradesh. A Project Coordinator based
at Hyderabad will coordinate this team. This Coordinator will access State-level
information about the forthcoming EPHs and pass on the information to the District
Monitors. The District Monitors armed w ith relevant information visit the places where
EPHs are scheduled and educate the people about the environment concerns and the
likelv impact of the forthcoming development project. This exercise will help the people
in solidifying their opinions, and improve their knowledge, which would enable them to
participate in the EPH confidently and opt for the 'best' choice.
This structure will evolve as the activity of the EPH Monitoring Group w idens, and can
include all other NGOs in the local areas.
Project Period
Two vears
Budget
1. Monthly scholarship for 7 youth 7 x 4000 x 24
2. Project Coordinator
1 x 6000 x 24
3. Facilities - Computer and peripherals
Office space
4. Travel and related expenditure
5. Training and Awareness Sessions
5. Publications
6. Newsletter
7. Office costs
8. Miscellaneous
TOTAL
Rs.6.72.000
Rs. 1.44.000
Rs. 1.20.000
Rs.72.000
Rs.3.00.000
Rs.50.000
Rs.3.00.000
Rs. 1.00.000
Rs.2.40.000
Rs.30.000
Rs.20,28,000
Problems or Hurdles
In leual terms, it has to be understood that the EPH is not a recognized forum to arrive at
a final decision whether to implement or not to implement the proposed project because
such an authority rest with the executive (either the State or Central Government).
However, it is bound to become an important instrument in the entire process of
environmental clearance from the government.
Centre for Resource Education
201. Maheshwari Complex. Masab Tank. Hyderabad 500 028 India
Ph. 0091-40-661 3367 E-mail: creind@hd2.dot.net.in
^-s
4^
■X
E/A
V
Schedule IV : Procedure for Public Hearing
Applicant is required to submit 20 copies of the following
documents to the concerned State Pollution Control Board :
Executive Summary containing salient features of
(I)
the project both in English and local language.
Form XIII prescribed under Water (Prevention &
(ii)
Control of Pollution) Rules, 1975 where discharge of
sewage, trade effluents, treatment of water in any
form is required.
Form I prescribed in Air (Prevention & Control of
(iii)
Pollution) Union Territory Rules 1983 where
discharge of emissions are involved in any process,
operation or industry.
(IV)
Any other document/information considered
necessary by the Board for final disposal of the
application.
Comments:
In this process the executive summary is the oniy document
that the public can verify and also have access to, in terms of
its receipt by the board. On points (ii), (iii), (iv) this
information is not available for verification.
Experience:
As regards data of the air quality and water quality, this has
been collected regularly, however on enquiring for this
information the reply given is that such information is
available with the concerned agency, who is involved in
recording such information, whereas the agency appointed is
invariably the Dept of Geography or Geology or Health
Sciences under projects of Central Pollution Control Board or
some United Nations agency. On approaching the concerned
agency collecting such data it is required to give a proper
reasoning and future use of such data as the information is
supposed to be confidential as it is as per the MOU between
the funding agency and the working agency. The reason
given by the agency like CPCB is that only after verifying the
data will it be possible to make it available since they want it
to be free from mistakes. Or is it that they want to change the
figures is a question we need to ask.
In Kolhapur MPCB there is a list of the polluting industries
displayed just outside the office on a board, which is updated
from time to time, it seems to be a good idea.
As regards the ElA document even though the Consultants
promise it is seldom sent by them.
1
Suggestions:
Shouldn't the data of the existing quality of air, land and
water be made public. The issue then is where should it be
made available. In Pune city an NGO called Nirdhar has
installed these boards indicating ambient air quality at
different locations in the city. The way it functions is that the
Dept of Geography, University of Pune provides the
information once a day, which is then displayed at various
locations where the electronic display is put up. This doesn't
really make much sense, because people seem to be too
indifferent as one it is an average of 4 different locations in
Pune and it is changed once every 12 hours.
Any other solution on this ??
Rational:
We are citizens of this country and have a democratic set up
and thereby have a natural right to information as to the
condition of life not only in economic terms but in natural
terms. What is the aim of collecting the information if it
cannot be made available to the citizens ? Is it for only
reporting purposes in the World Resources Report 9
2)
Notice of Public Hearing :
SPCB to publish notice of PH in at least 2 newspapers widely
circulated in the region one in vernacular language,
mentioning the date, time & place of the PH. Suggestions,
views, comments & objections of public be invited within 30
days from the date of publication.
Comments on the Newspaper publication:
The word at least is the one opted for instead of making it an
exception to the rule it is made the rule.
Experience:
Most often the least read paper is chosen, specially in the
area, which is likely to be affected.
2
Suggestion:
It should be more in terms of informing more people about it.
Therefore if there is a widely read district newspaper is one
criteria the other should be the widely read paper in the areas
affected.
Rationale:
To inform the concerned persons.
