opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 653 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Cancer due to Polluted Water
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Shri Jagdambika Pal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 653

ANSWERED ON 28.11.2024

## CANCER DUE TO POLLUTED WATER

## 653. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the situation in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh where people of 150 villages are suffering from cancer due to the discharge of acidic and arsenic-laden waste water from the industries into the Krishna, Kali and Hindon rivers;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to resolve these issues?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) & (b) Two rivers,  the  Krishni  and  Hindon,  flow  through  the  Baghpat  District  in  Uttar  Pradesh, while the Kali (West) river converges with the Hindon before entering Baghpat.

As  informed  by  Uttar  Pradesh  Government,  no  cancer  patients  or  serious  diseases  have  been reported in the health camps organised near the Hindon and Krishni rivers.

As per the information of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), River water quality was found in the neutral range (pH-7.2) and no arsenic (BDL) was detected in the Krishni river in the Baghpat district. After confluence of River Hindon with River Krishni, water quality of river Hindon having pH-7.7 & Arsenic-0.005 mg/l respectively.

(c) Under the Namami Gange Programme for pollution abatement for River Hindon, river Kali (west) and river Krishni, NMCG has sanctioned total 9 projects (10 STPs) costing Rs. 1479.48 crore for creation 283  MLD  STP  treatment  capacity  of  domestic  wastewater  from Baghpat, Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar. Out of these 9 projects, 2 projects have already been completed.

Solid & liquid waste management works of the villages of District Baghpat have been covered under the Swachh Bharat Mission Rural Phase II.

As per information from the Uttar Pradesh Government, 55 no. Ground water-based drinking water supply  schemes  were  sanctioned  and  completed.  Currently,  purified  drinking  water  from  these  55 schemes is being supplied to the villages.

Further, Health camps are organized in the villages situated near Hindon River from time to time.
Lok Sabha Question No. 652 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Unused Airstrip at Ulundurpet
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Dr. D Ravi Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 652

(To be answered on the 28 th  November 2024)

## UNUSED AIRSTRIP AT ULUNDURPET

## 652. DR. D RAVI KUMAR

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) the specific steps taken by the Government to include the unused airstrip in Ulundurpet, Viluppuram Parliamentary constituency under the UDAN
- scheme;
- (b) the current status of the proposal to set up an airport at the said airstrip;
- (c) the manner in which the Government plans to address the infrastructural and logistical requirements to transform the said airstrip into a functional airport;
- (d) whether the Government foresee the potential benefits for the local community and economy of Viluppuram constituency with the establishment of an airport at the said airstrip and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) whether the Government has conducted any feasibility study regarding the inclusion of Ulundurpet airstrip under the UDAN scheme and if so, the details thereof along with the key findings and recommendations of the said study?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a) to (e): Ulundurpet airstrip in  Tamil Nadu is available in the list of unserved airports in the documents of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN).
- RCS  is  a  demand-driven  ongoing  scheme  where  bidding  rounds  are conducted from time to time to cover more destinations/stations and routes and the airline operators assess the feasibility of operation on a particular route and submit bids. Revival/up-gradation of unserved and underserved airports is carried out  upon its identification through valid bid and  award to the Selected Airline Operator.

Five rounds of bidding have so far been completed under the Scheme. However, no valid bid connecting Ulundurpet airstrip has so far been received. Therefore, the airstrip at Ulundurpet has not been taken up for

## revival under UDAN.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 651 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Narmadapuram Pipariya Kareli State Highway
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Darshan Singh Choudhary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 651 ANSWERED ON 28 TH  NOVEMBER, 2024

NARMADAPURAM PIPARIYA KARELI STATE HIGHWAY †651.  SHRI DARSHAN SINGH CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Narmadapuram  Pipariya  Kareli  State  Highway, which  connects  two  National  Highways  could  be  converted  into National Highway, if so, the details thereof; and
- (b)  whether  it  is  proposed  to  convert  the  said  highway  into  a National Highway, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  and  (b)  Government  receives  proposals  from  various  State Governments / Union Territories (UTs), from time to time including from  the  State  Government  of  Madhya  Pradesh,  for  declaration  / upgradation  of  State  roads,  including  State  Highways  (SHs),  as the NHs, requirement  of  connectivity,  inter-se  priority  and  availability  of funds.  At  present  declaration  of  Narmadapuram  Pipariya  Kareli

- National Highways  (NHs). Decisions are taken based on fulfillment of the broad principles for declaration of State Highway as National Highways is not under consideration.

