Parliament Update 2006

PARLIAMENT UPDATE ON ENVIRONMENT

2006

COMPILATION OF PARLIAMENT QUESTIONS ON ENVIRONMENT

Toxics Link H-2, Jungpura Extension,

New Delhi - 110014 INDIA

Sl No.

House Category Page No.

1 Rajya Sabha Agriculture 4 2 Air Pollution 21 3 Bio-diversity 25 4 Bio-medical Waste 44 5 Chemicals 46 6 EIA and Environmental Clearance 49 7 E-waste 60 8 Food Safety 64 9 Forest 72 10 Global Warming and Climate Change 185 11 Hazardous Waste 188 12 Health 199 13 Industrial Pollution 221 14 Labour and Employment 227 15 Laws and Amendments 232 16 Mines and Minerals 237 17 Municipal Waste 242 18 Occupational Health Hazards 244 19 Pesticides 247 20 Right to Information 260 21 Urban Development 263 22 Water Resources 271 23 Miscellaneous 307

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Sl No.

House Category Page No.

1 Lok Sabha Agriculture 324 2 Bio-diversity 348 3 EIA and Environmental Clearance 356 4 Food Safety 374 5 Forest 375 6 Hazardous Waste 394 7 Health 398 8 Industrial Pollution 404 9 Labour and Employment 412 10 Laws and Amendments 419 11 Mines and Minerals 433 12 Municipal Waste 439 13 Pesticides 442 14 Right to Information 452 15 Urban Development 454 16 Water Resources 458 17 Miscellaneous 491

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RAJYA SABHA

AGRICULTURE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATION RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1192 ANSWERED ON 03.03.2006

INCREASING ORGANIC PRODUCTION

1192. SHRI R.S. GAVAI Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that in the changing scenario of increased health consciousness among people, the demand for the organic produce and its products is increasing; and (b) if so, the steps Government propose to take to increase the organic production?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): To promote organic farming in the country, Government has approved a Central Sector Plan Scheme, National Project on Organic Farming with an outlay of Rs.57.05 crores from October 2004 for production, promotion, certification and market development of organic farming during 10th Plan period with the following main components:- (i) Putting in place a system of certification of organic produce. (ii) Capacity building through service providers. (iii) Financial support for commercial production units for production of organic inputs like fruits and vegetable waste compost, bio-fertiliser production and hatcheries for vermiculture.

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(iv) Training, field demonstration, promotion and market development. Besides, under National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Agency (APEDA) is facilitating certification of the organic produce for export purpose.

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SPURIOUS PESTICIDES

1953. SHRI VARINDER SINGH BAJWA Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that spurious pesticides are flooding the market and these are costing heavily to the agro-chemical industry; (b) if so, the magnitude of this menace; (c) whether Government are aware that these pesticides are a threat to the farmers and the agro-chemical industry; and (d) if so, the action plan of Government to curb this menace?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a)to(d): Approximately 3.5 per cent of pesticides samples analysed in States Pesticides Testing Laboratories are found to be misbranded. The quality of pesticides is regulated under the provisions of Insecticides Act, 1968 and its Rules. The Registration Committee, constituted under this Act, registers pesticides only after being satisfied of their efficacy. The State Governments then issues licenses for the manufacture and sale of registered pesticides. Quality assurance of pesticides is ensured by the State Governments through

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regular drawl and analysis of pesticide sample through a network of Insecticides Inspectors, Insecticides Analysts and Pesticides Testing Laboratories. The Act provides for punishment to formulators, manufacturers and vendors of spurious and sub-standard pesticides.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATION

RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1958

ANSWERED ON 10.03.2006

DEMAND OF ORGANIC CROPS OF MAHARASHTRA IN INTERNATIONAL MARKET

1958. SHRI TARIQ ANWAR Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that there is more demand of organic crops of Maharashtra in international market; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the assistance provided by Government to farmers?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) & (b): The global market for organic products at present is estimated to be US $ 26 billion per annum. This demand is growing at the rate of 20-30 per cent per annum. No separate data relating to demand for organic crops of Maharashtra is maintained by the Government. (c): The Government implements a Central Sector Scheme called the ‘National Project on Organic Farming’ for production, promotion and market development of organic farming. The main components of the scheme are: (i) A system of certification of organic produce.

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(ii) Capacity building through service providers. (iii) Financial support for commercial production units for production of organic inputs like fruits and vegetable waste compost, bio-fertiliser production and hatcheries for vermiculture. (iv) Training, field demonstration, promotion and market development. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) provides financial assistance to exporters including farmer-exporters for infrastructure development, market development, quality development and transport assistance.

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HARVESTING AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY

1955. SHRI RAMA MUNI REDDY SIRIGIREDDY SHRI K. RAMA MOHANA RAO Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) the manner in which Government are utilising agricultural biodiversity to reduce poverty and hunger and also to improve the lives of rural people in a sustained manner; and (b) the manner in which biodiversity helps in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): Development of new crop varieties having traits for resistance to pests, diseases and environmental stresses derived from agro-biodiversity is the scientific approach to extend the benefits of agricultural biodiversity for enhancing the agricultural production and reducing hunger and poverty.

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(b): The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a set of eight measurable, time bound goals and targets adopted at the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000. One of the MDGs on Ensuring Environmental Sustainability deals most explicitly with biodiversity. Reversing the loss of biodiversity can help in sustainable access of people to safe drinking water, food, shelter and both modern and traditional medicines, thus significantly improving the life and ensuring environmental sustainability.

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NATIONAL AGRICULTURE AUTHORITY

1966. DR. M.A.M. RAMASWAMY

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) when the National Agriculture Authority was constituted; (b) the details of members of this Authority; (c) whether it is a fact that some senior officers have refused to join this Authority at Chennai; (d) if so, the reason therefor; and (e) the steps proposed to be taken to improve this body?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): No National Agricultural Authority has been constituted. (b) to (e): Does not arise.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA


DECREASE IN USE OF PESTICIDES

2408. SHRI PYARELAL KHANDELWAL Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that with the increase in cultivation of biotech crops the dependence on the use of pesticides has come down; (b) whether it has benefited the cultivators of Bt cotton a lot; and (c) if so, the reaction of Government thereto?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) to (c): The increase in cultivation of Bt. Cotton hybrids has resulted in reduction of pesticidal sprays for the control of bollworms due to which farmers have had to incur lower expenditure on pesticides. The cultivation of Bt. Cotton has also resulted in lower crop losses which has led to increase in crop yields to the benefit of the farmers.

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APPROVAL FOR Bt. COTTON

1968. SHRIMATI N.P. DURGA Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

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(a) whether it is a fact that the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee has approved 18 new hybrids of Bt. Cotton for planting in India; (b) if so, the details of varieties and the States to which they are recommended; (c) the total acres in which Bt. Cotton was grown in the country during the last three years, year-wise and State-wise; (d) whether it is also a fact that Bt. Cotton has failed in States like Andhra Pradesh; (e) if so, the reasons therefor; (f) what are the reasons for again approving the varieties of Bt. Cotton by GEAC; and

(g) how far the cotton yield per acre has increased thereby in different States?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) to (c): The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), in the Ministry of Environment & Forests has so far approved 20 Bt. Cotton hybrids for commercial cultivation in the country. (d) & (e): As per the information provided by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, complaints were received from Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khamman and Nalgonda about the poor germination of Bt. Cotton hybrids during 2005. (f) & (g): The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) approved the Bt. Cotton hybrids on account of the superiority in bollworm control particularly in Heliothis bollworm management and reduced use of insecticides in respect of Bt. Cotton hybrids besides conservation of natural enemies of cotton pests and non-target organisms. As per the information provided by the different States, the cotton yield per acre has increased by 15 per cent to 30 per cent as compared to non-Bt. Cotton.

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ORGANIC MANURES

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1174. SHRI MANGANI LAL MANDAL

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the use of excessive quantity of chemical fertilizers and plant protective chemicals for more production from the advanced varieties in agriculture sector in the country, is adversely affecting human health on one hand and on the other fertility of the agriculture land; (b) whether the manure invented by the scientists of National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow and Bovine Science Research Centre, Nagpur, with the help of ancient Indian Book `Vishwa Vallabha` has been patented by America; (c) whether expected results could not be achieved in respect of organic manures; and (d) if so, the details of action taken by Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): No Sir. In general, there is no excessive use of fertilizers in India even in the intensive cropping systems. Likewise, average pesticide consumption of around 450 g/ha in India is far below the consumption in other developed/developing countries. Such levels of use are not generally expected to affect human health and soil fertility. However, there are a few instances of falling organic carbon content and deficiencies of certain major and micro nutrients in some parts of the country, especially in rice-wheat belt of Indo-Gangetic plains due to continuous imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers without addition of organic manures. (b): Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India has filed a patent application, in USA, India and other countries regarding a synergistic combination of bovine urine, neem and garlic. This combination has ability to promote plant growth along with pesticide and anti-microbial abilities. (c): No Sir. (d): Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has standardized improved technologies to prepare eco-friendly organic manures like enriched compost/FYM, phospho-compost, vermi compost from various biodegradable organic wastes. Farmers` trainings and demonstrations are also being arranged from time to time for large scale adoption by the farmers through various State Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS



GENETIC ENGINEERING APPROVAL COMMITTEE

477. SHRI S.S. AHLUWALIA

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the details of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee constituted by Government, its mandate and meetings held since inception, particularly on evolving foreign trade policy regarding genetically modified (GM) products; (b) whether declaration by importers about GM products in any consignment is mandatory; (c) the details thereof; (d) how detection of GM products, if imported undeclared in any consignment by any importer, is carried out and penalty therefore; (e) the details of testing facilities, if any, for technical analysis of GM products with a view to identify and isolate the harmful varieties; and (f) instances where harmful varieties were so detected?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has been constituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests under Rule 4 of Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989 of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. The mandate of the GEAC is to accord environmental clearance for genetically modified products. The GEAC has held 69 meetings since inception. The GEAC has no role to play in evolving the foreign trade policy.

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(b) & (c): Yes Sir. As per condition no 18 (d) of Chapter 1A of the ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Item notified by Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), declaration by importers about GM products is mandatory. (d): The guidelines for testing of the food products at the point of entry are notified under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. The Customs Authorities have been empowered to draw samples and send it for testing to any of the laboratories for further verification regarding the presence of DNA material. If undeclared consignments contain GM material, the importer is liable to penal action under Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. (e) The presence or absence of different transgenic DNA/proteins in the food samples can be ascertained at the laboratories existing at Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore; National Bureau of Plant Genetic Research (NBPGR), New Delhi; Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics, Hyderabad; Industrial Toxicological Research Institute (ITRC), Lucknow and National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad. (f): No report on instances where harmful varieties were detected have come to the notice of the Government.

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PERMISSION OF BT. BRINJAL 1851. SHRI BHAGWATI SINGH SHRI JANESHWAR MISHRA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government propose to take help of foreign companies to promote genetically modified (GM) farming; (b) if so, whether it is also a fact that Government are considering to allow the farming of Bt. brinjal a patent of an American Company Monsanto into in the country; (c) if so, whether any study has been conducted by Government on this effects of GM crops keeping in view the issues related to health, environment and the social and financial status of our farmers; and

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(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefore?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) and (b): No Sir. However, M/s Mahyco an Indian company has developed a Bt. brinjal which is resistant to the fruit and shoot borer. The Bt. gene has been developed by M/s Monsanto, an American company and licensed to M/s Mahyco. The application of M/s Mahyco for conduct of large scale field trials of Bt. Brinjal developed by M/s Mahyco is under consideration of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) notified under Rules 1989 of the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. (c) and (d): Any company involved in the development of GM food crop has to undertake extensive biosafety assessment which includes environmental safety assessment as well as food and feed safety as well as agronomic evaluation. The environmental safety assessment includes studies on pollen escape out-crossing, aggressiveness and weediness, effect of the gene on non-target organisms, presence of the protein in soil and its effect on soil micro-flora, confirmation of the absence of Terminator Gene, baseline susceptibility studies. The food and feed safety assessment studies include composition analysis, allergenicity and toxicological studies and feeding studies on fish, chicken, cows and buffaloes. Only those transgenic crops which are found to be safe for human consumption as well as the environment are approved for large scale trials. The product is approved for environmental release only when there is a clear socio-economic and technical justification for release of the product. **********


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION RAJYA SABHA


ORGANIC FARMING

3650. KUMARI NIRMALA DESHPANDE

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Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) the kind of encouragement given to the research and spread of knowledge with regard to organic farming; (b) whether incentives are given to those farmers who have taken up organic farming as a mission; and (c) the role of agriculture universities in encouraging organic farming?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): In order to standardise technology package for organic farming of important crops, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has launched a network research programme at 13 centres of All India Coordinated Research Project on Cropping System Research with a financial allocation of Rs.2.83 crores during Xth Plan. The Council is also imparting training, organising workshops and field demonstrations to spread knowledge on organic farming in the country. (b): During Tenth Plan, a National Project on Organic Farming has been initiated under which financial assistance is given to agencies for imparting training (@Rs. 13,000/-per course for a batch of 20 farmers), organizing field demonstrations on organic inputs (@Rs.10,000/-per demonstration) and providing technology knowhow/advice (@Rs.200/- per farmer/year). (c): Organic farming has been including in course curricula of agricultural universities. Besides, universities are undertaking research, training and extension activities to promote organic farming. **********




PACKAGE FOR SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION

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3657. DR. VIJAY MALLYA Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) the details of the 7 point package for Second Green Revolution that was announced by the Hon`ble Prime Minister recently at Hyderabad; (b) whether any reference has been made to promote integrated rural development to bridge the rural-urban divide; (c) whether the package included five components suggested by Dr. M. S. Swaminathan of National Commission on Farmers for Agricultural Renewal; and (d) the steps proposed to be taken by Government for improving rural infrastructure and regulation of farm markets?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) to (d): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House. ************




EXPERT PANEL ON BIRD FLU

2899. SHRIMATI SHOBHANA BHARTIA

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have set up an expert panel to find out the causes leading to the recent incidences of bird flue in the country to safeguard the interest of trade in agriculture and agro-based industries that suffered losses due to banning of chicken and farm exports;

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(b) whether ICMR has also set up four Bio-safety Level-3 (BSL 3) laboratories to tackle outbreak of avian flu with foreign know-how, funds and consultancy from USA for the project; and (c) if so, the other steps being taken to meet the situation in future?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI TASLIMUDDIN) (a): Yes Madam. A committee has been constituted to assess/determine the possible source of infection of the outbreak of Avian Influenza in poultry in Navapur, Nandurbar District of Maharashtra under the Chairmanship of Dr. N.K. Ganguly, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. (b)&(c): Three Bio Safety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratories would be established in the country to tackle outbreak of new emerging diseases such as Avian Flu. They will be located at (1) National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi (Directorate General of Health Services), (2) National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata and (3) Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai (Indian Council of Medical Research). One BSL-3 laboratory is already functioning at the ICMR`s Microbial Containment Complex, Pune. The laboratories will start functioning shortly as they are going to be constructed using pre-fabricated materials. The expenditure is being met from the Government of India funds. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have taken adequate measures to contain the human cases of Avian Influenza, if it is to happen. Chief Secretaries of all the States/UTs have been requested to keep a close watch on fatality among bird population and appearance of severe respiratory illness in the exposed human population. A contingency plan to manage human cases of avian influenza was prepared and circulated to the States. A task force constituted to ensure availability of drugs and vaccines have decided to procure Tamiflu and personal protective equipment. 1 million capsules of Tamiflu and 10,000 personal protective equipments were stockpiled.

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USE OF PESTICIDES AND INSECTICIDES IN FARMING

3645. SHRI JANARDHANA POOJARY

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that pesticides and other insecticides are freely used in vegetable farming; (b) whether human beings and animals consuming such vegetables face grave health hazards; (c) if so, the details in this regard; and (d) the details of the measures taken/proposed to be taken by Government to eliminate use of pesticides in vegetable farming?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) to (c): Pesticides are being used on need basis by farmers in vegetable farming. No grave health hazards to human beings and animals have been reported on account of this usage. (d): To reduce the use of chemical pesticides for plant protection, Government has adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as the cardinal principle and main plank of plant protection strategy in overall crop production programme. Under the ambit of IPM programme, the Government of India has established 31 Central IPM Centres across the country to, inter-alia, impart training to farmers in IPM by organising Farmers Field School (FFSs). Government has, so far organised 9111 Farmers Field Schools (FFSs) and 2,75,056 farmers in IPM techniques. IPM package of practices for pest/disease management in 77 major crops have been developed in collaboration with State Department of Agriculture/Horticulture/ICAR Institutions/State Agriculture Universities, which have been circulated to all States/UTs and have been posted on www.dacnet.nic.in/ppin for use by extension functionaries and farmers.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 246 ANSWERED ON 08.12.2006 FRESH APPROVALS FOR FIELD TRIALS OF GM CROPS 246. SHRI RAJEEV SHUKLA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the Government’s response following a Hon’ble Supreme Court directive barring it from issuing fresh approvals of field trials of Genetically Modified (GM) crops; (b) whether Government propose to direct independent enquiry into the long-term economic viability of GM crops in the Indian environment; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a): The Government of India has not approved any fresh field trials on transgenic crops, after the Supreme Court direction dated 22.9.2006. However, field trials for transgenic mustard developed by University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi have been permitted as per Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 13.10.2006 passed on an appeal filed by Delhi University. (b) to (d): There is no proposal to direct independent inquiry into the long-term economic viability of GM crops in the Indian environment. As per the prevailing statutory rules, procedures and guidelines under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 notified under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, the safety, efficacy, agronomic advantage and economic viability of the introduced trait in GM crops are assessed on a case-to-case basis by the regulatory agencies prior to according environmental release of the product. No prior determination that GM crops in general or a specific GM crop in particular, is, or is not viable in Indian conditions - is scientifically defensible. The evidence has to be generated, and evaluated in each case in the Indian context, through properly defined Protocols. ************

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LABS FOR TESTING QUALITY OF FERTILISERS 1810. SHRI MOTILAL VORA Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that products of some fertiliser companies have been found to be sub-standard and hence a ban has been imposed on their sale; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the number of fertiliser companies in the country having and not having a provision of labs for testing quality of their products alongwith the details thereof; and (d) the action Government would take against the companies for not having any labs?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) & (b): No such information has come to the notice of the Government regarding ban on sale of fertilisers by any manufacturing units under Fertilizer (Control) Order (FCO). However, on all India basis about 6 per cent of the samples were found non-standard during 2005-06. (c): The FCO, 1985 has prescribed minimum requirement of specific laboratory facilities to be possessed by the certain categories of manufacturers namely single super phosphate, fertiliser mixtures and micronutrient fertilisers. Most of the major fertiliser manufacturing units maintain such laboratory facilities to ensure the quality. No information is available about the companies having or not having the laboratory facilities in their production units. (d): Non-possession of laboratory facilities as prescribed by the Government under Clause 21 of FCO, 1985 by the specific group of manufacturing units is a violation of FCO provisions and the State Governments are empowered to take penal action against them under the provisions of FCO/ECA, 1955.

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AIR POLLUTION


RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 342


THREAT FROM ATMOSPHERIC BROWN CLOUD

342. DR. NARAYAN SINGH MANAKLAO Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC), a terminology generally used for the enormous blanket of pollution comprising ash, acids, etc., reduces the chances of monsoon rains substantially in the subcontinent thereby causing potential threat to the agricultural harvests; (b) if so, the measures taken/proposed to be taken by Government to tackle the threat; (c) whether any study to assess its impact on our country has been carried out; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC) refers to the high loading of pollutants in the atmosphere consisting of mixture of anthropogenic sulphates, nitrates, organics, black carbon, dust, fly ash particles and natural aerosols such as sea salt and mineral dust. The brownish colour of cloud is due to the absorption and scattering of solar ultraviolet radiation by black carbon, soil derived dust, fly ash and nitrogen oxide. The ABC phenomenon occurs over several world regions, and is a seasonal phenomenon. The precise impacts of pollutant loading over monsoon rain and agriculture are still under study, and an international programme has been initiated by the world community to better understand the origins, inventories and impacts of Atmospheric Brown Cloud. (b): The Government of India has taken several measures to reduce the pollutant loading e.g. introduction of tightened emission norms for vehicles, improvement in fuel quality in

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transport sector, use of cleaner fuels, introduction of electrostatic precipitators in thermal power plants, introduction of biogas plants and improved biomass stoves especially, in rural areas. These measures are aimed to improve the air quality by reducing the pollution loading. (c) to (e): A programme named INDOEX (Indian Ocean Experiment) undertaken during 1996-1999 with the participation by the Indian scientists, had drawn the attention of the international community on the issues pertaining to ABC. The preliminary investigation of effects of pollution loading on winter rice and winter rains was undertaken for India through a modeling approach. India has also now formally joined the international effort through Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC) programme initiating more observations as well as undertaking impact studies. The programme covers both the observational as well as the impact studies on agriculture, hydrological cycle, health and monsoons/climate. However at this stage, it is premature to establish linkages between the Atmospheric Brown Cloud and climate change. *********




AIR AND WATER POLLUTION

1993. SHRI RAJU PARMAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that inspite of several measures taken by Government to minimise pollution, many cities in India are reported to have high level of air and water pollution; (b) if so, what are the complete details in this regard; and (c) what steps Government have taken to warn the States/UTs for rapid increase in pollution level?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)(&(b): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in association with the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) and institutions is monitoring ambient air quality at 287 locations covering 92 cities and water quality at 1000 stations covering rivers, lakes and groundwater. The monitored data in respect of air quality indicates that Sulphur Dioxide and Oxides of Nitrogen are within the national ambient air quality standards. However, the values of Respirable Particulate Matter (RSPM) are higher than national standards at a number of locations. The water quality monitoring results indicate that disposal of sewage from cities and towns located on banks of rivers and discharge of industrial wastewater into rivers is responsible for impairment of water quality in certain stretches. (c): The steps taken for prevention and control of air and water pollution include : · Notification of general and source specific environmental standards; · Encouragement of cleaner fuels and improved technologies in various industrial activities; · Preparation of Environmental Management Plant for restoration of environmental quality in critically polluted areas; · Interaction with SPCBs/PCCs for assessing the steps taken to control pollution; · Implementation of the Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection for seventeen categories of polluting industries; · Regular monitoring for environmental compliance; and · Issuance of directions and legal notices to defaulting units.

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UNIFORMITY IN CRITERION TO ASCERTAIN POLLUTION LEVEL 2950. SHRI MANGANI LAL MANDAL Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

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(a) whether it is a fact that there is no uniformity in the work carried out, so far, after fixing the criteria to ascertain the air pollution and water pollution, and for fixing its level; (b) whether it is also a fact that the gap between the contaminated and treated water is widening as the legal accountability for providing clear potable water has not been fixed; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): For abatement of pollution, ambient and source specific environmental standards have been notified from time to time under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The industries are required to meet emission standards in respect of Suspended Particulate Matters, Sulphur Dioxide and Oxides of Nitrogen as well as the industry specific standards. Similarly, in respect of water pollution, the effluent standards for industries as well as sewage treatment plants have been fixed indicating the mode of disposal. (b)&(c): While gap exists between the waste water generated from domestic sewage and the facilities available for treatment of waste water, priority has been accorded for setting up sewage treatment plants for cities and towns located on the banks of the major rivers. The National River Conservation Plan at present covers pollution abatement works in 160 towns along polluted stretches of 34 rivers spread over 20 States with the objective of making the river water quality fit for bathing.

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BIO-DIVERSITY




INDIA’S RANK AMONG BIO-DIVERSIFIED NATIONS

2471. SHRI MANGANI LAL MANDAL Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that India figures amongst the seven most bio-diversified nations of the world; (b) whether it is also a fact that the balance between flora and fauna is getting disturbed in the country; (c) whether due to lack of effective action to conserve the environment so far, the various species of flora and fauna are on the verge of extinction; and (d) if so, the details in this regard ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): India is one of the identified mega diverse countries of the world. (b): The Govt. is not aware of any such report indicating that balance between flora and fauna is getting disturbed in the country. (c) & (d): It is a fact that the bio-diversity is under pressure due to various factors like pollution, poaching and other biotic pressures leading to decline in richness of a number of species. These issues are addressed at different levels through schemes such as National Parks, Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves for in-situ conservation of bio-diversity and through Regional Botanical Gardens and Gene Banks for ex-situ conservation. *********

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VULTURE BREEDING

622. DR. M.A.M. RAMASWAMY Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the Central Government have decided to stop the use of drugs which have been a cause for disappearance of vultures; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is also a fact that some States have taken steps in the direction of vulture breeding; and (d) if so, the steps taken by Government to encourage more States in this direction in order to save the vultures from extinction?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The issue of decline in population of three species of vultures in the country was discussed in the meeting of the National Board for Wildlife in 2005 wherein it was recommended that the veterinary drug diclofenac should be banned. Accordingly, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has taken up the matter with the concerned Ministries and organisations to place a ban on diclofenac which has been identified as the major causative factor for the decline in the vulture population. (c) & (d): Yes Sir, vulture conservation and breeding centres have been established at Pinjore, Haryana and Buxa, West Bengal in 2001 and 2005 respectively. Ministry through Central Zoo Authority, has decided to provide financial and technical assistance to States for establishment of vulture conservation centres in related zoos.

*********

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DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDARY AND DAIRYING RAJYA SABHA


USE OF DICLOFENAC

568. SHRIMATI VANGA GEETHA Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have formally recommended the States to reduce the use of diclofenac, something it had been resisting till a linkage with vulture deaths was clear and an alternative was available; (b) if so, whether the States have also been asked to stop purchasing this veterinary drug for Government dispensaries; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the trials are running very late in this regard; (e) if so, the reasons therefor; (f) whether there is no estimates on how much diclofenac is dispensed in the country through Government dispensaries;

(g) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(h) the steps taken to improve the situation in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI TASLIMUDDIN) (a)to(c): Yes Sir. State Governments have been requested to restrict the use of Diclofenac and to reduce procuring this drug for Government veterinary dispensaries. (d)&(e): The experimentation about the efficacy of Meloxicam, an alternative drug to Diclofenac is at its final stages at Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. (f)to(h): Diclofenac is in veterinary use as a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is prescribed to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness of musculo-skeleton and are

27

generally procured by the local veterinary authorities of the State Animal Husbandry departments. The State Governments have already been advised to restrict its use and to reduce procuring it for Government veterinary dispensaries.

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APPROVED FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE PROJECTS FOR ANDHRA PRADESH

2457. SHRI NANDI YELLAIAH Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the details of approved forestry and wildlife projects for Andhra Pradesh under the Xth Five Year Plan region-wise; (b) the cost and target of each of the said projects; and (c) the results of the efforts made during the last two years for expansion of the forest area in Andhra Pradesh by the Central/State Government?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The details of approved forestry and wildlife projects for Andhra Pradesh under the Xth Five Year Plan and actual releases so far is given in Annexure. (c): 32 Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) projects have been sanctioned for Andhra Pradesh with a total cost of Rs. 82.35 crores with a physical target of 47,400 hectares till date. The area under forest and tree cover in the State has increased from 53,648 sq.km in 2001 to 56,539 sq.km in 2003 as per the latest State of the Forest Report.

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S.No Name of

Scheme / Projects

Founds released

2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 1

National Afforestation Programme

835.00 1044.00 1421.00 599.00

2 Integrated Forests Protection Scheme

129.00 100.00 290.00 175.00

3 Project Tiger –Nagarjunsagar

21.10 22.89 15.00 61.04

4 Project Elephant

50.00 55.00 48.00 60,00

5

Development of National parks and Sanctuaries

82.72 89.30 71.70 104.2

Grand Total 1117.82 1311.19 1845.70 999.28 ******




WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND CO OPERATION BETWEEN INDIA AND USA

2010. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether there is a move for wildlife conservation and co-operation between India and the USA, before the US President’s visit; and (b) if so, what agreement or understanding has been reached in this regard?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. India has conveyed its consent to join the global Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT) through which it will collaborate in the fight against illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife parts. In addition, the India-US Joint Statement issued on March 2, 2006 also welcomed the opportunity to strengthen long pending work on the conservation of wildlife through cooperation on park management and eco-tourism. ********




EXTINCTION OF VULTURES DUE TO BACTERIA 1991. SHRI JANESHWAR MISHRA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the number of birds in all major cities has considerably declined as these cities are turning into concrete jungles; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is also a fact that population of vultures in the country is declining sharply due to a bacteria called ‘Hamolytic-e-Koli and these vultures are on the verge of extinction; (d) if so, whether Government would contemplate any effective steps to save vultures from extinction; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. No such reports have been received.

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(b): Does not arise. (c): No Sir. The decline in vultures has been attributed mainly to the veterinary drug diclofenac present in the carcasses of cattle on which the vultures feed. Out of the vultures found in India, the decline in population of three species namely Slender Billed, White Backed and Long Billed is a cause of global concern. (d)&(e): The issue of decline in population of vultures in the country was discussed in the meeting of the National Board for Wildlife in 2005 wherein it was recommended that the veterinary drug Diclofenac should be banned. Accordingly, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has taken up the matter with the concerned Ministries and organizations to place a ban on Diclofenac. Vulture conservation and breeding centres have been established at Pinjore, Haryana and Buxa, West Bengal in 2001 and 2005 respectively. Education and awareness campaigns about the important role of vultures in our ecosystem have been strengthened.

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CLOSURES OF SANCTUARIES IN EASTERN GHATS

2002. SHRI S.M. LALJAN BASHA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government have suggested to State Governments to close some sanctuaries in the Eastern Ghats; (b) the names of such sanctuaries which have been recommended for closure by Government due to river irrigation projects, etc.; (c) what steps Government would take to move such wildlife from such affected game sanctuaries in the Eastern Ghats; and (d) the reasons for not protecting wildlife by Government?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAYAN MEENA) (a): No Sir, no such suggestion has been made by this Ministry to the State Governments. (b) to (d): Question does not arise.

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NORMS FOR CARE OF ANIMALS IN ZOOLOGICAL PARKS

2000. SHRI KRIPAL PARMAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of zoological parks in the country; (b) whether it is a fact that Government do not have any norms in respect of food and healthcare of animals in major zoological parks; (c) if so, the reasons therefor; (d) whether Government propose to conduct any scientific study in respect of food and healthcare of animals; (e) if so, the steps taken by Government in this regard; and (f) the measures taken by Government to improve the norms relating to food and healthcare of the animals?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): There are 159 recognised zoological parks in the country.

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(b): No Sir. The Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992, prescribes the minimum required standards and norms for food and healthcare of wild animals. All recognised zoos are required to strictly comply with the condition. (c): Does not arise (d) & (e): Yes Sir. The Central Zoo Authority has awarded scientific study to be conducted in respect of food and healthcare of zoo animals to the National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore and Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly respectively. (f): The Central Zoo Authority is providing financial assistance to the six veterinary colleges/universities at Bareilly, Jammu, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Chennai and Anand for providing better technical help to the Indian Zoos for upkeep and healthcare of the wild animals in captivity.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA


PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND BIRDS

1999. SHRI E.M. SUDARSANA NATCHIAPPAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether any fresh initiatives are being taken by Government to protect the endangered species of animals and birds in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Initiatives taken by the Government to protect the endangered species of

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animals and birds in the country are as under:- (i) Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. (ii) Several rare and endangered species of wild animals have been included in the Schedules of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby giving them the highest degree of protection. (iii) The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended and made more stringent. (iv) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehended and prosecute wildlife offenders. (v) Financial and technical assistance are provided to the States under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz. Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Central Zoo Authority and Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the states for providing effective protection of wild animals. (vi) Bilateral agreements have been signed with Nepal and Republic of China for controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in wildlife. (vii) Action has been taken for implementing the urgent recommendations of the Tiger Task Force. (viii) The conservation breeding programme of rare and endangered wildlife species is being undertaken by the Central Zoo Authority in collaboration with various zoos in the country. (c): Does not arise.

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DEATH OF BIRDS

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1992. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR SHRIMATI JAYA BACHCHAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that more than 300 birds belonging to the Okhla Bird Sanctuary were found floating dead in the River Yamuna recently; (b) whether it is a fact that most of the dead birds are Shoveller ducks which migrate from Russia and Northern China; (c) whether Government have done any investigations in this regard; (d) if so, the action proposed; and (e) the steps taken by Government to avoid recurrence of such incidence in future?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): As reported by Government of Uttar Pradesh, fifty three birds were found dead in February 2006 in Okhla Bird Sanctuary. (b): The details of species found dead, including migratory birds, are placed at Annexure-I. (c) & (d): Samples of dead birds sent to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal have tested negative for avian influenza. Three persons were caught fishing in the area using poisonous baits and have been arrested under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The death of the birds is attributed to these poisonous baits, since dead fishes were also found along with the dead birds. (e): Vigil has been stepped up in the area and all visitors are being checked to prevent recurrence of such incidents. ANNEXURE -I

No. Name of Species Numbers found dead 1 Shoveller 43 2 Gulls 02

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3 Cormorant 02 4 Little Egret 01 5 Common Teal 05 TOTAL 53

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DEATH OF SEAGULLS IN LAKHOTA LAKE

2011. SHRIMATI JAYA BACHCHAN SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that over 500 seagulls died recently in Jamnagar’s Lakhota lake in Gujarat; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is a fact that the lake has now turned into a graveyard for migratory birds; (d) if so, the reasons therefor; and (e) the action Government have taken in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. As reported by the Government of Gujarat, death of sea gulls had occurred in the Lakhota lake as a result of food poisoning. (c): No Sir.

36

(d): Does not arise. (e): Awareness campaigns have been launched with success, to make the people stop feeding the birds with human food. Efforts have also been stepped up to clean the environment of the lake in coordination with the district agencies.

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SURVEY OF WILDLIFE IN PAPIKONDA GAME SANCTUARY

289. SHRI S.M. LALJAN BASHA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that there were repeated demands from environmentalists in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh for a proper survey of the wildlife in Papikonda Game Sanctuary; (b) if so, the details of these demands and when they were made; (c) whether it is also a fact that Government refused to entertain such legitimate demands; (d) what steps Government would take to review such refusals; and (e) whether such funds meant for surveys have been spent on foreign travel by the officials?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. Some concerns about Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary were expressed in the year 2001. However, specific requests to undertake census of wild animals in

37

Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary were received in the Ministry during the years 2004 and 2005. (c): No Sir. Management of Sanctuaries, including census of wild species, in the area is vested with the concerned State Government. These requests were, therefore, forwarded to the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for appropriate action. Hence the question of refusal by Government to entertain such requests does not arise. The census were carried out by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh and as per the information received from the State Government, the condition of Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary is satisfactory. (d): Does not arise. (e): No Sir. *******




TASK FORCE FOR CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE

1228. SHRI RAMA MUNI REDDY SIRIGIREDDY SHRI K. RAMA MOHANA RAO Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government have set up a task force to study the conservation of tigers and wildlife in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the task force is also given a mandate to recommend strengthening of laws against poaching and training for police and forest guards; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

38

(a) to (d): Based on the recommendations made in the meeting of the National Board for Wildlife on 17.03.2005 under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, a Task Force was constituted to review the management of tiger reserves in the country, which has submitted its report. The Terms of Reference of the Task Force are at Annexure-I. ANNEXURE-I The terms of reference of the Task Force are as follows: 1. Suggest measures to strengthen tiger conservation in the country. 2. Suggest measures to give incentives to the local community for conservation of tigers. 3. Suggest measures to give incentives to local forest staff posted in sanctuaries/national parks and ensure an effective HR plan for tiger conservation/wildlife managers. 4. Suggest measures to improve the methodology of tiger counting and forecasting. 5. Suggest methods of transparent professional audit of wildlife parks and placing data on tiger conservation in the public domain. 6. Suggest a new wildlife management paradigm that shares concerns of conservation with the public at large.

********




CENSUS OF WILD ANIMALS IN JHARKHAND

2948. SHRI AJAY MAROO Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether census of wild animals of important species including tiger has been carried out in Jharkhand on the direction of the Central Government; (b) if so, the figures of this census; and

39

(c) the steps taken for protection of tiger and other wild animals of important species in Jharkhand?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): Phase-I of the all India estimation of tiger, co-predators and prey animals has been carried out in all tiger States including Jharkhand, using the refined methodology approved by the Tiger Task Force. Since the process requires completion of several other phases, indication of numbers is not possible at this stage. (c) The steps taken by the Government of India to protect tigers and other wildlife are at Annexure-I ANNEXURE-I Steps taken by the government for protection and conservation of tigers and other wildlife are as under: (i) Legal protection has been provided to wild animals against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. (ii) Several rare and endangered species of wild animals have been included in the Schedules of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby giving it highest degree of protection. (iii) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended and made more stringent. The punishment in cases of offences has been enhanced. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that has been used for committing any wild life offence. (iv) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehended and prosecute wildlife offenders. (v) Government of India has set up Regional and Sub-regional Offices for wildlife preservation in major export and trade centers of the country to prevent smuggling of wild animals and their products. (vi) Financial and technical help is provided to the States under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz. Project Tiger, Project Elephant and Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the States for providing effective protection to wild animals. (vii) A National Wildlife Action Plan 2002-16 was adopted by the Indian Board for

40

Wildlife under the chairmanship of Prime Minister in January 2002. The plan outlines the strategy for conservation and protection of wildlife in the country. (viii) Government of India is a signatory to many international conventions concerning biodiversity conservation and control of illegal trade in wild flora and fauna. (ix) Bilateral agreements have been signed with Nepal and Republic of China for controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in wildlife. (x) A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for addressing international issues related to tiger conservation. (xi) Action has been taken for implementing the urgent recommendation of Tiger Task Force and creation of National Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

************




BANNING OF DRUGS TO SAVE VULTURES

2956. SHRI SANJAY RAUT Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the number of three common vultures species has dropped by 95 per cent in last 10 years; (b) if so, what are the reasons and what provisions are done to protect these species; (c) whether it is also a fact that Hon’ble Prime Minister has asked to withdraw the use of certain drugs for protecting these species; and (d) if so, details thereof and what are the reasons for non withdrawal of these drugs even after one year? A N S WE R


41

(a): As per the reports available, the population of three vulture species namely Slender billed, White backed and Long billed vultures has declined by about 97 per cent in the Indian sub-continent in the last ten years. (b): Studies carried out in the Indian sub-continent have revealed that the veterinary formulation of the drug diclofenac is the major cause for this sharp decline. These three species of vultures have been included in Schedule-1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, affording highest degree of protection. They have also been listed by IUCN, the World Conservation Union as ‘critically endangered’ in the year 2000. An action plan has been prepared by Ministry of Environment and Forests for saving the vultures. (c) & (d): Yes Sir. The National Board of Wildlife, in its meeting held on 17th March, 2005 under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister, recommended a ban on the drug diclofenac. Subsequently, consultations with concerned Ministries and pharmaceutical companies to phase out the drug have been held. Since diclofenac is an effective and economical veterinary drug, various issues like availability of a viable substitute, its production and availability in the market, use in humans, etc., involving number of stakeholders, have to be ascertained before a ban is imposed. *************




SURVEY OF WILDLIFE IN PAPIKONDA GAME SANCTUARY

289. SHRI S.M. LALJAN BASHA

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that there were repeated demands from environmentalists in West Godavari of Andhra Pradesh for a proper survey of the wildlife in Papikonda Game Sanctuary; (b) if so, the details of these demands and when they were made; (c) whether it is also a fact that Government refused to entertain such legitimate demands; (d) what steps Government would take to review such refusals; and

42

(e) whether such funds meant for surveys have been spent on foreign travel by the officials?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. Some concerns about Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary were expressed in the year 2001. However, specific requests to undertake census of wild animals in Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary were received in the Ministry during the years 2004 and 2005. (c): No Sir. Management of Sanctuaries, including census of wild species, in the area is vested with the concerned State Government. These requests were, therefore, forwarded to the State Government of Andhra Pradesh for appropriate action. Hence the question of refusal by Government to entertain such requests does not arise. The census were carried out by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh and as per the information received from the State Government, the condition of Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary is satisfactory. (d): Does not arise. (e): No Sir.

**********

43

BIO-MEDICAL WASTE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT RAJYA SABHA


BIO MEDICAL WASTE UNIT

1906. SHRI P.K. MAHESHWARI Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government sought proposals for two hospitals each from every State for approval of bio-medical waste unit; (b) the basis of this criterion; and (c) whether it is not apt to set benchmarks of State population, the number of hospitals or the number of sanctioned beds in hospitals for the purpose?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a): Yes Sir. Government has invited proposals for setting up of pilot project/demonstration project on bio-medical waste management. (b)&(c): The aim of the scheme is to implement pilot projects to have a demonstration effect by providing financial assistance to identified hospitals/institutions under Central/State Government. The financial assistance is, therefore, limited to Rs.85 lakh per hospital or Rs.1.5 crore per State/U.T.

*********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE



44

BIO-MEDICAL WASTE UNITS

505. SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have taken any steps to adopt proper measure for the disposal of bio-medical waste in all the Government hospitals of the country including Delhi; (b) if so, the details thereof, as on date; and (c) if no, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (c): Disposal of bio-medical waste in hospitals is governed by Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling ) Rules, 1998 which are binding on all hospitals in the country. So far as Central Government hospitals are concerned, they are following these rules. The hospital waste is segregated and collected in the colour coded scheme bags at the collection sites in the wards/units and all hospital premises. These bags are sent to the bio-medical waste plant for further disposal through incinerators/shredders etc. as per requirement for various kinds of wastes. Emissions from these incinerators are regularly checked. The authorities from Central/State Pollution Control Boards also visit the hospitals periodically, and wherever required, interact for action with the concerned officers. In all Central Government hospital, Bio-Medical Waste Management Committees are set up to keep a watch over the disposal of bio-medical wastes as per requirement of the Rules.

***********

45

CHEMICALS




PLASTIC BAGS

2945. SHRI GIREESH KUMAR SANGHI DR. PRABHA THAKUR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether manufacturing and use of plastic is harmful for environment and health; (b) whether plastic bags convert fertile soil into barren; and (c) if so, the steps Government are taking to check the manufacturing and use of plastic and the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Plastics are polymers of long-chain hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. They are chemically inert or neutral and used for the manufacture of a large number of consumer items and can be recycled. Plastics by themselves are not harmful. Only the indiscriminate littering of plastics and environmentally unsound recycling practices has the potential to cause adverse impacts on environment and health. Plastic bags are generally made of polyethylene and are non-biodegradable. (c): A set of rules entitled the Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 amended in 2003 has been brought out to regulate the usage of plastic carry bags and to encourage collection of wastes. These rules prescribe that only virgin plastic material should be used for storing, carrying, dispensing, or packaging of foodstuffs. These rules also prohibit the manufacture, stocking, distribution or selling of carry bags made of virgin/recycled plastics, which are below 8 x 12 inches in size and 20 microns in thickness. **********

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 3681 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.05.2006

MEGA CHEMICAL COMPLEX SETTING UP OF MEGA CHEMICAL

INDUSTRIAL ESTATES IN THE COUNTRY

3681. MS. PRAMILA BOHIDAR SHRI B.J. PANDA Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILISERS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government propose to set up mega chemical industrial estates in Haldia, West Bengal and Vizag, Andhra Pradesh; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether a similar zone is also proposed to be set up in the backward Orissa region to improve its economy; and (d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reason therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILISERS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI B.K.HANDIQUE) (a) to (d): The Department of Chemicals and. Petrochemicals, assisted by Consultants is studying the feasibility of setting up Mega Chemical Industrial Estates at different locations in the country. A Task Force on Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIR) has also been constituted in the Prime Minister`s Office on 20.1.2006, in order to enable quick and coordinated decision making and to provide an appropriate policy framework for the development of investment regions of requisite scale and level of facilities, with the involvement of world class developers and investors, In the field of petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals. This Task Force will also finalise the number and locations of PCPIRs. A definite time limit has not been fixed at this stage. **********

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RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3720 TO BE ASSWERED ON 19.05.2006

LAYING OF ROADS USING PLASTIC WASTE

3720: SHRI MANOHAR GAJANAN JOSHI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether an experiment has been made to lay road using plastic waste;

(b) whether his Ministry has given green signal for laying of roads using plastic waste; (c) if so, whether his Ministry has taken up with Ministry of Road Trarsport for laying of

roads using plastic waste; and (d) if so, the reaction thereto? MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) Demonstration of using plastic waste for road construction mixed with bitumen has

been carried out and a few stretches of roads have been built using waste plasties in some States like Tamil Nadu, Kerals, Karnataka and Maharashtra. It has been observed that polymer waste blended bitumen increases the strength and reduces bleeding of roads.

(b) The Minstry of Environment and Forests has not receive any request to recommend for laying of roads using plastic waste and has not taken up the issue with the Ministry of Roads Transport.

*************

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EIA AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT



ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR VASANT KUNJ SHOPPING MALLS

1912. SHRI R.K. ANAND Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Supreme Court in its order dated 19th August, 1997 stated that DDA was required to abide by all the conditions of obtaining the environmental clearance from the statutory authorities as required by law; (b) whether the DDA did not implement the Court’s order and allowed the construction of shopping malls in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a) to (c): The Supreme Court’s vide order dated 19th August, 1997 in Special Leave Petition No. 8960 of 1997, filed by Unisons Hotels Ltd. had directed that the petitioner, i.e., M/s Unisons Hotels Ltd. and all other similarly situated in the constraint area of 92 hectare falling outside the project area of 223 hectare are required to abide by all the conditions of clearance from Environmental Authorities, including taking measures necessary for checking pollution and complying with all other requirements of law. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has reported that the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court have been incorporated in the layout plan of the constraint area. Some of the building plans of plots disposed off by the DDA in this area have been sanctioned, with the condition that lessee shall submit the environmental clearance within the given time frame. *******

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CONSTRUCTION OF VASANT KUNJ SHOPPING MALL

2008. SHRIMATI BRINDA KARAT Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has given permission for construction of Vasant Kunj Shopping Mall in Delhi even though the auction purchasers have not obtained necessary clearances from statutory authorities; and (b) whether Government are contemplating any action against Delhi Development Authority and to stop the construction of Mall?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The shopping mall project of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) at Vasant Kunj had been cleared by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the plots were auctioned accordingly by the DDA. The DDA accorded sanction to the building plans subject to the condition that the auction purchaser would obtain necessary environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests/Delhi Pollution Control Committee. So far the Ministry of Environment and Forests has not accorded environmental clearance to the project.

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DECENTRALISATION OF GREEN CLEARANCE

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1235. SHRI GIREESH KUMAR SANGHI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether his Ministry has decided about decentralisation in the sphere of green clearance recently; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) &(b): The Government has brought out a draft revised environment impact assessment notification published in Gazette of India vide S.O. 1324 (E) dated 15th September, 2005. In the said draft notification, State level clearances in respect of select projects below a prescribed threshold limit are proposed. (c): Does not arise.

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PROJECT REPORTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

469. SHRIMATI SYEDA ANWARA TAIMUR SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government of Maharashtra have since submitted revised projects reports to Government for implementation under the Tenth Five Year Plan; and

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(b) if so, what action Government have taken thereon?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): This Ministry has not received the revised detailed project reports for the towns of Pandharpur, Prakasha and Paithan from the Government of Maharashtra. (b): Does not arise.

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PROPOSALS OF MAHARASHTRA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

1232. SHRI SANJAY RAUT Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the details and number of proposals submitted by Maharashtra Government related to environment issues to Central Government including necessary assistance and clearance to the environmental projects of Maharashtra since last two years; and (b) the details of pending proposals submitted by Maharashtra Government with his Ministry by indicating the reasons behind the delay?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): The details of the projects received from the Government of Maharashtra during

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last two years along with the reasons for delay in the clearance in the case of pending proposals are given in Annexure.

ANNEXURE

The details of the projects received from the Maharashtra Government during last two years are given in the table below: Sl.No. Name of the project Reasons for delay Cleared / Sanctioned Projects 1. 1040 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Uran

Expansion Project at Uran, Distt. Raigarh by Maharashtra State Electricity Board.

Not applicable.

2. 1X500 MW Coal based Expansion Project at Khperkheda thermal Power Station, Distt. nagpur by M/s. Maharashtra Power Generation Company Ltd.

- do -

3. Varangaon Talwel Gat Parisar Sinchan Yojana in Distt. Jalgaon by Tapi Irrigation Development Co.

- do -

4. Clearance of Mihan Airport at Nagpur. - do - 5. Beautification of Chaitya Bhumi, Mahem,

Dadar by Urban Development of Maharashtra Government.

- do -

6. Two Offshore container berths and development of containers Terminal on BOT by Mumbai Port Trust Terminal.

- do -

7. Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link Project by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.

- do -

8. Development of Housing Scheme in CRZ area by MHADA.

- do -

9. Development of passenger water transport on the West Coast of Mumbai by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.

- do -

10. Construction of 5.784 Km. Of State Highway No. 26 (Ring Road of Nagpur City) by PWD, Govt. of Maharashtra.

- do -

11. Common Effluent Treatment Plant, Roha, Raigad.

- do -

12. Common Effluent Treatment Plant, Thane Belapur.

- do -

13. Common Effluent Treatment Plant, Lote Prashuram.

- do -

14. Common Effluent Treatment Plant, - do -

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Patalganga. 15. Common Effluent Treatment Plant, Badlapur. - do - 16. Common Effluent Treatment Plant,

Domblivili. - do -

Sl. No.

Name of the Project Reasons for delay

17. Common Effluent Treatment Plant, Mahad. Not applicable 18. Common Effluent Treatment Plant, Tarapur. - do - Pending proposals Reasons for delay 19. Proposed complex for MHADA on land

bearing Sy. No. 7&8 in Bandra. Additional information sought is yet to be received.

20. Proposal for Slum Rehabilitation Scheme on plot No. 139 to 142 and 143 (pt) of Backbay Reclamation Scheme, Colaba Division.

- do -

21. Clearance for NH-16, Maharashtra Portion Km. 230.69 to 288.00 (AF location 0.00 to km. 57.31).

-do-

22. Navi Mumbai Special Economic Zone, Raigad, Navi Mumbai by NMSEZ Development Co. Pvt. Ltd.

- do -

23. Residential and Commercial Project at Chembur.

- do -

24. Revised Waghur River Project, Jalgaon. - do - 25. Redevelopment of Transit Tenements and

housing at Survey No. 48 at Chembur. Appraisal by the Expert Committee is awaited.

26. Redevelopment of Transit Camps at Sy. No. 501, near Dharasi BEST bus depot.

- do -

27. Commercial Building at Commercial Zone at Bandra (West).

- do -

28. Proposed rehabilitation scheme for redevelopment of transit tenements on Plot No. 27-C, Block VI of Cuffee Parade, Colaba.

- do -

29. Rehabilitation Scheme for Gazdar Bandh Hutments Dwellers at CTS No. 6A Pt, Malwani, Malad (W).

- do -

30. Construction of commercial complex named “Empire Mall” at Chikhalthana, MIDC Distt. Aurangabad

- do -

31. Project proposal for pollution abatement work for Wai town along River Krishna.

Inadequate Tenth Plan Outlay.

32. Project proposal for pollution abatement work for Pandharpur town along River Bhima.

- do -

33. Project proposal for pollution abatement work for Prakasha Town along River Tapi.

- do -

34. Project proposal for pollution abatement work for Paithan Town along River Godavari.

- do -

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35. Project proposal for pollution abatement work for Nawapur Town along River Rangawali.

- do -

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOTIFICATION

2944. SHRI SITARAM YECHURY Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the status of the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Notifications of August 2005; (b) whether any process of consultation was followed before the framing of EIA Notifications and whether his Ministry has undertaken any review of 1994 EIA Rules; and (c) if so, what are the salient features of the review and whether his Ministry will table the report of the said review in Parliament?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The Draft Notification on the revised environmental clearance process issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on 15th September, 2005 is yet to be finalised. The responses received from various stakeholders are under examination. (b): Yes Sir. (c): The Draft Notification dated 15th September, 2005 was an outcome of the comprehensive review of the existing Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 1994 and Environmental Clearance Process undertaken by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, recommendations for the regulatory reforms by the

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Govindarajan Committee constituted by the Central Government for reforming investment approval and implementation procedures, detailed consultations with the State Environment Ministers, State Environment Secretaries, concerned Central Government Ministries/Departments, Non-Government Organisation and Industry Associations. The Draft Notification as and when it is finalised and issued in the Gazette of India will be laid on the Table of both the Houses of Parliament as per parliamentary procedures. ***************




CLEARANCE TO DEEP WATER PORTS

2953. SHRI PENUMALLI MADHU Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) what are the clearances required to establish deep water port; (b) whether deep water port at Gangavaram in Andhra Pradesh has applied for clearance; and (c) if so, what would be the time-frame to clear such environmental obligations?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Establishment and modernisation/expansion of major ports requires prior environmental clearance under Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 1994. Development of minor ports and activities relating to modernisation and expansion of minor ports, attracts the provisions of Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991. (b): Yes Sir. (c): The project pertaining to ‘Development of Port at Gangavaram near Visakhapatnam

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by M/s Gangavaram Port Limited’ was accorded clearance under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 on 11.3.2005 subject to environmental safeguards and conditions.

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EXEMPTION OF SEZS AND EPZS FROM SUBMITTING EIA REPORTS 2946. SHRI SITARAM YECHURY Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the SEZs and EPZs below 50 hectares were exempted from submitting the environment impact assessment reports; (b) if so, what are the reasons for this exemption; (c) the list of exempted SEZs and EPZs and also the effects of this on the livelihood security of the people in that area, State-wise; and (d) whether Government would take a holistic view in safeguarding the livelihood at the time of allowing construction and industrial activities?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir except in the areas where the pollution potential is high. (b): As per the provisions of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 1994, as amended vide S.O No. 801 (E) dated 7th July, 2004, new industrial estates including SEZs and EPZs above 50 hectares only have to obtain prior environmental clearance from the Central Government. However, if the pollution potential is high, all industrial estates irrespective of the area shall obtain environmental clearance under the said Notification.

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(c) & (d): Does not arise.

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CLASSIFICATION OF INDUSTRIAL AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

3723. SHRI SITARAM YECHURY

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government under environmental impact assessment codifications, classified various industrial and construction projects into A/B and B categories; (b) if so, the scientific and technical basis for this classification; (c) whether provisions have been made for the relaxation of public hearing procedure under the said notification, if so, the reasons therefore; (d) whether the time limit for holding the public hearing has been reduced from 210 days to 60-90 days, if so, the reasons therefore; (e) whether Government have come across any misuse of the said guidelines by State Governments and local authorities when the situation is not conducive to them; and (f) if so, what are the steps taken by Government to rectify this.`?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): The developmental activities including industrial and construction projects in the Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification issued on 15th September, 2005 inviting public comments and suggestions have been classified into Category A, Category A/B and Category B based on scale and severity of potential Environmental Impacts at the proposed location.

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(c): The provision for public hearing procedure in the Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification has not been relaxed. However; the public consultation process has been structured with clear safeguards against delays. (d): No Sir. (e): No Sir. (f): Does not arise. **************

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E-WASTE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RAJYA SABHA


E-POLLUTION CAUSED BY MOBILE PHONE TOWERS

284. MISS ANUSUIYA UIKEY Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are aware of e-pollution caused by mobile phone towers etc.; (b) if so, the steps being taken to control the same; (c) whether any parameters have been set for controlling e-pollution; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD) (a) to (d): A Committee was constituted in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the Chairmanship of Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research to study possible health hazards due to mobile phone base stations (towers). Based on their initial study, the Committee has opined that overall there is not enough evidence to show direct health hazards of RF exposures from Mobile Base Stations (towers). ***********




ELECTRONIC WASTE

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91. MS. SUSHILA TIRIYA SHRI MOTILAL VORA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether environmentalists have expressed concern over the damage to the environment due to increasing electronic waste; (b) whether Government have sought suggestions from environmentalists for resolving this problem; (c) if so, the details there of; and (d) whether Government are considering to enact a law to prevent the damage to the environment by e-waste?

ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a) to (c): Electronic waste, if not handled properly, may cause adverse impact on environment and health as it contains substances and chemicals, which are toxic in nature. In a National Workshop on E-waste Management held in 15th March 2004, which was participated by State Pollution Control Boards, NGOs, Industrial Associations and other experts in the field, recommendation was made to undertake a national level study for quantification, characterisation and disposal practices being adopted in major cities of the country. Accordingly, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has undertaken a study on preparation of a ‘Guideline Document for Environmentally Sound Recycling of E-Waste’ for the State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees of the Union Territories as well as the industries, through an expert agency having experience in this field. (d): No Sir. The provisions under the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules 1989 as amended in 2000 and 2003 include e-waste. These rules regulate the generation, collection, storage, treatment, disposal, export and import of all hazardous wastes. The processes generating hazardous wastes are listed in Schedule 1 of these Rules. The residues and wastes generated from the operations in electronic industry are considered as hazardous wastes and are included at S.No. 31 of this Schedule. Further, as per the provisions of these Rules, electrical and electronic assemblies are covered under category B 1110 of the Schedule 3 applicable for Import and Export of

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Hazardous Wastes, and the wastes under this category are only permitted for direct reuse and not for recycling or final disposal.

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NEW DELHI AS THE WORLD S CAPITAL FOR E-WASTE RECYCLING

3084. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that according to a new study, New Delhi is emerging as the world’s capital for e-waste recycling – a hazardous activity taking place without any regulations; (b) whether it is also a fact that the annual volume of e-waste, the junk produced by discarded electronic equipment in Delhi is around 10,000 metric tones; and (c) if so, the steps Government propose to take to introduce more facilities for proper recycling?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): No systematic study has been carried out so far on e-waste recycling and annual generation of e-waste junk produced by discarded electronic equipment. There have, however, been some unconfirmed reports on the quantum of e-waste generation in the recent past. The provisions under Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 1989 as amended in 2000 and 2003 includes E-waste. These rules regulate the generation, collection, storage, treatment, disposal, export and import of all hazardous wastes. The processes generating hazardous wastes are listed in schedule 1 of these rules. The residues and wastes generated from the operations in electronic industry are considered as hazardous wastes and are listed at Sl. No. 31 of schedule 1 of these rules.

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Further, as per the provisions of these rules, electrical and electronics assemblies are covered under Category B-1110 in Schedule 3 of these rules which are applicable for import and export of hazardous wastes. The import of wastes under this category is only permitted for direct reuse and not for recycling or final disposal. Further, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has undertaken a study for the preparation of a ‘Guideline Document for Environmentally Sound Recycling of E-Waste’ for the State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees of the Union Territories as well as the industries, through an expert agency having experience in this field. **********

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FOOD SAFETY



ANSWERED ON 17.02.2006 MANDATORY TESTING OF WATER BY SOFT DRINKS MANUFACTURERS

51. SHRI GIREESH KUMAR SANGHI Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether any mechanism is being adopted to ensure mandatory testing of water used by soft drink companies; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (c): The standards of carbonated water under Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955 prescribe that water used in the manufacture of carbonated water shall conform to the standards of packaged drinking water as laid down under PFA Rules, 1955. The PFA Act, 1954 and Rules made thereunder are enforced by the State/UT Governments. ********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES



SETTING UP OF A FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARD AUTHORITY

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638. SHRI C. RAMACHANDRAIAH Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government propose to set up the Food Safety and Standard Authority to oversee the entire food manufacturing and processing sectors; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is being ensured to check food adulteration; (d) if not, the steps taken by Government to create standards and guidelines on food; (e) whether food items imported into the country are being monitored and approved by the above authority before entry; and (f) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI) (a) to (f): Government has introduced Food Safety and Standards Bill, 2005 in Lok Sabha on August 8, 2005. The Bill inter-alia provides for establishment of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. One of the functions envisaged for the Authority is to specify the procedure and the enforcement of quality control in relation to any article of food imported into the country.

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DISPLAYING INGREDIENTS ON PROCESSED FOOD ITEMS

48. SHRIMATI N.P. DURGA

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Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government are going to make it mandatory for the manufacturers of processed food items to mention the details of the ingredients on the labels, including fat content and the techniques used in the manufacture and storage of food items; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) by when the notification of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules is going to be notified?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI) (a) to (c): As per the existing Rules under the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act 1954, it is mandatory for the manufacturers of processed food items to specify the names of ingredients used in the products in descending order of their composition by weight or volume, as the case may be. However, Ministry of Health under the PFA Act, 1954 has proposed amendment of PFA Rules, 1955 to display complete nutritional information containing energy value, amounts of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals on the label of processed food items and has published a draft notification for inviting suggestions and objections from the public.

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TRADER FRIENDLY MEASURES TO CHECK FOOD ADULTERATION

2030. SHRI SANTOSH BAGRODIA SHRI MOOLCHAND MEENA Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) what is the institutional or any other machinery to check food adulteration; (b) whether Government have any information of such adulteration;

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(c) whether Government are in agreement with the recent media reports on food adulteration; (d) if so, how could such adulteration take place; (e) whether the accountability has been fixed and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefore; and (f) what trader-friendly steps are being taken to firm up the institutional mechanism to check food adulteration without causing unnecessary harassment to traders?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): To check food adulteration, a legislation called ‘The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954’ has been enacted. This Act is enforced in the States/UTs through their enforcement machinery comprising of Food (Health) Authority, Local (Health) Authorities and Food Inspectors. (b) to (e): The enforcement staff of the States/U.Ts. regularly draw random samples of various food commodities being sold in the markets to ascertain food adulteration. Media Reports on food adulteration, as and when they appear are thoroughly investigated and necessary directions are issued to the concerned Food (Health) Authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action under the provisions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules framed thereunder. (f): The Central Committee for Food Standards which is an Advisory Committee of the Central Govt. on food standards, have members from the industries, trades and other like organisations to put forth their views in setting of Prevention of Food Adulteration Standards/specifications, amendments to rules, etc.

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CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION ON FOOD ADULTERATION

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2029. SHRI JANARDHANA POOJARY Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) what are the details of recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in the matter of prevention of food adulteration; (b) whether Government are considering to harmonise the labeling norms concerning packaged food products under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules with those prescribed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission; and (c) if so, the details in this regard and the benefits expected to accrue to the consumers by the proposed revision of rules?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international body and different countries are its members. It is concerned with setting up standards and codes of hygienic practices. The CAC is not concerned with making recommendations in the matter of prevention of food adulteration. For advising on all matters of prevention of food adulteration in the country, there is a statutory committee, the Central Committee for Food Standards (CCFS) constituted under the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954. (b)&(c): While formulating standards under PFA Rules, 1955, the Codex standards, including labeling provisions are taken into consideration wherever necessary. Recently, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified a draft amendment to the PFA Rules vide GSR No. 694(E) dated 28.11.2005 for labeling of food items, taking into consideration the Codex guidelines on labeling of prepared foods, for inviting objections and suggestions from all stake-holders. Amending the labeling provisions under PFA Rules, taking into consideration the Codex guidelines, is likely to provide informed choice to the consumers besides incorporating provisions relating to health safety.

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LAWS ON FOOD SAFETY

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1952. SHRI GIREESH KUMAR SANGHI

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:- (a) the major laws on food safety to be followed; (b) the number of adulteration cases reported to his Ministry; and (c) the action taken on each of such cases?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI) (a): The major Food Laws regulating the Food Processing Sector are as follows: (1) Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA), 1954 and Rules 1955; (2) Fruit Products Order, 1955; (3) Milk & Milk Products Order, 1992; (4) Meat Food Products Order, 1973; (5) Vegetables Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947; (6) Solvent Extracted Oil, de oiled Meal and Edible Flour (Control) Order, 1967; (7) The Edible Oils Products (Control) Order, 1947. (b) & (c ): The number of food adulteration cases registered with States/ U.T Governments during last three years is 11008 in 2001, 10025 in 2002 and 10928 in 2003, as furnished by M/o Health & Family Welfare. Action is taken by the concerned State/ U.T. under the provisions of PFA Act, 1954 and Rules framed thereunder.

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RECALL SYSTEM FOR HAZARDOUS FOODS

340. SHRI MAHENDRA MOHAN

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Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that recently a detailed scheme has been formulated to introduce a system for recall of hazardous foods from the market, if they are adulterated, misbranded or injurious to health; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of view expressed by various State Governments and machinery established or proposed for effective implementation of the recall system; and (d) the details of the recall system for hazardous foods as practiced in some other countries?

ANSWER MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS) (a) to (d): The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Pesticide Residues and safety standards for soft drinks, fruit juices and other beverages in its report submitted to Parliament on 04.2.2004 has recommended for establishment of a mandatory recall system of food products. The relevant para of the report is reproduced below:- Para 4.78 (6) - A Mandatory Food Recall System should be established and companies should be made accountable for selling sub-standard and harmful products in the market which must be destroyed in the presence of authorities. Withdrawal notices must be issued in media to inform citizens so that they should be made aware about the unsafe products. In order to check adulteration in the food items, the Government should not hesitate in taking help of NGOs. The Government must also improve surveillance and monitoring the quality of the food. A draft notification to amend the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955, to insert a provision for establishment of Food Recall System has been published in the Gazette of India vide GSR 355 (E) dated 09.6.2006 for inviting comments from the public, giving 60 days time for sending comments, if any, on the draft rules from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. As per the proposed provisions, no person shall himself or by any person on his behalf, manufacture for sale or store, sell, distribute or exhibit for sale any article of food which is pre-packed, unless he has in place a system or procedure to recall the article of food or any ingredient or any substance placed in the market which is adulterated or misbranded or injurious to health. Before finalising the proposed rules, the comments received on the draft from the public, other countries, if any, would be considered along with the comments received from

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State/UT Governments who implement the PFA Act, 1954 and PFA Rules, 1955 in their respective States/UTs. No separate consultation with the States/UTs is undertaken. In the food regulations implemented by countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, countries of EU and USA, there are provisions for mentioning the details of Batch No., Code No. (Bar code, Matrix Code, Alfa numerical, Radio Frequency Identification, etc.), complete address and other specific particulars of the manufacture on the label of food articles to facilitate product tracing and product recall. *************


DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RAJYA SABHA


ADULTERATED MILK FROM MOTHER DAIRY AND DMS

3760. SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that milk from sealed poly packs of certain well known companies like Mother Dairy, Delhi Milk Scheme, etc. have been found to be adulterated during the recent raid in the Capital; (b) if so, what are the names of such companies whose milk have been found to be adulterated; and (c) what action has been taken against these companies?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (c): Samples of ‘Amul Gold’ Brand milk marketed by M/s Mehsana Distt. Cooperative Milk Producers Ltd., Mehsana, and Madhusaudan Brand milk marketed by M/s Creamy Foods Ltd., 80 Km. Stone, GT Karnal Road, Village Bartoli Khurja, Distt-Bulandshar, U.P have recently been found to be non-conforming to food standards. Action has been initiated by Government of NCT of Delhi as per rules. ************

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FOREST




LOSS OF GREEN COVER IN DELHI

2017. SHRI B.J. PANDA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the Ridge in Delhi is losing its green cover with heavy traffic flow and illegal constructions as per study; (b) if so, the salient features of the inspection records available with the Ridge Management Board (RMB) in this regard; and (c) what is the action plan of Government to address this issue?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): A recent study conducted by the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun has indicated degradation of forest cover in several parts of the Ridge due to various activities such as construction of buildings and roads, dumping of debris, etc. However, Ridge Management Board (RMB) has taken cognizance of some activities which do not blend with the surroundings. Ridge Management Board has issued directions to concerned land owning agencies for discontinuing such activities. (b): Inspection records of Ridge Management Board (RMB) indicate that land owning agencies like Central Public Works Department, Delhi Development Authority, etc. have constructed structures and pathways. Evidence of debris dumping in the Ridge area has also been noticed. (c): To check degradation of forest cover of the Ridge, the RMB has directed all the land owning agencies to take following measures:

• No constructions in the Ridge area.

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• Abandoning of all roads except the lanes essential for protection and maintenance of the Ridge.

• Ridge not to be used as thoroughfare. • Planting of only native species in the Ridge area. • Repairs and strengthening of fencing of Ridge area. • No dumping of garbage and debris. • Eviction of encroachments. • Demarcation of Southern Ridge.

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PROTEST BY FOREST DWELLERS

2005. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government’s attention has been drawn to the thousands of tribals and other forest dwellers who gathered in Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh, to protest against their threatened displacement from the Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and Panchmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary; (b) if so, whether Government have caused a probe into their grievances; and (c) the steps taken and being taken to protect their legitimate forest rights?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The State has informed that a rally was organised on 5th February, 2006 at Pipariya in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, in which people from Satpura National Park, Bori, Panchmarhi Sanctuaries and outside participated. This was reportedly against

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relocation, collection of minor forest produce from Protected Areas and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. (b): This Ministry has not received any report from the State regarding a probe in the matter. (c): Provisions exist in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for safeguarding the rights of people residing in Protected Areas till final settlement of such areas under the said Act.

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TASK FORCE FOR WASTE LANDS

1995. SHRI P.K. MAHESHWARI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have constituted any task force for producing greeneries in existing ravines of the country; (b) if so, the details of action plan for providing water and conservation of land there; (c) whether his Ministry has consulted with the Ministry of Home Affairs to carry out this work; and (d) the details of existing ravine lands in the country, State-wise?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINSITRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. The Ministry of Environment & Forests has constituted a National Level Task Force for rehabilitation of ravinous lands. The Task Force consists of seven members and the term of the Task Force is two years. The Task Force will be engaged in planning, monitoring and evaluation of rehabilitation work in ravinous areas and also recommend the project proposals to the National Afforestation and Eco-development Board (NAEB).

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(c) & (d): Since the issue is related to land degradation, Ministry of Rural Development was consulted. The details of existing ravinous lands in the country, State-wise is given in Annexure.

Annexure

State-wise Details of existing ravine lands in the country Sl.No State Ravine Lands (in lakh Hectares) 1. Uttar Pradesh 12.30 2. Madhya Pradesh 6.83 3. Rajasthan 4.52 4. Gujarat 4.00 5. Bihar 6.00 6. Maharashtra 0.20 7 Orissa 1.13 8. Punjab & Haryana 1.20 9. Tamil Nadu 0.60 10. West Bengal 1.04 11. Himalyas Foothills 1.93 Total 39.75

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AMENDMENT OF FOREST CONSERVATION ACT

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1994. SHRI KRIPAL PARMAR

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether in the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh where large chunk of land is covered by cold desert, cases of allotment of cultivatble land (Nautor) to many eligible and poor people are pending due to enforcement of provisions of Forest Conservation Act forcing them to live in worse conditions; (b) if so, whether Government would propose to amend the provisions of Forest Conservation Act for the purpose of allowing special concession to the tribal areas, so that, the poor can make their livelihood; (c) if so, by when; and (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): 17 proposals involving diversion of 31.1496 hectares of forest land in favour of Himachal Pradesh Revenue Department for further allotment as Nautor to landless/marginal farmers were received in the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The State Government was requested to provide person-wise details of land proposed to be allotted along with copy of orders which permitted allotment of land as Nautor, and a copy of Himachal Pradesh Nautor Rules, 1968. The State Government was also requested to intimate the period during which such lands were allotted or came to be occupied by the beneficiaries. The aforesaid information has not yet been received from the State Government. Moreover, the Honble Supreme Court has banned de-reservation of forest land vide order dated 13.11.2000 in I.A. No. 2 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 337/1995. (b) to (d): The Central Government has issued detailed guidelines under Forest Conservation Act, on 18th September 1990, for settlement of rights of forest dwellers including tribal which include, regularization of pre-1980 eligible encroachments, conversion of forest villages into revenue villages, and settlement of disputed claims of tribals like pattas, leases and grants, etc. Since the provisions already exist in Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the guidelines, for settlement of rights of forest dwellers, there is no need to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

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DECLARATION OF SARANDA FORESTS AS VIRGIN FORESTS

2467. SHRI PRASANTA CHATTERJEE Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government would agree to declare Saranda forests under Jharkhand State as virgin Forest; and (b) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINSITRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. (b): There is no provision under any forest or related law to declare a forest as ‘Virgin Forests’. Moreover, harvesting has been carried out in Saranda forests from 1880 to 1980 as per the prescription made in the working plan. Therefore, the Saranda forests cannot be called as ‘Virgin Forests’.

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LEASING OUT OF FOREST LAND IN KERALA

284. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

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(a) the extent of forest land leased out in Kerala for a period beyond two years against the provisions of Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and purposes for which such land lease has been made; (b) whether the Government of Kerala renewed the above leases without attracting the provisions of Forest Conservation Act and whether the State Government sought the permission of the Central Government for the renewal of lease of forest land which stands leased out to various purposes; and (c) how many lease cases have been signed on or before the expiry of lease period and transferred to other holders violating the provisions of FCA in Kerala and the details of such cases with extent and district-wise statistics thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): The information is being collected from the State Government of Kerala. After receipt of the information, a statement shall be laid on the Table of the House.

