Parliament Update On Environment 2005

PARLIAMENT UPDATE ON
ENVIRONMENT
2005
COMPILATION OF PARLIAMENT QUESTIONS ON

ENVIRONMENT
Toxics Link
H-2, Jungpura Extension,
New Delhi - 110014
INDIA
Sl House Category Page No.
No.
1 Rajya Sabha Agriculture 4
2 Air Pollution 25
3 Bio-diversity 36
4 Bio-medical Waste 44
5 Chemicals 46
6 Consumer Affairs and Rights 56
7 EIA and Environmental Clearance 58
8 E-waste 64
9 Food Safety 67
10 Forest 74
11 Global Warming and Climate Change 88
12 Hazardous Waste 90
13 Health 101
14 Policies and Amendments 148
15 Mines and Minerals 153
16 Municipal Waste 155
17 Non-Conventional Energy Sources 161
18 Nuclear Waste 164
19 Pesticides 167
20 Water Resources 171
21 Miscellaneous 203
1
Sl House Category Page No.
No.
1 Lok Sabha Agriculture 207
2 Air Pollution 248
3 Atomic Energy 267
4 Bio-diversity 271
5 Bio-medical Waste 296
6 Chemicals 301
7 EIA and Environmental Clearance 315
8 Food Safety 342
9 Forest 355
10 Global Warming and Climate Change 388
11 Hazardous Waste 395
12 Health 402
13 Industrial Pollution 448
14 Labour and Employment 457
15 Policies and Amendments 466
16 Mines and Minerals 470
17 Municipal Waste 509
18 Noise Pollution 514
19 Non-Conventional Energy Sources 516
20 Pesticides 517
21 Public Grievances 527
22 Rural Development 531
23 Urban Development 537
24 Water Resources 540
25 Miscellaneous 575
2
RAJYA SABHA
AGRICULTURE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 4703
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.05.2002
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO IRRIGATION PROJECTS OF UTTAR

PRADESH
4703. SHRI HARENDRA SINGH MALIK
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of irrigation projects of Uttar Pradesh, pending for clearance with
Government at present, district-wise;
(b) the reasons for the delay; and
(c) by when all the irrigation projects are likely to be cleared?
ANSWER
MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) to (c): No irrigation project of Uttar Pradesh is pending for environmental clearance.
Only one irrigation project involving 19.171 ha. of forest land for Basti Branch Canal
Alignment (Km 42.0 to 72.0) under Saryu canal project in Balrampur district of Uttar
Pradesh is pending for forestry clearance for want of certain essential information from
the State Government.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO 143
4
POLLUTION BY CEMENT PLANTS IN GUJARAT
143. DR. A.K. PATEL

ALKA BALRAM KSHATRIYA
(a) whether Cement Plants are polluting the environment of Gujarat by being set up in the
residential areas of the nearby villages;
(b) whether due to this, the crops of the poor farmers are failing and roads and water
facilities are being affected because of the heavy load;
(c) the reasons why they should not be shifted to anywhere in a remote area; and
(d) the rules and regulations which govern Cement Industries in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) There are 11 Cement Plants operating in Gujarat with valid consent of Gujarat State
Pollution Control Board. The Board is regularly monitoring compliance with the consent
conditions. There are no reports of specific complaints regarding violation of emission
standards by these plants.
(b) There are no reports of any adverse impact on crop production and other facilities.
(c) Does not arise
(d) Emission standards for cement industry are notified under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
5
BANNING GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS
455. SHRI RAM JETHMALANI

RAJ MOHINDER SINGH MAJITHA
(a) Whether it is a fact that reports of adverse-effects of the crops developed through gene
modification on human life have come to light;
(b) if so, the facts in this regard;
(c) whether it is also a fact that keeping in view the results of the above experiment, many
countries of the world have banned them; and
(d) if so, the names of such countries and the decisions taken by the Government in this
direction?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b) Globally, all crops developed through gene modification commonly referred to
as GM crops or transgenic crops are tested extensively for their impact on the
environment as well as on human and animal health through a rigorous regulatory
mechanism before they are approved for commercial cultivation. There have been no
scientifically validated adverse reports regarding effects of the approved GM crops on
human health.
c) No report regarding banning of the GM crops in any country on the ground of adverse-
effects of the crops on human health have come to the notice of the Government.
d) Does not arise.
********
6
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
RAJYA SABHA
SUBSTANDARD SEEDS MANURE AND PESTICIDES
2600. SHRI T.T.V. DHINAKARAN
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government are aware of the fact that substandard seeds, manure and
pesticides are responsible for low agricultural production;
(b) if so, whether Government have made any study to assess this issue;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the details of existing mechanisms to regulate quality of seeds, manure and
pesticides?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

(SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a) to (d): The use of quality inputs like seeds, fertilisers and pesticides are the most
important determinants of agricultural production and productivity. Accordingly,
pesticides and fertilisers are assessed before release/notification/registration. Government
have provided legal framework to strengthen the quality assurance regime for various
agricultural inputs under the Seeds Act, 1966; Seeds Rules, 1968; Seeds (Control) Order,
1983; Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985; Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules,
1971 as amended from time to time. Enforcement of these legal instruments is vested
with the State Governments/Union Territories. Inspectors notified under these legal
instruments are empowered to draw samples, seize stocks, issue stop sale orders in case
the commodities under reference contravene these Act, Rules and Orders.
*******
7
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PROMOTION OF ORGANIC FARMING
1861. SHRI R.S. GAVAI
(a) whether Government have any proposal for creation of Regional Centre at Nagpur for
the promotion of organic farming;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons there for?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): Government has sanctioned a new Central Sector Scheme `National Project on
Organic Farming` from October 2004 for production, promotion and market development
of organic farming in the country by subsuming the existing infrastructure of National
Bio-fertiliser Development Centre (NBDC) and its six Regional Centres (RBDCs)
including the Regional Centre at Nagpur. In order to facilitate, encourage and promote
development of organic farming in the country, NBDC and RBDCs have been renamed
as National Centres of Organic Farming (NCOF) and Regional Centres of Organic
Farming (RCOFs).
(c): Does not arise.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
8
BANNED PESTICIDES
4646. SHRI VARINDER SINGH BAJWA
(a) whether it is a fact that a number of banned pesticides are still being used by farmers
of Punjab and elsewhere in the country;
(c) the steps taken to curb and check the marketing of such pesticides and action taken
against culprits?
ANSWER

(a)&(b): Government does not have any authentic report regarding the use of banned
pesticides by farmers in Punjab and other parts of the country
(c): The manufacture, sale, distribution and use of banned pesticides is a punishable
offence under the Insecticides Act, 1968. Insecticide Inspectors have been provided with
the requisite powers to ensure that the provisions of the Act and the Rules made there
under are compiled with.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
IDENTIFICATION OF NEW VARIETIES OF WHEAT BY ICAR
9
292. SHRIMATI N.P. DURGA
(a) whether it is a fact that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has
identified seven new varieties of wheat for release;
(b) if so, the details thereof and how these are suitable to different agro-climatic
conditions in the country; and
(c) the advantage identified and the additional yield that the farmers are going to get from
these new varieties?
ANSWER

(SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA)
(a): Yes Sir. The seven new varieties of wheat have been identified during 44th All India
Wheat and Barley Research Workers’ Meet, held at University of Agricultural Sciences,
Dharwad from August 27-30, 2005.
(b) & (c): Details given in Annexure.
ANNEXURE
Variety Production Area of adaptation Remarks

Condition
DBW 16 Irrigated, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan The variety is resistant to both
late sown (except Kota and Udaipur divisions) stripe and leaf rusts and yield at
and Western UP (except Jhansi par to the most widely grown
division), parts of J&K (Jammu and variety PBW 373 which is now
Kathua distt.) and parts of HP (Una susceptible to brown rust. This
distt. and Paonta valley) and will help in varietal diversification
Uttaranchal (Tarai region) in the zone. The average yield is
39 q/ha.
HD 2888 Rainfed, Eastern UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, HD 2888 has yield advantage
timely sown West Bengal, Assam and plains of over the checks along with
North Eastern States. resistance to brown rust. The
10
average yield is 23 q/ha.
HI 1531 Rainfed/restr Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, HI 1531 has superiority in yield
icted Gujarat, Kota and Udaipur divisions and resistance to leaf rust over
irrigation, of Rajasthan and Jhansi division of available commercial varieties
timely sown Uttar Pradesh. and suitable for rainfed as well as
restricted irrigated conditions.
The average yield under rainfed
condition is 25 q/ha while under
restricted irrigation it is 27 q/ha.
NIAW 917 Irrigated, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra NIAW 917 is superior in yield,
timely sown Pradesh, Goa, Plains of Tamil Nadu. disease resistance and quality as
compared to the checks. The
PBW 533 Irrigated, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra This variety is resistant to both
late sown Pradesh, Goa, Plains of Tamil Nadu. stem and leaf rust along with
yield advantage as compared to
check varieties. The average
yield is 37 q/ha.
AKDW Rainfed, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra AKDW 2997-16 has resistance to
timely sown Pradesh, Goa, Plains of Tamil Nadu. both stem and leaf rust along
2997-16 with yield advantage. The
(durum)
DDK 1025 Irrigated, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra This dicoccum variety, besides
timely sown Pradesh, Goa, Plains of Tamil Nadu being superior in yield and
(Dicoccum) as well as hilly areas of Tamil Nadu disease resistance for stem and
and Kerala comprising the Nilgiri and leaf rust is good in quality
Palni hills of southern plateau. parameters also. The average
yield is 38 q/ha.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CLEARANCE TO Bt. COTTON
5440. SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD

11
(a) whether it is a fact that Genetic Engineering Approval Committee had cleared
commercial production of six varieties of Bt. Cotton in the country;
(b) if so, the names of these varieties alongwith the names of the Institutes which
produced these varieties;
(c) whether these varieties had been produced by any Indian research institute on
experimental basis; and
(d) if so, the names of Indian research institutes alongwith the variety of Bt. Cotton seed
production by them?
ANSWER

(a): The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee has approved a total of eighteen Bt
cotton hybrids for the commercial cultivation in the country.
(b): MECH-12Bt, MECH-162Bt, MECH- 184Bt, MRC-6301Bt, MRC-6304Bt, MRC-

6322Bt and MRC-6918Bt were developed by Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company
Limited; RCH-2Bt, RCH-134Bt, RCH-317Bt, RCH-138Bt, RCH-144Bt, RCH-118Bt,
RCH-20Bt and RCH-368Bt were developed by Rasi Seeds (P) Ltd; and Ankur -651Bt,
Ankur 2534Bt and Ankur-09Bt were developed by Ankur Seeds Private Limited.
(c) & (d): Eighteen Bt. cotton hybrids (as given in part b) have been produced by three
Indian companies viz. Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Limited, Rasi Seeds (P) Ltd
and Ankur Seeds Private Limited.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PROMOTING ORGANIC FARMING
12
489.SHRI R.S. GAVAI
EKANATH K. THAKUR
(a) whether it is a fact that India is lagging behind in expanding organic farming despite
being placed in an advantageous position;
(b) whether it is also a fact that despite allocating considerable funds for National
Programme for Organic Production in the current plan, the organic sector lags far behind
its actual potential;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps the Government propose to take to promote organic farming in the country
and also to achieve the targets set out in the plan?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD
& PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(DR. AKHILESH PRASAD SINGH)
(a): No Sir.
(b)&(c): There is no specific allocation of funds under National Programme for Organic
Production (NPOP) under Ministry of Commerce. However, National Project of Organic
Farming (NPOF) has sanctioned w.e.f. 1.10.2004 project outlay of Rs.57.05 crores for
10th Plan Period. During 2004-05, there was an expenditure of Rs.4.50 crores and has an
outlay of Rs.27.00 crores for 2005-06.
(d): Under the National Project on Organic Farming, financial assistance is being
provided inter-alia for capacity building through appointment of service providers, setting
up of commercial production units of various organic input like fruits and vegetable
waste compost, biofertiliser, vermiculture, hatcherie, etc., organising training on
certification/inspection and input production technology, field demonstrations on organic
inputs including biogas slurry, setting up of model organic farms, promotion, extension
and market development of organic produce. To increase the export of organic products,
Ministry of Commerce, under National Project of Organic Production, has developed
National Standards for Organic Products and accreditation/certification system for
appointing inspection and certification agencies, established equivalency with European
Union (EU)/International Federation for Organic Movement (IFOAM) apart from
organising awareness programmes, training programmes and data management.
***********
13
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PROMOTING COW URINE BASED PESTICIDES
510. SHRI PYARELAL KHANDELWAL
(a) whether Government are considering to promote cow urine based pesticides instead of
chemical pesticides in agriculture field;
(b) if so, whether Government are formulating any proper coordinating scheme in this
regard; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): Government of India already promotes Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
which envisages use of biological, mechanical, cultural and other methods of pest control
including application of indigenous technology and traditional knowledge. Farmers are,
accordingly, already using cow urine and cow dung in their traditional agricultural
practices.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
14
RESEARCH ON PEST RESISTANCE OF Bt COTTON
490. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR
(a) whether, according to a study by Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), a few
years down the line, Bt. cotton might die a natural death at the hands of American
bollworm, the pest it is supposed to resist;
(b) whether it is a fact that the CICR has developed a model that predicts exactly how
many years it would take the notorious pest to become completely resistant to Bt. Cotton;
and
(c) if so, the steps Government propose to take to arrest its impending decline?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND

(a): The study conducted by Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) showed that
the American bollworm will develop resistance to Bt cotton after a few years depending
mainly on the extent of area under Bt cotton in the country. With the current rate of
increase in the area under Bt cotton, it is likely to take about 11-12 years for the pest to
develop resistance to Bt cotton, if appropriate resistance management strategies are not
properly implemented. However, with implementation of proper strategies as suggested
by CICR, it is possible to delay resistance by at least 30-40 years, if not more.
(b): Yes, a stochastic model ‘Bt-Adapt’ was developed to simulate the rate of resistance
development of H. armigera to Cry1Ac under Indian farming conditions. Full details of
the software and results of the prediction modelling study have been published in
’Current Science’ in October 2004.
The model integrates genetic and ecological parameters of H. armigera in relation to its
response to the Cry1Ac. The model can predict the time that would take for bollworm to
develop resistance in different cotton-growing districts of the country, based on the input
statistics of area under Bt cotton in each of the districts, or even the proposed area to be
cultivated under Bt cotton.
15
Simulation analysis showed that relative survival rate of the Cry1Ac resistant
homozygous (RR), heterozygous (RS) and homozygous susceptible (SS) H. armigera
genotypes on Bt cotton was the most important factor influencing resistance
development. In the order of significance, the other factors that had the greatest impact on
resistance development were, the relative proportion of area under Bt cotton, dominance
of the resistant allele and initial frequency of resistant alleles in field populations. The
extent of population reduction in Bt cotton and non-Bt crops due to pest control, was
found to have a significant impact on the rate of resistance development.
(c): The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has initiated a networking
project in 2004, to carefully monitor resistance development in all the 9 cotton growing
states of the country and also to scientifically analyse all factors that contribute to
resistance development. The national networking group has been given the task of
developing resistance management strategies from time to time every year and
disseminate them to all the stakeholders, including the Genetic Engineering Approval
Committee (GEAC), the state agricultural universities, Government institutions, farmers,
Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), etc. So far based on the simulation analysis,
using the ‘Bt-Adapt’ model.
Based on the scientific data available thus far, CICR has proposed some important
resistance management strategies to the GEAC. The strategies place emphasis on
reducing populations of H. armigera that survive Bt cotton and enhancement of area of
alternate host crops that are as attractive as cotton to H. armigera, to be used as trap crop
or intercrop refuges. If proper pest management measures are followed to ensure that at
least 90 percent of the surviving larvae of the American bollworms in Bt cotton fields are
killed with bio-pesticides, resistance can be delayed to 45 years even with 40 percent area
under Bt cotton.
The following strategies have been proposed to the GEAC for approval and
implementations so as to ensure that resistance is delayed for a much longer time:
(i) Use of eco-friendly methods such as cultural control or hand-picking of surviving

bollworms in Bt cotton fields. Deep-ploughing of fields immediately after Bt cotton
harvest to destroy resistant pupae.
(ii) Biopesticides that are neem based or HaNPV (virus) were found to be more effective
on larvae surviving on Bt cotton because of their slower growth as compared to those on
the conventional non-Bt cotton. Hence these would be useful to manage younger larvae
on 60-90 days old crop. Alternatively, eco-friendly insecticides such as spinosad,
emamectin benzoate, novaluron or Indoxacarb can be used on 90 and 120 days old crop
to reduce populations of resistant insect genotypes.
(iii) Use of attractive synchronous alternate host crops such as marigold, sunflower,
chillies, etc. for H. armigera which could be used as intercrop or trap crop refuges.
16
(iv) Use of alternate genes that do not share common resistance mechanisms as that of
Cry1Ac, in transgenic plants either in rotation or alternation or mixtures such as the dual-
gene based Bt cotton varieties.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ADAPTATION OF AGRICULTURE TO GLOBAL WARMING
3368. SHRIMATI SUKHBUNS KAUR

KALRAJ MISHRA
(a) whether a recent study has predicted that global warming will adversely affect
agriculture, bio-diversity, disease pattern and water availability in India;
(b) whether Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and UK`s Hadley
Centre for Climate Prediction and Research have predicted that temperature increase by
as much as 3 to 4 degrees in parts of Northern India and increase in rainfall by 10 per
cent to 30 per cent will affect rain based agriculture and increase surface water
availability over the basins of Ganga, Krishna and Godavari; and
(c) if so, Government’s reaction thereto and the strategy contemplated to meet the
challenges?
ANSWER

(a): Yes Sir.
(b): Yes Sir.
(c): The Government is contemplating several measures including afforestation and

appropriate soil/land management to mitigate global warming. Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR) has already initiated a project in network mode on Impact,
Assessment and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change during Xth Plan
to meet the emerging challenges.
*********
17
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
USE OF PLASTIC IN AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES
2587. SHRI SHAHID SIDDIQUI
(a) whether it is a fact that Government have recommended the use of plastic in
agricultural activities, if so, the justification for this recommendation; and
(b) whether any study has been done on the alternatives to plastic, if so, the details
thereof showing the comparative cost-benefit ratio?
ANSWER

(a): Plastics material is used in the following applications in the agriculture which are
being promoted through various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS):
• Drip irrigation
• Sprinkler irrigation
• Green house/Low Tunnel
• Mulching
• Plastic Crates
The above applications helps in achieving increase in yields, water saving, better quality
produce and raising crops in extreme climatic conditions. The use of plastic crates for
carrying fruits and vegetables not only facilitates transportation while maintaining the
quality of produce but also saves forests to a larger extent, which would have been
otherwise cut to produce wooden boxes to carry fruits and vegetables.
(b): Plastics materials have been developed as an alternative to limited conventional

resources viz wood, paper, jute, etc. as well as for ecological balance and environmental
18
protection. Studies have been carried out to produce biodegradable plastic material for
use in agriculture applications viz mulching, etc. However, such material is costlier than
the conventional plastic material.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW AGRICULTURE POLICY
2606. SHRI RAJ MOHINDER SINGH MAJITHA

RAM JETHMALANI
(a) whether it is a fact that a new Agriculture Policy was announced in the year 2000 in
the country;
(b) if so, the salient features thereof;
(c) whether any scheme has been chalked out for its implementation; and
(d) if so, the facts thereof and the impact of the implementation of new Agriculture Policy
on agriculture in the country?
ANSWER

(a) to (d): The National Agriculture Policy announced in the year 2000 seeks to achieve
the following:
• Actualise the vast untapped growth potential of Indian agriculture,

• Strengthen rural infrastructure to support faster agricultural development,
• Promote value addition,
• Accelerate the growth of agro business,
• Create employment in rural areas,
19
• Secure a fair standard of living for the farmers and agricultural workers and their
families,
• Discourage migration to urban areas,
• Face the challenges arising out of economic liberalisation and globalisation.
The following schemes have been introduced for the purpose:

• Increase in the production and productivity of various crops including oilseeds
and pulses,
• Diversification of the high value crops,
• Strengthening of agriculture marketing infrastructure,
• Promotion of agriculture extension,
• Promotion of water and soil conservation through watershed approach under
natural resources management and national horticulture mission.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CENTRAL TOBACCO RESEARCH INSTITUTE
1802. SHRI V. HANUMANTHA RAO
(a) the role of the Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI);
(b) whether it is a fact that very little positive, constructive and useful research has come
out of the CTRI in the last three years;
(c) the steps proposed to energise this body in the interest of the farmers; and
(d) the details of measures proposed in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): The Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI) is conducting basic, applied, strategic
and anticipatory research on different types of tobacco grown under varied agro-
20
ecological situations in the country.
(b): No, Sir. The CTRI has developed ten new varieties and crop production and
protection technologies such as integrated nutrient management, irrigation water
management, modified barn for reducing cost of curing, integrated pest management, etc.
during the last three years.
(c) & (d): Research programmes of CTRI have been reoriented to provide thrust on
alternative uses of tobacco, reduction of harmful substances like tar, Tobacco-Specific
Nitrosamine (TSNA) and pesticide residues, viable tobacco based cropping systems,
organic farming, etc.. Need-based budget provisions have been made to conduct research
on the above programmes.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CLOSURE OF AGMARK LABORATORIES
297. MS. PRAMILA BOHIDAR

B.J. PANDA
(a) whether it is a fact the AGMARK laboratories are facing closure in the name of
reorganisation of the system;
(b) what is the position of the laboratory based at Bhubaneswar in Orissa and what is the
action plan of Government to adjust its staff, once it is closed down;
(c) whether Government are aware that ramifications of reorganisation would be very
harsh on the health of the consumers when the adulteration will have a free run; and
(d) if so, the action plan of Government to dispel such apprehensions?
21
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): The Staff Inspection Unit of the Department of Expenditure after conducting work
measurement study, has recommended for the closure of 13 AGMARK Laboratories of
Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, an attached office of the Ministry of
Agriculture.
(b): Regional Agmark Laboratory, Bhubaneswar, is one of the laboratories which has
been recommended for closure by the Staff Inspection Unit. After closure of this
laboratory, its staff would be adjusted in the nearest laboratories/offices of the Directorate
of Marketing and Inspection.
(c): The responsibility for checking food adulteration lies with the State Government
under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. The work of AGMARK
Laboratory at Bhubaneswar will, after its closure, be looked after by Kolkata Laboratory.
There would, thus, be no adverse consequences by the closure of the AGMARK
Laboratory at Bhubaneswar.
(d): Does not arise.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
LEGISLATION FOR HOLDING OF AGRICULTURAL LAND
1812. SHRI DHARAM PAL SABHARWAL
(a) whether it is a fact that the size of holding of agricultural land is decreasing day by
day and is becoming unviable to earn livelihood;
(b) if so, whether Government propose to bring any legislation to fix a minimum
22
quantum of holding of agriculture so as to make farming a viable earning; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): Yes, Sir. The average size of holding of agricultural land has decreased from 2.28
hectares in 1970-71 to 1.41 hectares in 1995-96.
(b): No, Sir.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
SUBSTANDARD SEEDS MANURE AND PESTICIDES
(a) whether Government are aware of the fact that substandard seeds, manure and
pesticides are responsible for low agricultural production;
(b) if so, whether Government have made any study to assess this issue;
(d) the details of existing mechanisms to regulate quality of seeds, manure and
pesticides?
23
ANSWER

(a) to (d): The use of quality inputs like seeds, fertilizers and pesticides are the most
important determinants of agricultural production and productivity. Accordingly,
cultivars, pesticides and fertilizers are assessed before release/notification/registration.
Government have provided legal framework to strengthen the quality assurance regime
for various agricultural inputs under the Seeds Act, 1966, Seeds Rules, 1968, Seeds
(Control) order, 1983, Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, Insecticides Act, 1968 and
Insecticides Rules, 1971 as amended from time to time. Enforcement of these legal
instruments is vested with the State Governments/Union Territories. Inspectors notified
under these legal instruments are empowered to draw samples, seize stocks, issue stop
sale orders in case the commodities under reference contravene these Act, Rules and
Orders.
*******
24
AIR POLLUTION
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
NEW EMISSION NORMS IN DELHI
4696. SHRI B.J. PANDA
(a) whether it is a fact that Government is working out new emission norms for the
capital city Delhi;
(b) if so, the brief details thereof; and
(c) the time-frame within which the new emission norms would be implemented in the
capital city Delhi?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI NAMO NARAIAN MEENA)
(a) to (c) The Euro III emission norms, as provided in Auto Fuel Policy have been introduced in
11 mega cities including Delhi from April 1, 2005 for both petrol and diesel driven new vehicles,
except 2 and 3 wheelers. For in-use vehicles, revised Pollution Under Control (PUC) System has
been introduced in the country including Delhi from October 2004.
********
25
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
AIR POLLUTION DUE TO ADDITIONAL PRIVATE VEHICLES IN DELHI
3921. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA
(a) whether despite change over of Delhi’s public transport from diesel based to CNG
based, the atmosphere on road remains chokingly polluted, with 500 to 700 additional
private vehicles coming on the roads in the capital every day; and
(b) If so, the specific steps being taken to minimize the additional vehicles choking the air
in the Capital?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND

FORESTS
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) The ambient air quality trends in Delhi indicate over all improvement in air quality
due to various steps initiated. Increasing trends of most pollutants have been arrested.
However, the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) levels still
exceed the air quality targets.
(b) The steps taken to minimise vehicular pollution in Delhi include-
* Progressive tightening of vehicle emission norms from Euro-I to Euro-III

* Tighter emission norms for in-use vehicles and revised Pollution Under
Control (PUC) system
* Regular pollution checks for vehicles through mobile enforcement teams
* Establishment of inspection and maintenance facility planned
* Introduction of Delhi Metro Rail System
* Banning of plying of 8-year old state and contract carriage buses in NCT
of Delhi unless running on CNG (Natural Compressed Gas)
* Banning of plying of pre-1990 autos and taxis unless replaced with new
vehicles on cleaner fuel
26
* Ban on sale of loose 2T oil and supply of only pre-mixed oil fuel for
two and three wheelers
* Construction of flyovers to decongest the traffic.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN CITIES
1106. SHRI JANARDHANA POOJARY
(a) whether environmental pollution is the highest in cities;
(b) if so, the details and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the measures contemplated to reduce the pollution in the cities?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b) The environmental pollution in the cities is generally attributed to vehicular

emissions and discharge of partially treated domestic and industrial waste water. The
monitored ambient air quality data in the cities indicate that while levels of Sulphur
Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide are within notified norms, the levels of Respirable
Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) are higher on certain occasions in some cities.
(c) The following steps were taken to abate pollution in cities:
- Notification of general and sources specific, environmental standards;

- Identification of pollution sources;
- Control of vehicular pollution through promotion of clean fuels;
- Introduction of stringent emission norms and fuel-specifications;
27
- Promotion of cleaner technologies for control of industrial pollution;
- Regular monitoring for environmental compliance.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
NOISE POLLUTION DURING NIGHT HOURS
3419. SHRI MANOJ BHATTACHARYA
(a) whether the Supreme Court had some time back issued orders to Government to
regulate the noise pollution in the country, particularly during night hours;
(c) the follow-up action taken by Government to give effect to the directives of the
Supreme Court?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THEMINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(a)&(b): The Hon`ble Supreme Court had issued orders for regulating noise pollution
during night hours in the country and particularly, during festive period. As per the
notification of the Ministry of Environment and Forests dated 11.10.2002, the State
Governments are directed to reduce noise pollution, permit use of loud-speaker and
public address systems during night hours (between 10 pm to 12.00 mid night) on or
during any cultural or religious festive occasion of a limited duration not exceeding 15
days in all during a calendar year.
(c): In pursuance of the orders of the Supreme Court, all the State Governments/ Union
Territory Administrations have been requested to ensure compliance to the provisions
laid down in the above notification for reduction of noise pollution.
*******
28
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLLUTION FREE CITIES
3415. SHRI C. PERUMAL
(a) whether it is proposed to declare Tirupathi Tirumala as pollution free city;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Madurai and Kanchipuram will also be declared as pollution free cities;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the eco-city programme has
taken up Tirupathi for eco-city development of the core area of the Tirupathi town. There
is at present no plan to take up the Tirumala town under the said programme. The
objective of the programme, which is present under implementation, is to undertake
schemes relating to environmental protection, which include land-use plan, traffic and
transportation plan, sewerage and drainage including water harvesting, solid waste
management, plantation, landscaping and urban design plan.
(c) to (e) Under the ongoing eco-city programme, six towns namely Kottayam, Tirupathi,
Ujjain, Vrindavan, Puff and Thanjavour, having religious/tourist importance and
population less than five lakhs, have been taken up under the pilot phase during the Tenth
Plan. As regards Madurai and Kanchipuram, no proposal relating to these towns is
reported to have been received by the CPCB.
*********
29
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
AIR POLLUTION IN DELHI
2638. DR. K. MALAISAMY

S.P.M. SAYED KHAN
(a) whether it is a fact that Delhi`s air is the worst among the 20 Asian cities as evaluated
recently by a joint study of the World Bank and Asian Development Board;
(b) whether it is also a fact that the Supreme Court has identified 16 cities in India as
equal or more polluted than Delhi in Air Pollution Warranting Action Plan;
(c) if so, what are the action plans so far evolved and executed and to what extent the
problems have been curbed, controlled, contained and mitigated;
(d) what are the preventive aspects of pollution abatement and promotion technologies;
and
(e) what has specially been done on vehicular emissions, the major cause for urban
ambient of air quality?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) The Asian Development Bank in a study entitled Air Quality Management Capability
in Asian Cities under the Air Pollution in the Mega cities of Asia (APMA) has assessed
the air quality management capacities of 23 cities. The study is on benchmarking Urban
Air Quality Management in the cities of Asia based on the data for 2000-2002. In
general, Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM/PM10) is main pollutant of
concern and Delhi is reported to be higher than other Asian cities with respect to this
parameter. However, levels of Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide are reported to be
lower compared to other Asian cities.
(b)to(d) The Hon`ble Supreme Court, in its various orders from time to time, has
identified 16 cities namely Agra, Ahemdabad, Banglore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kanpur,
Varansi, Jharia, Jodhpur, Chennai, Kolkatta, Patna, Faridabad, Pune, Solapur and
30
Mumbai, for which action plans have been prepared for improvement of air quality.
Some of the mitigative measures initiated by these cities include introduction of stricter
emission norms for new and in-use vehicles, introduction of cleaner fuels, both for
vehicles and industries, stricter pollution control vigil, better traffic management, etc.
The recently monitored air quality data indicates that the level of RSPM have decreased
in Agra, Faridabad, Lucknow, Surat and Sholapur in the last few years. The levels of
Nitrogen Dioxide have also shown decreasing trend in cities like Coimbatore, Jabalpur
and Sholapur. Similarly, decreasing trends in respect of Sulphur Dioxide have also been
observed in the cities of Faridabad, Lucknow and Pune.
(e) The following specific steps have been taken for control of vehicular pollution in the
country:
• Introduction of unleaded petrol in entire country
• Introduction of Euro-II emission norms for the whole country and Euro-III norms
for 11 mega cities
• Introduction of Euro-II and Euro-III compliant fuel for the whole country and 11
mega cities respectively. This includes reduction in Sulphur and Benzene contents
in diesel and petrol
• Introduction of cleaner fuels like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied
Petroleum Gas (LPG) in a few polluted cities
• Introduction of improved Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification system
• Setting-up continuous air quality monitoring stations in 16 cities
• Initiation of source-apportionment studies in six cities.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLLUTION SPREADING INDUSTRIAL UNITS
3404. PROF. ALKA BALRAM KSHATRIYA

SURENDRA LATH
KRIPAL PARMAR
(a) the number of industries that were found to be guilty by the Pollution Control
Committees of the State Pollution Control Boards in their review during last three years,
State-wise;
31
(b) the names of these industries and action taken against them; State-wise;
(c) whether it is a fact that the Central Government is not being informed by the State
Governments about it; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken for rehabilitation of employees affected by the
closure/shifting of such units?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (d) Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
AIR POLLUTION IN DELHI
1868. DR. M.A.M. RAMASWAMY
(a) whether a study conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board and the
Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata has found disturbing trends on air
pollution related respiratory symptoms affecting approximately 46 per cent people living
in Delhi;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether many more such studies are proposed to be conducted in other metropolitan
cities;
32
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The interim findings of the studies indicate higher incidence of respiratory
symptoms among the residents of Delhi. However, there is no conclusive data available
to establish cause-effect relationship between the manifestations of various respiratory
ailments and the air pollution.
(c), (d) & (e): Central Pollution Control Board has also sponsored other epidemiological
studies as follows:
(i) Effects of environmental pollution on the status of human health of Delhi residents by
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
(ii) Human risk assessment studies in asbestos industries in India by Industrial
Toxicology Research Center, Lucknow
(iii) Health status of conservancy staff and other community associated with municipal
solid wastes management in Kolkata by Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata,
and
(iv) Health status of conservancy staff and other community associated with municipal
solid wastes management in Chennai by Sri Ramchandra Medical College and Research
Institute, Chennai.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CONVERSION OF VEHICLES INTO CNG VEHICLES
1115. DR. PRABHA THAKUR
(a) whether it is a fact that after the unprecedented success of CNG in Delhi, the Supreme
33
Court has directed the concerned States to convert their vehicles into CNG vehicles in
order to check the pollution in the NCR area; and
(b) if so, what is Government’s reaction on it ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b): The Hon`ble Supreme Court of India vide its order of May 2002 has directed
that the cities, which are equally or more polluted than Delhi, may prepare a scheme for
compulsory switch over to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)/Liquefied Petroleum Gas
(LPG) as automotive fuel. Accordingly, four cities namely, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Kanpur
and Pune were identified for switch over to CNG/LPG. For improvement in the ambient
air quality, the concerned States have formulated the Action Plans, which are regularly
monitored. These Action Plans include use of cleaner automotive fuels like CNG/LPG.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
TAXING POLLUTING UNITS AND MUNICIPALITIES
1911. SHRI LALIT SURI

SANJAY NIRUPAM
(a) whether there is a proposal under Government’s consideration to tax polluting units
and municipalities that don’t take steps to curb pollution;
(b) if so, the details there of and the criteria to select the polluting units; and
(c) by when the same is likely to be implemented?
34
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to(c) There is no proposal for taxing polluting units and municipalities that do not take
steps to curb pollution. However, the industrial units have to comply with the emission
and effluent standards notified by the Ministry and necessary legal action is taken under
the provisions of various environmental Acts against the defaulters.
********
35
BIO-DIVERSITY
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DAMAGE TO FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT
539. SHRI S. ANBALAGAN
(a) whether any study was conducted by Government on the likely damages to the fragile
environment of Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar and endangering the lives of Marine
animals and Plants of the area as a result of Sethusamudram Project;
(b) if so, the details thereof including results of the study and the follow-up action
proposed to be taken thereon; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken to protect the environment of construction area while
implementing the project?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) Yes Sir.
(b) The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report prepared by National

Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur has studied the various
environmental impacts of the project including impact on endangered flora and fauna
such as turtles, whales, dolphins, sea cows, seaweeds, sea grasses, coral reefs, etc. due to
the implementation of the project. As per the study, no significant impacts are envisaged
to these marine lives by the project.
(c) Government has stipulated a number of stringent environmental measures and steps
while granting environmental clearance.
36
Some of the important conditions stipulated are as follows:-
(i) Discharge of bilge, ballast, treated sewage, solid wastes, oily wastes and spillage of
cargo will not be allowed in Gulf of Mannar.
(ii) All the ships using the route should have proper treatment facilities for sewage
treatment. Untreated sewage will not be allowed to be discharged in Gulf of Mannar area.
(iii) Effective monitoring of aquatic ecosystem should be done to ensure that no damage
is done to the turtles, dugongs, flora and other endangered species.
(iv) Environment Management Plan prepared by NEERI, Nagpur should be implemented.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
AMENDMENT OF WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT
554. SHRI K. RAMA MOHANA RAO
(a) whether it is a fact that on the basis of proposals given by CBI, his Ministry is
proposing to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1992, to strengthen it further against
poaching;
(b) whether the proposals have been gone through by the Task Force that has been set up;
and
(c) if so, the recommendations made by the Task Force?
37
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended in 2003, making it more
stringent for preventing wildlife crimes in the country. No further amendment to
strengthen the Act against poaching is contemplated.
(b) & (c) The report of the Task Force constituted to review the management of Tiger
Reserves in the country has not been received so far.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PROTECTION OF BIO DIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE IN MANAS RESERVE
2099. SHRI URKHAO GWRA BRAHMA
(a) whether Government are undertaking any programme in Manas Biosphere Reserve
of Assam to protect, preserve and enrich its biological diversity and wild life;
(b) if so, what are the programmes and which agencies have been engaged for that;
(c) whether Government have sanctioned funds for the purpose in the current financial
year ; and
(d) if so, the details thereof ?
38
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) and (b): Yes Sir. The Government is implementing a number of programmes namely
Conservation of Biosphere Reserves, Project Tiger and Project Elephant in Manas
Biosphere Reserve of Assam to protect, preserve and enrich its biological diversity and
wild life. These programmes are being implemented by the State Forest Department.
(c) and (d) An amount of Rs. 361.36 lakhs has been proposed for various activities under
these programmes during the current financial year. The funds to State Governments are
sanctioned and released on completion of prescribed obligations like submission of
Utilisation Certificate and Physical Progress Report of funds released in the preceding
year/s. The sanction and release of funds under the above projects is at various stages of
processing.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED ANIMAL SPECIES
(a) whether unhindered large scale poaching in reserved forests has driven tigers and
other highly endangered animal species into extinction during the last few years;
(b) if so, the details, with allocation made, received from donor agencies and spent during
the last five years and agencies entrusted with the responsibility to protect wildlife, area-
wise and year-wise;
(c) the action taken to fix responsibilities for such grave dereliction of duty;
(d) whether in view of the unreliability of the data generated indigenously, it is proposed
to invite a UN Agency to conduct tiger census in the country; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
39
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) While instances of poaching have come to light from different States at times, no
report of animal species going into extinction has been received.
(b) Details of Central assistance provided to States under on-going Centrally Sponsored
Schemes of the Ministry of Environment & Forests for conservation of wildlife, are at
Annexure-l.
(c) The Government of India provides funding support and directives for field
implementation of schemes pertaining to wildlife conservation by States. Since States
does day-to-day management of field units, fixing responsibility for dereliction of duty
falls within the domain of State Governments.
(d)&(e) The Project Tiger Directorate in the Ministry of Environment & Forests has
developed an enhanced methodology for conducting the All India estimation of tiger,
large carnivores, ungulates, habitat status evaluation and monitoring with inputs from the
Wildlife Institute of India. The methodology involves forest beat level primary data
collection by forest staff and data collectors for computing indices of relative abundance
of tiger and other wild animals apart from evaluation of habitat status, followed by
density computation using sampling in the GIS domain. The process would be overseen
by a panel of national and international independent experts.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
MAINTENANCE OF PLANTS AND TREES ON CENTRAL VERGE OF ROADS

.
2637. SHRIMATI JAYA BACHCHAN
(a): the details of the projects regarding maintenance of plants and trees on Central verge
of roads in the Capital for example on the road connecting Nizammuddin Bridge in
Delhi;
40
(b): whether it is a fact that for months together, the department fails to maintain, prune
and shape beautifully the plants and trees, with the result that unwieldy growth takes
place giving a bad look to the roads; and
(c) if so, what are the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b): Plantation and maintenance of plants and trees on central verge of roads in the
capital, including the road connecting Nizammuddin Bridge in Delhi, is done by various
departments of the Government as well as Municipalities of Delhi State, Forest
Department of Delhi undertakes maintenance of plantations on 8 roads of the capital,
namely - Road No -143, NH -10, Nelson Mandela Road, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, Vikas
Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ITO on the left side, Road No.- 56 and NH-24 bypass
from Noida More to ITO crossing which includes stretch of Nizammuddin Bridge.
Necessary measures are taken periodically for proper maintenance of the plants and trees,
subject to availability of funds.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BY ARMY SOLDIERS
2639. DR. NARAYAN SINGH MANAKLAO
(a) whether it is a fact that army soldiers in Jammu & Kashmir and North-East will be
engaged in wildlife conservation;
(b) if so, the rationale of the decision and its possible impact on already stressed army
personnel;
41
(c) whether it is also a fact that his Ministry is also contemplating funding/sponsoring of
ecological battalions; and
(d) if so, the details of the scheme envisaged?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) No, Sir. There is no such proposal in the Ministry to engage army soldiers in wildlife
conservation.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) & (d) The existing Ecological Task Forces (ETFs) Scheme was initiated by the
Ministry of Defence in 1982 with a view of securing involvement of ex-servicemen in
afforestation and eco-development in remote and difficult areas to undertake restoration
of degraded ecosystems through afforestation, soil conservation and water source
management techniques. At present there are four Eco-Task Force Battalions raised with
the Regular and Territorial Army Personnel located in the Shivalik Hills (Dehradun),
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), Jammu & Kashmir and Pithoragarh (UttaranchaI). The substantive
Scheme is administered by the Ministry of Defence and reimbursement of the
expenditure is made by the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PROTECTION OF BIO DIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE IN MANAS RESERVE
2099. SHRI URKHAO GWRA BRAHMA
(a) whether Government are undertaking any programme in Manas Biosphere Reserve
of Assam to protect, preserve and enrich its biological diversity and wild life;
42
(b) if so, what are the programmes and which agencies have been engaged for that;
(c) whether Government have sanctioned funds for the purpose in the current financial
year ; and
(d) if so, the details thereof ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) and (b): Yes Sir. The Government is implementing a number of programmes namely
Conservation of Biosphere Reserves, Project Tiger and Project Elephant in Manas
Biosphere Reserve of Assam to protect, preserve and enrich its biological diversity and
wild life. These programmes are being implemented by the State Forest Department.
(c) and (d): An amount of Rs. 361.36 lakhs has been proposed for various activities under
these programmes during the current financial year. The funds to State Governments are
sanctioned and released on completion of prescribed obligations like submission of
Utilisation Certificate and Physical Progress Report of funds released in the preceding
year/s. The sanction and release of funds under the above projects is at various stages of
processing.
********
43
BIO-MEDICAL WASTE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
MERCURY FREE ALTERNATIVES
3924. SHRIMATI BIMBA RAIKAR
(a) whether globally there is a shift towards mercury-free alternatives and strict
regulations are in place on mercury emissions but in India such safeguards and
regulations for handling mercury are non-existent;
(b) whether a mercury thermometer containing 5 gms of mercury is enough to

contaminate a 20-acre lake;
(c) whether the health sector in India, particularly hospitals and dental clinics release
substantial quantities of mercury every year without any precautions and disposed of like
general waste; and
(d) whether Government have any action plans to phase out mercury-based equipments
from hospitals?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Countries like Norway, Sweden, Denmark and some States of USA have policies
restricting manufacture and sale of mercury based thermometers. In India, the effluent
standards notified as well as the Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules,
1989 as amended in 2003 and the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous
Chemicals Rules, 1989 notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, regulate
disposal and prescribe safeguards for handling of mercury.
44
(b): The general effluent standard for discharge into inland surface water as notified
under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 in respect of mercury is 0.01 milligram per
liter.
(c)&(d): The mercury bearing wastes irrespective of the source of generation (i.e.
hospitals, industries, etc.) containing mercury and mercury compounds equal to or more
than 50 mg/kg are required to be disposed of as per the provisions of the Hazardous
Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2003. The State Pollution
Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees of Union Territories have been asked by
the Central Pollution Control Board to ensure collection/disposal of mercury and mercury
bearing wastes from the healthcare facilities as per the Hazardous Wastes (Management
& Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2003.
******
45
CHEMICALS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PRODUCTION AND IMPORT OF PLASTIC AND POLYTHENE
5478. SHRI NABAM REBIA

PRABHA THAKUR
(a) whether Government is aware that production and import of plastic and polythene has
gone up considerably in the recent years;
(c) whether Government is also aware that use of plastic and polythene is harmful to
human health;
(d) if so, whether Govemrnent propose to impose ban on production and import of those
items; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the steps proposed to be taken to save the people from ill
effects of these items?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) As per the available information the production and imports of polymers and
performance plastics in India are reported to be as follows:
46
Year Production Imports
(in 000` MT)
2001-2002 4064 423

2002-2003 4270 386
2003-2004 4598 493
2004-2005 4807 not available
(c): The use of polythene and other plastics for food, pharmaceutical
and potable water packaging are governed by relevant specifications of the
Bureau of Indian Standards. Only the indiscriminate disposal of plastics may
cause adverse impacts on environment including human health.
(d) & (e): At present, there is no proposal with the Government to ban
production and import of plastic and polythene. The Government has brought out
the Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 (vide S. 0. 705 (F-)
dated 2nd September 1999) as amended in 2003 (vide S. O No. 698 (E) dated 17th
June 2003), for regulation of plastic wastes. As per these rules, the use of
recycled plastic bags for storing, carrying, dispensing, or packaging of
foodstuffs is prohibited. Further, the Ministry has banned 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. To
enforce strict compliance of these rules, registration of plastic carry bag
manufacturing units with the State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control
Committees has also been made mandatory.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ACTION UNDER BATTERY MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING RULES
2090. SHRI S.M. LALJAN BASHA
(a) whether the State Pollution Boards have, so far, taken any action against erring
organisations under the Battery (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001;
47
(b) if so, the details of the action taken;
(c) whether there is any action plan of his Ministry to bring awareness of the Rules
among the various parties connected with the Rules;
(d) if so, the details of such action plan; and
(e) if not, whether there is any proposal to have such an action plan?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) As per the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001, the State
Pollution Control Boards, are the prescribed authority to ensure compliance of the
provisions under the rules and provide information on the status of compliance to the
Central Pollution Control Board. Seventy-four units have been registered for recycling of
batteries by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Hazardous Wastes
(Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2003.
(c), (d) & (e) According to the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001, it is
the responsibility of the manufacturer, importer, assembler, re-conditioner and recycler of
the batteries to create public awareness through advertisements, publications and posters.
Awareness workshops have been organised by Indian Lead Zinc Development
Association (ILZDA) and the Indian Battery Manufacturers Association for the benefit of
recyclers and battery manufacturers. Also media such as radio and television are used to
create mass awareness among the public.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PLASTIC WASTE
1877. SHRIMATI BIMBA RAIKAR
48
(a) whether India generates around 7250 tonnes of plastic waste including pet bottles,
snack/gutka pouches, etc. every day;
(b) whether 60 per cent of this plastic waste is recycled into inferior products which are
hazardous to health;
(c) whether the rest 40 per cent is tossed around to choke sewers and environment; and
(d) whether Government would enact an uniform law for use of bio-degradable plastics?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) As per the Manual on Solid Waste Management brought out by the Ministry of Urban
Development in the year 2000, plastic waste generated in the country is around 5000
tonnes per day.
(b) As per the information provided by the Indian Centre for Plastics in the Environment,
about 60 per cent of the India’s plastic production is recycled annually. Standards have
been laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for recycled plastic products.
(c) Plastics in general are chemically inert substances. They are `per se` not harmful to
the environment, except the indiscriminate littering of the plastic material along with
other garbage and the absence of its organised segregation.
(d) Bio-degradable plastics is still in its nascent state. Its development and usage in the
developed countries also is limited. A uniform law for the use of bio-degradable plastics
is not under consideration of the Government at present.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
RAJYA SABHA
USE OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS FOR TOY MAKING
49
5519. SHRI HARISH RAWAT
SANTOSH BAGRODIA
K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government are aware of the use of poisonous DEHP chemical for
manufacturing toys;
(b) what action his Ministry propose to take against such toy manufacturers and to ban
the manufacturing thereof; and
(c) whether it is a fact that toy manufacturers do not specify on toys the ingredients used
in their manufacture and if so, the action his Ministry propose to take in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY

WELFARE
(SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (c): According to the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council under the Ministry
of Commerce and Industry, use of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in PVC
compounds is strictly banned in toy manufacturing. Regional Testing Centre (RTC),
Okhla, under Ministry of Small Scale Industry which is fully equipped for testing of toys
as per EN 71 standards (European International Standards) is reported to have been
testing Indian toys and has not reported appearance of any poisonous DEHP chemical.
According to the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council, as per international practice,
toy manufacturers do not mention ingredients used in Toys.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
BHOPAL GAS LEAK
1186. SHRI A. VIJAYARAGHAVAN
50
(a) whether the first technical report of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on
the gas leak from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal has been submitted recently;
(b) if so, the details including the action taken or proposed to be taken on the above
report;
(c) the number of people of Bhopal suffering as stated in the report;
(d) whether there is any attempt to utilise the present report gainfully and systematically
for clinical management of the victims;
(e) if so , the details thereof; and
(a) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (f): Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has brought out a technical report
on population based long-term epidemiological studies ‘Health effects of the Toxic Gas
Leak from the Union Carbide Methyl Isocyanate plant in Bhopal.’ The report facilitates
local scientists to devise strategy for further research on health hazards of the victims of
Bhopal Gas Tragedy. This report has been examined by the Department of Chemicals and
Petro-chemicals of Government of India which is the nodal department dealing with the
relief aspects of these victims. The department has, inter alia, taken steps by forwarding a
copy of the ICMR Report to the State Government of Madhya Pradesh which is directly
responsible for providing medical relief to the victims, for taking appropriate action.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
EXCESSIVE USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS
3916. SHRI JAYANTILAL BAROT
51
(a) whether Government is aware of the ill-effects of excessive use of chemical fertilizers
and pesticides on agricultural land and rural health;
(b) the area of cultivable land of the country which has become barren due to this reason;
and
(c) to what extent file quantum of harmful chemicals in water sources of the rural areas is
higher than the safe level; the details thereof State-wise?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a), (b) &(c) The average consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are 89.8 kg/h
and 0.22 kg/ha respectively. This level of consumption is not considered to have ill-effect
on agriculture. However, the Government is advocating Ìntegrated Nutrient
Management` (INM) by promoting balanced and judicious use of chemical fertilizers in
conjunction with organic manures depending on soil quality, bio-fertilizers, etc.
Government is also advocating organic farming by using organic inputs for plant
nutrients.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
RAJYA SABHA
COMPENSATION TO AFFECTED FAMILIES OF BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY
4706. SHRI E.M. SUDARSANA NATCHIAPPAN
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that still there are many affected families of the Bhopal Gas
Tragedy who have not been compensated adequately;
52
(c) the steps being taken by Government to provide relief to these families?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS & MINISTER OF STEEL

(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)
(a) to (c): Claim cases have been filed by individual claimants and not by families. In all,
10,29,516 claims were filed under various categories and all the cases have been decided.
5,73,018 claims have been settled and claimants have been awarded a total compensation
of Rs. 1542.31 crore. 4,56,498 cases have been rejected. As per orders of the Hon’ble
Supreme Court dated 19th July, 2004, those claimants who have been awarded original
compensation (5,73,018) have to be paid additional compensation on pro-rata basis. This
process has been started and 1,57,752 claimants have already been paid pro-rata
compensation by the Welfare Commissioner amounting to Rs. 458.88 crore till
21.4.2005. The pro-rata disbursement process has to be completed by 30th April, 2006, as
per orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
LOW PRODUCTION OF CHEMICALS AND PESTICIDES
2071. SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT
(a) whether it is a fact that the production of alkali, inorganic and organic chemicals,
pesticides, dyes and dyestuffs has been below the installed capacity;
(b) if so, the reasons therefore; and
(c) the steps being taken to make optimum the use of the installed capacity?
53
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS & STEEL

(a), (b) and (c): The chemical industry has been considerably de-regulated. There is no
control on the production, distribution and pricing of chemicals. A large number of
organic/inorganic chemicals, dyes and pesticides are being manufactured in large,
medium and small scale sector. This Department does not monitor the production data of
these chemicals. However, as per data available, the production of major chemicals has
increased to 7374963 MT in the year 2004-05, from 5963434 MT in the year 2001-02.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ANSWERED ON 02.12.2005
DAMAGE DUE TO CONTAMINANTS SURROUNDING UNION CARBIDE
1080. SHRIMATI BRINDA KARAT
(a) what steps have been taken by the Government to claim damages from Dow Chemical
or Union Carbide Corporation for environmental destruction and for health
damages caused to more than 20,000 residents due to reckless dumping of hazardous
wastes in line with the ‘polluter pays’ principle affirmed many times over by
the Supreme Court of India; and
(b) the steps taken by the Government for scientific assessment of the depth and spread of
the contaminants in the surrounding areas of Union Carbide Corporation in
Bhopal?
ANSWER

(SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN).
(a): The litigation related to Bhopal Gas Tragedy reached the Supreme Court of India in
1988 and the Supreme Court finally settled the litigation and settlement vide its orders
dated 14th and 15th February, 1989. Under the settlement, Union Carbide was asked to
54
pay a compensation of US $ 470 million to the Union of India in full settlement of all
claims, rights and liabilities related to and arising out of the Bhopal Gas Disaster. The
Union Carbide Corporation has already deposited this amount.
However, the issue relating to the removal of the toxic wastes left stored in the UCIL
factory at the time of the closure of the factory in 1984 is urgently the subject matter of a
Public Interest Litigation in Writ Petition No. 2802/2004 filed in the High Court of
Madhya Pradesh. The Government of India has filed an application for directing UCC or
its present owner companies i.e. Dow Chemical Company, USA, to deposit an amount of
Rs.100 crore as advance with the Madhya Pradesh High Court for carrying out
removal/disposal of toxic wastes lying at the UClL plant site at Bhopal, as per Rule 16 of
the Hazardous Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules,1989, under which ‘polluter
pays’ principle is enshrined.
(b): The High Court of Madhya Pradesh has constituted a Task Force to monitor the
removal/disposal of toxic wastes lying in and around the UCIL plant site at Bhopal
under the chairmanship of Secretary (C&PC), with experts from National Environment
Engineering Research Institute, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and Central
Pollution Control Board. These institutes/agencies have been asked to submit their
reports to the Task Force on the treatment required for the removal/disposal of the toxic
wastes lying at the UClL plant site at Bhopal along with the report on the level of
contamination of ground water in the surrounding areas.
*******
55
CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND RIGHTS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
RAJYA SABHA
SPRAYING COLD DRINKS
1887. SHRI JAYANTILAL BAROT

CHHATTRAPAL SINGH LODHA
Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that the farmers in several areas of the country are spraying cold
drinks manufactured by multinational companies instead of pesticides, which is proving
effective also;
(b) if so, whether such cold drinks would not prove fatal for human health; and
(c) whether such cold drinks are still being sold in Indian market?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE

AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a) to (c): The quality of the cold drinks sold in the Indian market is regulated under
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and Rules framed thereunder which is administered
by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
********
56
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
REVISION OF STANDARD OF DRINKING WATER BY BIS
4684. SHRI R.P. GOENKA

(a) whether it is a fact that the drinking water standards laid down by the Bureau of
Indian Standards in 1983 and subsequently revised and updated in 1991 (IS 10500), are
presently being further revised;
(b) if so, the details thereof and their present status;
(c) whether a fresh review has been made to include drinking water under the category of
‘food’ so that various agencies handling drinking water supplies can be legally held
accountable for the bad quality of their supplies; and
(d) if so, the results thereof and what present Government contemplate on the subject?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE

(SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a): Yes Sir.
(b): The revision of the Indian Standard on Drinking Water IS 10500:1991 has been
finalised by the relevant Sectional Committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The same is being taken up with the concerned Division Council of BIS for adoption.
(c): Yes, Sir.
(d): The final decision in this regard has not been taken yet.
*******
57
EIA AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
APPROVAL OF DANGEROUS PROJECTS AND INDUSTRIES
142. SHRIMATI KUMKUM RAI
(a) whether it is a fact that during the last two years Government have given clearance to
such type of projects and industries which are very dangerous from environmental point
of view; and
(b) If so, the details thereof?.
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b): No, Sir. The Central Government has enacted the Environment (Protection)
Act (EPA), 1986 and framed Rules there under for the protection and the improvement of
environment and prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants
and property. Ministry grants environmental clearance to 32 categories of developmental
projects and industries covered under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification,
1994 issued under the EPA, 1986 after assessing the Environmental Impact Assessment
and Risk Analysis Reports and subject to compliance to stringent environmental and risk
mitigation measures.
**************
58
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PROPOSAL REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE OF PROJECT
1112. SHRI RAVULA CHANDRA SEKAR REDDY
(a) whether Government have cleared any proposals received from Andhra Pradesh
regarding environmental clearance for various projects; and
(b) if so, the details thereof for the last two years?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY, OF ENVIRONMENT AND

FORESTS
(a)& (b):Yes, Sir. The Government, have cleared 150 projects located in Andhra Pradesh
during the last two years. The sector-wise details are given in the following table:
Sector / Year 2004 2005
Industrial 8 95
Mining 19 8
River Valley & 1 7

Hydroelectric Projects, Thermal
Power Projects
Infrastructure & Misc. Projects 1 9
New Construction Projects - 2

& Industrial Estates
Total 29 121
*********
59
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO BALACHAUR-HOSHIARPUR-DASUYA

HIGHWAY
(a) whether a proposal sent by the Punjab Government for removing/cutting of trees for
upgradation of the Balachaur-Hoshiarpur-Dasuya highway is pending for environmental
clearance;
(b) if so, since when the request is pending; and
(c) by when, the clearance is likely to be accorded?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) to (c) No, Sir. No such proposal for environmental clearance has been received.
However, the proposal for diversion of 72.67 ha of forest land for Balachaur-
Garhshankar-Dasuya Highway was received. The area was subsequently reduced to
56.163 ha. In-principle, approval for diversion of 56.163 ha of forestland for the above
project has been granted on 18.11.2005 subject to fulfillment of stipulated conditions by
the State Government.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO PROJECTS
60
2640. DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY
V. HANUMANTHA RAO
(a) Whether overhaul of environmental clearance regulations has been done and has been
now submitted to PM for final approval ;
(b) if so, by what time these new rules are likely to be announced;
(c) to what extent the new rules will help in immediate clearance of projects by both the
Centre and States; and
(d) whether at present it takes longer time in according environmental clearance to the
projects?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) No Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) Does not arise.
(d) Under the existing Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 1994, 120 days
is the prescribed period for granting environmental clearance from date of receipt
of application with requisite documents and information.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR RESIDENTIAL AND

NON-RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
61
(a) whether draft notification issued on September 15, 2005 proposes certain restrictions
and prohibitions on the construction of all residential and non-residential projects and the
development of new townships and real-estate developers have to seek prior
environmental clearance;
(b) whether the demand has been made to exempt residential complex and individual IT
parks from the notification;
(c) if so, whether suitable amendment is being made in the notification;
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a): The draft notification issued on September 15, 2005 proposes certain restrictions and
prohibitions only on construction of residential and non-residential projects with built up
area/activity area of 20,000 sq. metres or more and on the development of new townships
located in an area of 50 ha. or more.
(b): Yes Sir.
(c) to (e): A large number of objections/suggestions have been received in response to the
draft Environment Impact Assessment notification published on 15.09.2005 and the final
notification in respect of new regulation can be issued only after consideration of all the
objections/suggestions.
******
62
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLAVARAM PROJECT
2641. SHRI PENUMALLI MADHU
(a) whether his Miistry is aware, that due to Polavaram Project`s proposed design, 300
villages in 9 mandals of three.districts of Andhra Pradesh would be submerged displacing
more than two lakh tribal people and their livelihood; and
(b) if so, how the Central Government accorded Environmental Clearance to the project
and allowed the Andhra Pradesh State Government to go ahead with the project work
without other clearances?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) The Government is aware that a total of 276 villages (including hamlets) in 9 mandals
in three districts of Andhra Pradesh would be submerged displacing 1,75,275 people out
of which 60,770 people are Schedule Tribes.
(b) The project has been accorded environmental clearance as per the procedure
prescribed in the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 1994 and its subsequent
amendments notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
*********
63
E-WASTE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
RAJYA SABHA
RECYCLING OF E-WASTE
1727. SHRI B.K. HARIPRASAD
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be

pleased to state:-
(a) whether MAIT (the association of IT hardware makers) has assessed generation of
electronic waste worth Rs.7000 crore annually in India;
(b) whether e-waste contains toxic substances like lead, cadmium, mercury and non bio-
degradable plastic posing health hazards;
(c) whether more than 60 percent e-waste collected for recycling in the West and other
developing countries is sent to countries in Asia including India where recycling is
cheaper; and
(d) if so, Government’s comments thereon?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY
(DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) No Sir. MAIT have informed that they have not conducted any study on generation of
e-waste in India.
(b) Yes Sir. E-waste contains toxic substances like lead, cadmium, mercury in one form
or another to varying degrees. The basic body of most electronic equipment is non-
biodegradable plastic which also possess environmental hazards.
(c) and (d) According to some reports, 50 percent to 80 percent of the e-waste collected
in the USA is reported to be exported to the developing countries, mainly in Asia where
recycling may be cheaper. The e-waste per se is not hazardous and may not directly pose
64
any immediate environmental risk. It is the rudimentary and crude recycling methods to
recover the precious metals from this waste adopted by the people involved in this
business that possess an environmental threat. The Government has constituted a
Working Group consisting of regulatory agencies, NGOs, industry associations and
experts in the field to examine all aspects of the issue at the National level.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
MANUAL ON E-WASTE
(a) whether Government is preparing a manual on assessing e-waste in the country;
(b) if so, the details of the project;
(c) whether it is a fact that the biggest source of e-waste in India is through imports; and
(d) if so, the action Government is taking in co-ordination with the Ministry of
Commerce and Industry and other Ministries concerned, to stop importing obsolete
computers and other electronic gadgets which form major e-waste in the country?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has initiated steps to prepare a
manual on assessing e-waste in the country, for which the work has been awarded to a
consultant.
(c)&(d): Electronic waste is included under List-A and List-B of Schedule-3 of the
Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2000 and 2003.
E-waste is also regulated by the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-Boundary
65
Movement of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal. No country can export e-waste
without written consent from the importing country. The import of this waste, therefore,
requires specific permission of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. No such
permission has been given to any authority or person by the Ministry till date for import
of e-waste. As per the Foreign Trade Policy 2004-2009, import of second hand computers
is under the restricted category and their import requires an import license. Such second
hand computers are allowed to be imported for use in educational institutions, NGOs and
charitable organisations of the country. Import licenses are granted with the approval of
an Inter-Ministerial Committee of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). As
per the available information, the quantity of second hand computers, etc., permitted for
import so far being small, the same does not form major constituent of e-waste in the
country.
***********
66
FOOD SAFETY
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ADULTERATION IN FOOD
1936. SHRI R.P. GOENKA

AMAR SINGH
ABU ASIM AZMI
(a) whether Government are aware that despite series of regulatory rules administered by
the Central and State Governments, adulteration in the production of various catagories
of food items of daily consumption, through the unbridled use of harmful pesticides,
chemicals toxic substances and other contaminants continues unabated causing grievous
hurts and/or deaths among the general public; and
(b) if so, the details of steps taken , including review of the extant laws, with a view to
plug the loopholes and make their enforcement more effective, to check the rampant
adulteration of food items?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): The standards of various food articles have been laid down under the
Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954 and Rules framed there under. The
tolerance limits for pesticides, chemicals, toxic substances and other contaminants have
been laid down under the said rules. Food articles sold in the markets are required to
conform to the standards laid down under the said rules. The implementation of the PFA
Act and Rules is entrusted to the Food (Health) Authorities of the States/U.Ts. The
enforcement staff of the States/U.Ts draw random samples of various food articles under
the provisions of the said Act and Rules. Action is taken against the offenders where
samples of food articles do not conform to the prescribed standards.
67
The Central Government has constituted a Central Committee for Food Standards
(CCFS) to advise Central Government and State Govts. on the matters arising out of the
administration of the PFA Act and Rules. Representatives from various States/U.Ts
Govts, dept/organisations of Central Government, consumer organisations, industry are
the members of this Committee. The CCFS advises the Central Government from time to
time to review the PFA Rules for amendments with a view to plug the loopholes for
making enforcement more effective.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE IN GUTKHA AND PAN MASALA
1173. SHRI R.K. ANAND

HARISH RAWAT
SANTOSH BAGRODIA
K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY
(a) whether Government are aware that the Gutkha and Pan Masala manufacturers are
using the prohibited substance like Magnecium Carbonate in manufacturing of Gutkha
and Pan Masala;
(a) whether Government are also aware that prolonged use of such prohibited substance
is the cause of oral cancer and fibroids in the mouth; and
(b) the measures taken up by Government to stop the manufacturing of Gutkha and Pan
Masala containing such substances ?
68
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (c): It has been reported by some of the State Governments that Gutkha and Pan
Masala manufacturers are using Magnesium Carbonate in these products. In view of its
adverse impact on health, addition of Magnesium Carbonate in Pan Masala is not
permitted under the provision of Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955 and is a
punishable offence under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
SPURIOUS MILK
1178. SHRI AMAR SINGH

ABU ASIM AZMI
(a) whether government are aware that a large quantity of synthetic milk which is
injurious to health have found way in markets of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh ,UP,
Bihar, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi;
(b) if so, the number of persons booked for production and supply of this milk during the
last two years ;and
(c) whether Government propose to enact stringent law for such persons and if so, the
details thereof and by when it is likely to be enacted?
69
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (c): As per the information received from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar,
Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, no instance of large scale sale of synthetic milk have been
reported. The information from U.P. is not available.
All State/UTs Governments have been repeatedly requested to take necessary action to
keep a strict vigil on the quality of milk particularly for presence of chemical substances.
Sale of milk and milk products containing substances not found in milk except as
provided in the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955 is already prohibited under
the provisions of same Act.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ADULTERATED AND SYNTHETIC MILK
1172. SHRI HARISH RAWAT

R.K. ANAND
K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY
SANTOSH BAGRODIA
(a) whether it is a fact that adulterated and synthetic milk is being sold through various
retail outlets in the country.
(b) If so, the percentage of total milk production in the country which is unadulterated;
(c) The likely adverse effects of adulterated milk if consumed by infants and children;
(d) The steps Government have initiated so far and propose to take in near future; and
70
(e) The number of persons booked for production and supply of adulterated and synthetic
milk during the last three years?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): No such reports have been received from the State/UTs Governments, who are
responsible for implementing Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules 1955
in the States/UTs.
(b): As per the information received from Ministry of Agriculture, the production of milk
is as follows:
Year Production
(in million tonnes)
2001-2002 84.60
2002-2003 86.20
2003-2004 88.10
(c): Genuine milk contains naturally occurring urea which is a metabolic product of
protein present in the diet of the animals. If urea is present in milk beyond normal levels
then such milk would be classified as adulterated milk. Milk may also be adulterated by
using vegetable fats, liquid detergents, shampoo, caustic soda, urea, castor oil, etc.
Consumption of detergent can have an abrasive effect on the intestinal brush border
membrane. Excess urea can affect immune system adversely. The effects would,
however, depend upon the quantity of adulterants and the level of the consumption.
(d): Sale of milk and milk products containing substances not found in milk except as
provided in the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955 is already prohibited under
the provisions of the same Act.
71
All State/UTs Governments have been requested to take necessary action from time to
time to keep a strict vigil on the quality of milk, particularly for presence of chemical
substances. In December, 2004, the Chief Secretaries in the States/UTs have also been
urged for keeping a strict vigil on the quality of milk sold in their States/UTs.
(e): A statement indicating the number of prosecutions launched, convicted and acquitted
under PFA Act, 1954 for food adulteration including milk and milk products during last
three years is at Annexure I.
ANNEXURE-I
Total no. of prosecution launched, convicted and acquitted under PFA Act, 1954
for food adulteration including milk and milk products during last three years
Year No. of No. of cases No. of cases No. of cases

prosecution decided by the convicted acquitted
launched Courts
2001 5943 2704 1263 1441
2002* 2867 1333 420 913
2003** 1536 779 319 460
*Information is awaited from the State of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K, Orissa,
Tamilnadu, Uttaranchal, Jharkhand and Chandigarh.
**Information is awaited from Andaman Nicobar Isalnds, Andhra Pradesh,

Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar
Haveli, Daman & Diu, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Karnataka,
Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Orissa, Pondicherry,
Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, UP & Jharkhand.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
NEW GUIDELINES FOR PROCESSED FOOD ITEMS
72
(a) whether his Ministry proposes to make it mandatory for the manufacturers of
processed food items to mention the details of the ingredients on the labels including the
fat content and the technique used in its manufacture and storage; and
(b) If so, the details of the new rules and when they are likely to be implemented?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): Yes Sir, the Central Committee for Food Standards a statutory committee
under the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954 recommended the
amendment of PFA Rules, 1955 to declare the complete nutritional information of the
food product on its label.
The complete nutritional information per 100 gm of the product shall be given on the
label containing the following: -
(i) Information on energy value should be expressed in kJ and Kcal per 100 gm or per
100 ml alongwith percentage of nutrient of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
(ii) Information on the amounts of protein, carbohydrate and fat in the food should be
expressed in gm per 100 gm or per 100 ml alongwith percentage RDA of nutrient
recommended by ICMR.
(iii) The amount and/or type of saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and trans
fatty acids.
(iv) Numerical information on vitamins and minerals should be expressed in metric units
and/or as a percentage of the Nutrient Reference Value of ICMR per 100 gm or per 100
ml alongwith percentage of nutrient of RDA of ICMR.
The above proposal has been published in Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i) of the
Gazette of India (Extraordinary) vide GSR No. 694(E) dated 28.11.2005 for inviting
objections and suggestions from the public. While finalising the draft rules, the objections
and suggestions received on the draft rules would be taken into consideration after a
period of sixty days from the date on which the copies of the Official Gazette, in which
this notification is published, are made available to public.
********
73
FOREST
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
FOREST RICH STATES
5460. SHRIMATI KAMLA MANHAR
(a) the names of the States having forest area more than the National average;
(b) whether the Hon`ble Supreme Court has directed that forest rich States be
compensated for protecting and conserving their forests for larger environmental benefits
to the country; and
(c) in the light of Hon`ble Supreme Court`s direction whether Government are
contemplating to compensate such forest rich States including the State of Chhattigarh?
ANSWER

(a) The names of the States having forest area more than the National average are given in
Annexure I.
(b) Yes Sir.
(c) The Hon`ble Supreme Court, vide its order dated 18.2.2002 in I.A No. 424 in W:P.(Civil) No.
202/95, had suggested imposing a cess of not less than 5% on the import of wood and wood
products to be distributed amongst the forest rich states as an incentive/compensation. Though
the proposal of levying of cess was not agreed to by the Government, the Twelfth Finance
Commission has recommended a grant of Rs. 1,000 crores to the States for maintenance of the
forest areas. This amount has been distributed among the States based on their forest areas and is
required to be spent for the preservation of their forest wealth. The State-wise and year-wise
details of this grant are given in Annexure II.
*******
74
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
MEASURES TO PROTECT, CONSERVE AND DEVELOP FORESTS AND

ENVIRONMENT
5477. SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR
(a) the measures taken by the Government relating to protection, conservation and the
development of forests and improvement of the environment ;
(b) whether unscrupulous elements have constructed buildings or jungle lodges in the
name of tourism in many States ; and
(c) if so, the reaction of Government thereto ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) Measures taken by Government for protection, conservation and development of

forests and improvement of the environment are as follows: -
(i) Administrative measures: - Network of check posts, permits for felling and movement
of forest produce, patrolling of the area, etc.
(ii) Legal measures: - Legal measures like Indian Forest Act 1927, Wildlife (Protection)
Act 1972, Forest Conservation Act 1980 and Environment Protection Act 1986 and the
rules, guidelines thereof.
(iii) Management measures: - Management measures like working of forests according to

approved Working Plans, Forest Development Agencies and Joint Forest Management.
(iv) Financial measures: - Financial measures like providing assistance to the States/
Union Territories under Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Externally Aided Projects.
(b) Instances of construction of buildings by unscrupulous elements have not been
75
reported by States/Union Territories.
(c) Does not arise.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CUTTING OF TREES
1913. SHRIMATI KAMLA MANHAR

KALRAJ MISHRA
(a) whether it is a fact that various diseases are spreading due to pollution caused by
cutting of trees for speeding up the work of construction of houses and buildings in rural
regions for the urbanization of several cities in the countries; and
(b) if so, the details of the steps being taken by the Government to stop the cutting of
trees to control the pollution?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

(SHRI.NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) Trees absorb/trap pollutants (particulates and gases) to a large extent. As such cutting
of trees may increase pollution load in the area and may pose health risk. However, there
is no conclusive data available to establish a relationship between cutting of trees,
pollution and spread of diseases.
(b) Steps being taken by the Government to stop cutting of trees are:
(i) Legal measures like Indian Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and rules, guidelines
thereof;
(ii) Management measures like working of forests according to approved Working Plans,
Forest Development Agencies and Joint Forest Management.
76
(iii) Financial measures like providing assistance to the States/Union Territories under
Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Externally Aided Projects. Under the Centrally
Sponsored Scheme called ‘Integrated Forest Protection Scheme’ in operation since 2002-
03, funds are provided to States and Union Territories primarily for strengthening of
infrastructure for protection of forests from illicit felling, fires, encroachments, etc.
(iv) A network of Protected Areas (National Parks, Sanctuaries, etc.) has been
established.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
AMENDMENT OF FOREST CONSERVATION ACT
4691. SHRI SU. THIRUNAVUKKARASAR
(a) whether Government of India have formulated any scheme to amend the Forest
Conservation Act, 1980 to settle/allot 4000 post-1978 non-tribal forest encroachers
families in the Reserved Forest area in Andaman District;
(b) if so, when this would be implemented; and
(c) if not, Government’s decision about these families?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) No Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
77
(c) The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has identified revenue land for settlement
of post-1978 encroachers of forest land. The identified land falls under the category of
‘Deemed Forest’. Since the Hon`ble Supreme Court of India has restrained regularisation
of encroachment of forest land, the Union Territory Administration has approached the
Hon`ble Court for the said purpose.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
NATIONAL AFFORESTATION PLAN
2104. SHRI LALIT KISHORE CHATURVEDI
(a) whether Forest Development Agency is set up with concurrence of the Central
Government in forest divisions for implementation of forest development works under
National Afforestation Plan;
(b) whether any consideration is paid on the prevalent weather, soil and biological
pressures in different States while earmarking the optimum cost criterion for forest
development works under the said scheme;
(c) whether any proposals from the Department of Forests, Rajasthan have been received
for amending the accepted cost criterion for fencing the free plantation areas; and
(d) whether the Central Government as per the request of Government of Rajasthan,
propose to bring a provision for keeping flexibility in the optimum cost criterion?
78
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) As per the Guidelines of National Afforestation Programme (NAP), Forest

Development Agencies (FDAs) are constituted at the level of territorial/wild life forest
divisions in the State and registered as society under the Societies Registration Act. FDAs
are receiving financial support from Government of India for implementation of
afforestation projects under NAP.
(b) The NAP Guidelines provide for model cost norms for various components of the
FDA projects based on existing labour wage rate of the State.
(c) Yes, Sir. Proposals have been received from Rajasthan Forest Department for
increasing the cost norms for fencing under NAP.
(d) The main objective of NAP is to regenerate degraded forests and adjoining areas
through people’s participation. NAP Guidelines, therefore, provide that the cost of
fencing component should not normally exceed 5%. However, the Guidelines also
provide that for projects requiring higher allocation for fencing, funds to the extent of
10% of plantation cost may be expended by effecting matching reduction in the
allocation under the component ‘Overheads’.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ENCROACHMENT OF FOREST LAND IN ORISSA
3407. SHRI SURENDRA LATH
(a) whether it is a fact that a large area of protected land reserved for village forest in
K.B.K area of Orissa has been encroached upon by the people;
79
(c) the measures Government have taken to get rid of illegal encroachments; and
(d) the results of these measures?
ANSWER

