E-Paper
EMP implementation put on back burner
THE ENVIRONMENTAL Management Plan (EMP) of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is still lying unimplemented. Conceived a decade ago, the responsibility of implementing the plan was bestowed with the Kanpur Development Authority and the Kanpur Municipal Corporation.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL Management Plan (EMP) of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is still lying unimplemented. Conceived a decade ago, the responsibility of implementing the plan was bestowed with the Kanpur Development Authority and the Kanpur Municipal Corporation.
The EMP laid stress on developing a master plan to incorporate environmental considerations into each of the sectors including transport, housing and other urban infrastructure. It was suggested that the hierarchy of the commercial areas be planned to cater to the growth of the city in a way that its interface with transport and housing sector maximize its functions. It concentrated on shifting wholesale markets to the southern part of the city.
Similarly, it suggested that the land belonging to closed industries be put into alternate use such as recreation centres, museums and cultural activity centres instead of re-commissioning industries in the city centre as they might aggravate air pollution.
Besides, it advocated ban on setting up of industries in residential areas. In order to segregate the polluters and the receivers, proper land use control should be enforced by providing adequate green areas and buffer zones. It also suggested development of proper traffic and transportation systems.
But none of the recommendations have been considered by the departments concerned. The plan advised regulated traffic in core areas and commercial areas be decongested with restricted traffic mode.
There was stress upon creating a green belt all around the city to improve the quality of air.
Similarly, thrust was also laid on quality management of drinking water and renovation of the existing sewer system and the system of solid waste management.
However, after a long time, the ambitious EMP could neither be drawn up properly according to the needs of the time nor any serious thought given for implementing it in toto or in selectively.
This created unmanageable difficulties for citizens. But, the question is whether bodies responsible for a better city life will ever implement the plan.
