Why in news?
The CSIR‑National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has been in the spotlight for developing green firecrackers and proposing a grid‑based air‑pollution mitigation plan for Delhi. These initiatives highlight NEERI’s role as India’s premier environmental research organisation and have prompted discussions about its history and mandate.
Background
NEERI was established in 1958 in Nagpur as the Central Public Health Engineering Research Institute (CPHERI). At the time, environmental concerns were largely limited to water supply, sewage disposal and communicable diseases. As global awareness of environmental degradation grew, India’s then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi renamed the institute to the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute in 1974, signalling a broader mandate.
NEERI is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It has zonal laboratories in Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. Over the decades NEERI has expanded its research areas to include air and water pollution, hazardous waste management, environmental biotechnology, climate change mitigation and sustainability assessments.
Major activities and contributions
- Water and wastewater management: NEERI develops technologies for safe drinking water, sewage treatment and industrial effluent remediation. Its studies have guided national standards for water quality.
- Air‑pollution mitigation: The institute designs pollution‑control equipment and has proposed a Local Area Management Plan (LAMP) that divides urban regions into grids for targeted interventions. This approach was showcased at the India Clean Air Summit 2023.
- Green crackers: NEERI scientists formulated proprietary additives that reduce emission of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and particulate matter by 30–50 % compared with conventional fireworks. The Supreme Court has allowed only NEERI‑approved “green crackers” during festival periods.
- Waste management: The institute provides solutions for biomedical waste, e‑waste, solid and hazardous waste through bioremediation, recycling and resource recovery.
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA): NEERI conducts EIAs for infrastructure and industrial projects, helping policymakers balance development with ecological protection.
Significance
- Pioneer in environmental science: NEERI was among the first institutes in India to integrate engineering and environmental studies, laying the groundwork for modern environmental management.
- Support to government: Its research informs policies on air quality, water safety, waste management and climate adaptation. NEERI often collaborates with pollution control boards and urban local bodies.
- Technological self‑reliance: By developing indigenous solutions like green crackers and pollution control devices, NEERI contributes to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Public awareness and education: The institute conducts outreach programmes to educate citizens on environmental issues and encourages community participation in pollution abatement.
Conclusion
NEERI’s evolution from a public health lab to a comprehensive environmental research institute reflects India’s growing recognition of environmental challenges. Through research, technology development and policy support, NEERI plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s air, water and soil resources.
Source: ARCH‑India · Business Today