About  3,881  km  length  of  State  roads,  including  SHs,  have been  notified  as  NHs  in  the  State  of  Madhya  Pradesh  since  April, 2014.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 650 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Highway Projects in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Dr. M K Vishnu Prasad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 650 ANSWERED ON 28TH NOV, 2024

Highway Projects in Tamil Nadu

650. Dr. Shri MK Vishnu Prasad :

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of ongoing highway projects in Tamil Nadu particularly in Cuddalore district;
- (b) the present status of the widening of NH-532 CuddaloreVridachalam-Salem road; and
- (c) whether quality monitoring of the said widening has been done and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a)  Total  66  number of  projects  with  total  length  of  1197.8  km amounting  to  Rs.  41206.88  crores  are  ongoing  in  Tamil  Nadu.  In Cuddalore  district,  total  6  number  of  projects  have  been  undertaken for total length of 181.05 km amounting to Rs.  4527.89 crores.

(b)  Widening  work  of  NH  532  Cuddalore-Vridachalam-Salem  road  in Cuddalore  district  is  scheduled  for  completion  on  15/07/2025  and present physical progress is 45% till 31.10.2024. (c)  The  widening  work  is  executed  on  Engineering  Procurement Contract  mode  of  contract  under  the  supervision  of  an  Authority Engineer (AE). For this work, AE is Divisional Engineer (NH), Villupuram.  During  all  critical  stages  of  construction,  the  quality monitoring of the work is ensured by regular testing and close vigil by AE (Divisional Engineer (NH), Villupuram) in accordance with MoRTH Specification and Standards, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Indian Roads Congress (IRC) as well as International Standards and Specifications. In addition, quality control wing  under  Divisional Engineer  (NH),  Quality  Control,  Chennai  also  exercise  the  regular checks and monitors the requisite quality aspects for the work under the framework specified by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 649 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Growth Rate in MSMEs
Ministry: MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Asked by: Shri Navaskani K

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 649 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.11.2024

## GROWTH RATE IN MSMEs

## 649. SHRI NAVASKANI K:

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of growth rate registered by the MSME sector during the last five years, including key sectors and regions that have shown significant expansion;
- (b) whether  any  centrally  funded  scheme  are  available  to  improve  growth  of  MSME  in  Tamil Nadu State and if so, the details thereof ;
- (c) whether  the Union  Government  has  fixed  any  target  for  increasing total  number  of entrepreneurs in MSME sector in the State of Tamil Nadu during the  last three years and the current year and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Union Government to achieve the growth targets fixed for the next three years?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

- (a): Since the adoption of the revised definition of MSMEs on 01.07.2020, a total of 5,50,79,458 enterprises have registered on Udyam Registration Portal and Udyam Assist Platform (UAP), as of 25.11.2024. The details of year-wise growth of MSMEs registered on the Udyam Registration Portal and UAP for the Financial Years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 are 80.99 %, 66.81 % and 191.05 %, respectively, on year-to-year basis. As per the Udyam Registration Portal and UAP data, sectors which have recorded high  growth rate in Retail and wholesale trade, food and beverage service activities, accommodation,  repair  of  computers  and  personal  and  household  goods,  etc.  Maharashtra,  Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have shown the highest growth in terms of number of MSMEs registered on the portals.
- (b) to (d): The Government of India implements many central sector schemes, such as Pradhan Mantri  Mudra  Yojana,  Stand  Up  India,  Self  Reliant  India,  Fund  of  Funds  for  Startups,  Prime Minister's  Employment  Generation  Programme,  Micro  and  Small  Enterprises-Cluster  Development Programme, Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises, A Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Rural Industry & Entrepreneurship,  etc.  to  support  and  enhance  the  growth  of  MSMEs  in  the  country,  including  the State of Tamil Nadu. All the schemes are demand driven.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 648 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Upgrading of  Kollam-Theni National Highway
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 648 ANSWERED ON 28TH NOV, 2024