(a)&(b) Yes, Sir. 12,071 hectares of village forests and Revenue forests land is under
encroachment in K.B.K area of Orissa.
(c)&(d) As a result of the eviction measures taken by the State Government, 2954 hectares of
ineligible encroachments have been evicted so far.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
AMENDMENT OF THE FOREST CONSERVATION ACT
360. SHRI RAM JETHMALANI
(a) whether it is a fact that the Chief Ministers of States in the country have demanded
that more rights should be provided to the tribals by amending the Forest (Conservation)
Act, 1980;
(b) if so, the names of the States which have made this demand and when such demand
was made; and
(c) the decision taken, so far, by Government to effect amendments in the above Act?
80
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) and (b) The Chief Ministers of some of the States have requested for settlement of
rights of forest dwellers including tribals on forest land which includes regularisation of
encroachments and conversion of forest villages into revenue villages. The name of the
States and the date on which such demand was made is given in the Annexure.
(c) The Ministry of Environment and Forests has already issued guidelines on 18.09.1990
under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for settlement of rights of forest dwellers
including tribals over forest land. Such rights over forest land include settlement of
disputed claims over forest land, regularization of pre-1980 eligible encroachments of
forest land, conversion of forest villages into revenue villages and regularization of
eligible pattas/grants/leases over forest land. On 03.11.2005, the Ministry has issued
detailed revised guidelines for verification/recognition of such rights on forest land and
has again requested the State/Union Territory Governments to complete the verification
process. So far, 3.66 lakhs hectares of encroachments on forest land has been regularized
and 511 forest villages have been converted into revenue villages. The process of
settlement of rights over forest land came to a halt due to a ban imposed by the Hon`ble
Supreme Court of India on de-reservation of forest land and regularization of
encroachment of forest land vide its order dated 13.11.2000 and 23.11.2001 respectively.
Since the existing guidelines provide for settlement of rights of forest dwellers including
tribals on forest land, any amendment in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is not
required. However, Ministry of Tribal Affairs in consultation with Ministry of
Environment and Forests has introduced The Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Bill, 2005 in Parliament to safeguard rights of tribals on forest land and minor
forest produce.
ANNEXURE
Name of the States Date(s) on which request for settlement

of rights on forest was made
Karnataka 13.11.2003 and 21.05.2005

Madhya Pradesh 07.06.2003 and 12.03.2004
Orissa 24.03.2005
Chhattisgarh 23.07.2003
Assam 20.07.2004
**********
81
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DEVELOPMENT OF FOREST WEALTH
(a) whether Government have prepared a road map for the development of forest wealth
in the country through an integrated and holistic approach of the problems of
environment, wild life and tribal people;
(c) whether the same has been reflected in the provision of the Scheduled Tribes
(Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2005 presently pending in Parliament; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b): Yes Sir. The Government of India has prepared a comprehensive plan
(National Forestry Action Programme) for 20 years for protection, conservation,
management and sustainable development of forests as well as achieving the target of 33
percent of forest/tree cover in the country.
(c) & (d): The Draft Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill 2005,
introduced by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the Parliament, has the provisions of rights
of Scheduled Tribes on forest land and minor forest produce. The Draft Bill does not deal
with the development of forest wealth.
*******
82
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ESSENTIAL FOREST COVER FOR PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT
1859. SHRI S. ANBALAGAN
(a) the projected extent of forest cover in each State of the country which is essential for
the protection of environment and the actual cover in each State;
(b) whether Government propose to take any steps to increase the forest coverage in the
country; .
(c) if so, the details thereof including fund allocation thereof, State-wise; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) As per the National Forest Policy (1988), the national goal envisages a minimum of
one-third of the total land area of the country under forest or tree cover. In the hills and in
mountainous regions, the policy aims at maintaining two-third of the area under such
cover in order to prevent erosion and land degradation and to ensure the stability of the
fragile ecosystem.
(b) & (c) The following steps have been taken to increase the forest cover in the country:
(i) The Ministry of Environment and Forests has launched a major afforestation initiative
called the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) during the Tenth Five Year Plan for
regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining lands through people’s participation. The
people-centric approach is manifested in the two-tier decentralised institutional set-up of
Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) at the forest division level and Joint Forest
Management Committees (JFMCs) at the village level for the implementation of NAP.
83
(ii) The Ministry of Environment and Forests is also implementing Integrated Forest
Protection Scheme, primarily for strengthening the infrastructure for protection of forests
to control illicit felling, fires and encroachments, etc.
(iii) Guidelines for rationalization of felling and transit regulations for tree species grown
on non-forest private lands have been issued to the State Governments and Union
Territories to encourage private tree plantations. State Governments and Union
Territories have been requested to formulate and implement a comprehensive Media Plan
to create mass awareness about tree planting.
(d) Does not arise.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
NATIONAL AFFORESTATION PLAN
(a) whether Forest Development Agency is set up with concurrence of the Central
Government in forest divisions for implementation of forest development works under
National Afforestation Plan;
(b) whether any consideration is paid on the prevalent weather, soil and biological
pressures in different States while earmarking the optimum cost criterion for forest
development works under the said scheme;
(c) whether any proposals from the Department of Forests, Rajasthan have been received
for amending the accepted cost criterion for fencing the free plantation areas; and
(d) whether the Central Government as per the request of Government of Rajasthan,
propose to bring a provision for keeping flexibility in the optimum cost criterion?
84
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) As per the Guidelines of National Afforestation Programme (NAP), Forest

Development Agencies (FDAs) are constituted at the level of territorial/wild life forest
divisions in the State and registered as society under the Societies Registration Act. FDAs
are receiving financial support from Government of India for implementation of
afforestation projects under NAP.
(b) The NAP Guidelines provide for model cost norms for various components of the
FDA projects based on existing labour wage rate of the State.
(c) Yes, Sir. Proposals have been received from Rajasthan Forest Department for
increasing the cost norms for fencing under NAP.
(d) The main objective of NAP is to regenerate degraded forests and adjoining areas
through people’s participation. NAP Guidelines, therefore, provide that the cost of
fencing component should not normally exceed 5 percent. However, the Guidelines also
provide that for projects requiring higher allocation for fencing, funds to the extent of 10
percent of plantation cost may be expended by effecting matching reduction in the
allocation under the component ‘Overheads’.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ENCROACHMENT OF FOREST AREA IN CARDAMOM HILL
3402. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN
(a) how many acres of land in the Cardamom Hill area in the Idukki district of Kerala has
been declared as reserve forest and whether the boundaries of reserve forest area have
been clearly demarcated;
(b) whether any encroachment in that forest area has been brought to the notice of
85
Government and the steps, if any, taken by Government for assigning land to
encroachers; and
(c) whether Government accorded permission to the State Government to issue title deeds
for the encroachers of Cardamom Hill resource area and if so, the details thereof?.
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): As per the original notification, Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) extends over an area
of 15,720 acres. However, there is variation in the area of CHR as it exists in the
notification, and as on ground.
(b) & (c): Yes Sir. On the basis of the proposal received from the Government of Kerala,
20,363 hectares of forest land was diverted during 1995 by the Central Government under
the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for regularisation of encroachment of forest land
falling under CHR and to assign the land under the Kerala Land Assignment
(Regularisation of Occupations of Forestlands prior to 01.01.1977) Special Rules, 1993
subject to certain conditions. The State Government is required to furnish monthly
reports to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, giving the
progress of forest land so assigned. An application was filed before the Central
Empowered Committee (CEC) by Òne Earth One Life`, a non-government organization,
regarding illegal grant of leases and encroachment in CHR area. The CEC has filed its
report before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the matter is sub-judice.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
RELEASE OF FOREST LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PILGRIM CENTRES
86
(a) whether Government have taken any decision to release forest land for the
development of pilgrim centres which are located in forest areas; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?.
ANSWER

(a) & (b): The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, has diverted
about 140 hectares of forest land under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 during the last
three years and the current year for development of pilgrim centres in various States.
**********
87
GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
EMISSION OF GREENHOUSE GAS

RAASHID ALVI
(a) whether India has asked developed countries to reduce their emission of greenhouse
gases with respect to baseline of year 1990 over a period of time and to provide technical
and financial assistance to developing countries to facilitate cleaner development there;
(b) whether efforts made so far, by developing countries have been dismal and it is
essential for these countries to take up greenhouse gas mitigation measures;
(c) if so, what are other steps Government have urged to do in this regard; and
(d) to what extent developing countries have agreed to the suggestions made by India in
this regard?
ANSWER

(a): According to the Kyoto Protocol of United Nations Framework Convention on

Climate Change (UNFCCC), developed countries (Annex-I Parties) have to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5.2 per cent from their 1990 emission level. Under
the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Protocol, greenhouse gas reduction
project activities would be taken up in developing countries and the carbon credits they
generate would be bought by developed countries to meet their commitments under the
Protocol.
(b) to (d): Under the Kyoto Protocol only developed Countries (Annex-I Parties) have
quantified commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Developing countries
88
have no such quantified commitments but are required to develop, periodically update
and report their national inventories of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases in
accordance with the Framework Convention and take other appropriate measures to
mitigate climate change and facilitate adequate adaptation to climate change. India and a
number of other developing countries have submitted their initial national communication
in fulfillment of these obligations. A number of developing countries, including India
have also taken up measures to mitigate climate change such as encouraging renewable
sources of energy, energy efficiency in thermal power plants, afforestation and
reforestation schemes and have also promoted projects under the Clean Development
Mechanism of the Protocol which reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
********
89
HAZARDOUS WASTE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
SHIP FOR SCRAP CARRYING CARCINOGENIC ASBESTOS INSULATION
(a) whether it is a fact that the Danish Government have alerted India about a toxic ship-
for-scrap carrying carcinogenic asbestos insulation headed for Alang yard in Gujarat;
(b) whether it is also a fact that the Danish Government have requested Indian
Government to declare the ship as illegal traffic and refuse to allow it to be dumped in
India; and
(c) if so, the action proposed?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): The Danish Government have informed the Indian Government regarding
arrival of a ship in India for dismantling carrying asbestos which is used as insulation of
the machinery. It has also been mentioned that as per the Danish legislation on wastes,
the said ship is characterised as waste. The ship was beached at Alang on 3.4.2005. The
officers from Customs, Gujarat Maritime Board, Central Pollution Control Board and
Gujarat Pollution Control Board have verified and found that there is no hazardous waste
on board of the ship.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
90
HAZARDS TO POPULATION IN THE VICINITY OF THERMAL POWER

PLANTS
1125. SHRI PYARIMOHAN MOHAPATRA
(a) whether Government is aware of the serious hazards being caused to the population in
the vicinity of Thermal Power Plants by fly ash and the extensive damage being caused to
the top soil all over the country by the manufacturing of bricks; and
(b) if so, whether Government would consider prohibiting the use of bricks made from
soil in all buildings within a radius of 200 Kms from Thermal Power Plants and giving
adequate transport subsidy to make use of flyash bricks viable?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): The Government of India is aware of the environmental problems caused by the fly
ash generated by the Thermal Power Plants and also excavation of topsoil for the
manufacture of clay bricks.
(b): The Government vide its Notification No. S.O. 763 (E) dated 14th September, 1999
has already restricted the excavation of topsoil for manufacture of bricks within a
specified radius of 100 kilometres from coal or lignite Thermal Power Plants. As per the
provisions of the notification, no person shall within a radius of 100 kilometres from coal
or lignite based Thermal Power Plants can manufacture clay bricks or tiles or blocks for
use in construction activities without mixing at least 25 percent of ash (fly ash or bottom
ash) with soil. At present there is no proposal to provide transport subsidy for making fly
ash bricks.
****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
91
UNION CARBIDE PLANT IN BHOPAL
(a) whether the Competent Authority has taken any measures of security against the
dangerously/chemically affected surroundings and campus soil of the Union Carbide
Plant in Bhopal;
(b) if so , the details thereof;
(c) whether the above chemically affected plant premises are open and accessible to the
general public;
(d) if so, the action taken to protect the public from health hazards of the plant premises;
and
(e) whether the Competent Authority has taken any action on the report submitted by the
Bhopal Commission on the environmental/industrial aspect of the Bhopal Gas leak from
the Union Carbide Plant in Bhopal ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): As per information made available by Department of Chemicals &

Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers , Government of Madhya Pradesh
has taken suitable measures to secure the dangerously/chemically affected surroundings
and campus soil of the Union Carbide Plant in Bhopal. Hazardous materials like tarry
residue (46.50MT), contaminated soil (127 MT) and semi-processed pesticides (18.40
MT) have been collected and separately stored in four halls/sheds in the factory premises.
The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has
entrusted the work of planning the methodology of removal of toxic wastes and preparing
the cost estimates to Engineers India Limited.
(c)&(d): Security guards have been appointed by the State Government to provide round
the clock security to protect the general public from health hazards of the plant premises.
(e): Bhopal Commission, an NGO is reported to have submitted a report to the State
Government in April 2002. As the government is already providing adequate help to the
92
gas victims through relief and rehabilitation measures, it is felt that no useful purpose
would be served by organising a conference/workshop as suggested by the Commission.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
UNION CARBIDE PLANT IN BHOPAL
(a) whether the Competent Authority has taken any measures of security against the
dangerously/chemically affected surroundings and campus soil of the Union Carbide
Plant in Bhopal;
(b) if so , the details thereof;
(c) whether the above chemically affected plant premises are open and accessible to the
general public;
(d) if so, the action taken to protect the public from health hazards of the plant premises;
and
(e) whether the Competent Authority has taken any action on the report submitted by the
Bhopal Commission on the environmental/industrial aspect of the Bhopal Gas leak from
the Union Carbide Plant in Bhopal ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b) As per information made available by Department of Chemicals &

Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers , Government of Madhya Pradesh
has taken suitable measures to secure the dangerously/chemically affected surroundings
93
and campus soil of the Union Carbide Plant in Bhopal. Hazardous materials like tarry
residue (46.50MT), contaminated soil (127 MT) and semi-processed pesticides (18.40
MT) have been collected and separately stored in four halls/sheds in the factory premises.
The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has
entrusted the work of planning the methodology of removal of toxic wastes and preparing
the cost estimates to Engineers India Limited.
(c)&(d) Security guards have been appointed by the State Government to provide round
the clock security to protect the general public from health hazards of the plant premises.
(e) Bhopal Commission, an NGO is reported to have submitted a report to the State
Government in April 2002. As the government is already providing adequate help to the
gas victims through relief and rehabilitation measures, it is felt that no useful purpose
would be served by organising a conference/workshop as suggested by the Commission.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
FACTORIES AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF WATER IN METRO CITIES
1895. SHRI C. RAMACHANDRAIAH

RAJU PARMAR
(a) whether Government is fully aware of the fact that a large number of factories have
affected the quality of water in the metropolitan cities;
(b) whether it is fact that water in many metropolitan and capital cities has been non-
potable due to effluents discharged by these factories; and
(c) if so, the steps Government have taken in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
( a ), ( b ) & ( c ) The industries discharging wastewater have been identified by the State
94
Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees. These industries have been
directed by the concerned State Pollution Control Board / Pollution Control Committees
to set-up requisite pollution control measures. The effluent discharge standards have been
stipulated for these industries and concerned State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution
Control Committees have directed these units to set up requisite pollution control
equipments. In case of non-compliance, necessary legal actions are initiated as per
provisions of various environmental acts.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DISPOSAL OF WASTE
2089. SHRI VIJAY J. DARDA
(a) Whether Government are aware that in clear violation of the Supreme Court order on
hazardous waste disposal, industrial effluent and sludge is being dumped on the streets in
the Wazirpur Industrial Area as the common effluent treatment plant is not working;
(b) If so, the steps Government have taken to ensure that the Supreme Court orders are
fully implemented; and
(c) Whether with this state of affairs, precautionary measures have been adopted so that
resultant diseases do not infect the residents?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(SHRI. NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) & (b): As per information made available by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee
(DPCC), Government of Delhi, the Wazirpur Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP)
is not working since 13/5/2005. DPCC has issued directions to the industrial units for the
operation of the Effluent Treatment Plant.
95
Authorizations for handling hazardous waste are granted to these units as per the
Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 amended 2000 and 2003 and
as per directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Writ Petition 657/95. Development of
a temporary hazardous waste storage facility has been assigned to M/s Ramkee
Infrastructure by Delhi State Industrial Development Corporation (DSIDC).
(c) A new Industrial Waste Water Conveyance System has been laid by Delhi Jal Board
and the DSIDC has been directed completion of repair works of CETP by 15/8/2005. A
permanent site for Treatment, Storage, Disposal Facility (TSDF) for hazardous waste
generated in Delhi has been identified in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLLUTION CAUSED BY CARBON AND CHEMICAL WASTES
1107. SHRI BHAGWATI SINGH

JANESHWAR MISHRA
(a) whether Government are aware of the fact that the target of neat and clean
development has failed due to the pollution caused by the carbon and chemical wastes
generated from industries;
(b) if so, the measures taken by Government to tackle the said problem;
(c) whether the imported waste is also responsible for the said problem; and
(d) if so, the action being taken by Government for tackling it?
96
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b) The Government have notified various environmental legislations such as the
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control
Of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules,
1989 as amended, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for control of pollution
caused by waste generated from industries. The industries are requited to set-up requisite
pollution control facilities to comply with the notified emission and effluent standards.
Under the Hazardous Waste Rules, the generator has also to obtain an authorisation from
the concerned State Pollution Control Board for handling the same.
(c)&(d) The import of waste is regulated under the provisions of the Hazardous Wastes
(Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 and its amendments, which prescribes the norms
and procedures for import of waste and its subsequent handling.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
INCREASE IN HAZARDOUS WASTE UNITS
1100. SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR
(a) whether Government are aware that there is an increase of hazardous waste units in
the country and there is no proper check on them;
(b) whether the State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Centres have been
asked to submit their reports about implementation of Government order on hazardous
waste units; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and steps taken by Government to check the spread of
hazardous waste units in the country?
97
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): The State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees
(PCCs) of Union Territories have carried out inventories in accordance with the
Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended. It is observed that
there is an increase in the number of hazardous waste generating units in the country. The
mare reason for it is the amendments issued to the Hazardous Waste (Management &
Handling) Rules, 1989 in the year 2003, according to which the classification of
hazardous waste generating units has been increased from the earlier 18 categories to 36
industrial processes and the corresponding waste streams. The purpose of this is to bring
all possible hazardous waste generating processes under the purview of the Rules, so that
the waste generated by them is effectively managed by the concerned SPCBs /PCCs.
(b)&(c): All the SPCBs and the PCCs of Union Territories have been asked to carryout
the above inventories on hazardous waste generating units and the quantities of hazardous
waste generation in accordance with the Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling)
Amendment Rules, 2003 and also to submit the inventory reports to the Central Pollution
Control Board. The Government have notified the Hazardous Waste (Management and
Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended, to regulate and properly manage the hazardous waste
generated in the country as well as the wastes imported into the country for recycling
purposes. Rule-5 of these Rules provides that every occupier handling, or a recycler
recycling hazardous waste shall obtain authorisation from the respective State Pollution
Control Boards or Pollution Control Committees for collection, reception, treatment,
storage and disposal of hazardous wastes. In addition, such units are also required to
obtain necessary consents under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ACTION UNDER BATTERY MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING RULES
98
(a) whether the State Pollution Boards have, so far, taken any action against erring
organisations under the Battery (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001;
(b) if so, the details of the action taken;
(c) whether there is any action plan of his Ministry to bring awareness of the Rules
among the various parties connected with the Rules;
(d) if so, the details of such action plan; and
(e) if not, whether there is any proposal to have such an action plan?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b): As per the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001, the State
Pollution Control Boards are the prescribed authority to ensure compliance of the
provisions under the rules and provide information on the status of compliance to the
Central Pollution Control Board. Seventy-four units have been registered for recycling of
batteries by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Hazardous Wastes
(Management and Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2003.
(c), (d) & (e): According to the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001, it is
the responsibility of the manufacturer, importer, assembler, re-conditioner and recycler of
the batteries to create public awareness through advertisements, publications and posters.
Awareness workshops have been organised by Indian Lead Zinc Development
Association (ILZDA) and the Indian Battery Manufacturers Association for the benefit of
recyclers and battery manufacturers. Also media such as radio and television are used to
create mass awareness among the public.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
99
DISPOSAL OF WASTE
(a) Whether Government are aware that in clear violation of the Supreme Court order on
hazardous waste disposal, industrial effluent and sludge is being dumped on the streets in
the Wazirpur Industrial Area as the common effluent treatment plant is not working;
(b) If so, the steps Government have taken to ensure that the Supreme Court orders are
fully implemented; and
(c) Whether with this state of affairs, precautionary measures have been adopted so that
resultant diseases do not infect the residents?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(SHRI. NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) & (b): As per information made available by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee
(DPCC), Government of Delhi, the Wazirpur Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP)
is not working since May 13, 2005. DPCC has issued directions to the industrial units for
the operation of the Effluent Treatment Plant.
Authorisations for handling hazardous waste are granted to these units as per the
Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 amended 2000, 2003 and as
per directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Writ Petition 657/95. Development of a
temporary hazardous waste storage facility has been assigned to M/s Ramkee
Infrastructure by Delhi State Industrial Development Corporation (DSIDC).
(c): A new Industrial Waste Water Conveyance System has been laid by Delhi Jal Board
and the DSIDC has been directed completion of repair works of CETP by August 15,
2005. A permanent site for Treatment, Storage, Disposal Facility (TSDF) for hazardous
waste generated in Delhi has been identified in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
*******
100
HEALTH
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
BANNING AYURVEDIC MEDICINES
3442. SHRI MOTILAL VORA

PREMA CARIAPPA
UDAY PRATAP SINGH
(a) whether it is a fact that a ban has been imposed on Indian ayurvedic medicines by
Canada, Britain and the European Union;
(b) whether Government’s attention has been drawn to the reports appearing in the
foreign media on high metallic content in the ayurvedic/herbal products being exported
from India;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor and the reaction of Government thereto;
(d) whether any efforts have been made by Government to retain the quality of ayurvedic
medicines ;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(a) to (f): The Canadian Government has recently imposed a ban on the 10 Indian Ayurvedic and
Unani medicinal products on the ground that they contain high levels of metals such as lead,
mercury and/or arsenic. No such ban has been imposed by U.K. and European Union on Indian
Ayurvedic Medicines. Indian Ayurvedic products have always been sold as food supplements in
the EU market. The recent Directive 2004/24/EC which has caused some concern is in fact only
101
an amendment to the earlier Directive 2001/83/EC on the community code relating to medicinal
products for human use to harmonise and put on fast track the registration of traditional herbal
medicines. The issue regarding registration of Ayurvedic medicines has been taken up with the
European Union.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of AYUSH is committed to

standardisation and Quality Control of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) drugs in pursuance
of which a number of initiatives have been taken.
Central Government has notified Good Manufacturing Practices for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani
medicines. Central Government has issued an order on October 14, 2005 under the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act, 1940 to be effective from January 1, 2006 providing for mandatory testing for
heavy metals for Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicines which are to be exported. Orders have
also been issued to all State Licensing Authorities to ensure that all Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani
drug manufacturing units become Good Manufacturing Practices compliant and that they should
display on the container of a medicine or a leaflet inside the container the names and quantities
of all ingredients used in the medicine. If any ASU medicine has any potentially toxic ingredient,
there should be a statutory warming on the container regarding its use ‘Under Medical
Supervision’.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DENGUE AND MALARIA CASES IN THE COUNTRY
1150. SHRI JANESHWAR MISHRA
(a) whether Government are aware of the number of persons becoming victims of dengue
and malaria in the country, if so the details thereof;
(b) whether Government have formulated any comprehensive scheme to deal with the
challenge posed by mosquitoes, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether Government and administration of the hospitals are aware of the number of
persons who have died due to these diseases, so far, in the country and the number of
persons still admitted in the hospitals; and
102
(d) the details of the steps taken by Government for the prevention of these diseases in
the States ?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (d): The reported number of cases and deaths by the states during 2001 to 2005
indicates that the highest number of 12754 dengue cases and 215 deaths were during the
year 2003. The dengue cases declined to 4153 with 45 deaths during 2004. In the current
year, the states have reported 9463 cases and 70 deaths till Nov 22, 2005. The number of
cases and deaths due to Dengue as reported by the state health authorities is given at
Annexure-1.
There is no increase in the number of malaria cases in the country. The number of
malaria cases in 2002 was 1.84 million, which remained at the same level of 1.84 million
in the year 2004. The numbers of deaths were 973 in 2002 and 944 in the year 2004.
During the current year up to August 2005, 0.77 million cases were reported as against
0.81 million cases of corresponding period in the year 2004. The number of cases and
deaths due to malaria reported by states is given at Annexure-1.
Annexure - 1
The country wide data for the past three years is presented below:
Year Dengue Dengue Malaria Malaria

Cases Deaths Cases deaths
2002 1926 33 1842019 973
2003 12754 215 1869403 1006
2004 4153 45 1844413 944
2005 9463 70 771560 464
Dengue reported up to 22.11.2005 and Malaria reported up to Nov. 05
Govt. of India provides assistance in the form of cash and commodities to the
103
States/UTs for implementation of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme
including prevention and control of malaria and dengue. The details of the assistance
provided is given in Annexure – 2.
Annexure - 2
During the last three years the assistance provided to various states/UTs by
Govt. of India is as below:
Year Assistance provided (Rs. in crore)

2002-03 206.82
2003-04 201.01
2004-05 216.66
2005-06 (Allocation) 348.45
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
JUNK FOOD HABIT AMONG THE PEOPLE

DARA SINGH
(a) whether government are aware that junk food is fast gaining popularity in
metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh and Delhi wherein people are getting
quickly attracted towards it;
104
(b) if so, whether the food experts the world over, have expressed their concern over
increasing consumption of junk food as a large number of children and youths are falling
victims;
(c) if so, whether Government propose to take concrete steps to check the expanding junk
food culture in order to save our children from its adverse impact;
(d) if so, by when ; and
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (e): There is no specific definition for junk food. The phrase ‘junk food’ is used to
denote such food which have high levels of calories and have little enzyme producing
vitamins and minerals. When such food is consumed, the body is required to produce its
own enzymes to convert these empty calories into usable energy. This is not desirable as
this enzymes producing function in human body should be reserved for the performance
of vital metabolic reactions.
There is an increasing trend particularly among school children and adolescent

population to consume ‘junk food’ which is rich in calories but low in nutritive value.
However, there is no large scale data on the extent of consumption of junk foods.
There is a concern world over regarding the increasing consumption of highly refined
foods with only energy and little or no vitamins and minerals. There are studies to
indicate that there is a positive correlation between consumption of foods with empty
calories and chronic degenerative diseases as well as hypertension, obesity, cardio
vascular problems and glucose intolerance. A study conducted by All India Institute of
Medical Sciences (AIIMS) - Department of Science & Technology (DST) in 2002 found
that the consumption of junk food is increasing in schools and adolescent population. The
same study has shown that this trend and associated life style factors in urban adolescent
and young adult population has resulted in increase of non-communicable diseases
among the young population.
The need for education of general public to avoid junk food has increased and efforts are
being made by Government, nutritionists and dieticians to make people aware of its
harmful effects. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also prepared IEC
material advising avoidance of junk food by all age groups of the population. These
materials have been circulated to all the States and are also displayed and distributed
during ‘health melas’ organised by this Ministry. The National Institute of Nutrition
(NIN) has developed dietary guidelines for Indians, where it has been suggested that
105
ready to eat foods should be consumed judiciously and ‘free sugar’ should be used
sparingly.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
MALARIA DEATHS IN NORTH EASTERN STATES
4731. SHRIMATI SYEDA ANWARA TAIMUR
(a) whether it is a fact that the North-Eastern States report half of the country’s malaria
deaths ;
(b) whether Government have initiated any plan to bring down the percentage of malaria
deaths in North-Eastern States;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether water-borne diseases are also quite prevalent in the North-Eastern region; and
(e) if so, the steps taken to control water borne diseases in this region?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): The North-Eastern States comprise around 4% of country’s population and distribute
around 8% of total malaria cases and about 20% deaths. As per reports received from the
State Health authorities, total number of malaria cases has declined in N.E. States during
the past few years.
106
The details of malaria morbidity and mortality during the last four years in N.E. States
are given below:-
Year Positive Cases A.P.I Deaths
Pv Pf Total
2001 99165 107329 206494 5.29 211
2002 90711 89630 180341 4.59 162
2003 73517 83288 156805 3.93 169

2004 31360 63534 94894 2.38 162
Pf: Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases

A.P.I: Annual Parasite Incidence
(b) & (c): All the North-Eastern States are being provided 100% central assistance to
tackle the malaria situation since December 1994. This includes operational cost apart
from supply of anti-malaria drugs, insecticides, bed nets and synthetic pyrethroids
required for treatment of bed nets.
Seven North-Eastern States have also been included under Intensified Malaria Control
Project (IMCP) of Global Funds for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to provide drugs
for treatment of chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum cases and acceleration of
early detection of malaria cases and their treatment.
(d) & (e): Reported number of cases and deaths due to water-borne diseases such as
Acute Diarroheal Diseases (ADD), Viral Hepatitis and Enteric fever from North-Eastern
States during the years 2000 to 2003 is given at Annexure. Only 9 cases of Cholera have
been reported in the year 2002 in Manipur with no mortality. No reports of cholera in
2000 and 2001.
To strengthen surveillance activities and promote early detection of outbreak and institute
appropriate action for prevention and control of water-borne diseases, ‘National
Surveillance Programme for Communicable Diseases’ (NSPCD) under Central Sector
Health Scheme has been implemented since 1997-98 in a phased manner. Currently,
NSPCD is in operation in 101 districts of the country including 9 districts of North-
Eastern States which have been taken up under the Phase-1 of the Integrated Disease
Surveillance Project (IDSP). It is envisaged to cover the North-Eastern States under
second phase of the IDSP.
107
ANNEXURE
Cases and Deaths Reported due to Water-borne Diseases from North-Eastern States
ENTERIC FEVER:
States 2000 2001 2002 2003

Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Cases Deaths
Manipur 8765 1 4349 0 5353 2 1435 0

Meghalaya 29149 1 42193 1 2454 0 3822 3
Mizoram 477 3 466 6 447 2 520 4

Nagaland 1968 0 3917 0 18187 0 1712 0
Sikkim 42 0 496 0 397 1 179 0
Tripura 1263 2 3889 2 1171 1 1545 11
VIRAL HEPATITIS:
States 2000 2001 2002 2003

Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Cases Deaths
Manipur 728 7 1558 0 426 0 310 0
Meghalaya 301 1 500 8 472 1 413 3
Mizoram 943 2 1183 11 1164 9 744 8

Nagaland 408 0 144 0 157 0 127 0
Sikkim 594 5 409 1 322 2 414 2
Tripura 113 8 1784 9 105 2 86 3
ACUTE DIARROHEAL DISEASE (ADD):
States 2000 2001 2002 2003

Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Cases Death
Manipur 31844 14 29436 14 29393 8 18478 14

Meghalaya 13878 22 148961 43 135153 25 111509 279
Mizoram 13022 8 15882 11 15013 21 14899 14
Nagaland 2596 3 19669 0 30116 0 2924 0
Sikkim 32217 28 41419 8 40419 7 42843 5
Tripura 36410 16 50873 22 44241 23 27900 35
*************
108
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
MALARIA SPREAD IN INDIA

N.K. PREMACHANDRAN
(a) whether the attention of Government has been drawn towards the media report on
WHO’s concern that more than half-a-billion people suffer from the deadliest form of
Plasmodum falciparum Malaria in India and other countries of Asia and Africa; and
(b) if so, Government’s reaction thereto and the steps proposed to be taken in this regard?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a)&(b): WHO has reported that they have not conducted or technically supported any
recent study on the malaria situation in the member countries including India. However,
the study recently published in Nature (Vol.434/10th March/2005) by Mr. Robert W.
Snow and others deals with mapping the global distribution of clinical episodes of
Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) Malaria. The report does not mention about the increase in
malaria cases in India. In fact, WHO has challenged the report regarding alarming rise in
the incidence of Pf malaria. Incidence of malaria as well as the Plasmodium falciparum
cases in the country has been showing declining trend over the past few years.
Epidemiological situation of malaria in the country since the year 2000 is given below:-
Year Positive Cases Pf cases Deaths

(in million) (in million)
2000 2.03 1.05 932
2001 2.09 1.01 1005
2002 1.84 0.90 973
2003 1.86 0.86 1006
2004 1.73 0.80 832
(Provisional)
109
The strategies for control of malaria includes surveillance, early diagnosis and prompt
treatment of cases, sustainable vector control including indoor residual spray with
insecticide treated bed nets, use of larvivorous fish, etc. besides training, information,
education and communication (IEC) to enlist community involvement.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
REVIVAL OF MALARIA
(a) whether it is a fact that reappearance of mosquitoes throughout the country has
resulted in revival of Malaria;
(b) whether Government have conducted any research on Malaria repellants like planting
of Marigold flowers or other such measures; if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether inadequate sewerage in cities and towns is one of the factors for reappearance
of mosquitoes and revival of Malaria; and
(d) if so, the steps Government have taken to deal with the situation?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): The mosquito nuisance is determined by several factors like unplanned urbanisation,
physical environment, life style of the people and water-management system. There are
several species of the mosquitoes which have different breeding habits. The mosquito for
110
spread of malaria i.e. Ànopheles` usually breeds in clean water. The effective control of
mosquito can be achieved by environmental modifications and manipulations. The
National Malaria Control Programme was started by the Govt. of India in 1953 which
was converted to National Malaria Eradication Programme in 1958. There was
spectacular reduction of malaria incidence as well as deaths. However, during late 1970`s
there was resurgence of malaria due to operational, technical and administrative factors.
With the introduction of Modified Plan of Operation in 1977, the number of malaria
cases declined from 6.4 million to below 2 million in 2002. Since then the number of
cases of malaria has remained below 2 million.
(b): Though there are some reports in literature about the insecticidal and repellent
activity of the extracts of Tagetus (Marigold), these have not been used/studied as malaria
repellent by planting of Marigold flowers and other plants in the country. There is
however a report on a study conducted by scientists from Kenya and Ethiopia on live
potted plants including Tagetus (Marigold) tested as mosquito repellent which did not
show any significant repellent effect of Tagetus.
(c) & (d): Bad sewerage system cause breeding of Culex mosquitoes but malaria
transmitting Anopheles mosquitos do not breed in sewer water. The Govt. of India has a
well defined Programme viz. National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme
(NVBDCP) for control of malaria in the country adopting strategies which include
surveillance, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cases, sustainable vector control
including Indoor Residual Spray with insecticides treated bed nets, use of larvivorous fish
etc. besides training, information, education and communication to enlist community
involvement. Urban Malaria Scheme is also being implemented in 131 towns in the
country to reduce density of mosquitoes and to prevent spread of malaria.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
TOXICANT IN DRINKING WATER
4723. SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH
(a) whether it is a fact that as per the report of World Health Organization high contents
of SANKHIYA (toxicant) beyond its limit has been found in potable water of some the
States;
(b) whether 8 districts of the West Bengal and 200 villages of Bihar are badly affected
111
with the same;
(c) whether 45 lakh people of West Bengal are compelled to drink such toxicant water;
(d) the action Government are taking in the matter of higher content of SANKHIYA
(toxicant) in potable water ; and
(e) number of States where potable water doesn’t comply with the health standards along
with the district-wise details thereof?.
ANSWER
WELFARE
(a)&(e): There is no authentic information reported by WHO of high contents of

SANKHIYA (toxicant) beyond its limits found in potable water. However, as per water
quality survey ordered by Govt. of India the following States have reported occurrence of
arsenic in drinking water sources as per details given below:-
1. Bihar - 45 habitations
2. Chattisgarh - 11 habitations
3. West Bengal- 4973 habitations

Total - 5029 habitations
Details are placed at Annex I.
(b) & (c): The State Government have confirmed that 8 districts of West Bengal are
affected with arsenic. Regarding Bihar, there is no information about 200 villages
effected by arsenic contamination.
(d): Actions taken by Govt. of India is placed at Annex.ll.
112
ANNEXURE
WATER QUALITY AFFECTED HABITATIONS REPORTED BY - STATES (as

on 31,03.2004)
(On the basis of survey ordered in March, 2000)
Habitations Affected by
State/UT Fluoride Salinity Iron Arsenic Nitrate Multiple Total

Andhra Pradesh 3072 973 5 0 0 0 405O
Arunachal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pradesh
Assam 0 0 7585 0 0 534 8119
Bihar 43 0 629 45 50 9 776
Chhattisgarh 17 61 4932 11 0 0 5021
Goa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Gujarat 4341 2575 0 0 1336 465 8717
Haryana 144 72 0 0 0 145 361
Himachal Pradesh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Jharkhaand 15 0 113 0 1 39 168

Jammu & 0 0 49 0 0 0 49
Kashmir
Karnataka 5838 4460 6633 0 4077 0 21008

Kerala 34 86 564 0 78 105 867
Madhya Pradesh 3764 604 856 0 0 157 5381
Maharashtra 800 2077 196 0 296 418 3787
Manipur 0 0 37 0 0 0 37
Meghalaya 160 0 0 0 160
Mizoram 0 0 26 0 0 0 26
Nagaland 0 0 157 0 0 0 157
Orissa 504 771 30979 0 0 0 32254
Punjab 613 1291 189 0 0 0 2093
Rajasthan 8992 5428 131 0 7882 18639 41072
Sikkim 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tamilnadu 737 674 1058 0 237 2868 5574
Tripura 0 0 6850 0 0 181 7031
Uttaranchal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Uttar Pradesh 1046 295 2198 0 1 1522 5062
West Bengal 1346 4126 54711 4973 0 0 65156
A & N Islands 0 0 16 0 0 10 26
D & R Haveli 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
113
Daman & Diu 0 0 0 0 0 0 o
Delhi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lakshadweep 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pondicherry 0 0 14 0 0 0 16
Chandigarh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 31306 23495 118088 5029 13958 25092 216968
Rural Drinking Water supply is a State subject. Government of India introduced the
centrally sponsored Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) in 1972-1973
to accelerate coverage of problem villages by rendering financial and technical assistance
to States. The entire programme was given a mission approach when the National
Drinking Water Mission (NDWM) was set up in 1986. NDWM was renamed as Rajiv
Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM) in 1991.
2. The primary objective of RGNDWM was to improve the performance and cost
effectiveness of the on going programmes in the field of rural drinking water supply and
sanitation and help ensure availability of adequate quantity of drinking water of
acceptable quality on a long-term basis.
3. Rural drinking water supply is largely dependent on ground water (85%). Though
ground water is less susceptible to pollution as compared to surface water, it is affected
by the composition of earth’s crust. Leaching action of the arsenic bearing rocks at some
places leads to occurrence of arsenic in ground water.
4. Contamination of ground water with arsenic was first noticed in 6 districts in West
Bengal in the early 1980s. The first attempt to tackle the problem was made in 1988 by
sanctioning an investigative study under the R&D programmes. Thereafter, several R&D
projects as well as field-oriented programmes were sanctioned in the arsenic affected
areas.
5. At the instance of RGNDWM, the states carried out a survey of quality-affected

habitations in 1991 based on 1 percent random sampling. As per results of this survey,
3,133 habitations in West Bengal have found to be affected with arsenic contamination.
Another survey in 2 phases was ordered in the year 2000, based on 5 to 10% stratified
sampling of sources in each Block in Phase-I, followed by Phase-II in which 100%
testing sources was done in the block where quality affected sources were found in the
Phase 1. The West Bengal Government has reported 4,973 habitations affected with
arsenic contamination in 75 blocks in 8 districts, namely, 24 Pargans Sourth, 24 Parganas
North, Malda, Nadia, Bardwan, Murshidabad, Hoogly and Howrah. The total population
at risk in these 75 blocks of 8 districts is estimated at 16 million.
6. Among the various techniques developed for removal of arsenic, two methods, viz,, (i)
Co-precipitation technique and (ii) Absorption technique, are the most common. The
PHED, Government of West Bengal and other organizations like All India Institute of
Hygiene and Public Health (AIIH&PH), Calcutta and Bengal College of Engineering,
Howrah have also installed arsenic removal plants in the arsenic affected areas of the
114
State. Besides, domestic filters have also been developed by these organizations. A
programme of Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance was also launched by
RGNDWM by initially setting up State and District level Water Quality Testing
laboratories to ensure safe drinking water by the State Governments and generate
awareness about water quality among rural masses. 17 district laboratories were
sanctioned by RGNDWM for West Bengal, out of which 13 were established. In the
remaining 6 districts, the State Government established laboratories from their own
sources. One Mobile laboratory was also sanctioned by RGNDWM and delivered to
West Bengal Government.
7. Helping State Governments to tackle water-quality problems in the rural areas is one
of the objectives of the RGNDWM. Sub-mission programmes were introduced in 1992-
93 to tackle water quality and sustainability problems. The funding pattern was 75:25
between Centre and State. Under the Sub-mission programme for control of arsenic, four
projects proposed by the State Government were sanctioned during 1994-98 for West
Bengal by RGNDWM. The West Bengal Government implemented these projects. The
details of four pre-1998 Arsenic control projects sanctioned, were as follows:
Sl Project Project Approved GOl's Funds Remarks

Sanction Cost Commit released
N. Year ment by
GOI
1 1st Phase Action Plan 94-95 858.33 643.75 643.75 Scheme
(replacement of spot Completed.
sources in arsenic free Population covered
aquifers in 6 districts of 3.7 lakh
West Bengal)
2 Surface Water based 94-95 8848.00 6636.00 6632.82 Scheme
Water supply scheme for completed.
arsenic affected areas of Population
Malda district covered
2.89 lakh
2 Surface Water based 94-95 8848.00 6636.00 6632.82 Scheme
Water supply scheme for completed.
Malda district covered
2.89 lakh
3 Surface Water based 96-97 15353.00 11515 11515 Scheme
Water supply scheme for Completed.
South-24 Paraganas covered
district 14.46 lakh
4 2nd Phase Action Plan 97-98 1777.56 1333.17 1326.45 Scheme
(Piped water supply Completed.
schemes and replacement Population
of spot sources in arsenic covered
115
free aquifers in West 78 lakh
Bengal)
Total : 26836.89 20127.92 20118.02
8. Helping State Governments to tackle water quality problems continues to be one of the
objectives of the RGNDWM. With effect from 1.4.1998, full powers have been delegated
to the State Governments for sanctioning projects under the sub-mission programmes for
tackling water quality problems. The funding pattern between Centre and State is 75:25.
15% of annual funds allotted to State Government under the Accelerated Rural Water
Supply Programme (ARWSP) are earmarked for tackling water quality problems. Year-
wise details of allocation of ARWSP funds during the last 6 years to West Bengal are
given below. 15 % of these funds were to be utilized for tackling water quality problems,
including Arsenic control.
(Rs, in lakh)
Year-wise ARWSP fund releases to West Bengal Total

1998--99 99-2000 2000-01 2001'02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05
6426.91 5606.45 7832.31 8947.63 10115.00 6827.00 5379.00* 45760.30
* Allocation for 2004-2005 is Rs 8527.00 lakh
9. The details of these Post-1998 Sub-mission projects sanctioned by the State

are as tabulated below: (Rs. in lakhs)
Sl Project Project Approved GOI's Remarks

No. Sanction Cost Commit-ment
Year
1 Surface Water based Water 2000-01 12482.00 9361.50 Ongoing,
supply/scheme for arsenic affected
areas of North -24 Paraganas
2 Ground water Project for Nadia/ 2002-03 1176.00 882.00 Ongoing
Murshidabad districts
3 Surface Water based Water 2002-03 654.31 Ongoing
supply scheme for arsenic affected 490.73
areas
Total : 14312.31 10734.23
10. State Government of West Bengal have also installed 2,338 handpump
attached arsenic removal plants in 5 affected districts as per following break-
up:
District No. of handpump fitted arsenic

removal plants installed as on
31/3/2004
Malda 191
116
Murshidabad 1129
Nadia 220
North 24 Paraganas 698
South 24 Paraganas 100
Total 2338
11. As reported by the West Bengal Government, out of the 4973 Arsenic affected
habitations confirmed so far, mitigation measures have been taken up in 3404 habitations
(68.45%).
12. State Government of West Bengal recently submitted 6 surface water based schemes
for in arsenic affected areas at a total outlay of Rs 1166 crore. Government of India
supports the efforts of the States by releasing funds under Accelerated Rural Water
Supply Programme as per the following criterion for inter-State allocation:
Weightage for
(a) Rural Population 40
(b) States under DDP, DPAP 35
and special category hill States in
terms of rural areas
(c) Not Covered /Partially Covered 15
villages (at 2:1 ratio)
(d) Quality affected villages 10
Individual rural water supply schemes are planned and implemented by the State
Governments themselves and ARWSP funds are not released by the Central Government
for specific projects of any State. West Bengal Government has covered all NC/PC
habitations in 1999 CAP list, they can utilize higher percentage (%) of ARWSP funds for
quality purposes on the basis of 75:25 funding pattern between the Central and State
Government.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ONSLAUGHT OF WATER BORNE DISEASES IN METROPOLITAN AREAS
117
(a) whether Government are aware that in ninety-six percent of the metropolitan areas
(Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.) diseases are water-borne, including cholera and
gastroenteritis and vector borne like malaria and dengue;
(b) if so, how far Municipal Corporation or similar organizations have developed
effective capabilities to deal with these diseases;
(c) whether there are any special guidelines in existence to this effect; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): Water-borne diseases spread through contaminated water and transmitted
through faeco-oral out. On an average, 8.5 million cases of acute diarrhoeal disease, 3 to
4 thousand cholera cases, 0.1 million viral hepatitis cases and 0.4 million enteric fever
cases are reported annually to the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence from all over the
country. The cases of epidemiological situation of vector-borne diseases, viz. Dengue and
Malaria as per reports received from the State Health Authorities during the last three
years is as follows:
City Diseases 2002 2003 2004
Delhi Dengue 45 2882 606

Malaria 694 839 958
Kolkata Dengue 0 0 0
Malaria 53951 49379 56359
Mumbai Dengue 135 328 312

Malaria 13542 13522 14758
Chennai Dengue 146 634 571

Malaria 27205 29058 28232
To strengthen surveillance activities and to promote early detection of outbreak and

institute appropriate action for prevention & control of epidemic prone diseases
including water-borne/vector-borne diseases, National Surveillance Programme for
118
Communicable Diseases (NSPCD) and Urban Malaria Scheme (UMS) under Central
Sector Health Scheme are being implemented.
(c) & (d): Guidelines for prevention and control of water-borne and vector-borne
diseases have been developed by the National Institute of Communicable Disease and
have been circulated to all Public Health Agencies.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ALARMNING LEVEL OF PESTICIDES IN HOSPITALS
568. SHRI R. KAMARAJ
(a) whether it is a fact that the alarming level of pesticides has been detected in leading
hospitals of Delhi;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) whether Government had issued any direction to the State Government in this regard;
and
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (d): So far the Central Government Hospitals in Delhi are concerned, no incident of
alarming level of pesticides have come to the notice of the Government.
*********
119
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DISPLAYING THE CONTENT OF SOFT DRINKS IN THE BOTTLE
611. SHRI RAJ MOHINDER SINGH MAJITHA

RAM JETHMALANI
(a) whether it is a fact that his Ministry had taken any specific decision after the orders of
the Rajasthan High Court to the effect that every bottle of soft drinks like Coca Cola and
Pepsi should display the information that the drink contains pesticides ;
(a) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(b) if so, the details thereof ?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a), (b) & (c): The Hon`ble High Court of Rajasthan has granted two months time to the
applicants to ensure compliance of this order. It is however, learnt that the applicants
namely, M/s. Coca-Cola India Inc. and M/s. Pepsi Foods Pvt. Ltd. have filed appeals in
the Hon’ble Supreme Court against this order.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DISPLAYING EXTENT OF PESTICIDES ON LABELS OF FOOD ITEMS
120
PREMA CARIAPPA
(a) the reasons for which Government do not wish to display extent of pesticides on
labels of food items by amending the Food Adulteration (Prevention) Rules, 1955
keeping in view the concern for health of the common people;
(b) whether Government are aware that pesticides have been found exceeding the
prescribed limit in several food products and cold drinks and they affect the public health
adversely; and
(c) if so, by when Government would make arrangements for display of the extent of
pesticides on the labels of food items?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)
(a)to(c): As per the provisions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955,
the names of ingredients used in the product shall be declared on the label in descending
order of their composition by weight or volume as the case may be. Similar provisions
have been prescribed by Codex Alimentarius Commission which is an international
organization for standardization of food products. All the countries in the world follow
the practice of declaration of the ingredients on the label. Pesticides are not used as an
ingredient in preparation of any food products. Pesticide residues comes in food through
use of pesticides upon food crops or during storage of food grains. As stated above, there
is no practice in any country or any provisions under CODEX to display the extent of
pesticides on the label of food items. There is, therefore, no proposal under consideration
for displaying limit of pesticides on the label of food items under PFA Rules, 1955. In
order that the contaminants in food products do not exceed the safe limits, the maximum
tolerance limits for pesticide residues in food products have been prescribed under
Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955. Any violation of the limits
prescribed is punishable under law. Studies have been conducted by Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare during the years 1988-89, 1993-94 and 2000-01. All these studies
reveal that the pesticide residues detected in various foods are within the tolerance limits
prescribed under the PFA Rules, 1955, except in some cases where the residues exceeded
the prescribed limits.
****
121
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
RULES FOR PREVENTING FOOD ADULTERATION

JANARDHANA POOJARY
(a) the details of the rules and regulations governing prevention of food adulteration in
the country;
(b) whether it is a fact that the existing laws have proved to be ineffective in preventing
food adulteration in the country;
(c) whether any comparative study has been undertaken between the Indian laws and
those adopted by the developed nations to learn how those countries have succeeded in
nearly eliminating food adulteration and the shortcomings of the Indian laws; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, whether such a study would be instituted?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (d): Adulteration in food stuffs is checked and regulated in the country under the
provisions of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules, 1955. The
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act has been amended thrice so far, in 1964, 1976 and
1986 to plug the loopholes and make the law more stringent and also to empower the
recognised consumer organisations to play active role in the Prevention of Food
Adulteration Programme. The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and the Rules
made there under provide for adequate provisions to check and curb the adulteration and
misbranding of food articles. The Act provides for strict penal provisions against the
offenders. Standards of quality have been laid down under the Prevention of Food
Adulteration Rules, 1955 for more than 270 articles of food. Most of the rules and
regulations laid down under these rules are in conformity with the guidelines laid down
by the Codex Alimentarious Commission, an international body of the Food and
122
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) of the United
Nations.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
INFECTIOUS INJECTIBLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENTS
3463. SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH
(a) whether it is a fact that due to repeated use of injectible medical equipments in almost
all the Government and private hospitals/clinics in the country, the increasing incidents of
serious infections like AIDS is becoming alarming day by day ;
(b) if so, whether this fact has come to light after conducting a survey of several hospitals
in Delhi and Mumbai in this regard;
(d) whether Government would consider to check this practice by assisting the States?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): No, Sir. The Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified
the Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, in July 1998 to ensure safe
handling and disposal of bio-medical wastes. In Central Government Hospital in Delhi,
the disposable injectible sundries (syringes, needles, cannulas, transfusion sets, tubes,
etc.) are disposed off as per the guidelines contained in the above Rules.
(b): No such survey report has come to the notice of the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare.
(c) & (d): Do not arise in view of the above.
*******
123
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DEATHS DUE TO DENGUE IN DELHI
3446. SHRI SANTOSH BAGRODIA

HARISH RAWAT
R.K. ANAND
(a) the number of persons died due to dengue during the last two years in Delhi;
(b) whether it is a fact that anti-larval measures to check dengue were taken late by the
MCD, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board during the year and if so, what action
Government propose to take against the delinquent officers;
(c) the quantum of money collected from negligent home owners for dengue mosquito
breeding; and
(d) the measures taken to stop occurring of deaths due to dengue in Delhi?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): During 2003 a total of 35 deaths, during 2004 a total of 3 deaths and during 2005
(upto November 2005) a total of 9 deaths were recorded in Delhi.
(b): The implementing agencies for taking anti-larval measures in NCT Delhi are MCD,
NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board. They have been taking anti-larval measures
including weekly application of larvicides to check dengue.
(c): As per the reports received from NDMC and MCD, a sum of Rs. 4350/- and
Rs.46,82,700/- have been collected by NDMC and MCD respectively from negligent
home owners for dengue mosquito breeding.
124
(d): All the above implementing agencies have been advised to take the following
measures to prevent deaths due to dengue:
(i) Surveillance of disease and vector mosquito on regular basis.
(ii) Clinical management of reported cases in all hospitals in NCT.
(iii) Vector control mainly through source reduction, personal protection and Behaviour
Change Communication campaign, inter-sectoral convergence for mosquito breeding
source reduction and personal protection measures.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DEATHS DUE TO DENGUE IN DELHI
3446. SHRI SANTOSH BAGRODIA

HARISH RAWAT
R.K. ANAND
(a) the number of persons died due to dengue during the last two years in Delhi;
(b) whether it is a fact that anti-larval measures to check dengue were taken late by the
MCD, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board during the year and if so, what action
Government propose to take against the delinquent officers;
(c) the quantum of money collected from negligent home owners for dengue mosquito
breeding; and
(d) the measures taken to stop occurring of deaths due to dengue in Delhi?
125
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): During 2003 a total of 35 deaths, during 2004 a total of 3 deaths and during 2005
(upto November 2005) a total of 9 deaths were recorded in Delhi.
(b): The implementing agencies for taking anti-larval measures in NCT Delhi are MCD,
NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board. They have been taking anti-larval measures
including weekly application of larvicides to check dengue.
(c): As per the reports received from NDMC and MCD, a sum of Rs. 4350/- and
Rs.46,82,700/- have been collected by NDMC and MCD respectively from negligent
home owners for dengue mosquito breeding.
(d): All the above implementing agencies have been advised to take the following
measures to prevent deaths due to dengue:
(i) Surveillance of disease and vector mosquito on regular basis.
(ii) Clinical management of reported cases in all hospitals in NCT.
(iii) Vector control mainly through source reduction, personal protection and Behaviour
Change Communication campaign, inter-sectoral convergence for mosquito breeding
source reduction and personal protection measures.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
USE OF COLOURS IN FOOD ITEMS
126
(a) whether the National Institute of Nutrition has found liberal use of a variety of colours
in food items which are harmful for health ;
(b) if so, the details of the findings; and
(c) the action taken to correct the situation?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (c): The information is being collected and will be laid on the table of House.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
HIV INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD BANKS
(a) whether Government introduced any safety measures to check the resourced blood to
the blood banks of medical colleges against HIV infection;
(b) whether any incident of HIV infection to a child at SAT Hospital,

Thiruvananthapuram consequent to the blood donation has been brought to the notice of
Government and whether Government propose to introduce any stipulation to insist
antigen test for blood donors for taking precaution against HIV infection; and
(c) whether Government propose to implement any specific programme to eliminate

hospital acquired HIV infection and the reaction of Government thereto?
127
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): It is mandatory for all licensed blood banks in the country, including that of medical
colleges are required to screen donated blood units for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis
and Malaria before they are transfused to the patient.
State Blood Transfusion Council is regularly monitoring the screening status of HIV and
other mandatory infection of all the blood banks in their respective States/UTs. Further in
order to ensure strict adherence to norms in the blood banks, the licenses of the blood
banks are renewed after due verification of the availability of the requisite infrastructure
with the blood banks as prescribed in Drug & Cosmetic Rules.
(b): A child was detected to be HIV Positive one year after he received blood transfusion
in SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. On cross checking the records at the blood
bank, it has been observed that the donors at the time of blood donation were negative for
HIV.
The Government has not proposed to introduce any stipulation to insist for antigen tests
for blood donors.
(c): The Government has initiated specific programmes to eliminate hospital acquired
HIV infection by various measures such as, Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), Hospital
Waste Management, use of sterile needle and syringes and use of disposal gloves, etc.
The detailed guidelines of the programme have been published in the ‘Manual for
Control of Hospitals Association Infections’ which has been circulated to all the State
AIDS Control Societies for implementation.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DISEASES DUE TO POLLUTION FROM SLAUGHTER HOUSES
1921. DR. CHHATTRAPAL SINGH LODHA
128
(a) whether Government are aware that as a result of water and other kind of pollution
being spread by legal/illegal slaughter houses in the country, the resident in those areas
are being infected with the diseases spreading through polluted water and air and the
details of diseases with which these persons are suffering;
(b) the details thereof State-wise/Union Territory-wise;
(c) the action being taken by Government in this regard and whether any inquiry will be
conducted for the same; and
(d) whether Government propose to cancel the licences of such slaughter houses in public
interest?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): According to ICMR, workers in slaughterhouses are exposed to various
infectious diseases such as Brucellosis, Erysipeloid, Leptospirosis, Dermatophytosis and
warts. These diseases are transmitted through contact with the infected animals or
through the contamination of water. The data in respect of number of people infected by
such diseases is not centrally maintained.
(c) & (d): State Pollution Control Boards have pursued slaughterhouses to set up requisite
pollution control facilities to ensure proper management of waste. Slaughterhouses have
also been asked to adopt modern slaughtering operations for good environmental
management.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
LICENCING OF PATHOLOGY LABORATORIES
129
(a) whether authorities establishing pathological laboratories require to obtain permission

/licence from the concerned Government agencies;
(b) if so, the details thereof with number of laboratories that were issued licence during
the last three years ;
(c) whether it is a fact that Indian laboratories are now extending their pathological
services to overseas clients/hospitals by getting the samples tested in the laboratories here
and electronically dispatching the reports;
(d) if so, the details in this regard; and
(e) what safeguards are taken in the disposal of the imported samples to ensure that they
do not prove to be health hazards for India?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): Health being a State Subject it is for the State Governments to regulate the
establishment of pathological laboratories.
(c) to (e): Some of the Indian laboratories either directly or through their authorised
importers or service providers have started extending their pathological services to the
overseas clients. For this purpose, they are required to submit their applications to the
Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
for seeking necessary permissions. For certain cases involving human biological material,
opinion of Indian Council of Medical Research is sought by the Office of the DGFT,
which is given by ICMR after due consideration of such cases by a Committee
constituted for the purpose. Further, pathological laboratories come under the purview of
the Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 and have to follow
these rules for treatment and disposal of all kinds of bio-medical wastes.
*********
130
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DISMAL HEALTH STATUS OF THE TRIBAL COMMUNITIES
379. SHRI K. CHANDRAN PILLAI
(a) whether it is a fact that the health status of people in the tribal areas remain at the
lowest in the country;
(b) whether a study ‘Health Status Index’ conducted in Rajasthan revealed the dismal
state of health status of the tribal communities in the State;
(c) whether Government have evolved any comprehensive scheme for the improvement
of the situation; and
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): Yes Sir.
(b): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs had sponsored a study - Health and Malnutrition Study
among the PTG of Sahariyas in Rajasthan for re-look at the traditional food habits. The
study revealed that over 80 per cent of the Sahariyas are living below poverty line and
have a high degree of mal nutrition and morbidity.
(c) to (d): The Government has recently launched the National Rural Health Mission with
a special emphasis on vulnerable sections of the rural population. The main objective of
the NRHM is to provide accessible, affordable, accountable, effective and reliable
primary health care especially to the poor and vulnerable sections of the population. It
seeks to provide an overarching umbrella to the existing vertical schemes/programmes of
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It also aims to address the issue of health in the
context of a sector wide approach encompassing sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, safe
drinking water as basic determinants of good health. It further seeks to build greater
131
ownership for health and family welfare programmes among the community through
involvement of Panchayat Raj institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders at national,
state, district and sub-district levels.
In addition, all Programme Officers have been directed to earmark 8 per cent of their
Annual Plan funds to the tribal sub-plan for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. Specific
programmes like the enhanced Malaria Control Project and the Yaws Eradication
Programme have been formulated exclusively for the tribal and remote areas. Keeping in
view that most of the tribal population is concentrated in far flung areas, the population
coverage norms for primary health care infrastructure and some disease control
programmes have been relaxed. As supplementing efforts towards improving health
status of tribals, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been implementing a scheme for grant-
in-aid to voluntary organisations for welfare of the Scheduled Tribes. Under the scheme,
the Ministry gives grant for setting up and running of ten bedded hospital and mobile
dispensary for STs. During the year 2004-05, an amount of Rs1,94,12,300 and Rs
3,39,18,800 were released for running ten bedded hospitals and mobile dispensaries
respectively.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
TOBACCO INDUCED DISEASES
(a) whether the incidence of tobacco induced diseases, particularly due to cigarettes and
beedis are on the increase in the country;
(b) if so, the details in this regard for the last five years, year-wise, with funds allocated
and spent on campaign against smoking and treatment of the affected people;
(c) whether it is a fact that the law banning smoking in public places has failed to yield
the desired results; and
(d) if so, the action proposed to be taken to make the law more stringent?
132
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): Data relating to incidence of tobacco induced diseases are not centrally
maintained. Cancer, respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases are the three main diseases
caused due to tobacco use. While funds are allocated to National Cancer Control
Programme, Revised National TB Control Programme, Tobacco Free Initiative, etc., no
specific funds are earmarked for treatment of patients affected by tobacco use and for
campaign against smoking.
(c) & (d): The law banning smoking in public places is implemented mainly by the State
Government who have been requested to enforce the provisions of the law strictly and put
in place necessary mechanisms to prevent smoking in public places.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POPULATION SUFFERING FROM VARIOUS DISEASES
1945. DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state: -
(a) whether it is a fact that the number of people suffering from common diseases as well
as serious diseases are constantly increasing in the country;
(b) if so, Government’s assessment in this regard;
(a) what is the percentage of increase in the number of people suffering from both types
of the diseases mentioned above during the last five years; and
(b) the number of such people during the years 2000-01 and 2004-05?
133
ANSWER
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(a) to (d): The information is being collected and will be placed on the Table of the
House.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
UNSAFE INJECTIONS
1923. SHRI ABANI ROY
(a) whether it is a fact that more than 60 per cent of injections administered in various
hospitals are unsafe according to a World Bank funded study;
(b) if so, the complete details thereof;
(c) whether the study of Indian National Injection Safety Association has also found that
safety of injections in India is poorest at immunisation clinics; and
(d) if so, the steps Government have taken in this regard?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (c): Yes Sir. As per findings of the study, funded by the World Bank and conducted
by International Clinical Epidemiology Network (INCLEN), 69 per cent of injections
given at Government Hospitals are unsafe. Half of this is due to use of un-sterilised
134
syringes and reuse of syringes and other half due to wrong injection practices namely the
following:
(a) flushing syringes needle before use

(b) wiping the needle
(c) touching the needle surface
(d) syringe and needle used on more than one patient
(e) picking of glass syringe and needle from boiler by hand
(f) multi dose vial not wiped clean before drawing
(g) injection site not cleaned
(h) recapping needle
(i) not flushing glass syringe after use before re-sterilisation.
The other findings of the study indicates that immunisation accounts for 17.5 per cent of
total injections and 74 per cent of this are unsafe because of predominant use of glass
syringes. No study by Indian National Injection Safety Association has come to the notice
of the Government of India.
(d): The Government of India has decided to use Auto Disable (AD) syringes in place of
glass syringes and needles in all immunisation clinics in the country in 2005. AD
syringes are pre-sterilised and cannot be re-used. So it will take care of most of the causes
of unsafe injections including some due to wrong habits.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
WHO’S FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON TOBACCO CONTROL
(a) whether the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control will come into force
on February 25, 2005 having received a mandatory 40 member-country ratifications;
(b) whether India is a signatory to the above convention and if so, whether it proposes to
135
make anti-tobacco consumption measures more stringent; and
(c) whether India is currently spending more funds on checking tobacco-prone health
hazard measures than its revenue generated through central excise duty on tobacco
products?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) under the aegis of the
World Health Organisation (WHO) has come into force from February 27, 2005. India is
a signatory to this Convention and has already translated important provisions of FCTC
into its domestic law by legislating ‘The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products
(Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production,
Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003’ in May 2003. The legislation includes total ban on
direct and indirect advertisements of all tobacco products; prohibition on sponsorship of
sports and cultural events which encourage tobacco use; ban on smoking in public places;
ban on sale of tobacco products to minors; ban on sale of cigarettes and tobacco products
within a radius of 100 yards of educational institutions; mandatory pictorial depiction of
warnings like skull and cross bones and such others for the benefit of illiterate persons;
provision of specified health warnings and clear indication of nicotine and tar contents on
packets and cartons of all tobacco products.
(c): At present, the Government is spending more funds on checking tobacco prone health
problems than its revenue generated through central excise duty on tobacco products. In
order to reduce avoidable expenditure on tobacco – related diseases, the above legislation
has been enacted to discourage tobacco consumption and control diseases and death
attributed to tobacco use.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ANTI-MALARIA INSECTICIDE NET
406. SHRIMATI SUKHBUNS KAUR
136
(a) whether the Gas Authority of India Ltd. has lately developed an anti-malaria
insecticide net, with Japanese collaboration to effectively tackle the menace of malaria;
(b) the salient features of the anti-malaria insecticide and its effectiveness to prevent the
menace; and
(c) the number of malaria deaths in the country and in the different States during 2002-
03, 2003-04 and 2004-05?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(SMT PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a): Yes, Sir. Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) is working with M/s Sumitomo
Chemical Co. Ltd, Japan for development of facilities for manufacturing of long lasting
insecticide (Pyrethroid) impregnated High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) polymer nets
(Long Lasting Insecticide Impregnated Nets, LLIN). The ready made insecticide
impregnated HDPE polymer is to be supplied by M/s Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd,
Japan. GAIL has already produced few nets based on sample of polymer supplied by the
party.
(b): There are 3 major groups of insecticides being used by the National Vector Borne
Disease Control Programme for control of Malaria through Indoor Residual Spraying
(IRS):
1. Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Group: Indoor Residual Spraying with DDT 50 per cent
WDP (Water Dispersible Powder) had been quite effective in the prevention of malaria
menace. Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) with DDT remains effective for a period of 2 to
3 months and hence 2 round of IRS are carried out in different states depending upon the
period of malaria transmission season. However, in the areas where the malaria vectors
have developed resistance to DDT, it is been replaced with other group of insecticides.
2. Organophosphorous Group: Indoor Residual Spraying with Malathion 25 per cent

WDP had been quite effective in the prevention of malaria menace. IRS with Malathion
remains effective for a period of 1 to 2 months and hence 3 rounds of IRS are carried in
different states depending upon the period of malaria transmission season. However, in
the areas where the malaria vectors have developed resistance to Malathion, it is replaced
with other group of insecticides.
3. Synthetic Pyrethroid Group: This is a new group of insecticides. There are many
137
compounds in this group of insecticides. However, the following insecticides of this
group are being used in malaria control programme:
i) Deltamethrin 2.5 per cent

ii) Cyfluthrin 10 per cent
iii) Lambdacyhalothrin 10 per cent
iv) Alphacypermethrin 5 per cent
Indoor Residual Spraying with any of the above referred Synthetic Pyrethroids is quite
effective in the prevention of malaria transmission. IRS with Synthetic Pyrethroids
remains effective for a period of 2 to 3 months and hence 2 rounds of IRS are carried to
cover states depending upon the period of malaria transmission season. In areas where
the malaria vectors have developed resistance to DDT and Malathion, Synthetic
Pyrethroids group of insecticides are recommended.
(c): The number of malaria deaths in different states since 2002 is given at
Annexure-I
Annexure-I
MALARIA SITUATION
STATEs/UTs. 2002 2003 2004 2005*
Deaths Deaths Deaths Deaths

Andhra Pradesh 0 3 2 10
Arunachal 0 0 0 0
Assam 72 53 54 83
Bihar 2 1 0 1
Chhattisgarh 3 4 4 2
Goa 15 1 7 2
Gujarat 17 65 89 0
Haryana 0 0 0 0
Himachal Pradesh 0 0 0 0
Jammu & Kashmir 0 0 0 0
Jharkhand 31 13 39 8
Karnataka 33 22 27 7
Kerala 8 7 12 0
Madhya Pradesh 30 22 36 0
Maharashtra 43 85 61 4
138
Manipur 9 17 8 2
Meghalaya 41 38 29 19
Mizoram 35 48 72 61
Nagaland 0 0 1 0
Orissa 465 333 283 132
Punjab 0 1 0 0
Rajasthan 11 66 20 0
Sikkim 0 0 3 2
Tamil Nadu 0 0 0 0
Tripura 5 13 16 10
Uttaranchal 0 0 0 0
Uttar Pradesh 0 0 0 0
West Bengal 152 214 180 111
A.N.Islands 1 0 1 0
Chandigarh 0 0 0 0
D & N Haveli 0 0 0 0
Daman & Diu 0 0 0 0
Delhi 0 0 0 0
Lakshadweep 0 0 0 0
Pondicherry 0 0 0 0
All India Total 973 1006 944 464
*Provisional dated 18/11/2005
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PESTICIDES IN VEGETABLE AND FRUITS
1162. SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN
(a) whether excessive pesticides are found in vegetables and fruits;
139
(b) if so, its effects on human bodies; and
(c) the manner in which Government propose to meet the alarming situation ?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): A survey on presence of pesticide residues in food products including fruits
and vegetables conducted by Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare during 2002-03 indicates the presence of hexachlorocyclohexane
(HCH) residue which is well within the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of HCH
prescribed under the PFA Rules, 1955. No other pesticide such as organophosphorus,
carbamates and pyrethroids could be detected in these samples.
(c): A Central Sector Scheme in the Ministry of Agriculture for monitoring pesticide
residues at national level has been approved this year in order to ascertain prevalence of
pesticide residue at farm and market levels to enable the remedial measures to be under
taken as required.
The Central and State Governments are implementing training programmes to various
extension functionaries, dealers and farmers on the safe and judicious use of pesticides.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CAUSES FOR INCREASE IN DENGUE CASES
3461. SHRI KALRAJ MISHRA
(a) whether it is a fact that the number of patients suffering from dengue is on the rise for
the past three months in National Capital Territory, Delhi;
140
(b) if so, the number of cases of dengue reported, so far, alongwith the number of dengue
patients in other States;
(c) the details of patients who have died of this disease ; and
(d) whether it is also a fact that for lack of proper arrangement in hospitals in Delhi, the
patients of dengue have died in a large number?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (c): The number of cases of dengue and deaths reported in National Capital
Territory of Delhi for the last three months are given below:-
Month Cases Deaths
September 159 1
October 415 4
November 347 1
State-wise distribution of dengue Cases and deaths during 2005 are shown in Annexure.
(d): The Government hospitals in Delhi have adequate arrangements for proper
management of dengue cases. As there is no cure for dengue, the cases admitted in
hospitals are managed symptomatically. Necessary guidelines for management of
dengue cases have been provided to the State Governments including Delhi by the
Central Government.
Annexure
DENGUE CASES AND DEATHS RECORDED IN THE COUNTRY DURING

THE YEAR 2005 (UPTO DECEMBER 13, 2005)
Sl no State
Dengue Cases Deaths
141
1. Andhra Pradesh 78 2
2. Delhi 1019 9
3. Goa 2 0
4. Gujarat 381 1
5. Haryana 160 1
6. Karnataka 410 12
7. Kerala 983 8
8. Maharashtra 199 9
9. Punjab 251 2
10. Rajasthan 214 1
11. Tamil Nadu 447 5
12. Uttar Pradesh 100 1
13. West Bengal 6286 34
Total 10530 85
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
FIXING THE LEVEL OF METALS IN AYURVEDIC SIDDHA AND UNANI

MEDICINES
385. SHRI UDAY PRATAP SINGH
(a) whether Government have decided to make it compulsory to fix the quantity of metals
in Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha medicines and display it on drug packets; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and by when it would be enforced?
142
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to(b): Government has issued an order on October 14, 2005 in the interest of public
health under Section 33 EEB of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 for mandatory
testing of heavy metals namely, arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium for export purposes
in respect of every batch of purely herbal Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani drugs by every
licencee. Display of ‘HEAVY METALS WITHIN PERMISSIBLE LIMITS’ on the
containers will be mandatory w.e.f. 1.1.2006. This is a process of self-certification for
export purposes and the A.S.U. drug manufacturer will be held responsible if proper
batch-wise testing is not done before self-certification. This process of self-certification
would be extended for sale within the country in due course.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DENGUE AND MALARIA CASES IN DELHI
374. SHRI LALIT SURI
(a) the number of dengue and malaria cases, separately, so far reported during 2005 in
Delhi and the number of deaths that occurred as a result thereof;
(b) how do this figures compare with those of the previous two years i.e., 2003 and 2004;
and
(c) the reasons for higher cases of dengue and malaria this year and the steps
taken/proposed to be taken to improve the situation in this regard?
143
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (c): Dengue and malaria are the seasonal and epidemic prone diseases. Dengue is
caused by virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquito which breeds in man made
mosquitogenic condition such as ornamental tanks, flower vases, discarded tins, bottles,
tyres, overhead tanks, unused tyres, coolers, etc. particularly during pre- and post-rainy
season as the water gets collected in various containers which helps in breeding of Aedes
mosquitoes. Reported number of dengue cases and deaths in Delhi during the year 2003
and 2004 are given below:-
Year Cases Deaths
2003 2882 35
2004 606 3
2005 850 9
During the year 2005, up to 16.11.2005, 850 cases and 9 deaths due to dengue were
reported as compared to 606 cases and 3 deaths during 2004.
In respect of malaria, number of cases reported during current year up to August 2005
is 437 as compared to 269 cases during corresponding period of 2004. The reported
number of malaria cases and deaths in Delhi during the year 2003 and 2004 are given
below:
Year Blood slide Malaria Cases Deaths

Examination
2003 1220248 839 0
2004 1028273 1316 0
2004 127232 269 0
2005 644853 437 0
The increase in the number of malaria in NCT Delhi during 2005 is attributed to
screening of large number of fever cases as compared to year 2004 as is evident from the
above table. No death due to malaria has been reported since 2003.
144
A centrally sponsored National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme is operative
throughout the country for prevention and control of malaria, dengue and other vector
borne diseases. The Government of India provides antimalaria drugs, insecticides and
larvicides and cash assistance for training, IEC activities and for computerised
management information system. Technical support and needbased assistance are also
provided to the states for investigation and control of outbreaks.
The strategies for prevention and control of epidemics includes:
1. Early diagnosis, prompt treatment and appropriate case management.
2. Integrated vector control, epidemic preparedness and early response.
3. Information, education and communication for generating awareness about

prevention and control of disease.
4. Capacity building by training of health care workers, NGOs in prevention and control
activities.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation including computerised management information system
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
WATER POLLUTION AND CHILD MORTALITY
(a) whether it is a fact that India has the highest mortality rate just better than Pakistan
and Bhutan in terms of environmental threats to children’s health, according to the
WHO`s classification which has been published in its publication ‘Inheriting the world:
Atlas of children health and environment’ ;
(b) whether it is also a fact that it is because of the high level contamination of water; and
(c) if so, in what manner Government are thinking to overcome this situation ?
145
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): The World Health Organisation`s publication ‘Inheriting the world: Atlas of children
health and environment’ examines the effect of various environmental factors on children
health. The report also classifies the countries according to mortality rates. According to
this classification, Pakistan with child mortality rate of 110 per 1000 live births, Bhutan
with child mortality rate of 98 per 1000 live births and India with child mortality rate of
96 per 1000 live births have been classified as high mortality countries. However, 49 out
of 192 countries listed in the report have a child mortality rate higher than that of India.
(b) & (c): Lack of access to safe drinking water alongwith poor environmental sanitation
are important contributors to child mortality due to diarrhoeal diseases. In addition, air
pollution is one of the important causes of acute respiratory infections among children,
which is another major cause of child mortality.
Safe drinking water and improvement in sanitation services are recognised as important
interventions in preventing diarrhea. Govt. of India is implementing the Central Rural
Sanitation Programme. Under this, the Department of Drinking Water Supply is
implementing Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC). Govt. of India has sanctioned TSC
projects in 520 districts of the country to improve the sanitation scenario in the villages.
The objectives of the TSC programme are to bring about an improvement in the general
quality of life in the rural areas, accelerate sanitation coverage, generate felt demand for
sanitation facilities through awareness creation and health education. Further, the
National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) recently launched by the Govt. of India seeks to
converge health concerns with determinants of health, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition and
safe drinking water.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CHINA FOR TIE-UP IN BIO MEDICAL RESEARCH
146
C. RAMACHANDRAIAH
(a) whether China has evinced keen interest for a tie-up with India in the field of bio-
medical research;
(c) whether the proposed co-operation is contemplated only in the area of traditional
medicines or likely to extend to the field of modern medicines also;
(d) whether specific proposals for joint research have been received from the Chinese
Government, if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether Government are considering similar joint research activity with other
countries, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (e): The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed that China has
evinced keen interest for a tie-up with India in the field of bio-medical research mainly
on stem cell and traditional medicine. The areas under traditional medicine include
documentation of medicinal plants and developing systems for regulating trade in this
area. Stem cell research and exchange of scientists for capacity building are other
potential areas being explored for joint activity. The ICMR have suggested cooperation in
the field of indigenous medicine with ASEAN countries.
********
147
POLICIES AND AMENDMENTS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT POLICY
(a) whether it is a fact that Government has finalised a National Environment Policy
2005;
(b) if so, what are its main features; and
(c) how does the policy address the problem of ozone layer protection?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) No, Sir. The Government has not yet finalised the National Environment Policy 2005.
(b) & (c) Does not arise.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
148
MEETING OF STATE ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS
252. SHRI JESUDASU SEELAM
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: -
(a) whether two days Meeting of State Environment Ministers held in September, 2004
opposed or rejected the proposed reforms in the procedure for granting environmental
clearance to development projects;
(b) if so, the details of States, suggestions that Government should form an independent
monitoring and evaluation agency to assess compliance of the spirit of Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986;
(c) if so, how many State Governments demanded delegation of powers to them on the
projects of national importance;
(d) if so, what were the main decisions taken; and
(e) how many suggestions have been accepted and implemented?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) In the Conference of the State Environment Ministers held at New Delhi in
September 2004, the State Governments had by and large supported the need for
reforms in environmental clearance process but with the delegation of greater powers
to the State Governments for granting environmental clearances.
(b) None of the State Governments had requested for the formation of an independent
monitoring and evaluation agency to assess the compliance of the spirit of
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. However, the Government of West Bengal had
underlined the need for establishing an autonomous body in every State to be called
the Environment Protection Agency for dealing with all matters pertaining to the
grant of environment clearances to the projects.
(c) None of the States had demanded delegation of powers to them for granting
environment clearances in respect of projects of national importance.
(d) The Conference had resolved that the Ministry of Environment and Forests should
hold further consultations with all the States before finalising the reforms.
(e) The revised environmental clearance procedure has not been finalised.
*******
149
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
NEW DRAFT ENVIRONMENT POLICY
5454. SHRI K.RAMA MOHANA RAO
(a) whether it is fact that Government have released the new draft environment policy;
(b) whether it is also a fact that Government have released the policy for comments by
various sections of the society;
(c) if so, the details of comments received from various sections;
(d) by when Government would formally release the policy;
(e) whether any time/date has been fixed to discuss the policy in Parliament; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?.
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (b) Yes, Sir.
(c) Comments received from various stakeholders are largely in the nature of suggestions
for strengthening the draft National Environment Policy in areas such as decentralisation,
role of women in management of natural resources, access to information, good
governance, linkage to other existing policies, sustainable forest management, desert eco-
system, small wetlands, watershed management, implementation of the policy, review,
etc.
(d) The draft National Environment Policy, as revised, is in the process of submission to
the Cabinet. The Policy will be formally released after the Cabinet’s approval.
(e) No, Sir. However, the draft National Environment Policy was sent to all the Members
150
of Parliament in December 2004 for their views.
(f) Does not arise.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ENVIRONMENT COURTS
(a) whether there is any proposal to set up ‘Environment Courts’ in all the States to deal
with environmental issues;
(c) whether State Governments have been consulted in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and by when these courts are likely to be set up?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The Law Commission, in it’s 186th Report, has inter alia
recommended establishment of separate Ènvironment Courts` at the State level
consisting of judicial and scientific experts in the field of environment, for dealing with
environmental disputes besides having appellate jurisdiction in respect of appeals under
the various Pollution Control Laws. The recommendations of the report are under
consideration of the Government.
(c) & (d) No Sir. The States have not been consulted at this stage, as the
recommendations of the Report are still under consideration of the Central Government.
*******
151
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
2643. SHRI T.R. ZELIANG

