opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2109 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Sinking of MSC Elsa-3
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Subbarayan K, Com. Selvaraj V

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2109

ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025

## SINKING OF MSC ELSA-3

2109.  COM. SELVARAJ V: SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: पȅन , पोत पįरवहन एवं जलमागŊ मंũालय

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of the sinking of a Liberian-flagged ship MSC Elsa-3 Thottappally (Alappuzha) spilllway enroute from Vizhinjam port to Kochi on May 25, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any study was conducted as to the environmental and economic fall out from this incident, if so, the details and conclusion thereof; and
- (c) the steps being taken to secure compensation from the shipping company for the environmental and maritime damages and losses caused thereby?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (c) The Government of India is aware of sinking of Liberian-flagged ship MSC ELSA-3 sank approximately 13 nautical miles off the Alappuzha coast on 25.05.2025. The  Government of  Kerala  informed  that  high-level  meeting  was  convened  with  the scientists  of  ICAR-Central  Institute  of  Fisheries  Technology  (CIFT),  ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and representatives of fishermen on 28th May, 2025 to discuss the possible ecological impact and necessary actions to be taken for protection of fishery resources and livelihood of fishermen. Accordingly, on 19.06.2025, a Joint Coordination Committee was constituted by the State Government of Kerala with representatives from KUFOS, CMFRI, CIFT, State  Pollution  Control  Board,  Food  Safety,  National  Health Mission, and Coastal Police to review the scenario and to conduct necessary sampling, testing of water, and fish in accordance with the standard protocols. The test reports revealed that the fish samples were all in good condition, and no objectionable smell or flavour was observed, and the pH, salinity and the conductivity of water samples were within the normal range. The preliminary analysis of water and fish samples revealed that there was no trace or the presence of oil content, no direct evidence to prove the presence  of  hazardous  chemicals,  and  that  the  fish  samples  from  the  coasts  of Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Kollam, etc. were safe for consumption. It has also been informed that the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has been entrusted through the Environment Department of Kerala to undertake multi-sectoral loss assessment and impact study both short term and long term.

The claim Desks have been established by the vessel owner through the vessel's Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurer, M/s. North Standard P&I Club, to facilitate the collection and processing of claims.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2105 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Development of  National Waterway-48
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rao Rajendra Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2105

ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL WATERWAY-48

2105. SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन एवं जलमागŊ मंũालय

- (a) whether the Government has made any headway in the development of National Waterway-48, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether there is any deadline for the completion of the NW-48 project, if so, the details thereof; (c)  whether  any  progress  has  been  made  in  the  scheme  to  develop  a  port  by constructing an artificial canal at Bakhasar in Barmer district of Rajasthan under the
- National Waterway-48 project, if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the strategic and economic importance of the aforementioned port;

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (d) Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, has engaged National Technology Center  for  Ports,  Waterways  &  Coasts  (NTCPWC),  IIT  Madras  for  carrying  out mathematical modelling of the National Waterway-48 (NW-48) (Jawai Luni-Rann of Kutch River System). Further course of action will be based on the outcome of the mathematical modelling.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2103 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Risk Insurance Cover in Shipbuilding Finance
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri G M Harish Balayogi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2103

ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025

## RISK INSURANCE COVER IN SHIPBUILDING FINANCE

2103.  SHRI G M  HARISH BALAYOGI :

## Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: पȅन , पोत पįरवहन एवं जलमागŊ मंũालय

(a)  whether the Government is aware that in several major shipbuilding nations, banks and financial institutions are provided with state-backed risk insurance cover through national agencies to mitigate financial risks in shipbuilding finance, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the absence of such risk mitigation mechanisms in the country has affected the willingness of banks to extend credit for shipbuilding projects or resulted in higher interest rates, if so, the details thereof; (c)  whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  feasibility  of  introducing  a  similar  risk insurance scheme in the country to protect lenders and reduce the cost of capital for the shipbuilding sector; (d)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  timeline  by  which  the  said  scheme  is  expected  to  be implemented; (e) the impact of such a mechanism on the competitiveness of Indian shipyards and the overall cost of shipbuilding finance; and (f) the steps undertaken by the Government to make shipbuilding finance more accessible and affordable in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (f) Yes Sir, in several major shipbuilding nations, leading state-backed financial institutions provide risk insurance for the shipbuilding sector. In India, such a policy is yet to be approved.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2102 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Dialysis Centres under PMNDP
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Arvind Dharmapuri

