GEC Alang Report (Main Document Part III)

Ecological Restoration and Planning for
Alang-Sosiya Ship-Breaking Yard, Gujarat
10
ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT PLAN
10.1 NEED OF A MANAGEMENT

PLAN
An overall environmental management plan for

the areas in and around ASSBY is attempted in
this chapter based on the data and analyses covered
in the previous chapters. The approach is to
recommend a plan which can be implemented. Any
theoretical plan, which may look ideal, would be
meaningless if it ignores realities of the situation.
The guiding principles in formulation of such a
plan basically include:
(a) maintenance of the values and functions of

coastal marine ecosystems by proper
assessment and integration of different sub-
systems (e.g., onshore, intertidal, and
offshore and,
(b) involvement of all the stakeholders, from

local to regional levels, in the
implementation processes.
10.1.1 Preparation of such an

environmental management plan for ASSBY and
its adjacent areas, therefore, puts a precondition
to identify the problems at both the sub-system
levels and in integrated terms. The preceding
chapters discussed in detail the various parameters
covering the environmental problems at different
sub-system levels. Table 10.1 summarises the
various physio-chemical and biological parameters
of intertidal and offshore regions and compares
the control and ASSBY situations. It was recorded
that intertidal zone has relatively higher degree of
pollution as compared to the offshore regions.
Furthermore, in both the intertidal and offshore
regions, various parameters of water, sediments
and macro/micro-organisms clearly indicate that
the samples from ASSBY area recorded higher
values than the control sites, suggesting the higher
pollution loading due to shipbreaking activities.
Distribution of heavy metals discussed in chapters
on intertidal and
134
Table 10.1 Summary of various parameters of intertidal and offshore areas.
SN Parameters Control ASSBY Pollution

NC SC Indication
A INTERTIDAL
A.1 Water
DO (mg/l) 5.8 -5.2 5.5 - 5.7 5.1 - 5.5 -
BOD (mg/l) 0 - 5.0 0 2.1 - 23.7 ++
COD (mg/l) 0 - 15.4 0 - 5.4 4.3 - 56.8 ++
NH4 19.2 - 22.3 8.3 - 10.8 11.5 - 17.4 -
PO4 11.6 - 16.1 8.6 - 12.5 10.7 - 18.2 -
Heavy Metals (ug/g)
Fe 127.4 124.8 128.8 - 248.0 +
Mn 20.1 25.7 28.6 - 188.5 +++
Zn 51.5 38.0 30.2 - 61.5 -
Cu Trace Trace Trace -
Pb Trace Trace Trace -
Ni Trace Trace Trace -
Oil / PHC 0 - 26.3 0 - 3.3 11.0 - 98.0 +++
A.2 Sediments
N (ug/kg) 10 12 188 - 438 +++
P (ug/kg) 18 16.0 -46.0 35 - 188 +++
Oil /PHC Trace Trace 10 - 450 +++
Heavy Metals (Bottom)
Fe 75190 71550 78200 - 84420 +
Mn 1290 1150 1250 - 1350 -
Zn 108 129 100 - 273 ++
Cu 106 109 106 - 186 ++
Pb 12 15 12 - 26 +
Ni 111 84 66 - 84 -
Heavy Metals (Suspended)
Fe 81060 81410 75890 - 84980 -
Mn 1290 1120 1250 - 1580 +
Zn 130 140 163 - 391 ++
Cu 100 103 109 - 128 +
Pb 8 19 17 - 29 +
Ni 96 87 84 -111 +
A.3 Macro-benthic Organisms
Soft Substrate
Density (No./m2) 7026 - 14206 1096 - 8103 616 - 5764 ++
Biomass (g/m2) 25.8 - 151.9 16.1 - 79.3 3.4 - 18.9 +++
Taxa richness 8-9 9 - 11 3 -9 ++
Group Diversity 0.5 - 0.6 0.6 - 1.8 0.09 - 0.9 ++
Rocky Substrate
Density (No./m2) 14392 32947-63445 4180 - 22968 ++
Biomass (g/m2) 24.9 3.4 - 451.5 6.6 - 336.0 +
Species richness 6 16 3-9 ++
contd ...
135
Table 10.1 contd.
SN Parameters Control ASSBY Pollution

NC SC Indication
A.4 Bacterial Micro-organisms
Total Number (x107 /ml) 18 15 - 21.5 +
Aerobic 9.5 5.2 - 8.5 +
Agrolytic 2 0.64 - 0.67 -
Chitinolytic 3 1.4 - 56.3 ++
Cellulolytic 7 22 - 36 ++
B OFFSHORE
B.1 Water
DO (mg/l) 5.3 - 7.1 6.7 - 7.9 5.3 - 7.9 -
BOD (mg/l) 0.6 - 3.4 1.4 - 3.6 0.5 - 6.6 +
TSM (Surface) 57.6 - 864.0 56.2 - 2476.0 14.6 - 2995 -
TSM (Bottom) 156.4 - 446.6 43.2 - 2720 39.8 - 4010 -
NH4 1 - 15 0 - 8.5 0 - 42.5 +
PO4 75.5 - 146.0 73 - 99 50.0 - 173.0 +
Oil /PHC 18 - 31.3 12.7 - 113.2 8.7 - 181.5 +
B.2 Sediment
Heavy Metal (Bottom)
Fe 77220 44620 - 68190 59940 - 81550 +
Mn 1180 990 - 1790 1110 - 1690 -
Zn 112 63 - 105 71 - 136 +
Cu 84 61 - 84 64 - 90 -
Pb 20 12 - 15 11 - 23 -
Ni 19 54 - 63 63 - 84 +
Heavy Metal (Suspended)
Fe 75400 - 74700 - 77570 69590 - 84980 +
Mn 79250 1450 - 1910 1220 - 1720 -
Zn 1460 -1920 114 - 134 108 -374 ++
Cu 90 - 180 93 - 109 100 - 119 -
Pb 100 - 116 12 - 22 12 - 20 -
Ni 16 - 25 78 - 84 75 -90 -
75 - 87
B.3 Phytoplanktons
Population (No. /lit) 5600 - 19600 3200 - 14000 3200 - 16000 -
Pigments (ug/l)
Chl. ‘a’ 0 5 - 1.1 0.5 - 1.7 0.5 - 2.7 -
Phaeophytin 0 - 5.3 0.2 - 4.7 0 - 4.9 -
B.4 Zooplankton
Population (No./m3) 240 - 1566 652 - 14036 208 - 19698 -
B.5 Foraminifora
Population 37478 501 - 7689 2124 - 27832 -
136
offshore regions further highlights that the samples breaking activities. The oil and heavy metal
from M-ASSBY (Mid-ASSBY), being the oldest pollution of water and sediments, changing the
running shipbreaking area, recorded relatively composition and
higher pollution load than the other ASSBY areas fig 10.1
(N-ASSBY and S-ASSBY). Relatively higher
concentration of heavy metals (like Fe, Mn, Zn, biomass of macro and micro organisms in the
Cu, Pb and Ni) in the sediments of ASSBY areas, intertidal and offshore regions, are a matter of
in general, indicates that though these metals have concern. In addition, these activities also result in
not reached critical limits, they are slowly but discharge of solid waste in all the three subsystems,
surely accumulating there. though due to high tidal current in the offshore
subsystem such waste gets diffused to a large
10.1.2 In depth analysis of modus operandi extent. Further, though there is no quantitative
of the entire shipbreaking activity; physio-chemical evidence, some degree of air and noise pollution
and biological parameters of onshore, intertidal is also felt during the ship-breaking activities
and offshore sub-systems; socio-economic (Annex 10.1), which in turn affect the efficiency
condition of ASSBY labour and neighbouring of workers. With the growth of ship-breaking
villages; and, other associated activities in and industry, several ancillary activities like rerolling
around ASSBY, help visualise the complexity of of steel, transport services, oxygen and LPG
environmental and human problems in an bottling, etc., also flourish in the area. Since there
integrated manner. Three major sources were is no regulatory zoning of the area, these activities/
identified for different types of environmental industries have grown in a haphazard manner in
problems in ASSBY area, namely, the area causing a different set of environmental
problems in and around ASSBY. Further, due to
1. poor living condition of workers due to rapid industrial development, the land use pattern
inadequate housing facilities and poor civic in the vicinity of ASSBY is undergoing change
amenities in the slums adjacent to ASSBY; causing rise in prices of land in certain areas.
2. the method of ship-breaking; and, 10.1.5 It was observed that while problems
like solid waste pollution, air/noise pollution and
3. other activities associated with the ship- occupational hazards, stem from different sources,
breaking industry. problems like high organic matter pollution, oil
and heavy metal pollution, change in floral and
10.1.3 Nine different types of faunal ecology and changes in land use pattern,
environmental issues are linked with the above basically arise from a single major source. In
three major sources. Fig. 10.1 shows the various similar terms, many of the identified problems
sources of different environmental problems and recorded wide ranging influence by affecting more
their influence zones (sub-systems). Unplanned than one sub-system. In this context, the approach
growth of slums, as discussed in the chapter on to management planning has to mainly focus on
socio-economic conditions, has resulted in lack of curbing the problem at its source.
many essential amenities like medical facilities,
drainage and sewage systems, supply of potable
water, and housing facilities, etc. As a result of 10.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE
these, while the workers, the main residents of MANAGEMENT PLAN
slums, face many health related problems; there is
loading of high organic matter in the intertidal
The overall objectives for planning of this area is
and even offshore regions. The substandard living
to maintain (or restore) the conditions of the
conditions also cause proliferation of different types
marine ecosystem, ensure sustained economic
of pathogen both in onshore and, as study reveals,
development and provide healthy living
in intertidal zones.
conditions.
Sub-objective 1: Maintenance (or restoration) of
10.1.4 Let us now look at the environmental
the marine ecosystem by:
problems which are directly caused by the ship-
137
Fig. 10.1 Integrated environmental cause-effect relationships
138
l improving the water and sediment quality, high mixing rate in this region caused by high
tidal regimes. Decomposition of this load of
l protecting the native biodiversity, and organic matter has also resulted in somewhat
higher levels of NH4-N and NO2-N. Of particular
l maintaining natural ecosystem functions. concern, however, is the fact that several pathogens
have been isolated from this system. Since it has
Sub-objective 2: Sustained economic development been proved that most of the pathogens do not
and industrial growth may be achieved through: survive in sea water for any significant length of
time, the continuing presence of pathogens
l providing healthy living conditions and observed in the intertidal zone may be due to
raising the quality of life, sustained input of pathogens into the subsystem.
The source of human waste into the marine system
l increasing the efficiency of human is predominantly the non-point discharge from
resources through training and onshore region and direct defecation in the
modernisation, and intertidal region. The problem, therefore, needs
to be addressed at the source, by a method of
l limiting the cost of environmental collection, concentration and treatment. This
measures. requires development of proper sanitation facilities,
provision for appropriate sewerage system and
treatment mechanism. An equally important step
10.3 MANAGEMENT OF THE would be to ensure the use and maintenance of
MARINE ECOSYSTEM these facilities through an elaborate programme
of awareness generation. These are dealt with in
detail in the following section related to the
Protection of the marine ecosystem and
development of housing facilities and town
improvement in the quality of water, sediment and
planning (section 10.4).
biotic features can be achieved through a series of
measures for control of pollution and protection
of biodiversity.
10.3.1.2 Control of oil and PHC
10.3.1 Measures for pollution
Oil and PHC have been recorded in the entire study
control
area. On one occasion particularly higher
concentrations were noted at 5 km offshore zone,
The major threats to the marine ecosystem in this perhaps as a result of operational spills or illegal
region are in the form of increased loading of dumping at that point of time since the
human waste, other organic materials such as oil concentration at 1 km and 3 km was found to be
and PHC, heavy metals and solid wastes (including lower at the same time. The presence of oil and
debris, insulation and packaging materials, etc.). PHC in offshore area as we observed appears to be
Since these are all anthropogenic inputs into the a freak situation since the prevailing system of
system, the thrust of the management plan should inspection, delivery, and beaching of the ship is
be on the development of alternate mechanisms unlikely to cause any release of oil and PHC far
for disposal. away from the coast. Presence of oil and PHC
results in a much more drastic reduction in the
level of dissolved oxygen from the system. Excess
10.3.1.1 Control of human waste of oil and hydrocarbons might also result in the
formation of tar balls and gather in the intertidal
Increasing input of human waste has resulted in region, smothering the life-forms existing therein.
higher levels of BOD and COD in the aquatic The functioning of gills and other vital organs of
system. The natural consequence should have been many fish and planktonic species is often impaired
a lowering of the dissolved oxygen content. due to higher levels of oil and PHC. Although the
However, the present data do not reveal any present levels, in general, do not seem to have
alarming decline in DO, due to the particularly caused any direct quantifiable damage to the native
139
flora and fauna in the intertidal area, it has carbon and various types of fumes which
potential to rapidly emerge as a major cause for will need to be contained by adjusting the
concern. stack height and installing electro-static
precipitators (ESPs), while the unburnt
The control and management of oil and PHC will sand and gravel might be reused.
essentially include a three-pronged programme, as
under: As sufficient area is available at ASSBY, in
addition, organised land filling system, an
(a) Minimising spills : Spills may occur during alternative to incineration, but which requires
off-loading of oil from the vessel before it larger area, can also be tried on an experimental
is scrapped. It is recommended that the basis, as it will also be much less costly.
entire system of off-loading of oil may be
reviewed by GMB and suitable measures (c) Monitoring : In addition GMB personnel
be adopted for eliminating spillage at any at Alang should also keep an eye by simple
stage. The current regulation provides that visual monitoring looking for any tar ball
the oil shall not be discharged or released that might appear on the coastline, either
in the sea. The issue, therefore, is of at ASSBY or 10-15 km north and south of
effective compliance of this regulation. It it. In view of the pollution potential by oil-
appears from the entire process -inspection, PHC, it is recommended that an
delivery and shipbreaking - chances of oil independent agency may be entrusted with
spillage would occur after the ship is the task of monitoring the intertidal area.
beached for breaking. GMB should, GMB may like to consider either the
therefore, provide for surprise inspection Biology Department of Bhavnagar
of the plots to check any spillage of oil. A University or CSMCRI to undertake the
monitoring mechanism is suggested in task of this monitoring and submit reports
section 10.5. to GMB at regular intervals.
(b) Proper disposal of non-recoverable residue

