31207.11 SQ.KM. Notified by 16 Tiger Range States as Core or CriticaL Tiger Habitat

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From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Aug 18, 2010 at 1:57 PM
Subject: Releases............pt1

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Environment and Forests

31207.11 SQ.KM. Notified by 16 Tiger Range States as Core or CriticaL Tiger Habitat

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

Under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006, a tiger reserve consists of core or critical tiger habitat and buffer or peripheral area.  An area of 31207.11 sq.km. has been notified by 16 tiger range States (out of 17) as core or critical tiger habitat including the Corbett Tiger Reserve.  Besides, 'in-principle' approval has been accorded for creation of three new tiger reserves namely, Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh, Sunabeda in Orissa and Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh.  The details of notified core and buffer areas are at Annexure-I. 

Annexure-I

List of Core and Buffer areas of Tiger Reserves in India

(Area in Sq. Kms.)

Sl. No.	Name of Tiger Reserve	State	Area of the core / critical tiger habitat	Area  of the buffer / peripheral
1	Bandipur	Karnataka	872.24	118.27*
2	Corbett	Uttarakhand	821.99	466.32
3	Kanha	Madhya Pradesh	917.43	Notification awaited
4	Manas	Assam	840.04	2310.88
5	Melghat	Maharashtra	1500.49	Notification awaited
6	Palamau	Jharkhand	414.08	-do-
7	Ranthambore	Rajasthan	1113.364	Notification awaited
8	Similipal	Orissa	1194.75	1555.25
9	Sunderbans	West Bengal	1699.62	885.27
10	Periyar	Kerala	881	Notification awaited
11	Sariska	Rajasthan	681.1124	-do-
12	Buxa	West Bengal	390.5813	367.3225
13	Indravati	Chhattisgarh	1258.37	1540.70
14	Nagarjunsagar	Andhra Pradesh	2527	Notification awaited
15	Namdapha	Arunachal Pradesh	1807.82	-do-
16	Dudhwa	Uttar Pradesh	693.70	-do-
	Katerniaghat-(extension)		400.09	-do-
17	Kalakad-Mundanthurai	Tamil Nadu	895	-do-
18	Valmiki	Bihar	840*	-do-
19	Pench	Madhya Pradesh	411.33	-do-
20	Tadoba-Andheri	Maharashtra	625.82	-do-
21	Bandhavgarh	Madhya Pradesh	716.903	-do-
22	Panna	Madhya Pradesh	576.13	-do-
23	Dampa	Mizoram	500	-do-
24	Bhadra	Karnataka	492.46	-do-
25	Pench	Maharashtra	257.26	-do-
26	Pakke	Arunachal Pradesh	683.45	-do-
27	Nameri	Assam	200	144
28	Satpura	Madhya Pradesh	1339.264	Notification awaited
29	Anamalai	Tamil Nadu	958	Notification awaited
30	Udanti-Sita Nadi	Chattisgarh	851.09	991.45
31	Satkosia	Orissa	523.61	453.25*
32	Kaziranga	Assam	625.58	548
33	Achanakmar	Chattisgarh	626.195	287.822
34	Dandeli-Anshi	Karnataka	814.884	Notification awaited
35	Sanjay-Dubri	Madhya Pradesh	831.25*	-do-
36	Mudumalai	Tamil Nadu	321	-do-
37	Nagarahole	Karnataka	643.35	-do-
38	Parambikulam	Kerala	390.89	252.772
39	Sahyadri	Maharashtra	741.22	Notification awaited
	TOTAL		32878.36	9921.307

* Not yet notified.

 

kp/dk/kol/13:35 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Environment and Forests

Pending Applications of SEZ Developers

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects are considered under the provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and its Amendment of 2009 which elaborate the process. As per the EIA Notification, 2006, the decisions on proposals need to be taken within 105 days from the receipt of the complete information. A total of 61 Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects from various States for obtaining environmental clearance have been received during the last 3 years.

 

Out of 61 SEZ projects, 55 projects have been accorded environmental clearance and 6 projects are under process for submission of requisite information from the project proponents. The State-wise details of these projects are at Annexure.

