THE ministry of environment and forests has undertaken 'carrying capacity' studies in several environmentally sensitive areas like the Doon valley, the national capital region of Delhi, the Damodar river basin in Bihar and West Bengal, and the Tapi area in Gujarat.

The studies will identify areas needing immediate attention. Data will be collected in the Ist and 2nd phases and sustainable development plans for the regions will be drawn up later to reclaim the affected areas.

An "environmental statistics and mapping project" has also been initiated, under which maps with details of critical,ly polluted areas, major river basins, drainage networks, location of waterbodies, air quality and other aspects have been prepared.