: At the ship-breaking yard, the non- 10.3.1.3 Control of heavy metal
recoverable residue is usually scraped from pollution
all the sides, generally with the help of sand
and gravel, and the entire waste is disposed
Many of the heavy metal concentrations, except
of indiscriminately. Scraping is an essential
Fe, Mn and Zn, in the water samples were below
pre-requisite for cutting which, otherwise, the detection limits of ICP Electron Spectrometer.
is a fire hazard. Integrating environmental However, the concentrations in suspended and
concern into this activity may simply be
bottom sediments did indicate a relative
achieved by burning this waste in an
enrichment, particularly with regard to Fe, Mn and
incinerator. A common incineration facility
Cu. Heavy metals are of particular concern to
for the purpose may be installed and
human beings because of their tendency to
managed by GMB. accumulate in the tissues of planktonic and benthic
organisms which form the major constituents in
A Rotary kiln type incinerator may be
the food of fish and other larger animals. When
recommended for this purpose. The
the concentrations in the tissues of fish and larger
capacity and exact specifications of the
animals occur they are many times more than the
incinerator would depend upon the quantity
concentrations observed in water and sediments
and chemical properties of the waste due to the process of biomagnification and can
generated at Alang, which will require reach toxic proportions when consumed by human
further detail study. The incinerator should
beings. Minamata and itai itai are some of the well
be located at a place, at or around ASSBY,
documented diseases of this nature.
easily accessible by the shipbreakers from
all the plots to bring the solid waste for
On the positive side it may be noted that the present
incineration. The burnt oil would generate concentration of heavy metals in the water and
140
sediments in ASSBY area are within limits and see that the disturbance to sediments is kept to the
the nature of sediments provide for greater bare minimum. It is essential that no dredging is
adsorption capabilities. However, continuous input carried out in this sensitive area.
of heavy metals into the system will lead to
increasing saturation of this sediment sink as is 10.3.1.4 Control of solid waste
evident from the higher concentrations recorded disposal
from the intertidal zone of mid-ASSBY, the oldest
zone of ship-breaking activities. Therefore, given
Dismantling of machinery, equipments, gadgetry
the fact that the sediment is the ultimate sink for
and other installations from within the ships
heavy metals whose scavenging capabilities are
invariably leads to the generation of large
finite, it is imperative that every effort is made to
quantities of debris which is of little commercial
reduce its entry into the system accompanied by a
value. These include broken pieces of cement,
comprehensive monitoring programme.
concrete and tiles, small scraps from rusted iron
plates and other metallic pieces, packaging and
Heavy metals and other toxic materials form the
insulation material like glasswool, asbestos pieces,
essential ingredients of anti-fouling paints
wooden pieces, corks, thermocol pieces, rubber
covering particularly the submerged portions of
pipes, plastics, etc.
the exterior of a ship's hull. These are released in
the marine environment during the "forced
This solid waste either gets submerged or floats
beaching" process in which the undersurface of
on the surface, settling finally on the coastline.
the hull is dragged over the beach to its final resting
While there is currently no estimate of the nature
position. Thereafter, the paint coat is often
and quantum of submerged debris, there is need
manually scraped so as to avoid any fire hazard at
for manual removal of floating debris that has
the time of cutting.
accumulated all along the coastline. GMB may
arrange for removal of accumulated solid waste
While it may not be feasible to change the method
on and around the shoreline.
of "forced beaching" that is currently followed, the
scraping of paint could be contained to the bare
GMB has incorporated in its MoU with
minimum in the intertidal zone. Also, a system
shipbreakers that the material mentioned in this
for collecting the scraped material may be
para which do not have commercial value shall be
developed for onshore disposal, preferably at pre-
dumped at predetermined sites and no such
selected land-fills. Any other scraping should
material will be allowed to find its way into the
invariably take place in the on-shore region for
intertidal or onshore areas. It will be better if GMB
similar mode of final disposal.
lays down suitable penal provision. GMB, on its
part, will have to create dumps at regular distance
It is recommended that a system of dry-docking
behind the plots for dumping of such materials.
may be experimented with, in which a plot will
GMB may arrange for segregation and disposal of
have walls on two sides and a lock-gate opening
such materials. Whatever is combustible and has
into the sea. The base could be covered by a tough
no commercial value may be incinerated. The
synthetic material (to withstand abrasion during
broken pieces of cement and other hard material,
"forced beaching") and the entire space cleaned
which is non-combustible, may be crushed and
before another ship is allowed in. However, even
used as filling and building material during the
for a pilot implementation, a detailed technical
development of onshore infrastructure.
feasibility study will be required.
Sediments form a sink for heavy metals and, as

seen in the preceding chapters, the sediments at 10.3.2 Protection of biodiversity
the ASSBY region are particularly good as
scavengers. However, these heavy metals might The second Conference of Parties (Jakarta,
get into the water column through processes such December 1995) has identified the following
as lowering of pH, disturbance and mixing of factors that threaten biodiversity in coastal and
sediments, etc. Therefore, care should be taken to marine ecosystems :
141
l Physical alteration, 10.4 MEASURES FOR

UPGRADATION OF ACTIVITIES
l Destruction and degradation of habitats,
Pollution, As we have seen earlier, India (and ASSBY in
particular) has a natural potential for increasing
l Invasion of alien species, and
its market share in the ship-breaking and re-rolling
industry. However, to realise the full potential,
l Over-exploitation of living marine and
several measures need to be taken for streamlining
coastal resources.
of activities, partial mechanisation and
development of skills of the work force. This will
In the ASSBY region, the issue of pollution ensure improvements in the overall efficiency of
deserves priority and may be addressed as
ship-breaking at each plot, limit the number of
mentioned in the previous sections. The geo-
labour population to roughly the present level and
environmental set-up of the region ensure that the
prepare ASSBY for availing of additional
ship-breaking activities do not interfere with the
opportunities.
coastal processes in any significant manner and
hence major physical alterations are ruled out.
Fishing activities are currently minimal in ASSBY
and neighbouring coastal area which may be totally
10.4.1 Development of backyards
closed down in a phased manner within three years.
Since ships are coming into this region from all It is felt that in future more and more of
over the world, introduction of alien species cannot shipbreaking activity should be moved away from
be ruled out. It is, therefore, recommended that the wet area. Currently, heavy metals settle down
any life form that is consciously brought by these in the intertidal zone some of which with toxicity
ships be declared, clinically examined and put might get into the food chain of fish, etc. To obviate
under appropriate quarantine measures, if such possibility it would be advisable to provide
necessary. A certificate to this effect may be additional space to shipbreakers, contiguous to
obtained from the seller of the ship. their current plots, but on the onshore zone.
Since ASSBY is strategically located at the mouth This extra space may be utilised for organising
of the Gulf of Khambhat, it will be in the larger the activities, which will include some additional
societal interest that mangrove plantations are activities relocated to this zone under the proposed
undertaken in a phased manner in suitable revised scheme. The idea is to restrict activities in
neighbouring areas such as the mouth of the river the intertidal zone to only dismantling of the super-
Shetrunji, Gopnath coast, Mithivirdi and Ghogha. structure and cutting the hull into very large blocks.
Preference will have to be given to the more salt The second and third order of cutting these steel
tolerant species like Avicennia sp. since the inflow plates, scraping of rusted scales and paints (if
of freshwater in these regions is quite low and necessary), storage of material and equipments and
erratic. The forest department of the State transportation can then be better organised in these
Government may be invited to work for the backyards. It would then be possible to develop a
greening of this coastline and also the onshore system of collecting any waste (recommended in
green belt proposed later. para 10.2.1.4) that is generated in the process and
deal with it appropriately, rather than allowing it
It will be essential to regularly monitor the status to find its way into the sea. It is proposed that this
of flora and fauna, both offshore and onshore so additional space be proportional to their current
that damage to various life forms, if any, is detected lease area.
in time and remedial action taken. It is
recommended that the task of monitoring of 10.4.2 Mechanisation and
biodiversity in and around ASSBY may be improvement of skills
assigned to Bhavnagar University, for which, if
necessary, its laboratory and other infrastructure Alang would have to be equipped to break more
may be augmented/upgraded. ships (with same number of workers by improving
142
efficiency) rather than shifting the additional will complement such skill-enhancement
tonnage, which may be available in future to new measures. Moreover, general training and
sites. Firstly, Alang does have surplus capacity awareness programmes on health, hygiene, social
even now since several plots remain unutilised for security, environmental protection, occupational
long periods. Secondly, Alang has the proven hazards, safety etc. may be worked out. It is
advantage of terrain for beaching which will have recommended that GMB may constitute a working
to be proven at a new site. Thirdly, purely from group consisting of representatives of GMB,
environmental angle, Alang has proved to be a shipbreakers and experts in the field to examine
relatively safer site since the damage caused to the the suggestions made here to decide on long term
intertidal zone and onshore in 15 years is still planning for shipbreaking industry at Alang.
containable. It will, from the point of view of
maintaining ecological balance, be advisable to
examine the maximum carrying capacity of Alang 10.4.3 Safety measures
for shipbreaking after ensuring optimum use of
existing infrastructure and resources and
Although mechanisation and improvement of
considering some modernisation and skills will help in the safe operation at work, it is
mechanisation of operations. Any additional of utmost importance that the necessary safety
shipbreaking at Alang, however, should be done
measures should be taken to minimise the accidents
by maintaining the work force at the current level.
and the damage caused by them. It is recommended
The major machinery currently used in ASSBY
that the GMB should take into consideration the
are the TATA 320 cranes of 18 ton capacity which
following points
pose a finite limit to the size of the blocks that are
hauled up on the shore to about 12 tons each. It is l The GMB should set procedure and ensure
suggested that the capacity of this first order cutting
its compliance through the shipbreakers for
may be developed with the help of experts. This
carrying out welding/cutting of vessels
may entail improved cutting equipment (such as
containing flammable/hazards materials.
laser units), much larger hauling facilities and
development of appropriate skills. l Facilities to identify the unknown
chemicals/ substances and their safe
One or two cranes of very large capacity may be
disposal.
procured by GMB or by a private agency for hire
by the individual ship-breakers as per need. The
l Rules for working inside the closed
orderly sequence of ship-breaking plots and the
containers.
relative geological stability of the coastline should
facilitate the laying of rails for mounting these l GMB should appoint one qualified safety
cranes and providing operational flexibility.
engineer/manager to ensure that the safety
However, enhancing the hauling capabilities will
measures are adhered to.
be a critical factor in the overall proposed scheme
and will need detailed technical feasibility studies.
l Usage of substandard equipments
Alteration of working methods and attendant (machines and tools) e.g. LPG cylinders,
upgradation in safety measures will also need to lifting devices etc. should be avoided.
be looked into.
l While performing different tasks, the
The present workforce constitutes mostly of
labourers must use the appropriate personal
unskilled labourers, except for the cutters who are
protective appliances such as :
semi-skilled. An increased level of organisation
of the activities, as proposed, will require Eye Protection - Safety Goggles
specialised labour inputs. Depending on the
Face Protection - Face Shield, Hood
existing knowledge, skills and physical attributes,
Body Protection - Apron, Suit
various training programmes may be initiated for
Hand Protection - PVC/rubber
creating specialised bands of workforce. The
hand gloves
provision of identity cards, as proposed by GMB, Foot Protection - Gum boot,
143
Safety Shoes beyond paying wages. GMB has fortunately shown