DWIJENDRA NATH SHARMAH
(a) whether Government have formulated any National Environment Policy in the
country;
(c) the concrete steps Government propose to take for implementation of the said scheme
in the national interest?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Environment & 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 recognizes 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
developmental activities. 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 and broad
indication of the legislative and institutional development needed to accomplish the
strategic themes, and mechanisms for implementation and review.
(c) On its finalization, the NEP will be translated into a set of implementable Action
Plan(s), with the participation of different stakeholders.
*******
152
MINES AND MINERALS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR URANIUM MINING AND

PROCESSING PLANT AT NALGONDA
536. SHRI RAMA MUNI REDDY SIRIGIREDDY
(a) whether Department of Atomic Energy has submitted a proposal for environmental
clearance to its proposed Uranium Mining and processing plant at Nalgonda in Andhra
Pradesh;
(b) if so, when such proposal was received in his Ministry; and
(c) the action that has been contemplated on the proposal so far?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) Yes, Sir. Ministry of Environment and Forests has received a proposal from M/s
Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. seeking environmental clearance only for mining of
Uranium in Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh.
(b) The above proposal was received on 08.06.2005.
(c) As per procedure, the proposal is awaiting appraisal by the Expert Committee
(Mining) constituted by this Ministry.
****
153
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
SAND MINING IN COASTAL AREAS
(a) Whether it is a fact that the intrusion of Tsunami waves was in bigger scale in the
coastal areas of Alleppy district where sand mining is permitted;
(b) If so, whether Government is considering appropriate measures for regulating sand
mining in the coastal areas; and
(c) If so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINSITRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND

FORESTS
(a) No, Sir.
(b) & (c) Does not arise.
************
154
MUNICIPAL WASTE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
SOLID WASTE OF SLAUGHTER HOUSES
(a) whether the Supreme Court of India has fired the Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) for its failure to deal with solid wastes of slaughter houses;
(c) the action taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) In the Writ Petition (Civil) No.309 of 2003 Laxmi Narain Modi Versus Union
of India & Ors. on Slaughter Houses, the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 12/07/2005 has
awarded costs of Rs. 25,000/- for the adjournment sought by the Central Pollution
Control Board’s (CPCB) counsel.
(c) The CPCB would continue to file affidavits and details as called for by the Hon’ble
Supreme Court regularly to avoid the necessity for seeking adjournments.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
155
LICENCED AND ILLEGAL SLAUGHTER HOUSES
(a) the number of legal and illegal slaughter houses that are running in the country, State-
wise and location-wise;
(b) the names of slaughter houses that have installed devices for controlling
environmental pollution;
(c) whether in spite of installing devices for controlling the environmental pollution, it is
being created in other way by these slaughter houses;
(d) whether Government are aware of non-use of pollution control devices; and
(e) the action Government are taking in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (e) Information is being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CAUSED BY SLAUGHTER HOUSES
156
1105. DR. CHHATTARAPAL SINGH LODHA
(a) whether the Government are aware of the environmental pollution being caused by
slaughter houses located in the districts of Bulandshahar and Aligarh of Uttar Pradesh;
(b) the places being polluted and the type of environmental pollution being caused in the
districts of Bulandshahar and Aligarh together with the details of slaughter houses
causing pollution;
(c) whether officers give enquiry report of the above after indulging in corruption while
local people are agitating against them and local news papers are also reporting of
environmental pollution; and
(d) whether Government would get the investigation done by the committee of a central
team or of the Members of Parliament in the above districts?
ANSWER

(a) to (d): As per information made available by the Uttar Pradesh State Pollution Control
Board (UPPCB), there are four slaughter houses in the districts of Bulandshahar and Aligarh
in Uttar Pradesh. Of these, two slaughter houses located at Mundakhera Road, Khurja,
Bulandshahar and at Makdoomnagar are owned by Nagar Palika, Khurja and Nagar Nigam,
Aligarh, respectively. The UPPCB has issued closure orders to them for non-compliance of
the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. These two
slaughter houses are now closed as informed by the respective local Administration/Nagar
Palika. Besides the above, there are two other modem slaughter houses, one at Aligarh and
the other at Mundakhera Road, Khurja.
The one at Aligarh, namely, M/s Hind Agro (P) Ltd., Aligarh was recently inspected by a
team of Officers from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Central Pollution Control
Board and the UP Pollution Control Board on September 15, 2005. M/s Hind Agro (P) Ltd.
was found to have provided waste water treatment facility and also a rendering plant. The
team has given specific recommendations for improving the waste water treatment plant to
ensure that the treated effluents meet the prescribed standards and for improvement in the
composting yard.
The recommendations of the team have been communicated to the UPPCB. A show cause
notice has been issued under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Act, 1974 by the UPPCB to this Unit on account of the treated effluents not meeting the
prescribed standards. M/s AL-Ahmed Frozen Food is another newly constructed slaughter
house at Mundakhera Road in the Bulandshahar district. This slaughter house has so far not
157
been granted consent for trial production under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution)
Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 by the UPPCB, as the
effluent treatment plant installed at the slaughter house requires improvement.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLLUTION BY SLAUGHTER HOUSES
(a) the number of legal and illegal slaughter houses which are causing all kind of
pollution in the country State-wise, along with pollution caused;
(b) whether Government have taken action against such slaughter houses against whom
the complaints have been received, if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps taken to ensure supply of clean drinking water is such areas;
(d) whether Government are proposing to cancel the licenses of such polluting slaughter
houses;
(e) whether Government propose to constitute a committee of MPs and local

representatives to conduct the inquiry in this regard; and
(f) whether it is also a fact that working group of Reserve Bank has suggested to make a
`Risk Fund` in this regard;
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (f): The information is being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House.
******
158
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSABLE FACILITIES
(a) the details of cities which have set up suitable waste treatment and disposable
facilities under the Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000;
(b) whether it is a fact that India produces 42 million tonnes of urban solid waste
annually; and
(c) what measures Government are taking in coordination with the States and local
municipalities to maintain the urban waste to the minimum level?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(a): As per the information provided by the Central Pollution Control Board, Vijayawada,
Thirttmala and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, Kammp in Assam, Dhamtari,
Jagadalpur, Rajnandgaon, Raipur, Korba, Bhilai, Durg and Raigard in Chhisttisgarh,
Delhi, Ahmedabad and Junagarh in Gujarat, Shimla, Solan, Una, Sirmour, Bilaspur,
Dharamshala, Kangra, Hamirpur, Kullu and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, Bangalore,
Mysore and Mangalore in Kamataka, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Adoor, Atingal,
Thirussur, Chalakundy and Changanasery in Kerala, Indore, Bhopal and Gwalior in
Madhya Pradesh, Nasik, Akola, Mumbai, Miraj-Kuped, Pimri-Chinchawad, Pune,
Kolhapur, Barsi, Icholkaranji, Melegaon, Dhule, Wharda, Virar, Bhiwandi,
Nizampur, Ambarnath and Aurangabad in Maharastra, Shillong and Tura in
Meghalaya, Baliapada, Puri and Paradeep in Orissa, Jalandhar in Punjab,
Pondicherry, Jaipur in Rajasthan, Gangtok in Sikkim, Nagarkoil and Tirupur in
Tamil Nadu and Kolkata in West Bengal have set up composting plants.
Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and Lucknow in Uttar
Pradesh have set up waste to energy plants. Surat in Gujarat, Karwarputtur in
Karnataka, Nasik and Pune in Maharastra have set up landfills.
159
(b):As per the information provided by the Ministry of Urban Development, India
produces around 42.0 million tons of municipal solid waste annually and 1.14 lakh tons
of waste everyday.
(c) Following are some of the measures taken for solid waste management including
waste minimisation:-
• The Ministry of Urban Development facilitates and provides technical

assistance to Urban Local Bodies (ULB) for management of municipal solid
waste (MSW) in a scientific and hygienic manner and has published a Manual
on `Municipal Solid Waste Management` which provides detailed guidelines for
planning, designing, operating and maintaining solid waste collection, storage,
transportation, treatment and disposal systems including methods of waste
minimisation. They have also circulated guidelines to the State Governments for
using the Twelfth Finance Commission grants for management of municipal
solid waste in a scientific and hygienic manner.
• The Central Twelfth Finance Commission has devolved Rs.2,500 crores to

ULBs through State Governments for developing appropriate segregation,
collection, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal system in a time
bound manner in urban areas (from the year 2005 to 2010 A.D).The Central
Pollution Control Board organises training programs and has published reports
for providing technical support to local bodies for the management of the
municipal solid waste.
• The Ministry of Environment and the Central Pollution Control Board have
funded projects for the setting up model demonstrating facilities for the
management of municipal solid waste as per the Municipal Solid Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 on cost sharing basis.
*******
160
NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES
RAJYA SABHA
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR POWER GENERATION FROM

WASTE
Will the Minister of NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) what is the estimated quantum of production of power from waste as of now, State-
wise;
(b) the details of financial assistance/grants provided by the Government for the
generation of power from waste under the National Programme; and
(c) the steps taken to popularise this scheme for better implementation?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL

ENERGY SOURCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)
(a): Projects for energy recovery from urban and industrial wastes with an aggregate
capacity of 45.33 MW have so far been installed in the country. State-wise break-up is
given in Annexure-I.
(b): Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources is promoting energy recovery from

wastes through separate programmes for urban and industrial wastes. Provisions for
financial assistance under these programmes, subject to eligibility and other terms and
conditions are given in Annexure-II.
(c): Awareness is being created through organisation of workshops, seminars and training
courses besides dissemination of information through a quarterly newsletter and
information brochures. A brain-storming session for all stakeholders was organised
recently. Financial support is also provided for development of projects and various
awareness creation activities.
161
ANNEXURE-I
State-wise break-up of installed capacity of Waste-to-Energy projects
Sl. No. State Installed capacity of Waste-to-Energy projects (in MW)

1 Andhra Pradesh 23.70
2 Gujarat 2.95
3 Karnataka 1.00
4 Maharashtra 1.90
5 Madhya Pradesh 2.725
6 Orissa 0.025
7 Punjab 1.75
8 Tamil Nadu 3.28
9 Uttar Pradesh 8.00
Total 45.33
ANNEXURE-II
Provisions for financial assistance for projects under Accelerated Programmes

for Energy Recovery from Urban and Industrial Wastes
I. Energy Recovery from Urban Wastes
1. Fast track projects based on combustion of RDF produced from Municipal solid waste
(MSW): Upto Rs. 1.5 crore/MW
2. Projects based on biomethanation of MSW: Upto Rs. 2 crore/MW
3. Demonstration projects based on gasification/pyrolysis and plasma arc technologies for

MSW: Upto Rs. 3 crore/MW
4. Projects for generation of power from biogas being produced at Sewage Treatment
Plants: Upto Rs. 2 crore/MW
5. Projects based on biomethanation technology for other urban wastes: Upto Rs. 3
crore/MW
II. Energy Recovery from Industrial Wastes - Wastes/Technologies Capital Subsidy
1. Industrial waste to Biogas
162
i) Biomethanation of low energy density and difficult industrial wastes: Rs. 1.0
crore/MWeq.
ii) Biomethanation of other industrial wastes. : Rs. 0.50 crore/MWeq.
2. Power Generation from Biogas: Rs. 0.80-1.00 crore/MW
3. Power Generation from Solid Industrial Waste: Rs. 0.80 crore/MW
************
163
NUCLEAR WASTE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ATOMIC ENERGY
RAJYA SABHA
DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES
1700. SHRI KRIPAL PARMAR

B.J. PANDA
Will the Minister of ATOMIC ENERGY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether it is a fact that management and disposal of long-life radioactive wastes, has
been a technical and political problem the world over;
(b) whether it is a fact that Energy Research Group of Reliance Industries in their report
has recommended certain solutions for safe storage of nuclear waste; and
(c) if so, the details thereof with action plan of Government to address the issue?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE

(SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN):
(a): The management and disposal of long life radioactive wastes has been an important
issue world over. Safe technological solutions do exist and several countries have taken
steps in this direction. Disposal of such waste in deep geological formations is an
accepted option. Many countries including India have similar approach. International
programmes supported by agencies like International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on
public awareness have been going on to educate the public and mitigate their
apprehensions.
(b): The Energy Research Group of Reliance Industries Ltd. have prepared a review
report which briefly covers aspects of radioactive waste disposal. The report concludes
that there is an international consensus on disposal of long-lived radioactive waste in
deep geological formations on land.
(c): The work on development of process and technology for management of radioactive
164
waste was started by the Department of Atomic Energy about four decades ago along
with the development of other components of Indian Nuclear Energy Programme. The
following three-step strategy has been adopted in India for the management of long lived
radioactive waste, which comprises of: -
(i) conversion of radioactive waste into stable, inert, solid waste form such as borosilicate
glass,
(ii) interim storage for a period of 30-50 years, and
(iii) final disposal in deep underground geological repository in the long term.
The Indian programmes in the area of radioactive waste management for long-lived waste
is fully geared up to meet the country’s needs.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DUMPING OF THE NUCLEAR WASTE
306. SHRI BALAVANT ALIAS BAL APTE

RUDRA NARAYAN PANY
(a) whether all the countries are maintaining secrecy in dumping the nuclear waste in
their respective countries;
(b) if so, whether India is also maintaining secrecy;
(d) if not, whether the waste is being dumped taking into account the safest possible
location in the country ?
165
ANSWER

(SHRI PRITHVlRAJ CHAVAN)
(a): Yes, Sir. Wherever strategic connotations are involved.
(b): Yes, Sir. In respect of strategic facilities.
(c): Some data on nuclear waste can be used to make quantitative estimates about
strategic operations.
(d): Disposal of low and intermediate level waste can be carried out only after proper
treatment and conditioning meeting the prescribed limits specified by the Atomic Energy
Regulatory Board. High-level waste is stored in engineered facilities and is currently not
disposed.
**********
166
PESTICIDES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
AVAILABILITY OF PESTICIDES
1869. SHRI KRIPAL PARMAR
(a) Whether it is a fact that due to increase in prices of pesticides after enforcement of
product patent in place of process patent under the Trade Related Intellectual Property
Right, the farmers will be adversely affected;
(b) if so, the efforts made by Government to ensure easy and cheaper availability of the
said pesticides to the farmers; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS & MINSITER OF STEEL

(a) to (c): Majority of the pesticides in the Indian market are already off-patent and their
availability would not get affected. There is no control of the Government on production
and pricing of pesticides.
***********
167
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
EXCESSIVE USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES
3371. SHRIMATI VANGA GEETHA
(a) whether it is a fact that many problems cropped up after the introduction of the Green
Revolution, primarily due to intense use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as per the
country’s reputed credit rating agency in its recent study called ‘Insecticides/Pesticides –
2005’;
(b) if so, the reaction of Government thereto;
(c) whether it is also a fact that the higher dose of pesticides coupled with repeated uses
increased the production cost of cotton cultivation manifold;
(d) if so, the comments of Government thereon; and
(e) the steps taken by Government to set the situation conducive to farmers?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): The injudicious and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
can result in harmful effect on human and animal health and the environment. If
pesticides and fertilizers are used as per actual requirements and guidelines contained on
their labels and leaflets, they do not cause any damage to human beings, animals or the
environment. Government is, therefore, imparting training to the farmers on the safe use
of pesticides and the balanced and optimum use of fertilizers.
(c): Yes, Sir. The injudicious and indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides may result in
development of resistance in insect pests as a result of which insects are not killed by
application of the recommended doses of pesticides and farmers have to repeat the
pesticide application leading to increased cost of crop production.
(d) & (e): Government has adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM), encompassing
cultural, mechanical and biological methods and need based use of chemical pesticides,
as the cardinal principle and main plank of plant protection in the country. Central
168
Integrated Pest Management Centres are involved in the organization of Farmers’ Field
Schools in order to impart training to the farmers in IPM.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
FUND ALLOCATION FOR ESTABLISHING PESTICIDES RESIDUAL

TRAINING LABORATORY IN JAIPUR
(a) whether Government would sanction required funds for establishment of pesticides
residual training laboratory at Durgapur in Jaipur in the year 2005-06; and
(b) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): The Government of Rajasthan may use the funds provided under the Macro
Management Scheme for setting up a pesticide residues testing laboratory.
**************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CHECKING PRODUCTION AND SALE OF SUB-STANDARD PESTICIDES
169
PREMA CARIAPPA
(a) the total consumption of pesticides in the country and the total number of pesticide
producing companies in the country;
(b) whether it is a fact that most of the companies are providing sub-standard pesticides
to the farmers as a result of which farmers suffer the loss from their crops as well as the
financial loss;
(c) if so, the number of companies which have no laboratories; and
(d) the steps taken by Government to check the production and sale of sub-standard
pesticides?
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): Approximately, 40,000 metric tonnes of technical grade pesticides were consumed in
the country in 2004-05. The Registration Committee, constituted under Section 5 of the
Insecticides Act, 1968, has granted more than 50,000 Certificates of Registration. The
Licensing Authorities in the State Governments issue licenses for manufacture of
pesticides on the basis of such Certificates of Registration.
(b): No, Sir.
(d): Government have enacted the Insecticides Act, 1968 to regulate, inter-alia, the
manufacture and sale of insecticides. The Registration Committee, constituted under
Section 5 of the Insecticides Act, registers pesticides only after being satisfied of their
efficacy. Quality assurance of pesticides is ensured through regular withdrawal and
analysis of pesticide samples through a network of Insecticides Inspectors, Insecticides
Analysts and Pesticides Testing Laboratories. The Act provides adequate penal
provisions for punishing the formulators, manufacturers and sellers of sub-standard
pesticides.
**********
170
WATER RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CONFERENCE OF STATE ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS
5480. PROF. ALKA BALRAM KSHATRIYA
(a) whether Union Environment Ministry have suggested public-private-partnership in

implementing national river and lake conservation programmes and setting up of a
mechanism to monitor them;
(b) if so, whether this question was discussed during Conference of State Environment
Ministers held in New Delhi in last September;
(c) if so, what were the other proposals made and discussed in the conference and
whether any suggestions have been recommended in the conference; and
(d) the details thereof and by what time they are likely to be implemented?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (d) Implementation of National River and Lake Conservation Programmes through
public-private-partnership was one of the proposals discussed during the Conference of
State Environment Ministers held in New Delhi in September 2004. The other proposals
made and discussed during the Conference are as follows:
1.Creation of adequate urban infrastructure to ensure that untreated sewage is not

discharged into rivers and lakes, is primarily the responsibility of urban local
bodies/States.
171
2.Due to paucity of resources, urgent action is required to be taken by States to raise
additional resources for capital expenditure for urban infrastructure.
3.Development authorities need to consider building into external developmental costs,

cost of collection of sewage, its conveyance, treatment, etc. wherever new urban centres
are developed and such costs should be built into the price of developed land.
4.State may consider exploring other means for raising resources for capital expenditure
such as surcharge on property tax, stamp duty, etc.
5.Urban local bodies/State Governments need 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
• Creation of facilities for tourism
6. For monitoring of schemes for their timely completion, States were required to
convene Monitoring Committee meetings on regular basis.
7. Public participation and awareness programmes to generate awareness among the

public for keeping water bodies clean are to be conducted simultaneously during
implementation.
In order to address the above mentioned concerns, a Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU) with the concerned States and local bodies is envisaged.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PLAN
(a) whether it is a fact that action plan under National River Conservation Plan is
implemented by National River Conservation Directorate of his Ministry;
172
(b) if so, the details of action taken to improve the water quality of rivers during last three
years and the amount spent on each work;
(c) the action plan to be taken during 2005-06 and proposed action plan to be taken
during 2006-07; and
(d) whether the cost of work is borne by the Central Government or shared by State
Government ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. Under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), various
pollution abatement works are undertaken for improving the quality of water in major
rivers, such as Interception and Diversion (I&D) of Sewage, setting up of Sewage
Treatment Plants (STP), Low Cost Sanitation (LCS), River Front Development (RFD),
setting up of Crematoria, etc. This Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) is under
implementation in 158 towns along polluted stretches of 32 rivers spread over 19 States
at an approved cost of Rs. 4704 crore. During the last three years, Detailed Project
Reports for 202 projects worth Rs.1459 crore were sanctioned - 20 projects for STP, 45
projects for I&D and 149 other projects were completed. Sewage treatment capacity of
695 million litres per day (mld) has been created and an expenditure of Rs.779.54 crore
has been incurred by Government of India for completion of the projects under the Plan
during this period.
(c) & (d) Sewage Treatment Capacity of 1588 mld has been targeted for creation in the X
Five Year Plan. Out of 1588 mld, 695 mld capacity has been created in the first three
years of X Plan. During 2005-06, action plan for creation of a total of 564.43 million
litres per day (mld) of Sewage Treatment capacity has been drawn. Similarly, during
2006-07, the balance of 328.57 mld of treatment capacity is proposed to be created. The
cost of sharing of the works under NRCP between Central and State Government is in the
ratio of 70:30.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLLUTION IN YAMUNA RIVER
173
3920. DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI
RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD
LALIT SURI
EKANATH K. THAKUR
(a) whether it is a fact that the water of the river Yamuna beyond Delhi is not fit for
human beings for any purpose;
(b) if so, the facts in this regard;
(c) whether it is also a fact that a number of projects were drawn up for the purification of
its water during the last decade;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the amount spent to clean Yamuna river so far,
particularly in Delhi; and
(e) the action taken by the Government for cleansing its water in future?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The water of river Yamuna beyond Delhi i.e. between Wazirabad and
Okhla barrage is polluted mainly due to discharge of untreated/partially treated sewage
and industrial waste into river Yamuna through open drains. As per water quality data of
the Delhi stretch of river Yamuna observed during last year, the average Biochemical
Oxygen Demand (BOD) in this stretch is found to vary between 2.6 to 27.8 milligram per
litre and the average Dissolved Oxygen (DO) between zero to 7.9 milligram per litre as
against the desired values of 3.0 milligram per litre (maximum) of BOD and 4.0
milligram per litre (minimum) of DO.
(c) & (d) The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) Phase-I was started by this Ministry in April,
1993 with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) funding and completed in
February 2003. Total expenditure incurred on the project was Rs.668 crore including
Rs.180 crore for Delhi. Under this Plan, a treatment capacity of 30 million litre per day
was created in Delhi, besides, 960 toilet complexes were constructed in its various
locations. The JBIC has further committed financial assistance for Yamuna Action Plan
(YAP) Phase-II, for which a loan agreement has been signed in March 2003 with the
project approved for three States of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh at an estimated
cost of Rs. 624 crore, out of which, the cost of works to be implemented for Delhi
174
amounts to Rs. 387 crore. The YAP Phase-II project is scheduled for completion by
September 2008 with the following major items of works to be implemented in Delhi
under the project:
- Rehabilitation of trunk sewers (30.82 kms.)
- Sewage Treatment Plants (135 mid new and 324 mid rehabilitation)
- Preparation of detailed Project Reports for projects to be taken up under future
YAP Phase-III
In addition to the Yamuna Action Plan, the Government of NCT of Delhi out of
their State Plan funds has also taken up large scale sewerage and sewage
treatment works with the provision of an amount of Rs. 630 crore for the purpose
during the IX Plan and Rs. 1862 crore in the X Plan.
(e) The major item of works proposed to be implemented under the Yamuna
Action Plan and by the Government of NCT of Delhi out of their resources for
bringing the river water quality to the desired class in the Delhi stretch of Yamuna
include the following:
(i) Rehabilitation/installation of additional sewage treatment capacity of about 580

mid;
(ii) Rehabilitation of full length of about 91 kms. of trunk sewers;
(iii) Provision of sewerage facilities in all the unauthorised resettlement colonies and
urban villages;
(iv) Replacement of all undersized sewers by 250 mm dia sewers;
(v) Use of treated sewage for horticulture/agriculture;
(vi) Commissioning of 15 CETPs;
(vii) Shifting of slums located on the banks of river and major drains;
(viii) Maintenance of minimum flow of water in the river.
A High Powered Committee under the directions of the Apex Court has also
prepared an Integrated Action Plan for cleaning of River Yamuna in Delhi.
**********
175
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
FORECASTING OF POLLUTION LEVELS BY GROUP OF CONSULTANTS

RAMA MUNI REDDY SIRIGIREDDY
(a) whether it is a fact that some group of consultants specialising in forecasting pollution
levels for cities across the world now want to do the same in India;
(b) if so, Government’s comments thereon;
(c) the effect of such forecasting;
(d) whether Government propose to involve itself in this; and
ANSWER

(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA )
(a) to (c): A team of consultants from Japan International Co-operation Agency has provided
technical assistance for development of study relating to ‘Water Quality Management Plan for
Ganga’ with focus along stretches of four towns namely Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad and
Varanasi. The study envisages estimation of sewage generation for various years up to 2030 and
the river pollution problem scenario in four towns. Source apportionment studies to forecast air
pollution generated from various sources in identified major towns have also been initiated
through consultants.
(d) & (e ) All the stake holders are participating in the above referred activities.
*****
176
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLLUTION IN YAMUNA
5473. SHRI DATTA MEGHE

UDAY PRATAP SINGH
(a) whether Supreme Court has expressed its dissatisfaction over the progress made
regarding the programmes for controlling pollution in river Yamuna and its cleaning; and
(b) if so, the amount spent for this purpose so far and the efforts being made to implement
this work plan in future?
ANSWER

(a) Hon`ble Supreme Court during recent hearing on 12.04.2005 under WP(C) No. 725 of
1994 in the matter of news item published in Hindustan Times - Ànd quiet flows the
maily Yamuna`, has observed about the non-performance of the authorities and its
functionaries for provision of clean water in river Yamuna and has issued directions to
the Union Ministry of Urban Development to examine the matter giving reasons for non-
achievement of targets and for setting up the minimum time to be taken to ensure clean
water of class `C` category in river Yamuna.
(b) Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) Phase-I was started by this Ministry in April, 1993 in the
three States of U.P., Delhi & Haryana with Japan Bank for International Cooperation
(JBIC) funding and was completed in February 2003. The total expenditure incurred in
the project is Rs. 676.19 crore. JBIC has also committed financial assistance for YAP
Phase-II for which a loan agreement was signed in March 2003. The project was
approved for the three States of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh at an estimated cost of
Rs. 624 crore in July 2003. The completion of the project is scheduled for September
2008. The major item of works to be implemented under YAP Phase-II are:
- Rehabilitation of trunk sewers (30.82 kms.) and works of Sewage Treatment

Plants (135 mid new and 324 mid rehabilitation) in Delhi.
- Construction of Sewage Treatment Plant (38 mid) and Rehabilitation of Sewer
Lines/Rising Mains (85.7 Kms.) in UP.
177
- Rehabilitation of Sewer Lines (73 Kms.) and improvements in efficiencies of
existing Sewage Treatment Plants in Haryana.
Preparation of Detailed Project Reports for projects to be taken up under future YAP
Phase-III. In addition to the Yamuna Action Plan of the Ministry of Environment &
Forests, the Government of NCT of Delhi has also taken up large scale sewerage and
sewage treatment works out of its own plan funds - an amount of Rs. 630 crore was
provided during the IX Plan for this purpose, whereas an amount of Rs. 1862 crore has
been provided in the X Plan. In addition to the works planned for implementation under
YAP Phase-II, the remaining item of works are to be implemented by Government of
NCT of Delhi through their own resources including the proposed works under YAP
Phase-III project with JBIC funding.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PLAN
5481. SHRI K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY
(a) whether Karnataka Government is implementing National River Conservation Plan;
(b) if so, the towns in Krishna and Cauvery basins which have been selected for this purpose;
(c) the estimated cost for taking up core and non-core works to prevent pollution of river water;
(d) whether Karnataka Government have sent any proposal for extending this programme to more
towns;
(f) the amount released during 2004-05 under this programme to Karnataka?
178
ANSWER

(a) Yes Sir.
(b) Under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), nine towns from Karnataka have
been included. Of these, four towns namely - Bhadravathi, Davangere, Harihara and Shimoga
are situated in the Krishna river basin and five towns namely - K.R.Nagar, Kollegal,
Nanjangud, Sri Rangapatna and Bangalore are situated in the Cauvery river basin.
(c) The estimated cost for taking up core and non-core works in respect of these nine towns is
Rs. 71.99 crore.
(d) and (e) Yes, Sir. The Government of Kamataka has submitted schemes for the following 11
towns over and above those already sanctioned under the NRCP and sought financial
assistance:
S.No. Town River Estimated cost (Rs. crore)
1. Bagalkot Krishna/ Ghataprabha 29.12
2. Maddur Shimsha 6.63
3. Gokak Ghataprabha 14.50
4. Baillahongol Malaprabha 10.21
5. Shahbad Gulbarga 14.82
6. Hospet Tungabhadra 21.45
7 Gangawati Tungabhadra 21.00
8. Kanakpura Arhavathi 10.61
9. Yadgir Bhima 17.60
10. Dandeli Kali 10.67
11. Siraguppa Tungabhadra 8.96
TOTAL 165.57
179
Due to funds constraints in the X Plan, these proposals could not be considered and the
State Government of Karnataka had been informed accordingly.
(f) A sum of Rs. 13.68 crore was released under this programme to Kamataka during the
year 2004-2005.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DRYING OF LAKES OF UDAIPUR
153. DR. NARAYAN SINGH MANAKLAO
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state: -
(a) whether Government is aware that lakes in the Lake city of Udaipur in Rajasthan have
become dry over the years;
(b) if so, the reasons there for;
(c) whether any scientific study has been conducted in this regard;
(d) if so, the details of findings and if not, the reasons there for; and
(e) the steps undertaken or being undertaken to recharge these lakes?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) to (e) As per a study taken up by the State Government, lakes in the city of Udaipur
are drying due to non-generation of sufficient runoff on account of light rains, low and
non-continuous rainfall in the area. In this connection, a proposal has been framed by the
State Government to augment water supply to these lakes.
****
180
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PANEL FOR COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON YAMUNA
(a) whether Government is aware that Delhi Government has constituted a panel for
preparing a comprehensive report on Yamuna; and
(b) if so, the details in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) A committee had been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Union
Secretary (Urban Development), Government of India, comprising representatives of the
Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, Government of National
Capital Territory of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, Municipal Corporation of
Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi Cantonment Board, Delhi State
Industrial Development Corporation and Government of Uttar Pradesh for preparation of
an integrated action plan for cleaning of river Yamuna. The action plan has already been
drawn up based on the inputs provided by all the agencies concerned to address various
contributory factors leading to the pollution of Yamuna. The action plan includes
augmentation in the capacity of sewage treatment plants, rehabilitation of trunk sewers,
management of waste water in the Najafgarh drain, Shahdara drain and other drains,
laying of sewer lines in the unsewered areas of Delhi, resettlement/clearance of slum
clusters on the Yamuna river bank/bed, treatment of industrial effluents, utilisation of
treated effluent and removal of coliform at sewage treatment plants.
*****
181
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
REPORT ON DRYING WATER LANDS
(a) whether it is a fact that according to the Report, Inland Water Lands of India-
Conservation Priorities by Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, the
water lands have been drying in 14 States of the country;
(b) if so, the details of the report;
(c) whether it is also a fact that the Report recommended for having a national policy on
this;
(d) if so, the details there on; and
(e) the details of wet lands in the country as on January 1, 1980 and as on January 1,
2005 ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) The Report entitled ‘Inland Water Lands of India-Conservation Priorities’ by
Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON) presents information
about wetlands of the size of 2 hectare and above in 72 districts located in 10 States.
Wetlands in 33 districts in the studied category are reported to have undergone spatial
reduction. However, there is no corroborative evidence of these findings.
(c) & (d) The SACON’s report recommends formulation of National Policy on Wetlands.
Some of the suggestions made there on relate to creation of National Wetland Authority,
National Wetlands Biodiversity Register, prioritisation of wetlands and capacity building

in management planning of wetlands.
182
(e) The details of wetlands with reference to time frames of January 1, 1980 and January
1, 2005 are not available in the absence of any specific study in this regard.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
PLAN TO REVIEW EIA REPORT
1132. SHRI S.P.M. SYED KHAN
(a) whether Government have any plan to review the Environmental Impact Assessment
Reports prepared for Sethusamudram Shipping Channel Project in the wake of the
Tsunami disaster in Indian Ocean;
(c) if not, the reasons there for?

ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) As per the information received from M/s Tuticorin Port Trust, the implementing
agency, the hydrodynamic modeling studies, carried out recently, have confirmed the
earlier findings that increase in magnitude of the sea-current in the post-channel era will
be only along the channel in Adam’s Bridge. There will be no change in current status
alongside the channel. The increase in current magnitude will be absorbed immediately
after exiting from the channel caused by tsunami wave energy parallel to the Indian and
Sri Lankan coasts, diverting the wave energy from the coasts. Reorientation of the
channel alignment may not be feasible economically, socially and environmentally.
********
183
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
MAJOR RIVERS CHOKED WITH INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS
(a) whether a number of major rivers and their tributaries are choking with industrial
effluents and other pollutants;
(b) if so, what are the details in this regard and the programmes initiated by Government
to clean the rivers indicating the amount spent thereon during the last three years;
(c) whether it is a fact that heavy discharge of sewage water in the Yamuna River is
creating havoc with the aquatic life in the river and defeating the River Conservation
Plan; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken in this regard?
ANSWER

(SHRI A.RAJA)
(a) to (d) 71 river stretches are polluted inter-alia due to discharge of domestic and
industrial effluents. Steps taken by the Government with regard to pollution from
industrial and other sources include notifying industry specific effluent standards,
promoting setting up of common effluent treatment plants and environmental surveillance
by the Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution
Control Committees, besides improving the quality of water in major rivers through the
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). Under the NRCP, pollution abatement works
are undertaken including diversion and interception of sewage, installation of sewerage
treatment plants, etc. A sewage treatment capacity of 865 mld under this programme
launched in 1985 under Ganga Action Plan (Phase-I) has been created and subsequent to
that, another 1421 mld capacity sewage treatment facility was created at the end of the
last financial year. The amount spent works out to Rs.779.55 crores during the last three
financial years under this programme. With its launching over the river Ganga, the
quality of water in the river has shown improvement. Similarly, in the river Yamuna, the
water quality has shown improvement except for a few stretches.
184
2. Monitoring of water quality in the Yamuna has shown that in the lean season (March-
June) during the year 2004, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the stretch of the
river between Wazirabad and Okhla barrage in Delhi has been as high as 28 mg/l and
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) has been zero. This is not supportive of aquatic life. This is
partly due to lack of fresh water in the river downstream of Wazirabad barrage. River
conservation programme in the form of Yamuna Action Plan-I as part of the NRCP was
also initially taken up on the river Yamuna which is now followed by Yamuna Action
Plan, Phase-II (YAP-II). Under YAP-II, works of commissioning/rehabilitation of
Sewage Treatment Plants of 135 mld / 324 mld capacity and rehabilitation of trunk
sewers of 30.82 kms., are proposed to be undertaken. To tackle the pollution in the river
in an integrated manner, the Ministry of Urban Development have also prepared an
Integrated Action Plan to be implemented by different agencies of the Central
Government and the State Government of the NCT of Delhi, which includes components
under YAP-II.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ACTIVE RIVER CONSERVATION POLICY
(a) the reasons for the lack of enthusiasm on the part of Government for having an active
river conservation policy;
(b) the details for this reluctance;
(c) whether it is a fact that representation from NGOs and others are un-heeded by
Government; and
(d) what steps will be taken to activate policies and schemes for effective river
conservation?
185
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b) The National River Conservation Directorate under the Ministry of
Environment & Forests is the executing agency for implementation of projects of
conservation of rivers across the country. Under the programme of National River
Conservation Plan (NRCP) being implemented by the Ministry, the water quality of the
rivers is envisaged to be improved by implementing the following major works of
pollution abatement:
i) Interception and Diversion (I&D)
ii) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
iii) Low Cost Sanitation (LCS)
iv) Crematoria (CRE)
v) River Front Development (RFD)
vi) Public Participation & Awareness (PP&A)
(c) Does not arise.
(d) The policy measures to improve the water quality of rivers have been laid down by a
high level River Conservation Authority, namely, National River Conservation Authority,
which are being followed both at Central Government and State Government levels.
With the launching of the works of pollution abatement in Ganga in the year 1985 in the
beginning, the NRCP now covers pollution abatement works in 32 rivers, spread over
158 towns and 19 States.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CLEANSING OF YAMUNA
186
(a) whether the Planning Commission is of the view that the river Yamuna cannot be
cleaned like the Thames;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the percentage of Yamuna cleaned, so far; and
(d) the action being taken by Government to clean the Yamuna completely?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(SHRI NAMO NARAYAN MEENA)
(a) No Sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) & (d) The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) Phase-I was started in April, 1993 in the three
States of U.P., Delhi and Haryana with funding support from the Japan Bank for
International Cooperation (JBIC) and was completed in February 2003. A total of 255
schemes of pollution abatement of the river have been completed and a sewage treatment
capacity of 74 lmld was created under this phase.
The second phase of the project under YAP Phase-II with the JBIC assistance has
commenced in the States of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in December 2004. The
major item of works to be implemented under this phase are:
• Rehabilitation of trunk sewers (30.82 kms.) and works of Sewage Treatment

Plants (135 mid new and 324 mid rehabilitation) in Delhi.
`
• Construction of Sewage Treatment Plant (38 mid) and Rehabilitation of Sewer
Lines/Rising
• Mains (85.7 Kms.) in UP
• Rehabilitation of Sewer Lines (73 Kms.) and improvements in efficiencies of
existing
187
• Sewage Treatment Plants in Haryana.
• Preparation of detailed Project Reports for projects to be taken up under future
YAP Phase-III
In addition to the above, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has also
taken up sewerage and sewage treatment works along with non-sewerage works in large-
scale out of its own plan funds.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
WATER TREATMENT PLANTS FOR LAKES AND PONDS OF RAJASTHAN
(a) whether Government propose to install water treatment plants for making some lakes
and ponds of Rajasthan pollution free and also for the conservation of pure water; and
(b) if so, the names of the lakes and ponds selected for installing water treatment plants;
and
(c) by when the work of installing water treatment plants would be completed along with
the details thereof?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (c) Ecological restoration of Mansagar Lake of Jaipur, Rajasthan is under way since
December 2002, which includes setting up of a sewage treatment plant for the treatment
of sewage. The project has been approved at a cost of Rs. 24.72 crore based on 70:30
funding pattern between the Central and the State Government.
No further concrete proposal for pollution abatement in lakes under the National Lake
Conservation Plan (NLCP) has been received from the Government of Rajasthan. In
188
response to this Ministry’s letter to all the State Governments to prioritize lakes of their
State, some basic information regarding eight lakes of Rajasthan viz. Anna Sagar and
Pushkar (Ajmer), Fateh Sagar, Pichola, Swaroop Sagar and Jaisamand (Udaipur), Jait
Sagar (Kota) and Nakki Lake (Mount Abu) had been received earlier from the State
Government. Later, the State Government had requested for placement of funds for
preparation of the detailed project reports only for three lakes of Rajasthan viz, Pichola,
Swaroop Sagar and Fateh Sagar of Udaipur. As per the guidelines of the NLCP, the types
of works/activities that can be taken up under this Plan include the following:
- prevention of pollution from point sources by intercepting,
- diverting the pollution,
- insitu measures of lake cleaning such as desilting, deweeding, bio-
remediation, etc.
The State Government in response to the above proposal was requested to clarify the
position regarding the activities proposed to be covered under the NLCP. 30 percent cost
of the project will be shared by the State and full operation and maintenance cost are
some of the others commitments which were also required to be given by the State
Government. The above clarifications from the State Government are awaited as yet.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
WATER POLLUTION AT PALI
2634. SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI
(a) whether Government are aware about the Pali, a textile town in Rajasthan which is
water-scarce State;
(b) whether Government are also aware about the filth it produces is hampering crops
around;
(c) whether it is a fact that only after protest from residents and farmers, the first
treatment plant of the country was set up there to control pollution of water;
(d) whether Government are planning to construct more such plants to treat water
pollution; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?.
189
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) The State of Rajasthan, including Pali area, is known for its water scarcity linked to
annual average rainfall.
(b) to(e) Pali has a cluster of small scale dying and printing textile units, the effluents
from which need treatment before their discharge. The first Common Effluent Treatment
Plant (CETP) at Pali was, accordingly, set up in 1983 by RIICO (Rajasthan State
Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd.) for control of water pollution.
The plans for mitigating water pollution from these textile units include upgradation of
three existing CETPs, laying of pucca drain and construction of a new CETP in the area.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSMISSION TOWERS ACROSS RIVERS
(a) whether any representations have been received on the negative impact of
construction of transmission towers across rivers in the country;
(b) if so, the details of such problems;
(e) whether the River Conservation Programme has any policy which deals with the un-
planned construction of power transmission towers in the lower reaches of rivers;
(d) the steps proposed to ensure that rivers and their flows are not negatively affected by
such un-planned construction;
(e) whether any inspection has been done till date; and
(f) if so, the details in this matter?
190
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (f): A representation from Chairman, Forum on Special and Human Rights is
reported to have been received in the Union Ministry of Power raising certain points
relating to the construction of transmission towers across rivers by Power Grid
Corporation of India Ltd.(PGCIL) in general and across Godavari river in particular. This
representation was sent by the Ministry of Power to PGCIL. The PGCIL after examining
the matter is reported to have informed that rivers enroute the transmission lines are
normally crossed by placing towers on the banks of the river and in case where the width
of the river is large, mid-stream towers are provided on pile or well foundations. As the
size of the structure is small, they do not alter the river currents/free flow of water in a
river and as such pose no environmental concerns. These foundations are generally
constructed away from perennial river streams to avoid abstention to navigation and
danger to boats and steamers.
As per the information furnished by the Union Ministry of Power, construction of

transmission line is taken up as per the programme of planned development in the
transmission system. Where it is necessary to have transmission line across rivers, very
high towers of special designs are used for river crossing so as to avoid towers in lower
reaches of rivers. The towers in the lower reaches of rivers require pile foundation
involving extra expenditure and therefore, such towers are minimised to the extent
possible and as such there is no unplanned construction of power transmission towers in
the lower reaches of the rivers. By adopting high towers of special designs, long span
across the river is achieved, so that the safety of the towers as well as the flow of the river
is not affected.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
CLEANING OF YAMUNA
191
(a) whether it is a fact that the Supreme Court has recently lashed out at Delhi
Government for not cleansing Yamuna, if so, what are the details in this regard;
(b) what actions Government have since taken to clean and improve the surroundings of
Yamuna;
(e) whether there is any representation to allow use of any space near Yamuna for
housing or other construction activity; and
(d) whether Government have drawn any lesson from the Mumbai flood following use of
land near Mithi River for construction activity?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(NAMO NARAYAN MEENA)
(a) & (b): Hon`ble Supreme Court on September 7, 2005 in the matter of PIL No.
724/1994 has issued directions for taking up the pollution abatement works in Yamuna in
a time bound manner and that the progress in this regard be reviewed periodically by the
Government of NCT of Delhi and in addition by an Apex Committee under the Hon`ble
Court. In this context, the Delhi Jal Board has separately decided to appoint international
consultants for a comprehensive study to find out a complete solution for pollution
abatement in the river Yamuna at Delhi.
The matter was further heard on December 12, 2005, when the Court made strong
observations in the context of its earlier orders regarding timely submission of affidavits
and status report of periodical reviews. The Court also directed the Commissioner,
Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Chief Executive Officer, Delhi Jal Board to file their
affidavits within 10 days and ensure their personal presence on the next date of hearing.
(c) Proposals for taking up various developmental activities in the flood plains of river
Yamuna are received in Central Water Commission (CWC) for consideration by Yamuna
Standing Committee (YSC) set up under the Chairmanship of Member, River
Management, CWC. Since reclamation of the land in the flood plains of the river affect
the river regime and result in raise in High Flood Level, proposals for construction of
public utility structures in the flood plains are received in CWC for clearance from time
to time. The proposals which may not cause significant adverse affects in the river regime
and the flood levels are cleared by the YSC.
(d) According to the Central Water Commission, the main reason for recent flood in
192
Mumbai was unprecedently high rain fall over a short period. The encroachment in the
flood plains of Mithi River are reported to have accentuated the problem.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLLUTION OF PUSHKAR POND
(a) whether Government are aware of the fact that millions of pilgrims take holy dip in
the `Sarovar` of `Tirthraj Pushkar` every year and the water of this `Sarovar` has become
fully polluted and posing greater possibility of multiple diseases to the pilgrims taking
holy dip therein;
(b) whether Government have received any proposal regarding erection of a water
treatment plant at the Sarovar from Government of Rajasthan in order to clean the water;
and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (c): The Pushkar Sarovar at Pushkar in Ajmer District, which is of religious
significance, is reported to be polluted. The Ministry of Environment and Forests so far
has not received any proposal from the State Government of Rajasthan for undertaking
pollution abatement measures in Pushkar Sarovar under the National Lake Conservation
Plan.
*********
193
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLLUTED LAKES IN ANDHRA PRADESH
249. SHRIMATI VANGA GEETHA
(a) whether Government had surveyed the polluted lakes in the country during the last
one year especially in Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details of such surveys made in each district;
(c) the remedial steps taken and to be taken by Government in this regard;
(d) whether Government are facing financial crunch to clean the polluted lakes;
(e) if so, the amount allocated, so far; and
(f) the amount to be allocated during the coming year to clear the lakes from pollution?
ANSWER

(a)&(b): The Government of India has not conducted any survey but a study was carried out for
identification of polluted lakes in the country in the year 2003. The study identified 62 lakes, out
of which 2 lakes namely, Osman Sagar at Hyderabad and Pulicat at Nellore were in respect of
Andhra Pradesh. This list was sent to all States and the State Governments were requested to
prioritise the lakes for conservation in their State.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has prioritised three lakes which are as follows:-
i) Banjara Lake, Hyderabad

ii) Mir Alam Lake, Hyderabad
iii) Pulicat Lake, Nellore District
194
The State Government of Andhra Pradesh through the Hyderabad Urban Development
authority (HUDA) have taken up the survey of water quality of 87 lakes in the Hyderabad
Development Area covering the districts of Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and partially
Medak. In addition, four lakes have been taken up for study by the Andhra Pradesh
Pollution Control Board for remediation.
(c): The Government oflndia has already sanctioned the project for cleaning and
rejuvenation of Banjara lake at Hyderabad at a cost of Rs. 2.75 crore in February 2005.
The project components include bio-remediation, diversion of sewage and construction of
Sewage Treatment Plant and lake front development etc. The Government of Andhra
Pradesh has not submitted any proposal in respect of Mir Alam and Pulicat Lakes.
(d)to(f): An allocation of Rs. 220 crore was originally made for National Lake
Conservation Plan (NLCP) during the X Plan period, out of which Rs. 103 crore have
been released for implementation of conservation works in 37 lakes. Allocation of fund
during the coming year shall be subject to the progress of ongoing projects, utilisation of
funds released and new proposals to be submitted by the State Governments.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ILLEGAL SAND MINING
(a) whether Government are aware of the large scale illegal sand mining taking place in
the beds of various inter-state, State rivers in the country, especially in Kerala;
(b) if so, whether it has resulted in the environmental degradation in the respective
regions;
(d) whether there is any Central level mechanism to control illegal sand mining on the
river beds; and
195
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (e) The information is being collected and will be placed on the Table of the House.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
MAJOR RIVERS CHOKED WITH INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS
(a) whether a number of major rivers and their tributaries are choking with industrial
effluents and other pollutants;
(b) if so, what are the details in this regard and the programmes initiated by Government
to clean the rivers indicating the amount spent thereon during the last three years;
(c) whether it is a fact that heavy discharge of sewage water in the Yamuna River is
creating havoc with the aquatic life in the river and defeating the River Conservation
Plan; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken in this regard?
ANSWER
(SHRI A.RAJA)
(a) to (d): 71 river stretches are polluted inter-alia due to discharge of domestic and
industrial effluents. Steps taken by the Government with regard to pollution from
196
industrial and other sources include notifying industry specific effluent standards,
promoting setting up of common effluent treatment plants and environmental surveillance
by the Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution
Control Committees, besides improving the quality of water in major rivers through the
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). Under the NRCP, pollution abatement works
are undertaken including diversion and interception of sewage, installation of sewerage
treatment plants, etc. A sewage treatment capacity of 865 mld under this programme
launched in 1985 under Ganga Action Plan (Phase-I) has been created and subsequent to
that, another 1421 mld capacity till the end of the last financial year. The amount spent
works out to Rs.779.55 crores during the last three financial years under this programme.
With its launching over the river Ganga, the quality of water in the river has shown
improvement. Similarly, in the river Yamuna, the water quality has shown improvement
except for a few stretches.
Monitoring of water quality in the Yamuna has shown that in the lean season (March-
June) during the year 2004, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the stretch of the
river between Wazirabad and Okhla barrage in Delhi has been as high as 28 mg/l and
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) has been zero. This is not supportive of aquatic life. This is
partly due to lack of fresh water in the river downstream of Wazirabad barrage. River
conservation programme in the form of Yamuna Action Plan-I as part of the NRCP was
also initially taken up on the river Yamuna which is now followed by Yamuna Action
Plan, Phase-II (YAP-II). Under YAP-II, works of commissioning / rehabilitation of
Sewage Treatment Plants of 135 mld / 324 mld capacity and rehabilitation of trunk
sewers of 30.82 kms. are proposed to be undertaken. To tackle the pollution in the river
in an integrated manner, the Ministry of Urban Development has also prepared an
Integrated Action Plan including the components under YAP-II, to be implemented by
different agencies of the Central Government and the State Government of the NCT of
Delhi.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
ACTIVE RIVER CONSERVATION POLICY
(a) the reasons for the lack of enthusiasm on the part of Government for having an active
river conservation policy;
197
(b) the details for this reluctance;
(c) whether it is a fact that representation from NGOs and others are un-heeded by
Government; and
(d) what steps will be taken to activate policies and schemes for effective river
conservation?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b): The National River Conservation Directorate under the Ministry of
Environment & Forests is the executing agency for implementation of projects on river
conservation across the country. Under the programme of National River Conservation
Plan (NRCP) being implemented by the Ministry, the water quality of the rivers is
envisaged to be improved by implementing the following major works of pollution
abatement:
• Interception and Diversion (I&D)
• Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
• Low Cost Sanitation (LCS)
• Crematoria (CRE)
• River Front Development (RFD)
• Public Participation & Awareness (PP&A)
(d): The policy measures to improve the water quality of rivers have been laid down by a
high level River Conservation Authority, namely, National River Conservation Authority,
which are being followed both at Central Government and State Government levels.
With the launching of the works of pollution abatement in Ganga in the year 1985 in the
beginning, the NRCP now covers pollution abatement works in 32 rivers, spread over
158 towns and 19 States.
*******
198
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
VYPAR RIVER LINKING PROJECT
(a) whether there is proposal for the Vypar River Linking project pending with
Government;
(c) whether Government conducted detailed studies on the impact of such a project on the
environment in the Southern Kerala;
(d) whether Government considered the fact that most of the related areas in Kerala
experience acute water shortage, particularly in the summer season;
(e) if so, whether the project, if implemented, would further accelerate the situation; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has prepared a feasibility report
for transferring surplus water of Pamba and Aehankovil rivers of Kerala to Vypar basin
of Tamil Nadu in 1995. Resolution dated 6.8.2003 was adopted unanimously by the
Kerala Legislative Assembly urging the Central Government to give up the Pamba-
Achankovil-Vypar Link project completely. The Ministry of Water Resources has
decided not to treat Parnba-Achankovil-Vypar Link as a priority link for consensus
building purpose.
(c): No such detailed study has been conducted by the Ministry of Environment and
Forests or by NWDA.
(d) to (f): Do not arise.

**********
199
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
STRATEGY FOR CLEANSING/RECLEANSING THE RIVERS
(a) whether Government have devised any fresh strategy to cleanse/recleanse the rivers of
the country in the light of the experience gained in this regard from the earlier
programmes/projects; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINIS`TRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND

FORESTS
(a) to (b): The objective of the National River Conservation Plan is to improve the water
quality of the rivers through the implementation of the pollution abatement works like
interception and diversion works, sewage treatment plants, low cost sanitation works,
electric crematoria and improved wood crematoria, river front development, etc. In the
light of the experience gained from these programmes, Govt. has discussed fresh
strategies with the State Governments for cleaning rivers in various fora. Among the
points delineated are as follows:
o Urban local bodies/States leave the responsibility to create urban infrastructure so as to

ensure that untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers and lakes
o Additional resources may be generated for creation of such urban infrastructure by

building into the external developmental costs, the cost of collection of sewage, its
conveyance, treatment, etc. wherever new urban centres are developed and such costs
should be built into the price of developed land
o States may also consider exploring other means for raising resources for capital
expenditure, such as, surcharge on property tax, stamp duty, etc.
200
o Urban local bodies/State Governments need to further 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 froth bio-gas in sewage
treatment plants, creation of facilities for tourism, etc.
o Public participation and awareness programmes to generate awareness among the

public for keeping water bodies clean need to be also conducted simultaneously during
implementation of pollution abatement schemes.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
POLLUTION ON WESTERN COAST
(a) whether Government are aware of the fact that heavy pollution in the waters of the
western coast after the monsoon are killing shoals of fish;
(b) whether it is a fact that this trend may have a bearing on the fall in the netting of
prawns and pomfrets in recent years;
(c) whether it is also a fact that this phenomenon is aggravated by pollution from fertiliser
run offs entering the western water; and
(d) If so, the steps Governments proposed to take to check the depletion in marine life?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): As per the information furnished by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
(MPCB), in view of fish mortalities observed in Mumbai during October 2005, the
MPCB had got studies carried out through Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute,
201
Mumbai and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur. The study
report revealed that low prices combined with bumper landings of catfish are forcing the
fish traders to discard the rotten catch after removal of air bladders. Slow swimmers like
eels in intense upwelling are getting trapped and washed ashore in dead condition. These
were the reasons for fish mortalities. The other reasons for low fish catch were reported
to be loss of breeding areas, reduced flushing and pollution particularly in urbanised areas
like Mumbai Metropolitan region, fishing by mechanined trawlers in excess of
regeneration capacity and illegal fishing in some areas during breeding period.
(c)&(d): Both Maharashtra and Goa Pollution Control Boards have reported negligible
pollution from fertilizer run offs.
Besides action taken as per provisions of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Act, 1974 by the MPCB, well designed marine outfalls, Common Effluents Treatment
Plants (CETPs) and Common Hazardous Wastes Treatment Storage and Disposal
Facilities (CHWTSDF) are some of the infrastructures projects implemented particularly
in Konkan (Coastal areas) of the Mahrashtra State to curb pollution from industrial
sources.
***********
202
MISCELLANEOUS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
REEONSTITUTION OF COASTAL REGTILATIONS ZONE MANAGEMENT

AUTHORITIES
1103. SHRI B.J. PANDA
(a) whether it is a fact that Government have reconstituted the Coastal Regulations Zone
(CRZ) Management Authorities for all the coastal States and UTs including Orissa;
(c) how far this would help in protecting and improving the quality of coastal
environment besides controlling the environment pollution in the coastal areas?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OE ENVIRONMENT AND, FORESTS

(a) &(b): The Central Government has reconstituted the Coastal Zone Management
Authorities (CZMAs) in all coastal State’s/Union Territories (UTs) including Orissa
except Karnataka, Goa and Lakshadweep under the provisions of the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 for a period of 3 years,
(c): Keeping in view the diverse social and multidisciplinary issues of the coastal areas of
the country, the Central Government while reconstituting the States/UTs CZMAs has
included NGO representative and expert in the area of coastal management. This
composition will enable the CZMAs to provide technical advise to the respective
State/UT with regard to enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the Coastal
Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 and to take measures for protecting and improving
the quality of the coastal environment and preventing, abating and controlling
environmental pollution in the coastal areas of the respective States/UTs.
********
203
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
RAJYA SABHA
EFFECT OF IMPORT OF USED TYRES
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:-
(a) whether imported used tyres pose not only risks to safety but also constitute an
environmental hazard;
(b) whether Government would consider ban on import of used tyres alongwith a
correction of the import duty structure to prevent dumping of tyres; and
(c) whether forty countries, with improved road/highway infrastructure have banned
import of used tyres and if so, whether Government would consider the same?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

(SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)
(a) to (c): Quantitative restrictions are maintained in terms of para 2.6 of Foreign Trade
Policy (FTP) for protection of environment, protection of human, animal or plant life or
health, etc. Import of used tyres is restricted and requires an import licence. However,
considering the balance of interests of consumer and manufacturer it has been considered
appropriate to regulate import of used tyres through the floor price mechanism.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAJYA SABHA
DE-LICENCING OF SLAUGHTER HOUSES
204
3470. DR. SWAMI SAKSHI JI MAHARAJ
(a) the number of cattle being slaughtered everyday by slaughter houses being run
illegally or by getting licence from Government and whether Government are aware that
the cattle in a number exceeding the authorised limit are slaughtered, alongwith cow
which are healthy, milch and conceived, by slaughter houses and the details of action
taken by Government in this regard; and
(b) the reasons for not cancelling the licences of slaughter houses by Government even
though looted/stolen livestock including cows are being bought and slaughtered by
slaughter houses?
ANSWER

(SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a)&(b): As per ‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2004’, 4.66 million heads of cattle
were slaughtered in the country in 2002-2003. Slaughter houses function under the
administrative control of local bodies/Panchayats. The number of cattle slaughtered in
recognised slaughter houses in fixed and slaughtered animal is recorded by the licensing
authority. The State Governments have their own Animal Preservation of Slaughter
Control Acts in operation to prevent slaughter of breedable, milch and conceived animals.
The States/Union Territories, except for Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya,
Nagaland, Tripura and Lakshadweep have their own legislation on preventing/restricting
the slaughter of cow and its progeny.
******
205
LOK SABHA
AGRICULTURE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BAN ON Bt. COTTON IN ANDHRA PRADESH
109. SHRI RAJIV RANJAN (LALAN) SINGH

E. PONNUSWAMY
(a) whether three varieties of Bt. Cotton approved by Genetic Engineering Approval
Committee (GEAC) in 2002 for Andhra Pradesh have been recently banned;
(b) if so, the names of the said varieties along with the reasons for banning them;
(c) whether GEAC has approved 18 new hybrids of Bt. Cotton for planting in India;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether GEAC has found the proof of successful seed production of above seeds;
(f) if so, the names of Institute which have given the certificates;
(g) whether adequate market is available for Bt. Cotton in India; and
(h) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken to protect the interest of Bt. Cotton
growing farmers?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND F0RESTS

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)&(b): The GEAC did not renew the permission granted in 2002 for commercial cultivation of the
three Bt Cotton varieties namely MECH 12 Bt, MECH 162 Bt and MECH 184 Bt in respect of
Andhra Pradesh because of its overall unsatisfactory performance in the State as reported by them.
207
(c)&(d): The GEAC has approved 17 new Bt Cotton varieties for commercial cultivation for a period
of three years. List of approved varieties for various zones is at Annexure -I.
(e)&(f): The Bt seeds were extensively tested in the contained and multi-locational trials under
supervision
of the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) as per the detailed guidelines and
procedures framed for the purpose. Subsequent to this, Bt seeds were put under the large scale field
trials of the GEAC as well as under the Indian Council of Agriculture & Research (ICAR) testing
system. The large-scale field trials and ICAR trials have been evaluated by the Monitoring–cum–
Evaluation Committee (MEC) and the Indian Council of Agriculture & Research respectively. The
GEAC has taken into consideration the recommendations of the MEC and ICAR while approving
the Bt variety for commercial cultivation.
(g)&(h): The overall area under Bt. Cotton has increased over the last three years as reported by the
Bt. Cotton growing States. The detailed State wise statement is at Annexure II. To protect the
interests of Bt. Cotton growing farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) is implementing a
scheme known as National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS), which covers cotton crop,
including Bt Cotton.
The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) has organised a number of training-cum-awareness
workshops to sensitise the farmers on the benefits and management of Bt cotton as well as the
potential risk associated with illegal Bt Cotton seeds. MOA and MoEF have advised the Bt. Cotton
growing states to take necessary punitive action against the producers and vendors of illegal Bt
Cotton seeds under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Seed (Control) order,
1983. To assist the State Governments in controlling the release of spurious seeds, the Central
Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur has been notified as the referral laboratory for
detecting the presence/absence of Bt. genes. The institute has also developed a simple and cheap
testing kit for quick verification of Bt gene in cotton.
Annexure-I
Bt Cotton varieties approved for commercial cultivation in the various zones
S.NO Name of Hybrids Name of Company Zone
1 NCS – 207 Mallika M/s Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd. Central & South
2 NCS – 145 Bunny M/s Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd. Central & South
3 RCH 2 Bt M/s Rasi Seeds Ltd Central & South
4 RCH –144 Bt M/s Rasi Seeds Ltd Central
5 RCH –118 Bt M/s Rasi Seeds Ltd Central
6 RCH - 138 Bt M/s Rasi Seeds Ltd Central
7 RCH – 20 Bt M/s Rasi Seeds Ltd South
208
8 RCH – 368 Bt M/s Rasi Seeds Ltd South
9 RCH – 134 Bt M/s Rasi Seeds Ltd North
10 RCH – 317 Bt M/s Rasi Seeds Ltd North
11 MRC – 6322 Bt M/s Mahyco South
12 MRC – 6918 Bt M/s Mahyco South
13 MRC – 6301 Bt M/s Mahyco Central &
North
14 MRC – 6304 Bt M/s Mahyco North
15 Ankur – 651 Bt M/s Ankur Seeds Ltd Central &
North
16 Ankur 2534 Bt M/s Ankur Seeds Ltd North
17 Ankur – 09 M/s Ankur Seeds Ltd Central
States covering each zone: Central Zone (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra & Gujarat) South Zone
(Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu) and North Zone (Punjab, Rajasthan & Haryana).
Annexure-II
Area under commercial cultivation of Bt Cotton in acres
States Kharif 2002 Kharif 2003 Kharif 2004
Andhra Pradesh 9,404 13,500 1,76,000

Madhya Pradesh 3,676 33,000 2,12,798
Gujarat 22,577 1,03,000 3,11,157
Maharashtra 30,699 54,000 3,99,000
Karnataka 5,401 7,500 84,764
Tamil Nadu 925 19,000 29,640
Total 72,682 2,30,000 12,13,359
*********
209
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
1721. SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether Punjab Agriculture University authorities have asked the Indian Council
of Agriculture Research (ICAR) to release Bt. cotton varieties for cultivation in
Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and save farmers from the clutches of
unscrupulous traders who have been fleecing cotton growers by selling
unapproved seed varieties;
(b) If so, the details thereof: and
(c) By when it will be released to farmers of these State?
ANSWER

(a) Yes Sir.

(b) Vice Engineering Approval Committee of Union Ministry of Environment and
Forests, which is the nodal authority for taking the decision of release of
genetically modified crops to farmers, has approved Bt cotton hybrids for
cultivation in North Zone on March 4, 2005.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & COOPERATION
LOK SABHA
PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC COTTON
210
5417. SHRI ANANDRAO V. ADUSUL
SHRI RAVI PRAKESH VERMA
Will the minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the organic cotton is in demand and offers a good opportunity for Indian
cotton farmers;
(b) If so, the facts thereof;
(c) the scheme prepared by the Union Government to encourage organic cotton
production;
(d) the per acre incentive given to farmers in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRUCULTURE

(a)&(d): The Government has taken up a new scheme ‘National Project on Organic
Farming’ for production, promotion, certification and market development of organic
farming including cotton. Under the scheme, assistance is available for the following
components:-
(1) Putting in place a system of certification of organic produce.
(2) Capacity building through service providers.
(3) Financial support for commercial production units of organic inputs like fruits &
vegetable waste compost, bio-fertiliser production and hatcheries for
vermiculture.
(4) Training, field demonstration, promotion and market development.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
211
TO BE ANSWERED ON 2 .05.2005
SCHEME FOR CONTAMINATED WATER
5549. SHRI M P VEERENDRA KUMAR
(a) whether any scheme/proposal in under consideration of the Government to give

the financial/technical assistance to recycle contaminated water for the use of
farmers; and
(b) If so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

(a)&(b): Government of India is not implementing specific scheme for providing

financial assistance to the farmers to recycle contaminated water for the crop
production. However, Indian Council Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed
technology for use of contaminated water/sewage water in agriculture.
The potential of using sewage water for irrigation was assessed on crop production in
three cropping systems, viz, food grain production (rice-wheat) along or with agro-
forestry (rice-wheat with poplar), vegetable production (cauliflower-okra-spinach)
and fodder production (berseem-sorghum) systems. The study has showed higher
yields of paddy (14%), wheat (4%) and cauliflower (23%) under sewage water
irrigation compared to tube well water irrigation.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
TO BE ANSWERED ON 2 .05.2005
ILLEGAL Bt. COTTON VARIETIES
212
5593 SHRI D VITTAL RAO
Will the Minister of AGRICUTURE be please to state:
(a) whether the illegal varieties of Bt Cotton are spreading at a fast rate;
(b) If so, the reaction of the government thereto;
(c) whether the regulatory bodies are not showing any response to control the
situation by penalisine the offenders;
(d) If not so, the reason therefore; and
(e) The steps taken/to be taken by the Government to stop the spreading of illegal
varieties of Bt cotton ?
ANSWER

(a)to(e) No Sir. However, there have been certain reports of production and supply of
illegal Bt, Cotton seeds in some State, particularly in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The
Genetic Engineering Approval Committee in the Ministry of Environment and
Forests and Department of Agri.& Cooperation have advised all the Bt Cotton
growing State from time to time to take punitive action against producers, suppliers
and venders of spurious Bt Cotton seeds under the provisions of Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 and Seeds Legislations. Besides, the Central Institute for
Cotton Research, Nagpur has been notified as referral lab for detecting of seed
certification. A laboratory has been established in the Directorate of Seed
Certification, Coimbatore to test cotton seed to analyse whether it contains illegal Bt
gene. It has been intimated by the Government of Punjab, where Bt Cotton varieties
have been approved for cultivation during Kharif 2005, that they have issued strict
instructions to all field functionaries to check and stop sale of any spurious seeds.
They have also undertaken massive campaigns for educating farmers on the issue.
The Government of Gujarat has intimated that they are taking all precautionary steps
through its quality control mechanism to check any illegal sale of spurious Bt
Cottonseeds which includes directives to all District Collectors and a massive
awareness programme for the farming community. Up to June 2004, 61751 kgs. of
suspected Bt Cotton seed were detained and action taken .
***********
213
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR ORGANIC FARM
4422 SHRI LONAPPAN NAMBADAN

SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN
Will the Minister of AGRICTURE be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has taken any step to establish a National Institute of
Organic Farm (NIOF);
(b) If so, the details thereof along with the roles and objectives of NIOF;
(c) whether the Government has got any proposal/offer from Government of Kerala
to make available adequate land in Kerala for the NIOF; and.
(d) If so, the details thereof and alongwith the response of the Government in this
regard?
ANSWER

(a) & (b) : In order to promote organic farming in the country, the Government has
launched a new Scheme ‘National Project on Organic Farming’ during 10th Five
Year Plan as pilot project, Under this project, the National Bio-fertiliser
Development Centre (NBDC), Ghaziabad and its six Regional Centres (RBDCs)
at Hissar, Jabalpur, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Bangalore and Imphal have been
renamed as National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF ) and Regional Centres
of Organic Farming (RCOFs). The main objectives of NCOF are: -
(1) To facilitate, encourage and promote development of organic agriculture
in the country.
(2) To prepare inventory or organic resources available for recycling in
agriculture in different agro-climate regions.
(3) To encourage production of organic sources of nutrients like bio-
fertilisers, organic manures, compost, etc, and bio-pesticides, bio-control
agents, etc, as certified input for organic farming.
214
(4) To act as nodal agency for formulation of standards and mechanism of
accreditation, inspection, regulation, quality control and monitoring.
(5) To initiate and encourage research for promotion of organic agriculture
practices and the dissemination of know how through extension .
© & (d) : The Government of Kerala offered to make available 200 hectares
of land available with the Kerala Agricultural University at
Thiruvizhamkunnu in Palakkad District for setting up of NIOF.
However, it has been decided that NDBC Ghaziabad and its six Regional
Centres will be converted into NCOF and RCOFs. Therefore, it has not been
possible to consider the request of Government of Kerala for setting up of
NIOF in Kerala State.
*************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS
4499. SHRI DALPAT SINGH PARASTE
(a) whether the Government is aware that a genetically modified strain of sunflower-
yellow, vitamin-enriched rice has been developed by the British scientists for transfer to
countries like India;
(c) whether agricultural experts and scientists have expressed doubts over this new
variety; and
(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
215
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

(a) & (b): British scientists have been reported to have developed a new genetically
modified strain of sunflower-yellow, vitamin-enriched rice by introducing genes for
production of high levels of beta-carotene. No proposal has been received for its transfer
to India.
(c) & (d): It is a recent report. Testing/evaluation is yet to be carried out.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD PRODUCTS
151. DR. M. JAGANNATH
(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the study report carried
out by the American multinational food giant, Monsanto pointing out serious ill effects of
genetically modified food products on health as reported in the Hindu, June 04, 2005
under the caption ‘Imported soy, corn products may be harmful’;
(b) if so, whether the Government propose to put a ban on the release of GM food in the
Indian markets as requested by various civil society groups and Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGOs); and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

(a): Yes, Sir. The Government is aware of the report which appeared in the `Hindu` on
216
June 04, 2005. However, the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India
which is the nodal Ministry for regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms has not
received any adverse report regarding harmful impact of genetically modified food on
human health.
(b)&(c): All genetically modified organisms and products thereof are regulated in India
under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous
Micro Organisms Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989, framed under the
provisions of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules provide that all food
stuffs, ingredients in food stuffs and additives including processing aids containing or
consisting of genetically engineered organisms or cells, shall not be produced, sold,
imported or used except with the approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval
Committee (GEAC). Introduction of any new technology requires a careful evaluation of
the long-term sustainable benefits/impacts. Therefore the Government is following a
policy of case-by-case approval of GM products. As per the prescribed biosafety
guidelines all genetically modified food are required to be tested for toxicity and
allergencity prior to its approval for human consumption. As of date, the GEAC has not
approved the import or production of GM food for consumption in the country. The
guidelines for testing of the food products at the point of entry are notified under the
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
---
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SPURIOUS BT. COTTON
59. SHRI BASUDEB ACHARIA
(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item appearing
in `Business Standard` on July 2, 2005 regarding illegal sale of spurious Bt. Cotton seeds
in the country;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) whether the attention of the Government has also been drawn towards the suffering
caused to the farmers due to poor production of cotton from such spurious Bt. Cotton
seeds; and
(d) if so, the action taken/proposed in this regard?
217
ANSWER

(a)to(d): There have been certain reports of production and supply of spurious Bt. Cotton
seeds in some states particularly, in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The
Government of India has advised in 2004 to all the Bt. Cotton growing States to take
necessary punitive action against the producers and venders of illegal Bt. Cotton seeds
under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Seed (Control) Order,
1983. Department has again instructed Bt. Cotton growing States in 2005 reiterating its
earlier stand and requested to create awareness amongst the farmers through awareness
campaign regarding the potential risks associated with illegal Bt. Cotton seeds.
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) have also advised all the Bt.
Cotton growing States from time to time punitive action against producers, suppliers and
venders of spurious Bt. Cotton seeds under the provision of Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986 and Seed Legislations. Besides, the Central Institute for Cotton Research,
Nagpur has been notified as referral lab for detecting the presence/absence of Bt. Gene.
As per information made available by the Department of Seed Certification, Tamil Nadu,
a laboratory has been established in the Directorate of Seed Certification, Coimbatore to
test cotton seed to analyse whether it contains illegal Bt. Gene. It has been intimated by
the Government of Punjab, where Bt. Cotton varieties have been approved for cultivation
during Kharif-2005, that they have issued strict instructions to all field functionaries to
check and stop sale of any spurious seeds. They have also undertaken massive campaigns
for educating farmers on the issue. The Government of Gujarat has intimated thay they
are taking all precautionary steps through its quality control mechanism to check the sale
of spurious Bt. Cotton seeds, which includes directives to all District Collectors and a
massive awareness programme for the farming community. As on date 22 Bt. Cotton
hybrids of four seed companies are commercially released by the GEAC and are
available to the farmers in the country.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PROMOTION OF BIO FARMING
216. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH

JUAL ORAM
218
(a) whether the Government is assisting the State Governments in promoting bio-
farming; and
(b) if so, the details of the assistance extended by the Government to States in promoting
bio-farming, State-wise?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): Yes Sir. The Government is assisting the State Governments in promoting bio-
farming (organic farming) through the ‘National Project on Organic Farming’. The
Government has provided financial assistance of Rs.322.44 lakhs to different States
during 2004-05 as given below
State Amount
(Rs. in lakhs)
1. Assam 1.07
2. Arunachal Pradesh 4.49
3. Chhatisgarh 14.98
4. Gujarat 2.00
5. Himachal Pradesh 2.00
6. Karnataka 1.53
7. Kerala 1.71
8. Maharashtra 5.32
9. Manipur 6.69
10. Meghalaya 2.34
11. Mizoram 45.31
12. Madhya Pradesh 6.89
13. Punjab 0.24
14. Sikkim 10.34
15. Tripura 8.98
16. Tamil Nadu 1.00
17. Uttar Pradesh 9.35
18. Uttaranchal 48.20
19. Through NABARD 150.00
Total 322.44
***********
219
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BANNED PESTICIDES
Will the Minster of Agriculture be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that a number of banned pesticides are still being used by
farmers of Punjab and elsewhere in the country;
(d) The steps taken to curb and check the marketing of such pesticides and action
taken against culprits?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): Government does not have any authentic report regarding use of banned
pesticides by farmers in Punjab and other parts of the country.
©: The manufacture, sale, distribution and use of banned pesticides in a punishable

offence under the
Insecticides Act, 1968. Insecticide Inspectors have been provided with the
requisite powers to ensure
that the provisions of the Act and the Rules made there under are compiled with.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
220
STUDY ON RANDOM HUMAN BLOOD SAMPLES
177. SHRI MANVENDRA SINGH
(a) whether the Government is aware that according to a recent study based on random
human blood samples from Malwa belt in Punjab, the pesticide residue in the blood of
farmers in this area has been found to be 15 to 605 times higher than that is present in the
blood of US farmers;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government in this regard;
(c) whether the Government proposes to initiate measures for educating farmers in all
States and Union Territories in the country on the judicious use of pesticides;
(e) if not, the reasons therefore?
ANSWER

