State of

ENVIR NMENT

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Chandigarh - 2012

Shivraj V. Patil

Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Raj Bhavan, Punjab

Union Territory, Chandigarh

Foreword

The dominant theme, of the National Environment Policy, is that while conservation of

environmental resources is necessary, the most secure basis for conservation is to ensure that people,

dependent on particular resources, obtain a better livelihood from the process of conservation, than

from degradation of the scheme. Keeping this theme in view, the Chandigarh Administration has

initiated various schemes for the sustainable development of the city. The Administration is committed

to create a clean and healthy environment for its residents, commuters and the tourists visiting the 'city

beautiful'. At the same time, all of us have to discharge our legal and ethical responsibilities, towards

environmental conservation.

In order to ensure dignified life and healthy environment, for the slum dwellers, the

Administration is making efforts to make Chandigarh 'slum free' city, by rehabilitating all slum

inhabitants under the Rehabilitation Scheme. The Administration is also developing new parks and

green belts every year and maintaining the old ones to further improve its existing green cover, which is

approx 38% of its geographical area.

I am glad that the Department of Environment in collaboration with ENVIS has brought out a

report on the 'State of Environment of Chandigarh -2012'. This report will be a valuable document, for all

concerned with the environment and the development. This will also help to formulate and execute

environmental action plans and strategies to further improve the state of the environment of

Chandigarh and the welfare of its people.

I am confident that different departments of Chandigarh Administration and of Punjab &

Haryana Government will make full use of this report, for the sustainable development of Chandigarh

and its surrounding area.

[Shivraj V. Patil]

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K. K. Sharma, IAS Adviser to the Administrator

Union Territory of Chandigarh

Preface< J Chandigarh is one of the greenest city of India, with approx 38% of its geographical area under

green cover. It has many other feathers in its crown like the best drainage system, wider roads, highest

per capita income and the highest living standards.

Chandigarh Administration has taken firm steps to control the projected deterioration in the

environment of the city by initiating various environment friendly projects like establishment of

Botanical Garden, green belts, parks and water-bodies. Administration has imposed a complete ban on

the manufacture and use of polythene carry bags in order to save the environment from further

degradation. To collect, collate and disseminate environment related data & information and to make

the residents of Chandigarh, especially the students, aware of the situation, a number of Eco- Clubs and

Environment Societies have been formed in educational institutions.

I am glad that the Environment Department of Chandigarh Administration in collaboration

with ENVIS has prepared a report on the "State of Environment of Chandigarh-2012". This report covers

six key environmental issues that include land degradation, air pollution, noise, water pollution, waste

management with particular reference to the municipal solid waste management and the forests and

bio-diversity.

I hope this report would be useful in spreading awareness among the readers about the

environmental issues concerning Chandigarh. This will also help the authorities in the future planning

of the city based on the sound principles ofenvironment.

( K.K. Sharma )

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State of

ENVIR NMENT Chandigarh - 2012

D. K. Tiwari, IAS Secretary Environment,

Chandigarh Administration, Chandigarh

Preface

Chandigarh with 'State-of-the-Art' infrastructure is a well planned city of India. Exotic

gardens, green belts and beautiful road avenues are its beauty. Chandigarh is one of the least polluted

Cities of world with high dispersion rate of pollutants due to open spaces all over the city.

The present report entitled 'the State of Environment of Chandigarh-2012', brought out

by the ENVIS (Environmental Information System) Centre, Department of Environment, Chandigarh

Administration, brings in notice various issues pertaining to the environment of Chandigarh. Rapid

growth of the city in terms of urbanization and commercialization has affected the pattern of land use

significantly. There is steep increase in the number of motorized vehicles in the city that affects

adversely the quality of air.

Administration has been keen on monitroing and controlling the air quality by taking

effective steps. Variuos departments of Chandigarh Administration have achieved the massive targets

of plantations in Chandigarh. Chandigarh (96.2 per cent) record the highest household coverage of solid

waste collection in the country (MoUD, Government of India 2010)

This report on the 'State of Environment of Chandigarh-2012’ will help the people to

understand the key issues related to the environment and will also help the policy makers to establish

synergy between development and environment.

(D. K. Tiwari)

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State of

ENVIR NMENT

« ___ _ Chandigarh - 2012

Acknowledgement

The first report on 'state of Environment Chandigarh' was published in 2004. That report

highlighted three environmental issues viz; air pollution, noise, and land degradation. The second report on 'state of Environment of Chandigarh' was published in 2008 highlighting Land Use Pattern, Air

Quality, Noise, Water, Forest and Waste Management. The present report, i.e. the state of environment

of Chandigarh-2012 has been prepared by Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Centre,

Department of Environment, Chandigarh Administration. This covers seven environmental issues that

include Land Use Pattern, Air Quality, Water, Waste Management, Climate, Forests and Energy. The

report highlights the current status of environment of Chandigarh and recommends the remedial

measures to further ameliorate the environment.

I am extremely indebted to His Excellency, Shri Shivraj V. Patil, the Governor of Punjab & the

Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh for his constant guidance & encouragement for preparing the

comprehensive report. His concern for the people and the Environment of Chandigarh has been a

constant source of inspiration for all of us.

I am extremely thankful to Shri K. K. Sharma, IAS, Advisor to Administrator for sparing his

valuable time and putting in extra efforts in giving final shape to the report.

I express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Shri D. K. Tiwari, IAS, Secretary (Environment &

Forests), Chandigarh Administration for actively supporting this initiative.

I am highly grateful to Sh. P.J.S. Dadhwal, Additional Director [Environment] & Co-ordinator

ENVIS Centre and his team comprising Er. Arun Bansal [Sr. Programme Officer] & Mr. Surinder Sharma

[Data Entry Operator], who had made valuable contributions in preparation of this report.

The co-operation in providing useful inputs by the departments of Engineering UT, Deputy

Commissioner's office, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Registering & Licensing Authority,

Transport, Land Acquisition office, Industries Department, Town Planning, Tourism Department,

Economics & Statistics Department, Panjab University and Steering Committee members, is highly

appreciated. My thanks are due to all the staff members of Environment Department for their constant

support.

With valuable inputs & suggestions from all the department s/agencies, I am sure, this report

would prove to be another milestone in making Chandigarh a clean & eco-friendly city.

[Santosh Kumar], IFS

Conservator of Forests & Director Environment

Chandigarh Administration

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