Respiratory Protection - chemical concern for workers welfare as is borne out by the
mask, recent mandatory MoU signed with shipbreakers.
dust mask, It is necessary that simple but clean and hygienic
gas mask residential accommodation is created, beyond the
Fall from height - Safety belt main road and not close to the Shipbreaking Yard.
10.5 MEASURES FOR IMPROVING

HUMAN HABITATION
The onshore pollution at ASSBY, as mentioned

earlier, causes pollution in intertidal zone largely
due to the subhuman living conditions of a large
workforce. Absence of toilet, sewerage and waste
disposal facilities lead to the human waste ending
up in the immediate waterfront. Some of the human
waste move into the offshore area sometimes
causing pollution but mostly it gets diffused and
some settles down in intertidal area.
Besides intertidal and onshore pollution there is

the important aspect of living condition of workers.
No civil society can allow such subhuman
conditions to persist. It is not uncommon to start
such economic activity and continue it for a few
years leaving the work force to fend for itself. In
due course all concerned wake up to improve the
lot of workers. This process has been noticed
practically all over the world.
It is time ASSBY authorities and the Shipbreakers

see the ground realities of workers' life to ensure
their well-being, sustain and even raise level of
their efficiency and provide clean environment.
Various measures need to be taken to evolve a
comprehensive package of improvement. These
primarily relate to housing, health and hygiene and
safe operation at work place.
10.5.1 Township development
Currently, as mentioned earlier, most workers

huddle together sharing accommodation with an
average of about 3 sq. mt per person which has
neither any ventilation nor electric light. No toilets
are attached to living quarters and the public toilets
are rarely functional. This condition persists
because workers do not make demands and owners
do not consider it their obligation to do anything
144
10.5.1.1 We may make following assumptions for residential accommodation :
Total number of workers 30,000

Requirement of accommodation per worker 10 m2 (7 m2 living area + 3 m2
(single) including common facilities common facilities)
Requirement of accommodation per worker 25 m2
(family)
Those requiring single accommodation 90 % (27,000)
Those requiring family accommodation 10 % (3,000)
Total requirement of accommodation 345000 m2 (270000 + 75000)
Total requirement of land at 40% above 483000 (say 50 ha.)
constructed area
Average number of workers per plot 164
Total Plot Area 397,950 m2
No. of Plot holders 183
Average Plot size 2174 m2
Based on above assumptions, average requirement

of residential accommodation per plot will be 1885
m2. As against average plot size of 2174 m2,
average land requirement for construction
including common facilities for residential purpose
will work out to 1885 m2. The total requirement
of land for all plot holders at ASSBY will be of
the order of about 50 ha. With only ground floor
construction using less expensive materials, it
should be possible to complete construction within
a short time. But the financial requirement is, no
doubt, large.
10.5.1.2 Assuming that the cost of land and

construction including civic amenities will be Rs.
3000/m2, the total requirement of funds would be
of the order of Rs. 103 crores. This works out to
Rs. 34500 per worker on housing. Alternatively,
if we assume a lumpsum of Rs. 30000 per worker,
the total cost would be Rs. 90 crores. This
expenditure will have to be viewed in following
perspective :
145
Annual tonnage (Same as in 1996-97) 2.6 million tonnes

Valued at $ 165/t ($ 1 = Rs 36.5) Rs. 1565.9 crores
Steel handled by each worker - average 87 tonnes/annum or
870 tonnes in 10 years
Steel handled in terms of value (average per Rs. 52 lakhs / annum or
worker) 520 lakhs in 10 years
Annual Revenue to Central Govt. Rs. 260 crores
Rs. 2600 crores for 10 years.
Annual Revenue to State Govt. Rs. 60 crores
Annual Revenue to GMB Rs. 25 crores
Profit to shipbreakers
Per tonne average Rs. 500/-
Profit on 2.6 m tonnes Rs. 130 cr/a
Rs. 1300 cr for 10 yrs.
Wage cost of 2.6 m. tonnes of Shipbreaking Rs. 78 cr/annum or
at Rs. 300/t Rs. 780 cr for 10 yrs.
Even if we do not consider the multiplier effect spend average 10% of their wages or at 10% of
and overall benefit to society, the above figures the total wage bill, that is, Rs. 7.8 crore a year.
viewed in a 10 year timeframe would justify an
expenditure of Rs. 90 crores or Rs. 103 crores as We have considered the option of encouraging the
the case may be on housing since the industry workers to own their own homes by giving them
depends mainly on manual labour. soft loans after they are constructed by a central
authority. This, however, will not be a desirable
10.5.1.3 The assumptions made here are on option since workers may not manage their
stagnating tonnage and prices of 1996-97 without township or accommodation well and problems
taking into account the normal inflation factor over would arise when some workers leave Alang.
ten years. The State Government and GMB would Moreover, our assumption is that 90% of workers
naturally plan to take larger share of shipbreaking would need single accommodation. Therefore,
business in years to come in which case all the most of the buildings will be of dormitory type.
figures except for housing cost would be revised Joint ownership in such case would be impractical.
upwards.
10.5.1.4 Financing of the housing project at
As discussed earlier, workers stint on housing. ASSBY would need some imaginative planning.
Nearly one third of them have constructed sheds We suggest that 75% of cost may be contributed
of their own. The rest spend below Rs. 108 to above by :
Rs. 500 on housing. Looking to the wage structure
at ASSBY, it should be possible for workers to I. Shipbreakers
146
II. Metal Scrap Fund shipbreaking plots is not only inadvisable from
the point of view of safety but it also would preclude
III. International Agencies such as ADB, Ford further development and modernisation of ship
Foundation, KFW, etc. breaking activity suggested in para 10.3.1 in larger
interest of environmental management. While
IV. GMB conceding that it is always difficult to move people
away from their existing dwellings, however
25% of the cost with interest may be recovered miserable, there does not seem to be any option
from workers as rent and maintenance charges. but to do so, if we are serious about ecological
restoration of ASSBY area and preservation of
The critical question to be dealt with are: overall environmental quality and workers' health.
An effort has been made to propose new dwelling
I. Who will construct the township for sites and over all township development in drawing
workers? 'B'. This is indicative and may not be capable of
being followed in all detail. The exact prices of
II. Who will administer it? land for having housing and service activities have
to be decided upon in consultation with all
10.5.1.5 It is recommended that the entire concerned. What is important is that these should
township may be planned and constructed by GMB be outside the CRZ.
and its management be given to shipbreakers in
small clusters depending on workforce of each. It is also noted that GMB has proposed acquisition
There should, however, be inspection and of various areas of land in Mathavda, Bharapara,
supervision of sanitation, conservancy and general Manar, Alang and Sosiya villages. Though some
upkeep of houses by GMB's personnel. This will of the acquisition was proposed several years ago,
also make allotment easier. actual acquisition has been very little. Moreover a
good deal of area proposed for acquisition is
This scheme will also necessitate review of period already occupied by slums. GMB has heavy
of current lease of plots since the plot holders will responsibility of managing a difficult industry with
not be enthusiastic to take over the responsibility a large unskilled workforce which has migrated
of house allotment to their workers, management from far away places. The workforce at Alang is
and upkeep of residential accommodation and much more than the workforce employed in some
collection of rent if they do not have occupation of of the industrial estates of GIDC. If GMB is
plot at least for 10 years. expected to accept the recommendations made in
this report and work on some schemes already
prepared by them, it is essential that GMB is armed
10.5.2 Location with requisite authority to deal with such a massive
task. Otherwise, management of the Alang site
will continue to be below standard, further growth
The location of residential area, as mentioned
of ASSBY will be halted and ecological
earlier, should be away from the work area. As
per the current regulation it should be beyond the degradation will continue unchecked. Such a
CRZ, i.e., beyond 500 mt from the shore line situation would naturally attract activists of
different kind who would then campaign with
(Annex 10.2). The approximate CRZ is shown in
vigour to support various causes and also move
drawing 'A'. It should also be noted that most of
the courts. All that should be, and is, avoidable.
the slums are presently located within the CRZ.
It is, therefore, in the self interest of the State to
In many cases these dwellings are just behind the
Shipbreaking Plots with only the service road as create an Area Development Authority and
the divider between the place of work and place of according it the status of Notified Area to ASSBY
site. For obvious operational reasons it is
living. This situation is clearly unacceptable not
recommended that GMB, in this special case, may
only for conforming to the CRZ regulation but also
be designated as the Notified Area Authority by
for maintenance of environmental quality and
appropriate legislation, in view of the complex
prevention of pollution of intertidal zone. Also,
such close proximity of a human settlement to nature of management of the site and the fact that
147
GMB is the concern authority for this industry. the total requirement of water will be 8.9 Mm3
As regards housing, it is recommended that in 2001 AD and increase to 13.19 Mm3 by 2031
locations may be selected north of CRZ zone. If AD. This means that the water supply sources
there are any insurmountable problems in must have a capacity to meet this annual demand
acquiring land there, marginal adjustments may after evaporation and distribution losses (5%).
be made in CRZ line. If availability of adequate The gross capacity of the supply source,
land north of CRZ line causes problems, the area therefore, has been considered as 1.5 times the
marked in red stripes in drawing 'B' may be annual demand.
considered as a special case since the Manar river
would divide the work area and the residential area. Implementation of the project has been planned
Balance requirement of land should be beyond in two phases: the first one, to be commissioned
CRZ line with minor adjustments if necessary on by 2001, is based on internal sources to generate
logistic grounds. 12 Mm3 of usable storage to meet the total
demand of 8.9 Mm3 (industrial township supply
of 3.84 Mm3 for 75000 population and rural
10.5.3 Water demands and supply supply of 5.05 Mm3 for 1.15 lakh population).
The second phase will be based on external
sources. In this, the unharnessed water of
As mentioned earlier (para 9.3.5) safe drinking
Shetrunji has to be tapped by constructing one
water is rare at ASSBY. Presently, the daily supply
tidal regulator of 6 Mm3 capacity at Saltanpur
is made by 200 tankers (each of 5000 liters
and one weir of 5 Mm3 near Velavadar. This
capacity) to meet the requirements of about 50000
people. This turns out to be 20 lpcd and is nowhere will augment the first phase to meet an ultimate
close to the prescribed norms of 140 lpcd. It is, demand of 13 Mm3 in 2031 AD for a projected
population of 2.65 lakh. A total cost of Rs. 101
therefore, recommended that GMB should initiate
crore (Rs. 50.3 crore in first phase and Rs. 50.7
measures to meet not only the present water
in second) is estimated for the project. The
requirement of ASSBY but also plan for the future.
second phase is to be undertaken after an
The growth and prosperity of the industry and the
villages being inter-dependent, it is in the long- assessment of the status of the industry in the
term interests of GMB that nearby villages are also area in about 2005 AD.
ensured of this basic necessity. Therefore, ASSBY
plots, township and the nearby villages are together
considered as project area for preparing a water 10.5.4. Green belt
supply plan, the details of which are provided in
the additional report on water supply (GES 1998). It is recommended that the area between the plots
The project area forms more or less an independent and workers' residential quarters, which is not
hydrological unit (watershed) covering 330 km2 put to agricultural use, may be taken over for
of area. The area has a surface water potential of creating a green belt with the help of the forest
43 Mm3 at an average rainfall of 620 mm. In Dept of State Government. It will, however, have
addition, it receives 161 Mm3 of unharnessed to be borne in mind that in the initial phase,
water from Shetrunji river catchment. only the indigenous tree species should be
selected for developing the green belt.
Total water potential of the area is 189 Mm3, of
which 43 Mm3 is from the internal surface sources, The indigenous species that may be planted in
118 Mm3 is from the external surface sources and mixed plantations may include trees such as
28 Mm3 is groundwater. The groundwater being Acacia catechu (Khair), A. leucophloea (Harmo),
a common property resource, no water supply A. nilotica (Bawal), Albizzia lebbek (Siris),
scheme can be safely designed based on this Azardiacta indica (Limdo), Balanites aegiptiaca
resource. Thus, only surface water sources have (Hingorio), Butea monosperma (Khakra)/
been considered for the proposed water supply Kesudo) Cassia siamea (Kesia), Zizyphus
project. mauritiana (Bordi/Khareki bor) for flat or
undulating areas while for seasonal stream and
The calculations for the project area indicate that for the banks of the rivers species like Holoptelia
148
integrifolia (Sarel/Kanzo/Papad), Pongamia costs of future remedial actions.