(a): Yes Sir.
(b): An Expert Committee has been constituted to analyse the findings of the study on
Ànalysis for Pesticides Residues in Blood Samples from Villages of Punjab` published
by the Centre for Science and Environment in March 2005 and recommend corrective
policy measures as may be necessary.
(c) to (e): Government is already promoting the strategy of Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) which envisages use of biological, mechanical, cultural and other methods of pest
control and only need based judicious use of pesticides. The ill effects of the
indiscriminate use of pesticides is also emphasised during the training of farmers in the
Farmers` Field Schools (FFSs) on IPM. A total of 9111 FFSs have been conducted by the
Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage from 1994-95 to 2004-05
wherein 37,281 Agricultural Extension Officers and 2,75,056 farmers have been trained
in IPM.
*********
221
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
NEW AGRICULTURAL POLICY
1191. SHRI ANANTA NAYAK
(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce a new Agricultural policy;
(b) if so, whether it has since been drafted;
(c) if so, the salient features thereof;
(d) the time by which the new policy is likely to be introduced?
ANSWER

(a): No, Sir.
(b) to (d): Do not arise.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SWAMINATHAN COMMITTEE REPORT
1111. SHRI ABDUL RASHID SHAHEEN
222
(a) whether any action has been taken on Swaminathan Committee Report;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps initiated so far regarding creation of National Biotechnology Regulatory
Authority and the time by which it will come in force?
ANSWER

(a)to(c): The Government has examined the report of the Task Force on Agricultural
Biotechnology set up under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. On the basis
of Interministerial consultations on the recommendations of the Task Force with various
Ministries/Departments, the Government has decided ten priorities for implementation.
The details are enclosed in Annexure-I.
(d): As the creation of National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority (NBRA) involves

complex issues which are of inter-ministerial nature, the matter is under consideration of
the Government.
Annexure-I
Priorities for Agri-Biotechnology:
1. Finalisation of National Biotech Policy by the Department of Biotechnology.
2. Rationalisation of approval process under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as

suggested by Prof.
M.S. Swaminathan`s Task Force.
3. Release of Bt. Cotton varieties for North Zone.
4. Post-release monitoring to be started by Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and

Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
5. Capacity building for post-release monitoring and training.
223
6. Public awareness campaign to be launched by the Department of Agriculture &
Cooperation in association
with State Agricultural Universities and other scientific organisations/institutes.
7. Finalising combined strategy for arresting spread of non-approved Bt. Cotton seeds.
8. Developing the testing facilities for Genetically Modified seeds.
9. To finalise Action Plan for the components relating to Agri-biotechnology in the

National Biotech Policy.
10. Identification of crops and traits for use of application of biotechnology.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PROJECT ON ORGANIC FARMING
1073. SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN
(a) whether the Government has received any project proposal from Government of
Kerala on organic farming under the National Project on organic farming;
(c) the action taken by the Government thereon?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): No project proposal has been received from Government of Kerala on organic
farming under National Project on Organic Farming so far.
*****
224
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
MAGIC LIQUID FOR CROPS BY PEPSI
127. SHRI MAHBOOB ZAHEDI
(a) whether Pepsi Foods is introducing a health spray called `magic` liquid in India;
(b) if so, whether this health spray for plants is claimed by the company as cheaper in rate
and would improve farmers’ earning;
(c) whether the technology is patented by the Gujarat based Central Salt and Marine
Chemicals Research Institute;
(e) whether ICAR and the Department of Biotechnology are pushing seaweed cultivation
as a promising money-spinner for rural farmers; and
ANSWER

(a) to (d): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
(e)&(f): The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi is carrying out R&D
activities on seaweed cultivation and has developed technology for culture of seaweed in
open seas that holds promising potential for raising income of fishermen on account of its
great demand as sea food as well as in pharmaceuticals and allied industries.
****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
225
AWARENESS CAMPS AGAINST DANGERS OF PESTICIDE
(a) whether the Government proposes to hold awareness camps on the dangers of
pesticides consumption and use; and
ANSWER

(a) & (b): The Central and State Governments already impart training to farmers on the
safe and judicious use of pesticides. The ill effects of the indiscriminate use of pesticides
is also emphasised during the training of farmers in the Farmers` Field Schools (FFSs) on
Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A total of 9111 FFSs have been conducted by the
Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage from 1994-95 to 2004-05
wherein 37, 281 Agricultural Extension Officers and 2,75,056 farmers have been trained
in IPM.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CONTRACT FARMING SYSTEM
85. SHRI SURAVARAM SUDHAKAR REDDY

C.K. CHANDRAPPAN
SUBRATA BOSE
(a) whether the Government is aware of the contract farming system being practiced in
226
certain States;
(b) if so, the States which have adopted this system and nature of contract farming in
these States;
(c) whether in many cases the contracts are tended to be biased in favour of the promoter
companies and they are reluctant to share with grower`s the risk of crop failure even if it
is caused by faulty seeds or technology provided by them;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the Government`s view on adoption of contract farming
system; and
(e) the steps proposed to be taken to safeguard the interests of the farmers involved in the
contract farming?
ANSWER

(a): Contract farming has been prevalent in various parts of the country for commercial
crops like sugarcane,
cotton, tea, coffee, etc. The concept has, however, gained importance in recent times in
the wake of economic liberalisation. The main feature of contract farming is that
farmers grow selected crops under a
buy back agreement with an agency engaged in trading or processing.
(b): The State Governments of Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Sikkim,
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland have provided legal support to
contract farming by making provision for it under the State Agricultural Produce
Marketing Regulation Act (APMC Act). Nature of contract farming depends on the
crops, the objectives and resources of the buying company and the experience of the
farmers. These agreements can be in the nature of pre-harvest agreement that bind the
firm and the grower for the sale of the crop on specified price. The agreement may also
require the buyers to supply crop inputs, extension or credit in exchange for the
marketing agreement.
(c)to(e): Small farmers in India are generally capital starved and cannot make major
investment in land improvement and modern inputs. Contract farming can fill up this gap
by providing the farmers with quality inputs, technical guidance and management skills
and most importantly link them to assured and profitable markets. In view of above,
contract-farming arrangements are supported by the Government as a measure of reform
in agricultural marketing sector. While doing so, Government has sought to protect the
interest of both the farmers as well as the industry equitably, by suggesting arrangement
for registration of sponsoring companies and recording of contract farming agreements,
in order to check unreliable and spurious companies. A dispute resolution mechanism is
227
also suggested to be set up near to farmers which can quickly settle issues, if any, arising
between the farmers and the company under a quasi-judicial manner. The farmers while
raising the contracted crops, run the risk of incurring debt and consequent displacement
from land in the event of crop failure. Farmers have to be indemnified from such
displacement by law. A model APMC Act inter-alia containing provisions to the said
effect has been circulated to State Government/Union Territories for adopting as the
subject matter falls within their jurisdiction.
****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ORGANIC COTTON
2252. SHRI RAMAKRISHNA BADIGA
(a) whether a Dutch Company is working with Andhra Pradesh tribal farmers to grow
organic cotton;
(c) the total areas under cultivation as on date and benefits accrued to tribal farmers
therefrom; and
(d) the plans being worked out to expand such co-operations in other parts of the
country?
ANSWER

(a): Yes, Sir.
(b) & (c): Solidaridad – ETC Consultants India Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad is working on
production of organic cotton in 8 villages of Asifabad Mandal in Adilabad District of
228
Andhra Pradesh covering an area of about 250 hectares.
The tribal farmers are receiving additional gains because of reduction in cost of
production and better prices.
(d): The above Company is planning to expand their programme to tribal dominated
Kalahandi District of Orissa and tribal districts of Chhattisgarh State.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
USE OF HIGH YIELDING AND HYBRID VARIETIES
2103. SHRI MAHBOOB ZAHEDI
(a) whether Indian Council for Agricultural Research`s (ICAR’s) high yielding and
hybrid varieties are used by farmers;
(b) if so, whether coupled with poor extension services, the inability of ICAR and other
public sector research organisations to reach the farmers effectively, forces the
Government to rely on the private sector;
(c) if so, whether the processes like hybridisation are the technological means that stop
seed from reproducing itself;
(d) whether hybrid varieties do not produce true-to-type seed and farmers must return to
the breeder each year for new seed stock; and
(e) if so, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER

(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The role of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is primarily to produce
229
breeder seed. The production of foundation and certified seed is through state agencies
and in this respect ICAR has been able to produce breeder seed as per the requirement of
the Government and often in excess of the requirement placed. The Government
continues to sponsor seed produced in the public system.
(c): The harvest of a hybrid crop does not produce true to the type seed in the next
generation because of segregation. The Government of India has not allowed any
terminator technology, which hinders the seed from reproducing itself.
(d) & (e): It is known that the hybrids give the best performance in its first generation and
latter on segregates. The next generations do not produce the same yield and therefore,
farmers have to purchase hybrid seeds every year.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
USE OF UREA
3825. SHRI RUPCHAND MURMU
(a) whether Indian farmers have been using an overdose of the controlled urea to severe
imbalance in soil contents;
(c) the details of fresh initiatives taken/proposed to rectify the imbalance?
ANSWER

(a)&(b): The All India average Nitrogen : Phosphorous : Potassium (N:P:K) ratio during
2004-05 is estimated at 5.9 : 2.3 :1 and is skewed in favour of Nitrogen.
230
(c): The Government is promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) which
includes soil test based balanced and judicious use of chemical fertilisers in conjunction
with organic fertilisers like farm yard manure, green manure, compost, vermicompost and
biofertilisers, etc.
****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SUICIDE BY FARMERS
3791. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI

PRABHUNATH SINGH
M.P. VEERENDRA KUMAR
MOHAN SINGH
SANAT KUMAR MANDAL
SUSHEELA LAXMAN BANGARU
PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI
RAGHUNATH JHA
TEK LAL MAHTO
(a) the number of cases of suicide committed by farmers including female farmers due to
drought, crops failure and debt recorded in the country, particularly in Andhra Pradesh,
Kerala, Karnataka and Punjab during each of the last three years and thereafter, State-
wise;
(b) whether the rate of suicides committed by the farmers have come down this year in
comparison to the last year;
(d) if not, the reasons therefore;
(e) whether the Nationalised Banks and Semi-Nationalised Banks are formulating any
scheme to reduce interest on loan to the farmers;
231
(f) if so, by when the decision is likely to be taken in this regard;
(g) whether the Government proposes to constitute a committee to prevent and study the
cause of such incidents;
(h) if so, by when and if not, the reasons therefore; and
(i) the steps taken by the Government to rehabilitate/compensate to repay the debt of the
families of such farmers?
ANSWER

(a)to(f): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
(g)&(h): In Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra, where large number of cases of
suicide by farmers have been reported in the past few years, the State Governments have
taken necessary steps to deal with the problem.
In Karnataka, a Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Veeresh was constituted to

examine the causes of suicide by farmers. The State Government has also taken measures
for building confidence among farmers with the help of psychologists and social
scientists. The Raitha Samparka Kendras have been set up to receive representations and
complaints of farmers.
In Andhra Pradesh, a Cabinet Sub-Committee has been constituted to examine the

situation arising out of suicide by farmers. A Commission on Farmers` Welfare was also
constituted by the State Government to examine the circumstances leading to suicide by
farmers. The Commission has since submitted its report to the State Government.
In Maharashtra, Divisional Commissioner undertook the inquiry whenever a case of

suicide by farmer has been reported. The State Government has entrusted a study to the
Indira Gandhi Institute for Development Research, Mumbai to examine socio-economic
issues underlying these suicides.
(i): Government of Karnataka grants an ex-gratia relief of Rs.1 lakh to each family of the
deceased farmer if he has committed suicide due to burden of loan borrowed from
financial institutions.
In Andhra Pradesh, the family of each of the deceased farmer is provided an ex-gratia
relief of Rs.1.00 lakh besides Rs. 50,000 towards liquidation of farm debt. In addition,
steps are taken as part of social cushion to the families by allotment of houses under
Indira Awas Yojana Scheme, provision of self-employment to atleast one member of
each family, etc.
232
In Maharashtra, an ex-gratia of Rs.1.00 lakh is provided to each of the affected families
from the Chief Minister`s Relief Fund if it is established that the suicide is caused due to
agricultural indebtedness.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BAN ON USE OF SPRAYS ON FOOD PRODUCT AND GREEN VEGETABLES
3770. SHRI E. PONNUSWAMY

SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR
(a) whether the Government is aware that the some companies are marketing spray
adjuvant products for reducing surface tension of water for the purpose of spray and
irrigation;
(b) if so, whether the Government has examined the side effects of the said product, on
food products particularly green vegetables;
(c) if so, the findings thereof;
(d) if not, the reasons therefore;
(e) whether some tests were conducted on crops by some leading research centres;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) the steps being taken by the Government to ban use of such sprays on vegetables?
ANSWER

(a)to(g): The Registration Committee constituted under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act,
1968 has granted registration to some pesticide formulations which contain various
adjuvants including agents for reducing surface tension of water. Such registration is only
233
granted after the Registration Committee is satisfied regarding their safety and efficacy to
human beings and animals.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
USE OF SUB- STANDARD SEED, MANURE AND PESTICIDES
375. SHRI PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI
(a) whether International Food Policy and Research Institute has mentioned in its report
about food grains being spoiled due to the use of sub-standard seeds, manure and
pesticides in India;
(c) whether the Government has taken any concrete step on the basis of this report; and
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): This Ministry is not aware of any such report by International Food Policy and
Research Institute (IFPRI) indicating that the food grains are being spoiled due to the use
of sub standard seeds, manure and pesticides in India.
(b) to (d): Question does not arise. To regulate quality of seeds, manure, fertiliser and
pesticides, mechanisms are in place under the Seeds Act, 1966, Seeds Rule, 1968, Seeds
(Control) Order, 1983, Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985 and Insecticides Act, 1968 as
amended from time to time. Enforcement of these legal instruments is vested with the
State Governments/Union Territories. Inspectors notified under these legal instruments
are empowered to draw the samples, seize the stock, issue stop sale order in case the
commodities under reference contravene these Acts, Rules and Orders.
Salient features of these legal instruments are annexed.
234
Annexure-1
Salient features of the Seeds Act, 1966 and Seeds Rules, 1968
*The Seeds Act was enacted in 1966 and Seed Rules were framed in 1968 to ensure that
the farmers could get good quality seeds.
* After official release, varieties are notified under the Seeds Act so that quality of seeds
can be regulated.
* The main purpose of notification is to bring the seeds of particular crop under the
purview of Seed Law Enforcement.
* The seed inspectors notified under Section 13 of Seeds Act are empowered to draw the
sample and analysis for verification of the quality of seeds.
* Notification of the variety is made by Central Government on the recommendation of

the Central Seed Committee.
* Seeds Act and Seeds Rules provide for quality certification and minimum quality
standards of notified kind/varieties.
* The Seeds Act authorises formation of Advisory Body like Central Seed Committee
(CSC), Central Seed Certification Board (CSCB), Seed Certification Agencies, Seed
Testing Laboratories, appellate authorities, etc. Quality Control as envisaged in the Act
is to be achieved through pre & post marketing control, voluntary certification and
compulsory labelling of notified kind/varieties.
* Minimum limit for germination, physical and genetic purity of varieties have been
prescribed and notified for labelling the seeds of notified kind varieties under Section 6 of
the Seeds Act.
* There is a provision to set up Central Seed Laboratory and State Seed Laboratory (100
in number) to discharge functions enshrined under Section 4 (1) and 4(2) of the Seeds
Act.
* Seed analysts are appointed through notification with prescribed qualification.
* State Government under Section 13 of the Seeds Act may appoint such person as he
thinks fit having prescribed qualification through notification as Seed Inspector and
defined the areas within which they shall exercise jurisdiction for enforcing the Seed
Law.
* Seed Inspectors appointed under relevant provision have adequate power under Section
235
14 of the Seeds Act to draw the samples of notified kind/varieties of seeds from the
source where the seeds have been sold.
* Seed Inspectors can seize the stock of the seed, issue stop sale order for 30 days in case
the seed under reference contravenes the Act and Rules.
* If any person, contravenes any provision of the Act or any Rules, or prevents a Seed
Inspector from taking sample under this Act or prevents a Seed Inspector from exercising
any other power conferred on him, could be punished under Section 19 of the Act with a
fine of five hundred rupees for the first offence.
* In the event of such person having been previously convicted of an offense under this
Section with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to six months or with fine,
which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
Annexure-II
Salient features of the Seed Control Order, 1983:
* The Ministry of Civil Supplies through an order dated 24.02.1983 had declared the seed
for sowing or planting or food crops, fruits, vegetables, cattle fodder and jute to be
essential commodities in exercise of power conferred by Section 2(a)(viii) of Essential
Commodities Act, 1955.
* It was followed by the issue of Seeds (Control) Order dated December 30, 1983 by the
Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation in exercise of powers
contained in Section 3 of Essential Commodities Act which deals with Central
Governments power to control and regulate production, supply and distribution of
essential commodities.
* Joint Secretary (Seeds), Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture, DAC has been
appointed as Seed Controller.
* It is one of the legal instruments being enforced to check the supply of inferior seeds of
notified and unnotified seeds to the farmers. All persons carrying on the business of
selling, exporting and importing seeds will be required to have a licence to carry on the
business in accordance with terms and conditions of licence granted to him.
* Based on such enquiry as it thinks fit the licensing authority may grant or refuse the
license in provisions of the Order. A holder of licence shall be eligible for renewal.
236
* Seed Inspectors notified under clause 12 of the Order eligible to draw any samples of
seeds meant for sale or export/import etc. and to ensure that the sample confirms to the
standards of quality claimed by the Seed Dealer under clause 13 (c) of the order.
* Seed Inspectors have powers for search and seize the seeds under relevant provisions of
this order.
* Licensing Authorities are empowered to cancel or suspend the licence under the
relevant provision of the order.
* Appellate provisions were provided in the order.
Annexure-III
Salient features of Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985:
*There is no control order for manure/organic fertiliser as on date. Efforts are being made
to include organic fertiliser and Bio-fertiliser under Fertiliser Control Order (FCO)
* Quality of fertiliser is regulated under Schedule I of FCO, 1985 under ECA, 1955.
* FCO, 1985 prohibits the sale of such fertilisers which do not meet the standards
specified in FCO.
Violation of provision of FCO is actionable both administratively and legally under

FCO/ECA.
*There are 67 fertiliser quality control testing labs in the States including 4 labs of the
central government - one each at Faridabad, Mumbai, Chennai and Kalyani.
*The analysing capacity of laboratories is about 1.25 lakh samples per annum.
*The State Governments are the enforcement agencies for implementation of the FCO.
237
* The percentage of non-standard samples at all India level is around 5-6%.
Annexure-IV
Salient features of the Insecticide Act, 1968
*Import, manufacture, sale and distribution of pesticides is regulated under the

Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971. There is a provision for registration
of pesticides at the Central Government level and licensing for manufacturing and sale of
pesticides by States/UT Governments after registration.
*The Registration Committee constituted under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act, 1968
registers pesticides only after satisfying itself regarding their efficacy and safety to
human beings and animals. If the pesticides are used as per the guidelines contained on
their labels and leaflets, they do not cause any damage to human beings, animals or the
environment.
*The Act provides for notification of four important functionaries for this purpose viz.,
Licensing Officer, Appellate Authority, Insecticide Inspector and Insecticide Analyst to
ensure that only genuine/quality pesticides are dispensed/distributed in the market.
Stringent administrative/legal action against defaulters of law is taken by the States/UTs.
*There is a network of 46 State Pesticide Testing Laboratories and 2 Regional Pesticide

Testing Laboratories of the Central Government and the Central Insecticides Laboratory,
established under Section 16 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 to test and analyse the quality
of insecticides. About 50,000 samples are drawn and tested annually.
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ADULTERATION IN FERTILISERS
650. SHRI SUBRATA BOSE
238
(a) whether the Government has received complaints regarding adulteration in fertilisers,
insecticides and chemicals due to which production is declining every year;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to prevent this malpractice?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): No cases of large scale adulteration of fertilisers, insecticides & chemicals have
been reported to the Ministry. By and large good quality of fertilisers & insecticides are
being sold in the country. Any decline in crop yield cannot be attributed to the non-
availability of good quality fertilisers and insecticides. Natural factors like untimely rains,
fast winds, floods/droughts, etc. play their role in reducing crop yield.
Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985 ensures that fertiliser which meet the standards of quality
laid down in the Order, are sold to the farmers. Similarly, the quality and sale of
pesticides and insecticides are regulated under the provisions of Insecticides Act, 1968.
The State/UTs Governments are the enforcement agencies and are adequately empowered
to take appropriate action under the provisions of the Fertiliser (Control) Order,
1985/Essential Commodities Act, 1955/Insecticides Act, 1966. To ensure that the farmers
get the standard quality of inputs, States have been advised to regularly check the quality
of fertilisers & insecticides. The samples of fertilisers and insecticides are drawn by the
notified inspectors for analysis and report. Training programmes for insecticides and
fertiliser Analysts and Inspector to upgrade their knowledge and functional skills in the
analysis and enforcement of various provisions of Insecticides Act and Fertiliser
(Control) Order, are organized, which are followed by periodical review during Zonal
Conferences.
********
239
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
Bt. COTTON SEEDS
1832. SHRI AJAY CHAKRABORTY
(a) whether after Andhra Pradesh and some other States, Bt Cotton seeds failed to
germinate in large scale in Tamil Nadu resulting in great loss to cotton-growers;
(b) if so, whether the cotton seeds of other varieties, the cost of which is substantially less
than Bt Cotton seeds, did germinate 100 percent;
(d) whether the Government proposes to do away with the Bt Cotton seeds; and
(e) if so, the efforts being made to compensate the cotton growers who suffered heavy
losses and are on the verge of total ruin?
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a)to(c): As per the information provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu, there is no
report of failure of Bt. cotton crop in the State.
(d)&(e): Question does not arise.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
USE OF OXYTOCIN FOR MILK
240
3837. SMT. MANEKA GANDHI
(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that oxytocin is used by Government
officials at milk yielding competitions arranged by the Department of Animal Husbandry
in Tirupati; and
(b) if so, the efforts made by the Government to stop such practice?
ANSWER

(SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a)&(b): No, Sir. However, by way of precaution, the Government has advised the State
Animal Husbandry Departments to educate the farmers in the States/UT`s about the
appropriate use of the oxytocin and for not using this product without the prescription of
registered veterinary practitioners.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PURITY STANDARDS OF INDIAN PRODUCTS
2857. SHRI KISHANBHAI VESTABHAI PATEL
(a) whether the Agriculture Produce (Grading and Marketing) Act, 1937 fixes quality
standards;
(c) whether the Government has any proposal to consider purity standards fixed by the
International Standard Organisation in this field;
(d) if so, the details in this regard;
241
(e) the names of the agriculture products approved so far by the core group on
harmonisation of fruits and vegetables; and
(f) the steps taken by the Government to increase the grading for export purpose?
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a)&(b): Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking ) Act, 1937 empowers the Central
Government to frame Grade standards of agricultural produce. These standards are
popularly called Agmark Standards and are voluntary. Till date Grade standards for 181
agricultural commodities in the category of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruits and
vegetables, vegetable oils, butter, ghee, honey, etc. have been framed and notified.
(c)&(d): While framing the Agmark Standards, relevant National Standards fixed under
the provisions of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and the International
Standards fixed by Codex Alimentarius Commission, United Nations Economic
Commission for Europe (UNECE), Economic Commission (EC), International
Organization for Standardization, etc. are also considered. However, the characteristics
and intrinsic quality of Indian produce is kept in consideration while fixing the Agmark
standards.
(e): Ministry of Commerce and Industry has constituted a Standing Committee on Fresh
Fruits and Vegetables for drafting and finalisation of standard. A core group of experts
comprising of representatives of Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI),
APEDA, trade, etc. is assisting the Standing Committee to draft standards. Standards of
18 fruits and vegetables namely table grapes, litchi, mangoes, pineapples, pomegranate,
guavas, shelling peas, sugar snap peas, Brussels sprouts, headed cabbage, ribbed celery,
spinach, banana, papaya, plums, tomato, garlic and onion have been notified. Standards
of another 14 fruits and vegetables namely strawberries, cherries, melons, watermelons,
beans, cauliflowers, pears, okra, chilies, capsicum, sapota, custard apple, gherkins and
carrots drafted by the core group have been approved by the Standing Committee. The
above standards are harmonised with National and International Standards viz. Codex
Alimentarius Commission, UNECE, EC etc.
(f): Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industries has notified
DMI as official certification agency for export of fresh fruits and vegetables for export to
European Union.
**********
242
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
HIGH LEVEL OF DIOXINS IN EGGS
704. SHRI SURESH CHANABASAPPA ANGADI

SUBODH MOHITE
S. AJAYA KUMAR
K.S. MANOJ
(a) whether a study conducted by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) called

‘Toxics Links’ have come out with a report which bring out that eggs produced in India
contain dioxins as reported in The Hindu dated October 18, 2005;
(b) if so, the facts and details thereof;
(c) the reaction of the Government thereto;
(d) its likely adverse effect on the health of the eggs consuming population;
(e) whether there is any guideline for breeding and feeding of chickens in the country;
(g) if not, the measures proposed to be taken by the Government to keep World Health
Organisation (WHO) criteria in the country?
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a)to(d): Samples of free-range chicken eggs collected by the Non-Governmental

Organisation, Toxics Link, from a source in close proximity to the medical waste
incinerator of the Queen Mary`s Hospital, Lucknow were reportedly found to contain
dioxins, which may cause adverse health effects. The Government has taken note of these
findings.
(e)&(f): The Government has published poultry feed standards for different age groups
243
and different species. These are based on Codex standards, industry experience and
inputs from academic institutions. The Central and State Government agencies also
provide guidance on best practices for poultry breeding.
(g): Not applicable.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ORGANIC MANURE
(a) the details of the total bulk of the organic manure produced in the country by using
various unconventional methods in the entire rural areas;
(b) the details of the total bulk of such organic manure extracted from the excreta of the
cows;
(c) the details of the total percentage of such organic manure of cows account for out of
total use of organic and chemical manure put together;
(d) the details of the total quantity of manure required for Indian agriculture during the
last three years, State-wise with special references to Karnataka; and
(e) the total quantity of Chemical and Fertiliser required for a particular agricultural
season?
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): The total bulk of organic manure produced in the country by using various
unconventional methods like animal excreta, crop residues, biogas slurry, green manures,
rural compost, bio-fertiliser etc. in rural areas is estimated at 5.89 million tonne in plant
244
nutrient form (N+P+K).
(b): About 1.299 million tonne (in plant nutrient form – N+P+K) organic manure is
extracted from the excreta of the cattle.
(c): Approximately 5.2 per cent of total use of organic and chemical manure put together
comes from such organic manure of cattle.
(d): Since organic manure are mostly produced and used on farm, the state-wise
information is not available.
(e): The total requirement of chemical fertilizers has been assessed to be 11.78 million
tonne (N+P+K) for Rabi 2005-06.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
USAGE OF PLASTICS
3881 SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA

SHRI MATI D. PURANDESWARI
SHRI KUNWAR MANVENDRA SINGH
SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI
SHRI ANANDRAO V ADSUL
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:
(a) whether conferences on plasticulture and use of plastic were held in different
sectors of the country;
(c) whether certain sectors of industry and agriculture find it unavoidable; and
(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
245
ANSWER

(SHRI A RAJA)
(a) & (b): An International Conference on Plasticulture and Precision Farming was
organised by the National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in Horticulture,
Ministry of Agriculture during November 17-21, 2005 at New Delhi. The conference
addressed various areas such as micro and sprinkler irrigation, sub surface drainage,
lining of water storage and conveyance systems with plastics film, surface covered
cultivation, precision farming, organic farming m biotechnology, , post harvest
management including packaging, storage technology , policy issues etc.
© In the agriculture sector, various plasticulture applications like drip and sprinkler
irrigation, green houses, mulching etc, offer a range of benefits such as water saving ,
moisture conservation and increase in productivity. Plastic products such as pipes,
tubings and films are unavoidable for sustainable agriculture and to increase agricultural
productivity. Plastics also find application in packaging, automobile and construction
sectors.
(a) Considering the importance of plastics in horticulture development , the Ministry

of Agriculture has a National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in
Horticulture to promote and develop the use of plastics in agriculture, water
management and related fields. The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals
in the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers also facilitates the growth of the
Petrochemicals industry including the plastic processing industry.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
IMPACT OF FLY ASH ON BARREN LAND
2801. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABBHANENI
(a) whether the Government are aware of the findings recently that the fly ash can make
246
barren land fertile;
(b) if so, whether any further study is likely to be made on this as this is likely to make
large barren area fertile besides implementing environment cleaning process; and
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has not conducted any systematic
study on use of fly ash for reclamation of waste/barren lands. The existing evidence in
literature suggests improvement of physical properties of soils, especially water holding
capacity in coarse textured soils, with the application of fly ash.
************
247
AIR POLLUTION
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION IN PATNA
1591. SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV
(a) whether the Government is aware about pollution problems in Patna which causes
many diseases to the people living there;
(b) if so, whether NASA has also given warning and satellite picture which confirm black
cloud centralised on Patna and other part of Gangetic plain thereof;
(c) if so, whether the Government has any plan to take care and tackle this environmental
problem; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Based on the analysis of satellite data captured by National Aeronautic and
Space Administration (NASA), United States of America (USA), researchers have
reported about winter-time pool of air polluting particles over the Indian subcontinent,
particularly over Bihar. Pollution observed over Bihar does not solely originate from
there, but could be due to transportation of pollution from western portions of the Ganges
Valley. Additionally, the meteorology and topography surrounding Bihar favour trapping
of pollution during winter. The pollution observed in Bihar during winter is also
attributable to burning of bio-fuels and coal used during cooking and other domestic
cores.
248
(c)&(d): The Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board have
initiated steps including action plans to control air pollution from various sources like
vehicles, industries, domestic fuel burning, etc.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
STUDY BY NASA ON POLLUTION LEVEL
5502. SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN
(a) the steps being taken by the Government to check environmentally polluted States of
the country preferably in rural areas and main cities of the country;
(b) whether a National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) research team
and other teams examining air pollution levels over the Indian subcontinent have found
an immense pollution pool over large number of States of the country;
(d) whether a large source contributing to the State`s pollution pool is the inefficient
burning of variety of bio-fuels during cooking and other domestic use;
(e) if so the steps being taken by the Central Pollution Board and State Pollution Control
Boards in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): For abatement of pollution from various industrial activities, measures have been
initiated which inter-alia include the following:
(i) Notification of general and source specific standards and their enforcement;
249
(ii) Regular monitoring for compliance of prescribed environmental norms;
(iii) Promotion of better technologies and cleaner fuels;
(iv) Issuance of notices/direction to defaulting units for installation of pollution

control devices; and
(v) Implementation of the Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental

Protection for 17 categories of polluting industries.
(b) & (c) Based on the analysis of satellite data captured by National Aeronautic and
Space Administration (NASA), United States of America (USA), researchers have
reported about winter-time pool of air polluting particles over Indo-Gangetic plain, where
meteorology and topography favour trapping of pollution during winter.
(d) The studies indicate that a large source of pollution is inefficient burning of bio-fuels
(largely fuel wood, dung-cake and crop waste) used during cooking and other domestic
use, the use of coal for utilities and industries and the use of diesel oil for transportation.
(e) The Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board have initiated
steps including action plans to control air pollution from various sources like vehicles,
industries, domestic fuel burning, etc.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
IMPACT OF POISONOUS AIR ON HUMAN HEALTH
5570. SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY
(a) whether the Government is aware that the air in many cities including metro cities and
towns has not only become polluted but poisonous also;
(c) whether not only common men but neo-natal children have been found to be suffering
250
from heart ailments as a result of the same; and
(d) if so, the effective steps the Government is taking to protect against the future
impending calamity?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the ambient levels of sulfur
dioxide and oxides of nitrogen in major cities and towns are well within the prescribed
environmental norms on annual average basis. However, the ambient levels of Respirable
Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) have exceeded the prescribed limit in some
cities/towns.
(c)&(d): There is no conclusive data available to confirm heart ailments attributable to air
pollution. The strategies adopted and measures taken to control air pollution include
supply of improved auto-fuel, tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms,
mandatory environmental clearance for specified industries, promotion of cleaner
technologies, strengthening network of air quality monitoring stations, assessment of air
pollution load and source apportionment studies, preparation and implementation of
action plans for major cities and critically polluted areas.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION IN METRO CITIES
3461. SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU

A. RAVICHANDRAN SIPPIPARAI
(a) whether the Government has prepared any comprehensive and concrete action plan to
bring down the alarming pollution levels in all metro and mega cities in the country,
particularly Mumbai;
251
(c) whether the Government has conducted any study to assess the impact of Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG) use on the pollution levels in Delhi and other metro cities;
(e) by when all metro and mega cities are to become pollution free?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Government has prepared city-specific action plans to control and regulate
pollution in the mega cities of the country, including Mumbai. These action plans include
various components like air, water and noise pollution and waste management. Specific
emphasis has been laid on control of vehicular pollution, industrial pollution, burning of
fossil fuel and other biomass to arrest the increasing air pollution. These action plans are
at various stages of implementation.
(c)&(d): Ambient air quality of Delhi is being monitored by the Central Pollution Control
Board and the data reveals that there has been reduction in the concentration of almost all
the pollutants, except for NOx, which has marginally increased. The introduction of CNG
as automotive fuel in public transport has brought visible positive effects in the ambient
air quality.
(e): An Auto Fuel Policy has been drawn with a road map for improved air quality which,
inter alia, include cleaner fuels, automobile technologies and enforcement measures.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
GRANTS IN AID FOR EFFLUENT TREATMENT PLANTS
5564. SHRI KAILASH MEGHWAL
252
(a) whether the Ministry of Environment and Forests provides grants-in-aid for
encouraging common effluent treatment plants;
(b) if so, details of the grants-in-aid provided during the Tenth Five Year Plan, year-wise,
State-wise and plant-wise;
(c) whether Air Quality Monitoring Systems are also being run by the Ministry;
(d) if so, the names of places where these systems have been installed and the details of
amount spent on these systems during the said period, State-wise and system-wise;
(e) whether any proposal for increasing Air Quality Monitoring Systems and other allied
schemes is under consideration of the Government; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Environment and Forests provides grants-in-aid in
terms of Central subsidy matching amount provided by the State Government for
common effluent treatment plants (CETPs). During the Tenth Five Year Plan, funds have
been released for the CETPs in the State of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab
and Andhra Pradesh to the tune of Rs.2.47 crores, Rs.5.47 crores and Rs.3.95 crores
during 2002-03, 2003-04 & 2004-05 respectively
(c)&(d): The Central Pollution Control Board has established 313 ambient air quality
monitoring stations in the country and three continuous air quality monitoring stations are
in operation in Delhi. The amount spent on ambient air quality monitoring network
during 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 was Rs.2.35 crores, Rs.2.13 crores and Rs.1.76
crores respectively.
(e)&(f): There is a proposal for increasing the ambient air quality monitoring stations and
also to set up 16 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations on a cost sharing
basis with the respective State Pollution Control Boards.
*******
253
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION CONTROL WITH COORDINATION OF UNEP
4488. SMT. BHAVANA PUNDLIKRAO GAWALI
(a) the details of development in Environment and Forest sector of the country during the
last two years in co-ordination with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP);
and
(b) the extent to which co-ordination of UNEP has been helpful in preventing and
controlling the air pollution in Metropolitan cities of the country?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a): UNEP has provided technical assistance under the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) to India in the areas of promoting industrial energy efficiency through cleaner
production, assessment of soil organic carbon stocks, management of agro-biodiversity
for sustainable land use and technology transfer networks and for concept development
for sustainable urban transport systems in selected Asian countries.
(b): Currently there is no activity with UNEP in preventing and controlling the air
pollution in Metropolitan cities of the country.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
AIR POLLUTION IN ASIAN CITIES
3522. SHRI UDAY SINGH
254
(a) whether the Government is aware of a study which finds high air pollution level in
Asian cities as reported in the ‘Hindu’ dated December 08, 2004;
(b) if so, whether the impact of outdoor air pollution in Asian cities is rapidly increasing;
(c) if so, whether the Government have taken any steps in this regard; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Health Effects Institute (HEI), Boston has carried out a study on
‘Health Effects of Outdoor Air Pollution in Developing Countries of Asia’ reporting
combustion as the main source of air pollution in most Asian cities. As per the
projections in the study, the expected economic growth may experience substantial
increase in its use of coal and motor vehicle fuels.
(c)&(d): The steps taken by the Government to abate air pollution include:
* Identification of sources of air pollution.
* Notification and enforcement of air quality and emission standards.
* Regular monitoring of air quality.
*Introduction of improved technologies and cleaner fuels.
*Issuance of notices/directions to defaulting units for installation of pollution control

devices.
* Implementation of the Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental

Protection for 17 categories of polluting industries.
********
255
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DRIVE AGAINST VEHICULAR POLLUTION
1689. SHRI KINJARAPU YERRANNAIDU
(a) whether the Government is going to launch a major drive against vehicular pollution;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the benefits general public will get from it?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The Government of India have initiated a number of steps for abatement of
vehicular pollution in the country, which, inter alia, include the following :
• Enforcement of auto exhaust emission standards for new vehicles at
manufacturing stage;
• Use of improved fuel quality;
• Road map up to 2010 to control vehicular pollution for both the new and in-use
vehicles;
• Establishment of Pollution Under Control (PUC) Checking Centres;
• City-specific action plans have been prepared to control air pollution, which are at
different stages of implementation.
(c): The above steps have been initiated with a view of improving the air quality.
*****
256
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTING UNITS IN WEST BENGAL AND JHARKHAND
24. SHRI BIR SINGH MAHATO
(a) the number of cases registered city-wise in West Bengal and Jharkhand under the Air
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Water (Prevention and Control
of Pollution) Act, 1994 during the last three years; and
(b) the action taken thereon under the said acts so far?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): In the State of Jharkhand, four cases have been registered in the cities of Hazaribagh
and Sareikela-Kharsawa during last three years by Jharkhand State Pollution Control
Board under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Similarly, West Bengal Pollution Control Board has
filed two cases in the cities of Serampore, district Hooghly and Durgapur district
Burdwan.
(b): The Boards are enforcing the mandatory provisions of these Acts and have also
issued show cause notices, closure orders against polluting units for compelling the
industry to comply with environmental norms as stipulated under various Acts.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
257
MIXING OF NAPHTHA IN PETROL
71. SHRI AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
(a) whether the Government is aware about mixing of naphtha in petrol;
(b) if so, the percentage thereof;
(c) whether smoke of naphtha mixed petrol is dangerous for environment and health; and
(d) if so, the type of ill effects of naphtha mixed smoke on health and the steps taken by
the Government to stop this mixing?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Yes Sir, few cases of adulteration of fuels with naphtha and other solvents have
been reported.
(c): Fuel adulteration increases the emissions of harmful pollutants in vehicle exhaust
including hydrocarbons (HC) like benzene and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and
particulate matter (PM), which are detrimental for human health and environment.
(d): To check the adulteration, the Government has initiated special vigilance drives
along with regular as well as surprise inspection of retail outlets, joint inspection of retail
outlets by the industry teams and surprise inspection by mobile laboratories. Introduction
of filter paper test and density checks for fuel testing, furfural doping of kerosene for
public depot supply and introduction of blue dyeing of kerosene have also been
introduced.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DEATHS DUE TO POLLUTION
258
2286. SHRI M. ANJAN KUMAR YADAV
(a) whether the Government is aware that the Centre of Science and Environment has in
its recent studies disclosed about a large number of deaths in the major cities of the
country caused by the environmental pollution;
(b) if so, the details thereof showing the total annual increase in environmental pollution
in terms of percentage vis-a-vis increase in the number of deaths during the last two
years, State-wise;
(c) the strategy being chalked out by the Government to check the environmental
degradation causing a large number of deaths every year; and
(d) the expenditure involved therein?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a non-governmental organisation,

has not done any study recently disclosing on large numbers of deaths in the major cities
of the country caused by environmental pollution. However, CSE undertook a study in
1997 on the ill effects of air pollution on health and found increased incidences of
morbidity and mortality in few Indian cities. CSE also undertook a study in the year 2004
on pesticide exposure in some villages in Punjab and found pesticide residues in the
blood samples. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence available to establish
cause-effect relationship between the environmental pollution and incidences of mortality
and morbidity.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, no definite trend of increase in air
pollution in residential areas of major cities was observed except in respect of Oxides of
Nitrogen and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matters (RSPM) in few metro cities
during the last two years.
(c)&(d): Strategies adopted for control of environmental pollution include comprehensive

policy for 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 & bio-medical wastes,
promotion of cleaner technologies, setting up of network of air and water quality
monitoring stations, rivers and lakes conservation programmes, assessment of pollution
load and source apportionment studies, preparation and implementation of action plans
for major cities and critically polluted areas. Budgetary allocation of about Rs. 487 crores
provided to this Ministry during the current financial year include undertaking various
259
plan schemes pertaining to monitoring and control of pollution, hazardous waste
management, common effluent treatment plants, rivers and lakes conservation
programmes, environment impact assessment of developmental projects, clean
technologies, etc. Besides, the budgetary allocations of other concerned Ministries and
Departments at the Central and State levels also include schemes for conservation and
improvement of environment.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
RELATIVE POLLUTION LEVEL IN INDIA
2259. SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO

JIVABHAI AMBALAL PATEL
(a) the status of India in the world in respect of pollution;
(b) the reaction of Government in this regard;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to check this problem; and
(d) the success achieved by the Government by taking such steps?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): A study conducted by a team of scientists at Yale and Columbia Universities on the
2005 Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI), which integrates various data sets
including past and present pollution levels, environment management efforts, etc., has
rated India at 101 position out of 146 countries.
(b)&(c): The steps taken for prevention and control of pollution include :
- Notification of general and source specific environmental standards;
- Introduction of cleaner fuels and improved vehicular technologies;
- Implementation of the Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental
protection for seventeen categories of polluting industries; and
260
- Regular monitoring for environmental compliance.
(d): Due to various abatement measures taken, the increasing trend in pollution, has been
arrested with categorical improvement in environmental quality, as determined by
competent scientific institutions.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
EFFECT OF CNG ON ENVIRONMENT
2292. SHRI C.H. VIJAYASHANKAR

K. DHANARAJU
RAGHURAJ SINGH SHAKYA
(a) whether the Government has assessed the improvement in the environment of Delhi
by usage of CNG in vehicles;
(c) whether the Government has any scheme to encourage the use of CNG instead of
diesel in other big cities also; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Ambient air quality data for the years 2003 and 2004, the years after the
introduction of CNG, at Delhi’s busiest traffic intersection at ITO indicate reduction in
the levels of pollutants like Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Respirable Suspended
Particulate Matter (RSPM) and Carbon Monoxide (CO). However, the level of Oxides of
Nitrogen (NOx) and Particulate Matter still exceed the ambient air quality standards. This
could be attributed to the rise in vehicle population.
261
(c)&(d): Pursuant to the Hon’ble Supreme Court’’s directions, 16 most polluted cities of
the country have prepared action plans to improve the ambient air quality. Change over to
cleaner fuels like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)/Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), etc.
is one of the measures contemplated in the action plans.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION LEVEL IN CITIES
371. SHRI ANANTRAO GUDHE

MADAN LAL SHARMA
(a) the names of the most polluted cities of the country in their order of the extent of
pollution;
(b) the existing level of pollution in each of the said cities;
(c) whether the Union Government has conducted or proposes to conduct any survey in
this regard;
(d) if so, the details of the same; and
(e) the steps being taken/proposed to be taken by the Union Government to check
pollution in these cities?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)&(b): Based on the monitoring of ambient air quality data, the cities have been ranked
as per the levels of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) measured in
residential area during 2004. The list of cities and their pollution level is annexed.
262
(c)&(d): Assessment of air quality is an on-going activity of Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control
Committees (PCCs). The Central Pollution Control Board is executing a nation-wide
programme of ambient air quality monitoring known as National Air Quality Monitoring
Programme (NAMP). The network consists of 326 air quality monitoring stations
covering 116 cities/towns in 28 States and 4 Union Territories of the country.
(e): The steps taken to abate air pollution include:
# Notification of general and source specific environmental standards;

# Identification of sources of pollution;
# Enforcement of auto exhaust standards for vehicles at manufacturing stage;
# Introduction of cleaner fuels and improved vehicular technologies;
# Regular monitoring for environmental compliance.
Annexure-I
Ranking of cities based on RSPM levels observed in residential areas obtained

under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)
Rank City RSPM Annual average concentration

during
2004 (Res. Areas) in micrograms/Nm3
1 Raipur 275
2 Jharia 202
3 Jalandhar 197
4 Kanpur 184
5 Alwar 178
6 Lucknow 157
7 Satna 154
8 Korba 154
9 Faridabad 152
10 Indore 149
11 Solapur 144
12 Ahmedabad 138
13 Pune 137
14 Guwahati 135
15 Agra 133
16 Delhi 131
263
17 Jamnagar 130
18 Dhanbad 129
19 Vadodara 128
20 Vapi 128
21 Kolkata 122
22 Nagda 121
23 Surat 119
24 Ankaleshwar 119
25 Bhilai 117
26 Jaipur 115
27 Madurai 115
28 Chandigarh 111
29 Varanasi 111
30 Jodhpur 110
31 Howrah 104
32 Trivendrum 102
33 Kota 95
34 Visakhapatnam 95
35 Rourkela 89
36 Udaipur 86
37 Patna 84
38 Nasik 82
39 Mumbai 77
40 Parwanoo 74
41 Chandrapur 73
42 Bangalore 71
43 Jabalpur 69
44 Nagpur 64
45 Coimbatore 63
46 Kozhikode 55
47 Bhopal 54
48 Hyderabad 54
49 Kottayam 51
50 Kochi 49
51 Titicorin 41
52 Chennai 31
Note :- The data of Jharia is of industrial area and data of Agra is of Taj Mahal
(sensitive area)
**********
264
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO.164
POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES
164 SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL
(a) whether the Union Government provided funds to control all types of pollution
including environmental pollution in the country;
(b) if so, whether environmental pollution has not decreased commensurate with the
funds spent in this regard;
(c) if so, the reasons attributed thereto; and
(d) the details of action plan chalked out to check increasing pollution?
ANSWER

(SHRI A.RAJA)
(a): The Union Government provide funds to control the following types of pollutions:
i. Abatement of pollution in rivers and lakes;

ii. Establishment of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP);
iii. Construction of infrastructure facilities for treatment, storage and
disposal of solid and hazardous wastes;
iv. Monitoring for compliance of Environment Standards;
v. Assistance for abatement of pollution;
vi. Grant-in-aid to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
(b)&(c): Due to various abatement and enforcement measures taken, there has been
improvement in environmental quality as determined by monitoring by independent
scientific and technical institutions. In this connection, International Development has
observed that in terms of both time and cost involved, the Ganga Action Plan –1
compares favourable with those of major rivers of the world. Similarly, the air quality
in all metro cities have shown improvement as a result of various abatement measures
undertaken. Monitored data indicate that Sulphur Dioxide and Oxides of Nitrogen
which are key air pollutants are currently within notified standards.
(d) The steps initiated to abate pollution include:

1. Notification and enforcement of emissions and effluent
standards for various industries/activities;
2. Regular monitoring of environmental quality;
3. Issuance of notices/directions to non-complying units;
265
4. Action plan for improvement of air quality in identified
polluted cities; and
5. Implementation of Charter on Corporate Responsibility for
Environmental Protection (CREP) for 17 categories of
polluting industries.
*********
266
ATOMIC ENERGY
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
EFFECT OF TSUNAMI ON KALPAKKAM ATOMIC POWER PLANT
387. SHRI SUGRIB SINGH

SALARAPATTY KUPPUSAMY KHARVENTHAN
PRADEEP GANDHI
BALESHWAR YADAV
(a) whether there has been serious damage to the Kalpakkam Atomic Power Station due
to tsunami;
(c) whether the Government has repaired the property and plant damaged in Kalpakkam;
(d) if so, the expenditure incurred thereon; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to save the plant due to such incidents in the
future?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE

(a): No Sir. There was no damage to Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) at
Kalpakkam in Tamilnadu due to tsunami on 26/12/2004.
(b): During the incident, the water level in the MAPS pump house located near the coast
also rose along with the rise in sea water level resulting in submergence of a few pump
motors. There was no other effect to the station.
(c): These pump motors were dried and made functional soon thereafter. Subsequently,
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (a PSU of DAE and owner of MAPS) and a
267
team of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) separately carried out detailed
inspection of the plant. After clearance of AERB, the unit was restarted within a week of
the incident and has been in operation since then.
(d): The expenditure has been insignificant and could be included in regular O&M budget
of the MAPS.
(e) All systems/components and the operator actions have been as per the design. The
incident has, in fact, validated the robustness and conservative design of the plant to
withstand such incidents. No specific action is therefore needed in this regard.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
URANIUM MINING
(a) whether the Uranium Corporation of India Limited is set to start mining in the West
Khasi Hills soon; and
(b) if so, the details thereof
ANSWER

(a): Yes Sir. Uranium Corporation of India Limited proposes to start mining and milling
project at West Khasi Hills Meghalaya, after all approvals and statutory clearances are
obtained.
(b): Various pre-project activities have been initiated. The Environmental Impact
Assessment and Environmental Management Plan report has been prepared. Site
clearance from the Ministry of Environment & Forests has been obtained.
268
The NOC from State Pollution Control Board is awaited. Application has been submitted
to the Government of Meghalaya for grant of mining lease.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
INCIDENTS OF LEAKAGE OF RADIOACTIVITY
2686. SHRI BRAJESH PATHAK
(a) the names of the nuclear power stations whose life span is going to expire;
(b) the steps taken to avoid impending danger of radioactivity created by these power
stations;
(c) the names of the nuclear power stations where incidents of leakage of radioactivity
occurred during the last three years and till date;
(d) whether any study has been made or proposed to be made to determine the impact of
radioactivity on the families residing near these stations;
(e) if so, the details of finding thereof; and
(f) the action taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

(a): Nil. Internationally, the economic life of nuclear power stations is 30-40 years. Based
on the systematic life assessment studies and life extension measures, the nuclear power
plants can be safely operated for another 20-25 years. In India also our experience has
been similar. Operation of all plants is subject to licensing by the Atomic Energy
Regulatory Board (AERB) and review of operation from time to time.
(b): Not applicable.
269
(c): During the last three years, there has been no incident of leakage or discharge of
radioactivity beyond the limits specified by the AERB.
(d): Epidemiological surveys to assess the effects of radiation among the employees and
their family members who reside near the nuclear power plants have been completed by
the Tata Memorial Centre, a premier research institute in India.
(e): The above surveys have indicated that the operations of nuclear power plants have no
ill effects on health.
(f): Not applicable in view of (e) above.
**********
270
BIO-DIVERSITY
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN WILDLIFE

CONSERVATION
(a) the names of the leading Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) actively involved
in conservation of wild animals including tigers in the country during the last five years,
State-wise;
(b) whether any tiger crisis or monitoring cell has been opened by certain States
particularly Orissa involving the Wildlife Wing, Police, leading tiger conservation NGOs,
wildlife experts, etc; and
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIROMENT AND FORESTS

(a): While the State level compilation of NGOs involved in wildlife conservation is not
maintained, this Ministry has information about some Non-Governmental Organisations
which are involved in wildlife conservation including tigers:
(i) World Wide Fund for Nature-India
(ii) Wildlife Protection Society of India
(iii) Bombay Natural History Society
(iv) Wildlife Trust of India.
(b)&(c): A ‘Tiger Cell’ has been formed in some states like Madhya Pradesh and
Maharashtra. However, there is no report regarding formation of a Tiger Crisis or
Monitoring Cell in the state of Orissa.
********
271
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES OF FLORA AND FAUNA
3589. SHRI JAI PRAKASH
(a) whether the Government is considering to take any steps to make suitable
arrangements in provisions of World Trade Agreements for protection of endangered
species of flora and fauna;
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Necessary steps have been envisaged in the EXIM Policy (2004-
2009) to prohibit and restrict the export of endangered species, in conformity with
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
(CITES) and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The EXIM Policy 2004-2009 specifies
these details.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
272
BIODIVERSITY ACT, 2002
6364. SHRI CHANDRABHAN BHAIYA SINGH
(a) whether many organisations including the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs),

people movements and citizens have criticised the ignorance of people’s participation and
serving particular interests in matters relating to environment;
(b) if so, the interests underlined by these organisations;
(c) whether rules notified under the Biodiversity Act, 2002 weakens the role of local
groups in protecting biodiversity and traditional knowledge;
(d) if so, whether groups engaged in the environment sector have indicated its
shortcomings;
(f) the steps taken by the Government to prohibit clearance of developmental projects
without ascertaining the effect on environment and without making assessment in this
regard ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Various organisations and individuals stress for people’s participation in matters
relating to environment and the policies and programmes of the Government ensure
maximum stakeholders’ involvement in various schemes. The Government has the policy
of stakeholders consultation in such matters.
(c)to(e): The rules notified under Biodiversity Act, 2002 are in accordance with the Act
passed by the Parliament and adequately provide for role of local groups in protecting
biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Apprehensions of some groups regarding
infirmity in the rules are factually not correct.
(f): Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for obtaining prior environmental clearance
has been made mandatory for 32 categories of development projects in the sectors of
273
industry, thermal power, mining, river valley, infrastructure and nuclear power under the
Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 1994 .
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
IMPACT OF MINING ON WILDLIFE

UDAY SINGH
(a) whether the Government is aware that the tigers in Orissa are facing a fresh threat
from the proposed mining of bauxite at Karlapat in the forest rich Kalahandi district as
reported in the ‘Pioneer’ dated April 10, 2005;
(b) if so, the facts and the details in this regard; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to prevent mining operations in the forests?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The State has informed that a proposal has been received for diversion of 755
ha. of forest land at Langigarh in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts for bauxite mining
and alumina project. A portion of the Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary falls within a belt of 20
kms around the project area. A wildlife management scheme for mitigating threats to
tigers and other wild animals in the project impact area, comprising of the areas within a
radial distance of 20 kms from the project, has been prepared.
(c): The mining proposals pertaining to forests are examined under the Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980, and only site specific projects are considered on merit. Such
projects are also required to take environmental clearance.
******
274
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SAFETY OF ANIMALS IN ZOOLOGICAL PARKS

ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY
(a) whether the Government is aware that animals are not safe inside the Zoological Parks
in the country particularly in Delhi as reported in the Hindustan Times dated April 04,
2005;
(b) if so, the facts and details thereof;
(c) whether Section 38J of the Wildlife Protection Act is grossly violated by the visitors
who come to the Zoological Parks;
(d) if so, the reasons behind the failure of Zoological Park authorities to check such
violations; and
(e) the concrete steps taken to ensure proper safety of animals in Zoological Parks
particularly in Delhi Zoo?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The zoos in the country are being modernised to ensure well being of the
animals as well as their safety. However, as majority of the zoos are displaying animals
in open enclosures there may be some freak incidences of vandalism by visitors.
(c): No, Sir.
(e): It is mandatory under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992 to provide adequate
security for ensuring the safety of animals in zoos. Financial assistance is also provided
to zoos in the country for strengthening the security fencing around the zoo, providing
stand off barriers around animal enclosures, providing warning sign boards as well as for
275
installing communication equipments like CCTV and walky-talky sets.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
AMENDMENT IN WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT

RAMAKRISHNA BADIGA
(a) whether the Government plans to amend the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972;
(b) if so, the changes likely to be incorporated;
(c) the manner in which it is likely to help save extinguishing wildlife species; and
(d) the time by which it is likely to be processed and implemented?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)to(c): The amendment in Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is resorted to whenever

suitable proposals are received by the Ministry. The Act which was last amended during
the year 2002 provides adequate and effective protection to the wildlife in the country.
********
276
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENT
168. SHRI SURESH KURUP
(a) whether the Government received any letter signed by 40 wildlife and environmental
organisations regarding the Government policies in protection of wildlife and
environment;
(c) the reaction of the Government thereto?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The major issues highlighted in the letter dated 4.10.2004 are at Annexure.
(c): Forest land and wildlife habitat are protected by various laws including the Indian
Forest Act, 1927, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. All cases of diversion and use of forest as
well as wildlife habitats for non-forestry purposes are examined by expert committees
strictly under the provisions of these laws and the orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court
issued from time to time. Rehabilitation measures including compensatory afforestation
and restoration of habitats are mandatory provisions while granting clearances for
developmental projects after due consideration of its necessity without compromising
conservation concerns.
ANNEXURE
The major issues highlighted by the activitists, NGO’s and others in their letter dated
October 4, 2004 are as given below:
277
1. Wildlife habitats and populations continue to be under serious threat from
‘development’ projects across India.
2. Several kinds of development projects have been granted clearance despite extremely
poor environmental impact assessment, including blatantly plagiarised studies.
3. Several destructive development projects have been allowed inside or immediately

bordering Protected Areas.
4. Several clearances have been granted completely ignoring the citizens’ inputs.
5. The National Board for Wildlife and Expert Committees for environmental clearance
have been weakened.
6. Compensatory mechanism for clearance of projects cannot be substitute for sound

decision making based on comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment.
7. Repeated dilutions of notifications under the Environmental Protection Act have made
wildlife habitats and sensitive ecosystems more vulnerable to development pressures.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POPULATION OF VULTURES
1239. SHRI SURESH CHANABASAPPA ANGADI
(a) whether the disappearing population of vultures is set to create environmental

problems;
(b) if so, whether some State Governments have agreed to start vulture breeding centres;
(d) whether the Union Government has asked the other States also to start such vulture
breeding centres;
278
ANSWER

(a): Yes, Sir. Vultures play a key ecological role in the Indian sub-continent.
(b)&(c): The Government of Haryana has already set up a Vulture Conservation and Breeding
Centre at Pinjore.
(d)&(e): Setting up of Vulture Care and Breeding Centre in the Range States of vultures has been
identified
as one of the options under Vulture Conservation Programme. Necessary permission for capture of
vultures
for the Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centers has been accorded to the States of West Bengal
and Himachal Pradesh.
(f): Does not arise.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
WILDIFE REPORT
(a) whether the attention of the Union Government has been drawn to a wildlife report
279
according to which the migratory birds are going off Delhi due to increasing pollution in
Delhi’s water bodies;
(c) the corrective measures taken or proposed to be taken in this regard and also to check
water pollution in the country particularly in Delhi?
ANSWER
FORESTS
(a): No, Sir. No such report has been received.
(b)&(c): Does not arise.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SETTING UP OF WILDLIFE CRIME CONTROL BUREAU/COURTS
2261. SHRI SURAVARAM SUDHAKAR REDDY

C.K. CHANDRAPPAN
SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR
(a) whether the Government has decided/proposed to set up WildLife Crime Control
Bureau/special courts for the protection of wild life;
(b) if so, by when it is likely to start functioning; and
280
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Yes, Sir. The Government has decided to set up Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.
(b): No specific time frame has been laid down.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PROTECTION OF WILD LIFE
3722. SHRI SURESH GANPATRAO WAGMARE
(a) the number of tiger projects and other wildlife projects in Vidarbha region of
Maharastra; and
(b) the facilities/provisions for wildlife animals therein?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTAND FORESTS

(a): There are three Tiger Reserves, four National Parks and fifteen Wildlife Sanctuaries
in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
(b): Financial and technical help is extended to the States under Centrally Sponsored
Schemes for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure to provide effective protection and
conservation of wild animals.
********
281
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BIO-DIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
819 SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO

SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA
SHRI ANANDRAO V ADSUL
(a) whether the Union Government has started the process of developing the National
Bio-diversity Action Plan;
© whether any Non-Government Organization (NGO) has submitted report on national

bio-diversity strategy and action plan;
(d) if so, details thereof; and.
(a) the action taken by the Government in this regard.
Answer

FORESTS
(a)to(c): The Ministry has started the process of developing the National Biodiversity
Action Plan. As a first step, work was assigned to two organisations, ‘Kalpavriksh’ and
‘Bio-tech Consortium India Ltd;’ under United Nations Development Programme-Global
Environment Facility sponsored project to prepare a project report based on which the
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) was to be finalised. Pursuant to
the completion of project tenure, the Ministry of Environment and Forests received the
draft Project Report as consolidated and prepared by Kalpavriksh. Subsequently, a group
of experts was constituted by the Minsitry to scrutinise the draft Report prepared by the
Kalpavriksh and rectify the discrepancies and inconsistencies which were noticed in the
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).
282
The first draft of the NAP has been discussed in the Ministry aand the final draft is to be
prepared, harmonising it with the provisions of the draft Environment Policy. After
approval of the draft National Action Plan within the Ministry, the following actions will
be initiated:
• Inter-ministerial consultation on the draft National Action Plan.

• Preparation of the Cabinet Note for approval of the Action Plan by the Cabinet.
• Release of the National Action Plan
****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3687
PROTECTION OF TIGER
3687. SHRI NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT and FORESTS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government proposes to amend the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 to
ensure protection of tiger;
(c) whether a statutory body i.e. National Tiger Conservation Authority in also being
set up; and
(d) if so, its role and other details of its sphere of work?
ANSWER

(SHRI A RAJA)
(a)to(d): The Tiger Task Force constituted as per the recommendations of the National
Board for Wildlife has, interalia, suggested amendments to the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972 and giving statutory authority to Project Tiger. These
urgent recommendations have been accepted and action has been taken for their
283
implementation including setting up of a National Tiger Conservation Authority
under the Act.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
819. SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO

SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA
SHRI ANANDRAO V. ADSUL
(a) whether the Union Government has started the process of developing the national
bio-diversity action plan;
(c) whether any Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has submitted report on

national bio-diversity strategy and action plan;
(e) the action taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

(a) to (e): The Ministry has started the process of developing the National Biodiversity
Action Plan. As a first step, work was assigned to two organisations,
‘Kalpavriksh’ and ‘Bio-tech Consortium India Ltd.,’ under a United Nations
Development Programme – Global Environment Facility sponsored project to
prepare a project report based on which the National Biodiversity Strategy and
Action Plan (NBSAP) was to be finalised. Pursuant to the completion of project
tenure, the Ministry of Environment and Forests received the draft Project Report
284
as consolidated and prepared by Kalpavriksh. Subsequently, a group of experts
was constituted by the Ministry to scrutinise the draft Report prepared by the
Kalpavriksh and rectify the discrepancies and inconsistencies which were noticed
in the Report. The report has since been duly corrected by the Group of Experts.
The corrected and revised report is going to act as an input for the draft National
Action Plan (NAP). The first draft of the NAP has been discussed in the Ministry
and the final draft is to be prepared, harmonizing it with the provisions of the draft
Environment Policy. After approval of the draft National Action Plan within the
Ministry, the following actions will be initiated:
• Inter-ministerial consultation on the draft National Action Plan;
• Preparation of the Cabinet Note for approval of the Action Plan by the
Cabinet;
• Release of the National Action Plan
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
TASK FORCE REPORT ON TIGER RESERVES
(a) the salient points of the report submitted to the Prime Minister by the Task Force
constituted to review the management of Tiger Reserves in the country;
(b) the immediate and long term action plans suggested by the task force; and
(c) the plans of the Government to protect the tiger keeping in view the Indian
environment where forests are not only wilderness but also the habitats of people?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): The key recommendations of the Tiger Task Force Report are as below:.
285
(i) Reinvigorate the institutions of governance.
(ii) Strengthen efforts geared towards protection of the tiger, checking
poaching, convicting wildlife criminals and breaking the international
trade network.
(iii) Expand the inviolate spaces for the tiger by minimising human pressure in
these areas.
(iv) Repair the relationships with the people who share the tiger’s habitat by
building strategies for coexistence.
(v) Regenerate the forest habitats in the fringes of the tiger’s protective
enclaves by investing in forest, water and grassland economies of the
people.
(b): The urgent actions (including long-term) recommended by Tiger Task Force
which have been accepted for implementation are at Annexure-I.
(c) Eco-development for the benefit of local people living in and around tiger
reserves and other protected areas, has been included in Centrally Sponsored
Schemes (CSS) of ‘Project Tiger’ as well as ‘Development of National Parks and
Sanctuaries’ to elicit support for wildlife conservation.
ANNESXURE-I
Action has been taken on the following urgent recommendations of the Task Force which
were accepted for implementation:
1. Request the Prime Minister to head the Steering of Project Tiger for a period
of 2-3 years.
2. The Project Tiger Directorate to be converted into a statutory authority under
the Ministry of Environment & Forests. This will give it greater autonomy
and ability to coordinate with state governments.
3. The Wildlife Crime Bureau to be created immediately under the Ministry of
Environment & Forests.
4. The next census (planned for November) of tigers and habitat to be done using
the new methodology, suggested by Ministry of Environment & Forests and
endorsed by the Tiger Task Force. Independent audit report also to be
presented to Parliament in 6 months, which will rate state performance on
different criteria.
5. The plan for relocation of villages from key tiger habitats to be finalised
within one year, with its financial and logistical implications and completed
with 2-3 years.
6. The plan for coexistence to be prepared by each tiger reserve within one year
so that benefits of conservation can be shared with local communities.
7. The benefits of tourism to be shared with local communities using the
recommendations of the Task Force.
********************
286
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF TIGER TASK

FORCE
851. SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY
(a) whether the Government has reviewed the implementation of the

recommendations of Tiger Task Force;
(c) whether any lacunae has been found out in the implementation process;
(d) if so, the corrective steps taken/proposed in this regard; and
(e) the progress in respect of setting up of wildlife crime control bureau?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. Action has been initiated on seven urgent recommendations of
Tiger Task Force, which have been accepted for implementation.
(c): No, Sir.
(e): Action has been taken for setting up a multi-disciplinary Wildlife Crime Control
Bureau in the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
*********************
287
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BIO-DIVERSITY PROJECT
1679. SHRI HITEN BARMAN
(a) whether a co-ordinated project on coastal and marine bio-diversity was launched
during 1999-2000;
(b) if so, the objective thereof;
(c) the current status of its implementation, particularly in regard to the conservation
of mangroves, coral reefs and other marine lives in the coastal zone;
(d) whether the Government had issued a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
Notification in 1991 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
(e) if so, the salient objectives envisaged therein;
(f) whether any review of the status of its implementation has been carried out; and
(g) if so, the details thereof, State and Union Territory-wise?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Yes Sir. The three basic objectives are, namely, survey and inventorisation of
marine flora and fauna, training and capacity building and establishment of the
database network.
(c): So far 21 projects have been assisted in the field of coastal and marine
biodiversity with emphasis on survey and inventorisation, training and capacity
building in the area of marine taxonomy and development of databases on living
marine organisms. Over 100 researchers and officers of the Coastal States have
been trained in the taxonomy of marine flora and fauna, snorkeling, scuba diving
and coral bio-monitoring methodologies. The research, conservation and
management of mangroves and coral reefs are also supported under Schemes
specially designed to promote conservation of these two marine resources.
(d)&(e): Yes, Sir. The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 1991, declares
coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers and backwaters, which are
influenced by tidal action (in the landward side) up to 500 meters from the High
Tide Line (HTL) and the land between the Low Tide Line (LTL) and the High
288
Tide Line as coastal Regulation Zone. The objective of the said Notification is to
conserve and protect the Coastal Regulation Zone.
(f)&(g): There has been no formal or structured review of the status of implementation of
the CRZ Notification as such. The provisions of the Notification are enforced
through State Coastal Zone Management Authorities and other State level
agencies concerned.
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PROTECTION OF TIGER
(a) whether the Government proposes to amend the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 to
ensure protection of tiger;
(c) whether a statutory body i.e. National Tiger Conservation Authority in also being
set up; and
(d) if so, its role and other details of its sphere of work?
ANSWER

(SHRI A RAJA)
(a)to(d): The Tiger Task Force constituted as per the recommendations of the National
Board for Wildlife has, inter alia, suggested amendments to the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972 and giving statutory authority to Project Tiger. These
urgent recommendations have been accepted and action has been taken for their
implementation including setting up of a National Tiger Conservation Authority
under the Act.
*****************
289
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
819. SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO:

SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA:
SHRI ANANDRAO V. ADSUL:
(a) whether the Union Government has started the process of developing the National Bio-
diversity Action Plan;
(c) whether any Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has submitted report on

National Bio-Diversity Strategy and Action Plan;
(e) the action taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (e): The Ministry has started the process of developing the National Biodiversity
Action Plan. As a first step, work was assigned to two organisations, Kalpavriksh
and Bio-tech Consortium India Ltd., under a United Nations Development
Programme – Global Environment Facility sponsored project to prepare a project
report based on which the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
(NBSAP) was to be finalised. Pursuant to the completion of project tenure, the
Ministry of Environment and Forests received the draft Project Report as
consolidated and prepared by Kalpavriksh. Subsequently, a group of experts was
constituted by the Ministry to scrutinise the draft Report prepared by the
Kalpavriksh and rectify the discrepancies and inconsistencies which were noticed
in the Report. The report has since been duly corrected by the Group of Experts.
The corrected and revised report is going to act as an input for the draft National
290
Action Plan (NAP). The first draft of the NAP has been discussed in the Ministry
and the final draft is to be prepared, harmonising it with the provisions of the draft
Environment Policy. After approval of the draft National Action Plan within the
Ministry, the following actions will be initiated:
• Inter-ministerial consultation on the draft National Action Plan;
• Preparation of the Cabinet Note for approval of the Action Plan by the
Cabinet;
• Release of the National Action Plan.
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
TASK FORCE REPORT ON TIGER RESERVES
(a) the salient points of the report submitted to the Prime Minister by the Task Force
constituted to review the management of Tiger Reserves in the country;
(b) the immediate- and long-term action plans suggested by the Task Force; and
(c) the plans of the Government to protect the tiger keeping in view the Indian
environment where forests are not only wilderness but also the habitats of people?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): The key recommendations of the Tiger Task Force Report are as below:-
- Reinvigorate the institutions of governance.
- Strengthen efforts geared towards protection of the tiger, checking poaching,
convicting wildlife criminals and breaking the international trade network.
- Expand the inviolate spaces for the tiger by minimising human pressure in these
areas.
291
- Repair the relationships with the people who share the tiger’s habitat by building
strategies for coexistence.
- Regenerate the forest habitats in the fringes of the tiger’s protective enclaves by
investing in forest, water and grassland economies of the people.
(b): The urgent actions (including long-term) recommended by Tiger Task Force which have
been accepted for implementation are at Annexure-I.
(c): Eco-development for the benefit of local people living in and around tiger reserves and
other protected areas has been included in Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Project
Tiger’ as well as ‘Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries’ to elicit support for
wildlife conservation.
ANNEXURE-I
Action has been taken on the following urgent recommendations of the Task Force
which were accepted for implementation:
8. Request the Prime Minister to head the Steering of Project Tiger for a period
of 2-3 years.
9. The Project Tiger Directorate to be converted into a statutory authority under
the Ministry of Environment & Forests. This will give it greater autonomy
and ability to coordinate with state governments.
10. The Wildlife Crime Bureau to be created immediately under the Ministry of
11. The next census (planned for November) of tigers and habitat to be done using
the new methodology, suggested by Ministry of Environment & Forests and
endorsed by the Tiger Task Force. Independent audit report also to be
presented to Parliament in 6 months, which will rate state performance on
different criteria.
12. The plan for relocation of villages from key tiger habitats to be finalised
within one year, with its financial and logistical implications and to be
completed within 2-3 years.
13. The plan for coexistence to be prepared by each tiger reserve within one year
so that benefits of conservation can be shared with local communities.
14. The benefits of tourism to be shared with local communities using the
recommendations of the Task Force.
********************
292
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF TIGER TASK

FORCE
851. SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY
(a) whether the Government has reviewed the implementation of the

recommendations of Tiger Task Force;
(c) whether any lacunae has been found out in the implementation process;
(d) if so, the corrective steps taken/proposed in this regard; and
(e) the progress in respect of setting up of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Yes Sir. Action has been initiated on seven urgent recommendations of
Tiger Task Force which have been accepted for implementation.
(c): No, Sir.
(e): Action has been taken for setting up a multidisciplinary Wildlife Crime Control
Bureau in the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
*************
293
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BIO-DIVERSITY PROJECT
1679. SHRI HITEN BARMAN
(a) whether a co-ordinated project on coastal and marine bio-diversity was launched during
1999-2000;
(b) if so, the objective thereof;
(c) the current status of its implementation, particularly in regard to the conservation
of mangroves, coral reefs and other marine lives in the coastal zone;
(d) whether the Government had issued a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
Notification in 1991 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
(e) if so, the salient objectives envisaged therein;
(f) whether any review of the status of its implementation has been carried out; and
(g) if so, the details thereof, State and Union Territory-wise?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Yes Sir. The three basic objectives are, namely, survey and inventorisation of
marine flora and fauna, training and capacity building and establishment of the
database network.
(c): So far 21 projects have been assisted in the field of coastal and marine bio-
diversity with emphasis on survey and inventorisation, training and capacity
building in the area of marine taxonomy and development of database on living
marine organisms. Over 100 researchers and officers of the coastal States have
been trained in the taxonomy of marine flora and fauna, snorkeling, scuba diving
and coral bio-monitoring methodologies. The research, conservation and
management of mangroves and coral reefs are also supported under Schemes
specially designed to promote conservation of these two marine resources.
(d)&(e): Yes, Sir. The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 1991, declares
coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers and backwaters, which are
influenced by tidal action (in the landward side) up to 500 meters from the High
Tide Line (HTL) and the land between the Low Tide Line (LTL) and the High
294
Tide Line as Coastal Regulation Zone. The objective of the said Notification is to
conserve and protect the CRZ.
(f)&(g): There has been no formal or structured review of the status of implementation of
the CRZ Notification as such. The provisions of the Notification are enforced
through State Coastal Zone Management Authorities and other State level
agencies concerned.
*************.
295
BIO-MEDICAL WASTE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DISPOSAL OF IMMUNISATION WASTE BY HOSPITALS
156. SHRI MOHAN RAWALE

(a) whether the Government is aware that immunisation wastes are not properly disposed
of and they are reported to be recycled and reused in various hospitals in the country;
(c) whether burning of immunisation wastes results in emission of deadly gases which are
harmful to human health and environment;
(d) if so, whether the Government has proposed any new technology for disposing of
immunisation wastes;
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORSTS

(a)&(b): There are no reports of improper disposal of immunisation wastes brought to the
notice of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Ministry of Environment
& Forests. Immunisation waste is also bio-medical waste which requires proper treatment
and disposal as per the provisions of the Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling)
Rules, 1998.
(c)to(f): Burning of syringes generated during immunisation is not permitted under the
Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998, as it may result in emission
296
of harmful pollutants. The stipulated method of disposal of these wastes is disinfection by
chemical treatment/autoclaving/microwaving and mutilation/shredding as per Schedule-I
of the BMW Rules. Standards for autoclaving and microwaving are stipulated in the
Schedule-V of the BMW Rules.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SEGREGATION OF BIO-MEDICAL WASTE
1793 SHRI CHANDRA BHUSHAN SINGH
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORETS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has instructed all
State Pollution Control Board (SPCBs) to make the segregation of
mercury contaminated bio-waste a condition for granting authorisation to
the healthcare centres;
© whether the Government is considering to set up any institute for reduction
of dioxins and mercury; and
ANSWER
(a) & (b): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has instructed all State
Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) of
Union Territories to give proper attention to mercury spillages in healthcare
facilities in respect of collection of the spilled mercury, its storage and sending the
same back to the manufacturer and also for taking all other necessary measures to
ensure that the spilled mercury does not become part of bio-medical or other solid
waste generated from the healthcare facilities.
Further, as indicated in Schedule II to the Hazardous Waste (Management &

Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended, any waste containing equal to or greater than
50mg/kg of mercury is a hazardous waste and the concerned generators of such
wastes including healthcare facilities, are required to dispose of the same as per the
provisions of the said Rules. The SPCBs /PCCs have also been requested to bring this
requirement to the notice of the healthcare facilities and also ensure incorporation of
297
an appropriate condition to this effect in the authorisation to be granted to them under
the Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling ) Rules, 1998.
© There is no proposal of setting up of an institute for reduction of dioxins

and mercury.
(B) Does not arise.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
USE OF UNSAFE SYRINGES
(a) whether as per a report prepared by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS), 73 per cent of syringes being used for vaccination programme in the country
are unsafe;
(c) whether the Government proposes to make use of AD syringes for the said
programme mandatory; and
(d) if so, the details of additional expenditure likely to be incurred thereon as a result of
it?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINITRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI )
(a) & (b): Findings of the study, conducted by India Clinical Epidemiological Network,
indicate that immunisation accounts for 17.5 per cent of total injections and 74 per cent of
this are unsafe because of predominant use of glass syringes. Half of 74 per cent is due
to:
298
(i) Use of un-sterilised syringes and reuse of syringes and other half due to
wrong injection practices namely (a) flushing syringes needle before use (b) wiping the
needle (c) touching the needle surface (d) syringe and needle used on more than one
patient (e) picking of glass syringe and needle from boiler by hand (f) multi dose vial not
wiped clean before drawing (g) injection site not cleaned (h) recapping needle and (i) not
flushing glass syringe after use before re-sterilisation.
(c) The Government of India has introduced Auto Disable (AD) syringes for
administering injections under Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) from the year
2005-06. Use of AD Syringes is not mandatory.
(d) The total annual expenditure on AD syringes works out to be Rs. 113.30 crores
(approx.)
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
LOK SABHA
FACILITIES FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT
1264. SHRI P.C. THOMAS:
Will the MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the death of a doctor and several persons
connected with Medical College, Koyyayam, due to Hepatitis and other diseases due to
environmental hazards;
(b) if so, whether the Government has received any proposal of assistance from the
Government of Kerala or Medical College, Kottayam district, regarding facilities
for waste management;
(d) the decision of the Government thereon?
299
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY

WELFARE
(a): The Central Government has not received any such report from Government of
Kerala.
(b): No, Sir
(c)&(d): Does not arise.
********************
300
CHEMICALS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS
506. SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL
(a) whether a chemical has been developed which if mixed with plastic, makes it
degradable;
(c) whether any steps are afoot to replace the non-degradable plastic bags by the ones
which could be degraded by living organism, heat, light, radiation or combination of
these factors; and
(d) if so, by when plastic bags would be completely banned and replaced by degradable
bags?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Plastic materials can be made degradable by the addition of specific additives
and starch. Some of the biodegradable plastic materials under development are (1) PHA’s
(Polyhydroxyalkonates) (2) Polylactides (3) Aliphatic polyesters (4) Polysaccharides (5)
Co-polymers and/or blends of the above.
(c)&(d): Research and Development are underway in National Environmental

Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune and Central
Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivandrum to develop degradable plastics. All the
technologies are at the innovative stage and are yet to be available on a commercial scale
indigenously. Banning or replacement of non-degradable plastic bags can be considered
when commercially viable technologies are available.
301
As per available information made available, steps have been taken only by the Delhi
Government to introduce the use of degradable plastic bags within the NCT of Delhi by
an amendment to the Delhi Plastic bags (Manufacture, Sale and Usage and Non-
biodegradable Garbage Control) Act 2001, in December 2004. The amendments of 2004
are yet to come into force.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
HEALTH HAZARDS DUE TO USE OF MERCURY IN INDUSTRIES
4416. SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU
(a) whether any steps have been taken to identify and assess the environmental health
hazards posed by emissions of mercury from industries using mercury as one of the raw
materials;
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)&(b): Mercury emissions from industries may pose environmental health risk. The
measures taken to control mercury emissions include the following:
i) Standards for emissions of mercury firom caustic soda industries, based on mercury
cell process, have been notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
ii) Commissioning of new plants and expansion of existing mercury cell based caustic
soda plants are not allowed.
iii) Hazardous Waste Management Rules have been notified under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 to deal with sludge containing mercury under which generator of
302
the waste is required to take authorisation from the respective State Pollution Control
Boards.
iv) Guidelines have been evolved on ‘Criteria for Disposal of Hazardous Waste’ which
include treatment of mercury bearing brine sludge to the specified standard before
disposal to secured landfill.
v) Mercury bearing wastes are prohibited for import and export under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986.
vi) Mercury emission standards for work-zone environment have been notified under the
Factories Act, 1988 including health check up of workers.
vii) Action points under Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection (CREP)
have been formulated to limit the emissions/discharge of mercury from chlor-alkali
industries and phasing out of plants based on mercury cell process by changing over to
membrane cell technology.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PRODUCTION OF PLASTIC
79. DR. RAJESH KUMAR MISHRA
(a) whether the production and use of plastic is harmful to the environment and health;
(b) if so, whether plastic bags make fertile land infertile; and
(c) if so, the details of steps being taken by the Government to stop the production and
use of plastic?
303
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Plastics (Polymers) are petroleum-products having long-chain of hydrocarbon.

