opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2716 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Horticulture Production Assessment
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: RAJENDRA AGRAWAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2716

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  2 ND  AUGUST, 2016

## HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION ASSESSMENT

2716. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE   ‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government faces the challenges in horticulture production assessment since these crops are grown in small and scattered portions of land;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the details of the methodology or technique adopted by the Government to make more precise estimation of the same?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã  ½ãñâ  Àã·¾ã  ½ãâ¨ããè (  SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- (a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The nature of horticulture crops is such that it is not easy to make assessment of their production. These crops, especially vegetables are grown in small plots, fields or in the back of the houses, do not have single harvesting in most of the cases which makes their  assessment  difficult.  Many  horticulture  crops  have  multiple  pickings  in  a  single season. Similarly many fruit trees are scattered, which do not count for assessment.
- (c): In  view  of  above  difficulties  several  research  studies  were  taken  up  by  agricultural scientists in the past. Recently Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare has launched a new project called CHAMAN. Under this project sound methodology for estimation of Horticulture crops is being developed and implemented on pilot basis using Sample Survey methodology and Remote Sensing technology.

Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) has developed a Sample Survey methodology which is now being implemented on pilot basis in 5 states for estimation of area & production in respect of major horticulture crops under the project CHAMAN.

Simultaneously under CHAMAN, another project for area and production assessment of seven major horticulture crops through Remote Sensing, is being carried out by Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC). Besides estimation of crops, MNCFC is carrying out several  developmental  studies  and  is  also  conducting  some  research  studies  for  precision farming  and  developing  signatures  for  horticulture  crops  like  vegetables,  being  grown  in smaller plots, for their assessment.

- *******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2713 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Security Threat at Airports
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: SANTOSH AHLAWAT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2713

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2 ND  AUGUST, 2016/SHRAVANA 11, 1938 (SAKA)

SECURITY THREAT AT AIRPORTS

2713. SHRIMATI SANTOSH AHLAWAT:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the attack at Brussels airport has exposed a major chink in the security at Indian airports;

(b) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether it is a fact that passengers bags are checked only after they checked in and hand bags much later at the security frisking area which means that a passenger can take anything inside a terminal right up to the check-in and security check area;

(d)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  review  the  security arrangements at the airports; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) & (b): In view of the recent terrorist attacks/incidents at Istanbul  and  Brussels  airports,  security of  Airports,  has  been reviewed and an Advisory issued to all the State Governments/Union

## LS USQ No. 2713 for 02.08.2016

Territories Administrations/Airport authorities/Airline Operators and other security agencies for strengthening the security of Airports.

(c): Random Checking of baggages and random frisking of passengers at the departure entry gate itself, based on profiling is done so that no passenger can take anything suspicious upto check in area. However, in security hold area, the passengers are frisked at the pre-embarkation security check  point and their cabin baggages  screened  with  the  help  of  X-ray  Baggage  Inspection System (XBIS) and Explosive Trace Detector (ETD).

(d) & (e): Review  of  security  arrangements  at  airports  is  carried out  on  a  regular  basis  and  upgraded  as  per  requirements  with involvement  of  all  security  agencies  and  stakeholders,  depending upon threat perceptions.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2712 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Compensation for Victims of Cross Border Firing
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, RAJESHBHAI NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA, T.G. VENKATESH BABU, SANKAR PRASAD DATTA, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2712

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2 ND  AUGUST, 2016/SHRAVANA 11, 1938 (SAKA)

COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF CROSS BORDER FIRING

2712.

SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRI RAJESHBHAI CHUDASAMA:

SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G.:

SHRI SANKAR PRASAD DATTA:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has approved any compensation amount for civilian victims of cross border firing along the border;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  compensation  given  to  those  who  died  due  to  terrorism  or Maoist violence has increased and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government is considering to give compensation to those who received 50 per cent or more disability or incapacitation due to the said reasons; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

