Foreword

Diu, an islet on the southern fringe of Kathiaward peninsula in the Gulf of Cambay, is one of the two districts of Union Territory of Daman and Diu. It covers an area of 40 sq km and is separated from main land by a narrow channel running through swamp. As of 2001, Diu had a population density of 1103 persons. The uniqueness of the island is its small area, manageable population and limited number of industries. This may help to develop this area into an environment friendly island, which in turn can be an excellent tourist spot due to its picturesque beaches' and ancient monuments. With this in view the Central Pollution Control Board has carried out a study of the environmental status of Diu island.

This report encompasses the quality of air, ground and coastal waters and noise level, besides status of management of solid and biomedical wastes, vehicular and industrial pollution. Special attention has also been given to agriculture, fertilizer and pesticide consumption, fisheries and tourism and extent of forest area. In this respect spectfic mention has to be made that in Diu the casuarina plantation by Forest Department has been remarkably successful in preventing sand dunes from shifting and encroaching nearby farm land. Collective efforts from Government Departments involving all sections of people are required to achieve the dream of an environment-friendly island, the Diu.

Sustained efforts made by a group of my colleagues in executing the work and bringing out this report has a long standing value. We are grateful to the administration of.. the Union Territory of Daman and Diu, especially the Pollution Control Committee, Collectorate of Diu, Municipal Council, Departments of Agriculture, Forest, Fisheries and Tourism, Industrial Training Institute (ITI), hotel association and people of Diu in general for their co-operation by providing information and data during survey and monitoring.

We hope that the present study would provide the basic data on Diu environment and may serve the purpose of those concerned with the environment of Diu and may help in making Diu an environment friendly island in the long run.