 

Annexure

State-wise details of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Projects cleared during the last 3 years

Sl. No.	Name of the Project	Status (Cleared on)
Andhra Pradesh
1	SEZ at Vishakhapatnam (APSEZ) AOP by M/s. Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Co. Ltd.	26.10.2007
2	Multi product SEZ at Kakinada Tondangi Mandals 12.300 acres by M/s. Kakinada SEZ Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, A.P.	03.09.2007
3	Textile SEZ and apparel park at Chintavaram near Nellore, Andhra Pradesh by M/s. MAS Apparel Park	26.10.2007
4	`Gems and jewellery park` at Imarat Kancha, Ravirala village, Maheswaram Mandal, Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh by M/s. Hyderabad Gems SEZ Ltd.	04.08.2008
5	Development of Multi Product SEZ, village satyavedu and varadaiah, district chittor, Andhra Pradesh by M/s. Sri city Pvt. Ltd.	16.10.2008
6	HITECH city 2 IT/ITES SEZ project at Gachibowli village, Serilingampally Mandal, Ranga Reddy District by M/s. L and T Phoenix Infoparks Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad	21.08.2008
7	Textile and Apparel SEZ at Chintavaram, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh by M/s. MAS Fabric Park (India) Private Ltd.	10.07.2009
Goa
8	Gem and Jewelllery (SEZ) at verna, Goa by M/s. Planetview Mercantile Company Private Ltd.	03.09.2007
Gujarat
9	SEZ in District Bharuch, Gujarat by M/s. Gujarat Industrial Development Crporation.	24.07.2007
10	SEZ project at Jambusar District Bharuch, Gujarat by M/s. Sterling SEZ Pvt. Ltd.	24.09.2007
11	SEZ at Vilayat GIDC in Bharuch Dist. Gujarat by M/s. GIDC	26.03.2007
12	SEZ at Jambusar, Bharch distt. , Gujarat by M/s. SEZ And Ifrastructure Limited.	18.06.2008
13	SEZ for Pharmaceutical Finished formulation APs and Inermediate and Service Activities Industry at Panoli distt. Bharuch by M/s J.B. SEZ Pvt. Ltd.	18.07.2008
14	SEZ for chemicals in vilayat GIDC in Taluka Vegra, District Bharuch along with captive power plant common ETP, TSDF by M/s. Jubilant Infrastructure Ltd.	03.07.2008
15	Development of Dahej SEZ at village Dahej, Taluka Vagra, District Bharuch, Gujarat by M/s. Dahez SEZ Ltd. (SPV of GIDC & ONGC)	17.03.2010
16	Setting up of Pharmaceutical SEZ, named "PhaEZ Park" at village Haripura, Tq. Dhanduka, Gujarat, Distt. Ahmedabad by  M/s. CPL infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.	25.05.2010
Haryana
17	SEZ project at 5th Mile stone, Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, Gurgaon by M/s. Metro Valley Business Park (P) Ltd., New Delhi.	06.06.2007
18	IT-SEZ project" Unitech Infrospace SEZ", 11.58 ha (27 acres) at Dundhera, Sector-21, Gurgaon, Haryana by M/s. Unitech Developers & Projects Ltd.	10.07.2007
19	IT/ITES SEZ of Gurgaon by M/s. Orion Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.	25.06.2007
20	IT-SEZ project "Uniworld Resorts Infospace SEZ at Tikri, Gurgaon, Haryana by M/s. Unitech Reality Projects Ltd., Gurgaon	26.11.2007
21	Multi services SEZ in Gurgaon District, Haryana by M/s. Reliance Haryana SEZ Ltd.	26.03.2008
Karnataka
22	Phase-I of SEZ at Mangalore, Karnataka by M/s. Mangalore SEZ Ltd.	03.04.2008
Kerala
23	IT/ ITeS SEZ at Nedumbassery village Chengamanadu Alwa Taluka, Enakulam distt, Kerala  by M/s. Parsvnath Developers Ltd.	23.09.2008
24	SDB at declared IT SEZ at Attipara, Trivandrum District by M/s. Infosys Technologies Ltd., Bangalore	04.06.2008
25	Development of Biotech Park (SEZ) at Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala	15.07.2009
26	Construction of Technopark Phase-III (SEZ) at Kulathour, Trivendrum, Kerala by M/s. Chief Executive Officer, Technopark, Trivendrum	28.5.2010
Maharashtra
27	SEZ Sy No.169 (PT) Aarey Milk colony, Goregaon (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra. by M/s. Royal Palms (INDIA) Pvt Ltd Mumbai.	27.08.2007
28	Infocity - IT / ITES, SEZ at Phursungi, Pune by M/s. Manjari Stud Farm Private Ltd, Pune.	22.08.2007
29	Viraj SEZ (VSEZ) at sy. no. 130(1&2) and sy no. 128(1to 21), village aamgaon, Tehsil Wada, District Thane, Maharashtra district by M/s. Viraj Profile Ltd.	06.09.2007
