Question raised in Lok Sabha on Number of Wetlands, 11/08/2015. 115 wetlands in 24 States and 2 Union Territories have been identified for conservation and management under the scheme of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA). The State-wise list of these wetlands is given in Annexure.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on Decline in Forest Cover, 11/08/2015. As per India State of Forest Report-2013, the total forest cover in the country is 697,898 square kilometers which is 21.23% of the total geographical area of the country. There is a net increase of 5871 square kilometers in the forest cover of the country as compared with India State of Forest Report-2011. The detailed list showing increase/decrease in forest cover State/UTs wise is given in Annexure-I. The reason for decline in the forest cover State/UTs wise is given in the Annexure II.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on Bird Sanctuaries, 11/08/2015. State/UT-wise details of bird sanctuaries, as per information available with the Ministry, is given in the Annexure.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on roadmap for increasing mangrove forests, 06/08/2015. Mangroves provide protection against cyclones and storms to the coastal areas. It is called Bio-shield against these natural calamities. Role of mangroves as protective cover to coastal areas has been studied and scientifically proved. The State-wise list of 38 mangrove sites is attached as Annexure.I.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on respiratory diseases due to air pollution, 06/08/2015. Air Pollution in general causes respiratory ailments and also may affect lung function. Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, chronic bronchitis etc. are the diseases caused by exposure to increasing air pollution.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on people living in urban slums, 06/08/2015. As per the Census figures, the slum population in the country has increased from 5.23 crores in 2001 to 6.55 crores in 2011. A Statement giving slum population as per Census 2001 & 2011 and change in population reported over the decade is at Annexure-I. Gender-wise slum population and slum population of children in 0-6 age group as per Census 2011 is at Annexure –II.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on flood prone districts, 06/08/2015. In 2006, a Committee, headed by Chairman, Ganga Flood Control Commission, Patna had identified a total of 39 districts in the country as flood prone. The details are given at Annex-I. Flood Management being a State subject, the flood control schemes are planned, executed and funded by the State Governments as per their own priority. The Government of India provides support to States in the form of technical advice and financial assistance for management of floods in critical areas.

Question raised in Rajya Sabha on illegal mining, 05/08/2015. As per section 23C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957, State Governments have been empowered to frame rules for regulating and controlling illegal mining. As such, regulation and control of illegal mining comes under the legislative and administrative jurisdiction of State Governments.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on monitoring system for polluting industries, 04/08/2015. 3260 industries falling under 17 categories have been categorised as highly polluting industries. The state-wise and sector-wise list of the 17 categories of highly polluting industries is given at Annexure-I and II.

Question raised in Lok Sabha on eco-sensitive zone, 04/08/2015. The State-wise details of proposals for declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zone around National Parks and Sanctuaries received is at Annexure-1. Presently, there are no schemes under implementation for maintenance and development of the Eco-Sensitive Zones around National Parks and Sanctuaries. The notifications for Eco-Sensitive Zones provide for regulation/prohibition of unsustainable activities, besides preparation of Zonal Master Plans with adequate participation of local communities.