opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 911 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: Illegal Occupation of National Parks
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: LAXMAN GILUWA, LAXMI NARAYAN YADAV

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 911

TO BE ANSWERED ON  07.02.2017

## Illegal Occupation of National Parks

911. SHRI  LAXMAN GILUWA:

SHRI  LAXMI  NARAYAN YADAV:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether a number of national parks in the country have been illegally occupied and if so, the names of national parks under illegal occupation as on date;
- (b) the steps taken by the Government to get the said parks vacated;
- (c) whether various mafias are behind such illegal occupation; and
- (d) if  so,  the  reaction  of  the  Government  thereto  and  the  remedial  steps  taken  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a)&(b) There is no such report from any State Governments. Management and maintaining law  and  order  in  the  National  Parks  is  the  responsibility  of  the  concern  State Government. The information pertaining to national parks under illegal occupation is not collated in the Ministry.
- (c)&(d) Does not arise in view of (a) & (b) above.
Lok Sabha Question No. 909 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: GAJANAN CHANDRAKANT KIRTIKAR, KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH, ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN, KIRIT SOMAIYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 909

TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2017

## Sanjay Gandhi National Park

909.     SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR: KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH: SHRI ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN:

DR. KIRIT SOMAIYA:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has notified the area around Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai as Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ);
- (b) if so, the details  thereof indicating the area notified by the Government as ESZ;
- (c) whether the  Government has received a large number of representations from elected representatives,  various  organizations  and  agencies  such  as  the  Bombay  Municipal Corporation and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation on the draft notification; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) and (b) The  Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified on 5 th December  2016  an  eco-sensitive  zone  of  59.46  sq.kms  area    around  Sanjay Gandhi National Park under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.  The  eco-sensitive  zone  has  a  minimum  extent  of  100  meters  and maximum extent of up to 4 kms from the Park boundary.
- (c) and (d) The    Government  had  received  a  large  number  of  response  from  elected representatives,  various  organizations  and  agencies  such  as  the  Bombay Municipal Corporation, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation and others on the draft notification. Taking these into consideration, an area of 1.65 sq.km land for the Mumbai Metro rail Shed of Mumbai Metro rail Corporation, temple, etc. has been excluded in the final notification.
Lok Sabha Question No. 908 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: FAME India Scheme
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Asked by: ANANDRAO  ADSUL, RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE, PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE, Shrirang Appa Barne, SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE

## MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF HEAVY INDUSTRY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.908 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.02.2017

## FAME India Scheme

908. SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL: SHRI RAHUL SHEWALE: DR. PRITAM GOPINATH MUNDE: SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE: SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO: DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

## Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether high cost of pure electric vehicle is a prohibiting factor in its popularisation and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has formally launched the FAME India scheme offering incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Ministry of Heavy Industries has requested the Finance Ministry to extend the 200 per cent incentive for research and development, especially for the automobile sector and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)  whether  FAME  India-Faster  Adoption  and  Manufacturing  of  Hybrid  and  Electric  vehicles  in India is a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan;
- (e) if so, wheher the scheme envisaged Rs. 795 crore support in the first two fiscals starting with the current year; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken so far by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER MINISTER  OF  STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF  HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES (SHRI  BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) to (f): National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 (NEMMP-2020) had flagged high cost of pure electric vehicles as one of the possible inhibiting factors.  Accordingly, demand incentives were included in the FAME India Scheme launched w.e.f  1st April 2015.

Government of India has notified FAME India Scheme [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India] for implementation with effect from 1st April 2015, with the objective to support hybrid/electric vehicles market development and manufacturing eco-system. The scheme has 4 focus areas i.e. Technology Development, Demand Creation, Pilot Projects and Charging Infrastructure. Details of the scheme including incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles are available in the website of the Department of Heavy industry [www.dhi.nic.in].

FAME India Scheme is a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. The Phase-I of the scheme is  being  implemented over a period of 2 year i.e. FY 2015-16 and FY 2016-17 commencing from 1st April 2015 with an approved outlay of Rs. 795 Crore. Initial seed money of Rs. 75 Crore was allotted in the FY 2015-16 and Rs. 122.90 Crore has been allotted during the current financial year 2016-17.

