opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 333 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Privatisation of Freight Corridor
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: S.R. Parthiban

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 333

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2021

## PRIVATISATION OF FREIGHT CORRIDOR

333.   SHRI  PARTHIBAN S.R.:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  after  allowing  private  players  to  run  passenger  trains, Indian  Railways  is  going  to  open  two  freight  corridors  to  private operators;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- whether Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL)
- (c) has started the process in this regard;
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the number of routes and trains allowed to be operated by private operators; and
- (f) the future plan for privatisation of freight corridors and passenger trains and the extent to which this process is likely to adversely affect the railway employees?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMERCE & INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a)  &  (b):  At  present,  Indian  Railways  will  be  the  sole  operator  of freight trains on Dedicated Freight Corridor network.
- (c) to (e): Question does not arise at this stage.
- (f): As of now, there is no plan for privatization of freight corridors and passenger trains.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 331 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: ROB in Alwarthirunagari
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.331 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2021

## ROB IN ALWARTHIRUNAGARI

331. SHRIMATI KANIMOZHI KARUNANIDHI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is considering to remove the Level Crossing gate LC-29 situated in Alwarthirunagari, Thoothukkudi district;
- (b) if  so,  whether  the  Government  will  construct  a  Road  over  bridge  (ROB)  or under bridge at the same place of the level crossing; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMERCE & INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a)  to  (c):    Yes,  Sir.    Level  Crossing  (LC)  No.  29  situated  in  Alwarthirunagari, Thoothukkudi district is proposed for closure by diverting traffic by construction of  road between LC No. 29 and LC  No. 30 which is 600 m from existing level crossing.

The Train Vehicle Units at LC No. 29 is only 5866 as on March'2019, which does not qualify for construction of ROB/RUB on cost sharing basis.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 330 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Construction of PFBR
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Vishnu Dayal Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 330

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2021

## CONSTRUCTION OF PFBR

330. SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the status of construction of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR);
- (b) the budgetary provisions made, funds released and utilized since its sanctioning in 2003; and
- (c) the time by which it is likely to be constructed?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR.JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI), a CPSE under Department of  Atomic  Energy  is  constructing  500  MWe  Prototype  Fast  Breeder  Reactor (PFBR)  at  Kalpakkam,  Tamil  Nadu.    Integrated  Commissioning  of  PFBR  is currently under progress.

(b)

| Particulars                          |   Equity Rs. in cr |   Loan Rs. in cr |   Total Rs. in cr |
|--------------------------------------|--------------------|------------------|-------------------|
| Budgetary provisions made since 2003 |            4314.52 |             1000 |           5314.52 |
| Funds released since 2003            |            4314.52 |             1000 |           5314.52 |
| Funds utilised since 2003            |            4314.52 |             1000 |           5314.52 |

In addition to the above, Rs. 227.08 crore towards Equity from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited has also been utilised fully.

Cumulative expenditure as on 31.12.2020 is Rs. 5850 crore which is inclusive of short term interest earned and loan from State Bank of India (SBI).

- (c) PFBR is expected to become operational by October 2022.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 329 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Branding of Indian Products
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shivkumar Chanabasappa Udasi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 329 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03 rd FEBRUARY, 2021

## BRANDING OF INDIAN PRODUCTS

## 329. SHRI SHIVAKUMAR C. UDASI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वा�ण�य  एवं  उ�योग  मं�ी ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has reviewed the branding strategy for export-oriented Indian products and services;
- (b) if so, the details and the modes of branding campaign that have been identified and given an opportunity;
- (c) whether  any  roadmap  has  been  drawn  by  the  Government  for  participation in International Trade Fairs, Expos and Seminars for the next three years; and
- (d) if so, the expected target of earnings from taking part in these events?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jh gjnhi flag iqjh½

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

(a)  to (d)  :  The  India  Brand  Equity  Foundation  (IBEF),  established  by  the  Department  of Commerce, supports efforts to promote and create awareness in international markets about Indian products and services, through branding related inputs and efforts. IBEF has been working closely with different Departments, Export Promotion Councils, commodity boards and Industry Associations in support of various sectoral branding efforts, including as part of promotional events.