30	Setting up of a multi product special economic zone (SEZ) at MIHAN, Nagpur Maharashtra by M/s. Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd., Mumbai	16.04.2008
31	IT SEZ and residential township by Sunnyvista realtors Pvt. Ltd. at village Bhokarpada Panvel, Maharashtra by M/s. Sunnyvista Realtors Pvt. Ltd.	08.10.2008
32	Multi-product SEZ project at Pavna, Taluka, Maval, District Pune, Maharashtra by M/s. Township Developers India Pvt. Ltd.	05.03.2009
33	Multi-product SEZ at Nandgaonpath, District Amaravati by M/s. Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.	13.01.2009
34	Multi-product SEZ at Khed, District Pune, Maharashtra by M/s. Khed Economic Infrastructure Private Limited.	20.5.2010
Orissa
35	IT SEZ with Integrated Township at Bhubaneswar, Orissa by M/s. Orissa Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation.	18/12/2008
36	Construction of Software Development Centre (SEZ) at IDCO, Chandaka Industrial Estate, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, Orissa	04.08.2008
Rajasthan
37	Multi-product SEZ project Mahindra World City at off NH-8, near village Mahapura, Tehsil, Sanganer, District jaipur, Rajasthan by M/s. Mahindra World City Jaipur.	15/10/2007
Tamil Nadu
38	IT Park-SEZ , Senthamangolam Village Chengalpattu Taluk and Vadakkupattu Village Sriperumbudur Taluk Kanchipuram Distt., Tamil Nadu by M/s. Blue Vision Constructions Pvt Ltd.	26.12.2007
39	Software Complex at MEPZ SEZ Campus , GST Road, Tambaram Sanitoruum, District Kanchipuram by M/s. Cognizant Technology Solutions India Pvt Ltd.	29/02/2008
40	IT/ITES SEZ of Coimbatore HItech Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd at Keeranatham Village, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu by M/s. Coimbatore HI-Tech Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.	29.02.2008
41	SEZ housing light engineering services at Seekinakappan Cheyyur Taluk, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu by M/s. New Chennai Township Pvt. Ltd.	07.01.2008
42	SEZ housing Multi Service facilities at Seekinakuppam, Cheyyur Taluk, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu by M/s. New Chennai Township Pvt. Ltd	07.01.2008
43	Software Complex at  ELCOT Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Sholinganallur Village, Tambaram Taluk, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu	19.09.2008
44	Software Park (SEZ) at SIPCOT Industrial Park, Siruseri Village, Chengalpattu Taluk, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu	24.09.2008
45	Construction of Software Complex (SEZ) at Thenmelpakkam village, Mahendra World City,  Chengalpattu Taluk, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu	06.06.2008
46	Construction of IT Park (SEZ) at Zamin Pallavaram Village, Tambaram Taluk, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu	17.07.2008
47	Construction of Software Development Complex (SEZ) at Mahindra Industrial Park, Chengalpat Taluk, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu	08.05.2008
48	Development of Hi-Tech Industrial Park (SEZ) at Giddampalayam village & Karumathampatti Village, Palladam Taluk, Coimbatore	28.04.2008
49	Construction of Information Technology Park (SEZ) at Pallikaranai Village, 200 Feet Thoraippakkam - Pallavaram Road, Thoraipakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu	17.04.2008
50	Construction of Estancia IT Park (SEZ) at Potheri Village, Chengalpattu Taluk, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu	22.04.2008
51	Development of Hi-Tech Industrial Park (SEZ) at Giddampalayam Village & Karumathampatti Village, Palladam Taluk, Coimbatore	28.04.2008
Uttar Pradesh
52	Setting up of an IT/ITES Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gautam Nagar, Village Greater Noida by M/s. NIIT Technolgies	17/05/2007
53	Construction of Ansal's IT Park (SEZ) at TZ-06, Tech. Zone, Village Gharbhara, Greater Noida	04.12.2007
54	Patni Computer Systems Ltd. IT campus at Plot No.139 and 140, NSEZ, Noida, U.P. by M/s. Patni Computer Systems Ltd.	04.01.2008
West Bengal
55	Foundry park (SEZ) at Hawrah, West Bengal by M/s. Foundry Cluster Development Association	24.03.2008

