opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2651 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Contamination of Ghaghar River
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: CHARANJEET SINGH RORI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES,

## RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2651

ANSWERED ON 01.12.2016

## CONTAMINATION OF GHAGHAR RIVER

## 2651.       SHRI CHARANJEET SINGH RORI

Will the Minister of  WATER  RESOURCES,  RIVER  DEVELOPMENT  AND  GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:

(a)  whether there is any proposal for dredging of Ghaghar river in Haryana specially in its border districts with Punjab to prevent the spread of diseases amongst the nearby residents;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any action is being taken to stop the waste material being mixed from the industries in it, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the further steps taken/to be taken by the Government to check contamination of Ghaghar river water so as to prevent spread of life threatening diseases amongst nearby areas/residents?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  (IC)  FOR  YOUTH  AFFAIRS  &  SPORTS  AND  MINISTER  OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION (SHRI VIJAY GOEL)

- (a) & (b) There is no proposal for dredging of Ghaghar river in Haryana.

(c) & (d) The State of Punjab/ Punjab Pollution Control Board has taken the following steps to check the contamination of Ghaggar River Water:

1. Installation of STPs for 29 towns located on River Ghaggar
2. STP installed for Chandigarh city, is being monitored regularly by Punjab Pollution Control Board.
3. All  the  24  water  polluting  industries  of  Focal  Point,  DeraBassi  have  installed  Effluent Treatment Plants out of which 9 pharmaceutical industries have installed effluent treatment plants based on Zero Liquid Discharge technology.
4. For  the  treatment  of  domestic  wastewater  of  industries  of  Focal  Point,  DeraBassi,  STP  of capacity 2 MLD has been constructed and ready for commissioning.
5. Installation of CETP of capacity 2 MLD based on ZLD technology: Though the pharmaceutical  industries  of  DeraBassi  area  have  provided  individual  treatment  plants, however to ensure compliance of norms by these industries, a CETP of 2 MLD capacity with project  cost  of  Rs.  50  crores  is  proposed  for  which  Environmental  Clearance  has  been granted by MoEF&CC on 23.03.2015. Work is likely to be started by 31/12/2016.

Punjab  Pollution  Control  Board  is  monitoring  the  water  quality  of  River  Ghaggar  at  12  locations under National Water Quality Monitoring Program on monthly basis.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2648 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Saur Sujala Yojana
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: RODMAL NAGAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 2648

TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.12.2016

## Saur Sujala Yojana

## 2648.  SHRI NAGAR RODMAL:

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has launched the Saur SujalaYojana in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the nemes of States where the said yojana has been launched;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  prepared  any  modalities  for  providing  benefits  under  the yojana;
- (d) if so, the details thereof' and
- (e) the time by which the facilities under the said yojana are likely to be made available to the farmers?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY & MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a): Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) is providing solar  pumps for irrigation and drinking water purpose under Off-grid and Decentralized Solar Application Programme. Recently Government of Chhattisgarh has launched solar pumps programme under the name 'Saur SujalaYojana' which also has  MNRE support.
- (b): The Government of Chhatisgarh plans to install 11000 pumps by 31.03.2017 and  51000 by 2019  under the yojana.
- (c) & (d): Government of India is providing 30% subsidy to the farmers upto 5 HP capacity through States.

The programme is already under implementation.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2647 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Boating Services on Yamuna River
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: KIRIT PREMJIBHAI SOLANKI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2647

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 1 st  DECEMBER, 2016 BOATING SERVICES ON YAMUNA RIVER

## †2647. DR. KIRIT P. SOLANKI:

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:

## पोतप�रवहनमंत्

- (a) whether the Inland Waterways Authority of India proposes to introduce boating services on a 16 kms stretch of river Yamuna in Delhi;
- (b) if so, the details and the present status thereof;
- (c) whether all the legal formalities have been completed for the purpose;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the estimated cost of the project and the time by which the said service is likely to be made operational?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a)&(b):Yes,madaM.    A  Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR)  and  technical  specifications  for introduction of a  Water Taxi Project in Delhi  from Wazirabad to FatehpurJat (16 km)  stretch  of  river  Yamuna  (National  Waterway  -  110)  have  been  finalized  and tenders have been floated for implementation of the  following three components:
- (i) Fairway development and reclamation of land using dredged material at three terminal sites.
- (ii) Design,  supply,  installation,  testing  and  commissioning  of  floating  jetty  and approach trestle at three terminals.
- (iii) Design, construction, supply, testing and commissioning of FRP Boats (two  25 passengers and   40 passengers.
- (c)&(d):The  clearance  of  the  National  Green  Tribunal  (NGT)  has  been  requested  for constructionkrow  in the flood plains upstream of Wazirabad.
- (e) The  estimated  cost  of  the  project  is  Rs.31.70  crore,  excluding  land  cost.    The estimated time frame to complete the project is  xismonths from the date of award of work.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2645 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Electronic Connectivity in Ports
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: BHAVANA GAWALI (PATIL)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2645