Some  of  these  initiatives  include  a  branding  campaign  to  promote  products  with Geographical Indicators of India, with a special focus on handicraft, handlooms and agribased  GI  Products,  and  design  of  an  e-brochure showcasing state-wise  GI  Products. A campaign to promote Indian Handmade Carpets across International markets, which has led to significant interest in the Indian Carpet Expo 20-21, was undertaken.

Branding support is also provided to implementation of annual plans, based on proposals submitted  by  the  Export  Promotion  Councils  /  Trade  Promotion  Organizations,  related  to participation of exporters in various international fairs and expos supported under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 328 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Development of Industrially Backward Areas
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Mahabali Singh, Janardan Singh Sigriwal, Vinayak Bhaurao Raut, Rekha Arun Verma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 328.

TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 3RD FEBRUARY, 2021.

## DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIALLY BACKWARD AREA

## 328. SHRI MAHABALI SINGH:

SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL:

SHRI VINAYAK RAUT:

SHRIMATI REKHA VERMA:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a)     whether the Government has identified the industrially backward districts/areas of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar;
- (b)      if so, the details thereof district-wise;
- (c)        whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  policy  for  providing  favourable conditions  and  investment    system/plan  for  industrial  development  in  these areas and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)    whether industries have been set up on the basis of local resources in these backward districts/ areas;
- (e) if  so,    the  details  of  efforts  made  by  the  Government  for  the  industrial development of backward districts/areas of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar; and
- (f)     if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज् यवव द्योग म त्रालयमेंराज् यम त्रर(श्रर सोमप्रकाश) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI SOM PARKASH)

- (a)to(f) Industrial Development of backward districts of the country is handled by various Ministries/ Departments as per Allocation of Business Rules. Ministries/Departments  formulate  action  plans  and  policies  for  their respective schemes. This Department does not maintain information on the schemes proposed by the line Ministries/ Departments on centralized basis.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 327 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Decline in Gold Demand
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Dibyendu Adhikari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 327

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 03 rd FEBRUARY, 2021

## DECLINE IN GOLD DEMAND

## 327. SHRI DIBYENDU ADHIKARI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE & INDUSTRY ( वा�ण�य  एवं  उ�योग  मं�ी ) be pleased to state:

- (a) whether gold demand and consumption has dipped to a eight years low in consecutive three halfs from July-December 2019;
- (b) if so,  the  reasons  therefor  and  the  details  of  the  last  six  half-yearly  demand  and consumption report;
- (c) whether the Government has any plans to revive the gold consumption market of the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

okf.kT; ,oa m|ksx ea=ky; esa jkT; ea=h ¼Jh gjnhi flag iqjh½

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)

- (a) to (d) There is no mechanism to measure demand and consumption of gold in the domestic market. India imports significant quantities of gold to meet the demand for domestic consumption and exports. Recent trends in gold imports, which may broadly reflect the level of gold demand for domestic consumption and exports, is as follows:

|                          | Imports of Gold (including Gold Dore Bar)   | Imports of Gold (including Gold Dore Bar)   |
|--------------------------|---------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Year                     | Quantity (Ton)                              | Value (Billion USD)                         |
| 2015-16                  | 968.06                                      | 31.77                                       |
| 2016-17                  | 780.14                                      | 27.52                                       |
| 2017-18                  | 955.32                                      | 33.66                                       |
| 2018-19                  | 982.71                                      | 32.90                                       |
| 2019-20                  | 719.98                                      | 28.23                                       |
| 2020-21 (up to Dec 2020) | 306.55                                      | 16.78                                       |

Various domestic and export sectors of the economy have been impacted by the global slowdown caused by the Covid pandemic. Steps taken by the government to provide relief to manufacturers and exporters, and revive the economy, have led to a recovery across various sectors. Policy actions to address prevailing economic developments is an ongoing process.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 326 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Doubling of Railway Tracks
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ranjeeta Koli

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 326 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2021

DOUBLING OF RAILWAY TRACKS

†326. SHRIMATI RANJEETA KOLI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of railway tracks where doubling work has been under taken during last three years in Bharatpur and Alwar of Rajasthan;

