Industrial development has contributed immensely to economic growth in India. In the process of development, the centre stage has been taken by rapid and tangible economic growth, unfortunately sidelining another equally important aspect of the issue - the environment. The result is that after 50 years of Independence, our industries generate massive quantities of residuals, which not only deteriorate environmental quality, but also adversely affect human health and well being. And ironically, it is increasingly becoming an economic burden. Many areas in India have already been identified as critically polluted by the Central Pollution Control Board, Government of India. It is becoming clearer and clearer that environmental planning needs to be effectively integrated with developmental planning to ensure holistic and balanced growth at all levels.

This book broadly covers the various aspects of developmental planning and discusses the methodologies that are being adopted by different agencies for preparing environmental management plans for different regions. Shortcomings in currently prevalent methodologies, the difficulties envisaged while preparing such plans, and other issues including implementation and public participation have been discussed. The book also provides information on important subjects such as definition of the study region, various frameworks, modelling tools, time frames, scenarios to be developed, and implementation aspects as a part of the preparation of the development plan. The book lays special emphasis on carrying capacity based developmental plan or regional environmental management plan for specific regions in India.