Top export sector for India


Did you know?

India is not a major contributor to world pollution, but envrionemtal awareness is increasing as the country has embarked on a massive boost to industry.



Did you know?

The government has identified 18 highly polluting industry sectors but the most sophisticated technology will have to be imported to cope with the threat. There is good scope for joint-ventures. between Indian and foreign companies in this field.

 

 


Hazardous waste management machinery and equipment

(in US$ million)
Hazardous waste management machinery and equipment 1995 1996 1997*
Total market size

132

146

172
Locally manufactured 83 90 108
Total exports 12 14 18
Total imports 61 70 82
Exchange rate: US$1 = Rs. 32.75 34.95 35.00
Source: Independent studies
*1997 figures are estimates

 

Major pollution-causing industries in India

Pesticides

Dyes and intermediates

Paints

Pulp and paper

Fertilisers

Drugs and pharmaceuticals

Inorganic chemical industry

Petroleum

Electroplating / heavy metal industry

Semi-conductors / PCBs

 

Products India needs to import

Storage containers made of, or lined with, waste-handling category materials

Polyethylene packaging carbuoys

200-litre steel clamp-lid containers

Spill-combat equipment

Communications and alarm systems

Decontamination equipment

Points to note:

  • India has 1,000 industrial estates in 11 major states: ripe situation for environmental damage.

  • Environment-consciousness is gaining ascendancy thereby enhancing demand for hazardous waste management facilities.

  • The ministry of environment and forests has identified 18 highly polluting industry sectors but the most sophisticated technology will have to be imported. There are good prospects for joint-ventures between Indian and foreign companies in this field.

  • Environment-consciousness has been rising in India since 1989 when the government introduced Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules under the umbrella of the Environment Protection Act of 1986. The rules make it compulsory for industry to use specialised equipment and services for the storage, handling, treatment, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste.

  • State industrial development bodies are seeking assistance from internationally established companies to erect hazardous waste management facilities on a BOO or BOOT basis.

  • Pollution Control Boards, pressure from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and environment activists are helping bring about stricter enforcement of pollution control rules.

  • ISO quality certification has caught up in India, so the environment-related ISO14000 will find increasing acceptance leading to a spur in demand for hazardous waste management equipment, plant and services.

  • In a country famed for its superstitious beliefs and practices, there was no opposition - rather, there was a public welcome - to a clean-up of the Ganges which is considered a Holy River among the majority Hindus. The fact that society acknowledged that their Holy River could be polluted points to a growing understanding of environmental issues in India. And this is good news for foreign and domestic environment-related businesses.

Home