Foreword

Allahabad is situated at the auspicious confluence (Sangam) of three holy rivers 'Ganga', 'Yamuna' and the river of enlightenment, the mythical 'Saraswati'. There are very few places parallel to Allahabad not only in India but also around the world, which is described in ancient scriptures as prayag -Prayagraj or Teerthraaj (the holiest pilgrimage centre). With the additional magnetism of Maha Kumbh Mela, hailed as the world's largest congregation of devotees, attended by millions of pilgrims, its importance can hardly be overemphasised. Alongside, the city has served as commercial. academic. tourism and industrial centre of eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining parts of the nearby States. Due to these reasons and also as  a result of   rapidly increasing population. the city has

been subjected to unintended growth without proportionate development of basic civic amenities. This has resulted in lowering the quality of life and consequently the 'State of Environment' of the city is also adversely affected. The symptoms of strain are observed in many areas of the City.

The Central Pollution Control Board conducted in-depth studies during 2001- 02 to assess the present status and to identify the causes of the degraded environmental conditions of the City. Based on the observations made during the studies. the measures for prevention and control of pollution and restoration of healthy living conditions have also been suggested.

I am grateful to my colleagues Dr. B. Sengupta, Sh. B. P. Shukla and Sh. N.K. Gupta for their efforts for preparation of this report. The cooperation extended by U.P. Pollution Control Board and other Central and State Government Organizations viz. UP Jal Nigam (Ganga Pollution Control Unit), India Meteorological Department, Central Ground Water Board, Town & Country Planning Department. Allahabad Nagar Nigam. Allahabad Development Authority, Department of Tourism-Uttar Pradesh, Department of Statistics, Regional Transport Office, Indian Oil Corporation, Allahabad Jal Sansthan. Doctors and Medical Associations of the City and Forest Research Institute, are gratefully acknowledged.

We hope, the report will be useful for the regulatory authorities, policy makers, town planners and other agencies concerned with the environmental.management of Allahabad and other cities of the country.