pinnata (Karanj) and Tamarindus indica (Ambli)
should be encouraged. Among shrubs, species like Among the routine physico-chemical analyses of
Capparis sepiaria (Kanthar) and Zizyphus sea water and sediments, pH, DO, BOD, COD,
nummularia (Chani bor) can be planted in a oil-PHC, heavy metals (particularly Fe, Cu, Pb,
manner that these intersperse with the tree species. Hg, As, Se, Ni, Zn, Mn and Cd) and other organics
The planted area should be taken care of as if it is (particularly PCBs and TBTs) need to be
an agriculture crop for the initial 3-5 years of emphasised. It may be noted that the international
plantation and should be efficiently protected from standards for PCBs and TBTs in the coastal waters
illicit grazing/cutting. Fortunately, the on-shore are 0.2 ng/l and 1.0 ng/l respectively.
area is not degraded due to ASSBY activities and
what is required is to promote the growth of Among the biological attributes, species
indigenous species and discourage Prosopis composition, abundance and biomass of the
juliflora. benthos and plankton will be the key parameters.
The benthos of the intertidal region will be
Participation of local people and ASSBY labourers relatively easier to monitor and a particularly
through non-government organisations would help strong database of the same could be developed.
in the better protection of the plantations. Polychaetes are abundant in this region and can
Therefore, it is recommended to involve local be effectively used to determine the zone of
agencies, working in the area, such as Vivekanand influence of organic pollution load (Raman and
Research and Training Institute (VRTI) and Jivdiv Ganapati, 1986). Foraminifera are particularly
Agroforestry centre for taking up these plantation quick in responding to changes in the
programmes. environmental features and provide one of the most
sensitive and inexpensive markers available for
indicating deterioration of marginal marine
10.6 MONITORING AND environment (Scott et al. 1995). They are often
EVALUATION considered as proxy indicator group because of
their high diversity, wide ecological amplitude,
ease of collection, small size of their skeleton and
Monitoring is the systematic measurement of
their high preservation potential.
variables and processes over time for ensuring that
standards are being met (Spellberg, 1991).
Since the direct concern to human health emanate
Immediate measures are required for developing
from the enhanced concentration of toxic materials
a transparent system of monitoring, both of the
in the tissue of fish and other commercially
ecosystem health and of the compliance of existing
important species, it is recommended that periodic
regulations in ship-breaking activities.
checks for heavy metals and other non-
biodegradable organics (such as PCBs) in the
different tissues (particularly liver, brain and
10.6.1 Monitoring of ecosystem muscles) of fishes (such as bombay duck, hilsa)
health and crustaceans (shrimps, lobsters) be carried out
at regular intervals (Table 10.2).
Ecological management of the resources at a big
industrial operation like ASSBY is a challenging
task and, therefore, a thorough monitoring and
evaluation at various level and frequency is
essential to understand the ecological changes
caused by various activities. Hence, it is important
to monitor the effects of the proposed actions and
allow for the mid-course modifications. This
facilitates to consider the adverse environmental
consequences and helps in prudent planning and
early preventive measures so as to avoid higher
149
Table 10.2 Contents, periodicity and agencies for monitoring
Content of Monitoring Periodicity Agency

A. Intertidal
1. Water April and CSMCRI
physico-chemical: temp., pH, TSM, DO, BOD, COD, November
nutrients (NO3-N, NO2-N, NH4-N, PO4P), heavy metal
(Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Hg, Cd, As) PCBs, Oil and PHC
2. Sediment April and CSMCRI/
Physico-chemical: pH, OM, nutrients (NO3-N, NO2-N, November Bhavnagar
NH4-N, PO4P), heavy metals both in suspended and Univ.
bottom sediments (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Hg, Cd, As)
PCBs,
Biotic (both soft and rocky substrate) April and Bhavnagar
Macro - taxa, density, biomass, group density, special November Univ.
reference to polychaetes and molluscs
Mieo - foraminifera (live/dead ratios) group diversity
micro - total number, aerobic, chitinolytic, agarolytic,
cellulolytic
B. Offshore
1. Water April and CSMCRI
Physico-chemical: temp., pH, TSM, DO, BOD, COD, November
nutrients (NO3-N, NO2-N, NH4-N, PO4P), heavy metal
(Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Hg, Cd, As) PCBs, Oil and PHC
Biotic: phytoplankton, zooplankton (pigments, species April and CSMCRI
composition, abundance, biomass) November
Fish tissue: (heavy metal, PCB concentration Annual CSMCRI
10.6.2 Monitoring and regulation alongwith the existing monitoring for

implementation of the recent MoU signed by
of ship-breaking activities
shipbreakers.
Ships at Alang offshore harbour are routinely

inspected by various agencies before granting the
10.7 MANAGEMENT
mandatory "beaching permission". It is proposed
to develop a checklist of items which need RESPONSIBILITIES
particular inspection from the environmental safety
viewpoint. These will include hazardous wastes The discussion and recommendations in foregoing
(including detection of nuclear waste, if any), paragraphs are sequenced in terms of problems,
unknown chemicals and foreign germplasm. It is which were summarised below and graphically
also proposed that a declaration of the nature of presented in Fig. 10.2. For clearer presentation of
anti-fouling paint be demanded so as to obtain a the action plan, however, the recommendations are
general idea of the nature of toxins involved, since given below in area terms - offshore, intertidal and
PCBs are sought to be phased out globally in favour onshore- indicating responsibility centres. The
of TBTs. entire array of management recommendations are
covered under two major concern areas, viz.,
Vigilance is also required for monitoring the shipbreaking activities and socio-economic
implementation of ship-breaking regulations, problems (Table 10.3).
which will include proper disposal of solid wastes,
oil-PHC residues and scraping of paints with help
of various agencies as shown in Table 10.3 in the
following section. This could be undertaken
150
Table 10.3 Action Plan for environmental management of ASSBY area

S.N. Agencies Tasks and Responsibilities for Environmental
Management
A Ship Breaking Activities
A.1 Offshore Region
A.1.1 Gujarat Pollution (a) To check the presence of any toxic and
Control Board hazardous chemicals in the ship and provide
(GPCB) NOC to GMB
A.1.2 Quarantine (b) To check and remove any exotic species and
Department provide a NOC to GMB
A.1.3 Customs Dept. (c) To check and remove contraband articles
A.1.4 Sellers (d) Provide information to GMB regarding the
past uses of the ship specially for the cargo
ships
(e) Provide information to GMB regarding the
brand names of paints used in ship

Management
A.1.5 Shipbreakers (a) Submit an affidavit to GMB on not doing any
malpractice like release of oils and pollutants
in the sea water
A.1.6 GMB (b) Ensure getting certificates from all the
agencies involved regarding the above listed
issues.
(c) Grant permission of shipbreaking only after
getting the above certificates
A.1.7 NIO/CSMCRI/ (d) Monitoring the physio-chemical and
Bhavnagar Univ./ biological condition of offshore region
NEERI especially for heavy metals, oils and
macro/micro benthic organisms.
A.2 Intertidal Region
A.2.1 Shipbreakers (e) Incineration of oils and combustible solid
waste materials
(f) Collection of non-combustible material and
disposal off in the land fills
(g) Ensure cutting of the hull into large blocks
and transfer those to backyard
(h) Minimise the paint scraping during the cutting
of large blocks
(i) Use advance cutting devices and crane
facilities
A.2.2 GMB (j) Installation of Bilge water collectors and
incinerators
(k) Develop the backyards of shipbreaking yards
(l) provide landfill areas for dumping the non-
combustible solid wastes
(m) Help shipbreakers in getting advance cutting
devices like LASER
(n) Help shipbreakers in getting advance crane
facilities
A.2.3 Forest (o) Mangrove and other plantation
Department
A.2.4 CSMCRI (p) To monitor the heavy metal pollution in the
intertidal zone and report to GMB
(q) To monitor benthic communities and report to
GMB
A.2.5 GPCB (r) To monitor the OM pollution and report to
GMB
151
Table 10.3 contd.

Management
A.3 Onshore Region
A.3.1 Shipbreakers (a) Ensure major ship breaking activity in the
backyard regions
(b) Burning of oils and combustible solid waste
materials in the incinerators with pollution
control measures
(c) Collection of non-combustible material and
disposal in the land fills
(d) Use advance cutting devices and crane
facilities
A.3.2 GMB (e) Develop the backyard of ship breaking yards
(f) Installation of incinerators
(g) Develop cutting devices like LASER and
craning facility
(h) Form a monitoring team
(i) Monitoring the shipbreaking activity
B Habitation and Socio-Economic Activities
B.1 GOG (j) Declare ASSBY as Notified Area
(k) Make GMB the Alang Development
Authority (ADA)
B.2 ADA (GMB) (l) Provide better road linkages for transportation
of scrap materials
(m) Relocation of housing from CRZ
(n) Acquire land outside CRZ but not more than
1km away from the shipbreaking Yards
(o) Develop housing and other basic amenities
for workers and other inhabitants
(p) Develop water supply, drainage and sewerage
system in the notified area
(q) Develop water supply system near the
shipbreaking yards
(r) Zoning of lands for different sectors
B.3 GMB (s) Develop awareness programme for all the
inhabitants of the area about health, hygiene
and environmental issues with the help of
GES/Bhavnagar University
(t) Zoning of non-fishing areas
B.4 Forest (u) Green belt development
Department
152
PROBLEM CONTROL MEASURE (S) IMPLEMENTING

