From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, May 3, 2010 at 4:29 PM
Subject: Releases..............pt4
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Consultative Committee of Home Ministry Meets
No Dilution in Two-Pronged Approach to Deal with Naxal Problem, Asserts Chidambaram
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
There is no dilution in the Government's two-pronged policy to deal with the Naxal menace. Addressing a meting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs here today, the Union Home Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram asserted that accelerated development and calibrated police action continued to be the two pillars of the Government's anti-Naxal policy. He pointed out that on both the fronts, primary responsibility rests with the State Government, although the Centre has an important role to play. On the front of police action, the Centre has to provide paramilitary forces to the State Government, but it is the officers of the State police who have to lead the operations. Success of the operations largely depends on the soundness of the plans, prepared by the State Government and its efficient implementation. On the developmental front, while the Centre provides substantial funds to the State Government under various schemes, the machinery to implement the schemes and utilize the funds rests under the control of the State Governments. In this connection, he pointed out that nearly one-third of the funds provided to the 35 worst affected Naxal districts under developmental schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme , Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, National Rural Drinking Water Supply Programme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Indira Awas Yojana, etc., remained unutilized. There are also questions about whether the money spent actually reached the intended beneficiaries. The Home Minister said that it is important to secure the Naxal-affected areas for apprehending Naxal leaders, restoring civil administration and bringing about development there. The Home Minister asserted that Naxals do not want development of the tribal-dominated areas. This is clear from the wantonness with which they have been destroying the developmental infrastructure. In 2009 alone, Naxals targeted 362 telephone towers, school buildings, roads, culverts, etc.
Refuting the allegation that security forces are working with obsolete weapons, the Home Minister said that the Centre has equipped its paramilitary forces deployed in Naxal-affected areas with latest weapons. State Governments have also started acquiring modern weapons, but they have some distance to go. Shri Chidambaram said that the main area of concern is the lack of required manpower, as the vacancy level in State police forces is very high. These vacancies need to be filled up quickly and the recruited personnel need to be imparted necessary training before they can be deployed for anti-Naxal operations.
Suggestions made by the members at today's meeting included greater involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions in developmental activities, improving the service conditions of para-military force personnel and promoting cordial relations between local people and security forces.
Today's meeting was held in continuation with the meeting of the Consultative Committee held on 23rd April, 2010 on the subject of "Left Wing Extremism".
Those who attended the meeting included Dr. K. Keshava Rao, S/Shri Rishang Keishing, H.K. Dua, and Mohd. Ali Khan from the Rajya Sabha and Dr. Thokchom Meinya, S/Shri Kalyan Banerjee, N. Dharam Singh, and Mahabal Mishra from the Lok Sabha
The Ministers of State for Home, Shri Mullappally Ramachandran and Shri Ajay Maken were among those present at the meeting.
ok/kka/dk/kol/16:15 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
Satellite for Climate Research
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
As a part of Indo-French Space collaboration, Indian Space Research organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch "Megha Tropiques" satellite in polar orbit within a year. This satellite will provide data on atmospheric humidity, radiation budget and amount of precipitation to study the climate. India and France are jointly developing the scientific payloads of "Megha Tropiques".
