In a pioneering effort of its kind in the Country, the Central Pollution Control Board in collaboration with German Technical Cooperation (GTC) has taken initiatives to check environmental pollution in phases through environmental planning. NIC has undertaken the responsibility of simplification of the process of siting of industries on the basis of environmental consideration by providing its services to prepare 'Zoning Atlas for Siting of Industries'. The project is divided into two parts. Part one includes collection of data and thematic maps, survey and monitoring. This has been executed by the State Pollution Control Board. Part two which includes Geographic Information and computer services, has been executed by the Geographic Information System (GIS) division of NIC. Based on environmental considerations, the project will help in identifying suitable areas for planned industrial development. Five districts which have already been covered in the initial phase in the year 1995-96 are Chindwara (Madhya Pradesh), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Solan (Himachal Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Sundergarh (Orissa). The enormous multiple inputs needed are processed by NIC. Once compiled for the Zoning Atlas, these valuable data is available for other planning purposes also. This kind of mapping helps in reviewing and evaluating a site from the environmental angle for locating an industry. The Zoning Atlas will benefit the Government to develop policies and plan sustainable industrial development with better control and monitoring. Accordingly they will be able to frame proper guidelines for profit-seeking industrialists and speed up the process of sanctioning environmentally and economically suitable industrial sites.