India: TSIP (Toxic Sites Identification Program)

Since early 2015, TSIP investigators have identified over 700 sites in India, 225 of which were assessed with support from USAID. Of those 225 sites, all but one are contaminated by lead from the informal recycling of used lead-acid batteries.

Site assessments are continuing with a focus on contaminated sites in southern and western states. Over 2.3 million people are impacted by pollution at these sites. The state-level Pollution Control Boards have expressed significant interest in TSIP work. Based on TSIP data, a site near Vellore, Tamil Nadu, was selected for a detailed assessment and subsequent remediation project, which is currently pending. Cleanup of a lead contaminated neighborhood in Karmalichak, near Patna, Bihar State, was completed in 2018.