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Dr Ram Prakash in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:15 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
Nine Projects of pollution Abatement Sanctioned for Cleaning Brahmani River
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
Six projects of pollution abatement have been completed under river cleaning project for river Brahmani in Orissa. Nine projects were sanctioned for the towns Talcher and Dharamshala for an amount of Rs. 389.83 lakhs. The remaining three projects are scheduled for completion by March, 2011. In addition, Government has provided financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 49.0 lakhs to Orissa for preparing pollution abatement proposals in respect of Dhenkanal and Rourkella towns for conservation of Brahmani. The assistance has been approved under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri Mangala Kisan in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:15 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
Threat to Wildlife in Forest of Meghalaya
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
The Central Government has accorded approval for the diversion of 116.589 ha of forest land for Lime Stone Mining & other Ancillary activities in favour of M/s Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Ltd. (LUMPL) in Sohra Tehsil, Khasi Hills Division of Meghalaya stipulating certain conditions like payment of Net Present Value, payment for Compensatory Afforestation on equivalent non-forest land, Catchment Area Treatment Plan, Comprehensive Bio-diversity Management Plan, Recognition of Forest Rights of the Tribals and other non-traditional Forest Dwellers, etc. Only after compliance of these conditions, allowing mining by M/s Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Ltd. (LUMPL) will be considered.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri Kalraj Mishra in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:16 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
Mining of Diamonds allowed at Panna in Madhya Pradesh
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
The diamonds and other items falling under the jurisdiction of forest land are mined after obtaining prior approval of the Central Government for diversion of forest land for non forestry purpose under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. So far, the Central Government has received only 2 proposals of M/s National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) from State Government of Madhya Pradesh for mining of diamonds. Out of these 2 proposals, NMDC has been allowed mining at Panna in Madhya Pradesh over 741.018 ha. The terms and conditions prescribed in the above proposal inter-alia include afforestation of 217.482 ha of forest land at the cost of user agency, penal Compensatory Afforestation, payment of Net Present Value, etc. The other proposal has been closed for want of essential details.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri Manohar Joshi in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:16 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
Violation of the Forest Rights Act and the Forest Conservation Act at Lanjigarh
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
A team of experts indicates some deficiencies in implementation of the Forest Rights Act in Bauxite Mining in Lanjigarh. The committee was sent to enquire into alleged violation of the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and impact of the proposed mining project on Tribal Rights and Wildlife Conservation. The Committee has submitted its report and has indicated some deficiencies in implementation of the Forest Rights Act. The report of the team along with compliance of the conditions by the user agency are under consideration of the Ministry.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri D Raja and Shri R C Singh in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:16 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
No Environmental Clearance for Solid Waste Management Plant at Ghaziabad
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
The Municipal Solid Waste project at Dundahera, Ghaziabad, as identified by the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam, Uttar Pradesh is category 'B' project as per Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006, and has not been accorded environmental clearance by the State Level Environment Impact Authority (SEIAA), Uttar Pradesh.
A draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)/Environmental Management Plan (EMP) report has been submitted by the project proponent to the Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and the public hearing was conducted on 20-04-2010.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri Nand Kishore Yadav in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:17 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, scheduled to meet this month in Doha, is likely to debate the ban on fishing and trading of Bluefin Tuna. The issue came up during the Conference of Parties (CoP15) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) held during March, 2010 at Doha. India has supported the proposal of listing Bluefin Tuna in Appendix-II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).The meeting is scheduled to meet this month in Doha,
India took up the issue of tiger farming in the Conference of Parties (and Flora (CITES) held during March, 2010 at Doha. India was keen CoP15) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna that the language regarding "operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale", taken from Decision 14.69 from the 14th Conference of Parties, be retained, either through incorporation in the Resolution, or through the continuation of Decision 14.69. China objected to this on the grounds that it was outside the scope of Convention, despite the fact that the 14th Conference of the Parties had voted this through with a comfortable majority. After prolonged deliberation and dialogue between India, China, the United Kingdom, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Secretariat and other range states, a consensus position was eventually achieved. Based on this consensus, a revised proposal was put forward by the United Kingdom, on behalf of European Community, and this proposal was adopted unanimously by the Conference of the Parties without any objections. The salient features of this consensus position on tiger farming is that;
Decision 14.69 dealing with "operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale" will be retained as it is.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri B K Hariprasad in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:17 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
Sixteen Biosphere Reserves designated in the country
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
Sixteen Biosphere Reserves have been designated in the country. They are : Nilgiri (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka), Nanda Devi (Uttrakhand), Nokrek (Meghalaya), Manas and Dibru-Saikhowa (Assam), Sundarban (West Bengal), Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu), Great Nicobar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Similipal (Orissa), Dehang-Debang (Arunachal Pradesh), Khangchendzonga (Sikkim), Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh), Achanakmar-Amarkantak (Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh), Agasthyamalai (Tamil Nadu and Kerala), Katchchh (Gujarat) and Cold Desert (Himachal Pradesh).