AGENCIES
Poor living conditions Develop housing facility outside CRZ ADA (GMB)
High OM pollution Improve drainage and sewerage systems ADA (GMB)
Increase in pathogens Improve water supply ADA (GMB)
Installation of bilge water collectors GMB
Incineration of oil Shipbreakers
Oil-PHC pollution Certification of hazardous chemicals Sellers/GPCB
Minimise paint scraping in intertidal zone Shipbreakers
Heavy metal pollution Collection of scrap material and disposal Shipbreakers
in land fills
Cutting the hull into larger blocks and Shipbreakers
transfer the block to backyard
Collection of combustible material and Shipbreakers
incineration
Soiled waste pollution Collection of non-combustible material Shipbreakers
and disposal in land fills
Development of backyard GMB
Air pollution Use of better working equipment Shipbreakers/ GMB
Noise pollution Development of greenbelts GMB/ Forest Deptt.
Zoning of fishing area ADA (GMB)
Bidiversity alteration Disposal of exotic species GMB/Quaran-

tine Deptt.
Mangrove plantation GMB/ Forest Deptt.
Lower working Use of higher capacity cranes GMB/ Ship breakers
efficiency
Occupational hazards Use of advance cutting devices GMB/ Shipbreakers
Unplanned growth of Declare ASSBY as notified area GOG
industries
Landuse change Township planning ADA/GMB
Low environmental Awareness programme about GMB/GES/Bhav-
concern environmental issues nagar University
Fig 10.2 Summary of recommendations for ASSBY
153
10.7.1 Management efficiency and to control the pollution load (oils,

responsibilities related to shipbreaking heavy metals and solid wastes), GMB should
provide infrastructure to shipbreakers, in both
activities intertidal and onshore regions. These
infrastructures as mentioned earlier include the
There are two major players, namely, the GMB
backyard facility, land fill area for dumping the
and the shipbreakers, for implementation of
solid wastes, installation of incinerators, provisions
various recommendations related with the
of sophisticated cutting and craning facilities on
shipbreaking activities. However, other than these
rental basis. During the entire course of
there are a few more agencies/groups whom the
shipbreaking activity, GMB should also have a
responsibilities of environmental management can
monitoring team, which would ensures that all the
be entrusted.
regulatory measures and infrastructural facilities
are strictly followed /used by shipbreakers.
Ironically, it is understood (through modus
operandi of shipbreaking activity) that, as of now,
Shipbreakers are the other key players in the ship
GMB does not come into the picture of
breaking activity. While their role is very limited
shipbreaking before the beaching of the ship, and
in offshore region, they could play very significant
that too, just for granting permission. However
role in environmental management of intertidal
GMB, being one of the key custodians of coastal
and onshore regions, due to their wide spectrum
region of the state, has to act both as the supervisor
of activities. It was emphasised earlier that, in
of environment and also as the facilitator of
the present case, most of the environmental
adequate and appropriate infrastructure to
problems should be handled at their source(s) itself.
shipbreakers. Keeping this in view, GMB will have
Keeping this in view, different roles of shipbreakers
different roles to play during the entire course of
in the management of various environmental
shipbreaking activity and that too, in different
problems related to shipbreaking activity, are
influence zones. It is, therefore, suggested that
identified. To avoid prolonged activities in the
GMB should issue permits to only those ships
fragile intertidal zone, shipbreakers should cut the
which get necessary environmental clearance in
hull into large blocks and carry those blocks to
terms of hazardous and toxic chemicals, exotic
backyards for further action. They should
species, etc. The necessary environmental
immediately collect all the combustible material
clearance in the form of NOCs should be given by
and incinerate those to minimise the chances of
qualified agencies like GPCB, Central Quarantine
pollution spread in onshore, intertidal and finally
department and Customs department. In addition
offshore regions.
ship sellers should inform GMB about the past
usage of ships and brand names of paints (which
Other than these, for green belt development and
may contain PCB), used in ships. From the
mangrove plantation near Ghogha, the
shipbreakers' point of view, GMB should seek an
responsibility can be entrusted to the State Forest
undertaking stating that they are not involved in
Department. The monitoring responsibility for
any malpractice like release of burnt/unburnt oils
various pollution parameters in intertidal and
and pollutants of any form (specially the solid
onshore regions can be handled effectively by
wastes) in the sea water. All these will help GMB
CSMCRI, GPCB and Bio-science Department of
to take decisions on whether or not permission
Bhavnagar University.
should be granted for a ship to be beached for
breaking.
Despite all these regulations, however, there might

10.7.2 Management
be some cases of negligence. To check these, responsibilities related to socio-
continuous environmental monitoring should be economic conditions
done by an independent agency, like NIO,
CSMCRI, Bhavnagar Univ. and NEERI, and As discussed earlier in this chapter, considering
report to GMB for necessary action. It is the physio-ecological and socio-economical
recommended that to increase the working condition of the area, it is important to alleviate
154
the status of this area for its overall development. in this field for their inputs. The proposed
It is recommended that GOG should declare environmental cell will be responsible for the
ASSBY as notified area, called Alang Area effective and timely implementation of various
Development Authority (ADA), which would be components of management plan
properly governed by a cross-sectoral
implementing agency. The composition and broad The proposed cell will facilitate appropriate
functioning of ADA has already been discussed coordination and integration within and outside
earlier. It is thus visualised that ADA, once the GMB working system. Here two levels of co-
constituted, would play the most crucial role in ordination and integration have been envisaged.
the socio-economic development of the area. One internal and other external. Interaction at both
the levels simultaneously is necessary. The
GMB can also play a crucial role in socio-economic different internal stakeholders, viz., ASSBY
development of this area by evolving and officials, shipbreakers, transporters, workers, etc.,
implementing an awareness programme for have to play a vital role. As the different internal
different target groups (including workers, ship components of the shipbreaking activity including
breakers and other inhabitants) of the area about technical, physical, administrative, financial,
health, hygiene and environmental issues. This can social, etc., may also respond to the introduced
be done with the help of Bhavnagar Univ. and a programme, appropriate cooperation from all
communicator of proven merit, preferably knowing becomes necessary for harmonious
Gujarati besides Hindi and English. implementation.
In conclusion, for a holistic socio-economic- External co-ordination is equally important since

ecological development of ASSBY, which, till successful implementation will require the help and
today is largely ignored by planners and managers, co-operation of other agencies also. In the Alang
the sectoral integration and entrustment of area, alongwith GMB the other major agencies
responsibility are important. whose inputs and involvement may be required
include Gujarat Electricity Board, State Irrigation
Department, State Water Supply and Sewage Board
10.8 ORGANISATION OF and State Forest Department
IMPLEMENTATION
Proper organisation and operationalisation of the

10.9 AWARENESS PROGRAMME
management plan is the key to its success.
Traditional/existing form of organisation may not For the successful implementation of management
be suitable for such a work because its plan, it is necessary that all the concerned should
implementation will have the involvement of be aware of the issues involved. There are basically
several functional departments which calls for four interest groups directly involved in
overlap, atleast partial, at the different stages of shipbreaking activity. They are: Gujarat Maritime
design and commissioning. It will require high Board (GMB), the shipbreakers-plot owners, the
level of integration of the different departments, workers or labourers and the villagers in ASSBY
effective communication, coordination and control. area. They are also being directly affected by this
Therefore, creation of a separate goal-oriented activity. Depending upon their concern, interest
Division/Cell (say Alang Environment and level of knowledge about sustainable
Management Cell) dedicated to the development, the awareness packages for all these
implementation and monitoring and evaluation of four groups would differ. But the general content
the management plan is recommended. This Cell for all the four groups would be as follows:
should be constituted with its own functional
sections for the planning, implementation,
monitoring and co-ordination of the various 10.9.1 Content for awareness
activities proposed to be taken up. They will also packages
interact with the various other agencies dealing
155
1. Accelerating sustainable development: 14. Biological diversity: information; benefits

international trade; adequate financial and use; conservation; capacity building.
flows; domestic policies.
15. Environmentally sound management of
2. Integration of environment and biotechnology: productivity of food and
development in decision making: policy, feed; health;' environment protection;
planning and management level; economic safety enabling mechanisms; international
instruments and marketing incentives; co-operation.
environmental accounting; legal and
regulatory frameworks. 16. Atmosphere: sustainable energy
development and consumption; transport
3. Combating poverty : providing sustainable systems; industry'; agriculture; ozone
livelihoods and resources. depletion; addressing uncertainties.
4. Changing consumption patterns: less 17. Oceans and seas: coastal area development;
wasteful lifestyles; sustainable consumption marine protection; living resources;
levels; informed consumer choices. uncertainties and climate change;
international co-operation and co-
5. Demographic dynamics and sustainability: ordination; island development.
national and local level integration of
population and environment. 18. Toxic chemicals: chemical risks
assessment; classification and labelling;
6. Health: pollution health risks; basic needs; information; risks management
communicable diseases; vulnerable groups. programmes.
7. Human settlements: shelter; land and 19. Hazardous waste: cleaner production, waste
settlement management; environmental minimisation, institutional capacities; co-
infrastructure; energy and transport; human operation between different authorities.
resources and capacity building; disaster-
prone areas. Depending upon need, appropriate items from the
above list can be selected for preparing specific
8. Water supplies : drinking water; sanitation awareness packages for different groups.
9. Solid waste management: waste

minimisation; safe disposal expansion of 10.9.2 Awareness package
services; recycling. for GMB officials
10. Pollution and health : air pollution; health
A package of training programmes may be planned
planning
for them as under:
11. Land resources: integrated planning and
Name of the Programme :
management; area planning.
1) Coastal zone management for sustainable
development
12. Fresh water resources: integrated
2) Disaster management
assessment; development and management;
protection of quality and resource; drinking
Duration of the programme:
water; sanitation; watershed management.
1) Five days
13. Energy: sustainable energy development
Methods :
and consumption; household; transport;
Lecture, demonstration & group discussion
industry.
156
Venue : 1) Bhavnagar University

Sardar Patel Institute of Public 2) Sardar Patel Institute of Public
Administration (SPIPA), GAD, GOG, Administration (SPIPA)
Ahmedabad 3) Gandhi Labour Institute
(for Pr. No.3)
Intake :
30 participants in each batch. Method : Seminar
Intake : 30 Participants
Training is a continuous process in a profession
where changes are constantly taking place because Plot owners can be further divided into elite and
of development in science and technology. Once non elite groups. Elites would come first and
trained, the officer should go back to field, try to become option makers. Once their programme is
implement new ideas and after sometime come conducted, a conducive climate will emerge for
again for training to get fresh ideas and change in non-elites to follow.
attitude.
10.9.4 Awareness package for

10.9.3 Awareness package for ship workers
breaking management
Workers' participation for sustainable development
One priority for the business and industry would be more in terms of process of education
community is to promote cleaner production and organisation building. The aim of such
systems and another is the promotion of participation is to, gradually, build a participatory
responsible entrepreneurship. Small and medium democracy where every individual becomes
size entrepreneurs play a very important role in autonomous to take his own development
the social and economic development of a country. decisions. The method of training is described
Often, they are the major means to rural below:
development, generating off farm employment and
other remunerative activities. As such, responsible
entrepreneurship can greatly improve the a. Workers' camps
efficiency of resource use, reduce risks and hazards,
minimise wastes and safeguard environment. We require a different method for workers'
Businessmen and industrialists are busy and would
training. If we want that the workers not
not prefer long duration training programmes.
only listen to the trainers, but act on it, then
Their awareness package, in form of business
they must be sensitised. In order to
seminar may be as follows:
conscientise workers, the trainers must have
dialogue with them. The workers' education
Name of the Programme : is not a one-way communication, where a
teacher teaches and the students listen to
1) Sustainable Technology for Ship
him silently. If there is no dialogue, there
Breaking (for Plot Owners)
is no conscientisation. Hence, the method
is known as dialogical conscientisation.
2) Disaster Management (for Plot Real dialogue can take place only between
Managers) persons sharing common symbols, common
language and common life experiences.
3) Standards Available for Ship
Real dialogue cannot take place between
Breaking (for Plot Managers)
two uncommon men - oppressor and
oppressed, exploiter and exploited or haves
Duration of the programme : and have nots. Only command-obey
1) Two days relationship can take place here. Such a
Venue :
dialogical conscientisation could take place
157
in a camp of rural workers, if the facilitator educator may put forth the contradiction by
is conversant with this logic. saying, "why different written materials
have different interpretation of the same
fact?" This practice helps develop a critical
b. The facilitator approach towards written materials.
It is after this sort of dialogue that the

This important for trainer or facilitator, who
participants develop a programme for
may apparently be an outsider, if he wants
transformation. Since they have developed
that a situation of dialogical
conscientisation takes place, he will have this programme, and since it is not imposed,
to first change himself. In order to enter the participants are fully committed to
implement this programme.
into dialogue a teacher or facilitator will
have to soften his ego. It also requires
This being the philosophy of workers'
profound faith, on the part of the facilitator,
education programme, such workers'
in the capacity of the oppressed to liberate
themselves as well as the oppressors. education camps should be conducted in
Founded upon love, humility and faith the batches. Again, such a training is to be
conducted in phases. Once first phase is
dialogue becomes a horizontal relationship.
complete, the workers should have time
In the method of 'dialogical
enough to implement the ideas and
conscientisation' the teacher does not
techniques that they have learnt during the
impose his own views on people. He only
enters into dialogue where there is an camp. The duration of such a camp is
interaction of the views of both, teacher and generally of two days. But it can vary
depending upon workers' speed of response
students.
to the set target.
c. The process
d. ASSBY villages
The starting point for organising the
ASSBY villagers are local, whereas the ship
programme content of education must be
breaking workers are migrant. But the
the present, existential concrete situation
and reflecting the aspirations of the people. reference point of both the groups is the
Utilising certain basic contradictions, we same. Their class characteristics are also
the same. Hence the philosophy and method
must pose this existential concrete, present
of training are also the same for both. Only
situation to the people as a problem which
the content of training would differ, as
challenges them and requires a response -
mentioned in the profile of these two
not just at the intellectual level, but at the
level of action. groups.
The awareness programme for each village

