Question raised in Lok Sabha on Vehicular Pollution, 28/07/2015. Increasing number of vehicles, both petrol and diesel contribute to air pollution levels in the country. The analysis of air quality data of different stations in 28 States/ Union Territories collected during 2013 reveals that the values of SO2 in all 28 States/ Union Territories are within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 50 µg/m3 (annual average standard).

Question raised in Lok Sabha on National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 28/07/2015. The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) notified by the Government are at Annexure-I. The ambient air quality is monitored at 593 locations in 249 cities, towns and industrial areas across 28 States and 5 Union Territories by CPCB in association with the concerned State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees for UTs for SO2, NO2, and PM10 under National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP).

Question raised in Lok Sabha on illegal trade in wildlife, 28/07/2015. The details of incidents of smuggling of the skin of tigers including the number of such cases reported during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise are at Annexure-I. Action against offenders is taken as per provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on data on polluting industrial units, 28/07/2015. CPCB has issued directions to the defaulting industries under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and directed the State Pollution Control Boards under Section 18(1)(b) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 for ensure compliance by industries. A State-wise summarized status of the directions issued during the last three years and till date are enclosed at Annexure.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on damage to crops, 28/07/2015. State Government is empowered to undertake necessary relief measures in the wake of natural calamities like, drought, hailstorm, pest attack & cold wave/frost from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which is readily available with them. State Governments have been requested to take immediate steps to address the notified calamities by utilizing the funds available under SDRF.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on conservation and management of mangroves, 28/07/2015. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for Conservation and Management of Mangroves of India. Under the Scheme, the Ministry provides 100% Central Assistance to coastal States/Union Territories for ‘Core Activities’ and ‘Ancillary Activities’ in 80:20 ratio, who request for implementation of their approved Management Action Plans (MAPs).

Question raised in Lok Sabha on community forest management, 28/07/2015. The local communities are involved in the forest management through the Joint Forest Management (JFM) wherein the State forest department and the local communities enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly manage the forest area. The Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change is implementing the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme for the eco-restoration of degraded forests and adjoining areas through people’s participation throughout the country.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on clearance of projects, 28/07/2015. National Board for Wildlife in its Standing Committee meetings cleared 81 projects in the past six months, i.e., from January 2015 till date. The details of the project state/UT wise are enclosed as Annexure. Out of the projects cleared 9 projects fall under the Tiger Reserves and 27 proposals are close to 10km area of wildlife sanctuaries. Out of the cleared projects 40 are public commercial/private projects. Projects are cleared with proper environmental safeguards. Details are provided in the Annexure.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on clearance for dams, 28/07/2015. The Ministry has received sixteen (16) proposals for construction of multipurpose, irrigations and flood control dams in the country during the last 3 years. Environmental clearance has been accorded to 12 projects. A list of these 12 projects is annexed.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on food safety, 24/07/2015. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has fixed safety standards under the ‘Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011 as amended from time to time. The Maximum Residual Levels (MRLs) of pesticides in fruits and vegetables have been specified in these standards.