The criteria for selection of sites for Biosphere Reserves as laid down in the Guidelines issued by the Government on the subject are listed below:
Primary Criteria
(i) A site that must contain an effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area of value of nature conservation and should include additional land and water suitable for research and demonstration of sustainable methods of research and management.
(ii) The core area should be typical of a biogeographical unit and large enough to sustain viable populations representing all trophic levels in the ecosystem.
Secondary Criteria
(i) Areas having rare and endangered species
(ii) Areas having diversity of soil and micro-climatic conditions and indigenous varieties of biota.
(iii) Areas potential for preservation of traditional tribal or rural modes of living for harmonious use of environment.
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun has established a temporary study camp at Ganjam (Rushikulya) for monitoring the population of Olive Ridley Turtles including their nesting and breeding behaviour. The WII is also monitoring the migration of these turtles through radio telemetry.
Various protection measures have been taken by the State Forest Department of Orissa to protect the sea turtles of off-shore and on-shore populations along Rushikulya. A forest camp has been established by the Orissa Forest department to monitor and protect the both on-shore and off –shore sea turtles along Rushikulya. Entire beach of the Rushikulya, where mass nesting takes place, are fenced to protect turtles nests from predators such as dogs, hyena, jackals, etc. The Government of Orissa has also initiated education and awareness programme in nearby coastal villages for seeking cooperation of the local people in the sea turtle conservation.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Renubala Pradhan in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:18 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Environment and Forests
Water flow in Rivers likely to be Affected
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
The studies conducted by the Geological Survey of India indicate that the glaciers of Himalaya are receding at varying rates in different regions. The likely impacts include changes in the river hydrology, increased debris production and siltation of rivers in downstream regions.
The National Action Plan on Climate Change which was launched in June 2008, includes a National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system. A new research centre on Himalayan Glaciology has been established at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun. This Mission and the Centre have the objective of addressing the issues relating to Himalayan glaciers.
The Government has developed Guidelines and best practices for Sustaining Himalayan Eco-system (G-She), which has been shared with all State Governments in the Himalayan Region.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri Tariq Anwar and Ms. Sushila Tiriya in Rajya Sabha today.
kp/dk/kol/16:18 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Defence
Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory (Now, Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research) is actively engaged in increasing fresh food productivity and bio-diesel production technologies in eco-friendly and sustainable manner through integrated approach, in order to provide logistic support to Armed Forces deployed in far flung inhospitable Himalayan regions.
The laboratory has developed high-altitude agro-animal technologies; green house technology for off-season vegetable cultivation in high-altitude regions of Central Himalayas; high yielding, cold tolerant vegetable varieties / hybrids in tomato, capsicum, garlic cabbage, bitter-gourd, bottle-gourd and cucumber, suitable for mid and high altitude areas; micropropogation protocol for Jatropha multiplication; transgenic tomato plants introgressing osmotin gene through agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation for inbuilt tolerance against abiotic stresses; poly-herbal products for leucoderma, eczema, and toothache and sun burn cream; and micropopogation technology under laboratory condition for codyceps sinenesis mycelium. The laboratory has established herbal garden at Pithoragarh, Auli and Raiwala in Uttarakhand having more than 140 species; and a Germplasm Center of German Angora rabbits. The laboratory is also engaged in providing training to Armed Forces personnel for their resettlement.
