This issue deals with a variety of topics in addition to standard features. Prof. S. Mitra of Jadavpur University, Calcutta has written the invited article dealing with a variety of toxic substances in our environment, with due emphasis of chemistry of the toxic phenomenon. We have also included the address given by Dr. Aggarwal, Union Law Secretary, Ministry of Law, during the International Workshop on Environmental Legislation and Management for SAARC Countries held in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The book review handles a Cook book dealing with chemical methods for water and soil analysis written by two young researchers in Madras. In addition to the latest references and books in the twin subjects Biogeochemistry and Environmental Law, we have included a the programme of the National Seminar on Legislative Regulation of Hazardous Substances and Processes, inaugurated by Justice Ahmedi in the National Law Institute during November 30 to December 1, 1996 also included the programme schedule on a Workshop on Himalayan Glaciers held in Jawaharlal Nehru University recently. Report of this Workshop also given in this issue. Readers participation through the Newsletter is strongly encouraged. If any reader has attended or plans to attend a meeting in India or abroad, I invite them to submit a write up after their participation about the technical details, Organisations, etc. for possible inclusion in our Newsletter. We can be contacted through fax/email address given elsewhere in this issue.
V. Subramanian Editor