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 1 st  DECEMBER, 2016

## ELECTRONIC CONNECTIVITY IN PORTS

## †2645. SHRIMATI BHAVANA PUNDALIKRAOGAWALI PATIL:

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:

## पोतप�रवहनमंत्

- (a) whether the Government proposes any scheme to provide electronic connectivity in ports in order to reduce freight charges and ensure better transportation of goods;
- (b) if so, the details and the present status thereof;
- (c) the details of ports identified for implementation of such scheme; and
- (d) the time by which these ports are likely to be provided with the electronic connectivity under the said scheme?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

- (a)&(b):For  providing  electronic  connectivity  in  Ports,  Government  of  India  (GOI)  has implemented  Port  Community  System.This  is flow of trade related documents/information and functions as a centralized hub for ports of India  and  other  stakeholders  like  Shipping  Lines/Agents,  Surveyors, Stevedores,  Banks,  Container  Freight  Stations,  Customs  House  agents,  Importers, Exporters, Railways/CONCOR, Government regulatory agencies, etc. for exchanging electronic messages in a secure manner.

The main objectives of the PCS are :

- Develop a centralized web-based application, which act as SINGLE WINDOW, for the port community members/stakeholders to exchange messages electronically in secure fashion.
- Reduce transaction time & cost in port business
- Achieve paperless regime in port sector
- Implement an e-commerce portal for port community

(c)&(d): All the 12 Major Ports and six non Major Ports have been integrated online with PCS that cover around 92% of total EXIM Trade by volume.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2644 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Air India Flight Service
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: JAGDAMBIKA PAL

## GOVIERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2644 (To be answered on the

December 2016) 1st

## AIR INDIA FLIGHT SERVICE

2644.

SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

- service of Air India between Delhi and Gorakhpur;
- (b) if the details thereof; and
- (c) the time by which it is likely to be done?

ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL A VIATION

be pleased to state:-

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a) to (c): Madam: The Government has laid down route guidelines with a view to achieve better regulation of air dispersal of Blaces depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability 'Agecicic the airlines are free to operate anywhere in the country subject to such, of route dispersal guidelines issued by the Government compliance No,
Lok Sabha Question No. 2643 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Pension to Widows
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: UDIT RAJ

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO .2643 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.1 2.2016

## PENSION TO WIDOWS

## 2643. DR. UDIT RAJ:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government provides a monthly pension to widows above the age of years under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and if so, the de thereof;
- (b) whetherthe Government proposes to reduce the minimum age for the said group below 40 years and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if  not,  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  any  scheme  to  provi monthly pension to widows between 18 and 40 years of  age  and  if  so,  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT ( SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV )

- (a): Yes  Madam.  Under  the  Indira  Gandhi  National  Widow  Pension  Scheme,  Central assistance @ Rs.300/ -per month is provided to widows in the age -group of 40 - 79 years and belonging to family living below poverty line as per the criteria prescribed by Gove India.  After  attaining  the  age  of  80  years,  the  beneficiaries  are  shifted  to  In National Old Age Pension Sch eme (IGNOAPS) to get enhanced pension of Rs. 500/ - per month.
- (b) & (c): At present, no such proposal is under consideration.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2639 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: MoUs for Cleaning Ganga River
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: PRALHAD VENKATESH JOSHI, SUSHMITA DEV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2639

ANSWERED ON 01.12.2016

## M o U s FOR CLEANING GANGA RIVER

## 2639. SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI KUMARI SUSHMITA DEV

Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the schemes implemented by the Government for cleaning/rejuvenation of Ganga river; and

(b) whether the Government has entered into any agreements with other countries for its cleaning/rejuvenation, if so, the details thereof along with the quantum of assistance thus received from each country involved therein including utilisation of the same?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION

(SHRI VIJAY GOEL)

(a) The various types of pollution abatement schemes taken up to clean Ganga may be categorized into  core  and  non-core  schemes.  Core  Schemes  include  Interception  and  diversion  (I&D)  of  sewage discharging  into  the  Ganga  river  and  creating  treatment  infrastructure  to  treat  the  intercepted  sewage. Non-Core Schemes include Providing Low Cost Sanitation (LCS) at community and individual levels at identified  locations,  Installation  of  Crematoria  (electric  as  well  as  wood  based  improved  crematoria), River  Front  Development  (RFD)  including  bathing  ghats,  Afforestation,  protecting  bio-diversity  and creating Public awareness and participation.

