The study, led by the University of Bristol, calls for the introduction of a more effective and joined-up policy framework, including stricter monitoring, to help manage polluted sites and make them safer.
Lead author environmental scientist Dr Jagannath Biswakarma, from the University of Bristol, said: "Contaminated sites are often invisible environmental problems. Pollutants may accumulate slowly in soil and groundwater, but the effects can last for generations if not properly managed. Current regulations are fragmented across sectors, so they're not fit for purpose."
The team of international researchers claim there is a huge mismatch between the amount of hazardous industrial waste produced and the number of formally registered contaminated sites.
Dr Biswakarma, an Honorary Senior Research Associate in Environmental Biogeochemistry at the University's School of Earth Sciences, said: "India generates 15.66 million metric tonnes of hazardous waste annually according to recent figures, yet there are less than 200 officially contaminated or likely contaminated sites in total. By contrast, Switzerland – which is 80 times smaller than India in total land area with less industries – has nearly 39 times more contaminated sites. The scale of this gap is alarming and suggests many potentially polluted areas may still be unidentified."
The researchers propose coordinated monitoring and robust remediation or containment processes, but warn this will necessitate institutional reforms and stronger environmental data systems at a national level.
Contaminated sites are locations where hazardous substances accumulate in soil, groundwater, or sediments, often due to industrial activities, waste disposal, or mining. These pollutants include heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, fossil fuels such as oil and coal, and other chemicals for example agro-industrial products like pesticides, fertilisers, plastics and dyes. These substances can linger in the environment for decades and over time they can enter and build up in food systems and drinking water sources.
Co-author Dr Kavitha Sambasivam, Assistant Professor of CO2 Research and Green Technologies Centre at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in Vellore, India, explained: "Many sites are located in densely populated areas, and that contamination often remains hidden while persisting for decades. Contaminated site management often falls across various regulatory areas, including soil protection, groundwater management, hazardous waste regulation, and public health."
Without coordination between these systems, the researchers claim that pollution risks can remain poorly understood and inadequately tackled. The study recommends adopting an integrated strategy by implementing a Contaminated Site Monitoring, Assessment, and Remediation (CS-MAR) framework. The framework combines environmental monitoring, centralised data systems, risk prioritisation, and community engagement to improve governance of contaminated sites.
The framework draws lessons from international policy models such as the United States' Superfund programme, Switzerland's contaminated site regulations, the UK's Defra 2012 Statutory Guidance, and Australia's national environmental protection measures.
Key elements of the proposed framework include:
- Comprehensive identification and mapping of contaminated sites
- Centralised environmental data systems for pollution monitoring
- Risk-based prioritisation of remediation efforts
- Stronger coordination between regulatory agencies
- Increased public engagement and community monitoring
- Capacity-building initiatives to strengthen technical expertise.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Development, also highlights the potential of emerging technologies, environmental monitoring tools, and public-private partnerships to support more effective remediation strategies.
However, the researchers emphasise that transferring proven international models to other regions is not straightforward.
Study co-author Professor Asif Qureshi, from the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) in Telangana, India, said: "Environmental governance systems differ widely between countries. Our study outlines possible pathways for integration, but real progress will depend on institutional coordination, political commitment, and investment in environmental monitoring."
The study therefore calls for stronger integration between scientific research, environmental monitoring, and policy decision-making. It argues that developing national site inventories, improving transparency of environmental data, and strengthening technical capacity would be important first steps.
Study co-author Professor Ravi Naidu, Distinguished Laureate Professor at the University of Newcastle in Australia and Chair of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations International Network on Soil Pollution, said: "The proposed coordinated framework could also be used by other countries in the Global South facing similar challenges relating to industrial contamination and environmental governance."
Dr Biswakarma added: "By learning from international experiences and strengthening coordination between science and policy, countries can develop practical solutions that protect both ecosystems and communities."
Paper
'Advancing Global Standards: Integrating Policies for Effective Management of Contaminated Sites in India' by J. Biswakarma et al. in Environmental Development