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INCREASING FOREST COVER

285. SHRI SANJAY RAUT Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have made any comprehensive strategic plan for increasing the forest cover by maintaining greenery in the country for the next twenty years; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) what steps have been taken or proposed to be taken for increasing forest cover in the country;

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(d) the estimated amount to be spent on this plan and whether Government have chalked out any plan for the increasing participation of local people in these plans; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) and (b): The National Forestry Action Programme (NFAP) of India 1999 is a 20 year perspective plan for the forestry sector of the country. The programme document envisaged expansion of forest and tree cover by 21.80 million hectares besides regeneration of 26.43 million hectares of existing forest area with a proposed total investment of Rs.133902.78 crores in 20 years. (c): Following steps have been taken to increase the forest and tree cover in the country:- (i) Ministry of Environment and Forests is implementing National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining forest lands during the Tenth Five Year Plan. The Scheme is being implemented through two-tier decentralised mechanism of Forest Development Agency (FDA) at forest division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level. As on 06.02.2006, 680 FDA projects have been approved in all 28 States at a total cost of Rs.1489.42 crores to cover project area of 9.04 lakh hectares through 22,878 JFMCs. (ii) Consultations with State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations, including conferences of Forest Ministers of States and Union Territories on August 5-6, 2004 and February 15, 2006, have been held to sensitise State/UT authorities about the increased tree planting targets. (iii) State Government and Union Territory Administrations have been requested to constitute Chief Secretary-level Committee of all land owning and other concerned Departments to involve them in tree planting activities. (iv) Guidelines for rationalisation of felling and transit regulations for tree species grown on non-forest private lands have been issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to encourage private tree plantation. (v) State Government and Union Territory Administrations have been requested to formulate and implement a comprehensive media plan to create mass awareness about tree planting.

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(vi) Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (MSP), involving State Forest Department, the local village community and the private sector, has been mooted for forestation of degraded lands. (d) and (e): The NFAP 1999 envisaged a total investment of Rs.133902.78 crore in 20 years. People’s participation is considered as an important element of forestry sector in the country. The Ministry has issued guidelines dated 1.6.1990 for involving village communities and voluntary agencies for regeneration of degraded forest lands within conceptual framework of Joint Forest Management (JFM). The Ministry is implementing National Afforestation Programme (NAP) during the Tenth Five Year Plan to institutionalise and expand JFM. As per information received from States, 99,868 JFMCs are functioning in all 28 States covering 21.4 million hectares of forest area. An allocation of Rs.1205 crores have been provided for NAP during the Tenth Five Year Plan

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REPORT OF NATIONAL FOREST COMMISSION

468. SHRI RAJ MOHINDER SINGH MAJITHA SHRI RAM JETHMALANI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that National Forest Commission has submitted its report to Government; (b) if so, the date on which this report was submitted; (c) the reasons mentioned in this report for rapid deforestation in the country; and (d) the targets fixed by Government at present for expansion of forest cover in the country?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): The report of the National Forest Commission was submitted to the Government on 28.3.2006 (c): The reasons mentioned in the report for rapid deforestation are collection of fuelwood, grazing, forest fire, shifting cultivation, encroachment, mining and quarrying, faulty road construction in hills, pesticides, developmental projects, invasive species, etc. (d): The monitorable target for the expansion of forest and tree cover in the country has been fixed as to achieve 25 per cent by 2007 & 33 per cent by 2012.

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RECOGNITION OF FOREST RIGHTS BILL

471. DR. VIJAY MALLYA

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether National Forests Commission has expressed reservations on the provisions of the ‘Recognition of Forest Rights Bill, 2005’; (b) if so, the details of thereof; and (c) how the reservations expressed by the Commission are proposed to be met with?


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(a) & (b): Yes Sir. Under recommendation no.340-345 of the National Forest Commission Report, the Commission has opined that the proposed ‘The Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2005’ would be harmful to the interest of the forests and the ecological security of the country. The text of the recommendations is given as Annexure. (c): The said Bill is being considered by a Group of Ministers who shall take into account all the pros and cons of various issues involved in this regard.

Annexure

National Forest Commission-Recommendations (340-345)

[340] The National Forest Commission is of the considered opinion that the proposed Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act would be harmful to the interests of forests and to the ecological security of the country. It would be bad in law and would be in open conflict with the rulings of the Supreme Court. Another legislation, therefore, needs to be framed providing the forest dwelling communities a right to a share from the forest produce on an ecologically sustainable basis and Ministry of Environment and Forests could be asked to do the needful, after taking into account the inputs of the State Governments as recommended by the Sarkaria Commission as a subject under the concurrent list. [341] Forest encroachments to the extent of 3.60 lakh per annum have already been regularised. If any State feels that any encroachments done prior to 25-10-1980 still remains unsettled, the concerned State governments could appoint commissions, perhaps headed by judges, to finalise the claims within a timeframe. Settlement of such claims and disputes arising therefrom should be done by quasi-judicial bodies and not left to the discretion of Gram Sabhas. [342] The Bill implies that tribals would be permitted to exploit forests for commercial purposes and not only for bona fide livelihood purposes as was originally intended, with only the concerned Gram Sabha empowered to decide as to what exploitation would be unsustainable. The extent and nature of forest exploitation on an ecologically sustainable basis must be decided by forest managers in consultation with the local communities, who would have first charge over any forest produce extracted, to meet their bona fide livelihood requirements, and an economic share of any surplus produce that may be disposed off thereafter. [343] The proposed legislation should not apply to national parks and sanctuaries, which are the last havens of hope for the nation’s forests, wildlife, wilderness and biodiversity. The villagers that remain within them have their pattas and rights and encroachments within them must not be condoned. Many communities themselves wish to resettle outside of such protected areas and this must be facilitated and alternative forestland provided. The politically motivated and ecologically suicidal proposal of providing temporary rights in these protected areas for a period of five years and then if they are not relocated in that period the rights to become permanent, is a mere facade, and considering

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the past record and political motivations will never be achieved and the grant of such rights will irrevocably impair the ecological viability of protected areas. [344] The clause that no encroacher should be evicted from forestland under his occupation till the recognition and verification of his claims are completed, with no time limit for such a process, is again self-defeating and will give an impetus and license to more encroachments in forests and to corruption. Such a provision must not apply, at least to national parks and sanctuaries, if not to all forests. [345] There is an ambiguity in the Bill about the applicability of laws. If the laws of the land pertaining to forests and wildlife are to apply to all tribals and non-tribals, this must be clearly stated and the current confusion about duality in the application of law to tribals and non-tribals, be done away with. *************



ANSWERED ON 11.08.2006 NATIONAL FOREST COMMISSION ON FOREST CONSERVATION EFFORTS

1853. SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR SHRIMATI SYEDA ANWARA TAIMUR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that according to the National Forest Commission (NFC), lack of political will, forestry institutions in disarray and a forest administration without vision are some of the problems plaguing the country’s forest conservation efforts; (b) whether it is a fact that the committee has recommended an ambitious plan for forest certification and initiation of a Project Bustard to save the great Indian Bustard with only 500 left in the world; and (c) if so, the response of Government and the action proposed?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. However, National Forest Commission has recommended that the Central and State Governments are to give unstinted political commitment for providing financial and infrastructure support to forest conservation in the country. (b): Yes Sir. National Forest Commission has recommended specifically to save Great Indian Bustard and also emphasises the need to monitor and assess the forests with the help of criteria and indicator for sustainable forest management. (c): The Government is providing legal support under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and financial support under the centrally sponsored scheme of Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries for wildlife conservation in the country including conservation of the Great Indian Bustard. The Government of India has developed 43 indicators for assessment of sustainability of forests.

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INTEGRATED FOREST PROTECTION SCHEME

3083. SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH SHRI LAXMINARAYAN SHARMA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Integrated Forest Protection scheme is being run by his Ministry; (b) if so, whether the States are given grants-in-aid in proportion to their forest area; and (c) whether the grant-in-aid given to Madhya Pradesh was in proportion to forest area of the State in the years 2004-05 and 2005-06 and the total money given during these years?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): The Central assistance under Integrated Forest Protection Scheme is not given in proportion to the forest area of States. Central assistance is determined on the basis of demand of the State, performance of the State in utilising the funds released in previous years, availability of budget provision in the State Plan to meet the matching State share of funds and availability of funds under the scheme. (c): Rs. 444.75 lakhs and Rs. 125.00 lakhs were released to the State of Madhya Pradesh as central assistance under the scheme, out of total of Rs. 5406.69 lakhs and Rs. 3260.98 lakhs released to all States and Union Territories during financial years 2004-05 and 2005-06 respectively.

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NEW FOREST POLICY 3091. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government have prepared a draft for the New Forest Policy; (b) if so, the latest details thereof; and (c) by when it is likely to be introduced?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir.

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(b) & (c): Does not arise.

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RESEARCH ON FORESTS AND WILDLIFE

2957. SHRI DILIP SINGH JUDEV Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of persons to whom money was provided to carry out research on environment, forests and wildlife during the last three years alongwith the amount provided to them; (b) the details of the topics and names of such researches; (c) the details of the researches, out of these, completed during the said three years alongwith the amount spent thereon; and (d) the details of those completed research works received by his Ministry which could not be used in anyway?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) to (c): The details of persons, topics and funds released, along with their current status, for research on environment, forests and wildlife during the last three years is

given in Annexure.

(d): Outcome of various research Studies/Reports are kept in view while formulating policy and programmes of the Ministry.

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Annexure

(Rs. In Lakhs)

S.No. Title of the Project

Name of the Principal Investigator/

Institution

Releases

Ongoing/ completed

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

1. Research and Development

Multi component transport and Pesticides residents in sub-soil and Ground water environment.

Dr. T.P. Halappagowda, Sri Jaychimramchandra College of Engineering, Mysore-570 006

4.84 3.05 Ongoing

2. Management of total dissolved solids in the exhausted reactive dyebath from Cotton knitwear industry.

Dr. Kurian Joseph,

Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Chennai-600025.

6.18 3.40 Ongoing

3. Development of additives for preparation of high concentration slurry using low ash/beneficiated non-cooking coal

Dr. A. Nayak,

Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubneswar-751 013.

1.56 1.50 Ongoing

4. Development of low toxicity environment friendly gel casting systems for Industrial applications

Dr. B.P. Singh

Regional Research Laboratory

Bhubneswar-751013

2.77 2.31 Ongoing

5. Development of moduiar households Sanitation devide for decentralized sewage treatment.

Dr. Jamal Ansari,

Regional Research Laboratory, Industrial Estate PO, Trivendrum-695019.

0.30 Ongoing

6. Utilization of solid industrial waste with renewable resin based binders for making plastic wood

Dr. B. Singh

CBRI, Roorkee-247667

10.00 3.95 Ongoing

7. Effects of indoor air pollution on respiratory

Dr. Raj Kumar 16.35 1.40 3.88 Ongoing

87

function of children (7-15 years)

Patel Chest Institute,

Delhi University,

Delhi-110007. 8. Study on characterization

and treatment of effluents from electroplating industries

Dr. Dheeraj Sud

Sant Longowal Instt. Of Engg. And Technology, Longowal-06

3.35 4.83 Ongoing

9. Large scale application of indigenous mosses as bio-monitor of intensity and heard for air borne metal precipitation

Dr. Dinesh Saxena Barielly College, Bareilly.

8.52 4.83 Ongoing

10. Selection, characterization and quantification of plant species phytoremediation of saline soils

Dr. K.S. Dutta

CCS HAU

Hissar-04

6.50 3.24 2.81 Ongoing

11. Assessment of the status of heavy metal and pollutants in common edibles with references to human health in urban Meghalya.

Dr. Sudip Dey,

North Eastern Hill University, Shilong-793022

1.36 0.31 Ongoing

12. Development Low Thermal Heating based phase transformation technology for immobilization of toxic metals from industrial waste

Dr. I.B. Singh, Regional Research Laboratory, Bhopal-462026.

8.10 1.25 Ongoing

13. Ion Exchange and characterization custodies of some hydride fibures materials and their environmental applications

Prof. K.G. Varshney,

Applied Chemistry Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh0202002.

0.72 1.25 Ongoing

14. Electrosnthesis of perfluoroalkanes as non-ozone depleting substitutes for CFCs.

Dr. D. Velayutham,

CECRI, Karaikudi-630006

2.90 Ongoing

15. Biological control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Dr. S.N. Upathyay,

Chemistry, BHU, Varanasi-221005.

2.20 Ongoing

16. Electrolytic recovery of copper and removal of organic pollutants from the

Dr. S. Chellammal, CECRI, Karaikudi

1.63 Ongoing

88

copper phythlocyanine dye process stream.

17. Management of acid mine drainage in Meghalaya.

Dr. B.P. Baruah, , RRl, Jorhat.

1.44 Ongoing

18. Exploitation of cyunobacteria for metal binding detoxification and metal removal from aquatic eco-system.

Dr. Nirupma Mallik Ag & food Engg, IIT, Kharagpur-721302

0.72 Ongoing

19. Recovery of value added products from shrimp processing waste.

Dr. N.M.Sachindra, MF&P Tech., CFTRI, Mysore-570013.

4.20 0.90 Ongoing

20. Gelling out oil from a complex mixture using low molecular mass organic gelator to wards the containing oil spell, an environment hazardous

Dr. P. Dastidar, CSMCRI, Bhavnagar-363002

0.84 0.90 Ongoing

21. Mass utilization of waste rubber in chunk rubber composite CRC.

Dr. MS Banarjee, IRMRA, Thane-400604.

6.78 Ongoing

22. Effect of coastal water quality on the corrosion and bio fouling characteristic of marine engineering alloys.

Dr. G. Subramanian, CECRI, Karaikudi

1.74 1.27 Ongoing

23. Utilization of goethite for effluent treatment.

Dr. RP Dass, RRL, Bhubneswar

0.11 Ongoing

24. Induction of biodegradability in plastic waste for use in water pollution alleviation technologies.

Dr. Baljit Singh, HPU, Shimla-171005.

5.40 0.70 Ongoing

25. Target oriented zeolite analogues for monitoring and control strategies for organo toxins.

Dr. Sadhna Ralhyu,

NEERI, Nagpur

1.20 Ongoing

26. Development of technology for utilization of phosphogypsum as a filler for polymer formulations.

Dr. R. Radhkrishnan, SIIR, Bangalore-560048

1.44 Ongoing

27. Spatial variability and impact study of anthropogenic mercury in the vicinity of selected environment.

Dr. Shamsh Parvez, Chemistry, Pt. RSU, Raipur-492010

17.16 Ongoing

28. Identification and quantification of poycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Dr. Jai Raj Behari, ITRC, Lucknow-226001

0.09 Ongoing

89

(PAHs) in soil and Gomti river sediment in lucknow city

29. Development of a novel solid waste remediation process through resources recovery and its reintegration as value added state of art products in the titanium minerals processing industry.

Dr. MLP Reddyu, RRL, Trivendrum

2.55 Ongoing

30. Bio composting from engineered natural fibers

Dr. Ajay Karamkar, IWST, Malleswaram, Bangalore-560003.

1.32 1.84 Ongoing

31. Traditional methods of water harvesting and its impact on environment in Bikaner district, Rajasthan.

Dr. Jai Bharat Singh, Lecturer in Geograpgy, Govt. Dungar College, Bikaner-334001.

1.58 Ongoing

32. Assessment of human exposure to PCBs through biological monitoring

Dr. V.K. Bhatnagar, Scientist, National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad-380016.

1.68 Ongoing

33. Experimental Investigations on environment impact using tyre pyrolysis oil in internal combustion engines.

Dr. S. Murugan, Lecturer, Mechnical Engg. Rajalakshami Engg. College, Thandalam, Chennai-602105.

10.41 Ongoing

34. Development of a process for production of liquid fuel from petroleum refinery solid waste of North Eastern region of India by thermal and catalytic cracking.

Dr. R.C. Borah, Scientist in Chemical Engineering, Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat-785006.

3.60 Ongoing

35. Physico-chemical ex-situ remediation of soils, sediments and aquifers contaminated by hazardous waste.

Dr. Shyam R. Asolekar, Centre for Env. Science and Engg. IIT, Powai Mumbai-400076.

1.33 Ongoing

36. Microwave assisted grafting of viny monomers on to the natural gums a source of effective coagulating and flocculating agents for wastewater.

Dr. Vandana Singh

Lecturer, Deptt. of Chemistry, Allahabad University, Allahabad-211002.

4.66 Ongoing

37. NAT2 gene polymorphism (RELP) in urinary bladder muccesa due to

Dr. A.K. Mandal, Deptt. of Pathology,

7.17 Ongoing

90

environmental pollutant exposure.

Maulana Azad Medical College, BSZ Marg, New Delhi-110002.

38. Geo-chemical assessment of fluoride content in rock/soil/water systems in Karbianglong District, Assam.

Dr. P. Kotaky

Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat-785006.

2.40 Ongoing

39. Development of Bio-fibre reinforced sandwich structure”

Dr. M.S. Koti,

RV College of Engineering, Bangalore

0.76 Ongoing

40. Environmental acceptability

Of pre-cast stabilized block using treated municipal marginal solid waste”

Dr. S.c. Sharma, RV College of Engineering, Bangalore.

7.67 Ongoing

41. Search for novel bio insecticides from Xenorhabdus nematophilus

Dr.Rakesh Bhatnagar,JNU,New Delhi

1.84 9.54 4.68 Ongoing

42. Field trial for preparing common masonary bricks utilizing Lakwa oil field effluent treatment plant sludge hazardous waste.

Dr.P.Sengupta

RRL,Jorhat

3.41 Ongoing

43. Preparation and optimixation of novel hydrotalcite based ceramic monolith for decomposition of environmentally harmful N2O gas.

Dr.R.L.Goswamee

RRL,Jorhat

5.94 Ongoing

44. Environmental monitoring and ecological risk assessment of industrial solid wastes

Dr Jaswant Singh, Env. Science, Dr RML Avadh University, Faizabad-224001

2.16 6.63 Completed

45. Treatment of waste aluminum dross Oxide.

Dr. I.N. Bhattacharya, Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubneswar- 751 013.

2.11 Completed

46. Development of environmentally & ecologically safe methods for the control of major insects pests of pea crops in Himachal Pradesh

Dr KC Sharma Dr YS Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan-173230

0.75 Completed

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47. Recycling of chromium from metal finishing waste waters using electrochemical ion exchange

Dr. C. Ahmed Basha, Scientist E-l, Central Electrochemical Research Instt. Karaikudi-630 006

1.38 Completed

48. Extensive testing of the developed mixed culture based BOD biosensor for determining the polluted load of industrial waste waters –non conventional monitoring

Dr Rita Kumar IGIB, Mall Road, Delhi-110007

4.24 Completed

49. Treatment of effluent containing Valuable/toxic metal ions and its Recovery by Electro dialysis.

Dr. Vinod K. Shahi, Scientist, Reactive Polymer Division, Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar-364 002.

1.35 Completed

50. Development and demonstration of Biotechnology for tannery treatment

Prof. Abdul A Rahaman, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai, Erode-638052.

6.11 Completed

51. Development of eco-friendly nematode management technology in vegetable crops with neem and neem based bio-pesticides

Dr. V Majumdar Deptt of Nematology, IARI, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-12

2.80 1.30 Completed

52. Development of Technique for Determination of polychlorinated Biphenyl in environmental samples

Dr. S.D. Wachasundar, Instrumentation Division, NEERI. Nagpur-440020

0.80 Completed

53. Environmental impact of long term Coal mining in Assam with particular Reference to heavy metal pollution Water bodies

Dr. K Bhattacharji, Deptt. of Chemistry, Guahati University, Guahati -781 022

1.10 Completed

54. Micro controller based monitor

Mr Basudeo Prasad CSIO, Chandigrah-160030

1.90 Completed

55. Study for the development of process for the biodegradation of pollutants present in the distillery effluent using membrane reactor.

Dr.M.V.Adikane

NCL,Pune

2.15 0.70 Completed

92

56. Heavy metal dynamics in soils: implication for their mobility inecosystem and soil productivity.

Dr.R.Krishnaswamy,

TNAU,Coimbatore

2.80 Completed

57. Improved environmental management in bleach plant through bio bleaching..

Dr.Satish Kumar/NJ RAO,IIT,Roorkee

1.60 Completed

58. Field trial for preparing common masonary bricks utilizing Lakwa oil field effluent treatment plant sludge hazardous waste.

Dr.P.Sengupta

RRL,Jorhat

0.86 Completed

59. NA Dr.S.R.Shukla,

University of Mumbai,

Matunga,Mumbari

1.38 0.34 Completed

60. Study on environmental pollution of agrowaste products and weeds and their utilization for the management of important insect pest.

Dr.D.C.Sharma

HPKV,Palampur

0.90 1.14 Completed

61. Environmental assessment of soil and water quality deterioration in and around North eastern coal fields.

Dr.BP Baruah,

RRL,Jorhat

1.74 Completed

62. Development of integrated advanced oxidation and microbial technology for dye wastewater treatment.

Dr.Mukesh Khare,

IIT,NEW DELHI

2.76 Completed

63. Microbial technology for rehabilitation of Fir and spruce seedling on degraded sites.

Dr.YM Zarger,

SK University,

Srinagar,

3.09 Completed

64. Bio control of white rot (Sclerotinia selerotiorum) of pea

Dr.Dhanbir Singh,

HPKV,sirmour

1.27 Completed

65. Studies on the impact of Industrial effluent and Sludge on earthworms and the potential of Tolerent strains in Environmental Restoration.

Dr. S.K. Gupta,

ITRC, Lucknow.

0.74 0.62 Completed

93

66. Preparation and optimixation of novel hydrotalcite based ceramic monolith for decomposition of environmentally harmful N2O gas

Dr.R.L.Goswamee

RRL,Jorhat

0.95 Completed

67. Assessment and abatement of environmental pollution due to hydrogen sulphide and methane in the coconut husk retting water

Dr. V.B. Manilal Regional Research Laboratory Industrial Estate P.O.

Thiruvananthapura-695 019

2.04 -- 0.54 Completed

68. Ecology and conservation of selected tree endemics of Kerala

Dr.K. warupanandan Division of Ecology KFRI, Thrissur Peechi-680 653

2.43 1.20 -- Completed

69. Biodiversity of plant pathogenic fungi in the Kerala part of the Western Ghats

Dr. C. Mohanan KFRI, Peechi- 680 653


70. Development of protocols for micro-propagation of an endangered forest tree – Givotia rottleriformis Griff (Euphorbiaceae)

Dr. N. Ramswamy Kakatiya University Warangal-506 009


71. Diversity of fungal endophytes of tropical forest trees in Western Ghats

Dr. T. Suryanarayanan Vivekananda College Chennai-560 003

1.70 0.82 0.25 Completed

72. Assessment of Herpetofaunal diversity of Eastern Ghat region of Orissa

Dr. S.K. Dutta Deptt. of Zoology Utkal University Bhubaneswar-751 004

2.26 -- -- Completed

73. Study on mutualism betweencullenia exarillata and vertebrate community in the tropical rain forest ecosystems of Silent Valley Kerala

Dr.T.S.Nayar TBGRI, Palode Thiruvanathapuram-695 562

-- -- 1.11 Completed

74. Conservation of selected rare and economic rattan Palms of Western Ghats through in-vitro multiplication and reintroduction

Dr. S.Seeni TBGRI, Palode Thirivananthapura-695 562

0.46 -- 0.21

75. Ecological studies in the upstream of Bhadra and

Dr. S. Thippeswamy Deptt. of Biosciences


94

Tunga river basins in the Western Ghats of Karnataka

Mangalore University Mangalagangotri-574 199

76. Biodiversity of plant parasitic predatory and entomophilic nematodes in Western Ghats region of Tamil Nadu

Dr. M. Sivakumar TNAU Deptt. of Nematology Coimbatore-641 003


77. Passerine birds versus floral syndromes and seed dispersal in Eastern Ghats of Visakhapatnam and East Godavari district of Andhra

Dr. A.J. Solomon Raju Andhra University Visakhapatnam-530 003


78. Studies on the distribution of Aedes aegypti(L), the mosquito vector of dengue, Chikungumya and Yellow Fever viruses in the towns and villages along the Western coastal region of India

Dr. P.V.M. Mahadev National Institute of Virology Pune-411 001


79. Status and ecology of the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon and Nilgiri Wood Pipit

Dr. Lalitha Vijayan SACON Coimbatore-641 108


80. Status, distribution and ecology of grey headed Bulbul Pycnocotus pericephalus

Dr. V.S.Vijayan SACON Coimbatore-641 108

-- 1.51 -- Completed

81. Illustrated manual on tree flora of Kerala supplemented with computer aided identification

Dr. N. Sashidharan KFRI, Peechi-680 653

1.25 2.66 1.55 Completed

82. Studies on the role of nematodes as dyosprobes of litter decomposition in Western Ghats region of Tamil Nadu

Dr. S. Subramanian Deptt. of Nemtaology, T.N. Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003

2.28 3.73 2.03 Completed

83. Micro-propagation and germplasm conservation of endangered medicinal plants of Western Ghats

Dr. S.K. Rawal National Chemical Laboratory Pune-411 008


84. Evaluation of bird community structure in the Palni Hills with special reference to the threatened and endemic species

Dr. S. Balachandran BNHS Mumbai-400 023

2.26 2.01 0.40 Completed

85. Reproductive biology and Prof. A.K. Bhatnagar 4.45 5.82 2.55 Completed

95

genetic diversity of three economically useful forest tree species of Western Ghats

Department of Botany University of Delhi Delhi-110 007

86. Bio-systematic studies on the Eulophid Parasitoids (Hymenoptera : Eulophidae) of Kerala State including South Western Ghats

Dr.T.C. Narendran Deptt. of Zoology Univ. of Calicut Calicut-673 008

1.70 2.17 1.76 Completed

87. Mutualism in Whitefly – Ant interaction in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu

Dr. R.W. Alexander Jesudasan, Deptt. of Zoology Madras Christian College Chennai-600 059

2.37 3.63 1.41 Completed

88. Assessment of Bat biodiversity in Central Western Ghats of Maharashtra

Dr.V.S.Korad Deptt. of Zoology Fergusson College Pune-411 004


89. Optimization of harvesting and post-harvest technology to economize bamboo resource utilisation

Dr.K.V.Bhat KFRI, Peechi-680 653 (Kerala)

2.56 0.66 2.05 Completed

90. Litter insect dynamics with special reference to ecological succession and chemical ecology along varying altitudes in the Wynad and Coorg forests of Western Ghats

Dr.Sabu K. Thomas Deptt. of Zoology St. Joseph’s College Calicut-673 008

1.84 3.33 1.00 Completed

91. Utilisation of important forest products from eastern and western ghats as natural food additives

Dr. L.J. Mohan Rao, Scientist, CFTRI Mysore-570 013

-- 2.57 0.95 Completed

92. Land use change and its impact on selected biophysical and socio-economic aspects of Karuvanur river basin in Thrissur District of Kerala

Dr. P.K. Muraleedharan, KFRI, Peechi-680 653, Thrissur, Kerala.

4.20 --- 4.85 Ongoing

93. Conversation through micro-propagation and restoration of endemic endangered and economically useful plants of the Kolli Hills in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu.

Dr. S. John Brito, Director, Centre for Natural Research Study, St. Joseph’s College, Trichirappalli-620 002.

5.78 --- 4.30 Ongoing

94. Study of conservation Dr. P.C. Panda, Regional 6.30 --- 3.46 Ongoing

96

biology, propagation and assessment of genetic diversity of some rare and endangered tree species of Eastern Ghats through molecular techniques.

Plants Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar - 751 015, Orissa.

95. Evaluation of the foraging requirements of a threatened endemic passerine, the white-bellied shortwing, in natural and disturbed habitats for conservation planning in the

Western Ghats.

Dr. Anindya Sinha, National Instt. of Advance Studies, Indian Instt. of Science Campus, Bangalore-560012.

1.72 1.21 2.31 Ongoing

96. Analysis of microbial communities in heavy metal contaminated soils around mine sites in Orissa.

Dr. Nibha Gupta, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar - 751015,Orissa.

1.62 --- 2.98 Ongoing

97. Ecology and behaviour of forest owls in the Western Ghats and developing a habitat model for their conservation

Dr.E.S.Jayson Kerala Forest Research Institute Thrissur, Peechi Kerala- 680653

--- 2.14 4.45 Ongoing

98. Study on taxonomy and spore morphology of ferns of South Kerala

Dr.G.Bhadran Nair St.Xaviour’s College Pallayamkottai Thirunelveli –627002 Tamil Nadu

---- 2.70 2.00 Ongoing

99. Ex-situ conservation and rehabilitation of selected threatened medical plants of South Western Ghats

Dr.S.Ignacimuthu Entomology Research Institute Loyola College Chennai – 600034

--- 1.46 --- Ongoing

100 Fungal Diversity in Western Ghats of Karnataka”

Dr. Ch. Ramesh, Reader at PG Department in Botany, Karnataka University, Dharwad.

---- 4.32 ---- Ongoing

101 Bench Scale Production And Applications of Activated Carbon From Coconut Pith Waste

Dr. J.L. Gumaste, Scientist, AMT Department, Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubneswar

--- 3.40 0.55 Ongoing

102. Conservation and Cultivation of Ferns of Western Ghats”

Dr. (Smt.) Meena M. Dongare, Sr. Lecturer, Department of Botany,

--- 2.31 --- Ongoing

97

Shivaji University, Kolhapur – 416004

103 Study on the impact of developmental activities on the quality of surface and ground water resources in Konaseema area of Andhra Pradesh.

Prof. N. Someswara Rao, Deptt. of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam – 530003

--- 2.75 2.56 Ongoing

104 Chromolaena odorata invasions to Western Ghats: causes, consequences and management

Dr. Inderjit Singh, Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE), School of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi.

---- ---- 4.41 Ongoing

105 Studies on the ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity in different forest types and their association with endemic, indigenous and exoitc species in the Western Ghats forests of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala

Dr. T.K. Abraham, Div. of Microbiology, TBGRI, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram , Kerala

---- ---- 2.26 Ongoing

106 Exploration of tribal botanical knowledge for sustainable socioeconomic development and conservation of biodiversity of Agasthiar Hills, Western Ghats, India through women self help groups”

Dr. A. John De Britto, Reader in Botany, St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai, TN.

--- ---- 1.33 Ongoing

107 Ecology of Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyeeros birostris) with special refrence to its role in seed dispersal in Southern Eastern Ghats

Dr. P. Balasubramanian SACON, Coimbatore

---- ---- 0.90 Ongoing

108 A study on the Herpeto faunal communities of the Upper viagai Plateau Western Ghats, India.

Dr. S. Bhupathy SACON, Coimbatore

---- ---- 1.90 Ongoing

109 Diversity of Micro-fungi in leaf litter of different forests of Western Ghats

Dr. T. Suryanarayanan Vivekananda College Chennai-560 003

--- --- 4.75 Ongoing

110 Chemical loading into reservoirs: Investigation

Dr. M.N. Muraleedharan Nair, CESS,

--- ---- 2.90 Ongoing

98

from selected watersheds of Periyar river in Western Ghats, Kerala

Thiruvanan-thapuram, Kerala

111 Studies of the biosystematics of parasitic wasps of Eupelmidae(Hymenopetera) of Kerala including souther Western Ghats.

Dr.T.C. Narendran Deptt. of Zoology Univ. of Calicut Calicut-673 008

--- --- 2.29 Ongoing

112 Investigations on the fungi and insects associated with fruits and seeds of selected endemic trees of Western Ghats.

Dr. H.C. Nagaveni, IWST, Bangalore

--- ---- 1.95 Ongoing

113 Role of insect predators in the regulation of biodiversity of forests ecosystem

Dr. Dunston P. Ambrose, St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai Tamil Nadu

--- --- 2.47 Ongoing

114 Herbivorous Arthropod fauna associated with some ferns of Western Ghtas of Southern India.

Dr. R.W. Alexander Jesudasan, Deptt. of Zoology Madras Christian College

--- ---- 3.40 Ongoing

115 Biodiversity in Piper and Gavcinia and identification of spots of spices richness in Western Ghats(using GIS and Molecular Markers)

Dr. P.A. Mathew, Indian Instt. Of Spices Research, Calicut, Kerala

---- ---- 5.19 Ongoing

116 Bioecology of spiders in Western Ghats of Kerala.

Dr. P.A. Sabastian, Sacred Heart College, Kochi, Kerala

---- ---- 6.60 Ongoing

117 Taxonomy Studies on family Ncotuidae (Noctuoidea: lepidoptera) from Western ghats of India

Dr. Jagbir Singh, Deptt. Of zoology, Punjabi University Patiala.

---- ---- 1.67 Ongoing

118 NNRMS

13Application of GIS and Remote Sensing for Biodiversity Mapping and Conservation A Case study of Kachch District, Gujarat.

Dr. A.M.Dixit, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Post Box No:83, Mundra Road, Opp. Changleshwar Temple, Bhuj Kachch-370 001, Gujarat.

3.63 -- -- Ongoing

119 Bio-geochemistry of the Western Ghats region between Goa and Mangalore using Remote Sensing & other modern techniques

Prof. V. Subramanian, School of Environmental Science, JNU, New Delhi – 110 067

2.35 2.12 -- Ongoing

99

120 Nationwide Forest Encroachment Mapping using Remotely Sensed Data and Geographic Information System.

Dr. Ajai,

Group Director, FLPG, Space Application Centre, ISRO, Ahmadabad 380 015.

21.28 -- -- Ongoing

121 Assessment of Biodiversity and preparation of Conservation Plan for the forest of North Gujarat Region, Gujarat.

Dr. Justus Joshua,

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Post Box No.83, Mundra Road, Opp. Changleshwar Temple, Bhuj, Kachch- 370 001, Gujarat.

12.13 -- 8.41 Ongoing

122 An Integrated Technique for Monitoring Desertification using Intelligent GIS.

Dr. (Mrs) R.Jana,

Research Scientist Centre of Studies in Resource Engineering

CSRE,

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Powai, Mumbai – 400076

13.10 -- -- Ongoing

123 Mapping of Wildlife Sanctuaries/ National Parks

Dr. V.B.Mathur,

Scientist, WII, Post Box No.18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248001

72.51 -- -- Ongoing

124 Forest Type Mapping of India’s Forest.

Director, Forest Survey of India, Kaulagarh Road, Dehra Dun-248 195

25.00 84.05 73.13 Ongoing

125 Development of GIS Based Environmental Information System for Coal Mining Areas of West Bengal

Dr.P.K.Pal,

Department of Mining Geology, Bengal Engineering College, PO Botanical Garden, Howrah 711 103

-- 0.85 1.08 Ongoing

126 Application of Remote Sensing for Bioresource Characterization of Gangetic Grassland Ecosystem in and around Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary

Dr. Afifullah Khan,

Senior Lecturer, Department of Wildlife Sciences, AMU,

-- 2.13 -- Ongoing

100

Aligarh 202 002 127 Snow & Glacier Studies Dr. Shailesh Nayak

Space Application Centre Ambawadi Vistar PO Ahmedabad – 380015

-- 10.00 246.36 Ongoing

128 Coastal Zone Studies Dr. Shailesh Nayak

Space Application Centre Ambawadi Vistar PO Ahmedabad – 380015

-- -- 443.00 Ongoing

129 Ecosystem Research Project on Land use dynamics and its impact on carbon sequestration, nitrogen cycling and bio-diversity of tropical forest eco-systems of Chhattisgarh through Remote Sensing and GIS techniques.

Dr. S.L.Swamy,

Scientist (Forestry)

Department of Forestry, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur (C.G.) – 492 006

-- -- 35.56 Ongoing

130 Impact of Joint Forest Management on Protection and Development of Forest in Rajpipla Division in Narmada District – An RS-GIS approach.

Dr. (Mrs) Garge Sandhya Kiran,

Sr. Lecturer, Deptt. of Botany,

Faculty of Science,

M.S. University of Baroda

Vadodara – 390 001

-- -- 10.61 Ongoing

131 Forest Atlas of Nagaland. Dr. T. Lanusosang,

Prof. & Head,

Department of Geography and Resources Management,

Nagaland University,

Lumami, Mokokchung,

Nagaland – 798 601.

-- -- 13.14 Ongoing

132 Environment Impact Statement abandoned/ closed mining (Iron Ore) activity in

Dr. H.Honne Gowda, -- -- 5.63 Ongoing

101

Kuduremukh National Park Area, Karnataka.

Director,

Karnataka State Remote Sensing Application Centre, KSCMF Building, Cunningham Road, Bangalore- 560 052

133 Evaluation and Generation of Geocoded Spatial Digital Database on the various Natural Resources of the Eastern Ghats of TN Ph-II

Dr.D.I.Arockiasamy,

Centre for Natural Resource Study, Department of Botany, St.Joseph College, Tiruchirapalli 620 002

-- -- 10.24 Ongoing

134 Studies on Wetlands of Udaipur (Rajasthan) with special reference to their Bio-diversity Conservation using Remote Sensing Data.

Dr. Kamal Kapoor,

Department of Botany,

M.L.Sukhadia University,

Udaipur- 313 002.

-- -- 6.99 Ongoing

135 The Trend of vegetation cover change in National Capital Region of Delhi and its Thermal Impact on the Living Environment.

Conservator of Forests,

Haryana Forest Department,

South Circle, Gurgaon,

Haryana.

-- -- 15.75 Ongoing

136 Forest Fire Dynamics and Vegetation Regeneration Analysis using Remote Sensing in Rajiv Gandhi and Bandipur National Parks of Western Ghats

Prof. R.K.Somashekar,

Chairman,

Department of Environmental Sciences,

Bangalore University,

Bangalore – 560 056.

-- -- 11.00 Ongoing

137 Conservation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas Hotspots in India – An Integrated Approach through Remote Sensing and GIS.

Dr. S. Sudhakar,

Scientist SD,

Forestry & Ecology Division,

-- -- 14.84 Ongoing

102

NRSA, Balanagar,

Hyderabad 138 Monitoring and Modelling

and Landcover use & Biodiversity in Dehang – Debang Biosphere Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh

Dr.K.G.Saxena,

School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067

-- -- 1.96 Ongoing

139 Monitoring Environmental changes due to Industrialisation and identification of HOT SPOTS in Vapi-Vadodara part of the Golden Corridor

Ms. Anjana Vyas

Remote Sensing & GIS Dept. School of Planning, CEPT, Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus, University Road, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380009

-- 4.74 -- Ongoing

140 Evaluation of the Palk bioresources through conjunctive use of conventional ground surveys and satellite RS

Dr.L.Kannan,

CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai

-- 5.50 2.23 Ongoing

141 Evaluation of the Natural Resources and Environment of Kholli Hills, Tamil Nadu using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS)

Dr. S. John Britto

Principal

St. Josephs College (Autonomous)

Trichirapalli-620002, Tamil Nadu

- 0.61 - Ongoing

142 Geo-nvironmental Studies in the Banas Drainage basin, Rajasthan and Preparation of Geo-environmental Database

Dr.S.Sinha Roy,

Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur – 302 001

- - 0.07 Ongoing

143 Monitoring Environmental changes due to Industrialisation and identification of HOT SPOTS in Vapi-Vadodara part of the Golden Corridor

Ms. Anjana Vyas

Remote Sensing & GIS Dept. School of Planning, CEPT, Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus, University Road, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380009


144 Evaluation of the Palk bioresources through conjunctive use of

Dr.L.Kannan,

CAS in Marine Biology,

-- 5.50 2.23 Completed

103

conventional ground surveys and satellite RS

Annamalai University, Parangipettai

145 Evaluation of the Natural Resources and Environment of Kholli Hills, Tamil Nadu using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS)

Dr. S. John Britto

Principal

St. Josephs College (Autonomous)

Trichirapalli-620002, Tamil Nadu


146 Geo-environmental Studies in the Banas Drainage basin, Rajasthan and Preparation of Geo-environmental Database

Dr.S.Sinha Roy,

Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur – 302 001

-- -- 0.67 Completed

147 Ecosystem Research

Development of Eco restoration

Model for Iron Ore Mines of Bihar & Orissa

Dr. P. Soni

Forest Soil and Reclamation Division

Forest Research Institute

P.O. New Forest

Dehradun- 248 0061

2.12 - 3.48 Ongoing

148 Field studies on the foreging ecology of the painted stork (mycteria leucocaphla) in relation to the Trophic dynamicas of chosen fresh water wetlands

Dr. A.J. Urfi

Deptt. of Environmental Sciences,

Delhi University

Delhi-110 007.

1.69 2.09 5.50 Ongoing

149 Documentation of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants held by Bhotias of Dharchula in Uttaranchal State : Potential for development of new drugs

Dr. K.K. Agarwal School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Kashmere Gate, Delhi.

4.35 - 2.75 Ongoing

150 Floral Diversity under prevailing slide of plant invasion and extension regime on Forests of South West Bengal

Dr. Tapan Kumar Mishra Raja N.L. Khan Women’s College, Gope Palace, Midnapur-721 102, West Beng

0.85 1.45 2.68 Ongoing

151 People’s use of Forest Dr. B. Mukhopadhyay - 1.45 0.36 Ongoing

104

resources vis-à-vis impact of forest depletion on livelihood issues of local people in Sikkim Himalaya.

Anthropology and Human Genetic Unit 203, Barrackpore Trunk Road Kolkata-700 018.

152 Biodiversity and Distribution pattern of Hymenopteran Parasitoids of different Insect crop pests in Manipur (North East India)

Dr. T. Kameshwar Singh

Manipur University

Imphal-795003.

0.98 2.07 0.70 Ongoing

153 Evaluation of Biodiversity and Ethno-botanical studies in protected areas of Panch National Park,

Maharashtra

Dr. Alka Chaturvedi

Nagpur University

Nagpur-440 010.

- 3.18 2.26 Ongoing

154 Microbial Pathogens associated with forests insects in Kerala – parts of the Western Ghats with reference to Host Parasite relationship and Ex-situ conservation.

Dr. R. Verma

Kerala Forest Research Institute

PEECHI-

Thrissur

Kerala.

- - 5.17 Ongoing

155 Studies on the biodiversity of shoals and grass landfs and their restoration in the Nilgiris Plateau, Southern India.

Dr. K.S. Neelkanthan

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

Mettupalayam

Coimbatore-641003.

2.57 1.29 2.26 Ongoing

156 Bioprospecting of potential rare and endangered Ethnobotanical important plant species of Jharkhand

Dr. Kaushal Kumar

National Botanical Research Institute

P.B. No. 436

Lucknow-226001

1.26 2.13 2.37 Ongoing

157 A study on Floral Diversity of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Karnataka.

Dr. Y.L. Krishnamurthy

Kuvempu University

2.04 1.36 1.61 Ongoing

105

Jnana Sahyadri Shankaraghatta-577451

Karnataka. 158 Biodiversity of Vesicular

arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their application for conservation of selected endangered economic plant species of Jharkhand State

Dr. A.K. Roy

Deptt. of Botany

T.M. Bhagalpur University

Bhagalpur-812007

Bihar.

1.02 1.48 2.07 Ongoing

159 Ecology and bio-diversity of insectivorous birds in an agro-environment (Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu).

Dr. S. Asokan

AVC College

(Autonomous)

Mayiladuthurai

Mannampandal-609305, Tamil Nadu

3.95 1.62 2.38 Ongoing

160 Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and beneficial bacteria on Bamboo

Dr. C.K. Suresh

Microbiology Unit

Deptt. of Biotechnology

Univ. of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK,

Bangalore-560065.

2.90 1.44 1.67 Ongoing

161 Evaluation of erodability in selected soil series of watershed under different agroclimatic situations of West Bengal

Dr. P.K. Tarafdar

Deptt. of Soil and Water Conservation,

Faculty of Agriculture,

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya

Mohanpur, Nadia

West Bengal-741 252.

3.24 1.52 2.80 Ongoing

106

162 Biodiversity assessment of the freshwater fishes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Dr. Priya Devidar

Prof. & Head

Salim Ali School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences,

Pondicherry Univ.

Pondicherry-605014.

-- 1.97 - Ongoing

163 Insects as Bio-indicator for ecosystem health

Dr. P. Haldar

Deptt. of Zoology

Visva Bharti University

Santiniketan-721 235

West Bengal.

2.88 - 2.51 Ongoing

164 Status and Ecology of the Andaman Crake

Dr. Lalitha Vijayan

Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History

Anaikatty P.O.

Coimbatore-641 708.

3.10 - 2.37 Ongoing

165 Fungal endophytes of medicinal plants in Tamil Nadu forests

Dr. J. Muthumary

CAS in Botany

Madras University

Chennai.

2.10 - 2.75 Ongoing

166 Seed germination and natural regeneration in tropical rain forest of Andaman Islands

Dr. C.B. Pandey

Hort. & Forestry Div.

Central Agriculture Research Institute,

P.B. No. 181, Port Blair, A&N Islands.

3.16 - 3.21 Ongoing

107

167 Study on amphibian fauna of Assam

Dr. Saibal Sengupta

Zoology Deptt.

Arya Vidyapeeth College

Guwahati-781016

Assam

5.10 - 2.13 Ongoing

168 Comparative Studies of

Microbial Diversity and Soil Biological Processes during Leaf Litter Decomposition in Natural Oak Forest and Plantations of Manipur, NE India

Dr. R.R. Pandey

Deptt. of Life Sciences

Manipur University

Imphal-795 003.

Manipur.

5.62 1.93 1.33 Ongoing

169 Water and light use characteristics of the vegetation in the different strata of a topical moist deciduous forest.

Dr. Jose Kallarckal Kerala Forest Research Institute Peechi-680 653

Thrissur, Kerala.

9.65 1.97 2.71 Ongoing

170 Studies on the Entomofaunal diversity and their interactions in selected provenances of Sandal

Dr. R. Sunder Raj

Institute of Wood Science & Technology

P.O. Malleswaram

Bangalore-560003.

1.85 0.69 2.71 Ongoing

171 Mapping Biodiversity of the Myristica swamps in Southern Kerala

Dr. P. Vijaykumaran Nair Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680 653 Thrissur, Kerala.

3.48 - 3.82 Ongoing

172 Imposex in marine gastropods as a possible index of TBT contamination along Southern coast of India

Dr. A. Murugan Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, 44 Beach Road, Titucorin, Tamil Nadu

6.66 - 2.54 Ongoing

173 Characterization of Plant Biodiversity, community structure and population behaviour of some important tree species at the

Dr. S. Alemmeren Jamir Deptt. of Botany Fazl Ali Govt. College Nagaland

- 3.65 3.14 Ongoing

108

community forests of Nagaland

174 Impact of mining on biodiversity of Rajmahal Hills : An assessment after a decade

Prof. A.K. Pandey

T.M. Bhagalpur University

Bhagalpur-812 072

- 1.32 1.29 Ongoing

175 Rehabilitation of degraded soils of Upper Assam due to Excessive Mining of Coal.

Dr. P. Azad

Instt. of Advanced Study in Science & Technology(IASST), Guwahati-781022, Assam.

- 2.28 - Ongoing

176 Assessment of Biodiversity, Bio-

ecology and Conservation Strategies of Sericigenous insects in North-Eastern Region of India.

Dr. L.N. Kakati

Senior Lecturer

Department of Zoology, Nagaland University Hqs. Lumami, Mokokchung

Pin-798 601, Post Box No. 12, Nagaland.

- 2.84 - Ongoing

177 Pollination Biology, Germplasm Collection and Production of Improved Planting Stocks of Terminalia chebula Retz. And Terminalia bellirics (Gaertner) Roxb” .

Dr. Maheshwar Hegde, Institute of Forest Genetics and tree breeding, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore-641 002.

- - 4.95 Ongoing

178 Regeneration and Plant Diversity Status along the Disturbance Gradient on Natural Oak Forests in Garhwal Himalaya.

Dr. D.S. Chauhan,

Lecturer of Forestry,

Deptt. of Forestry, Post Box No. 59,

HNB Garhwal Univ., Srinagar-Garhwal 246174,

Uttaranchal

- - 3.39 Ongoing

179 Status, Ecology and Conservation of striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in

Dr. Jamal A. Khan

Wildlife Society of India,

10.11 Ongoing

109

Gir National Park and Sanctuary

Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002

180 Effects of Forest Use on Biodiversity Conservation Values as seen in Bird Communities of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan

Ms. Ghazala Shahbuddin,

Associate Fellow

Council for Social Development,

Sangha Rachna,

53, Lodhi Estate,

New Delhi-110003.

2.46 Ongoing

181 Aquatic biodiversity and function of hyporheic biotope in a regulated river of Doon Valley.

Dr. Ramesh C. Sharma,

Head & Coordinator,

Deptt. of Environmental Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University, P.B.-67, Srinagar-Garhwal-246 174, Uttaranchal

4.52 Ongoing

182 Ecosystem Research

Adaptive Research on improvement of natural grasslands in district Sirmour of Himachal Pradesh.

Dr. V. Kalia

Himachal Pradesh Krishi Viswavidhalaya,

Regional Research Station

Dhaulakuan-173 001

Sirmour(HP).

1.09 1.37 1.80 Completed

183 Management of Himalayan Monal – Habitat Ecology and Behaviour

Dr. Asha Chandola Saklani

Reproductive and Wildlife Biology Unit, HNB Garhwal University

Post Box No.45

Srinagar

Garhwal-246174.

- - 4.40 Completed

110

184 Study of Ecology and Biodiversity of the Lonar Crater Ecosystems

Dr. D.S. Joshi

Department of Zoology

Ahmednagar College

Post Box No. 21, Station Road

Ahmednagar-414 001.

1.75 3.30 2.61 Completed

185 Diversity of Meiobenthic Fauna of Coastal Line of Tamilnadu

Dr. K. Altaf

P.G. and Research Department of Zoology, The New College,

Chennai-600 014

1.93 2.20 - Completed

186 Ecotypic evaluation and In vitro multiplication of selected tree species for different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu

Dr. A. Sundari

Deptt. of Agronomy

Annamalai University

Annamalainagar-608002

Tamil Nadu.

- 2.81 1.51 Completed

187 Studies on the faunal diversity in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan

Dr. Q.H. Baqri

Desert Research Station

ZSI, Jhalamand, Pali Road, Jodhpur-342 005.(Rajasthan)

12.48 - - Completed

188 Bumble Bee Diversity and its role in the conserving High Altitude Vegetation Germplasm in the Himalayan Region.

Dr. M.S. Saini Deptt. of Zoology Punjabi University Patiala-147002 Punjab.

1.00 Completed

189 Diversity of Soil microarthropods and mobilization of micronutrients: Ecological evaluation of afforestation in laterite wastelands.

Dr. V.C. Joy

Deptt. of Zoology

Visva-Bharti University

Shantiniketan-731 235.

1.80 0.50 0.65 Completed

190 A Rapid clonal multiplication of some

Prof. A.M. Shah - 3.19 - Completed

111

important conifers of Kashmir Valley through Tissue & Organ Culture Technique

Centre of Research for Development

Kashmir University

Srinagar-190006

Kashmir. 191 Seed Technology of Forest

Trees: Post Harvest handling and Ex-situ Storage

Dr. S.C. Naithani

Seed Biology Laboratory,

School of Life Sciences,

Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University

Raipur-492010

3.66 - - Completed

192 Ecology of the Inter Tidal Zone of the Open Saurashtra Gujarat.

Dr. R. Sengupta

Gujarat Ecological Society

5, Golden Apartment,

Subhanpura

Vadodara-390023.

2.21 3.08 3.11 Completed

193 Conservation of Cheer Pheasant in Garhwal Himalaya: Current Status, Distribution, Habitat Ecology and Behaviour

Dr. M.S. Bisht

Department of Zoology

HNB Garhwal University

Pauri Campus, Pauri-246001 (U.P.)

0.86 - 1.00 Completed

194 A study on Traditional Knowledge of Ethnobotanical Resources of Gujarat Institute of Desert

Ecology Kachch: An approach to the natural resource conservastion through creation of Ethnobotanical Database

Dr. A.M. Dixit

106, Opp Chairman’s Bungalow

G.S.F.C. township

- - 3.29 Completed

112

P.O. Fertilizer Nagar

Dist.- Vadodara-391 750. 195 Ecological and Faunistic

Survey of Homopteran Pests (Leaf Plant Hoppers) from Rice Fields, grasslands and Wetlands of Sagar Islands and adjacent Namkhana delta Lobe of Sunderbands, West Bengal

Dr. Bimlendu Datta, S.D. Marine Biological Research Institute, Bamankhali, Sagar Island, Sunderbans, South 24 Paraganas, West Bengal-743373

- - 1.75 Completed

196 Studies on Ecosystem Dynamics of Disturbed and Undisturbed Tropical Rain Forests of Arunachal Pradesh

Dr. A. Arunmachalam Deptt. of Forestry North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology Nirjuli-791109 Arunachal Pradesh.

3.14 - - Completed

197 A conservation oriented re-assessment of the vegetation of the Central T.N.

Fr. K.M. Mathews, Rapinet Herbarium, St. Joseph’s College, Thiruchirapalli

- 0.12 - Completed

198 Study on growth and management of tree improvement Bamboo species of Mizoram

Dr. L.K. Jha, Deptt. of Forestry, North Eastern Hill University, Mizoram Campus, Aizwal-796007

- 1.10 - Completed

199 Fruits Bats and Damage to Orchards

Dr. G. Marimuthu, Deptt. of Animal Behaviour and Physiology, Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai

1.17 - - Completed

200 The vegetation of the Coromandel Coast Assessed with Emphasis on Plants under Stressed from Urbanisation

Dr. John Britto The Rapinat Herbarium St. Joseph’s College Tiruchirapalli-620002.


201 Thysanopteran Fauna of Manipur and Nagaland, North East India

Sh. R. Varthrajan Deptt. of Life Sciences Manipur University Canchipur, Impahal-795 003.Manipur.

0.62 0.44 - Completed

202 Human settlement, human activities and health status among tribal and caste group of Northern India with special refernce to Rajasthan.

Dr M.K.Bhasin

Deptt. of Anthropology, University of Delhi,

Delhi- 110 007

- - 0.40 Completed

203 Impact of Indian Gandhi Canal Irrigation on the

Dr. R.N. hargava,The School of Desert

- - 1.18 Completed

113

Status of Mammal in Western Rajasthan

Sciences, 109, Nehru Park, Jodhpur-342003, Rajasthan.

204 Effectives of forest fire on floristics and species diversity of Mid hills of H.P.

Dr. Vidya Thakur

Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry

Nauni, Solan (HP).

0.92 0.40 0.25 Completed

205 Plant Gall Ecology in scrub forest ecosystem

Dr. S. Amerjyothy Deptt. of Botany Presidence College Madras.

2.75 0.70 0.57 Completed

206 Dynamics of the Orthopteran Community of Tamil Nadu – A study in Biodiversity

Dr. M.C. Muralirangan

G.S. Gill Research Institute, Guru Nanak College,

Chennai-600 032.

2.10 - - Completed

207 Marine Biodiversity Taxonomy of Indian Ascidians

Dr. V.K. Meenakshi

Deptt. of Zoology

A.P.C. Mahalakshmi College of Women

Tuticorin-628002.


208 A study on the Ecology, Status and Conservation Prospectives of Certain Rare Endemic Avifauna of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Dr. Lalitha Vijayan, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History

Anaikatty P.O.

Coimbatore-641 708

- - 0.33 Completed

209 Impact of Pome fruit production operation on Environment – In Assessment in Himachal Pradesh

Dr. V.K. Sharma, Regional Horticultural Research Station, Shimla-171007

- - 1.88

210 Studies on mulluscicidal activity of some common plants of family euphobiaceae and their environmental impact on fresh water non-target

Dr. Ajay Singh, Deptt. of Zoology, Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur.

- 2.59 - Completed

114

animals 211 Biodiversity and ground

water, surface water ecotone (Hyporheic habitat) of Mountain Fluvial Ecosystem of Garhwal Himalaya.

Dr. R.C. Sharm Deptt. of Environmental StudiesHNB Garhwal UniversitySrinagar-24174 Garhwal

- - 1.29 Completed

212 Biodiversity and efficacy of locally available plantso abnoxious weeds against major insect-pests and diseases of oil seed crops in H.P.

Dr. Ajay Srivastava

Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya,

Oil Seeds Research Station, Kangra-176001.


213 National River Conservation Plan

Studies on Decontamination of chromium from UASB treated tannery effluent and contaminated soil of adjoining areas at Jjmau, Kanpur

Dr. Sarita Sinha, NBRI, Lucknow

1.94 14.02 - Ongoing

214 Study for preparation of detailed research and action plan for enhancing river flow in Yamuna

School of Environmental Sciences, Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi.

1.13 Ongoing

215 Two year M.Tech Programme on Conservation of Rivers and Lakes.

IIT, Roorkee 12.50 25.00 Ongoing

216 Survey and compilation for identification of lakes for conservation.

National Institute of Ecology.

2.25 Ongoing

217 Baseline study for the Tons River Upper Catchments for Conservation of river Yamuna with reference to potential of improvement of river flow

National Institute of Ecology and National Remote Sensing Institute, Dehradun

23.32 Ongoing

218 Project Tiger

Conservation planning for wetlands of North Kerala with special emphasis on bird communities involving mapping of wetlands study

Shri O.Jayaram, ACF, Kerala, 0.33 Ongoing

115

of bird communities and related ecological factors.

219 Study on habitat factors favoring avifaunal visitation in the Ramanathapuram Disttt of South India including physical chemical, biological and ecological parameters

Shri V.Naganathan Wildlife Warden ,Tamil Nadu

0.33 Ongoing

Hazardous Substance Management

Bio-Reclamation of lowlying areas filled with flyash from Tata Steels Power Plant at Jamadoba and associated environmental studies

Dr. L.C.Ram Central Fuel Research Institute, Dhanbad.

4.00 - 4.90

Ongoing

220

221 Project Elephant

Development of longawned rice varieties and paddy storage structure for elephant depredation areas.

Central Rice Research Institute

4.25 Ongoing

222 Preparation of Health Care andManagement protocol for the captive elephants of North East India

Assam Agricultural University

2.30 Ongoing

223 Anatomical studies on the Asian elephants of Assam

Assam Agricultural University

1.90 Ongoing

224 Centre of excellence Madras School of Economics, Chennai

17.02

10.55 5.03 Ongoing

225 Centre of excellence Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad

17.20 1.25 - Ongoing

226 Studies on rare species in India for their effective conservation

Dr. K. Kathiresan, Centre of Advance Study in Marine Biology , Annamalai University, Parangipttai - 608 502

- 4.30 - Ongoing

116

227 Inventorization and characterization of the microbial community in Bhitarkanika Mangrove ecosystem of Orissa.

Dr. Nibha Gupta, Senior Scientist, Regional Plant Resource Centre Bhubneswar – 751 015

6.10 - - Ongoing

228 Studies on the reproductive biology or corals to Assess coral regeneration and larval recruitment Pattern

Dr. J.K. Patterson Edward, Director,

SDMRI, Tuticorin - 628 002

- - 6.08 Ongoing

229 Genome analysis of corals for their systematic and conservation

Dr. Usha Goswami,

National Institute of Oceanography, Goa

- 6.47 - Ongoing

230 Pollination biology and reproductive ecology of major Mangrove species of Gujarat

Ms. Seema Mali, GEER Foundation,

Gandhinagar,

Gujarat

- 4.14 1.92 Ongoing

231 Population structure and reproduction in Bruguiera and Ceriops: Implication on conservation

Dr. K. Gurumurthi, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore

- - 5.57 Ongoing

232 Seed biology of Indian Mangroves in relation to sustainable conservation and management

Dr. Subrata Maity, Department of Seed Science & Technology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, W.B.

- 6.21 - Ongoing

233 Assessment of phyto-diversity and preparation of database of Mangroves of Sunderban Biosphere Reserve, W.B.

Dr. H. S. Debnath, Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kolkata

- 7.18 - Ongoing

234 Systematic evaluation of aquatic epiphytic microbial diversity of mangrove plants and a novel strategy for raising mangrove nursery

Dr. M. Sundararaman , Department of Microbiology, Bharathidasan university, Tiruchirapalli

- 1.73 - Ongoing

235 Ecological assessment for development and biodiversity conservation of Bhavanapadu (Mangrove) Swamps of

Prof. K. Kameswara Rao, Department of Environmental Science, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam

- 3.63 - Ongoing

117

North Coastal, Andhra Pradesh

236

Assessment of marine microbial, floral and faunal diversity of the coral reef environs of the Little Andaman Islands

Prof. L. Kannan

Annamalai University,

Annamali Nagar – 608 002, Tamil Nadu

- 8.59 - Ongoing

237 Taxonomy and biodiversity of soft Corals (Octocoallia: Alcyonacea) in India

Dr. K. Padmakumar, Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram

- - 9.21 Ongoing

238 Resolving elephant-human conflicts in northern Bengal: an early warning system through tracking elephants using Global Positioning system Collars

Dr. R.Sukumar, Center for Ecological Sciences, IISc., Bangalore

13.84 - - Ongoing

239 Ecological studies to conserve and rehabilitate the mangrove vegetation in the coastal landscapes of Kerala

Dr. J.K. Sharma, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala

- 5.12 - Ongoing

240 Effect of reduced fresh water flow through Brahmani-Baitarani river systems on mangrove population in Bhitarkanika Estuary

Dr. K. Sarveswara Rao, Principal Investigator, Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar - 751 013, Orissa

- 4.25 7.99 Ongoing

241 Recruitment and growth study of coral reefs in the Gulf of Kachchh

Dr. C.N. Pandey, Director, GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar

2.06 - 2.77 Ongoing

242 Plant crab association in the mangrove ecosystem of Kerala

Dr. T.S. Nayar, Division of Conservation Biology, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

- - 9.18 Ongoing

243 Studies on the mangroves of Krishna and Godavari Estuaries

Dr. P.Venu, Botanical Survey of India, Southern Circle, TNAU Campus, Lawley Road, Coimbatore - 641 003

- 9.22 2.19 Ongoing

244 Pollination biology of Ceriops tagal and Ceriops

Dr. A.J. Solomon Raju, Department of

- 2.11 - Ongoing

118

decandra (Rhizophoraceae) at Coringa Mangrove Forest, Andhra Pradesh

Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam - 530 003

245 Diversity and distribution of corals and their associated fauna of Rani Jhansi Marine National Park, Andaman

Dr. R. Jeyabaskaran, Zoological Survey of India, A&N Regional Station, Port Blair-744 102

- - 7.51 Ongoing

246 Assessment of Mangroves in India

Dr. Alok Saxena, Joint Director

Forest Survey of India

Dehra Dun-248 195

15.00 40.00 - Ongoing

247 Assessment of Coral Reefs in India

Dr. Alok Saxena, Joint Director

Forest Survey of India,Dehra Dun

15.52 1.89 - Ongoing

248 Insect Plant relationship with special reference to herbivory in the Mangroves of South India

Dr. O.K. Ramadevi

IWST, Bangalore

- 4.62 - Ongoing

249 Professional and analytical support on conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity pursuant to the Convention on Biological Diversity and an in-depth study of the synergies and linkages of the subject with regard to other multilateral Environmental Agreements / Treaties

Dr. Sejal Worah, Mr. Rajesh Sehgal and Dr. Swayamprabha Das,

World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-India, New Delhi

- - 1.51 Ongoing

250 GIS based mapping and analysis of ecological variables of reefs around the little Andaman Island

Dr. Rajkumar R., ZSI, A & N Regional Station, Port Blair

- - 14.85 Ongoing

251 BIOSPHERE RESERVE Exploration and Documentation of Floristic Diversity of Dehang Debang Biosphere REsere in Arunachal Pradesh

Dr. K.K. Baishya,

Botanical Survey of India

Kolkata

3.00 Ongoing

119

252 Study on Diversity and Conservation status of plants in the proposed cold Desert Biosphere Reserve at Trans and North West Himalaya

Dr. S.S.Samant,

G.B.Pant Insitute of HimalayanEnvironment and Development, Kulu, Himachal Pradesh.

2.25 Ongoing

253 Botranical Survey of India to act as Lead Institution for Sunderbans and Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

Dr. H.S.Debnath,

BSI, Kolkata

2.00 Ongoing

254 Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, Palode to act as lead/coordination institution for Agsthyamalai, Niligir and Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Resere.

Dr. K.G.Pandurangan

Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, Palode

1.25 Ongoing

255 G.B,.Pant Insitute of Himalayan

Environment and Development to act as Lead Institution for Nanda Dei, Manas , Dibru Saikova, Dehang Deband and Kanchanjunga Biosphere Reserve

Dr. R.S.Rawal

G.B,.Pant Insitute of Himalayan

Environment and Development, Almora

3.25 Ongoing

256 Studies on Floral diversity of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve

Dr. S.J.Phukan,

Botanical Survey of India

Shillong

2.90 Ongoing

257 Studies on the Butterfly Diversity in Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve and adjacent Arunachal Pradesh

Dr. Asham Borang,

State Forest ResearchInsitute , Itanagar

3.80 Ongoing

258 A handbook on the Butterflies of Niligiri Biosphere Reserve

Dr.George Mathew

Kerala Forest Research Insitute,

Trishul, Kerla

1.08 Ongoing

120

259 Studies on the rare endangered and threatened Flowering Plants of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve

Dr.T.J.S.Rajkumar

St. George College,

Tamil Nadu

4.50 Ongoing

260 Tropical ForestResearchInsitute,

Jabal pur to act as Lead Insitute for Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere REsere, Chattisgarh

Dr.A.C.Joshi

Tropical ForestResearchInsitute,

Jabal pur

2.00 Ongoing

261 Biological Control of Mimosa

In VISA , A destructive alien weed threatening Kaziranga Park.

Dr. R.K. Kalita,

Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat

1.70 Ongoing

262 Study on the biodiversity of Agaricales at Sikkim Himalaya

Dr. Krishnendu Acharya,

Deptt. of Botany,

University of Kolkatta, Taraknath Siksha Prangan,

35 Ballygunge Circular Road,

Kolkatta 700 019

3.89 Ongoing

263 Survey screening & culture of marine Alage from Identhakarai to Rameswaram Belt, Gulf of mannar Region for phycocollodis iodine falty Acids & SLF production

Dr. V.R. Mohan,

Principal Investigator,

V.O. Chidambaram College,

Tuticorin 628 008

Tamil Nadu

7.27 Ongoing

264 Macro Fungal Biodiversity of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and its in vitro conservation

Dr. I.B. Prashar,

Reader,

5.06 Ongoing

121

Botany Department,

Punjab University,

Chandigarh 265 Impacts of Tourism on

Environment of Roopkhund land Pindari Areas of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve of Uttaranchal

Dr. Laxmi Rawat,


Forest Research Institute,

Dehradun 248 006.

3.04 Ongoing

266 Study on Diversity Ethnobotany and Ecology of Medicinal and othet Edible plant species in Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve.

Dr. Binay Singh,


North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology,

Nirjuli 791 109,

Arunachal Pradesh

2.80 Ongoing

267 Studies on earthwork species diversity at different Forest Ecosystems of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Dr. E.V. Ramasamy,


School of Environmental Sciences,

Mahatma Gandhi University,

Thevara Building,

Gandhinagar,

P.O. Kottayam 686 008

Kerala

1.99 Ongoing

268 Exploitation of Mycorrhiza system in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve areas

Dr. V.Mohan,

Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree

12.5 Ongoing

122

Breeding,

Coimbatore -641002 269 Conservation of Lobsters in

theGulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve under the guidance of

Dr. B. Shri Krishna Das. Fisheries College andResearch Institute,

Tamil Nadu Veternary and Animal Sciences,

Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

7.81 Ongoing

270 Evaluation of Conservation strategies or the sustainable utilization of herbaceous Bioresources in the Sholas of Niligi

Shri S. Paulsamy

Kongunadu Arts and Science College,

Coimbatore

3.82 Ongoing

271 Inventory and Ecological Survey of bat species and their impact on Agsthaya Hills BiosphereReserve.

Dr. Juliet Banitha Rani

Deptt.of Zology, Sarah Tucker College,

Tirunevelli,

Tamil Nadu.

11.45 Ongoing

272 Forest and Agriculgture Eco System, Analysis to asssss eco system health and identify rehabiliatation strategy in the Kerala part of Niligiri Biosphere Resere

Dr. U.M. Chandrasekhar,

Kerala forest Research Institute, Trisul.

7.51 Ongoing

273 Community Ecology of detritus system – Insects and Fungi associated with fallen logs in Nilgiri BiosphereRserve.

Dr. Rama Devi

Insitute of Wood Sciences and Technology, ICFRE

Banalore.

6.51 Ongoing

274 Microbial Diversity of Dibru saikova and Manas Biosphere Reserve

Dr. P. Azad,

Insitute of Advanced Studies inScinece and Technology,

4.43 Ongoing

123

Khanapara,

Guwahati 275 Studies on Forest

Fragmebntation and its impact on Population Ecology of threatened Ethno Medical Plant specied of Kanchanga Bioshere Reserve.

Dr. H.N.Paney

Dptt.of Botany

North Eastern Hill University

Shillong

6.62 Ongoing

276 Development of National Park as Biosphere Reserve,

Bombay Natural History

Society ( BNHS) , Mumbai,

2.98 Ongoing

277 Studies on Biodiversity of Micro Pathogene of Sacrophid Calliphorid flies of Sunderbans BR, West Bengal

4.21 Ongoing

278 Wetlands Conservation

Ecological sustainability of Samaspur wetland (Rai Bereilly, U.P.) with special emphasis on migratory waterfowl.

Mr. P.P Bhojvaid, The Energy & Resources Institute

2.18 Ongoing

279 Habitat mapping of Mahseer fishes and development of Spatial Database for North-Eastern Aquatic Biodiversity

Dr. Devashish Kar, Reader & Head, Department of Life Sciences Assam (Central) University

4.92 Ongoing

280 A study on evaluation and conservation of microbial biodiversity of Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur – Potential applications in medicine, agriculture, industry and environmental management

Dr. Surinder Singh. Lecturer, Microbiology. Centre for Studies in Microbiology, Department of Botany, Jiwaji University, Gwalior,

5.59 Ongoing

281 Restoration of Point Calimere (The great Vedaranyam Swamp), a designated Ramsar site, for the benefit of fisheries and

Dr. S. Balachandran, Scientist, BNHS , Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House,

4.57 Ongoing

124

migrant water birds Mumbai

282 Comprehensive ecological investigation on the East Kolkata Wetland eco-system for its conservation and better sustainable management.

Dr. Tara Shankar Bandopdhayya Institute of wetland management and ecological design

2.61 Ongoing

283 Development of new genetic variability and improvement of Euryale ferox (Makhana)

Dr. S.K. Dutta, Deputy Director, National Botanical Institute, Lucknow

2.19 Ongoing

284 Conservation of wetlands in and around Vadodara city

Dr. Diwakar Sharma, Sr. Ecologist, Gujarat Ecological Society, Gujarat

5.17 Ongoing

285 Assessment of toxic pollutants in Kumaun Himalayan lakes : past and present pollution indices from studies of sediment cases

Dr. G.J. Chakrapani, Assistant Professor, I.I.T, Roorkee

5.73 Ongoing

286 Plant Biodiversity Conservation for Ecologically Sound Sustainable Eco-development of Surhatal lake and surrounding wetlands

Dr. B.D. Tripathi, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University

1.83 Ongoing

287 Ashtamudi Ramsar site – a study on the estuarine wetland and Kallada river in the context of ecology, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation”

Prof. P.K. Abdul Aziz, Prof. of Ecology, University of Kerala

2.66 Ongoing

288 Biodiversity and economic utility of flora of Bhal wetland in Gujarat

Dr. A.J. Joshi, Department of Life Sciences, Bhavnagar University, Gujarat

9.43 Ongoing

289 Prioritization of wetlands in the State of Goa and their potential sustainable evaluation using remote sensing data

Dr. N.P.S. Varde, Member Secretary, Goa State Council of Science & Technology, Goa

2.72 Ongoing

125

290 Floristic survey and assessment of plant resources of wetlands of South Orissa, India

Dr. M.K. Mishra, Reader in Botany, Post Graduate Department of Botany, Behrampur University

6.04 Ongoing

291 Assessment of explosive aquatic weed growth, their taxonomy, ecology and impact of the Kuttanad wetland ecosystem, Kerala State

Dr. K. Sankaran Unni, Guest Faculty, School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University

10.98 Ongoing

292 An action oriented locale specific conservation awareness programme for prioritized wetlands in Maharashtra

Dr. Erach Bharucha, Director, Institute of Environment

Education & Research, Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune

5.60 Ongoing

293 Assessment of heavy metals in predominant aquatic Macrophytes of Upper Lake, Bhopal

Dr. S.M. Mishra, Environmental Research Laboratory, Bhoj Wetland Project (EPCO)

1.64 Ongoing

294 Treatment of Community Sewage Using Root Zone System

Dr. Pradeep Srivastava, Prof. and Head, Department of Limnology, Barkatullah University, Bhopal

2.95 Ongoing

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LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4540


PROPOSALS FOR FORESTS DEVELOPMENT

4550. SHRI SHRINIWAS DADASAHEB PATIL Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to states:

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(a) whether forest land would be made available to private and foreign companies for

development of forests cover and animal life; (b) if so, whether any proposal in this regard is received be the Union Government

from foreign/private companies; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) No Sir. However, preparation of the faramework for Multi-Stakeholder Parnership

(MSP) for forestation of degraded lands has been initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The proposed framework envisages a tripartite arrangement between the land owning agency, the local village communities, and sponsors who may be a company, firm, user group, trust, society of organization in public sector.