Upgradation of Kollam-Theni National Highway

648. Shri Kodikunnil Suresh:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is a proposal to upgrade the Kollam-Theni National Highway to a four-lane highway to enhance connectivity and improve traffic flow;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  of  this  proposal,  including  the  estimated  project cost, the scope of work involved and specific sections earmarked for widening and other improvements;
- (c) the current status of the project, including any surveys completed, environmental clearances obtained, and approvals secured from relevant authorities;
- (d)  the expected timeline set for each phase of the project, from the initiation  of  tenders  and  awarding  of  contracts  to  the  anticipated construction and completion dates;
- (e)  whether  the  Government  has  engaged  with  local  stakeholders, including  residents,  businesses  and  local  authorities,  to  address concerns related to land acquisition, environmental impact and road safety during the development process; and
- (f)  the  expected  benefits  of  upgrading  the  Kollam-Theni  National Highway to four lanes?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  to  (d)  No  Sir.  However,  DPR  consultants  have  been  appointed for capacity augmentation of the existing 56 km of less than two lane and 92 km of two lane (Total 148 km) out of 215.45 km of Kollam-Kumily section of NH 183 connecting to Theni to minimum NH standard of two lanes with paved shoulder. Alignment is already approved for Kollam (km 0/0) to Anjilimoodu (km 62/100). (e)  Public  Consultation  meeting  involving  all  stakeholders  have  been undertaken  at  various  occasions  in  the  office  of  District  Collector Kollam. (f) The capacity augmentation and improvement in geometric features of  alignment have  been  proposed  to  improve  the  road  condition  and safety for smooth and faster flow of traffic which in turn deliver socioeconomic benefits.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 647 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Setting Up of Strategic Petroleum Reserves in Rajkot
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Shri Parshottambhai Rupala

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 647 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 th  November, 2024

## SETTING UP OF STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVES IN RAJKOT

## 647. SHRI PARSHOTTAMBHAI RUPALA:

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृ ितक गैस मंᮢी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state

(a)  the  details  of  the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve Strategic Crude Oil reserves in the country;

- (b) the financial advantages that have resulted from these initiatives;
- (c)  the detailed overview of the current status of crude oil reserves in the country; and

(d) the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to set up Strategic Petroleum Reserves in Rajkot as of now?

## ANSWER

## पेᮝोिलयम और ᮧाकृ ितक गैस मंᮢालय मᱶ रा᭔यमंᮢी ( ᮰ी सुरेश गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (c):  Government, through a Special Purpose Vehicle called Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL), has established Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) facilities with total capacity of 5.33 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of crude oil at 3 locations namely (i) Vishakhapatnam  (1.33  MMT),  (ii)  Mangaluru  (1.5  MMT)  and  (iii)  Padur  (2.5  MMT) capacity. It will provide for about 9.5 days of crude oil requirement.

In July 2021, Government had also approved the establishment of two additional commercial-cum-strategic petroleum reserve facilities with total storage capacity of 6.5 MMT at Chandikhol (4 MMT) in Odisha and Padur (2.5 MMT) in Karnataka, on a Public Private Partnership  mode.  Government  and  OMCs  evaluate,  from  time  to  time,  the  possibility  of augmentation of storage capacities based on technical and commercial feasibility.

Taking  advantage  of  low  crude  oil  prices  in  April/May  2020,  the  Strategic  Petroleum Reserves were filled to full capacity, leading to notional savings of approximately INR 5000 crore.  In  addition,  Government  has  also  allowed  ISPRL  to  utilize  part  of  the  petroleum reserves  created  under  Phase-I  of  Strategic  Petroleum  Reserves  (SPR)  progamme  for commercialisation  operations,  to  undertake  leasing/renting  of  30%  of  overall  oil  storage capacity of caverns to Indian or foreign companies as well as sale/purchase of 20% of overall oil storage capacity of caverns to Indian companies. The proceeds received from the sale of crude oil, which is to be leased out, are returned to the Government.

The current total national capacity for storage of crude oil and petroleum products is 74 days cover which includes capacity of storage facilities of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) of 64.5 days.

(d):    Assessment of new sites for establishing additional petroleum reserves is a continuous process.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 645 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Demand for reducing Price of Petrol and Diesel
Ministry: PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Asked by: Md Abu Taher Khan

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 645 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 NOVEMBER, 2024

## Demand for reducing Price of Petrol and Diesel

645 Md Abu Taher Khan:

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the prices of Petrol and Diesel have gone up during the last few years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to reduce it?

## ANSWER

## पेट Ō ोिलयम और Ůाक ृ ितक गैस मंũालय मŐ राǛ मंũी ( ŵी सुरे श गोपी )

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (c): Prices of petrol and diesel are market determined and Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) take appropriate decision on pricing of petrol and diesel.

