This National Implementation Plan (NIP) provides an understanding of the measures India aims to undertake to meet its obligations under Article 7 of the Stockholm Convention. The NIP consists of six chapters: 1. Introduction; 2. Country Baseline; 3. Evaluation of Country Situation on POPs; 4. NIP- Strategies and Action Plans; 5. Proposals on and priorities for long term capacity building for Convention Implementation; and 6. Financial requirements and arrangements. Chapter 1 states the objectives, aims and the methodology for development of the NIP. It also discusses India’s support to the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Chapter 2 provides India’s country profile including the institutional, political and legislative framework. It highlights the constitutional mandate on environmental protection and existing legislation and regulations addressing chemicals including POPs. Chapter 3 consists of assessment of various chemicals such as POPs pesticides, PCBs, DDT, HCB etc. in respect of their legal status, production, trade, stockpiles, health implication, disposal etc. It also discusses the existing programmes for monitoring releases of POPs releases, impact on environment and wildlife and food contamination. Chapter 4 provides the priorities for implementation of NIP such as environmentally sound management and final disposal of PCBs, management of medical waste, development and promotion of non-POPs alternatives to DDT. Some of the strategies and action plans recommended under the NIP include legal and regulatory strengthening measures; increasing public awareness; disposal of stockpiles; significant release reduction and developing emission standards; waste re-using and recycling; prohibiting intentional burning of wastes; implementing education programmes for students, teachers of ecology and doctors of toxicology; establishment of constant monitoring system; promotion the development of substitute or modified materials, products and processes; information access and exchange; and reporting. Chapter 5 lays down proposals and priorities for capacity building for the immediate, medium and long term. Chapter 6 mentions the financial requirements for implementation of the NIP.
India · 2011-04-01