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2102 TO BE ANSWERED ON 1 ST AUGUST, 2025

## DIALYSIS CENTRES UNDER PMNDP

## 2102. SHRI ARVIND DHARMAPURI:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of operational dialysis centres under Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) in the country including in Telangana;
- (b) the total dialysis sessions conducted during the last three years in the said State, year-wise;
- (c) the current capacity available at the dialysis centres under the said programme in Telangana;
- (d) the detailed plan of the Government to meet the increasing demand for dialysis in the said State; and
- (e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that dialysis centres are accessible in remote and tribal districts?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV )

- (a): Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP) is implemented in all the 36 States/UTs in 751 districts in the country. There are a total of 1,704 centres operational as on 30 th June 2025.

In Telangana, Dialysis services are available in all the 33 districts with 99 Haemodialysis centres.

- (b): The details of total dialysis sessions conducted in the last three years in the State of Telangana are as follows:
- (c): Under PMNDP, there are 678 Haemodialysis machines at dialysis centres in Telangana.
- (d) & (e): Government of India (GoI) has recommended setting up of Haemodialysis centres in all the district hospitals initially and on saturation scale down till the Community Health Centres (CHCs) at the taluka level. This is done by the States/Union Territories (UTs) as per the dialysis demand and gap assessment. National Health Mission (NHM) supports States/UTs in implementation of Haemodialysis (HD) and Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) services under PMNDP program based on the gap assessment done by the State/UTs through the annual Programme Implementation Plans (PIP). States/UTs are financially supported for establishing dialysis services to all the population of the States/UTs including in remote and tribal areas.

| Year       | Total Dialysis Session conducted   |
|------------|------------------------------------|
| FY 2022-23 | 6.44 lakh                          |
| FY 2023-24 | 4.97 lakh                          |
| FY 2024-25 | 5.86 lakh                          |
Lok Sabha Question No. 2094 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: One Herb, One Standard Initiative
Ministry: AYUSH
Asked by: Shri Nalin Soren

## 2094. Shri Nalin Soren

Will the Minister of Ayush be pleased to state:

(a) the AYUSH schemes formulated/being formulated by the Government for inter-ministry cooperation to promote and simplify "One Herb, One Standard" initiative;

(b) whether this initiative is expected to pave the way for standardization of herbal medicines, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the manner in which this is likely to improve ease of doing business in herbal sector in the country?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYUSH (SH. PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) Under  the 'One  Herb , One  Standard' Ministry  of  Ayush  has  taken  up  the  task  to harmonize all the monographs published/being published through Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India (SPI), Unani Pharmacopoeia of India (UPI), Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India (HPI) and Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP).

In  this  regard,  Pharmacopoeia  Commission  for  Indian  Medicine  and  Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) under Ministry of Ayush and Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had signed a MoU on 30th August, 2022 which was renewed on 6th August, 2024 for promotion and facilitation of 'One Herb -One Standard'.

(b) Yes,  the  main  objective  of  One  Herb-One  Standard  is  to  harmonise  the  multiple standards  of  a  herb  published  in  Ayurvedic  Pharmacopoeia  of  India  (API),  Siddha Pharmacopoeia  of  India  (SPI),  Unani  Pharmacopoeia  of  India  (UPI),  Homoeopathic

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 2094 ANSWERED ON 01/08/2025

## "One Herb, One Standard" initiative

Pharmacopoeia of India (HPI) and Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) into one harmonised single monograph to realize the idea of 'One Herb, One Standard'. (c) It will improve and enhance business as one Standard herb would be available without

- quality variations.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2091 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Expansion of  Maritime Infrastructure and Inland Navigation
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajmohan Unnithan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2091

ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025

## EXPANSION OF MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURE AND INLAND NAVIGATION

2091. SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन एवं जलमागŊ मंũालय

- (a)  the  details  of  the  new  port  projects  proposed  or  initiated  under  the  Sagarmala programme for the fiscal year 2025-26;
- (b) whether lighthouses across the coastline are being modernised for improved maritime navigation and safety and if so, the scope of such initiatives; and
- (c)  the  measures  taken  to promote inland water transport, including cargo movement through national waterways and multimodal logistics integration?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

