Abstract
IEs (industrial estates) are today perceived as integral parts of the development strategies of many countries worldwide. The environmental impacts of a concentration of industries in a small area or an unplanned IE can pose a serious threat to both local and global sustainable development initiatives. On the other hand, the formations of ecologically balanced industrial systems can result in numerous environmental and economic benefits. The study described in this paper examines the environmental performance of 34 industries in the Taloja IE in the state of Maharashtra, India. It emphasizes the need to focus on integrated industrial planning in developing countries like India. An analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the Taloja Industrial Estate and the various strategies formulated to improve the environmental performance of the estate are discussed with reference to India. The study also focuses on the need to implement eco-industrial networks in the existing as well as new IEs. This requires strong support from the government and institutions in terms of infrastructure as well as economic incentives.
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