DHI  has  not  requested  the  Finance  Ministry  to  extend  the  200  percent  incentive  for  research  and development for the automobile sector.

**********
Lok Sabha Question No. 898 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: Installation of LASER Walls
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: ANURAG SINGH THAKUR, VIJAY KUMAR S.R., SUDHEER GUPTA, KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH, ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN, BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO, SUNIL BALIRAM GAIKWAD, T. RADHAKRISHNAN, GAJANAN CHANDRAKANT KIRTIKAR, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, NAGARAJAN P.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 898

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH   FEBRUARY, 2017/ MAGHA 18, 1938 (SAKA)

## INSTALLATION OF LASER WALLS

898.

SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR:

SHRI S.R. VIJAYAKUMAR:

SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA:

KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH:

SHRI ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN:

SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO:

DR. SUNIL BALIRAM GAIKWAD:

SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN:

SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

SHRI P. NAGARAJAN:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Border  Security  Force  (BSF)  proposes  to  set  up/install LASER  walls  and  smart  sensors  along  the  Indo-Bangla  international border in West Bengal;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the expenditure likely to be incurred in this regard;
- (c) the time by which the work is likely to be started and completed;
- (d)  whether the Government also proposes to install such technology in other porous riverine and unmanned terrain in other border areas of the country; and
- (e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  other  steps  taken  to  check infiltration and cross border terrorism?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b) to (e): The  places  where  the  laser  walls  &  other  technological solutions are installed on the International Border, depends on the threat perception  and  other  related  factors  which  are  reviewed  from  time  to time.  The  other  steps  taken  to  check  infiltration  and  cross  border terrorism are as follows:-

(i) Effective domination of the borders by BSF through round the clock surveillance  of  the  border,  viz.,  patrolling,  laying  nakas,  establishing  of observation posts all along the International Boundary (IB) and strengthening existing defences of the Border Out Posts(BOPs).

- (ii) Erection  of  Border  Fencing  and  floodlights  along  Indo-Pakistan Border.
- (iii) Introduction  of  Force  multipliers  and  Surveillance  Equipment  to reduce stress level of troops and enhance surveillance of border.
- (iv) Vulnerability  mapping of BOPs is reviewed from time to time from the  point  of  view  of  cross-border  crimes  and  being  strengthened  by deploying additional manpower, Special Surveillance Equipment, vehicles and other infrastructure support.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 895 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: Subsidy Arrears
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO, VIJAY KUMAR S.R., SUDHEER GUPTA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.     895 TO BE ANSWERED ON :07.02.2017

## Subsidy Arrears

895. SHRI  BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: SHRI S. R. VIJAYAKUMAR: SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  provides  subsidy  to  fertilizer  companies  in  the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the details of fertilizer subsidy arrears to be given to fertilizer companies by the Government pending at present along with the reasons for the delay in payment of the said subsidy arrears;
- (c) the corrective measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard;
- (d) whether his Ministry has requested the Finance Ministry for release of funds to provide loan at reasonable rate to cash starved fertilizer companies; and
- (e) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  response  of  the  Finance  Ministry thereto?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS, SHIPPING AND CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a) : Yes, Madam. The difference between the delivered cost of Urea at farm gate and  net  market  realization  by  the  urea  units  is  given  as  subsidy  to  the  urea manufacturer/importer by the Government of India.

In  case  of  P&K  fertilizers,  the  NBS  Policy  is  being  implemented  w.e.f. 1.4.2010  under  which  a  fixed  amount  of  subsidy  decided  on  annual  basis  is provided on each grade of subsidized P&K fertilizers based on their nutrient content and  given  to  the  P&K  fertilizer  companies.  Accordingly,  the  P&K  fertilizers  are available in the market at less than the delivered price, to the extent of subsidy.

Hence, every farmer who is buying Urea and P&K fertilizer bags is availing the benefit of the fertilizer subsidy.