They are chemically inert or neutral and used for the manufacture of a large number of
consumer items and they 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.
(c): To prohibit the use of recycled plastic in packaging of foodstuffs and to encourage
proper waste collection the Government has brought out the Recycled Plastics
Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 amended 2003. As per these rules, the use of
recycled plastic bags is prohibited for storing, carrying, dispensing, or packaging of
foodstuffs. Also these rules 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.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DEADLY DISEASE IN CHILDREN DUE TO TOYS
4211. SHRI RAOSAHEB PATIL DANVE
(a) whether the Government is aware that small children are likely to contract a disease
like cancer by putting P.V.C. toys in their mouth;
(c) whether the Government has investigated the matter;
(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and
304
ANSWER
MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(DR.ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)
(a) to (e): Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is used to produce plastic materials having wide
applications in the building sector, packaging, electrical appliances, medical care,
agriculture, the automotive industry and toys. As per WHO study, there is evidence that
exposure to vinyl chloride causes cancer in humans. However, the report identifies
inhalation as the main route for the occupational exposure, which occurs primarily in
plants producing vinyl chloride and PVC. The same report calls for measures to minimise
emissions at production sites and sanitary landfills and to ensure low residual levels in
PVC. However, there is no evidence which suggest contracting of cancer by putting PVC
toys in mouth.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILISERS
LOK SABHA
FERTILISER PLANTS
5408. SMT KALPANA RAMESH NARHIRE
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILISERS be pleased to state:-
(a) the details and locations of the fertiliser plants recognised by the Government at
present, State-wise;
(b) whether chemical fertilisers are being produced in said plants as well as which have
not been recognised by the Government.
(c) if so, whether the Government proposes to recognise them; and
305
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CHEMICALS & FERTILISERS AND MINISTER OF STEEL

(a): State-wise details and location of major fertilisers plants recognised by the
Government at present is Annexed.
(b): No, sir.
(c) & (d): Question does not arise.
ANNEXURE
State-wise details and location of major fertiliser plants recognised by the

Government
Sl. No. Name of Plant with location

Name of States
1 Brahmaputra Valley Fertilisers Corporation Ltd.(BVFCL): Namrup III,

Assam
2 National Fertilisers Limited(NFL):Nagal-II, Punjab
3 NFL:Bhantinda
4 Madras Fertilisers Limited(MFL), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
5 Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation (SPIC):Tuticorin
6 Coromandal Fertilisers Ltd.(CFL):Ennore
7 Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd.(TAC):Tuticorin
8 Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd.(FACT):Udyogamandal,
Kerala
9 FACT:Cochin-II
10 Zuari Industries Ltd.(ZIL):Goa
11 Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd. (RCF):Trombay,
Maharasthra
12 RCF:Trombay-IV
13 RCF:Trombay-V#
14 RCF:Thal
15 Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd.(DFPCL):Taloja
16 Manglore Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd.(MCF):Mangalore,
Karnataka
17 NFL:Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh
18 NFL:Vijay Expn.
306
19 Chambal Fertlizers and Chemicals Ltd.(CFCL):Gadepan-I,
Rajasthan
20 CFCL:Gadepan-II
21 Shriram Fertilisers & Chemicals(SFC):Kota
22 Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative Limited(IFFCO):Kandla
Gujarat
23 IFFCO:Kalol
24 Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited(KRIBHCO):Hazira
25 Gujarat State Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd.(GSFC):Vadodara
26 GSFC:Sikka-I
27 GSFC:Sikka-II
28 Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers Co. Ltd.(GNFC):Bharuch
29 Hindalco Ind. Ltd.:Dahej
30 Coromandal Fertilisers Ltd.(CFL):Vizag,
Andhra Pradesh
31 Godavari Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd.(GFCL):Kakinada,
32 32 Nagarjuna Fertilisers and Chemmicals Ltd.(NFCL):Kakinada-I
33 NFCL:Kakinada-II
34 IFFCO:Phulpur-I, Uttar Pradesh
35 IFFCO:Phulpur-II
36 IFFCO:Aonla-I
37 IFFCO:Aonla-II
38 Duncans Industries Ltd.(DIL):Kanpur#
39 Indo Gulf Fertilisers Ltd.(IGFL):Jadishpur
40 Tata Chemicals Ltd.(TCL):Babrala
41 OCF:Shahjahanpur
42 NFL:Panipat, Harayana
43 Oswal Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd.(OCF):Paradeep, Orrisa
44 Paradeep Phosphates Ltd.(PPL):Paradeep
45 Tata Chemicals Ltd.(TCL):Haldia, West Bengal
• #Production temporarily suspended.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILISER AND PESTICIDES
307
1661. SHRI D.V. SADANANDA GOWDA
(a) whether the Government proposes to minimise the use of chemical fertilisers and
pesticides; and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
(a) & (b): The average consumption of chemical fertilisers and pesticides (technical
grade) are 89.8 kg/ha and 0.22 kg/ha respectively. This level of consumption is not
considered to have ill-effect on agriculture. However, the Government is advocating
Ìntegrated Nutrient Management` (INM) by promoting soil test based balanced and
judicious use of chemical fertilisers in conjunction with organic manures, bio-fertilisers,
etc. and also Integrated Pest Management (IPM) providing mechanical, biological control
methods and need based use of pesticides. Government is also advocating organic
farming by using organic inputs for plant nutrients.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
USE OF ENDOSULPHAN
1637. SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN
(a) whether the Government has realised the use of deadly pesticides like endosulphan is
harmful to human life as well as environment in many parts of the country;
(b) if so, whether the Government has received any representation in this regard; and
(c) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
308
ANSWER

(a) to (c): The Government of India had received a number of representations regarding
unusual effects in certain villages of Kerala allegedly associated with aerial spray of
endosulfan in cashew plantations. The National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH)
has reported higher prevalence if usual diseases like mental retardation, congenital
defects and abnormalities of re-productive system in children in the affected villages of
Kasargod district of Kerala. However, the Expert Group constituted under the
Chairmanship of Dr. O.P. Dubey, Assistant Director General (Plant Protection), Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), to assess the safety of endosulfan has observed
that there is no link established between use of endosulfan in Corporation of Kerala
(PCK) plantations and health problems reported in Padre village. Another Committee of
Experts constituted by the Government of Kerala under the Chairmanship of Dr. P.K.
Sivaraman, Additional Director of Health Services, Kerala has stated that it could not
find any reason other than endosulfan spraying to explain the reported health hazards.
However, endosulfan is currently in use in more than 60 countries. Various scientific

reports published in India, as also by WHO and other countries recommend use of
endosulfan in agriculture and state that endosulfan does not adversely affect environment
and health as it degrades rapidly after use and is thus not persistent in the environment.
Further, ICAR has reported the unique role of endosulfan in Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) and in Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) in a variety of crops.
In view of the lack of consensus amongst various experts on this issue which may have
serious implications on public health, the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation
decided to revisit the issues pertaining to the safety of endosulfan. Thus a Committee was
constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr. C.D. Mayee, the then Agriculture
Commissioner, Government of India vide order dated 6.09.2004 to review the safety of
endosulfan.
The Expert Group made the following recommendations: -
(1) There is no link established between use of endosulfan in PCK plantations and health
problems reported in Padre Village.
(2) Aerial spraying of pesticides may be allowed in case of national exigencies after
permission of the Central Insecticides Board.
(3) The application of all pesticides including endosulfan is to be done adhering to

regulatory stipulations in force from time to time.
(4) The pesticides manufacturers should take necessary steps to promote and educate
309
sellers and users to ensure correct and safe use of all pesticides.
(5) Since India has adequate pre-registration data requirement and post-registration
review processes concerning use of pesticides, the Committee recommended that science
based responses be made available to all stake holders and general public by registration
authorities. There is often a huge gap between perception of the risk and actual scientific
risk assessment. This gap is to be filled by proper and timely propagation of knowledge
and information.
(6) The Committee also recommended to conduct a comprehensive, well designed and
detailed health and epidemiological study in the entire cashew plantation areas of Kerala
to ascertain the incidences of diseases in Padre vis-à-vis other relevant locations in Kerala
State to investigate and if possible pin-point the probable factors that are responsible for
alleged health problems at Padre.
(7) Use of endosulfan is not clearly linked to the alleged health problems in Kasargod
district of Kerala. However, considering the apprehensions in the minds of the public in
Kerala, the Committee recommended that it would be better if use of endosulfan is kept
on hold in Kerala.
(8) Finally, after considering all above factors and available reports, the Committee
recommended that use of endosulfan be continued as per provisions of the Insecticides
Act, 1968.
As per Section 27(2) of the Insecticides Act, 1968, the report of the Expert Group was
referred to the Registration Committee constituted under Section 5 of the Insecticides
Act, 1968 for its comments. The Registration Committee endorsed the recommendations
of the Expert Group.
The report of the Expert Group along with the recommendations of the Registration
Committee thereon has been considered by the Government of India and it has been
decided to refer the recommendation no. 7 to the Inter-ministerial Committee of the
Government of India constituted to review the use of Insecticides and Hazardous
Chemicals to recommend the final decision thereon. The other recommendations of the
Committee have been accepted.
Further, with a view to check the indiscriminate and injudicious use of hazardous
chemical pesticides, the Government has adopted Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as
the cardinal principle and main plank of plant protection in the country. 26 Central
Integrated Pest Management Centres (CIPMCs) in 22 States and 1 Union Territory are
engaged in pest/disease survey, surveillance and monitoring and training of farmers in
IPM.
*********
310
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS AND PETROCHEMICALS
LOK SABHA
UNSAFE REPACKING OF CHEMICAL WASTE INSIDE UNION CARBIDE

FACTORY
1880. SHRI VIRENDRA KUMAR
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILISERS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the incidents of unsafe repacking of chemical
waste inside the Union Carbide Factory of Bhopal by Ramky Enviro Engineers
Limited, Hyderabad;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and;
(c) the steps taken to stop such unscientific and unsafe repacking of chemical waste
there?
ANSWER

(a)to(c): The High Court of Madhya Pradesh while hearing the Writ Petition No. 2802 /
2004 has constituted a Task Force under the chairmanship of the Secretary,
Deopartment of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, to monitor the implementation of
the road map prepared by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for
removal/disposal of toxic wastes lying at the Union Carbide plant site. The
agency engaged, viz. M/s Ramky Enviro Engineering Limited, Hyderabad has
carried out the work of repacking the stored toxic wastes in a scientific manner
under the overall monitoring of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board. As
inimated by the State Pollution Control Board of Madhya Pradesh, the company
had taken all safety precautions during the execution of the entire job of repacking
of toxic wastes, carried out from June 16-20, 2005. Air monitoring was also
carried out during the repacking work and no pesticides were detected in the
collected dust. The waste is now safely stored in a shed within the plant premises.
A complaint regarding unsafe repacking methods from ‘The International
Campaign for Justice in Bhopal’ was received by this Department on June 2, 2005
and referred to the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board, who have
categorically denied the veracity of the allegations made.
*********
311
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS AND PETROCHEMICALS
LOK SABHA
UNSAFE REPACKING OF CHEMICAL WASTE INSIDE UNION CARBIDE

FACTORY
1880. SHRI VIRENDRA KUMAR
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILISERS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the incidents of unsafe repacking of chemical waste
inside the Union Carbide Factory of Bhopal by Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited,
Hyderabad;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and;
(c) the steps taken to stop such unscientific and unsafe repacking of chemical waste
there?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILISERS & MINISTER OF STEEL

(a) to (c): The High Court of Madhya Pradesh while hearing the Writ Petition No. 2802/
2004 has constituted a Task Force under the chairmanship of the Secretary,
Deopartment of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, to monitor the implementation of
the road map prepared by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for
removal/disposal of toxic wastes lying at the Union Carbide Plant site. The
agency engaged, viz. M/s Ramky Enviro Engineering Limited, Hyderabad has
carried out the work of repacking the stored toxic wastes in a scientific manner
under the overall monitoring of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board. As
intimated by the State Pollution Control Board of Madhya Pradesh, the company
had taken all safety precautions during the execution of the entire job of repacking
of toxic wastes, carried out from 16th June to 20th June, 2005. Air monitoring was
also carried out during the repacking work and no pesticides were detected in the
collected dust. The waste is now safely stored in a shed within the plant premises.
A complaint regarding unsafe repacking methods from ‘The International
Campaign for Justice in Bhopal’ was received by this Department on 2nd June,
2005 and referred to the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board, who have
categorically denied the veracity of the allegations made.
**************
312
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BENEFITS OF FLY ASH
2838. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI
(a) the benefits of fly ash;
(b) the extent to which it helps clean the environment; and
(c) the steps proposed/taken to put fly ash to proper use?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): If fly ash is left as such it will cause air pollution. If it is disposed on land
by way of ash pond it occupies huge area of land and also uses large
quantity of water. By utilising fly ash we can prevent air and water
pollution and release the land being used up in ash pond construction. By
using fly ash the environment would not only be clean but also there are
benefits. The use of fly ash in the manufacture of clay bricks and in road
construction reduce the consumption of soil which is required for
maintaining our agricultural productivity and food security. It is used in
the cement manufacture thus helping in the reduction of consumption of
limestone. By using fly ash in agriculture some of the micronutrients are
provided to the crops.
(c): A number of steps have been taken by Government of India to put fly ash
to proper use. To cite a few, the Government of India, Ministry of
Environment and Forests has already brought out legislation for
conservation of soil and prevention of disposal of fly ash on land. Besides
this, Bureau of Indian Standards has brought out standards for about 50 fly
ash products. The Indian Road Congress has brought out specifications
313
for construction of National Highways and Rural Roads which permits the
use of fly ash in road construction. The Central and State Government and
their agencies have included fly ash/fly ash products in their
specifications, schedule of rates and tender documents.
**************
314
EIA AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR LEASE TO KUDREMIKH IRON ORE

LTD.
1500. SHRI SUNIL KHAN
(a) whether any request regarding grant of lease to Kudremukh Iron Ore Limited is
pending with the Government for environmental clearance;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore; and
(c) the steps taken to remedy the situation?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No proposal for grant of environmental and/or forestry clearance to Kudremukh Iron
Ore Limited for mining is pending with Ministry of Environment and Forests.
(b) & (c): Does not arise.
******
315
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR SETTING UP OF INDUSTRIES
324. SHRI JUAL ORAM
(a) whether environmental clearance is required to set up industries/plants in the country;
(b) if so, the number of such cases cleared during the last three years, State-wise;
(c) whether the Union Government is aware that air and water pollution effects have not
been examined adequately in respect of some States like Orissa, Jharkhand and
Chhatisgarh while giving environmental clearance;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore;
(e) the rationale behind occurrence of high incidents of air and water pollution in these
States; and
(f) the action taken by the Union Government in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b): As per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 1994, 23
categories of industries out of 32 developmental activities listed in Schedule-I are
required to seek environmental clearance for the new and expansion of projects.
The number of industrial projects cleared from January 1, 2002 to March 31, 2005 State-
wise is given below:
S.No Name of State No of industrial projects
cleared
Andhra Pradesh 32
1
Assam 04
316
2
3 Chhatisgarh 07
4 Gujarat 109
5 Haryana 20
6 Himachal 02
7 Jharkhand 02
8 Karnataka 17
9 Madhya Pradesh 03
10 Maharashtra 55
11 Orissa 08
12 Others 49
13 Punjab 16
14 Rajastan 13
15 Tamil Nadu 113
16 Uttar Pradesh 13
17 Uttaranchal 01
18 West Bengal 18
Total 482
(c) & (d): While appraising the industrial projects for environmental clearance to be set
up in different States including Orissa, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, impacts of all
environmental aspects including effects of air and water pollution are duly examined and
accordingly mitigative measures are stipulated under specific conditions in the
environmental clearance letters issued to all such units. The stipulated clearance
conditions are monitored regularly by the Regional Offices of the Ministry of
(e): The high incidence of air and water pollution in various States could be attributed to
the following factors:
317
- Installation of inadequate pollution control facilities;
- Non-compliance of environmental emission and effluent norms;
- Poor operation and maintenance of pollution control devices;
- Increased contribution of pollution from small-scale industries;
- Natural meteorological conditions and re-suspension of dust leading to higher
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respirable Suspended Particulate
Matter (RSPM) values;
- Inefficient Common Effluent Treatment Plants and Sewage Treatment Plants.
(f): The actions taken by the Government for abatement of pollution include the
following:
• Environmental Impact Assessment has been made mandatory for 32 categories

of developmental project;
• Enforcement of prescribed environmental emission and effluent standards;
• Use of cleaner fuels, technologies and production practices;
• Environmentally sound management of municipal solid waste and
hazardous waste;
• Regular monitoring for ensuring compliance to environmental mitigation
measures;
• Issuance of notices/directions to defaulting units for non-compliance of
stipulated effluent and emission norms;
• Implementation of the Charter on Corporate Responsibility for
Environmental Protection for 17 categories of polluting industries; and
• Setting up of a network of ambient air and water quality monitoring
stations.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO DEEP WATER PORT
3503. SHRI HARILAL MADHAVJIBHAI PATEL
318
(a) whether the Government is aware that the development of Dholera as a deep water
port in Gujarat has been delayed due to non-clearance from the Ministry of Environment
and Forests;
(c) by when the environment clearance is likely to be accorded in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) and (b): No, Sir.
(c): The proposal on an all weather port (minor) at Dholera, Gujarat by M/s Dholera Port
Limited has been received by the Ministry of Environment & Forests and had been
examined by the Expert Committee for Infrastructure Development and Miscellaneous
Projects on two occasions. Based on the observations made by the said Expert
Committee, requisite information have been sought from M/s Dholera Port Limited
which is awaited for consideration of environmental clearance.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO .3496
PENDING SEA LINK PROJECTS
3496. SHRI EKNATH M,GAIKWAD
(a) the details of sea link projects pending with the Union Government for
environmental clearance as on date particularly from the Government of
Maharashtra;
(b) since when each of them is pending alongwith the reasons therefore;
(c) the extent of cost escalation suffered by each project; and
319
(d) the steps taken to accord early clearance to these project?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No, Sir

(b)to(d): Does not arise.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SCHEME FOR PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES
2152. SHRI RATILAL KALIDAS VARMA

RAJNARAYAN BUDHOLIYA
(a) whether the Government is contemplating to formulate a scheme for the protection of
endangered species of animals in the country;
(c) the funds spent by the Government on the schemes formulated for the protection of
endangered species of animals during the last three years, State-wise; and
(d) the amount sanctioned by the Government for the protection of endangered species of
animals under the existing schemes and that formulated during the current year, State-
wise?
320
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Ministry already has Centrally Sponsored Schemes for protection and conservation of
endangered species. No new dedicated scheme for the protection of endangered species
of animals is contemplated.
(b): Does not arise.
(c)&(d): Details of funds sanctioned and amount utilised by the State Governments
during the last three years under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes are at Annexures
– I to III.
Annexure - I
Details of Funds Released and Utilised under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme
‘Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries’
Releas
S
Released Released Utilise Released Utilis ed
n State Utilised Utlised
2001-02 2002-03 d 2003-04 ed 2004-
o
05
1 A & N Islands 25.59 18.442 20.75 - - - 69.40 Nil
2
Andhra Pradesh. 88.595 77.56 82.725 83.2404 89.30856 70.535 71.70 73.321
.
3 107.61
Arunachal Pr 160.465 108.801 105.035 61.009 151.046 111.086 104.006
. 1
4 Assam 70.55 168.91 162.135 48.25 93.68 227.89 213.45
5 Bihar 4.52 - 00 - 24.65 - -
6 Chandigarh 18.40 18.20 14.00 14.00 - - - Nil
91.1687 255.98
7 Chattisgarh 36.94 28.70 92.025 295.93469 227.29 268.10
7 4
8 D & N Haveli 6.01 1.59 15.25 8.69 - - 20.00 Nil
9 Goa 89.98 - Nil - 36.45607 9.681 37.50 35.89
1
Gujarat 127.20 18.95 90.365 29.04 52.14 222.81 223.93 211.29
0
1
Haryana 15.64 31.71 18.75 29.14 24.84 38.49 45.10 -
1
1 182.88
Himachal Pr 111.235 95.423 93.853 74.6715 168.9605 343.52 349.085
2 5
1 62.0965 63.20
Jammu & Kashmir 26.00 29.91 99.90 138.82492 76.914 -
3 1
1
Jharkhand Nil 29.89 29.89 54.6228 21.50 77.59 110.71
4
1 225.788
Karnataka 388.26 119.204 599.017 693.9609 719.64 546.24 -
5 9
321
1 220.65
Kerala 81.50 71.444 198.978 240.595 188.371 238.788 233.353
6 5
1 273.57
Madhya Pradesh 99.38 74.843 196.332 195.719 344.35594 268.475 -
7 9
1 169.514 129.79
Maharashtra 153.368 129.936 168.20 165.24596 108.05 221.86
8 57 134
1
Manipur 26.81 58.594 64.50 64.5 57.80 49.50 110.588 118.888
9
2
Meghalaya 27.95 26.08 40.25 57.64 93.07 96.25 84.82 -
0
2 214.89
Mizoram 128.55 105.67 235.60 201.42 231.836 315.041 275.3662
1 1
2
Nagaland 43.13 48.13 107.84 76.00 42.70 39.63 32.32 -
2
2
Orissa 70.265 128.37 82.57 92.255 187.25 115.91 370.27 367.93
3
2
Punjab 29.60 - Nil - -- - - -
4
2 328.45
Rajashthan 73.00 87.759 366.273 208.761 214.819 246.62 240.445
5 87
2
Sikkim 30.45 61.10 132.76 119.16 108.92 102.30 74.40 86.80
6
2 143.92
Tamil Nadu 75.23 49.54 136.11 118.41 139.76 158.75 -
7 5
2
Tripura 46.41 45.387 101.88 71.275 245.26484 54.085 49.125 -
8
2
Uttar Pradesh 79.815 74.345 137.36 118.28 164.37 177.12 287.53 292.51
9
3
Uttaranchal 38.13 36.23 77.985 61.21 96.39 63.34 68.20 56.20
0
3 231.82
West Bengal 180.945 103.889 223.67 235.287 214.165 317.24 298.10186
1 4
2787.01 4175.1 4780.22
TOTAL 2353.918 1818.717 3694.00 4318.74218 3343.856
2 99904 449
322
Annexure - II
Details of Fund Released and Utilized under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme
“Project Elephant”
S. Name of State 2001-2002 2002 – 2003 2003 - 2004 2004 - 2005

No
Released Utilized Released Utilized Released Utilized Released Utilized
1 Andhra Pradesh 31 31 50.00 45.00 55.00 47.271 48.00 46.694
2 Arunachal 56 14.288 52.00 60.722 61.00 61.497 59.00 74.588
Pradesh
3 Assam 94.5 65 116.00 69.10 134.100 130.35 130.00 110.5
4 Jharkhan 22.688 22.688 45.00 43.62 93.0 92.38 105.96 132.532
5 Karnatak 81 47.75 93.0 0 117.34 149.660 157.5 186.22 179.19
6 Kerala 82 58.61 11.88 118.394 188.280 167.105 167.40 156.403
7 Meghalaya 30 26 41.00 45.00 64.00 59.64 70.00 0
8 Nagaland 72.13 72.13 49.00 35.00 42.00 56.00 29.00 29.00
9 Orissa 102.03 97.442 108.39 114.048 116.100 76.17 137.96 150.46
10 Tamil Nad 40 31.54 71.26 57.62 117.00 107.30 84.00 104.36
11 Uttaranchal 125.14 119.855 107.00 101.55 129.00 109.74 138.90 17.00
12 West Benga 95 66.545 86.47 103.975 119.950 107.43 148.54 142.02

13 Manipur - - - - - - 0.00 0
14 Tripura 1.00 1.00 3.00 3.00 16.00 0 17.00 0
15 Mizoram - - 5.00 0.00 - 0 0.00 0
16 Uttar Pradesh - - - - -. - 12.00 11.5
TOTAL 832.49 653.848 939.00 914.369 1285.09 1172.38 1333.98 1154.25
(Rs. In lakhs)
Annexure - III
Details of Funds Released and Utilised under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme
“Project Tiger”
S. Name of the State/ Released Utilized Released Released

Utilized Utilized
N UTs 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05
1. Andhra Pradesh 21.10 9.993 22.89 22.85 15.00 37.864
2 Arunachal Pradesh 28.773
35.875 68.75 66.29 35.00 55.801
323
-
3 Assam 65.70 29.70 79.95 - 107.85
4 Bihar 25.00 24.98 50.00 66.40 85.00 42.707
5 Chhatisgarh 32.48 40.91 80.25 91.524 27.75 8.42611
6 Karnataka 289.56 184.89 269.32 192.235 486.292 435.521
7 Kerala 63.75 59.25 120.68 80.18 105.75 97.01
8 Jharkhand 18.00 77.0015 35.9915 33.8435 72.5005 70.809
9 Madhya Pradesh 786.44 658.67 1103.414 579.114 609.93 674.399
10 Maharashtra 621.79 221.213 228.45 187.39 255.953 89.405
70.94
11 Mizoram 98.32 105.435 67.56 94.34 110.86
116.4395
12 Orissa 32.88 99.41 151.91 65.50 149.949
13 Rajasthan 294.92 179.605 158.330 236.472 79.00 163.799
14 Tamil Nadu 125.00 102.530 35.00 63.40 80.00 96.81
15 Uttranchal 168.00 157.52 200.91 188.29 200.12 214.99
16 Uttar Pradesh 32.75 30.00 173.585 162.735 175.215 NR
17 West Bengal 168.33 180.12 225.17 217.50 325.49 47.736
TOTAL 2879.895 2190.0005 3067.2105 2404.6135 2763.78 2403.937
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CLEARANCE TO IRON PLANTS
1047. SHRI JUAL ORAM
(a) whether the sponge iron plants set up in Orissa have been given clearance despite the
fact that adequate pollution control measures have not been adopted by any of these
plants; and
(b) if so, the reasons for not following the norms before giving permission?
324
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): As per the provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

Notification, 1994, new sponge iron plants with investment above Rs.100 Crores and
expansion/modernisation plants with investment above Rs.50 Crores are required to
obtain environmental clearance from the Central Government. Out of 26 Sponge Iron
Plants reportedly operating in Orissa as on date, so far, the Government has received only
one proposal of Sponge Iron Plant by M/s. Tata Sponge Iron Limited located at Joda in
Orissa for environmental clearance. The Government has accorded environmental
clearance to the same with stipulation of specific and general environmental safeguards.
No instance of violation of the stipulated environmental clearance conditions by M/s.
Tata Sponge Iron Limited has been brought to the notice of the Government.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR POWER PLANT
3841. SHRI PUNNULAL MOHALE
(a) whether the Government is aware of the proposed 500 MW power plant in
collaboration of Bhilai Steel Plant and National Thermal Power Corporation;
(c) whether, complaints have been received regarding setting up of the above power plant
in the green belt of Bhilai Steel Plant;
(d) if so, whether irrespective of objections environmental clearance has been granted;
and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the grounds for granting such clearance?
325
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. M/s Bhilai Electric Supply Company Private Ltd., a joint venture of
National Thermal Power Corporation and Steel Authority of India Ltd., have proposed to
set up a 2x250 MW thermal power plant within the boundary of Bhilai Steel Plant in
Durg district of Chhattishgarh.
(c): No, Sir.
(d)&(e): The said project has been accorded environmental clearance on July 1, 2004
based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee after appraisal of the
Environmental Impact Assessment Report submitted by the project proponent.
*****************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO POWER PLANT
3713. SHRI SUNIL KHAN
(a) whether N.O.C. has been given by the Ministry to power sector for installing 1000
MW power plant by the side of Durgapur Steel Plant in West Bengal;
(c) if not, the reasons therefore?
326
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No, Sir.
(c): The project has not been granted clearance due to environmental considerations.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARNACE
2726. DR. BABU RAO MEDIYAM
(a) the procedure adopted for according environmental clearance for the construction
of large dams and projects; and
(b) the measures proposed to be taken to protect bio-diversity from the ill-effects of
construction of dams and such other projects?
327
ANSWER

FORESTS
(NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a): The procedure adopted for according environmental clearance is as prescribed in

the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 1994 and its subsequent
(b): The measures generally taken for conservation of biodiversity from the ill effects
of construction of dams is the identification of areas that are rich in diversity of
flora and fauna and stipulating specific conservation measures to ensure their
protection such as – restoration and rejuvenation of degraded ecosystems/habitats
in the catchment of the project area as well as forests in the immediate vicinity of
the project sites, rehabilitation of keystone species, if any, and mitigation of
biotic/abiotic pressures/influences on the habitats.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO IRRIGATION/THERMAL PROJECTS
667. SHRI BADIGA RAMAKRISHNA
(a) whether a number of irrigation and thermal power projects and expansion plan
for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh have been held up due to non-
clearance by the Government;
(c) the time since when each of these projects is pending and the cost escalation of
these projects; and
328
(d) the time by which these projects are likely to be cleared?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Only one irrigation and two thermal power projects from Andhra Pradesh are
pending for environmental clearance under the Environmental Impact Assessment
Notification 1994. The expansion project of M/s Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. At
Visakhapatnam for increasing hot metal production from 4.0 to 6.5 million tonne
per annum has already been accorded environmental clearance in August 2005.
(b): The details of the above pending projects are as follows :-
Irrigation
(i) J.Chokka Rao Godavari Lift Irrigation Scheme in Warangal District.
Thermal Power Projects
(i) 500 MW Bhoopalapally Power Station near Neredupally, District
Warangal by M/s Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Ltd.
(ii) Expansion of Coal Based Captive Power Plant from 50 MW to 114 MW at
Paloncha, district Khammam by M/s Nav Bharat Ferro Alloys Ltd.
(c)&(d): While the irrigation project was received in the Ministry in November
2005, the Thermal Power project proposals were received in May 2005. The
appraisal of the projects for grant of environmental clearance will be completed
within the prescribed statutory period of 120 days from the receipt of all the
requisite clarifications from the applicants. Therefore the question of cost
escalation due to environmental clearance process does not arise.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
684. SHRI VIJOY KRISHNA
329
SHRI PRABHUNATH SINGH
(a) whether the Government has given environmental clearance for the construction
of shopping malls and other building projects in several parts of Delhi;
(c) whether construction is destroying the character if the ridge area; and
(d) If so, the action taken / proposed to be taken to stop such construction?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No, Sir.
(c)&(d): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO IRRIGATION/THERMAL PROJECTS
667 SHRI BADIGA RAMAKRISHNA:
(a) whether a number of irrigation and thermal power projects and expansion plan for
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh have been held up due to non-
330
these projects; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Only one irrigation and two thermal power projects from Andhra Pradesh are
pending for environmental clearance under the Environmental Impact Assessment
Notification 1994. The expansion project of M/s Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. at
Visakhapatnam for increasing hot metal production from 4.0 to 6.5 million tonne
per annum has already been accorded environmental clearance in August 2005.
(b): The details of the above pending projects are as follows :

Irrigation
(i) J. chokka Rao Godavari Lift Irrigation Scheme in Warangal District.
(i) 500 MW Bhoopalapally Power Station near Neredupally, District
Warangal by M/s Andhra Pradesh Power General Corporation Ltd.
(ii) Expansion of Coal Based Captive Power Plant from 50 MW to 114 MW at
Paloncha District Khammam by M/s. Nav Bharat Ferro Alloys Ltd.
(c)&(d): While the irrigation project was received in the Ministry in November
2005, the Thermal Power project proposals were received in May 2005. The appraisal of
the projects for grant of environmental clearance will be completed within the prescribed
statutory period of 120 days from the receipt of all the requisite clarifications from the
applicants. Therefore, the question of cost escalation due to environmental clearance
process does not arise.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
331
ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE TO IRRIGATION PROJECTS
813. SHRI ADHIR CHOWDHURY
(a) the number of development irrigation projects pending for environmental

clearance in the country, State-wise;
(b) the requirement of area of forest land for each project; and
(c) the time by which all these projects are likely to be approved?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) & (b): The details of State-wise irrigation projects pending for environmental
clearance, showing requirement of forest land, is given in Annexure.
(b) Decision on the proposals for environmental clearance is taken within 120 days
from the date of receipt of all requisite information.
ANNEXURE
Details of State-wise irrigation projects pending for environmental clearance, with

requirement of forest land
SI.NO. NAME OF THE STATE FORESTS LAND

PROPOSAL INVOLVED (HA)
1 Godawari Lift Andhra Pradesh 344.00
Irrigation Project
2 Revised Waghur Maharashtra 78.62
River Project
3 Canalization Punjab Nil
Sakki/Kirannala
Project
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRTY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION-NO 667
332
TO BE ANSWERED ON 28-11-2005
ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE TO IRRIGATION/THERMAL PROJECTS
667 SHRI BADIGA RAMAKRISHNA
(a) whether a number of irrigation and thermal power projects and expansion plan for
Visakhapatam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh have been held up due to non-
these projects; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): One irrigation and two thermal power projects from Andhra Pradesh are pending
for environmental clearance under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification
1994. The expansion project of M/s Rashitriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. at Visasakhapatnam
for increasing hot metal production from 4.0 to 6.5 million tonne per annum has
already been accorded environmental clearance in August 2005.
(b): The details of the above pending projects are as follows:
Irrigation
(1) J . Chokka Rao Godavari Lift Irrigation Scheme in Warangal District.
(1) 500 MW Bhoopalapally Power Station near Neredupally, District

Warangal by M/s Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Ltd.
(2) Expansion of Coal Based Captive Power Plant from 50 MW to 114 MW at
Paloncha, District Khammam by M/s Nav bharat Ferro Alloys Ltd.
(c)&(d): While the irrigation project was received in the Ministry in November 2005,
the Thermal Power project proposals were received in May 2005. The
appraisal of projects for grant of environmental clearance will be completed
within the prescribed statutory period of 120 days from the receipt of all the
333
requisite clarifications from the applicants. Therefore, the question of cost
escalation due to environmental clearance process does not arise.
***************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PROCEDURE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE
2726. DR. BABU RAO MEDIYAM:
(a) the procedure adopted for according environmental clearance for the construction
of large dams and projects; and
(b) the measures proposed to be taken to protect bio-diversity from the ill-effects of
construction of dams and such other projects?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): The procedure adopted for according environmental clearance is as prescribed in

the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 1994 and its subsequent
(b) The measures generally taken for conservation of biodiversity from the ill-effects
of construction of dams is the identification of areas that are rich in diversity of
flora and fauna and stipulating specific conservation measures to ensure their
protection such as – restoration and rejuvenation of degraded ecosystems/
habitats in the catchment of the project area as well as forests in the immediate
vicinity of the project sites, rehabilitation of keystone species, if any; and
mitigation of biotic and/or abiotic pressures/influences on the habitats.
***************
334
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
684. SHRI VIJOY KRISHNA

(a) whether the Government has given environmental clearance for the construction of
shopping malls and other building projects in several parts of Delhi;
(c) whether construction is destroying the character if the ridge area; and
(d) if so, the action taken/proposed to be taken to stop such construction?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No, Sir.
(c)&(d): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
*************
335
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR URANIUM MINING
651. SHRI MADHU GOUD YASKHI
(a) whether the Department of Atomic Energy has submitted a proposal for environmental
clearance to its proposed uranium mining and processing plant at Nalgonda in Andhra
Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the date of receiving it; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Ministry of Environment & Forests has received a proposal on 8th June,
2005 from the Department of Atomic Energy for environmental clearance of the
proposed uranium mining project for mining of 1250 tonnes per day of uranium
ore at Lambapur-Peddagattu in district Nalgonda in Andhra Pradesh.
(c): Expert Committee (Mining) has appraised the proposal in its meeting held in October
2005 and has recommended to the Government for grant of environmental clearance
subject to stipulating stringent environmental clearance conditions inter-alia undertaking
groundwater modeling studies and obtaining other requisite statutory clearances by M/s
Uranium Corporation of India Ltd.
************
336
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE TO PROJECTS
2661. SHRI TATHAGATA SATPATHY
Will the minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:
(a) the names of the projects in Orissa for which environmental

clearance has been given by the Government during the last three
years;
(b) the criteria /procedures followed for giving clearance; and
(c) the name of the projects for which environmental clearance is
pending?
ANSWER
MINISTRY OF STATE ON THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND

ENVIRONMENT
(a) : The environmental clearance has been given to 42 projects during the last three
years (Annexure1).
(b): The environmental clearance as per procedure prescribed in the Environment

Impact Assessment Notification, 1994 and its subsequent amendments framed under
the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
©: The name of the projects to which environmental clearance is pending is given in
S.No Project Details Date of

clearance
Industrial Projects
1 Integrated steel plant in Thelkoli Dubenchapar Khadiapalli 12-5-2004
village, Tehsil Rengali in district Sambalpur by M/s Bhushan ltd
2 Expansion of Aluminum smelter plant 3,45,000 TPA to 22.06.2004
4,60,000TPA at village Angul in district Dhenkanal by M/s
National aluminum Company Limited (NALCO)
3 Expansion of Aluminum refinery plant from 1.575 MMTPA to 22.06.2004

2.1 MMTPA at village Damanjodi in district Koraput . by M/s
National Aluminum Company Limited (NALCO)
337
4 Setting up of Alumina refinery and associate at Lanjigarh district 22.09.2004
Kalahandi by M/s Sterlite industries.
5 Setting up of Copper Smelter by M/s, Sterlite Industries Ltd 22.09.2004
6 Iron & Steel Plant of M/s . Tata Sponge Iron Limited 11.11.2004
7 Retrofitting from 750MTPTto 1400MTPT of phosphoric acid 02.12.2004
plant and installation of additional train of 2000 MTPD sulphuric
acid plant at Paradeep in Orissa by M/s Paradeep phosphates
Limited
8 0.5MTPA Integrated Steel plant and 40 MW Captive Power Plant 16.3.2005
at village Ghantikal in District Cuttack in Orissa by M/s Aarti
Steel Limited.
9 Integrated Steel Complex at cillage Chadri, Hariharpur, district 21.6.2005
Sundargarh byM/s , Neepaz Limited
10 Steel Plant (1.5 MTPA) at Sibpur Narendrapur Village 29.6.2005
Meramandali Block district Dhemkamal, by M/s. Bhushan Steel
& Strips limited.
11 Augmentation of Smelter Plant capacity from 65 KTPA to 100 14.7.2005
KTPA at Hirakud District of Orissa by M/s. Hindal Coformerly
known as INDAL
12 Modernization cum Substantial expansion of existing cement 21.7.2005
Plant to produce 1.2/2.0 MTPA of Clinker Cement at Rajgangour,
District Sundergarh by M.s .OCL India Ltd.
13 Integrated Stainless Steel Plant (1.6MTPA) at Kalinga Nagar 05.08.2005
Industrial Complex, Jaipur, Orissa by M/s Jinda Stainless Limited
14 2nd phase expansion project of captive Power plant increasing 30.07.2004
capacity from 960 MW to 1200 MW Angul, Orissa of M/s
national Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO)
15 100 MW Captive Thermal Power Plant (Unit 111) Expansion at 21.09.2005
Hirakud By M/s . Indian Aluminium Company Ltd
16 5x130 MW Captive Power Plant of M/s. Aditya Aluminium 22.11.2005
(HINDAL CO).
River Valley Projects
17 Anandpur Barrage Project in Distt. Keonjhar by Department of 04.11.2003
Irrigation.
18 Bhubaneswari Open Cast Project in District Angul by M/s 06.06.2005
Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd.
19 Khondbond Iron Ore Mine Project of M/s Tata Steel, Keonjhar 28.3.2005
Dist, Orissa
20 Nuasahi Chromite Mine Of M/s Indian metals and Ferro Alloys 09.7.2004
Ltd. In Keonjhar District
21 Mahagiri Chromite Mine of M/s Indian Charge Chrome, Jaipur 09.07.2004
District
22 Jai-Surjana Limestone mine of M/s Birla Cement Work 29.07.2004
23 Second Phase expansion of Panchpatmali bauxite mine of M/s 30.07.2004
National Aluminium Company Ltd, Koraput
338
24 Thankuani Iron Ore Mine of M/s SL. Sarda and M.L. Sarda in 22.09.2004
Keonjhar District, Orissa
25 Expansion of Tata Spongeiron plant at Joda in Orissa, by M/s 11.11.2004
Tata Sponge Iron Ltd
26 Joda East Iron Ore Mine Project of M/s. Tata Steel, Keonjhar 01.04.2005
Distt.
27 Ananta OCP of M/s , MCL, Distt, Angul 02.05.2005
28 Garjanbahal OCP of M/s , MCL, Distt, Sundergarh 03.05.2005
29 Katamati Iron Ore Project of M/s . Tata Steel, keonkhar Distt, 06.05.2005
Orissa.
30 Jajang Mines Ltd, Distt, Keonjhar 14.06.2005
31 Patabeda Iron Ore mine of M/s, M. G. Mohanty, Distt, 21.07.2005
Sundergarh (Production capacity 1.2( KTOA).
32 Patabeda Iron Ore mine of M/s,MGM Minerals Ltd, Distt ,
Sundergarh (Production capacity 1.60 MTPA)
33 Belapahar OCP of M/s . MCL , Distt, Jarsuguda 16.8.2005
34 Joda West Manganese Ore Mine of M/s Tate Steel, Distt , 13.9.2005
Keonjhar.
35 Jagannath OCP of M/s , MCL , Distt, Angul, 29.9.2005
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
(a) whether environmental clearance is required to set up industries/plants in the country;

and
(b) If so, the number of such cases cleared during the last three years, State-wise
alongwith the norms fixed/followed for such clearance?
ANSWER

FORESTS
339
(a): Yes Sir. Environmental clearance is required for setting up of 22 categories of

industrial projects under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 1994 and its
subsequent amendments.
(b): Environmental clearance is granted to the industrial plants in accordance with the
procedure laid down in the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification,1994.
Number of such cases cleared during the last three years is given in the statement which
is annexed.
ANNEXURE
State-wise List of Industrial Projects granted Environmental Clearance during the last
Three Years (From January 2002 till 30th June 2005)
.
Sl. State 2002 2003 2004 1st Jan TO Total

No 30TH June
2005
1 Andhra 8 7 12 22 49
Pradesh
2 Assam 1 1 2 0 4
3 Bihar 0 0 0 0 0
4 Chhatisgarh 2 1 3 2 8
5 Gujarat 7 71 29 7 114
6 Goa 0 0 0 0 0
7 Haryana 2 2 6 16 26
8 Himachal 1 0 0 1 2
Pradesh
9 Jharkhand 1 0 1 1 3
10 Karnataka 3 1 10 4 18
11 Kerla 0 0 0 0 0
12 Maharashtra 15 18 20 4 57
13 Madhya 0 1 2 1 4
Pradesh
14 Orissa 0 0 7 2 9
15 Punjab 4 2 9 2 17
16 Rajasthan 1 2 8 2 13
17 Tamilnadu 27 39 29 45 140
18 Uttar 0 4 8 1 13
340
Pradesh
19 Uttaranchal 0 0 1 0 1
20 West 5 10 2 1 18
Bengal
Total 77 159 149 111 496
**********
341
FOOD SAFETY
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
LOK SABHA
ESTABLISHMENT OF BOTTLING PLANTS
3508 SHRI S. AJAYA KUMAR
Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has entered with an agreement with the Coca-Cola and Pepsi
companies for their establishment of bottling plants in the country;
(b) if so, the details of the terms and conditions laid down by the Government for the
same; and
(c) the details of bottling plants of these companies with capacity of annual production
and the number of employment provided in each of them, State-wise?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING

INDUSTRIES
(SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) to (c): The information is being collected and would be placed on the Table of the
House.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
342
VIOLATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS NORMS
(a) whether the Government is aware that various artificial colours and flavouring agents
are at present being indiscriminately used, especially by the Small Scale Industries not
only in soft drinks but also in confectionary items;
(b) if so, whether the existing food law is sufficient enough to make the violators to
strictly comply with its provisions;
(d) if not, the steps taken or proposed to be taken to discourage the use of such synthetic
flavours and colouring agents?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING

INDUSTRIES
(a) to (d): The use and limits of various artificial colours and flavouring agents in food
products is governed by the provisions of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA),
1954 and Rules made thereunder. There have been reports on use of non-permitted
colours and flavouring agents or use of more than permitted quantities of colours and
flavouring agents in some food products. The State/Union Territories, who are the
implementing agencies of the PFA Act/Rules, have been requested from time to time to
have a strict vigil on this. The violation in this regard attracts penal action under
provisions of PFA Act.
**********
343
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
INTEGRATED FOOD LAW
33. SHRI SITA RAM YADAV
(a) whether the Group of Ministers has approved the draft Integrated Food Law;
(b) if so, the salient features thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefore; and
(d) by when the same is likely to be approved?
ANSWER

INDUSTRIES
(a) to (d): The Group of Ministers has approved the draft Integrated Food Law. The
salient features of the draft IFL are:
(i) movement from multi-level and multi-departmental control to integrated line of

command,
(ii) a single reference point for all matters relating to Food Safety and Standards,
regulations and enforcement by establishing a Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India,
(iii) shift from mere regulatory regime to self-compliance through Food Safety
Management Systems,
(iv) decentralising the licensing/registration for manufacture, sale, etc. of food products,
presently granted by the Central agencies under various Acts and Orders,
(v) graded penalties depending on the gravity of offence.
*********
344
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SPURIOUS DRUGS AND CONTAMINATED MILK
431. SHRI RAJESH VERMA
(a) whether the Government is aware that the business of spurious drugs and
contaminated milk is booming through out the country;
(b) if so, whether there is any appropriate laws in this regard;
(c) if so, the punishment provided under the laws along with the details of convicted
persons during the last three years; and
(d) if not, the time, by which the Government would enact a law ?
ANSWER

(a): As per the feedback available from the State Drug Controllers, 38824, 43138, 40862
drug samples were tested during the period 2001-2002, 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, out of
which 96, 129 and 118 samples respectively were found spurious which is 0.33 per cent,
0.29 per cent and 0.288 per cent of the total samples. Thus, it does not appear that the
business of spurious drugs is booming in the country.
(b) & (c): Yes Sir. So far as the issue of drugs is concerned, the Drugs and Cosmetics
Act, 1940 provides for penalty for manufacture of sub-standard and spurious drugs which
is imprisonment for not less than 3 years which may extend to 5 years with fine.
However, if the drug causes death or grievous hurt and this death or hurt is attributable to
the drug being adulterated or spurious, then the punishment provided is imprisonment for
not less than 5 years which may extend to a term of life and a fine which may not be less
than Rupees ten thousand.
Under the Act, the responsibility for regulating the manufacture and sale of drugs
345
including taking legal action against the unscrupulous persons rests with the State
Government. As per the feedback available from the State Drug Controllers, 538, 449 and
570 prosecutions were launched and 171, 105 and 166 cases were decided during the
period 2001-2002, 2002- 2003 and 2003-2004 respectively.
In so far as milk and milk products are concerned the position is as follows. Sale of milk
and milk products containing substances not found in milk except as provided in the
Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Rules, 1955 is already prohibited under the
provisions of PFA Act, 1954. Sale of any adulterated and misbranded article of food is an
offence punishable with minimum imprisonment of 6 months and with a fine, which shall
not be less than Rupees one thousand. In case the adulterated foodstuff causes death or
grievous hurt, the offence is punishable by imprisonment, which may extend to a term of
life and fine which shall not be less than Rupees five thousand.
All State/UT Governments have been repeatedly directed to take necessary action to keep
a strict vigil on the quality of milk particularly for the presence of chemical substances.
Statement indicating total number of prosecutions launched, convictions and acquittals

under PFA Act, 1954 for food products including milk and milk products during the last
three years is given at Annex.I
(d) Question does not arise in view of (b) & (c) above.
Annexure-I
Total no. of Prosecution Launched, Convicted and Acquitted under PFA Act, 1954
for food adulteration including milk and milk products during last three years.
Year No. of No. of No. of No. of

Prosecution Cases Cases cases
Launched decided by convicted acquittal
the Courts
2001 5943 2704 1263 1441

2002* 2867 1333 420 913
2003* 1536 779 319 460
* Information is awaited from the State of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K, Orissa,
Tamil Nadu, Uttaranchal, Jharkhand and Chandigarh
** Information is awaited from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal
346
Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman &
Diu, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, J & K, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Madhya
Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Orissa, Pondicherry, Punjab, Sikkim, Tamil
Nadu, UP & Jharkhand
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CASES OF ADULTERATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS
4272. SHRI CHANDRA BHUSHAN SINGH
(a) the total number of cases reported regarding adulteration of food products during the
last three years;
(b) whether the Government has received any directions from the Hon`ble Court
regarding adulteration of chillies; and
(c) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
(a); As per the latest information made available by various Food (Health) Authorities
who are responsible for implementation of the PFA Act, 1954 in their respective
States/U.Ts., the number of food samples found adulterated during the years 2001-2003
are as under:-
Year Number of food samples found adulterated
20011 11008
20022 10025
20033 9226
347
1 Does not include the information from the State of Gujarat.
2 Does not include the information from the States of Gujarat, Bihar and
Jharkhand.
3 Does not include the information from the States/U.Ts. of Andaman & Nicobar
Island, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Gujarat,
Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Tamil Nadu.
(b) & (c): The Government has not received any directions from the Hon`ble Court
regarding adulteration of chillies so far.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARD AUTHORITY
714. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB

MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY
(a) whether the Government proposes to set up the Food Safety and Standard Authority to
oversee the entire food manufacturing and processing sectors;
(c) whether it is being ensured to check food adulteration;
(d) if not, the steps taken by the Government to create standards and guidelines on food;
(e) whether food imported into the country is being monitored and approved by the above
authority before entry; and

348
ANSWER

INDUSTRIES
(a): Yes Sir.
(b) to (d): The Government have introduced a Food Safety and Standards Bill, 2005 in
Parliament which provides for establishment of Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India. The main functions of Food Authority include prescribing standards and guidelines
for articles of food, regulate/monitor manufacturing, processing, distribution and sale of
food, so as to ensure safe and wholesome food for the people, accredit and issue
guidelines for certification bodies and food laboratories, provide scientific advice and
technical support to the Central and State Governments, contribute in development of
international standards etc.
(e) & (f): The Bill provides that the Government, while prohibiting, restricting or
otherwise regulating import of an article of food under the Foreign Trade (Development
and Regulation) Act, 1992 will follow the standards to be laid down by the Food
Authority.
****************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
LAW FOR FOOD PROCESSING COMPANIES
2851. SHRI RASHEED MASOOD
(a) whether the Government proposes to frame a new law making it mandatory for
company manufacturing food products to provide all necessary information regarding
contents and calories of the contents on packets and tins;
(c) the time by which the law in this regard is likely to come into force?
349
ANSWER

INDUSTRIES
(a) & (b): The Government has introduced ‘Food Safety and Standards Bill, 2005’ in Lok
Sabha on 25th August 2005, which inter-alia, provides that no person shall manufacture
any packaged food products, which are not marked and labeled, in the manner as may be
specified by regulations.
(c): The Bill has been referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture for
examination and report.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CERTIFICATION FOR PROCESSED FOOD
3724. SHRI L. GANESAN
(a) whether Ministry’s Certification for processed food has been made mandatory;
(b) if so, whether all such food products have been brought under the ambit of this
measure;
(c) if not, the time by which the Government proposes to compulsorily effect this socially
relevant measure; and
(d) the number of food processing units that are keen on central certification State-wise?
350
ANSWER

INDUSTRIES
(a) to (d): Ministry of Food Processing Industries does not give certification for processed
food. However, quality and safety standards/parameters of processed food products are
prescribed under various food related Acts/Orders, primarily under Prevention of Food
Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules made thereunder. The manufacturers of processed food
have to comply with these standards/parameters.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ESTABLISHMENT OF PESTICIDE RESIDUE TESTING LABORATORY
693. SHRI GIRDHARI LAL BHARGAV
(a) whether the Union Government has received a proposal from the Government of
Rajasthan for financial assistance for establishment of Pesticide Residue Testing
Laboratory, Durgapura, Jaipur for the year 2005-06; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?
ANSWER

INDUSTRIES
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The applicant organisation was invited twice to present the case before the Techno Scrutiny
Committee (TSC) of this Ministry. But it did not attend the meetings.
*********
351
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
LAW FOR FOOD PROCESSING COMPANIES
2851. SHRI RASHEED MASOOD
(a) whether the Government proposes to frame a new law making it mandatory for
company manufacturing food products to provide all necessary information regarding
contents and calories of the contents on packets and tins;
(c) the time by which the law in this regard is likely to come into force?
ANSWER

INDUSTRIES
(a) & (b): The Government has introduced ‘Food Safety and Standards Bill, 2005’ in Lok
Sabha on 25th August 2005, which inter-alia, provides that no person shall manufacture
any packaged food products, which are not marked and labeled, in the manner as may be
specified by regulations.
(c): The Bill has been referred to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture for
examination and report.
*********
352
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
AMENDMENT TO CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1986


(a) whether the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 in its present form was found to be
inadequate in protecting the rights of the consumers;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to amend the said Act to prevent
unscrupulous manufactures from selling spurious goods to consumers; and
(c) if so, the details regarding the amendment likely to be affected in the Act?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,

FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a): No Sir.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
AMENDMENT TO BIS ACT, 1986
353
3770. SHRI K.C. PALLANI SHAMY

(a) whether there is any proposal to amend the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act,
1986;
(c) the details of licenses issued for certification of products alongwith the samples tested
by BIS during the last one year, separately?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE

(SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a) & (b): No proposal for amendment of BIS Act, 1986 has been received from Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS).
(c): Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) granted 2045 licences and tested 25888 samples in
its laboratories during the last one year.
*******
354
FOREST
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
VIOLATION OF FOREST RULES BY VEDANTA ALUMINA LIMITED
3556. SHRI G.V. HARSHA KUMAR

SHRI JUAL ORAM
(a) whether the Vedanta Alumina Limited has violated forestry laws at the project site at
Lanjigarh in Orissa;
(b) if so, whether it is going to destroy the biodiversity of Niyamgiri hills in that State;
and
(c) if so, the reaction to the Government thereto?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (c): The Central Government on 19-10-2004, received a proposal from the State
Government of Orissa for forestry clearance of 58.943 ha. of forest land in Lanjigarh
Tehsil of Kalahandi district, for setting up of Alumina Refinery by M/s Vedanta Alumina
Limited. While the proposal was under examination of the Central Government, the State
Government has withdrawn the proposal on 28-3-2005, clarifying that the user agency
does not require any forest land for the project.
However, another proposal for forestry clearance of 660.749 ha. of forest land in
Kalahandi (South) Forest Division and Rayagada Forest Division in favour of the M/s
Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd. (OMC) for mining of bauxite in Lanjigarh Bauxite
Mines, Orissa, has also been received by the Central Government recently. It has also
come to the notice of Central Government that the proposed mining project is linked with
the project of Alumina Refinery of M/s Vedanta Alumina Limited.
355
The Central Government is carrying out careful examination of the project from all
angles including its impact on the nearby rivers/water bodies and the tribals inhabiting
the area. Further, the matter is also being considered by the Central Empowered
Committee, a body assisting the Supreme Court in forestry and environment related court
matters. The Central Empowered Committee has directed the Ministry, not to take any
decision on forestry clearance of the mining project till the directions of the Supreme
Court are received. Ministry of Environment and Forests has conveyed its agreement to
the Central Empowered Committee to this effect and so far, forestry clearance has not
been accorded to the project under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CUTTING OF TREES BY PROJECT AUTHORITIES
4476. SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR DUBEY
(a) whether a power plant of 675 MW generation capacity was set up after the
privatisation of Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) and thousands of trees were cut
down by the satellite company at the land where power plant was set up;
(b) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
(c) the details of complaints received and inquiry conducted in this regard, if any ?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)to(c): A complaint has been received in the Ministry regarding construction of 675
MW power plant on forest land by M/s Sterlite Industries, partner of BALCO in Korba
District, Chhattisgarh. It has been stated in the complaint that the above power plant was
being constructed on forest land by cutting about 7 thousand green trees and without
356
seeking the clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests. The State Government
was requested to conduct an inquiry into the matter. As per information received from the
State Government, the land in question is revenue land and 422 trees have been cut
without permission and action as per land revenue code has been initiated by the Revenue
Department of the State.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DRIVES FOR PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
4431. SHRI CHAUDHARY MUNAWWAR HASAN
the details of the drives being run by the Ministry of Environment and Forests for
protection of environment and forests in and around Delhi?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
The Government has taken various steps for protection of environment and forests in and
around Delhi , which include :
* Notification of general and source specific emission standards.

* Enforcement of auto exhaust emission standards for new vehicles at manufacturing
stage.
* Pollution Under control (PUC) certification for in use vehicles.
* Improved fuel quality.
* Use of beneficiated coal in the thermal power stations.
* Fencing of forests and planting of blank patches.
* Strict implementation of provisions of Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994
* Running of a Tree Help Line to attend to complaints of tree felling.
* Engagement of ex –servicemen for protection of forests and trees.
*********
357
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ILLEGAL FELLING OF TREES
6387. SHRI ANIRUDH PRASAD (SADHU) YADAV

ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL
(a) whether the Government is aware that illegal felling of trees is taking place in the
country particularly in Delhi ;
(b) if so, the details of such cases which came to the notice of the Government during the
last three years and current year indicating the categories of trees thus cut down, location-
wise; and
(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Incidents of illicit felling of trees do take place from time to time in different
parts of the country. In last three years no case of tree felling was recorded in the forest
areas under the control of Forest Department, Government of Delhi. However, outside
the forest areas, following cases have been reported under the provisions of Delhi Tree
(Preservation) Act, 1994:-
Year Location-wise No. of cases booked Total Compensation

Cases Realised (in
Rupees)
South West Central

Division Division Division
2002-03 32 61 178 272 6,15,818/-
358
2003-04 42 50 160 252 9,32,072/-
2004-05 21 35 44 100 6,88,256/-
2005-06 00 09 05 14 91,530/-
till Date
(c) The Government of NCT of Delhi is taking the following steps to check illicit
felling of trees: -
(i) Fencing of forest and plantation area.

(ii) Running of Tree Help Line for receiving complaint regarding the tree offences
and
taking appropriate action against such offences.
(iii) Enforcement of the Delhi Tree (Preservation) Act, 1994.
(iv) Engagement of 75 Ex-Servicemen for protection of forest/plantation area.
(v) Publicity and extension activities through RWA, Eco Club, Advertising,
etc. generating public awareness for protection of tree and forest.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
RELAXATION IN FORESTRY LAWS TO INDUSTRIES
5459. SHRI VIRJIBHAI THUMMAR

MANSUKHBHAI D. VASAVA
(a) whether the Government has provided any relaxation in the forest related laws to
certain industries;
(b) if so, the details of those industries which have been provided such relaxation in the
country including Gujarat during the last three years and current year, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government has carried out any review in this regard after providing such
relaxations;
359
(d) if so, the outcome thereof; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No such relaxation in forest related laws has been given by the Ministry of
Environment and Forests to any industry.
(b)to(e) Do not arise.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
REVENUE LOSS DUE TO BAN ON FELLING OF COMMERCIAL TREES
6469. PROF. CHANDER KUMAR
(a) the details of revenue losses suffered by the States during the last three years and
current year due to ban on felling of trees for commercial purposes, State-wise:
(b) whether the Government has any plan to compensate the affected States;
360
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No reports have been received from the States/Union Territories regarding the
revenue losses due to the ban on felling of trees for commercial purposes except the State
of Arunachal Pradesh. As per the information given by Arunachal Pradesh, the revenue
loss for the last three years is Rs.220.5 crores approximately.
(b)&(c): The Twelfth Finance Commission has recommended a grant of Rs.1,000 crores
to the States for maintenance of the forest areas. This amount has been distributed among
the States based on their forest areas and is required to be spent for the preservation of
their forest wealth. The State-wise and year-wise details of this grant are annexed.
Annexure
State-wise and Year-wise details of the grants-in-aid for maintenance of forests
.No State 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-2010 2005-2010

(in (in (in (in (in (in crores)
crores) crores) crores) crores) crores)
1 Andhra 13.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 65.00
Pradesh
2 Arunachal 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 100.00

Pradesh
3 Assam 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 40.00
4 Bihar 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 5.00
5 Chhattisgarh 17.00 17.00 17.00 17.00 17.00 85.00
6 Goa 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 3.00
7 Gujarat 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 20.00
361
8 Haryana 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 2.00
9 Himachal 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 2.00

Pradesh
10 Jammu & 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 30.00
Kashmir
11 Jharkhand 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 30.00
12 Karnataka 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 55.00
13 Kerala 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 25.00
14 Madhya 23.00 23.00 23.00 23.00 23.00 55.00

Pradesh
15 Maharashtra 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 70.00
16 Manipur 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 30.00
17 Meghalaya 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 30.00
18 Mizoram 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 25.00
19 Nagaland 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 25.00
20 Orissa 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 75.00
21 Punjab 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 2.00

22 Rajasthan 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 25.00
23 Sikkim 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 8.00
24 Tamil Nadu 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 30.00
25 Tripura 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 15.00
26 Uttar Pradesh 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 2.00
27 Uttaranchal 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 35.00
28 West Bengal 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 15.00
TOTAL 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 1000.00
********
362
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
FELLING SMUGGLING OF BHOJ TREES
217. SHRI AJIT JOGI
(a) Whether Birch (Bhoj) tree is on the verge of extinction due to its indiscriminate
felling and smuggling;
(b) if so, whether the Government is formulating any action plan for the protection of this
tree; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No, Sir.
(b)&(c): Following measures have been taken for the protection and conservation of
forests including those of Bhoj trees:
(i) Legal measures like Indian Forest Act, 1927, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Forest
Conservation Act, 1980 and Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the rules, guidelines
thereof.
(ii) Management measures like working of forests according to approved Working Plans,
Forest Development Agencies and Joint Forest Management.
(iii) Financial measures like providing assistance to the States/Union Territories under
centrally sponsored schemes and externally aided projects. Under the Centrally
Sponsored Scheme called ‘Integrated Forest Protection Scheme’, in operation since 2002-
03, funds are provided to States and Union Territories primarily for strengthening of
infrastructure for protection of forests from illicit fellings, fires, encroachments, etc.
363
(iv) A network of protected areas has been established.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
REVIEW OF FOREST LAWS
63. SHRI GANESH SINGH

A. VENKATESH NAIK
M SHIVANNA
(a) whether the Government has received requests from some States to review the forests
laws on the ground that they are coming in the way of addressing the problem of
naxalism; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Union Government thereto?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Some states have requested for relaxation in the guidelines issued under the
Forest Conservation Act, 1980 for addressing the problem of naxalism. The Government
of India has granted general approval under Forest Conservation Act, 1980 for execution
of developmental and security related activities like schools, drinking water, electric and
telecommunication, power substation, communication, minor irrigation, hospitals,
vocational training centre, non-conventional source of energy, police establishment and
up gradation of roads in rural areas vide order dated 3.01.05 and guideline issued dated
30.04.05.
********
364
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CUTTING/PLANTATION OF TREES

BRAJESH PATHAK
K. DHANARAJU
RAGHURAJ SINGH SHAKYA
JASHUBHAI DHANABHAI BARAD
KAMLA PRASAD RAWAT
ANANTA NAYAK
AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
(a) whether the Government is aware that indiscriminate felling of trees/ forest trees is
affecting the environment adversely;
(b) if so, the details thereabout;
(c) the number of incidents of theft of wood reported during the last three years along
with the action taken thereon;
(d) the number of trees reported to have been cut during the last three years and thereafter
till date in the country;
(e) the number of trees that have been planted in comparison to those cut during the
above period, State-wise alongwith the ratio of land area and forest cover, State/Union
Territory-wise; and
(f) the steps being taken to prevent cutting of trees and encourage the planting of more
trees in the country ?
ANSWER

(a)&(b): No, Sir. Sporadic cases of felling of trees for timber are reported from time to time
in different parts of the country.
365
(c)&(d): Forest wood is not stolen as such. It is obtained by way of illicit felling of trees.
Number of incidents of illicit felling of trees reported during the last 3 years is as follows:-
Year No. of incidents of Volume of Timber Value of Timber

illicit felling of trees (cubic metre) involved (Rs. In
lakhs)
2001-02 2,22,181 94,596.55 6330.65
2002-03 2,42,686 109,336.04 8848.12
2003-04 1,81,185 90,750.79 7953.98
Action against persons involved in illicit felling of trees is taken in accordance with the
provisions of Indian Forest Act, 1927, State Acts and rules made thereunder. It involves
seizure and/or confiscation of wood seized and penalty/imprisonment to the offenders.
(e) Details of plantation of trees during last three years are as follows:-
Year Area Planted (ha)
2002-03 725910
2003-04 844399
2004-05 1126115
State-wise details are at Annexure.
(f): Steps being taken to prevent cutting of trees and to encourage planting of more trees
in the country are as follows :-
(i) Seizure, confiscation of vehicles and articles involved in illicit felling, arresting
and prosecution of offenders by the State Governments in accordance with the
Indian Forest Act, 1927 and State Forest Acts.
(ii) Regular patrolling by field staff.
366
(iii) Inspection of forest produce in transit and checking of saw-mills.
(iv) Strengthening of wireless networking.
(v) Acquiring and use of firearms by field staff in vulnerable areas.
(vi) Protection, conservation and management of forests by the active involvement

of local communities through the process of Joint Forest Management.
(vii) Deployment of Home Guards and State Police personnel in special situations.
(viii) Financial assistance is provided to the State Governments under various

centrally
sponsored forestry and wildlife schemes for the protection and conservation of
forests and wildlife.
(ix) Creation of network of Protected Areas i.e Wildlife National Parks, Sanctuaries,
Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves.
(x) Planting of trees under the Centrally Sponsored National Afforestation

Programme (NAP) through the two tier implementation mechanism of Forest
Development Agency (FDA) at division level and Joint Forest Management Committees
(JFMCs) at the village/local level. 628 FDA projects have been sanctioned so far during
Xth Plan, Rs. 691.00 crores have been released upto June 2005 and 8.74 lakh hactare of
project area is likely to be afforested during Xth Plan.
367
ANNEXURE
Plantation Summary
SI Name of State / Achievement –2002 -03

No, UT
Seeding (in Lakhs) Area (in
Distribution Hectares)
(For Plantation on private (Public
Lands) Lands
Including
Forests
Lands)
1 2 3 4
1 Andhra Pradesh 2451.71 140445
2 Arunachal 2.6 5726

Pradesh
3 Assam 25.82 4227
4 Bihar 90.53 2652
5 Chhattisgarh 211.54 30480
6 Goa 7.31 531
7 Gujarat 1597.46 56505
8 Haryana 280.04 20563
9 Himachal 27.34 17629

Pradesh
10 Jammu & 37.29 7939
Kashmir
11 Jharkhand 1.14 428
12 Karnataka 339.16 29864
13 Kerala 5.67 13114
14 Madhya 300.25 125042

Pradesh
368
15 Maharashtra 547.28 27667
16 Manipur 0 1475
17 Meghalaya 23.31 1630
18 Mizoram 12.88 2173
19 Nagaland 210.6 17547
20 Orissa 240.12 43476
21 Punjab 17.56 7835

22 Rajasthan 122.13 12580
23 Sikkim 6.7 1129
25 Tamil Nadu 123.56 40536
25 Tripura 27.45 8971
26 Uttar Pradesh 1238.65 23037
27 Uttaanchal 104.72 69224

28 West Bengal 132 20719
29 A & N Islands 1.73 3808
30 Chandigarh 0.35 152
31 D & N Haveli 5 516
32 Daman& Diu 0.26 20
33 Delhi 6.7 0
34 Lakshadweep 0 14
35 Pondicherry 1.88 55
TOTAL 8200.77 725910 .00

No, UT Seeding Area in Hectares
Distribution in Lakhs (Public Lands
(For Plantation on private Including
Lands) Forests Lands)
1 2 3 4
2 Arunachal 2.37 0
369
Pradesh
3 Assam 24.29 1446
4 Bihar 129.26 10622
6 Goa 8.44 516
7 Gujarat 1203.14 52000
8 Haryana 317.26 18309
9 Himachal 33.33 15222

Pradesh
10 Jammu & 87.64 23468
Kashmir
11 Jharkhand 4.98 32157
12 Karnataka 356.96 20238
13 Kerala 2.13 6304
14 Madhya 350.00 150016

Pradesh
16 Manipur 0.00 0
17 Meghalaya 30.03 1607
18 Mizoram 43.30 13398
19 Nagaland 172.35 14358
20 Orissa 272.49 50986
21 Punjab 31.76 11871

22 Rajasthan 99.19 21801
23 Sikkim 0.00 0
25 Tamil Nadu 147.65 89275
370
25 Tripura 36.43 7812
27 Uttaanchal 142.87 77383

28 West Bengal 23.58 5063
29 A & N Islands 1.62 1128
31 D & N Haveli 7.97 219
32 Daman& Diu 0.00 25
33 Delhi 8.44 0
34 Lakshadweep 0.00 3
TOTAL 7611. 33 844399.00

No, UT Seeding Area in Hectares
Distribution in Lakhs
(For Plantation on private (Public Lands
Lands) Including
Forests Lands)
1 2 3 4
2 Arunachal 0.71 822

Pradesh
3 Assam 25.85 14126
4 Bihar 54.05 3206
6 Goa 8.29 473
7 Gujarat 1805.14 80020
8 Haryana 346.19 14554
9 Himachal 33.10 17737

Pradesh
371
10 Jammu & 96.77 28109
Kashmir
11 Jharkhand 24.19 41809
12 Karnataka 224.38 40167
13 Kerala 2.25 4681
14 Madhya 350.00 167500

Pradesh
16 Manipur 8.03 5304
17 Meghalaya 11.02 1
18 Mizoram 14.65 1941
19 Nagaland 282.45 20416
20 Orissa 112.60 54551
21 Punjab 17.80 12895

22 Rajasthan 117.56 43807
23 Sikkim 10.64 8255
25 Tamil Nadu 119.86 110037
25 Tripura 20.40 9889
27 Uttaanchal 154.33 102089

28 West Bengal 50.72 14
29 A & N Islands 0.82 573
31 D & N Haveli 6.25 322
32 Daman& Diu 0.11 10
33 Delhi 9.04 0
34 Lakshadweep 0,10 22
TOTAL 9076.10 1126115
372
Sl. State/UT Forest cover
no Geographica Very Dense ModeratelyOpen Total Percent Scrub
Area (G.A) forest dense forests of G.A
forests
1 Andhra 275.069 23 24,356 20,040 44,419 16.15 9.748

Pradesh
2 Arunachal 83.743 13.907 39,604 14,504 68,019 81,22 116

Pradesh
3 Assam 78,438 1,684 11,358 14,784 27,826 35,48 219
4 Bihar 94,163 76 2,951 2,531 5,558 5,90 150
5 Chhattisgarh 135,191 1,540 37,440 17,018 55,998 41,42 88
6 Delhi 1,483 0- 52 118 170 11,46 1

7 Goa 3,702 0 1,255 901 2,156 58,24 0
8 Gujarat 196,022 114 6,231 8,601 14,946 7,63 1,743
9 Haryana 44,212 2 518 997 15,17 3,43 68
10 Himachal 55,673 1,093 7,883 5,377 14,353 25,78 389

Pradesh
11 Jammu & 222,236 2,201 8,395 10,770 21,267 9,57 2,947
Kashmir
12 Jharkhand 79,714 2,544 9,137 11,035 22,716 28,50 807
13 Karnataka 191,791 431 22,030 13,988 36,449 19,00 3,141
14 Kerala 38,863 334 9,294 5,949 15,577 40.08 72
15 Madhya 308,245 4,000 37,843 34,586 76,429 24 ,79 2,378

Pradesh
16 Maharashtra 307,713 8,070 20,317 18,478 46,865 15,23 4,175
17 Manipur 22,327 720 5,818 10,681 17,219 77,12 74
18 Meghalaya 22,429 168 6,323 10,348 16,839 75,08 169
373
19 Mizoram 21,081 84 7,404 10,942 18,430 87,42 274
20 Nagaland 16,579 57 5,650 7,902 13,609 82,09 231
21 Orissa 155,707 288 27,822 22,196 48,366 31,06 5,346
22 Punjab 50,362 0 743 837 1,580 3,14 22

23 Rajasthan 342,239 14 4,482 11,330 15,826 4,62 4,564
24 Sikkim 7,096 458 1,904 900 3,262 45,97 360
Tamil Nadu 130,058 2,440 9,567 10,636 22,643 17,41 2,040

25
26 Tripura 10,486 58 4,988 3,047 8,093 77,18 1
Uttar Pradesh 240,928 1.297 4,699 8,122 14,118 5,86 749

27
28 Uttaanchal 53,483 4,002 14,420 6,043 24,465 45,74 320

29 West Bengal 88.752 2.303 3,742 6,298 12,343 13,91 75
30 A & N 8,249 3,475 2,809 680 6,964 84,42 1
Islands
31 Chandigarh 114 1 8 6 15 13,16 1
32 D & N Haveli 491 0 145 80 225 45,82 -
33 Daman& Diu 112 0 2 6 8 7,14 -
34 Lakshadweep 32 0 12 11 23 7188 -
35 Pondicherry 480 0 17 23 40 8,33 -
TOTAL 3,287,263 51,285 339,279 287,769 678,33 20,64 40,269
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
AMENDMENT REPEAL OF FOREST CONSERVATION ACT
186. SHRI BIR SING MAHATO

MOHAMMAD TAHIR KHAN
MUNSHIRAM
374
NARENDRA KUMAR KUSHWAHA
HARISINH PRATAPSINH CHAVDA
(a) whether the Government is contemplating to amend/repeal the Forest (Conservation)