- (a) The details of new projects initiated for partial funding under Sagarmala Scheme for the fiscal year 2025-26 till date is annexed [ Annexure-I]
- (b) Yes, lighthouses along the Indian coastline are modernized to enhance maritime navigation and safety. Aids to navigation are provided in compliance to guidelines and recommendations of International Organization of Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA).
- (c) The measures taken by the Government to promote Inland Water Transport (IWT), including  cargo  movement  through  National  Waterways  and  multimodal  logistics integration includes (i) infrastructure development such as community jetties and tourist jetties, floating terminals, permanent IWT terminals, fairway maintenance work and (ii) policy  measures  such  as  Cargo  Promotion  Scheme,  shift  of  cargo  by  PSUs  and integration with Ports.

Annexure-I

|   S.No | Name of the Project                                                             | Implementing Agency     |   Total project cost ( in Cr) |
|--------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------|
|      1 | Augmentation of Firefighting facilities at Berth no. 8 of MgPA on Turnkey basis | Mormugao Port Authority |                         17.76 |
|      2 | Installation of a 3 MWp Solar Power Plant at Mormugao Port                      | Mormugao Port Authority |                         18.09 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2090 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Use of Insecticides
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Eswarasamy K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS AND PETROCHEMICALS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No - 2090

ANSWERED ON- 01/08/2025

## USE OF INSECTICIDES

## 2090 SHRI. ESWARASAMY K:

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

a. whether the use of insecticides on foodgrains, vegetables and fruits etc. renders them harmful for health;

b. if so, the details thereof and the adverse effects caused on human health; c. whether the number of all species of birds is slowly decreasing due to eating of foodgrains containing insecticides and water and air are getting polluted due to it, if so, the details thereof; d.  whether  the  Government  has  adopted  any  innovative  idea  to  remedy  this  situation;  and e. if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) & (b):Pesticides are allowed for use in the country only after they are granted approval in the form of Registration Certificate by the Registration Committee (RC) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The registration is granted only after ensuring the efficacy and safety of the pesticides to prevent risk to human beings or animals or environment and for matters  connected  therewith.  Based  on  the  studies  and  field  trials  conducted  at  approved Universities/institutes, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare through the RC, approves the details of doses, crops, precautionary measures, antidotes etc., which are duly published on label and leaflets of the pesticides. The registered pesticides if used as per instruction on the label and leaflets,  do not pose any harm to human beings, animals and environment.

(c): No specific information is available about the number of species of birds which are slowly decreasing due to eating of food grains and water contaminated with insecticides.

(d)  &  (e):Ministry  of  Agriculture  and  Farmers  Welfare  through  its  Central  Integrated  Pest Management  Centres  (CIPMCs),  Krishi  Vigyan  Kendras  (KVKs)  and  State  Agriculture Departments conduct various training programs to create awareness amongst farmers about use of alternate to  chemicals like Bio-pesticide, Bio-stimulants, and alternate farming practices such as organic farming, mix farming to increase their production. In the year 2024-25, a total of 720 training programs were conducted across the country, benefiting 21,271 farmers. Also, to prevent the excessive use of chemical pesticide Government of India promotes the strategy of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) which envisages pest management through traditional and biological methods..

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2086 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Fertilizers Manufacturing Units in Amritsar
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Gurjeet Singh Aujla

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2086 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025

## Fertilizers Manufacturing Units in Amritsar

## 2086:  SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA:

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

- (a) whether the Union Government is considering to support the establishment of fertilizer  unit  in  Amritsar  to  provide  relief  to  farmers  and  reduce  import dependency, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  it  is  true  that  such  a  unit  would  not  only  reduce  transportation costs/import dependency, but also generate massive employment opportunities  for  local  youth,  support  agriculture,  boost  rural  economy  and reduce  the  burden  of  excessive  subsidy  by  enabling  cheaper  domestic production, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether the proposal  of such units under  relevant schemes  promotes selfreliance  in  agri-inputs  and  prioritise  border  areas  like  Amritsar  for  such strategic investment, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

