Baseline Report on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in India

By applying a knowledge-based scientific approach, the INOPOL project investigated land-based sources, social and economic drivers, river fluxes and ocean input of POPs pollution, to help identify the effective reduction and control measures. The research commenced by developing a comprehensive baseline for pollution by POPs. The compilation also gathered existing knowledge, data and research while identifying gaps within the spheres of management of POPs, that provided rich resources for use in the project activities. The ‘Baseline Report on Persistent Organic Pollutants in India’ included the status of pollution in Gujarat State due to POPs, existing monitoring activities and methodologies, health, and environmental impacts of POPs (including the seven new POPs), international and Indian best practices of management of POPs, gaps and a way forward. The development of this baseline for use and release of POPs in manufacturing, production, as well as in use, was crucial. The data was collected by carrying out an inventorization of sources and mapping current use and release. The complied information facilitated local capacity building on monitoring and analysis, helped develop tools and knowledge to strengthen chemical management in the region, and contributed to an action plan for reducing use and release of POPs in Gujarat.