Various simulation techniques may be used.
should be conducted in their respective
An educator also may take the help of
villages.
various experts, this is, social scientists,
health and safety experts and legal experts.
They can depict various situations and give
their own analysis which will facilitate 10.9.5 Other groups
development of them among participants.
This technique links intellectuals, often Apart from the above mentioned groups having
well-intentioned, but not infrequently direct interest in ASSBY, there are other groups
alienated from the reality of the people to who have interest in ASSBY from their own
that reality. Written material from vantage points. These groups are: people's
newspapers, magazines and books also can representatives, media persons and non-
be used to facilitate discussion. The government organisations (NGOs). People's
158
representatives at parliament, legislative assembly relevant attitudes or change in attitudes and

and district panchayat are responsible for shaping preparedness on part of the participants to change
policies and programmes of development. Many the situation for better. If this process is to happen
a times people's representatives also intervene in and is to achieve certain attitudinal changes, then
certain decisions in favour of certain interest evaluation of such an awareness programme also
groups. In order that their policy, programme and should form part of the overall programme.
intervention are in the direction of sustainable
development, a seminar for policy makers on It is recommended that the formulation,
'Sustainable Development Issues at ASSBY' is a implementation and evaluation of these
must. Such a seminar should have elite speakers programmes should be undertaken with the help
from people's representative themselves, so that a of Bhavnagar University. The Commission has
line of authority is maintained. The question is written to the Vice-Chancellor of this university
also to change attitudes of people's representatives in this regard and he agrees to take up such
from 'development' to sustainable development. A programmes.
dialogue between party leaders, who are elite
speakers, and party workers or representative
would make this possible.
Media persons are more sensitive to

malfunctioning of a system because such issues
make good news. But news in themselves do not
provide analysis. So, a programme for media
persons should be based on the method of case
analysis. An intellectual journey from news to
analysis on the line of sustainable development
will make media persons appreciate the perspective
of sustainable development. Such a programme is
better conducted in association with some media
groups.
The third group is that of NGOs, which tend to

believe that there is something wrong with
government's policy of development. So far as
environmental aspects are concerned, there are two
types of NGOs. One, classical environmentalists
who hold views against any kind of modern
development and oppose any development policies.
These NGOs need not be called for training or
dialogue. Another type is that of believers in
sustainable development. They are a positive force.
They oppose environmental damages, but they
don't oppose development as such. This being so
it is necessary to distinguish between these two
types. Any interaction programme for second type
of NGOs should be similar to that for media
persons.
Details of all these programmes can be worked

out as and when occasion arise. Awareness
programme is not merely an academic endeavour.
It is supposed to bring the trainees to a level of
cognition, transferral of information, formation of
159
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Stephen, L. Coles and John C. Mccain (1990).
Environmental factors affecting benthic infaunal World Commission on Environment and
communities of the western Arabian Gulf. Mar. Development (1987). Our Coommon Future.
Environ. Res., 29: 289-315. Brundtland Report. Oxford Univ. Press, Oxford.
Subrahmanyam, T.V., K.R. Karandikar and Zingde, M.D., P.V. Narvekar, R.V. Sarma and B.N.
N.N.Murti, Marine gastropoda of Bombay-Part Desai (1980a). Water quality of the river
II, Journal of the univ. Bombay : 26-81 Damanganga (Gujarat). Indian J. Mar. Sci., 9:
94-99.
Thrush, S.F. and D.S. Roper (1988). Merits of
macrofaunal colonization of intertidal mudflats for Zingde, M.D., M.M. Sabnis, A.V. Mandalia and
pollution monitoring: Preliminary study. J. Exp. B.N. Desai (1980b). Effects of Industrial waste
Mar. Biol. Ecol., 116: 219-233. disposal on the water quality of the river Kolak.
Mahasagar - Bull. Natn. Inst. Oceanogr., 13(2):
Turekian, K.K. and K.H. Wedepohl (1961). 99-110.
Distribution of the elements in some major units
of the Earth's crust. Bull. Geol. Asso. Am., 72: Zingde, M.D., Suresh Chander, M.A. Rokade and
175-192 B.N. Desai (1981). Baseline water quality of the
river Narmada (Gujarat). Indian J. Mar. Sci., 10:
164
161-164.
Zingde, M.D., P. Sharma and M.M. Sabnis (1985).

Physico-chemical investigations in Auranga river
estuary (Gujarat). Mahasagar - Bull. Natn. Inst.
Oceanogr., 18(2): 307-321.
165
ANNEX 1.1
1. Overall scope of the study :
Proceedings of the strategy It was generally felt that there was a need to
planning workshop for study on broaden the context of the study by emphasising
ecological restoration and the large-scale ecological characteristics of the
region which will be related to the specific ship-
planning of breaking activities. Large oceanographic processes
Alang ship-breaking yard such as tides and currents will influence critical
parameters such as flow characteristics and
(ASBY). sediment transport which will, in turn, have a close
bearing on the fate of pollutants. This was
Vadodara, July 20, 1996. illustrated by the fact that whatever is dropped in
the East African coast reaches the western shores
Background and objectives of the of India in only 45 days during the monsoons.
workshop:
Documenting the process of change, especially in
the coastal geomorphology, coastal processes and
Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) has
socio-economic features, over the past fourteen
undertaken a study for the ecological restoration
years will not only reveal the trends but also
and planning of the Alang Ship-breaking yard provide a basis for forecasting. It was also
(ASBY) at the instance of the Gujarat Maritime suggested that a system of monitoring be evolved
Board (GMB). The objectives, scope of study and
on the basis of some critical parameters that may
time-frame have already been worked out by GEC
be identified during the course of the study.
and approved by the GMB. Accordingly, GEC has
appointed a Senior Expert and Coordinator for the
A number of well-known cases of extreme
project who has initiated the task of building up a degradation and subsequent restoration, both
multi-disciplinary team to work on the different within the country (e.g. Panaji and Kerala coasts)
components of the project.
and abroad (e.g. Chesapeake Bay and Thames
estuary), were cited. A review of such successful
However, it was felt that a consultation with
programmes will be useful while formulating
national and international level experts at the
appropriate recommendations for ASBY.
planning stage would benefit the team members
in terms of conceptual clarity, operational It was emphasised that the programme on Alang
strategies and coordination.
should not be viewed in isolation. It must be
integrated with other on-going studies for a more
Therefore, the specific objectives of the workshop
meaningful and long-term perspective.
were
l to obtain critical inputs in the overall scope

2. Possibilities of strengthening this
of this study;
study :
l to identify ways and means for
strengthening the study project within the Remote sensing data through satellite imageries
approved time-frame and budget; and will provide a very powerful and useful tool in
understanding the large-scale ecological features
l to develop a comprehensive plan of action of the region, including certain critical parameters
(PoA) for each of the components of this like coastal currents and sediment transport.
study. Moreover, since the earliest available imageries
are of 1982, the chronological changes in the land-
scape features and coastal geomorphology (as a
Session I: GENERAL result of ship-breaking activities) can be easily
166
obtained. coastal zone of Gujarat. Such an effort, however,

needs to be carefully integrated with the on-going
A number of agencies are involved in collection programmes at the national and international level.
of primary data as per their requirements. While The study will also boost research activities in this
the Department of Ocean Development has a sector by training of personnel through interaction
dedicated vessel for survey of coastal waters as part with wide range of experts and exposure to state-
of a national programme, National Institute of of-the-art tools and techniques.
Oceanography and Fisheries Survey of India has
also conducted surveys in the region from time to
time. Several research institutes (such as Central Session II : FORMULATION OF
Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute) and ACTION-PLANS
Universities (e.g. Bhavnagar and Saurashtra) have
also had some exposure in this region. It was,
therefore, proposed to convene a workshop of such Working group I (Studies on off-shore
organisations for collation of the information areas):
available with them in order to generate a base-
line scenario. At least two rounds of comprehensive sampling -
during the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon periods
Prolonged discharges of heavy metals in the coastal - will be required keeping in view the overall
environments have been shown to get transported objectives, available
vertically in the sediment column. Observations
in the Thane creek (near Mumbai), for example, time-frame and logistic factors. Sampling will be
reveal the accummulation of mercury even at done on a minimum of 5 transects (3 in the vital
depths of 56 feet. It was therefore suggested to zone and 2 on either sides as controls), each with
collect a limited number of core samples for an about 3-4 sampling stations (to be located at
estimation of the vertical migration of pollutants. different depths).
The study of microbes were mentioned as an
important area of study, especially in areas with Parameters have been divided into seven sections
high concentration of pollutants where macro as follows:
organisms will not be able to survive. Studies
relating to microbial population structure, a) Physical: to include currents, tides, flow
community dynamics etc. will not only help in characteristics and sediment transport;
developing indicators of micro-environmental
changes such as occurrence of low-level toxins, b) Water quality: to include temperature,
but also provide potential tools to metabolise some salinity, pH, DO, BOD, suspended solids,
of the toxicity. However, it was also mentioned nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, ammonia,
that the available time-frame and resources might phenol, PHCs and Heavy metals;
be sufficient only for preliminary information.
c) Sediment quality: to include grain size
analysis, organic matter, metals, PHCs etc.
3. Expected gains from this project : (limited core samples to study the vertical
distribution of metals);
The paucity of information about coastal resources
and ecosystems features of the country and d) Biological characteristics: to include
especially of Gujarat, which accounts for over 22% primary productivity, chl a, phaeophytin,
of the national coastline, was emphasised. This phytoplankton (diversity), zooplankton
was particularly alarming in view of the large-scale (standing stock, populations, group
industrial activities that will variously threaten the diversity and identification of economically
diverse and fragile ecosystems of the coastal zone. important larval groups), macro and meio-
Therefore, the study on Alang will mark a benthos (standing stock, populations, group
beginning of an effort towards developing a diversity);
comprehensive database and mapping of the
167
e) Fishery: experimental trawling (to make and different coliform groups in water and
qualitative and quantitative evaluation of sediments.
the fishery resources);
f) Bioconcentration: Levels of selected metals Working group III (ecological studies

and PHCs in commercially important on the CRZ and hinterland):
species; and
a) Coastal zone mapping and classification:

g) Microbial populations: Total viable counts
The Survey of India toposheets will provide
and levels of pathogens in water and
the basic tools for mapping of the region.
sediments.
Aerial photographs may also be available
with GERI and GEER Foundation. Coastal
landuse maps on 1:25,000 scale of the
Working group II (Studies in the Alang area based on satellite data of 1988-
intertidal zone): 89 is available at SAC. Coastal wetland/
landform maps on 1:50,000 scale for the
The study will focus on sediment quality and study area based on satellite data of 1991-
benthic organisms. Samples will be collected each 92 is also available at SAC and may be used.
month on different transects drawn in various
directions upto the mean tide level, based on the i) Coastal landuse map on 1: 25,000 scale
pollution gradient. Therefore, once the pollution using IRS 1C data and its comparision with
gradient is identified (in course of the first two the earlier maps. A land-use classification
sampling occasions) the number of samples on scheme will have to be followed, such as
each transect may be reduced appropriately.
Similarly, the initial sediment samples will be l Wetland area : including mudflats/ tidal
collected from two depths (0-10 cm and 10-30 cm) flats, beach area, rocky outcrops, creeks and
which may later on be restricted to the surface associated vegetation;
samples only. Water samples will be collected from
the puddles during low tide. The quadrat method l Undeveloped area : forests (including
will be used for quantitative estimation of the natural and plantations), wastelands
benthic organisms. (including sand dunes, rocky outcrops and
eroded areas) and agricultural lands.
Parameters have been divided into five sections as
follows: l Built-up area: including roads, rails,
industries, shops, residential areas etc.
a) Water quality: to include temperature,
salinity, pH, DO, BOD, COD, suspended ii) Geomorphological maps to be prepared
solids, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, total using topographical maps, field surveys,
nitrogen, total and soluble phosphorus, oil aerial photographs and IRS1C data.
and grease (PHCs) and Heavy metals; Comparision of these maps to be done to
bring out changes in the mudflat, sandy
b) Sediment quality: to include grain size area, wavecut platforms, coastal dunes,
analysis, organic carbon and organic cliffs etc.
matter, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus)
heavy metals, PHCs etc.; iii) Use of GIS in comparing various maps and
integrating other relevant information
c) Benthic organisms: abundance of different should be explored.
groups of flora and fauna. Efforts will be
made to identify the collected organisms b) Assessment of available resources :
through expert taxonomists;
i) Water resources: Broad assessment of the
d) Microbial populations: Total viable counts
168
nature of surface and groundwater transactions, changes in the prices of real

