CHENNAI: G. Thiyagarajan, chairman, Supreme Court Monitoring Committee, on Saturday stressed the need for an eternal vigil on the part of the people, as demonstrated in the Clemenceau episode, to tackle problems related to hazardous waste management.

The environmental disaster that was unfolding on the country's shores was nipped in the bud, thanks to French President Jacques Chirac ordering the asbestos-lined warship back home. Protests by students, non-governmental organisations, such as Green Peace, and the Left parties had also contributed to the decision, he told a seminar on "Integrated Hazardous Waste Management," conducted here by the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

"Our environment is our greatest asset, and it has become an eyesore for many other countries," Mr. Thiyagarajan said. He accused some advanced countries of disobeying conditions related to movement of hazardous waste.

As for "home generated waste," 45 lakh tonnes of hazardous waste was generated a year. Around "75 per cent of this colossal amount arises from four States — Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu."

Making it clear that "ultimately, political will and support at the Centre and in the States is crucial for successful implementation of the directives of the apex court," he said the monitoring committee had been striving for bringing together all four key actors — industries, pollution control boards, Government and polity — to solve the problems of hazardous waste management.

The major waste producing States were placed in three categories. Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh qualified for the category of States in compliance, establishing well-planned and well-organised treatment storage and disposal facility infrastructure. Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu fell in the category of States not in compliance, but committed to comply with the already specified timeframes. There were also States, which were not in compliance. Despite being a major chemical manufacturing State, Tamil Nadu had not created a landfill, Mr.Thiyagarajan said.

N.R. Krishnan, former Environment Secretary, who inaugurated the seminar, said industries intending to do business with the European Union had to take note of certain new directives issued by the European Commission.

Chamber president V. Balaraman said the seminar would help the participants understand regulations pertaining to the laws and procedures for obtaining approval, learn how to identify and manage hazardous waste and gain complete understanding of the disposal procedures.

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