Lok Sabha Question No. 1070 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-29
Subject: Impact of Diversion of Mhadei River
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Captain Viriato Fernandes

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1070

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2024

## Impact of Diversion of Mhadei River

## 1070. SHRI CAPTAIN VIRIATO FERNANDES:

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

- (a) whether the concerned authorities kept in view the impact of diversion of Mhadei River water on the flora and fauna in Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, Mahavir wildlife sanctuary, Mahavir National Park, Bondla wildlife sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird sanctuary in Goa State and Bhimgad wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka State
- (b) the effect of diversion of the Mhadei river water on climate change; and
- (c) the steps taken by the Government to protect endemic species in Western Ghat from getting extinct?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

- (a) and (b) The proposal for use of 10.6852 ha. of forest land from the tiger corridor in between Kali and Sahyadri Tiger Reserves for construction of Kalasa Nala Diversion  Scheme  in  Khanapur  Taluk,  Belagavi  District,  Karnataka  was discussed  in  the  77 th meeting  of  the  Standing  Committee  for  the  National Board for Wild Life (SCNBWL). However, no approval to this project has been given by the SCNBWL so far.
- (c) The important steps  taken by  the Ministry to  protect  endemic species and their habitats in Western Ghats include:
- i. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is implementing a number of schemes for conservation of forest, wildlife and  environment  in  different  States  and  Union  Territories,  including Western  Ghats  States.  These  include  the  Development  of  Wildlife Habitats, Project Tiger  and Elephant, Forest Fire Prevention and Management,  and  National  Mission  for  a  Green  India.  Funds  under Compensatory Afforestation Management & Planning Authority are also utilized for conservation of forest and wildlife in the Western Ghats.
- ii. A network of Protected Areas namely viz, National Parks, Sanctuaries, Conservation  Reserves  and  Community  Reserves  covering  important wildlife  habitats  have  been  created  all  over  the  country  under  the
- provisions  of  the  Wild  Life  (Protection)  Act,  1972  to  conserve  wild animals and their habitats.
- iii. The Ministry also notifies Eco-sensitive Zones around National Parks and Sanctuaries.
- iv. In  accordance with provisions contained under Section 33 of the Wild Life  (Protection)  Act, 1972,  the  Ministry has  issued  guidelines  for the process of management planning for Protected Areas and other process of  management  planning  for  Protected  Areas  and  other  landscape elements.
- v. Financial  assistance  is  also  provided  to  States/UTs  for  the  recovery programme  of  critically endangered  species  under  the  component Recovery  programme  for  saving  of  critically  endangered  species  and habitats under CSS- 'Development of Wildlife Habitats'.
- vi. Rare and endangered species of animals found in India have been listed in Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby providing them highest degree of protection.
- vii. The  Wild  Life  (Protection)  Act,  1972  provides  for  punishment  for violation of  its  provisions.  The  Act  also  provides  for  forfeiture  of  any equipment,  vehicle  or  weapon  that  is  used  for  committing  wildlife offence.
- viii. Law  enforcement  authorities  in  the  States/UTs  maintain  strict  vigil against poaching of wild animals.
- ix. Wild Life Crime Control Bureau has been set up to gather intelligence about poaching and unlawful trade in wild animals and animal articles and to achieve inter-state and trans-boundary coordination in enforcement of wildlife laws.
- x. The  Ministry  has  issued  advisory  to  States/UTs  for  strengthening campaign  of  solid  waste  management  and  freedom  from  single  use plastic, water conservation in wetlands inside and in areas surrounding protected areas, experience based learning for conservation and protection of wildlife and carbon sequestration while planning developmental projects in and around Protected Areas.

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