(b) & (c): No such proposal has been received in the Ministry fo Environment and

Forests.

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LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 525

TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.05.2006

RECOMMENDATIONS OF NATIONAL FOREST COMMISSION

525. SHRI RAGHURAJ SINGH SHAKYA SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABBHANENI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government proposes to amend Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 as per the present requirements; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the National Forest Commission (NFC) has submitted its report to the Government;

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(d) if so, the details of the recommendations made; and (e) the follow-up action taken so far/ likely to be taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. (b): Does not arise. (c): Yes Sir. The National Forest Commission has submitted its report on 28.3.2006. (d): There are 360 recommendations made by the National Forest Commission, the details of which are annexed. (e): A committee has been set up in the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India to examine areas on which action is needed. ANNEXURE Recommendations of the National Forest Commission [1] Forests should be classified on the basis of their status, such as pristine, limax, managed and degraded forests. There is a need to undertake scientific research to assess the optimum forest/tree cover in a given area according to the forest type and topography to meet the intended objectives. The quality of the forest should also be classified as òpen forest`, `dense forests` and `very dense forests` and the rest may be in the form of grassland, glacier, desert, etc. Extent of forest cover in recorded forest boundaries needs to be separated from tree cover due to plantations of species such as coffee, tea, apple, mango, palm, orange, etc, as well as to exotics like lantana. [2] The National Forest Commission endorses the recommendation of the Forest Policy of 1988 that one-third of the landmass of India should be under tree cover, with 60% in the Himalaya. [3] The Commission is of the considered view that there is no need to amend the 1988 Forest Policy. The recommendations made by the National Forest Commission can be adopted within the broad framework of the existing Forest Policy of 1988. [4] Within the broad parameters of the National Forest Policy, each State should have its

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own forest policy statement, for the sustainable management of its forest and wildlife resources. [5] Making provisions in a National Forest Policy/State Forest Policy statement cannot achieve the desired results unless these are properly implemented. A mechanism needs to be put in place at the Ministry of Environment and Forests and State levels to monitor implementation of forest policy provisions and suggest rectifications. [6] The Indian Forest Act, 1927, needs revamping, taking into account current requirements, inter alia: (a) The revised version must give emphasis to the conservation of forestlands and not only forest alone. It must address itself to the ecology, biodiversity and overall significance of forests including grasslands and wetlands and to forests as a biotic community and as a life-supporting factor to the local communities and to the populace downstream. (b) The term `forest` needs to be defined for the purpose of the Act (c) Non-timber Forest Products need to be defined. (d) Bamboo, including ringal and cane must be included in minor forest produce and excluded from `tree`, under Sec. 2 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. (e) There needs to be greater control over unsustainable biotic pressures - especially over grazing and tendu leaves, sal seed and fuelwood extraction. (f) Powers of summary eviction of encroachment may be vested with the local Divisional Forest Officer. 341 (g) Limits of penalties prescribed under the various sections of the Act be raised and there need to be more warrant cases. (h) Responsibility of prevention and control of fire needs to be fixed upon those responsible for the management of the forest concerned and punishments for non-compliance, have to be provided for and should be stringent. (i) Forest officers should be given the power of confiscation, including of vehicles used for illegal purposes under the Act. (j) A Central Board for Forestry with adequate functions and powers be set up. (k) Indigenous knowledge of the forest communities and their intellectual property rights in this regard need to be safeguarded.

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[7] Felling regulations on private lands may be restricted to `Highly Restricted Tree Species`, meaning such endangered and valuable tree species which are almost entirely found in forest areas. Some examples are sandalwood, red sanders, rosewood, khair, sal, deodar, bhojpatra, taxus, Quercus semicarpifolia. [8] Transit rules /regulations are preventive tools for forest protection and should continue on such highly restricted and endangered tree species only and there should be no restriction and regulation on the felling and removal of other trees planted on private holdings. [9] Under the Land Ceiling Act, no land ceiling shall be imposed on land under plantation of forest tree species. This will motivate the corporate sector and big farmers to invest in plantations. [10] As regards saw milling regulations / rules, a) The state government should assess the demand and supply of wood. b) The working capacity of the sawmills should be assessed by the respective State Government. c) The number of licenses should be based on the legal and ecologically sustainable timber supply and the working capacity of the sawmills. [11] In respect of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, no agency has been identified for the implementation of this Act. The implementing agency may be the Forest Department (FD), in coordination with other agencies, in areas under the control of the FD. [12] With respect to the Environment Protection Act, 1986, no agency has been identified for the implementation of this Act at the field level. The Forest department may be considered as an implementing agency for this Act in areas under its control. It may coordinate its efforts with those of other agencies. [13] The Forest Conservation Act, 1980, serves its purpose only in its existing stringent form. It may not be diluted or made less effective. [14] In respect of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, a) List of endangered species in different schedules needs to be periodically reviewed b) Species may be added or deleted to the list on the basis of review c) Rules for community reserves and Conservation Reserves need to be framed. [15] As a statewide application may not be feasible to implement, it is recommended that specific crucial grasslands be selected for effective conservation, as part of the protected

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area network, or as a part of watershed management under the Environment Protection Act. Grazing would have to be regulated and fires prevented. Each area must have prescribed management practices, the emphasis being on harvesting grass rather than grazing it, which would result in augmentation of both the generation of grass as well as its nutrition value. [16] A policy should be formulated to regulate inter-state movement of livestock to enable the States to control grazing pressure on eco-sensitive areas. [17] The animal husbandry departments should relate the number of goats and sheep to the availability of natural fodder especially in such areas where these animals could cause further degradation to natural ecosystems. [18] Efforts be enhanced to improve cattle quality, as it is proven that improved varieties tend to be stall-fed and sent less to free-graze on rangelands. [19] The provision of a sustainable supply of fuel be undertaken by a newly created Fuelwood Mission. Not only will this mitigate the drudgery of millions of women who have no option but to forage for every possible scrap of fuel, but also will reduce pressure on trees and shrubs whereby our remaining forest and trees will be well-protected. This can be started initially with a phased programme in and around forests and protected areas. [20] Alternative sources of fuel, especially liquid petroleum gas [LPG] connections, need to be provided to rural areas in and around forests. Solar energy also needs to be given a much greater impetus, especially in the mountainous and other areas where energy needs are greater and the sunshine available for a greater number of days in a year [21] The sale of fuelwood head loads from forests by individual sellers must stop. Head loads should only be permitted for bonafide personal use of the local communities, as earlier. The forest departments should bring out fuelwood to depots and supply wood to those who are the current head loader-seller and who derive their livelihood from such sale, at subsidized / no loss basis, rather than the head-loaders being allowed to go into the forest. [22] In the interest of the survival of the land, people, forests and the practice of shifting cultivation itself, jhum be regulated to a more sustainable level. This can only be achieved by the State Governments themselves, with active assistance of the Government of India. [23] Some young members of the present generation of tribals are not keen to continue with jhum in many areas, and jhuming itself is becoming less and less remunerative. People are looking for alternatives like settled agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry, which must be extended to them forthwith. Recommendations made to wean away the `jhumias` of the Northeastern states under Chapter 10, would also apply here as well.

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[24] The main objective of forest management should be ecological security. For assessing the effectiveness of forests in contributing to ecological security on the basis of a number of parameters and paradigms such as volume of growing stock, biodiversity, health of forest soil, soil moisture, hydrology, carbon sequestration and crown density, the scope of work of the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun should be expanded and adequate infrastructure be provided for this purpose. Monitoring of ecological security should be done at five year`s interval and a national level report should be published by the FSI. In addition, the FSI should undertake research required to conduct necessary forest surveys and assessments. [25] In order to ensure that forests meet the emerging and increasing needs of society, their conservation and management on scientific principles to enhance their ecological contribution and to increase their productivity, is necessary. A wellconserved and managed forest is very efficient in ensuring ecological security. For intensively and sustainably conserving and managing forests and improving their productivity, required resources, both physical and financial, should be made available in accordance with the provisions of the approved Working Plans. [26] Perhaps the most important contributions that the Central and State Governments can make to achieve the above objective, is to give forest conservation unstinted political support, without which financial and infrastructural support, crucial though they are, will not achieve the objective. [27] The future challenge to the forestry sector in India is to create an enabling environment to facilitate assessment, monitoring and reporting on national level criteria and indicators. These should be assessed periodically, through a set of simple formats to assess changes. Sustainable forest management (SFM) and its threshold also need to be defined. [28] There should be appropriate rural development and animal husbandry policies and projects to address issues of grazing and fodder for cattle. The grazing requirements of livestock of villages located in and around forests (within five kilometers), should be addressed within the carrying capacity of forest areas. The practice of unregulated grazing should gradually be replaced by stall-feeding. [29] The medicinal plants growing in forest areas play a very important role in primary health care of neighboring communities who do not have access to hospitals or cannot afford to buy costly medicines. Besides, the knowledge of these medicinal plants is an intellectual property right of the forest dwellers, which must not be allowed to be lost. Special programmes should be undertaken by the State Forest Departments to conserve, manage, scientifically harvest and sustainably utilize medicinal plants found in forest areas. This endeavor, however, should not involve the removal of any forest cover, nor put at risk forests or forest ecology, either in propagation of medicinal plants or in their harvesting or removal.

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[30] Forests must play an important role in the sustenance of forest-dependent communities, especially the tribals, living in and around forests. While assessing the results of past systems of forest management in the Working Plans, the contribution of forests in sustenance of forest-dependent communities should also be assessed and recorded while revising the plans. The Working Plan prescriptions should clearly prescribe measures to enhance the contribution of [31] For about two-third of the country`s rural population living in areas where there are no forests, fuelwood demand should be met from agroforestry and farm forestry supplemented by agricultural `wastes`, biogas, liquid petroleum gas, solar energy, etc. There needs to be a very clear policy that each land owning family in rural areas should grow sufficient number of trees on its land to meet its fuelwood requirement. It can be dovetailed with the agriculture policy in India wherein emphasis should be given to raising fuelwood for domestic needs, on private, communal and wastelands. [32] Approximately 1.73 lakh forest fringe villages/habitations, which are within and on the forest fringe, should be given special attention to provide substitution to wean them away from dependence on fuelwood. In this context a special programme could be developed to provide alternate energy, such as liquid petroleum gas, solar energy, biogas, etc. [33] The sale of fuelwood by individuals must be stopped. Persons requiring the fuelwood could obtain their requirement as per the norms of Joint Forest Management (JFM) /Gram Van based on sustainable use, but only the Forest Department (FD) should be permitted to extract fuelwood from the forest for sale, which should be on no loss no profit basis. Wherever FD is unable to provide this facility, it could be entrusted to the concerned JFM institution / Gram Van. [34] Attainment of self-sufficiency in forest products should be an important goal at state and national levels. For assessing country`s self-sufficiency in forest products, database of demand and supply should be created and regularly updated at the state and national levels. At the time of formulation of five-year plans, strategies to meet forest product demands should be critically analyzed and appropriate programmes prepared and implemented to achieve this goal. [35] Joint Forest Management / Gram Van, particularly that which concerns areas undergoing significant demographic impact, involves a special approach and mindset. This presages specializations and training where sociological issues would be as important as the technological requirement for tree propagation. Such specialization and training, therefore, needs to be adopted [36] The objectives of management for Joint Forest Management (JFM) /Gram Van need to be revised and clearly stated to broadly include restoration and development of degraded forest areas in order to meet demands for fuelwood, fodder and small timber and also to contribute towards poverty alleviation. It must also be clearly understood by all parties that JFM is a social contract and that benefits and rights would only accrue if

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the people fulfil their obligations and duties. [37] The assistance of appropriate non-government organisations and Gram Sabhas/ Panchayats, etc., should be taken in the afforestation activity. [38] Tree planting in open areas along railway lines, canals and roads, must be undertaken and adequate funds for both tree planting and their maintenance be provided for by the departments concerned. Assistance in tree planting may be acquired from the concerned State Forest Departments wherever required. [39] Urban population needs to have access to areas of nature and wilderness. Towns and cities may be encouraged to adopt suitable areas available near by, where areas where they can have communion with nature and at the same time forest and wilderness in the proximity of urban habitation could be nurtured and preserved. [40] The concerned municipal authorities need to prepare master plans for parks and green belts, selecting site-specific plant species for propagation. Cooperation of the State Forest Departments may be required in this regard. [41] Appropriate flowering and shade tree seedlings should also be made available to private house owners. [42] Management plans need to be prepared for tracts holding substantial natural vegetation and vested with the military, paramilitary and police and the overall authority in charge of management assigned. The effort should be to both preserve as well as propagate natural vegetation and wildlife in so far as these do not affect the functions of the area. [43] If any forest / habitat linkages with other natural vegetation growth/forest area exist outside of these properties of the army, paramilitary and police, that continuity should be maintained by the authority in charge of that area. [44] If any harvesting of forest produce is to be done from the areas with the army, etc, any surplus should not be sold in the open market, but first offered to the neighboring people to cut and carry away, under the supervision of the officer in charge. [45] The State Forest Departments should cooperate with the officers in charge of these areas to both preserve and augment their natural resources. [46] A number of forest areas have been declared protected areas as wild life sanctuaries and national parks to conserve endangered wild animals, but not much thought has been given to identify and declare forest areas as protected areas, which are rich in plant diversity. Areas having populations of endemic and endangered plant species should also be declared as protected areas and all the forest sub-types of India should be covered in the network of such protected areas.

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[47] Water is one of the most important factors in increasing productivity and forests play an important role in maintaining sustained supply of water in the rivers and streams for irrigation, drinking, industrial and various other uses. Hence special emphasis should be given on water conservation and water harvesting, which can improve productivity substantially and will help in making more water available to mitigate the water crisis. Water conservation in forests, therefore, deserves special attention and should be an important objective of forest and grassland management and adequate financial resources should be provided and should form an integral part of every forest working / management plan. [48] The Ministry of Environment and Forests should evolve a detailed mechanism for multi-stakeholder partnership comprising communities, governments and private bodies for funding increase in forest cover. [49] There should be some code for management of areas under forest/tree cover not under the control of the State Forest Departments and incentives should be provided for retaining tree growth for ecological security. The Government has an obligation and must play an important role in extending technical advice to them for increasing both tree-cover and productivity. [50] Unclassed forests should be covered under working schemes/working plans which should incorporate recorded rights and concessions of the people, and portray the genuine bona fide personal and other needs of the local people. [51] Fires extending over 20 km2 of forest and grasslands should be declared as a disaster by the concerned State Government. [52] Fire prevention and fire control deserve to be given a far greater importance than at present. Techniques need to evolve that are more appropriate and equipment provided, keeping in view the experience gained from a UNDP-assisted project of the Ministry of Environment and Forests in the 1980s. Entries in annual confidential reports of every field staff should reflect the work done or not done vis-à-vis fire control. [53] Since fire cases are underreported, in terms of number of occurrences, the qualitative damage caused and the area affected, by the field functionaries, a mechanism should be developed for higher authorities to crosscheck these reports. [54] Protection against insect pests and diseases is not given the attention it deserves. Consequently, the productive capacity of forests is reduced. The loss in nurseries and plantations is also sizeable. Strong research support is needed to provide protection against diseases and pests. [55] The use of pesticides, insecticides and rodenticides be regulated so that applications are done in consultation with the local wildlife departments in areas where threatened species occur and species-specific test be conducted before application.

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[56] Practices such as coating of seeds with pesticides be discontinued for less harmful measures or biological or organic pesticide methods be used. [57] The Agriculture and Forest Departments, Ministries concerned and Commissions set up by the Government of India coordinate, so that a holistic management of pesticides and their application are carried out, which would prevent the longterm damage to the land, air, water and species including man. [58] Environmental impact assessments that are mandated for every developmental project of a certain size must be carried out scientifically, in an un-biased manner and with enough autonomy. Such assessments must not only deal with pollution and deviation of forestland, but also with effects to water sources, species and local communities. Such clearances must necessarily be taken before the starting of any part of the project, so that a clearance is not redundant or a fait accomplii. [59] Conditions made at the time of project clearance must be enforced. This would require periodic monitoring. If any significant condition is not fulfilled, the authority that has imposed the condition must have the power to bring the project to a halt till the deficiency or omission is rectified. There must not be any ex-post facto clearance or approval. [60] Ecologists, environmental scientists and conservationists must be involved in developmental projects so that they may be conducted in as ecologically sound a manner as possible. [61] Greater integration must take place at local and regional levels between government departments involved in developmental projects and those involved in forest and nature conservation. [62] The Ministry of Environment and Forests, and State Forest Departments should create awareness and special cells to address the menace of invasive species. A policy document should be developed on the introduced and invasive species. Deliberate or misguided introduction of an invasive species should be considered as an offence. [63] A cell or nodal point needs to be established in the Ministry of Environment and Forests to monitor the status and control of exotics, perhaps in collaboration with the Forest Survey of India and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, and to prepare and issue guidelines for restorative ecology to curb and remove exotics and regain indigenous biodiversity. The implementation of these guidelines and directives also needs to be monitored. [64] Research to find safe, biological or other applications for the control and eradication of weeds without the use of pesticides needs to be urgently started under the aegis of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. Very little if at all has been done in this regard so far.

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[65] Attempts should be made to find commercial/consumptive use of exotic weeds so as to encourage their exploitation. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and the Indian Institute of Forest Management should be involved in this expertise. [66] It is essential to start special schemes by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and State Forest Departments (especially of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh etc) to protect their grasslands. [67] A centrally sponsored long-term scheme called Project Marine Ecosystems is necessary to focus attention on this aspect. As millions of fishermen would be involved in protecting and sustainably harvesting biodiversity, it is necessary to involve the Fisheries Department, Navy, Coast Guards, etc. [68] Establishment of a central coordination unit within the National Institute of Oceanography that will oversee coordination and implementation of the abovementioned policies and maintain a resource database, is necessary. [69] Review and assessment of the impact of priority lending in the fisheries sector (a five year action plan), is necessary. [70] Special plans for the dugong, giant clams, sea horses and finless porpoises and their respective habitats, should be prepared. [71] Corals are threatened everywhere for various reasons and would be more so with both for the conservation of corals and of biodiversity, as well as for coastal conservation. Marine protected areas need to be established for this purpose. [72] Management plans for coastal and shelterbelt plantations, which include mapping of habitat utilization patterns including sea turtle and sea birds nesting beaches, should be prepared. [73] There is an urgent need to establish trans-boundary protected areas and monitoring mechanism, specially for corals, sea turtles, dugongs, whale sharks and whales. [74] Strengthening of the coastal regulation zone in the wake of the recent tsunami tragedy is vital. [75] Establishment of a dedicated IFS sub-cadre for conservation and a training centre for coastal and marine biodiversity conservation and management, are necessary. [76] An Institutional mechanism to empower Coast Guards to enforce the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, must be considered. [77] Mangroves should be officially classified as forests and mangroves found anywhere should be placed under the control of State Forest Departments. The important mangrove areas need to be made Protected Areas if they are not so covered already.

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[78] A concerted effort needs to be made to undertake plantation of mangroves wherever possible along the creeks, estuaries, deltas and shores, and of appropriate species of trees as wind brakers along the coastline and the dunes that back them. [79] A National Wetland Conservation Act should be framed. [80] Inclusion of all types of wetlands (freshwater, coastal, marshes, swamps, mangroves, waterlogged areas) in the land use classification in the country should be done. [81] A National Wetland Biodiversity Register should be started. [82] An inventory of ùser groups` also should be prepared while collecting information for the biodiversity register. It should also list out the priorities of the communities on particular wetland resources. [83] To establish a National Wetland Inventory and Monitoring Programme and a National Wetland Information System and therefore, to develop a sustained and serious programme for monitoring wetlands [84] The economic evaluation of wetlands must be computed and it must be integrated with National Resource Accounting. [85] Wetland productivity studies on a long-term basis by identified organizations from different parts of the country need to be undertaken. This would bring out indisputable data on wetland productivity, which is many times more than that of other ecosystems. Moreover, it would be an excellent tool to check the wetland ecosystem health [86] International links and cooperation involving trans-boundary water issues and conservation of shared wetlands are important. [87] At the outset, the Government of India should take leadership and commission a state-wise survey of people-conserved areas which would be appropriate to be designated as community reserves, and have them notified by the respective State Governments and then have management plans prepared for them providing annual financial inputs for specific items in the manner that is given to national parks and sanctuaries. A special centrally sponsored scheme needs to be prepared by Ministry of Environment and Forests in this regard. [88] The people of the communities concerned must be encouraged and actually involved in conservation efforts. Their pride in respect of the Reserve must be acknowledged and enhanced. They must be made honorary wardens of the community reserve under the provisions of the Wild Life ( Protection) Act. [89] Governments must exercise caution in theoretically accepting or advocating the involvement of local communities in the preservation of wild fauna, other than where the

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communities themselves are protecting fauna for religious sentiments. While it may not be difficult to involve communities in the protection of forests and grasslands whereby they can derive economic and personal benefit, it is a totally different matter to get local support for the protection of animals and birds, especially those that threaten human life or property. [90] Local communities living in and around forest areas be trained in eco-tourism activities, which will not only help ensure their livelihood security but could facilitate their involvement in forest conservation. The rickshaw pullers at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, are an excellent example. [91] Urban communities need to be made aware of the impact of their consumption on forest resources. The awareness should mainly focus on scientific, ecological, aesthetic, economic, and spiritual and several other values associated with forests. [92] Decision makers should also be made aware about the important role of education, awareness and training as a management tool. [93] The existing textbooks should be revised to incorporate aspects of forest, wildlife and ecosystem conservation with local and real life examples. Although efforts have been made by agencies such as National Council of Education Research and Training and State Councils of Education Research and Training of certain states to introduce new textbooks on environment, a project-based approach and handson experience is the key to effective learning. The involvement of non-government organisations in formal education should be enhanced, which can play an important role in providing practical experience in nature conservation. The teacher is an important ally in education for forest and nature conservation. Capacity enhancement programmes through existing training institutes such as the State Council of Education Research and Training and DIET should be held on priority, with the help of institutes involved in conservation education such as the CEE, Uttarkhand Seva Nidhi, Eklavya, Bombay Natural History Society, BVEERI and several other institutes. [94] Efforts should be made to strengthen existing programmes such as Green Corps Programme initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, by providing locale specific educational resources to the schools involved in this activity. Such programmes should involve local groups and non-government organizations in implementation and evaluation of the programmes. [95] It is recommended that formal training institutes where civil servants and armed forces are trained, need to incorporate forest and wildlife conservation as an important aspect of their induction training programme, as well as in-service training programmes. [96] State and Central Governments should convey the conservation message much more frequently and vigorously in state sponsored advertisements and Doordarshan-controlled channels. [97] Industries, which consume forest resources and affect forest areas adversely, should be identified and a comprehensive training programme should be evolved. Industries such

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as paper, pharmaceutical, mining and tourism could be the focus of such training. Environment-friendly practices adopted by certain industries should be documented and such information should be provided to other industries. The lending institutes, which provide financial support to large infrastructure development projects, should be made aware of potential damage to forest ecosystems. The professional auditors should also be oriented about forest conservation as an important part of auditing procedure. [98] The role media could play in spreading awareness is very crucial. Forest conservation should be a part of journalism curricula and practicing journalists should regularly be oriented towards issues of nature conservation through workshops, field visits and briefing papers. [99] Traditional communal hunts - Paradh in Bastar and Akhand Shikar in Simlipal, Orissa - are a bane of the two tiger reserves concerned. While preventing physically these extremely destructive practices, all efforts must be made for the awareness and education of the tribals concerned and by finding symbolic alternatives to these ritualistic hunts. [100] The forest service should have well defined visions and goals. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that a statement `Forestry Sector Vision 2020` should be prepared on priority. The National Forestry Action Programme cannot serve this purpose. [101] Forests that lie outside the protected area network should be sustainably managed through clear working plan prescriptions rather than only having a complete moratorium on felling. [102] A Forest Conservation Fund should be created to ensure adequate financial resources for forest and wildlife management through levy of a cess on sale of forest produce. Revenue generated from lease of mines in forest areas should be credited to the Forest Conservation Fund. Contributions to be made to the Forest Conservation Fund by corporate companies or individuals should be exempt from income tax. [103] Corporate funding should be invited for revival of degraded forests. Mechanisms for the same may be worked out. [104] Joint forest management should be a social contract, a quid pro quo, wherein the exercise of rights and benefits are subject to the fulfillment of specified duties and obligations, e.g. the yearlong protection of forest from fire, grazing, felling and degradation. If the beneficiaries do not fulfill their duties and obligations, they should not avail the benefits occurring from forests. [105] Currently, a major part of the fund made available to forests is utilized for joint forest management (JFM) activities and inadequate funds are available for proper management of non-degraded forests. More funds need to be provided for the management of non-degraded forests. Half of the forest revenue may be made available for management of non-degraded forests on the pattern of JFM.

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[106] For a meaningful partnership, both partners i.e. Forest Department and local communities should be equal partners in joint forest management (JFM). Villagers may provide inputs for protection and some forestry operations through their labour. This approach will lead to a low-cost model of JFM, which is necessary for sustainability of the programme and for improving the benefits from JFM to village communities. Timber obtained by Joint Forest Management Committee members as their share should generate income for them. Sale by individual members and the related problem of illicit cutting in the garb of such sales must stop and such JFM societies need to be suspended. [107] The objectives of management for joint forest management need to be revised and clearly stated to broadly include restoration and development of degraded forest areas in order to meet local village community (LVC)`s demands for fuelwood, fodder and small timber and also to contribute towards poverty reduction of LVC members. [108] To give expression to the changed priorities of forests as contained in the Forest Policy of 1988, the working plans and working schemes of forests must give priority to conservation and to the enhancement of biodiversity, and thereby change the focus from the current continuing emphasis on production forestry. [109] Each working plan should have one chapter on Biodiversity Conservation, selecting compartments, which should be managed to enhance biodiversity. [110] The nation`s biodiversity needs to be assessed and inventoried in detail. [111] A serious attempt must be made to rationalize protected area boundaries by implementing the recommendations of the committees appointed for this purpose earlier and taking up work in states where there may be no such reports. The leadership and funds must come from Ministry of Environment and Forests. In lieu of the areas that would be excised from the protected areas in pursuance of this effort, the states on their part would add other larger human settlement-free habitats to the protected areas concerned, or to others, within their states. There must be a quid pro quo, with the approval of the Supreme Court. By this exercise, a large number of human settlements on the periphery of the protected areas could be excluded, some huge protected areas which are only on paper like the Solapur Sanctuary in Maharashtra and the National Chambal Sanctuary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, could be made practical and effective, as smaller sized protected areas. In lieu, other larger trouble-free areas could be added to the protected area system, the caveat being that deservation of inhabited areas from protected areas to be only done after the areas chosen to be added to the protected area system in lieu of those deservations, would be first notified as protected areas [112] In keeping with the Supreme Court directives, after undertaking a rationalization of park/sanctuary boundaries, those rights that need to be acquired should be acquired and those rights in sanctuaries that can be allowed to be exercised keeping the long-term conservation of that sanctuary in view, should be allowed to continue as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act.

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[113] In keeping with the 2002 Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, parks and sanctuaries should be regarded as final and wherever legal action still remains in view of the said amendment, it should be completed in a time-bound programme. [114] Though it would not be feasible to relocate all the human settlements that would still remain in the protected areas, certain settlements that are particularly problematic because they are in the middle of the protected areas or occupying some crucial habitat, could be motivated to move out voluntarily. The best solution would be to give resident communities a choice of degraded forestland away from the protected area (if non-forest land is not available) and more land than they would surrender, grants for building houses and all facilities that would be available under the National Policy on Resettlement and Rehabilitation, 2003. Non-government organizations must be involved to monitor the requirements of the people and a generous package must be provided. The land must come from the state governments, the resettlement costs from the Government of India, and no `Net Present Value` would be calculated for the forestland to be allocated. The cost of translocation of villages from protected areas would thus be far lower than that projected (e.g. 3200 crores for 273 villages cited by the Tiger Task Force, 2005) and not all villages are required to be relocated from the protected areas. This work of translocation must be be accorded very high priority and the central government must provide the funds in a phased manner, [115] A clear reason for the establishment of a protected area be established from the outset, i.e. conservation of endangered species, representative wildlife habitat; tourism; catchment area protection of a dam, etc. Every protected area should be given a clear mandate and necessary conservation measures should be taken up with that mandate in mind. The protected area manager should be judged whether that mandate has been achieved, and not by taking easy conservation options. New protected areas should be established in consultation with local people. [116] Protected area managers do not have a clear mandate, vision and priorities vis- vis the protected area they are in charge of. Most protected areas do not still have management plans. This combined with the protected area manager`s lack of knowledge and commitment leads them to undertake `development` of their protected area through construction activities like road building, constructions, watch towers, etc, which are often uncalled for and even detrimental to conservation. [117] Each protected area should have a comprehensive management plan, which needs to be followed and revised periodically [118] The State Governments must forthwith stop illegal activities banned under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, such as the continued exploitation of protected area areas for commercial or other purposes, including collection of tendu leaves, sal seed, harra and mahua fruit, etc. [119] The financial outlays given to protected areas, and to nature conservation and control of illegal wildlife trade, need to be substantially enhanced. [120] A system should

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be developed where important records are maintained for posterity in each district/state. Here, proper training to record accurately and scientifically becomes important. A protocol for data maintenance, storage and retrieval should be devised. Each protected area should also develop a library where research reports and papers are maintained. [121] A concerted effort be made to identify which sanctuary or portions thereof can be upgraded into a national park, where human habitations or rights do not exist or where they need to be acquired on a priority basis. [122] Whenever possible, protected areas should have linkages with other protected areas and habitats by extension of the protected areas over the corridors - either as national parks or sanctuaries and where that is not possible by establishing Conservation Reserves or Community Reserves. Tree cover over these identified linkages may also be achieved by encouraging and actively supporting van-vaniki and farm-/agroforestry on private lands. Such linkages be given adequate onground protection and ecologically harmful activities in these areas be restricted and regulated. [123] Linkages between management actions in protected areas falling in the same biogeographic region must be kept in mind at all times. [124] In all endeavors and decision making related to wildlife tourism, the axiom would be that tourism must be in consonance with and subservient to the long-term conservation interests of the protected area, habitat or species it relates to, and never the other way round. [125] Entry into the protected area must be regulated according to an assessment of the capacity of that protected area to absorb vehicles / tourists without impinging on the interest of wildlife and the habitat. [126] Besides the designated tourism zone, protected area authorities must choose alternate ranges to throw open to tourists on a one or two year rotational basis. In protected areas where there is a heavy rush of tourists, those visiting parks for longer periods may be refused re-admission to the designated tourism zone and first offered entry into the alternate range opened for tourism. In areas of low tourist pressure, the alternate zone may be offered as a choice. [127] No attempts to develop recreational facilities in the protected area or its buffer area should be permitted. Park managers must ensure that even private sector entrepreneurs do not do so. [128] Existing tourist complexes should be constructed in a way that they merge with the surrounding landscape and as far as possible use local material [129] Resorts set up for wildlife and ecotourism must undertake to ensure that at least 60% of their staff and 40% of their salary expenses go to local residents of the area. This must be rigorously enforced, especially in tribal areas.

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[130] A clear reason for the establishment of a protected area be established from the tourism; catchment area protection of a dam, etc. Every protected area should be given a clear mandate and necessary conservation measures should be taken up with that mandate in mind. The protected area manager should be judged whether that mandate has been achieved, and not by taking easy conservation options. New protected areas should be established in consultation with local people. [131] Funds generated by tourism should not go to the public exchequer. Rather they should go for eco-development of the local communities, especially the tribals. A special fund should be created for this purpose, as has been attempted in some states. Donations made by visitors should also go into this fund, which could also cater to the welfare needs of the protected area staff. As funds given by Government of India are often kept back by the State Governments, such funds for individual protected areas could also provide an alternative source or routing financial assistance. [132] Besides being trained to serve as wildlife guides, local and tribal people should be involved in anti poaching activities. They should also be encouraged to develop and improve local handicrafts. [133] Protected area authorities must train and certify local wildlife guides to accompany tourists into the park. Any infringement of protected area rules by tourists must be punished by a suspension of the guide for a week in the first instance and for six months on subsequent occasions. A similar discipline should be enforced on vehicles for hire to visiting tourists or even those belonging to tourist resorts in the area. [134] Interpretation Centres should be developed to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the local flora and fauna and the role of the protected area in protecting and conserving the environment and wildlife. These centres can also be used for training the cadre of guides and motivating schoolchildren and youth. [135] Material in the form of user-friendly guidebooks on the protected area`s, giving maps, flora and fauna and some information on the important rivers and other geographical features need to be published. They should also include information on the historical as well cultural importance of the area to make the visit informative and meaningful. as well as the `dos` and `don`ts` while visiting the protected areas. [136] A system should be developed where important records are maintained for posterity in each district/state. Here, proper training to record accurately and scientifically becomes important. A protocol for data maintenance, storage and retrieval should be devised. Each protected area should also develop a library where research reports and papers are maintained. [137] The Wildlife Wings and protected areas should be manned by personnel with interest and aptitude. A sub-cadre needs to be developed for this. This would ensure the four prerequisites - selection of the appropriate personnel, longevity of tenure, training

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and prevention of posting of unsuitable persons. If personnel of such requirements are not available from the IFS or SFS, they should be recruited from the open field. [138] An ecologist must be available on the staff or as an advisor to the managers of important protected areas. [139] The protected area managers, and not the territorial authorities of the Forest Department, should have full and effective control over their protected areas, and also of their buffers and corridors to the extent possible. Linkages with the local people should be built up in the buffers. [140] The Chief Wildlife Warden should have full and effective control, including financial control, over the protected areas and buffers and over the officers and staff, which man them. [141] The Chief Wildlife Warden needs to make entries in the annual confidential reports (ACRs) of territorial Conservator of Forests, DCFs and ACFs as to the work done by them vis-à-vis nature conservation. [142] The duties enjoined upon protected area managers and the Chief Wildlife Warden under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, needs to be conscientiously carried out in both letter and spirit. [143] Training and motivation must be provided to the protected area personnel, including promotional avenues and cadre management. [144] The forest service as a whole be mandated to combat wildlife crime and undergo basic level training in this regard. For combating specific wildlife crime (poaching, rading and smuggling), training be imparted to field wildlife staff, taking the assistance of specialized technical agencies, governmental or nongovernmental, in doing so [145] Intelligence gathering be given adequate resources as contingency funds allocated to the Chief Wildlife Warden and managers of important protected areas, and special groups of personnel be trained in it and this be budgeted as a regular part of anti-poaching operations. Wherever possible, special `cells` to deal with organized illicit trade in wildlife be set up and suitable persons from the police or other departments be taken on deputation. [146] To assist the `cells` to curb illicit trade in wildlife products, expertise in wildlife forensics should be developed in each state, preferably in an established institution or laboratory equipped with the requisite tools, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India. [147] Each State and Regional Deputy Directors of Wildlife Preservation under the Government of India, should set up computerized database on illegal wildlife trade and the ongoing cases in court. These would feed a national level database in the Ministry of

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Environment and Forests. [148] The role of non-wildlife agencies in curbing wildlife crime is to be underscored and they be given adequate mandate, training and incentive to help Government curb wildlife trade. [149] All forest protection staff must have group insurance against death, disease and disability by the state to increase their morale and as a staff welfare measure. [150] The broad recommendations of the Subramaniam Committee report of 1994, especially the formation of the wildlife crime unit and the provision of legal training and support to wildlife law enforcement agencies, be implemented. [151] Government should enforce CITES more stringently and cooperate more with other nations in doing so, especially our neighbouring nations, as ultimately this would be in the country`s interest in preventing illegal trade. Recently, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has decided to set up a ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN). Government of India must join the process and both provide and seek cooperation from this set-up, and endeavor to establish a similar set-up for South-Asia or South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation. [152] There have been numerous instances of wild animals being deliberately electrocuted by cutting overhead wires, amongst them elephants, rhinos and tigers. Livestock and humans have also perished. As far as possible, no electric lines be laid over national parks and sanctuaries and those that exist should be safeguarded against such vandalism and misuse. [153] Though two new categories of protected areas have now been recognized under the amended Wild Life (Protection) Act, namely, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves, hardly any new protected area under these two categories have been established. As demographic restrictions envisaged under these two categories are far less than in the case of national parks or sanctuaries, a definitive effort needs to be undertaken by each state to identify and designate protected areas under these two new categories. The Ministry of Environment and Forests needs to undertake a survey to identify areas, which have potential under these two categories of protected areas and need to persuade the States to establish them, providing financial and other support for the same. [154] Situations in which biosphere reserves can be set up be delineated and it be ensured that they follow the principles as laid down in the Man and Biosphere programme in so far as it is not inconsistent with domestic legislation relating to conservation and management of natural resources. It would also be useful to include biosphere reserves within the legal framework, either through a separate legislation or through its inclusion in the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 or similar legislation. [155] Biosphere reserves should not be established in lieu of national parks or sanctuaries but when due to demographic factors the establishment of a national park, sanctuary, Conservation Reserve or Community Reserve is not feasible. It would also be improper to impose a Biosphere Reserve over an existing park or sanctuary, as that causes a

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dichotomy and confusion in approach and management. [156] Significant wildlife habitats including biological corridors where immediate declaration as protected area is not possible, be designated as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, (EPA) with a view to restrict certain identified hazardous activities as also change in landuse pattern. Ecologically sensitive areas should also include areas such as elephant corridors, important bird areas, etc. [157] Specified areas, including buffer zones of protected areas be designated as ecologically sensitive areas (ESA) with a view to restrict identified hazardous activities. This process should be based on a comprehensive and realistic assessment of the current threat perception in the area surrounding a protected area. An ad hoc and arbitrary fixation of ESA, such as a blanket restriction, is likely to be counterproductive and can create hurdles in the creation of new protected areas (PAs). Control of effluents and emission levels must be enforced and PA managers must be involved in this control activity. [158] Since the power to declare protected areas largely vests with the State Government, similarly, the concurrent power to declare ecologically sensitive areas should also vest with the state government. [159] Mitigation measures for man-animal conflict must be both long-term and shortterm. Short-term measures may include barriers after considering whether they act as barriers to wildlife movement or not, scaring and repelling techniques etc. Long-term measures must include establishment of animal corridors, elephants being a priority, attempting alternate cropping patterns around forests and areas seriously impacted by wild ungulates and having wildlife clearances as a mandatory part of broader environmental clearances of development projects. [160] Catching and translocating animals should not be seen as the easiest and most politically-expedient solution to conflict, although it could be advisable in some cases) and must be done only after the troublesome animals have been identified, and when the biology of the species and its needs are taken into account and monitoring measures are in place. Capture of social beings such as elephants in particular is counterproductive to conflict resolution, unless whole herds as social units are translocated. It must be borne in mind that according to the Wild Life (Protection) Act as recently amended, the capture of Schedule I animals should only be done after its release area has been identified and the release must be done in the prescribed time-frame. [161] Compensation mechanisms must be reviewed and schemes put under way in areas of man-animal conflict. Compensation must be paid immediately and without hindrance, and it must be commensurate with the damage caused and there must be transparency in the whole operation. Attempt should be made to have crop insurance against damage by wild animals around major protected areas.

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[162] A very important field of applied research and its extension to field application, which would greatly assist in reducing man-animal conflict, is identification of crops, which could be planted around protected areas and elsewhere to reduce the quantum of crop-raiding by species such as nilgai, blackbuck, wild pigs and elephants. Needless to say, such crops should be suitable for the area and be remunerative. [163] Except perhaps for the tiger, elephant and rhino, there is no long-term monitoring of most of our endangered species. As birds are easy to monitor and are a good indicator of habitat quality, long-term monitoring protocols should be developed for all our protected areas. Universities and non-government organizations should also take up regular monitoring of birds and other wildlife outside protected areas. The Government of India should encourage and fund animal and bird monitoring and migration. [164] Prioritizations such as that of Rodgers and Panwar (1988) and others brought out by the Wildlife Institute of India, be seriously considered and gaps in the protection of habitats of endangered species, unique or threatened ecotypes, deficiency in coverage of biome and biographic representation, or some other factor, be rectified by adding on such critical areas to the protected area network. Wherever possible, this should be by establishment of a National Park or Sanctuary. If it is not feasible to establish any of these two categories of protected area, then Conservation Reserves or where land is privately owned, Community Reserves could be established. The help of non-government organizations may be taken in this wherever considered appropriate. [165] Ex-situ conservation should start complementing in-situ conservation, both from the captive propagation and educational standpoints. [166] It is essential to store genetic material of gravely endangered species in gene banks, as a safeguard against extinction in the wild, and both the Zoological Survey of India and the Botanical Survey of India should ensure this. At an opportune time, not only can the species be regenerated in captive conditions, but if adequate measures have been taken, can also be introduced into the wild. A very significant development has been the establishment of the Laboratory for Culture of Endangered Species (LaCONES) by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) at Hyderabad, to undertake this important task. All support needs to be given to LaCONES in this regard to save the genes of endangered species and to help recover species from genetic `degeneration`. [167] As a very valuable experiment both to restore a locally extinct mega-species and to conserve its endangered prey-base and habitat, as well as to inculcate national pride and interest, a serious effort be made to re-introduce the cheetah into the wild in India. [168] If any captive reared population of any species is sought to be introduced into the wild, it must be carefully and clinically assessed to ascertain that they do not carry pathogens, which could be conveyed to the wild population. [169] Scientific re-assessment of the status of each species/taxon should be done by experts and thereafter they be reassigned under the Schedules of the Wild Life

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(Protection) Act. Such reassessment should be done every five years [170] All those species that are in Schedule I, the Government of India, with the help of State Forest Department and experts, should start Species Recovery Plans. Sufficient funds and expertise should be provided for Species Recovery Plans. The aims should be that once these Species Recovery Plans are successfully executed, and the status of the species is improved, it could be down listed to Schedule II or Schedule III. It should be considered a credit to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the concerned state Forest Department that a species has recovered and is no longer under threat of extinction. For some species it may take 15-20 years to recover, but it should be seen that systems are in place that help the species to recover. Periodic monitoring of the status of each species would be very essential. At the same time, if status of a particular species deteriorates, it should be upgraded to a higher Schedule and a Species Recovery Plan is started. Even for so-called common species, whose populations are on the decline, there should be targeted recovery plans, mainly by saving their habitats. An indicative list of species for whom recovery plans need are a top priority, are: Malabar ivet, hangul, , wild buffalo, Nicobar megapod, Andaman teal, white-winged wood duck, pygmy hog, greater adjutant stork, Ladakh urial, Gangetic dolphin, Jerdon`s courser, vultures, and greater one-horned rhinoceros [171] Project Elephant and Project Tiger have shown that by targeting rare and flagship species, many habitats and associated species can be saved. However, there are many species/habitats that are not covered by these two Central government schemes, e.g. grasslands, wetlands, high altitude mountain, riverine and marine environment. Certain species and their habitats need urgent attention of the Ministry of Environment and Forests and state governments to formulate projects in the fashion of Project Tiger. The snow leopard, the great Indian bustard, the Gangetic dolphin and the dugong are prominent examples for this purpose. [172] To protect the highly endangered great Indian bustard (less than 500 left in the whole world), lesser florican, Bengal florican and other grassland associated flora and fauna, Project Bustard should be initiated. As protection of grasslands would greatly benefit livestock, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal ]Husbandry should also be involved. These bustards are found in at least ten states of India and therefore, it is vital to develop a centrally coordinated and funded scheme. [173] The snow leopard of the Himalaya is one of the most famous flagship species of the ecosystem where it lives. This ecosystem is also very fragile and coming under increasing human impact. Most of the rivers of north India originate from snow leopard habitats, so it is in the national interest to protect and nurture such habitats. As the snow leopard is found in five states (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh), it is necessary to develop a centrally funded and coordinated scheme called Project Snow Leopard. An attempt had been made in this direction in the 1980s, but Ministry of Environment and Forests later merged the scheme with the ongoing C.S.S on development of national parks

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[174] The lion has established permanent habitats in the Girnar, along the Saurashtra coast, Hipavadli in Amreli district and elsewhere. The Government of Gujarat should declare Girnar as a sanctuary and bring the outlying lion population in Saurashtra within an overall lion conservation programme, and approach the entire lion populations on a zonal or landscape basis. [175] India has five species of sea turtles and the world`s largest known turtle breeding beaches for the Olive Ridley sea turtle (Gahrimatha, Devi and Rushikulya river mouths in Orissa). Mechanized fishing trawlers have created new problems for these sea creatures, as they have to come to the beach to lay eggs, sometimes twice a year. As the turtles found near the coasts of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Andaman and Nicobar Islands face various problems, some general and some site-specific, a centrally-sponsored scheme is necessary to save them. Moreover, the State Forest Departments are not geared to protect turtle habitats. Only a long-term central scheme would be effective. [176] The terrestrial tortoises are today one of the most threatened group of animals in the country. The commonest species, the star tortoise, is affected by illegal trade.The Travancore tortoise and the Assam tortoise are gravely endangered due to habitat destruction and other factors. Recovery Plans are needed for these species. [177] The Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with countries/organizations which have the requisite expertise, must evolve techniques suitable for group capture of species like the nilgai, blackbuck and wild pig. After due testing, the techniques should be transferred to the states, who should set up special `cells` for such capture and translocation. [178] Thereafter, locally excess animals and those that are proving to be intractably harmful to crops and other property, need to be captured, relocated and rehabilitated where they could be accommodated without causing the same problems to the local people. In this endeavor, the Government of India should render financial support, at least in the initial phase. [179] In this operation, every effort must be made to reduce the trauma and injury and the chances of contraction of pathogens during captivity. The period of captivity must be very short. [180] After careful analysis and overcoming or mitigating the factors leading to local extinction or reduction, certain species need to be re-introduced in some protected areas. For this again, special techniques for capture and translocation need to be evolved. Some examples of this category are the reintroduction of rhinoceros and the eastern swamp deer in Manas; the gharial in the Brahmaputra and Beki in Assam; the gaur in Bandhavgarh; the blackbuck in Kanha; the tiger in Sariska; the wild buffalo from Indravati to Barnawapara in Chhattisgarh or Kanha in Madhya Pradesh; the hog deer in Corbett National Park; the pygmy hog in Nameri National Park and elsewhere in Assam and, of course, the lion in Kunu-Palpur in Madhya Pradesh. Besides, the possibility of

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introducing the brow-antlered deer from the captive populations, in Pobitara in Assam, needs to be explored. This would be a special case of introduction into a new habitat, as its previous habitats in Manipur are now not viable any more and the total world population of this taxon is now confined to the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur. All endeavours must be made to bring back the Siberian crane to Bharatpur, if necessary, from the more numerous eastern population now migrating between China and Russia. The need to undertake a re-introduction of the cheetah in India, after careful study and prior preparation, has been mentioned elsewhere. [181] The re-introduction of the lion in the designated protected area of Kunu-Palpur be expedited on a priority basis. The Chairman of the National Board of Wildlife could request the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the translocation of lions that have strayed out of the Gir, to the project site of Kunu-Palpur. [182] Studies be undertaken by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology of Hyderabad to identify the extent of genetic `swamping` occurring in the current populations of wild buffalo and in sample areas in the case of the red jungle fowl and wild pig. The studies also need to identify the surviving populations that can be termed as truly wild and parameters to judge the wild specimens of these species. [183] The same studies should recommend corrective/administrative action to curb the threat and to retrieve the situation to the extent possible, with special recovery plans for the wild buffalo and for wild pig in the Andamans. [184] Investigations leading to practical recommendations, be carried out to prevent future inbreeding between domestic and wild jungle fowl, pig and wild buffalo, specially around protected areas [185] In the interim period, a special effort and plan needs to be undertaken to save the surviving wild buffalo populations that are apparently least genetically `swamped` and at the same time the most threatened, in Chhattisgarh. [186] The Ministry of Environment and Forests and State Forest Departments develop centres of restoration ecology and to remove exotic species, even from a national park, after thorough investigation. The Ministry of Environment and Forests should develop a nodal agency that should look in to this problem and involve ecologists, conservation non-government organizations and media. [187] Strict guidelines should be developed for the removal of exotic trees and restoration of natural habitats. No commercial interest should be involved to remove exotic trees and they could be supplied first to the local people as per the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act. However, the money generated from the sale of such timber should go back to the protected area. [188] The following species are candidates for priority intervention by the Indian Armed Forces, Border Security Force Indo-Tibetan Border Police and coast guards. It is

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recommended that species programmes be initiated in conjunction with them for these species: [189] Northern Command - Ladhak: black-necked crane, snow leopard, Tibetan argali, ibex, Ladakh urial, Tibetan antelope and Tibetan gazelle; Jammu and Kashmir: markhor, hangul, western tragopan Eastern Command: clouded leopard, snow leopard, Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan argali, and takin; Orissa: Oliver Ridley turtle Southern Command - Gulf of Mannar: Dugong, corals; Lakshadweep: Leatherback turtle, hawksbill turtle, giant clams and corals; Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Leatherback turtle, hawksbill turtle, dugong, whales, sharks, giant clams, Nicobar megapod Western Command - Gujarat: Dugong and whale shark Central Command - Musk deer, western tragopan, Himalayan tahr and serow [190] The Indian Armed Forces can arrange environmental training programmes for officers and jawans through their Green Governance initiative. Army training manual on environment can be developed in a structured format, which will then form an integral part of Army training. [191] Army, Navy, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Border Security Force and coast guards should also contribute in prevention of smuggling of wildlife products along the borders. [192] Weaning away of the jhumias from shifting cultivation by improved animal husbandry, horticulture, settled agriculture, apiculture and other appropriate agricultural and pastoral practices and occupations. In this context, it is pertinent to note that the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad has reported (1989) that approximately 4.5 lakh families of this region were practicing shifting cultivation and that the total cost of weaning one family away from shifting cultivation was Rs.50,000. This would have made the total outlay worth Rs. 2,250 crores, which was not too high a requirement if phased over some 10 or 15 years. The situation may have changed, but a detailed assessment of the acceptable alternatives and the financial requirements thereof need to be carried out and given the highest priority in administrative attention and allocation. [193] While the process of weaning away people from shifting cultivation must be encouraged, in the meantime; a) Increase security of land tenure for shifting cultivators for both the agricultural and fallow phases by reconsidering the classification of shifting cultivation areas and categorizing them a agricultural land with adaptive forest management in the fallow period. b) Strengthen and capacitate customary institutions for improved local level governance, management of tribal, community-based natural resources, and tenurial access and control. c) Reorient existing credit policies to be sensitive and proactive to situations where common property regimes apply.

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d) Encourage coordination among different government agencies that have responsibilities for aspects of shifting cultivation especially forestry, agriculture, rural development. [194] Propagation and sale of medicinal plants in the North-East would be a very promising proposition to provide to the land-owner in the region an alternative to jhuming. A special ecologically sustainable programme needs to be undertaken in this regard. [195] Bamboo is the most versatile crop of the North-East and its management and protection can be best served if the propagation, cultivation, management, harvesting, value addition and marketing is done through a `mission mode` and the mandate is with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. Bamboo is a fire-succession plant and grows profusely in the North-East. There must be facilities for its commercial usage. [196] Agroforestry is another very viable alternative. But to ensure its success there should be no hindrance to the harvest, transportation and sale of the produce. Mizoram has taken up teak plantation on a large scale. But the farmers must be enabled to extract this tree without waiting for government clearances. [197] ICAR Centre at Barapani has developed many models for agro-climatic zone settled agriculture, with horticulture / poultry etc. to make livelihood selfsustaining and remunerative. This activity needs to be encouraged and supported. [198] The Central Government and the North-Eastern Council must play a much more proactive role in forest conservation and in the phasing out of shifting cultivation. This would include greater financial allocations, more schemes for afforestation, regeneration, eco-development, agriculture, animal husbandry and development of local arts and crafts. [199] Village Councils and individuals have donated land for the setting up of parks and sanctuaries, and in some instances have sold forestlands as well. Murlem and Dampa in Mizoram, Mehow in Arunachal Pradesh and Nokrek in Meghalaya are some examples. This trend must be encouraged and the local people should be associated with the protected areas and must derive economic benefit from them through tourism, etc. The people of Murlem are prepared to add another 50 sq km to the Murlem National Park if an alternative road to the village was developed for them and some eco-development activity was initiated. [200] Wherever possible, Community Reserves under the Wild Life (Protection) Act be set up on community lands and sacred groves called Lyngdohs in Meghalaya and the concerned tribal community should be involved in its conservation and management and a sense of pride in these protected areas should be inculcated. In this respect; A complete inventory of sacred forests in the region should be undertaken. These should be registered either with the Autonomous District Councils or with the State Forest Department under

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the existing Acts and Rules. The survey for different components of biodiversity in each sacred forest should be completed on an urgent basis. The sacred forests should be brought under the protected area network, including Community Reserves, without altering the land ownership status. The interventions, if at all required, as in case of degraded ones, may be designed by the government agencies jointly with the communities. Due approval must be taken from the traditional institutions administering the sacred forests, before initiating such interventions. There should be an umbrella scheme of the government for conserving the community forest areas including the sacred forests. Development of adjoining community forests areas is essential to meet the biomass needs of the community, thereby reducing the pressure on the sacred forests. Such schemes should be implemented jointly by the Forest Department and the concerned traditional institution. Under the scheme, provision should be made for incentives to the tribal people, who are conserving/preserving the sacred forest The sacred forests can no more be protected based only on religious beliefs. Therefore, it is essential to educate the people about the scientific value of such forests and the conservation ethos should be blended with the religious beliefs. The diversity of ecosystem services derived from the sacred forests must be recognized and valuation of such services must be done. The policy for adopting the ùser pay` principle in respect of these services must be developed and the benefits must be given to the people who are protecting the sacred forests. [201] In forests, prone to organized or large scale violations or insurgency, special protection staff or para-military forces need to be deployed to prevent illicit felling, encroachment, infiltrations, smuggling and poaching, especially on the international borders and in insurgency affected areas. [202] The Forest Survey of India needs to be assigned the task of periodically undertaking detailed remote-sensing of the forest areas and tree cover to assess qualitative and quantitative changes, including extent of invasion of exotics and changes in the type of tree cover. [203] The forest of the various communities, individuals and of the Forest Department itself needs to be cadastrally surveyed and physically marked and mapped. 364 [204] Disputed boundaries between the North-eastern States has created problems of lack of control, resulting in encroachment and illicit felling. Boundary disputes must be settled as urgently as possible, under the aegis of Government of India [205] There is illegal traffic of wood, wildlife and forest products between the Northeastern States and Myanmar on one side and Bangladesh on the other. This must be stopped by the paramilitary forces on the borders. [206] Establish the institutional infrastructure for democratic decentralization by creating clear and secure tenure over the forest resource to be decentralized. The respective governments should designate suitable lands in the villages or in urban areas as Village Forests. Chapter III of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 already has provisions for the

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constitution of village forests on lands recorded as Reserve Forests . Amendments may be made in the section 28 to accommodate all types of lands, not Reserve Forests only, for being eligible to be declared as Village Forests. In such villages or urban areas where Reserve Forests are not available, any other category of forests, or any common land which may or may not have forests but has the potential to be developed as forests, may be notified as Village Forests, or in urban areas, Smriti Van (Memorial Forest), municipal forests, avenue plantations, or green reserves. For the purpose of constitution of VF, a village or an urban area shall be a habitation in which people live as a unit. This unit may not necessarily overlap with the existing revenue village boundary, but has the defining features as enumerated in the Panchayati Raj (Extension into Schedule Areas) Act, 1996. [207] The Government should develop the framework for creating democratic forestry institutions (DFIs) at primary, secondary and tertiary levels across the whole country with an aim to increasing the efficiency of the ongoing decentralisation. The DFIs at above levels may respectively correspond to Van Panchayat at the village or urban habitation, e.g., ward level, Van Samiti at the block or equivalent level in the urban areas level, and Van Parishad at the district level. A Van Panchayat should have jurisdiction over the respective Village Forest, and should be constituted of all resident adult members of the village, and the membership should be suo moto abrogated once one becomes non-resident of that village. [208] Government and other organizations should foster local accountability by choosing to work with and build-on on only such democratic forestry institutions, which are constituted by due process of election, or consensus of the cross-section of the participating community. Further, the DFIs should be accountable to weaker sections of the village or urban community (e.g. Scheduled Castes, minor groups within Schedule Tribes, women of weaker sections, widows, womenheaded households). [209] The responsibility and the powers to manage the forestry resources should continue to rest with the democratic forestry institutions. The democratic forestry institution shall be a member of Panchayati Raj Institutions at the respective level, and for this purpose suitable amendment may be brought in the Panchayati Raj Act, 1993 also. 365 [210] In the initial years of institution building, the Government should subordinate the objectives of forestry management to accommodate the needs of the local people. Disadvantaged sections of the village or urban community must be included at the decision making level of the democratic forestry institutions. Favouring democratic process in the short run will help build institutions able to take up sustainable management in the long run. [211] Forests should be maintained as a `public good` over which each member of respective democratic forestry institution would have equitable access. Private tenures should not be created in the forests by way of monopoly lease or regularisation of encroachments therein. In case of diversion of forestlands for non-forestry purposes, or for grant of forestry leases to private or public companies, concurrence of the democratic forestry institution at the appropriate level should be made mandatory.

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[212] Ecologically sound traditional practices should be identified, and formally recognized and incorporated in the forest management plans. Similarly, the livelihood strategies of the members of the primitive tribal groups should be properly incorporated in these plans. [213] The Government should provide adequate funds and fund raising power to enable democratic forestry institutions to fulfil their mandate. The fund raising power at appropriate level of democratic forestry institution may include powers to borrow, levy charges, fines or compensation, raise tax or fees, and transfer funds. Commercially valuable and ecologically sound resource-use opportunities should also be available to the democratic forestry institution in addition to subsistenceuse f the resources. Accounting standards should be developed, and each level of democratic forestry institution should ensure the maintenance of these standards. [214] The members of democratic forestry institutions, as individuals or groups, need to be made aware of the opportunities available with other schemes and programmes in the government or the non-governments sector, and should be suitably supported to forge these linkages. Capacity building of officials in this regard should be a continuous process. [215] Simple but effective extension mechanisms should be introduced to reach the outputs of research to the common people. One such mechanism is establishing Van Vigyan Kendras at the Block level. Where Krishi Vigyan Kendras are operating, these may be made responsible for education, research, training and extension in forestry matters also. The compulsory environment education in schools and colleges should be based on the ecology of the local natural resources. [216] The Union Government should oversee the decentralization process and provide essential support, including capacity building, to the democratic forestry institutions at all levels to enable them to manage their forests. [217] Since decentralization of forests is creating a new set of right-regime, the existing records of rights be reviewed in view of the ecologically sustainable capacity of forests, to ascertain the minimum essential requirements of the local community with respect to the forest products. [218] The country`s forests must now be looked upon as ecological entities - regulators of water regimes, watersheds and catchments, gene pools, habitats of wildlife, providers of the needs of the neighboring communities and as treasure troves of the nation`s natural heritage. The country`s needs of timber, fuelwood, fodder, industrial wood, and medicinal plants must mainly be met with plantation forestry and through agroforestry, which thus must receive much greater attention and support than now. This would also require a change in the role of forests, forestry and forest personnel, with corresponding change in recruitment, training, attitudes and mindset.

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[219] Plantation forestry must be on degraded forest areas. It must add biomass, not substitute it, even if the tree growth in such degraded areas would not be as good as in areas requiring removal of existing good forest cover for plantation purposes. [220] The focus of agroforestry must filter down to the tahsil / block levels. While the responsibility in this regard would rest mainly with the agricultural departments and institutions, the forest departments must cooperate and support by providing quality seedlings and technical guidance and by enabling the farmers to freely harvest, transport and sell their produce. All restrictions on the harvest of trees, transport and sale of timber etc. must be removed. [221] There needs to be a much greater coordination and close cooperation between State Forest Departments, State agriculture, irrigation, animal husbandry and fisheries departments. If the State agriculture departments are to take a lead in agroforestry, they must take on board forest officers and staff for technical help to the extent required. At the national level, there should be a close collaboration between Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Ministry of Agriculture for the advancement of agroforestry. [222] Import of timber and import duty thereupon should be regulated to keep agroforestry remunerative to the farmer. [223] Tissue culture and cloning needs to be practised for multiplication of planting material. For this, quality seed and material needs to be obtained by the Forest Departments. [224] If the forest departments themselves cannot changeover to the new biotechnology methods of multiplication mentioned above, they should establish linkages with approved institutions and registered private growers who would undertake the task for them. Department of Biotechnology has already recognized The Energy Research Institute, the National Chemical Laboratory and the Jainarayan University of Jodhpur for multiplying trees and bamboo through tissue culture. [225] The need of medicinal plants cannot be met with from forests alone, even with their improved management. There is a great scope for growing medicinal plants on private agriculture holdings, which would require the supply of planting material, marketing assistance, and technical inputs at least in the initial stages, and this must come from the State agriculture departments with inputs from State forest departments as well. [226] Bamboo has multifarious uses and is in increasingly short supply, especially in the north, central and western India. Bamboo cultivation has great prospects as a remunerative crop under agroforestry and can be grown along field boundaries and in homesteads. Bamboo propagation thus needs to be made a national priority, for State Forest Departments, State Agricultural Departments, and local bodies including panchayats and Gram Sabhas.

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[227] Assistance and cooperation of concerned panchayats, Gram Sabhas and appropriate non-government organizations need to be taken in agroforestry extension. [228] The State Forest Departments must establish appropriate extension services to provide necessary technological support to tree growers. In order to provide single-window-services to farmers, agroforestry extension should be handled by the extension services of the agricultural universities and agriculture departments. Subject matter specialists in forestry species should be posted at Krishi Vigyan Kendras and in other appropriate extension units undertaking forestry extension. [229] Wood-based industries should also be encouraged to supply certified quality planting stock to farmers and to enter into buyback arrangements with them for the raw material produced by them. The farmers should be free to sell to the market if they get higher prices. [230] Liberal credit facilities at lower interest rates may be channelized through banks and other financial institutions to farmers to raise tree and bamboo plantations. [231] Suitable lands outside village forests, falling in the category of permanent agricultural fallows or wastelands fit for agriculture (e.g. canal side lands), or problem lands (e.g. usar, ravines, etc.), should be assigned to individuals or groups for tree cultivation in any form (including agroforestry, farm forestry, silvi-pasture, horti-silviculture), and suitable incentives should be designed and put in place to promote tree planting on lands distributed to the landless persons. [232] Ecological relations of species with their environments should be documented. a) Ecological keystone species in major forest types should be identified. b) Optional and truly obligate physiological or behavioral relationship among species should be identified and studied. c) Key agents in biogeochemical cycles and energy flow chains, and quantify the rates of nutrient and energy transfers should be identified. [233] Genetic markers for identification of plus strains of important tree species for forestry and utilitarian purposes should be developed. [234] Soil processes in forest ecosystems, particularly aboveground -belowground interactions including role of mycorrhizae in forest regeneration and rehabilitation should be studied, and indicators of soil quality be identified. [235] Carbon sequestration of degraded forests using forestry practices should be improved, and carbon sequestration by major forest types be evaluated. [236] The role of coarse woody debris in forest regeneration/restoration should be

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determined. [237] Pollutant sensitivity of major tree species and the response of forest to carbon dioxide and nitrogen enrichment should be determined; the impacts of toxins and pollutants in perturbing biogeochemical cycles be considered. [238] Tree species for urban forest in different agro-climates should be designed and identified. [239] Biodiversity database for major forest types should be developed and the uses of this biodiversity be examined. [240] The effect of changes in ecosystem structure and functioning in response to global biophysical and sociological impacts on the delivery of ecosystem services, both tangible and non-tangible, should be documented. [241] The linkage of ecosystem services to human well-being should be determined, and the level of well-being dependency on ecosystem services for different forest systems under different socio-economic conditions be evaluated. [242] Robust analytical framework and methodological foundations for valuation of ecosystem services and their delivery across social groups should be developed. [243] Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education should assess the local research needs of States and prioritize. [244] Forest Departments and the Government of India should encourage universities and organizations to take up research proactively, particularly applied research; the topics/areas for required baseline data collection and research should be identified, researchers be supported, and the findings of applied research in the working / management plans be incorporated. [245] Research permits, getting of which is a difficult task, should be given without arbitrariness and quickly, provided certain conditions are met. Each management plan should list: i)research required, ii) research carried out in the area, and iii) publications and summary of findings that are relevant to the management plan. [246] Long-term research on grassland ecology, fire, flood, invasive species, forest regeneration, wildlife diseases, inter-relationships and inter-dependence of species, groups and habitats, multidisciplinary integrated research encompassing scientific and socioeconomic aspects related to protected area management, reintroduction, rehabilitation of species, etc. should be undertaken in different eco-regions with proper funding by the government and provision of facilities by the Forest Department. Research for making use of ethnic knowledge in wildlife conservation and management, and applied research to obtain intellectual property rights capable of benefiting the local communities and the country, should receive special attention.

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[247] ICFRI (Indian Council of Forest Research and Education) institutes should focus on basic research, and on research relating to national or regional problems which cannot be handled by State Forest Research Institutions (SFRIs), such as genetics and tree breeding, wood science and technology, forest hydrology, chemistry of forest products and their utilization, bio-pesticides, global warming, biodiversity conservation and management, forest sociology including participatory management, and forest economics. Strong linkage should be undertaking forestry research in the same State. Networking of scientists working in these research organizations on common problems needs to be done. [248] A quinquennial review of the research projects should be undertaken by a committee of outside experts in respect of each research institute. An expert committee may be constituted to critically examine and recommend revamping and refocusing forestry research in the country. [249] The outlay on forest research needs to be very substantially enhanced. [250] Keeping in view the paucity of personnel in forestry research, certain thrust areas of research in forestry should be put on contract to agricultural or other universities, as well as private institutions engaged in such research activities. Simultaneously, the extraneous posts of research officers in State Forest Departments, who do no research as such but merely help in providing posts for unwanted personnel, should be abolished. [251] Appointment of faculty should be done through a constant interaction with the State officials. A committee consisting of the director, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), one professor, and a representative of the Ministry of Environment and Forests should screen the officers and draw up a list. The officers who have put in a minimum of ten years service and having a very good service record, aptitude and a competence in teaching should only be eligible for appointment. Since there is a dearth of young and willing officers at the level of DCF in the cadres, the faculty positions in the IGNFA should be made flexible and filled up at the level of DCF or Conservator of Forest, depending on the suitability and availability of officers or by getting suitable persons from outside the service. The criteria of selection should not be seniority of service or plain experience, but a combination of experience and aptitude with a greater emphasis on the latter. A detailed guideline of such a selection process should be worked out by the IGNFA in consultation with Ministry of Environment and Forests. Only those members of Indian Forest Service/ State Forest Service should be eligible for selection for a faculty position in IGNFA or training colleges/schools, who must have had at least 10 years service and should have annual reports of not lower than `very good`, besides having an aptitude for teaching. [252] Seniority should also not be the only criteria for selection of director of the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy. The Ministry of Environment and Forests should ensure that the officer selected is suitable for this very important post and delivers what is expected of him as the head of the premier forest academy of the country.

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[253] The recruitment of the faculty, their assessment and tenure of deputation for the faculties of the Directorate of Forest Education, should be on the same lines as recommended in the case of the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy. [254] Keeping in view the low intake at the level of State Forest Service and Forest Range Officers by the State Governments, there is need to review the mandate of the Directorate of Forest Education, the utilization of the existing infrastructure and of the upgradation of the post of the Director, Forest Education. [255] The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) should be granted autonomy on the pattern of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the DG, ICFRE should be made Chairman of the Board of Governors, ICFRE. The post of the DG, ICFRE should be made equivalent to the level of Secretary, Government of India. [256] Since the major clients for forestry research are the State Forest Departments which do not have funds to sponsor paid research projects and there is not much scope for the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to generate its own financial resources except for a few externally aided projects, the Ministry of Environment and Forests must increase the plan and non-plan allocation to the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education for pursuing research activities as per the National Forestry Research Plan. At least five per cent of the revenue from forests should be earmarked for forestry research. The States must increase the allocation to the State Forest Research Institutes, and other research units for carrying out research. [257] There is an urgent need to review the mandate of the institutes and fix research priorities for each institute/advanced centre, based on themes and regional research needs, to maintain focus on critical forestry issues. An Èxpert Committee` may be constituted to critically examine and recommend the revamping and refocusing of forestry research in the country and which should be need based applied research. [258] More emphasis should be given on field oriented applied research. [259] Certain glaring omissions in the field of applied research remain. This was shown, for example, by the sal-borer infestation in Madhya Pradesh. The knowhow to deal with this periodically recurring menace to one of the most widespread and valuable biomes in the country`s forests, has made no progress since what was advocated in the 1940s. [260] There needs to be much greater attention given to research to achieve biological control over exotic weeds like eupatorium, Mikenia, Strobilanthes, lantana, mimosa and parthenium, which are a serious threat to the regeneration of natural forests. [261] The non-plan component of grants-in-aid must be increased to meet the establishment expenses, so that the plan funds could be utilized for only research activities.

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[262] For attending to the State`s specific problems and research needs, there should be a separate State Forest Research Institute in each state with autonomy on the pattern of the Kerala Forest Research Institute and these must undertake field oriented research in close coordination with the State Forest Department (SFD). This can be done through reorganizing the Silvicultural Wing of the SFD. The institute should be manned by competent officers and scientists. The useful findings should be widely disseminated. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education should avoid duplication in their own research work. [263] Strong linkages must be ensured between State Forest Research Institute, ICFRE (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education) institutes and agricultural universities undertaking forestry research in the same State. Networking of scientists working in these research organizations on common problems, should be done. [264] There has to be an in-built system of dissemination of research results to the State Forest Departments, other stakeholders, trainees in forest academy / colleges / schools etc. through conduct of refresher courses, seminars, workshops, electronic and print media. Effective linkages should be established between all the research institutes and the beneficiaries of research. The Ministry of Environment and Forests may devise mechanisms for quick transfer of research results to the stakeholders and receive feedback from them. [265] Detailed procedures for selection of IFS (Indian Forest Service) officers and scientists on research and training posts should be formulated. The officers with adequate aptitude, experience and real interest in the areas of responsibilities of a particular post should only be appointed. The IFS officers who are not performing must be given one year`s time to perform. If they fail to do so, they should be repatriated to their cadres. [266] The working of the Indian Institute of Forest Management should be reviewed nd the curricula of various courses being organized by the Institute should be suitably modified. The `perspective plan` for the faculty must be completed on a priority basis and action taken for filling up all the vacant posts. [267] The an Institute of Forest Management should publicize its achievements and strengths in the field of forest management, education and training, to improve its image and attract consultancies and projects. [268] The problems with the staff at the an Institute of Forest Management need to be sorted out. [269] The Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute must have a detailed vision paper for the next 20 years. The Institute must have constant interaction with industries and other stakeholders for deciding research priorities and other activities to be taken up. Adequate grants-in-aid should be made available to carry on with research and extension activities and for facilitating the work of the institute.