Comments on the spirit of informing:
The concept is to inform as many persons. The category of
persons being interested (a) residents, (b) beneficiaries, (c)
affected, (d) socially concerned
The question then arises is how can these categories be well
informed if one has to adhere to the spirit of the act and not
just its letter.
Suggestion:
Notice at the Gram Panchayat Office, at the Samaj Mandir,
Gram Sabha, simultaneously the importance of the process
should also be made known.
Rationale:
Participatory approach is the need and not isolation. Also the
decisions have to be informed and not arbitary.
3
(>')
All persons including bona fide residents,
environmental groups &others located at
project site/sites of displacement/ sites
likely to be affected can participate. Oral /
written suggestions can be made to the
SPCB.
Comments:
It is not known whether the ora! or written submissions made
are taken into the reporting of the minutes.
Experience:
The minutes of the meeting are never shown. Thus ora!
submissions whether considered are not known.
During my visit to the Thane - Maharashtra Pollution Control
Board office I was informed that there has been a proposal to
conduct the public hearing in the following manner:
Each person wanting to make their suggestions/ comments
should put it in writing and just come and submit it to the
offices. Thereby no question of discussion, since as it is it is
taken as a firing squad session and nothing much is achieved
in terms of satisfying their queries.
This is a little shocking and totally against the spirit of the act.
Suggestion:
Copy of the minutes should be made available as it is a public
hearing and the public has the right to know whether their
suggestions/comments were taken into consideration.
Also where written submissions are made an explanation
should be provided by the MoEF if the project is cleared on
the grounds of the query raised.
Rationale:
Environment Public Hearing as the name suggests if for the
people and the environment. Public hearing without public
has no meaning therefore their views need to be
acknowledged.
MoEF and the various agencies in this process need to be
accountable and therefore how, why and when the clearance
is given is required to be made public.
3) Composition of PH Panel:
(i)
Representative of SPCB
District Collector or his nominee
(ii)
Representative of State Govt, dealing with the
(iii)
subject
Representative of the Dept of S.Govt. dealing with
(iv)
Environment
Not more than 3 representatives of the local bodies
(V)
such as Municipalities / Panchayats
Not more than 3 senior citizens of the area
(VI)
nominated by the District Collector
Comments:
There are no rules on the whole laid down for further
clarifying the notification. This may be on the assumption that
the officials would apply their minds rationally. However
experience has shown the other way.
There is no dear guidelines regarding the selection of the
pane! members. Short of this the pane! is selected on an ad
hoc basis and the results are known.
The quorum of the meeting is not defined and therefore even
if there are only officials from SPCB, one or two member the
meeting continues.
Experience:
The members seldom raise any meaningful queries. Thus it
feels that they have been managed. A/so many a times the
members are given gifts just before the date of the hearing.
At times the Collector being busy nominates the deputy or the
Sub Divisional Officer. It has also been seen that the SDO
then nominates any other official who may have no
5
understanding of the issue involved thereby making the whole
process nominal.
Sarpanch being the representative of the area is aware of the
problems, if any. His absence in the meeting doesn't really
put forth the issues. Also most often the Sarpanch's demand
is to provide jobs. This is an easier way out for the project
proponent to bribe the locals.
Suggestion:
A qualifying scheme be established specially for the 3
representatives of the Municipalities/ Panchayats/ Senior
citizens nominated by District Collector.
A/so as regards District Collector or his nominee a minimum
officio level be defined. And a clause barring further
nomination.
Quorum to be fixed at 5 and the sarpanch's presence made
compulsory.
Rationale:
To arrive at a conclusive eco-friendly and pro-people decision.
4) Access to Executive Summary : Concerned persons
be provided access to Executive Summary at the
following places:
District Collectors Office
(vi)
(vii) District Industry Centre
(viii) In the office of Chief Executive Officers of ZP /
Commissioner of Municipal Corpn./ Local Body
(ix)
HO of SPCB & its concerned regional office
(x)
Concerned Dept of State Govt, dealing with subject of
environment.
Comments:
Access to documents is a real issue. Firstly what is the
meaning of access to document ? Then whether at the
designated places the documents are really made available ?
Experience:
Access to document is many a times interpreted as being able
to take a look at the document only and if required note down
the points.
Documents are seldom available at the designated places
except at the SPCB office. The Collector and District offices
have number of departments, it is therefore extremely
difficult to know where exactly the document can be accessed
from. Thus wasting a lot of time of the individual. The staff at
both these offices are not only totally unaware of the
document but look at the newspaper notice in total
astonishment.
One of the recent experience was that the Field Officer of the
Regional Office of the MPCB himself was made to run from
pillar to post for keeping the copy of the said Executive
Summary of ElA in the Collectors and District Office, in spite
of being from the government himself.
Suggestion:
The exact place where the document is placed should be
mentioned in the notice itself The offices of the Collector and
the District specially the enquiry centers should be given the
relevant information so that they can direct the persons
concerned and save some time.
