Lok Sabha Question No. 3828 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-03-18
Subject: Environmental Impact Assessment of Road Projects
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Karti P. Chidambaram

## be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the flash flood on February 7, 2021 is likely to result in any review, assessment or public engagement regarding concerns about the road projects in Uttarakhand and if so, the details, thereof;
- (b) whether a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment of the  road  projects  has  been  undertaken  and  if  so,  the  details thereof and if not, reasons therefor;
- (c) the extent of tree cover already lost and the projected loss due to road projects;
- (d) whether  any  tree-felling,  hill  cutting,  waste  dumping  or  future plan  of  construction  has  happened  for  areas  under  Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park, Valley of Flowers National  Park  or  other  protected  areas  and  if  so,  the    details thereof;
- (e) whether  the  Government  recognizes  the  concerns  that  the freshly cut slopes may be prone to landslides if so,  the details of redressal measures proposed by the Government in this regard; and
- (f) whether the Government is implementing the recommendations made by the Supreme Court appointed High Powered Committee for  the  purpose  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  if  not,  the reasons therefor?

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3828 ANSWERED ON 18 TH  MARCH, 2021

## ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF ROAD PROJECTS

## 3828. SHRI KARTI P. CHIDAMBARAM:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a) Central Government is responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways in the Country. As per reports received from the Government of Uttarakhand, the flash floods of February  7,  2021  are  not  due  to  National  Highways  Projects  in Uttarakhand.
- (b) Yes  Sir.  Environmental  Impact  Assessment  of  the  National Highway Projects have been undertaken in accordance with the Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  &  Climate  Change  (MoEF&CC) Notification dated 14.09.2006 and amendment dated 22.08.2013 thereof.
- (c) For implementation of National Highway projects in the State of Uttarakhand, 1252.8 ha of forest land already diverted and 104.6 ha of forest land is under process of diversion.
- (d) Yes  Sir.  For  widening  of  National  Highways  between  Haridwar and Dehradun, which passes through Rajaji National Park, 23,032 trees have been felled,
- (e) Yes Sir.  Adequate / sufficient slope protection  measures viz. construction  of  retaining  walls  &  breast  walls,  drapery  system, netting,  anchoring,  reinforced  wall  and  bio-engineering  method have been provided in the projects.
- (f) The  High  Powered  Committee  submitted  its  recommendation during June, 2020 and December, 2020, which were not unanimous  due  to  differences  of  opinion  among  the  members regarding the width of the road being constructed. The matter is still subjudice in Hon'ble Supreme Court.

*****