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[270] Assessment of research needs of the Wildlife Institute of India should be carried out in consonance with the current wildlife strategy/action plans and policies of the Government of India. The Institute must lay more emphasis on applied research on field related problems pertaining to management of wildlife, especially those related to the reduction of man-animal conflict and to develop methodologies and applications for the capture, translocation and rehabilitation of problem animals. [271] The Wildlife Institute of India must also devise short-term courses for various levels of forest officers (DCF, Conservator of Forest and Chief Conservator of Forest) which can be sponsored by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. [272] A thorough assessment of role identification of the officers on deputation should be undertaken to utilize the potential of officers in full, to supplement and complement the needs of the Wildlife Institute of India. Vacancies need to be filled up and the posts allocated to spheres now requiring attention and priority. [273] Trainees receiving long-term training at Wildlife Institute of India must be posted [274] Each manager of a protected area should have received training at Wildlife Institute of India. There should be an incentive by way of an allowance, to achieve this end. [275] The States must fully utilize the `slots` of training available to them at Wildlife Institute of India and indeed, should ask for more than the present quotas. [276] Develop a dynamic database under the geographical information system domain at the Wildlife Institute of India for monitoring changes in prime wildlife habitats, for facilitating adaptive management. [277] Establish a special laboratory for forensics and conservation genetics at the Wildlife Institute of India and to disseminate knowledge in this regard to the States. [278] To grant real autonomy to the Wildlife Institute of India as contained in the Memorandum of Association. [279] The zonal establishments of the Forest Survey of India (FSI) should be strengthened with enough budgetary and staff support so that more periodic information on forest resources can be made available to State Forest Departments. Since field verification and interpretation of the data obtained through satellite imagery is very essential and is to be done on a time-bound basis, the staff and budgetary requirements of the zonal offices of the FSI should be properly assessed and they should be provided with adequate finances and essential field staff, which can be kept on a contractual basis. Two more zonal offices, one exclusively for the North-East and the other for the western region needs to be established. [280] The Ministry of Environment and Forests must impress upon the State Governments the need to ensure that the forest training institutions are administered and

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managed properly and the posts are filled with willing and competent officers. [281] Forestry personnel have to be equipped with necessary tools for managing forests according to emerging needs of the civil society and in view of the increasing pressures on the forests. Hence, there is need to regularly review the contents of training being mparted to forestry personnel at various levels, at least once in five years, and the training be modified suitably. [282] The Forest Development Corporations (FDCs), in their current mandate and functioning, are redundant. Their existing work can readily be transferred to territorial forest divisions and afforestation wings, if any. Some of the staff of the FDCs may be transferred with the charge. The mandate and role of Forest Development Corporations need to be reviewed and other functions assigned to them. The FDCs can also be entrusted with the work of fuelwood supply, to extract and supply fuelwood in lieu of the ongoing practice of sale of `head load` fuelwood in towns and cities and which therefore can be stopped. The people currently extracting and selling fuelwood could be given fuelwood from established depots of the FDCs and they in turn can sell them. But extraction of fuelwood from forests for the purpose of sale must remain the monopoly of the Forest Department. [283] The Forest Development Corporations should be given the task of extending forestry to grassland/watershed management in government lands outside of forests, as well as to cooperate with agriculture departments in the extension of farm and agroforestry. [284] The State governments must ensure that all the administrative and scientific posts in these institutes are filled up in time with competent and willing personnel and adequate facilities and incentives are provided so as to attract the best talent for manning these institutions. These posts must not be a preserve of in-service personnel, but should be filled up with recruitment of the best possible talent, within the State Forest Department as well as from universities and from the open market. [285] A separate Department of Forests and Wildlife within the Ministry of Environment and Forests should be created to ensure adequate importance and attention to the management of natural resources. Forestry related subjects of biodiversity, mangroves, wetlands, medicinal plants, forestry issues under climate change and combating desertification, which are being dealt mostly by the forest departments in the State governments, should be transferred to the proposed new department, from the Environment Wing. This department should also handle coastal development, National Wasteland Development Board and watershed management in areas having forests, as well as coastal conservation involving the biota. The new department also needs to be given adequate resources to fulfill its duties. [286] On most of the international forestry issues wherein India has a larger stake as a developing nation, generally wider consultations are not held among the forest officials within the Ministry as well as with the State Forest Departments. As a result, in

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international consultations the country does not get the benefit of collective work experience of a wider section of foresters. Even the officers do not get to know the latest happenings in the sector at the global level, which have a bearing on the development of forestry and wildlife at the national and regional levels. Appropriate mechanisms should be evolved for wider consultations and dissemination of information to foresters at the national and State levels. [287] Presently, there are no detailed defined duties and responsibilities for various levels in the forestry hierarchy, except the mention of some broad duties in the forest codes/forest manuals of the State Forest Departments. Detailed job description for all levels including that of the ministerial staff should be documented by revising the forest codes and it be given to all the personnel. Need based training for the personnel at different levels should be arranged. [288] For efficient administration and better coordination among the various wings of the State Forest Department, it is necessary to have a single line command. Only the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest should report to government on policy issues. [289] Over the last three decades, there has been an immense change in the aims and objectives of managing forests and wildlife resources in keeping with emerging 374 needs of the civil society. However, the structure of the State Forest Depa rtments (SFDs) including the strength of the frontline staff has not undergone adequate changes. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry should undertake a detailed review of the structures of various SFDs and issue appropriate guidelines to States in the next two years, for the restructuring of each State/Union Territory State forest department. [290] Accountability of officers at various levels in the forestry services needs to be closely laid down and monitored, to improve their performance. [291] For the welfare of the service (housing, educational facilities for children, conveyance, facilities for maintaining physical fitness, grievances handling and counseling etc.), the State Governments should establish Forest Services Beneficiary Funds. [292] Professional knowledge of the forest staff, especially the field staff is very poor in respect of the procedural requirements to prosecute a case in court. They need to be provided regular training in legal requirements pertaining to search, seizure, evidence collection and prosecution in court. Legal cells need to be established in each State to pursue the backlog of court cases and in hiring good lawyers in important cases. [293] In States where the backlog of pending cases pertaining to forest offences is especially large, the High Court could be requested to appoint special courts to hasten the process of law. [294] Grievance redressal cells should be established at circle and headquarters level to address the problems and grievances of the subordinate staff.

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[295] The delegation of administrative and financial powers should be reviewed and for efficient administration and service delivery to the society, there has to be more devolution of these powers to the middle level management and the field officers, with corresponding increase in accountability. [296] Professionalism should receive priority within the department. Measures to reduce unnecessary administrative work at different levels are necessary, as these consume a major time and attention of senior staff and hampers technical and professionalism improvement and specialization. [297] The State governments must complete demarcation of forest boundaries, and mutation in revenue records. The process requires financial and technical capacity building of forest settlement offices. A trained team of surveyors be equipped with global positioning system and other technical tools to carry out the process of demarcation. Forest maps should be updated after demarcation and be incorporated in the working plans. [298] Staff and vehicles of the Forest Departments are requisitioned for non-forestry purposes, the advantage of which is taken by wood and wildlife poachers. Such requisitioning must be avoided. [299] In view of prevalent threats to forests and forest personnel who unlike the police have to function alone or in very small units, the forest field staff need to be armed and need to be given protection under the law in the exercise of their duties, as is given to the police and the paramilitary forces, under section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code. They need to be safeguarded against wrongful accusations under the various anti-SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes) atrocities legislations and need to be provided reasonable and just indemnities in fabricated cases. [300] Making frontline staff a satisfied lot is a most important tool for achieving effective conservation and management of forest. For this, it is necessary that their housing problem is addressed. Keeping in view the remoteness of the posting of the frontline staff, they are not in a position to keep their families at their place of posting. It is, therefore, recommended that Forest Housing Corporations be created by every State Government to construct primarily family accommodations for the frontline staff. An adequate corpus fund be allotted to the proposed [301] Forest administration should take advantage of forestry education in the universities by at least giving preference in selection for the posts of forest officers. [302] Recruitment to forest rangers should be from amongst B. Sc. Forestry graduates produced by universities imparting forestry education. Induction training in the forest rangers colleges will, however, still be necessary for trainees who might already be forestry graduates.

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[303] Forestry should be recognized as a subject for competitive examinations in state and All India Administrative Services. [304] In view of the serious shortage of forest staff at the field level, the general ban by the State Governments on filling up of vacant posts should not apply to the field posts of wildlife guards, forest guards, foresters and others up to the level of forest range officers. Tribal and other backward communities need to be given preference in the filling up of the vacant posts of Forest Guards, and educational qualifications need to be relaxed in the case of such recruits. [305] The number of beat guards needs to be substantially increased and a revision of beat areas needs to be done state-wise. No change has been done in this regard since before Independence. Each State needs to appoint a committee to go through the exercise of re-delineating beat boundaries. [306] The field staff is also poorly provided for by way of transport, communication and other facilities required in the better exercise of their duties. A state-wise assessment needs to be carried out and these basic requirements have to be provided to make the field staff more effective for protection work, on a priority basis. [307] Specialisation is a prerequisite in forestry to enable the service to fulfill its role in conserving the forest ecosystems and its biota, in extending forestry within and without existing forests, and in fulfilling the needs and aspirations of the people vis-à-vis forestry. Experience has shown that specialization in real terms can only be achieved by restructuring the personnel setup and setting up specific subcadres, by changing recruitment rules and by providing the complementary training and cadre management. Four broad areas of specialization for purposes of developing sub-cadres are recommended. They are: a) Forest conservation, including protection, harvesting and sale of forest produce; b) Extension forestry, including plantations and nurseries, joint forest management, grassland and watershed management and eco-development outside Reserve Forests; c) Wildlife management, including management of protected areas and their buffers and corridors; collection of basic data, control of wildlife trade and taxidermy, etc. implementation of international conventions pertaining to nature conservation; d) Research, training, working plans, technical support to agro- and farm forestry [308] However, a detailed and impartial study needs to be commissioned to define in detail, (i) which precise work spheres should be assigned to the respective subcadres

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(ii) what should be the required strength of each sub-cadre for the Indian Forest Service and other cadres in the States (iii) guidelines for the cadre management of the various sub-cadres. [309] The same study referred above should also consider as to what changes are required in the recruitment rules for the individual specialized sub-cadres, and the training and training periods required for recruits with degrees in subjects related to forestry and forestlands like botany, biology, zoology, ecology, forestry. ethology, environmental sciences, etc, and for those recruits who have other science degrees. But weightage has to be given to those recruits who have graduated in subjects related to forestry as against those who have science degrees not related to forestry and ecology, and this should be reflected in the period of induction training. This, in itself, will encourage candidates to opt for relevant subjects in their college education. [310] It is a regrettable fact that very few amongst the present personnel of all cadres of forest services would opt for the proposed sub-cadres of categories b, c and d mentioned in the recommendation 308 above. They would vie to remain in the traditional work sphere of the service - territorial forest divisions and in the harvesting and marketing of forest produce. This mindset and the lack of specialization that emanates from it, is one of the main reasons for the setting up of specialized sub-cadres. The needs and interests of forestry and forestlands are paramount and hence the services at all levels must be organized to suit the current job requirements, and not the other way around. Once the cadre strength at various levels for categories b, c and d of the proposed sub-cadres are worked out, a certain number of ex-cadre posts would have to be kept in each sub-cadre, so that if an adequate number of appropriate personnel from the existing forestry staff do not opt for them in the initial stages, the required manpower could be recruited from the open field, both through deputation and through competitive examinations. Once the recruitment for different sub-cadres begins and the recruits are imparted the requisite training, the problem of vacancies would not persist. [311] In order to take care of the training required to be imparted to equip Indian IFS training at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy should be of three years duration, followed by one year training in the State on different assignments. [312] Training for the staff at field levels, i.e., forest guards, wildlife guards, foresters and forest rangers, need priority. Direct recruitment may be only at the level of forest guards and forest rangers to improve promotional avenues in subordinate services. All those promoted to the level of foresters and forest rangers should undergo one-year training. No person should be appointed as forest guard, wildlife guard, forester or forest ranger without receiving training prescribed for these posts. It should be ensured that every frontline personnel gets at least two promotions / equivalent pay scales in his career span. [313] Forestry research and training in the State should be integrated and conducted at the State Forest Research Institute (SFRI). The existing Forest Rangers Training College or Foresters Training School in the State should be upgraded as SFRI. It will help in making

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available competent faculty for training and will ensure quick transfer of research results to the trainees. [314] Each forest training institution may have a `training forest` to be managed by the institution, where all operations should be done by the trainees as a part of their training. [315] Pattern of staffing in most of the States and union territories is similar, but for the National Capital Territory (NCT), Delhi, where IFS officers are posted as Conservator and Deputy Conservators as per cadre allocation of the AGMUT(Andaman, Goa, and Mizoram Union Territory) cadre, there is no welldeveloped structure of forest rangers and others. It is recommended that cadre strength, and recruitment rules of all categories of frontline staff be framed by government of the NCT, Delhi by making them at par with the other States / union territories; but ensuring that personnel presently working here are not put to any hardship in this process. [316] A strategy is required for improving productivity of degraded forests (10-40% crown density) by assisted regeneration and afforestation through joint forest management in forest areas near villages, and by the Forest Departments in areas away from the villages. This would involve prevention of fire and effective reduction/elimination of biotic pressures. [317] A strategy is needed for meeting the needs of construction timber, panel, pulp paper, packaging and particle board panel and chip board industries, through quick growing high yielding plantations of softwoods [318] A new strategy for social and agroforestry be evolved, which would include planned involvement of forest-based industries in the distribution of high quality seedlings, with buy-back guarantee to the farmers, to ensure qualitative support to the planting programme and market support for the produce. This is to help bring about an additional 10 million ha. under farm forestry/agroforestry and to meet substantially the needs of industry [319] In order to promote tree plantation on government revenue wastelands, a survey on the availability of such areas be carried out and at the same time some pilot projects involving van panchayats / village communities, government departments and the investor in such plantations, be formulated in states where such land is available. [320] Establishment of a forum for periodic discussion between Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ministry of Industry and Commerce and recognized associations of wood-based industries, to review and evolve a rational import export policy and review tariff rates keeping in view local demand , supply and market conditions, would be useful. [321] It is necessary to assess the demand and supply scenario of forest products, including exports and imports, to make projections for 2020 A.D. and to suggest strategies to bridge the gap between demand and supply of raw material for forest based industries

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[322] The efforts to develop cottage industries should be concentrated in farm forestry areas. It is also necessary to evolve a strategy to ensure availability of raw material in adequate quantity and quality at a competitive prices to the small entrepreneur. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and non-government organisations have a major role to, play. Linkages with such organizations /institutions need to be established and strengthened. [323] Cooperation between forests authorities, community groups and industry is required. [324] There needs to be a detailed advance planning and more attention given to the formulation of any new international arrangements and agreements at both global and regional levels, pertaining to forests and wildlife, so that interests and needs of the country are well safeguarded. [325] There also need to be a far more concentrated effort to implement in both letter and spirit, the national duties and obligations envisaged in international agreements to which India is a party, and not just merely participate in the periodic meetings related to these instruments and to give vocal support. Many of these international instruments and agreements including those related to suppression of illegal trade, have a direct bearing on the conservation of the country`s biodiversity and natural resources and it is in India`s interests to give full cooperation and seek the same, at both regional and international levels. [326] There needs to be greater financial inputs provided to fulfil these international obligations, and there needs to be a nodal cell to monitor the follow-up action and implementation of each instrument, within the Forest and Wildlife Wing of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. [327] We may also learn lessons from other regional instruments such as the Amazonian and Central African and establish regional instruments, at least at the South Asian regional level, for the purpose of achieving cooperation and collaboration of the countries concerned vis-à-vis international commitments and obligations pertaining to wildlife and forests in the Asian region. [328] The views of India should be framed well before international negotiations and after wider consultation from all stakeholders. [329] The size of the delegation for the participation in different conventions and international meetings is very small. Since almost one fourth the land mass in the country belongs to the forestry sector and around 28% population of the country have dependence on forests, there is need to have an adequate delegation representing all sectors of the country, including industry, non-government organisations and individual experts. [330] It was observed that many forest-related international instruments such as the

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Convention on Biological Diversity, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Commission on Sustainable Development are not dealt with by the Forest and Wildlife Wing of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. This needs to be rectified. [331] A national level coordination committee for forest resource accounting (FRA) should be constituted to provide technical support and strengthening networking of concerned institutions/agencies, with a view to promote use of FRA at all evels (national/state/local). The committee shall comprise institutions and individuals including economists, ecologists, and physical science experts working in the area of forest resource data generation, valuation and accounting, along with the practitioners. The committee would work out a dynamic formula based upon paradigms and parameters which can be revised from time to time as more data becomes available and better norms get evolved. [332] The data requirements for natural resource accounting are very high and the Central Statistical Organisation should create a cell or a separate wing to generate the required data on a continuous basis. Major data gaps are inconsistent data from different sources in the forest sector as well as other line departments, and the lack of resource inventory data. Some of the specific data gaps are forest resource stocks and exploitation data, change in forest stock, time series data on ecosystem services provided by forests and biodiversity, data on encroachment, data on resources drawn from forests by industrial units and data on intermediate consumption by industrial units, etc. On account of lack of data from secondary sources, primary level studies need to be conducted to cover varied dimensions to bridge the existing data gaps. [333] As forests have multiple stakeholders and multi-sectoral linkages, the knowledge generated and the formula of assessment and accounting shall be disseminated in the form of working or policy papers on developing the framework for valuing forests, to guide the formulation of a policy in respect of forest resource accounting, which would then determine the valuation of forests, forestlands and their goods and services and put the assessment of their valuation in its true perspective. [334] A manual containing basic concepts, methodology for economic valuation and accounting of forests and forestlands may be prepared for handy use by the end users. Necessary capacity building regarding a new system of forest resource accounting should also be done amongst the personnel of forest departments who are expected to be involved in implementing the proposed system. [335] The new system of forest resource accounting (FRA) proposed through the efforts of the expert group shall comprise tools and techniques of capturing values of tangible and intangible goods and services provided by forests and shall produce a set of accounts for systematically recording such values in the system of national accounts. The proposed system can be implemented at the functional unit level, which may be a division or State level. Since the forest sector is a dynamic sector and any change in it will have a multiplier effect on itself as well on other sectors, it is essential that the exercise of

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valuation and accounting be taken on a regular basis. For this purpose, it is proposed that the exercise should be made as a component of the existing working plan preparation exercise. As the Working Plan is prepared every 8-10 years, the FRA shall also be automatically done. In fact, if FRA exercises are performed first, important signals can be generated for the new working plan itself. [336] While fulfilment of requirements of the community from adjoining forests cannot be denied, the fact remains that the `forests` are a national wealth and their protection and preservation must be viewed from that angle and not only from regional, sectoral, ethnic or political standpoints. [337] Forest-rich States, which are having forest/tree cover more than the target fixed in the National Forest Policy, 1988, should be provided special incentives to maintain that area under forest/tree cover, but their demand for compensation cannot be acceded. [338] Forest-deficient States should be provided incentives to increase their forest/tree cover, but the content and approach of this incentive should of course be different. [339] While there should be no dilution in implementing the Forest Conservation Act and the existing guidelines are fairly balanced, care should be taken that legitimate demands for basic needs should be cleared without any delay, while safeguarding the long term interests of forests, wildlife and the environment. [340] The National Forest Commission is of the considered opinion that the proposed Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act would be harmful to the interests of forests and to the ecological security of the country. It would be bad in law and would be in open conflict with the rulings of the Supreme Court. Another legislation, therefore, needs to be framed providing the forest dwelling communities a right to a share from the forest produce on an ecologically sustainable basis and Ministry of Environment and Forests could be asked to do the needful, after taking into account the inputs of the State Governments as recommended by the Sarkaria Commission as a subject under the concurrent list. [341] Forest encroachments to the extent of 3.60 lakh per annum have already been regularized. If any State feels that any encroachments done prior to 25-10-1980 still remains unsettled, the concerned State governments could appoint commissions, perhaps headed by judges, to finalize the claims within a time frame. Settlement of such claims and disputes arising therefrom should be done by quasi-judicial bodies and not left to the discretion of Gram Sabhas. [342] The Bill implies that tribals would be permitted to exploit forests for commercial purposes and not only for bona fide livelihood purposes as was originally intended, with only the concerned Gram Sabha empowered to decide as to what exploitation would be unsustainable. The extent and nature of forest exploitation on an ecologically sustainable basis must be decided by forest managers in consultation with the local communities,

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who would have first charge over any forest produce extracted, to meet their bona fide livelihood requirements, and an economic share of any surplus produce that may be disposed off thereafter. [343] The proposed legislation should not apply to national parks and sanctuaries, which are the last havens of hope for the nation`s forests, wildlife, wilderness and biodiversity. The villagers that remain within them have their pattas and rights and encroachments within them must not be condoned. Many communities themselves wish to resettle outside of such protected areas and this must be facilitated and alternative forestland provided. The politically motivated and ecologically suicidal proposal of providing temporary rights in these protected areas for a period of five years and then if they are not relocated in that period the rights to become permanent, is a mere facade, and considering the past record and political motivations will never be achieved and the grant of such rights will irrevocably impair the ecological viability of protected areas. [344] The clause that no encroacher should be evicted from forestland under his occupation till the recognition and verification of his claims are completed, with no time limit for such a process, is again self-defeating and will give an impetus and license to more encroachments in forests and to corruption. Such a provision must not apply, at least to national parks and sanctuaries, if not to all forests. [345] There is an ambiguity in the Bill about the applicability of laws. If the laws of the land pertaining to forests and wildlife are to apply to all tribals and non-tribals, this must be clearly stated and the current confusion about duality in the application of law to tribals and non-tribals, be done away with. [346] It is recommended that to provide an incentive to the forested States to retain and augment their forests, it would be appropriate if additional allocations could be given by Government of India annually, commensurate to the quantum of forest held by the State and the efforts being made by the State to implement national policies for the conservation of forests and watersheds. Such annual grants must be linked with conservation performance and not just forest area alone. The quantum of annual aid given must have a certain matching grant quotient from the State concerned and which must be in addition to current State outlays on forest conservation and not just substitution of ongoing expenditure and must go entirely for forest conservation and must be directly linked with qualitative and quantitative improvement of forest cover, periodically to be reviewed by the [347] The allocation to the forestry sector must be increased, both in central and State budgets, and must not be less than 2.5% of the total plan outlay. [348] To finance the normal forestry operations like fire protection, regeneration etc. funds should be made available to State forest departments. [349] Whereas the Supreme Court order not to harvest forests as per the working plan prescriptions without getting funds for regeneration must be honoured in letter and spirit,

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forest working must not be stopped for want of funds and funds must be made available for regeneration. [350] Funds for plantation should be grouped under two sub-heads - one for achieving plantation target for that year and another for advance work for the next year. [351] In the subsequent year funds for raising plantation in that year should commensurate with the target set and the funds made available for advance work in the previous year. [352] 20% funds of all the Rural Development Programme should be incurred on forestry and watershed operations as was done in case of NRER and RLEGP. [353] All disaster management programmes of the Central and State Governments must have a component of forestry, which should not be less than 5% of the total outlay. [354] Efforts should be made by Central and State Government to obtain adequate funding from external sources to fulfill the NFAP targets. [355] Before accepting funding both from donors and lending agencies, the executing agencies namely, the State governments, must provide in real terms matching/required contributions, which should be additions to and not substitution of existing funding, and also make provision for continuing the posts and the programme that have been initiated, after the project has come to an end. [356] Fund releases should be timely and in keeping with the requirement. Funds should not be held up by the states to improve their own financial ways and means situation. [357] Programmes under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) 2005 should also be extended to forestry operations. [358] Currently, industries pay a 2% cess on water, which goes to the concerned Pollution Control Boards. At least half of the 2% cess should go to the concerned SFDs or, more appropriately, the cess be enhanced to 4% with half going to SFDs. [359] An independent mechanism of the appropriate status be set up to prioritize and monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the National Forest Commission and to draw attention of the concerned implementing agencies where implementation is deficient. [360] To assess and advise on the conservation needs and priorities of forests and grasslands, of biodiversity and wildlife, and of the civic society in this regard in future, it is recommended that a National Forest Commission be set up from time to time. *************

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LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 4539 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.05.2006

PROPOSALS UNDER FOREST CONSERVATION ACT, 1980

4539. SHRI AJIT JOGI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of proposals under consideration for approval under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, State-wise; (b) whether there is any fixed time limit for taking a final decision on these proposals; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): 114 proposals for diversion of forest land received from various State/Union Territory Governments are under consideration of the Ministry under the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The State-wise list of the proposals is enclosed as Annexure. (b) and (c): As per Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003, a time limit of 60 days has been fixed for Central Government for taking a decision on the complete proposal received from the State. Since receipt, processing and clearance of proposals is a continuous process, at any given point of time, some proposals will always be under consideration of the Ministry.

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ANNEXURE

PROPOSALS UNDER FOREST CONSERVATION ACT, 1980

State / Union Territory No. of Proposals under consideration Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1 Andhra Pradesh 20 Arunachal Pradesh 0 Assam 1 Bihar 1 Chandigarh 0 Chhattishgarh 9 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 3 Daman & Diu 0 Delhi 0 Goa 1 Gujarat 9 Haryana 0 Himachal Pradesh 2 Jammu & Kashmir 0 Jharkhand 2 Karnataka 30 Kerala 2 Lakshdeep 0 Madhya Pradesh 6 Maharashtra 2 Manipur 0 Meghalaya 0 Mizoram 1 Nagaland 0 Orissa 6 Pondichery 0 Punjab 0 Rajasthan 5 Sikkim 0 Tamil Nadu 8 Tripura 1 Uttar Pradesh 2 Uttaranchal 1 West Bengal 1

Total 114

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PROPOSALS FOR FOREST DEVELOPMENT

4540. SHRI SHRINIWAS DADASAHEB PATIL

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether forest land would be made available to private and foreign companies for development of forest cover and animal life; (b) if so, whether any proposal in this regard is received by the Union Government from foreign/private companies; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. However, preparation of the framework for Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (MSP) for forestation of degraded lands has been initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The proposed framework envisages a tripartite arrangement between the land owning agency, the local village communities and the sponsors who may be a company, firm, user group, trust, society or organization in public or private sector. (b) & (c): No such proposal has been received in the Ministry of Environment & Forests. **********




SHRINKING OF FORESTS

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3724. SHRI MOTILAL VORA MS. SUSHILA TIRIYA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the extent to which the forest area is shrinking each year in the country alongwith the details of area deforested during last five years, State-wise; (b) the area of land on which plantation has been made to extend forest cover during each year of last three years, State-wise; (c) whether Government have taken any concrete steps to check the environmental imbalance; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): As per forest cover assessment of the country made by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the forest cover of the country is not shrinking. FSI assesses the forest cover of the country once in two years and the results are published in `State of Forest Report (SFR)`. As per the last three SFR`s based on satellite data of 1998, 2000 and 2002 respectively, the forest cover of the country has shown an increase as given in Annexure-I. (b): The Ministry of Environment and Forests in implementing National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas in the country. The scheme is being implemented through a two-tier decentralised mechanism of Forest Development Agency (FDA) at Forest Division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level. The project area is treated as per the microplan formulation for the JFMC area. As on 31.03.2006, 715 FDA project have been approved in 28 States to cover a project area of 9.24 lakh hectare through 23,750 JFMCs. State-wise area covered during the last three years (2003-04 to 2005-06) is given in Annexure II. (c), (d) & (e): The Ministry of Environment & Forests is taking the following steps to check environmental imbalance: (i) Implementation of Plan Scheme on Environmental Impact Assessment to assess the impact of various development projects on the environment and the enforcement of the

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related regulatory framework provided by the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), Notification, 1994. (ii) The Ministry has adopted a policy for abatement of pollution, which provides multipronged strategies in the form of regulation, legislation, agreements, fiscal incentives and other measures to prevent and abate pollution. (iii) To give effect to various measures and policies for pollution control, steps have been initiated which include stringent regulations, development of environment standards, control of vehicular pollution, and spatial environmental planning, etc. (iv) The Ministry is the nodal agency for all multilateral environmental agreement and is coordinating international cooperation and sustainable development issues. (v) For the purpose of conservation and protection of the coastal environment the Ministry has issued the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 under which all developmental activities within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) area are regulated. (vi) Strict enforcement of Indian Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and therules and guidelines made thereunder. (vii)Management measures like working of forest according to approved Working Plants, Forest Development Agencies and joint Forest Management activities. (viii) Financial measures like providing assistance to the States/Union Territories under Centrally Sponsored schemes and externally aided projects. (ix) To promote environment education through existing educational/scientific research institutions.

ANNEXURE-I

EXTENT OF FOREST COVER DURING LAST FIVE YEARS (Area in km2)

State/UT 1999 Forest Cover 2001 Forest Cover 2003 Forest Cover

Andhra Pradesh 44,229 44,637 44,419 Arunachal Pradesh 68,847 68,045 68,019 Assam 23,688 27,714 27,826 Bihar 4,830 5,720 5,558 Chhatisgarh 21,644 22,637 55,998 Delhi 88 111 170 Goa 1,251 2,095 2,156 Gujarat 12,965 15,152 14,946 Haryana 964 1,754 1,517

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Himachal Pradesh 13,082 14,360 14,353 Jammu & Kashmir 20,441 21,237 21,267 Jharkhand 32,467 36,991 22,716 Karnataka 10,323 15,560 36,449 Kerala 75,137 77,265 15,577 Madhya Pradesh 56,693 56,448 76,429 Maharashtra 46,672 47,482 46,865 Manipur 17,384 16,926 17,219 Meghalaya 15,633 15,584 16,839 Mizoram 18,338 17,494 18,430 Nagaland 14,164 13,345 13,609 Orissa 47,033 48,838 48,366 Punjab 1,412 2,432 1,580 Rajasthan 13,871 16,367 15,826 Sikkim 3,118 3,193 3,262 Tamilnadu 17,078 21,482 22,643 Tripura 5,745 7,065 8,093 Uttar Pradesh 10,756 13,746 14,118 Uttaranchal 23,260 23,938 24,465 West Bengal 8,362 10,693 12,343 Andaman & Nicobar 7,606 6,930 6,964 Chandigarh 7 9 15 Dadra & Nagar Haveli 202 219 225 Daman & Diu 0 6 8 Lakshdweep 0 27 23 Pondicherry 0 36 40 Total 637,293 675,538 678333

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ANNEXURE-II

EXTENT OF AFFORESTATION DURING LAST THREE YEARS

State 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

Andhra Pradesh 13040 7780 3490 Chhattisgarh 19869 2800 2225 Gujarat 6600 4930 5000 Haryana 7250 1000 1050 Himachal Pradesh 20434 7474 0 Jammu & Kashmir 15055 0 0 Karnataka 7150 6000 2650 Madhya Pradesh 5700 14700 3170 Maharashtra 31630 8605 3175 Orissa 6228 2313 6025 Punjab 3300 900 3385 Rajasthan 6800 2500 5090 Tamil Nadu 19563 7450 1340 Uttar Pradesh 19028 2000 1017 Uttaranchal 18186 10346 5665 Goa 1250 0 0 Jharkhand 25400 7500 1250 Bihar 7750 2400 2165 Kerala 5890 805 2955 West Bengal 9286 3900 200 Arunachal Pradesh 4600 0 1940 Assam 19665 4350 2940 Manipur 5600 600 500 Nagaland 2398 0 0 Sikkim 1000 0 0 Tripura 0 2200 0 Mizoram 600 0 0 Meghalaya 0 7400 0 Total 283272 107953 55232 ************

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1861 ANSWERED ON 08.12.2006 DECREASE IN FOREST COVER 1861. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA SHRI KRISHAN LAL BALMIKI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the forest area is decreasing rapidly in some States of the country; (b) whether it is also a fact that scattered forests have taken place of dense forests in some of the States causing unfriendly atmosphere for wild animals; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) the details of efforts being made by the Government to expand the forest area? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. The forest area of the country as compiled by Forest Survey of India (FSI) from State Forest Departments and duly published in State of Forest Report (SFR) 2003, does not show any decrease. However, in comparison with the Forest Cover Assessment of 2001, SFR-2003 reveals an overall increase of 2,795 Sq. Km. in forest cover of the country. (b) & (c): As per the State of Forest Report (SFR) – 2003, the dense forest has decreased whereas open forest has increased resulting into an overall increase of 2,795 Sq. Km. of forest cover in the country. No unfriendly atmosphere for wild animals has been reported from the States/Union Territories. Moreover, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries have been created to take focused protection of wildlife in these areas under the provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. (d) The efforts being made by the Government to expand the forest area in the country are: (i) Implementation of National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining forest lands through two-tier decentralised mechanism of Forest Development Agency (FDA) at forest division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level. (ii) Management measures like working of forests according to approved Working Plans, Forest Development Agencies and eliciting people’s participation through Joint Forest Management (JFM).

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(iii) Providing assistance to the States/Union Territories under Centrally Sponsored schemes and externally aided projects for protection and conservation of forest areas and the habitats for wild animals. (iv) Guidelines for rationalising of felling and transit regulations for trees species grown on non-forest private lands to promote large scale afforestation in non-forest areas. (v) State Government and Union Territory Administrations have been requested to formulate and implement a comprehensive media plan to create mass awareness about tree planting.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS



AMENDMENT IN THE SCHEDULED TRIBES RECOGNITION OF FOREST RIGHTS BILL

2858. SHRI URKHAO GWRA BRAHMA

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the Scheduled Tribe (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill drafted earlier is going to be changed and the right will now include not only tribals but all the forest dwellers; (b) if so, whether it will not be dilution of basic objective of the Bill; and (c) whether it will be possible to prevent the encroachments in the forest under such generalised law in future?

ANSWER MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI P.R. KYNDIAH) (a) to (c): The Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2005 introduced in the Lok Sabha on 13.12.2005 was referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament. The Joint

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Committee of Parliament, which examined the said Bill, presented its report to the Lok Sabha on 23.5.2006, which was also laid on the Table of the Rajya Sabha on the same day. The Joint Committee of Parliament has made several amendments to the said Bill and reported a revised Bill titled ‘The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2006’. The Bill as amended was passed by the Lok Sabha on 15th December, 2006 ***********

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GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



OZONE DEPLETION

2013. SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are aware that holes of the ozone layer in the atmosphere are growing larger and larger; (b) how far such holes have increased in heat of the earth during the last 5 years; (c) how far this hot temperature had its adverse effect on earth most particularly on Indian soil; and (d) the steps expected to be taken by Government to protect the Indian coast in case polar snow (North and South Poles) are melted and increase the water level of the seas and oceans?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the annual spring phenomenon of Stratospheric Ozone depletion over the poles and particularly over Antarctica during the period September-November – referred to as the ozone hole, has steadily intensified in terms of quantum of depletion during the entire decade of 1990s. Thereafter, in the recent years of the present century, the progressive deterioration has been arrested. IMD observations at Maitri in Eastern Antarctica during the period 1999-2005 also conform to this trend. (b) & (c): The ozone hole is not known to affect the earth’s surface temperature.

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(d): The Government is aware of the report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2001) regarding implications of global projections of increase in the sea level rise. The steps taken to protect the Indian Coast include assessment of vulnerability and adaptation of Indian coast. ******** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1852 ANSWERED ON 08.12.2006 CLIMATIC CHANGE 1852. SHRI RAJ MOHINDER SINGH MAJITHA DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that major climatic changes are taking place in whole of the world including India; (b) if so, the facts in this regard; (c) whether it is also a fact that greenhouse gases responsible for climatic pollution is produced more in developed countries; and (d) if so, the quantity of carbon dioxide being produced by countries such as U.S.A., England, France, China, Japan, etc.? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its Third Assessment Report has projected that the global mean sea level may rise by 0.09 to 0.88 metres (m) during 1990-2100 in the most tropical and sub-tropical regions. However, lots of uncertainties are associated with these projections due to lack of knowledge of the impacts in various sectors at regional/ sub-regional level. Although, some extreme climate events have been noted recently in many parts of the world, including India, we cannot conclude that they are due to natural climate variability or due to climate change. (c): Yes Sir.

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(d): According to information available from United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the quantities of Carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), France and Japan during the year 2004 were 5987, 562, 417 and 1285 million tonnes respectively. According to the first National Communication of China, the CO2 emission for China for year 1994 was 2,666 million tonnes. ***************

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HAZARDOUS WASTE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL



DISMANTLING OF CLEMECEAU

1328. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:- (a) whether an agreement had been reached between the Governments of France and India, for dismantling of the asbestos laden decommissioned French ship Clemeceau, with its hazardous waste in the form of toxic asbestos; (b) if so, the details of the agreement; (c) whether the ship with toxic asbestos has been received for dismantling at the dismantling shipyard on Gujarat coast; and (d) the steps taken to prevent contamination of Indian shipyard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (DR. AKHILESH DAS) (a): No Sir. (b): Does not arise. (c): No, Sir. (d): Does not arise. ************

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IMPORT OF SCRAP

2473. SHRIMATI SUSHMA SWARAJ Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that India imports scrap from overseas; (b) if so, the kind of this scrap and the purpose for which the same is used; and (c) whether this scrap adversely affect the environment in India?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARIAN MEENA) (a) & (b): It is a fact that India imports scrap comprising of steel scrap and non-ferrous metal scrap and plastics scrap. These scraps are imported for recycling and re-processing. Steel scarp is freely importable. Import of non-ferrous metal and plastic scrap are regulated under the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 and amendments notified there of under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. (c): Reprocessing and recycling of scarp is beneficial to the environment from the point of view of conservation of resources and energy. The import of scrap is only allowed to the units capable of re-processing them in an environmentally sound manner. *******




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ROLE OF SOFT DRINK BOTTLING PLANTS IN GROUNDWATER POLLUTION

2006. SHRI S.M. LALJAN BASHA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has surveyed diverse soft drink bottling plants for their role in groundwater pollution or other types of pollution; (b) if so, what were the findings of CPCB in 2005-2006; and (c) what steps does the CPCB take to prevent groundwater pollution through chemical seepages, etc.?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has surveyed 16 soft drink plants in the country for characterisation of sludge generated from the Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) of these units. The analysis of the sludge has revealed that in 8 plants, the cadmium concentration was more than 50 mg/kg of sludge and in the rest it was ranging from 5 to 50 mg/kg. It was also observed that there was variation in the concentration of other heavy metals. (c): The State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) have been asked to monitor the sludge generated from effluent treatment plants to check the concentration of various parameters exceeding the limits notified under Schedule-2 of the Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended, prior to the disposal of sludge. ***********




SHIP-BREAKING

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2552. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:- (a) whether the French Ship, `Clemenceau` with more than 500 tonnes of contaminated asbestos, bound for the ship breaking yard at Alang in Gujarat which left the French post on December 31, 2005, has reached the Indian ship breaking yard, if so, when; (b) whether the contaminated asbestos has been disposed off, if so, how; and (c) the number of discarded ships received for ship-breaking purposes during 2003-04 and 2005 and the amount and the nature of contaminated material that arrived the ship- breaking posts of India and the manner in which same was disposed off?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (DR. AKHILESH DAS) (a): No Sir. (b): Does not arise. (c): 375 and 256 discarded ships were received in India for ship-breaking purposes during 2003-04 and 2004-05 respectively. During ship-breaking activities while most of the materials recovered are recycled/reused, the waste generation is less that 1 per cent of the weight of the ship. The nature of wastes generated during the process of ship-breaking are non-reactive and non-flammable which are mostly asbestos containing materials, paint chips, etc. A list of waste generated is given in the Annexure. After due treatment like stabilisation and volume reduction, the wastes are packed and transported to the authorized land filling sites. It is not possible to specify the amount of each type of contaminated material generated out of the broken ship as all the waste is disposed of collectively. About 90 per cent of India`s ship breaking activity takes place at Alang. The amount of waste sent to the landfilling site at Alang during 2003-04 and 2004-05 was 1254.144 MT and 1864.310 MT respectively. ANNEXURE List of waste generated in ship-breaking

1 Asbestos

2 Glasswool

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3 Rubber

4

Plastic waste

5 Chicken mesh

6 Rexins

7 Sludge residue

8 Cement tiles

9 Glass

10 Cardboard and Thermocol

11 Fibre glass

12 Iron scales

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ASBETOS RELATED DISEASES

1840. SHRI PENUMALLI MADHU Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government are aware of the recent finding of epidemiological study on asbestos related diseases conducted in Quebec, Canada; (b) the total number of asbestos manufacturing units in India with State-wise figures;

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(c) whether Government would undertake a study to find out the prevalence of asbestosis and mesothelioma, the dreaded diseases caused by asbestos particles in the air; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS) (a): According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a book ‘Asbestos: Selected Cancers’ (2006) has been published by Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, wherein one of the chapters is devoted to description of epidemiological studies. This chapter refers to studies on Quebec Chrysotile Miners by McDonald et al 1997. (b): The State-wise number of asbestos manufacturing units in India are detailed as under:

State No. of UnitsAndhra Pradesh 3 Assam 1 Gujarat 1 Haryana 1 Jharkhand 1 Karnataka 1 Kerala 1 Madhyha Pradesh 2 Maharashtra 6 Orissa 1 Punjab 1 Rajasthan 1 Tamil Nadu 4 U.P. 3 UT of D& N 1 West Bengal 3 (c) to (e): ICMR`s National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), Ahmedabad, is currently engaged in the following three studies related to asbestos:

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i) Study of Health Hazards/Environmental hazards resulting from use of Chrysotile variety of asbestos in the country, ii) Epidemiological study in ship breaking workers at Alang (Gujarat), iii)Environmental-cum-epidemiological study in Chrysotile and tremolite illing/mining units in Pulivendla (A.P.) and Bhim (Rajasthan). These studies have been recently initiated and results are expected to be available in the next few years.

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FACILITIES TO WORKERS IN SHIP BREAKING INDUSTRY 3020. SHRIMATI PREMA CARIAPPA Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:- (a) whether the ship breaking industry is increasing in our country at a very fast pace; (b) whether it is a fact that the commensurate facilities have not been provided to the workers who are working in very unhygienic conditions; and (c) if so, the details thereof and the efforts made by Government in this regard ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (DR. AKHILESH DAS) (a): No Sir. (b)&(c): No Sir. Adequate facilities like drinking water, electricity, roads, medical facilities, sanitation complexes, post office, banks, police stations, labour office / factory inspector, STD phones, asbestos & glasswool landfill, industrial & solid waste landfill, Municipal solid waste landfill, waste segregation godowns, supply of Personal Protective Equipments, facilities for entertainment, training-cum-welfare complex, etc. have been provided to improve the safety and ensure hygienic living conditions at ship breaking yards. ********

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF STEEL RAJYA SABHA


MODERNISING SHIP BREAKING UNITS

3019. SHRI S.M. LALJAN BASHA

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have any proposal to modernise ship breaking units all over the country; (b) whether Government will improve safety and conditions of workers in such places; (c) the specific measures proposed to encourage ship breaking industry by giving it incentives to improve safety and environmental concerns; and (d) the other steps proposed in this regard ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (DR. AKHILESH DAS) (a): The ship breaking activity is purely a private venture and the private operators provide necessary facilities for efficient operations and also the required modern equipments for safe and quick cutting of ships. In Alang, Gujarat, where 90 per cent of the country`s ship breaking activity takes place, Gujarat Maritime Board is providing roads, electricity, sanitation and other facilities. (b): The Government agencies are continuously monitoring as well as improving the safety related aspects and also the conditions of workers in such places. (c)&(d): Ship breaking permission is issued only to the ship breakers who are authorised by the State Pollution Control Board for Management and handling of hazardous waste under the provisions of Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules. To ensure safety of the workers, use of personal protective equipments such as mask, hand gloves, helmet, safety shoes, etc. by the workers has been made mandatory. Training is also being imparted in safety as well as handling of hazardous waste to workers working in ship breaking yards.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 254 ANSWERED ON 08.12.2006 TOXIC SPOTS OF INDIA 254. SHRIMATI SYEDA ANWARA TAIMUR SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have gone through the report released by the Fuller Institute in New York in which they have identified six toxic spots marring India’s growth story; (b) whether Government are aware that these spots are located in Kolkata, Kanpur, Vapi, Ankaleshwar and Ranipet; and (c) what action Government plan to take to stop toxicity emanating from these industries situated in above towns, and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a): Yes Sir. A report titled ‘World’s Worst Polluted Places - The Top Ten’ has been released by the Blacksmith Institute, New York in October 2006. The report gives the list of 35 polluted sites across the continents prepared by the Institute, which includes six (6) sites in our country - Picnic Gardens in Kolkata, Vapi, Ankleshwar, Kanpur, Bhopal and Ranipet. Out of these sites, Ranipet, which has pollutants of tannery wastes, figures in the top ten list. The Government is unaware of the professional credentials of the Blacksmith Institute, or its affiliation to commercial and/or political interests. The basis of the report, i.e. data and methodology is also unclear. The report, to our knowledge has not undergone scientific peer review, and thus cannot be accepted as legitimate science. (b) & (c): The Central Pollution Control Board has identified 24 critically polluted areas in the country which includes Vapi and Ankleshwar, whereas the other sites do not figure in the list. In the Picnic Garden area of Kolkata, the problem pertains to the lead smelting units and disposal of lead bearing slag and in the sites of Kanpur and Ranipet the problems pertain to effluents from leather tanneries.

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Various steps have been initiated for the abatement of pollution in the above areas, which include: Ø Closure of some of the lead smelting units in Kolkata and preparation of the remediation plans for disposal of lead bearing slag. Ø Formulation of action plans in respect of Vapi and Ankleshwar as critically polluted areas. The action plan includes treatment of industrial wastes water in individual and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) and disposal of hazardous waste at Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF). Ø Setting up of the chrome recovery units and treatment of the wastewater from tanneries on priority at Kanpur and Ranipet. ************

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE RAJYA SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO 399 ANSWERED ON 19.12.2006

HIGHER DUTY LEVIED ON SHIP-BREAKING INDUSTRY

399. SHRI JAYANTILAL BAROT SHRI SURYAKANTBHAI ACHARYA Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that ship-breaking industry is providing employment to a large number of manual workers of Northern States; (b) whether the present rate of duty levied on ship-breaking for the scrap metal is higher than the duty levied on the metal scrap in neighbouring countries particularly Bangladesh and China; (c) whether Government are aware that due to this higher duty, employment is coming down in the industry in Gujarat, particularly at Alang; (d) whether Government will consider the proposal of State Government of Gujarat to reduce the import duty to the level of other competitors; and (e) if so, by when the decision with regard to the reduction of import duty will be taken?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF FINANCE (SHRI P.CHIDAMBARAM ) (a): Yes Sir. (b): Basic customs duty on ships for breaking is 5 per cent. As per Integrated Database of World Trade Organisation (WTO), rate of customs duty on ships for breaking in Bangladesh is 1000 Bangladesh Taka per light displacement tonnage or LDT (about 3.7 per cent on ad valorem terms based on current prices). In Pakistan, the customs duty rate is 5 per cent, while for China the rate is 3 per cent. Thus, the rate of customs duty in India for import of ships for breaking is not significantly higher than that in the neighbouring countries. (c): Due to gradual decline in ship-breaking activity, the number of workers engaged in this industry has come down in recent years. This, however, cannot be attributed to the duty structure as the customs duty rates on ships for breaking in India and the neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan are not significantly different. Employment in ship breaking industry is coming down on account of a number of factors, some of which are listed below: i) Price of old ships for demolition in the world market has gone up substantially during last five year. ii) There is shortage of ships for breaking. iii) Less stringent implementation of international environmental and labour safety regulations relating to ship recycling in Bangladesh has resulted in shifting of tanker breakage business to Bangladesh. (d) & (e): Government has examined a request from Government of Gujarat seeking reduction in customs duty on ships imported for breaking on the ground that, because of high customs duty prevailing in India, ship-recycling industry is facing severe competition from neighbouring countries. At the time of formulation of budget 2006-07, 5 per cent customs duty was imposed on melting scrap, so as to bring it at par with that on ships imported for breaking. Government has also exempted 4 per cent additional duty of customs on ships for breaking. Comparison with neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh is inappropriate, since Bangladesh does not have an adequate alternate supply of steel and they have to depend on their ship-breaking industry for availability of adequate steel for domestic consumption. In view of this, the request for exempting ships for breaking from import duty has not been accepted. *********

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HEALTH




HEAVY METALS IN AYURVEDIC MEDICINES

66. SHRI K. RAMA MOHANA RAO Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the Ayurvedic medicines that are being exported to various countries contain heavy metals; (b) whether it is also a fact that Government have issued a notification that all heavy metals should be indicated specifically on the labels; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) what are the permissible limits of metal content in the medicines according to the WHO?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (d): Regulatory agencies in some countries have reportedly found heavy metals above the permissible limit in some Ayurvedic medicines from India. The Government has issued an order on October 14, 2005 under Section 30 EEB of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 for mandatory testing of heavy metals, namely, arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium in respect of every batch of purely herbal Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani drugs to be exported. This is a process of self-certification for export purposes. Permissible limits of heavy metals have been prescribed, namely, (i) Lead (Pb)-10 ppm (ii) Cadmium (Cd)-0.30 ppm

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(iii) Arsenic (As)-10 ppm (iv) Mercury (Hg)-1 ppm . Government have also issued an order reiterating the labeling provisions under Rule 161 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 regarding mentioning the name of all the ingredients used in the manufacture of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani drugs either on the label of the container or on a leaflet to be inserted inside the container of the medicine. All State Licensing Authorities have been directed to enforce this provision.

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DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY WELFARE RAJYA SABHA


IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARDS OF HOSPITALS AND PHCs

2. PROF M.M. AGARWAL Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have any proposal to improve the functioning of Central Government hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres in the rural areas of the country; and (b) if so, the details of the programmes and schemes formulated in this respect?

ANSWER MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS) (a)&(b): Central Government Hospitals namely, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt. S.K. Hospital, New Delhi, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Educational and Research, Chandigarh, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical, Education & Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, are equipped with required essential facilities. Further, upgradation/modernisation of the hospitals by replacement of old equipment/provision of new technologies is an ongoing process depending on the availability of resources. As regards Primary Healthcare Centres in rural areas of the country, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has been launched by the Ministry of Health and Family

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Welfare during 2005-06 for the entire country with focus on 18 states. Its objective is to provide accessible, affordable, accountable, effective and reliable primary healthcare facilities specially to the rural poor and vulnerable sections of the population. The Mission also aims to bridge the gap of rural healthcare services through creation of cadre of 2.5 lakh Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), improved hospital care, Intra- and Inter-sectoral Convergence and effective utilisation of resources. Besides, the Mission also aims to implement its programmes by community involvement through Panchayati Raj Institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders. The other strategies are strengthening of sub-centres, raising Community Healthcare Centres (CHCs) to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), mainstreaming of AYUSH, strengthening immunisation , implementation of Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) for improving institutional deliveries, supplies of additional generic drugs to SCs/PHCs/CHCs and also to provide insurance cover in the course of implementation of NRHM strategies.

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BIRD FLU DEATHS

2479. SHRI LALIT SURI Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) the number of persons in the country who have so far been hit by bird flu, State-wise; (b) the number out of them who have succumbed to the disease, State-wise; and (c) the extent to which the Central Government have assisted the States, financially and by providing effective medicines for the disease?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (c): There are no reports of any human cases of avian influenza [bird flu] in the country.

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Death of poultry had been reported from Navapur Taluka of District Nandurbar, Maharashtra and Uchchhal Tehsil of Surat district in Gujarat. A series of strategic actions were initiated immediately on confirmation of avian influenza. The contingency plans were put into operation. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India deputed its Rapid Response Teams to Maharashtra and to Gujarat. The teams were in the field and assisted the State health authorities in carrying out active surveillance to identify suspected cases among contacts of infected poultry. Adequate quantity of Tamiflu and personal protective equipments were made available to both the States to meet the requirement. On 14th March, 2006, Department of Animal Husbandry notified outbreak of avian influenza in Hated village (Chopada Taluka), Sawada village (Raver Taluka), Salva village (Dharangaon Taluka) and Marul Village (Yaval Taluka) of Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. Animal Husbandry Department has initiated control and containment operations in 10 Kilometer radius of the four villages. Rapid Response Teams of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the State Government are in the field carrying out active house-to-house surveillance and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategies. Required quantity of Tamiflu and personal protective equipments have been made available to the State Government. The situation is being closely monitored. ********




RESPIRATORY DISEASE IN FLOUR MILL WORKERS

2482. SHRI B.J. PANDA SMT. PRAMILA BOHIDAR Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that as per a study conducted by Socio-Economic Benevolent Action (SEBA), an organisation in Orissa, the flour mill workers have been found susceptible to respiratory and other diseases; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is also a fact that such types of diseases are very much prevalent in the

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coastal regions of Orissa; and (d) what is the action plan of Government to help the State Government, both financially and physically, to control these diseases?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (d): Information is being collected and will be laid on the table of the House. *********




BAN ON GUTKHA AND PAN MASALA

2513. SHRI DHARAM PAL SABHARWAL Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) the names of the States that have represented Government to put a ban on the manufacture, sale and export of gutkha and pan masala in the country during the last three years; (b) the decision taken by Government in the matter; and (c) whether the existing legislation ‘The Cigarette and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade, Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003’ has been found ineffective to curb the sale of gutkha and pan masala in the country?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): The Central Government has received requests from Government of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to ban manufacture and sale of gutkha and pan masala in the country. (b): The Central Committee for Food Standards which is a statutory body under the PFA Act, 1954, has recommended that tobacco, alcoholic beverages and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in the manufacture of proprietary foods (non-standardised foods). Gutkha is marketed as a proprietary food. Accordingly, draft rules further to amend PFA Rules, 1955 have been published in the Gazette of India vide notification GSR 694 (E) dated 28.11.2005 which interalia propose that tobacco, alcoholic beverages and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in proprietary food products. Proprietary food means a food which has not been standardised under PFA Rules, 1955. The draft rules have been published for inviting objections/suggestions. (c): The Tobacco Control Act, 2003 does not provide for ban on manufacture, sale and export of gutka and pan masala. However, it restricts the sale of tobacco products including gutka and pan masala, within 100 meters of education institutions. The State Governments are the implementing agencies of the provisions contained in the Act. *********




RECOMMENDATIONS OF MASHELKAR COMMITTEE

1972. DR. ALLADI P. RAJKUMAR Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Mashelkar Committee on spurious drugs has recommended to amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and rules to include a range of herbal and cosmetic formations in its purview; and (b) if so, the details and the steps initiated by Government to amend the law?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) & (b): Herbal drugs and cosmetic formulations are already being regulated under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. However, the Mashelkar Committee had suggested certain improvements in the regulatory procedures and classifications, etc. These recommendations are under active consideration of the Department of AYUSH. **********




ADULTERATED MILK IN METROS

2033. DR. GYAN PRAKASH PILANIA SHRI MOTILAL VORA Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that 25 per cent of the milk being sold in Delhi and other metropolitan cities of the country is adulterated and it contains a preservative called ‘thiocyanate’ leading to goiter in children; (b) if so, the steps taken by Government to prevent such a situation and the results thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons therefore?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): No such specific report has come to the notice of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The standards for milk have been prescribed under Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955. As per Rule 44 (1) of the PFA Rule, sale of milk and milk products containing substances not found in milk except as provided under these rules, is already prohibited under the provisions of PFA Act, 1954.

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(b)&(c): The PFA Act is implemented by the State/UT Governments under which adulteration in food products are checked at the level of manufactures as well as retailers. For keeping check on the quality of milk sold in the country, the State/UT Governments have been requested from time to time to keep a strict vigil on the quality of milk and to take appropriate action against the offenders.

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BIRD FLU MEDICINES

2024. SHRI A. VIJAYARAGHAVAN Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether ‘Tamiflu’ is the drug administered to treat avian influenza; (b) if so, whether there is required stock of above drug available in all States; (c) if so, the quantity of stock of above medicine as on today, State-wise and category-wise; (d) if so, whether above medicine is not safe for children and is having other side effects also; (e) if so, the details thereof; and (f) whether above drug is in use in other countries and is recommended/used by the World Health Organisation as on today?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (f): Tamiflu (Generic name: Oseltamivir) is used for treatment of Influenza caused by H5N1 strain i.e. Avian Influenza as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).

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At present the drug is procured by Government of India and stockpiled in National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) and being distributed to States as per need. WHO supplied 20,000 capsules of Tamiflu (Roche) and Government of India procured 7,00,000 capsules of Fluvir (Hetero) and after supplying to Gujarat, Maharashtra, High Security Animal Diseases Laboratory, Bhopal, Rapid Response Teams and for laboratory personnel at NICD, National Institute of Virology and Embassy of India, Turkey etc., as on 7.3.2006 there is a stock of 6,84,650 capsules. Tamiflu is used for the treatment of influenza in adults and children of one year of age or older. As per World Health Organization (WHO) drug information, the safety and efficacy of Tamiflu in children less than one year of age have not been established. Hypersensitivity to Oseltamivir is the main contraindication. The frequently reported adverse effect both in adults and children, according to WHO drug information, are nausea and vomiting. WHO recommends the above drug and is used in other countries also. **********




LABELLING OF INGREDIENTS ON PACKAGED FOOD

1268. SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether his Ministry has issued any notification relating to labelling requirements for packaged food, manufactured and sold in India and thus aligning with the international standards; (b) whether the amended Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, ensure that such labels contain full information relating to ingredients, quantity used, nutritional information per 100 grams/ml. expiry date, etc.; and (c) whether the existing staff suffice or additional staff with special orientation will be required to ensure compliance with the amended provision?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS) (a) to (c): A draft notification has been published in the Gazette of India vide G.S.R. 694 (E) dated the 28th November, 2005 for inviting objections/suggestions from the public. As per the draft rules, every package of food shall indicate the full information relating to ingredients, quantity used including percentage of ingredients, which is emphasised as present through words or pictures or graphics, nutritional information per 100 gm or per 100 ml alongwith percentage of nutrients, date of expiry, country of origin, etc. Staff as per the sanctioned strength will suffice. The Orientation Training Courses to regulatory staffs are being imparted under the World Bank Assisted Capacity Building Project on Food and Drugs.

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FOOD ADULTERATION

1277. SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 has failed to check manufacture and sale of adultered food items in the country; (b) if so, whether Government have any proposal to bring amendments in the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS) (a) to (c): As per the latest information made available by various Food (Health) Authorities who are responsible for implementation of the PFA Act, 1954 in their

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respective States/UTs., the average percentage of food adulteration during the years 2000-2003 is 11.3 per cent. Amendments in the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules are an ongoing process, which are made from time to time as per requirement in consultation with the Central Committee of Food Standards (CCFs) which is a statutory committee set up under the provisions of the PFA Act, 1954. *********




ADVERSE EFFECTS OF MOBILE PHONES

492. SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are aware that rays/waves of the radio broadcast, T.V. and mobile phones can cross all protections; (b) if so, how far these rays/waves have created troubles/diseases to the public in the country; (c) whether it has come to the notice that use of mobile phones at the time of the thundering of clouds can be fatal for users; and (d) if so, the steps being taken by Government for the protection of the public?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (d): According to Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR) radiation from mobile phone towers and other electronic devices has been engaging the attention of the Government for quiet some time. Based on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Karma Jyot Sewa Trust of Gujarat, Mumbai High Court had ordered the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India to examine the issue on health hazards

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due to mobile phone base stations. As a follow up of Mumbai High Court’s directions, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) comprising the doctors from the leading scientific institutions viz All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh and also including a representative of Department of Telecommunication. The Committee met on 29th May, 2006 and opined that overall there is not enough evidence to show direct health hazards of radio frequency exposure from mobile base stations. The Committee recommended that a precautionary approach needs to be adopted till further research data is available. It would not be amiss to adopt the International Council for Non-ionising, Radiation Protection guidelines for limiting electronic magnetic force exposures. In recent issue of British Medical Journal some doctors have warned against the outdoor use of devices like cell phone during stormy weather. The Australian Lightning Protection Standard also recommends that metallic objects, including cordless or mobile phones should not be used. Ministry of Telecommunication has set up multi-disciplinary Committee to examine the issue of adopting International Guidelines for Electro Magnetic Force Exposure. According to Ministry of Telecommunication, this Committee is expected to prepare precautionary guidelines for protection of public from electro-magnetic radiation from mobiles towers and mobile phones within time frame of four months. ***********




SURVEILLANCE TO IDENTIFY IODINE DEFICIENT AREAS

494. SHRI PENUMALLI MADHU

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the surveillance was carried out to identify the specific areas of iodine deficiency in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; and

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(c) if not, the reasons why iodised salt is made available all over the country irrespective of its dire requirement?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (c): As per Surveys conducted by the Directorate General of Health Services, Indian Council of Medical Research, State Health Directorates and Health Institutions out of 324 districts surveyed covering all the States/Union Territories, 263 districts are endemic i.e. where the prevalence of Iodine Deficiency disorders is more than 10 per cent. Thus no State/Union Territories is free from Iodine Deficient Disorder.

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STEPS TO CURB SMOKING HABIT.

2982. SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Dr. Charles Warren of Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia has estimated that global annual deaths from smoking are expected to double by 2020 and that gap between male and female smokers will narrow down; (b) if so, the details thereof with particular reference to India; and (c) the effective steps being taken to curb smoking habits in India?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. As per the study of Dr. Charles Warren, as published in Lancet, the global burden of disease from tobacco use is estimated to double with the number of deaths slated to rise from 5 million in 2005 to 10 million in 2020. The study also reveals that the difference in cigarette smoking between boys and girls is smaller than the difference between men and women. (c): For discouraging the consumption of Tobacco Products a comprehensive Act titled Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 has been enacted and has come into effect from 1st May 2004, the salient features of which are: i) Ban on direct / indirect advertisement of tobacco products; ii) Prohibition of smoking in public places; iii) Prohibition of sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of schools / institutes; iv) Prohibition of sale of tobacco products to minors. ***********




BAN ON RETAIL SALE OF BIRD FLU DRUGS

502. SHRI TARIQ ANWAR Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that approval has been sent to ban the retail sale of bird flu drugs; and (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS) (a) and (b): Yes Sir. Government of India has banned the retail sale of the antiviral drug Oseltamivir Phosphate under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (10 of 1955) vide notification No.S.O. 526(E) dated 12th April, 2006. A Committee of experts, under Directorate General of Health Services after examining the issue, suggested only public distribution of the drug for the following reasons: (i) Tamiflu is known to cause toxicity such as nausea, vomiting and psychiatric symptoms and hence it is to be administered under strict medical supervision (ii) Because of the panic created by the first outbreak at Navapur, there would have been large scale stockpiling of the drug and its indiscriminate use if retail marketing was allowed (iii) There is no human case of avian influenza in India to justify that the drug should be available in all hospitals/clinics (iv) Inappropriate or indiscriminate use may result in development of resistance implying that the only drug available for prophylactic treatment of this disease could become useless (v) The entire strategic operations were in limited areas of 3 Kms and surveillance upto 10 kms and only cases falling within the standard case definition needed to b e isolated under strict infection control practices in identified hospitals and then only administered Tamiflu. **********


DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDARY AND DAIRYING RAJYA SABHA


EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON BIRD FLU

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3658. SHRI DHARAM PAL SABHARWAL SHRIMATI PREMA CARIAPPA PROF. ALKA BALRAM KSHATRIYA Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether any epidemiological study and surveillance has been undertaken by Government to find out whether the outbreak of bird flu was triggered by the migratory birds; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether there is possibility of the virus striking during the winter season again; and (d) if so, what preventive measures Government propose to take in this respect?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI TASLIMUDDIN) (a)&(b): A committee has been constituted by Government of India by order dated 22nd February, 2006 to determine the possible source of infection of the outbreak of Avian Influenza in poultry in Nandurbar District of Maharashtra under the Chairmanship of Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW). Samples of wild/migratory birds were also taken from the area surrounding Navapur. Till date, no sample of wild/migratory birds has tested positive for avian influenza. (c): It is not possible to predict whether the virus will strike India again during the winter season. It is dependent on several factors including persistence of virus in local poultry/birds and transmission of disease if any, from migratory birds. The present wave of Avian Influenza commenced in Hong Kong in 1997 but the first outbreak was reported in India in February 2006 only. (d): Preventive measures are in place to prevent outbreak of avian influenza and to control/contain it in case of outbreak. The pre-outbreak measures include ban on poultry/poultry products from HPAI infected countries, intensified surveillance, alerting of Quarantine Stations, circulation of Action Plan and Advisories to States, formation of Joint Monitoring mechanisms with stakeholders such as Health, Environment & Forests etc., developing the central strategic reserve of vaccine and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), providing training to officials of Health, Animal Husbandry and Forests etc. *************

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH


ANSWERED ON 19.05.2006 COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE ADVERSE EFFECT OF AERATED DRINKS

3770. PROF. ALKA BALRAM KSHATRIYA

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have set up an expert committee to examine the adverse effects of aerated drinks with additives on public health; (b) what are the terms and reference of the Committee; (c) whether the Committee has since submitted its report; and (d) if so, the finding thereof and the action taken by Government thereon?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (d): A National Level Expert Committee has been constituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the Chairmanship of Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to guide Pesticide Residues Sub-Committee of the Central Committee for Food Standards (CCFS) on the following:- (i) To decide the Pesticide Residue Sub-Committee on fixation of MRLs of pesticide in carbonated beverage, fruits and vegetables juices and other finished products. (ii) To guide the Pesticide Residues Sub-Committee on technical aspects of fixing MRLs including methodology, toxicity, processing factor, methods of analysis, health risks that may be considered for risk analysis, risk management and risk communication as per Codex Working Principles. (iii) To guide on monitoring of pesticide in carbonated beverages and other food commodities.

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(iv) To guide on any other matter on which pesticide residues sub-committee, Central Committee for Food Standards, Department of Health may require technical clarification/guidance. The Committee has further been requested to provide guidelines also in respect of adverse effect of aerated drinks with additives on public health in the light of the order passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in case of the Writ Petition (Civil) No.681 of 2004. The Committee has not submitted its report till date. ***********




ADULTERATED MILK IN DELHI

3746. SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI SHRI AMAR SINGH Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are aware that a large quantity of adulterated and impure milk, mostly synthetic milk, daily brought in the National Capital Territory of Delhi by the producers from the adjoining States like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan; (b) the maximum quantity of such milk is openly sold in Trans-Yamuna area and west zone specially in Khayala Village, Tilak Nagar, Rajouri Garden, etc., and sold in the market at the of Rs. 12 Kg.; (c) whether any action has been taken against the supplier oaf such milk which is causing several diseases to the consumers; and (d) if so, the details thereof including the number of vendors prosecuted so far during the last six months?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) & (b): A large quantity of milk is brought in to Delhi from adjoining States. The enforcement staff of the Dpt. of PFA, Govt. of NCT of Delhi regularly lift samples of milk from various sources/outlets viz. retailers, distributors, wholesellers etc. from all parts of Delhi, including Trans-Yamuna and West Zone of Delhi. In Delhi, during the year 2005, a total 230 samples of milk were lifted, out of which 105 samples of milk were not found to be conforming to the PFA standards. However, no case of synthetic milk has been detected. (c): Action under section 7/16 of the PFA Act, 1954 is being taken against the offenders where samples of milk have not been found to be conforming to PFA standards. (d): As informed by the State Government, a total of 49 vendors/persons/ parties were prosecuted by Govt. of NCT of Delhi during the last six months (November 2005 to April, 2006). **********




FLOURIDE IN GROUNDWATER 3755. SHRI RAMDAS AGARWAL SHRI DARA SINGH

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that 60 million Indians rely on groundwater alone which is contaminated with fluoride content exceeding WHO norms leading to bone deformities and other health hazards; (b) whether it is also a fact that South Asian Regions (particularly in India) accounts for 34 per cent of diarrhoeal deaths and 64 per cent of dengue deaths and around 400-500 millions are already at a risk of soil-transmitted worm infection; and (c) if so, what remedial steps are Government proposes to take in this regard?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): Fluoride in drinking water in excess of standards prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards. i.e., 1.0 mg per litre has been reported in 196 districts across 19 States of the country. However, as per WHO guidelines, the safe level of fluoride in drinking water is 1.5 mg per litre. It is estimated that more than 60 million people are at risk. (b): According to World Health Report 2004, 34 per cent of diarrhoeal deaths occur in South-East region but it is difficult to confirm whether deaths are particularly contributed by India. As per World Health Report 2005 estimates, only 2.82 per cent of the global dengue deaths have been reported from India. As for population at risk of soil transmitted worm infection /helminthes, the extent of the problem in India is not well documented. (c): Health is primarily a State subject and provision of medical relief for communicable diseases through primary and community health centres and supply of safe drinking water is looked after by the State Governments. Fluorosis is combated by provision of safe drinking water. Communicable diseases are linked for maintenance of environmental hygiene, sanitation, consumption of safe and good drinking water. The preventive measures taken by local health authorities include provision of safe drinking water, improvement of personal and community hygiene, safe disposal of human excreta, undertaking appropriate health education, surveillance and monitoring, distribution of chlorine tablets and ORS packets, etc. The Government of India supplements the efforts of the State Governments/Union Territories through various National Health Programmes. Funds are also provided under the Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme, Accelerated Urban Water supply Programme, Total Sanitation Campaign, School Sanitation and Hygiene Education and low cost sanitation scheme for tackling quality related problems in respect of drinking water supply and sanitation. National Institute of Communicable Diseases provides technical support to the State Governments and undertakes surveillance, early detection and prevention and control of outbreaks of communicable diseases. The Government of India has launched an Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme in November, 2004 to further strengthen identification of outbreaks of various diseases including diarrohea, dengue etc. so that early intervention could be made and occurrence, disability and death due to such communicable diseases could be reduced. ***********

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ADVERSE EFFECTS OF COSMETICS

2979. PROF. ALKA BALRAM KSHATRIYA

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that common cosmetics such as talcum powder, perfumes, soap, oil nail polish, lipstick, etc. are injurious to health and even pose a threat of cancer; (b) whether Government would take any step to warn consumers of harmful effects of cosmetics; and (c) whether Government would eventually take steps to ban the manufacturing and sale of these synthetic, inorganic cosmetics products?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): No specific reports have been received in this Ministry that talcum powder, perfumes, soap, oil, nail polish and lipstick are injurious to health and even pose a threat of cancer. (b): As per Schedule ‘S’ of Drug & Cosmetics Rules all these products are required to conform to the standards laid down by Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS). As per IS 4707 (Part I) and (Part-II) of BIS Standards only such ingredients, which have been considered as safe for human use, are allowed in preparations of cosmetics and toiletries. Further Dermatological Safety of Cosmetics is covered under IS 4011 of BIS standards. (c): In view of the above, the question for banning these cosmetics/toiletries products does not arise. **********

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 347 ANSWERED ON 24.11.2006 RISE OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES DUE TO POLLUTION 347. SHRI RAVULA CHANDRA SEKAR REDDY Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Delhi’s pollution levels may have reportedly gone down, but cases of asthma especially among children continue to be on the rise; (b) if so, the details thereof reported during the last two years, hospital-wise in Delhi; (c) whether the aerated drinks, junk foods, fast foods, potato chips, ice-cream and some other items are adding the woes of the children and their parents; (d) if so, what steps Government would take to ban such items in Delhi to save the young children from these clutches; and (e) what steps Government are taking to improve the quality life of students especially in Delhi? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) & (b): Indian Council of Medical Research has reported that there is no direct evidence to suggest that air pollution by itself can be the cause of asthma. Allergents like pollen, house dust and certain food articles can however, trigger off asthma attacks. As asthma is not a notifiable disease, data relating to morbidity due to asthma is not maintained. (c) to (e): Though there is a growing interest for processed food including junk food, aerated drinks, however the Government ensures quality standards of various food items including ice-cream, aerated drinks, etc. through the provisions of Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) rules. **************

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INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION




INDUSTRIES POSING DANGER TO ENVIRONMENT

2009. SHRIMATI VANGA GEETHA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the multi crore industries continue to pose a danger to health and environment in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether Government are not taking serious action despite warning by the researchers; (d) if so, the reasons therefor; and (e) the steps being taken by Government to protect the health of children from ill-effects?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): Large industries are required to provide necessary pollution control measures so as to comply with the prescribed environmental standards to avoid any significant adverse impacts on environment and human health. The specified industries are also required to seek environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment & Forests under the Environment (Protection) Act and consent from the respective State Pollution Control Board. These industries are periodically monitored and action is taken against the defaulting units by the regulatory agencies. The industries are also required to comply with the provisions of the Factories Act for protection of health of workers. (c): No Sir. (d): Does not arise.

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(e): The steps taken by the Government to protect the environment and human health include the following:

• Comprehensive policy for abatement of pollution. • Supply of improved lead free and low sulphur auto-fuel including CNG. • Tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms. • Mandatory environmental clearance for specified industries. • Management of industrial hazardous wastes. • Promotion of cleaner technologies. • Setting up of network of air and water quality monitoring stations. • Assessment of pollution load and source apportionment studies. • Preparation and implementation of action plans for major cities and critically

polluted areas.

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EFFLUENT TREATMENT PLANTS FOR SSI

4509. SMT. JAYABEN B. THAKKAR

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has undertaken a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for enabling the Small Scale Industries (SSI) to set up pollution control equipment for treatment of effluents; and (b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years and current year, State-wise?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): A Centrally Sponsored Scheme has been undertaken by the Government for enabling the Small Scale Industries (SSI) to set up new and upgrade the existing Common Effluent

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Treatment Plants (CETP) to treat the effluents for control of pollution. The funding pattern for establishment of CETP is as follows: # State subsidy 25 per cent of the total project cost; # Central subsidy 25 per cent of the total project cost; # Entrepreneurs contribution 20 per cent of the total project cost; # Loan from financial institutions 30 per cent of the total project cost. (b): While no funds have been so far released for the current year for establishment of CETPs, during last three years financial assistance was provided to the States of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab to the tune of Rs. 1198.80 lakhs, Rs. 121.20 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs respectively for the same.