4
Genera! Comments/ suggestions:
Process of conducting the hearing:
The technical consultant just reads through the executive summary most of the times
and the information provided is too technical to be understood by the affected people.
It should therefore be simplified and more stress should be given on the socio-economic
impact and the natural resources around.
The Consultants many a times get into the defensive for no reason and instead of
confronting stop the dialogue process. This approach needs to changed if the intension
is for mutual benefit for the residents and the project.
The local representatives of the area are only from the place where the project is
located and not from other areas, which may have secondary impacts. Thus it is
required to define a certain minimum radius covering the area outside the project
where the impacts may be felt.
In case the notice to be given one month in advance to the Gram Panchayat has not
been so done the hearing should be postponed to the one month arising from the date
of receipt in writing from the Gram Panchayat. Moreover such a document should be
sent by registered A.D.
Strategy :
There could be various strategiesJust to enumerate a few:
Lobbying at the Assembly, with politicians
Newspaper campaigns
Awareness generation
Signature campaigns
Meetings/ workshops/ seminars at different levels
Participating in the hearings
Also these strategies could be followed simultaneously, with groups having relevant
expertise in any one or more of the strategies or strategically located or influential.
At Econet the following method is adopted for a public hearing:
Collect the EIA Summary, work out the questions based on logic of their inputs and
outputs in the process involved.
Visit the site where the project is likely to be established, contact the Gram Panchayat
members or Sarpanch. Give them the understanding of the notification and the
8
importance of participation. Investigate as to the existing problems, if any. Urge them
to bring written submissions in case of problems. Inform them regarding the authorities
concerned for complaints and action. Participate in the hearing, raise issues orally,
thereby also check the participation of the locals.
Rational:
The locals are best representatives of the area, being aware of their problems.
Moreover the Sarpanch, who is on the pane! is also aware that the residents of the
place he represents are in front participating in the hearing. AH his commitments,
promises, demands are open to them. This is sufficient pressure building exercise. Also
if the number is large the project proponents and the officials are conscious, which also
builds pressure.
At this point Id like to illustrate few of my experiences:
1) For one of the PH there were nearly 100 locals and had brought along written
submissions against the problems they were facing in their area due to the
industry. Though this industry was a take over case the problems persisted since
last couple of years. The numbers were enough pressure and to top it they were
in black and white. The industry has till date not got the sanction, moreover the
industry is in the process of resolving the problems faced by the locals
practically.
2) The second was where there were again enough participants and one of the
persons came right in front where the pane! sits and held his tape recorder to
record the discussion. He mentioned to the organizers that since the minutes are
not made available he has every right to record so that later on if the issue arises
there is proof of the discussion. Moreover he had got the polluted water from the
area and urged the pane! to drink this instead of the blsleri in order to assess the
problems. Moreover if they are expected to drink that water why should the
pane! be discriminated from tasting it. Finally the locals too are humans.
In the same area when another PH was held it was felt that the same person
who had taken the lead earlier seemed to have cooled off could be due to favors
given by the industry. There were other set of people who had taken the lead
and had sent letters to the Chief Minister for action. At present the Sub Divisional
Officer is looking into the matter with discussion with the locals.
A wiitten complaint was sent by us to the CPCB and one of the companies was
directed to undertake PH in lieu of the notification of 1997. In this matter we
have sent letters to the Board both state and centre for minutes of the hearing,
but no resoonse has been received so far.
3) In another hearing the Sarpanch and the locals reached late and gave in writing
to the Deputy Collector that re-hearing be conducted as they were not present
moreover there was no mention of the time of the hearing m the letter sent
along with the Executive Summary of the EIA and therefore how were the locals
expected to participate without mention of time. Moreover the Summary was
provided only 8 days prior to the hearing, which makes it difficult for the locals to
go through it and give any comments of any kind. They also added the recent
complaint filed at the local Police Station concerning the water pollution and to
all the industries around.
.
4) In yet another hearing this was the first industry to establish and the locals
7 received good amount of compensation for their land under Land Acquisition and
the amount was also paid to them in time, since the politician was from that
area Here since there is no other industry it is difficult to assess the level of
environmental impact. However they have been facing problem from other
industries pollution outside the area.
These all sum up to the fact that it has to be the locals who need to voice their
problems at the appropriate forum. They need to be made aware of their rights and
duties. The change is required to be from within rather than without. NGOs
act only
as facilitators and resource base and supplement where legal action is required without
the locals being active any improvement is just a patchwork.
There is also need for lobbying and advocating this further at the level of influencing
the changes in the laws.
The above effort is to work out a practical workable mechanism that wo^^ ^il^
acceptable for amending the PH provision. Simultaneously efforts on the EIAshou d be
undertaken to improve the existing provision instead of reinventing the wheel by totally
repealing the provision and then enacting a new one m the current scenario where
there is pressure from the projects to relax the already diluted provisions. Retrofitting
may be possible at a later stage.
Adv Ms. K Lolita
Ecorret,Pune
10
Position: 47 (23 views)