resources, use patterns, processes of estate etc.
degradation and possibilities for
conservation and judicious use; c) Comparative data - at village and household
levels; two sets of data - those of pre ship-
ii) Biotic resources: Natural vegetation types, breaking era (before 1981) and present -
plantations, cropping patterns, birds and will be collected. The village and household
other wildlife, livestock etc. information schedules will focus on both
qualitative as well as quantitative aspects.
c) Impact assessment: This will include direct Detailed Participatory Rural Appraisal
and indirect impacts of various (PRA) of sample villages will be undertaken
developmental activities in the core sector to assess the impact of ship-breaking
as well as in the ancillary sector. All activity. Some of the major issues that the
activities being done or planned such as study plans to focus are
construction of highways, service roads,
bridges, settlements, commercial I) Migrant labourers: their native place,
complexes, waste disposal, water family members, working skills, living
requirements, afforestation etc. are to be conditions, water availability, amenities for
listed and their impact on coastal landuse/ women, health, morbidity/ mortality,
wetland/ landform, coastal processes and occupational safety and health hazards
water quality to be studied. (cases and records of accidents); and
d) Ecological enhancement: to include ii) Entrepreneur profiling: some of the ship-

identification of proper sites for breakers will be interviewed for
afforestation, recommendation of suitable determining the modus operandi, business
species and appropriate plantation dynamics and revenue generation.
techniques, landscape management for
protection and conservation of coastal zone iii) Forecasting - Trend projection will be made
ecosystems (such as dunes, creeks, on the basis of the preceding study and both
backwaters etc.). the industrial and population growth rates.
This will help in evolving suitable policy
options for sustainable development.
Working group IV (socio-economic
studies) :
Participants of the workshop:
a) Historical perspective - a brief sketch of the
1. Dr. S.N. Dwivedi, former Additional
region focussing on its economic
Secretary, DOD, Govt. of India.
development;
b) Area - The residential zone of the industrial 2. Dr. B.N. Desai, former Director, NIO, Dona
Paula, Goa.
labourers will be focussed for primary data
collection, particularly with regard to
3. Dr. Pranav N. Desai, Director, CREST, New
demographic profiles, economic activities
Delhi.
and social impacts caused by proximity to
commercial zone.
4. Dr. Shailesh R. Nayak, Scientist, Space
Application Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad.
Secondary data from the hinterland will be
collected within a radius of 10 km. Data
5. Dr. Sanat A. Chavan, former Director,
will pertain to demographic profiles, civic
Marine National Park and CCF, Gujarat.
amenities, landuse pattern, ancillary/
tertiary industries, history of banking
6. Dr. (Mrs.) Vijayalakshmi Nair, Senior
169
Scientist, NIO Regional Centre, Bombay.
7. Prof. Y.D. Singh, Director, Gujarat Institute

of Desert Ecology, Bhuj.
8. Prof. Bonny Pilo, Head, Dept. of Zoology,

MS University of Baroda.
9. Prof. B.B. Chattoo, Head, Centre for

Microbiology & Biotechnology, MSU,
Baroda.
10. Dr. P.P. Patel, Reader, Dept. of Geology, MS

University of Baroda.
11. Dr. S.J. Pathak, Dept. of Biosciences,

Saurashtra University, Rajkot.
12. Dr. A.D. Dholakia, Fisheries Research

Station, GAU, Sikka, Jamnagar.
13. Dr. K.K. Khakhar, Dept. Of Economics,

Saurashtra University, Rajkot.
14. I. Hafeezur Rehman, Manager, SVADES,

Baroda.
15. Mr. R. J. Jhala, DCF, Narmada Project,

Gandhinagar.
16. Gujarat Maritime Board was represented

by Capt. Pandey, Officer-in-charge, Alang
Ship-breaking yard.
17. Gujarat Ecology Commission was

represented by its Chairman, Member-
Secretary, Director (Ecology), Ecologist,
Manager (EP), Manager (FE) and Senior
Expert and Coordinator of the project Prof.
Niranjan D. Chhaya.
18. Gujarat Ecological Society was represented

by its Manager, Ecologist and Assistant
Ecologists.
170
Observations from the presented data

ANNEX 1.2
1. It was generally felt that a good amount of
Proceedings of the workshop on data has indeed been collected on diverse
parameters in a relatively short time-frame.
ecological planning and This would provide an excellent baseline
restoration of Alang-Sosiya ship- for any future comparison, while providing
breaking yard (ASSBY). a basis for additional investigations of a
more specialised nature. It was also
observed that since several academics of the
Vadodara, August 1, 1997. University departments were involved, the
study was considered scientific and without
any preconceived bias.
Background and objectives of the
workshop: 2. The location of ASSBY was on a
particularly stable geological area which
The Gujarat Ecological Society (GES), at the ensured little or no change in the beach
instance of the Gujarat Ecology Commission profile despite the large-scale operations
(GEC) has undertaken a multidisciplinary study which were going on for the past decade
for the ecological restoration and planning of the and a half. Although no specific studies on
Alang-Sosiya Ship-breaking yard (ASSBY). the beach profile have been done, it was
noted that no significant erosion has taken
Specific task forces were constituted for a place along the beach. These, and the
comprehensive investigation of the ecological features evaluated, of the coastal sand-
features of the coastal area, littoral zone and the dunes, could easily be further monitored
offshore region. Detailed studies, with the help of with the help of satellite imageries of the
specialists were undertaken for some of the more present and those available for the pre-
critical issues such as heavy metal pollution, oil shipbreaking period.
and hydrocarbon and the occurrence of pathogens.
A separate task force was constituted to conduct a 3. The low rainfall and the lesser number of
survey of the socio-economic conditions of the local rainy days, coupled with the relative
human populations, particularly the labourers. A stability of the shoreline, favours the
health-camp was also organised for an assessment development of infrastructure,
of the general health and hygiene conditions and uninterrupted operations and sustained
specific occupational hazards. employment of the workforce. While the
predominantly rocky substratum facilitates
Since most of the data have now been collected, it the ship-breaking activities, the particularly
was proposed to present the same to a group of high tidal range, strong current regime and
eminent experts for the development of a the presence on the Gulf-mouth favours
management plan. The specific objectives of this natural dissipation and dilution of the
workshop were to critically examine the data that pollutants to a very large extent.
have been collected so far and develop a workable
management plan for 4. It was observed that although there were
some spatio-temporal variations in the
l ameliorating the environmental impacts, parameters such as the biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand
l providing improved working and living (COD), nitrogen and phosphorus (in certain
conditions to the workers, and forms), pathogenic microbes, petroleum
hydrocarbons (PHC) and certain heavy
l optimising the system for sustained metals, there was no drastic change in any
productivity of the industry and the of these.
environment.
171
5. The increase in the organic load and the of handling and differences in the tidal
presence of pathogens were mentioned range. It was suggested that further
as features that were becoming investigation of this variability may perhaps
increasingly common in the entire lead to a better insight for the management
coastline of our country. This may be of this problem.
attributed to the rapid proliferation of
human settlements in these regions 8. Concern was also expressed about the
which are often bereft of basic amenities floating solid wastes, largely plastic and
of water supply, sanitation and other petrochemical products used in the ships
essential infrastructural facilities. primarily for the insulation. These were
observed to accummulate at various places
6. Levels of some heavy metals (like iron, along the coastline and, occasionally got
zinc, copper and lead) were high in the collected and were incinerated by some of
sediments. While metals like iron (Fe) the plot-owners. Experimental dredging
and zinc (Zn) have a low pollutant was also suggested for ascertaining the
potential, higher levels of lead (Pb) and presence of sunken debris, if any.
copper (Cu) are causes of some concern.
In general, the level of these pollutants
were observed to decrease with distance Discussions on the management plan
from the middle of the ASSBY. Mercury,
though not so important in the water, may
It was mentioned that because of several site-
be measured in the sediments and in the attributes, the levels of pollutants did not exhibit
tissues of fish for its known impact on any drastic change with area and time. However,
the life-forms. It was stated that further
it was noted that the levels of some pollutants were
studies were required for coming to any
definitely higher in the ASSBY region as
definite conclusion about the impact of
compared to the control sites. It was also noted
these metals.
that the levels of these pollutants generally declined
with distance from the ASSBY. Therefore, in order
It was also mentioned that, given the to prevent further the building up of pollutants in
highly dynamic and complex movement
the coastal waters and sediments, which might
of the water and sediment in the Gulf,
ultimately damage the living organisms and impair
there is definite need for continuous
vital ecological functions, a pragmatic and effective
sampling and consistent analysis for
management plan should be implemented.
different heavy metals (monitoring) in
order to trace their entry and movement 1. The major problem of degradable organic
in the ecosystem. Since practical
waste, as indicated by the high levels of
difficulties exist in monitoring of such a
BOD, NH4+-N and pathogenic microbes,
system, a mechanism for sharing of the
can possibly be managed through proper
data and efforts may be made with
disposal of sewage. Proper management of
leading agencies like the National human settlements, even if done in a phased
Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and manner, will improve the situation
Department of Ocean Development
considerably and, that too, in a relatively
(DOD).
short time. Some of the essential features
for the management of human settlements
7. Though the range of variability was
will be:
pronounced, the oil-PHC was high in and
around the ASSBY. The possibility of oil l relocation, preferably 500 m away from the
being washed in after the rains was also
high tide line;
mentioned, since some increase was
observed during the post-monsoon
l provision of community/ household
period. High variability was attributed to
sanitation facilities, preferably those
differences in the type of vessels, mode utilising minimum water;
172
experience gained from other ship-breaking

