The maxim that "everybody's business is nobody's business" does not hold good in regard to environmental issues. With the growing concern for environmental protection as evinced in the media, public complaints, NGO activities and judicial pronouncements, it can hardly be over-emphasised that environmental safety is everybody's business as individuals as well as communities belonging to different sections of civil society. The various wings of the Government including the agencies designated for planning, promotion and coordination of environmental activities are expected to perform useful supportive role.

During the year 2002, the initiatives for prevention and control of pollution gained momentum in different walks of life. In its role as a technical advisory body and a regulatory agency, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) contributed its mite in Preventive, Promotional and Mitigative (PPM) measures. Based on monitoring in different parts of the country, we gathered and disseminated scientific data and information on the status and trends in environmental quality. On our own and in association with specialised institutions, we took up research studies resulting in development and refinement of new methodologies for monitoring and control of pollution from different sources. Besides identifying the areas of concern, we provided technical assistance and guidelines to the concerned agencies in formulation of action plans. For capacity building in the Pollution Control Boards, we organised training programmes and secured funding for strengthening their laboratories and infrastructural facilities. To catalyse partnership among the stakeholders, we inter-acted with the student communities, NGOs, industry and civic authorities. We continued to render technical inputs to the Government for framing policies, laws and regulations; to the judiciary for dealing with Public Interest Litigations (PILs); to the State Pollution Control Boards, industry, and others concerned with implementation of pollution control requirements. We advised and directed the State Pollution Control Boards/Committees regarding enforcement of pollution control standards. In certain cases, we took direct action against defaulters. During the year, an important exercise was undertaken for formulating a Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection (CREP) in regard to highly polluting categories of industry. The Charter is to provide a road map to the industry for voluntary commitments to reduce effluents and emissions through progressive upgradation of technologies, waste management systems and in-plant practices. Demonstration projects for bio-medical waste management in selected hospitals, projects for implementation of municipal solid waste management rules and Eco-city programme for environmental improvement of small towns in partnership with the municipal authorities are among the new initiatives taken by us during the year.

In this special issue of Parivesh, we have made an attempt to highlight some of our activities during the year 2002.

We look forward to support and involvement of all in the pursuit of pollution control for the well-being of present and future generations.