## LS USQ No. 2712 for 02.08.2016

(a) to (e): Under  the  existing  Central  Government's  scheme  titled 'Central  Scheme  for  Assistance  to  Civilian  Victims  of    Terrorist /Communal  /  Naxal  Violence' for providing assistance for the sustenance and maintenance of the families of the civilian victims of the terrorist/communal / naxal violence a financial assistance of Rs. 3,00,000/- (Rupees three lakhs only) is given for each death and or permanent incapacitation case (disability of 50% or above) to the affected  family  subject  to  the  condition  that  no  employment  has been provided to any of the family members of the family members of  the  victim.  In  this  scheme  an  addition  of  a  new  category  of Civilian  Victims  of  cross  border  firing  along  the  border  is  under consideration.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2707 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Survey on Bonded Labour
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAMDAS CHANDRABHANJI TADAS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†2707

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2 ND  AUGUST, 2016/SHRAVANA 11, 1938 (SAKA)

SURVEY ON BONDED LABOUR

†2707. SHRI RAMDAS C. TADAS:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Walk  Free  Foundation  has  conducted  a  survey  to determine  the  prevalence  of  modern  slavery  in  the  world  and  recently released, 2016 Global Slavery Index 2016;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

- (c)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  even  today  around  1.83  crore  people  are forced to work as bonded labour in the country and if so, the reaction of the Government in this regard;

(d) whether wages are not paid to these bonded labourers; and

- (e)  if  so,  the  steps  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  check bonded labour in the country and the time by which justice is likely to be provided to these bonded labourers?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (e): Survey  mentioned  is  not  the  one  conducted  by  the Government of India. Hence, the question of giving the details does not arise. As per the information provided by the National Crime

## LS USQ No. 2707 for 02.08.2016

Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 70 cases were registered under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 during 2014.

The  Bonded  Labour  System  has  been  abolished  by law throughout  the  country  with  effect  from  25 th   October,  1975  under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Ordinance which was replaced by the Bonded  Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976. The responsibility for implementing the Act lies with the State Governments. As and when existence of bonded labour is detected, such  persons  are  identified,  released  by  judicial  procedure  as  per the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and rehabilitated by the  State  Governments  under  the  Central  Sector  Scheme  for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer, 2016.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2706 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Promotion of Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: R. GOPALAKRISHNAN, RANJIT SINGH  BRAHMPURA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2706

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE  2 ND  AUGUST, 2016

## PROMOTION OF DRIP AND SPRINKLER IRRIGATION

2706.  SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN:

SHRI RANJIT SINGH BRAHMPURA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE   ‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं कसान कयाण

½ãâ¨ããè be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  Government  schemes  which  promote  drip  and  sprinkler irrigation system in the country;
- (b) whether  the Government  provides  any  subsidy  to  farmers through these schemes encouraging them to install these systems on their farms;
- (c) whether there is any special package with the Government for poor and marginal farmers of the country in this regard; and
- (d) the number of drip irrigation/sprinkler irrigation systems installed during the last three  years  in  various  States  including  Punjab  and  Haryana  with  the  assistance  of Government schemes which have resulted in saving of precious water?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF  STATE IN THE  MINISTRY OF  AGRICULTURE AND  FARMERS  WELFARE

‡ãðŠãäÓã एवं कसान कयाण ½ãâ¨ããÊã¾ã  ½ãñâ  Àã·¾ã  ½ãâ¨ããè (  SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- (a) to (c): Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems are being promoted under 'Per Drop More Crop' component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) {erstwhile scheme on Micro Irrigation  has  been  subsumed  under  PMKSY  since  1 st July,  2015}. Under the scheme, 15% additional assistance is provided to small and marginal farmers for installation of micro irrigation systems compared to other farmers for area covered under  Drought  Prone  Area  Programme  (DPAP),  Desert  Development  Programme (DDP) and North Eastern and Himalayan States and 10% for other areas.
- (d): As per available information, during the  last three  years  (2013-14 to 2015-16), 14.3 lakh hectare area have been covered under drip and sprinkler irrigation systems (Drip Irrigation- 9.04 lakh hectare, Sprinkler Irrigation- 5.26 lakh hectare) in the country including Punjab and Haryana.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2705 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Transportation of Foodgrains
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: GANESH SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2705

TO BE ANSWERED ON 2 ND  AUGUST, 2016

## TRANSPORTATION OF FOODGRAINS

## 2705. SHRI GANESH SINGH:

Will  the  Minister  of  CONSUMER  AFFAIRS,  FOOD  AND  PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION miHkksDrk ekeys] [kk| vkSj lkoZtfud forj.k ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  considering  to  transport  foodgrains through  waterways  to  reduce  their  transportation  cost  under  the  Public Distribution System (PDS);
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether transportation of foodgrains through waterways is likely to help in getting rid of entry tax, octroi and sales tax and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government is also considering to take the assistance of the Private Sector in transportation of foodgrains through waterways; and
- (e) if  so,  the  details  thereof  indicating  names  of  the  States  where foodgrains are likely to be supplied through waterways?