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INCENTIVES TO INDUSTRIES

4524. SHRI PRABODH PANDA

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government proposes to give special incentives to the industries which are adopting recycling and eco-friendly conservation practices; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the time by which these are likely to be provided?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a), (b) & (c): Industries are encouraged to conserve natural resources and minimize pollution under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977, wherein

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there is provision for a rebate on water-cess paid by the industry fulfilling certain criteria. They are entitled for 25 per cent rebate on the cess payable upon installation of a water treatment plant. Industries are also required to comply with the general and source specific environmental standards for abatement of pollution notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Further, registration of recyclers for recycling of hazardous wastes is provided under the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2003. Financial assistance is also provided for studies on waste minimization and establishment of Waste Minimisation Circles (WMCs) in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). **************

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1850 ANSWERED ON 08.12.2006 POLLUTION SPREADING UNITS 1850. SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the details of such pollution spreading units, State-wise, particularly in Delhi, which come under ‘H’ and other categories as per the Master Plan; (b) the steps taken by the Central Government to check pollution, spread by these units during the last three years; and (c) whether it is also a fact that serious problem of pollution is prevailing in towns, cities and metropolitan cities particularly in the Capital Delhi? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House. (b): The steps taken for control of pollution by industrial units include; · notification of general and source specific standards for emissions and effluents; · regulating the citing of industries;

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· regular monitoring for environmental compliance to environment standards; and · the legal action against non-complying units. (c): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is monitoring ambient air quality at various locations. The monitored data reveals that air quality in Delhi and other metro cities meets the national ambient air quality standards in respect of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Oxide of Nitrogen (NOX). However, Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) exceed the national ambient air quality standards at many places. *********** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1859 ANSWERED ON 08.12.2006 CHEMICAL SLUDGE DISCHARGED BY SOFT DRINK COMPANIES 859. SHRI NANDI YELLAIAH SHRI S.M. LALJAN BASHA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Central Pollution Control Board has taken steps to ensure that soft drink companies do not pollute underground water sources; (b) whether it is a fact that soft drink companies in different parts of the country are not controlling their pollutants and chemical discharges and leaving them to percolate groundwater sources; (c) what action as the CPCB taken to ensure that all soft drink companies avoid polluting groundwater sources; and (d) how do Government propose to monitor their action, alongwith the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Ministry of Environment & Forests has notified the effluent standards for soft drink manufacturing industries under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. Soft drink manufacturing industries are required to meet the effluent standards notified standards and also seek consent under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/ Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) are monitoring the compliance to the notified effluent standards.

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(c) & (d): Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has requested all SPCBs/ PCCs to monitor the levels of heavy metals in the sludge of effluent treatment plants (ETPs) and ensure its safe disposal in accordance with the provisions under the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2003. ************




ASSISTANCE TO STATE GOVERNMENTS FOR CONTROLLING POLLUTION

2631. SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Central Government has formulated or propose to formulate any scheme to provide assistance to State Governments especially Delhi Government for controlling industrial and environmental pollution; and (b) the fund provided as assistance for this purpose during the last three years alongwith head-wise details of the expenditure made by State Governments, year-wise?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The details of the financial assistance extended to the States under the National River Conservation Programme for abatement of pollution in the identified rivers on sharing basis during the last three financial years are as follows: (i) Scheme of ‘Assistance for Abatement of Pollution’ for strengthening of the State Pollution Control Boards etc; (ii) For setting up Common Effluent Treatment Plants for small and medium enterprises; (iii) For setting up common treatment, storage and disposal facilities for hazardous wastes and demonstration projects for management of municipal solid waste under the Scheme of ‘Creation of Infrastructure for Management of Hazardous Substances’. ********

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LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT RAJYA SABHA


AMENDMENTS IN LABOUR LAWS

45. SHRI SHANTARAM LAXMAN NAIK Will the Minister of Labour and Employment be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government propose to amend the Industrial Disputes Act and other labour laws, in order to facilitate and encourage foreign investments; (b) the areas in which amendments are contemplated; (c) whether there was any proposal to replace the whole of the Industrial Disputes Act; (d) whether the proposal is still under consideration; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI K. CHANDRASEKHAR RAO) (a) & (b): Keeping in view the emerging needs of economy, including promotion of investment both domestic and foreign bills to amend the Factories Act, 1948, the Labour Laws (Exemption from Furnishing Returns and Maintaining Registers by Certain Establishments) Act, 1988 and Apprentices Act, 1961 have been introduced in the Parliament. There is no proposal to amend the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. (c): No Sir. (d) & (e): Do not arise. ***********

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



LEGISLATION FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

151. SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA Will the Minister of Labour and Employment be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that there is as yet no comprehensive national legislation pertaining to occupational safety and health; and (b) if so, whether Government propose to bring any Bill before the Parliament in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI K. CHANDRASEKHAR RAO) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. At present there is no comprehensive National Legislation pertaining to Occupational Safety and Health. A draft Legislation on Occupational Safety and Health has been prepared by Government. **********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT



CHILD LABOUR IN HAZARDOUS WORKS

2833. SHRI MATILAL SARKAR Will the Minister of Labour and Employment be pleased to state:- (a) the number of children in the age group of 5 to 11 years in India and in the world,

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according to latest ILO report; (b) their number in India, indicating how many of them are labourers and how many are engaged in hazardous works; and (c) the plan and programme of Government to practically abolish child labour and to completely free them from hazardous works?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU) (a): As per the latest ILO Global Report (2006), the number of children in the age group of 5-14 years in the world are 1206.5 million as in 2004. (b): The report does not mention specific estimates on India. However, according to the 2001 Census, the number of working children under 14 years of age in the country is 1.26 crore. (c): Government is committed to the elimination of all forms of child labour. It is, however, following a gradual and sequential approach beginning with those engaged in most hazardous occupations and processes first. In this direction, Government will be implementing the scheme of National Child Labour Projects (NCLPs) in 250 districts of 20 states in the country during the Xth Plan period. Under the scheme, children withdrawn from work are put into the Special Schools where these children are provided basic education, vocational training, nutrition, stipend and healthcare in order to prepare them to be mainstreamed into formal schooling system.

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SCHEME TO KEEP CHILD LABOURERS AWAY FROM HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIES

11. SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government propose to formulate a new scheme to keep the child labourers away from hazardous industries in the country;

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(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether Government have received any financial assistance from international organisations in this regard; (d) if so, the details thereof and the total amount of foreign assistance received and spent in this regard; and (e) the number of child labourers benefited from the assistance? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES) (a): No Sir. Government is already implementing the Scheme of National Child Labour Projects (NCLPs) for rehabilitation of child labour since 1998. The scheme is presently aimed at being implemented in 250 districts of the country. The total outlay for the Xth Plan for this scheme is Rs. 602 crore. (b): Does not arise. (c) to (e): While NCLP Scheme is a National Programme fully funded by the Central Government, three international technical cooperation projects are separately being implemented under ILO-I PEC with funding from foreign governments. The details of the projects are as follows: INDUS Project is joint project between Government of India and US Department of Labour (US-DOL) with a contribution of 20 million dollars each. The funds from US-DOL are being channelised through ILO. The INDUS Project is currently being implemented in 4 states and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Project has target of rehabilitation of 80,000 child workers. An amount of US $ 9.97 million has been spent till October 2006. Over 80,000 children have already been covered under the project. Andhra Pradesh State Based Project, Phase-II, is jointly implemented by Government of Andhra Pradesh and ILO in 3 districts of Andhra Pradesh from 2004-07, with an outlay of US $ 8.93 million. 50 per cent of the funds are coming from Government of Andhra Pradesh and 50 per cent from DFID. It aims to withdraw and to rehabilitate 65,000 child labour in the project districts through educational and training services. An amount of US $1.3 million has been spent till October 2006. The Karnataka Child Labour Project is funded by Government of Italy through ILO. It is being implemented in two districts of the State. It has started in 2006 for duration of three years. The outlay of the project is US $ 3.7 million, and the project is in its initial stages of implementation, and targets 3,000 children. **************

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



CHILDREN EMPLOYED IN HAZARDOUS OCCUPATIONS

2361. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that over 12 lakh children between the ages of five and fourteen remain employed in hazardous occupations, despite the Government banning the child labour 20 years ago; (b) whether based on 2001 Census 2,52,000 children are engaged in bidi manufacturing and 208,833 in construction sector; (c) whether it is also a fact that only about 3.74 lakh children were rehabilitated and put in schools under the National Child Labour Projects (NCLP); and (d) if so, the steps Government propose to take to extend the NCLP project to all the districts of the country?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES) (a) & (b): Census conducted by the Registrar General of India is the only authentic data in respect of population of child labour in the country. As per the 2001 census, about 12 lakh children are employed in major hazardous occupations and processes in the age group of 5-14 years. Of these, 2.52 and 2.08 lakh children are working in bidi/pan/cigarettes and construction industries respectively. (c): Under the Scheme of National Child Labour Projects, the children withdrawn from work are put into the special schools for a period of three years. After that they are mainstreamed into formal education system. So far, 3.78 lakh children have been mainstreamed into formal education system. (d): Government proposes to expand the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme during the 11th Five Year Plan. ************

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LAWS AND AMENDMENTS




NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT POLICY

45. SHRI B.J. PANDA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government propose to formulate a National Environment Policy; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) how far, this would help to address the environmental concerns in developmental activities?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONJMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has prepared a draft National Environment Policy (NEP). (b): The draft NEP is a response to our national commitment to a clean environment, mandated in the Constitution. It recognises that maintaining a healthy environment is not the State’s responsibility alone, but also that of every citizen. It briefly describes key environmental challenges, currently and prospectively facing the country, the objectives of environment policy, normative principles underlying policy action, strategic themes for intervention, broad indication of the legislative and institutional development needed to accomplish the strategic themes and mechanisms for implementation and review. (c): The NEP is intended to help realise sustainable development by mainstreaming environmental concerns in all development activities and relevant sectoral policies. It is expected to serve as a guide to action plans, programmes and projects for environmental conservation. *******

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF BIO-TECNOLOGY RAJYA SABHA


BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY

1879. SHRIMATI KUM KUM RAI Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have formulated the policy on bio-technology; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) by when the said policy is likely to be implemented; and (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL) (a) & (b): The Department of Bio-technology has formulated a Draft National Bio-technology Development Strategy, which is a comprehensive roadmap for addressing cross-cutting issues related to human resource development, infrastructure strengthening, promotion of industry and trade, setting up of biotech parks, regulatory mechanism and public awareness, and an action plan for specific sub-sectors. The strategic action plan will direct the future priorities and activities in different sectors of bio-technology. The Draft Strategy was put on the website of Department of Bio-technology for eliciting views and comments. A large number of responses have been received from students, scientists, industries, research organisations, NGO’s etc and also the general public. In addition, consultation with industry and NGOs have also been held. (c) & (d): The National Biotechnology Development Strategy has been finalised after incorporating the comments/suggestions received. The Draft Note for approval by Cabinet is under inter-ministerial consultation. *********


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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

479. SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government have recently framed National Environment Policy; (b) if so, what are the salient features thereof; (c) whether the policy has taken into consideration of wildlife of forests; (d) if so, when it is expected to be implemented; and (e) whether any financial allocation has been made therefore?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. The National Environment Policy (NEP), 2006 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18.5.2006 and it is available on the website (http://www.envfor.nic.in) of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. (b): The NEP, 2006 is a response to our national commitment to a clean environment, mandated in the Constitution. It recognises that maintaining a healthy environment is not the State’s responsibility alone, but also that of every citizen. The NEP is also intended to help realise sustainable development by mainstreaming environmental concerns in all development activities. It briefly describes key environment challenges currently and prospectively facing the country, the objectives of environment policy, normative principles underlying policy action, strategic themes for intervention, broad indications of the legislative and institutional development needed to accomplish the strategic themes, and mechanisms for implementation and review. The broad objectives of the policy are:

• conservation of critical environmental resources, • intra-generational equity- livelihood security for the poor, • inter-generational equity,

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• integration of environmental concerns in economic and social development, • efficiency in environmental resource use, • improved environmental governance and enhancement of resources for

environmental conservation. (c): Yes Sir. The policy has taken into consideration of wildlife and forests. (d): The Policy outlines a significant number of new and continuing initiatives for enhancing environmental conservation, which require coordinated action by diverse actors, and preparation of Action Plans on identified themes by the concerned agencies at all levels of government – Central, State/UT and Local. The concerned Ministries/Departments in the Central Government are required to prepare Action Plans and encourage the State Governments/UT Administrations to undertake similar action. (e): No Sir.

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT NOTIFICATION 2623. SHRI MOINUL HASSAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have issued a new notification on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); (b) if so, whether Government are aware that the notification would have a big impact on the life of local people living in resource rich areas; and (c) on what way the voices and concern of local people heard and adequately addressed ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 has been notified on

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14th September, 2006 to make the EIA process more efficient, decentralised and transparent. (b): The Notification provides for Environmental Impact Assessment study through which necessary environmental safeguards are provided at planning stage itself of the developmental project for conservation and protection of natural resources of the area thereby improving the quality of life of people in that area. (c): The Notification provides a structured Public Consultation process through which the environmental concerns of the local people are sought to be addressed by the project authorities and are incorporated in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

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MINES AND MINERALS




VIOLATION OF FOREST ACT BY MCL OPEN CAST MINING

2007. SHRI SURENDRA LATH SHRI SURESH BHARDWAJ Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that there is a large scale violation of Forest Act by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited open cast mining in the IB Valley areas of Orissa; and (b) how many cases are being initiated against the MCL for the violation of Forest Act and creation of environmental hazards in the mining areas ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) had taken up mining and ancillary activities on forest land without obtaining approval of Government of India under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, in respect of Samaleswari, Lilari and Belapahar open cast mines. For these violations, the Ministry of Environment and Forests had imposed penal Compensatory Afforestation (CA), to be raised on degraded forest land, twice in extent to the forest land used in violation of FC Act. In case of Lilari mines, penal CA has been imposed to cover four times the forest land used in violation of FC Act. As per information received from the State Government, 6 offence cases under Orissa Forest Act, 1972, have been registered against the erring officials of MCL. In compliance to the directions of the Government of India, the MCL authorities have initiated action against the defaulting officials for violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. **********

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES



HEALTH HAZARDS OF ASBESTOS MINING

101. DR. NARAYAN SINGH MANAKLAO SHRI HARISH RAWAT Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that Indian Bureau of Mines has conducted study on the health hazards of asbestos mines workers of Rajasthan; (b) if so, the recommendations thereof; (c) whether the study recommended for lifting of ban on asbestos leasing; and (d) if so, the details of action taken/proposed to be taken to implement these recommendations including the time-frame for implementation?

ANSWER MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI SIS RAM OLA) (a): Yes Sir. (b) & (c): The study recommended that the ban imposed on grant and renewal of mining leases and expansion of mining may be lifted subject to control of pollution level in work environment of various operations and other remedial measures. (d): The proposal of amending Regulation 124 of Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 by way of reducing permissible limit of airborne respirable asbestos fibre dust from 2 to 0.1- 0.5 per millilitre of air is under consideration in consultation with Directorate General, Mines Safety (DGMS). ***********

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NEW MINING POLICY

631. SHRI UDAY PRATAP SINGH SHRIMATI SHOBHANA BHARTIA Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are considering a new mining policy aimed at attracting domestic and foreign investment to the tune of Rs. 1 lakh crore; (b) if so, whether his Ministry is in touch with the Planning Commission to prepare the inputs for the new policy; (c) if so, by when the new policy is likely to be framed and announced; and (d) the main feature thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES (DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY) (a) to (d): The Planning Commission has forwarded a report of the High Level Committee set up to consider review of the National Mineral Policy and recommend possible amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to give a fillip to private investment in the sector. The Report has been received on 20.7.2006 and is under consideration.

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ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITY

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470. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the illegal activity and chances of accidents in mining are considerably more with intensified mining in our growing economy; and (b) if so, the steps Government propose to take to improve the safety and working conditions of the mining population in the backdrop of the fact that fifty-four miners have lost their lives in the bowels of earth at Dhanbad recently? ANSWER MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI SIS RAM OLA) (a): As per the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957, Mining Plan duly approved, is mandatory for obtaining a mining lease. The Mining Plan provides for undertaking safe, systematic and scientific mining operation. As per Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 all mining operation has to be carried out in accordance with mining plans and in case of any failure in this regard, the Rules provide that an authorised officer may order suspension of all or any of the mining operation and permit only such operations as may be necessary to restore the conditions in the mines. (b): As per information available, safety measures such as structured multi-disciplinary Internal Safety Organisation (ISO), safety audit of mines by experts for assessment of threats and implementation of the recommendations, measures for avoidance of accidents due to inundation, measures for reduction of roof and side-fall accidents in below ground mines, measures for reduction of accidents in open cast mines are being taken by Coal India Limited to provide due safety to the workers. ***********




NEW MINING POLICY

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2020. SHRI B.J. PANDA MS. PRAMILA BOHIDAR Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:- (a) the details of the new mining policy; (b) how far this would help attract both domestic and foreign investment; (c) whether the new policy will generate additional employment opportunities; and (d) if so, the details thereof, especially with reference to Orissa?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES (DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY) (a) to (d). A High Level Committee (HLC) under the chairmanship of Shri Anwarul Hoda, Member, Planning Commission was constituted to review the National Mineral Policy and recommend possible amendments in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to give a fillip to private investment in the sector. One of the terms of reference of the High Level Committee was to suggest the changes needed for encouraging investment in public and private sector in exploration and exploitation of minerals. Increase in mining activities will have a multiplier effect on economy, infrastructure and employment. The Committee has submitted its report to the Central Government. ******

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MUNICIPAL WASTE




MUMBAI SEWAGE DISPOSAL PROJECT

533. SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) by when the comprehensive proposal for transforming the Mumbai City into a world class city whereunder Mumbai Sewage Disposal Project Stage-II, will be taken care of, is likely to be formulated; (b) the number of meetings so far been held in this regard; and (c) the estimated expenditure likely to be spent on the project?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a)to(c): The World Bank teams visited Mumbai twice last year and held extensive discussion with officials of Government of Maharashtra and with Task Force, appointed by the Chief Minister for preparing an Action Plan to develop Mumbai into a world class city. The World Bank team, which visited Mumbai from 8th to 21st November, 2005, has proposed a time schedule for Action Plan preparation relating to the Mumbai Development Action Plan. The proposed Action Plan involves action by State Government on a comprehensive package of key reforms, investing and financing. As per time schedule, prepared by World Bank, the Action Plan is expected to be launched in December 2006. The State Government has been requested to adhere to the time schedule. The likely estimated expenditure to be spent on the project will be available on finalisation of ‘Action Plan’. ********

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES

RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1817 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2006

POWER GENERATED FROM SOLID WASTE

1817. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA Will the Minister OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is a project to generate power from the methane produced form

domestic waste at dumping sites in Delhi ; (b) if so, the details of the project, indicating its cost, the amount of solid waste to be

generated and utilised per day; and (c) whether there are proposals to set up such plants based on the solid waste

generated in different towns in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and other States also, if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)

(a)&(b): No project has so far been installed for generating power from domestic waste through production of methane of dumping site in Delhi. ©: As municipal waste project based on bio-methanation of municipal solid waste has been installed at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh but its commissioning to full capacity has been stalled on account of certain operational problems. No other proposal to set up such projects in other cities has so far been received. ******

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS




ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION DUE TO SHIP BREAKING INDUSTRIES

41. PROF. ALKA BALRAM KSHATRIYA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are aware that every year around 600 decommissioned/aged ships are being received from abroad by our ship-breaking yards and that this Rs. 200 crore ship-breaking industry is responsible for causing worst type of environmental hazards thereby; (b) if so, whether decommissioned French aircraft carrier Clemenceau was permitted to enter in India recently; and (c) whether Government are thinking of gradually banning this ship-breaking activities where workers are exposed to life-taking carcinogenic material which often prove fatal?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The ship breaking activity grew into a full-fledged industry by the year 1979 when the Government of India recognised it as a manufacturing industry. The main center for this activity lies on the west coast of Gulf of Cambay at Alang-Sosiya, Gujarat. The large tidal range and other geo-morphological characteristics of the beach at Alang make it an ideal location for the ship breaking industry. The year-wise details of ships received for dismantling in India during the last 5 years is given below:

Year Number of Ships

2001-01 373 2001-02 416

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2002-03 390 2003-04 375 2004-05 235 2005-06 (Prov.) (Upto December, 2005)

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The Supreme Court of India has issued directions on 14.10.2003 in the matter of Writ Petition (Civil) No.657 of 1995 on hazardous waste management for making the ship breaking activity safe for the workers and the environment. Besides the directions of the Supreme Court, the ship breaking activity is also required to comply with the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the conditions stipulated in the authorisations issued to individual units by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has also set up a Common Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (CTSDF) for environmentally sound disposal of the hazardous wastes generated from the ship breaking activity at Alang. GPCB regularly monitors the compliance to various rules and regulations and directions of the Supreme Court. (b): The matter regarding the entry of the French aircraft carrier Clemenceau into India is presently subjudice in the Supreme Court of India. (c): The Government has no such proposal for banning of ship breaking activity in the country. *******




RESTRUCTURING OF SHIP BREAKING YARD AT ALANG IN GUJARAT 3794. SHRI SHATRUGHAN SINHA Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are aware of the fact that the Asia`s largest ship breaking yard at Alang in Gujarat is in the state of desolation and about 40,000 workers engaged in manual ship breaking have deserted Alang and returned to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa;

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(b) if so, whether Government have taken any initiative to ascertain the reasons for the said circumstances; and (c) whether Government propose to take any step to restore its earlier status and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (DR. AKHILESH DAS) (a)&(b): About 40,000 workers were engaged at Alang ship-breaking yard when ship recycling activity was at its peak during 1998-99. Compared to this, only about 5000 workers were engaged during 2005-06. The ship breaking activity has declined due to several reasons mentioned below: -

i) The prices of old ships for demolition in the world market have gone up from US $ 150/pmt to 385/pmt during last five years whereas prices of steel scrap have not risen to the same extent in India. ii) Due to recovery of the global economy and rise in the freight rates, it is more economical to ply ships than to demolish them. iii) Due to favorable tax structure in Bangladesh, the industry is facing severe competition from Bangladesh. iv) Less stringent implementation of ship recycling regulations in Bangladesh has resulted in shifting of tanker business to Bangladesh. v) Creation of fresh capacity of low cost raw material viz. sponge iron for use in manufacture of re-rollables by mini-steel plants has further added to the price war of re-rollables. (c): The following steps have been taken to restore its earlier status: - (i) GMB has developed adequate physical, social, health and environmental infrastructure. (ii) Ships imported for breaking have been exempted from the additional duty of 4 per cent, which is applicable to almost all items of imports. Ships for breaking is one of the very few items exempted from this new levy. (iii) 5 per cent custom duty (earlier it was 0 per cent) has been imposed on melting scrap bringing it at par with duty on import of ships. ****************

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PESTICIDES




POLLUTION CAUSED BY SOFT DRINK MANUFACTURING PLANTS 947. SHRI N .K . KRISHNADAS Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether certain soft drinks manufacturing units like Coca Cola and Pepsi are causing

high levels of pollution in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any complaint has been received by the Government in this regard; and (d) if so, the details of the action taken /proposed to be taken thereon?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) and (b): The analysis of the sludge generated form the Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) of soft drink manufacturing plants indicate that they generally conform to the provisions of Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules , 1989 as amended in 2003. The Central Pollution Control Board has instructed to all the State Pollution Control Board to analyse the sludge of ETP of such units to ensure compliance.

©&(d): Some complaints have been received against soft drink manufacturing units in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and Plachimada, Palakkad district, Kerala indicating the dumping of sludge and slurry form the units causing water pollution. The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board and Kerala State Pollution Control Board have initiated necessary action in this regard.

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BANNING ON DDT

554. DR. M.A.M. RAMASWAMY

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether out country has not banned the use and consumption of DDT; (b) whether a study conducted recently has shown that exposure of DDT may slow down the progress of children; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) whether it is also a fact that even after 33 years of ban in USA and UK, DDT is still detectable in 10 per cent population and DDE, the compound that DDT degrades to, is also detectable in nearly everyone; and (e) if so, the steps taken by the Central Government to ban DDT and use a near alternative of DDT?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): The use of DDT in agriculture has been withdrawn since 1989. Limited quantities of DDT, upto 10,000 metric tonnes per annum, are being used for control of vector borne diseases like Malaria and Kala Azar in accordance with recommendations of WHO. A High Level Mandate Committee has been constituted which meets annually in order to determine the area and quantum of DDT spray in the country. (b) to (e): DDT is a persistent organic compound which can stay in the environment long after its initial application. During this period, DDT and its breakdown products may enter the food chain and accumulate in fatty tissues. There is currently no direct link established between DDT and its possible negative effects on human health. *********

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USE OF PESTICIDES IN RURAL AREAS

1234. SHRI PENUMALLI MADHU Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that rural areas are prone to newer diseases due to widespread use of pesticides; (b) if so, what are the commonly used pesticides in rural India; and (c) whether they are made available through a controlled system of his Ministry or not?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): A number of pesticides are used in agriculture depending on the type of pest attack on specific crop. Their use does not cause any adverse effect on health if used as per recommendations of the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee constituted under the Insecticides Act by the Ministry of Agriculture. The Committee registers pesticides only after satisfying itself regarding their efficacy and safety to human health and environment. (c): No Sir. The distribution, sale, etc. of pesticides are regulated through the Ministry of Agriculture under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the rules framed there under through issue of licenses by respective State Governments. *********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE RAJYA SABHA


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ICMR MEETINGS WITH SOFT DRINK MANUFACTURERS

3104. SHRI S.M. LALJAN BASHA Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a): whether the ICMR has finalised the standards for sugar content in soft drinks in the country; (b) whether it is a fact the ICMR had a number of meetings with representatives of multinational soft drink companies; (c) if so, the details of such meetings; (d) whether ICMR has refused to invite NGOs agitating against the obesity generating soft drinks; and (e) the steps proposed to have ICMR conduct proper studies and take a fair stance?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): ICMR has undertaken a study to detect level of pesticide residues, if any, in sugar samples. (b) & (c): Indian Council of Medical Research has not organised any meetings with representatives of multinational soft drinks companies so far. (d): No, this is not correct. (e): Studies conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research would be based on scientific methodology and would be subject on appropriate peer review.

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ASCERTAINING PESTICIDE LEVEL IN SOFT DRINKS

3124. DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI SHRI RAJ MOHINDER SINGH MAJITHA Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the Central Government have urged all the State Governments to ascertain the quantity of pesticides in the Pepsi and Coca Cola drinks; (b) if so, the facts thereof and the States from which testing results have been received; and (c) the details of these results and the steps taken by Government keeping in view of these results?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): For monitoring the level of pesticides in carbonated water being sold in the country the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already issued directions to all State Governments and Central Food Laboratories to take samples of carbonated water as well as the water used in the manufacture of carbonated water for checking the quality parameters including pesticide residues. (b) & (c): As per information received from 14 State Governments, 213 samples have been lifted so far and have been sent for testing and analysis to the designated laboratories. As per the report received from the State of Gujarat, out of 28 samples analysed by them, none of the samples have shown presence of any of the pesticides.

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REPORTS ON THE PRESENCE OF PESTICIDES IN THE SOFT DRINKS OF CERTAIN BRANDS

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432. SHRI THANGA TAMIL SELVAN SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are aware of the reports that appeared in leading news papers about the presence of pesticides in the soft drinks of certain brands as revealed by the Center for Science and Environment. (b) if so, the reaction of Government thereto; (c) whether Government would conduct any test periodically on food products and beverages; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS) (a)to(d): The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has released a report on 2.8.2006 entitled ‘Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Soft Drinks’. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare constituted an Expert Committee on 4.8.2006 to review the CSE Report including the methodology adopted by CSE. The conclusion of the Expert Committee is that the report of CSE does not provide conclusive evidence for presence of different pesticides in the concentration reported. The specific observations of the Committee are that:-

• The report does not provide details required for the confirmatory interpretation of quantum results;

• The residue data reported based on GC-Mass confirmation is inconclusive; • The prevalence of different isomers of HCH (Hexa chloro cyclohexane) is in

contradiction to their biological nature. Further, no confirmatory evidence are provided to support the result as per normal practice.

• Malathion undergoes hydrolysis in acidic medium of soft drinks. Hence, its residue in such a concentration is technically unlikely. Further, GC MS chromatogram provided by CSE also confirms absence of Malathion.

• Heptachlor is banned in the country from 1996. Hence, its presence in such concentration is unlikely. Further, GC MS chromatogram provided by CSE also confirms absence of Heptachlor.

• The mass fragmentation pattern of standard (retention time of 19.36 minutes) and sample (retention time 18.54 minutes) points towards presence of Chlorpyrifos residues in the sample. However, retention time of both does not match.

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In view of the above inconsistencies, CSE has been asked to provide further data. The standard and other regulatory provisions for checking the quality of carbonated water has been prescribed under PFA Rules, 1955. Provision already exists for drawing regular samples of food products from the manufacturers, retailers, etc. under the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954. This provision is implemented by State/UT Governments who draw regular samples of various food products and take appropriate action under PFA Rules, 1955, if the samples are found not conforming with the standards under PFA Rules, 1955.

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TRADING IN SPURIOUS PESTICIDES

2900. SHRI RAJ MOHINDER SINGH MAJITHA SHRI RAM JETHMALANI

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that pesticide turnover in the country is touching 6,000 crore rupees per year; (b) if not, the details thereof; (c) whether it is also a fact that out of this 1,500 crore rupees worth of spurious pesticides are bought and sold in the market; (d) if not, the details thereof; (e) whether Government have any provision to monitor the trade of such spurious pesticides; and (f) if so, the details of such provision and average quantity of spurious pesticides seized every year by means of this provision?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) & (b): The total output (turnover) of pesticides and other agrochemical products in 2002-03 was Rs.7345 crore according to the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) Report 2002-03, published in June 2005 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. (c) to (f): There is no authentic report on the quantum of spurious pesticides in the Market. However, approximately 3.5 percent of the pesticide samples analysed in State Pesticide Testing Laboratories are found to be misbranded. The manufacture and quality of pesticides is regulated under the provisions of the Insecticides Act, 1968 and its Rules. The Registration Committee, constituted under this Act, registers pesticides only after being satisfied of their efficacy. The State Governments then issue licenses for the manufacture and sale of registered pesticides. Quality assurance or pesticides is ensured by the State Governments through regular withdrawal and analysis of pesticide sample through a network of Insecticides Inspectors, Insecticides Analysis and Pesticides Testing Laboratories. The Act provides for punishment to formulators, manufacturers and vendors of spurious and substandard pesticides. ***********




USE OF PESTICIDES AND INSECTICIDES IN FARMING

3645. SHRI JANARDHANA POOJARY Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that pesticides and other insecticides are freely used in vegetable farming; (b) whether human beings and animals consuming such vegetables face grave health hazards; (c) if so, the details in this regard; and

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(d) the details of the measures taken/proposed to be taken by Government to eliminate use of pesticides in vegetable farming?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) to (c): Pesticides are being used on need basis by farmers in vegetable farming. No grave health hazards to human beings and animals have been reported on account of this usage. (d): To reduce the use of chemical pesticides for plant protection, Government has adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as the cardinal principle and main plank of plant protection strategy in overall crop production programme. Under the ambit of IPM programme, the Government of India has established 31 Central IPM Centres across the country to, inter-alia, impart training to farmers in IPM by organising Farmers Field School (FFSs). Government has, so far organised 9111 Farmers Field Schools (FFSs) and 2,75,056 farmers in IPM techniques. IPM package of practices for pest/disease management in 77 major crops have been developed in collaboration with State Department of Agriculture/Horticulture/ICAR Institutions/State Agriculture Universities, which have been circulated to all States/UTs and have been posted on www.dacnet.nic.in/ppin for use by extension functionaries and farmers. **************

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION RAJYA SABHA


TESTING OF IMPORTED WHEAT

3689. SHRI RAJ MOHINDER SINGH MAJITHA SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the wheat imported recently from Australian Wheat Board had

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been tested immediately after the import in India by the Regional Plant Protection and Quarantine Station and the Central Food Technology Research Institute, Mysore; (b) if so, the reasons for conducting this test and the number of days within which the report of this test was provided; and (c) the percentage of weeds and pesticides found in the wheat separately in the test?

ANSWER MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR ) (a)&(b): Yes, Sir, as per extant provisions, wheat samples were collected by the concerned Plant Protection and Quarantine Authorities and the Port Health Officers for testing. One composite sample was tested at the Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore to ensure that the residues of pesticides/insecticides in the imported consignment conforms to the specifications laid down under the PFA Act and Rules. The result of the CFTRI, Mysore was made available to the PHO within five days certifying the imported wheat to be conforming to the, prescribed standards. The samples of wheat are tested by the Regional Plant Protection Quarantine officials on a continuous basis as and when fresh lot of wheat is discharged from the vessel. This test is done for ensuring that the inspected consignment does not carry exotic weeds/pests. (c): The two shipments of Australian Wheat Board (AWB) wheat which have arrived at Indian ports till date have been inspected and tested as quarantine procedures and guidelines, resulting in detection of a total of 40 quarantine weed seeds of two species (out of 35,000 MT and 12,000 MT of wheat in the two shipments) which works out to 0.0009 per cent by weight and does not pose significant risk of establishment and hence these two shipments have been released. The presence of pesticides in the imported wheat has been found to be within permissible limits. ****************




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PESTICIDE TESTING LABORATORIES IN DELHI

1809. SHRI DATTA MEGHE Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that a laboratory has been set up in Delhi to test the pesticides in fruits and vegetables; (b) if so, the effective steps taken by Government to ensure that the pesticides and chemical manures are not used indiscriminately to increase the yield of fruits and vegetables; and (c) what action is taken against the people who play with the health of common people in such a way?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): Several laboratories in Delhi are engaged in work relating to pesticide residue analysis in fruits and vegetables. (b)&(c): Government has adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as the cardinal principle of its plant protection policy which envisages use of cultural, biological and mechanical methods and judicious need based use of chemical pesticides. Central Integrated Pest Management Centres have been set up across the country to, inter alia, impart training to farmers and extension functionaries in Integrated Pest Management by organising Farmers Field Schools (FFSs). IPM packages of practices for pest/disease management in 77 major crops have been developed and circulated to all States/UTs and have been posted on www.dacnet.nic.in/ppin. The Insecticides Act stipulates that labels and leaflets accompanying pesticides packages should contain instructions regarding the approved uses, doses, time of application, precautions, pre-harvest intervals (waiting period), etc. to ensure safe use of pesticides. Non-compliance with these provisions are punishable under the Insecticides Act, 1968.

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DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY WELFARE

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http://www.dacnet.nic.in/ppin



PESTICIDES IN COLAS

2660. SHRI PRASANTA CHATTERJEE

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) the quantity of pesticide residues, such as lindane and chlorpyrifos found in Coca Cola; and (b) the quantity of pesticide content found in Pepsi?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a)&(b): Informal samples of carbonated water collected by the State Government as per direction of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare during August-September, 2006 were analysed by the Central Food Laboratories for pesticide residues. As per the analysis report, in none of the samples of carbonated water analysed including those of Pepsi and Coca Cola, the level of the pesticides residues exceeded the permissible limits prescribed for packaged drinking water. ***********




PESTICIDES IN BOTTLED WATER

2664. SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL DR. PRABHA THAKUR

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Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have taken seriously the presence of insecticides in the drinking water bottled under various brands; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) propose to modify the norms of examination in this regard; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a)&(b): Yes Sir, the limits for pesticide residues have been prescribed for packaged drinking water vide item A.33 of Appendix-B of Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules 1955, vide Notification GSR No. 554 (E) dated 18.7.2003, which are as under: (i) Pesticide Residues - Not more than 0.0001 mg/litre (ii) Total Pesticides Residues - Not more than 0.0005 mg./litre (The analysis shall be conducted by using internationally established test methods meeting the residue limits specified herein). The PFA Act 1954 and Rules made there under are implemented by State/UT Governments who take samples of food articles including packaged drinking water. In case of any violation of this Act/Rules, the penal action is taken under PFA Act 1954. The standards became effective from 1.1.2004. (c)&(d): As per information made available by BIS, there is no such proposal under consideration. ***************

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RIGHT TO INFORMATION

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING



WORKING OF RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT

1835. SHRIMATI JAYA BACHCHAN Will the Minister of PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have analysed the working of Right to Information Act, if so, the findings in this regard; (b) whether it is a fact that Central Information Commission has given a questionable ruling by endorsing proposal to prescribe a standard format for the purpose of making an application; and (c) whether the decision is contrary to the provisions to the Act, if so, the steps taken to correct the anomaly?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SURESH PACHOURI) (a): The Right to Information Act, 2005 has come into force only on 12th October, 2005. It is too early to review the working of the Act. (b) & (c): The Central Information Commission in its decision No. CIC/C/2006, dated 16/1/2006 had held that a public authority is not precluded from prescribing standard format for the purpose of making the application for ease of reference and response. However, this decision was reviewed by the Commission on 08/02/2006, when it was held that it is incumbent upon any public authority prescribing a format that it remains simple and comprehensible as well as accessible to common folk. The Commission has

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further clarified that applications for information on plain paper are also to be received and replied within the prescribed time limit.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS



RESTRICTION IN RTI ACT

2173. SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH Will the Minister of PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government has decided to restrict Right to Information in respect of its certain decisions; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the reasons therefor; (d) whether it would result in bringing an end to the transparency and deprive the public to seek information about the working of Government; and (e) the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SURESH PACHOURI) (a),(b) & (c): Based on the experience of working of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Government proposes to clarify and to make certain amendments to the Act. (d): No Sir. (e): Does not arise.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING RAJYA SABHA


AMENDMENT IN RTI ACT

2970. DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI SHRI RAM JETHMALANI SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR Will the Minister of PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government have taken a decision to amend the Right to Information Act, 2005; (b) if so, the details of the said amendments and the reasons for bringing the same; (c) whether the said facts is in force with similar amendments in America, England and Australia; and (d) if so, whether it is not a fact that the new amendments in the Act by Government are slightly different from the amendments in force in the said countries?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SURESH PACHOURI) (a) & (b): Based on the experience of working of the RTI Act, 2005 Government proposes to make certain clarificatory and other changes in the Act. (c) &(d): Information as to whether similar amendments has been made in their Acts by other countries, is not readily available.

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262

URBAN DEVELOPMENT




PROVISION OF SAFE DRINKING WATER

542. PROF M.M. AGARWAL Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have formulated any plan for providing safe drinking water supply to the people of all towns in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the details of action being taken or proposed to be taken by Government for implementation of the above scheme?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a)to(c): In order to provide safe drinking water and other infrastructure facilities for all cities/towns in the country, the Government has launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) on 3.12.2005 along with two omnibus schemes namely: (i) Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) (ii) Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme. Adminissible components under JNNURM & UIDSSMT include water supply projects also. 63 cities have been selected on the basis of population criteria as per 2001 census and importance for religion/history and tourism aspects for coverage under the Mission. The cities/towns not covered under JNNURM are eligible for assistance under UIDSSMT. Guidelines for implementation of the schemes have been circulated to the State Governments. Regional workshops have also been held to sensitise the State

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Governments and urban local bodies. Toolkits for preparation of City Development Plans and Detailed Project Reports have also been sent to all concerned. *******




ENVIRONMENT IN BIG CITIES

537. PROF M.M. AGARWAL Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) the number of projects formulated and being implemented by Government for improvement of environment in the various small and big cities of the country during the last three years; (b) the details of amount granted by Government for this purpose during this period, project-wise; and (c) the details of amount utilised so far, city-wise/project-wise?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a)to(c): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the Sabha.

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DEVELOPMENT OF PRACTICALLY RELEVANT MASTER PLAN

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1909. SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have recently made a suggestion to the States that more practical Master Plan be drawn up by them with a set time-frame for development in their States in the next 20 years; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the reaction of the States thereto?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a): No Sir. Preparation of Master Plan/Development Plan is the responsibility of the State Governments concerned. (b): Does not arise. (c): Does not arise. ***********




FINALISATION OF NEW MASTER PLAN 545 SHRI BASHISTHA NARAIN SINGH Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) the progress towards finalisation and notification of new Master Plan-2021; (b) the steps being taken to bring the new Master Plan in tune with existing reality of Delhi;

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(c) the progress of finalisation of zonal and local area plans; (d) the specific proposals in the new Master Plan for regularisation of existing additional residential dwelling units and creation of new dwelling units to meet the requirements of growing population of Delhi; and (e) the schemes being proposed to enhance/regularise housing requirements in ‘Influence Zone’ areas of metro corridors so that, majority of population can use Delhi Metro to mitigate their transportation/parking problems?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a): The preparation and notification of Master Plan for Delhi is governed under provisions of Delhi Development Act 1957. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had issued public notice on 08.04.05 inviting objections/suggestions to the Draft Master Plan for Delhi 2021. The responses received in this regard have been placed before a Board of Enquiry and Hearing for recommending further necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Delhi Development Act. (b): DDA has reported that the Draft MPD-2021 was prepared on the basis of feedback received from series of discussions held on the subject, public response received in response to the guidelines issued by the Government of India in July 2003 for preparation of MPD-2021 and recommendations of the 12 sub-groups constituted on various aspects, where experts from respective fields and officers of concerned Government Departments were associated. Apart from this, different sections of people, associations and organisations have responded to the Public Notice dated 08.04.05 to provide inputs to the Board of Enquiry & Hearing for finalisation of its recommendations. (c): The draft MPD-2021 provides for formulation of zonal plans in the form of structure plans within one year of the finalisation of MPD-2021. (d): According to the draft MPD-2021, the requirement of additional housing stock for Delhi by 2021 is projected at about 24 lakh dwelling units. This is proposed to be met by development of accommodation in adjacent National Capital Region cities, in existing urban areas of Delhi through re-development/upgradation and also by developing new areas. (e): The draft MPD-2021, envisages influence zones extending upto 500 mtrs. along both sides of Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) corridors with provision for maximum floor area ratio and height upto 1.5 times of the permissible FAR of the respective premises, subject to preparation and approval of comprehensive integrated schemes. *********

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MASTER PLAN FOR DELHI 1767. SHRI BHAGWATI SINGH Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) the present status of finalisation of the Master Plan 2021 for Delhi and by when it would be notified; (b) whether any proposal for extensive development of metro corridors by allowing higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for residential and commercial development have been included in the Master Plan; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) whether enhancement of FAR along metro corridors would help meet the housing and transportation needs for the ever increasing population of Delhi; and (e) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a): Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has reported that the Board of Enquiry and Hearing constituted by it to consider the objections/suggestions received in response to draft Master Plan for Delhi (MPD) 2021 has held 14 meetings including four exclusive public hearings. The Delhi Development Act, 1957 provides for final notification of the Master Plan on the basis of the recommendations of the Board of Enquiry and Hearing, approval of the Authority and Central Government. (b) to (e): The draft MPD 2021 envisages absorption of sizeable proportion of additional population along the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) corridors. The draft Plan provides for preparation of schemes of redevelopment of influence zone upto 500 metres wide belt on both sides of the centre line of the MRTS route, in which the development controls would be as applicable for respective use zones/premises, except Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and height which would be as per the specific schemes with a maximum limit of upto 1.5 times of the permissible FAR on the respective use premises. **********

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT RAJYA SABHA


MASTER PLAN FOR DELHI

2248. SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether Central Government are contemplating to amend the Master Plan for Delhi; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the details of progress made in this regard so far ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a)&(b): Yes Sir. The preparation and finalisation of Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) 2021 involves compliance of statutory procedure as provided in Delhi Development Act, 1957 and rules made there under. For this purpose, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had issued a public notice on 8.4.2005 inviting objections/suggestions on the proposed extensive modifications of the MPD 2001 with perspective for the year 2021. Further, two more public notices have been issued by DDA on 21.7.2006 proposing modifications in MPD 2001 regarding the development control norms in respect of plotted residential development and mixed land use policy. (c): DDA has reported that in response to the public notice in respect of draft MPD 2021, around 7,000 objections/suggestions were received and the same have been referred to a Board of Enquiry and Hearing constituted for the purpose. Till date, the Board has held 14 meetings including four meetings exclusively for public hearing. The statutory procedure provides for final notification of the Master Plan on the basis of the report of the Board of Enquiry and Hearing, recommendations of the Authority and approval of the Central Government.

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MASTER PLAN FOR DELHI AND ILLEGAL ENCROACHMENTS

2247. SHRI MANGANI LAL MANDAL

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that with a view of beautification of the capital city (including New Delhi) a revised Master Plan has been prepared; (b) if so, the details thereof and by when it is to be materialised; (c) whether it is a fact that where as on the one hand a Master Plan has been prepared, on the other hand commercial activities and markets are being run permanently and temporarily on a number of roads and footpaths in New Delhi by making illegal encroachments; and (d) if so, the details thereof ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a)&(b): The Master Plan for Delhi (MPD) 2001 was taken up for extensive modification in view of the emerging urban scenario and perspective for 2021. Draft MPD 2021 so prepared was notified by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) with the approval of the Central Government under the provisions of Delhi Development Act, 1957 in the form of a public notice dated 8.4.2005 inviting objections/suggestions from the public to the proposed modifications. DDA has reported that in response to the public notice about 7,000 objections/suggestions were received and the same have been referred to a Board of Enquiry and Hearing constituted for the purpose. Till date, the Board has held 14 meetings including four meetings exclusively for public hearing. The Delhi Development Act, 1957 provides for final notification of the Master Plan on the basis of the report of the Board of Enquiry and Hearing, recommendations of the Authority and approval of the Central Government. (c)&(d): New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi

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(MCD) have drafted schemes for urban street vendors in tune with the National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2004 prepared by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. These schemes inter alia provide for declaration of hawking and non-hawking zones, issue of hawking licences, registration of vendors, constitution of vending committees, fixation of timing for vending, plan for free flow of traffic and movement of pedestrians, etc.

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DELHI MASTER PLAN

1002. SHRIMATI BRINDA KARAT

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Master Plan for NCT of Delhi has been finalised; and (b) if so, by when it would be implemented?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a)&(b): A public notice in respect of the draft Master Plan for Delhi (2021) was published by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on 8.4.2005 with the approval of Central Government, for inviting objections/suggestions from the public. In response to this, around 7,000 objections/suggestions were received. Till date the Board of Enquiry and hearing constituted for the purpose has held 15 meetings including public hearings to consider these suggestions and objections so as to enable the Authority and the Central Government to take further action in accordance with the statutory procedure for finalistion of the Master Plan 2021.

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270

WATER RESOURCES

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



CLEANING OF YAMUNA RIVER

44. SHRI MOTILAL VORA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the rivers whose cleanliness model has been studied by the group of experts for cleaning of Yamuna; (b) the number of nullahs whose sullage is being released in Yamuna everyday at present alongwith the quantity of this water; (c) the system set up or being set up for treatment of sullage before being released it in Yamuna and the expenditure to be incurred on the same; and (d) the expenditure incurred on the cleanliness of Yamuna, so far, and the extent to which it has been cleaned ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): No studies are reported to have been conducted by any group of experts with regard to the cleanliness model of other rivers for cleaning of Yamuna. At present 3450 million litres per day (mld) of wastewater is being generated in Delhi and discharged through 22 drains which carry sewage/sullage and treated effluents into the river Yamuna. Treatment facilities to the tune of 2330 mld, 322 mld and 401 mld have been created under Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) Phase-I in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh respectively. The Ministry has launched YAP Phase-II in December 2004 with the financial assistance from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). This project has been approved for the states of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs.624 crore.

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The major item of works under YAP Phase –II include the following:

• Rehabilitation of trunk sewers (30.82 kms.) and works of Sewage Treatment Plants (135 mld new and 324 mld rehabilitation) in Delhi. • Construction of Sewage Treatment Plants (54 mld) and Rehabilitation of sewer lines/rising mains (85.7 Kms.) in UP. • Interception and diversion of sewer lines (73 kms.) and improvements in the efficiencies of existing Sewage Treatment Plants in Haryana.

In addition to the above Action Plan, the Delhi Government has also taken up large scale non-sewerage, sewerage and sewage treatment works out of their own plan funds. (d): Under the YAP Phase-I of the Ministry, a total of 255 schemes of pollution abatement were completed including 34 sewage treatment plants having treatment capacity of 741 mld at a total expenditure of Rs. 678 crores in the states of Delhi, UP and Haryana. *********




WATER QUALITY OF YAMUNA

624. SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the grade in which the water quality of Yamuna river around Delhi falls for the last more than two decades as per the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board; (b) what specific steps are being taken by Government to bring it from ‘E’ to ‘C’ Grade, so as, to make water fit for drinking; (c) the total number of small villages around Delhi which do not have sewage facilities; and (d) if so, the remedial steps being taken by the Central Government in collaboration with State Government?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): As per the Designated Best Use Classification of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the water quality of river Yamuna in the stretch between Wazirabad downstream and Okhla has been reported as Class ‘E’ which indicates water quality suitable for irrigation, industrial cooling and controlled waste disposal. The water quality between Palla and Wazirabad generally belongs to Class ‘C’ indicating water quality suitable for drinking water source after conventional treatment and disinfection. (b): The Ministry of Environment & Forests has been implementing Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) for pollution abatement of the river in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana with financial support from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The YAP Phase-I started in April 1993 and has since been completed in February 2003. Treatment facilities to the tune of 2330 million litres per day (mld), 322 mld and 401 mld have been created under YAP Phase-I in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh respectively. The YAP Phase –II has been approved in July 2003 for an estimated cost of Rs. 624 crore. The major item of works under the YAP Phase-II are as follows:

• Rehabilitation of trunk sewers (30.82 km) and works of Sewage Treatment Plants (135 mld new and 324 mld rehabilitation) in Delhi

• Construction of Sewage Treatment Plant (38 mld) and rehabilitation of

Sewer Lines/Rising Mains (85.7 km) in U.P

• Rehabilitation of Sewer lines (73 km) and improvement in efficiencies of existing Sewage Treatment Plants in Haryana

• Preparation of Detailed Project Reports for YAP Phase-III.

In addition to the Yamuna Action Plan, the Government of NCT of Delhi has also taken up large scale sewerage and sewage treatment works from its own plan funds. (c) & (d): As reported by Government of NCT of Delhi, out of 135 urban villages around Delhi, sewerage facilities have been provided in 105 villages. There are about 200 rural villages which do not have sewerage system. In addition, the Delhi Government has prepared an Action Plan for providing the sewerage facilities to 107 urban villages.

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CONSERVATION OF LAKES

107. SHRI GIREESH KUMAR SANGHI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether efforts have been made by his Ministry to appropriately upkeep the lakes during the last two years; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether there has been any mechanism to stop pumping of effluents into the lakes; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the details therefor?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The Ministry is implementing the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) since June 2001 for conservation and management of polluted lakes and tanks in the country. During the last two financial years , 9 projects for conservation of 14 lakes have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 87.94 crore on 70:30 cost sharing basis between the Central and the respective State Governments. The project-wise details of the lakes approved for conservation and management under the Plan during 2003-04 and 2004-05 are given below:-

S.NO NAME OF LAKE STATE APPROVED

COST 1. Banjara Lake, Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh Rs. 2.75

crore 2. Channapatna Lake, Hasan Karnataka Rs. 4.97 crore

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3. Sharanabhasveshwara,Gulberga Karnataka Rs. 4.89 crore 4. Akkamahadevi, Haveri Karnataka Rs. 2.64 crore 5. Mahalaxmi lake, Vadagaon Maharashtra Rs. 1.85

crore 6. Laxminarayanbari Lake,

Durgabari Lake & Dimsagar Lake in Agartala

Tripura Rs. 2.01 crore

7. Nainital Lake,Nainital Uttaranchal Rs 47.97 crore

8. 4 Lakes of Nainital District namely, Bhimtal, Sattal, Khurpatal & Naukutiatal

Uttaranchal Rs. 16.85crore

9. Mirik Lake, Darjeeling West Bengal Rs. 4.01 crore

(c) to (e): Interception and diversion works for domestic wastewater entering into the lakes generally constitute important components of the conservation plans undertaken under the NLCP. The diverted sewage under the plan may be either utilised as source for making up the lake water level after treatment through a sewage treatment plant or taken up to an existing sewage treatment plant for treatment depending upon the site specific conditions.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



LAKES OF KERALA UNDER NLCP

2468. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) how many lakes from Kerala are included in the Ramsar site and whether Vembanadu lake from Kerala is included in the National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP); (b) whether Government would consider to implement any project for the conservation of Vembanadu Lake;

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(c) if so, the details thereof ; (d) whether Government have granted any funds to Kerala for implementing the Pollution Abatement Scheme of River Pamba and if so, whether the Government of Kerala implemented the above project; and (e) whether Government would consider to adopt any legislation for restricting illegal sand mining in the rivers and illegal conversion of wetlands?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Three lakes viz Sasthamkotta, Ashtamudi and Vembanad Kol from Kerala have been included in the list of Ramsar sites in 2002. Vembanad Lake from Kerala is not included under National Lake Conservation Programme. (b)& (c): Vembanad Lake has been identified under National Wetland Conservation Programme for assistance on 26.12.05 in the meeting of National Wetland Committee held at Gopalpur, Orissa. The State Govt of Kerala has been asked to prepare a comprehensive Management Action Plan for its conservation and management. (d): Pamba River Action Plan having total cost of Rs 18.45 crores has been sanctioned and an amount of Rs 75.00 lakhs has been released so far under the National River Conservation Plan for carrying out activities of pollution abatement works and for cleaning of Pamba River. (e): The enforcement and regulatory functions under the provisions of various Acts are performed by the respective State Governments. The process of strengthening the regulatory regime is an ongoing exercise. ********




SURVEY OF BIG LAKES AND RIVERS

2460. DR. GYAN PRAKASH PILANIA

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Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have any schemes to survey big lakes/rivers to oversee/evaluate their pollution content level and silting and to suggest/provide ways and means and financial aid to make them pollution/silt free; (b) if so, the genesis and object of such schemes; (c) whether Government have surveyed the polluted lakes in Rajasthan; (d) if so, the details thereof; (e) whether any requests/proposal have been received from Rajasthan Government who are facing financial crunch to clean the polluted lakes; (f) if so, the amounts allocated, so far; and

(g) the other remedial steps taken and to be taken by Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The Ministry is implementing National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) since June 2001 for conservation and management of polluted lakes in the country. An allocation of Rs. 220 crore has been made for National Lake Conservation Plan during the Xth Plan period. The programme covers interception, diversion and treatment of pollution load, desiltation, deweeding, bio-remediation and catchment area treatment including lake front development. Till date, 22 projects for conservation of 37 lakes have been approved at an estimated cost of about Rs. 486 crore. The Ministry had also carried out a study for identification of lakes for conservation under National Lake Conservation Plan. The list of lakes requiring conservation and drawn up through this study, on the basis of ecological and hydrological criteria, was sent to all State Governments for consideration and prioritisation in their state. The Action Plan for the programme presently includes monitoring and implementation of ongoing lakes besides consideration of new proposals on the basis of their prioritisation and availability of resources under the Plan. The Ministry is also implementing National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) since 1993 in 160 towns along polluted stretches of 34 rivers in the country. The allocation for NRCP during the Xth Plan period is Rs. 1417 crore. (c) to (f): The Government of Rajasthan has carried out a survey of lakes in Rajasthan and a background information of 8 lakes, namely, Annasagar, Pushkar, Fatehsagar, Jaitsagar, Pichola, Swaroopsagar, Jaisamand and Nakki prioritised by State Government

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was forwarded to this Ministry in December 2004. Out of these, the Government of Rajasthan forwarded only a proposal for conservation of 3 lakes of Udaipur which was not as per NLCP guidelines. The State Government has been informed accordingly. (g): Before the prioritisation of lakes by Government of Rajasthan, a project on conservation of Mansagar Lake in Jaipur was approved in September 2002 at an estimated cost of Rs. 24.72 crore and is presently under implementation. **********




POLLUTION IN GANGA

38. SHRIMATI KUM KUM RAI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are aware that polluted water and hazardous chemicals are released into River Ganga by tanneries and textile mills; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the steps being taken by Government to save polluted Ganga?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): There are 72 tanneries and 61 textile industries located along the river Ganga in the states of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal which are likely to pollute the river Ganga. Of the 72 tanneries, 39 units are operating with effluent treatment plants, 20 units have been closed down and remaining 13 units have been found to be defaulters. Out of the 61 textile industries, 34 units have been closed down and remaining 27 units are operating with effluent treatment plants.

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(c): The steps being taken by Government to save the river Ganga are as follows: (i) Under the River Conservation Plan, the industrial pollution is tackled through the implementation of the legal provisions stipulated under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. (ii) The concerned State Pollution Control Boards have been taking action to restore the water quality of river Ganga under the provisions of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. (iii) Under the Ganga Action Plan (Phase – I), pollution abatement works have been taken up in 25 towns located along the Ganga. Under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), this has been further extended to 59 towns including the 11 towns of GAP (Phase –I) in the states of Uttranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. (iv) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has set up Minimal National Standards (MINAS) for different categories of polluting industries which is implemented by the concerned State Pollution Control Boards through regular monitoring system.

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FOREIGN EXPERTISE IN REMOVING POLLUTANTS FROM WATER

195. SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether some foreign countries have offered their expertise in removing pollutants from water bodies; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether U.K. has also expressed its willingness to extend help in cleaning of the Ganga and other major rivers in the country; and

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(d) if so, the reaction of Government thereto?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): 1. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has provided technical assistance for the Development Study relating to ‘Water Quality Management Plan for Ganga’ with focus along stretches of four towns namely - Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad and Varanasi. The JICA Study Team/Consultants selected by JICA for carrying out the study started their work from March 2003 and completed it in August/September 2005. The study basically envisaged formulation of the Master Plans and Feasibility Studies for the sewerage (including sewage treatment) and non-sewerage components for the four towns. These Master Plans and Feasibility Studies have been prepared by the JICA Study Team in close collaboration and consultation with UP Government and its concerned agencies in the four towns as well as taking into account the work already done and presently being done in these towns under NRCP. 2. As a part of the Development Study, JICA has also provided grant assistance for improvement of one ghat at Varanasi. Based on discussions with the local people and organisations in Varanasi, Manikarnika Ghat had been selected and an amount of around Rs.75 lakhs was allocated for the purpose. The ghat improvement works have since been completed. 3. The JICA study team had submitted the Master Plan and Feasibility Studies report for the sewerage and non-sewerage works in Varanasi town in the first phase during 2004-05 based upon which the JBIC have signed an agreement with the Government of India for providing loan for taking up the pollution abatement schemes of the river Ganga in this town at an estimated cost of Rs.540 crore (13.248 billion Yen). The Feasibility Studies for the remaining three towns have been completed by JICA during 2005-06 and the reports submitted. (c): In the Joint Statement signed between India and UK on 11th October, 2005, two countries have agreed on technology co-operation for the abatement of pollution including water, air and soil pollution, which inter-alia includes water bodies. However, no specific proposal for extending help in cleaning of the Ganaga and other major rivers has been received from the U.K. (d): Does not arise.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



POLLUTION IN YAMUNA RIVER

474. SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Hon’ble Supreme Court and Delhi High Court have issued directives with regard to rising pollution in river Yamuna on 20th March, 1998 and 4th August, and July 2004, respectively; (b) whether Central Government have taken any step or taking any steps for the implementation the directives of Hon’ble Supreme Court and Delhi High Court; (c) if so, the details thereof as on date?.

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): Pursuant to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 4th August 2004, a High Power Committee was constituted by the Ministry of Urban Development for preparation of Integrated Action Plan for the abatement of pollution of River Yamuna in Delhi. The Integrated Action Plan so prepared was submitted to the Hon’ble Court in November 2004 with several agencies identified towards implementation of the Action Plan. The Apex Court also constituted a technical monitoring mechanism at various levels to review the progress of implementation of the Action Plan. A status report on the implementation of Action Plan with strategy for its implementation has also been submitted to the Apex Court by the Ministry of Urban Development. **********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES



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LANDFILL SITE AT GHUMMANHERA AREA OF NAZAFGARH DELHI

847. SHRI MOTILAL VORA MS. SUSHILA TIRIYA Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether there is a proposal for construction of landfill in Ghummanhera area of Nazafgarh in Delhi; (b) whether it was mentioned in a report of the experts of Central Ground Water Board in the year 2003 that water could be supplied to the Dwarka area through pipeline after setting up 40 tubewells in Ghummanhera area; (c) whether the proposed landfill would make the drinking water poisonous as per the views of experts; and (d) if so, whether Government would also consider this aspect before constructing the said landfill?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a): The Government of NCT of Delhi has a proposal for setting up of Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for hazardous waste at Gummanhera. (b): During the Fresh Water Year 2003, a pamphlet was prepared by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) on the ground water situation in Dwarka which indicated possibility of developing ground water from Gummanhera depression. (c) & (d): The drinking water level around the site is reported to be very deep. Besides, as the area is already notified by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), no permission is being given by the Authority for construction of tubewells. Further, the Government of NCT of Delhi has informed that while implementing the project at the site, all the precautious/mitigating measures as mentioned in the Criteria for Hazardous Waste Landfill published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shall be adhered to.

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MoU FOR UTILISATION OF YAMUNA WATERS

849. SHRI LALIT KISHORE CHATURVEDI SHRI HARISH RAWAT SHRI SANTOSH BAGRODIA Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether a MoU for utilisation of Yamuna waters was signed on 12th May, 1994 by Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi and whether Rajasthan was allocated 1.119 BCM of Yamuna water to be made available at Okhla Barrage and Tajewala head works; (b) whether Government intends to intervene and direct Haryana to sign MoU for modernisation of canal system from Tajewala head works lying in Haryana territory upto Loharu sub branch and modernisation of Gurgaon Feeder in Hayana; and (c) if so, by when and the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a): A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for allocation of surface flow of Yamuna was signed on 12th May, 1994 by Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi wherein an annual allocation of 1.119 BCM of utilisable Yamuna waters upto Okhla was agreed for Rajasthan. However, there is no reference in MoU about the point of allocation of water to Rajasthan. (b) & (c): Haryana has not signed the MoU for modernisation of canal system in their territory as they have indicated their disagreement to the utilisation of water by Rajasthan at Tajewala in the manner proposed by Rajasthan. The issue was discussed in the 3rd meeting of Upper Yamuna Review Committee held on 12.04.2006 under the Chairmanship of Union Minister for Water Resources and as decided in the meeting, an ‘Empowered Committee’ of Secretaries of Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh has been constituted on 22.05.2006 to have a fresh look at the issue of providing water to Rajasthan from Tajewala.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES RAJYA SABHA


RIVER INTERLINKING PROJECT

851. SHRI MANOHAR GAJANAN JOSHI Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have made an assessment about shortage of irrigation and drinking water across various regions/parts of the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the steps taken by Government to tackle this problem; and (d) what is the current status of the river interlinking project?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ ) (a) to (d): The National Water Development Agency (NWDA), a Society under the Ministry of Water Resources, as a part of its studies of National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Water Resources Development prepared by Government in 1980 has carried out water balanced studies of river basins/sub-basins of the country keeping in view the scenario of ultimate stage of water resources development in these basins and it has identified 11 river basins/sub-basins as water deficit river basins. NWDA after the above studies has identified 30 links under NPP (16 in the Peninsular Component and 14 in the Himalayan Component) for preparation of Feasibility Report with a view to transfer water from water surplus areas to the water deficit regions of optimum utilisation of water resources of the country. NWDA has completed Feasibilty Report for 14 links under Peninsular Rivers Development Component and 2 links under Himalayan Rivers Development Component. A tripartite agreement was signed among Government of India and concerned States of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on 25.08.2005 in respect of one priority link under Peninsular Component Viz. Ken-Betwa link for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR). **************

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

858. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are making any action plan for interlinking rivers within States; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any kind of proposals have been received from various State Governments in this regard; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) by when, the said planning is likely to be implemented?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ ) (a) to (e): National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has requested all the States to inform the details of intra-State links for further studies by NWDA. Proposals have been received from Government of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Orissa and Bihar. The proposals received from States have been examined/discussed with the States in various meetings. The implementation of such proposals depends on the promptness with which the States respond to the observations of NWDA.

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QUALITY OF WATER IN GANGA AT ALLAHABAD

1843. SHRIMATI JAYA BACHCHAN

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) what is, at present, the quality of water in Ganga and at the confluence of three rivers at Allahabad; (b) whether any steps have been taken to monitor the quality of water regularly; and (c) the steps Government have taken to provide clean and hygienic water to tourists who would visit Allahabad in December this year at the time of Kumbh Mela?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The water quality of river Ganga is being monitored once a month by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) under its ongoing programme of ‘Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic Resources (MINARS)’. The Ministry of Environment & Forests is also monitoring the water quality of river Ganga for evaluating the impact of implementation of Ganga Action Plan on river water quality. The monitoring data under Ganga Action Plan from Rishikesh (Uttranchal) to Uluberia (West Bengal) reveals that the water quality of river Ganga during the summer of 2006, is not meeting the desired bathing class standard in the stretch from Kannauj downstream to Allahabad upstream in respect of bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD), an indicator for organic pollution. The levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) however, are found to meet the standard throughout the river length. The BOD values at the bathing ghat at Sangam and Allahabad downstream are 3.7 and 3.2 milligram per liter respectively as against the desired standard of 3.0 milligram per liter. (c): Under the Ganga Action Plan at Allahabad, a sewage treatment capacity of 60 million liters per day has been created during Phase-I and a treatment capacity of 29 million liters per day is envisaged in Phase-II. As per the report of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, all industrial units at Allahabad have installed effluent treatment plants which are operating satisfactorily. During the Kumbh Mela, the UPPCB can issue directions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 to the industrial units and local bodies in case of non-compliance. Also, as per the direction of the Hon’ble Allahabad High Court, the State

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Irrigation Department has been asked to maintain sufficient water release from Narora Dam during this period. **********




NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PLAN IN ORISSA

1850. SHRI SURENDRA LATH MS. PRAMILA BOHIDAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) how many towns have been considered under National River Conservation Plan on river Mahanadi in Orissa; (b) how much funds have been sanctioned for this plan in Orissa; (c) whether there is any plan to include more towns from Orissa in next Plan period; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): One town namely, Cuttack, has been included under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) on river Mahanadi in Orissa. The sanctioned cost for various pollution abatement works in this town is Rs. 14.04 crore. (c) & (d): Inclusion of additional towns in the next Plan period under the NRCP would depend upon availability of necessary outlay, the necessity of such projects and willingness of the State Government to bear 30 per cent of the total project cost. ************

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



YAMUNA ACTION PLAN

2312. SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Yamuna Action Plan has been undertaken under the National River Conservation Plan; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) what are the works done, so far, and targets set for current year and next year; and (d) the steps taken to ensure that the works are completed as per schedule?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)to(d): Yes Sir. The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) Phase-I was started by this Ministry in April 1993 in the three States of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana with support for funding from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and was completed in February 2003. The total expenditure incurred on the project was Rs. 678 crores. A total of 256 schemes of pollution abatement of the river were completed under the Plan leading to installation of sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 750 million litres per day (mld). The JBIC has also committed financial assistance for implementation of the YAP Phase-II through this Ministry, the works of which have commenced in December 2004. The project was approved for the three States of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs. 624 crore with the schedule of completion by September 2008. The cost of works is to be shared between Government of India and State Governments in the ratio of 85:15. The major item of works to be implemented under the YAP Phase-II project including during the current year and the next year are as follows:

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· Construction of Sewage Treatment Plant (54 mld) and Rehabilitation of Sewer Lines/ Rising Mains (85.7 Kms.) in U.P · Rehabilitation of Sewer Lines (73 Kms.) and improvements in efficiencies of existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Haryana · Rehabilitation of trunk sewers (30.82 Kms.) and works of Sewage Treatment Plants (135 mld new and 324 mld rehabilitation) in Delhi. · Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for projects to be taken up under future

YAP Phase – III in the three States

· Reform Action Plan for Urban Local Bodies in the project towns

· Public Participation and Public Awareness Activities in the project towns. The details of progress made in schemes under YAP-II so far include the following : · Sanction of works of Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Plant works in Northern and Western Zones including Land Acquisition for STP of Agra in Uttar Pradesh · Appointment of Consultants for Reform Action Plan and Preparation of Master Plan, Feasibility Study and DPRs for YAP-III in Uttar Pradesh · Appointment of Consultants for Engineering Technology Transfer for improvement in efficiency of the existing STPs, Reform Action Plan and Preparation of Master Plan, Feasibility Study and the DPRs for YAP-III in Haryana. · Appointment of the Consultants for monitoring of the various works to be taken up in Delhi The progress of the works of YAP-II is regularly reviewed with the concerned States and their Implementing Agencies at various levels in the Ministry. The Project Management Consultants (PMC) appointed for the YAP-II project as per the JBIC guidelines also assist the Ministry and the State Governments in the implementation of the project. *********




POLLUTION IN GANGA AND ITS TRIBUTARIES IN UTTAR PRADESH

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2315. SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR SHRI SHAHID SIDDIQUI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the details of the industries polluting river Ganga and its tributaries, particularly in Uttar Pradesh; and (b) the details of the remedial action taken/proposed to be taken against these industries polluting river Ganga and its tributaries?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): According to the report of Central Pollution Control Board, a total of 222 grossly polluting industries in Uttar Pradesh with a Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) load of more than 100 kilo gram per day, have been identified discharging effluent into river Ganga and its major tributaries. Out of these, 143 industries have installed effluent treatment plants and are operating satisfactorily, 43 industries have been closed down and 36 industries have been found defaulting and facing legal action under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. (b): The industrial pollution is tackled through the implementation of various provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Central Pollution Control Board has also set up Minimal National Standards for different categories of polluting industries, which are implemented by the concerned State Board through regular monitoring system. Action plans for controlling pollution are submitted by the industries directly to the State Board for its monitoring. In case the industry fails to achieve the prescribed standards within the scheduled time frame, closure notices are served on them as per the above environmental laws.

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GANGA ACTION PLAN

428. SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) to what extent it is a fact that ambitious Ganga Action Plan was envisaged in 1985 with the financial allocation of Rs.1000 crores for the most sacred river of the country and its tributaries; (b) if so, whether it is also not a fact that the water of the river is now even more polluted than when the Plan was conceived in 1985; and (c) if so, what is the reaction of the Central Government towards Ganga basin States responsible for such dismal condition of river Ganga?

ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a) to (c): Ganga Action Plan Phase I, the first attempt of Government to clean the river Ganga, was launched in the year 1985. The Plan was taken up to treat partial pollution load (almost 65 per cent at that time) of the river due to resource crunch. Under this Plan, 259 projects of pollution abatement spread over 25 towns in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal were completed leading to the creation of additional sewage treatment capacity of 865 million litres per day (mld). The Plan was declared closed in March, 2000. Since GAP Phase I did not cover the pollution load of Ganga fully, GAP Phase II which includes plans for Yamuna, Gomti, Damodar and Mahananda besides Ganga was approved in stages from 1993 onwards. The present sanctioned cost of the works of pollution abatement for Ganga river under GAP Phase II is Rs.492.16 crore against which an amount of Rs. 251.17 crore has been released to the State implementing agencies. Out of a total of 271 sanctioned schemes, 80 schemes have been completed so far and the balance schemes are in different stages of implementation. With the completion of the pollution abatement works under the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase-I (1985-2000) as well as the works undertaken under GAP Phase-II (1995 onwards), notwithstanding the phenomenal increase in urban population leading to substantial increase in the pollution load of the river Ganga over the past years, water quality of river Ganga has shown improvement at major locations over its pre-GAP quality. A tabular statement in this regard is attached as Annexure. In order to further sustain the efforts towards pollution abatement of rivers the State Governments are advised in different fora from time to time to ensure timely release of

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funds for proper Operation and Maintenance of the assets created under the River Action Plans.

Annexure WATER QUALITY DATA FOR RIVER GANGA (Lean Season Average i.e. March-June) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in milligram/litre (mg/l) Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)in milligram/litre (mg/l) S.No. Station/Location 1986 2005 1986 20051 Rishikesh 8.1 8.50 1.7 1.00 2. Hardwar D/s 8.1 8.10 1.8 1.40 3. Garhmukteshwar 7.8 7.80 2.2 2.00 4. Kannauj U/S 7.2 8.50 5.5 1.70 5. Kannauj D/S NA 7.60 NA 4.50 6. Kanpur U/S 7.2 6.20 7.2 4.30 7 Kanpur D/S 6.7 4.70 8.6 5.40 8. Allahabad U/S 6.4 8.50 11.4 5.50 9. Allahabad D/S 6.6 8.40 15.5 3.10 10. Varanasi U/S 5.6 8.60 10.1 2.00 11. Varanasi D/S 5.9 8.30 10.6 2.30 12. Patna U/S 8.4 7.44 2.0 2.00 13. Patna D/S 8.1 8.00 2.2 2.20 14. Rajmahal 7.8 7.40 1.8 1.80 15. Palta NA 7.00 NA 3.10 16. Uluberia NA 5.40 NA 2.60 Note: The above water quality monitoring undertaken by independent reputed institutes like Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi; Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL), Hardwar; Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur; Indian Toxicological Research Centre (ITRC), Lucknow, etc. *************




POLLUTION IN GANGA

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406. SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are aware that pollution of holy river Ganga has assumed serious proportion inspite of action plans phase-I (1992-97) and phase-II (1995-2001); (b) if so, the steps being considered to minimise the pollution level of the river; (c) whether Government are considering to ask the concerned States for raising money by levying minimum user charges; and (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): With the completion of the works of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase-I (1985-2000) as well as projects undertaken under GAP Phase-II (1995 onwards) and notwithstanding the phenomenal increase in urban population leading to substantial increase in the pollution load of the river Ganga over the past years, its water quality has shown improvement at major locations over its pre-GAP quality. A tabular statement is attached as Annexure. Under the Ganga Action Plan Phase-I, pollution abatement works of Ganga river were taken up in 25 cities spread over the States of UP, Bihar and West Bengal and a sewage treatment capacity of 865 million litres per day was created. Under the Ganga Action Plan Phase-II, pollution abatement works of the river in 59 towns covering the States of Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal are in progress. Further, a loan agreement with the Japan Bank of International Co-operation (JBIC) has been signed by the Government for taking up pollution abatement works in the river at Varanasi. Assistance has also been sought for from the JBIC for similar projects at Allahabad, Kanpur and Lucknow. (c) & (d): The Urban Local Bodies/State Governments have been encouraged to consider innovative ways for raising revenue for meeting the operation and maintenance costs by adopting measures, such as, levying user charges, sale of sludge, generation of power from bio-gas in sewage treatment plants etc.

