Abhijit Pathak

Central Pollution Control Board , India

Biography:

Post graduated from University of Calcutta in 1987. Worked in various fields of environmental monitoring and management since 1988.

Presently employed in Central Pollution Control Board, India, the apex regulatory authority in India as Scientist. Career started with Coastal and Offshore water quality monitoring with NIO, DoD, RRL Bhubaneswar. I was associated with private environmental laboratory and consultancy firm in Calcutta (Kolkata) as scientist during 1992 - 1995. Engaged in CPCB since 1995, having present responsibilities on laboratory operation, infrastructure development, Occupational health and safety management, air quality management etc.
Experienced in development of laboratory infrastructure (National Trane Organic Laboratory in CPCB) and worked for standardization of various methods to expand the analytical capabilities in CPCB.
Trained abroad (in Canada, Germany, Japan and Austria) on analytical (HAPs and VOCs, Dioxins and Furans) and modelling (Receptor modeling for Source Apportionment).
Internal auditors for ISO/IEC 17025 and IS 18001:2007 (OH & SMS).
Expert in source emission monitoring.
Engaged in Human Resource development programme in SPCBs. Faculty member for Green Skill Development Programme in air pollution field.
One of the authors of the document on “Guidelines for Continuous Emission Monitoring System in India” published by CPCB.
Worked as a project board member in bilateral projects between CPCB (India) – VTT (Finland), in the field of development of resources in the field of emission, fugitive and odour monitoring.
15 Research reports and documents prepared. More than 20 research publication. 5 papers presented in international conferences.

Short description about presentation:

The drive for installation of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) in India started in 2014. Identified industrial sectors have just initiated entering into self regulatory regime by complying installation and establishing data connectivity to regulator’s server. The main task of operational responsibility and transferring data in meaningful manner has long way to go. The issues related to selection of CEMS, installation at proper site and place, Calibration, Maintenance, Satisfactory performance evaluation, Performance Audit etc. are yet to be addressed by all stakeholders. This paper intended to evaluate the present status of CEMS in India and the way forward to make its data meaningful for self regulation, process control and establishing continuous vigil by the regulator to justify the investment in national interest.