Government has been taking various steps to ensure fair and reasonable prices for consumers. Domestically, Petrol and Diesel prices have come down from Rs. 110.04 and Rs. 98.42 per litre in  November 2021 to Rs. 94.77 and Rs. 87.67 per litre respectively  (as  on  18.11.2024,  Delhi prices) as a result of reduction of Central Excise duty by the Central Government by a total of Rs. 13/litre and Rs. 16/litre on petrol and diesel respectively in two tranches in November 2021 and May 2022, which was fully passed on to consumers. Some State Governments also reduced state VAT rates to provide relief to citizens. In March, 2024, OMCs also reduced the retail prices of petrol and diesel by Rs. 2 per litre each, across the country.

Government  of  India  also  took  several  other  steps  to  insulate  common  citizens  from  high international  prices,  which  included  diversifying  the  crude  import  basket,  windfall  taxes  on export of petroleum products, invoking the provisions of Universal Service Obligation to ensure availability of petrol & diesel in domestic market, increasing the blending of ethanol in petrol, etc.

Recently  PSU  OMCs  have  carried  out  intra-state  freight  rationalisation.  This  has  benefitted consumers located at remote areas, far from Petroleum Oil & Lubricants (POL) Depots in form of  reduced  Petrol  and  Diesel  prices  in  remote  parts  within  the  states.  This  initiative  has  also reduced  the  difference  between  the  maximum  and  minimum  retail  prices  of  Petrol  or  Diesel within a state.
Lok Sabha Question No. 644 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Widening of National Highways in Assam
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Ranjit Dutta

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  National  Highway stretches from Baihata Chariali to Mission Chariali and from Gohpur to North Lakhimpur in Assam are inconvenient for travel due to their narrow width, if so, the details thereof; and
- (b) whether the government has any plans to widen these National Highway stretches from two lanes to four lanes and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  and  (b)  Yes,  Sir.  The  Government  is  aware  of  the  demand  for capacity  augmentation  of  National  Highway  No.  15  particularly between Baihata Chariali and Mission Chariali which has presently two lane with paved shoulder configuration. To address the problem, a  Project  Management  Consultant  (PMC)  has  been  engaged  for evaluation of the widening of the Baihata Chariali to Mission Chariali stretch of NH  15. The  alignment  options are currently under finalization.

Gohpur  to  North  Lakhimpur  section  of  NH  15  has  two  lanes  with paved shoulder configuration and the current traffic volume does not warrant immediate widening and capacity augmentation. Government takes up capacity augmentation of National Highways depending upon traffic volume, availability of resources and inter se priority.

*****

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 644 ANSWERED ON 28 TH  NOVEMBER, 2024

## WIDENING OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS IN ASSAM

644.  SHRI Ranjit Dutta:

## Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री
Lok Sabha Question No. 643 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Flights from Kalaburagi Airport
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri  Radhakrishna

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 643

(To be answered on the 28 th  November 2024)

## FLIGHTS FROM KALABURAGI AIRPORT

## 643. SHRI RADHAKRISHNA

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

(a) to (e):  Under the UDAN scheme, RCS flights connecting Kalaburagi to Tirupati, Hindon, and Bengaluru were commenced. M/s Star Air continues operating Kalaburagi-Bengaluru route even after completing its 3-year VGF tenure. Kalaburagi is presently a 'served' airport as per the provisions of the UDAN Scheme, which envisages promoting connectivity to unserved and underserved airports/airstrips.

Commencement of flights to/from any city in the country is a commercial decision of the airlines taken keeping in view the operational viability of the route and other associated

factors. With the repeal of Air

Corporation  Act  in  March  1994,  Indian  domestic  aviation  has  been deregulated. Airlines are now free to induct capacity with any aircraft type, free to select whatever markets and network they wish to service and operate be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether it is a fact that there is no regular connectivity from Kalaburagi to other major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Tirupati, etc. and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether it is also a fact that there has been an increased demand for direct flights between Kalaburagi and such other major cities and if so, the details
- thereof;
- (c)  whether the Government proposes to start flight connectivity from
- Kalaburagi to other major cities;
- (d) if so, the route-wise details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be made operational; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

subject to the slot allocation by the concerned airport operators and approval by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

- *****