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ANNEXURE

WATER QUALITY DATA FOR RIVER GANGA

(Lean Season Average i.e. March-June)

S.No. Station/Location DO (mg/l) BOD (mg/l) 1986 2005 1986 2005 1. Rishikesh 8.1 8.50 1.7 1.00 2. Hardwar D/s 8.1 8.10 1.8 1.40 3. Garhmukteshwar 7.8 7.80 2.2 2.00 4. Kannauj U/S 7.2 8.50 5.5 1.70 5. Kannauj D/S NA 7.60 NA 4.50 6. Kanpur U/S 7.2 6.20 7.2 4.30 7. Kanpur D/S 6.7 4.70 8.6 5.40 8. Allahabad U/S * 6.4 8.50 11.4 5.50 9. Allahabad D/S * 6.6 8.40 15.5 3.10 10. Varanasi U/S * 5.6 8.60 10.1 2.00 11. Varanasi D/S * 5.9 8.30 10.6 2.30 12. Patna U/S 8.4 7.44 2.0 2.00 13. Patna D/S 8.1 8.00 2.2 2.20 14. Rajmahal 7.8 7.40 1.8 1.80 15. Palta NA 7.00 NA 3.10 16. Uluberia NA 5.40 NA 2.60

Bathing Water Quality Criteria: DO equal to or more than 5.0 mg/l

BOD equal to or less than 3.0 mg/l

*--->Lean Season averages (March '05)

Note: The water quality monitoring has been done by independent reputed institutes like Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL), Hardwar, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, Indian Toxicological Research Centre (ITRC), Lucknow, etc.

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RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3727 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.5.2006

GANGA ACTION PLAN

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3727. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS BE PLEASED to state:

(a) whether the phase of the Ganga Action Plan is already 18 years behind schedule, if so, what are the details thereof indicating the original and the revised schedule thereof;

(b) the details of the items of work; so far, completed under the Plan, and the

expenditure incurred thereon; and

(c) the coast escalation, so, far, incurred by the Plan projects, item-wise?

ANSWER


(a) to (c): No Sir. The first phase of Ganga Action Plan which was launched in the year

1985 has since been completed in March 2000. Under this plan, a total of 259 schemes of polluiotn abatement of the river have been completed which includes installation of 33 SewageTreatment Plants resulting in creation of additional 86 million litres per day (mld) Sewage Treatmnet Capacity, 88 schemes of Interception & Diversion of sewage, 43 schemes of Low Cost sanitation, 28 schemes of Crematoria, 35 schemes of River Front Development and 32 other miscellaneous schemes.

These schemes were completed at a total of Rs, 433.3 crore. The original sanctioned cost of the Plan was Rs, 277 crore. The revised estimated cost of Rs. 468 crore was approved taking onto account a host of factors which included change in scope (like change in design, change in physical condition etc.) to the tune of Rs, 7692 crores, change in rates to the extent of Rs. 77.08 crores and Rs. 47 crore on account of Central Share on Operation & Maintenance of works in the states, Research & Development, etc.

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CLEANING OF YAMUNA RIVER

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3707. SHRI KARNENDU BHATTACHARJEE Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) since when the campaign is going on for cleaning the Yamuna river in NCR; (b) the details of the funds allocated by Government for cleaning the Yamuna river during the last three years, till date; (c) how much funds have been utilized, so far, year-wise; and (d) the present status of Yamuna river as on date?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (d): The campaign for cleaning the Yamuna river in NCR was started by the Government of India with the launching of Yamuna Action Plan Phase -I in April 1993. The project with support for funding from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) was completed in February 2003. A total of 256 schemes of pollution abatement of the river have been completed and a sewage treatment capacity of 741 million litres per day [mld] created under this phase. Further, Yamuna Action Plan-II, approved by the Government of India for pollution abatement works of river Yamuna, is under implementation since December 04 in the three States of U.P., Haryana and Delhi at a cost of Rs.124 crore, Rs.62.5 crore and Rs. 387 crore respectively besides Rs. 50.5 crore for components like constancy services, water quality management etc. The amount of funds provided by the Government of India under Yamuna Action Plan to the concerned State Governments during 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 along with funds utilised by these States is given at Annexure-I. As per the water quality (summer average) of river Yamuna, the values of Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) for the year 2005 in the stretches from Sonepat (Haryana) to Etawah (U.P) ranges from 2.0 to 24.3 milligram per liter (mg/1). While these values are within the specified limits in the towns of Haryana, they are higher than the bathing quality standard of 3.0 mg/l in Delhi & U.P as increase in population and enhanced sewage generation in the towns on the banks of the river in these States account for significant additional pollution load during the intervening years.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 259 ANSWERED ON 08.12.2006 TASK FORCE FOR CLEANING OF YAMUNA RIVER 259. SHRI MOTIUR RAHMAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether a high powered task force has been constituted to accelerate the cleaning of river Yamuna in Delhi; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the quantum of funds allocated for the same and up-till now how much money has been incurred on the cleaning of river Yamuna? ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a) & (b): No Sir. However, in pursuance to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court a three- tier monitoring mechanism has been constituted. This includes an Apex Committee under the Ministry of Urban Development. (c): For the abatement of pollution of river Yamuna, the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the National River Conservation Directorate has launched YAP-I and YAP-II at a total cost of Rs. 1339 crore. So far an expenditure of Rs. 686 crore has been incurred under YAP-I and YAP-II. In addition the Governments of NCT of Delhi, Haryana and U.P. have also taken up large-scale sewerage, non-sewerage and sewage treatment works out of their own plan funds. ***********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1851 ANSWERED ON 08.12.2006 MONITORING OF QUALITY OF WATER

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1851. SHRI RAVULA CHANDRA SEKAR REDDY Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government are ensuring the monitoring of water quality in all areas; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the role being played by NGOs in this regard; (d) what is the present status of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), State-wise, river-wise and town-wise; and (e) the present status of Ganga Action Plan? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT OF FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): The Central Pollution Control Board alongwith State Pollution Control Boards is monitoring the water quality of different water bodies at 1019 locations covering 26 states and 6 UTs in the country. The monitoring is conducted on monthly and quarterly basis in surface waters and on half-yearly basis in respect of groundwater. The present monitoring network includes 592 locations on rivers, 65 on lakes, 321 wells and remaining on tanks, canals, ponds, creeks and drains. The water quality is assessed based on physico-chemical and biological analysis. Regular water quality trends are brought out for evaluation and for taking corrective measures for prevention of water pollution. The water quality monitoring is also carried out under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) through reputed academic/research institutions to evaluate the impact of pollution abatement schemes taken up for Indian rivers. Besides, Central Water Commission, Central & State Ground Water Boards, research institutions and laboratories under various NGOs are also carrying out monitoring of water bodies for various objectives. (d): A Centrally Sponsored Scheme of NRCP is under implementation by Ministry of Environment & Forests in 160 towns located along polluted stretches of 34 rivers spread over 20 States at a cost of Rs.4735.42 crore on 70:30 cost sharing between the Centre and respective State Government. The number of pollution abatement schemes sanctioned so far under the NRCP is 940, out of which 582 schemes have been reported to be completed. These schemes include installation of Sewage Treatment Plants, Interception and Diversion of Sewage, Low Cost Sanitation, Improved Wood Crematoria, River Front Development, etc. A total sewage treatment capacity of 1872 million liters per day (mld) has been created under NRCP, besides 865 mld already created under the first phase of Ganga Action Plan. The pollution abatement works under NRCP are in various stages of progress in different states.

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(e): Under the Ganga Action Plan, 639 schemes of pollution abatement have been completed leading to the creation of an additional sewage treatment capacity of 1693 million liters per day (mld). In order to tackle the uncovered load in the river, Government has prepared a Master Plan and conducted the feasibility studies for sewerage (including sewage treatment) and non-sewerage components for four towns namely - Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad and Varanasi. Japan International Cooperation Agency has conducted a development study in this regard. A loan agreement has been signed between Government of India and Japan Bank for International Cooperation for further implementation of the pollution abatement works in river Ganga at Varanasi. Assistance has also been sought from the above agency for similar projects at Allahabad, Lucknow and Kanpur. In spite of phenomenal increase in the urban population leading to substantial increase in pollution load of river Ganga over the past years, water quality of the river has shown improvement compared to that of pre Ganga Action Plan.

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YAMUNA ACTION PLAN

2628. SHRI RAMDAS AGARWAL SHRI DARA SINGH Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government’s attention has been drawn to the reported statement of Water Keeper Alliance, a US-based International Activist Group, that Yamuna river is one of the dirtiest rivers and the water flows in it can hardly be called water, it is sewage; (b) if so, whether it is a fact that Delhi with close to 25 million people treats only 600 million gallons of sewage per day; and (c) if so, what were the objectives of ‘Yamuna Action Plan’ with implementation schedule indicating total amount spent, so far, to control the pollution in river, including foreign aid component?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): Yes Sir. Due to lack of fresh water in the river Yamuna during the lean period, its condition deteriorates with the discharge of treated and untreated sewage in the stretch from Wazirabad to Okhla in Delhi. It is estimated that about 720 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage is generated in Delhi, against which, a sewage treatment capacity of 512 MGD exists in the city. Due to the deficiency in sewerage network, however, only 346 MGD capacity is under utilisation at present. To address the pollution of river Yamuna, the Integrated Action Plan prepared by the Ministry of Urban Development is under implementation in Delhi, with a number of agencies identified towards its implementation. Works under YAP-II in Delhi are also a part of the overall Integrated Action Plan. Further to review the progress of implementation of the action plan, a three tier monitoring mechanism has been constituted in pursuance to the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. This includes an Apex Committee under the Ministry of Urban Development. For abatement of pollution of river Yamuna, Yamuna Action Plans (YAP) have been launched with the assistance of the Japan Bank for International Co-operation by the Govt. of India in a phased manner in April 1993. The Phase-I of YAP in which 165 MGD of sewage treatment capacity was created in Delhi, U.P. and Haryana against the target of 166 MGD was declared closed in February 2003. Under YAP-II, which commenced in December 2004 at an approved cost of Rs. 624 crore, a sewage treatment capacity of 30 MGD and 12 MGD respectively is proposed to be created in Delhi and UP respectively during a period of five years. In addition, rehabilitation of 72 MGD capacity is also being taken up under YAP-II in Delhi. So far, an amount of Rs. 686 crore has been utilised under YAP-I and YAP-II. **********



ANSWERED ON 15.12.2006 GANGA ACTION PLAN

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2634. SHRI MOTIUR RAHMAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have made any study to assess the actual progress of the Ganga Action Plan and if so, the details thereof; (b) the reasons for their being no progress on 149 schemes in the State of Bihar, Haryana, Uttaranchal, Jharkhand and Delhi giving the details of the schemes and the steps taken to complete the schemes urgently; (c) whether Brij Ghat at Garhmukteshwar, Ghaziabad (U.P.) under Ganga Action Plan was to be developed like Har-Ki-Pauri at Haridwar; and (d) if so, the details of the progress made in the construction of the pucca ghat, cleanliness and brick floored space for parking vehicles, etc.?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase-I - the first attempt undertaken for abatement of pollution in the river Ganga, was started in 1985 and it tackled 35 per cent of the pollution load in the River. The same was declared complete in March 2000.

Since GAP-I did not cover the full pollution load of the river, the GAP Phase-II has been sanctioned in stages from 1993 onwards and includes pollution abatement works, besides the river Ganga, in its major tributaries Yamuna, Gomti, Damodar and Mahananda. As the scope of this phase was enhanced during implementation with revision in the approved works and inclusion of additional works in these rivers from time to time, the total sanctioned works have also progressively increased under this Plan. The number of schemes sanctioned under the Plan as on June 2004 was 442, out of which 293 schemes were completed and 149 schemes remained to be incompleted.

Currently, the sanctioned works stand increased to 577, out of which 400 are reported to have been completed, 42 schemes are reported to be nearing completion and 135 schemes are reported to be in different stages of progress with 107 schemes having been completed after June 2004. The recently approved schemes have individual targets varying from 2-3 years from their respective sanctioned dates. The progress of the ongoing works under the Plan is monitored regularly with the State Governments and their Implementing Agencies.

(c) & (d): The Government of India has sanctioned a 100 per cent Centrally Sponsored Scheme for construction of bathing ghat of length 61 metre at Brij Ghat, Garhmukteshwar in April 2005 at a cost of Rs.104.83 lakhs, which is an extension of

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existing bathing ghat and includes construction of a changing room, steps for ghat, flooring on the landing, stone launching apron in the river at the end of the steps, etc. As per the latest progress report furnished by the State Implementing Agency, 80 per cent progress in this work has been achieved till October 2006 and an expenditure of Rs.85.86 lakhs has been incurred against the sanctioned amount.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



UTILISATION OF GROUNDWATER

3012. SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether Central Ground Water Authority started conducting a survey in Delhi in two blocks to analyse legal and regulatory framework pertaining to utilisation of groundwater for better management of natural resources; (b) whether the study covers a combination of States where legislation to regulate the use of groundwater has been enacted and those where such an act is yet to be passed; (c) whether objective of the study is to analyse existing legal and regulatory utilisation of groundwater; and (d) if so, the details of study report of all the States?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV) (a) to (d): No separate survey has been conducted by Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) to analyse the legal and regulatory framework in different States, including Delhi. However, based on ground water assessment carried out jointly by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and the States, CGWA has notified South and Southwest

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districts in NCT Delhi for regulation of groundwater development and management to control over-exploitation and consequent depletion of groundwater table. `Water` being a State subject, it is the responsibility of the concerned States to take necessary steps for proper management of groundwater resources. However, Ministry of Water Resources have circulated to the States and Union Territories, a draft Model Bill to regulate and control the development and management of groundwater. The Bill was initially circulated in 1970 which has been re-circulated in 1992, 1996 and 2005 for adoption. So far groundwater legislation has been enacted by the States of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. ***********




ASSESSMENT OF WASTE WATER FLOW INTO SEA

3023. SHRI T.T.V. DHINAKARAN

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have made any assessment of wasteful flow of water of west- flowing rivers in the country; (b) if so, the details of each of such rivers; and (c) the steps being taken to harness the wastewater flowing in the sea?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV) (a) to (c): The average annual precipitation is estimated as 4000 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM) in the country. After accounting for the natural process of evaporation, etc., the average annual water availability in the country is assessed as 1869 BCM. Utilisation of water for diverse purposes is made through various schemes including major and medium projects and minor schemes, both surface and groundwater.

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It is estimated that owing to topographic, hydrological and other constraints, the utilisable water is 1123 BCM only. As per an estimate, the average annual water availability of Mahi, Sabarmati, Narmada, Tapi – west-flowing rivers between Tapi to Tadri, west- flowing rivers between Tadri to Kanyakumari and West flowing rivers of Kutchh and Saurashtra, etc, is 291.30 (BCM). It is estimated that the total utilisable water in above mentioned basins is 160.37 BCM. Rest of the water could be considered to be flowing down to sea. With a view to optimally utilise the available resources, several measures for development and management of water resources are undertaken by the respective State Governments which include creation of storages, restoration of water bodies, rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge to groundwater and adoption of better management practices, etc. State Governments conceive, plan and implement major, medium and minor schemes for utilisation of water resources. ***********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



PROVISION OF SAFE DRINKING WATER

3028. DR. K. MALAISAMY Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that more than 170 million Indians do not have access to safe drinking water; (b) if so, what are the thrust measures and serious initiatives envisaged with priority to tackle this important basic problem leading to several ailments and diseases; and (c) whether there can be a time-frame to provide safe drinking water to every citizen of India?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV)

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(a): As informed by the Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development, water is a State subject and as such the State Governments are primarily responsible to provide drinking water to the rural habitations. To supplement the efforts of the State Governments in this direction, financial assistance and technical support is rendered by the Central Government to the State Governments through a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) under Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission of Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development. State Governments are, however, competent to plan, sanction, implement and execute rural water supply schemes for the coverage of rural habitations from funds provided under ARWSP. The Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development have further informed that as per the Comprehensive Action Plan, 1999 and subsequent coverage reported by States/UTs, 97.02 per cent habitations are fully covered, 2.73 per cent are partially covered and 0.21 per cent habitations are not covered. (b): The Department of Drinking Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development have informed that a community based National Rural Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance Programme has been launched in the country to tackle chemical contamination, which aims at testing various parameters for all drinking water sources by the grassroot level works in each Panchayat by simple-to-use field test kits with provision for one field test kit each for every Gram Panchayats in the country for this purpose. Further, with effect from 1st April, 2006, it has been decided to retain upto 20 per cent of ARWSP funds to mitigate water quality problems on focused manner. (c): As informed by the Department of Drinking of Water Supply, Ministry of Rural Development, drinking water supply is one of the six components of Bharat Nirman which has been conceived as a plan to be implemented in four years from 2005-06 to 2008-09 for building rural infrastructure. The objective of the said component is to cover 55067 uncovered habitations. *************




STATUS OF INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

3017. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA SHRI KRISHAN LAL BALMIKI

305

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) the actual status of ambitious river interlinking project going on in the country; (b) whether it is a fact that the work of the above scheme is going on at a very slow pace and this scheme is lagging behind the target; (c) if so, the reasons therefor; and (d) the details of the action taken by Government to accelerate the above scheme?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV) (a) to (d): The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has prepared Feasibility Report of 16 links out of 30 identified links under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Water Resources Development for transfer of water from surplus to deficit river basin areas. A Group head by Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC) consisting of other officers of CWC, NWDA and Secretaries of Irrigation/Water Resources Departments from concerned states has been constituted in June, 2002 to discuss with the States the issues for arriving at a consensus regarding sharing of surplus water and preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR). Five peninsular links have been identified as priority links for consensus building between the concerned states. The Group has held seven meetings on these links. The DPR for one priority link viz. Ken-Betwa has been taken up by NWDA after signing of a tripartite agreement between the Government of India and concerned States of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on 25.08.2005. The States of MP and Rajasthan have also agreed in principle for the preparation of DPR of another priority link viz. Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link. The implementation of interbasin water transfer proposals depends on the consensus and cooperation of the concerned States.

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MISCELLANEOUS




ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE INDEX

628. SHRIMATI JAYA BACHCHAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that a pilot nation by nation study of environmental performance named 2006 Environmental Performance Index shows inter-alia that India ranks amongst the 20 lowest scoring countries in the critical environmental goals ranging from clean drinking water, low ozone levels to sustainable fisheries and low greenhouse gas emissions; (b) if so, what are the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and (c) what steps Government propose to take to improve its rankings?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): The Pilot 2006 Environmental Performance Index has been developed by the Centre for Environmental Law & Policy at Yale University and the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) at Columbia University in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. Using 16 indicators, six core policy categories and the two broad objectives of environmental health and eco-system vitality, the Environmental Performance Index Framework has ranked India 118 out of a total of 133 countries. The position of the countries at the bottom of the rankings has been attributed by the authors to several factors such as low environmental health scores, densely populated industrialising with stressed ecosystems, arid states with limited natural resource

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endowments, lack of capacity for aggressive pollution control or systematic natural resource management. (c): The Government of India accords high priority to environment protection and sustainable development. These concerns are duly reflected in our planning process. The Government of India has already taken a series of steps, including establishment of a regulatory framework to address these concerns.

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ANSWERED ON 17.03.2006 REHABILITATION OF FAMILIES DISPLACED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION OF

PONG DAM

2462. SHRI KRIPAL PARMAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether thousands of families which came under submerged area of the Pong reservoir were not rehabilitated completely after the construction of the Pong dam over the Beas river in the district of Kangra; (b) whether a 1450 feet area on the bank of Pong lake has been declared a wildlife sanctuary to displace the remaining families outside the submerged area; and (c) if so, when its notification was issued?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): As reported by the Government of Himachal Pradesh, the total number of families affected by the construction of the Pong dam reservoir is 20,722. As per the allotment rules of Government of Rajasthan, out of the total 16,352 number of eligible oustees, 10,580 oustees have been allotted land in Rajasthan till date. (b): Yes Sir. As per the notification of Pong Lake Sanctuary, an area up to 1450 feet altitude has been declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary.

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(c): Initial notification of the Sanctuary under Section 18 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was issued on 01.06.1983 and final notification under Section 26 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on 23.10.1999. ******

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

DEPARTMENT OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS RAJYA SABHA


CONSTRUCTION OF PLASTIC ROADS

366. SHRI SHANTARAM LAXMAN NAIK Will the Minister of SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have any scheme to construct plastic roads in the country; (b) if so, the essential features of the scheme including pattern of financial assistance; (c) the names of States which have shown interest to implement the scheme; (d) the names of States to whom financial assistance, if any, has been granted; and (e) if so, the quantum thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA) (a): No Sir. (b) to (e): Does not arise.

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PHASING OUT OF MERCURY

481. SHRI B.K. HARIPRASAD

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether studies by WHO and global environmental agencies have established the neuro-toxic effects of mercury which hampers nerve conditions and causes renal failure; (b) while the Western countries are phasing out use of mercury for its adverse effects, whether, India’s imports of mercury have more than doubled in six years since 1996-97: (c) whether even Parad Shivlings, traded and installed at homes for worship, has 30 percent mercury by weight as its key constituent; and (d) whether Government would consider to put in a regulatory structure for phasing out the use of mercury of which India is the largest importer in the world?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): A decreasing trend has been observed in the import of mercury in India since the year 2003-04. (c): No conclusive data on mercury content in Parad shivlings are available. (d): According to the Ministry of Commerce, mercury is freely importable and no proposal for changing the import policy for mercury is under consideration. **********

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ANSWERED ON 28.07.2006 RADIATION FROM MOBILE PHONE TOWERS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC

DEVICES

489. MISS ANUSUIYA UIKEY

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether any efforts are being made to check electromagnetic radiation emitting from mobile phone towers, airports, ATMs of banks, call centres, electrical sub stations, generator sets, etc.; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (c): Radiation from mobile phone towers and other electronic devices has been engaging the attention of the Government for quiet some time. Based on the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Karma Jyot Sewa Trust of Gujarat, Mumbai High Court had ordered the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India to examine the issue on health hazards due to mobile phone base stations. As a follow up of Mumbai High Court’s directions, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) comprising the doctors from the leading scientific institutions viz All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh and also including a representative of Department of Telecommunication. The Committee met on 29th May, 2006 and opined that overall there is not enough evidence to show direct health hazards of radio frequency exposure from mobile base stations. The Committee recommended that a precautionary approach needs to be adopted till further research data is available and as suggested that it would not be amiss to adopt the International Council for Non-ionising, radiation protection guidelines for limiting electronic magnetic force exposures. Further, in order to develop the expertise in this

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area, Ministry of Telecommunication has also set up a multi-disciplinary Committee to examine the issue of adopting international guidelines for electro magnetic radiation emitting from mobile phone towers. This Committee is expected to prepare precautionary guidelines for protection of public from electro-magnetic radiation from mobiles towers and mobile phones within time frame of four months.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS



AMENDMENTS IN PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ACT

213. SHRIMATI S.G. INDIRA

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that Government are considering to bring in amendments to the protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, to incorporate various changes; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is also a fact that Government had received recommendations from various corners to make changes in the Bill; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL) (a) to (d): The Government has introduced a Bill the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2005 in Rajya Sabha on 8.12.2005 which inter-alia seeks to: (i) clarify that the Chairpersons of NHRC and State Human Rights Commission (SHRCs) are distinct from the Member of the respective Commissions; (ii) make judges of the Supreme Court with at least three years service, be eligible for appointment as Chairperson of the NHRC;

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(iii) make judges of the High Courts with at least five years of service eligible for appointment as Chairperson of an SHRC and a District Judge with at least seven years of experience in that capacity to be a Member of the SHRC; (iv) enable the NHRC to transfer complaints received by it to the concerned SHRC; (v) enable the NHRC to visit any jail or other institutions without prior intimation to the State Government; (vi) enable the Chairperson and Members of the NHRC to address their resignations in writing to the President of India and the Chairperson and Members of an SHRC to the Governor of the State concerned; (vii) enable the NHRC and SHRCs to make interim recommendations during an inquiry; (viii) empower the NHRC and its Chairperson to delegate certain powers and functions of the Commission to the Secretary General of the NHRC except judicial functions and rule making powers under Clause 18 of the proposed Bill; (ix) provide that the Chairperson of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes and the Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes shall be deemed to be Members of the NHRC; (x) enable the Central Government to notify future international covenants and conventions to which the Act would be applicable. *********




CHILDREN WITH BIRTH DEFECTS DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

1233. SHRI PENUMALLI MADHU Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is noted in a seminar that about eight lakh children are born with birth defects in India every year and it is mainly due to uncontrolled environmental degradation; and

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(b) if so, what are the remedial measures adopted by his Ministry?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): According to the National Neonatal-Perinatal Database Report supported by Indian Council of Medical Research, birth defects in about 1.7 per cent of live births in tertiary hospitals were reported. Due to multi-factorial causation, it is very difficult to attribute birth defects to any environmental changes/degradation. (b): The measures taken for control of environmental hazards include comprehensive policy for environment and abatement of pollution, supply of improved auto-fuel including CNG/LPG in specified cities, tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms, mandatory environmental clearance for specified industries, management of municipal & bio-medical wastes, promotion of cleaner technologies, strengthening of the net-work of air & water quality monitoring stations, assessment of pollution load & source apportionment studies, preparation and implementation of action plans for major cities and critically polluted areas. **********




DEATHS DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

1235. SHRI DHARAM PAL SABHARWAL SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the World Health Organisation has revealed in its recent report that deaths of one fourth human beings worldwide is caused due to environment; (b) if so, whether Government have studied the said report; (c) if so, the details thereof; and

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(d) the details of effective steps being taken in order to improve the environment during the next three years?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a), (b) & (c): According to the report of the World Health Organisation (WHO), 24% of the disease burden (healthy life years lost) and 23% (premature mortality) of all deaths were attributable to environmental factors on global basis. However, there were large regional differences and 25% of all deaths in developing regions and 17% of deaths in developed regions were attributable to environmental causes. (d) The steps taken/envisaged in order to improve the environment include comprehensive policy for environment and abatement of pollution, supply of improved auto-fuel including CNG/LPG in the specified cities, tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms, mandatory environmental clearance for specified industries, management of municipal & bio-medical wastes, promotion of cleaner technologies, strengthening of the net-work of air & water quality monitoring stations, assessment of pollution load & source apportionment studies, preparation and implementation of action plans for major cities and critically polluted areas. ************




IMPLEMENTATION OF SWAMINATHAN COMMITTEE REPORT

1236. SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) what action Government have, so far, taken to implement the recommendation of Professor M. S. Swaminathan Committee Report for the protection of life and property in the coastal areas from natural hazards; and (b) the details of results achieved on the implementation of the said report?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The methodology for demarcation of vulnerability line has been finalised. Four coastal stretches namely - Paradeep (Orissa), Dahej (Gujarat), Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) and Mumbai (Maharashtra) have been identified for pilot studies which has been assigned to Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad. A project has been sanctioned for preparing a National Action Plan for control of pollution of coastal waters from land-based activities. A new plan scheme has been proposed as an extremely aided project for implementation of various recommendations. (b): Elevation maps of the above four identified coastal stretches obtained from Survey of India. Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad has informed that they have completed the mapping of the vulnerability line in two stretches namely, Paradeep and Nellore. Interim report of the National Action Plan for control of pollution of coastal waters from land-based activities has been received from consultant in June 2006. ********** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



SWAMINATHAN COMMITTEE

1237. SHRI K.E. ISMAIL Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government have appointed a Committee, headed by M. S. Swaminathan, to study and recommend changes in the policy and laws relating to coastal zone; (b) if so, the terms of reference of the Committee and names of the members of that Committee; (c) whether, the Committee has submitted its report; if so, the main recommendations of the report and decision of Government thereto; (d) whether Government’s attention has have been drawn to the fact that a large number of scientists came out publicly with articles and statements about this report; and

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(e) if so, the response and decision of Government thereto?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): In order to carry out a quick but comprehensive review of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 in light of findings and recommendations of all previous Committees, judicial pronouncements, representations of various stakeholders and to suggest sustainable amendments if necessary to make the regulatory framework consistent with well-established scientific principles of Coastal Zone Management the Ministry of Environment and Forests constituted and Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan in July 2004. (b): The Terms of Reference and the composition of the Committee were as follows:- (i) To review the reports of various Committees appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on coastal zone management, consider international practices, and suggest the scientific principles for an integrated coastal zone management best suited for the country; (ii) To define and enlist various coastal and marine resources and recommend the methodology for their identification and the extent of safeguards required for conservation and protection; (iii) To revisit the CRZ, Notification, 1991 in the light of above and recommend necessary amendments to make the regulatory framework consistent with recommendations on (a) and (b) above and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The members of the Committee were as follows:- 1. Dr M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman 2. Prof. Bharat H. Desai, Associate Professor, International Legal Studies Division, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, Member 3. Prof. S. Ramachandran, Institute for Ocean Management, Chennai, Member 4. Dr. M. Baba, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, Member 5. Prof. U. Sankar, Madras School of Economics, Chennai, Member

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6. Dr. Ms Janki B. Andharia, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Member 7. Dr. Shailesh B. Nayak, Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, Member 8. Shri V. Sunder, Department of Coastal Engineering, IIT, Chennai, Member 9. Prof. A.K. Maitra, Ex-Director, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, Member 10. Dr. Mohan Joseph, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Member 11. Secretary, Department of Ocean Development, New Delhi, Special Invitee. 12. Secretary, Environment & Forests, New Delhi, Special Invitee 13. Additional/Joint Director, MoEF - Member Secretary (c): The Committee had submitted its report in February 2005 and the main recommendations of the report include:- (i) Implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan. (ii) Development along the coastal stretches based on demarcation of setback lines taking into account the vulnerability of the coast to natural and manmade hazards. (iii) Inclusion of the ocean zone in coastal management strategy. (iv) Setting up of institutional structures to address the policy and legal issues. (v) Programme for pollution abatement of coastal waters. (vi) Identification and mapping of the coastal eco-sensitive areas such as mangroves, corals, turtle breeding areas, etc. for their conservation and protection. (vii) Development of bioshields along the coastal stretches. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has accepted the broad recommendations of the Report and has taken steps for implementation of the recommendations. (d): No Sir.

(e): Does not arise. ********

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OZONE LAYER

2943. SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the existing hole in the ozone layer over Antarctic region has become wide enough this year as a result thereof the pollution preventing measures which were going on for the last twenty years, proved ineffective and whether there are possibilities of further widening of the hole; (b) whether it is also a fact that the ozone layer is becoming thinner day by day; (c) whether this hole in the ozone layer has spread over the Usuhiya in Pentagon region of southern Argentina and as a result thereof ultraviolet radiation is increasing over the earth; and (d) the distance between ozone layer and the earth and the measures Government are taking to prevent those dangerous gases reaching the earth?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) and (b): According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), measurements of total ozone in the atmospheric column from the IMD station of Maitri at Antarctica, during the years 1992 to present, has revealed that the ozone hole occurs every year with varying intensity over the station during the period of southern hemispheric spring season i.e., last week of August to first week of November. According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Ozone bulletin, last two weeks of August and the first week of September 2005 experienced lower ozone column minima than any of the nine preceding years {160 Dobson Units (D.U.) in 2005 and 200 D.U in 1998}. From early October, however, the ozone column recovered faster than most of the years of the last decade (100 D.U in 1998 and 140 D.U in 2004) and by mid-November ozone column minima were similar to those observed in 2004. During the last

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few years, a trend was observed towards earlier recovery of the ozone hole, and the 2005 ozone hole confirms this trend. (c): Hole in the ozone layer occurred for a few days over the Usuhiya in Patagonia region of southern Argentina during 2003. It increased the local surface ultraviolet radiation. (d): The height of the ozone layer is maximum over the tropical region and minimum over the polar region and is not correlated to ozone depletion. In order to tackle the issue of ozone depletion, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer are the international agreements. These agreements mandate the measures for phasing out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in developed as well as developing countries. India is a Party to both the Convention and the Protocol and has taken necessary steps to phase out production and consumption of ODS in various sectors in accordance with the provisions of these agreements. **********




DAMAGE TO OZONE LAYER DUE TO REFRIGERATORS AND A.C. MACHINES

360. SHRI SK. KHABIR UDDIN AHMED

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that the use of refrigerators and A.C. machies is on the rise; (b) whether it is also a fact that the increased use of these machines is harming the ozone layer; and (c) if so, the steps being taken by Government to have the ozone layer?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF ENVIORNMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA)

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(a) & (b): Yes, Sir.

(c): India is Party to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. India has prepared a country programme as required under the Protocol to phase out the production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). In terms of the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, which is part of the country programme, use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which damage the ozone layer in refrigerators and mobile air-conditioners will be replaced by Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which has low Ozone Depleting Potential. CFCs will be phased out by 1.1.2040 in terms of the decisions under the Multilateral Montreal Protocol.

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SCHEME TO KEEP CHILD LABOURERS AWAY FROM HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIES

11. SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether Government propose to formulate a new scheme to keep the child labourers away from hazardous industries in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether Government have received any financial assistance from international organisations in this regard; (d) if so, the details thereof and the total amount of foreign assistance received and spent in this regard; and (e) the number of child labourers benefited from the assistance? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES)

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(a): No Sir. Government is already implementing the Scheme of National Child Labour Projects (NCLPs) for rehabilitation of child labour since 1998. The scheme is presently aimed at being implemented in 250 districts of the country. The total outlay for the Xth Plan for this scheme is Rs. 602 crore. (b): Does not arise. (c) to (e): While NCLP Scheme is a National Programme fully funded by the Central Government, three international technical cooperation projects are separately being implemented under ILO-I PEC with funding from foreign governments. The details of the projects are as follows: INDUS Project is joint project between Government of India and US Department of Labour (US-DOL) with a contribution of 20 million dollars each. The funds from US-DOL are being channelised through ILO. The INDUS Project is currently being implemented in 4 states and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Project has target of rehabilitation of 80,000 child workers. An amount of US $ 9.97 million has been spent till October 2006. Over 80,000 children have already been covered under the project. Andhra Pradesh State Based Project, Phase-II, is jointly implemented by Government of Andhra Pradesh and ILO in 3 districts of Andhra Pradesh from 2004-07, with an outlay of US $ 8.93 million. 50 per cent of the funds are coming from Government of Andhra Pradesh and 50 per cent from DFID. It aims to withdraw and to rehabilitate 65,000 child labour in the project districts through educational and training services. An amount of US $1.3 million has been spent till October 2006. The Karnataka Child Labour Project is funded by Government of Italy through ILO. It is being implemented in two districts of the State. It has started in 2006 for duration of three years. The outlay of the project is US $ 3.7 million, and the project is in its initial stages of implementation, and targets 3,000 children. **************

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LOK SABHA

AGRICULTURE



INCREASE IN BROWN RUST DISEASE

115. SHRI DHIRENDRA AGARWAL BIR SING MAHATO Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether brown rust disease and unbalanced use of fertilisers by the farmers in the country are increasing rapidly; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the remedial steps taken by the Government in this regard and success achieved by the Government as a result thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) & (b): No Sir. The reports received from the State Governments and field offices of the Central Government (Central Integrated Pest Management Centres, CIPMCs) across the country do not indicate any increasing trend of brown rust disease in the country. The Indian Agriculture Research Institute has further reported that while no epidemic of brown rust disease has been recorded in the country for several years, the infestation has declined due to cultivation of disease resistant varieties. Intensive cultivation and inadequate use of required plant nutrients has resulted in unbalanced use of fertilisers in the country. The NPK ratio in fertiliser consumption has widened from 5.9:2.4:1 during 1991-92 to 6.9:2.6:1 during 2003-04 though the said ratio has since improved to 5.7:2.2:1 during 2004-05. (c): To check the spread of plant diseases, Government of India issues advisories to State Governments, from time to time to constitute survey teams for pest surveillance/monitoring so that timely control measures could be taken by the farmers.

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Also, CIPMCs located across the country are conducting field surveys for pest monitoring and submit their survey result/reports to State Department of Agriculture to enable them to take timely control measures. Besides, Central Government as well as State Department of Agriculture have been engaged in organising Farmers Fields Schools (FFSs) to impart training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technology to the farmers and Agriculture Extension Officers for control of pests and diseases on various crops including brown rust disease in wheat crop. The package of IPM practices for management of pest/diseases have been developed for 77 crops in collaboration with ICAR, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) & State Department of Agriculture and have been made available to all States/UTs and are also available on website www.dacnet.nic.in for use by all concerned. A number of brown rust resistant high yielding varieties have been identified and released by the Central Wheat Research Centre (CWRC) such as VL Gehun 829, VL Gehun 804, VL Gehun 832 for the hills of different States. Further, to check the unbalanced use of fertilisers, the Government of India has also been promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) which emphasises balanced use of nutrients in agriculture and soil test based judicious use of chemical fertilisers in conjunction with organic manures and bio-fertilisers like farm yard manure, compost, green manure, vermin compost, etc. *******




BAN OF USE OF OXYTOCIN

140. SHRI ANANTA NAYAK KISHANBHAI VESTABHAI PATEL Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the farmers use oxytocin to increase production of milk; (b) if so, whether oxytocin injection is easily available in the market despite the ban imposed by the Government; (c) if so, whether the Government has examined the repercussions of use of oxytocin on

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the children consuming such milk; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) the steps taken for strict compliance of the ban?

ANSWER MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR) (a)&(b): No Sir. Oxytocin, being a Schedule-H drug, is sold only against the prescription of a registered Medical/Veterinary practitioner. (c) to (e): Oxytocin being an indispensable life saving drug, no ban on its use has been imposed. However, considering the possible misuse of the drug, Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has made it mandatory to market oxytocin injection only in single unit blister pack by amendment of Rule 105 of Drug & Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Further, the State Drug Controllers have been instructed to regulate and monitor manufacture and distribution of Oxytocin and the State Animal Husbandry Departments have been advised to educate the farmers about the appropriate use of oxytocin and for not using this product without the prescription of Registered Veterinary Practitioners. ********



ORGANIC FARMING

958. SHRI RAGHURAJ SINGH SHAKYA BHUBNESHWAR PRASAD MEHTA Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the demand of bio-products is increasing day-by-day all over the world; (b) if so, the ranking of India in the field of organic farming in the world; and (c) the facilities being provided by the Government to the farmers for promoting organic farming and the steps initiated to encourage the same in the country?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): India`s certified organic farming is negligible and hence the ranking is not available. (c): To promote organic farming in the country, Government has approved a Central Sector Plan Scheme, National Project on Organic Farming with an outlay of Rs.57.05 crores from October 2004 for production, promotion, certification and market development of organic farming during 10th Plan period with the following main components:- (i) Putting in place a system of certification of organic produce. (ii) Capacity building through service providers. (iii) Financial support for commercial production units for production of organic inputs like fruits and vegetable waste compost, bio-fertiliser production and hatcheries for vermiculture. (iv) Traning, field demonstration, promotion and market development. Besides, under National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Agency (APEDA) is facilitating certification of the organic produce for export purpose. **********

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDARY AND DAIRYING

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2386


BAN ON DICLOFENAC DRUG 2386. SHRI PRABHUNATH SINGH Will the MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to phase out and eventual ban of the veterinary use of Diclofenac drug;

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(b) if so, the reasons therefore; and

(c) the steps being taken/proposed to be taken to make available the replacement drug at affordable price to the farmers?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a)&(b): Diclofenac is prescribed in veterinary practice as a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is prescribed to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness of muscles. Considering the adverse effect of the drug on vultures that scavenge on the dead carcass of animal, the Government has taken a conscious decision to phase out use of Diclofenac in veterinary practice. Government has already requested to State Animal Husbandry Departments to restrict the use of Diclofenac and to reduce procuring this drug for Government stores. ©: Alternative drugs are available in the country. ********



ANSWERED ON 06. 03.2006

USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILISERS AND PESTICIDES

1589.SHRI RAGHURAJ SINGH SHAKYA Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be please to state:

(a) whether indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is proving very harmful for environment and soil ; and

(b) if so, the alternative methods to be adopted by the Government to curb the

indiscriminate use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals and also to save the crops from the catastrophe of pests and insects?

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ANSWER MINISTRY OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a) The average per hectare consumption of chemical fertiliser nutrients and pesticides (technical grade) are 96.59 kg/’ha/and 0.22 kg / ha. respectively. This level of consumption is not considered as harmful for environment and soil health. However, studies under All India Coordinated Research Project on ‘Long Term Fertiliser Experiments’ over few decades have revealed that imbalanced use of chemical fertilisers without organic manures affect soil health and crop productivity by reducing deficiencies of secondary and micronutrients. Further, if the chemical pesticides are not used judiciously, they may have ill effects such as development of pest resistance to pesticides, pest resurgence, outbreak of secondary pests, pesticide residues in agriculture products, environmental pollution and ecological imbalances.

(b) Government of India has adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as the

cardinal principle of plan protection in order to minimise the indiscriminate and injudicious use of chemicals pesticides.

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GREEN REVOLUTION

2505. SHRI ANANDRAO V. ADSUL Will the Minister of Agriculture be pleased to state:

(a) whether due to green revolution India is producing surplus grains; (b) if so, whether there is any proposal to divert food crops to energy crops to

produce ethanol; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

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ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) to (c): The production of food grains has increased from 72.25 million tones

during 1965-66 (pre-Green Revolution period) to 213.46 million tones during 2003-04 making country self-sufficient in food grains particularly rice and wheat. The Government is advising the State to promote diversification from cereal centric cropping systems to high value and low water demanding crops especially oilseeds, pulses, medicinal and aromatic plants, horticulture, floriculture, etc, while keeping in view the national food security.

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BT. COTTON

1542. SHRI SAMBASIVA RAYAPATI RAO IQBAL AHMED SARADGI Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether a consensus has emerged among top entomologists about the main cause of failure of Bt. varieties of cotton in South India; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Union Government recently allowed the trials of varieties with two genes while those released in the southern States had just one gene; and (d) if so, the details and the steps the Government proposes to take to meet the situation?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) & (b): Entomologists of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) have conducted experiments with the Bt cotton viz. MECH-184 with check Bunny during 2004-05. The

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results revealed that against four insecticidal applications for the control of bollworms in the check (Bunny), one round of insecticide application was given based on ETL. The incidence of natural enemies was normal in both the varieties. Maturity was 20 days in advance in Bt. Cotton and in five pickings the harvest was over compared to check variety where 10-11 pickings were necessary. The yield increase was 18.3 per cent over check. During the 2005-06, the monitoring team from TNAU surveyed the Bt. cotton in different districts of Tamil Nadu. The team has not come across failure of any Bt cotton variety in terms of bollworm damage. (c) & (d): Yes Sir. The first set of hybrids were evaluated with single (Cry 1 Ac) gene only. Research efforts were under way simultaneously to find out more genes with resistance to bollworms. As more genes were identified, simultaneous efforts were also taken to put more than one gene in a genotype. Recently scientists have succeeded in putting 2 genes (Cry 1 AC and Cry 2 A) (b) in cotton genotypes. Such genotypes are already under cultivation in other countries. Hence, attempts are being made in India to introduce both the genes in Indian cotton hybrids. Such hybrids are being, evaluated in the ICAR trials in both Central and South Zone.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1643 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.03.2006

EXCESS USE OF FERTILISERS AND INSECTICIDES

1643. SHRI SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the farmers are using fertilisers and insecticides in excess than required; (b) if so, whether any organised efforts are being made to educate the farmers about the hazards caused by excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides and also about the optimum utilization of groundwater and other production enhancing resources; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): The average per hectare consumption of chemical fertiliser nutrients and insecticides (technical grade) are 96.59 Kg./ha. and 0.22 Kg. /ha. respectively. This level of consumption is not considered as excessive and should not have any ill effect on agriculture. However, inequitable or excess use of fertiliser in certain crops and areas, may cause falling organic carbon contents and deficiencies of certain major, secondary and micro nutrients in soils in some parts of the country especially, rice-wheat belt of Indo-Gangetic plains due to continuous imbalanced use of chemical fertilisers without organic manures. (b)&(c): The following steps have been taken by the Government:- i) Promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) based on soil test for balanced and judicious use of chemical fertiliser in conjunction with organic fertilisers like farm yard manure, green manure, compost vermicompost, biofertilisers, etc. through State Governments under Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Balanced and Integrated use of Fertilisers’. ii) Has launched ‘National Project on Organic Farming’ as a corrective measure for balanced fertilisation. iii) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is also advocating Integrated Plant Nutrients Supply System (IPNS) for different crops/cropping system under various agro ecological region of the country. iv) Promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach through Farmers` Field Schools in order to minimise the indiscriminate and injudicious use of chemical pesticides.

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SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION

1667. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI P.C. THOMAS

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Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Prime Minister has stressed the need of second green revolution in the country in recently held Science Congress at Hyderabad; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the scientists of ICAR have chalked out any strategy to bridge the gap of urban and rural divide and focused on developing technology for modern agrarian service; and (d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken in this regard so far?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. The Prime Minister pointed out that the technologies and the strategies unleashed by the first Green Revolution have run their course and therefore, a Second Green Revolution in non-food crops, in horticulture, in new plant varieties is required. He stressed the need for a renewed thrust on research that can enhance farm productivity and increase the efficiency of utilization of inputs, farm management practices; reduce post harvest losses through better post-harvest management technologies in storage, transportation and processing; and in the final analysis, increase both yields and value addition at the farmer level leading to better incomes. He added that this is extremely important to ensure that our countrymen who depend on agriculture for sustenance are not left behind in this age of technology and knowledge. (c) & (d): Yes Sir. The Council has identified the strategy for increasing agricultural production and productivity, leading to alleviating hunger, providing employment and increasing farm income for eventually bridging the gap of rural and urban divide. Several technological interventions like crop improvement and plant protection, increasing productivity of rainfed areas, multiple use of water resources, integrated nutrient management, reclamation of acid, saline and alkali soils, development of horticulture, seed production of agriculture and horticultural crops and fisheries, more productive incentive cropping systems, resource conserving technologies, diversification of agriculture, livestock and fisheries improvement and management, farm mechanisation and strengthening of extension system and agro-met advisory services are important components of the strategy being implemented. ********

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ACHIEVEMENT OF SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION

1654. SHRI MOHAN PONNUSWAMY

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) the growth rate of agriculture recorder in the country during the first three years of the Tenth Plan period; (b) whether this is sufficient to achieve the second green revolution; (c) if so, the details there about; (d) the total arable and barren lands as on date; (e) the area of such lands under cultivation in the country; (f) whether the Government has any plan to bring the barren lands under cultivation; (g) if so, the details thereof; and (h) the total number of idle agricultural labourers in the country as on date?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): According to the data released by Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) with revised base year (i.e. 1999-2000 prices), the growth rate in the agriculture and allied sectors in the first three years of Tenth Plan Period is given below:

Year Growth rate percentage in agriculture and allied sectors at 1999 – 2000 prices

2002 -03 6.9 2003 -04 10-0 2004- 05 0.7

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(a) & (c): A series of initiatives through various schemes have been taken by the Government in the areas of increased credit coverage, irrigation expansion, crop diversification, marketing infrastructure, dryland farming, horticulture, extension services and storage facilities to enhance production and productivity in the agricultural sector. This process is being strengthened through farm mechanization, agri-clinics and agri-business centres. The areas for high investment include micro-irrigation comprising drip and sprinkler irrigation, National Horticulture Mission, having end-to-end approach. These initiatives are expected to generate employment and income in the sector apart from accelerating growth and productivity. (d) & (e): The total arable land in the country is 182.7 million hectares and the total barren land is 18.0 million hectares. The land under cultivation is 154.3 million hectares constituting 76.9 percent of the total of both arable and barren lands. (f) & (g): The Government is implementing various programmes for the development of waste land/degraded land through watershed development approach. These are:

i) Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP); ii) Desert Development Programme (DDP); iii) Integrated Wastelands Development Project (IWDP); iv) Technology Development, Extension & Training (TDET); v) Investment Promotion Scheme (IPS); vi) Support to NGOs; and

vii) The Wastelands Development Task Force (WDTF). (h): According to the quinquennial Survey of 55th Round conducted by National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) in 1999-2000, the total number of persons employed in agriculture on Usual Principal and Subsidiary Status (UPSS) is 238 million and on Current Daily Status (CDS) is 191 million. This indicates disguised unemployment in agriculture.

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LATEST TECHNIQUES FOR FARMING

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1633. SHRI DHANUSKODI ATHITHAN Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has made different provisions through different mediums to make the farmers of the country aware about the latest techniques of farming; (b) if so, the details of these mediums and provisions; (c) whether inspite of the above efforts, 60 per cent farmers of the country are unaware about the latest techniques; (d) if so, the facts thereof; (e) whether the Government have decided to make current measures more effective; and (f) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): Provisions have been made through different mediums to make the farmers of the country aware about the latest techniques of farming, inter alia, under the following schemes of the Ministry of Agriculture: $ Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension (2004); $ Kisan Call Centres (2004); $ Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms (2005); $ Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) The figures in brackets indicate the year in which these schemes were started. (c) & (d): As per National Sample Survey Organization Report No.499 based on survey conducted in the year 2003, 40 per cent of farmers household are accessing modern agricultural technologies. Progressive farmers, Input dealers, Radio and Television were found to be some of the major information sources. (e) & (f): Most of the schemes mentioned in part (b) of the reply above are recent schemes started to make information dissemination on the latest techniques more effective. New KVKs are also making contribution in this regard.

********

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CONVERSION OF MARINE ALGAE INTO BIO-FERTILISERS FOR

COMMERCIAL SALE

1642. SHRI ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has developed an eco-friendly technology to convert marine algae into bio-fertilisers for commercial sale to boost the food production; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the steps taken to transfer this technology to industries interested in manufacturing the bio-fertilizers in liquid form of seaweeds?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a)&(b): The Central Salt & Marine Chemical Research Institute, Bhavnagar has developed a protocol for the production of marine bio-fertilisers (liquid) in collaboration with Division of Microbiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute under All India Project of Algae. (c): The product is still under testing stage at field. *********



SETTING UP OF AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

AGENCIES

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4679. SHRI SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government have taken certain steps to make Krishi Vigyan Kendras contemporary; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has set up Agriculture Technology Management Agencies in States; and (d) if so, the details thereof, location-wise?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) & (b): The Government have taken the following steps to make the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) contemporary: # Providing a multidisciplinary team of subject matter specialists, infrastructural facilities, and instructional farm to facilitate `Teaching by doing and learning by doing`. # Provision of electronic connectivity to 200 KVKs during Xth Plan for availability of technology information to the farmers. # Providing Soil and Water Testing facilities to 326 KVKs during Xth Plan. (c) & (d): The State Governments have set up Agriculture Technology Management Agencies (ATMA) in 234 districts. The State-wise details of ATMA districts are given in Annexure. ANNEXURE

STATE-WISE DETAILS OF ATMA DISTRICTS

Sl. No. Name of State Name of Districts Number1. Andhra Pradesh Adilabad, Chittoor, Kurnool, Prakasam, Srikakulam, Krishna,

Ananthapur, Cuddapah, Nizamabad and Ranga Reddy 10

2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands as one district 1

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http://164.100.24.208/annex/lsq14/7/AU4679.htm

3. Arunachal Pradesh

Lower Subansiri, East Siang, West Kameng, Papum-Pare, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, and Tirap

7

4. Assam Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Goalpara, Karimganj, Cachar, North Cachar Hills , Darrang, Lakhimpur, Sibsagar, Golaghat, Tinsukia and Morigaon

12

5. Bihar Patna, Madhubani, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Gaya, Katihar, Purnea, Rohtas, Saharsa, Saran, Vaishali and West Champaran

15

6. Chhattisgarh Bilaspur, Bastar, Raigarh, Sarguja and Kabirdham 57. Goa Entire Goa as one district 18. Gujarat Ahmedabad, Dahod, Sabarkantha, Kuchchh, Amreli, Jamnagar,

Valsad and Bharuch 8

9. Haryana Sirsa, Hissar, Rohtak, Sonipat, Karnal and Rewari 610. Himachal

Pradesh Mandi, Kullu, Una, Shimla, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Kangra 7

11. Jammu and Kashmir

Udhampur, Kathua, Poonch, Anantnag, Badgam, Kupwara and Kargil

7

12. Jharkhand Dumka, Jamtara, West Singhbhum, Palamau, Garhwa, Chatra, Hazaribagh and Seraikela

8

13. Karnataka Bidar, Gulbarga, Koppal, Haveri, Bijapur, Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Shimoga and Kolar

9

14. Kerala Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Palakkad, Idukki and Wayanad 515. Madhya Pradesh Betul, Hoshangabad, Khargone, Jhabua, Ujjain, Ratlam, Gwalior,

Morena, Sagar, Tikamgarh, Balaghat, Dindori, Chhindwara, Rewa and Shahdol

15

16. Maharashtra Thane, Sindhudurg, Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur, Nandurbar, Latur, Hingoli, Jalna, Washim, Gadchiroli, Wardha, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Amravati and Ratnagiri

16

17. Manipur Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Senapati 418. Mizoram Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib and Lunglei 419. Nagaland Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung 320. Orissa Khurda, Koraput, Ganjam, Sambalpur, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore,

Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Dhenkanal, Bolangir, Kandhamal and Nupada

13

21. Punjab Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Sangrur, Faridkot, Amritsar, Firozepur, Patiala and Roop Nagar

8

22. Rajasthan Jaipur, Sikar, Alwar, Karoli, Tonk, Jhalawar, Ganganagar, Jodhpur, Pali, Banswara and Bhilwara

11

23. Sikkim South and East 224. Tamil Nadu Vellore, Salem, Dharmapuri, Erode, Thoothukudi, Pudukottai,

Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar and Krishnagiri 9

25. Tripura South Tripura and North Tripura 226. Uttar Pradesh Allahabad, Kaushambi, Aligarh, Hathras, Meerut, Baghpat, Basti,

Sant Kabir Nagar, Baharaich, Shravasti, Etawah, Orraiya, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Banda, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Gonda, Kushinagar, Barabanki, Jalaun,

32

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Agra, Partapgarh, Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, Mainpuri, Bareilly, Jhansi and Saharanpur

27. Uttaranchal Dehradun, Udhamsingh Nagar, Almora, Nainital, Uttarkashi, Garhwal, Chamoli and Champawat

8

28. West Bengal Coochbehar, Malda, Murshidabad, North 24-Parganas, East Midnapore and Bankura

6

TOTAL 234

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & COORPERATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4818 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 15.05.2006

MANAGEMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN KARNATAKA

4518: SHRI G.M.SIDDESWA With the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the proposal has been received from Government of Karnataka regarding overall management of agriculture during the last three years and the current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the action taken by the Government theron?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a) Yes Sir. (b) & (c): For the overall management of agriculture, under the macro-management of agriculture scheme which has been devised by integrating various schemes, the Central Assistance released an utilization in respect of Karnataka as indicated in the Statement enclosed. A sum of Rs. 1847.76 lakh remained as unutilised with the State Government as on 1.4.2006 and Rs. 59.95 crores has been allocated to the State for implementation of the

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scheme. A sum of Rs. 29.95 crore (50 per cent of the allocation) as first installment to the state have already been released. Year Allocation Unspent

Balance Release Utilisation

2003-04 5500.00 220.12 5580.00 5691.23 2004-05 5700.00 118.89 11872.44 6471.47 2005-06 4700.00 5519.86 4702.58 8374.68 2006-07 5990.00

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GROWTH OF VEGETABLES IN POLLUTED WATER

3. SHRI AVINASH RAI KHANNA Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether vegetable growing on polluted water is affecting the health of common man; and (b) if so, the details thereof and the remedial steps taken by the Government to check this menace?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): No such information is available with the Government. (b): Government has constituted an Interministerial Committee under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture to look into the matters relating to: (i) Avoidance of untreated sewage water for irrigation purposes, avoidance of over use of

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pesticides in cultivation and elimination of hazardous chemicals in the post-harvest treatment of agricultural commodities; and (ii) Heavy metal contamination of vegetables in Delhi. Besides, ICAR, CSIR and SAUs, many public sector organisations like Central Pollution Control Board, Jal Nigam, etc. are also working and addressing the above issues. The second phase of Ganga Action Plan has also been sanctioned for treating the polluted water.

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NATIONAL PROGRAMME ON ORGANIC FARMING

216. SHRI TUKARAM GANPATRAO RENGE PATIL HARI KEWAL PRASAD Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has introduced National Programme for Organic Production to promote organic farming; (b) if so, the details thereof including the achievements made so far under this programme; (c) the recommendations made by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to the Government for protection of soil fertility; and (d) the reaction of the Government thereto?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR) (a): Yes Sir. The National Programme for Organic Farming was initiated to promote organic production. (b): A new central sector scheme `National Project on Organic Farming` (NPOF) has

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been taken up as a pilot project for production, promotion and market development of organic farming in the country with an outlay of Rs.57.05 crore during 10th Plan period.

The main components of the scheme are :-

(i) Capacity building through service provider. (ii) Setting up of organic input units of fruit/vegetable waste compost/ bio-fertilizer/ vermi-culture hatcheries. (iii) Training programmes and field demonstrations. (iv) Market development and promotion of organic farming. In addition, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) being implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce & Industry includes the following programme :- (i) Framing the National Standards for Organic Production and Certification Scheme. (ii) Laying down procedures for export of certified organic products. (iii) Accreditation of certifying agencies. (iv) Updation of NPOP document. (v) Introduction of group certification, awareness programme through training. The major achievements made under the National Programme for Organic Production are given below:- (i) The export of organic products has increased from Rs.50.00 crore in 2000-01 to Rs.95.00 crore in 2004-05. (ii) To improve the trade with European Union (EU), an equivalency agreement has been established for acceptance of National Standards by EU Commission and the same has been notified by the EU Commission on 28.06.2006. (iii) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has accepted the conformatory assessment system of NPOP for accreditation of certification bodies. USDA has notified their acceptance on 16.02.2006. (iv) APEDA has provided training to a number of organizations to develop them as certification bodies. As a result, five such domestic organisations have been accredited. This has contributed to reduction in cost of certification. (c): The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been carrying out multi-

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location, long-term field experimentation under diverse agro-ecological regions and cropping system. Based on these experimentations, ICAR has been advocating the following multi-pronged strategy for protection of soil fertility:- (i) Integrated use of locally available organic manure like Farm Yard Manure, Composts, Poultry Manure, Green Manure, Crop Residues, etc. (ii) Cultivation of legumes, cover crops and fodder crops as green manures. (iii) Use of microbial cultures for enhancing fixation of atmospheric nitrogen and solublisation of phosphorous in soil. (iv) Balanced use of all the essential soil nutrients based on soil tests and crop requirement. (d): Based on the recommendations of the ICAR, the Government is promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), which includes soil test based judicious use of chemical fertilisers in conjunction with organic manure and bio-fertilisers. *********




SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION

279. SHRI JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA CHANDRAMANI TRIPATHI Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a)whether special efforts are being made by the Government in respect of Second Green Revolution in the country; (b) if so, the schemes chalked out by the Government in this regard; (c) the funds allocated/released for the purpose during the last three years, year-wise; (d) whether the Union Government has issued any directions to States/Union Territories

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in respect of Second Green Revolution; (e) if so, the details thereof; (f) whether the private sector has also shown its interest in this regard; and (g) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reaction of the Government thereto ?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR) (a) to (g): The revitalisation of the agricultural sector, the improvement in its production and productivity, and enhancement of the income of the farmers are some of the major thrust areas identified by the Government for focused and concerted action. A number of programmes are under implementation which aim to achieve this objective. Some of the more prominent initiatives taken during the recent months are launching of the National Horticulture Mission as a part of agricultural diversification to high value crops and to assure nutritional security and income support to farm households; the scheme relating to micro irrigation for efficient use of water which is of particular benefit in the dry land and rainfed area; establishment of National Rainfed Authority of India for promoting sustainable agricultural development in dry land and rainfed areas; strengthening of extension support system for dissemination of developing technologies at the farm gate; liberalisation and strengthening of marketing infrastructure; improvement in supply of quality inputs; etc. It is also the endeavour of the Government to promote public-private partnership in the agricultural sector in various areas like agricultural extension, input supply and marketing support. The funds released to the State Government/Union Territory for implementation of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Central Sector Schemes during the last three years are as under:

Year Funds Released (Rs. in crores)

2003-04 2050.77 2004-05 2657.42 2005-06 3798.69

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However, no specific direction has been issued to the State Governments/Union Territory Administration in regard to Second Green Revolution as such. The National Commission on Farmers has made certain recommendations in regard to the agricultural renewal which are under consideration of the Government. ************



LOSS DUE TO PESTS, WEEDS AND DISEASES

3464. SHRI KINJARAPU YERRANNAIDU Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the country losses nearly Rs.90,000/- crores annually due to pests, weeds and crop diseases; and (b) if so, the action proposed to ensure that all cropped areas get pests protection?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a): It has been estimated that crop losses due to pests including insect pest, diseases, rodents and weeds range between 10 to 30 per cent every year depending on climatic and environmental conditions. (b): Government has adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as the cardinal principle of plant protection. Government has established Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Centres across the country to, inter alia, impart training to farmers in IPM by organizing Farmers Field Schools (FFSs). IPM packages of practices for pest/disease management in 77 major crops have been developed and circulated to all States/UTs and have been posted on www.dacnet.nic.in/ppin for use by extension functionaries and farmers.

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FOODGRAIN STORAGE IN PLASTIC BAGS

4701. DR. M. JAGANNATH

Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:- (a) whether any study has been conducted to explore the feasibility of storing wheat, rice and sugar in plastic bags; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has conducted a comparative study to assess the shelf life of wheat, rice and sugar packed in plastic bags and PP/HDPE bags; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR) (a) to (d): The Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGMRI) Hapur has conducted a short term study to find out the suitability of PP/HDPE Bags for storage of wheat and rice. The study suggested that anti-slip PP/HDPE bags may be used for storage of foodgrains by Food Corporation of India (FCI)/Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC)/State Warehousing Corporation (SWC) and other State Agencies in a phased manner, preferably to begin with for the operational stocks. The IGMRI has been entrusted with a long-term study for a period of three years in FCI godowns situated in different agro-climatics zones to find out suitability of PP/HDPE Bags for storage of wheat and rice in comparison to jute bags which commenced recently. ************

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BIO-DIVERSITY



BIO-DIVERSITY ACTION PLAN REPORT

154. SHRI PUSHPDAN SHAMBHUDAN GADHAVI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has received the final technical report of the National Bio- diversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP); (b) if so, the details and main features thereof; and (c) the reaction of the Government thereto?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIAN MEENA) (a) to (c): The technical report of the ‘National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)’ was prepared under a project funded by the United Nations Development Programme – Global Environment Facility. The report contains compilation of inputs from various stakeholders on conservation of biodiversity, its sustainable use and equity in various aspects relating to conservation and use. The document is compilation of 71 reports prepared at local, state, eco-regional and thematic level. Pursuant to the completion of the project tenure and submission of the draft report, a ‘Group of Experts’ was constituted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests to scrutinise the draft Report and rectify the discrepancies and inconsistencies which were noticed in the draft Report. The report has since been duly corrected by the ‘Group of Experts’. This corrected and revised report is going to act as an input for the draft National Action Plan (NAP) which is to be prepared, harmonising it with the provisions of the draft Environment Policy of the Ministry. **********

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ENDANGERED ANIMAL SPECIES

4491. SHRI KULDEEP BISHNOI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government proposes to set up a laboratory for conservation of endangered animal species; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the steps taken by the Government to conserve their genetic diversity?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): In order to infuse new technology in the field of assisted reproduction and molecular characterisation of the endangered species, a Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) has been established at Hyderabad in collaboration with the Central Zoo Authority, Department of Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Forest Department, Andhra Pradesh. (c): In order to conserve the genetic diversity of endangered animals, the laboratory has already collected DNA samples of about 50 endangered species of Indian wild animals and preserved in DNA Bank. Further activities in the field of assisted reproduction (AI) have been established in White backed vultures. Births through AI technique have been achieved in ungulates like Blackbuck and Spotted deer. Efforts to breed large cats through AI technique and cloning are also underway. ***********

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LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1567

ANSWERED ON 06.03 2006

DEATH OF BIRDS

1567. SHRI K.C.SINGH BABA SHRI BALESHWAR YADAV Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state;

(a) whether a number of birds in Oklha Birds Sanctuary have died recently; (b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefore; and

(c) the remedial action proposed in this regard?

ANSWER


(a) & (b): As reported by Government of Uttar Pradesh, fifty three birds were found dead in February 2006 in Okhla Birds Sanctuary. Samples sent to the High Security Animal Diseases Laboratory, Bhopal have tested negative for avian influenza.

Three persons were caught fishing in the area using poisonous baits and have been arrested under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The death of the birds is attributed to these poisonous baits since dead fishes were also found along with the dead birds. ©: Vigil has been stepped up in the area and all visitors are being checked to prevent recurrence of such incidents. *******



INCURSIONS BY WILD ANIMALS

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4601. SHRI RAGHURAJ SINGH SHAKYA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has received any representation regarding problems created by wild elephants and other animals in the country preferably in Jharkhand; (b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken thereon; (c) the existing norms for protection from wild animals of those who are residing in forest area; and (d) the amount released by the Union Government and spent by the State Governments under project Elephant, anti depredation measures and payment of ex-gratia relief to the victims of each forest State particularly in Jharkhand during each of last three years and current year 2006;

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. Reports are being received from time to time regarding the problem created by wild elephants and other animals from different States in the country including the State of Jharkhand. (b): Financial assistance is released to the States under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Elephant for items like fencing, elephant proof trenches, setting up of anti-depredation squads, awareness campaigns and elephant habitat improvement works. (c): The norms for saving life and property from violent animals differs from State to State. However the ex-gratia relief being paid by the Central Government for the deceased family in case of death is Rs 1.00 lakh per person. (d): The amount released by the Union Government under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme `Project Elephant` for anti-depredation measures and ex-gratia relief during the last three years to Jharkhand is given below: Rs in lakhs YEAR ANTI-DEPREDATION EX-GRATIA RELIEF 2003-04

10.00 20.00

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2004-05

10.80 27.20

2005-06

10.00 35.00

For the current financial year 2006-07 no proposal has been received from the State for release of Central Assistance. *********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3541 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-05-2006

POPULATION OF VULTURE

3541 DR M. JAGANNATH SHRIMATI JAYABEN. B. THAKKAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTSbe pleased to state:

(a) whether the vultures are facing extinction; (b) if so, whether the Government has conducted any survey to assess their

approximate population and the reasons for their deaths;

(c) if so , the details thereof; and

(d) the measures devised to bring back the nature’s scavenger from the brink of extinction?

ANSWER


(a) to (c): As per the reports available, the population of three vulture species namely Slender billed, White backed and Long biled vultures has declined by about 97 per cent in the Indian sub-continent in the last ten years. Ministtry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Govt. of India sponsored a project in 2000 for a nation-wide survey on the status

352

and distribution of vultures with special reference to the crash in vulture population. Studies carried out in the Indian sub-continent have revealed that the veterinary formulation of the drug diclofenac is the major cause for this sharp decline.

(d): The measures taken to reverse the declining trend in vulture population include:

1. 1. There three species of vultures have ben included in Schedul-1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and listed by IUCN, the World Conservation Union as ‘critically endangered’ in the year 2000.

2.An action plan has been prepared by Ministry of Environment and Forests for

saving the vultures.

3.Inter Ministerial consultations have been dune for banning the veterinary formulation of diclofenac.

4.All State have been directed to monitor vulture populations and protect the

existing vulture breeding sites

5.Vulture conservation centers have been established at Pinjore, Haryana and Buxa, West Bengal

6.An International Conference on Vulture Conservation was organised for

strengthening regional conservation efforts

7.Awareness campaigns have been strengthened in the States.

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SAND MINING IN MP

846. SHRI ASHOK ARGAL Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether illegal mining of sand is being done from national wildlife sanctuary along the Chambal river in Madhya Pradesh which has been declared reserved area for alligators;

353

(b) whether illegal mining is endangering the lives of alligators; (c) if so, the measures taken to save them; (d) whether the Government propose any measure to stop the illegal sand mining from the reserved area; (e) if so, the details thereof; and (f) the details of action taken against the persons found guilty of illegal mining of sand?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): The National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary was established for the conservation of Ghariyals. Alligators are not found in India. As per the information received from the State Government of Madhya Pradesh, there are reports of illegal sand mining in the Sanctuary area. Illegal sand mining does have an adverse impact on the Ghariyals. (c), (d) & (e): The State Government has been making all efforts to stop illegal sand mining within the sanctuary. Joint Action by the District Administration, Police and Forest personnel has been taken to control the illegal sand mining. Further, ex-army personnel have also been deployed along with the staff to control this activity. (f): As informed by the State Government, 50 complaints have been lodged with the Police, out of which 25 cases are in the Court. From January 2004 to July 2006, 45 tractors with trolleys, 2 trolleys, 7 trucks and 2 J.C.B. machines found involved in illegal mining were also seized.

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WILD LIFE CRIME CONTROL BUREAU

354

1684. SHRI DALPAT SINGH PARASTE

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether revised proposal for constitution of wildlife crime control bureau has been submitted to the Ministry of Law for suggestions; (b) if so, the details thereof as on date; (c) the suggestions given by the Ministry of Law thereon; and (d) the steps taken to expedite the process and the time by which the bureau is likely to be constituted?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (d) Based on the advise of the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, enabling legal provisions have been provided in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006, which has come into force with effect from 4th September, 2006. Action has been taken for processing a revised proposal based on the new legal provisions for constituting the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau at the earliest. ********

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EIA AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE



CLEARANCE OF PROJECT REPORT UNDER NRAP

206. SHRI TUKARAM GANGADHAR GADAKH

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government of Maharashtra has submitted a project proposal for environmental clearance under the National River Action Plan; (b) if so, the details of the project proposals and cost thereof; (c) the stage at which clearance of the different projects stands at present; and (d) the time by which the different projects are likely to be cleared by the Government?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): No project proposal has been received from the Government of Maharashtra in this Ministry for environmental clearance under the National River Conservation Plan. However, the Government of Maharashtra has submitted river pollution abatement project reports for Kolhapur town along river Panchganga (costing Rs. 49.74 crore), Wai town along river Krishna (costing Rs. 53.83 crore), Pandharpur town along river Bhima (costing Rs. 26.57 crore), Prakasha town along river Tapi (costing Rs. 4.62 crore), Paithan town along river Godavari (costing Rs. 15.72 crore) and Nawapur town along river Rangawali (costing Rs. 4.55 crore) for approval under the National River Conservation Plan during the Xth Five Year Plan. These projects could not be considered for approval, as the outlay available under the Xth Five Year Plan is less than the sanctioned cost of projects already approved under the National River Conservation Plan. However, it was suggested that the State Government may undertake these projects out of the State Plan provisions by seeking necessary funds

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from the Planning Commission including exploring the possibility of initiating the projects with public-private partnership. Subsequently, on seeking the comments on project reports related to the towns of Pandharpur, Prakasha and Paithan by the Planning Commission, these were examined in the Ministry and found to be lacking in important details and requisite information. Accordingly, the Government of Maharashtra has been intimated to revise these project reports. (d): Does not arise. ********



ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO OUTER RING ROAD PROJECT

223. SHRI MEKAPATI RAJAMOHAN REDDY Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether construction of Hyderabad Outer Ring Road Project Phase-I of Government of Andhra Pradesh to provide access to the proposed international Airport linking major National Highways, State Highways and growth Centres is pending with the Union Government for environmental clearance; (b) if so, the reasons therefor; and (c) the time by which the clearance is likely to be accorded?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. Ministry has already granted environmental clearance to the construction of Outer Ring Road Phase-I from Gachibowli to Shamshabad in Rangareddy district in Hyderabad Urban Area by M/s Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) on 20th October, 2005. (b) & (c): Does not arise. ********

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CLEARANCE TO IRRIGATION PROJECT

217. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has asked the Andhra Pradesh Government to take the clearance from the Supreme Court for the A P Polvaram Irrigation Project on Godavari River before initiating it; (b) if so, the reasons therefore;

(c) whether the State Government has taken clearance from the Union Government for the project in regard to Popikondala Wildlife Sanctuary situated at Polvaram upstream; and (c) if so, the present position of the project as regards Environment Clearance?

ANSWER MINISTER OFSTATE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. (b): Does not arise. (c): No Sir. (d): Environment clearance under the EIA Notification, 1994 was accorded to the project on 25.10.2005. For considering the grant of necessary clearance in regard to Papikondala Wildlife Sanctuary, the Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife in its meeting held on 20.01.06 has desired a joint inspection of the site by a Member of the Standing Committee and the Wildlife Division of the Ministry.

********

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ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO VELIGONDA PROJECT

119. SHRI SAI PRATHAP ANNAYYAGARI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether a proposal of Andhra Pradesh Government to construct Veligonda project is pending with the Ministry for site clearance; and (b) if so, the time by which the clearance is likely to be accorded?

