Green is the New Black

Green is the new black literally! It was only a matter of time before the
government sector too joined the green express. And taking the lead is Gujarat
Pollution Control Board that introduced Xtended Green Node (XGN), developed by
NIC Gujarat; which proved to be instrumental in effective implementation of
pollution control act, rules and notifications.

XGN assists users in their daily dealings at thirteen regional offices in
twenty-five districts; including approximately 17,000 industries; and over
25,000 bio medical wastes generators, including hospitals spread across
Gujarat. Launched in June 2008, the project has 120 technical users, out of
which on an average seventy-five users are daily logged in; among 125 scientists
seventy on an average are daily logged in. Currently there are eleven modules
(industry profile, online application module, application scrutiny system,
e-file movement, inspection, sample analysis, accounting, GPCB/CPCB projects,
hazardous waste tracking, and bio-medical) being used for electronically
connecting the thirteen regional offices and the head office.

Green Coverage

The core of XGN lies in e-movement and online processing of e-files leading
to reduced use of physical files. The various stakeholders of the project
include the regional offices; head office; industries; hospitals; urban local
bodies; and operators of CETPs, TSDFs, CBWTFs.

After the rollout of XGN, businesses can get NOC/CCA applications online
after updating profile, and uploading the forms file pages. The status of their
application can also be known by simply sending an SMS; businesses can also
takeout print of their bills and payment receipts; and alerts are generated to
forewarn of any expiry of payment dates or return dates, resulting in an
effective dialog between government and business users.

Not just confined to business users, XGNs bio medical waste module has
smoothened the working of public health centers and government hospitals. The
municipal solid waste module helps keep a track on the volume of hazardous
waste, generated by industries, and its eventual treatment; and this forms an
important data flow for CPCB. The analysis and compilation of this data leads to
management information system related reports for use by various departments
like industries, planning, and water resource departments.

Even the end consumers can benefit from XGN, since in case of any natural
calamity, bulk SMS can be sent to a large group. And most importantly, one can
also access and monitor the status of public complaints.

The XGN project is working on a self sustainable model, where industry users
can only see the analysis result after depositing the analysis charges;
resulting in revenue increase of CPCB. With no physical transfer of files,
postal expenses have reduced.

Taking a cue from the success story of XGN, the Himachal Pradesh government
too has implemented the XGN project. The success of XGN has encouraged CPCB to
go for bio-metric technology, wherein the unit head at the head office and the
regional officer can grant or reject the consent; preventing unauthorized
consent. Further mapping of this database with geographical information system
(GIS) would enable officials to identify new industrial spots, based on
pollution sensitivity.

Stuti Das

stutid@cybermedia.co.in