(b) The Government has availed financial assistance in the form of developmental loans granted by Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), amounting to Rs. 496.90 Crore for projects on Yamuna. Also, several countries have expressed interest to support Ganga Rejuvenation through knowledge/technology  sharing,  capacity  building,  research  &  development,  sharing  of  experiences, expertise & best practices, etc.

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and GIZ Germany have signed an Implementation Agreement for Ganga Rejuvenation on 13th April, 2016. Germany, has committed 3 Million Euro for information,  knowledge  exchange,  capacity  building  and  data  management.  At  national  level,  the  key focus  areas  are  Indo-German  Knowledge  Exchange,  Information  &  data  management,  and  Public Outreach. At State level, the focus areas are Indo German Knowledge Exchange, Capacity development at SPMG, Industrial and Municipal waste water treatment.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2634 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Environmental Tax on Pet Coke
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: R. GOPALAKRISHNAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2634

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.12.2016

## Environmental Tax on Pet Coke

## 2634.  SHRI GOPALAKRISHNAN:

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to levy an environmental tax on pet coke;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether his Ministry has requested the Ministry of Finance in this regard; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the response thereon?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL, POWER, NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to (d): Ministry of Coal has taken up the issue for levying Clean Environment Cess (CEC) on pet coke with Ministry of Finance taking a plea to have a common approach for levying CEC on all the polluting fuels including pet coke. Ministry of Finance has conveyed that coal, peat, lignite and coke will be included under GST and therefore, extension of CEC to pet coke will require consultation with the GST Council.

<><><>
Lok Sabha Question No. 2633 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Development of Ports in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: SHIPPING
Asked by: PR. SENTHILNATHAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SHIPPING

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2633

TO BE ANSWERED ON 1 st  DECEMBER, 2016

## DEVELOPMENT OF PORTS IN TAMIL NADU

## 2633. SHRI PR. SENTHIL NATHAN:

Will the Minister of SHIPPING be pleased to state:

## पोतप�रवहनमंत्

- (a) the details of funds allocated, released and utilised during each of the last three years and the current year for the development of Port facilities at the Major ports in Tamil Nadu;
- (b) whether the Government is aware of any delay in execution of some projects in various ports in Tamil Nadu;
- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor and the reaction of the Government thereto; and
- (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to expedite completion of projects at the said ports?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a)to(d):The details of Government Budgetary Support (GBS) allocated to two Major Ports in Tamil Nadu in the Annual Plans of the Ministry of Shipping during the last three years & current  year  is  given  below.  Capital  Dredging  Projects  of  Chennai  and  VOC  Ports  have already been completed. Work orders for Coastal Shipping Berths at Chennai and VOC Ports have  been  issued  and  the  work  is  in  progress.  The  position  in  this  regard  is  regularly monitored at various levels in the Ports as well as in the Ministry so that, the schedule for completion  of  the  works  progresses  as  per  the  relevant  terms  and  conditions  of  the  work orders.

| Port                             | Project/ Scheme                                                      | 2013-14   | 2013-14   | 2013-14   | 2014-15   | 2014-15   | 2014-15   | 2015-16     | 2015-16     | 2015-16     | 2016-17   | 2016-17   |
|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-----------|-----------|
| Port                             | Project/ Scheme                                                      | BE        | RE        | Act- ual  | BE        | RE        | Act- ual  | BE          | RE          | Act- ual    | BE        | Act- ual  |
| Chennai                          | Capital Dredging Coastal Road Protection Work Coastal Shipping Berth | 15.00     | 15.00     | 15.00     | 15.00     | 15.00     | 15.00     | 10.00 15.00 | 10.00 15.00 | 10.00 15.00 | 5.00      | 5.00      |
| V.O. Chid- ambaranar (Tuticorin) | Capital Dredging Outer Harbour                                       | 200.00    | 50.00     | 50.00     | 173.00    | 54.44     | 54.44     | 25.00 2.00  | 25.00 2.00  | 25.00 2.00  | 15.00     | 15.00     |

| Coastal Shipping Berth   | 15.00   | 15.00   | 15.00   |
|--------------------------|---------|---------|---------|

(Rs in Crore)

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2631 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Role to Spiritual Leaders for Enhancing Solar Power
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION NO. 2631

TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.12.2016

## ROLE TO SPIRITUAL LEADERS FOR ENHANCING SOLAR POWER

## 2631.  SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is contemplating to rope in religious and interfaith leaders/gurus  to  demonstrate  the  virtues  of  green  energy  with  a  view  to  promote  its  target  of creating 40,000 MW of rooftop solar power capacity;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether these leaders/gurus will act as spiritual partners of International Solar Alliance; and
- (d) if so, the details of the role envisaged to the spiritual leaders?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY & MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) (b) (c) & (d): Yes  Madam. Such institutions  have  large  rooftop  and  institutional  areas which can be harnessed for solar energy   generation.  These institutions can act as role model for the  society.  Hence,  Ministry  of  New  and  Renewable  Energy  is  pursuing  such  institutions  to promote scaling up of solar rooftop systems.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2625 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Road Connectivity with South East Asia
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: CHINTAMAN NAVSHA WANAGA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2625

ANSWERED ON 1 st  DECEMBER, 2016

## ROAD CONNECTIVITY WITH SOUTH EAST ASIA

## 2625.   ADV. CHINTAMAN NAVASHA WANAGA:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  there  is  any  provision/plan  to  connect  India  with  South  East  Asia  with  road connectivity ;
- (b) if so, the details thereof, and if not, the reasons therefor ; and
- (c)   the progress of road connectivity on that front and the response from Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar and other countries ?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)

(a) & (b): India  is  funding  'construction  of  69  Bridges  on  the  Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa  Road (149.70 kms) Section' and 'construction of 120.74 kms road between Kalewa and Yargi section' of  the  India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway, in Myanmar to improve connectivity with South East Asia by road. The Trilateral Highway starts from Moreh (Manipur) in India up to Mae Sot in Thailand through Myanmar.

(c) Construction  of  130  km  length  stretch  of  road  connecting  Moreh  (India)  /  Tamu (Myanmar) to Kalewa in Myanmar has already been completed by Border Roads Organization of India. For construction of 69 bridges including approach roads in the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa road section (149.70 kms) and construction/upgradation of the Kalewa-Yargi road section (120.74 kms) of  the  IMT  Trilateral  Highway  in  Myanmar,  appointment  of  Consultants  to  finalise  tender documents and award of contracts has already been completed.

* * * *
Lok Sabha Question No. 2624 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Raw Material Banks
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: RITA TARAI

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2624 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.12.2016

## RAW MATERIAL BANKS

## 2624. SHRIMATI RITA TARAI:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंरी be pleased to state :

- (a) whether the Government has provided financial assistance for establishment of  Raw Material Bank on Stone, Tassar and Palm Leaf crafts in Odisha; and
- (b) if so, the details of funds provided for the purpose?

## उत्तर ANSWER वस्त्र मंरी ( )

MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

- (a) & (b): A proposal for seeking financial assistance for establishment of Raw Material Bank on stone, Tassar and Palm Leaf craft in Odisha has been received  from  Odisha  State  Co-operative  Handicrafts  Corporation  Ltd. (Utkalika) recently. The same is under consideration for sanction under the existing parameters of the Infrastructure Scheme.

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2623 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-01
Subject: Additional Outlay for Mining Sector
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2623 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 1 st  DECEMBER, 2016

## ADDITIONAL OUTLAY FOR MINING SECTOR

## 2623. DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has cleared an additional outlay of Rs. 2116 crore to implement the other aspects of the Mineral Exploration Policy;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government is considering to create baseline geoscientific data for open dissemination and a national aero geophysical programme to map the entire country to find deep seated mineral deposits; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## A  N   S  W  E  R

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINES, POWER, COAL

## AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) & (b): The amount estimated for implementing National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP), approved by the Government, in the next five years is about Rs.2116 crore. This  is  proposed  to  be  funded  from  the  regular  annual  budget  of  the  Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of Ministry of Mines, and additional funds from  National  Mineral  Exploration  Trust  and  budgetary  support  by  the  Central Government.

(c)  &  (d):    Yes.  As  per  the  NMEP,  the  Government  will  make  pre-competitive baseline geoscience data available for open dissemination free of charge. Government  will  create  baseline  geoscience  data  as  a  public  good  and  fund  the generation and dissemination of such data.

GSI  has  initiated  a  National  Aerogeophysical  Mapping  Program  over  the Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) areas covering an area of about 8 lakh sq. km for acquiring the baseline magnetic and spectrometric data. This project is planned to be completed by 2019 and aims at, inter alia, identifying targets for concealed and deep seated mineral deposits.  By April 2017, survey over an area of about 2.05 lakh sq. km is planned to be carried out.

* * *