l supply of fresh water in adequate quantitites yards in the world. Major machineries
throughout the year; being used currently were the TATA 320
cranes of 18 ton capacity which were
l incentives for sewage treatment, both at successful for reasons of operational
community and household levels; flexibility. It was pointed out that this posed
a finite limit to the size of the blocks that
l use of treated effluent and organic waste could be hauled up on the shore was of about
for soil fertility and afforestation and 12 tons each. However, the handling
thereby, ensuring zero discharge into the equipment and the oxygen supply system
sea. can be upgraded immediately with little
extra effort.
2. Management of human habitation will also
take into account the measures for the 5. It also emerged from the discussions that
overall enhancement of the quality of life. since ship-breaking was a unique industry,
Health and nutrition aspects are of there are no existing laws or guidelines for
paramount importance and so is the the regulation of such activities in India.
provision of insurance mechanisms in jobs The ENVIS Centre on Environmental Law
which are deemed to be hazardous. The could compile the available legal
network of medical facilities should be frameworks prevalent in other countries.
updated and modernized. Supply of However, it was also pointed out that since
foodgrains and other essential commodities ship-breaking is mostly confined to the
could be regularised through the public developing countries, it might be necessary
distribution system (PDS). Awareness for India to take the lead in framing
mechanism as a result of popularisation and appropriate legal guidelines.
effective functioning of these systems are
considered necessary so that the inhabitants 6. The regulatory powers of the GMB was also
of the area could improve their life-style. examined in this context. It was noted that
since GMB provides the 'beaching
3. Several measures were also discussed for permission', there was a scope of
improvement in the working conditions. It disallowing particular ships which have
was noted that fatigue and overwork were inherent pollution potential. A detailed
often the root cause of accidents. The GMB checklist for identifying the pollution
has signed a Memorandum of potential of the ships could be drawn up in
Understanding (MoU) with all the ship- consultation with the different agencies. It
breakers restricting ship-breaking activities was also mentioned that because of some
till 1900 hrs every day, and only six days a stringent measures adopted recently by the
week. Although this was a welcome step, GMB, our country has virtually become out
some follow-up measures are required to of market of tanker breaking.
ensure their strict compliance. Other recent
measures seek the introduction of fire 7. Although every effort should be made to
preventive measures, training of labourers recover all the oil present in a ship, some
on safety regulations and industrial safety of it inevitably escapes into the sea. Cut
and improvement in the pay structures so pieces damaged during the dismantling of
as to provide for their greater social security. the super-structure are non-saleable and
Identity cards system should also be these find their way into the water. These
introduced for the identification of the include insulation material such as cork,
skilled people and restricting the use of glasswool, thermocol and plastics and
semi-skilled labourers for specific purposes. cement material coming from the tiles and
sanitary ware. The cutting process dislodges
4. The scope of modernisation was also the iron filings that find their way into the
reviewed, particularly in the light of the water, along with paint coats. It was
173
mentioned that efforts should be stepped larger pieces, it may also not be a cost-
up for preventing the entry of such material effective solution for the pollution and other
into the water. Also, all the combustible related problems. However, such a scheme
components could be collected and could be taken up on a pilot basis, it was
incinerated in an acceptable manner, suggested.
perhaps using a common incinerator.
10. The afforestation measures adopted by
8. It was noted that paints were the major GMB were also discussed. It was mentioned
sources of heavy metals in the coastal that vigorous efforts were needed along
waters and sediments and the process of with a scientific approach for a successful
beaching caused significant scraping off of plantation in the area. Suitable sites could
the under-surface. It was also observed that be identified, with the help of NIO, for
the concentration of lead and copper were selective regeneration of mangroves while
on the high side and this could be a cause some basic understanding of the sand dune
of future concern since these tend to ecosystems will help in developing a
accumulate and magnify in the biotic scheme for their ecological regeneration.
systems ultimately leading to toxic The Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology
conditions. Regular monitoring of (GUIDE), Bhuj, is uniquely placed to
sediments and their concentrations in undertake such a study.
tissues of various organisms were absolutely
essential. Apart from the Central and State 11. Since Alang is a major source of revenue
Pollution Control Boards, it was mentioned for the State, sustaining the activities and
that the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals developing appropriate spin-off enterprises
Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar are of paramount importance. It was
would be monitoring the Alang area under therefore suggested that although the
the COMAM programme of the DOD, industrial laws (as applicable to the Small
Govt. of India. It was agreed that CSMCRI Scale Industries (SSIs)) are applicable here,
would provide this data to GEC, the ship-breaking activity needs to be given
particularly those related to heavy metal an industrial status and Alang area needs
concentrations in the water and sediments. to be declared as an industrial estate. This
It was also agreed that the NIO will help will ensure the protection of labour
with the generation of data related to metal interests, streamlining of operations and
accumulation in tissues. apportionment of responsibilities.
It was also noted that although till date 12. The multiplicity of authorities was one of
there has been no ship in Alang ship- the major hurdles for the successful
breaking yard known to contain PCBs, the implementation of any holistic
issue needs to be settled through an recommendation that may be made. It was
examination of the same, since this was noted that the regulatory powers of GMB
being raised time and again in different was restricted to maritime activities only
fora. while there were other State agencies
responsible for land, water, basic services
9. A system of dry-docking was also proposed etc. The proposal for setting up an Alang
in which a plot could have walls on the two Development Authority was discussed in
sides and a lock-gate opening into the sea. this context. It was mentioned that although
The substrate could be covered by tough GMB has to take the lead in this regard,
synthetic material to withstand abrasion this body must have complete autonomy
during forced beaching and the entire space and it should be constituted with the active
cleaned before another ship is allowed to participation of all agencies in that area.
come in. It was mentioned that such a This apex body should have the nodal
proposition would not only lead to "parking responsibility for the all-round development
problems" and problems of breaking off the of the Alang area and should function in a
174
transparent manner. 8. Prof. Y.D. Singh, Director, Gujarat Institute

of Desert Ecology, Patwadi Naka, Bhuj.
13. Regarding the apportionment of
responsibilities, it was felt that since the 9. Shri Praveen Nagarsheth, President, Iron
vast multitude of labourers were working Steel Scrap and Ship-breakers Association
solely for the GMB, this agency must take of India, Giriraj, 301/2, 3rd floor, 73 Sant
the lead in implementing the proposed Tukaram Road, Mumbai 400 009.
management plan, particularly those
related to the development of infrastructure, 10. Capt. V.A. Pandey, Officer-in-charge,
monitoring of compliance and coordinating Alang Ship-breaking yard, Gujarat
the activities of different agencies. Maritime Board, Alang, Dist. Bhavnagar.
On the part of ship-breakers, the approach has to 11. Dr. Pranav Vyas, Assistant Professor,
shift from mere "Kabadi" to industry. Their Department of Microbiology and
responsibilities should include those which are Biotechnology, MS University of Baroda,
common with the other entrepreneurs such as Vadodara.
housing, community facilities and other social
security schemes. However, this enhanced 12. Gujarat Ecology Commission was
responsibility can be shouldered effectively by the represented by its Chairman, Director
ship-breakers if the lease term is enhanced and (Ecology) and Ecologist.
some sort of continuity is ensured.
13. Gujarat Ecological Society was represented
by its Chairman, Manager, Ecologist and
Participants of the workshop: Research Associate.
1. Prof. S.Z. Qasim, Chairman, BOG, Delhi

Institute of Technology, Old IG Block,
Kashmere Gate, Delhi- 110 006.
2. Dr. B.N. Desai, Hansrajwadi, Nr. Poddar

High School, Santa Cruz (W), Mumbai 400
054.
3. Dr. A. G. Untwale, Head, Biological

Oceanography Division, National Institute
of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, GOA.
4. Prof. S.S. Merh, 7, Yoginagar Society, Nr.

Godrej Hall, Post Office Road, Fatehganj,
Vadodara 390 002.
5. Prof. Vidyut Joshi, Vice-Chancellor,

Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar - 364
002.
6. Prof. V. Subramanian, School of

Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi - 110 067.
7. Dr. Tiwari, CSMCRI, Gijubhai Badheka

Marg, Bhavnagar - 364 002.
175
ANNEX 10.1
National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 1994
Pollutant Time Concentration in ambient air µg/m3

weighted Industrial Residential, Sensi- Method of measurement
average area rural and tive
other areas area
Sulphur Annual 80 60 15 1-Improved Waste and
dioxide average* Gacke method
(SO2) 24 hours** 120 80 30 2-Ultraviolet fluorescence
Oxides of Annual 80 60 15 1-Jecab and Hichhicer
Nitrogen as average* Modified (An-Arsenite
NO2 24 hours** 120 80 30 method)
2-Gas Phase
Chemilumuminescence
Suspended Annual 360 140 70 -High volume sampling
Particulate average* (average) flow rate not
matter 24 hours** 500 200 100 less than 1.1 m3/minute
(SPM)
Respirable Annual 120 60 50 -Respirable Particulate
particulate average* matter sampler
matter 24 hours** 150 100 75
(RPM) (size
less than 10
µm)
Lead (Pb) Annual 1.0 0.75 0.50 - AAS Method after
average* sampling using EPM
24 hours** 1.5 1.00 0.75 2000 or equivalent filter
paper
Carbon 8 hours** 5.0 2.0 1.0 - Non dispersive infrared
mono-xide 1 hours 10.5 4.0 2.0 Spectroscopy
(CO)
* Annual Arithmetic of minimum 104 may exceed but not on two consecutive days,
measurement in a year taken twice a week 24
hourly at uniform interval Note:
** 24 hourly/8 hourly values should be met 98% (1) National Ambient Air Standard: The level
of the time in a year. However, 2% of te time it of air quality necessary with in an adequate
176
margin of safety to protect the public health,

vegetation and property.
(2) Whenever and wherever two consecutive

values exceeds the limits specified above
for the respected category it would be
considered adequate reason to institute
regular/continuous monitoring and further
investigation
(3) The State Government/State Board shall

notify the sensitive and other areas in the
respective states within a period of six
months from the date of Notification
Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Aambient noise levels in Leq applicable in India
No Area Environmental Noise Standards Leq dB (A)

Day Time Night Time
0600 Hrs -2100 Hrs 2100 Hrs - 0600 Hrs
1 Industrial Area 75 65
2 Commercial Area 65 55
3 Residential Area 55 45
4 Silence Zone* 50 45
(As notified by Ministry of Environment and

Forests, Govt of India, vide Notification No. GSR
1063 (E), 21 December, 1989)
dB = Decibel, Leq = Equivalent Sound Level, (A)

= Average
*Silence zone is defined as areas upto 100 m

around premises like hospitals, educational
institutions and courts.
177

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Ecological Restoration and Planning for

Alang-Sosiya Ship-Breaking Yard, Gujarat

10.1 NEED OF A MANAGEMENT

An overall environmental management plan for

(a) maintenance of the values and functions of

(b) involvement of all the stakeholders, from

10.1.1 Preparation of such an

Table 10.1 Summary of various parameters of intertidal and offshore areas.

SN Parameters Control ASSBY Pollution

Table 10.1 contd.

SN Parameters Control ASSBY Pollution

Fig. 10.1 Integrated environmental cause-effect relationships

(b) Proper disposal of non-recoverable residue

Sediments form a sink for heavy metals and, as

l Physical alteration, 10.4 MEASURES FOR

Safety Shoes beyond paying wages. GMB has fortunately shown

10.5 MEASURES FOR IMPROVING

The onshore pollution at ASSBY, as mentioned

Besides intertidal and onshore pollution there is

It is time ASSBY authorities and the Shipbreakers

10.5.1 Township development

Currently, as mentioned earlier, most workers

10.5.1.1 We may make following assumptions for residential accommodation :

Total number of workers 30,000

Based on above assumptions, average requirement

10.5.1.2 Assuming that the cost of land and

Annual tonnage (Same as in 1996-97) 2.6 million tonnes

integrifolia (Sarel/Kanzo/Papad), Pongamia costs of future remedial actions.

Table 10.2 Contents, periodicity and agencies for monitoring

Content of Monitoring Periodicity Agency

10.6.2 Monitoring and regulation alongwith the existing monitoring for

Ships at Alang offshore harbour are routinely

Table 10.3 Action Plan for environmental management of ASSBY area

S.N. Agencies Tasks and Responsibilities for Environmental

Table 10.3 contd.

S.N. Agencies Tasks and Responsibilities for Environmental

PROBLEM CONTROL MEASURE (S) IMPLEMENTING

Bidiversity alteration Disposal of exotic species GMB/Quaran-

Fig 10.2 Summary of recommendations for ASSBY

10.7.1 Management efficiency and to control the pollution load (oils,

Despite all these regulations, however, there might

In conclusion, for a holistic socio-economic- External co-ordination is equally important since

Proper organisation and operationalisation of the

1. Accelerating sustainable development: 14. Biological diversity: information; benefits

9. Solid waste management: waste

Venue : 1) Bhavnagar University

10.9.4 Awareness package for

It is after this sort of dialogue that the

The awareness programme for each village

representatives at parliament, legislative assembly relevant attitudes or change in attitudes and

Media persons are more sensitive to

The third group is that of NGOs, which tend to

Details of all these programmes can be worked

BIBLIOGRAPHY Braddock J.F., J.E. Lindstrom and E.J. Brown

District, 1991. Saurashtra, Gujarat State. Unpublished Ph.D.

harbour, New Zealand, New Zealand J. Mar.

Zingde, M.D., P. Sharma and M.M. Sabnis (1985).

l to obtain critical inputs in the overall scope

obtained. coastal zone of Gujarat. Such an effort, however,

f) Bioconcentration: Levels of selected metals Working group III (ecological studies

a) Coastal zone mapping and classification:

nature of surface and groundwater transactions, changes in the prices of real