ANSWER MINISTER OFSTATE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. Site clearance has already been accorded to Veligonda project on 28.12.2005. (b): Does not arise. *******




ENVIRONMENT CLEANING TO MINING UNITS

1545. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether some mining units in Rajasthan are pending for environmental clearance; (b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the time by which these projects are likely to be cleared?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): 112 mining proposals of major minerals each having lease area of more than 5.0 ha from Rajasthan involving mining of (1) limestone, (11) silica sand, (111) soapstone and dolomite, (1V) quartz, (V) clay and (VI) gypsum, selenite and manganese are pending for environmental clearance. ©: The clearance for the above proposals would be based on the appraisal by the Expert Committee. The prescribed statutory period for completing the appraisal and conveying the decision is 120 days after the receipt of complete information. ********




ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE TO PMGSY

1656. SHRI G.M.SIDDESWARA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) The details of the proposals pending for environmental clearance with the Union Government under Pradhan Mantri Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), State-wise;

(b) whether a number of proposals from the State of Karnataka for construction of

roads under the said scheme are also pending with the Government;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for such a long pending;

(d) whether the norms for approval of proposals under the said scheme are proposed to be relaxed; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

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ANSWER


(a) The Ministry of Environment and Forests has not received any proposal under

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) ) for environment clearance. (b) No Sir.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) No Sir.

(e) Does not arise.

***********

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO2361 ANSWERED ON 13.03 006

ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION

2361. SHRI TUKARAM GANPATRAO RENGE PATIL: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has put up any proposal for setting up Environment Commission for early disposal of cases related to the environment;

(b) if so, the details thereof, and

(c) the time by which the final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?

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ANSWER


(a) to (c): There is no proposal for setting up of Environment Commission for early disposal of the cases related to the environment. However, the Law Commission, consisting of judicial and scientific experts in the field of environment, in it’s 186th Report decided to have appellate jurisdiction in respect of appeals under the various Pollution Control Law. These recommendations are under consideration in consultation with the M/o Law and Justice.

**********



ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE PROCESS

2429. SHRI RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government has decentralised the process of environmental clearance;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, whether the Government is considering to reduce the time limit for giving

such clearance; and

(d) if yes, the details thereof?

ANSWER

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(a) & (b): The Government has brought out a draft revised environment impact assessment notification published in Gazette of India vide S.O. 1324 (E) dated15th September, 2005. In the said draft notification, State level clearances in respect of select projects below a prescribed threshold limit are proposed.

(b) to (d): Do not arise.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO URANIUM PROJECT

4606. SHRI G.V. HARSHA KUMAR

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has accorded clearance to the uranium project proposed to be set up in Nalgonda district and in two other places; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has also ruled out fears that uranium project would endanger people`s health and degrade the environment; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes, Sir.

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(b): The three uranium mining projects of M/s Uranium Mining Corporation of India Ltd. which have been accorded environmental clearance include: (i) Lambapur - Peddagattu Uranium Mining Project in Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh, (ii) Banduhurang Uranium Mining Project in East Singhbhum District, Jharkhand and (iii) Bagjata Uranium Mining Project in East Singhbhum District, Jharkhand for mining of 0.375 million tonnes per annum, 0.72 million tonnes per annum and 0.15 million tonnes per annum of uranium respectively. (c): Yes Sir. (d): The concentration of uranium in the uranium ore of our country is extremely low. The safety issues and radiological impacts are assessed and addressed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and are also monitored by the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre. **************



CLEARANCE TO THERMAL POWER PROJECT

4673. SMT. MANEKA GANDHI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether environmental clearance has been given to the Nagarjuna Thermal Power Project in Karnataka; (b) if so, the reasons for giving the clearance inspite of earlier objections; (c) whether clearance has been given on the assumption that it would use only high sulphur content imported coal; and (d) whether the plant will require an imported high cost desulphurisation plant which will increase the cost of generation?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): The proposal was accorded environmental clearance based on the appraisal and recommendation of the Expert Committee. (c): While according environmental clearance to this project, it has been stipulated that the sulphur content in the coal shall not exceed 0.8 per cent. (d): The State Pollution Control Board in their NOC for this project had stipulated for installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) plant which has also been reiterated by this Ministry while according environmental clearance for this project. ********



CLEARANCE TO THERMAL POWER PROJECT


Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether environmental clearance has been given to the Nagarjun Thermal Power Project in Karnataka; (b) if so, the reasons for giving the clearance inspite of earlier objections; (c) whether clearance has been given on the assumption that it would use only high sulphur content imported coal; and (d) whether the plant will require an imported high cost desulphurisation plant which will increase the cost of generation?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. (b): The proposal was accorded environmental clearance based on the appraisal and recommendation of the Expert Committee. (c): While according environmental clearance to this project, it has been stipulated that the sulphur content in the coal shall not exceed 0.8 per cent. (d): The State Pollution Control Board in their NOC for this project had stipulated for installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) plant which has also been reiterated by this Ministry while according environmental clearance for this project. ****************


LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3440 TO BE ASSWERED ON 15.05.2006

ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE TO DEEP WATER PORT

3440. DR BABU RAO MEDIYAM Will be Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether deep water port at Gangavaram in Andhra Pradesh has applied for clearance;

(b) if so, the time required to grant environmental clearance thereto?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The Ministry of Environment and Forests has received a project pertaining to ‘Development of Port at Gangavaram near Viskhapatnam by M/s Gangavaram Port Limited’ which was accorded clearance under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 on 11.3.2005 subject to environmental safeguards and conditions. *********




ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE IN SEZS

13. SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the criteria laid down for environmental clearance of industries set up in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the country; (b) whether some SEZs are not following the prescribed guidelines for giving clearance before establishment of such industries; (c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the complaints received in this regard; and (d) the follow-up action taken thereon?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Industries to be located in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) would attract environmental clearance if they fall under Schedule-I of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 1994 as amended from time to time. (b) and (c): As informed by Ministry of Commerce & Industry (SEZ section), no such information has been received with regard to SEZs. (d): Does not arise.

**********



ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR MINING

837. SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of proposals pending with the Government for getting environmental clearance and renewal of lease for iron ore mining areas; (b) the number of proposals out of it pertaining to public undertakings and foreign projects; (c) whether in comparison to public undertakings, priority is given to foreign projects for granting environmental clearance; and (d) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor?

368

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Eighty seven proposals relating to mining of iron ore are pending with the Ministry of Environment and Forests for grant of environmental clearance. (b): Four proposals of Central/State Government public undertakings are pending for environmental clearance. (c): No Sir. (d): Does not arise.

*********



NOTIFICATION ON ENVIORNMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT/ NORMS

1707. SHRI SWADESH CHAKRABORTTY A.K. MOORTHY Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has issued a new notification on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Norms; and (b) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARIAN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. The Environment Impact Assessment Notification has been issued on 14th

369

September 2006 vide Gazette No. S.O. 1533 (E). (b): The salient features of the Notification are as follows: (i) NOC (No Objection Certificate) is not required for the purpose of Environment Clearance. (ii) The developmental projects have been categorised according to their environmental impact potential instead of the earlier investment criteria. (iii) Environmental Clearance process has been decentralized. (iv) The developmental projects have been categorized into two Categories viz. Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’. All Category ‘A’ projects require environmental clearance from the Central Government level while all Category ‘B’ projects require clearance from the State/UT Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEAC). (v) Qualification and experience has been clearly prescribed for the Experts and Members for Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) and the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEAC). (vi) The environmental process will comprise four stages; namely Screening, Scoping, Public Consultation and Environmental Appraisal of the project proposals. (vii) Public Consultation has been structured and made more transparent. (viii) Time Limits have been prescribed for each stage of environmental clearance process. (ix) Over all, the Environmental Clearance process has been made more transparent, as most of the documents will be displayed on the Web sites of respective Authorities. ***********



ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

1801. SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU

370

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the mining and infrastructure projects that have been cleared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; (b) whether such projects have complied with all the conditions and implemented all the safeguards imposed by the Government; and (c) if not, the steps proposed/taken in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Ministry of Environment and Forests has granted environmental clearance to 551 mining projects and 257 infrastructure projects, which relate to the areas of thermal and hydropower, highways, airports, industrial estates/ parks, SEZ and IT Parks, during the period January 2004 to October 2006. (b) & (c): Regular monitoring of the projects is carried out by the respective Regional Office of Ministry of Environment and Forests and a follow-up action in the form of continuous persuasion with the project authorities is undertaken for ensuring an effective compliance of the stipulated conditions. In cases of significant non-compliances, to begin with, show cause notices are issued. ***********



PROJECTS AWAITING ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

2662. SHRI SAMBASIVA RAYAPATI RAO SURAVARAM SUDHAKAR REDDY G. NIZAMUDDIN

371

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of pending projects of Andhra Pradesh awaiting environmental clearance; (b) whether the Government proposes to relax the environmental rules to speed up clearance of pending projects of the States; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARIAN MEENA) (a): There are 64 projects awaiting environmental clearance in various sectors for the State of Andhara Pradesh. (b): The Environment Impact Assessment Notification has been issued on 14th September 2006 vide Gazette No. S.O. 1533 (E) to make the EIA process more efficient, decentralised and transparent. (c): The salient features of the Notification are as follows: (i) NOC (No Objection Certificate) is not required for the purpose of Environment Clearance. (ii) The developmental projects have been categorised according to their environmental impact potential instead of the earlier investment criteria. (iii) Environmental Clearance process has been decentralised. (iv) The developmental projects have been categorised into two categories viz. Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’. All Category ‘A’ projects require environmental clearance from the Central Government level while all Category ‘B’ projects require clearance from the State/UT Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEAC). (v) Qualification and experience has been clearly prescribed for the Experts and Members for Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) and the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEAC). (vi) The environmental process will comprise four stages - namely Screening, Scoping, Public Consultation and Environmental Appraisal of the project proposals. (vii) Public Consultation has been structured and made more transparent.

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(viii) Time Limits have been prescribed for each stage of environmental clearance process. (ix) Over all, the Environmental Clearance process has been made more transparent, as most of the documents will be displayed on the websites of respective authorities. ************

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FOOD SAFETY




SAFE AND STANDARD PRACTICE IN FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR

134. SHRI SAMBASIVA RAYAPATI RAO

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Ministry has asked Quality Council of India (QCI) to frame guidelines for safe and standard practices in food processing units; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government proposes to establish a mechanism for accreditation of certification bodies that certify food processing units in the country; (d) if so, the details thereof; (e) whether the Monitoring Committee has since been constituted; and (f) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI) (a) to (f): Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) and Quality Council of India (QCI) had signed a Memorandum of Undertaking (MOU) to establish a mechanism for accreditation of certification bodies operating in certification of food processing units in the country for food safety/quality management systems and monitoring of certification bodies through surveillance. MOU does not cover framing of guidelines for safe and standard practices in food processing units by QCI. MOU provides for constitution of a ‘Monitoring Committee’ consisting of Ministries/ Departments of Food Processing, Health, Consumer Affairs, Commerce and Industry Associations, to oversee the implementation of the MOU. *******

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FOREST



CUTTING OF SUNDARBANS FOREST

207. SMT. MANEKA GANDHI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether a large number of people are entering the protected forests of Sundarbans every day and are cutting and burning trees in order to get wild honey; and (b) if so, the steps proposed/taken to check this trend?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The State has informed that honey collection is a seasonal activity in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, and only authorised permit holders are allowed to collect honey from the buffer area of the Reserve during the period from April to June months. (b): The safeguards taken by the State to check authorised honey collection are at Annexure. ANNEXURE Safeguards taken by the State to check authorised honey collection in Sunderban: (i) All fishing permits are suspended during the honey collection period to ensure that no illegal smuggling of honey out of Sunderbans forest taken place. (ii) All protection camps under Sunderbans Tiger Reserve intensify patrolling activity to check smuggling of honey and entry of unauthorised persons.

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(iii) Special patrolling teams are also formed and placed at strategic locations to check entries of unauthorised person inside the forest area. *******

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



FOREST COVER

302. SHRIMATI MANEKA GANDHI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) the percentage of forest cover in the country as on December 31, 2006; (b) the rate of depletion of forests cover in India, annually; and (c) the details of the steps taken to prevent depletion of forests cover?

ANSWER


(a) Forests Survey of India (FSI) carries out forests cover assessment once in every two years. The last assessment of forests cover was made in 2003 and it was based on satellite data of the year 2002. The next assessment (2005) based on interpretation of satellite data of the year 2004 is currently in progress. Therefore, the information on the percentage of forest cover in the country as on December 2005 is not available at present.

The forests cover of the country as per the latest assessment (2003) is 6,78,333 sq .km constituting 20. per cent of the geographic area of the country.

(b) State of Forests Report (SFR) 2003 published by FSI shows the net increase of 2795 sq. km. over the SFR 2001 assessment.

(c) The steps taken to prevent depletion of forests cover, inter-alia, include the

following:

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(1) Strict enforcement of India Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife (Protection) Act, Forests (Conservation) act 1980 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules and guidelines made thereunder.

(2) Meetings of State Forests Ministers, Forests Secretaries and other Forests officials have been held in the years 2004 and 2006 to, inter alia, stress upon increasing the forest and tree cover and for stricter enforcement of forests laws.

(3) Management measures like working of forests according to approved working plan, Forests Development Agencies and Joint Forests Management activities.

(4) Financial measures like providing assistance to the State and Union Territories under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and externally aided projects.

(5) Other measures like creation of Protected Areas, Substitution of Wood, etc.

(6) Guidelines for rationalising of felling and transit regulations for tree species grown on non-forest private lands to promote large scale forestation in non-forest areas.

********



PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN CERTAIN FORESTS AREAS

2382. SHRIMATI MANEKA GANDHI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) the bio-diversity areas identified in the country, location-wise and State-wise; (b) whether certain bio-diversity areas in Karnataka are being promoted as tourist

destinations by the Forests Development of Karnataka; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) the reaction of the Union Government thereto?

ANSWER


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(a) While no specific areas have been identified, natural bio-diversity occurs in forests areas throughout the country, some of which have the status of protected areas.

(b) &(c): The Karnataka Forests Department has evolved a policy for fostering

responsible Wilderness Tourism. The State has reported that no specific bio-diversity area is being promoted as tourist destination.

(d): Action has been taken for evolving an eco-tourism strategy so that benefits of tourism ca be shared with local people .

*******




INTEGRATED FOREST CONSERVATION SCHEME

1546. SHRI KAILASH MEGHWAL Will the minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government of Rajasthan has forwarded a proposal under Integrated Forests Conservation Scheme for approval;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the action taken/proposed in this regard.

ANSWER


(a) & (b): Yes Sir. State Government of Rajasthan submitted the Annual Work Programme proposal for current financial year 2005-06 for Rs. 200 lakhs.

©: The Annual Work Programme 2005-06 has been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs. 200 lakhs (central share Rs. 150.00 lakhs & state share Rs, 50.00 lakhs) and Rs 100.00 lakhs has been released on 22.12.2005 to the State Government as first Installment of the central share. *********

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DEVELOPMENT OF FORESTS

974. DHANUSKODI R. ATHITHAN

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government of Tamil Nadu has submitted any project for the development of forests in the State;


(c) whether the Government has accorded approval to the said project;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefore?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a), (b), (c) & (d): The details of the Project received from the Government of Tamil Nadu for the development of forests and their status are at Annexure. (e): Does not arise. ANNEXURE DETAISL FO PROEJCTS RECEIVED FROM GOVERNEMTN OF TAMIL NADU

SNo. Project Action taken by the central Government.

Remarks

1 Forest Development Agencies

32 Project proposals received and these

Rs, 55.50 forest released till 31.01.2006

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have been sanctioned for development of 52,253 ha forest area

2 Development of Elephant Reserves

The project received have been approved.

Rs.112.00 lakhs have been released as first installment in current financial year.

3 Development of Tiger Reserve

One project received and approved.

Rs.148.29 lakhs approved and Rs.90 lakhs released in current financial year.

4 Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project Phase-11

The project received for development of forests has been approved for funding form Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) . the total project cost is Rs. 564.44 crores to be implemented from 2005-2013

The implementation of the project has already started.

5 Sustainable forest and community development of Vellore Division

The project has not been approved for extenal funding because Government of India as a matter of policy has discontinued taking aid form bilateral partners with smaller packages.

6

Human Resources and Socio-Economic Development of rural communities of Tamil Nadu

The State Government has been requested to revise the proposal

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ANSWERED ON 13.03 006

ENCROACHMENT OF RIDGE AREA

2412. SHRI MANEKA GANDHI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether according to a recent report, the topography of the ridge is being changed form reserved forests to commercial parkland;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to remove the broad paths,

motorable road, etc, which are still being constructed in the ridge despite a ban on illegal constructions, temples and parks inside the Ridge Area; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER


(a) A report of the Joint inspection carried out by the officials of Delhi Government, Delhi Development Authority and a Non-Government Organisation does not indicate that the topography of the ridge is changing from reserved forests to commercial parkland. The inspection, however, confirmed the existence of wide vegetation, presence of stores, etc. in Asola and Bhatti forests area of the ridge extend in Haryana State also. However, extension of ridge in Haryana mainly has the status of Panchayat lands and such areas have not been declared as reserved forests.

© & (d): Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has taken steps to remove illegal structures. To improve the vegetation cover in the South-Central Ridge, no new constructions are being allowed. To check degradation of forest cover of the Ridge, the Ridge Management Board has directed all the land owning agencies to take following measures:

(a) No constructions in the Ridge area.

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(b) Abandoning of all roads except the lanes essential for protection and maintenance of the Ridge.

(c) Ridge not to be used as thoroughfare. (d) Planting of only native species in the Ridge area. (e) Repairs and strengthening of fencing of Ridge area. (f) No dumping of garbage and debris. (g) Eviction of encroachments. (h) Demarcation of Southern Ridge.

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LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3517 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-5-2006

PLANTATION OF TREES

3517. SGRUNATU NABEJA GANDHI Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) the State where National Afforestation Programmes has been launched; (b) the number of trees planted under the said programme during each of the last

three years and the current year;

(c) the details of the funds allocated to the State for the implementation of the said programmes during the above period;

(d) the time by which the Government will achieve the target of plantation on one

third area of the country?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MININSTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The National Afforestation Programmes (NAP) is being implemented through a two-tier decentralised set-up of Forests Development Agency (FDA) at the Forest Division level and Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) at the village level. Seven

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different types of plantation models, with different plant densities, have been prescribed under the NAP Guildelines. The actual number of trees planted under NAP varies accrding to the plantation model and the local site conditions. The Ministry does not keep the record of number of trees planted, but approves the area to be covered under each FDA project. During covering the last three years and the current year (upto 28-4-2006) 431 FDA projects covering a project area of of 4,46 lakhs hectare have been approved by the Ministry . An amount of Rs. 699.98 crores has been released during the period under the scheme.

(e) Planning Commission has fixed a monitorable target of 33 per cent of forests and tree cover in the country by the year 2021.

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LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3485 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-5-2006

PROJECT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FORESTS

3485 DR . DHIRENDRA AGARWAL Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state;

(a) whether the Government of Jharkhand has submitted any project for the

development of forests; (b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has accorded its approval to the said project; and

(d) if so, the details thereof;

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AN D FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

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(a) to (d): The Government of Jharkhand had submitted the executive summay of a project proposal namely Jharkhand Forestry project. The proposal envisaged an investment of Rs. 11.467 milion over a project period of ten years. The proposal has been posed to the World Bank seeking financial assistance. The State Government is formulating detailed project with the assistance of the World Bank.

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CONSTRUCTION OF MALLS

3433. SHRI RAGHUNATH JHA SHRI PRABHUNATH SINGH Will be Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is mandatory to obtain environmental clearance for any construction that costs Rs.50 crore or more, or generates 50,000 litres or more of effluents or can accommodate 1000 persons or more, before starting Construction;

(b) if so, whether the shopping malls in Delhi have been/ are being constructed

without having environmental clearance despite costing Rs crore or more;

(c) if so, the details of the shopping malls which have been constructed and /or under constructed in Delhi/New Delhi and the expenditure being incurred on their construction; and

(d) the details of complaints received for members of Parliament regarding illegal

construction of shopping malls in Delhi/New Delhi and thereasons for not taking action on the complaints and the action the Government proposes to take against all such shoppong malls now ?

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ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATEIN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) Yes Sir. (b) & (c): Information/ Representations have been received form Shri Raghunath Jha

and Smt. Brinda Karat, Members of Parliament’ regarding illegal construction of shopping malls in Vasant Kunj ridge area. This matter is sub-judice in WP No, 202/1995 being heard in Supreme Court of India.

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PLANTATION OF TREES

3487. SHRI MILIND DEORA Will be Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether a huge wall of tree is being planned along the railway line near the proposed Commonwealth Village NH No.24 to check pollution;

(b) if so, the number of trees proposed to be grown; and

(c) the expenditure likely to incur thereon?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATEIN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) to (c): As per information received from the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi and Northern Railway, about 60,000 saplings have been

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planted. Total expenditure involved is approximately Rs. 50.00 lakhs, including cost of maintenance.

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FUNDS FOR PROTECTION OF FORESTS

11. SHRI MILIND MURLI DEORA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government of Maharashtra is facing difficulty in protecting the forests due to non-availability of sufficient funds; (b) if so, the reasons for not providing sufficient funds to them; (c) whether the funds granted have reached late in the current year; (d) if so, the reasons therefor; and (e) the action proposed/taken in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (e): Under the Centrally Sponsored Integrated Forest Protection Scheme, financial assistance is being provided to State Governments for taking up activities related to forest protection. The State Government of Maharashtra has not fully utilised the funds released during the period 2003-04 and 2004-05.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

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FOREST COVER

877. SMT. SUMITRA MAHAJAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether in the context of Indian climate one-third of Indian geographical area should be forest covered for environmental balance; (b) if so, the national average and the percentage of forest cover in the different States of the country alongwith their total area of forest land; and (c) the steps proposed/being taken by the Government to bring all the States at par with the projected 33 per cent forest cover?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIORNMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): As per the National Forest Policy, 1988, a minimum of one-third of the total land area of the country should be under forest or tree cover. In the hills and in mountainous regions, the aim should be to maintain two-third of the area under such cover in order to prevent erosion and land degradation and to ensure the stability of the fragile eco-system. (b): The percentage of forest cover in different States and Union Territories of the country along with their total forest cover and the recorded forest area, as per State Forest Report (SFR) 2003, published by Forest Survey of India is given in the Annexure. The national average of forest cover and recorded forest area are 20.64 per cent and 23.57 per cent respectively, of total geographical area of the country. (c) The steps undertaken by the Government to increase the forest cover in the country are: (i) Legal measures like Indian Forest Act, 1927, Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Environmental Protection Act, 1986 and the rules, guidelines thereof. (ii) Management measures like working of forests according to approved working plans etc.

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(iii) Financial measures like providing assistance to the State/Union Territories under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and externally aided projects for undertaking afforestation programmes and protection & conservation of forests. (iv) A network of protected areas has been established. (v) The National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme is being implemented through two-tier mechanism - Forest Development Agencies at the Forest Division Level and Joint Forest Management Committee at the village level. (vi) The 12th Finance Commission has recommended for a grant of Rs. 1,000 crores for the period 2005-2010, to be given to the States and Union Territories in addition to what the States would be spending through their Forest Departments i.e. in addition to the normal expenditure of the Forest Department.

Annexures

The total Forest Cover (in km2) and percentage (of Geographical Area) of forest cover of States of India as per State of Forest Report, 2003 of FSI

State/UT Geographic

Area Forest Cover

Forest Cover as percentage of geographical Area

Recorded Forest Area

Recorded Forest Area as Percentage of Geographic Area

Andhra Pradesh 275,069 44,419 16.15 63,821 23.20Arunachal Pradesh 83,743 68,019 81.22 51,540 61.55Assam 78,438 27,826 35.48 27,018 34.45Bihar 94,163 5,558 5.90 6,473 6.87Chhattisgarh 135,191 55,998 41.42 59,772 44.21Delhi 1,483 170 11.46 85 5.73Goa 3,702 2,156 58.24 1,224 33.06Gujarat 196,022 14,946 7.63 19,113 9.75Haryana 44,212 1,517 3.43 1,558 3.52Himachal Pradesh 55,673 14,353 25.78 37,033 66.52Jamrrtu & Kashmir 222,236 21,267 9.57 20,230 9.10Jharkhand 79,714 22,716 28.50 23,605 29.61Karnataka 191,791 36,449 19.00 43,084 22.46Kerala 38,863 15,577 L 40.08 11,268 28.99Madhya Pradesh 308,245 76,429 24.79 95,221 30.89Maharashtra 307,713 46,865 15.23 61,939 20.13Manipur 22,327 17,219 77.12 17,418 78.01Meghalaya 22,429 16,839 75.08 9,496 42.34Mizoram 21,081 18,430 87.42 16,717 79.30

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Nagaland 16,579 13,609 82.09 8,629 52.05Orissa 155,707 48,366 31.06 58,136 37.34Punjab 50,362 1,580 3.14 3,084 6.12Rajasthan 342,239 15,826 4.62 32,488 9.49Sikkim 7,096 3,262 45.97 5,841 82.31Tamil Nadu 130,058 22,643 17.41 22,877 17.59Tripura 10,486 8,093 77.18 6,293 60.01Uttar Pradesh 240,928 14,118 5.86 16,826 6.98Uttaranchal 53,483 24,465 45.74 34,662 64.81West Bengal 88,752 12,343 13.91 11,879 13.38Andaman & Nicobar 8,249 6,964 84.42 7,171 86.93Chandigarh 114 15 13.16 34 29.82Dadra & Nagar Haveli

491 225 45.82 204 41.55

Daman & Diu 112 8 7.45 1 0.89Lakshdweep 32 23 71.88 0 0.00Pondicherry 480 40 8.33 0 0.00Total 3,287,263 678,333 20.64 7,74,740 23.57

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NEW FOREST POLICY

215. SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the achievements made under the Forest Policy, 1988; (b) whether the policy has failed to meet its objectives; (c) if so, the factors attributed thereto; (d) whether the Government has since prepared the draft of new Forest Policy;

389

(e) if so, the present status thereof; and (f) the time by which the new policy is likely to be implemented?

ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a): The achievements of National Forest Policy, 1988, inter alia, are as follows: (i) Increase in the forest and tree cover. (ii) Involvement of local communities in the protection, conservation and management of forests through Joint Forest Management Programme. (iii) Meeting the requirement of fuel wood, fodder, minor forest produce and small timber of the rural and tribal populations. (iv) Enhancing the livelihood opportunities of forest dependent communities by assigning the rights of minor forest produce. (v) Conservation of biological diversity and genetic resources of the country through ex-situ and in-situ conservation measures (vi) Significant contribution in maintenance of environment and ecological stability in the country. (b)&(c): The National Forest Policy, 1988 outlines the importance of supply of adequate fuel wood and fodder to the rural and tribal population , soil and water conservation and achieving 33 per cent forest and tree cover in the country, etc. The following constraints are faced in the implementation of national forest policy: (i) Increased biotic pressure including grazing and fire. (ii) Inadequate financial resources (iii) Inadequate human resources for the protection of forests. (d): No Sir. (e): Does not arise. The National Forest Commission has also recommended to continue with the National Forest Policy, 1988. (f): Does not arise.

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DEVELOPMENT WORK IN FOREST AREAS

168. SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE KRISHNA MURARI MOGHE

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether road construction and other various schemes have come to a stand still in tribal and forest areas of the country after the enforcement of The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; (b) if so, whether the Government proposes to provide any special relaxation to start developmental works under the Government schemes; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) if not, the reasons therefor; (e) whether the Union Government has received any proposal from the State Government in this regard during the last three years and the current year; and (f) if so, the action taken or being taken by the Government in this regard ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a): No Sir. (b) & (c): For development of tribal villages/forest-fringe villages, the Central Government has granted one-time general approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for certain essential developmental and security related activities. The projects pertaining to schools, dispensary/hospital, electric and telecommunication lines, drinking water, water harvesting, minor irrigation canal, non-conventional sources of energy, skill-upgradation, power sub-stations, communication posts and police outposts involving less than one hectare of forest land in each case are considered by the

391

respective States/Union Territory Government as per the guidelines issued by the Central Government in this regard. (d): Does not arise. (e) & (f): 3986 development projects received from State /Union Territory Governments during the last three years were considered and disposed in the time-bound manner by the Central Government. *************



APPROVAL TO FOREST DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

1731. SMT. SUMITRA MAHAJAN

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of Forest Development Projects (FDP) sanctioned by the Union Government as on date; (b) the number out of that submitted/sanctioned for Madhya Pradesh; (c) the number of projects from Madhya Pradesh still pending as on date; and (d) the time by which they are likely to be sanctioned?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The Ministry of Environment and Forests is implementing the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme, which is mainly aimed at development of forests. The scheme is being implemented through a two-tier decentralised institutional setup of Forest Development Agency (FDA) at the Forest Division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at the village level. 715 FDA projects at a total cost

392

of Rs.1521.10 Crores have been approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forests upto 31.10.2006. (b)to(d): Out of 51 FDA project proposals received from State of Madhya Pradesh, 49 FDA projects have been approved at a total cost of Rs.112.48 crores to treat an area of 76,520 hectares through 1,518 JFMCs. The pending proposals will be approved subject to their suitability according to NAP Guidelines, and the availability of funds. ***********



ENCROACHMENT OF RIDGE AREA

4512. SHRI RAGHUNATH JHA

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- to the reply given to Unstarred Question No. 657 dated November 28, 2005 regarding Encroachment on Ridge Areas and state: (a) if the information has since been collected; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the action taken thereon?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): No Sir. Efforts are being made to collect the information. **********

393

HAZARDOUS WASTE


LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2376 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.03.2006

DECOMMISSIONED SHIPS AT SHIPYARDS

2376 SHRIMATI JOYTIRMOYEE SIKDAR Will the Minister of Steel be pleased to state:

(a) the number of de-commissioned/aged ships received form abroad by our ship breaking yards during the last three years and current year; and

(b) the total cost involved therein?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STEEL (DR. AKHILESH DAS)

(a)&(b): The number of de-commissioned/aged ships received form abroad by our ship breaking yards during the last three years and current year (upto Feb, 06) and the approximate cost involved is an under:

Year No of ships received* Approximate cost involved* (Rs. in crores)**

2002 -03 390 2025 2003-04 375 2193 2004-05 256 1560 2005-06 111 737

• Source – Iron and Steel Scrap Association of India • Value of imports is exclusive of custom duty and taxes.

*********

394



BLUE BIRD

4571. SHRI MADHU GOUD YASKHI SMT. NIVEDITA MANE

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether after the Clemenceau ship it is reportedly the turn of another toxic ship S.S. Norway/Blue Bird which is on its way to Indian shore after being rejected by Bangladesh Government on the ground of its toxicity; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Union Government has permitted this ship to come to India; and (d) if so, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (b): It is true that the ship SS Norway/Blue Lady was on its way to Indian shore. But, based on an application filed in the Supreme Court of India, the Court has passed an order on 12th May, 2006 to examine the matter by the Expert Committee on Ship Breaking and submit its report. As per the instructions of the Union Government, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board has directed all the concerned agencies not to allow the ship `Blue Lady` to enter into the Indian Sovereign Jurisdiction till a final decision is taken in the matter. (c) to (d): No such permission has been given by the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests. **********

395


LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO, 3387 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-5-2006

CLEANING OF SEA

3387. SHRI CHANDRAKANT KHAIRE Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether inflow of waste in sea in increasing day by day; (b) if so, the steps taken by the Government so far to check this trend;

(c) whether the government is working on any project to keep all the three sea shores

clean; and


ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a): Yes Sir. (a) to (d): The steps taken by the Government to check inflow of waste streams into

the sea and mitigate pollution include the following:

a. Notification of standards for marine outfall; b. Regular monitoring of industrial effluents; c. Special drive for 17 categories of highly pollution industries; d. Promotion of low-waste and no-waste technology for production; e. Setting up of Common Effluent Treatment Plants for industrial chuster; f. Constitution of Coastal Zone Managemtn Authorities for enforcing the

provisions of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 1991 which inter-alia, prohibits discharge of untreated effluent in the coastal areas and dumping of municipal waste in coastal areas;

g. Inventorisation of pollution sources along the coast of India under Coastal-Ocean Monitoring and Prediction system;

396

h. Preparation of a National Action Plan for prevention of pollution of coastal and marine waters from land based activities.

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COMMITTEE ON SHIP-BREAKING YARDS

282. SHRI BHUPENDRASINH PRABHATSINH SOLANKI VALLABHBHAI KATHIRIA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Supreme Court had directed the Government to constitute a Committee of technical experts to ascertain the extent to which the infrastructure as existing at the ship breaking yards adequate; (b) if so, whether the Committee has since been constituted; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) if not, the reasons for the delay?

ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a) to (d): As per the directions of the Hon`ble Supreme Court dated 17th February, 2006 in the matter of Writ Petition (Civil) No.657 of 1995 on Management of Hazardous Wastes, a Committee of Technical Experts has been constituted in the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests vide its order dated 24th March, 2006. The Committee is headed by the Union Secretary (Environment & Forests) and eleven other technical experts, including some retired naval officers. The terms of reference of the Committee include finding out whether the infrastructure as existing presently at the Alang ship breaking yard is adequate and if not, to indicate the deficiencies and suggest remedial measures to upgrade the infrastructural facilities.

***********

397

HEALTH



SPREAD OF LEPROSY BY MOSQUITOES

1089. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government is aware about the claim of some scientists from Kolkata stating that mosquitoes can spread leprosy; (b) if so, the facts thereof; and (c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): Yes Sir. (b) & (c): Leprosy is a communicable disease which spreads very slowly in individuals and community. The most common mode of transmission of leprosy is through naso-respiratory tract and to a lesser extent through direct skin-to-skin contact. No other specific mode of transmission has been proved. Researchers from Kolkata School of Tropical Medicine have conducted a study on mice bitten by Aedes mosquito having germ that causes leprosy i.e. Mycobacterium Leprae and demonstrated the presence of M. Leprae in footpads of mouse. However, no research has been conducted on human beings. A similar study conducted by JIPMER, Pondicherry concluded that mosquitoes can transfer viable M. Leprae to mouse footpads but the results are insufficient to come to any conclusion about the actual role of the mosquitoes in transmission of leprosy in field conditions.

398

Findings documented in literature quote that Mycobacterium leprae have been successfully isolated from mosquitoes collected from endemic areas but the role of biting arthropods in transmission of leprosy in human beings is considered negligible. ********




BAN ON GUTKHA

378. SMT. KIRAN MAHESHWARI M. APPADURAI Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether a number of people die every year in the country due to consumption of Gutkha, Pan Masala and Tobacco Chewing; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Supreme Court has lifted ban on Gutkha sale recently; (d) if so, details thereof, and the reaction of the Union Government thereto; (e) the names of the States in the country which have imposed ban on consumption of Gutkha; (f) whether the Union Government is contemplating to impose complete ban on consumption of Gutkha and other tobacco products; and (g) if so, the time by which such a decision is likely to be taken by the Union Government?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (g): As per the Report on Tobacco Control in India, it has been estimated that

399

tobacco attributable deaths currently range between 8,00,000 to 9,00,000 per year in India. Research studies conducted in tobacco and oral cancer in India show that the risk of oral cancer increases with the use of tobacco in various forms. It was found that chewing tobacco tended to have a higher risk of oral cancer. The notifications, prohibiting Sale of Gutkha, issued under Section 7(iv) of Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954, by the State Governments of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Bihar were quashed by the Supreme Court in its judgement dated 2nd August, 2004 (CA No.4674 of 2004) stating that section 7(iv) of the Act is not an independent source of power for the state authority and that the power of the Food (Health) Authority under the said Rule is only transitory in nature and intended to deal with local emergencies and can last only for short period while such emergency lasts. Therefore, the Hon`ble Supreme Court held that the impugned notifications are unconstitutional and void as abridging the fundamental rights of the appellants guaranteed under Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution. It further added that the power of the banning an article of food or an article used as ingredients of food, on the ground that it is injurious to health, belongs appropriately to the Central Government to be exercised in accordance with the rules made under Section 23 of the PFA Act. Consequently, the State of Goa issued `Goa Public Health (Second Amendment)` Ordinance, 2004, promulgated by Governor of Goa on 8th November, 2004, prohibiting manufacture for sale, sell, stock, stored, or exhibited for sale any articles of food containing tobacco or any other ingredient of tobacco. The Central Government has proposed to ban Gutkha under Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955. The draft Prevention of Food Adulteration amendment Rules in this regard were published on 28th November, 2005, providing that tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in the manufacture of proprietary food products. The comments received in response to the said draft notification have been examined and the amendment to the Rule is now being finalised.

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ILL EFFECTS OF CARBONATED SOFT DRINKS

47. DR. M. JAGANNATH NAVEEN JINDAL

400

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has conducted any study to assess the ill effects on account of consumption of carbonated soft drinks on the health of the people and on youngsters in particular; (b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof; (c) whether the Government proposes to set up any expert group to examine the whole matter; (d) if so, the details thereof; (e) if not, the reasons therefor; and (f) the steps taken by the Government to make public aware of ill effects of such drinks and ensure proper health care of children?

ANSWER MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS) (a)to(f): As per information available, Government has not conducted any specific study with regard to ill effects of consumption of soft drinks on the health of the people. A Committee of National experts has been constituted in January, 2005, under the Chairmanship of Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), to provide guidance about the presence and health risks of pesticide residues in sugar, a component of soft drinks. Three meetings of the Committee have been held so far. Efforts are being made by Government to make people aware of nutritious and healthy foods and to avoid junk foods because of their harmful effects. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also prepared IEC materials advising avoidance of junk foods. The National Institute of Nutrition has developed dietary guidelines for Indians where it has been suggested that free sugar should be used sparingly. ********



401


ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

57. DR. BABU RAO MEDIYAM ARJUN CHARAN SETHI J.M. AARON RASHID Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the World Health Organisation, in a recent report, has stated that one-fourth deaths are caused due to environmental hazards; (b) whether about 8 lakh cases of children are born with birth defects in India every year mainly because of uncontrolled environmental degradation; and (c) if so, the remedial measures adopted or proposed to be adopted to meet the situation?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): According to the report of the World Health Organisation (WHO), 24 per cent of the disease burden (healthy life years lost) and 23 per cent (premature mortality) of all deaths were attributable to environmental factors on global basis. However, there were large regional differences and 25 per cent of all deaths in developing regions and 17 per cent of deaths in developed regions were attributable to environmental causes. (b): According to WHO, the estimated number of annual deaths related to congenital diseases caused by environmental risks are estimated to be close to 7000 for India. (c): Strategies adopted and remedial measures taken for control of environmental hazards include comprehensive policy for environment and abatement of pollution, supply of improved auto-fuel including CNG, tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms, mandatory environmental clearance for specified industries, management of municipal and bio-medical wastes, promotion of cleaner technologies, strengthening of the network of air and water quality monitoring stations, assessment of pollution load and source apportionment studies, preparation and implementation of action plans for major cities and critically polluted areas. ********

402



BAN ON TINNED FOOD

2767. SHRI BALESHWAR YADAV

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government is contemplating to ban tinned food keeping in view the increase in various diseases due to its consumption; (b) if so, the stage at which it stands at present; and (c) the time by which action in this regard is likely to be taken?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a): There is no proposal under consideration to ban tinned food under PFA Rules, 1955 at present. (b) & (c ): Question does not arise. *********

403

INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION



ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ASBESTOS


Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether any epidemiological study on asbestos related diseases has been conducted recently; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the total number of asbestos manufacturing units in the country, State-wise?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): The information is being collected and will be placed on the Table of the House.

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POLLUTION DUE TO LIQUOR FACTORY

769. SHRI ASHOK ARGAL

404

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has received complaints regarding distilleries at different locations in the country, particularly from Uttar Pradesh; and (b) if so, the action taken/proposed in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Some complaints have been received regarding non-compliance of environmental standards by certain distilleries including six distilleries from Uttar Pradesh namely - M/s Jubiliant Organosys Ltd., Gajraula; Simbhaoli Sugar mills, Simbhaoli; M/s Philkhani Distillery Ltd., Philkhani; M/s Daurala Sugars and Chemicals Ltd., (distillery unit), Daurala; M/s Dhampur sugar mills, Dhampur and M/s Riga Sugars, Bihar. (b) The steps taken for improvement in environmental compliance in various distilleries include: # Reduction in the production capacity equivalent to treatment facility provided; # Installation of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant to reduce filter material requirement for making bio-compost; # Laying of High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) lining in compost yard; # Installation of multi effect evaporator to reduce spent wash for its use in bio-compost; # Monitoring for compliance and issuing necessary directions for non-complying units.

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PRIVATE SECTOR IN CHECKING POLLUTION

405

841. SHRI JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether on the World Environment Day, Government had given a call to Corporates to play a greater role in `Green Drive` in a whole range of issues from forestry to running affluent treatment plants and monitoring pollution; and (b) if so, the response of different sectors of industry, like pesticides, dyes and chemicals, pharmaceuticals, distilleries, cement and mines and metals, to this directive?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): On the occasion of World Environment Day, Government organised a Colloquium on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in which the representatives of the Government and Industry participated. The Colloquium underlined the need for more active response by the corporate sector towards environmental protection. (b): Recognising the merit, cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability of voluntary compliance and self-regulation, the Government had introduced Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection (CREP) in March 2003. The CREP covers 17 categories of highly polluting industries, and is being guided by 8 task forces in the implementation of the Charter. The interactive and consultative process sustained over this period has resulted in an acknowledged recognition of the fact on the part of industry that preventive pollution control measures are economically more viable as compared to the curative measures. There has been a mixed response from the industry. While industries like aluminium, cement and thermal power plants have adopted improved environmental practices, industries like pesticides, dyes and dye intermediates, distilleries and pharmaceuticals have yet to give the desired response.

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CLOSURE OF POLLUTING UNITS

855. SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE SHRI RASHEED MASOOD Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Hon’ble Supreme Court on December 13, 2000 had given any direction for closure of polluting industries in the capital; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of industrial units which complied as well as those not complied with the directions of court as on date; (d) whether the Government has taken/propose to take any action against the industrial units not complying with the directions of the Court; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)to(e): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House. *********




EFFECTS OF POLLUTION

212. SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR BRAJESH PATHAK

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Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has conducted any survey in regard to ill effects of rising pollution on human life due to industrial/chemical plants and mines; (b) if so, the details thereof ; (c) the percentage of pollution spread by heavy industries/chemical plants; (d) the effective measures taken so far by the Government to control increasing pollution in the country; (e) the percentage of shortfall in pollution noticed through the present measures; and (f) the measures initiated/proposed to meet the inadequacies?

ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a)&(b): Studies on burden of morbidity have been carried out in some urban and industrial areas by various institutions. The salient findings included higher incidence of respiratory diseases besides some other ailments amongst the population living in polluted/urban areas in comparison to the rural areas/control group. Whether such higher incidence of morbidity is due to industrial/chemical/mining activity, or due to other sources of health risk in urban areas, cannot be definitely established. (c): The percentage of pollution load contributed by various industries is as under:- # Air polluting industries in terms of particulate matter load:

Thermal Power Plants

80 per cent

Sugar 10 per cent Cement 07 per cent Others 03 per cent

# Air polluting industries in terms of sulphur dioxide emissions:

Thermal Power Plants

-89 per cent

Steel Plants 05 per cent Oil Refineries 03 per cent Sulphuric Acid Plants

-02 per cent

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Others 01 per cent # Water pollution load contributed by various industries in terms of bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD):

Distilleries 28 per cent Textiles 26 per cent Engineering 15 per cent Paper and Pulp 09 per cent Others 22 per cent

(d) The measures taken to control pollution include the following:- # Comprehensive policy for environment and abatement of pollution; # Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 1994 is in force governing environmental appraisal of developmental projects; # Out of 2672 highly polluting industries identified under 17 categories, 1963 have provided necessary pollution control facilities, 329 are closed and action has been taken against 380 defaulters; # Critically polluted areas have been identified and action plans have been prepared for abatement of pollution; # A procedure for mandatory public hearing has been introduced w.e.f. 10.4.1997 as a pre-requisite for consideration of projects for environmental clearance; # Promotion of cleaner technologies; # Installation of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs); (e): As a result of various measures taken, the industrial air pollution load in terms of particulate matter has reduced from 3 lakh tonnes per day to 5400 tonnes per day and industrial water pollution load in terms of bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD) has come down from 9500 tonnes per day to 1700 tonnes per day. (f) The measures initiated/envisaged to control pollution include the following:- # Strengthening of the net-work of air & water quality monitoring stations; # Assessment of pollution load & source apportionment studies;

# Implementation of Charter on the Corporate Responsibility on Environmental

Protection (CREP) for specified industries.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA


STARRED QUESTION NO 295 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.08.2006

USE OF FLY ASH

295. SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether use of fly ash is mandatory for making bricks; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has received representations for amending this provision of the relevant law; (d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and (e) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI A. RAJA) (a) and (b): As per the provisions of notification SO 763 (E) dated 14.09.1999 (amended vide SO 979 (E) dated 27.8.2003) no person within a radius of one hundred kilometre from coal or lignite based thermal power plants can manufacture clay bricks for use in construction activities without mixing at least 25 per cent of fly ash subject to its availability. (c): Yes Sir. (d) and (e): The notification on fly ash was issued with the focus on conservation of soil which is essential for agriculture production and hence food security, and is used up in the manufacture of bricks. The notification inter alia provides for prevention of the dumping and disposal of fly ash by coal or lignite thermal power stations. The notification enables availability of alternate raw material namely fly ash free of cost for traditional brick manufacturing. The notification was issued only after due consultations with all including All India Brick and Tiles Manufacturer`s Federation (AIBMF) and is being implemented by many brick kiln owners. This has been brought to the attention of all those concerned including AIBMF. *************

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DEATHS DUE TO POLLUTION

180. SHRI N.S.V. CHITTHAN CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether any study has been conducted to co-relate excessive deaths occurring in major cities of the country on account of environmental pollution; (b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the percentage of the total annual increase in the environmental pollution during the last two years in the metropolitan cities; (c) the strategy being formulated by the Government to gear up the measures for controlling environmental pollution; and (d) the details of the steps taken/proposed to be taken in this regard alongwith the progress made by the Government so far?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI A.RAJA) (a) & (b): Studies carried out by various institutions in some major cities on environmental pollution and health effects provide no conclusive scientific evidence to establish cause-effect relationship between environmental pollution and incidences of mortality. Annual ambient levels of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen in the metropolitan cities are well within the prescribed standards for residential areas except for RSPM which have exceeded the limit in Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi but are below the standard in Chennai during the last two years. (c) & (d): Strategies adopted and measures taken to control pollution include comprehensive policy for abatement of pollution, supply of improved auto-fuel including CNG and LPG, tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms, mandatory environmental clearance for specified industries, management of municipal and bio-medical wastes, promotion of cleaner technologies, strengthening of air and water quality monitoring stations, assessment of pollution load and source apportionment studies, preparation and implementation of action plans for major cities and critically polluted areas. **********

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LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT



ILO`S REPORT ON CHILD LABOUR

191. SHRI SHISHUPAL N. PATLE MAHA DEO RAO SHIWANKAR ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has expressed its concern regarding the condition of child labourers working in various industries in India as reported in the ‘Rashtriya Sahara’ dated January 16, 2006; (b) if so, whether the Government has conducted any survey regarding security, prevalence of diseases and increasing cases of disability of such child labourers; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) whether proper healthcare is being provided by these industries to such child labourers; and (e) if not, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU) (a): No Sir. ILO has not published or is aware of any such report. (b) & (c): Do not arise. (d) & (e): The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 prohibits employment of children below the age of 14 years in 13 Occupations and 57 Processes which includes Beedi making, sericulture, manufacturing of glass, leather and brass goods, etc., as mentioned in the said article. The Union Government closely monitors the implementation of the Act through the periodical reports submitted by the State Governments. The children withdrawn from work are put in the special schools being run

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under the Scheme of National Child Labour Projects (NCLP) where these children are provided with education, vocational training, stipend, nutrition and health check-up. ********



VIOLATION OF LABOUR LAWS

153. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR MAHATO BIR SING MAHATO Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has noticed that some organisations and factories are violating labour laws and as such the labourers are being exploited; (b) if so, the details thereof during the last two years, State-wise; (c) the names of the organisations and factories against whom action has been taken during the above period, State-wise; and (d) the nature of the action taken in each of the cases?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU) (a) to (d): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House. **********




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AMENDMENT IN LABOUR LAWS

40. SHRI BAPU HARI CHAURE SANJAY SHAMRAO DHOTRE Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government proposes to amend the labour laws in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether most of the labour organisations of the country protest this proposal; and (d) if so, the reaction of the Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI K. CHANDRASEKHAR RAO) (a) to (d): Amendment in labour laws is a continuous process in order to bring them in tune with the emerging needs. Presently, Bills to amend the Factories Act, 1948 and the Labour Laws (Exemption from Furnishing Returns and Maintaining Registers by certain Establishments) Act, 1988 have been introduced in the Parliament. With a view to making labour markets flexible, a ‘Discussion Paper’ has been circulated among various stakeholders for eliciting their views. These, inter-alia, include: (i) amendment in the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 by placing certain activities in a separate schedule so that provisions of Section 10 may not apply to them, and by replacing the term ‘emergency’ with the term ‘public interest’in Section 31 of the Act ; and (ii) amendment in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 by raising the number filter from 100 to 300 for applicability of chapter VB and raising the compensation ceiling payable to workers on retrenchment, and on closure of the establishment, from 15 days’ average pay to 45 days’ average pay for every completed year of continuous service or any part thereof in excess of six months subject to the condition that such retrenchment compensation shall not be less than 90 days of average wages and by extending the powers of exemptions in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 under Section 36 B to include any Government Undertaking. Central Trade Unions and Employers Organisations have expressed divergent views on the suggestions, which have been taken cognizance of by the Government. ********

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EXTENSION OF NATIONAL CHILD LABOUR PROJECT

436. SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN SUGRIB SINGH

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether proposals have been received from various States to extend National Child Labour Project (NCLP) to some other districts also where the problems of poverty and child labour are acute and compelling; (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and (c) the present status of these proposals?

ANSWER MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI K. CHANDRASEKHAR RAO) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. Requests have been received from Orissa, Bihar, Rajasthan and Maharashtra states for extending the scheme of National Child Labour Projects (NCLP) to some more districts in their respective states. State-wise details of the additional districts proposed by the states for coverage under the NCLP scheme are as follows: Sl. No.

Name of the State

Name of the Districts

1 Orissa Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur, Jaipur, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Khurda, PuriKandhamal, Boudh

2 Bihar Munge 3 Rajasthan Dausa, Rajasamand, Hanumangarh,

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Sawai Madhopur, Baran, Karauli, Jaislamer, Kota and Sirohi

4 Maharashtra Parbani, Hingoli, Akola and Chandrapur.

5 Tripura West Tripura (c): The Scheme of National Child Labour Projects is a Plan Scheme. The Planning Commission had given its approval for expansion of NCLP from 100 to 250 districts during the 10th Five Year Plan. All these additional 150 districts have been identified and projects sanctioned. Consideration of any new proposal will be subject to the approval of the Planning Commission for expansion of the scheme of NCLP during the 11th Plan period.

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VIOLATION OF LABOUR LAWS

3405. SHRI AVINASH RAI KHANNA Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that the CPWD, MFS and BRO have not yet paid minimum wages to the workers engaged by them during the past several years;

(b) if so, the details and the reasons therefore; (c) whether a gross violation of labour laws is reported to have been found in these

organisations while engaging casual labours in their respective units;

(d) if so, whether the Government has conducted any inspections of these organisations to find out the truth;

(e) if so, the number of inspection conducted during each of the last three years and

current year along with the outcome thereof;

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(f) the action taken by the Government against the officials found guilty in this regard; and

(g) the steps being taken to sfeguard the interests of the workers engaged therein?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRASEKHER SAHU)

(a) to (g): The information is being collected and will be laid on the table of the House.

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BAN ON CHILD LABOUR

2178. SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has imposed a ban on employing children on the recommendation of Technical Advisory Committee on Child Labour; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the reasons for imposing such ban after 70 days of its announcement; and (d) the steps taken by the Government for strict compliance of the said ban?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU) (a)&(b): Yes Sir. As per the recommendations of the Technical Advisory Committee constituted under Section 5 of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, the Government has issued a notification, prohibiting the employment of children in the

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following two occupations: (i) Employment of children as domestic workers or servants; (ii) Employment of children in dhabas (road-side eateries), restaurants, hotels, motels, tea-shops, resorts, spas or other recreational centres. (c): Under Section 4 of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, three months notice is required to be given by the Government of its intention to add any occupation or process to the Schedule and thereupon the Schedule shall be deemed to have been amended accordingly. (d): The State Governments are the appropriate Governments for the implementation of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986. All the State Governments and other concerned have been addressed for strict compliance of the said ban. *********

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LAWS AND AMENDMENTS




REVIEW OF COASTAL REGULATION ZONE NOTIFICATION

536. SHRI BALASAHEB VIKHE PATIL SMT P. JAYA PRADA NAHATA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government proposes to revise the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 in view of tsunami; (b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor; (c) whether the Government had constituted Swaminathan Committee to review the same; (d) if so, the details of recommendations made by the Committee; and (e) the present status of implementation of the recommendations?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): No Sir. (b): Does not arise. (c) and (d): The Government constituted an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan in June, 2004 to carry out a quick but comprehensive review of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991, in the light of the findings and recommendations of all previous Committees, judicial pronouncements, representations of various stakeholders and suggest suitable amendments, if necessary, to make the regulatory framework consistent with well established scientific principles of coastal

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zone management. The report of the Committee was received in February 2005 and the Ministry accepted the recommendations in April 2005. The major recommendations of the Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Committee are as follows:- (i) Implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan. (ii) Development along the coastal stretches based on demarcation of setback lines taking into account the vulnerability of the coast to natural and manmade hazards. (iii) Inclusion of the ocean zone in coastal management strategy. (iv) Setting up of institutional structures to address the policy and legal issues. (v) Programme for pollution abatement of coastal waters. (vi) Identification and mapping of the coastal eco-sensitive areas such as mangroves, corals, turtle breeding areas, etc. for their conservation and protection. (vii) Development of bioshields along the coastal stretches. (e): Government has taken steps to implement the recommendations of the Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Committee Report. These include the following: - - For the purpose of demarcating Vulnerability Line, the Ministry has involved and assigned the work to scientific institutions namely, Survey of India, Dehradun, Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivendrum and Department of Ocean Development, New Delhi. - The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) has been assigned to prepare a National Action Plan for prevention of pollution of coastal waters from land based activities. - The Ministry has posed a project proposal to the World Bank seeking technical and financial assistance for mapping and demarcation of the coastal areas, preparation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans, institutional building and control of pollution of coastal and marine waters.

ANNEXURE REPORT OF EXPERT COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF PROF. M. S. SWAMINATHAN 1. Why and when was M. S. Swaminathan Committee constituted and what was the composition?

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Ans. The Ministry constituted an Expert Committee to carry out a quick but comprehensive review of the Coastal Regulation Zone, Notification, 1991, in the light of findings and recommendations of all previous Committees, judicial pronouncements, representations of various stakeholders and suggest suitable amendments, if necessary, to make the regulatory framework consistent with well established scientific principles of Coastal Zone Management. The composition of the Committee is as follows: (i) Prof. M.S. Swaminathan - Chairman (ii) Prof. Bharat H. Desai, Jawaharlal Nehru University. (iii) Prof. S. Ramachandran, Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai. (iv) Dr. M. Baba, Director, Centre for Earth Sciences Studies, Thiruvananthapuram. (v) Prof. U. Shankar, Madras School of Economics, Chennai. (vi) Dr. Ms. Janki B. Andharia, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Bombay. (vii) Dr. Shailesh B. Nayak, Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad. (viii) Shri V. Sunder, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai. (ix) Prof. A.K. Maitra, Ex-Director, School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi. 2. What are the recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee`s Report and the actions of the Central Government? Ans: To comprehensively review the CRZ Notification, 1991, the Central Government constituted an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan in June 2004. The Experts of the Committee included reputed scientists in the areas of marine ecology, geology, sociology, law, coastal engineering, marine pollution, bio-diversity and remote sensing. The Committee had submitted its report in February 2005 and the Ministry has accepted the broad recommendations of the Report in April 2005. The main recommendations include: a) Implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan rather than the uniform regulatory approach. b) Development along the coastal stretches based on the hazard line, taking into consideration flooding and erosion. c) Inclusion of the ocean zone. d) Setting up of Institute for Coastal Zone Management to address the policy and legal

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issues. e) To address the pollution of coastal areas and its water in a in a time bound manner. f) To identify and map all the coastal eco-sensitive areas such as mangroves, corals, turtle breeding areas, etc. areas and protect them. g) To develop bioshield along the coastal stretches. With regard to the recommendations, the Central Government has identified actions with regard to demarcation of hazard line through Survey of India, Dehradun, Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivandrum and Department of Ocean Development. At the first stage pilot studies have been initiated which will be completed by end May, 2006. Based on the pilot studies, detailed demarcation for the other parts of the country would be taken up and Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans prepared and implemented. 3. What were the recommendations of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Committee`s Report with regard to tsunami? Ans: In order to protect the coastal environment and the life and property of the people along the coastal areas due to natural hazards including that of tsunami, the Swaminathan Committee has recommended that: # Mangrove wetlands should be regenerated. # Coral reefs, grass beds and coastal forests should be preserved and conserved for both short term and long term ecological and livelihood benefits. # Raising coastal plantations like casuarinas, saliconia, palm, bamboo, etc. will act as a bioshield. # Geomorphological features like sand dunes, beaches, coastal cliffs should be protected. # The natural hazards in the coastal and marine areas should be integrated into the coastal area management schemes. 4. What were the steps taken by the Ministry to study the environmental impacts due to the tsunami? Ans. The Ministry had identified 10 scientific agencies/institutes for assessment of damages to coastal ecosystems due to the recent tsunami. The name of the institutes as follows:- (i) Annamalai University, Parangipettai

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(ii) Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata (iii) Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi (iv) Central Water Commission, New Delhi, (v) Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivendrum (vi) Forest Survey of India, Dehradun (vii) Institute of Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai (viii) Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad (ix) Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute, Tuticorin (x) Zoological Survey of India, Kolkatta As per the Report submitted by the above institute, it was reported that the mangroves have undergone severe destruction in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to the extent of 18 per cent. In Andaman Islands 3850 ha of mangroves were lost, while, 7750 mangroves were damaged. In Nicobar about 390 ha of mangroves were damaged. Mangroves in Tamil Nadu and Kerala coastal were marginally affected. Coral reefs were also damaged in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to the extent of 40,000 ha. Beaches, mudflats have also been affected on the islands as well as in the mainland. Large tracks of land had become saline in the island. Significant loss of forest to extent of 12,000 ha was observed in Nicobar group and 40 ha of forest in Cuddalore. 5. Are the tsunami affected areas are under revival? Ans. As per some of the studies undertaken by the scientific institutes it is revealed that the mangroves, coral reefs, beaches etc., are in the process of reformation. However, revival of these features and ecosystems would take about 5 to 10 years. 6. What are the recommendations in the M.S. Swaminathan Committee`s Report with respect to Mumbai? Ans: The Swaminathan Committee has examined the issues that relate to Mumbai such as slums. The Report recommends that the slums due to the unhygienic conditions have an adverse environmental impact; therefore the Ministry has to take action in a time bound manner and to provide decent housing and living conditions for all communities living along the coast. The report recommends integrated coastal zone management approach taking into consideration the vulnerability of the area to the coastal hazards for slum redevelopment and rehabilitation of the old structures in the coastal areas.

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7. What is Vulnerability Line? Ans. The Vulnerability Line is to be demarcated on the coastal stretches taking into account seven parameters namely, elevation, geology, geomorphology, sea level trends, horizontal shoreline displacement (erosion/accretion), tidal ranges and wave heights. 8. Who is involved in demarcating the Vulnerability Line? Ans. For the purpose of demarcating the Vulnerability Line, the Ministry has assigned survey of India, Dehradum, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivandrum, Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad and Department of Ocean Development, Chennai. The demarcation of certain identified stretches on the pilot scale has been initiated which are likely to be completed in January 2006. Based on the Vulnerability Line demarcation a draft Coastal Zone Management Legislation would be issued inviting public suggestions and objections and a decision would be taken as per Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 9. What was the assistance sought from the World Bank? Ans: For the purpose of mapping the coastal areas, preparation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management, institutional building and control of pollution of coastal waters from land based activities the Ministry has sought an assistance from the World Bank. 10. What are the provisions of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification that relates to tourism development? Ans: As per the Coastal Regulation Zone, Notification, 1991 tourism development can be set up in the Coastal Regulation Zone area beyond 200 mts from the High Tide Line. In case of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep tourism facilities can be developed beyond 50 mts from the High Tide Line on the landward side. 11. What is Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991? Ans: In order to protect the coastal environment, the Central Government issued the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, vide S.O. No.114 (E) dated 19.2.1991, under the provision of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notification regulates developmental activities within 500 metres from the High Tide Line and within the inter-tidal area. The notification lists the prohibited activities and the regulated activities. 12. What is the Coastal Zone Management Plan? Ans: The Notification categorises the coastal stretches into; CRZ-I - the areas which are ecologically sensitive such as mangroves, coral reefs, forests, etc., CRZ-II - the substantially built up municipal areas,

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CRZ-III - rural areas, CRZ-IV the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep. As per the CRZ Notification, 1991, nine coastal States and four Union Territories have prepared the Coastal Zone Management Plans demarcating the CRZ-I, II, III and IV areas. These Coastal Zone Management Plans have been approved by the Central Government on 26th September, 1996 with certain conditions and modifications. All developmental activities in the CRZ areas have to be in accordance with CRZ Notification, 1991 and approved CZMPs. 13. When were the Coastal Zone Management Plans approved and what is the status? Ans: In accordance with the orders of the Supreme Court in the matter W.P. 663 of 1993 filed by M.C. Mehta Vs. the Union of India, all coastal States including Maharashtra submitted their Coastal Zone Management Plans to the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Ministry approved these Coastal Zone Management Plans with certain conditions and modifications on 26th September, 1996. Further, the State Governments had to submit their revised Coastal Zone Management Plans taking into account the conditions and modifications listed in the approved letter dated 26th September, 1996. However, till date, no coastal State has submitted the revised CZMP for the entire State. Government of Maharashtra had submitted the revised CZMP for Greater Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The Ministry approved the revised Coastal Zone Management Plan of Greater Mumbai with certain conditions in January, 2000 while the CZMP of Navi Mumbai was not approved since it was not in accordance with the CRZ Notification, 1991. 14. What are the recommendations of the Sukhtankar Committee Report on Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and reactions of the Central Government? Ans: In order to examine the issues relating to Coastal Zone Management in the Mumbai urban areas, the Ministry constituted a Committee under Shri D.M. Sukhthankar in May 2000. The Committee submitted its report in December 2000. The following were the recommendations and the reactions of the Central Government: (a) To consider Slum Rehabilitation Schemes with Higher floor space index (FSI), than the FSI as existed on 1991. Central Government did not agree to these recommendations as the recommendations were not in accordance with the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991. (b) Construction of Missing Links passing through mangroves. Since destruction of mangroves is prohibited under CRZ Notification, 1991, the Ministry did not agree to the recommendation. (c) Development of Housing project in Greater Mumbai proposed by MHADA. The

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Central Government had already amended the CRZ Notification, 1991 to provide for housing schemes undertaken by the State Government. (d) Development in Navi Mumbai. The Ministry did not agree to the recommendation since several developmental activities in Navi Mumbai has been undertaken in violation of CRZ Notification, 1991. (e) To stop dumping of solid waste in CRZ area. The Government of Maharashtra has been directed to relocate all the dumping sites outside CRZ area. (f) To stop dredging in CRZ area and creeks. The Government of Maharashtra has been directed to stop dredging. 15. Will the Ministry amend the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 for increase in Floor Space Index for taking up slum rehabilitation schemes? Ans. With regard to increase in Floor Space Index for undertaking the project pertaining to Rehabilitation of Slums, dilapidated structures, the Ministry has already clarified that such conditions can be taken up as per the Floor Space Index/FAR as existed on 19.2.1991. 16. What was the Court Orders of Writ Petition No.1019 of 1999 in the High Court of Bombay filed by the Builder Arch? Ans: The Ministry had issued a clarification on 27th September, 1998 to the word Èxisting FSI/FAR` occurring in the provision relating to CRZ-II and III. As per the clarification, the word Èxisting FSI/FAR` means the FSI/FAR as existed on 19.2.1991 i.e. the date of the issue of CRZ Notification, 1991. The Builder Arch and others challenged the clarification in the High Court of Bombay in W.P. No.1019 of 1999. The Hon`ble High Court dismissed the Petition upholding the clarifications issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. 17. Has the CRZ notification amended to permit the Western Freeway Project Worli to Bandra, Bandra to Nariman accorded clearance? Ans. An amendment dated 9th July, 1997 to Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 notified permitting construction of sea link projects. Based on the amendment the Worli to Bandra and Bandra to Nariman,Western Freeway Sea Link Projects were considered and approved by the Central Government on 7.1.1999 and 19.2.2005 respectively. 18. Has the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification amended for providing sealinks? Ans. An amendment dated 24th June, 2003 issued to Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 permitting construction of trans harbour sea links. Based on the amendment the Trans Harbour Sea Link from Sewree to Nhava Sheva project was approved by the Central Government on 11.3.2005.

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19. Are development in open spaces in Mumbai permitted? Ans. Amendment dated 19th January, 2000 issued to Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Plan dated 26th September, 1996 permitting FSI upto 15 per cent in the open spaces falling in Coastal Regulation Zone -II areas. 20. Can missing links of road be constructed? Ans. With regard to construction of missing links of roads, it was clarified on 19th January, 2000 that such construction of roads should be taken up as per the approved development plan of Greater Mumbai (as existed prior to 1991), provided such proposed links do not pass through Coastal Regulation Zone -I/No Development Zone of Coastal Regulation Zone-III and buffer zone of Coastal Regulation Zone-I. 21. Can the Gaothans or the fishing villages be classified as Coastal Regulation Zone-II? Ans. With regard to reclassification of Gaothans, it was clarified on 19th January, 2000 that the reclassification proposals of such areas should be routed through Maharashtra State Coastal Zone Management Authority. However, no such proposal has been received so far. 22. Can development be taken abutting mangroves? Ans. With regard to reduction of buffer along mangroves, it was clarified on 19th January, 2000 that 50 metre buffer around mangroves of area of 1000 sq. metres and above will not be required on the landward side provide the road abutting such mangroves was constructed prior to 19th February, 1991. 23. Has the Ministry approved the Kharland projects pertaining to agriculture by local communities? Ans. On 22.8.03 the Ministry amended the Coastal Zone Management Plan of Maharashtra permitting agriculture of local communities in the Kharland area falling within inter-tidal areas. 24. Can Municipal solid waste be dumped in Coastal Regulation Zone area? Ans. With regard to municipal solid waste in Coastal Regulation Zone area, it was clarified on 19th January, 2000 that all existing dumping sites in Coastal Regulation Zone area should be immediately relocated outside Coastal Regulation Zone area since Coastal Regulation Zone Notification prohibits such dumping in Coastal Regulation Zone areas. 25. Why the Coastal Zone Management Plan of Navi Mumbai not approved?

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Ans. With regard to the approval of the revised Coastal Zone Management Plan of Navi Mumbai, the Ministry could not consider the proposal since the recommendations of the Shri Sukhtankar Committee constituted to examine the issues relating to Navi Mumbai were not in accordance with the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991. 26. Has the Coastal Zone Management Authority of Maharashtra been constituted? Ans: The Ministry has constituted the Coastal Zone Management Authorities of all Coastal States and Union Territories including Maharashtra under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management has been reconstituted vide Notification S.O. 1231(E) dated 2.9.2005. The main functions of the Authority include to take action against violations of the provisions of CRZ Notification, 1991 and approved CZMP of Maharashtra. The Authority has been delegated powers under Section 5, 15 and 19 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 27. Has the violation of the CRZ Notification, 1991 led to the recent flooding of Mumbai? Ans: The Ministry has not received any scientific report establishing that the increase of flood level was due to the violations of CRZ Notification, 1991. However, reclamation of low-lying areas including mangrove areas is known to have direct impact on the run-off of the flood waters. 28. Several buildings have collapsed due to the recent heavy rains causing loss of life and property. Has the CRZ Notification, 1991 amended to take up the reconstructions of the buildings? Ans: As per CRZ Notification, 1991 reconstructions of buildings can be taken up with the existing Floor Space Index and without change in land use pattern. All buildings in the dilapidated conditions can be undertaken as per the above provision. 29. Has the Ministry approved the Trans Harbour Sea Link Project and the Worli Bandra Western Free Way project? Ans: The Ministry has already approved the Trans-harbour Sea Link Project on 7.1.1999 and Western Free Way Sea Link Project on 10.2.2005. 30. Has the Ministry received the proposal from Government of Maharashtra for developing Bombay into Shanghai? Ans: No such proposal has been received in the Ministry. 31. Whether Government has permitted Kharland development in Coastal Regulation Zone areas? Ans: The Ministry has approved the revised Coastal Zone Management Plan of

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Maharashtra on 22.8.03 permitting development of agriculture by the local communities in the Kharland project assisted by European Union. 32. What are the salt pan lands in Maharashtra classified as? Can development be taken up on such salt pan lands? Ans: Active salt pans which use tidal water for salt pan activities are classified as CRZ-I. The abandoned salt pans after 1991 can be classified as CRZ-II or III based on the norms laid down in the CRZ Notification, 1991. Development in such abandoned salt pans can be considered in accordance with CRZ Notification, 1991 and approved CZMP of Maharashtra. The Ministry has not received any such proposal for development/reclamation of salt pans from Government of Maharashtra. 33. What were the orders of the High Court in the W.P. No.3246 of 2005? Ans: The Bombay Environmental Action Group had filed a Writ Petition in the High Court of Bombay with regard to protection of mangroves in Maharashtra including Mumbai. The Hon`ble High Court in its orders has prohibited all destructions of mangroves and has directed the State Government to map the mangroves using satellite data. It has also directed to the State Government to show all mangrove areas including in the revenue areas as forestland. The Forest Department has been directed to takeover physical position of all mangrove areas. ************




NEW ENVIRONMENT POLICY

15. SHRI UDAY SINGH JASHUBHAI DHANABHAI BARAD Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the draft of the new National Environment Policy has been cleared by the Government;

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(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the views of the eminent environmentalists have been considered in the policy; (d) if so, the details thereof; (e) the time by which it is likely to be implemented; and (f) the extent to which the new environment policy would be helpful in tackling various environmental issues?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): Yes Sir. The National Environment Policy (NEP), 2006 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18.5.2006 audit is available on the website (http://www.envfor.nic.in) of the Ministry of Environment & Forests. (b): The NEP 2006 is a response to our national commitment to a clean environment, mandated in the Constitution. It recognises that maintaining a healthy environment is not the State’s responsibility alone, but also that of every citizen. The NEP is also intended to help realise sustainable development by mainstreaming environmental concerns in all development activities. It briefly describes key environmental challenges currently and prospectively facing the country, the objectives of the policy, normative principles underlying policy action, strategic themes for intervention, broad indication of the legislative and institutional development needed to accomplish the strategic themes, and mechanisms for implementation and review. (c)&(d): Yes Sir. A great deal of published research literature was reviewed for preparation of the NEP. Extensive consultations with experts in different disciplines, Central Ministries, Members of Parliament, State Governments, industry associations, academic and research institutions, civil society, NGOs and the public was also held. The policy was finalised after considering all the views and suggestions received on the draft NEP document. (e): The policy outlines a significant number of new and continuing initiatives for enhancing environmental conservation, which require coordinated action by diverse actors, and preparation of Action Plans on identified themes by the concerned agencies at all levels of Government - Central, State/UT and local. The concerned Ministries/Departments in the Central Government are required to prepare Action Plans and encourage the State Governments/UT Administrations to undertake similar action.

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(f): The policy is intended to be mainstream environmental concerns in all development activities. It is intended to be a guide to action - in regulatory reforms; programmes and projects for environmental conservation; and review and enactment of legislation, by agencies of Central, State and Local Governments.

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AMENDMENT OF ENVIRONMENT ACT

813. SMT. JAYABEN B. THAKKAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Union Government has received any representation from the Government of Gujarat alongwith resolutions of Gujarat Legislative Assembly and other State Governments to make amendment in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and related laws for use of loudspeakers without any restriction of time limit during the religious and cultural festivals; and (b) if so, the action taken or proposed to be taken in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA ) (a)&(b): In pursuance of the order of Hon`ble Supreme Court in the matter of Writ Petition No. 72 of 1998 regarding noise pollution - implementation of laws for restricting use of loudspeaker and high volume producing system dated 18th July, 2005, some representations were received from State Governments including from the Government of Gujarat alongwith the Motion passed on 14th September, 2005 by Gujarat Legislature. Ministry had issued Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 on 14th February, 2000 with subsequent amendment on 11th October, 2002 empowering State Government(s) to permit use of loudspeaker or public address system during night hours (between 10.00 P.M. to 12.00 mid night) on or during any cultural or religious festive occasions of a limited duration not exceeding 15 days in all during a calendar year.