Act, 1980;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) benefits being accrued to tribals under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
(e) whether this Act has been hampering the construction of metalled roads; and
(f) if so, details thereof alongwith the remedial steps proposed/taken in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No Sir.
(c): Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is a regulatory Act, not prohibitory.
(d): Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 deals with non-forestry utilisation of forest lands.
For the development of forest dwellers including tribals, Central Government has granted
general approval on January 3, 2005 under this Act, for infrastructure development
projects like school, dispensary/hospital, electric lines, drinking water, rain water
harvesting structure, minor irrigation canal, non-conventional sources of energy, skill
upgradation/vocational training centre, power sub-stations, etc. Further, 510 forest
villages have been converted into revenue villages in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat,
Maharashtra and Uttaranchal so far. Also, 3.65 lakh ha. forest land has been diverted for
regularisation of pre-1980 eligible encroachments. To protect the rights on forest lands,
Central Government vide letter dated 21-12-2004 and subsequent letter dated 12-5-2005
has also issued directions to the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations not
to evict forest dwellers including tribals from forest lands without proper verification.
(e): No Sir. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has already issued detailed
guidelines on April 30, 2005 for upgradation of ‘Kutchcha’ roads constructed in forest
375
areas prior to 1980, to ‘Pucca’ roads and such conversions do not attract the provisions of
the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
REMOVAL OF ENCROACHMENTS FROM RIDGE AREAS
2266. SHRI RAGHUNATH JHA

MANVENDRA SINGH
(a) whether Delhi ridge area is shrinking rapidly;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the factors therefor;
(c) the steps taken to preserve Delhi’s ridge area; and
(d) the number of saplings planted and that survived in Delhi during the last two years
and money expended on their preservation?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(SHRI NAMO NARAYAN MEENA)
(a)to(d): The information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.
***********
376
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
USE OF FOREST LAND BY COAL MINES
2285. SHRI BIKASH CHOWDHURY

JASHUBHAI DHANABHAI BARAD
(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate a policy on iron ore mining;
(c) the area of forest land granted to Coal Mines/other undertakings;
(d) whether the Government has ever reviewed Environmental impacts these activities
have caused; and
(e) if so, the details of environmental damages and the reaction of Union Government
thereto?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): So far as Ministry of Environment and Forests is concerned, there is no proposal

to formulate a policy on iron-ore mining.
(c): A total of 93,845.25 ha of forest land has been diverted, so far, for various mining
projects in different States since 1980. Out of this, 36,674.91 ha of forest land has been
diverted for coal mines.
(d)&(e): The mining activity causes loss of topsoil, soil erosion, adverse impacts on flora
and micro habitat, air pollution and sometimes impact on underground water table. To
mitigate the adverse effects of mining, while granting the forestry clearance for mining
projects, the user agency is directed to take up compensatory afforestation and creation of
safety zone plantation around mining area. In addition, the user agency is required to
carry out stabilisation of over burden dumps through afforestation, and also reclamation
of mined out areas by backfilling and plantation of suitable species. The user agency is
377
also required to carry out Environment Impact Assessment and implementation of
Environment Management Plan.
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
FOREST COMMISSION
2171. SHRI GANESH PRASAD SINGH

RABINDRA KUMAR RANA
(a) whether a Forest Commission is to be set up by the Government;
(b) if so, the details of its aims and objectives;
(c) whether the Commission has made any recommendations so far;
(e) whether it is proposed to revamp the Indian Forest Service in view of the present
forest scenario; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Yes, Sir. Government has constituted the National Forest Commission on 7.02.2003
to review the working of forest and wildlife sector.
378
(b) The Terms of Reference of the National Forest Commission is as under:
(i) Review and assess the existing policy and legal framework and their impact in a
holistic manner from the ecological, economic, social and cultural viewpoint.
(ii) Examine the current status of forest administration and the forestry institutions both at
all India and State level to meet the emerging needs of the civil society
(iii) Make recommendations indicating specific policy options for achieving sustainable
forest and wildlife management and ecological security
(iv) Suggest ways and means to make forest administration more effective with a view to
help to achieve the above policy options
(v) Establish meaningful partnership and interface between forestry management and
local communities including tribal.
(c): No, Sir.
(e): No, Sir.
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BAN ON COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES NEAR MANGROVE FOREST AREAS

LAKSHMAN SINGH
379
(a) whether mangrove forests protect the coastal areas and the river side areas from
erosion and also protect the flora and fauna;
(b) If so, whether during the recent past mangroves have been degraded and dwindled;
(c) if so, the total area of mangroves and the percentage of decrease therein; and
(d) the steps proposed to be taken to protect mangroves?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Mangroves do provide protection to coastal areas and their flora and fauna against
erosion, cyclones and tidal waves but the extent of protection is variable and is a function
of several factors. Mangroves are not found along fresh water rivers as mangroves require
an appropriate mixture of saline and freshwater and soft substrate like mudflats to be able
to grow and perpetuate.
(b): It is true that the mangroves have been under increasing biotic and abiotic stresses
during the recent past.
(c): As per the State of Forest Report 2003, brought out by the Forest Survey of India, the
total mangrove area in the country is 4,461 sq.km. The mangrove cover has shown a
marginal net decrease of 21 sq.km. The decrease is notional and is more of a correction
resulting from an improved resolution of the satellite imagery and consequential more
accurate interpretation.
(d): At present, the mangroves are protected through a range of regulatory measures like
Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991; Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)
studies under the EIA Notification, 1994 for specialised industries; monitoring of
compliance and conditions imposed while according Environmental Clearance by
Regional Offices of the Ministry and State Pollution Control Boards; enforcement of
emission and effluent standards by industries and other entities and recourse to legal
action against the defaulters. Mangroves located within the notified forest areas are also
covered under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
*************
380
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DECLARATION AS PARKS
2200. SHRI DAWA NARBULA
(a) whether the Government had declared Singalila Range at Darjeeling and Neora Forest
at Kalimpong as National Parks recently;
(b) if so, whether action is yet to be taken to improve these two National Parks even after
being declared as National Parks;
(d) the action the Government proposes to take in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Yes Sir. As per reports received from State Government, Singalila National Park and
Neora Valley National Park have been notified in 1992.
(b): Yes Sir. Development and conservation works are being undertaken under Centrally
Sponsored Schemes, State Plan and non-plan budgets as per the management plans
prepared for them.
(d): Development works in the Singalila National Park and Neora Valley National Park
include improvement of habitat for conservation of wildlife, release of captive bred Red
Panda, strengthening of infrastructure, consolidation works, etc. Eco-development works
are being implemented to associate the local communities in conservation works.
************
381
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
APPROVAL UNDER FORESTS ACT, 1980
651. SHRI JASHUBHAI DHANABHAI BARAD:
(a) the number of proposals received from the Government of Gujarat and granted
approval under Forests Act, 1980 during the last two years;
(b) the reasons for delay in granting approval to pending proposals; and
(c) the time by which all proposals received during the last two years would be
approved?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): 110 proposals received from Government of Gujarat have been granted in
principle approval timely under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 during the last
two years.
(c): 13 proposals are under process. Such proposals are examined according to the
procedure prescribed under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Forest
(Conservation) Rules, 2003, and the guidelines issued from time to time there
under. The whole examination and the decision on the proposals is a continuous
process, for which Central Government has prescribed a time limit of 60 days for
itself for processing and taking decision on the complete proposal, under the rules.
***********
382
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENCROACHMENT ON RIDGE AREAS
657. SHRI RAGHUNATH JHA
With the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:
(a) the details of Ridge area under encroachments in various parts of Delhi;
(b) whether the Government has decided to remove all illegal encroachments there
from; and
(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the list of encroachers prepared?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(SHRI NAMO NARIAN MEENA)
(a) to (c): The information is being collected and will be laid on the table of the
House.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
FOREST RIGHTS OF TRIBALS
265. SHRI PRABODH PANDA

DHIRENDRA AGARWAL
(a) whether the Government has taken steps to safeguard the rights of tribal people
residing on forest lands for more than hundred years;
383
(c) whether the Government has stopped the eviction process of forest dwellers;
(d) if not, whether any rehabilitation package has been provided for them; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued guidelines on 18.09.1990
under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for grant of traditional rights of forest
dwellers, including tribals, over forest land. Such traditional rights over forest land
include settlement of disputed claims over forest land, regularisation of eligible
encroachment of forest land, conversion of forest villages into revenue villages and
regularisation of eligible pattas/grants/leases over forest land.
On the basis of the proposals received from the State Governments, about 3.66 lakh
hectares of encroachment of forest land has been regularised and 511 forest villages have
been converted into revenue villages under the guidelines dated 18.09.1990. This process
of grant of traditional rights over forest land to forest dwellers, including tribals, came to
a halt due to a ban imposed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on de-reservation of
forest land as well as regularisation of encroachment of forest land vide its orders dated
13.11.2000 and 23.11.2001 respectively. The Ministry is pursuing the matter with the
Hon’ble Court to obtain a suitable modification in the orders so that grant of traditional
rights over forest land could be continued further under the Forest (Conservation) Act,
1980.
(c): The Ministry of Environment and Forests, vide its letter dated 21.12.2004, has
requested all the State/Union Territory Governments not to resort to eviction of forest
dwellers, including tribals, other than ineligible encroachers of forest land till complete
survey is carried out for recognition of such people and their rights on forest land as
provided in the guidelines dated 18.09.1990 issued under the Forest (Conservation) Act,
1980. These instructions were reiterated on 17.10.2005. On 03.11.2005, the Ministry has
issued detailed revised guidelines for verification/recognition of such rights on forest land
and again requested the State/Union Territory Governments to complete the entire
process within a period of one year.
(d)&(e): Rehabilitation package for the evicted ineligible encroachers, if any, needs to be
provided by the concerned State/Union Territory Government.
*********
384
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DEVELOPMENT WORK IN FOREST AREAS
3885. SHRI D V SADANANDA GOWDA
(a) whether the activities like rural roads, small bridges and culverts, etc, are
proposed to be included in the list of permissible activities to be undertaken on the
diverted forests land; and
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b): The Ministry of Environment and Forests on 03.01.2005, has granted general
approval for diversion of not more than one hectare of forests land in each case, for
executing public utility works like schools, dispensary/hospital, electrical and
telecommunication lines, drinking waster, rainwater harvesting structures, minor
irrigation canals, no conventional sources of energy, skill up-gradation/vocational
training centre, power sub stations, communication posts and police establishment like
police stations/outposts/watch towers by government departments.
The activities like rural roads, small bridges and culverts are not included in the general
approval. Diversion of forests land for these activities will require prior approval from the
Central Government under Forests (Conservation) Act, 1980. For this, the concerned user
agency is required to submit the proposal in the prescribed format along with all relevant
information/documents, through the concerned State/Union Territory Government, to the
Central Government.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
385
APPROVAL UNDER FORESTS ACT, 1980
651. SHRI JASHUBHAI DHANABHAI BARAD
(a) the number of proposals received from the Government of Gujarat and granted approval
under Forests Act, 1980 during the last two years;
(b) the reasons for delay in granting approval to pending proposals; and
(c) the time by which all proposals received during the last two years would be
approved?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): 110 proposals received from Government of Gujarat have been granted approval
timely under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 during the last two years.
(c): 13 proposals are under process. Such proposals are examined according to the procedure
prescribed under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003 and
the guidelines issued from time to time thereunder. The whole examination and the
decision on the proposals is a continuous process, for which Central Government has
prescribed a time limit of 60 days for itself for processing and taking decision on the
complete proposal, under the Rules.
****************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
386
SPECIAL PERMISSION TO POLLUTING COMPANIES
829. SHRI JIVABHAI AMBALAL PATEL

SHRI V.K. THUMMAR
(a) whether many companies causing pollution have been given special permission
to operate from the forest land despite enforcement of Forest Conservation Act,
1980;
(b) if so, the names of the such companies, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government of Gujarat has forwarded the proposals of such
companies with its recommendations in this regard;
(d) if so, the grounds on which such recommendations have been made; and
(e) the reasons for recognising these grounds?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): No special permission has been granted to companies causing pollution to

operate from forest land in Gujarat under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
(c),(d)&(e): Does not arise
*****************
387
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
GLOBAL WARMING
3494. SHRI M.A. KHARABELA SWAIN
(a) the details of areas being affected by global warming in the country; and
(b) the steps being taken to check the phenomenon from getting worst?
ANSWER

(a): As per information available with the Indian Meteorological Department, the surface
air temperatures over the Indian subcontinent show a slight warming trend by about 0.40
C during the past 100 years. This warming trend is however, not uniform either in time or
in space. Some seasons do not exhibit as much warming trend as the others and some
regions of the country show lesser warming trend or even cooling trends. Significant
warming trend occur over most parts of the peninsular region of the country. Many parts
of the North-West India show cooling trends. However, Intergovernmantal Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) in its third Assessment Report in 2001 has projected that
globally averaged surface temperature would rise by 1.40 centigrade to 5.80 centigrade
and the global mean sea level may raise by 0.09 to 0.88 m during 1990-2100 in the most
tropical and sub-tropical regions.
(b): As per the Kyoto Protocol, only developed countries are required to take steps to
reduce their emissions. Developing countries including India have no such obligation of
reducing emission of greenhouse gases. The wide range reforms aimed at accelerated
economic growth in the past decade in the country include energy efficiency, energy
conservation, power sector reforms, an active renewable energy programme, fuel
switching to cleaner energy, afforestation and conservation of forests, steps to encourage
efficient utilisation of coal; reduction of gas flaring and installation of waste heat
388
recovery systems in the oil sector, standardisation of fuel-efficient irrigation pump-sets,
rectification of existing pump-sets to make them more energy efficient, rationalisation of
power tariffs and better cultivar practices in the agriculture sector, etc.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
KYOTO PROTOCOL
4437. SHRI JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA
(a) whether Kyoto Protocol of 1997 has come into effect, with US and Australia still
refusing to be part of the accord;
(b) if so, the details thereof:
(c) the extent to which the developed countries have been complying with the Protocol by
way of minimising emission of greenhouse gases and sharing technology with developing
nations; and
(d) the Government’s response to the US and Australia’s refusal to enter the accord?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Kyoto Protocol has come into force on February 16, 2005. Till
date, 148 Parties including India have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The United States of
America and Australia have so far, not ratified the Kyoto Protocol.
(c): The Kyoto Protocol prescribes quantified emission limitation/reduction of targets for
developed countries Parties to the Protocol. Such developed country Parties have initiated
actions to achieve their prescribed targets by the first commitment period of 2008-12. In
addition, many developed country Parties are also participating in an emission trading
arrangement through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol
and sharing technology with project sponsors in developing countries.
389
(d): India is of the view that all developed country Parties having qualified emission
limitation or reduction commitments should fulfill their obligations under the Kyoto
Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Non-compliance of/refusal by any developed country Party to the Kyoto commitments is
likely to affect adversely international efforts to address the climate change issue.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
STUDY ON GREENHOUSE GASES
1113. SHRI K.C. SINGH BABA
(a) whether the Government has conducted any study to find out the extent of emission of
greenhouse gases and their possible ill effects on the economy of the country in the near
future;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to check the increasing emission of green house
gases?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)to(c): As per the study of National Communication conducted for the reporting year
1994, it has been estimated that India emitted 793 million tonnes of CO2, 18.08 million
tonnes of methane and 0.178 million tonnes of N2O. It is informed that as per the Kyoto
Protocol, only developed countries have commitments to reduce emissions of greenhouse
gases and developing countries including India have no such binding commitments. India
accounts for only 3 per cent of the global greenhouse gas emissions and our per capita
emissions are very small as compared with developed countries. Third Assessment
Report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that with rise in
390
average surface temperature and mean sea level during 1990-2100, potential yields of
cereal crops in most tropical and sub-tropical regions are projected to decrease and
population in low lying coastal areas and small islands would be at risk.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
GLOBAL WARMING
3785 SHRI BASUDEB ACHARIA

P. POOKUNHI KOYA
(a) the details of discussion held in G-8 Summit on greenhouse gas emission and climate
change;
(b) whether developed countries have agreed to provide additional finance and transfer of
cleaner, low-emission and cost-effective technologies to India to combat climatic change;
(d) the official stand taken by India on greenhouse gas emission;
(e) whether global warming threatens to inundate low lying areas of the country; and
(f) if so, the measures proposed/taken to combat such a threat?
ANSWER

(a): The leaders of G8 countries at Gleneagles discussed mainly the following issues with
regard to taking further action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
# Transforming the way we use energy
391
# Powering a cleaner future
# Promoting networks for research and development
# Financing the transition to cleaner energy
# Managing the impact of climate change
# Tackling illegal logging
(b) & (c): The leaders of G8 agreed to take forward research, development and diffusion
of energy technologies in identified sectors. Regarding financing the transition to cleaner
energy, G8 leaders inter-alia, supported a market-led approach to encourage energy
efficiency and accelerating investment and the deployment of cleaner energy
technologies. However, there was no direct reference to India regarding provision of
additional finance and transfer of cleaner, low-emission and cost effective technologies to
combat climate change.
(d): India reiterated its commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate

Change and the Kyoto Protocol and advocated that developing countries should take
action on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated
responsibilities and respective capabilities. Developing countries including India are not
expected to take any binding targets on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
(e) & (f): The 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
meter during 1990-2100 in 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. The Government has taken
several steps to do vulnerability assessment of various aspects of climate change
including rise in sea level. Some of the national measures taken to reduce green house gas
intensity of our economy include energy efficiency, energy conservation, renewable
energy programmes, fuel switching to cleaner energy, afforestation and better cultivation
practices.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
392

SHRI V.K. THUMMAR
(a) whether Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and UK’s Hadley
Centre for Climate Prediction and Research have through a joint study predicted
that global warming will adversely affect agriculture, bio-diversity, disease
pattern and water availability in India;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) the extent to which Indian agriculture and ecology is likely to adapt to these
changes; and
(d) the strategy evolved to meet the challenges of global warming?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): The Indo-UK study ‘Investigating the impacts of Climate Change in India’ shows
that climate change represents an additional stress on ecological and socio-
economic systems including agriculture, biodiversity, disease pattern and water
availability in the country which is already facing the pressures to urbanisation,
industrialisation and other economic activities.
(b)&(c): The existing policy framework in India together with wide-ranging reforms is
aimed at accelerated economic growth relating to energy efficiency, energy
conservation, power sector reforms and active renewable energy programme. The
steps include the following:
• fuel switching to cleaner energy,

• afforestation and conservation of forests,
• steps to encourage efficient utilisation of coal,
• reduction of gas flaring and installation of waste heat recovery systems in the oil
sector,
• standardisation of fuel-efficient irrigation pump-sets,
393
• rectification of existing pump-sets to make them more energy efficient,
• rationalisation of power tariffs and better practices in the agriculture sector, etc.
In so far as adaptation to climate change is concerned, various initiatives had been taken
by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and Indian Council of Forestry
Research and Education (ICFRE) in case of agriculture and forestry sectors to adapt to
likely climate change in different eco-system.
(d): The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and
the Kyoto Protocol are two multilateral environmental agreements addressing the
issues related to climate change. India is a Party to both these agreements and is
fulfilling its obligations in terms of inventorisation of greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions in the specified sectors. As of now, developed countries have
obligations under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce their GHG emissions while there
is no such obligation on developing countries.
****************
394
HAZARDOUS WASTES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
HAZARDOUS WASTE UNITS

NIKHIL KUMAR
(a) whether the Ministry of Environment & Forests has directed the various State
Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Centres to submit their reports about
implementation of its orders on hazardous waste units;
(c) whether there is an increase of hazardous waste units in the country and there is no
proper check on them; and;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government to check the spread of
hazardous waste units?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The Ministry has written on h November 10, 2003 to all the State Pollution
Control Boards (SPCBs) and the Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) of Union
Territories to submit an Action Taken Report on the implementation of the orders dated
14.10.2003 of the Supreme Court regarding hazardous waste management.
As per the information made available by the SPCBs/PCCs and as contained in the report
of the High Power Committee constituted by the Supreme Court on management of
hazardous wastes, there are 13011 units generating hazardous wastes in the country as per
395
the Hazardous Wastes (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989.
(c)&(d): Based on the new definition of hazardous wastes in the Hazardous Wastes
(Management & Handling) Amendment Rules, 2003, steps have been taken by the
SPCBs/PCCs to identify all hazardous waste generating units.
It is expected that the number of hazardous waste generating units may increase due to
the new definition of hazardous waste in the Hazardous Waste (Management &
Handling) Amendment Rules, 2003.
In addition to regulations, new and innovative concepts such as Corporate Responsibility

for Environment Protection (CREP), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and green
production are being promoted. Waste minimisation and recycling/reprocessing of wastes
are also encouraged and regulated.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY GUIDELINES ON

USED/WASTE OIL
326. SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH
(a) the quantity of waste oil recycled/re-refined in the year 2004-05;
(b) whether Dr. Thyagarajan Committee has formulated any Environmentally Sound
Technology (EST) guidelines in respect of re-refining/recycling of used/waste oil;
(d) the reaction of the Government thereto?
396
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): The quantities of used oil re-refined and waste oil recycled during the year 2004-
2005, calculated on the basis of the units registered and full utilisation of their registered
capacities are 40,615 KL and 51,810 KL respectively.
(b) to (d): Steps have been initiated by the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee
(SCMC) headed by Dr. G. Thyagarajan to formulate the Environmentally Sound
Technology (EST) guidelines for used and waste oil by constituting a sub-Committee of
the SCMC.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
MISUTILISATION OF EST GUIDELINES
5418. SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH
(a) whether Environmentally Sound Technologies (EST) used by firms engaged in the
recycling/re-refining of used/waste oil was as per rule 21(1) of Hazardous Waste Rules;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has received any objections from certain Public
representatives and industries on the draft EST guidelines on Central Pollution Control
Board`s (CPCB) web site; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto alongwith the
details of action taken against the units which have misused registration in the past;
397
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): As per Rule 21(1) of the Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules,
1989 as amended in 2003, re-refiners and recyclers are required to use only
environmentally sound technologies while recycling and re-refining of waste oil or used
oil respectively. In case of used oil, re-refiners using acid clay process or modified acid
clay process are required to adopt other Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) as
given under Rule 21(1)(a) to 21(1)(d) of the Hazardous Wastes (Management &
Handling) Amendment Rules, 2003.
(c): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is reported to have received
representations on the draft guidelines formulated by it for recycling of waste oil and re-
refining of used oil. These covered the following submissions:
(i) Use of continuous process technology for re-refining of used oil;

(ii) Batch process based re-refining should not be permitted;
(iii) The technology for waste oil recycling and re-refining of used oil specified in
the Rules.
The Expert Committee constituted by the CPCB on consideration of representations has

maintained that:
(i) Re-refining of used oil is not fractional distillation;

(ii) Used oil is already a lubricating oil fraction and is only required to be re-
refined; and
(ii) The technologies mentioned under Rule 21(1)(a), 21(1)(b), 21(1)(c) and
21(1)(d) are for used oil re-refining.
(d): Steps have been initiated by the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee (SCMC) to
formulate the Environmentally Sound Technology (EST) guidelines for used and waste
oils by constituting a sub-Committee of the SCMC. Action as per Hazardous Wastes
(Management & Handling) Rules is taken against units in case of misuse of registration.
******
398
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION DUE TO EFFLUENTS
1074. CHAUDHARY MUNAWWAR HASAN
(a) whether the Government is aware that the drinking water in Daurala town and nearby
villages of Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh has been contaminated by the effluents
emanating from Daurala Sugar Mills, Daurala Chemicals and Daurala Distillery located
in the above mentioned town;
(b) if so, whether it is a fact that the residents are suffering from several kinds of diseases
spreading on account of foul smell in the atmosphere resulting in untimely casualities;
(c) if so, whether the Union Government proposes to send any Central team there for
testing the pollution level in water and atmosphere so that the residents can be protected
from an epidemi;
(d) if so, the time by which the team is likely to be sent; and
(e) the steps being taken by the Government to protect the residents from atmospheric
and water pollution?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): As per the information provided by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board
(UPPCB), all the three units namely Daurala Sugar Works (sugar unit), Daurala Sugar
Mills (chemical unit) and M/s Daurala Sugar Works (distillery unit) are complying with
the environmental standards. The Daurala Sugar Works and Daurala Sugar Mill are
discharging treated effluents into river Kali (east) in compliance with the stipulated
norms. In case of the distillery unit, the treated effluent is partially used for bio-
composting and the rest for ferti-irrigation to achieve zero discharge.
(b)to(e): The UPPCB is regularly monitoring the performance of industries to ensure

compliance to environmental standards.
************
399
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PHASING OUT OF MERCURY EQUIPMENTS
6819. SHRI TATHAGATA SATPATHY

SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL
RAVI PRAKASH VERMA
(a) whether it is a fact that mercury equipment in hospitals may cause serious health
problem to the general public if not handled properly and disposed of like general wastes
without precaution;
(c) whether there is no regulation and safeguards for handling mercury in the hospitals
across the country; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government for proper usage and disposal of mercury
equipments and its gradual phase out from hospitals ?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): There are no known cases of health problems resulting from the involvement of
mercury in hospitals. The breakage of mercury thermometers may lead to spillage of
some mercury which is supposed to be collected as a part of the hospitals’ health and
safety practices.
The disposal of mercury bearing waste, irrespective of the source of generation

containing mercury and mercury compounds equal to or greater than 50 mg. per kilogram
is required to be disposed of only as per the requirement of the Hazardous Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules as amended in May 2003.
It is for the State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees to ensure

collection/disposal of the mercury/mercury bearing waste in the healthcare facilities in
400
the respective State/UT as per the provisions of these Rules.
(c) & (d): In so far as the Central Government hospitals are concerned, they follow the
guidelines laid down in the Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules as
amended in May 2003. The mercury waste generated from the broken thermometer, B.P.
measuring apparatus, etc., is collected and recycled. The mercury
thermometers/sphygmomanometers used traditionally for measuring body
temperature/blood pressure have been replaced in some countries due to environmental
concerns. However, in replacement of these instruments, there are also concerns in many
countries about the availability, affordability and accuracy of alternative devices.
**********
401
HEALTH
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BAN ON MOBILE PHONES
(a) whether the Government is contemplating to formulate a law to ban the use of mobile phones in hospitals
and nursing homes:
(c) whether the frequent use of mobile phones is dangerous to health;
(d) if so, whether the Government will set up an expert committee to look into the matter; and
ANSWER

(a) to (e): According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the World Health Organisation (WHO)
is conducting research through international agency to identify links between use of mobile phones and its ill
effects. However, according to published literature of WHO and other agencies, there is no conclusive
evidence of adverse health effect of use of mobile phones on human beings. At present there is no proposal to
formulate a law banning the use of mobile phones in hospitals and nursing homes.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
402
LOK SABHA
SPURIOUS HERBAL PRODUCTS
382. SHRI BHUPENDRA SINGH

PRABHAT SINGH SOLANKI
(a) whether the Government is aware that the manufacture of spurious herbal products is growing rapidly in
the country;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to take concrete steps to check it;
(c) if so, the details of such steps and the time by which such steps are likely to be taken; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor ?
ANSWER

(SHRI AMBUMANI RAMADOSS)
(a): No authentic information is available regarding manufacture of spurious herbal products, although
existence of spurious Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs have been reported in some parts of the
country.
(b) to (d): Section 17 of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act provides for punishment of misbranded, adulterated and
spurious drugs. Action against violation of the law is to be taken by the State Drugs Licensing Authorities. On
its part, the Central Government has issued instructions and guidelines to follow the prescribed
pharmacopoeial standards and comply with the provisions of Good Manufacturing Practices. Financial
support has also been provided for strengthening the State Drug Testing Laboratories and enforcement
mechanism.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
COMBATING MALARIA
403
378. SHRI JUAL ORAM
(a) the details of the number of people who died due to malaria during the last three years and the current
financial year, state-wise; and
(b) steps taken/being taken to check the spread of malaria and to stop the untimely death of people in the
country, particularly in Orissa?
ANSWER
(a): The number of deaths due to Malaria, State-wise, during 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 (provisional) as per
reports received from the State Health Authorities are given in Annexure.
(b): The State of Orissa has reported 333 deaths in the year 2003 and 189 deaths during 2004. The strategy
adopted by the Government for effective control of Malaria are:-
• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of malaria cases
• Integrated vector control
• Early detection and containment of malaria outbreak
• Information, Education and Communication (IEC) for personal protection and community
involvement for malaria control.
• Training and Capacity Building of Medical and Para-medical workers.
• Monitoring and evaluation.
• Efficient Management Information System (MIS).
The following steps have been taken to reduce deaths due to malaria in the country including Orissa:-
1.Training of the Medical Officers and Para-medicals of Primary Health Centres/Community Health
Centres and Dispensaries in identification and treatment of severe and complicated malaria cases and
referring it to first referral unit i.e. Community Health Centre (CHC) or district Hospitals for the clinical
management. In the State of Orissa, 387 Medical Officers and 21406 Para-medicals have been trained
during 2003-04 and 2004-05.
404
2.Establishment of Drug Distribution Centres (DDCs)/ Fever Treatment Depots (FTDs) in every village.
In the State of Orissa, 41742 DDCs and 13075 FTDs have been established for making anti-malaria drugs
available to fever cases at the village level.
3.The supply of Quinine Injection and Arteether Injection to Primary Health Centres, Community Health
Centres and District Hospitals for management of severe and complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria
cases.
ANNEXURE
DEATHS DUE TO MALARIA FROM 2001 ONWARDS
STATE/UT 2001 2002 2003 2004

(Provisional)
Deaths Deaths Deaths Deaths
Andhra Pradesh 1 0 3 2
Arunachal Pradesh 14 0 0 0
Assam 122 72 53 47
Bihar 0 2 1 0
Chattisgarh 32 3 4 2
Goa 12 15 1 7
Gujarat 19 17 65 0
Haryana 0 0 0 0
Himachal Pradesh 0 0 0 0
Jammu & Kashmir 0 0 0 0
Jharkhand 21 31 13 38
Karnataka 21 33 22 24
Kerala 9 8 7 11
Madhya Pradesh 81 30 22 0
Maharashtra 50 43 85 54
Manipur 5 9 17 7
Meghalaya 17 41 38 19
Mizoram 43 35 48 66
Nagaland 1 0 0 0
Orissa 305 465 333 189
Punjab 0 0 1 0
Rajasthan 36 11 66 0
Sikkim 0 0 0 3
Tamil Nadu 0 0 0 0
Tripura 9 5 13 13
Uttaranchal 0 0 0 0
Uttar Pradesh 15 0 0 0
405
West Bengal 191 152 214 131
A&N Islands 1 1 0 0
Chandigarh 0 0 0 0
Dadra & Nagar Haveli 0 0 0 0
Daman & Diu 0 0 0 0
Delhi 0 0 0 0
Lakshadweep 0 0 0 0
Pondicherry 0 0 0 0
All India Total 1005 973 1006 613
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
TOXIC FREE AYURVEDIC DRUGS
(a) whether most of the Ayurvedic drugs sold in the country contain dangerous level of lead, mercury and
arsenic;
(b) if so, the facts thereof;
(c) whether such Ayurvedic drugs are even exported to other countries and bringing bad name to the nation;
(d) if so, the facts thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that the firms manufacturing Ayurvedic drugs are toxic free?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(a) to (d): Manufacturing of Ayurvedic drugs is regulated by the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act and the
Rules framed thereunder. The drugs are required to be produced in accordance with the pharmacopoeial
406
standards and the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). There are provisions for punishment if the drugs are
found toxic.
(e): Government have taken following steps to ensure safety of Ayurvedic Medicines:
i) Manufacturing Licenses is mandatory wherein the medicines are prepared under

the supervision of qualified persons, following proper procedures.
ii) The medicines should be prepared as per Ayurvedic Formulary of India by following
the Pharmacopoeial standards.
iii) Medicines are prepared under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) under Schedule `T`
of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules. This is mandatory.
iv) The Schedule E I of Drugs & Cosmetic Rules provides guidelines to use toxic
ingredients after proper purification etc.
v) Government have initiated studies through Council of Scientific & Industrial
Research (CSIR) Laboratories and Central Council of Research in Ayurveda and
Siddha (CCRAS) to estimate the heavy metals, pesticides and microbial load in the drugs.
vi) CCRAS is also working to study the safety profile of Ayurvedic medicines.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DENGUE AND MALARIA CASES
446. SHRI SANAT KUMAR MANDAL
(a) the number of Dengue and Malaria cases reported in the country during each of the last three years and till
date, State-wise;
(b) whether there has been an increase in these cases as compared to the last two years;
(d) the preventive measures taken/being taken to control Dengue and Malaria?
407
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(a)to(d): The number of Dengue and Malaria Cases, State-wise, as reported by the State Health authorities is
given in the Annexure I & II.
The incidence of Malaria has been showing declining trend over the last two years. The total number of
positive cases reported during the year 2002 were 1.84 million which declined to 1.74 million cases in the
year 2004.
The incidence of Dengue has been variable during the last 2 years. Although the number of cases reported
during the year 2003 were more than those during the year 2002, there has been a decline in the number of
Dengue Cases in 2004 as compared to those in 2003.
The variation in the occurrence of vector borne diseases like Malaria and Dengue is dependent on
environmental conditions viz. temperature, rainfall, topography of the area and developmental activities
resulting in mosquitogenic conditions.
The strategies for control of malaria includes surveillance, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cases,
sustainable vector control including indoor residual spray with insecticide treated bednets, use of larvivorous
fish, etc. besides training, Information, Education, Communication (IEC) to enlist community involvement.
For malaria control, Government of India provides medicines, insecticides and larvicides as per the approved
policy. The programme is implemented and monitored by the State Health Authorities and operational costs
are borne by the State Governments. North-Eastern States are being provided 100% support for the
programme implementation including operational cost since December 1994. State of Sikkim has been
included as a part of the North-Eastern Region for such support since 2003. 1045 PHCs predominantly
inhabited by tribals in 100 districts in eight States namely Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Rajasthan are being provided additional support since December,
1997, including operational expenses under Enhanced Malaria Control Project (EMCP) with World Bank
assistance.
Further, Seven North-Eastern States, Jharkhand, Orissa & West Bengal have been included under Intensified
Malaria Control Project(IMCP) funded by the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) to
accelerate anti malaria activities e.g. early diagnosis and prompt treatment, promotion of insecticide treated
bednets and behaviour change communication through community participation.
The measures taken to control Dengue include: -

- Disease and Vector surveillance
- Case Management.
- Early reporting of cases.
- Vector control mainly through source reduction with community participation.
- IEC Campaign for community awareness and their active involvement in source reduction
and personal protection measures.
408
ANNEXURE-I
DENGUE CASES AND DEATHS
Sl.No. State 2002 2003 2004 2005
C D C D C D C D
1 Andhra Pradesh 61 3 95 5 230 1 0 0

2 Bihar 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Chandigarh 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Delhi 45 2 2882 35 606 3 0 0
5 Goa 0 0 12 2 3 0 0 0
6 Gujarat 40 0 249 9 117 4 0 0
7 Haryana 3 0 95 4 25 0 0 0
8 Karnataka 428 1 1226 7 291 2 14 0
9 Kerala 219 2 3546 68 686 8 73 1
10 Maharashtra 370 18 772 45 856 22 0 0
11 Sikkim 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0
12 Punajab 27 2 848 13 52 0 0 0
13 Rajasthan 325 5 685 11 207 5 0 0
14 Tamil Nadu 392 0 1600 8 1027 0 0 0
15 Uttar Pradesh 0 0 738 8 8 0 0 0
16 West Bengal 0 0 0 0 32 0 0 0
17 Pondicherry 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
18 D & N Haveli 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Total 1926 33 12754 215 4153 45 87 1
409
Annexure-II
MALARIA SITUATION
2002 2003 2004# 2005@
Sl.No. STATE/U.T. Posi- Pf Posi- Pf Posi- Pf Posi- Pf

tive tive tive tive
1 Andhra Pradesh 38053 21416 35995 20864 33856 18104 3346 2032
2 Arunachal Pradesh 46431 7080 34810 5870 5487 738 NR NR
3 Assam 89601 55825 76570 48668 43813 31168 NR NR
4 Bihar 3683 1705 2662 1080 1720 304 8 3
5 Chhattisgarh 235434 170487 194419 144028 175579 134225 NR NR
6 Goa 16818 3655 11370 1638 7839 1387 555 69
7 Gujarat 82966 16244 130744 31697 220630 65688 4577 2127
8 Haryana 936 41 4374 500 10008 168 70 11
9 Himachal Pradesh 176 0 133 7 126 7 1 0
10 Jammu & Kashmir 455 10 320 11 242 8 4 0
11 Jharkhand 126589 52892 118902 37482 73893 36189 NR NR
12 Karnataka 132584 29702 100220 23560 80643 28374 9229 2099
13 Kerala 3360 375 2575 440 2985 375 - -
14 Madhya Pradesh 108818 31545 99708 31390 127123 49281 3943 2008
15 Maharashtra 45568 14634 62947 30340 69992 30019 5619 3010
16 Manipur 1268 601 2589 1168 2539 731 99 34
17 Meghalaya 17918 11095 18366 12338 16576 14220 NR NR
18 Mizoram 7859 3932 7293 4167 7830 4170 NR NR
19 Nagaland 3945 234 3370 277 2049 116 NR NR
20 Orissa 473223 393547 421323 350619 372960 312978 NR NR
21 Punjab 250 18 379 35 1630 21 10 2
22 Rajasthan 68627 5356 142738 16481 104218 7263 NR NR
23 Sikkim 53 7 278 41 160 33 0 0
24 Tamil Nadu 34523 2520 43604 3758 41686 2800 6085 389
25 Tripura 13319 10863 13807 10800 16600 12391 933 744
26 Uttaranchal 1659 120 2350 265 1255 36 31 1
27 Uttar Pradesh 90199 2512 101411 2404 81142 1533 1265 50
28 West Bengal 194421 60726 233802 76864 220853 60262 6771 2448
29 A.N.lslands 865 158 753 148 679 119 NR NR
30 Chandigarh 157 6 84 5 199 6 5 0
31 D & N Haveli 493 100 468 106 787 202 61 2
410
32 Daman & Diu 173 32 141 21 118 18 5 0
33 Delhi 694 6 839 27 521 1 NR NR
34 Lakshadweep 8 0 6 0 2 0 0 0
35 Pondicherry 103 2 63 2 43 1 4 0
All India Total 184122 897446 186940 257101 1725783 804936 42621 15029
#Provisional and @ Received till date

NR Not Received
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CONTAMINATION OF WATER
1095. SMT. MANEKA GANDHI
(a) whether it is a fact that incidents of arsenic contamination of water are increasingly coming to light since
quite some time;
(c) the year-wise details of incidents since 1994-95 together with names of districts/villages most affected;
(d) whether any special facility of medical treatment has been arranged for the victims and for elimination of
arsenic contamination in the affected districts and villages of Uttar Pradesh; and
ANSWER
411
(a) to (e): The information is not centrally maintained. However, the same is being collected and will be laid
on the Table of the House.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DAMAGES CAUSED BY LAPTOP ON SPERM AND FERTILITY
(a) whether the Government has conducted any study and assessed the damages on the users of laptop on their
sperm and fertility;
(b) if so the details thereof; and;
(c) if not, the steps taken or proposed to be taken in this regard?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): The Government has not conducted any study to assess the damage on the users of laptop, who use
their laptop positioned on their lap, on their sperm and fertility.
However, recently a study conducted at State University of New York, USA indicated increase in scrotal
temperature (2.6-2.8 C) in laptop computer users. The study has been published in Feb. issue of Human
Reproduction Vol. 20.No.2, PP 452-455, 2005. Increase in scrotal temperature or transient scrotal
hyperthermia has been reported to have a negative impact on spermatogenesis. Therefore, the authors have
suggested further studies on this particular type of thermal exposure with laptop computers.
********
412
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
EVALUATION OF WORKING OF LEGISLATION ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS
(a) whether the Government has taken up the evaluation of the working of Legislation it has brought in last
year for prevention of promotion of tobacco products in the country;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) the details of the number of cases the law enforcing agencies initiated against the violators directly or
indirectly, State-wise ;
(d) the details of the action initiated against the magazine published from Mumbai which had published an
advertisement promoting a product of tobacco of an international brand; and
(e) the details of the action taken by the government in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE

(a)&(b): The central legislation to control and regulate use of tobacco products was enacted in the year 2003
and certain provisions were brought into effect in the year 2004 only. The State Governments which are the
main implementing agencies have been advised to put in place appropriate mechanisms for proper
enforcement. At present there is no proposal to evaluate the working of the said legislation.
(c): The data relating to details of action initiated against the violators taken by enforcing agencies State-wise
is not centrally maintained.
(d) & (e): It came to the notice of the Government that a magazine published from Mumbai carried an
advertisement promoting a tobacco product of an international brand, thus violating the law. The Government
of Maharashtra was requested to initiate action against this magazine as per law.
*********
413
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
LEGISLATION ON SPURIOUS DRUGS
23. SHRI NIKHIL KUMAR

(a) whether the Mashalkar Committee’s report on spurious drugs has recommended a legislation for the
amendment of the penal provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to bring a legislation in this regard;
(c) if so, the facts and details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that manufacture and sale of spurious
drugs do not spread in the country?
ANSWER
(a)to(d): Government of India had constituted a committee of experts on 27th January, 2003, under the
Chairmanship of Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, D.G., CSIR to undertake a comprehensive review of the drug
regulatory system in the country including evaluation of the extent of the problem of spurious and sub-
standard drugs and to recommend remedial measures to deal with this problem effectively.
The expert committee submitted its final report to the Government in November 2003. Based on the
recommendations given by the committee in its report, Central Government had initiated steps to bring
legislation for amending the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, on the line suggested by the committee. A bill
was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2003, to amend the said Act. The salient amendments proposed
under the Bill are given below: -
1. Enhancement of the punishments relating to spurious or adulterated drugs leading to death or

grievous hurt within the meaning of Section 320 IPC upto punishment of death or imprisonment
for a term which shall not be less than 10 years but which may extend to imprisonment for life
and shall also be liable to fine of one lakh rupees or upto three times the value of the goods
414
seized, whichever is higher.
2. Penalties for subsequent offences to be enhanced upto 10 years and with fine which shall not be
less than one lakh rupees.
3. Offences relating to spurious or adulterated drugs to be made non-bailable and cognizable.
4. Provision for setting up of special courts to try offences of spurious or adulterated drugs.
5. To confer powers upon police officers not below the rank of sub-inspector or other designated
officer to institute prosecutions under the said Act.
6. Provision for compounding of offences for minor offences under the Act.
The Bill has since lapsed with the dissolution of previous Lok Sabha, and necessary action to re-introduce the
Bill has been initiated by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The present Cabinet accorded approval for the introduction of Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill, 2005,
in the Parliament subject to certain modifications. The Bill is likely to be introduced during the current session
of the Parliament along with necessary modifications.
The proposed amendments will make the law deterrent to the offenders involved in the manufacture or sale of
spurious drugs. The involvement of enforcing agencies like Police will help in speedy investigation to book
the culprits and in controlling anti-social elements in such activities.
A permanent mechanism is already in place to regulate manufacture and sale of drugs in the country including
monitoring of drugs suspected to be spurious/fake in nature under the ambit of Drugs & Cosmetics Act which
clearly defines sub-standard and spurious drugs and provides specific penalties for offenders involved in
manufacture or sale of spurious drugs.
The enforcement mechanism involves Central Drugs Control Organisation (CDSCO) in the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare, which provides policy and technical guidance. The actual enforcement is the
responsibility of State Government who has established separate Drug Control machineries in each State/UT.
Manufacture of spurious/counterfeit/fake drugs is primarily a clandestine activity and trading in counterfeit

products, including drugs, is reported world over. However, keeping in view the serious implications of
spurious drugs on public health as well as the loss to genuine industry, the Government has taken the
following measures to combat this menace:-
(i) Detailed guidelines have been issued to the State Governments to undertake focused surveillance over
possible movement of spurious drugs.
(ii) A meeting of Health Ministers of all major States was especially convened in November 2002 to ensure
415
action to check the menace of spurious drugs. The views that emerged in the meeting have been
communicated to all State Governments in January 2003 for implementation.
(iii) A Capacity Building Project with World Bank assistance has been taken up to provide substantial
assistance to State Government to upgrade drug testing facilities or to establish new drug testing laboratories.
It is expected to increase the number of samples tested in the country from about 36,000 samples to 1,00,000
samples per year and to reduce the reporting time to less than a month as against the present period from 3 to
6 months. In addition, the project envisages extensive training of the Central and State/UT drug regulatory
staff and the concerned personnel from the Pharmaceutical Industry and a campaign for Information,
Education and Communication (IEC) for the consumers.
(iv) Specific training programmes for regulatory officials of State Government on logistics of intelligence
work, prosecutions, etc. has been conducted with the assistance of FDA, Maharashtra. This would be a
continuing activity.
(v) In order to ensure efficient information exchange between drug regulatory officers in the country, in
respect of licensing, sampling, prosecution, etc., a countrywide computer networking project has been
undertaken by the Central Government. This will enable the Central Government to regularly monitor the
enforcement activities and recommend corrective measures.
(vii) Pharma industry and traders have been motivated to fight the menace of spurious drugs as a shared
responsibility. A number of cases could be successfully detected through the initiative, taken by pharma
industry involving hiring of retired intelligence/police officers.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PACKED DRINKING WATER/MINERAL WATER
5964. SHRI K. JAYASURYA PRAKASH REDDY
(a) whether the water supply by the Delhi Municipal Corporation meets the B.I.S. specifications for packaged
416
drinking water;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the PFA has made rules for packaged drinking water;
(e) if so, the details of the Codex Standards for packaged drinking water;
(f) the steps taken by the Government to ensure the observance of these standards in the water supplied by the
Delhi Municipal Corporation ;
(g) whether packaged drinking water differs from natural mineral water; and
(h) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): The definition of ‘food’ under PFA Act, 1954 excludes ‘water’. Hence the water supplied through
pipelines by Delhi Jal Board does not come under the purview of PFA Act, 1954.
(d): Yes sir,
(e): No packaged water shall contain substances or emit radioactivity in quantities that may be injurious to
health. To this effect, all packaged water shall comply with the health-related requirements of the most recent
‘Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality’ published by the World Health Organisation.
(f) The definition of ‘food’ under PFA Act, 1954 excludes ‘water’. Hence the water supplied through
pipelines by Delhi Jal Board does not come under the purview of PFA Act, 1954.
(g)&(h): The standards for packaged drinking water and mineral water have been laid down under PFA Rules,
1955.
Packaged drinking water means water derived from any source of potable water which is subjected to
treatments. Mineral water is obtained directly from natural or drilled sources from underground water bearing
strata and not from public water supply. It is not subjected to any treatment other than filtration and
decantation. It is packed close to the point of emergence of the source with particular hygienic precaution.
***********
417
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ICMR STUDY
4831. DR. RAM CHANDRA DOME
(a) whether the Indian Council of medical Research (ICMR) has conducted any study on the workers of the
stone/granite, mines and crushing industries regarding dust caused pollution and diseases;
(b) if so, the findings of the study; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to implement the recommendations?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): ICMR`s Institute Desert Medicine Research Centre (DMRC), Jodhpur has conducted two studies on
workers of sand stone quarries of Jodhpur district. The first study revealed high prevalence of silicosis and
tuberculosis of lungs among sandstone quarry workers of Jodhpur district. The subsequent study established
that dry mechanical drilling was the most important source of generation of the dust and wet drilling is the
safer method of drilling to avoid generation of air born dust.
Similar studies by ICMR`s institute National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad and its Regional
Occupational Health Centre, Kolkata were conducted among Quartz stone crushers in Gujarat and Basalt
stone crushers in Birbhum district of West Bengal, respectively. These studies have shown the prevalence of
silicosis in workers of Gujarat and prevalence of pneumoconiosis in the workers of West Bengal due to dust
caused pollution.
(c): Since all the studies mentioned above have shown that wet drilling and crushing reduce the respirable dust
levels. This information was disseminated in a workshop involving owners of factories, workers, factory
inspectorate and local administration. During the study and due to subsequent interventions, most of the dry
drilling units have been converted into wet drilling units.
**********
418
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
MALARIA RESEARCH CENTRE
(a) whether the Government has a proposal to set up Malaria Research Centre in every State particularly in
Malaria prone areas;
(b) if so, the number of such Malaria Research Centres to be set up in the country, State-wise;
(c) the efforts made by the Government to eradicate Malaria from the Malaria prone areas in the country; and
(d) the details thereof?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): The Indian Council of Medical Research established Malaria Research Centre (MRC) in year 1997
to provide technical support to the National Programme. At present, there is one Malaria Research Centre
(MRC) at Head Quarter in Delhi and 12 Integrated Diseases Vector Control (IDVC) units in different parts of
the country. There is no proposal for setting up Malaria Research Centre in every State.
(c) & (d): Government is implementing National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme in the entire
country which also includes malaria. The Programme has inter-alia components like early diagnosis and
prompt treatment of malaria cases, integrated vector control, information, education communication for
generating awareness, capacity building by training of health care workers and NGOs on prevention and
control activities in Malaria, monitoring and evaluation through management information system. Under the
programme, the Government, apart from providing financial assistance, provides commodities support like
anti-malarial drugs, insecticides and larvicides to the States. For effective control of the disease burden in the
malaria prone areas, intensive malaria control measures are being implemented in the endemic States. Seven
North-Eastern States and Sikkim are being given 100% assistance in this regard. Hundred hard core malaria
and predominantly tribal districts of the States of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, Orissa and Rajasthan have been included under Enhanced Malaria Control Project
(EMCP) for additional inputs to intensify anti-malaria activities. 94 districts of ten States including 65
419
districts of seven North-Eastern States, Seven districts of Jharkhand States, 6 districts of West Bengal and 16
districts of Orissa have been included under intensified malaria control project funded by the Global Fund for
Aids. Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATMP) which is to be implemented from 2005-06 for a period of five
years.
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ILL EFFECT OF FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
6822. SHRI DEVARAKONDA VITTAL RAO
(a) whether the Government is aware that the high fructose corn syrup found in beverages and soft aerated
drinks in particular is playing a major role in increasing the epidemic of obesity which is afflicting a large
number of children in the country;
(b) if so, whether the Government has carried out any research in this regard;
(d) the action taken by the Government thereon ?
ANSWER

(a) to (d): According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the high fructose corn syrup provides
empty calories. When consumed in excess by the children without adequate physical activities it may lead to
development of overweight and obesity. However, the Council has not carried out any study in this regard.
The Central Government has developed dietary guidelines and Information, Education and Communication
(IEC) material wherein excess consumption of soft aerated beverages has been discouraged. Since creating
awareness through information, education and communication is the main strategy to tackle this issue, this
component has been incorporated in the National Programme for Control of Diabetes and Cardiovascular
420
Diseases (CVD) for which this Ministry has sought in principle approval from the Planning Commission.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
IMPACT OF ADULTERATION
5930. SHRI MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY
(a) whether the Government is aware that adulteration is rampant in food particles which leads to kidney
damage, sterility, brain damage to cancer;
(b) if so, the measures initiated by the Government to check adulteration;
(c) the agencies and testing laboratories set up in the country for the purpose; and
(d) details thereof?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): As per the latest information available from various Food (Health) Authorities who are enforcing
the PFA Act, 1954 in their respective States/UTs the average percentage of adulteration (on the basis of food
samples lifted & tested) during the years 1998 to 2002 is 10.3. The standards of various food articles have
been laid down under the PFA Act, 1954 and Rules framed there under. The tolerance limit for pesticides,
chemicals, toxic substances and other contaminants have also been laid down under the said rules. Food
articles sold in the market are required to conform to the standards laid down under the provisions of the said
Rules. The implementation of PFA Act and Rules is entrusted with the Food (Health) Authorities of the
States/UTs. The enforcement staff of the States/UTs draws random samples of various food articles under the
provisions of the said Act and Rules. Action is taken against the offenders where samples of food articles do
not conform to the prescribed standards.
(c) & (d): The PFA Act, 1954 and Rules framed thereunder are implemented in the States/UTs through their
Food (Health) Authorities who are responsible for superintendence and enforcement of the Act/Rules in their
421
respective States/UTs.
There are 72 laboratories in different States/UTs functioning under the control of a Public Analyst for analysis
of food articles under PFA Act/Rules.
In addition there are 4 Central Food Laboratories which analyse the food samples received from different trial
courts as per their assigned jurisdiction.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
AMENDMENT IN THE FOOD ADULTERATION ACT
5806. SHRI K. JAYASURYA PRAKASH REDDY
(a) whether the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act specifically states that it does not cover water and
medicines;
(c) whether the rules framed for water by PFA are legal and binding;
(e) whether the Government has any proposal to amend the PFA Act in order to include and regulate water;
and
(f) if so, by when the Act is likely to be amended by the Government?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): The definition of food under Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 is as follows: -
422
`Food` means any article used as food or drink for human consumption other than drugs and water and
includes :-
(a) any article which ordinarily enters into, or is used in the composition
or preparation of human food,
(b) any flavouring matter or condiments, and
(c) any other article which the Central Government may having regard to its use,
nature, substance or quality, declare by notification in the official Gazette,
as food for the purposes of this Act.
(c) & (d): `Packaged drinking water` has been declared as `food` under Section 2 (v)(c) of PFA Act, 1954
vide notification GSR 202 (E) dated 21.3.2001. Thereafter, standards for packaged drinking water were
prescribed under PFA Rules, 1955 vide notification GSR 760(E) dated 29.9.2000 which came into force on
29.9.2001. These standards are legal and binding.
(e) & (f): There is a proposal to amend the definition of food to include water in the definition of food under
PFA Act, 1954. The matter is under consideration of GOM constituted for consideration of the Food Safety
and Standards Bill.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON TOBACCO CONTROL
5962. SHRI IQBAL AHMED SARADGI
(a) whether the Commonwealth Medical Association has urged Health Ministers of the Commonwealth
countries to vote for full implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Globally;
(b) if so, whether the World Health Organisation has adopted a sweeping anti-tobacco treaty in unprecedented
global push to regulate a product that kills one in two of its regular users;
(c) whether India has decided to implement it; and
(d) if so, the steps being considered by the Government in this regard?
423
ANSWER

(a) to (d): The Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the first international treaty negotiated
under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (WHO), aimed at curbing tobacco-related deaths and
disease. The FCTC was unanimously adopted at the 56th World Health Assembly on 21st May 2003. India is
a signatory to this Convention and has already translated important provisions of FCTC into its domestic law
by legislating ‘The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of
Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003’ in May 2003. The legislation include
total ban on direct and indirect advertisements of all tobacco products; prohibition on sponsorship of sports
and cultural events which encourage tobacco use; ban on smoking in public places; ban on sale of tobacco
products to minors; ban on sale of cigarettes and tobacco products within a radius of 100 yards of educational
institutions; mandatory pictorial depiction of warnings like skull and cross bones and such others for the
benefit of illiterate persons; provision of specified health warnings and clear indication of nicotine and tar
contents on packets and cartons of all tobacco products. Some of the provisions of the Act like ban on direct
and indirect advertisement of all tobacco products, in any form, ban on smoking in public place, ban on sale
of tobacco products to minors and sale within a radius of 100 yards of educational institutions have already
been implemented.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BAN ON TINNED MILK
1646. SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR
(a) whether the Government is aware that World Health Organisation in its convention has expressed opinion
that tinned milk may prove fatal to infants as reported in Nagpur Edition of `Dainik Bhaskar` dated May 27,
2005;
(b) If so, whether the Government proposes to impose ban on tinned milk products in the country; and
(c) if so, the step taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
424
ANSWER

(a): The 58th World Health Assembly Session of World Health Organisation held in May 2005 recognised the
need for parents and caregivers to be fully informed of evidence based public health risks of intrinsic
contamination of powered infant formula and the potential for introduced contamination and the need for safe
preparation, handling and shorage of prepared infant formula.
(b) & (c): There is no proposal to impose ban on powered infant formula. The Prevention of Food
Adulteration Rules 1955 prescribes the standard of infant formula which include safety parameters for
microbiological contamination and their labeling requirements. The label of the product is required to give
statements such as superiority of mother`s milk, need of its use, proper method of its use, instruction for
appropriate and hygiene preparation, shorage conditions, feeding chart, instructions for use and instructions
for discarding left over feed, etc.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
INVOLVING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN COMBATING HARMFUL EFFECTS OF USE OF

TOBACCO
3444. SHRI KINJARAPU YERRANNAIDU
(a) whether the Government has any proposal to involve health professionals in addressing the problem of
harmful effects of the use of tobacco in the country;
(b) if so, whether the Government has prepared any action plan in this regard ;
(c) if so, whether the Government would taken the assistance of World Health Organisation in this regard ;and
425
ANSWER

(a) to (d): The global theme for the World No Tobacco Day this year was `Role of Health Professionals and
Tobacco Control`. The focus of this year`s theme is to sensitise health professionals such as physicians,
nurses, pharmacists, dentists, midwives, physiologists, anganwadi workers, health workers and others who
play a key role in addressing the problem of harmful effects of the use of tobacco.
The Government in collaboration with WHO, organised trainings, seminars and workshops for the health
professionals all over the country. A national workshop for key members of various health professionals`
associations was organised in Delhi on May 31, 2005 to sensitise the health professionals from different
medical fields and the role they can play in control of tobacco menace.
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
UNSCRUPULOUS USE OF PESTICIDES IN HOSPITALS
1611. SMT. P. SATHEEDEVI

IQBAL AHMED SARADGI
SAMBASIVA RAYAPATI RAO
ARCHANA NAYAK
(a) whether unscrupulous use of heavy doses of pesticides have been detected in one of the Government
hospitals and four leading hospitals in Delhi;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any study to determine pesticide abuse in city hospitals resulting
in diseases such as cancer, genetic damages, etc; and
(d) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken to check the same?
426
ANSWER

(a) to (d): Health being the State subject, it is for the Government of N.C.T. of Delhi to look into such matters
in respect of private hospitals. As regards Central Government hospitals in Delhi, unscrupulous use of heavy
doses of pesticides have not been detected and no study has been conducted by the Government in this regard.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
(a) whether quarrying activities in the country are causing a number of occupational diseases;
(c) the remedial steps taken by the Government to deal with the same?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) the quarrying work is done manually
or by process of drilling and blasting. This can lead to accidents, injuries and exposure to noise and dust.
Quarry works are exposed to the hazards of minerals which are being mined. In addition, exposure to silica,
which is a usual constituent of the rocks results in hazards like respiratory problems like silicosis, chronic
bronchitis and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis. Hearing loss due to acute and chronic noise exposure is
also seen in drilling and blasting activities.
The National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), Ahmedabad which has been identified as the nodal
427
agency in the matters relating to occupational diseases, has developed a technology for dust control which
showed reduction of 75 per cent-85 per cent of the air borne dust, which has been disseminated to the owners
of factories, workers, factory inspectorate and local administration for necessary action.
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ACCREDITATION POLICY FOR HOSPITALS
(a) whether the Government is contemplating to implement accreditation policy for hospitals in the country;
(c) whether under this system certain new rules and standards are likely to be followed in health sector;
(e) the time by which new accreditation policy is likely to be implemented ?
ANSWER

(a) to (e): The Central Government is in the process of formulating standards and specifications for hospitals,
nursing homes and other clinical establishments to ensure quality healthcare services which would inter alia
lay down norms of assessment, accreditation, inspection, certification, regulation of such clinical
establishments as well as maintenance of records.
***********
428
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ILL EFFECTS OF RADIATIONS FROM MOBILE PHONES
3423. SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR
(a) whether the Government is aware that radiation emitted by mobile phones have harmful effects on brains
of children;
(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to save children from radiations emitted by mobile phones;
(c) whether the Government has issued instructions to mobile companies for taking preventive steps in this
regard;
ANSWER

(a) to (e): According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), World Health Organisation (WHO) is
conducting research to identify links between use of mobile phone and its effects. However, according to the
published literature of WHO and other agencies, there is no conclusive evidence of adverse health effect of
use of mobile phones on human beings.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PHASING OUT OF MERCURY FROM HOSPITALS
429
4332. SHRI KULDEEP BISHNOI
(a) whether the Government has prepared any plan to phase out mercury from all Government and Private
hospitals;
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): There are no known cases of health problems resulting from the involvement of mercury in
hospitals. The breakage of mercury thermometers may lead to spillage of some mercury but the same is
supposed to be collected as a part of the hospitals health and safety practices and mercury bearing waste.
Irrespective of the source of generation, mercury and mercury containing compounds equal to or greater than
50-mg. per kilogram is required to be disposed of only as per the requirement of the Hazardous Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules as amended in May 2003.
While mercury thermometers/sphygmomanometers used traditionally for measuring body temperature/blood

pressure have been replaced in some countries due to environmental concerns, there are also concerns in many
countries about the availability, affordability and accuracy of alternative devices. At present, there is no
proposal to phase out the use of mercury-based instruments in Government hospitals as also in private health
facilities.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ILL EFFECTS OF JUNK FOOD
430
249. SHRI SURESH CHANDEL
(a) whether the Government is aware that junk food is fast gaining popularity in the metropolitan cities and
people are getting quickly attracted towards it;
(b) if so, whether the food experts world over have expressed concern at the increasing consumption of junk
food;
(c) whether various researches have proved that a large number of children and youths are falling victims to
lethal diseases as a result of consumption of such food;
(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to take steps to check the expanding junk food culture and also to
save the people from its adverse impact;
(e) if so, by when; and
ANSWER

(a)to(f): There is no specific definition for junk food. The pharse `junk food` is used to denote such food
which have high levels of calories and have little enzyme producing vitamins and minerals. When such food
is consumed, the body is required to produce its own enzymes to convert these empty calories into usable
energy. This is not desirable as this enzymes producing function in our body should be reserved for the
performance of vital metabolic reactions.
There is an increasing trend particularly among school children and adolescent population to consume `junk
food` which is rich in calories but low in nutritive value. However, there is no data on the extent of
consumption of junk foods.
There is a concern world over regarding increasing consumption of highly refined foods with only energy and
little or no vitamins and minerals.
There are studies to indicate that there is a positive correlation between consumption of foods with empty
calories and chronic degenerative diseases as well as hypertension, obesity, cardio-vascular problems and
glucose intolerance. A study conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) - Department of
Science & Technology (DST) trial in 2002 found that the consumption of junk food is increasing in schools
and adolescent population. The same study has shown that this trend and associated life style factors in urban
adolescent and young adult population has resulted increase of non-communicable diseases among the young
population.
The need for education of general public to avoid junk food has increased and efforts are being made by
431
Government, nutritionists and dieticians to make people aware of their harmful effects. The Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare has also prepared some IEC material advising avoidance of junk food by all age
groups of the population. These materials have been circulated to all the States and are also displayed and
distributed during ` health melas` organised by the Ministry. The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has
developed dietary guidelines for Indians, where it has been suggested that ready to eat foods should be
consumed judiciously and free sugar should be used sparingly.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
NORMS OF BIS FOR SOFT DRINKS
4336. SHRI RAVI PRAKASH VERMA

RAJENDRA KUMAR
GANESH SINGH
SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL
(a) whether the norms prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) are being violated by the soft drinks
manufacturers ;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any enquiry in this regard;
(e) the steps taken by the Government against these manufacturers?
432
ANSWER

(a) & (b): The norms prescribed by BIS are voluntary in nature. It is not mandatory for the soft drinks
manufacturers to comply with them unless they have obtained BIS certification for their product.
(c) to (e): In view of above, the question does not arise.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
INFECTIOUS DISEASES SPREAD BY SLAUGHTER HOUSES
1152. SHRI VIJAY KRISHNA
(a) whether people living close to legal/illegal slaughter houses are contracting infectious diseases;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to conduct an enquiry into it;
(c) if so, the details of diseases being spread alongwith the number of people infected by these slaughter
houses, State-wise and Union Territory-wise; and
(d) the action being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(a) to (c) According to ICMR, Workers in slaughterhouses are exposed to various infectious diseases such as
Brucellosis, Erysipeloid, Leptospirosis, Dermatophytosis and warts. These diseases are transmitted through
contact with the infected animals or through the contamination of water. The data in respect of number of
people infected by such diseases is not centrally maintained.
433
(d) State Pollution Control Boards have pursued slaughterhouses to set up requisite pollution control facilities
to ensure proper management of waste. Slaughterhouses have also been asked to adopt modern slaughtering
operations for good environmental management.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
AMENDMENTS IN PREVENTION OF FOOD ADULTERATION RULES

SHRINIWAS DADASAHEB PATIL
(a) whether the Government has any proposal to bring amendments in the Prevention of Food Adulteration
Rules, 1955;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 has failed to check manufacture and sale of
adulterated food items; and
(d) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken in this regard?
ANSWER

(a) to (d): A statement indicating the amendments carried out recently as well as those under process is
annexed.
The PFA Act is implemented by the State Governments as per the information made available by
various State/UT Governments, adulteration in food products is regularly checked at all the levels
including at the level of manufacturers and retailers. The percentage of adulteration during last five
434
years has been in the range of 9.21 to 11.79. The State/UT Governments have been requested from
time to time to keep a strict vigil on the quality of food products and to check adulteration of food
products at all the levels.
435
Details of Food Samples Examined and Found Adulterated (Commodity Wise) Including Packed
Food Articles for the Years 2001 - 2003
Year Beverages Spices and Sweetening Tea, coffee, Milk Butter, Edible Cereals, Fruits Infant food Other
alcoolic/non condiment agents cocoa and ghee, ice oilds, facts ceral products misceliancous
alochlic chicory cream, and and products food products
milk vanspati and pulses
products
(E) (A) (E) (A) (E) (A) (E) (A) (E) (A) (E) (A) (E) (A) (E) (A) ( E) (A) (E) (A) (E) (A)
2001* 3014 718 14823 106 3451 409 9285 312 637 211 526 913 159 179 152 141 149 158 412 18 170 2134
8 2 1 7 18 0 28 6 9 56
2002** 3906 750 15103 107 4064 416 8571 327 610 206 506 874 120 125 154 119 197 126 435 21 123 2044
6 0 6 2 96 5 14 0 9 40
2003*** 4577 494 12666 780 3898 406 7026 237 735 242 474 795 124 135 127 938 214 185 523 17 126 1988
8 5 4 29 6 36 2 76
Indications
(E) No. of food samples examined

(A) No. of food samles found adulterated
*Docs not include information from the States of Gujarat
** Does not include information from the States of Gujarat, Bihar and Jharkhand
*** Does not include information from the States and UTs of Andaman & Nicobar Island, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chattisgarh, Dadra
& Nagar Haveli, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa & Tamil Nadu.
*********
436
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
LOK SABHA
FACILITIES FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT
1264. SHRI P.C. THOMAS:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the death of a doctor and several persons
connected with medical college, Koyyayam, due to Hepatitis and other diseases
due to environmental hazards;
(b) if so, whether the Government has received any proposal of assistance from the
Government of Kerala or Medical College, Kottayam district, regarding facilities
for waste management;
(d) the decision of the Government thereon?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a): The Central Government has not received any such report from Government of
Kerala
(b): No, Sir
(c)&(d): Does not arise.
***********
437
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
LOK SABHA
INCREASE IN DENGUE AND MALARIA CASES

SHRI AJIT JOGI
(a) whether diseases like dengue and malaria are increasing at an alarming rate in the
country;
(b) if so, the reasons therefore;
(c) the number of dengue and malaria cases reported during the last three years and
current year till date, State-wise;
(d) the number of deaths occurred during the said period, State-wise;
(e) the details of the financial assistance provided for the eradication/prevention of
these diseases during the last three years and current year;
(f) whether any target has been fixed for the eradication of malaria; and
(g) if so, the effective measures taken by the Government for the prevention and
eradication of these diseases?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)to(d): The reported number of dengue cases and deaths by the States during 2001 to
2005 indicates that the highest number or cases (12754 and 251 deaths) were
during the year 2003. These cases declined to 4153 with 45 deaths during 2004.
In the current year, the States have reported 8876 cases and 64 deaths till
November 16, 2005. The number of cases and deaths due to dengue as reported
by the State Health Authorities is given at Annexure – I.
The malaria cases in the country have declined from 1.86 million during 2003 to
1.84 million during 2004. However, Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) cases increased
438
from 0.85 million to 0.88 million. During the current year also, malaria cases and
Pf cases have declined from 0.80 million to 0.77 million and 0.35 million to 0.31
million respectively. The year wise data for the past 3 years is presented below:
Year Blood Slide Malaria Cases Pf Cases Deaths

Examination
2002 91617725 1842019 897454 973
2003 99136143 1869403 857101 1006
2004* 96448548 1844413 882044 944
2004** 554480 809204 354127 395
2005** 55208492 771560 316590 464
*Provisional ** Upto August
For dengue control during 2003-04, Rs.3.50 crores cash assistance was released to
different dengue affected States (Rs. 63.35 lakhs to NCT of Delhi) to support IEC,
capacity building through trainings, etc. This support also includes funds for
procurement of portable fogging machines. 25 Kilolitres of pyrethrum extract
was supplied to various States during the current year.
For malaria, an amount of Rs. 202.90 crores, 152.72 crores and Rs.153.50 crores
has been given to the States and UTs during 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-05
respectively in the form of cash and commodity grant.
(f): No target has been fixed for complete eradication of malaria.
(g) Govt. of India and the endemic States are working together for controlling dengue
and malaria epidemics. While preventing measures and control of outbreaks is the
responsibility of the State Govts., technical support for investigation, prevention
and control of dengue and malaria outbreak in different parts of the country is
provided by the Govt. of India to the States through Directorate of NVBDCP,
Delhi. NVBDCP also organises training programme on prevention and control of
dengue and malaria for State and district level health functionaries. The Govt. of
India provides insecticides, larvicides and other equipments and materials as per
requirement of the States. The State Govts on their part undertake surveillance
activities, IEC campaigns, fogging to control adult vector during outbreak and
case management in various hospitals and health centres.
439
DENDUE CASES AND DEATHS
ANNEXURE - 1
Sl. State 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005(P*)

No.
C D C D C D C D C D
1. Andhara 1 0 61 3 95 5 230 1 0 0
Pradesh
2. Bihar 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3. Chandigarh 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4. Delhi 322 3 45 2 2882 35 606 3 850 9
5. Goa 1 0 0 0 12 2 3 0 2 0
6. Gujarat 69 0 40 0 249 9 117 4 122 1
7. Haryana 260 5 3 0 95 4 25 0 25 0
8. Karnataka 220 0 428 1 1226 7 291 2 403 12
9. Kerala 41 0 219 2 3546 68 686 22 956 8
10. Maharashtra 54 2 370 18 772 45 856 22 87 1
11. Sikkim 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0
12. Punjab 49 0 27 2 848 13 52 0 2 0
13. Rajasthan 1452 35 325 5 685 11 207 5 7 0
14. Tamil Nadu 816 8 392 0 1600 8 1027 0 216 0
15. Uttar 21 0 0 0 738 8 8 0 0 0
Pradesh
16. West 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 0 6206 33
Bengal
17. Pondicherry 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
18. D&N 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Haveli
TOTAL 3306 53 1926 33 12784 215 4153 45 8876 64
***********
440
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PREVENTION OF MIGRATORY BIRD FLU
66. SHRI MUNSHIRAM

ARCHANA NAYAK
(a) the measures being taken by the Government to prevent the migratory birds coming to
India in the wake of the fear of bird flu;
(b) the category of species found carrying bird flu alongwith the places where they
generally land;
(c) whether the Government has set up a Siberian Foundation with the assistance of
Russia for the purpose;
(d) if so, the details of countries included in the said Foundation and the details in this
regard;
(e) the programme chalked out so far by the Government to prevent bird flu;
(f) whether the Union Government has issued instructions to all the States to remain alert
to deal with such type of diseases; and
g) if so, the strategy chalked out for the purpose?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): It is not humanly possible to influence the route taken by migratory birds during their
seasonal movement. It is a natural and predetermined phenomenon, transcending all
political and geographical boundaries. Therefore, all States have been advised to step up
surveillance of areas frequented by migratory birds.
(b): As per information available, the high risk migratory birds include Barheaded Geese,
Great Cormorant, Brownheaded Gull, Great Blackheaded Gull and Ruddy Shelduck. The
441
major wintering grounds for these birds in India include the Brahamputra Valley, Pong
Dam (H.P.), Bharatpur (Rajasthan), Kashmir Valley Lakes, Chilka (Orissa), wetlands in
Tamil Nadu, high altitude lakes in. Ladakh, Gangetic plain, etc.
(c): No Sir.
(e): Ministry of Environment and Forests is seized of the issue and has initiated dialogue
with other concerned Ministries and avian experts about the potential risks and readiness
in India on the issue. Details are given in Annexure-I.
(f): Yes, Sir.
(g): All Chief Secretaries and Chief Wildlife Wardens have been directed to collaborate
with the State Veterinary Departments in collection of serum samples of migratory birds
and to keep surveillance not only in the Protected Areas, but in all wetlands that provide
staging grounds to the migrating birds especially so in areas where there is a possibility
of interaction of migratory birds and poultry birds and report to Ministry.
Annexure-I
ACTION POINTS ON MONIT0RING OF AVIAN INFLUENZA
• Establishment of monitoring unit at Ministry of Environment and Forests.

• Serological/virus sampling of high-risk migratory bird species.
• Monitoring of migratory birds (particularly water birds) at important wetland
sites.
• Capacity building of State Forest Departments and volunteers for monitoring of
water birds at important wetland sites
• Collaboration with Department of Animal Husbandry in collection of dead birds
and safe transport for virus testing.
• Ban on trade of wild birds, etc. from other countries as imposed by Ministry
of Agriculture to be continued.
***********
442
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
TOBACCO RELATED DISEASES
(a) whether about 8 lakhs people die annually because of tobacco related diseases;
(a) if so, the estimated amount of expenditure incurred on treatment of such diseases;
(b) whether ban on advertising of tobacco and tobacco products is circumvented by

restoring to various forms of surrogate advertising;
(d) the action taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

( DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)
(a): As per the Report on ‘Tobacco Control in India’ published by the Government of
India in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, the attributable deaths
currently range between 8 lakhs to 9 lakhs per year due to tobacco related diseases.
(b): Data relating to incidence of tobacco-induced diseases is not centrally maintained.

