Environmental risk mapping approach: risk minimization tool for development of industrial growth centres in developing countries

‘Environmental risk minimization’ is a major issue of cleaner production objectives. Cleaner production is a concept that goes beyond simple pollution control and hence, its objectives cannot be ensured unless (a) risks of environmental threats (accidental chemical reactions, release of hazardous gases/contamination, and/or liquids/untreated effluents, etc.) triggered by a probable technological mishap or a natural calamity and (b) existing background level of pollution/contamination and ecological sensitivity are taken into account while selecting a suitable site for developing an industrial complex. Development of industrial growth centres (IGCs) has been initiated in India to accommodate a range of small and medium scale industries that are the major contributors to the economies in developing countries. Selection of safer sites for IGCs, thus, has become a serious concern because of synchronous activities, synergistic pollution effects and risks of accidental releases and discharges. The paper discusses the adverse effects of potential interaction between natural risk factors and industrial systems, highlights regional risk management issues and the role of proper site selection in establishing IGCs. Reviewing the current efforts of industrial siting and developmental planning, a new tool ‘environmental risk mapping’ to guide the planning process regarding the development of IGCs has been proposed and its operational framework has been delineated. Further planning issues for suggested IGC sites and the role of the proposed approach in regional environmental impact assessment and environmental management planning have also been analyzed while summarizing the expected benefits over the current practices. Although the proposed approach has been developed for application in India, its usefulness can be claimed in many developing countries as there predominates a diversity of geophysiographic features, as well as regional proneness to many natural and technological hazards.