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Looking at the diversity of cultures and religions in India, the Hon`ble Supreme Court in its subsequent order has observed that a limited power of exemption from the operation of the Rules granted by the Central Government in exercise of its statutory power cannot be held unreasonable and the power to grant exemption is conferred on the State Government. The Hon`ble Court, further, has observed that the State Governments should notify in advance the number and particulars of the days on which such exemptions would be operative.

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432

MINES AND MINERALS



MINING IN ARAVALI HILLS

945. SHRI SANTOSH GANGWAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether illegal mining being carried out in 200 square kilometre area of Aravali Hill range poses a serious danger to the environment;

(b) if so, whether any concrete action plan has been formulated by the

Government to check it;

(c) If so, the details thereof; and

(d) If not the reasons therefore?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): As per Government of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and NCT of Delhi, there is no illegal mining taking place in Aravali Hill range falling in those respective States, (b), (c) & (d): Does not arise.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 377

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10/05/2006

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF COAL MINING

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377. SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

(a) whether the mining activities are conducted by taking into account the adverse impact on the environment of the surrounding areas;

(b) if so, the steps taken to increase the forest cover in the coalfields areas

(c) if so, the steps taken to make the water bodies in the concerned areas pollution

free;

(d) the areas of coalfields covered under forestation schemes at present; and (e) the steps taken to check water pollution in the said areas especially in Orissa

during the last financial year.

ANSWER

MINITER OF STATE FOR COAL (DR. DASARI NARAYAN RAO)

(a) Yes, Sir. The mining activities are taken up after taking into account the adverse impact on the environment of the surrounding areas for which prior Environment Impact Assessment (EIR) is done and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of a project is prepared. Both EIA and EMP are submitted to Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) for its approval. The mining operation is started after approval of EIA/EMP.

(b) and (c): Afforestation is taken up every year and green belts are developed around

the mine site, along the roads, dispatch points, in and around the colonies, as dust barrier in between project and residential areas. The following steps are also taken to increase growth and quality of forests cover.

1) Generally, six-month-old saplings are planted 2) Plantation on activities is entrusted to State Foresty department 3) Localy grown species of foresty, timber , medicinai& fruit bearing trees

are planted. 4) Expertise from National Environmental Engineering Research Instutute

(NEERI).Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI) etc are sought for biological reclamation of over Burden(OB) dumps and degraded land.

Steps taken to make the wate bodies pollution free include following:-

• Mine water is discharged into the nullahs/natural streams in general after treatment in setting tanks/ mine sumps. Regular monitoring of water

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quality is done and quality of discharged water is kept well within allowable limits.

• Effluent from workshops, Coal Handling Plant (CHP)s / washerie sare treated in effluent treatment plant/grease traps and the treated effluent is used in sprinkiers for dust suppression and sashing of Heavy Earth Moving machinery (HEMM) tippers, etc.

• Integrated domestic sewage treatment plants have been commissioned to treat effluents from colonies

• Filter plants have been provided in general to supply drinking water to the projects and nearby areas.

(d): Expensive afforestation is carried out in the following places of lease area:

1) In and around mine/infrastructures. 2) In and around the colonies. 3) Along the roads. 4) Vacant lands. 5) Non-action Overburden dumps. 6) Subsided areas of undegrouind mines. 7) In and around Rehabilitation villages.

(e): The following water pollution control measures are adopted before discharging outside, the excess water available in the mine:

(1) Sedimentation ponds, settling tanks are provided for settlement of suspended solids in water.

(2) Oil and grease traps are provided for treatment of workshop effluents.

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4061 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10/05/2006

CONDITION OF LABOURERS IN COAL MINES

4061: SHRI DALPAT SINGH PARSTE

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

(a) whether Union Government has received any report/complaints from the Government of Madhya Pradesh regarding the condition of labourers working of coal mines.

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(b) if so, whether Government propose to review and enact laws to improve the condition of labourers working of coal mines.

(c) if so, the details therefore; and

(d) the time by which the proppsed law is likely to be enacted?

ANSWER

MINITER OF STATE FOR COAL (DR. DASARI NARAYAN RAO)

(a) No, Sir. (b) To (d): There are already laws to protect imterest of labourers working in coal

mines. Therefore, there is no need to enact any further laws. Coal companies pay adequate attention to welfare of employees and regular efforts are made for improvement in ci vic amenities like housing, provision of safe drinking water, electricity supply, medical facilities and facilities for education of children of employees.

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HEALTH HAZARDS IN AND AROUND COAL MINES

314. SHRI KIREN RIJIJU

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a)whether families living in and around coal mines in the country are facing health hazards; (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; (c) the diseases which are prevalent in and around the coal mines particularly, Jharia; (d) the agencies deployed to treat the affected families and workers of these coal mines; (e) the budget allocated for the purpose; and

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(f) the steps taken by the Government to check malnutrition among children in the mining areas?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a)& (b): Persons working in and around coal mines are exposed to occupational health hazards like airborne dust, gas, noise, etc. In addition, exposure to excessive heat is also an important health hazard in summer season. The prevalence of diseases in coal mines including Jharia Coal Mines is due to non-conducive working environment (high levels of dust, heat, noise and humidity) and awkward body posture during loading operation, etc. Mining activities causes deterioration in quality of environment which also affects the health of people living around the coal mines areas. (c): Persons associated with coal mining activities are mainly exposed to coal dust hazard. Diseases prevalent in families living in coal mines are: - - Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis; - Noise induced hearing loss; - Various respiratory ailments; - Musculoskeletal Disorders; - Backache; - Anaemia. - Respiratory, skin and eye diseases are prevalent in families living around coal mines. (d): Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiary companies provide medical care to its employees in the hospitals/dispensaries run by them. Hospitals managed by State/Central Government and industrial hospitals take care of health of the local population residing in and around coal mines. Besides, under community development programme, free health camps are organized for the underprivileged section of the population residing in and around the coal mines. Coal India has an ongoing project, Environmental and Social Mitigation Project, under which resettlement sites are being provided with basic amenities, such as access roads, schools, health clinics, water supply and electricity (street lights), drain ponds, etc. (e): CIL has provided adequate budget to provide medical facilities to its employees. Revenue expenditure in CIL for the last six years is as under:

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Year Revenue Expenditure (Rs.in

lakhs) 2000-01

6994.8

2001-02

8372.86

2002-03

9266.62

2003-04

10138.55

2004-05

14938.00

2005-06

14182.00

(f): Malnutrition is a multifaceted problem, the determinants of which vary from food insecurity, female illiteracy, poor access to healthcare, safe drinking water, sanitation and poor purchasing power. In order to check the malnutrition, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India have undertaken certain steps to restore the health nutrition status. In Jharia mines area of Dhanbad District, 144 anganwadi centres have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) provides mid-day meal programme, employment guarantee for 100 days, public distribution system for cheaper food grain and micronutrient supplementation programme. ************

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MUNICIPAL WASTE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



DIRECTIONS BY CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD

980. SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed all local bodies/ State Pollution Control Board (SPCBs) to optimise participation by the local communities in the collection, segregation, disposal and composting of solid waste;


(c) the measures suggested by the CPCB for utilisation of waste as a supplement of

fuel; and

(d) the reaction of the CPCBs thereto>

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (d): As per the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules. 2000, every municipal authority, within the territorial area of the municipality, is responsible for implementation of the provisions of these rules relating to collection, segregation, storage, transportation, processing and disposal of municipal solid wastes. Waste processing and disposal as per these rules, include composting, incineration, pelletisation, energy recovery and any other State-of-the art technology duly approved by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). CPCB has not made any specific suggestion for utilisation of waste as supplement fuel, as selection of technology would depend upon the quality of waste to be treated, cost affordability of the local body and the venture based on economic feasibility.

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SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

186. SHRI VINOD KUMAR BOIANAPALLI Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has formulated a Central Sector scheme for Management of Solid Waste and Drainage in selected cities/towns in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the amount earmarked for the scheme, city/town-wise?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a) to (c): Yes Sir. The Government of India is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for Solid Waste Management and drainage works in 10 select air-field towns to protect defence aircraft against bird menace. These towns are Ambala and Sirsa (Haryana), Adampur (Punjab), Bareilly and Hindon (U.P.), Dundigal (Andhra Pradesh), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Pune (Maharashtra) and Tejpur (Assam). The scheme envisages 100 per cent grant from the Government of India towards the capital cost of setting up of sanitary landfill, compost plant and storm water drainage. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) cost of the Scheme is to be borne by the concerned urban local body/State Government. Under the said scheme the following funds have been approved for different cities/ towns:-

Name of the City/Town Amount Approved Ambala (Haryana) Rs. 11,79,28,640/- Sirsa (Haryana) Rs. 8,85,75,000/- Adampur (Punjab) Rs. 3,08,53,760/-

Bareilly (U.P.) Rs. 13,86,00,000/- Hindon (U.P.) Rs. 13,52,00,000/- Dundigal (Andhra Pradesh) Rs. 2,15,24,160/-

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Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) Rs. 12,80,17,120/- Jodhpur (Rajasthan) Rs. 19,37,30,000/- Pune (Maharashtra) Rs. 37,77,84,960/- Tejpur (Assam) Rs. 6,16,26,600/-

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441

PESTICIDES



SPURIOUS PESTICIDES

187. SHRI BASUDEB ACHARIA VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR NIKHIL KUMAR ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the availability of fake fertilisers is costing farmers in the country Rs.50,000 crore as reported in Statesman dated 16th January, 2006; (b) if so, the details in this regard; (c) whether the Government has any check on the firms manufacturing fake fertilisers; and (d) if so, the details in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) to (d): The question refers to news item which appeared in the Statesman in its issue dated 16/01/2006. The said news item relates to spurious pesticides and not fake fertilisers. Therefore, the reply, presuming the issue as relating to spurious pesticide is given in the Annexed statement. ANNEXED (a) & (b): No such estimates are available with the Government. (c) & (d): With the objective of having stringent check on the quality of pesticides being manufactured and sold in the country, Government of India enacted the Insecticides Act,

442

1968 and framed rules there under. The Act provides for the mandatory requirement of manufacturing license by each manufacturer/dealer of pesticides to be issued by the State Government concerned, in addition to the grant of registration by the Registration Committee. Registration is granted by the Registration Committee to any pesticide only after satisfying itself regarding the efficacy and safety thereof. The enforcement of the various provision of the Act mainly rests with the State Governments. The Act provides for four important functionaries for this purpose viz. Licensing Officer, Insecticides Inspector and Insecticides Analyst and Appellate Authority. Insecticide Inspector is responsible for drawal of pesticide samples from manufacturers and dealers. These samples are analysed in Pesticide Testing Laboratories (SPTLs/RPTLs) by the analysts. Failing samples are the basis for initiation of prosecution proceedings against offenders. For testing of samples, 19 States/UT have set up 46 State Pesticides Testing Laboratories (SPTLs). Central Government have also set up Regional Pesticides Testing Laboratories (RPTLs) for augmenting the effort of the States on analysis of pesticides samples as also the Central Insecticides Laboratory perform the statutory function of referral analysis for prosecution cases. Adequate penal provisions also exist under the Insecticides Act, 1968 for punishment to manufacturer/sellers of misbranded/spurious pesticides. Total number of pesticides samples analysed and found sub-standard in State Pesticides Testing Laboratories (SPTLs) during last three years are as under:-

Year Samples analyzed

Found sub-standard

2000-2003 43595 1558 2003-2004 40174 1446 2004-2005 40617 1441

Further, the number of samples of pesticides analysed and found sub-standard in Regional Pesticides Testing laboratories during last three years are as under:

Year Samples analyzed Found sub-standard 2000-03 1783 397 2003-04 1926 306 2004-05 2281 314

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As per information received from State/UT Governments, the action taken against the manufacturers/dealers of misbranded samples during the said period are as under:-

Year Prosecution License Convicted Launched Suspended Cancelled 2002-03 731 205 232 497 19 2003-04 591 115 160 70 26 2004-05 739 235 241 617 116

Further, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Government of India has also constituted a Task Force to monitor the quality of pesticides being manufactured and sold in the country through deployment of Central Insecticides Inspectors for drawing samples of pesticides from manufacturer/dealers etc. against whom specific complaints regarding supply of misbranded and spurious pesticides have been received. ******




ADVERSE IMPACT OF POP CHEMICALS

1622 SHRI P. MOHAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) The name of the highly toxic chemicals listed in the category of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP);

(b) whether some more harmful chemicals are proposed to be added to this category;

(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefore; (d) whether the Union Government has ratified/proposes to ratify Stockholm

Convention of United Nation on Environment; and

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(e) If so, the details thereof?

ANSWER


(a) Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) are chemicals which persist in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms and are toxic to human and wildlife. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants covers 12 POPs viz. 8 pesticides (aldrin, chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene); 2 industrial chemicals (poly chlorinated biphenyls or PCBs and hexachlorobenzene) and 2 unintended by products dioxins and furans. The Convention was adopted in May 2001and came into force on 17th May, 2004.

(b) & (c): Five new chemicals namely-Pentabromodiphenyl ether, Chlordecome,

Hexabromobiphenyl, Lindane, and Perfluorooctane sulfonate are under consideration of the POPs Review committee of the Stockholm Convention, for inclusion. The proposed chemicals are suspected to exhibit POP characteristics.

©&(e): India has deposited its instrument of Ratification of 13th January, 2006 . The Convention shall enter into force for India on the ninetieth day after the date of deposit of its instrument of ratification.

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PRESENCE OF PESTICIDES AND METALS IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLE

1705. SHRI AVTAR SINGH BHADANA J.M. AARON RASHID RAJESH KUMAR MISHRA SAJJAN KUMAR NAVEEN JINDAL

445

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether any arrangement has been made by the Union Government in consultation with the State Governments to examine and study presence of pesticides, other harmful elements and metals, like nickel and cadmium in fruits and vegetables; (b) if so, the details and findings thereof; and (c) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard ?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) to (c): The Registration Committee constituted under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 registers pesticides only after satisfying itself regarding their efficacy and safety. Toxicity and residue data generated under supervised trials is analysed and used to fix Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules framed thereunder. The inspection of fruits and vegetables for the presence of pesticide residues and other harmful substances falls under the purview of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. However, as per the directions of the Inter Ministerial Committee constituted to review the use of hazardous chemicals and insecticides, 33 samples of vegetables have been drawn from Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee, Azadpur, Delhi since June 2006 and tested for residues of organo-chlorine, organo- phosphorus and synthetic pyrethroids pesticides. Residues of chlorpyriphos were detected in two of these samples at the level of 0.18 ppm. 24 of these samples have also been analysed for the presence of heavy metals like lead, cadmium and arsenic. The heavy metals found in the samples of vegetables were below the maximum limit prescribed under the Food Adulteration Rules, 1955. The Ministry of Agriculture has also taken up a scheme for Monitoring of Pesticide Residues under which 21 laboratories under various Ministries/Departments have been provided with equipments to undertake analysis of pesticide residues in vegetables, water, meat & meat products, and marine products. ***********


LOK SABHA

446

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2078 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.12.2006

EFFECTIVENESS OF DDT

2078. SMT. JAYABEN B. THAKKAR Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the DDT has failed as an effective anti-Malaria strategy in the country besides creating chemical dependency and causing adverse health and environment impact; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the measures taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (c): No Sir. World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended use of DDT for control of malaria and other vector borne diseases. The DDT is being used in the programme for indoor residual spray since the inception of National Malaria Control Programme in 1953 and has been effective in bringing down the incidence of malaria. The insecticide is still being used in areas where Anopheles vector mosquitoes are susceptible to DDT. In those areas, where the vector is resistant to DDT, alternate insecticides like Malathion and Synthetic Pyrethroids are recommended. ************



PESTICIDE LEVEL IN COLD DRINKS


447

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether some soft drink companies in their advertisements in various newspapers claimed that pesticide levels in their products are within permissible limits and are not injurious to health; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has conducted any inquiry to verify their claim; (d) if so, the outcome thereof; and (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a)&(b): Pepsico and Coca Cola in their advertisements have claimed that their products meet all Indian as well as international standards. (c) to (e): A total of 155 soft drink samples were tested by Central Food Labs at Kolkata, Mysore, Pune as well as State Food Lab, Gujarat between July 2006 to September 2006 and as per reports received from testing laboratories pesticide residues were found below the limits specified for bottled drinking water in all tested samples. ***********



PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN SOFT DRINKS

1165. SHRI CHANDRA BHUSHAN SINGH RAJIV RANJAN (LALAN) SINGH

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Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Centre for Science and Environment had submitted any report on pesticide residues in soft drinks; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (c): The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had released a report on Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Soft Drinks. In their report CSE had mentioned that a total of 57 soft drink samples of 11 brands were tested for organochlorine pesticides and organophosphorous pesticides. It has been further stated in the report that: - Average concentration of total organochlorine was 6.97 ppb in all the 57 samples. Average concentration organophosphorous pesticides was 4.88 ppb in all the 57 samples. Average concentration of total pesticides detected in all 57 samples was 11.85 which is 24 times the BIS limit for total pesticide in soft drinks. In order to examine the facts contained in the CSE Report on Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Soft Drinks, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare constituted on Expert Committee to examine the methodology of sampling, methodology of testing and validity, as well as the consistency of results derived by CSE. After detailed deliberation on the report of CSE, the Expert Committee concluded that the results and conclusions reached by the CSE in their report cannot be accepted on its face value. The detailed report of the Expert Committee is available on the website of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (www.mohfw.nic.in). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already constituted a National Expert Committee to guide pesticide residue sub-committee in fixation of MRIs of pesticides in carbonated beverages, fruits vegetables juices and other finished products. State/UT Governments which are the implementing authorities under the PFA Act have been advised to ensure regular sampling of soft drinks to ensure quality standards are maintained. A total of 155 soft drinks samples were tested by Central Food Labs at Kolkata, Mysore and Pune as well as State Food Lab, Gujarat between July 2006 to September 2006 and as per reports received from testing laboratories pesticide residues were found below the limits specified for bottled drinking water in all tested samples. **********

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http://www.mohfw.nic.in/



PESTICIDE RESIDUES TEST BY ICAR

3733. SHRI ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL RAVI PRAKASH VERMA SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and certain other agencies have been conducting pesticide residues test of soil regularly; (b) if so, the findings thereof and if not, the other modes followed for monitoring and deducting the pesticide residues in soil; (c)whether the Government has assessed the benefit of organic farming in the country; and (d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to encourage the organic farming in the country?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA) (a): Yes Sir. Studies have been conducted in ICAR to determine the persistence of pesticides on crops following good agricultural practices and their terminal residues in soil at the time of harvest through an All India Network Project on Pesticides Residues. (b): No residues have been detected in soil samples at harvest based on the field trails conducted during 2002-06 on different crops in different part of the country. (c):Yes Sir. (d): A Network Project on Organic Farming has been launched at Project Directorate for Cropping Systems Research (ICAR), Modipuram with 13 centres-spread all over the country, since April 2004. The entire package regarding most suitable, profitable, and sustainable cropping systems under organic cultivation are being developed. Likewise, the management of on-farm and off-farm organic inputs under predominant and high value crops is being investigated.

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Ministry of Agriculture has also started National Programme on Organic Farming w.e.f. October 2004 with an outlay of Rs.57.05 crores for Xth Five Year Plan. Under this project, the components includes:- - Capacity building through service provider. - Setting up of commercial input units like biofertiliser unit, food/vegetable wastes compost unit, vermiculture hatcheries, training for quality production of input for farmers and extension staff on organic farming. - Field demonstration by use of different organic inputs. - Setting up of model organic farm. - Market development, etc. **************

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RIGHT TO INFORMATION

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GOIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO,3932 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17-5-2006

REVIEWING WORKING OF RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT

3932 SHRI REWATI RAMAN SINGH

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government has reviewed the working of the right to Information Act;

(b) If so, the findings in this regard;

(c) whether the Central Information Commission has given questionable ruling by

endorsing a proposal to prescribe a standard format for the purpose of making an application;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the decision is contrary to the provisions of the Act;

(f) if so, the steps taken to correct the anomaly;

(g) the details of the names of States that have constituted or yet to constitute

Information Commission; and (h) the details of the services being rendered by the Information Co-

-mmission?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GOIEVANCES AND PENSIONSAND MINISTER OF STATTE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENT AFFAIRS (SHRI SURESH PACHOURI)

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(a): The Right to Information Act, 2005 has come into only on 12th October, 2005. It is too early to review the working of the Act.

(b) to (f): The Central Information Commission on its decision No: CIC/C/2006, dated 16-1-2006 had held that a public authority was not prectuded form prescribing standard format for the purpose of making the application for case of reference and response. However, this decision was reviewed by the Commission on 08/02/2006, when it held that it is incumbent upon ay public authority prescribing a format that it remains simple and comrchensible as well as accessible to common folk. The Commission has further clarified that the applications for information on plain paper are also to be received and replied within the prescribed time limit.

(g): According to the information acailable, State Government of Andhra Pradesh , Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orossa, Punjab, Rajsthan, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttranchal, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have appointed Chief Information Commissioners.

State of Arunchal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim are yet to make such appointment.

(h): The Information Commission performs functions as assigned to it under the Right to Information Act, 2005

**********

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URBAN DEVELOPMENT



ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION

634. SHRI HARI KEWAL PRASAD TUKARAM GANPATRAO RENGE PATIL Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has constituted any committee regarding illegal constructions made in Delhi; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the said Committee has since presented its report to the Government; (d) if so, the main recommendation made by the Committee; and (e) the steps taken by the Government on the recommendation of the committee?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a)&(b): The Government had constituted a Committee of Experts on 14.2.2006 under the Chairmanship of Shri Tejendra Khanna, former Lt. Governor of Delhi to look into various matters relating to unauthorised constructions and misuse of premises in Delhi and to suggest a comprehensive strategy to deal with it. The Terms of Reference of the Committee included assessment of the magnitude of the problem, the underlying causes leading to the violations, unauthorised constructions in Lal Dora areas and to suggest a strategy to deal with the problem and prevent future violations. (c): The Committee has presented its report to the Government on 13th May, 2006. (d): The main recommendations contained in the Report include inter alia charging compounding fee/penalty in respect of extra floor coverage and additional floor or part thereof, a differentiated approach to the mixed use policy, strengthening of enforcement

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machinery, creation of institutional arrangements and certain recommendations relating to construction activity in Lal Dora and extended Lal Dora areas and farm houses. (e): After considering the recommendations in consultation with the local bodies, the Government has accorded approval for issue of public notice under section 11(A) of Delhi Development Act, 1957 for inviting suggestions and objections from the public for amending the Master Plan of Delhi-2001 in respect of development control norms for residential plotted development and mixed use regulations. The draft public notices were issued by Delhi Development Authority (DDA), accordingly on 21.7.2006. The Government has also called for comments of the agencies concerned in respect of some of the other recommendations made in the Report. ******



MASTER PLAN FOR DELHI

698. SHRI SAJJAN KUMAR Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government proposes to formulate a new policy for farm houses in the Master Plan of Delhi, 2021 in view of the expansion of urban areas in the ensuing years; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is being considered to bring a major part of the green belts of Delhi and the farm houses constructed therein under the purview of urbanisation till 2021; and (d) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a)&(b): Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has reported that keeping in view of the land constraints in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD), Draft Master Plan for Delhi, 2021 proposes urban extension in certain areas that are earmarked in MPD-2001 for rural/agricultural purposes, but are under development pressure or have development potential such as areas along the major transport corridors and fringes of already

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urbanised areas. (c): Draft MPD-2021 stipulates that land up to the depth of one peripheral revenue village boundary along the border of NCTD would be maintained as green belt. New farmhouses and motels shall not be permitted in NCTD but the existing sanctioned ones may be continued till the area is declared for urbanisation. (d): The objections/suggestions received in response to the Draft MPD 2021, published in newspapers on 8.4.2005 have been placed before a Board of Enquiry and Hearing constituted for the purpose for recommending of further necessary action as per the provisions of the Delhi Development Act.

**********



DELHI MASTER PLAN

2130. SHRI E.G. SUGAVANAM Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Delhi Master Plan is behind the schedule; (b) if so, the reasons therefor; (c) the number of suggestions/objections received and the action taken thereon; (d) whether any target has been fixed for the execution of the Master Plan; (e) if so, the details thereof; and (f) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI AJAY MAKEN) (a)to(f): The Delhi Development Act, 1957, does not stipulate time frame for the notification of Master Plan. The first Master Plan of Delhi was notified on 1.9.1962. This

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was extensively modified vide notification dated 1.8.1990 and was called Master Plan of Delhi (MPD), 2001. Again extensive modification has been proposed to MPD 2001 with the perspective for the year 2021. A public notice was issued on 8th April 2005, for inviting objections/suggestions in respect of the draft Master Plan for Delhi - 2021. Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has reported that in response to the public notice about 7,000 objections/suggestions have been received and a Board of Enquiry and Hearing has been constituted by it to consider these objections/suggestions. The Board of Enquiry and Hearing has till date held 14 meetings including four exclusive public hearings. The Delhi Development Act provides for final notification of the Master Plan on the basis of the recommendations of the Board of Enquiry and Hearing, approval of the Authority and Central Government. ***********

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WATER RESOURCES



ASSISTANCE TO KARNATAKA FOR GROUNDWATER RECHARGE AND

WATER HARVESTING

215. SHRI KARUNAKARA G. REDDY Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) the amount provided for groundwater recharge and water harvesting programmes to the Government of Karnataka under the Central Regional Scheme; (b) the number of proposals received from the State Government under the said programmes alongwith costs involved therein; and (c) the time by which the proposals are likely to be cleared and the amount provided therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a) to (c): Presently, there is no approved scheme on groundwater recharge and water harvesting in the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)/Ministry of Water Resources. However, under the Central Sector Scheme for ‘Study of Recharge to Groundwater’ implemented during the VIII & IX Plans, an amount of Rs. 44.12 lakh and Rs. 43.30 lakh were spent respectively for this purpose by CGWB in the State of Karnataka. Besides, another amount of of Rs. 56.11 lakh was provided by the Ministry of Water Resources to Government of Karnataka for construction of roof top rain water harvesting structures in five Government buildings during the Fresh Water Year 2003. *******


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POLLUTING UNITS OF DELHI

136. SHRI SAJJAN KUMAR Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether any direction has been issued by Union Government to Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi to reduce pollution and check the release of water contaminated with chemicals in the Yamuna river by industrial units of Delhi; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the reaction of the Delhi Government thereto?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The Government, through its Notification dated January 29, 1998 had constituted the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority for monitoring the Action Plan of the Government for de-polluting Yamuna. The Action Plan inter-alia, includes improvement of water quality of river Yamuna by utilising existing capacity of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and constructing additional sewage treatment facilities for treating sewage generated in Delhi. An Action plan has also been prepared for setting up of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) for treating industrial wastes. In addition, the Government of India, through Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Government of Delhi, through Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) regularly monitor discharge of industrial units of Delhi into river Yamuna. However, no specific direction has been issued. (c): The Delhi Jal Board (DJB), which is responsible for sewage management in Delhi, has already set up 17 STPs and has a plan to set up 5 more STPs by 2008 for tackling municipal wastewater of Delhi. Similarly, construction work of 11 CETPs have been completed and construction of 2 CETPs is under progress for tackling industrial pollution. **********

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DEATH OF FISHES DUE TO RIVER POLLUTANTS

122. DR. M. JAGANNATH Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether shoal of fishes are dying in several rivers of the country due to increasing toxic emissions and discharge of untreated effluents; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the remedial measures being taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to save fishes?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): No authentic reports are available on mortality of fishes due to increasing toxic emissions and discharge of untreated effluents. To restore the river water quality, industries discharging untreated wastewater into rivers have been directed to set up adequate pollution control facilities in their respective units to comply with the discharge standards notified under Environment Protection Act, 1986 before disposal. Apart from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the State Pollution Control Boards are also monitoring water quality of receiving bodies for their designated best use. *******



STUDY ON RIVERS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

460

108. SMT. PRATIBHA SINGH

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether studies have been carried out by various institutions on certain rivers in Himachal Pradesh under the National River Action Plan; (b) the number of proposals for allocation of funds pending with the Union Government in this regard and the time since when the proposals are pending; (c) the reasons for non-allocation of funds so far in this regard; and (d) the time by which funds will be allocated?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (d): Studies on rivers Beas, Satluj, Ravi, Yamuna, Parvati, Langi and Sirsa are being regularly carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board with the State Pollution Control Board for monitoring the water quality of these rivers in Himachal Pradesh. Under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), proposals were received from the Government of Himachal Pradesh for assessment of pollution load in river Satluj in 1994 and for pollution abatement in 11 towns along river Beas in the year 2000. The proposal for river Satluj was not taken up as the water quality of the river stretch in Himachal Pradesh was within the prescribed standards. For river Beas, the Government of Himachal Pradesh have been asked to prepare detailed project reports with firm costs and following an integrated approach with 70:30 cost sharing between the Central and State Government. A proposal for inclusion of Paonta Sahib along river Yamuna and four towns along river Beas (which were also a part of the earlier proposal of 11 towns received in the year 2000) under NRCP was also received from the Government of Himachal Pradesh in the year 2003 in the context of preparation of Plan by IIT Roorkee for coverage of important water bodies in addition to the schemes already approved under NRCP. Due to acute shortage of funds in the X Plan under NRCP, it has not been possible to take them up for implementation. Subsequently, on taking up the matter again by the State Government, they have been informed in December 2005 that the proposal for Paonta Sahib could be considered for inclusion under NRCP during the X Plan, subject to necessary clearances, due to its

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religious importance and the fact that river pollution abatement works n various towns downstream of Paonta Sahib are already being funded under the ongoing NRCP. ********




SCHEME FOR RAIN WATER HARVESTING

1601. SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is considering to implement and making rain water harvesting scheme compulsory in farm sector for every land holding farmer;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any assistance would be provided by the Union Government for the

purpose; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINSTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF, SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ)

(a) No Sir (b) to (d): Do not arise

*****


LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1592


RIVERS-LINKING POLICY

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1592. SHRI TAPIR GAO Will the Minister of Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) whether any rivers-linking policy on river Brahmaputra has been formulated by the Government with the China and Myanmar; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF –OD-DIN SOZ)

(a): No Sir. (b): Does not arise.

********


LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2315


STORAGE OF WATER

2315. SHRI PRAHLAD DOSHI Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:

(a) the percentage of water stored during each of the last three years in the country; (b) the total rainfall in the country in millimeter recorded during the said period and

the percentage/quantity of water stored for irrigation and other purposes, separately;

(c) whether the Government proposes any specific plans to prevent wastage of water;

and


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ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RRESOURCES (PROF, SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ)

(a) The Ministry of Water Resource is monitoring the status of storage of 76

important reservoirs with total designed live storage capacity of 133.02 billion cubic metre (BCM) which is 62 per cent of the total live storage capacity created in the country. Filling of the reservoir from the inflows and the releases of water from reservoir for various purposes is a continuous process. However, the sum total of the maximum storage attained in various reservoirs was about 65 per cent, 72 per cent of the designed live storage capacity in the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively.

(b) The average annual rainfall recorded during the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 are

1242.8, 1085.9 and 1208,1 millimeters respectively. Separate storage for purposes is not earmarked in the reservoirs. The stored water is released for various purposes as per the priorities and in accordance with guidelines for reservoirs regulations.

(c) &(d): With a view to optimally utilise the available resources, several measures

for development and management of water resources are undertaken by the respective State Government which include creation of storages, restoration of water bodies, rain water harvesting, artificial recharge to groundwater and adoption of better management practices, etc. State Government conceive, plan and implement major medium and minor schemes for utilisation of water resources. Storage capacity of about 213 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM) has been created so far. As per present assessment, the total estimated storage capacity of the various projects under construction is about 76 BCM. Further, the State Government has identified various other schemes for investigation and planning and the estimated storage for such schemes is about 108 BCM.

*****




LEASING OUT OF BHILANGANA RIVER

1666. SHRIMATI MANEKA GANDHI

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Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government of Uttaranchal has leased out the Bhilangana river in Tehri Garhwal to a private company M/s Swasti Power Engineering Limited for 30 years for installing a 22.5 MW Bhilangana Hydel Power Project;

(c) if so, the details there about;

(d) whether the project was given environment clearance; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the present status of the project?

ANSWER


(a) & (b): No Sir. The Bhilangana river has not been leased out to any company. However, M/s Swasti Power Engineering Limited has been allotted by the Government of Uttarancha, a specific site for 40 years for harnessing 22.5 MW hydel power

(b) Yes Sir.

(c) The project is presently under construction. It is expected to be commissioned by

December 2007. *********


LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1663 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.03.2006

CONFERENCE ON GROUND WATER

1663. SHRI UDAY SINGH: Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:

(a) whether Second International Conference on ‘Groundwater for Sustainable Development Problems, Perspectives and Challengers’ was held recently in Delhi;

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(b) if so, the details of discussion held and the outcome thereof;

(c) whether the quality of groundwater is deteriorating in the country; and

(d) if so, the strategies formulated to check such contamination in groundwater?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ)

(a) Yes Sir. (b) The discussion during the conference were centered around the following

subjects: * Sustainable water resources assessment * Recharge processes and artificial recharge

* Water and environment

* Arsenic and fluoride in ground water

• * Management aspect of ground water Deliberations of this conference brought out the need to provide safe drinking water to rural areas based on the recent development, to involve international society to address common problems in developing countries in groundwater pollution and seek viable solutions to provide safe drinking water, to develop sustainable strategy to protect contamination of groundwater in rural areas and urgent need for conservation, augmentation and regulation of precious ground water resource, to evolve holistic approach to address the increasingly complex groundwater pollution problem, to provide safe drinking water and ensure its sustainable development. It also brought out the need of continuance of such event including the expansion in new interdisciplinary areas such as health aspects, engineering and geo-chemcials solutions, novel approaches and social dimensions.

**************



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LEGISLATION ON WASTAGE OF WATER

4696. SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether farming sector accounts for 70 percent of the water consumed; (b) if so, whether due to mismanagement majority of water consumed in farming sector goes waste; (c) whether the irrigation system urgently need attention to minimise waste; and (d) if so, the effective steps taken by the Union Government to enact legislation to minimize wastage of water?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a): It has been estimated that the present utilisation of water for various purposes is about 629 billion cubic metre (BCM) out of which about 83 per cent is for irrigation purposes. The National Commission for Integrated Water Resources Development Plan (NCIWRDP) has projected the estimate of annual water requirement. The estimated projection for total water utilization in year 2050 is about 1180 BCM, of which about 68 per cent is for irrigation purpose. (b) to (d): The NCIWRDP has also assessed the present level of the efficiency of utilization as 35 to 40 per cent for surface water and about 65 to 70 per cent in respect of groundwater schemes. The need for improving the efficiency and optimal utilisation of water resources has been duly emphasised in the National Water Policy, 2002 which states that efficiency of utilisation in all the diverse uses of water should be optimised and an awareness of water as a scarce resource should be fostered. The National Water Policy, 2002 further emphasises on conservation of the resources and minimising losses and for this, measures like selective linings in the conveyance system, modernisation and rehabilitation of existing systems including tanks, recycling and re-use of treated effluents and adoption of traditional techniques like mulching or pitcher irrigation and new techniques like drip and sprinkler may be promoted, wherever feasible. *********

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SHARING OF YAMUNA WATER

3462. SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether any meeting of Upper Yamuna Review Committee was recently held in New Delhi in which Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajashtan, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi participated; (b) if so, the details of discussions held and decisions arrived at the meeting; (c) whether any decision was taken to allocate a share of 1.119 BCM of Yamuna Water to Rajasthan as per the earlier Memorandum of Understanding for utilisation of Yamuna waters signed on May 12, 1994 by the said States; (d) if so, whether the Government intend to intervene and direct Haryana to release water to Rajasthna; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a): Yes Sir. A meeting of Upper Yamuna Review Committee was held in New Delhi on 12.04.2006. Hon’ble Chief Ministers of Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi participated in the meeting. Hon’ble Minister of Irrigation & Flood Control, Uttar Pradesh and Hon’ble Minister for Irrigation & Public Health, Himachal Pradesh also attended the meeting. (b): The main decisions taken in the meeting were as below: (i) It was decided to set up an “Empowered Committee” comprising Secretary Irrigation/ Water Resources from Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to have a fresh look at the issue of providing water to Rajasthan from Tajewala.

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(ii) Regarding the construction of storage projects in upstream reaches of river Yamuna it was decided to constitute a “Steering Committee” to formulate strategy to expedite the work. (iii) It was agreed that the said Steering Committee would also examine the status of return flows from Delhi. (iv) It was agreed to allow Delhi to use Yamuna water for Bhagirathi and Sonia Vihar Water Treatment Plants whenever the Upper Ganga Canal is closed for maintenance. (c), (d) & (e): The allocation of a share of 1.119 BCM of Yamuna water to Rajasthan as per the earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 12, 1994 by the basin States remains unchanged. As regards giving a part of this share to Rajasthan from Tajewala in Haryana, it was decided to form an “Empowered Committee” comprising Secretary level officials from Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to have a fresh look at the issue. **********



DAMS ON RIVER YAMUNA

4667. SHRI BRAJESH PATHAK

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Union Government proposes to construct some dams on river Yamuna; (b) if so, the details and locations thereof including their present status; and (c) the estimated expenditure likely to be incurred by the Government on the completion of dams?

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ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a) & (b): Kishau dam, Lakhwar Vyasi and Renuka dam are envisaged for construction by the State Governments of Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh in the upstream reaches of river Yamuna. Kishau dam and Lakhwar Vyasi projects are in the stage of modification/revision of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and various statutory/administrative clearances are yet to be obtained. Kishau dam is proposed as a concrete dam on river Tons, a tributary of Yamuna near village Samberkhera in Uttaranchal. Proposed Lakhwar Vyasi project, near village Lakhwar in Uttaranchal State comprises of two concrete dams on river Yamuna. Renuka dam project was accepted by the Advisory Committee in its 72nd meeting subject inter-alia to Environmental and Forests clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests, which is yet to be obtained by the State Government. Renuka dam is proposed to be a rockfill dam on river Giri, a tributary of Yamuna. (c): Water being a State subject, water reosurces project are primarily planned, investigated, constructed and funded by the State Governments themselves as per their own priorities and resources. The estimated cost of the projects as estimated by the State Governments is as below: (i) Kishau Dam - Rs. 3566 Crores (As per December 1998 estimate) (ii) Lakhwar Vyasi - Rs. 3694 Crores (As per 2004 estimate) (iii) Renuka Dam - Rs. 1224.64 Crores (As per May 1997 estimate) ************



INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR WATER RELATED DATA

4664. SHRI JASHUBHAI DHANABHAI BARAD

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether there is any proposal to establish an information system on water related data at State/ National level;

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(b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the progress made so far in that regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a): A Hydrological Information System (HIS) was established in nine states and six Central agencies under Hydrology Project Phase – I (HP-I) were taken up during 1995-

2003. Hydrology Project Phase – II (HP-II) has been taken up as a follow on of HP-I. (b)&(c ): HP–I was implemented by nine States and six Central Agencies. These states are Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and the Central Agencies are Central Water Commission (CWC), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Central Water & Power Research Station (CWPRS), India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) and Ministry of Water Resources. The project cost (as implemented) for HP-I was Rs. 605.28 crores. During HP-I Hydrological Information System (HIS) to provide reliable, comprehensive and timely hydrological and hydro-meteorological data was created. Under this system, 916 river gauge stations, 7912 observation wells and 436 hydro meteorological stations for collecting surface and groundwater data were set up/upgraded. A number of data processing and storage centers equipped with specialised computer facility were established. Sophisticated equipments, computers were provided and new buildings and water quality laboratories established. Institutional strengthening with technical assistance and training was also provided under the project. HP-II is a follow-on of Hydrology Project Phase-I. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 631.83 crores. The objectives of the project are

• To extend HIS in the four new state agencies of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Goa and Pondicherry and two new central agencies of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB);

• To extend and promote the sustained and effective use of Hydrological Information System (HIS) by the implementing agencies for water resource planning and management;

• To strengthen the capabilities of implementing agencies in data utilization for water resources planning and management;

• To provide awareness building and out reach services about HIS use.

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Thus, the total implementing agencies in HP-II are 13 states/UTs and 8 Central Agencies. The project is proposed to be implemented over a period of six years. The Hydrology Project Phase-I (HP-I) was completed in December 2003. HP-II has been launched in April 2006 and is under implementation.

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WATER CRISIS

4655. SHRI KAILASH NATH SINGH YADAV

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government is incurring heavy expenditure to complete the projects as per recommendations of Parthasarathi Committee, constituted to remove the water crisis; (b) if so, whether the Committee has recommended to spend Rs. 10 thousand crore in fifteen years; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) the number of rivers in the country at present whose average water level is decreasing; and (e) the efforts being made by the Government to replenish the depleting water level of rivers in the country?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a) to (c): Department of Land Resources has informed that the Department is implementing three watershed development programmes viz. Drought Prone Areas Programmes (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP) and Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP) for drought proofing, desertification control and development of wastelands respectively.

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A Technical Committee (Parthasarathy Committee) was set up by the Ministry of Rural Development in February 2005 to review these programmes and to suggest recommendations for strengthening them. The Department of Land Resources has further informed that the Committee submitted its report on 31.3.2006 which interalia has recommended for integration of all the watershed programmes presently being implemented by different Ministries and suggested an annual investment of Rs. 10,000 crore every year, over a period of fifteen years. (d): The water level at various sites in the rivers vary from year to year depending on the flow resulting from rain during the monsoon period and snowmelt etc. The water level data do not indicate any specific falling trend. (e) Does not arise. ***************



FUNDS FOR POLLUTION CONTROL

4628. SHRI ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the funds made available and actually utilised for control of pollution during the last three years and current year, State-wise; (b) whether the Government are aware that the said funds are being grossly misused by various States; (c) if so, whether the Government have received any complaints in this regard; and (d) if so, the action taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard ?

473

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): The details of funds made available to States under the National River Conservation Programme for abatement of water pollution in rivers and the amount utilised are indicated in Annexure-I. In addition, the Ministry also provides funds to the States under the Schemes of

• ‘Assistance for Abatement of Pollution’ for strengthening of Pollution Control Boards, etc.,

• `Common Effluent Treatment Plants` (CETPs) for setting up CETPs, • `Creation of Management Structure for Hazardous Wastes` for setting up common

hazardous wastes treatment, storage and disposal facilities, demonstration projects for Municipal Solid Waste, etc.

The details of funds provided under these schemes are given in Annexure-II. The details of funds released to various research institutions, universities, pollution control boards etc. in the States by Central Pollution Control Board under the National Air and Water Quality Monitoring Programmes are given in Annexure-III. (b) (c) & (d): A representation regarding alleged misappropriation of funds in respect of Yamuna Action Plan at Mathura was received in April 2003, which was forwarded to the Government of Uttar Pradesh for necessary action. An inquiry in the matter is reported to have been instituted by the State Government. ANNEXURES

Annexure I STATEWISE EXPENDITURE (FUNDS RELEASED) & FUNDS UTILISED UNDER NATIONAL RIVER ACTION PLAN S.No Plan/

State 2003 Fund Released

2004 Expdt. By State#

2004 Expdt.ByState#

2005 Fund Released

2005 Expdt.By State #

2006 Fund Released

1 Andhra Pradesh

0.00 294.06 1600.00 93.06 5200.00 4329.98

2 Bihar 0.00 69.59 0.00 9.01 33.72 0.00 3 Jharkhand 0.00 24.69 0.00 3.13 0.00 0.00 4 Gujarat 2254.00 1824.80 1200.00 1092.62 0.00 521.97 5 Goa 0.00 186.92 510.00 905.24 100.00 0.00

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6 Karnataka 400.00 1835.49 1368.00 1062.94 580.00 1191.30 7 Maharastr

a 1075.00 1472.38 880.00 1324.18 1069.77 513.93

8 Madhya Pradesh

1475.00 1547.74 1200.00 664.18 200.00 469.73

9 Orissa 167.00 327.60 675.00 780.90 825.00 1042.47 10 Punjab 2270.00 3103.68 1141.00 3853.32 1274.00 2662.90 11 Rajasthan 0.00 25.80 26.00 0.00 18.00 0.00 12 Tamilnadu 8448.00 13157.7

8 16861.00 16419.57 10307.40 3196.05

13 Delhi 0.00 0.00 190.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 14 Haryana 0.00 158.77 240.00 240.84 424.00 0.00 15 Uttar

Pradesh 2650.00 1679.09 100.00 1414.87 1678.00 2342.23

16 Uttranchal 200.00 345.19 200.00 297.07 450.00 95.40 17 West

Bengal 2135.50 5108.93 2746.00 1641.53 4848.00 1770.86

18 Kerala 75.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 19 Sikkim 0.00 0.00 179.00 3.50 0.00 3.76 20 Nagaland 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 450.00 0.00 GRAND TOTAL (RIVER)

21149.50 31162.51 29116.0 29805.96 27557.89 18140.58

# Expenditure by States given above includes the balance of GOI's share carried over from the unspent balance by State Government for previous years. This figure also includes expenditure from State Governments' Share.

ANNEXURE II

CREATION OF MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE FOR HAZARDOUS WASTES

(Rupees in Lakhs)

S.No SPCB/PCC 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 1. Andaman & Nicobar 5.13 00.00 00.00 0.002. Arunachal Pradesh 00.00 00.00 00.00 4.503. Andhra Pradesh 91.63 80.00 00.00 00.004. Assam 00.00 7.94 2.00 00.005. Bihar 00.00 00.00 13.00 12.006. Chandigarh 5.13 7.94 00.00 2.007. Chattisgarh 00.00 7.94 00.00 00.008. Delhi 00.00 26.40 12.80 00.00

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9. Goa 00.00 00.00 5.13 00.0010. Gujarat 00.00 211.07 161.07 00.0011. Haryana 7.35 00.00 00.00 00.0012. Himachal Pradesh 00.00 11.07 9.00 00.0013. Jammu & Kashmir 00.00 7.35 00.00 00.0014. Jharkhand 00.00 00.00 8.50 8.5015. Karnataka 11.07 11.07 00.00 00.0016. Kerala 00.00 77.00 00.00 00.0017. Lakshadweep 00.00 5.13 00.00 00.0018. Madhya Pradesh 00.00 00.00 7.50 00.0019. Maharashtra 80.00 86.07 00.00 30.8720. Manipur 00.00 5.13 00.00 00.0021. Meghalaya 5.13 5.13 00.00 00.0022. Mizoram 00.00 00.00 00.00 13.0523. Nagaland 5.13` 00.00 00.00 00.0024. Orissa 7.35 7.70 00.00 00.0025 Pondicherry 5.13 00.00 00.00 3.9026. Sikkim 5.13 00.00 00.00 00.0027. Tripura 8.46 4.00 00.00 00.0028. Uttranchal 7.35 00.00 7.47 6.4229. West Bengal 7.35 00.00 7.35 00.00

Annexure III SCHEMES UNDER WHICH CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD PROVIDED FUNDS TO RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS/UNIVERSITIES/ STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARDS ETC. IN VARIOUS STATES

I. National Water Quality Monitoring Programme

(Rupees in Lakhs)

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Andhra Pradesh 4.43 5.23 4.96 Assam 1.98 2.75 1.62 Bihar 0.70 1.09 2.51 Goa 0.99 1.54 0 Gujarat 4.79 4.36 0 Haryana 0.43 0.27 0 Himachal Pradesh 2.31 3.03 4.85 Karnataka 9.40 4.58 4.04 Kerala 4.94 4.68 5.08 Lakshadweep 0.04 0.04 0 Madhya Pradesh 4.85 3.80 3.80 Maharashtra 40.43 5.36 16.49

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Manipur 0.54 0.79 0 Meghalaya 0.44 1.25 1.29 Nagaland 0.25 0.21 0 Orissa 5.22 5.18 3.85 Punjab 1.38 2.09 0 Pondicherry 0.25 0 0 Rajasthan 1.55 0.32 1.66 Sikkim 3.78 2.13 2.13 Tamil Nadu 5.48 4.44 0 Tripura 0.98 0.79 0 Uttar Pradesh 4.00 7.04 2.11 Uttaranchal 0.64 0.24 1.45 West Bengal 2.25 6.87 0.25

II. National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (Rupees in lakhs)

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Andhra Pradesh 4.46 7.79 9.28 Assam 3.57 3.05 0 Bihar 0 0 25.98 Chandigarh 1.49 4.18 0 Chattisgarh 10.77 10.56 6.59 Goa 1.06 2.27 0 Gujarat 16.86 10.63 13.81 Haryana 2.20 2.62 0 Himachal Pradesh 11.80 16.42 21.48 Jharkhand 7.10 7.37 0 Karnataka 3.47 4.32 9.35 Kerala 9.28 7.51 12.82 Madhya Pradesh 10.13 21.26 33.20 Maharashtra 4.84 1.42 0 Meghalaya 1.28 2.98 0 Orissa 5.38 6.02 5.45 Punjab 2.90 0 14.17 Pondicherry 2.13 5.53 0 Rajasthan 12.47 9.92 26.99 Tamil Nadu 12.47 9.92 26.99 Uttar Pradesh 9.21 12.37 0 Uttaranchal 2.20 0 1.16 West Bengal 4.25 2.76 11.12

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477



IMPROVEMENT IN GROUNDWATER LEVEL

4517. SHRI PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) the details of Lake Authority of India’s projects taken up during the last one year, aimed at recharging groundwater level; (b) whether the Authority has drawn any specific schemes for improving groundwater level in the country and allotting special funds to States; (c) if so, the details of funds released to the State Governments including Karnataka; (d) whether NGOs are involved in this exercise; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a) to (c): Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India is implementing National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) for conservation and management of polluted lakes in the country. During the last one year, five projects have been sanctioned under NLCP. In so far as Karnataka is concerned, the programme is coordinated and implemented by Lake Development Authority, created by Government of Karnataka as an autonomous body. The details of projects approved during last one year (2005-2006), cost approved and fund released to State Governments, including the State of Karnataka, is given below:- Sl.No Project Cost

approved(Rs in cores)

Funds release(Rs. in cores)d

1. Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

40.00 297

2. Veli Akkulum Lake, Thiruvananpuram Kerala

24.56 4.30

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3. Chanapatna Lake, Hasan, Karanataka

0.87 4.97

4. Akkamahadevi, Haveri, Karnataka

2.64 0.92

5. Sharanabasveshwara, Gulbarga, Karnataka

4.89 1.25

The NLCP aims at conservation and management of lakes which are polluted from discharge of domestic and industrial wastes. The groundwater recharge and its improvement is incidental. (d): No Sir. (e): Does not arise. *********



IRREGULARITIES IN SELLING OF BOTTLED WATER

4533. SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government has made any National Level Survey to check out the irregularities in the selling of ‘bottled water’ in the organized water market; (b) if so, the details and the results thereof; and (c) if not, the other steps taken to check such irregularities in this sector?

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a): Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) has informed that no survey has been conducted.

479

(b): Does not arise. (c): As informed by BIS, necessary guidelines have been provided through Gazette Notification GSR 759(E) and GSR 760(E). The guidelines states that no person shall manufacture, sell or exhibit for sale bottled water except under the Bureau of Indian Standard Certification Marks. The BIS has also informed that the responsibility to enforce the above notification rests with Ministry of Health and its implementation in States by State implementing authority. However, responsibility with regard to certification of product for its quality rests with BIS. Further, in order to create awareness, BIS organizes workshops in association with State Governments and Industry Associations. Recently, a symposium was organized at Hyderabad by BIS alongwith Ministry of Consumer Affairs of Government of Andhra Pradesh to create the public awareness. **********




MONITORING OF GROUNDWATER LEVELS

533. SHRI KISHANBHAI VESTABHAI PATEL SUGRIB SINGH Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Central Ground Water Board monitor ground water levels regularly; (b) if so, the details in this regard; (c) the number of ground water wells identified for collection of samples with regard to quality of water, State-wise; (d) whether monitoring for 2005-06 has been completed in all the regions; and (e) if so, the details of report submitted by each region so far alongwith action taken thereon?

480

ANSWER MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF-UD-DIN SOZ) (a)&(b): The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) monitors ground water levels regularly through a network of 15640 observation wells throughout the country. Water levels are monitored four times in a year during the months of January, April/May, August and November. The main objective of ground water level monitoring is to observe the trend of water level fluctuations. The data generated is used for assessment of ground water resources, which is carried out jointly by CGWB and the States. (c): Ground water monitoring wells are also used by CGWB for collection of ground water samples once in a year during pre-monsoon (April/May) period for knowing the regional ground water quality. In addition, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have 321 water quality monitoring wells. State-wise distribution of these wells is given at Annexure. Besides, CGWB collects water samples from various groundwater structures and exploratory wells during hydrogeological surveys which include water quality problems and their extent, from geogenic sources like fluoride, arsenic, salinity, etc. (d): Monitoring of ground water levels for the year 2005-06 (April/ May, 2005, August, 2005, November, 2005 and January, 2006) has been completed in all the States. (e): All the ground water level monitoring data has been submitted by the concerned Regional Offices of CGWB to its Central Headquarters. Based on this data, ground water level scenario is prepared for different periods and is given during the meetings of Crop Weather Watch Group in the Ministry of Agriculture. This data is presented in the form of a Year Book which includes analysis of the data and preparation of various maps like depth to water level maps, water table contour maps and water level fluctuation maps to study the declining trend etc. the scheduled target for completion of such reports for 2005-06 is September, 2006. Data is available in all the Regional Offices of CGWB for dissemination to user agencies as and when required.

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DISCHARGE OF LIQUOR IN YAMUNA

481

3435. SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state;

(a) whether some State Government discharge huge quantity of seized liquor in river

Yamuna which could pose serious threat to the environment and marin life; (b) if so, the details in this regard; and

(c) the corrective steps taken in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): According to the information furnished by Delhi Government, liquor confiscated by the office of Divisional Commissioner, Delhi used to be destroyed previously by discharging into underground sewarge system after its dilution by adding large volume of water. On an average, its quantity was about 10 cubic metrer per month. It has also been reported that after further dilution in the underground sewerage system, its alcohotic character hardly posed any threat to environment and aquatic life. This practice of disposal of liquor has already been discontinued.

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LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 3393 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-5-2006

SC DIRECTIVES ON CLEANING OF YAMUNA

3393. SHRI BALESHWAR YADAV Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has sanctioned any project for cleaning Yamuna river after the directions of Supreme Court;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether this project will be different from the project already going on for

cleaning of the river Yamuna; and

482

(d) if so, the future of the other such projects which are already running?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) to (d): The Central Government has not received any new proposal from the State Governments in pursuance to the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court. However, Yamuna Action Plan-II, approved by the Government of India for pollution abatement work of river Yamuna, is under implementation in the three states of U.P, Haryana and Delhi at a cost of Rs, 124 crore, 62.5 crore and 38 crore respectively besides Rs. 50.5 crore for components like consultancy services, water quality management, etc. In this regard till last financial year i.e. 2005 –06 Rs 18.78 crore approx. has already been released to the State. Further funds ar envisaged to be released on the submission of requisite Detailed Project Report by the State Governments.

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SURVEY OF LAKES/ RIVERS

1566. SHRI DHIRENDRA AGARWAL

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether any survey in regard to polluted big lakes and rivers has been conducted by the Government during the last three years; (b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps taken/proposed to clean the surveyed lakes/rivers?

483

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)&(b): The Ministry is implementing a National Lake Conservation Plan for conservation of degraded lakes and National River Conservation Plan for abatement of pollution in the identified polluted stretches of rivers in the country. Under the National Lake Conservation Plan, the Ministry in September 2003 conducted a study through the National Institute of Ecology on `Survey and compilation for identification of lakes in India for conservation`. A report on compilation of lakes in the country has been prepared and 62 lakes identified for conservation under this plan. Under the National River Conservation Plan, a survey on proposals for inclusion of additional towns/rivers during the X and XI Plan, was also conducted through Alternate Hydro Energy Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee during 2003-04. The report submitted by the Institute recommends inclusion of pollution abatement schemes in 73 towns in addition to the schemes already approved under the ongoing river conservation plan. (c): The lake/river conservation programmes taken up under National Lake Conservation Plan and National River Conservation Plan include pollution abatement works namely, interception and diversion of sewage, setting up of sewage treatment plants, low cost sanitation and crematoria. Other measures include in-situ lake treatment like deweeding, desilting, bioremediation, etc. besides lake/river front development and catchment area improvement in the identified polluted stretches of rivers and prioritized lakes. **************



POLLUTION IN RIVERS

1754. SHRI BRAJESH PATHAK HARI KEWAL PRASAD

484

AVTAR SINGH BHADANA SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU SHAILENDRA KUMAR GANESH SINGH HITEN BARMAN NAVEEN JINDAL RAJESH KUMAR MISHRA

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the programmes launched and the extent of success achieved by the Union Government so far in cleaning of each of the rivers and lakes; (b) the funds allocated/utilised so far under each of the programmes, State-wise; (c) whether the Government proposes to create Yamuna Authority; (d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the objectives envisaged thereunder; (e) whether Central Ganga Authority has held its meeting recently; and (f) if so, the details of the discussions held and the decisions arrived thereat?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) is under implementation in 160 towns along polluted stretches of 34 rivers spread over 20 States at an approved cost of Rs.4735.42 crore. The CSS of National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) launched in 2001 covers 42 lakes in 12 States with an approved cost of Rs.510.41 crore. The works of pollution abatement for all the rivers under NRCP are in various stages of progress in different States. For example, in spite of a phenomenal increase in urban population in cities along the bank of river Ganga, there has been a perceptible improvement in the water quality of river along its stretch with respect to its pre-Ganga Action Plan quality. A total of 1872 million litres per day (mld) of sewage treatment capacity has been created under the NRCP in addition to the 865 mld of treatment capacity created under the first phase of Ganga Action Plan. Regarding the lakes, works in 10 lakes have been completed so far out of 42 lakes taken up for

485

conservation under NLCP. A total of Rs.2051.71 crore has been released under NRCP and Rs.157.03 crore under NLCP to different States so far. The State-wise and programme-wise details are given in Appendix-I. (c) & (d): The NRCP includes works under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) for abatement of pollution of river Yamuna. The first phase of the Plan was completed in 2003 at a cost of Rs.686 crore and 750 mld. of sewage treatment capacity was created under this phase. The implementation of Phase-II has started in December 2004 with an approved cost of Rs.624 crore. The progress of the YAP is monitored at the Central and State levels through the Steering Committee meetings regularly. There is no proposal at present under the consideration of the Ministry to create a Yamuna Authority. (e) & (f): The Central Ganga Authority (CGA) was constituted in 1985. However, taking in view the alarming pollution levels in other major rivers of the country, CGA was broad based and renamed as National River Conservation Authority (NRCA) in 1995 to tackle the pollution levels in the major rivers with the objective to improve their water quality. The 50th meeting of the Steering Committee of the NRCA was held in August 2005. The major decisions taken in the meeting include the stipulation for the State Governments to submit a detailed plan for generation of revenue to facilitate Operation & Maintenance of the assets created under the NRCP and initiation of the process for a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the National River Conservation Directorate, the State Governments and the Implementing Agencies concerned for the conservation of rivers and lakes in the States.

Appendix-I

Statewise funds released under National River/Lake Conservation Plan S. No. Action Plan/State Funds released (till 10/2006)

A. National River Conservation Plan 1 Andhra Pradesh 8772.20 2 Bihar 307.94 3 Delhi 18154.54 4 Gujarat 8791.86 5 Goa 856.00 6 Haryana 18098.40 7 Jharkhand 445.41 8 Karnataka 4187.37 9 Kerala 78.00 10 Madhya Pradesh 6800.10 11 Maharastra 9550.15 12 Orissa 2626.93 13 Punjab 12339.64

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14 Rajasthan 112.17 15 Tamilnadu 53931.12 16 Uttranchal 1726.00 17 Uttar Pradesh 40633.28 18 Sikkim 698.50 19 West Bengal 16611.37 20 Nagaland 450.00 TOTAL (RIVER) 205170.98

B. National Lake Conservation Plan 1 Andhra Pradesh 82.10 2 J&K 7154.15 3 Maharashtra 719.82 4 Tamil Nadu 373.23 5 Karnataka 2240.14 6 Uttranchal 2661.17 7 Rajasthan 1500.00 8 Madhya Pradesh 58.00 9 West Bengal 400.00 10 Tripura 50.00 11 Kerala 429.80 12 Orissa 21.31 13 NLCP General 13.66 TOTAL (LAKE) 15703.38

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CONTAMINATED DRINKING WATER

1761. SHRI MANORANJAN BHAKTA NIKHIL KUMAR SHAILENDRA KUMAR SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY

487

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Central Pollution Control Board has carried out any study on tap water as reported in Hindustan Times dated November 11, 2006; (b) if so, the outcome of the study; (c) its implications on human body; and (d) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): Yes Sir. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed that it had clarified the position to all concerned about facts pertaining to the tap water supply in Delhi, during July 2006, relating to the levels of Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Total Trihalomentanes (THMs). The levels of individual THMs as well as Total THMs at tap water points have been found within World Health Organisation (WHO) Drinking Water Guidelines as well as other International Standards of United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA), Environment Canada and European Union. (c) & (d): The prolonged consumption of potable water containing Trihalomethane compounds exceeding the limits specified under Drinking Water Guidelines, may pose carcinogenic risk and other health problems. However, the levels of Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water in Delhi are not cause of concern because these were found well within the Drinking Water Guidelines. *********



CLEANING OF YAMUNA

2684. SHRI AVTAR SINGH BHADANA RAGHUNATH JHA

488

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether a high powered Task Force has been constituted to accelerate the cleaning of river Yamuna in Delhi; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the quantum of funds allocated for the same and the expenditure incurred so far on the cleaning of river Yamuna?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): No Sir. However, in pursuance to the directions of the Hon”ble Supreme Court a three tier monitoring mechanism has been constituted. This includes an Apex Committee under the Ministry of Urban Development. (c): For the abatement of pollution of river Yamuna, the Ministry of Environment & Forests under the National River Conservation Directorate has lauinched Yamuna Action Plan (YAP)-1 and YAP-II at a total cost of Rs. 1339 crore. So far an expenditure of Rs. 686 crore has been incurred under YAP-1 and YAP-II. In addition the Governments of NCT of Delhi, Haryana and U.P. have also taken up large scale sewage, non-sewerage and sewage treatment works out of their own plan funds. *********



SAFE DRINKING WATER

2690. SHRI UDAY SINGH ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY SHAILENDRA KUMAR Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:- (a)whether the contamination of the drinking water is increasing and State Governments are unable to provide the same due to lack of latest technologies;

489

(b) if so, whether the Union Government has proposed to give financial assistance to the States to update the old age water purification technology with the best global practices; (c) if so, the details thereof ; (d) whether the Union Government has sought technological/financial help from external agencies/sources; and (e) if so, the details thereof as on date ?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV) (a): The Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Drinking Water Supply (DDWS) have informed that the number of water quality affected habitations as reported by the State Governments compiled as on 1.4.2005 is 2,16,968 and on 1.4.2006 is 1,95,813. As per DDWS, lack of latest technologies is not the reason for inability of State Governments for providing safe drinking water. (b) & (c): The Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Drinking Water Supply have reported that the technical and financial assistance under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) is being provided to States as rural water supply is a State subject. Choice of technology for tackling water quality problems is the prerogative of the State Government.

(d)&(e): The Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Drinking Water Supply have also reported that the concept papers in respect of external funding for providing safe drinking water as received from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka have been forwarded to Department of Economic Affairs. **********

490

MISCELLANEOUS



NOISE POLLUTION NEAR COMMONWEALTH GAMES SITES

4637. SHRI SALARAPATTY KUPPUSAMY KHARVENTHAN

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether in a recent survey, the Central Pollution Control Board found noise pollution level at the Commonwealth Games village site much above the permissible limits; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any measures have been taken to bring down the noise pollution level in the area; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has carried out ambient noise monitoring in the proposed Commonwealth Games village site near Akshardham Temple at six locations during October 2005 on the request of Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The values of ambient noise level were within the prescribed ambient standards in two locations and marginally exceeded in other four locations during daytime. However, during night time, noise levels exceeded in all locations due to movement of heavy traffic, specially trucks.

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(c) to (e): DDA has taken steps to control noise level in collaboration with National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi. *************


LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO, 3546 TO BE ANSWERED ON 15-5-2006

CUTTING TO TREES

3546. SHRI KAMLA RPASAD RAWAT

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that the trees along the national highways have been cut down in order to undertake widening work of various national highways in the country;

(b) if so, whether it is causing theat to the environment;

(c) f so, whether the Government proposes to plant shadowy trees beside the national

highways;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefore?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) Yes Sir.

(b) Detailed Environment Impact Assessment is undertaken for all the National Highways Development Programme (NHDP). Tree cutting is restricted to the minimum after exploring available alternatives. Necessary permissions and clearances were obtained before tree cutting as per the existing regulation.

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Adequate mitigation measures have ben provided in all the NHDP projects to compensate for the loss of trees.

(c) National Highway Authority of India has formulated a tree plantation strategy for

undertaking plantation along the highways. It includes the provision of planting shade trees on the sides of the highways. Plantations ar being undertaken, mostly through the concerned State Forests Departments, on the stretches where the civil works have been substanitially completed.

(d) TIll now, more than 7.5 lakh avenue trees and more than 8 lakh ornamedntal

shrubs have been planted along the highways in different states.

(e) Question does not arise. ********



ENVIRONMENT REPORTS

3465: SHRI UDAY SINGH Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Union Government has asked various States to prepare regular environment report to check pollution;

(b) if so, the details of the State which have submitted their reports to the Union

Government;

(c) whether the Union Government has taken any further action on such environment report; and

(d) if so, the detailsd therof?

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ANSWER


(a): A scheme namely, ‘State of Environment (SOE) Reporting System in India’ is being implemented during the Tenth Five Year Plan. (b): The State/ UTs which have submitted State of Environment Report are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Pondichery, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal and West Bengal.

© and (d): The State of Environment Report provide an overiew of the environment scenario to the State /UTs for their policy formulation, decision making and integaration of environmental considerations in socioeconomic planning. In the long run, the Report woild help State/UTs to know the changes occurred on a particular environmental index and their possible causes and also help in initiating the precautionary and corrective measures including preparation of the action plan for the conservation of the rich biodiversity, control and abatement of pollution besides managing the natural resources for sustainable development.

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ENVIRONMENT REPORTS

3465: SHRI UDAY SINGH Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:

(e) whether the Union Government has asked various States to prepare regular environment report to check pollution;

(f) if so, the details of the State which have submitted their reports to the Union

Government;

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(g) whether the Union Government has taken any further action on such environment report; and

(h) if so, the detailsd therof?

ANSWER


(a): A scheme namely, ‘State of Environment (SOE) Reporting System in India’ is being implemented during the Tenth Five Year Plan. (b): The State/ UTs which have submitted State of Environment Report are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Pondichery, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal and West Bengal.

© and (d): The State of Environment Report provide an overiew of the environment scenario to the State /UTs for their policy formulation, decision making and integaration of environmental considerations in socioeconomic planning. In the long run, the Report woild help State/UTs to know the changes occurred on a particular environmental index and their possible causes and also help in initiating the precautionary and corrective measures including preparation of the action plan for the conservation of the rich biodiversity, control and abatement of pollution besides managing the natural resources for sustainable development.

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CONTROL OF E-POLLUTION

107. SMT. SUMITRA MAHAJAN Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

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(a) whether the Government has fixed norms to control e-pollution caused through electromagnetic radiation emanating from the electronic gadgets; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether these norms are being adhered to strictly; and (d) if not, the reasons therefor and the remedial steps being taken in regard thereto?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a)to(d): The electromagnetic radiations emanate from natural and man made sources including electronic gadgets, mobile phone towers and antennas. The Government so far has not notified any norm in respect of electromagnetic radiation for mobile phone towers. A Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi for preliminary study on ‘Health hazards due to mobile phone towers.’ After discussions and deliberations, this Committee has opined that overall there is not enough evidence to show direct hazards of Radio Frequency (RF) exposures from mobile based stations. The Committee, however, has recommended, amongst others, that a precautionary approach should be adopted till further research data is available. An internal committee has been constituted by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to study and develop expertise in the area of electromagnetic radiations from telecom infrastructure and to prepare precautionary guidelines in this regard.

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ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ASBESTOS

496


Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether any epidemiological study on asbestos related diseases has been conducted recently; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the total number of asbestos manufacturing units in the country, State-wise?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): The information is being collected and will be placed on the Table of the House.

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NGO STUDY ON TOXIC CONTENTS IN SOFT TOYS

1168. SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL VIJAY KRISHNA

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government is aware of the study conducted by the Non-Governmental Organisation regarding toxic contents in unbranded soft toys;

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(b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the outcome thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI) (a) to (c): Recently, a news item appeared in the Hindustan Times on 19.9.2006 wherein a report published by an NGO Toxics Links has been quoted. This study, which reports high levels of cadmium and lead in PVC used in soft toys is required to be authenticated/validated and analysed in the context of regulatory mechanism. *************

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTRMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY



CLEARANCE TO URANIUM BASED PROJECTS

4058 SHRI JUAL ORAM Will the Prime Minister be pleased to state:

(a) the number of uranium–based projects currently functioning in the country, location-wise;

(b) whether environmental clearance has been accorded for some pending project; (c) if so, whether the impact of such projects on human health and the adverse impact

on the surrounding has been examined before giving clearance to such projects; and

(d) if so, details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)

(a) Nuclear power reactors in the first stage of our nuclear power programe are based on urnium fuel in different forms. There are 15 nuclear power reactors in operation and 8 under contruction at seven locations in the country. The details are:

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LOCATION

IN OPERATION NO. OF UNITS (MWe)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION NO. OF UNITS (MWe)

Tarapur, Maharashtra 3 (860 1.(540) Rawatbhatam, Rajasthan 4 (740) 2(440) Kalpakkam Tamil Nadu 2(440) 12(500) Narora, Uttar Pradesh 2(440) Kakrapar, Gujarat 2(440) Kaiga, karnataka 2(440) 2(440) Kudankulam,Tamil Nadu 2 (2000)

(b) The environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests

(MoEF) for the stations in operation/projects under construction has been obtained. The clearance process in respect of new sites has been initiated.

(c) Yes Sir. (d) A detailed Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study to assess the impact of

the project on the environment and population in the surrounding areas is conducted by an independent professional agency. This is followed by a public hearing, clearance form the respective State Polllution Control Board, etc. The clearance is accorded by the MoEF based on recommendation of an Export Appraisal Committee, which carries out a detailed appraisal of environmental impact.

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MOBILE TOWERS

4554. SHRI M SHIVANNA

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) whether a large number of mobile towers which have come up in various areas of Delhi cause pollution emanating from radiation/vibration;

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(b) if so, whether its impact on human health has been assessed; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) the action taken/proposed to relocate these towers away from densly populated areas?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a): As per the information provided by Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, there are 4561 mobile towers in Delhi mobile service area as on 31st March, 2006. (b)to(d): Presently, there are no conclusive reports indicating the impact on human health due to radiation/vibration from mobile telephone towers. ***********



RESEARCH PAPER ON FLY ASH

4590. SHRI VIJAY KRISHNA

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:- (a) the number of research papers on fly ash generated from coal financed by the Ministry as on January 28, 2006; (b) the people by whom and under whose guidance these researches have been done during the last five years along with the expenditure incurred in respect of each research; (c) the innovative and effective ways found from the researches for getting rid of the problem of fly ash;

500

(d) the time since when these innovative ways are being used by various plants; and (e) the details of achievements in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) and (b): The Ministry of Environment and Forests has provided financial assistance to the following research projects on fly ash: S.No. Name of the

Person Title of the Project Funds Released by

The Ministry(Rs.Lakhs

1 Dr.V.K.Agarwal, I.I.T, Delhi

Development of a fluidised montion conveying system for pollution free handling of fly ash

13.89

2 Dr. L.C.Ram, CFRI, Dhanbad

Bioreclamation of low lying areas filled with fly ash

8.90

(a) It has been established over a period of time that fly ash can be used as building

material, in road construction, in the manufacture of cement, backfilling of mines, etc.

(b) While it has been established in the eighties that fly ash can be utilised as building

and road construction material, its large scale uses started only in 1990s with the establishment of Fly Ash Mission in 1994.

(c) While only 13 million tonne of fly ash was utilised in 1999-2000, about 46

million tonne was utilised in 2005-06.

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ANSWERED ON 27-2-2006

REVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1986

922. SHRI HITEN BARMAN Will the Minister of CONSUMBER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has examined the recommendations of the Expert Group on

revision of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the action taken thereon; and (d) the time by which these recommendations are likely to be implemented?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRUBUTION (SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)

(a): A Working Group was constituted to suggest amendments to Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The working group is yet to submit its recommendations to the Government. (b) to (d): Does not arise.

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Documents

Parliament Update 2006