(b): As on 01.02.2017, claims amounting to Rs. 12060.39 crores are pending for payment in case of Urea. Out of this, claims amounting to Rs. 484.25 crores pertain to  2015-16.  In  case  of  imported P&K fertilizers,  claims amounting  to  Rs. 4114.83 crores are pending for payment as on 01.02.2017. Out of this, claims amounting to Rs. 739.16 crores pertain to the year 2015-16. In case of Indigenous P&K fertilizers, claims amounting to Rs. 6829.50 crores are pending for payment as on 01.02.2017. Out of this, claims amounting to Rs. 2768.04 crores pertain to the year 2015-16.

The delay in payment of subsidy claims is due to non-receipt of Proforma-B2 (Quality Certificate) from the State Governments and paucity of funds.

(c)  to  (e):  The  Department  of  Fertilizers  makes  Special  Banking  Arrangements (SBA) for payment of subsidy claims of fertilizer companies in case of shortage of funds.  In  the  year  2016-17,  the  Department  of  Expenditure  has  allowed  the Department of Fertilizers to avail Rs. 10,000 crores as short term loan from the PSU Banks under SBA.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 894 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: Drought Relief
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: DODDAALAHALLI KEMPEGOWDA SURESH, NALIN KUMAR KATEEL, P.K.SREEMATHI TEACHER, ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT, KRUPAL BALAJI TUMANE, NAGARAJAN P., RAMACHANDRAN MULLAPPALLY, Y. S. AVINASH REDDY, B.N. CHANDRAPPA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.858

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2017

## MSP FOR BITTER GINGER

858. SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

Will  the  Minister  of  AGRICULTURE  AND  FARMERS  WELFARE      ‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the plight of the growers of bitter ginger in the country due to the price fall and the exploitation by the middlemen;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  proposal  regarding  the  special package or fixing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for bitter ginger; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान  कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ Àã·¾ã ½ãâ¨ããè (  SHRI  S.S. AHLUWALIA)

- (a) & (b): No representation has been received from any State, farmers' association/committee/sangha, individual, etc.
- (c) & (d): Government announces Minimum Support Price (MSP) for those agricultural crops which are widely grown, have large area under cultivation, are items of mass consumption with fairly long shelf life and are necessary for maintaining food security.  For  agricultural  and  horticultural  commodities  which  are  perishable  in  nature and are not covered under Price Support Scheme (PSS), Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is implemented to protect the growers from making distress sale. The scheme is implemented when there is glut in the market and the prices of the crops tend to fall below economic level/cost of production.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 892 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: Infiltration of Terrorists
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, M. K. RAGHAVAN, KAMLA DEVI PATLE, ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE, KAMAKHYA PRASAD TASA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 892

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 TH   FEBRUARY, 2017/ MAGHA 18, 1938 (SAKA)

## INFILTRATION OF TERRORISTS

892.

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT: SHRI M.K. RAGHAVAN: SHRIMATI KAMLA DEVI PAATLE: SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE: SHRI KAMAKHYA PRASAD TASA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  instances  of  infiltration  reported,  number  of  security  personnel and  civilians  killed  and  injured  along  with  the  number  of  infiltrators arrested  and  killed  during  each  of  the  last  three  years  and  the  current year, border-wise and State-wise;
- (b) the total length of international borders which India shares with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan in North East Region;
- (c)  whether  the  terrorists  have  damaged  the  fencing  at  borders  to infiltrate;
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the corrective measures taken thereon;
- (e)  whether  the  Government  has  set  up  a  committee  to  formulate  the strategy regarding anti-infiltration and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) the measures taken to check infiltration along the borders including erecting concrete walls to check infiltration?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to (f): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 891 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: Closure of Pharmaceutical Units
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: C. N. JAYADEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 891

## TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 7 th  February, 2017

## Closure of Pharmaceutical Units

891 SHRI C.N. JAYADEVAN:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has decided to close down the Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals  Ltd.  (IDPL)  and  Rajasthan  Drugs  and  Pharmaceuticals  Ltd. (RDPL); and
- (b) if so, the details and reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ROAD  AND  TRANSPORT  AND HIGHWAYS;  MINISTRY  OF  SHIPPING  AND  MINISTRY  OF  CHEMICALS  AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a) and (b) Yes Sir. The Government has decided to close Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL) and Rajasthan Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited (RDPL). A Committee of three Ministers considered future course of action on pharma PSUs and noted that all Pharmaceutical  PSUs,  except  Karnataka  Antibiotics  &  Pharmaceutical Limited  (KAPL),  were  sick  or  incipient  sick  and  their  earlier  revival/ rehabilitation  packages  had  failed  to  achieve  desired  results.    The Government has decided to sell that much of surplus land of IDPL and RDPL  to  Government  agencies  as  would  be  required  to  clear  the outstanding liabilities, implement Voluntary Retirement Scheme(VRS)/Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) to pave way for their closure,  manage  the  remaining  land  in  accordance  with  guidelines  of Department of Investment and Public Assets Management/ Department of Public Enterprises and if need be, vest it in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The Government has decided that after liabilities have been met, balance sheet cleansed and VRS/VSS effected, IDPL & RDPL be closed.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 890 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: Complaints against Employees
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: JANARDAN MISHRA, RODMAL NAGAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTLIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.    890 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 07.02.2017

## Complaints against Employees

## 890. SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA: SHRI NAGAR RODMAL:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has received complaints against employees and officers
- working in fertilizer production units institutes;
- (b) If so, details thereof, State/ UT-wise and institute-wise;  and
- (c) the steps being taken by the Government to resolve the complaints?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS, SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

(SHRI  MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a): Yes  Madam,  complaints  have  been  received  against  employees  of  fertilizers  Public Sector Undertakings (PSU).
- (b): The details of PSU-wise complaints pending as on 31 st December 2016 are as under:
- (c): Complaints are being dealt as per the extant guidelines of Central Vigilance Commission and Department of Personnel and Training.

|   S.No | Name of the PSU                                                  |   No. of complaints pending. |
|--------|------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|
|      1 | Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. Mumbai, Maharashtra.      |                           03 |
|      2 | National Fertilizers Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh.                 |                           05 |
|      3 | Madras Fertilizers Ltd., Chennai, Tamil Nadu.                    |                           07 |
|      4 | Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd., Cochin, Kerela.       |                           14 |
|      5 | FCI Aravali Gypsum and Minerals India Ltd., Jodhpur, Rajasthan.  |                           02 |
|      6 | Projects & Development India Ltd., Noida, Uttar Pradesh.         |                           01 |
|      7 | Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd., Hyderabad, Telangana. |                           01 |

*********
Lok Sabha Question No. 889 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-02-07
Subject: Unfertile Land
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.889

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  7 TH  FEBRUARY, 2017

## UNFERTILE LAND

889.   SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA:

Will  the  Minister  of  AGRICULTURE  AND  FARMERS  WELFARE      ‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that agricultural land is being converted into infertile/uncultivated land in various parts of the country and if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard;
- (b)  whether  the  Government is  considering to bring  any  Policy  Bill  to  convert  infertile land into cultivation;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE ‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं  कसान  कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã ½ãñâ Àã·¾ã ½ãâ¨ããè (  SHRI  S.S. AHLUWALIA)

- (a) to (d): As per Seventh Schedule of Constitution of India, land comes under the purview of State Governments. Therefore, the State Governments are to take suitable steps  to  check  diversion  of  agricultural  land  into  infertile/uncultivated  land.  However, Government of India is implementing various watershed programmes for development of degraded land/infertile land in the country and parts of such developed land are put to cultivation for various crops including food crops.

The Government had been implementing an area development programme i.e. Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) w.e.f. 26.02.2009 for development  of  rainfed/degraded  areas  into  agricultural  land  in  the  country.  The objectives  of  the  IMWP  programme  are  conservation  of  water,  improving  agriculture productivity and livelihood creation. The major activities taken up under the programme, inter  alia,  includes  ridge  area  treatment,  drainage  line  treatment,  soil  and  moisture conservation, rain water harvesting, nursery raising, afforestation, horticulture, pasture development, etc.

From  the  year  2015-16,  the  IWMP  programme  has  been  amalgamated  as  the Watershed  Development  Component  of  the  Pradhan  Mantri  Krishi  Sinchai  Yojana (WDC-PMKSY).

- ****