## (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

- (a) to  (c): In  order  to  promote  indigenous  production  of  Urea  in  the  country, Government of India mandated revival of Ramagundam (Telangana), Gorakhpur (Uttar  Pradesh),  Sindri  (Jharkhand)  and  Talcher  (Odisha)  units  of  Fertilizer Corporation  of  India  (FCIL)  and  Barauni  (Bihar)  unit  of  Hindustan  Fertilizer Corporation  Ltd.  (HFCL)  through  Joint  Venture  Company  (JVC)  of  nominated PSUs for setting up new ammonia-urea plants of 12.7 LMTPA capacity each. The Ramagundam and Gorakhpur units have been commissioned on 22.03.2021 and 07.12.2021 respectively. Also, Barauni and Sindri units started Urea production on 18.10.2022 and 05.11.2022 respectively. These plants have added 50.8 LMT per annum of indigenous Urea production in the country thereby reducing import dependency of Urea. However, as of now, there is no proposal for consideration for establishment of fertilizer unit in Amritsar. At present, there are two operational Urea  plants  of  National  Fertilizers  Limited  (NFL)  at  Nangal  and  Bhatinda  with annual production capacity of 4.78 LMT and 5.11 LMT respectively.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2085 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Upgradation of Passport Office in Sikar
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Amra Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- †2085

## ANSWERED ON - 01/08/2025

## UPGRADATION OF PASSPORT OFFICE IN SIKAR

†2085.  SHRI AMRA RAM

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government proposes to upgrade the Sikar Passport Office and the time by which it is likely to be done and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (b) whether a large number of people are going to gulf countries from Shekhawati regions and if  so, the details of  the action plan for expanding the facilities available to them?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) Sikar is working as an extended arm of the Regional Passport Office, Jaipur. 440 appointments for normal passport,   110   appointments   for   tatkaal   passport   and   100   Police Clearance Certificate appointments are released daily. Appointments

are available in 06 working days for normal passport, next working day for tatkaal passport and next working day for PCC. Considering the fact   that   PSK   Sikar   is   already   functioning   under   RPO   Jaipur,   the Government does not consider  it   necessary   to   upgrade   it   into   a Passport Office.

(b)   Data is not available with this Ministry.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2084 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Relationship with U.S.A. on Military Assistance
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Balwant Baswant Wankhade

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2084

ANSWERED ON - 01/08/2025

## RELATIONSHIP WITH U.S.A ON MILITARY ASSISTANCE

2084. SHRI BALWANT BASWANT WANKHADE

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)   whether   any   official   proposal   was   received   from   the   United States regarding the sale of F-35 fighter jets to India following the announcement by the USA President in February;
- (b) the role of the American diplomats to stop hostilities between India and Pakistan; and
- (c) whether the Government has reviewed the relationship between US military assistance proposals and autonomy in terms of India's foreign policy in view of  the strategic implication especially in a conflict scenario involving third-party mediation?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) The India-US Joint Statement following the meeting of Prime Minister with U.S. President Donald Trump on 13th February 2025 mentions that the U.S. will undertake a review of  its policy on releasing fifth generation fighters (such as the F-35) and undersea systems to India.  No formal discussions have been held as yet on this issue.

(b   &   c)   Between   22   April,   when   the   Pahalgam   terrorist   attack happened   and   10   May,   there   were   a   number   of   diplomatic conversations with various countries at different levels, including with the United States. All our interlocutors were given a common message that India's approach was focused, measured and nonescalatory.   With   specific   reference   to   the   United   States,   it   was conveyed to Vice President J.D. Vance on 09 May that India would appropriately   respond   if   Pakistan   launched   a   major   attack.   The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication

between the two-armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan's request.

As regards any proposal for third party mediation, our longstanding position remains that any outstanding issue with Pakistan will be discussed only bilaterally. This has been made clear to all nations, including by the Prime Minister to the U.S. President.

The   India-U.S.   Comprehensive   Global   Strategic   Partnership   is anchored in mutual trust,   shared   interests,   goodwill   and   robust engagement   between   our   citizens.   The   partnership   has   also benefited from growing strategic convergence and cooperation. The Government of India closely evaluates all its external partnerships, including those in the defence and strategic domains, through the prism   of   India's   national   interest   and   commitment   to   strategic autonomy.

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