However, for three main diseases, viz. cancer, respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases, it
is estimated that the amount of expenditure incurred on treatment is Rs. 30,833 crore
(2002-03).
(c) to (e): The central legislation titled ‘The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products
(Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production,
Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003’ contains the provision that prohibits direct and
indirect advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products. These provisions have
come into effect on 1st May 2004. Matter is being regularly pursued with the State
443
Governments/ Union Territories to ensure effective implementation of legal provisions.
The rules are reviewed and amended from time to time to make them more effective.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PESTICIDES CAUSING REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS AND CANCER
(a) whether increased use of pesticides for extra yield is responsible for reproductive
disorders and cancer;
(b) whether the Government has any proposal to undertake a survey of pesticides in fruits
and vegetables;
(c) if so, the details of the proposed survey; and
(d) the time by which the survey is likely to be conducted and the report submitted?
ANSWER

(a): As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there are several scientific
reports based on studies carried out in India and in other parts of the world indicating that
exposure to certain persistent chemicals through air, water and food can lead to
reproductive hazards. Also, many case control studies conducted have shown distinct
association between breast adipose tissue concentrations of several organochlorine
xenoestrogens and breast cancer risk.
(b) to (d): According to Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of

Agriculture, a central sector scheme ‘Monitoring of Pesticide Residue at National Level’
has been initiated and the survey is likely to be started by January 2006 and would be a
continuous ongoing process.
**********
444
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
DENTAL DISEASES
(a) whether the study report released recently by the Dental Council of India shows that
more than 89.6 percent of the people between the ages of 35-44 years and 67.7 per cent
of 15 years old suffer from gum diseases;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the action taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to save the people from
dental diseases?
ANSWER
(a) to (c): According to the study conducted by the Dental Council of India (DCI), more
than 89.6 per cent of people between the age of 35-44 years and 67.7 per cent of 15 years
old suffer from gum diseases. The study conducted by DCI and its report have not been
submitted to the Government. The Government is running health awareness and
education campaigns so as to educate the public about oral hygiene and to restraint
strictly from food items such as junk food, chocolates, toffees, cold drinks, etc.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
445
EFFECT OF ACETIC ACID ON HEALTH
(a) whether various soft drinks like pepsi and coke available in the country contain acetic
acid which is generally used to clean toilets as a germicide;
(b) if so, whether the Government has conducted any study to assess it’s effect on the
health of the consumers;
(d) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the corrective measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) to (e): Acetic acid is an approved food additive by Codex Alimentarious Commission.
Food grade acetic acid has been recommended to be used as preservative and acidity
regulator in food products. The ‘Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives’
(JECFA) evaluated the use and safety profile of acetic acid in 1965 which has been
reviewed from time to time with the last review being carried out in 2002.
Vinegar which is a food item and consumed by the populace at large is basically acetic
acid. Under Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules, 1955, acetic acid (food grade) is
permitted to be added in some food products including carbonated water.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ILL-EFFECTS OF CONSUMPTION OF SOYA BEANS
446
1261. DR. M JAGANNATH
Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the consumption of soya beans by the children and infants is
injurious to their health as reported in The Pioneer, dated August 4, 2005;
(a) if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has set up any Committee of experts to examine it;
(d) if not, the reasons therefore?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI )
(a) to (e): According to the information available with Indian Council of Medical
Research, there are no studies indicating ill-effects of consumption of soya beans
in children and infants.
*******
447
INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION BY SPONGE IRON PLANTS IN KEONJHAR
(a) whether the Government has identified the sponge iron plants in Keonjhar district,
Orissa which are causing air and water pollution;
(b) if so, the list of such sponge iron plants;
(c) the number of people and the villages affected by these sponge iron plants; and
(d) the steps taken to control air and water pollution caused by these sponge iron plants?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The Orissa State Pollution Control Board has reported that during the last one
year, out of seventeen sponge iron plants in Keonjhar district of Orissa, six units have
been observed to be not complying with the environmental norms due to inadequate
pollution control measures adopted. The list of such sponge iron plants is enclosed as
Annexure.
(c)&(d): To control pollution from sponge iron plants and to reduce impact on the nearby
villages, the State Pollution Control Board has directed sponge iron plants to adopt the
following pollution abatement measures :
# Installation of Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP)/Gas Cleaning Plant/Bag Filters for

emission control;
448
# Provision of adequate water sprinkling facilities to control fugitive emissions;
# Management of solid waste;
# Complete re-circulation of water
The Orissa State Pollution Control Board is regularly monitoring the environmental
compliance and taking necessary legal action, in case of any violation.
List of defaulting Sponge Iron Plants in Keonjhar district
S.No. Name of the Unit
1. Beekay Steels & Power Limited, Uliburu, Nalda

2. Grewal Associates Matkambeda, Barbil
3. Orion Ispat Ltd., Ramchandrapur
4. Sree Metaliks Ltd., Loidapada
5. Aditya Sponge & Power Ltd., Telkoi
6. MSP Sponge Iron (P) Ltd., Haladiguna
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION CONTROL IN MAHARASHTRA
81. SHRI DEVIDAS ANANDRAO PINGLE
(a) Whether the Government is aware of the fact that the Pollution Control Board has
been unsuccessful in controlling the pollution in various States of the country particularly
in Maharashtra;
(c) whether the Government is aware of the fact that embezzlement of crores of rupees
has been made in the name of issuing ‘No Objection Certificate’ by the Pollution Control
449
Board in various States;
(d) if so, the concrete measures being taken by the Government in this regard; and
(e) whether the Government will take action against the erring officers?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): No Sir. Due to various abatement measures taken by the Central and State
Pollution Control Boards, the increasing trend in pollution in the country has been
arrested with categorical improvement in environmental quality as determined by
competent scientific institutions. The major initiatives taken by Maharashtra State
Pollution Control Board in this regard inter-alia include the following:
(i) Persuading local bodies for proper management of municipal solid waste;
(ii) Ensuring proper hazardous waste management in the state including setting up of
common facilities for management of hazardous waste;
(iii) Granting authorisations to 7000 health care establishments and facilitating

development of 22 common facilities for bio-medical waste management;
(iv) Establishment of 23 air quality monitoring stations in different cities; and
(v) Expeditious action for consent management.
(c): No Sir.
(d)&(e): Does not arise.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTING INDUSTRIAL UNITS
450
2108.SHRI DALPAT SINGH PARASTE
SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO
M. ANJAN KUMAR YADAV
ANANTA NAYAK
PARSURAM MAJHI
JIVABHAI AMBALAL PATEL
HARI KEWAL PRASAD
VIRJIBHAI THUMMAR
(a) the number of industrial units causing water and air pollution in the country;
(b) whether the Government has registered any case under relevant Acts against those
industrial units;
(c) if so, the details thereof during the last three years and current year, State-wise; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to rehabilitate the affected employees as a result
of closure/shifting of such units?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)to(d): The information is being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House.
*************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ASBESTOS EXPOSURE
6768. SMT. JAYABEN B. THAKKAR
451
(a) whether the Government is aware that Dr.T.K.Joshi of the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash
Hospital has given detailed account of the dangers of asbestos;
(c) the measures being taken to save the construction workers from asbestos exposure?
ANSWER

WELFARE
(a) & (b): Dr. T.K.Joshi of Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Narayan hospital has expressed his
view in an article published in ‘Indian Journal of Occupational and Enviornmental
Medicine’ that asbestos used in any form and in any manner is carcinogenic with no safe
levels of exposure as evidenced by the position taken by a number of international
agencies. However, according to Indian Council of Medical Research, there is no
convincing evidence that the consumers of asbestos products face any significant risk of
cancer.
(c): Various standards have been prescribed by Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure
safety in handling and use of asbestos and asbestos products. In addition, there are
provisions under the Factories Act 1987, Mines Act 1952 and Environment Protection
Act 1986 to reduce/control the hazards produced due to asbestos exposure.
*************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION BY CEMENT PLANTS
825. SHRI V.K. THUMMAR:

SHRI HARISINH CHAVDA:
452
(a) whether cement plants polluting the environment of Gujarat are being set up in
the residential areas of the nearby villages;
(b) if so, the details thereof including its effects on basic infrastructure like water
bodies, roads, etc. and;
(c) the rules and regulations which govern cement industries in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a)&(b): The cement plants in Gujarat are operating with valid consent of the Gujarat
State Pollution Control Board, which is regularly monitoring compliance with the
consent conditions and environmental norms. There are no reports of any adverse
impact on infrastructure and other facilities.
(c) The cement industries are required to comply with the emission standards notified
under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SPECIAL PERMISSION TO POLLUTING COMPANIES

SHRI V.K. THUMMAR
(a) whether may companies causing pollution have been given special permission to
operate from the forest land despite enforcement of Forest Conservation act,
1980;
453
(b) if so, the names of the such companies, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government of Gujarat has forwarded the proposals of such
companies with its recommendations in this regard;
(d) if so, the grounds on which such recommendations have been made; and
(e) the reasons for recognising these grounds?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): No special permission has been granted to companies causing pollution to

operate from forest land in Gujarat under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
(c),(d)&(e): Does not arise
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BENEFITS OF FLY ASH
2838. SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:
(a) the benefits of fly ash;
(b) the extent to which it helps clean the environment; and
(c) the steps proposed/ taken to put fly ash to proper use?
454
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): If fly ash is left as such it will cause air pollution. If it is disposed on land
by way of ash pond it occupies huge area of land and also uses large
quantity of water. By utilising fly ash, we can prevent air and water
pollution and release the land being used up in ash pond construction. By
using fly ash the environment would not only be clean but also there are
benefits. The use of fly ash in the manufacture of clay bricks and in road
construction reduce the consumption of soil which is required for
maintaining our agricultural productivity and food security. It is used in
the cement manufacture thus helping in the reduction of consumption of
limestone. By using fly ash in agriculture some of the micronutrients are
provided to the crops.
(c): A number of steps have been taken by Government of India to put fly ash
to proper use. To cite a few, the Government of India, Ministry of
Environment and Forests has already brought out legislation for
conservation of soil and prevention of disposal of fly ash on land. Besides
this, Bureau of Indian Standards has brought out standards for about 50 fly
ash products. The Indian Road Congress has brought out specifications
for construction of National Highways and Rural Roads which permits the
use of fly ash in road construction. The Central and State Government and
their agencies have included fly ash/fly ash products in their
specifications, schedule of rates and tender documents.
***************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION BY CEMENT PLANTS
825. SHRI V.K. THUMMAR:

SHRI HARISINH CHAVDA:
455
(a) whether cement plants polluting the environment of Gujarat are being set up in the
residential areas of the nearby villages;
(b) if so, the details thereof including its effects on basic infrastructure like water
bodies, roads, etc.; and
(c) the rules and regulations which govern cement industries in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The cement plants in Gujarat are operating with valid consent of the Gujarat
State Pollution Control Board, which is regularly monitoring compliance with the
consent conditions and environmental norms. There are no reports of any adverse
impact on infrastructure and other facilities.
(c) The cement industries are required to comply with the emission standards notified under the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
******************
456
LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
CHILD LABOUR IN HAZARDOUS WORK
2689, SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENTbe pleased to state:
(a) the number of children below the age of fourteen years who are engaged in labour
work in the country;
(b) the number out of them engaged in hazardous work;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to attract such child labourers to schools or
other informal centres of education; and
(d) the number of child labourers attending such school or centers?
ANSWER

(SHRI K CHANDRASEKHAR RAO)
(a)&(b): Census conducted by the Registrar General of India on decadal basis is the only
authentic data in rrespect of population of child labour in the country. As per the Census
of 2001, the total number of working children in the age group of 5-14 years is 1.26
crore. Census data, however, does not make any distinction between hazardous and non-
hazardous from employment.
©: The Government is implementing the Scheme of National Child Labour Projects

(NCLPs) in 250 districts of 21 States in the country. Under the scheme of NCLP, special
schools/ rehabilitation centers are set up, which provide following facilities to the
children withdrawn from employment.
• Formal /Non-formal education

• Vocational Training
• Supplementary Nutrition @ 5/-per child
• Stipend @100/- per month to the children withdrawn from employment
• Health care facilities
457
(d): Under the scheme of NCLP, 1,82,693 children have been withdrawn from
employment and are attending the special schools/centres.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
AMENDMENT IN INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES ACT, 1947
763. SMT. DAGGUBATI PURANDARESWARI
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to amend the existing Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
to facilitate the hire and fire norms of labour in small industrial units;
(c) the time by which necessary amended legislation is likely to be brought?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI K. CHANDRASEKHAR RAO)
(a): There is no such proposal at present.
(b) & (c): Do not arise in view of (a) above.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
458
CHILD LABOUR ELIMINATION PROJECTS
172. SMT. DAGGUBATI PURANDARESWARI

ASADUDDIN OWAISI
(a) whether a special Rs. 200 crore project on child labour elimination is being
implemented jointly with US Government;
(c) whether this project is in addition to the existing National Child Labour Elimination
Programme;
(d) if so, the reasons for two parallel programmes with the same objectives being running
simultaneously in the country;
(e) the number of districts selected for this project;
(f) whether the Indo-US child labour project is under scanner as reported in the Times of
India dated September 20, 2005; and
(g) if so, the present status of the project and the time by which it is likely to be
implemented?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(a): A Rs. 175 crore (approximately) equivalent to 40 million US$ joint Indo-US project
is being implemented for Child Labour Elimination in selected districts of the country.
(b): As a follow-up to the Joint Statement on ‘Enhanced Indo-US Cooperation on

Eliminating Child Labour’ signed between the Ministry of Labour & Employment and
the US Department of Labour in August 2000, Ministry of Labour and Employment,
Government of India, Department of Elementary Education and Literacy of the Ministry
of Human Resource Development and the US Department of Labour have launched a
child labour project called Indus (Indo-US). The project aims at withdrawing and
rehabilitating children working in identified hazardous sectors through effective
convergence with the Department of Education.
(c): Yes, Sir.
459
(d): The Indus (Indo-US) Project is being implemented only in those districts where the
National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme is not in operation. The Indus Project
contains certain additional interventions, which are not covered under NCLP Scheme.
(e): The project is being implemented in 21 districts of 5 States of Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi since 2004.
(f)&(g): The Indus project was launched in February 2004 and is being currently
implemented in all 21 districts of 5 States of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu,
Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CONTRACT LABOURERS
692. SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN
(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that a large number of contract labourers
in the country are denied the protection envisaged in the labour laws;
(c) whether there are instances of death of contract labourers in the country including in
Kerala State due to lack of adequate food, shelter and medical attendance;
(e) the action taken against guilty contractors/employers who are at fault?
460
ANSWER

(a) & (b): Some complaints are received from time to time alleging non-grant of benefits
to contract labourers under the various labour laws. The same are investigated and dealt
with in accordance with the provisions of the law, including launching of prosecutions, if
considered necessary.
(c) to (e): As per information received, in Kerala, two migrant workers from state of
Bihar engaged by M/s Punjlloyd Ltd., a construction company, in road construction work,
died due to malaria. The specific construction work falls in the state sphere. Timely
action was taken by the State Labour Department to provide proper medical care to other
ailing workers and their lives were saved. Necessary action in accordance with the
provisions of labour laws have been initiated and a show cause notice has been issued to
the concerned contractors on 31.10.2005 for their lapses in providing the necessary
facilities. Besides instructions have been issued by the State Labour Commissioner to the
field offices to closely monitor compliance of labour laws and take strict follow up
action. A compensation of Rs. 1.28 lakhs each to the deceased workers has also been
deposited by M/s Punjlloyd with State Labour Commissioner for disbursement to the
legal heirs of the deceased through the Government of Bihar
******.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
REHABILITATION OF CHILD LABOUR
365. SHRI HEMLAL MURMU

M.P. VEERENDRA KUMAR
(a) whether a large number of child labourers have been freed recently from 50 factories
in the country, including Zari units in Delhi and also in Small Scale Industrial Units of
Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

461
(c) whether the Government has any plan to rehabilitate the rescued children and also to
involve certain Non-Governmental Organisations therein;
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the amount earmarked for the rehabilitation plan;
(e) whether any legal action has been taken against the factory owners in which these
children were working;
(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(g) the further steps taken by the Government to stop exploitation of children?
ANSWER

(a)&(b): Yes Sir. In a recent raid conducted by the Government of Delhi, 265 child
workers have been rescued from various embroidery units. Such raids, were conducted
earlier also during this year by the Government of NCT of Delhi wherein 166 children
were rescued. Conducting raids and inspections to detect cases of violation of the
provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 is a regular and on-
going activity of the respective State Governments. Similarly, special drives were
conducted this year by the State Government of Maharashtra where 938 children were
rescued from Zari and other small-scale units in Mumbai.
(c)&(d): After the children are rescued from their place of work, steps are being taken for
sending them to their native places for rehabilitation. In this connection, the matter has
already been taken up with the respective State Governments to provide effective
rehabilitation to these children under National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme.
(e)&(f): Prosecution against the erring employers in violation of the Child Labour
(Prohibition & Regulation) Act 1986 is being initiated by the State Government.
(g): Government is already implementing the Scheme of National Child Labour Project
(NCLP) in 250 child labour endemic districts of the country for the elimination of child
labour. It involves withdrawal of children from work and putting them in special schools
and finally mainstreaming them into the regular education system.
*********
462
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CHILD LABOUR ACT
2749. SHRI NARENDRA KUMAR KUSHWAHA

ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT
MUNSHIRAM
(a) whether the Government has received the names of the States not pursuing the Child
Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 as reported in the ‘Rashtriya Sahara’
dated September 24, 2005;
(c) whether these States have not utilised the fund allocated to them for the welfare of
child labourers;
(d) if so, the number of hazardous industries where child labourers are working, State-
wise;
(e) whether all the States have since started the schools under Nationnal Child Labour
Project; and
ANSWER

(a): No, Sir.
(c): Grants under the Scheme of National Child Labour Projects (NCLPs) are released
directly to the identified child labour endemic districts. The utilisations of funds are
monitored through the audited accounts submitted by the concerned districts.
463
(d): Under the NCLP Scheme, survey is conducted in the identified districts to find out
the number of children working in hazardous occupations/processes which are specified
under the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986. The number of hazardous
industries in which child labourers are working are not maintained by the Ministry.
(e) & (f): The National Child Labour Projects (NCLPs) are selected by the Government
on the basis of the endemicity of child labour. The Scheme was being implemented in
100 districts in 13 States till the XIth Plan. It has subsequently been expanded during the
Xth Plan to cover 250 districts in 21 States of the country.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CHILDREN AT COTTON SEED FARMS
3755. SHRI BADIGA RAMAKRISHNA

BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY
(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news item to the effect
that 1,00,000 children have been working for over thirteen hours a day at cotton seed
farms in Andhra Pradesh as reported in the Times of India dated December 04, 2005;
(b) if so, whether the Government has examined the report of India Committee of the
Netherlands in this regard;
(d) the steps taken to remedy the situation?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): Yes Sir. The Government is aware of the report of India Committee of the
Netherlands. This report is on the study of the link between prices paid to farmers and the
464
use of child labour in cotton seed production in Andhra Pradesh.
(d): All the 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh are covered under the National Child Labour
Project (NCLP) Scheme, which provides effective rehabilitation to children who are child
labourers. These include the children engaged in cotton seed farms.
******
465
POLICIES AND AMENDMENTS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
RIGHT TO CLEAN ENVIRONMENT AS FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT
1569. SHRI SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN
(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to incorporate
the right to clean environment in the fundamental rights;
(c) by when a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No, Sir.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
466
(a) whether the Government has prepared a National Environment Policy;
(b) if so, the salient features and objectives thereof;
(c) whether there is any proposal to associate the Panchayati Raj Institutions with
environment protection; and
(d) if so, the details of the forms of such association?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Environment & 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. 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 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,
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.
(d): ‘Decentralisation and empowerment of institutions at state and local levels’ is one of
the thrust areas of the draft policy. The state and local governments would be particularly
encouraged to formulate their own strategies and action plans consistent with the NEP.
The draft policy specifically provides for associating the Panchayati Raj Institutions with
environmental protection by:
467
(i) giving greater legal standing to Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies to
undertake monitoring of environmental compliance and report violations to the concerned
enforcement authorities,
(ii) giving legal recognition to the traditional rights of forest dwelling tribes taking into
consideration the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act,
1996 (PESA).
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
IMPROVEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM
2314. SHRI MADAN LAL SHARMA
(a) whether Indian environmental system is vulnerable to natural disaster;
(b) whether the amount sanctioned under UNDP/GEF budget is increasing continuously
for the last several years;
(c) If so, the details of the funds received during the last three years and the current year;
and
(d) the measures being taken by the Government to minimise the effect of natural
disasters on the environment?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISITRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND

FORESTS
(a): The environment in general is vulnerable to natural disasters.
(b): The sanctioned budget of UNDP/GEF has been increasing since 2003.
468
(c): The amount sanctioned under UNDP/GEF budget for last three years including the
current year (2003, 2004 and 2005) is as given below:
Year Amount Sanctioned (In USD)
2003 21,98,696
2004 26,63,685
2005 57,57,632
(d): The important measures taken by the Government inter-alia are:-

(i) Regulatory framework for ensuring environmental safeguards for minimising
loss to life and property.
(ii) Shelter belt plantations.
(iii) Afforestation measures.
(iv) Coral and mangrove conservation.
(v) Early warning system.
(vi) Forest protection.
(vii) Land use planning.
*********
469
MINES AND MINERALS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
MINERAL SAND MINING
1563. SHRI A.V. BELLARMIN
(a) whether the Government is aware that the exploitation of sand beds and mining
activities is going on in the sandy shores of Southern Tamil Nadu, Kerala and other States
thereby affecting the eco-balance;
(b) whether the environmentalists have warned against such activities;
(d) the measures contemplated by the Government to put an end to illegal mining and
construction activities there?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA):
(a): Mining of beach sand minerals is not a prohibited activity under the provisions of the
Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991. Ministry of Environment and Forests has
granted clearance for such proposals on case-to-case basis based on environmental
impact assessment studies. No studies have brought to the notice of Ministry of
Environment and Forests regarding exploitation of sand beds and mining activities
affecting the eco-balance.
(b), (c) and (d): Ministry has, in the past, received a few complaints regarding illegal
mining of beach sand minerals. In response to the same, necessary directions/instructions
were issued to the respective State Governments/State Coastal Zone Management
Authorities to take appropriate action to stop such illegal mining activities.
******
470
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ILLEGAL MINING IN FOREST AREAS OF UTTAR PRADESH
5392. SHRI BALESHWAR YADAV
(a) whether a regional Chief Forest Conservator of Uttar Pradesh Forest Department has
sent a report on ongoing illegal mining activities in forest areas of Uttar Pradesh
particularly in Lalitpur district;
(c) whether the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 is being violated in Uttar Pradesh; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to prevent such violation and to stop illegal
mining?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (Central Zone), Ministry of

Environment and Forests has sent a report to the Ministry regarding mining leases in
Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The report made observations on illegal mining in
forest area and recommended immediate discontinuation of operations in such mines.
(c)&(d): Illegal mining in forest areas is, inter-alia, a violation under the Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980.
The following actions were taken in respect of illegal mining:
(i) Cases were registered against the offenders and illegal mining stopped
(ii) Regular checking and patrolling is carried out by the forest officials in coordination
with the district administration and police to prevent illegal mining.
********
471
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
MINES NEAR SARISKA TIGER RESERVE
(a) whether the Government is aware that about fifty mines are running illegally with the
nexus of officials of Department of Forests around Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar
district of Rajasthan;
(b) whether Supreme Court in 1993 had issued guidelines not to run mining activities in
this area with a view of environmental protection of this area; and
(c) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto alongwith the present status of
implementation of Supreme Court guidelines?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT ANDFORESTS

(a)to(c): Information is being collected from the State Government of Rajasthan and will
be laid on the Table of the House.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
MINES FUNCTIONING IN FOREST AREAS OF RAJASTHAN
472
82. SHRI JASWANT SINGH BISHNOI
PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI
(a) the number of mines functioning in the forest areas of Rajasthan and other States;
(b) whether steps are being taken to stop the functioning of mines in the forest areas;
(c) if so, by when; and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Since 1980, 1194 mines have been granted forestry clearances for being operated in
forest areas under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 all over the
country. Out of these, 218 mines belong to the State of Rajasthan.
(b): Mining is an economic activity and contributes to the GDP of the nation. It is also a
fact that most of the mines are located in forest areas. Therefore, to maintain a rational
balance between development and conservation, the mines having ores/minerals of
national importance, are allowed in forest areas under strict conditions and with
appropriate mitigatory measures like compensatory afforestation, safety zone creation,
overburden dump stabilisation, reclamation of mined out areas, etc. Compliance of these
mitigatory measures by user agency is ensured at the project cost. Thus, mining is
allowed in forest areas after stringent examination and scrutiny and with adequate
safeguards.
(c)& (d): Do not arise.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
473
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO INDUSTRIES IN ORISSA
1159. SHRI GIRIDHAR GAMANG
(a) whether the Union Government had receive proposals from Government of Orissa for
environment and forest clearance for setting up new industries and mining activities;
(b) if so, the details thereof, proposal-wise;
(c) the number of proposals cleared so far and those pending for clearance; and
(d) the guidelines and criteria alongwith the norms adopted for such clearance?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Yes Sir.
(b)&(c): So far the forestry clearance is concerned, during last 3 years (01.07.2002 to
27.07.2005), two proposals for setting up of industries and 51 proposals for mining in
forest areas from Orissa have been received. Out of two proposals for setting up of
industries, one has been approved by the Central Government, while the other one has
been withdrawn by the State Government. Further, out of 51 mining proposals, 35 have
been approved, 4 have been rejected, 8 have been returned to State Government for want
of complete information, and 4 mining proposals are under various stages of
consideration of the Ministry. The proposal-wise details are given in Annexure-I.
Further, regarding environment clearance, during last 3 years (01.07.2002 to 27.07.2005),

11 proposals for setting up of industries and 30 proposals for mining have been received.
Out of 11 proposals for setting up of industries, 9 have been cleared. In respect of
remaining two proposals, additional information has been sought from State Government.
The proposal-wise details are given in Annexure-II. Out of 30 mining proposals, 10 have
been cleared and 20 proposals are under various stages of consideration. The proposal-
wise details are given in Annexure-III.
(d): For forestry clearance, the projects are examined by a statutory expert body, i.e.,
Forest Advisory Committee (FAC), constituted under Section 3 of Forest (Conservation)
Act, 1980. The FAC examines the proposals as per the provisions of the Act, Forest
(Conservation) Rules, 2003 and the guidelines issued thereunder from time to time.
Besides official members, the FAC comprises non-official experts in the field of forestry
and allied disciplines like mining, engineering, soil conservation, etc.
474
The proposals received for environmental clearance are appraised through an Expert
Committee constituted by Ministry of Environment and Forests as per the procedure
prescribed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification,1994 and
subsequent amendments therein.
ANNEXURE-I
DETAILS OF MINING PROJECTS AND PROJECTS FOR SETTING UP OF

INDUSTRIES RECEIVED FROM STATE OF ORISSA FOR FORESTRY
CLEARANCE
Period: 01.07.2002 to 27.07.2005
Sr Category Area Status Area

No. Name of Proposal Applied Diverted
(Mining/ Industry) (ha.) (ha.)
1 MINING LEASE TO RUNGTA MINING 33.799 Approved 15.95

MINES LTD
2 MINING LEASE TO OMC MINING 365.298 Approved 142.95

LTD
3 MINING LEASE TO ORISSA MINING 50.802 Approved 28.802

MINING CORPORATION
LIMITED IN KURMITAR
MINES
4 MINING LEASE FOR MINING 63.91 Approved 63.91

MAHAGIRI CHROMITE
MINES OF M/S INDIAN
CHARGE CHROME
LIMITED (ICCL) IN
VILLAGE KALIAPANI
UNDER SUKINDA TEHSIL
5 MINING LEASE IN F/O MINING 95.6 Approved 95.6

ORISSA MINING
CORPORATION LIMITED
6 MINING LEASE TO KJS MINING 476.205 Approved 371.192
475
AHLUWALIA
7 MINING LEASE TO MINING 132.904 Approved 112.521

MAHANANDI COAL FIELDS
LTD FOR BHUBNESHWARI
OCP
8 MINING LEASE TO A.M.T.C MINING 244.327 Approved 244.327

(P) LTD
9 ANANTHA EXTENSION MINING 62.67 Approved 62.67

OPENCAST PROJECT IN
FAVOUR OF MAHANADI
COAL FIELDS LIMITED
10 MINING LEASE TO MINING 23.24 Approved 23.24

GIRDHARILAL AGRAWAL
11 MINING LEASE TO TATA MINING 99.5 Approved 58.5

REFRACTORIES
12 MINING LEASE TO ESSEL MINING 152.229 Approved 152.229

MINING INDUSTRIES
13 MINING LEASE TO R. P. MINING 251.95 Approved 42.417

SAO FOR GUALI IRON ORE
MINES
14 MINING LEASE IN F/O SHRI MINING 41.893 Approved 41.839

RUDRASEN SINDHU M/S
ROHTAK ENGINEERING
COMPANY
15 MINING LEASE TO M/S LAL MINING 117.84 Approved 117.84

TRADERS & AGENCIES PVT
LIMITED
16 MINING LEASE IN F/O M/S MINING 61.596 Approved 52.742

RUNGTA SONS (P) LIMITED
476
17 MINING LEASE TO S. MINING 52.002 Approved 52.002
PRADHAN FOR
KALAPARBAT IRON ORE
MINES
18 MINING LEASE IN F/O M/S MINING 53.55 Approved 53.55

RUNGTA MINES LIMITED
JAGANNATH EXTENSION 58.096 Approved 58.096

OPENCAST PROJECT OF
19 MAHANADI COALFIELDS MINING
LIMITED
20 BAMEBARI IRON & MINING 145.329 Approved 145.329

MANGANESE ORE MINING
BY M/S TISCO LTD
21 UNDERGROUND COAL MINING 289856 Approved 289856

MINING IN NATRAJ IN
FAVOUR OF MAHANADI
COALFIELDS LIMITED
22 NANDIRA UNDERGROUND MINING 325.38 Approved 325.38

COAL MINE OF TALCHER
AREA OF MAHANADI
COALFIELDS LIMITED
23 RENEWAL OF MINING MINING 52.348 Approved 52.348

LEASE IN TIRINGPAHAR
MANGANESE MINES OF
M/S TISCO LIMITED
24 RENEWAL OF LEASE FOR MINING 227 Approved 227

MAHULSUKHA
MANGANESE ORE
MINING MINES IN FAVOUR
OF M/S AMTC PVT.
LIMITED
477
25 MINING OF IRON ORE BY MINING 39.309 Approved 39.309
M/S FEEGRADE AND
MINING
COMPANY IN BONAI
FOREST DIVISION
26 MINING LEASE TO M/S MINING 23.581 Approved 23.581

M.G.MOHANTY OF
BHUBANESWAR
MINING
27 STONE QUARRY BY M/S MINING 9,647 Approved 9.647

HENRAUX (I) PVT LIMITED
28 JORURI IRON & MN. MINES MINING 6.008 Approved 6.008

OF KALINGA MINING
CORP. MINING
29 TALABASTA FIRECLAY MINING 19.62 Approved 19.62

MINES OF JPKP
JHUNJHUNWALA MINING
30 IRON ORE MINING IN MINING 12.058 Approved 12.058

VILLAGE PATABEDA OF
MINING BONAI
SUBDIVISION BY M/S M.G.
MOHANTY
31 QUARTZ AND QUARTZITE MINING 3.192 Approved 3.089

MINING BY SHRI P N SAHU
32 IRON ORE MINING BY SMT. MINING 35.275 Approved 35.275

INDRANI PATNAIK MINING
IN VILLAGE UNCHABALI
33 RON ORE MINING BY SH. J. MINING 3.921 Approved 3.921

N. PATNAIK IN MINING
VILLAGE BHANJAPALLI
AND KOIRA
478
34 INGANIJHARAN IRON & MINING 15.316 Approved 15.316
MN. MINES OF S. PRADHAN
35 BALITA IRON MINES OF S. MINING 18.347 Approved 18.347

PRADHAN
36 LANJIGARH BAUXITE MINING 660749 Under ----

MINING PROJECT IN Process
NIYAMGIRI RF AND
NIMAGIRI PROPOSED RF OF
RAYAGADA MINING
DISTRICT IN FAVOUR OF
ORISSA MINING
CORPORATION (OMC)
37 TEMPORARY WORKING MINING 40.469 Under ----

PERMISSION IN FAVOUR Process
OFMINING M/S AXL
PRIVATE LIMITED FOR
BHUTUDA
MANGANESE ORE MINE
38 TEMPORARY WORKING MINING 294.5 Under ----
PERMISSION FOR SULAPAT Process
IRON MINE OF SHRI
BIRATCHANDRA DAGARA
IN RAIRANGPUR FOREST
DIVISION
39 TWP IN F/O BUDHARAJA MINING 8.13 Returned -----

IRON & MAGANESE ORE
MINES FOR ONE YEAR
OVER 8.13HA ALREADY
BROKEN UP FOREST AREA
40 MINING LEASE TO MINING 56.98 Returned -----

NAVYUG MINERALS
LIMITED
41 ASBESTOS & PYROXEMITE MINING 18.23 Returned ----

MINING BY BL NEWATIA
42 DIVERSION OF FOREST MINING 14.739 Returned ----
479
LAND IN FAVOUR OF
MINING M/S PATNAIK
MINERALS PVT LIMITED
FOR
MANGANESE MINES
43 BANGUR CHROMITE MINES MINING 0.55 Returned ----

OF 0MC LTD MINING
44 GRAPHITE MINE IN MINING 12.14 Returned -----

GANJAUDHAR BY SH. J.N.
AGARWAL MINING
45 GRAPHITE MINE BY SH. MINING 2,841 Returned -----

TILAK RAJ MEDIRATTA
MINING
46 MINING LEASE TO BC MINING 45.148 Rejected ----

SAHU
47 KATASAHI & KOLHA MINING 3.797 Rejected -----

RUDKOLA MN. MINES OF
SN PAUL MINING
48 MINING OF IRON ORE BY MINING 37.146 Rejected -----

M/S NATIONAL MINING
ENTERPRISES IN BONAI
DIVISION
49 BLACKSTONE QUARRY BY MINING 13.86 Rejected ----

M/S JS CONSTRUCTION
LTD. MINING
50 MINING LEASE TO MCL MINING 28.475 Returned ----

FOR JAGANNATH
EXTENSION OCP MINING
51 IRON ORE BASED MINING 8.67 Under ----

INDUSTRIES OF IPICOL Process
52 ESTABLISHMENT OF INDUSTRIES 59.16 Approved -----

INTEGRATED STEEL PLANT
INDUSTRIES BY M/S
BHUSHAN LIMITED
480
53 SETTING UP OF ALUMINA INDUSTRIES 58.943 Withdrawn -----
REFINERY AT LANJIGARH by State
INDUSTRIES BYM/S
VEDANTA ALUMINA
LIMITED
ANNEXURE-II
DETAILS OF PROJECTS FOR SETTING UP OF INDUSTRIES IN ORISSA

RECEIVED IN THE MINISTRY FOR ENVIRONMENT CLEAR
Period: 01.07.2002 to 27.07.2005
Sl Name of Proects Nature Cost of Status

.N Project (Rs. in
o. Crores)
1 Bhushan Ltd Iron & Steel 1650 Cleared
2 Aluminium Aluminium Smelter 1609.40 Cleared

Company Ltd.
(NALCO)
Aluminium
3 Aluminium Aluminium Refinery 1258.02 Cleared

Company Ltd.
(NALCO)
Aluminium
4 Sterlite Industries Aluminium Refinery 4500 Cleared
Ltd.
5 Sterlite Industries Copper Smelter 500 Cleared

Ltd.
6 Paradeep Sulphuric Acid Plant 160 Cleared

Phosphates Ltd
7 Tata SpongeIron Iron & Steel 67.35 Cleared
Ltd
481
8 Aarti Steel Ltd, Steel Plant 888.35 Cleared
Cuttack
9 Neepaz Metals Ltd, Iron & Steel 202.50 Cleared
Sundergarh
10 Hindalco Industries Aluminium Refinery 3694.23 Additional
Ltd information
sought by Expert
by Committee
11 Jindal Stainless Stainless steel Plant 4764.00 Additional
Steel Ltd, Kalinga information
Nagar sought by Expert
Committee
ANNEXURE-III
DETAILS OF MINING PROJECTS OF ORISSA RECEIVED IN THE MINISTRY

FOR ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE
S.No Name of the project Date of Status

Receipt
1 Bandogurah Iolite Deposit 27.11.2002 Proponent was advised to

mining project of M/s Navyug obtain site clearance from the
Minerals Ltd. Ministryin first instance.
Response awaited.
2 Turia Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye 28.11.2002 As the proposal for diversion

of
Deposit mining
project of forestland for this
project has been rejected, the
proposal for
considered.
482
3 Labanyasar Iolite Deposit 28.11.2002 Proposal returned on
mining projectof M/s Navayug 26.07.2004and the proponent
Minerals has been asked to submit
fresh proposal. Proposal
awaited.
4 Nuasahi Chromite mining 04.02.2003 Environmental clearance

project of granted on 09.07.2004
M/s Indian Metals & Ferro
AlloysLtd
5 Thakurani Iron Ore mining 14.02.2003 Environmental clearance

project of M/s S.L. Sarda & granted on 22.09.2004.
M.L. Sarda
6 Khondbond Iron Ore mining 06.06.2003 Environmental clearance

project of M/s Tata Iron & Steel granted on 28.03.2005.
Co. Ltd.
7 oda East Iron Ore mining project 06.06.2003 Environmental clearance

of M/s Tata Iron & Steel Co. granted on 05.04.2005
Ltd.
8 Mahagiri Chromite mining 16.06.2003 Environmental clearance

project of granted 09.07.2004
M/s Indian Charge Chrome Ltd.
9 KaManufacturing & Services 20.06.2003 The State Government was

Limited requested to advise the
rlakona Quartz Mine of M/s proponent to obtain site
Utkal clearance.
10 Utkal B-2 Block coal mining 23.07.2003 Considered by the Expert

project of M/s Monnet Ispat Ltd. Committee (Mining) and
sought extensive
clarifications on various
issues, which are awaited.
483
.
11 Katamati iron ore mining project 30.07.2003 Environmental clearance

of M/s Tata Iron & Steel Co. Ltd granted on 06.05.2005.
.
12 Panchpatmali Bauxite minidn 17.02.2004 Environmental clearance

project of M/s NALCO granted on 30.07.2004
13 Patabeda Iron Ore Mining 17.12.2004 Environmental clearance

project of M/s MGM Minerals granted on 21.07.2005.
Ltd.
14 Patabeda Iron Ore Mining 20.12.2004 Environmental clearance

project of M/s MG Mohanty granted on 21.07.2005.
15 Expansion of Thakurani Iron 01.03.2005 Information sought by

Ore Mine of M/s Kaypee EC(M) on
Enterprises, completenessnformation
sought by EC(M) on
completeness
16 Langiberna Limestone Mine and 07.03.2005 Information sought by

Dolomite Mines EC(M) on EIA-EMP Report
received on 31.05.2005.
Under examination.
17 Tantra, Raikela & Bandhal 14.03.2005 Under examination.

(TRB) Iron Ore Mine of M/s
Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.,
Sundergarh
18 Jajang iron ore mining project of 30.03.2005 Environmental clearance

M/s Rungta Mines Ltd. granted on 14.06.2005
19 Bamebari Manganese Ore Mines 01.04.2005 Under examination.

of
484
20 Tiringpahar Manganese Ore 01.04.2005 Under examination.
Mine of M/s Tata Steel,
Keonjhar
21 Joda West Manganese Ore Mine 01.04.2005 Under examination

of M/s Tata Steel, Keonjhar
22 Jagannath OCP of M/s MCL 26.04.2005 Considered in the EC(M)

meeting held on May 11-13,
2005. Information received
on 03.06.2005. Under
examination.
23 Belpahar OCP of M/s Mahanadi 26.04.2005 Considered in the EC(M)

Coalfields Ltd. meeting held on May 11-13,
2005. Information received
on 03.06.2005. Under
examination.
24 Gonua Iron and Manganese 16.05.2005 Information sought by

Mining project of M/s Pawan EC(M) on EIA-EMP Report
Kumar Ahluwalia (earlier name received on 19.05.2005.
Smt. Maitri Shukla) Being
considered in the EC (M)
meeting being held on
13-15 July 2005.
25 Gurujang Chromite Mines of 10.06.2005 Information sought by EC

M/s M. Aikth (M) on EIA-EMP Report
received on 15.06.2005
485
26 Lanjigarh Bauxite Mine of M/s 13.06.2005 Information sought by EC
Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd. (M) on EIA–EMP Report
awaited. It also involves
certain legal issues for which
the file has been referred to
the Ministry of Law for their
advice.
27 Lingraj OC Expn. Coal Mine 14.06.2005 Information sought by EC

project (M) on EIA-EMP Report
awaited.
28 Bharatpur OC Expn. Coal Mine 14.06.2005 Information sought by EC

Project of M/s MCL (M) on EIA-EMP Report
awaited
29 Jialling Langalota Iron & 17.06.2005 Information sought by EC
Manganese Iron of M/s Essel (M) on EIA-EMP Report
Mining & Industries Ltd awaited
30 Kasia Iron & & Dolomite Mine 17.06.2005 Information sought by EC

M/s Essel Mining & Industries (M) on EIA-EMP Report
Ltd. awaited
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
486
MINING IN THE COUNTRY
1049. SHRI AVTAR SINGH BHADANA
(a) whether mining in different parts of the country is still continuing despite orders of
the Supreme Court against it;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to check the illegal mining; and
(c) the progress made in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)to(c): The Ministry of Environment and Forests has no information on the extent of
illegal mining going on in the country in violation of the order of the Hon’ble Supreme
Court of India in W.P. (C) No. 460 of 2004 in the matter of Goa Foundation Vs. Union of
India. However, pursuant to the Supreme Court order, the Ministry has issued specific
directions to all the State/Union Territory Governments under Section (5) of the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to stop mining being operated in violation of
environmental laws.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
IMPACT OF QUARRYING ACTIVITIES ON ENVIRONMENT
487
(a) whether quarrying activities are causing damage to the environment;
(c) the details of the case studies done by the Government thereon so far along with the
outcome thereof; and
(d) the manner in which the Government is tackling/proposes to tackle the environmental
damage caused by such activities?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA )
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. Quarrying activities are known to have environmental impacts in terms
of:
(i) degradation of land and change of land use,
(ii) depletion of ground water resources,
(iii) pollution of ground water and surface water,
(iv) damage to flora and fauna,
(v) pollution of air including noise,
(vi) socio-economic impacts including health,
(vii) change of drainage pattern, etc.
(c): A few studies have been undertaken by various organisations on different aspects of
mining which inter-alia include:
(i) A study on small scale marble mining at Jhiri in Alwar District, Rajasthan by M/s.
Ecomen Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Lucknow, sponsored by Ministry of Environment &
Forests in 1995. The study assessed the environmental status of the Jhiri area and
ascertained the impact of small scale marble mining activity on socio-cultural, economic
and environmental conditions of the area.
(ii) Study of environmental problems of Aravali Hills and preparation of action plan for
restoration of environmental quality in Gurgaon District of Haryana by Central Mine
Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) at the instance of Central Pollution
Control Board in 2003. The study has been completed and the action plan prepared.
(iii) Regional Environmental Impact Assessment for mining operations in Bellary-Hospet

Region in Karnataka by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)
at the instance of Government of Karnataka in 2004. A number of recommendations to
remedy/improve the environment have been made.
488
(d): Prior environmental clearance is mandatory in the case of projects involving mining
of major minerals with lease area of more than 5 ha. The proponents are required to
undertake an environmental impact assessment study along with environmental
management plan and undergo public hearing for eliciting public concerns. Based on the
outcome of above appraisal, environmental clearance is granted by stipulating
environmental safeguards.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION CREATED BY GRINDING STONES
42. SHRI NEDURUMALLI JANARDHANA REDDY
(a) whether despite directions from the Supreme Court for keeping the environment
clean, about 160 crushers grinding stones in Faridabad are reported to have crossed all
limits in creating pollution in Faridabad and adjoining localities of Delhi;
(c) the action proposed/taken in this regard ?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has reported that 163
stone crushing units are operating in Pali/Mohabatabad crushing zone in Faridabad
district. Out of these, 128 stone crushing units have installed adequate Air Pollution
Control Measures.
(c): The HSPCB is taking necessary legal action, such as, issuance of show cause notices
and closure notices against the defaulting units. The Board has directed these units to
install pollution control devices such as dust containment cum suppression system, wind
breaking wall, metalled roads within the premises, regular clean and wetting of ground,
489
creating of green belt along with periphery, so as to ensure compliance of standards.
*************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
FOREST AREA UNDER MINING QUARRYING

MANEKA GANDHI
JASWANT SINGH BISHNOI
(a) the details of the prime forest area in the country wherein the mining and quarrying
operations were permitted by the Government during 2004-2005;
(b) the details of the area in such forest land where the mining and quarrying is being
carried out causing deforestation, State-wise as on date;
(c) whether the Government has adopted any strategy to discourage the mining operations
in the prime forest lands and National Parks;
(e) the State-wise details of the National Parks which are facing the onslaughts of mining
and quarrying by which the bio-diversity and wildlife of such National Parks in
endangered?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): During 2004-2005, 201 proposals from various States for mining and quarrying
operations, involving 15753.704 ha of forest land, have been granted approval under
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The details are given in Annexure-I.
490
(b): So far, 95002.86 ha of forest land has been allowed to be diverted for 1,198 number
of mining and quarrying proposals of various States, since the enactment of the Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980. The State-wise forest land diverted for mining proposals is
given in Annexure-II. It is a fact that most of the mines are located in forest areas, which
lead to some de-forestation. However, most of the forest area, which has been diverted
for mining operations, pertains to renewal of mines, which are in operation since long.
(c)to(e): The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is a regulatory Act and all the proposals
requiring diversion of forest land including proposals for mining are considered on their
merit and on the recommendations of the State/UT Governments. To maintain a rational
balance between development and conservation, mining is allowed in forest land under
strict conditions and with appropriate mitigatory measures like compensatory
afforestation, safety zone creation, reclamation of mined areas, etc. Vide letter dated
04.05.2001 all the State/UT Governments, have been advised to obtain prior approval of
the Supreme Court for diversion of forest land in National Park and Sanctuaries and vide
letter dated 24.11.2003 they have also been directed to ensure suspension of all mining
activities in National Park and Sanctuaries.
Annexure-I
FOREST AREA UNDER MINING/QUARRYING
Sl.No Name of Proposal State, Area

District Diverted (ha)
1 MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR OF M/S SINGARENI Andhra Pradesh 253

COLLIERIES COMPANY TO SCCL Adilabad
2 DIVERSION OF FL OF TANDUR RF FOR Andhra Pradesh 4.56
GOLETI A) INCLINE UNDERGROUND ENTERICS Adilabad
INREBBENA ( MINES - IA IN FAVOUR
OF SCCL BELLAMPALLY
3 MINING LEASE TO SCCL FOR SHANTIKHANI Andhra Pradesh 285.89
EXTENSION BLOCK Adilabad
4 UNDERGROUND MINING OF GOLETI NO 1 AND 83.77
PROPOSED 1NCLINE UNDER GROUND MINES IN
FAVOUR OF M/S SCCL LTD.
5 DIVERSION OF 4.00 HAOF FL FOR PURPOSE OF ML Andhra Pradesh 5
FO 4EXTRACTION Ananthapur
OF BARYTES IN
F/O MEHABOOB MINERALS.
ML FOR EXTRACTION OF BARRITES INF/O Andhra Pradesh 4

6 MEHABOOB MINERALS Ananthapur
7 DIVERSION OF FOREST LAND FOR EXTRACTION 5.4
OF BLACK GRANITE IN FAVOUR OF Andhra Pradesh
M/S NAGAMANI GRANITES Chitoor
8 DIVERSION OF FL IN BASAVAPALLI RE OF Andhra Pradesh 3.187
CHITTOOR DISTRICT FOR EXTRACTION BLACK Chitoor
GRANITE IN FAVOU OF M/S SRI LAKSHMI
491
GRANITES & EXPORTS
9 RENEWAL OF ML IN BATRAPALAM OF 4.85

MADINAPADU IN F/O SWAMY KASI RATNAM
10 MINING LEASE FOR PURPOSE OF Andhra Pradess Guntur 8.18
AERIAL ROPEWAY IN FAVOUR OF KCP LIMITED
11 DIVERSION OF FOREST LAND IN MANGLAGIRI RF Andhra Pradesh 2
FOR QUARRY MINOR MINERALS IN Guntur
FAVOUR OF SHRI CH. TIRUPALU 2
12 MINING LEASE TO SCCL FOR SATU Andhra Pradesh
PALLY-I OPENCAST PROJECT Khammam 244 .2
13 REALIGNMENT OF NALLAER AT VENKATESH Andhra Pradesh 11.96
KHANI 7 INCLINE IN FAVOUR OF M/S SCCL Khammam
14 Andhra Prades 261.31

GOUTHAMI KHANI OCP MINING LEASE (PHASE-I) Khammam
IN FAVOUR OF M/S SINGARENI COLLIERIES
15 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE IN F/O SCCL FOR OCP 125.9
II PH III MANUGURU IN KONDAPUR/ EXT. 1 OF Andhra Prades
ASWAPURA RANGE Khammam
16 DIVERSION OF 11.96 HA. RAMAVARAM RF IN Andhra Pradesh
KOTHAGUDEM RANGE OF KHAMMAM CIRCLE Khammam 11.96
FOR REALIGNMENT OF NALLAH AT VENKATESH
KHANI-7 INCLINE IN FAVOUR OF M/S SCCL
17 MINING LEASE TO KAKATIYA CEMENT SUGAR 18 Andhra Prades 121.46
INDUSTRIAL Krishna
18 COMPARTMENT NO. 29 OF PASUPULABODU Andhra Pradesh 162
BLOCK OF NALGONDA FOREST DIVISION IN Nalgonda
FAVOUR OF M/S CHANAKYA CEMENTS
MINING LEASE FOR QUARTZ 2
19 VERMACULITE IN F/O BIBIJAN Andhra
Andhra Pradesh Nellore Pradesh Nellore
20 ML FOR QUARTZ, VERMICULATE, MICA, FELSER Andhra
OVER AN EXTENT OF 2.00 HA. IN SY.NO.553 OF Pradesh Nellore 2
CHAGNAM VILLAGE, ANSYDAPURAM MANDAL,
NELLORE DISTRICT IN F/O SMT. S.K. BIBIJAN.
21 DIVERSION OF FL FOR ML IN SY.NO.1265 OF Andhra Pradesh Ranga 4 .
SHAMEERPET OF FOREST BLOCK, HYDERABAD Reddy
DVN. IN F/O M/S LAXMI NARASIMHA METAL
INDUSTRIES
22 ML IN F/O LAKSHMINARASIMHA METAL Andhra Pradesh 4
INDUSTRIES Ranga Reddy
23 DIVERSION OF FOREST LAND FOR QUARRYING OF Andhra Pradesh
GRANITE METAL IN FAVOUR OF SMT. T. VijayaNagaram Andhra 1.25
SATHYAVATHI MUGADA(V) Pradesh
VijayaNagaram
24 QUARRYING OF GRANITE METAL IN FAVOUR OF 125
SMT.T.SATYAVATHI
25 MINING LEASE FOR KAKATIYA KHANI 9 & 9A Andhra Pradesh Warangal 431.85
INCLINE UNDERGROUND MINE TO M/S SCCL
26 MINING LEASE TO M/S SINGARENI COLLIERIES Andhra Pradesh 250
COMPANY LIMITED IN TADICHERLA RESERVE WARANGAL
FOREST 250
27 MINING LEASE TO APMDTCL FOR COAL MINING Arunachal Pradesh 128.97
492
IN NAMCHIK – NAMPHUK COAL FIELDS Changlang Bongaigaon
28 RENEWAL OF NAKKATI HILL STONE QUARRY 2 Assam Bongaigaon 0.5
29 SAND MAHAL MINING UNDER DHEMAJI DIVISION Assam 4
30 MAKRIJHORA SAND AND GRAVEL MAHAL UNDER Assam Dhubri
DHUBRI FOREST DIVISION 3
31 1 NO. OF DUDHNATH HILL STONE MAHAL & Assam Dhubri
OPENING OF NOS OF NEW MAHALS UNDER 0.5
DHUBRI DIVISION 0.5
32 DIVERSION OF 0.4014 HA & 1.020 HA OF FOREST Assam Golaghat 1.4214
LAND FOR COMPRESSOR STATION AND LAYING
OF PIPELINE BY ASSAM GAS COMPANY
UNDERGROUND
33 DIVERSION OF 1.99 HA OF FOREST LAND FOR Assam Golaghat 1.99

DRILLING LOCATION ELAB UNDER GOLAGHAT
DIVISION
DIVERSION OF 1.735 HA OF FOREST LAND FOR Assam Golaghat 1.735
34 DRILLING LOCATION KPAA UNDER GOLAGHAT
DIVISION
35 SAND MAHAL MINING UNDER KAMRUP Assam Kamrup 2.8
WEST DIVISION
36 RENEWAL OF RIVERBED MAHALS Assam KokraJhar 4

37 4NOS OF RIVER BED MAHALS UNDER Assam KokraJhar 3.5
38 RENEWAL OF SAND MAHALS Assam 9
Lakhimpur
39 RENEWAL OF 10 NUMBER OF STONE MAHALS Assam Nagaon 12.8
AND 9 NUMBER OF SAND MAHAL Assam
Nagaon
40 PROPOSAL FOR OPENING UP OF FRESH MAHALS Assam Nagaon 0.25
UNDER NAGAON DIVISION
41 PROPOSAL FOR OPENING UP OF FRESH MAHALS Assam Nagaon 0.25
42 OPENING UP OF KATHALGURI STONE Assam Nagaon 0.25

QUARRY MAHAL NO. 2
43 RENEWAL OF 6 SAND & GRAVEL MAHALS Assam Sonitpur 5.985
44 RENEWAL OF SAND MAHALS Assam Sonitpur 6
45 RENEWAL OF CORUNDUM MININ LEASE BY MP Chhattishgarh 3.7
MINING CORPORATION Bastar
46 MINING LEASE TO BHILAI STEEL PLANT (SAIL 283.6
Chhattishgarh Durg
47 MINING LEASE TO BHILAI STEEL PLANT(SAIL) 100.76
Chhattishgarh
Durg
48 MINING LEASE TO STEEL AUTHORITY OF INDIA Chhattishgarh 100
Durg
49 MINING LEASE TO JAYASWALS NECO LIMITED 91
(NAGPUR ALLOY CASTING LTD) Chhattishgarh
Jagdalpur
50 MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR OF SHRI Chhattishgarh
JEEVAN LAL JAIN FOR MINING OF IRON ORE IN Kanker 14.714
VILLAGE BARBASPUR
51 OPENCAST MINING IN F/O SECL, WEST CHIRMIRI Chhattishgarh Korea 30.55
52 MINING LEASE TO M/S JINDAL POWER LIMITED Chhattshgarh Raigarh 48.208
53 MINING LEASE TO M/S SECL Chhattshgarh Raigarh 19
493
54 MINING LEASE IN F/O JAISAWAL NECO FOR Chhattishgarh Rajindgaon 41
BORIA TIBBU IRON ORE DEPOSITS
55 MINING LEASE TO GUJRAT MINERALS Gujarat Vadodara 32

DEVELOPMENT CORP.
56 EXTRACTION OF QUARTZITE FOR CEMENT Himachal Pr.Bilaspur 4.88
MANUFACTURING IN BILLASPUR IN FAVOUR OF
M./SGAGAL CEMENT WORKS
57 MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR OF SMT. CHANDAL Himachal Pr. Chamba 0.4842
NAGAR R/O CHAMBA
58 MINING IN FAVOUR OF M/S ORVIT MINERALS 0.4852
UDYOG ASSOCIATION FOR INSTALLATION OF Himachal Pr.
STONE CRUSHER PALAMPUR F.D Kangra
59 QUARRYING OF STONE CURSHER IN FAVOUR OF Himachal Pr. 0.4
M/S ASHAPURI STONE CURSHER HURLA PARBATI Kulla
FOREST DIVISION
STONE QUARRY FOR FEEDING STONE CRUSHER, Himachal Pr. 0.4
60 M/S ASHA PURI STONE CRUSHER FROM Kullu
CHAGOLA IN KOT-DANDI-III HURLA FOREST
RANGE KULLU ON 30 YEAR LEASE
.
61 STONE QUARY FOR FEEDING M/S Himachal Pr. 1.2
BHUVNESHWARI STONE CRUSHER FROM Kullu
CHAGOLA, PARBATI FOREST DIVISION KULLU.
62 EST.OF STONE QUARRY AT BATAUR IN MANDI Himachal Pra. 0.095.
FOREST DIV JOLE Mandi
63 ESTABLISHMENT OF STONE QUARRY BY M/S JAI Himachal Pra. 0.265
STONE QUARRY BAGGI-KAWIAL DISTT. MANDI Mandi
DURGA
64 MINING OF LIME STONES IN FAVOUR OF SH. SANT Himachal 1.5
RAM VILLAGE BHARWANA Pra.Sirmaur
65 MINING LEASE TO SHAH BROTHERS FOR Jharkhand Bokaro 24.856
KARAMPADA IRON AND MANGANESE ORE
66 AMLO OPENCAST MINING LEASE TO CCL JharkhandBokaro 222.324
Jharkhand
67 KAVERI OPENCAST MINING LEASE TO CCL Jharkhand 77.43
Bokaro
68 KHASMAHAL OPENCAST MINING LEASE TO CCL Jharkhand Bokaro 174.48
69 NEW SELECTED DHORI UNDERGOUND PROJECT IN Jharkhand Bokaro 70.568
FAVOUR OF CENTRAL COALFIELDS LIMITED
70 DHORI KHAS UNDERGROUND MINING LEASE TO Jharkhan 172.2
CENTRAL COALFIELDS LIMITED Bokaro
71 CCL FOR RAJMAHAL OPEN CAST MINING Jharkhand 69.75
Dumka
72 BANDHUHURANG URANIUM PROJECT IN FAVOUR JharkhandEast 130.8
OF URANIUMCORPORATION OF INDIA LIMITED Singhbhum
73 DHORI OPEN CAST PROJECT OF CCL Jharkhand Girdih 69.183
74 NEW GIDDI C OPENCAST MINING LEASE TO CCL Jharkhand 73.55
Hazarubagh
75 JHARKHAND OPENCAST MING LEASE TO Jharkhand 96.28
CCLMINING LEASE TI CCL Hazaribagh Jharkhand
494
76 MININGG LEASE TO CCL Jharkhand 101.87
Hazaribagh
77 TAPIN NORTH OPENCAST PROJECT IN FAVOUR OF Jharkhand Hazaragh 55.69
CCL
78 MINING LEASE TO CCL FOR PINDRA Jharkhand 54.79
UNDERGROUND MINING PROJ. Hazaribagh
79 RAJRAPPA OPENCAST MINING LEASE TO Jharkhand 510.82
CCL
80 MINING LEASE TO M/S CENTRAL COALFIELDS Jharkhand 132.28
LIMITED FOR KARMA OPENCAST MINING Hazaribagh
PROJECT
81 PUNDI OPENCAST PROJECT OF CCL Jharkhand 52.97

Hazaribagh
82 ARGADA UNDERGROUND MINING LEASE TO CCL Jharkhand 90.1

Hazaribagh
83 MINING LEASE TO M/S CENTRAL COALFIELDS Jharkhand 168.5
LIMITED FOR KEDLA OCP Hazaribagh
84 MINING LEASE TO CCL FOR KUJU PROJECT Jharkhand 115

Hazaribagh
85 MINING LEASE TO CCL ARA OCP MINES Jharkhand 166.9

Hazaribagh
86 SAYAL `D` PROJECT IN FAVOUR OF M/S CENTRAL Jharkhand 192.32
COALFIELDS LIMITED Hazaribagh
87 MINING LEASE TO CCL RELIGARA OCP MINES Jharkhand 135.66

PROJECT Hazaribagh
88 URIMARI OPENCAST PROJECT OF M/S CENTRAL 91.04

COALFIELDS LIMITED CCL Jharkhand
Hazaribagh
89 LAIYO UNDERGROUND MINING Jharkhand 78.59

Hazaribagh
90 GIDDI C OPENCAST MINING LEASE TO CCL Jharkhand 237.3
Hazaribagh
91 GIDDI A MINING LEASE TO CCL Jharkhand 232.42

Hazaribagh
92 MINING LEASE TO CENTRAL COALFIELDS JharkhandHazaribagh 196.55

LIMITED FOR SARUBERA OPENCAST MINING
93 TOPA OPENCAST PROJECT OF M/S CCL Jharkhand 77.3
495
Hazaribagh
94 SIRKA OPENCAST MINING LEASE TO CCL Jharkhand 50.8
Hazaribagh
95 Jharkhand 7.878
NATIONAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY OF INDIA Hazaribagh
BASARDA & KUMARDHIA - KUNHARKALA STONE
QUARRY
7.878 Jharkhand
96 STONE QUARRY IN F/O M/S JAI SHREE RAM STONE Jharkhand 4.994
INDUSTRIES Koderma
97 MINING LEASE IN F/O PANEM COAL MINES Jharkhand 400
LIMITED Pakur
98 RENEWAL FO BENTIBAGDA LIMESTONE PROJECT, Jharkhand 9.07
BSMDC Ranchi Jharkhand
99 MEGHAHATBURU IRON ORE MINE Jharkhand 55.9
MEGHAHATBURU IRON ORE MINE Singhbhum
100 I RENEWAL OF LEASE 3 OF KIRIBURU Jharkhand 24.23

MEGHAHATUBURU IRON West
Singhbhum
101 MINING LEASE FOR IRON ORE IN FAVOUR OF M/S Jharkhand West 29.4648
USHA
102 MINING LEASE TO ZEENATH TRANSPORT CO. Karnataka 50
Bellary
103 MINING LEASE NO 1898 IN F/O M/S Karnataka 44.11
P.BALASUBBASETTY & SONS Bellary
104 MINING LEASE IN F/O M/S B. Karnataka 83.62
KUMARAGOWDA Bellary
105 MINING LEASE NO. 2183 TO SH. Karnataka Bellary 44
ABUBAKER IN N.E BLOCK
106 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE NO Karnataka MINING

130/1190 IN F/O CHOWGULE & CO. Bellary LEASE Karnataka
LIMITED Karnataka
Bellary 100
107 MINING LEASE NO. 2002 TO M/S MYSORE Karnataka 176.724
MINERALS LIMITED Bellary
108 MINING LEASE NO 1659 TO MYSORE Karnataka 38.45
MINERALS LIMITED Bellary
109 MINING LEASE NO 1634 TO M/S S.V. Karnataka 60
SRINEWASULEE Bellary
110 MINING LEASE NO 1046 TO P. VENGANA SETTY & Karnataka 50
BROS 60 Bellary
111 MINING LEASE NO 622 IN F/O RAMGAD MINERALS KarnatakaBellary 20.23
PVT. LTD
496
112 DIVERSION OF FOREST LAND IN FAVOUR OF M/S Karnataka 53.2
NADEEM MINERALS FOR IRON ORE MINING IN Bellary
DONOMALAI BLOCK
113 IRON ORE MINING LEASE APPLICATION OF Karnataka 15
SRI SATHYANARAYANA, BELLARY - Bellary
114 MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR OF SHRI N. SHAIKSAB KarnatakaBellary 15
IN VILLAGE SIDDEPUR
115 EXTRACTION OF IRON ORE IN F/O BELLARY KarnatakaBellary 15.8
MINING CORPN.
116 DIVERSION OF 30.00 HA. OF ADDITIONAL FL FOR Karnataka 30
IRON ORE 30 Bellary
ML NO.2141 IN RM BLOCK OF YESWANTHANAGAR
VILLAGE IN FAVOUR OF M/S KUMARASWAMY
MINERAL EXPORTS IN
BELLARY DISTRICT.
117 . DIVERSION OF FL OF ML.NO.995 Karnataka 33.6

IN FAVOUR OF M/S.MYSORE Bellary
MINERALS LTD, BANGALORE FOR
IRON ORE MINES, SANDUR
118 DIVERSION OF 2.2 ACRES (0.89034 HA.) Karnataka 0.8903

FOR GRANITE QUARRYING IN FAVOUR OF Bellary
M/S SKJS GRANITES IN S.NO.887 OF
GUDEKOTE RF KUDLIGI(T)
119 DIVERSION OF 0.8094 HA. OF FL FOR Karnataka 0.8094
GRANITE QUARRYING IN FAVOUR OF M/S Bellary
VENKATESWARA GRANITES IN S.NO.887
OF GUDEKOTE RF, KUDLIGI TALUK OF
BELLARY DISTRICT.
1 DIVERSION OF 28.0 HA. OF FL FOR ML KarnatakaB 15.1
NO.1028 IN JOGA RF, HOSPET TALUK IN F/O M/S ellary Karnataka
GOGGA GURUSHANTHAIAH & BROS
121 . RENEWAL OF KUMSI MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR Karnataka Shimoga 24.55

OF MYSORE MINERALS LIMITED Karnataka
122 ML (LIMESTONE) IN F/O MYSORE CEMENTS LTD. Karnataka 19.38
Tumkur
123 TEMPORARY WORKING PERMISSION REGARDING Madhya Pradesh 43.353
SITAPATORE MINING LEASE FOR MINING OF Balaghat
MANGANESE IN FAOVUR OF M/S MANGANESE
ORE (INDIA) LTD IN TEHSIL-KATANGI
124 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE BY M/S. Madhya Pradesh 20
PACIFIC MINERALS Balaghat
125 4.959126
MANGNEASE ORE MINING BY PRAFULL CHAND J. Madhya OPENCA
TRIVEDI
Pradesh Balaghat ST MINING IN
F/O WCL,
DAMUA REGION
497
126 OPENCAST MINING IN F/O WCL, DAMUA REGION Madhya Pradesh 8.5
Chindwara
127 SAND MINING BY SHRI RAJENDRA Madhya Pradesh 0.95
KUMAR JAIN, Khandwa
128 RENEWAL OF SURFACE RIGHT BY SECL Madhya Pradesh 9.158
JHAGARKHAND Shahdol
129 RENEWAL OF QUARRY LEASE FOR Madhya 217.063
FARSHI STONE PradeshShivpuri
MINING LEASE IN F/O M/S SINGH Madhya Pradesh 0.99
130 Vidisha
EXTRACTION OF MANGANESE MINING Maharashtra 6.81
131 LEASE BY M/S MANGANESE ORE INDIA Bhandara
LTD
132 DURGAPUR OPEN CAST MINING BY WCL Maharashtra 80.77
Chandrapur
133 RENEWAL OF DURGAPUR OPEN CAST Maharashtra 0
MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR OF M/S Chandrapur
WESTERN COAL FIFLDS LIMITED
134 EXTRACTION OF DURGAPUR RAYAWARI Maharashtra 1172.74
COOLLIERY(UNDERGROUND) COAL Chandrapur
MINES,, W.C.L. LTD
135 MINING LEASE TO M/S GAHRA MINERALS Maharashtra 4.63
Chandrapu
136 DIVERSION OF ZUDPI FOREST LAND FOR MaharashtrGadchiroli 374.9
MINING IRON ORE MININGTRANSMISSION
LINE AND APPROACH ROAD TO M/S
GADCHIROLI METALS AND MINERALS
LIMITED
137 MINING LEASE BY M/SSABIR STONE Maharashtra 1.99
Nagpur
138 MINING LEASE BY M/S.BR AKRE Maharashtra 2.832
Nagpur
139 EXTRACTION OF MANGANESE MINING 5.72
LEASE BY Maharasht
ra Thane
1.26
140 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE BY Maharashtra 1.11
M/S.V.M.KURDUKAR Thane
141 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE BY M/S. M.A. Maharashtra 1.26
PATIL. Thane
142 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE BY M/S. Maharashtra 1.03
SIKANDAR EBRAHIM SHAIKH Thane
1.42
143 MINING LEASE BY SHRI NG AJAWANI Maharashtra 1.42
Thane
144 T RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE Maharashtra 1.42
498
FAVOURING NG AJWANI FOR STONE Thane
QUARRY
145 145MINING LEASE TO MAHANANDI COAL Orissa 112.521
FIELDS LTD FOR BHUBNESHWARI OCP Angule
146 ANANTHA EXTENSION OPENCAST Orissa 62.67
PROJECT IN FAVOUR OF MAHANADI Angule
COAL FIELDS LIMITED
147 JAGANNATH EXTENSION OPENCAST Orissa 58.096
PROJECT OF MAHANADI COALFIELDS Angule
LIMITED
148 UNDERGROUND COAL MINING IN 289.856
NATRAJ IN FAVOUR OF MAHANADI Orissa
COALFIELDS LIMITED Angule
149 NANDIRA UNDERGROUND COAL MINE OF Orissa Angule 325.38
TALCHER AREA OF MAHANADI
COALFIELDS LIMITED
150 MINING LEASE TO TATA REFRACTORIES Orissa cuttack 58.5
151 MINING LEASE FOR MAHAGIRI 63.01
CHROMITE MINES OF M/S INDIAN Orissa Jaipur
CHARGE CHROME LIMITED (ICCL) IN
VILLAE KALIAPANI UNDER SUKINDA
TEHSIL
152 QUARTZ AND QUARTZITE MINING BY Orissa Jaipur 3.089
SHRI P N SAHU
153 MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR OF M/S Orissa 146.726
KAYPEE ENTERPRISES FOR THAKURANI Keonjhar Orissa
IRON ORE MINES
154 MINING LEASE IN F/O ORISSA MINING Orissa 9.56
CORPORATION LIMITED Keonjhar
155 MINING LEASE TO KJS ABLUWALIA
Orissa
Keonjhar
156 MINING LEASE TO R. P. SAO FOR GUALI Orissa
IRON ORE MINES Keonjha 42.417
JORURI IRON & MN. MINES OF KALINGA Orissa 6.008
157 MINING CORP. Keonjhar
MINING LEASE TO S. PRADHAJI FOR Orissa 52.002
158 KALAPARBAT IRON ORE MINES Keonjhar
159 BAMEBARI IRON & MANGANESE ORE Orissa 145.329
MINING BY M/S TISCO LTD MINES OF M/S Keonjhar
TISCO LIMITED
160 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE IN Orissa Keonjhar 52.348
TIRINGPAHAR MANGANESEMINES OF M/S
TISCO LIMITED
161 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE IN VILLAGE OrissaKeonjhar 463.678
KAMARJODA, JODA, BANSPANI,
499
BICHHAKUNDI AND BAITARANI RF IN
162 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE FOR Orissa 453.15
KHANDBANDH IRON & Keonjhar Orissa
MANGANESEMINES OF M/S TISCO
LIMITED
163 IRON ORE MINING BY SMT. INDRANI Orissa 35275
PATNAIK IN VILLAGE UNCHABALI Keonjhar.
164 INGANIJHARAN IRON & MN. MINES OF S. Orissa Keonjhar 15.316
PRADHAN
165 BALITA IRON MINES OF S. PRADHAN Orissa 18.347
Keonjhar
166 MINING LEASE TO ESSEL MINING Orissa Kyenjhar 152.229
INDUSTRIES Mayurbha
nj 117.84
167 MINING LEASE TO M/S GHANSHYAM Orissa Mayurbhanj 518.77
MISHRA & SONS
168 MINING LEASE TO M/S LAL TRADERS & Orissa Mayurbhanj 117,84
AGENCIES PVT LIMITED
169 MINING LEASE TO A.M.T.C (P) LTD Orissa Sundergarh
23.581
170 MINING OF IRON ORE BY M/S FEEGRADE Orissa Sundergarh 39.309
AND COMPANY IN BONAI FOREST
DIVISION
MINING LEASE TO M/S M.G. Orissa Sundergarh 23.581
171 MOHANTY OF BHUBANESWAR.
172 MINING LEASE IN F/O SHRI RUDRASEN Orissa Sundergarh 41.839
SINDHU M/S ROHTAK ENGINEERING
COMPANY
173 MINING LEASE IN F/O M/S RUNGTA SONS Orissa Sundergarh 52.742
(P) LIMITED
RENEWAL OF LEASE FOR OrissaSundergarh 227
174 MAHULSUKHA MANGANESE ORE MINES Orissa
IN FAVOUR OF M/S AMTC PVT. LIMITED
175 IRON ORE MINING IN VILLAGE Orissa Sundergarh 12.058
PATABEDA OF BONAI SUB-DIVISION BY Orissa
M/S M.G. MOHANTY Sundergarh
3.921
176 IRON ORE MINING BY SH. J. N. PATNAIK Orissa Sundergarh 3.921
IN VILLAGE
177 M/L OF FIRECLAY IN FAVOUR OF SATISH Rajasthan 3.746
MOHAN GUPTA Alwar
178 M/L OF MASANORY STONE IN FAVOUR OF Rajasthan 7.5999
11 L/H Alwar
179 M/L OF MASONARY STONE IN FAVOUR OF Rajasthan 2742
LAXMI NARAYAN MEENA - FOR 3 L/H Alwar
500
180 M/L OF LIMESTONE IN FAVOUR OF SRI OM Rajasthan 9.08
PRAKASH GUPTA Alwar
181 MINING LEASE TO ORIENTAL TALC Rajasthan 36.6107
PRODUCTS PVT. LTD Banswara
182 MINING LEASE OF SILICA SAND IN Rajasthan
FAVOUR OF M/S MADAN LAL PUROHIT Banswara 2.3638
183 MINING LEASE TO 35 LEASE HOLDERS Rajasthan 38.04
Bundi
184 MINING LEASE TO 7 LEASE HOLDERS Rajasthan Jaipur 118.7562
185 MINING LEASE TO RSMDC Rajasthan Jallore 5.788
186 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE TO Rajasthan Jallore 60.503

RAJASTHAN STATE MINERAL Rajasthan
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED
187 M/L OF MASONARY STONE IN FAVOUR OF 0.5
SHRI KHEM RAM
188 M/L OF MASONARY STONE INFAVOUR OF Rajasthan 1.4945
VINOD K AGGARWAL Jaloar
189 M/L OF SAND STONE IN FAVOUR OF Rajasthan Karoli 1.5372
SALIM
190 MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR OF Rajasthan 139
MANGALAM CEMENT LIMITED Kota Rajasthan
191 MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR OF SMT. RajasthanKota 2.17

AMNA BAI
192 MINING LEASE IN F/O OF SH SHAH RajasthanSawai 25.78
KASTOOR MAL madhopur
193 M/L OF MASANORY STONE IN FAVOUR OF Rajasthan 0.42
SH. RAM KISHOR MEENA Sawai
Madhopur
194 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE NO. 6/84 IN Rajasthan 30.24
FAVOUR OF M/S MAHAVEER TRADING Udaipur
COMPANY FOR SOAP STONE MINING
NEAR VILLAGE BAND
195 RENEWAL OF MINING LEASE NO 7/84 IN Rajasthan 34.22
FAVOUR OF MAHVEER TRADING Udaipur
COMPANY FOR MINING NEAR VILLAGE
KHANDEL KI PAL
196 MINING LEASE IN FAVOUR OF M/S Tamil Nadu 1.479
ASSOCIATED CEMENT COMPANY Coimbatore
LIMITED (ACC) AND CONSTRUCTION OF
APPROACH RD.
197 PROPOSAL FOR QUARRYING AND Tamil 3.6828
EXCAVATING GRANITE DIMENSIONAL NaduKanyakumari
STONES IN VILAVAN CODE TALUK
501
MANCODE VILLAGE.
198 KRISHNASHILA OPENCAST PROJECT IN Uttar Pradesh Agra 235.99
FAVOUR OF NORTHERN COALFIELDS
LIMITED
199 COLLECTION OF SAND Uttar Pradesh 68.0259
Sone Uttar
Bhadra Pradesh Sone
Bhadra 15.337
200 COLLECTION OF SAND Uttar Pradesh 42.072
Sone
Bhadra
201 COLLECTION OF SAND FROM 15% AREA Uttar Pradesh 15.337
OF 102.247 HA OF FOREST LAND Sone
Bhadra
Total Area Diverted 15753.704
Annexure-II
STATE/UT Total Land Diverted (Ha.)