(b) whether Agra-Bandikui has been included in the above doubling work; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the amount proposed to be spent on this purpose?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMERCE & INDUSTRY AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to (c): Railway projects are not sanctioned District-wise/State-wise but zone-wise, as Indian Railways' network spans across various District/State boundaries. Doubling of Alwar-Bandikui (60.37 Km) falling partly in Alwar District  has  been  completed.  Doubling  of  Agra  Fort-Bandikui  (150  Km) section falling partly in Bharatpur district has been included in the Budget 2018-19  subject  to  requisite  Government  approvals.  Detailed  Project Report  (DPR)  for  doubling  of  Agra  Fort  -  Bandikui  has  been  prepared. Project is not yet sanctioned.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 325 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Exploration of Lithium
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Parvesh Sahib Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.325

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2021

## EXPLORATION OF LITHIUM

## 325.   SHRI PARVESH SAHIB SINGH VERMA:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the initiatives for the exploration of Lithium domestically in the last two years;
- (b) the  details  of  research  undertaken  to  find  alternatives  to  the  Lithium  use  in batteries in the last two years;
- (c) whether  any  research  is  done  to  make  the  Lithium  -  ion  batteries  more durable in Indian climatic conditions; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES  & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

(a)to(d)    The  Atomic  Minerals  Directorate  for  Exploration  and  Research  (AMD),  a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy is carrying out exploration for  Lithium  in  potential  geological  domains  in  parts  of  Karnataka  and Rajasthan.  Lithium  (Spodumene)  mineralisation  has  been  identified  in pegmatites  along  the  Nagmangla  Schist  Belt,  in  Marlagalla  -  Allapatna sector, Mandya district, Karnataka. AMD  is presently carrying out exploration (which  involves three stages  of drilling viz. reconnoitory, exploratory and evaluation; ore reserve estimation and hydrometallurgical studies)  in  Marlagallaarea.  Reconnaissance  surveys  have  been  also carried out along Saraswati River Palaeochannel, in Jodhpur and Barmer districts, Rajasthan for locating Lithium mineralisation associated with brine (saline water from salt lakes).

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 324 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Government Employees Residential Association
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: Upendra Singh Rawat, T.N. Prathapan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 324

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2021)

## GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION

## †324. SHRI UPENDRA SINGH RAWAT:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether any person who shifted from Type 1 to Type 2 category in the same Government Colony is eligible to continue to contest and remain in the post of Pradhan/Secretary in CGERWA;
- (b) if  so,  whether any enquiry has been completed regarding the official against whom the complaint was received;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) to (d):    As per provisions of the Model Constitution for the Residents Welfare Association, recognized by this Department, no Office Bearers, viz. President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer shall hold office for more than two terms continuously, i.e. for a period of four years. However, he may  continue  in  the  Managing  Committee  in  other  capacity.    A  member  of  the Managing Committee may seek office after a lapse of one term (two years), to any of the above mentioned  four  posts.    Insofar  as  the  complaint  is  concerned,  on  the  basis  of  an  inquiry conducted in this regard, and as recommended by the Inquiry Officer, the office bearer has been allowed to hold the elected post of the President, CGERWA, Type-II, Aram Bagh, New Delhi, till completion of his current tenure (i.e. March, 2021) as per the instructions contained in DoPT OM No.11013/1/2016-Estt.A-III dated 27.02.2020.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 323 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Chinese Participation in Atomic Power Projects
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: P. Velusamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 323

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2021

## CHINESE PARTICIPATION IN ATOMIC POWER PROJECTS

323. SHRI VELUSAMY P.:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received any request from China for taking part in the atomic power projects in India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Chinese are against Indian entry into the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the position of the Government in this regard; and
- (d) the  details  of  the  national  security  aspect  of  allowing  Chinese  reactors  to  be established in India, if permission given?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR.JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) No, Sir.
- (b)&(d)Does not arise in view of (a) above.
- (c) India's  membership  of  the  Nuclear  Suppliers  Group  (NSG)  continues  to  be under the consideration of the Group. India has received support from a large number of members of the NSG. As a non-member of NSG, India is not privy to its internal discussions. However, it is gathered that procedural issues have been raised in the NSG in regard to consideration of India's application for the membership. The Government has continued to engage with members of the NSG,  at  the  appropriate  levels,  for  support  for  an  early  decision  on  India's membership by the Group.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 320 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Opening of Border
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Raju Bista

