This study reviews the current status of information dissemination regarding the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) to identify possible impediments for its implementation in India.
Background
The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) is a publicly available database that contains detailed information on toxic chemical releases (emissions, effluents & hazardous waste & other waste management activities) reported periodically by government and private industries. The goal of a TRI is to empower citizens through information and hold companies and local governments accountable in terms of how toxic chemicals are managed.
The Centre for Development Finance is exploring means to draw attention to this issue and is seeking to partner with like-minded organisations to catalyse the development of this important inventory. The Approach will be in 3 phases:
Phase 0: A short piece of action research to review the status of implementation of Supreme Court orders on the preparation of National Toxics Inventory for India
Phase 1: Exploring partnerships to create and deploy a pilot level TRI in consultation with civil society
Phase 2: Activating civil society and environmental NGOs to ensure effective scale-up and implementation
Approach
This report examines the directives set forth by the October 2003 Supreme Court order and the current status of implementation of the directives with a specific focus on information dissemination and the creation of a Toxics Release Inventory for India. It also identifies the possible impediments and reasons for non-implementation of a TRI. It involved an analysis of available literature such as reports, existing legislation and case law, newspaper and magazine articles for the examination. Interviews with experienced professional were also used as a source of information.
Implications
The issue surrounding TRI and dissemination of accurate information to the public has received attention within the Indian legislative framework, with discussions having taken place to design steps towards this goal. However, insights from this report suggest a need to strengthening these efforts towards process for creation, collation and dissemination of information regarding hazardous wastes in India process for creation, collation and dissemination of information regarding hazardous wastes in India.