## A N S W E R

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR  CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## (SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

- (a & b): Yes, Madam. Food Corporation of India has undertaken transportation of  foodgrains  through  waterways where it was found to be operationally and economically viable. FCI moved foodgrains via sea route from designated depots of Andhra Pradesh to designated depots of Kerala. A total of 1.34 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) foodgrains have been transported since 15.03.2014 from Andhra Pradesh to Kerala.

Due  to  Megablock  of  Railways  in  Lumding-Badarpur  section,  9691 Million Tonne (MT) foodgrains was moved from West Bengal to Tripura via Ashuganj (Bangladesh) during March'2015-July'2015 and 9942 Million Tonne (MT) was moved from Vishakhapatnam to Tripura via Ashuganj (Bangladesh) during Aug'2014-Nov'2014.

- No, Madam.  Taxes as due are paid by FCI and are levied at point of
- (c): sale from depot of recipient State.
- (d): Yes,  Madam.    Transportation  through  water  ways  has  been  done through open tendering and contracts have been awarded to private parties.
- (e): Presently,  Kerala  and  Tripura  are  the  two  recipient  States  receiving foodgrains through waterways.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2704 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Fertilizer Factories in Jharkhand
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: SUNIL KUMAR SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2704 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 02.08.2016

## Fertilizer Factories in Jharkhand

## 2704.  SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

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

- (a) the number of fertilizer factories setup by the Government in Jharkhand;
- (b) the current status of fertilizer factory in Sunehari; and
- (c) whether  the    Government  proposes  to  set  up  any  new  fertilizer  factory  in Jharkhand and if so, the time by which it is likely to be set up?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS, SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS

## (SHRI  MANSUKH  L. MANDAVIYA)

- (a) : Nil.

- (b) : There is no fertilizer factory in Sunehari.

- (c) : At  present,  there  is  no  such  proposal  of  Government  to  set  up  any fertilizer factory in Jharkhand.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2703 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Snooping Activities
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2703

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2 ND  AUGUST, 2016/SHRAVANA 11, 1938 (SAKA)

SNOOPING ACTIVITIES

2703. SHRI RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of snooping incident reported some time back which was purportedly made by American agencies;

(b)  whether  this  issue  was  taken  up  during  the  recent  visit  by  officials with US authorities;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d)  the  precautions  taken  by  the  Indian  intelligence  agencies  to  stop snooping by outside agencies?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (d): The  Government  has  raised  its  concerns  with  the  US side, including at senior levels, on the reported authorization given to  entities  of  the  US  Government  to  communications  emanating from India. The US has noted that it fully respects and understands the feeling expressed by India in this regard.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2701 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Transfer of Asiatic Lions
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: JYOTIRADITYA MADHAVRAO SCINDIA, KAMAL NATH

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2701

TO BE ANSWERED ON  02.08.2016

## Transfer to Asiatic Lions

## 2701.  SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA: SHRI KAMAL NATH:

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

- (a) whether  the  State  Government  of  Madhya  Pradesh  has  sought  'immediate' transfer of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to one of its sanctuaries;
- (b) if so, reaction of the Union Government thereto;
- (c) whether  translocation  of  lions  from  Gir  forest  in  Gujarat  to  Madhya  Pradesh's Palpur  Kuno  Wildlife  Sanctuary  has  been  delayed  for  over  three  years  despite Supreme Court's order;
- (d) if so, whether the concerns raised by the Gujarat Government over non transfer of the  lions  to  Madhya  Pradesh  has  been  rejected  by  the  State  Government  of Madhya Pradesh; and
- (e) if  so,  the  steps  proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  direct  Gujarat  State administration  to  transfer  Asiatic  lions  to  Madhya  Pradesh's  Palpur  Kuno sanctuary at the earliest?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  FOR  ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) and (b) No  request  for  'immediate'  transfer  of  Asiatic  Lions  from  Gujarat  to Madhya Pradesh has been received from the state government of Madhya Pradesh.
- (c), (d) and (e) The matter of translocation of a few Asiatic lions from Gir National Park area to Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is a long term action  starting  from  preparation  of  the  translocation  area  in  Madhya Pradesh  for  receiving  the  lions;  selection  of  animals  in  Gujarat  for translocation;  and  process  for  translocation  including  arrangements  for soft release. The whole programme encompasses action for over 25 years. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has constituted an Expert Committee for planning and implementation of translocation of Asiatic  lions  from  Gir,  Gujarat  to  Kuno,  Madhya  Pradesh.  The  group

