Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Inter-Linking of Rivers, 30/11/2015. This Ministry has formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Water Resources Development envisaging inter-basin transfer of water from surplus basins to deficit basins/ areas. Based on surveys, investigations and detailed studies, National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has prepared pre-feasibility reports, which facilitated identification of 30 links (16 under Peninsular Component & 14 under Himalayan Component) under the NPP.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Projects pending for environmental clearance, 13/08/2015. The number of the projects under consideration for Environmental Clearance in the Ministry are 475. Out of which 103 are public and 372 are private sector. The details of the same sector-wise is at Annexure-1.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Latest census of tigers, 13/08/2015. The assessment of the status of tigers, co-predators and their prey 2014 using the refined methodology has shown a countrywide 30% increase in tiger numbers with an estimated number of 2226 (range 1945-2491) as compared to 2010 estimation of 1706 (range 1520-1909 tigers). The details of tiger estimation pertaining to tiger landscapes in the country for the years 2010 and 2014 are at Annexure-I.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Human-wildlife conflict in country, 13/08/2015. Incidences of human-wildlife conflict are reported in various parts of the country from time to time. As the management of forest and wildlife is the responsibility of State/Union Territory Governments, studies on human-wildlife conflict has not been undertaken at the national level. Whereas, various organizations/institutes undertake studies on human-wildlife conflict of diverse nature in different States/regions.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Forest land area diverted for development projects, 13/08/2015. During last five years and current year, the Central Government has accorded approvals over 1,84,393 ha of forest land in 7,716 cases for various developmental activities including developmental activities in urban areas. State wise details of approvals granted by the Central Government for use of forest land for such activities is given at Annexure-I. In terms of the State CAMPA Guidelines as approved by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in IA No.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Diversion of forest land in urban areas, 13/08/2015. Section-2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 inter-alia provides that notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force in a State, no State Government or other authority shall make, except with the prior approval of the Central Government, any order directing that any forest land or any portion thereof may be used for any non-forest purpose.