The name of the Laboratory has been changed from Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory (DARL) to Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER) to take into account the mandate of the laboratory to carry out research on R&D on Bio-resources & Bio-energy for Defence use.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Tufani Saroj in Lok Sabha today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:18 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Defence
Land Acquisition for IDSA Premises
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
No land has been acquired by the Ministry of Defence for the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) at New Delhi. However, Ministry of Defence in April 2002 accorded sanction for grant of lease of 6.5 acres defence land out of GLR Sy No. 274, Delhi Cantonment for construction of the office complex of IDSA for an initial term of 30 years renewable at the option of the lessee for two further terms of 30 years each. The land leased to IDSA is located within the limits of Delhi Cantonment. As per the terms of the lease, IDSA was required to undertake construction of the office accommodation on the leased site within 30 months after getting the building plans approved from the Cantonment Board under the provisions of the Cantonments Act. However, IDSA has carried out constructions without obtaining sanction of the Delhi Cantonment Board.
A portion of the residential complex has been leased by IDSA to M/s Residency Hotels.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Sanjay Dina Patil and Shri Sharad Yadav in Lok Sabha today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:19 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Defence
Misconduct of Navy Officials in Procurement Case
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
The Indian Navy has instituted an inquiry to investigate into the conduct of Commodore Sukhjinder Singh who had served as Warship Production Superintendent to oversee the repair and modernisation of the ship (Ex-Admiral Gorshkov) at Severodvinsk, Russia, on permanent duty from end – March, 2005 to April 2007. He was also on temporary duty in this place from August 21, 2004 for six months to establish Warship Overseeing Team for the Project.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri GS Basavaraj in Lok Sabha today.
samir / raj/dk/kol/16:19 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Mines
Rehabilitation of less affected persons of NALCO
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
The Minister of Mines and Development of North Eastern Region Shri B.K.Handique has said that National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has informed that as per initial policy framed with the approval of it's Board as a follow up of the meeting held by Chief Minister of Orissa on 17.2.1984, prescribed assistance is to be extended by the Company to the categories of local displaced persons (LDPs) i.e. those who have lost total land (including homestead) and substantially affected persons (SAPs) i.e. those who have lost more than one third of his/her land, for the establishment of projects of NALCO.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, he said, the said policy does not have any provision for providing assistance to less affected persons (LAPs). However, subsequently, based on the recommendation of the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC), 196 persons belonging to LAP category have been sent for ITI training at the cost of NALCO without any assurance for their employment in the Company. The candidates after successful completion of ITI courses are competing with other candidates for employment against any vacancy notification subject to fulfillment of other conditions prescribed under the rules of the Company.
nsk/db/dk/kol/16:19 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Mines
Stake of Coals in Mining Projects
New Delhi: May 3, 2010
The Minister of Mines and Development of North Eastern Region Shri B.K.Handique has said that the National Mineral Policy 2008 includes development of a Sustainable Development Framework to, as para 7.11 of the Policy states: 'incorporate models of stakeholder interest for indigenous (tribal) populations in the mining operation, especially in situations where the weaker sections like the local tribal populations are likely to be deprived of their means of livelihood as a result of the mining intervention. In areas in which minerals occur and which are inhabited by tribal communities and weaker sections, it is imperative to recognize resettlement and rehabilitation issues as intrinsic to the development process of the affected zone. Thus all measures proposed to be taken will be formulated with the active participation of the affected persons, rather than externally imposed. A careful assessment of the economic, environmental and social impact on the affected persons will be made. A mechanism will be evolved which would actually improve the living standards of the affected population and ensure for them a sustainable income above the poverty line. For this purpose, all the provisions of the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy or any revised Policy or Statute that may come into operation, will be followed.'
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, he said, the National Mineral Policy 2008 provides that the States shall be adjusted to overcome the problem of illegal mining through operational and financial package with the Indian Bureau of Mines. In order to ensure systematic and scientific mining, Indian Bureau of Mines and the State Directorates shall be suitably strengthened through capacity building measures. Regulation of conditionalities for mining of small deposits shall be tightened so as to control and prevent the growth of illegal mining.
He said, the draft legislation pursuant to the Policy is based on the aforementioned guidelines.
nsk/db/dk/kol/16:20 hrs.
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Palash Biswas
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