includes representatives of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

The matter of translocation of lions to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh from  Gir National Park, Gujarat was the subject matter of  IA 100 in WP 337/1995. A Writ Petition No. 1032/2013 has been filed before the Hon'ble Supreme Court challenging the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court dated 15 th April 2015. The matter is subjudice.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2699 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Conservation of Wetlands
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVNTHI)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2699

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.08.2016

## Conservation of Wetlands

2699. SHRI MUTHAMSETTI SRINIVASA RAO (AVANTHI):

Will  the  Minister  of  ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS  AND  CLIMATE  CHANGE  be pleased to state: (a)    whether wetlands help in flood mitigation and ground water recharge and if so, the details thereof; (b)    whether wetlands alone support 20% of the known range of bio-diversity in the country; (c) whether wetlands are decreasing due to the demands of real estate and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and conservation  and

- (d) the steps taken by the Government  for  identification, protection of wetlands in the country?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE) (a) & (b) The wetlands are a big life support systems for variety of  aquatic, marine and terrestrial flora and fauna. They help in control of flood & waste water treatment as well as recharging of aquifers. However, no confirmed data is  available regarding percentage of biodiversity supported by wetlands. (c)  &  (d)  Rapid  urbanization  and  various  developmental  activities  alongwith  other anthropogenic pressures are adversely impacting a few wetlands in the country. The Ministry has, so far identified 115 wetlands in 24 States and two Union Territories for conservation and management under the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)/NPCA). In order to conserve wetlands and lakes in  an  integrated  manner,  all  the  States/  Union  Territories  have  been  directed  to constitute the State Wetlands / Lakes Authorities. They have been advised to give high  priority  for  identifying  new  wetlands  for  conservation,  delineation  of  their boundaries and development of integrated management plans for their conservation and restoration. Further, to regulate certain activities within the identified wetlands, the Government of India has notified the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules in December, 2010.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2698 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-08-02
Subject: Hazards caused by Mobile Towers
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: KALYAN BANERJEE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2698

TO BE ANSWERED ON 02/08/2016

## Hazards caused by Mobile Towers

## 2698. SHRI KALYAN BANERJEE:

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

- (a)   whether it is fact that the environmental equilibrium is affected due to erection of mobile towers in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)   whether  due  to  operation  of  mobile  towers  people  suffers  from  illness  and  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- (c) the reaction of the Government thereto?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTAND CLIMATE CHANGE

## (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

- (a) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had constituted an  Expert  Committee  to  study  the  possible  impacts  of  communication  towers  on  wildlife including Birds and Bees on 30 th August 2010 under the Chairmanship of Dr Asad Rahmani, Director,  Bombay  Natural  History  Society.  The  Expert  Committee  submitted  its  report  to MoEFCC in September  2011.  As  per  the  report  of  the  Expert  Committee  while  there  are indications that the Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) affect biological systems of animals, birds and insects, it also points out that exact correlation between radiation of communication towers and health of wildlife is so far not established. The report also states more research is required to assess the true impact of EMR on free-living floral and faunal species, including birds and bees in the country.  However, this Ministry has issued advisory in August 2012 to minimize the impact of mobile towers on wildlife including birds and bees.
- (b)  &  (c)  There  are  no  conclusive  data  available  on  the  issue  of  Health  Hazards  due  to radiation emitted from cell mobile towers. India has adopted Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) radiation limits prescribed by International Commission on Non-lonising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Department of Telecommunications has prescribed stricter precautionary limits for EMF radiation from mobile towers which are one-tenth of the limits prescribed  internationally  by  ICNIRP.    Electromagnetic  Radiation  is  not  a  pollutant  under Environmental Protection Act.

*****