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.320 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2021

## OPENING OF BORDER

320. SHRI RAJU BISTA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the traders and the people living on the Indo-Nepal border crossings   at   Panitanki   and   Pashupatinagar   under   Darjeeling constituency are facing huge business losses and are struggling because   of   the   delay   in   opening   of   normal   trades   and   border crossing mechanisms and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has made any assessment of the impact on business on both sides of the border and if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken to rectify the situation; and
- (c) the details of the plans regarding reopening of border crossings at Panitanki, Pashupatinagar and other such borders?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (c) Government has been taking steps to ensure that movement of goods through the regular cross-border trade points on the India-Nepal border, including at Panitanki-Kakarbhitta, has not been affected by Covid19. As regards movement of people, Government has permitted entry of Indian and Nepalese citizens across the border from 21 October 2020, including through Panitanki and Pashupatinagar border crossing points.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 318 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Containers Manufacturing
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 318. TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 3RD FEBRUARY, 2021.

## CONTAINERS MANUFACTURING

## 318. SHRIMATI RANJANBEN DHANANJAY BHATT:

- Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री (a)      whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  manufacture  containers  within  the country; (b)     if so, whether the Government has taken any steps in this regard so far; and
- (c)      if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज् यवव द्योग म त्रालयमेंराज् यम त्रर(श्रर सोमप्रकाश) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI SOM PARKASH)

- a. Yes  sir.
- b. Yes  sir.
- c. In  view  of  the  interest  shown  by  Bharat  Heavy  Electricals  Ltd,  and  M/s Braithwaite Co Ltd, placement of developmental orders for design, development  and  supply  of  1000  containers  is  under  consideration  by Container Corporation of India Limited, under the ambit of 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat ".

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 317 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-03
Subject: Deposits of Lithium
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Gangasandra Siddappa Basavaraj

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.317

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2021

## DEPOSITS OF LITHIUM

317.SHRI G.S. BASAVARAJ:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  initial  geological  explorations  by  the  Government  has  confirmed  sizeable deposits  of  Lithium,  a  strategic  energy  producing  mineral,  in  certain  reserves  in  the State of Karnataka;
- (b) whether presently  India  is  dependent entirely on  import  of  this  mineral used  in auto storage and other power packs; and
- (c) if so, the details  of the estimated reserves of this mineral and the steps being taken to develop and commercially exploit the Lithium deposits?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH):

(a)to(c)Preliminary surveys on surface and limited subsurface by Atomic Minerals Directorate for  Exploration  and  Research  (AMD),  a  constituent  unit  of  Department  of  Atomic Energy have shown presence of Lithium resources of 1,600 tonnes (inferred category) in the pegmatites of Marlagalla - Allapatna area, Mandya district, Karnataka.

Lithium is a key element for new technologies and finds its use in ceramics, glass, telecommunication and aerospace industries.  The well-known uses of Lithium are in Lithium  ion  batteries,  lubricating  grease,  high  energy  additive  to  rocket  propellants, optical  modulators  for  mobile  phones  and  as  convertor  to  tritium  used  as  a  raw material for thermonuclear reactions i.e. fusion.  The thermonuclear application makes Lithium as 'Prescribed substance' under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 which permits AMD for exploration of Lithium in various geological domains of the country.  Due to the  continuously  increasing  demand  of  Lithium  ion  batteries,  the  requirement  of Lithium has increased over last few years.

The  significance  and  quantity  of  lithium  resources  in  Marlagalla-Allapatna  area, Mandya  district, Karnataka may  be  established only after the completion of exploration in the entire area.  Subsequently, plan for commercial exploitation of the lithium  deposits  can  commence  after  the  technical,  social  and  economic  feasibility studies in the area.

*****