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLAND 19.591
ANDHRA PRADESH 13,531.61
ARUNACHAL PRADESH 141.67
ASSAM 87.061
BIHAR 414.008
CHANDIGARH 0
CHHATTISHGARH 14,421.34
DADAR & NAGAR HAVELI 0
DAMAN & DIU 0
DELHI 0
GOA 1,281.60
GUJARAT 9,663.78
HARYANA 0
HIMACHAL PRADESH 1,227.81
JAMMU & KASHMIR 0
JHARKHAND 9,059.03
KARNATAKA 7,557.91
KERALA 29.196
LAKSHDEEP 0
MADHYA PRADESH 10,057.78
MAHARASHTRA 4,057.45
MANIPUR 0
502
MEGHALAYA 0
MIZORAM 0
NAGALAND 0
ORISSA 15,386.65
PONDICHERY 0
PUNJAB 0
RAJASTHAN 4,996.12
SIKKIM 0
TAMIL NADU 436.27
TRIPURA 0
UTTAR PRADESH 2,110.27
UTTARANCHAL 246.828
WEST BENGAL 276.91
TOTAL 95,002.86
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COAL
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR UNDERGROUND MINING
4151. SHRI CHANDRAKANT KHAIRE
Will the MINISTER OF COAL be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Western Coalfields Ltd. (WCL) has not taken the required ‘No
Objection Certificate (NOC)’ from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for
carrying out underground mining in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the manner in which WCL initiated mining;
(c) the quantity of coal extracted from these mines till date and the amount earned on
account of it;
(d) whether the Government proposes to take action against the WCL; and
503
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL

(DR. DASARI NARAYANA RAO)
(a)&(b): Mining operation in the underground coal mines of Chandrapur district is being
continued since nationalisation well before EIA Notification, 1994 of Ministry of
Environment and Forests came into effect. As per the Notification, environmental
clearance is mandatory for the mines opened after 27.1.1994 and for operating
mines, it is required to be obtained at the time of renewal of lease.
(c): Coal production and sale value from underground mines of Chandrapur district
are as under :-
Year Production (tonnes) Sale value (Rs. Lacs)

2002-03 1774295 16600.34
2003-04 1827305 18186.09
2004-05 1780100 20733.48
2005 – (upto Oct.,2006) 1031603 12726.07
(d) & (e) : Does not arise in view of reply at (a) & (b) above.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
LOK SABHA
CLOSURE OF MINES
1510. SHRI JUAL ORAM
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether some graphite and other mines have been closed down in Orissa;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor;
504
(c) whether the pilferage of graphite is going on in that factory; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES

(a) to (d): Information is being collected from the State Government and will be laid on
the table of the House.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
LOK SABHA
NATIONAL MINING POLICY
1602. SHRI KISHANBHAI VESTABHAI PATEL

SUGRIB SINGH
JUAL ORAM
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has reviewed the National Mining Policy;
(b) if so, the outcome thereof;
(c) whether the Government has set up a high level committee to examine the
Government and private sector investments in mines sector;
(e) the time by which the report of the said committee is likely to be presented to the
Government?
505
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES

(Dr. DASARI NARAYANA RAO)
(a) to (e): A High Level Committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Shri
Anwar-ul Hoda, Member, Planning Commission to review the National Mineral Policy,
1993 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 Committee is expected to finalise its report by the end of December 2005.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
LOK SABHA
DEPLETION OF WATER LEVEL IN JHARKHAND
3712. SHRI TEK LAL MAHTO
Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether water level in coal mining areas of Jharkhand has gone down due to mining
activities;
(b) if so, the action taken by the Government to prevent further depletion of water level;
and
(c) the details of amount spent to recharge water level during the last three years?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR HEAVY

INDUSTRIES, PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI SONTOSH MOHAN DEV)
(a): No, Sir.
506
(c): Under the Central Sector Scheme for ‘Study of Recharge to Groundwater’, an
amount of Rs. 5.03 lakh was released during 2003-2004 for the State of Jharkhand.
Moreover, Ministry of Water Resources have also allocated Rs. 10 lakh for the State of
Jharkhand for demonstrative projects of roof top rainwater harvesting in 10 schools
during 2004-05.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COAL
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR UNDERGROUND MINING
4151. SHRI CHANDRAKANT KHAIRE
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Western Coalfields Ltd. (WCL) has not taken the required No
Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for carrying
out underground mining in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the manner in which WCL initiated mining;
(c) the quantity of coal extracted from these mines till date and the amount earned on
account of it;
(d) whether the Government proposes to take action against the WCL; and
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL

(a)&(b): Mining operation in the underground coal mines of Chandrapur district is being
continued since nationalisation well before EIA Notification, 1994 of Ministry of
Environment and Forests came into effect. As per the Notification, environmental
507
clearance is mandatory for the mines opened after 27.1.1994 and for operating
mines, it is required to be obtained at the time of renewal of lease.
(c): Coal production and sale value from underground mines of Chandrapur district are as
under :-
Year Production (tones) ale value (Rs. Lacs)

03 1774295 16600.34
04 1827305 18186.09
05 1780100 20733.48
– (upto Oct.,2006) 1031603 12726.07
(d) & (e) : Does not arise in view of reply at (a) & (b) above.
*************
508
MUNICIPAL WASTE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANTS
1521. DR. K.S. MANOJ
(a) the number of proposals for solid waste management plants pending before the
Ministry of Environment and Forests, State-wise;
(b) whether the Government of Kerala has submitted a project proposal for solid waste
management plant; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereupon?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Proposals for setting up of demonstration project on municipal solid waste

management for the implementation of Municipal Solid Waste (Management and
Handling) Rules, 2000 have been received in the Ministry of Environment & Forests and
the Central Pollution Control Board from Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,
Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland and Uttar Pradesh. Such
demonstration projects have already been taken up in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
and the Union Territory of Chandigarh on a cost-sharing basis.
(b) & (c): Yes, Sir. Of the two proposals received from Kerala State Pollution Control
Board (KSPCB) for Alleppi and Kozhikode in Kerala, one project for the setting up of
model facilities at Kozhikode has been already sanctioned in October 2003 by this
Ministry and the project has commenced in February 2004.
******
509
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
BURNING OF DRY LEAVES
SHRI SULTAN SALAHUDDIN OWAISI
Will the Minister of Environment and Forests be pleased to state:
(a) whether burning of dry leaves in the cities is causing air pollution during winter
season;
(b) if so, whether the Government has framed any guidelines to restrict this pollution;
(d) whether any technology has been adopted for maximum use of dry leaves in the
country to produce manure and other things; and
(e) If so, details thereof and further strategy chalked out by the Government in this
regard?
ANSWER
MINSTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)to(c): Burning of dry leaves emits smoke and other noxious gases, which affect the
ambient air quality of cities. Under Schedule 11 of the Municipal Solid Waste
(Management and Handling ) Rules 2000 notified vide S.O No.908 (E) dated September
25, 2000, burning of dry leaves and garbage wastes has been prohibited.
(d)to(e): Many State Government/Local Bodies in the country have taken initiatives for
setting up of waste processing facilities based on composting or vermi-composting. The
Municipal Authorities are required to set up waste processing facilities for biodegradable
waste including dry leaves.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
510
SLAUGHTER HOUSES
(a) whether the Union Government is aware that a large number of slaughter houses are
functioning in the country without solid waste disposal facility;
(b) if so, whether the Central Pollution Control Board has taken/proposed to take some
steps for regulating these illegal slaughter houses;
ANSWER

(a): Yes Sir,
(b)to(d): The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has taken a number of steps for pollution
control in
slaughter houses. Directions have been issued under Section 18 (1) (b) of the Water (Prevention and
Control
of Pollution) Act, 1974 to the State Pollution Control Boards to ensure installation of effluent
treatment
plants by slaughter houses. The CPCB has also released a publication for environmentally sound
management of solid wastes from slaughter houses.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
1830 SHRI MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY
511
(a) whether municipal solid waste causes environmental pollution; and

(b) if so, the measures being taken to Government to promote various technologies
available for processing of the municipal solid waste?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(SHRI NAMO NARIAN MEENA)
(a): Improper disposal of municipal solid wastes has the potential to cause
environmental pollution.
(b): The Ministry of Environment and Forests notified the Municipal Solid Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 2000 vide S.O. 908 (E) the September 25, 2000
for the sound management of municipal solid wastes. These rules provide detailed
compliance criteria for the collection, storage, segregation, transportation, processing
and disposal of municipal solid wastes. As per these rules, the local bodies are
required to comply with prescribed waste processing and disposal technologies viz.
composting, vermi-composting, incineration, anaerobic waste digestion.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests along with Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) facilitates the setting up of demonstration projects on the management of
municipal solid waste on cost-sharing basis. The Ministry of Non-conventional Energy
Sources is also implementing a National Programme for Energy Recovery from Urban
and Industrial Waste to promote new technologies such as biomethanation,
pyrolysis/gasification and combustion for processing and disposal of wastes.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
GARBAGE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
2839. SHRIMATI MANEKA GANDHI:
512
(a) whether the State Governments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
have applied for financial assistance for garbage management projects;
(b) if so, the details of the application received in this regard and approved by the
Government during the last three years and the current year;
(c) whether the Government has any scheme to grow awareness about environment;
and
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Proposals were invited from the States for setting up of model facilities for the
management of municipal solid waste as per the Municipal Solid Wastes
(Management and Handling) Rules, 2000. In response to the same, 22 project
proposals were received through the State Pollution Control Boards by the Central
Pollution Control Board during the last three years. Out of these 7 proposals viz.
North Dum Dum and New Barrackpore municipality in West Bengal, Municipal
Corporation of Chandigarh in the UT of Chandigarh, Udumalaipet Municipality
in Tamil Nadu, Kohima Municipality in Himachal Pradesh and Kozhikode
Municipal Corporation in Kerala, have been funded on a cost-sharing basis.
(c)&(d): Since 1986, with the objective of creating environmental awareness at the
national level, the Ministry of Environment & Forests is organising the National
Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC). During the last two years the theme
for NEAC is ‘Solid Waste Management’.
************
513
NOISE POLLUTION
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
NOISE POLLUTION IN ZOO
1125. SHRI RATILAL KALIDAS VARMA

HARISINGH NASARU RATHOD
(a) whether the government is formulating any scheme with regard to make the zoo of the
country free of noise pollution;
(c) the date by which the scheme will be implemented; and
(d) the amount likely to be spent on the scheme?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No, Sir. The Government is not formulating any scheme with regard to make the zoo
of the country free of noise pollution.
(b)t (d): Does not arise.
****
514
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
NOISE POLLUTION
1799. SHRI SURENDRA PRAKASH GOYAL:
(a) whether the Government has received several complaints against night flights at
metro airports causing noise pollution and demanded imposition of ban thereon;
(c) whether the Supreme Court has issued some guidelines on night flights;
(e) action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure compliance

thereof?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): As per the information made available by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, a
complaint from local people staying in Sahar Village, Mumbai have demanded
through Police Authorities that night operation of aircraft between 10.00 p.m. and
6.00 a.m. should be suspended as they create noise pollution.
(c) No, sir.
(d) &(e): Do not arise.
**********
515
NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES
LOK SABHA
POWER FROM GARBAGE
481. SHRI DEVIDAS ANANDRAO PINGLE
Will the Minister of NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES be pleased to state:-
(a) whether any State Government have submitted project proposals for setting up
garbage based power plants to augment power supply through Non-Conventional Energy
Sources;
(c) the action taken by the Government thereon?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL

ENERGY SOURCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)
(a) & (b): No, Sir.
(c): The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources has introduced an Accelerated

Programme on Recovery of Energy from Urban Wastes, which includes a provision of
Financial Assistance to promote the setting up of projects based on different technologies
for recovery of energy from garbage subject to eligibility and other terms and conditions.
The Programme is open to all States and Union Territories.
*******
516
PESTICIDES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ILL EFFECTS OF USE OF INSECTICIDES/PESTICIDES
4164. SHRI MAHAVIR BHAGORA
(a) whether large scale use of insecticides/pesticides for increasing crop yields are
causing deadly diseases like cancer as reported in the Hindi daily `Rashtriya Sahara`
dated July 4, 2005;
(b) if so, the details of the matter reported therein; and
ANSWER

(a) to (c): DDT and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) are considered by WHO to be

possibly carcinogenic to humans. Indian studies conducted on human blood samples
collected from Lucknow, Delhi and Ahmedabad during the period 1980 to 1997 showed
the levels of DDT and HCH in general population to range between 0.02 to 0.71 and
0.022 to 0.049 ppm respectively. The use of DDT, HCH, aldrin, chlordane, heptachlore
and phosphomindon are banned for agriculture purposes. A Study by the Centre for
Science and Environment, New Delhi (issue dated June 15, 2005) published the levels of
various pesticides in blood samples of farmers from Punjab. The report mentions the
presence of HCH (0.057 mg/L), heptachlor (0.0006 mg/L), aldrin (0.0062 mg/L),
chlordane (0.0009 mg/L), DDT (0.065 mg/L), endosulfan (0.0046 mg/L), monocrotophos
(0.066 mg/L), chlorpyriphos (0.66 mg/L) and malathion (0.030 mg/L). The report states
that the observed trends for DDT and HCH are comparatively lower than the earlier
reports from India.
*********
517
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PESTICIDE NORMS
1157. SHRI MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY
(a) whether western countries imposed stringent pesticide norms in the agri-produce and
most of out products do not even conform to export norms;
(c) the measures being taken by the Government to make Indian farmers more
competitive and tap the opportunities created by the WTO regime?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement of the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) allows member countries to apply measures to protect human or
animal life or health from risks arising from additives, contaminants, toxins, etc. in foods,
beverages or feed stuffs. These measures are required to be notified whenever
international standards do not exist or the measure is not substantially the same as the
international standard and the measure has a significant effect on trade of other countries.
The comments of other countries are required to be taken into account before the measure
is finalised and implemented. Most of our agricultural products conform to such sanitary
standards. However, Government of India is also promoting Integrated Pest Management
Approach for control of insect-pests, diseases and weeds of the crops which envisages
need based judicious use of safer pesticides including bio-pesticides in order to minimise
the incidence of pesticide residues in our agricultural produce.
******
518
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES
1245. SHRI MOHAMMAD TAHIR KHAN

MAHA DEO RAO SHIWANKAR
MUNSHIRAM
NARENDRA KUMAR KUSHWAHA
(a) whether the Government has conducted any study in regard to the harmful effects on
the health of farmers caused by the use of pesticides in agriculture;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the tests conducted thereon;
(c) whether Centre for Science and Environment has detected the pesticides in the bloods
of farmers using pesticides in agriculture;
(e) the number of States where farmers have been affected by these pesticides; and
(f) the measures taken by the government to check this?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): The registration Committee constituted under Section 5 of the Insecticides Act,
1968, registers pesticides only after satisfying itself regarding their safety to human
beings and animals based on various tests, which differ from pesticide to pesticide,
commodity to commodity, etc.
(c): Yes, Sir.
519
(d): The presence of 15 pesticides was detected by the Centre for Science and
Environment in the blood samples of 20 farmers.
(e): A statement showing pesticide poisoning cases during the last 5 years is enclosed as
Annexure-I.
(f): The Central and State Governments impart training, from time to time, to extension
functionaries, dealers and farmers on the safe and judicious use of pesticides.
Government is also promoting the strategy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which
envisages cultural, biological, mechanical and other methods of pest control and only
need based judicious use of pesticides.
ANNEXURE-I
STATEMENT SHOWING THE NUMBER OF PESTICIDES POISONING CASES
(STATEMENT DURING LAST FIVE YEARS)
S.No. Name of the 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05

State/UT
1. Andaman & Nicobar NR NIL 69 NR NR
2 Andhra Pradesh 36 120 - 51 NIL
3 Arunachal Pradesh NIL NIL - NR NR
4 Assam 02 - NR NIL
NIL
5 Bihar NIL - NIL NIL
NR
6 Chandigarh NR NIL - NIL NIL
7 Chattisgarh - - - - NIL
8 Dadra & N. Haveli NR 09 - NR NR
9 Daman & Diu NR NR - NR NR
10 Delhi NR NR 17 NR
NR
11 Goa NIL NIL - NIL
NR
12 Gujarat NIL NIL - NR 02
13 Haryana 86 141 298 304
409
14 Himachal Pradesh 246 08 143 13 NR
15 Jammu & Kashmir NIL NIL 12 NIL 01
16 Jharkhand NR - NIL NIL
NIL
17 Karnataka NIL NIL - NIL NIL
18 Kerala 5465 1283 560 369
1285
19 Lakshadweep NR NR NR NR NR
520
20 Madhya Pradesh NIL NIL NIL NIL NR
21 Maharashtra 3681 1248 6258 2282 2108
22 Manipur NIL NIL NR NR
NIL
23 Meghalaya NIL NIL NR NR NR
24 Manipur NR NR NR NR
NIL
25 Nagaland NIL NIL NR NR
NIL
26 Orissa NIL NIL NIL NIL
NIL
27 Pondicherry 422 520 470 230 135
28 Punjab 286 549 474 310
257
29 Rajasthan 418 NR 397 26
365
30 Sikkim NIL NR NR NIL
NIL
31 Tamil Nadu 128 84 NIL NIL NIL
32 Tripura NIL NR NIL NR
NR
33 Uttaranchal NR 13 02 13 NIL
34 Uttar Pradesh NIL NIL NIL NR NIL
35 West Bengal NIL 01 NIL NIL NR
TOTAL 8315 9391 4789 3255
6506
NOTE: The above information is based on the figures provided by the respective
States/UTs/Deptt. of Agriculture during the conduct of Zonal Conference.
NR = NOT REPORTED
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
PESTICIDE CONTENTS IN EDIBLE PRODUCTS
521
(a) whether any scientific analysis of various edible products like rice, cereals, oil seeds,
vegetables and animal feed and fodder has been conducted to know the extent of
pesticide content injurious to the health of the consumers;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the areas where the pesticide content in such products
have been found to be the highest; and
(c) the measures taken by the Government to ensure the pesticide content at a safe level
and to check the unsafe farming practices in the country?
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a)&(b): 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. A statement
indicating the extent of pesticide residues in various agricultural commodities monitored
under the All India Network Project of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
on pesticide residues is annexed.
(c): The introduction of new generation of pesticides which have lower persistence in the
environment and are required to be used in lower dosages have helped to minimise
pesticide residues in food commodities. Labels and leaflets accompanying pesticide
packets contain instructions regarding the approved uses, dosages, time of application,
precautions, pre-harvest interval (waiting period), etc. to ensure safe use of pesticides.
The Central/State Governments also impart training to various extension functionaries,
dealers and farmers on the safe and judicious use of pesticides. Government is also
promoting the strategy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which envisages cultural,
biological, mechanical and other methods of pest control and only need based judicious
use of pesticides. A Central Sector Scheme for monitoring of pesticide residues at the
national level has been approved this year in order to ascertain the prevalence of pesticide
residues at farmgate and market yards to enable remedial measures to be undertaken as
required.
522
Annexure
Statement indicating the extent of pesticide residues in various agricultural

commodities monitored under the All India Network Project of ICAR on Pesticide
Residues.
Vegetables*
Year No. of samples Samples above MRL(%)

analysed
1999 277 10(3.6)
2000 712 81(11)
2001 796 93(11.7)
2002 592 54(9)
2003 666 35(5.3)
Total (1999-2003) 3043 273(8.97)
* Cabbage, cauliflower, brinjal, okra, potato, bean, gourds, tomato,

chilli, spinach, carrot, cucumber, cowpea, etc.
Fruits**
Year No. of samples Samples above MRL(%)

analysed
1999 122 8 (6)
2000 378 8 (6)
2001 378 0 (0)
2002 359 3 (0.8)
2003 317 1 (0.3)
Total (1999-2003) 1554 15 (0.97)
523
* Apple, banana, mango, grapes, oranges, pomegranate, guava, chekoo, ber, etc.
Milk
Year No. of samples Samples above

MRL(%)
analysed
1999 194 116 (60.0)

2000 537 94 (17.5)
2001 468 71 (15.0)
2002 No study conducted
2003 No study conducted
Total (1999-2003) 1199 281 (23.4)
*****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
UNSTARTED QUESTION NO. 1797
USE OF PESTICIDES BY PRAWN MAFIA
1797. SHRIMAT MANEKA GANDHI
(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the use of pesticides
by prawn mafia in coastal areas of the country;
524
ANSWER

(SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a): There are no reports on the use of pesticides in shrimp/prawn farming in the
coastal areas of the country.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
FUNDS TO PESTICIDE RESIDUE TESTING LABORATORY
2680. SHRI BHANWAR SINGH DANGAWAS
(a) whether the State Government of Rajasthan has demanded to sanction necessary
amount for pesticide residue testing laboratory in Durgapur-Jaipur;
(b) if so, the amount likely to be sanctioned by the Government during 2005-06 in this
regard; and
ANSWER
(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (c): The Government of Rajasthan has submitted a proposal for strengthening and
upgradation of State Pesticide Testing Laboratory, Jaipur at a cost of Rs.3.93 crores for
establishment of facilities for analysis of pesticide residues. There is no centrally
sponsored scheme for the establishment of such facilities. However, the State
525
Government is free to use the funds provided to it under the Macro Management Scheme
for setting up a pesticide residues testing laboratory.
********
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDARY, DAIRYING & FISHERIES

LOK SABHA
USE OF PESTICIDES BY PRAWN MAFIA
1797. SHRIMATI MANEKA GANDHI
(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the use of pesticides
by prawn mafia in coastal areas of the country;
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRUCULTURE

(SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a): There are no reports on the use of pesticides in shrimp/prawn farming in the coastal
areas of the country.
*******
526
PUBLIC GRIEVANCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
LOK SABHA
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT
23. SHRI VIRCHANDRA PASWAN
Will the Minister of PERSONNEL PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be

pleased to state: -
(a) Whether the companies, public sector undertaking (PSUs), co-operative societies, etc.
in which Government of India has invested money are required to furnish information
under Right to Information Act;
(b) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the details of the departments, offices, companies, PSUs, co-operative societies, etc.
which do not fall under the purview of Act and the reasons therefor?
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) to (c): The Right to Information Act, 2005, applies to all public authorities as are
covered by the definition given in Section 2(h) of the enactment. Bodies owned,
controlled or substantially financed directly or indirectly by funds provided by the
appropriate Government are covered under the said Section. The lists of departments,
offices, companies, etc. which do not come within the purview of the Act, is not
maintained centrally.
*********
527
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
89. SHRI C.K. CHANDRAPPAN

SURAVARAM SUDHAKAR REDDY
Will the Minister of PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS be

pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is aware of the difficulties being faced by the people seeking
information under Right to Information Act;
(c) the measures taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to make the process
hassle free?
ANSWER

MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS.
(a) to (c): The Right to Information Act, 2005 has become fully operational from
October 12, 2005. Government has taken a number of steps to ensure its smooth
implementation. These include creating general public awareness about the Act,
sensitisation of government officials, establishing a reasonable infrastructure for
operationalisation of the Act, designating Public Information Officers, Assistant Public
Information Officers and conducting training programmes for officials and other stake
holders. The Central Information Commission has been constituted to receive and inquire
into complaints and to hear appeals in respect of any matter relating to citizens’ right to
access information under the Act. The Commission shall also monitor and prepare an
annual report for the Central Government on the implementation of the provisions of the
Act which shall be laid before each House of Parliament.
********
528
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
4124. SHRI DALPAT SINGH PARASTE

pleased to state:-
(a) whether Government officials are using RTI to corner their seniors as reported in the
‘Times of India’ dated November 30, 2005;
(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein; and
(c) the reaction of the Union Government in this regard?
ANSWER

(a) to (c): The purpose of RTI Act is to ensure transparency in decision making process
and to increase accountability. There is no ground to believe that the provisions of the
Act would be used to victimise any honest officer.
*************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
3198. SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN
529
pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has initiated any public awareness campaign relating to
Right to Information Act; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the budgetary allocation for the campaign?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): Government has initiated a number of awareness programmes to advance the
understanding of The Right to Information Act, 2005 by the public. These include giving
wide publicity of the Act in the national newspapers, organizing suitable programmes for
the public as to how to exercise the rights under the Act, broadcasting/telecasting
interviews, inter-active programmes and discussions and releasing several articles on
various aspects of the Act. No specific budgetary allocation has been made for these
programmes during the current financial year and the expenditure on these activities is
being met from within the existing funds.
************
530
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA
SUPPLY OF SAFE DRINKING WATER

M. JAGANNATH
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) whether several lakhs of people residing in rural areas are forced to consume highly
contaminated drinking water with fluoride, iron, nitrate, arsenic and saline salts;
(b) if so, the areas identified in the country where the contamination is beyond
permissible limits;
(c) whether the Union Government along with State Governments have initiated any
schemes to reduce the contamination in drinking water;
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the success achieved in this regard;
(e) whether any foreign assistance has been sought by the Union Government in this
regard;
(g) the funds proposed to be allocated to various States for supply of uncontaminated
drinking water?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(DR. RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH)
(a) & (b): No, Sir. 96.13 per cent of the 14,22,303 rural habitations in the country have
531
been fully covered and 3.55 per cent partially covered with safe drinking water supply as
per the stipulated norms. However, due to over-exploitation of groundwater and other
factors some of the drinking water sources become chemically contaminated and unsafe.
The quality of drinking water of various sources is periodically monitored by the District
Water Quality Testing Laboratories with reference to the water quality standards laid
down by the Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM) as per
IS:10500 standard. In some habitations, dual water supply policy is promoted and State
Governments have been advised to mark unsafe/contaminated drinking water source with
red paint to ensure that people do not use the same for drinking and cooking purposes but
can be used for other purposes like washing and bathing. The number of water quality
affected habitations in the country, as on 31.3.2004, as reported by State Governments in
response to water quality survey ordered in March 2000, is 2,16,968. State-wise details
are given in the Annex-I.
(c) & (d): Rural drinking water is a State subject. Government of India provides financial
and technical assistance to States through a Centrally Sponsored scheme, namely
Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP), for supply of drinking water as
per the stipulated norms. For tackling water quality problems due to chemical
contamination a Sub-Mission programme was introduced in 1992-93 under ARWSP with
funding pattern of 75:25 between the Centre and States. With effect from 1/4/1998, the
State Governments have been delegated powers to sanction projects under the Sub-
Mission programme for which funds earmarked for water quality are to be utilized. 15
per cent of ARWSP funds released to States are earmarked for tackling water quality
problems and 5 per cent for taking up source sustainability measures like rainwater
harvesting and water recharging. These measures, inter-alia, reduce contamination of
ground water based drinking water sources. Fully covered States can utilise more funds
for tackling water quality problems with the approval of Government of India. Following
water quality tackling measures were taken up by the State/Central Governments under
the Sub-Mission Programme: -
# Setting up of de-fluoridation plants, de-salination plants, arsenic removal plants for

existing ground water schemes, treatment and filtration plants.
# Providing community de-fluoridation plants and domestic level filters.
# Aeration for treatment of iron contaminated water.
# Marking of safe and unsafe sources and social mobilisation for usage of safe sources
for drinking and cooking purposes.
# Single and multi-village piped water schemes from alternative distant ground
water/surface source.
The States have also proposed that in future they would adopt an integrated approach to
cover quality affected habitations by utilising treatment units/domestic filters, rooftop
rainwater harvesting structures, piped water schemes and recharging/ strengthening of
532
existing safe source and watershed based activities. The Twelfth Finance Commission
has earmarked funds for tackling water quality problems in the acutely affected States
e.g. Andhra Pradesh (Rs.325 crore), West Bengal (Rs.600 crore), Rajasthan (Rs.150
crore) and Haryana (Rs.100 crore).
In addition, policy measures have been initiated to increase the funds earmarked for water
quality in the ARWSP from 15 to 20 per cent and to allocate the same to the affected
States in a focused manner. A community based rural drinking water monitoring and
surveillance programme has also been pilot-tested in four districts of the country for
scaling up throughout the country. Various quality tackling measures undertaken by the
State Governments supported by the Central Government result in reduction in number of
quality affected habitations. However, side-by-side, some new quality affected
habitations have emerged from time to time due to over-exploitation of groundwater.
State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have reported coverage
and reduction in number of quality affected habitations.
(e) & (f): A Concept Paper for seeking external financial assistance for tackling water
quality problems has been posed to the World Bank. The projects received from Tamil
Nadu and Punjab for external financial assistance in rural drinking water sector including
water quality problems have also been taken up with the World Bank.
(g): The State-wise allocation of ARWSP funds for the year 2005-2006 is given in the
Annex – 2. 15 per cent of these funds are earmarked for tackling water quality.
Annexure - 1
Water Quality Affected Habitations Reported By States (On the basis of survey
ordered in March 2000 and as reported by States on 31/3/2004)
S.No Habitations Affected by

State/UT
Salinity Iron Arsenic Nitrate Multiple Total

Fluoride
1 Andhra 3072 973 0 0 0 0 4050

Pradesh
2 Arunachal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pradesh
3 Assam 0 0 0 534 8119

0 7585
4Bihar 0 629 45 50 9 776
43
5 Chhattisgarh 17 61 4932 11 0 0 5021
533
6 Goa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Gujarat 4341 2575 0 0 1336 465 8717
Haryana 144 72 0 0 0 145 361
Himachal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pradesh
10 Jammu & 0 49 0 0 0 49
Kashmir 0
11 Jharkhand 15 0 113 0 1 39 168
12 Karnataka 5838 4460 6633 0 4077 0 21008
13 Kerala 34 86 564 0 78 105 867

14 Madhya 3764 604 856 0 0 157 5381
Pradesh
15 Maharashtra 800 2077 196 0 296 418 3787
16 Manipur 0 0 37 0 0 0 37
17 Meghalaya 0 0 160 0 0 0 160

18 Mizoram 0 26 0 0 0 26
0
19 Nagaland 0 0 157 0 0 0 157
20 Orissa 504 771 30979 0 0 0 32254
21 Punjab 613 1291 189 0 0 0 2093

22 Rajasthan 8992 54298 131 0 7882 18639 41072
23 Sikkim 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
24 Tamil 737 674 1058 0 237 2868 5574

Nadu
25 Tripura 0 0 6850 0 0 181 7031
26Uttatanchal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
27 Uttar 1046 295 2198 0 1 1522 5062

Pradesh
28 A&N Haveli 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29D&Ndiu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
30A& N 0 0 16 0 0 10 26
Islands
31 Delhi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
32West Bengal 1346 4126 54711 4973 0 0 65156
33Lakshadweep 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
534
34Pondicherry 0 2 14 0 0 0 16
35Dhandigarh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 31,306 23495 118088 5029 13958 25092 2,16,968
Annexure-2
State Wise Allocation under ARWSP - Normal During 2005-06
S.No Name of State Allocation (Rs in Lakhs)

2 Bihar 15324.00
3 Chhattiasgarh 5154.00
4 Goa 193.00
5 Gujarat 11186.00
6 Haryana 3512.00
7 J &K 19908.00
8 Jharkhand 5529.00
9 Karnataka 15470.00
10 Himachal Pradesh 8585.00
11 Kerala 5386.00
12 Madhya Pradesh 1515.00
13 Maharastra 27592.00
14 Orissa 12405.00
15 Punjab 3642.00
16 Rajasthan 31440.00
17 Tamil Nadu 11875.00
18 Uttaranchal 5725.00
19 Uttar Pradesh 24764.00
20 West Bengal 13308.00
21 A&N Islands 9.37
22 Chandigarh 0.00
23 D&N Haveli 6,25
24 Daman & Diu 0,00
25 Delhi 4,69
26 Lakshadweep 0.00
27 Pondicheery 4.69
Sub Total (A) 257025.00
28 Arunachal Pradesh 9060.00
29 Assam 15280.00
30 Manipur 3110.00
535
31 Mwghalaya 3583.00
32 Mizoram 2569.00
33 Magland 2637.00
34 Sikkim 1083.00
35 Tripura 3178.00
Sub Total (B) 40500.00
Total (A+B0 297525.00
Allocation Position Under
ARWSP –DDP
2 Gujarat 1153.00
3 Haryana 78.00
4 Himachal Pradesh 2020.00
5 J&k 165.00
6 Karnataka 2085.00
7 Rajasthan 12594.00
8 Sub Total © 18225.00

Total (A+B+C) 315750.00
***********
536
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA
MASTER PLAN 2021
1095. SHRI VIRCHANDRA PASWAN
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) the main features of the Master Plan 2021;
(b) whether Plan envisages removal of illegal constructions and encroachments and
initiation of action against officers who do not discharge their duties in upholding the
Master Plan;
(c) the objectives behind formulating mixed land use policy by the DDA; and
(d) the reasons for showing fully developed areas as green belt by the DDA in the new
Master Plan 2021?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE

(SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY )
(a): The main features of the Draft Master Plan for Delhi (MPD)-2021 are,
(i) Provision of adequate housing particularly for the weaker sections of the society;
(ii) Emphasis on re-development of existing urban area;
(iii) Intensification of development along major transport corridors in the identified

influence zone;
(iv) Provision to address the problem of small enterprises particularly in unorganized

informal sector;
537
(v) Upgradation of old and dilapidated area of city and to deal with the issue of slum;
(vi) Conservation of environment and prevention of heritage blending with the modern
development;
(vii) Vision to develop Delhi as a sports Capital;
(viii) Provision of adequate infrastructure services. Perspective Plans for infrastructure

services prepared by the concerned agencies annexed with the Master Plan.
(b): The Master Plan prescribes policies, standards and Development Control Norms for
different uses/use premises. Any deviations from the prescribed provision are termed as
illegal construction and it is to be dealt by the concerned local bodies as per the provision
under the provision of respective Acts.
(c): DDA has reported that the objective of formulating the mixed land use policy is to
meet the present socio-economic needs of the society in a balanced manner while
reducing transportation needs etc. A proper regulatory mechanism is however, a pre-
requisite to avoid adverse effects such as congestion, environmental impact and in-
convenience to the people.
(d): DDA has reported that the draft Plan stipulates that land upto the depth of one
peripheral revenue village boundary along the border of National Capital Territory of
Delhi wherever available would be maintained as green belt.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA
CLOSURE OF INDUSTRIAL UNITS
4293. SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE
Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-
(a) the details of the progress made till date in regard to the directions given by the
Hon`ble Supreme Court to the National Capital Territory Board for tackling the situation
arising out of closure of industrial units in the residential areas of the Capital and for
preparing a plan to rehabilitate the employees affected by the same;
538
(b) the time by which the said plan is likely to be finalised and implemented; and
(c) if not, the reasons for delay, if any, in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE

(SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)
(a)to(c): In the matter of unauthorised industrial activity in residential/non-conforming

areas in Delhi, the Hon`ble Supreme Court in its order dated 7th May, 2004 in WP (C)
4677/1985 directed Government to finalise steps for making the National Capital Region
(NCR) a success for industrial activity by removing the hurdles pointed out by the
industry. Accordingly, a working group was set up under the Chairmanship of Member
Secretary, National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) with representatives from
the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of NCT of Delhi, DDA, MCD and
other NCR states. The working group had recommended strengthening of physical and
social infrastructure in the entire NCR, cluster approach for development of industrial
activities, low cost housing for industrial labour, etc. While the recommendation
pertaining to physical and social infrastructure were taken into account in the Regional
Plan 2021, which has been notified by the NCRPB on 17th September, 2005, the
concerned states are to take further action on cluster approach and other incentives.
The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has reported that the Hon`ble
Supreme Court in its order dated 07.05.2004 regarding closure of industries operating in
the non-conforming residential areas has not given any specific directions regarding
rehabilitation of labour.
********
539
WATER RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
STUDIES ON LAKES AND RIVERS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
4396. SMT. PRATIBHA SINGH
(a) the total number of studies undertaken by various agencies for ecological restoration
of Rivalsar lake and field testing laboratory and sanitation survey of Beas, Satluj and
Yamuna rivers in Himachal Pradesh under National River Action Plan;
(b) since when the proposal for allocation of fund for the above mentioned works are
pending with the Union Government alongwith the number of such proposals;
(c) the reasons for not sanctioning the funds so far; and
(d) the time by which funds would be allocated for the purpose?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)to(d): Rivalsar wetland in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh is one of the 66

identified wetlands in the National Wetland Conservation Programme of the Ministry.
The State Government had submitted a management action plan at a cost of Rs. 9.20 lakh
for a period of one year. The proposal was not found suitable and the Government of
Himachal Pradesh has been asked to submit a comprehensive action plan for a period of 5
years.
Under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), proposals were received from the
540
Government of Himachal Pradesh for assessment of pollution load in river Satluj in 1994
and for pollution abatement in 11 towns along the 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. The proposal for inclusion of Paonta Sahib along river Yamuna was
received 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.
***********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CLEANING OF RIVERS AND LAKES
RAMAKRISHNA BADIGA
(a) the details of ongoing schemes for cleaning of rivers and lakes in the country;
(b) whether such schemes have not achieved the desired result;
(c) if so, the facts thereof alongwith the reasons therefor;
(d) the total amount spent on cleaning of rivers and lakes during the last three years,
State-wise, river-wise;
(e) the agency responsible for implementation of this project;
(f) whether the slum population around these rivers is one of the major factors for
pollution;
(g) if so, the details thereof; and
541
(h) steps taken/proposed in this regard?
ANSWER
(SHRI A.RAJA)
(a)to(c): Under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), various pollution
abatement works are undertaken for improving the quality of water in major rivers, such
as interception and diversion of sewage, setting up of sewage treatment plants, low cost
sanitation, river front development, setting up of crematoria, etc. Under the National Lake
Conservation Plan (NLCP), in-situ measures are also undertaken in lakes, such as
desilting, deweeding, bio-remediation, catchment area/sewage treatment, etc. Under the
NRCP, there are at present 396 ongoing projects. Similarly, there are 27 ongoing projects
under the NLCP. The details of ongoing projects under NRCP and NLCP are given at
Annexures I and II respectively. The projects undertaken under the two programmes have
resulted in improvement in the water quality.
(d): The total amount released under the NRCP & NLCP during the last three financial
years, State-wise is given at the Annexures III & IV respectively.
(e): The National River Conservation Directorate which functions under the Ministry of
Environment & Forests is responsible for the implementation of the programme through
the concerned State Governments.
(f) to (h): Yes, Sir. The slum population around these rivers is one of the major factors for
pollution. The non-point pollution arising therefrom is tackled through the schemes of
low cost sanitation, river front development, setting up of crematoria, etc.
Annexure I
DETAILS OF ONGOING PROJECTS UNDER NATIONAL RIVER

CONSERVATION PLAN
S.No. State River I&D STP IWC LCS RFD Misc. Total
1 Andhra Pradesh Godavari 3 7 1 1 12

Musi 3 1
1
Sub Total
8 1 0 1 13
Goa Mandovi 1 2 0 1 1 5
542
Gujarat Sabarmati 1 1 2
Jharkhand Subarnrekha 1 3 3 3 9
Damodar 1
Sub Total 10
Karnataka Bhadra 1 1
Tungabhadra 1 1 3 5
Cauvery
Tunga 1 2 1 2 4 1 11
Pennar 1
Sub Total 1 20
Kerala Pamba 1 1 1 1 2 6
Maharashtra Krishna 2 2 4
Godavari
3 2 2 7
Sub Total 5 4 0 0 2 11
Madhya Pradesh Betwa 2 2 4

Tapti 1 1 2
Banganga 0
Khan
Narmada 2 1 1 1 3
Chambal 1 2
Shipra 4 1
Sub Total 10 4 0 1 0 1 12
Orissa Brahmani 1 1 3 3 1 4 9
Mahanadi 2 2
Coastal Area 1 1 6
Sub Total 4 2 3 3 1 4 17
Punjab Satluj 5 6 2 13 26
Rajasthan Satluj 1 1 2
Tamil Nadu Cauvery 6 6 3 1 4 3 23

Adyar 11 3 1 15
543
Cooum 0
Vennar1 1 1
Vaigai 2 2
Tamrabarani 1 1
Sub Total 20 10 3 1 4 4 42
Delhi Yamuna 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Haryana Yamuna 3 4 1 0 0 4 12
Uttra Pradesh Ganga 14 6 2 6 28

Yamuna 2 2
Gomti 5 2 1 1 3 12
Sub Total 19 8 0 3 1 11 42
West Bengal Ganga 43 23 1 0 11 68 146

Damodar 1 1
Sub Total 43 23 2 0 11 68 147
Bihar Ganga 1 1 2 4
Uttranchal Ganga 9 4 7 4 24
Sikkim Rani Chu 1 1
Grand Total 125 80 17 26 31 117 396
544
I&D = Interception and Diversion
STP = Sewage Treatment Plant
IWC = Improved Wood Crematoria
LCS = Low Cost Sanitation
RFD = River Front Development
Misc. = Miscellaneous Schemes
Annexure II
DETAILS OF ONGOING PROJECTS UNDER NATIONAL LAKE

CONSERVATION PLAN
S.No State No of Lakes Name Of Lakes

1 Andhra Pradesh 1 Banjara
2 Maharashtra 6 6 Lakes in Thane

1 Mahalaxmi
Sub Total 7
3 Tamil Nadu 1 Kodaikanal
4 Karnataka 1 Bellandur
1 Kotekere
1 Bhishma
1 Lal Bagh
1 Channapatna
1 Sharnbhasveshwara
Sub Total 6
5 Uttaranchal 4 Lakes of Nainital

dist
1 Nainital Lake
Sub Total 5
6 Rajasthan 1 Mansagar
7 West Bengal 1 Rabindra Sarovar

1 Mirik
545
Sub Total 2
8 Tripura 3 Lakes of Agartala
Grand Total 27
Annexure III
State-wise details of funds released under the National River Conservation Plan
Sl. STATE River FundsReleased

No. (in last 3
years, in lakhs)
1 Andhra Pradesh Godavri, Musi 1600.00

2 Bihar Ganga 25.00
3 Jharkhand Subarnrekha, Damodar 0.00
4 Gujarat Sabarmati 4254.00
5 Goa Gandovi 756.00
6 Karnataka Bhadra, Tungabhadra, Cauvery 2568.00
Tunga, Pennar
7 Maharastra Krishna, Godavri 4594.50
8 Madhya Pradesh Betwa, Tapti, Wainganga, Khan, 3375.00
Narmada, Chambal, Kshipra
9 Orissa Mahanadi, Brahmani 970.00
10 Punjab Satluj 6031.00
11 Rajasthan Chambal 26.00
12 Tamilnadu Cauvery, Adyar, Cooum, Vennar, 29451.00
Vaigai, Tambarbarni
13 Delhi Yamuna 9375.00
14 Haryana Yamuna 477.00
15 Uttar Pradesh Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti 6564.00
16 Uttranchal Ganga 727.00
17 West Bengal Ganga 6907.00
18 Kerala Pamba 75.00
19 Sikkim Rani chu 179.00
GRAND TOTAL
77954.50
Annexure IV
546
Statewise details of funds released under the National Lake Conservation Plan
(Rs. in lakhs)
Sl. STATE Funds

Released
No. In last 3
years

2 Maharashtra 219.82
3 Tamil Nadu 71.00
4 Karnatka 1427.44
5 Uttranchal 111.18
6 Rajasthan 1200.00
7 West Bengal 400.00
8 Tripura 50.00
GRAND TOTAL 5559.44
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
NATIONAL RIVER ACTION PLAN
212. SHRI CHANDRAKANT BHAURAO KHAIRE
(a) whether a proposal under National River Action Plan on Godavari river in Paithan
town of Aurangabad was sent to the Government on March 20, 2004 for approval; and
547
(b) if so, the reasons for the non approval of the said proposal till date and details of non
release of 70 percent amount to be provided by the Government of India?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The project could not be considered for approval due to constraint of funds during
the X Plan. However, it was suggested that the State Government might undertake the
project out of the State Plan provisions by seeking necessary funds from the Planning
Commission including exploring the possibility of initiating the project with public-
private partnership.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
GANGA ACTION PLAN
(a) the present status of Ganga Action Plan;
(b) whether pollution has assumed alarming proportion in Banaras and Kanpur due to
discharge of approximately 36 crores litres of industrial effluents into the river Ganga;
(c) if so, whether the Union Government and the concerned State Governments are
contemplating to take any action with mutual cooperation to check the pollution;
548
ANSWER

(a): The Ganga Action Plan Phase-I which covered 25 towns in the State of Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal was completed on 31.3.2000. A capacity to treat 865
million litres per day of sewage was created under the Plan. Under Phase-II, 61 schemes
have been completed so far.
(b): The Government is aware of the pollution in Varanasi and Kanpur due to discharge
of industrial effluents into river Ganga. However, the quantity of industrial discharge is
comparatively on much lower side than sewage. Also, the industrial discharge is
significantly less than 36 crore litres. The river water quality at Varanasi and Kanpur is
being monitored by Central Pollution Control Board regularly. The water quality has
shown significant improvement in terms of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). Despite
more than 100 per cent increase in population in cities and towns located on the river
upstream of the monitoring stations, the average lean season (when pollution
concentrations are highest) BOD level has fallen in Kanpur from 8.6 milligram per litre
(mg/l) in 1986 to 5.7 mg/l in 2004. Similarly, in Varanasi, from BOD of about 11 mg/l in
1986, it has fallen to less than 3 mg/l in 2004.
(c)&(d): The pollution level in Ganga is being regularly monitored and action has been
taken as needed. Most of the actions are taken with mutual cooperation between Central
and State Pollution Control Boards. These include joint surveys, monitoring and
subsequent action.
(e): Does not arise.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION ON SEA BEACHES
549
(a) whether the government is aware of the growing pollution along beaches in the
country;
(b) whether the Government proposes to take any step to keep beaches pollution free;
(c) whether any Centrally Sponsored Scheme is proposed to be implemented for cleaning
the beaches; and
(d) if so the details thereof?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA):
(a): According to the monitoring results conducted by the Department of Ocean

Development, the coastal water close to the beaches of hotspots are polluted.
(b): The steps taken to abate pollution of the beaches inter alia include:
- compliance to environmental standards for industrial effluents.

- regular monitoring by the concerned State Pollution Control Boards.
- taking legal action against non-complying industries.
- strict implementation of provisions of Coastal Zone Regulation Notification, 1991.
(c)&(d): No Sir.
************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SURVEY ON CLEANLINESS
2260. SHRI MOHAMMED MUQEEM

PRATIBHA SINGH
550
(a) the number of studies/surveys conducted by various institutes so far on Bias, Satluj
and Yamuna rivers and revival of Rivalsar Lake of district of Mandi alongwith the total
number of proposals pending with the Union Government;
(b) the details of outcome of such studies/surveys thereon;
(c) the reasons for not allocating funds to the concerned institutes so far; and
(d) the time by which funds will be allocated for them?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)to(d): Rivalsar lake in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh is one of the 68 identified
wetlands in the National Wetland Conservation Programme of the Ministry. The State
Government had submitted a management action plan at a cost of Rs. 9.20 lakhs for a
period of one year. The proposal was not found suitable and the Government of Himachal
Pradesh has been asked to submit a comprehensive management action plan for the lake.
Studies on rivers Beas, Satluj and Yamuna are being regularly carried out by the Central
Pollution Control Board through the State Pollution Control Boards for monitoring the
water quality of these rivers. Under the ongoing National River Conservation Plan
(NRCP) of the Ministry, water quality monitoring of rivers Satluj and Yamuna is also
being carried out by Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala and Central
Pollution Control Board. Based on these surveys, works for abating pollution along
polluted stretches of rivers Satluj and Yamuna have been taken up under the NRCP in 6
towns of Punjab along river Satluj as well as 8 towns of Haryana, 8 towns of UP and
Delhi along river Yamuna.
A proposal was received in the year 2000 from the Government of Himachal Pradesh for
taking up pollution abatement works in 11 towns along river Beas under the NRCP. 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 was also received from the Government of Himachal Pradesh 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.
********
551
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
GHATS ON YAMUNA RIVER
(a) whether the Union Government has received some representations for construction of
ghats on River Yamuna in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh;
(c) whether the Union Government proposes to provide financial assistance for the
purpose to meet the long pending demand of the people;
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)to(e): No representation has been received for construction of ghats on river Yamuna
in Mathura. However, the matter regarding allocating adequate funds for cleaning river
Yamuna and constructing ghats along the river in Mathura and Vrindaban was raised on
16.3.2005 in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377, reply to which has already been sent. It is to
be further mentioned in this connection that under the first phase of Yamuna Action Plan,
a scheme of river front development has been implemented in Mathura at a cost of Rs.
16.32 lakhs. Under this scheme, repair and renovation of 4 bathing ghats in Mathura
namely, Bangali Ghat, Sath Hath Bhain ki Baithak Ghat, Ballabh Ghat and Basudev Ghat
have been taken up. It is also envisaged under the ongoing Yamuna Action Plan Phase-II
to prepare firmed-up proposals/detailed project reports for balance river pollution
abatement works, including bathing ghat development works wherever required, in
various towns of UP, Haryana and Delhi.
*************
552
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CLEANING OF YAMUNA RIVER
3775. SHRI SWADESH CHAKRABORTTY
(a) the present status of cleaning polluted Yamuna river;
(b) whether the Comptroller and Auditor General has criticised the Government for its
failure to prevent misutilisation of funds and failing to do anything worth-while to
improve the river; and
(c) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) Phase-I was started by this Ministry in April 1993
in the three States of U.P, 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 is Rs. 678.65 crore.
The JBIC has also committed financial assistance for implementation of the YAP Phase-
II through this Ministry, for which a loan agreement was signed in March 2003. The
project was approved for the three States of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh at an
estimated cost of Rs. 624 crore in July 2003. The major items of works to be
implemented under the YAP Phase-II are:
# 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 Plant (38 mld) and Rehabilitation of Sewer

Lines/Rising Mains (85.7 Kms.) in UP.
# Rehabilitation of Sewer Lines (73 Kms.) and improvements in efficiencies of existing

Sewage Treatment Plants in Haryana.
553
# Preparation of Detailed Project Reports for projects to be taken up under future YAP
Phase-III
In addition to the Yamuna Action Plan, the Government of National Capital Territory of
Delhi has also taken up large scale sewerage and sewage treatment works out of its own
plan funds.
(b) & (c): The Comptroller and Auditor General of India in his report for the year ended
March 2000 on the Ganga Action Plan launched in the year 1985, had made observations
on the pace of implementation of works of pollution abatement on the river Ganga
including its tributaries, namely, Yamuna (through Yamuna Action Plan Phase-I), besides
Gomti and Damodar. Necessary steps were taken to improve the monitoring of the
project and the works under Yamuna Action Plan Phase-I have since been completed.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON WATER CONSERVATION
649. SMT. JAYABEN B. THAKKAR
(a) whether the Central Ground Water Board organises Mass Awareness Programme to
create awareness on various aspects of Ground Water Investigation, exploration,
development and management; and
(b) if so, the details of such programmes organized in the States during the last three
years, year-wise?
ANSWER

(a) Yes, Sir. The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), a subordinate office of the
554
Ministry of Water Resources, organizes Mass Awareness Programmes throughout the
country to create awareness on various aspects relating to groundwater such as prevailing
groundwater situation in an area and management, needs including conservation, rain
water harvesting and artificial recharge to ground water.
(b) The State-wise details of Mass Awareness Programmes organized by the CGWB
during the last three years are given in the Annexure.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
EXPLOITATION OF WATER BY SOFT DRINK COMPANIES
769. SMT. ARCHANA NAYAK
(a) whether the Government has any plan/proposal to ban the extensive exploitation of
groundwater for soft drink products;
(c) whether the State Governments including Orissa have submitted any memorandum in
this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken in that regard?
ANSWER

(a)&(b): In order to regulate groundwater withdrawal by industries including aerated

drink manufacturers, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), constituted under
555
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, had circulated a list of critical areas to State
Pollution Control Boards, Ministry of Environment & Forests etc. which refer proposals
of new industries to CGWA for obtaining No Objection Certificate (NOC) before issuing
permission. Depending upon the availability of groundwater and site specific scientific
considerations in such areas, NOC is granted by the CGWA on case-to-case basis. A pre-
condition for such permission is the mandatory adoption of rainwater harvesting system
for ground water recharge by the industry. Since licensing authority for any industry is
the State Government/State agencies/State Pollution Control Board, any action to ban the
exploitation of ground water by soft drink companies is to be taken by them.
(c)&(d): No memorandum for banning the exploitation of groundwater for soft drink
products has been received in the Ministry of Water Resources/CGWB from the State
Governments including that of Orissa.
****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ACIDIC EFFECTS ON MITHI RIVER
653. SHRI SHRINIWAS DADASAHEB PATIL
(a) whether river Mithi in Mumbai has been declared acidic by the National
Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI);
(b) if so, the steps the Government proposes to take to clean the river;
(c) whether any proposal in this regard has been received from the Government of
Maharashtra; and
(d) if so, the details and the current status thereof?
556
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): As per the information made available by the National Environmental

Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), it has not declared the Mithi River as
acidic.
(b): The State Government of Maharashtra has constituted a Mithi River Development
Authority under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Maharashtra. The
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has drawn an Action Plan for
control of pollution in the Mithi river basin.
(c)&(d): The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has conducted survey of industrial
units along Mithi river and necessary legal actions have been initiated against the
defaulting units.
******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION DUE TO IMMERSION OF IDOLS IN RIVERS/SEA
(a) whether immersion of idols in rivers/sea is a serious threat to the environment;
(b) if so, whether the Government has assessed the damage done to the livestock and
pollution of water by immersion of idols in rivers and sea;
557
(c) whether the Government proposes to bring legislation in this regard; and
(d) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Studies carried out to assess the change in water quality due to immersion of
idols in rivers, lakes and estuaries have revealed that the water quality gets
deteriorated in respect of conductivity, bio-chemical oxygen demand and
concentration of heavy metals.
(c)&(d): To minimise the pollution due to immersion of idols, guidelines have been
evolved by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) suggesting water quality
monitoring at three stages namely - pre-immersion, during immersion and post
immersion, identification of adequate number of designated immersion centers,
construction of temporary confined ponds/bunds, removal of worship material
like flowers, clothes and decorating items for proper disposal and organising
awareness programmes.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
OPPOSITION BY KERALA ON RIVERS LINKING PROEJCT
680. SHRI CHENGARA SURENDRAN
(a) whether the Central Agency on River-linking Project is going ahead with the Vaipar
Link Project in Tamil Nadu inspite of the strong opposition of the Government of Kerala;
(b) if so, whether the Union Government would instruct the agency to examine the
558
contentious issues raised against the project by the Government of Kerala;
(c) whether the Union Government has received a resolution against implementation of
Vaipar Project; and
(d) if so, the action taken thereon?
ANSWER

(a) & (b): National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has prepared a feasibility
report of transferring surplus water of Pamba and Achankovil situated in Kerala to
Vaippar river basin in Tamil Nadu. The Government of Kerala has some reservations on
the studies done which have been clarified by NWDA. These issues have been further
discussed in the meetings of Technical Advisory Committee, Governing Body and
Society of NWDA held from time to time. After detailed deliberations in 19th Annual
General Meeting of the NWDA Society held on 26.3.2003 which was also attended by
Shri T.M. Jacob, Hon’ble Minister of Water Resources, Government of Kerala, President
of the Society decided that NWDA and Government of Kerala jointly carry out a study
for Pamba-Achankovil and Vembanad wet land system. Government of Kerala
subsequently expressed its inability to abide by the decision.
(c) & (d): The Government of Kerala has forwarded a copy of the Resolution dated
6.8.2003 adopted unanimously by the Kerala Legislative Assembly urging the Central
Government to give up the Pamba-Achankovil-Vaippar Link Project completely. The
Ministry of Water Resources has taken note of the Resolution of the Kerala Legislative
Assembly and has decided not to treat Pamba-Achankovil-Vaippar link as a priority link
for consensus building purpose.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER
559
279. SHRI SHISHUPAL NATTHU PATLE
BRAJESH PATHAK
(a) whether the Government has conducted any study with regard to extent of toxic
substances found in groundwater and its effects on human health;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and the steps taken/proposed to be taken to
contain the quality of groundwater;
(c) whether the Government proposes to set up treatment plants to save groundwater from
getting contaminated;
(d) if so, the complete details thereof; and
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES,

PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND WATER RESOURCES
(a)to(e): As per available information, groundwater in major parts of the country is by

and large potable. There are, however, areas which have poor quality of groundwater
mainly due to contamination from groundwater bearing rocks, excessive use of fertilisers,
industrial and domestic effluents, mining wastes, saline water ingress, etc. The Central
Ground Water Board (CGWB), during its surveys and studies of the contamination of
groundwater have revealed that arsenic and fluoride are the main geogenic contaminants.
The names of States and locations where ground water has been found contaminated and
reasons thereof are given in the enclosed Annexure.
Consumption of contaminated water is a health hazard. Prolonged use of Arsenic

contaminated water for drinking causes diseases like dermatosis, keratosis, conjunctivitis,
bronchitis and gastro-enteritis in the initial stage and peripheral neuropathis, hepatopathy
melanosis, de-pigmentation and hyper-keratosis. The effect of excessive amount of
fluoride on human body is dental molting, skeletal and crippling fluorosis. Heavy metals
like lead may cause irreversible brain damage, seizure coma, fatigue, irritability, etc., and
repeated and prolonged exposure of mercury can result in severe disturbances in the
central nervous system, kidneys, liver, etc.
’Water’ being a State subject, it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments
to take steps to check groundwater pollution. However, the Union Government has also
taken following measures to mitigate the problem of groundwater pollution:-
560
(i) The Central Government has set-up Central Ground Water Authority to regulate and
control groundwater management and development.
(ii) Mass awareness and education programme have been launched on the significance of
water economy, efficient utilisation, health, hygiene and sanitation.
(iii) The Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission, under the Ministry of Rural
Development, has also been assisting and guiding the States in the provision of safe
drinking water to the rural population under the Accelerated Rural Water Supply
Programme (ARWSP). In quality affected areas, where groundwater is unfit for drinking,
the safe drinking water is supplied either through alternative sources, tapping surface
water or by other means by undertaking remedial measures like de-fluoridation, iron
removal and arsenic removal.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment & Forests
has adopted several measures like directing the industries through State Pollution Control
Boards to limit the discharge of effluent within the stipulated standards, initiation of
scheme to give assistance to clusters of small scale industrial units for setting up common
effluent treatment plants and taking up of quality scheme of monitoring in critically
polluted areas.
A new concept of the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) was envisaged to treat
the effluent emanating from the clusters of compatible small scale industries and also to
minimise the burden of various Government authorities working for controlling pollution
and monitoring of water pollution control. The financing pattern of CETP is 20:30:25:25
(promoter’s: loans from financial institutions: State: Central subsidy in form of Grant).
The funds from the Government of India are routed through the respective State Pollution
Control Boards. State-wise number of CETPs installed so far are as follows:-
SI No Name of CETPs Numbers of CETPs
1 Andhra Pradesh 1
2 Delhi 15
3 Haryana 1
4 karnataka 4
5 Tamil Nadu 28
6 Maharashtra 13
7 Madhya pradesh 1
8 Punjab 3
9 Rajasthan 7
10 Uttar Pradesh 3
561
11 West Bengal 1
12 Gujarat 16
Total 96
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
OBJECTIONS BY NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES ON RIVER LINKING

PROJECT
1767. SHRI RANEN BARMAN
(a) whether objections against the river-linking project are being raised by neighbouring
countries;
(b) if so, the names of the countries and the nature of objections raised;
(c) the forum(s) utilized by them to raise their objections;
(d) whether the basis of such objections have been examined; and
(e) if so, the outcome thereon?
ANSWER

(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Bangladesh feels that inter-linking project would deprive them of sufficient water for
their need in the context of rivers of Himalayan region.
562
(c): Government of Bangladesh has expressed apprehension at the proposal of linking
rivers in bilateral meetings. The issue was discussed in the 35th meeting of the Joint
Rivers Commission held in New Delhi in September 2003. Similarly, the Bangladesh
Prime Minister raised this issue during a bilateral meeting with our Prime Minister on the
margins of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Co-
operation (BIMST-EC) summit in May 2004. It was raised also during the Foreign Office
Consultations in June 2005.
(d) & (e): The Government of India has assured the Bangladesh side that the project is at
the conceptual stage. UPA Government gave emphasis in National Common Minimum
Programme (NCMP) for peninsular component only and therefore apprehension of
Bangladesh is not relevant at this stage. The Government of India has also stated that it
would not take any unilateral action, which would harm the interest of Bangladesh.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
REPORT BY IWMI ON GROUNDWATER
637. SHRI RAGHUVIR SINGH KAUSHAL

KAILASH MEGHWAL
(a) whether the Government has studied the report of International Water Management
Institute (IWMI) on depletion of ground water;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the steps the Government proposes to take to improve groundwater level based on the
recommendations of the IWMI?
ANSWER

(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. The Government is aware about the report brought out by the
563
International Water Management Institute (IWMI) during Annual Partners’ Meet 2002,
dealing with depletion of groundwater resources in India. The report discusses three
dominating problems of depletion, salinisation and pollution, which have far reaching
socio-economic and environmental consequences and suggests the following approach
for the resource management:-
(i) Information Systems and Resource Planning:- To understand the groundwater

resource through appropriate systems for groundwater monitoring on regular basis, and
incorporating the monitoring data in planning the use of the resource. Also to undertake
systematic and scientific research on occurrence, use and ways of augmenting and
managing the groundwater.
(ii) Demand Side Management:- An effective system for regulating the withdrawals to
sustainable levels; including registration of users through permit or license system;
appropriate laws and regulatory mechanisms; systems of pricing, promotion of
conjunctive use, precision irrigation and water saving crop production technologies and
approach, etc.
(iii) Supply Side Management:- Augmenting groundwater recharge through community

based rain water harvesting and groundwater recharge programmes, maximising surface
water use for recharge and improving incentives for water conservation and artificial
recharge.
(iv) Groundwater Management in the River Basin Context:- Groundwater resource to be

planned and managed for maximum basin level efficiency involving transbasin
movement or dedicated surface water system for recharge.
(v) ‘Water’ being a State subject, it is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State
Governments to take steps to improve the situation of depleting groundwater resources.
However, the following steps have been taken by the Union Government in this
direction:-
Steps taken regarding Information Systems and Resource Planning:-
(i) Circulation of manual/guidelines on artificial recharge of groundwater to the

States/Union Territories to enable them to formulate area specific artificial recharge
schemes to check the declining trend of groundwater levels.
(ii) Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), under the Ministry of Water Resources,
monitors the groundwater level throughout the country through a network of about 15000
national monitoring stations.
(iii) Launching of a website on Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting (www.cgwb.net) to make

aware and educate the public about various techniques of harvesting rainwater and store
it for future use.
564
(iv) Organisation of mass awareness programmes and training courses on rainwater
harvesting and artificial recharge of groundwater.
(v) Rainwater Harvesting campaign has been launched keeping in view the various target
groups like youth and children, women, farmers and villagers, policy and opinion makers.
Publicity through print media, telecasting of spots on the television, broadcasting
messages on radio, holding of seminars, workshops, conferences, etc., have been
undertaken for the purpose.
Steps taken regarding Demand Side Management:-
(i) The Union Ministry of Water Resources has circulated a Model Bill in the year 1970,
which was re-circulated in 1992 and again in 1996 to all the States/Union Territories to
enable them to enact suitable legislation for regulation and control of groundwater
development. A revised Model Bill, 2005 to regulate and control the development and
management of groundwater has been again circulated to all the States/Union Territories.
(ii) Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) constituted under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 has notified 11 critical areas on consideration of over-exploitation
of groundwater resources and 32 over-exploited areas for registration of groundwater
structures.
(iii) CGWA is regulating withdrawal of ground water by industries/projects. List of these

critical areas has been circulated to the State Pollution Control Boards and the Ministry of
Environment & Forests which refer the new industries/projects to CGWA for obtaining
permission.
Steps taken regarding Supply Side Management:-
(i) Central Ministries/Departments of Railways, Defence, Posts, Telecommunications,

Central Public Works Department and National Highways Authority of India have been
requested to provide roof top rainwater harvesting structures in the buildings under their
control.
(ii) States/UTs have been requested to provide water harvesting structures in buildings
under their administrative control.
(iii) All the States/Union Territories have been requested for advising the local bodies in
their respective States/Union Territories to allow rebate in property tax to persons, who
adopt roof top rainwater harvesting in their premises.
(iv) CGWB has provided technical guidance on rain water harvesting to around 2000
agencies, including State Government agencies, educational institutions, private
entrepreneurs and individuals.
(v) The Ministry of Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation, Government of India
565
have amended Building Bye-laws, 1983, making provision for water harvesting through
storing of water run-off including rain water in all new buildings on plots of 100 square
meters and above in Delhi mandatory. Similarly, State Governments of Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan and Kerala have made roof top rainwater
harvesting mandatory in specified cases.
(vi) During the IX Plan, CGWB have implemented successfully artificial recharge
projects under the Central Sector Scheme for ‘Study of Recharge to Ground Water’ in 27
States/UTs in the country.
Steps taken regarding Groundwater Management in the River Basin Context:-
(i) Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Land Resources) is implementing area

development programmes under which funds are allotted for various activities, which
includes soil and water conservation works. However, funds are not exclusively allotted
for checking declining groundwater, which is a resultant activity of moisture conservation
works undertaken for the development of watershed areas.
(ii) CGWB has prepared a report entitled ‘Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground
Water’, which envisages recharge of 36453 Million Cubic Meter volume of surplus
monsoon runoff, through construction of 39.25 lakhs artificial recharge and roof top
rainwater harvesting structures.
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
OFFER FOR REMOVING POLLUTANT FROM WATER BODIES
Will the Minster of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:
(a) Whether the United Kingdom (UK) has offered to share its expertise to share its
expertise in removing pollutants from water bodies:
(b) Whether UK has also expressed their willingness to extend further help in
cleaning of the Ganga; and
(c) If so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
566
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the table of the House.
****
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
REMOTE SENSING STUDY ON GROUNDWATER LEVEL
2663. SHRI SHRINIWAS DADASAHEB PATIL
(a) whether remote sensing study is proposed to be done to ascertain the groundwater
levels in the country periodically;
(c) the State-wise allocation of funds during the last three years under the centrally
sponsored scheme ‘Artificial Recharge of Groundwater’?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES,

PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND WATER RESOURCES
(a): No, Sir.
567
(c): Presently, there is no approved centrally sponsored scheme on artificial recharge of
groundwater. However, during the period 1998-2004, a Central Sector Scheme on Study
of Recharge to Groundwater was implemented. Details of funds released to various
States/Union Territories under the scheme during 2002-03 and 2003-04 is given at
Annexure.
ANNEXURE
DETAILS OF FUNDS RELEASED TO VARIOUS STATES/UTS UNDER
CGWB’S CENTRAL SECTOR SCHEME ON ‘STUDY ON RECHARGE OF
GROUNDWATER’
Sl. State/UT Funds Funds Total funds

No. released released released during
1991-2004
During 2002-03 During 2003-04
1. Andhra Pradesh 0.00 0.00 52.25
2. Arunachal Pradesh 0.00 0.00 20.00
3. Assam 33.50 0.00 63.50
4. Bihar 0.00 0.00 9.84
5. Chandigarh 0.00 3.74 64.23
6. Delhi 0.00 8.61 92.22
7 Gujarat 0.00 0.00 20.05
8. Haryana 36.41 0.00 107.17
9. Himachal Pradesh 0.00 0.00 81.65
10. Jammu & 0.00 0.00 78.96
Kashmir
11. Jharkhand 0.00 5.03 25.43
12. Karnataka 14.55 0.00 43.30
13. Kerala 13.11 0.00 88.18
14. Madhya Pradesh 0.00 0.00 53.85
15. Maharashtra 0.00 0.00 81.63
16. Meghalaya 0.00 1.65 20.30
17. Mizoram 0.00 0.00 28.00
18. Nagaland 25.47 5.96 116.43
19. Orissa 474.41 187.85 1338.79
20. Punjab 88.98 0.00 361.92
21. Rajasthan 30.52 0.00 122.24
22. Tamil Nadu 15.20 2.55 161.14
23. Uttar Pradesh 27.34 31.64 134.95
24. Uttaranchal 0.00 0.00 2.00
25. West Bengal 0.00 0.42 130.23
26. A & N 0.00 4.53 12.92
27. Lakshadweep 11.85 0.00 19.85
Total 771.34 251.98 3331.03
*********
568
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
MEETING OF NATIONAL WATER RESOURCE COUNCIL
(a) the main objectives formulated in the resolution adopted by the National Water
Resources Council in its last meeting;
(b) whether the Government has evolved any mechanism to monitor the execution of the
objectives; and
(c) if so, the details and achievements thereof?
ANSWER

(a): The National Water Resources Council in its last meeting held on 1st April, 2002
resolved to adopt the (Revised) National Water Policy with modifications as agreed to by
the Council and directed for its circulation to all concerned.
(b) & (c): The National Water Policy, 2002 has since been circulated to all State
Governments for taking further actions. The progress of implementation of National
Water Policy is reviewed by National Water Board of National Water Resources Council.
*******
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION IN YAMUNA RIVER
569
278: SHRI BADIGA RAMAKRISHNA
(a) whether the two Yamuna Action Plans launched in 1993 for improving the quality
of Yamuna have not proved effective
(c) the expenditure made on these projects and the achievement made so far;
(d) whether the Supreme Court has recently made any observation regarding the
failure to clean Yamuna;
(e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(f) the further action proposed to be taken by the Government particularly in view of
the forthcoming Commonwealth Games?
Answer

(a) to (c) The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) Phase–I was started by this Ministry in
April 1993 in the three States of UP, Delhi and Haryana with funding form the
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and was completed in February
2004. A total of 255 schemes of pollution abatement were completed including 34
sewage treatment plants having additional treatment capacity of 741 million litres
per day (mld) at a total expenditure of Rs 678 crore. The JBIC has also committed
financial assistance for implementation of the YAP Phase-II through this
Ministry, the works of which have started in December 2004. The project was
approved for the three State of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh at an estimated
cost of Rs 624 crore with the target of completion in September 2008. The major
item of works to be implemented under YAP Phase-11 include:
• 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 Sewage
Lines/Rising Mains (85.7 kms) in UP.
• Interception and Diversion of Sewage Lines (73 kms) and improvements in the
efficiencies of existing Sewage Treatment Plants in Haryana.
In addition to the above Action Plan, the Government of National Capital Territory
(NCT) of Delhi has also taken up large scale non-sewerage, sewerage and sewage
treatment works out of their own plan funds.
570
Due to phenomenal increase in population and sewage generation in the intervening
years, the quality of water in Yamuna in the stretch between Delhi and Agra has,
however, not shown the desired improvement.
(a) to (f): Hon’ble Supreme Court on 7th September, 2005 in the matter of PIL No,
724.1994 has issued directions for taking up the pollution abatement works in
Yamuna in a time bound manner and that the progress in this regard be reviewed
periodically by the Government of NCT of Delhi and in addition by an Apex
Committee under the Hon’ble Court.
The Delhi Jal Board has decided to appoint international consultants for a
comprehensive study to find out a complete solution for pollution abatement in the
river Yamuna at Delhi.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ACIDIC EFFECTS ON MITHI RIVER
653. SHRI SHRINIWAS DADASAHEB PATIL:
(a) whether river Mithi in Mumbai has been declared acidic by the National Environmental
Engineering Research Institute (NEERI);
(b) if so, the steps the Government proposes to take to clean the river;
(c) whether any proposal in this regard has been received from the Government of
Maharashtra; and
(d) if so, the details and the current status thereof?
571
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): As per the information made available by the National Environmental

Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), it has not declared the Mithi river as
acidic.
(b): The State Government of Maharashtra has constituted a Mithi River Development
Authority under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Maharashtra. The
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has drawn an Action Plan for control
of pollution in the Mithi river basin.
(c)&(d): The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has conducted survey of industrial
units along Mithi river and necessary legal actions have been initiated against the
defaulting units.
*****************.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
POLLUTION DUE TO IMMERSION OF IDOLS IN RIVERS/SEA
(a) whether immersion of idols in rivers/sea is a serious threat to the environment;
(b) if so, whether the Government has assessed the damage done to the livestock and
pollution of water by immersion of idols in rivers and sea;
(c) whether the Government proposes to bring legislation in this regard; and
572
(d) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a)&(b): Studies carried out to assess the change in water quality due to immersion of
idols in rivers, lakes and estuaries have revealed that the water quality gets
deteriorated in respect of conductivity, bio-chemical oxygen demand and
concentration of heavy metals.
(c)&(d): To minimise the pollution due to immersion of idols, guidelines have been
evolved by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) suggesting water quality
monitoring at three stages namely pre-immersion, during immersion and post immersion,
identification of adequate number of designated immersion centres, construction of
temporary confined ponds/bunds, removal of worship material like flowers, clothes and
decorating items for proper disposal and organising awareness programmes.
********************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION-NO. 1778
CLEANING OF MAHANADI AND BRAHMANI RIVERS
1778. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB
(a) whether the cleaning of polluted Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers has been completed;
(b) whether funds allocated for the purpose have not been utilised; and
(c) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?
573
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (c): To improve the water quality of rivers Mahanadi and Brahmani, three towns
of Orissa namely Cuttack, Talcher and Dharmshala have been included under the
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). The sanctioned cost for various pollution
abatement works in these towns in Rs 23 crores. So far, a central grant of Rs.811 crores
has been released for implementation of NRCP Schemes in Orissa. The State
Government has spent an amount of Rs.5.70 crores till September 2005. These projects
are at various stages of progress. The Central Government is regularly monitoring the
progress of the project.
**********
574
MISCELLANEOUS
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
SHIFTING OF INDUSTRIES
4557. SHRI CHAUDHARY MUNAWWAR HASAN

to the reply given to Unstarred Question No. 831 on December 06, 2004 and state :
(a) whether the requisite information has since been collected;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) by when it is likely to be collected and laid on the table of the House?
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a)to(c): With reference to assurance given for Unstarred Question No. 831 replied on
December 6, 2004, regarding shifting of industries in Delhi, communications have been
sent to Commissioner of Industries, Government of Delhi; Member Secretary, Delhi
Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Information on this matter is still awaited and as soon as it is received it will be laid on
the Table of the House.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
575
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
162. SHRI JOACHIM BAXLA

RANEN BARMAN
(a) the details of Centrally sponsored environmental projects launched in different States,
particularly in West Bengal during the last three years;
(b) the total amount provided by the Government during this period;
(c) the details of achievements made in this regard; and
(d) the details of such projects proposed to be launched in various States during the next
three years?
ANSWER

(a)to(d): The information is being collected and will be placed on the Table of the House
**********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
IMPROVEMENT OF ENVIRONMENT
3860. DR. SATYANARAYAN JATIYA
(a) the details of proposals received from Madhya Pradesh during the year 2004-05 and
2005-06 for improvement of environment;
576
(b) the proposals approved along with funds allocated therein; and
(c) the details of funds provided for projects/schemes already under implementation?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): The details of proposals received from Madhya Pradesh during the year 2004-05 and
2005-06 for improvement of environment are as under:-
Name of the Programme /Scheme Number of proposals received
2004 - 2005 2005 - 2006

National River Conservation Programme 8 1
National Lake Conservation Programme 2 -
National Wetlands Conservation Prog 10 -
National Afforestation Programme 4 3
Integrated Forest Protection Scheme 1 1
Assistance for Development of National 22 22
(b): The proposals approved along with funds allocated during 2004 - 2005 and 2005 -
2006 are as under:-
Name of the Programme/ Scheme Number of proposals approved Total funds

allocated
(Rs. in
crores)
2004 –2005 2005-2006 2004-2005
2005-2006
National Afforestation Programme 14 3 3.55

Integrated Forest Protection Scheme 1 1 4.44
Assistance for Development of National 21 14 2.68
Parks and Sanctuaries
577
(c): Only a sum of Rs. 12 crores was released during 2004 - 2005 for projects/ schemes
already under implementation under the National River Conservation Programme.
********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PLAN
1790. SHRIMATI KALPANA RAMESH NARHIRE
(a) whether any proposal or the Coastal Zone Management Plan for Navi Mumbai
had been submitted for environmental clearance;
(c) whether Sukthankar Committee was constituted to look into this matter;
(d) if so, the recommendations of this Committee in this regard; and
(e) the progress made regarding its implementation so far?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): The Central Government had received the proposal from the State Government of
Maharashtra seeking approval of the revised Coastal Zone Management Plan
(CZMP) of Navi Mumbai on November 25, 1998 under the Coastal Regulation
578
Zone (CRZ), Notification, 1991. The proposal sought reclassification of certain
stretches of Navi Mumbai from CRZ-III to CRZ-II.
(c) Sukthankar Committee was constituted to examine the issues relating to Coastal
Zone Management in the Mumbai Urban Area. The Committee also examined
the revised CZMP of Navi Mumbai.
(d) The Committee inter-alia observed that the revised CZMP for Navi Mumbai did
not confirm to the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 1991 and recommended
amendment for the Notification in this regard.
(e) The recommendation was not accepted.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

SHRI V.K. THUMMAR
(a) the details of centrally sponsored environmental projects launched in the country
during the last three years, State-wise;
(b) the funds allocated by the Government during this period, State-wise;
(c) the details of the achievements made in this regard; and
(d) the details of the projects proposed to be launched in the current financial year?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a): No new Centrally Sponsored Scheme was launched in environment sector

during the last three years.
579
(b)&(c): Does not arise
(d): No new Centrally Sponsored Scheme in the environment sector is

proposed to be launched during the current financial year.
*************
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO.378
ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
378. SHRI RAMADAS ATHAWALE

SHRI ANIRUDH PRASAD ALIAS SADHU YADAV
(a) whether the Government has initiated any campaign for environmental awareness
in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the expenditure involved therein;
(c) whether the Government has set up/proposes to set up eco-clubs in schools in all
the State; and
ANSWER

(SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
*********
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
LOK SABHA
UNTARRED QUESTION NO 2664
LAW COMMISSION ON GREEN COURTS
580
2664. SHRI MANOJ KUMAR
(a) whether the Law Commission has given recommendations for setting up of Green
Court;
(b) if so, the details of recommendations made by the Law Commission in this
regard;
(c) whether the Government has accepted the recommendations; and
(d) if so, the time by which a legislation is likely to be brought before Parliament in
this regard?
ANSWER

FORESTS
(a) to (d): The Law Commission, in it’s 186th Report, has inter alia recommended
establishment of separate ‘Environment Court’ at the State level consisting of
judicial and scientific experts in the field of environment, for dealing with
environmental disputes besides having appellate jurisdiction in respect of appeals
under the various Pollution Control Laws. The recommendations of the report are
under consideration of the Government.
*******
581

Parliament Update On Environment 2005

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Parliament Update On Environment 2005

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Parliament Update On Environment 2005

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PARLIAMENT UPDATE ON

COMPILATION OF PARLIAMENT QUESTIONS ON

ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE TO IRRIGATION PROJECTS OF UTTAR

4703. SHRI HARENDRA SINGH MALIK

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(b) the reasons for the delay; and

(c) by when all the irrigation projects are likely to be cleared?

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

POLLUTION BY CEMENT PLANTS IN GUJARAT

143. DR. A.K. PATEL

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

(c) Does not arise

BANNING GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS

455. SHRI RAM JETHMALANI

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:-

(b) if so, the facts in this regard;

THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

d) Does not arise.

SUBSTANDARD SEEDS MANURE AND PESTICIDES

2600. SHRI T.T.V. DHINAKARAN

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

PROMOTION OF ORGANIC FARMING

1861. SHRI R.S. GAVAI

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons there for?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

(c): Does not arise.

4646. SHRI VARINDER SINGH BAJWA

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

IDENTIFICATION OF NEW VARIETIES OF WHEAT BY ICAR

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

(b) & (c): Details given in Annexure.

Variety Production Area of adaptation Remarks

CLEARANCE TO Bt. COTTON

5440. SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

(b): MECH-12Bt, MECH-162Bt, MECH- 184Bt, MRC-6301Bt, MRC-6304Bt, MRC-

PROMOTING ORGANIC FARMING

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND

PROMOTING COW URINE BASED PESTICIDES

510. SHRI PYARELAL KHANDELWAL

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(c) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND

490. SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND

(i) Use of eco-friendly methods such as cultural control or hand-picking of surviving

ADAPTATION OF AGRICULTURE TO GLOBAL WARMING