 

State-wise details of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project Projects

Sl. No.	Name of the Project	Status (Pending)
Andhra Pradesh
1	Development of SEZ for Pharmaceutical and Chemical manufacturing units at Ch. Lakshmi Puram, Rajayyapeta, Pedda Teernala, N. Narasapuram Village, Nakkapalli Mandal, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh by M/s. Hetero Infrastructure SEZ Ltd.	Considered in the EAC meeting held on 6th – 7th October, 2009. Expert Committee asked some additional information. Reply received. Considered in the EAC meeting held on 25th – 26th February, 2010.
Gujarat
2	Construction of SEZ for proposed Oil & Gas, Petrochemical sector at Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation- Vilayat (Vagra) Industrial Estate, Vilayat, Bharuch District, Gukarat by M/s. Gujarat Hydrocarbons and Power SEZ Ltd
3	Construction of proposed Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemicals SEZ at Gangad & Kalyangadh, District Ahmedabad, Gujarat by M/s. Dishman Infrastructure Ltd
Kerala
4	Construction of IT Park (SEZ) 'Signature Tower' at Kusumagiri, Kakkanad, Kochi, Kerala by M/s. L & T Tech Park Ltd.	Considered in the EAC meeting held on 6th – 7th October, 2009. Expert Committee recommended the proposal for issue of Environmental Clearance.  While processing the proposal for issuance of Clearance, an issue was raised under CRZ.  File is under examination.
5	Construction of Technopark Mulavana Village, Kundara,  Kollam, Kerala by M/s. Chief Executive Officer, Technopark, Trivendrum	Considered in the EAC meeting held on 22nd August, 2009. Expert Committee asked some additional information. Reply waited.
Tamil Nadu
6	Proposed Perambalur SEZ ( Multi Product SEZ) at Thirumanduarai, Pennakonam South & North villages, Kunnam Taluka & Peraiyar, Eraiyur of Veppanthattai Taluk, Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu	To be considered by next EAC meeting during August, 2010

 

kp/dk/kol/13:36 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Environment and Forests

Elephants in Zoos

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

There are 87 elephants housed in various zoos in the country.  State-wise details of the number of elephants are as follows:-

S. No.	Name of the State	Number of elephants housed in Zoos
	Andhra Pradesh	10
	Assam	12
	Bihar	1
	Delhi	2
	Gujarat	2
	Jharkhand	3
	Karnataka	20
	Kerala	2
	Madhya Pradesh	2
	Maharashtra	6
	Orissa	5
	Punjab	6
	Tamil Nadu	6
	Tripura	3
	Uttar Pradesh	4
	West Bengal	3
	Total	87

Yes, Sir.  Till date 14 No of elephants have been shifted from different Zoo's . The decision to relocate the elephants from all the zoos to elephant camps/ rehabilitation camps/ facilities available with the Forest Department was taken with the objective of better upkeep of the elephants.

Since there is very little scope for ex-situ to in-situ linkages in the context of Zoo elephants , question does not arise.  

 

kp/dk/kol/13:37 hrs.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

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Ministry of Environment and Forests

Increase in Wildlife Crimes

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

The number of cases involving violation of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Exim Policy, which have come to notice of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau's Regional offices during the last three years, show an increasing trend. The details of the cases are given in the Annexure.  

 

ANNEXURE

Details of cases booked  in four regions for the past three years

Year	Northern Region, Delhi (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan)	Eastern Region, Kolkata (West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Bihar, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and Orissa)	Western Region Mumbai (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli)	Southern Region Chennai (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Pondicherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands)	Total
2007	7	25	49	3	84
2008	59	80	31	4	174
2009	66	93	64	14	237
Total	132	198	144	21	495

 

kp/dk/kol/13:38 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

National Consumer Helpline Records 5441 Calls in July 2010; Over 16% Calls
Relate to Telecom Sector

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has recorded 5441 calls during July 2010. Delhi, with 1986 calls, remains on the top followed by Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Karnataka have recorded an increase in share of complaints.

 

Break-up of calls in respect of top five States is as under:

June 2010				July 2010
S. No.	State	Complaints	% age	Complaints	% age
1	Delhi	1850	36.24	1986	36.50
2	Uttar Pradesh	587	11.50	663	12.19
3	Maharashtra	467	9.15	496	9.12
4	Haryana	474	9.29	397	7.30
5	Rajasthan	385	7.54	385	7. 08

 

Of the total calls/complaints, 16.48% relate to telecom sector. Other sectors/areas on which calls were received include insurance (8.19%). banking (6.71%), electricity (2.26%) and PDS (1.88%). 

 

As per feedback received from the callers, 254 complaints were resolved.

 

Consumers from across the country can access the toll free National Consumer Help Line No. 1800-11-4000 and seek telephonic counseling for consumer related problems faced by them. The Consumer Helpline which was launched in March, 2005 is instrumental in guiding consumers and resolving their problems.

 

mp:sb:cp:consumerhelpline (18.8.2010)/dk/kol/13:39 hrs.

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Presidents Secretariat                  

President of India's Greetings on the Occasion of the Parsi New Year

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil in her message on the occasion of the Parsi New Year which is being celebrated tomorrow, has said: -

 

"On the auspicious occasion of Navroz, I convey my greetings and good wishes to all my Parsi brothers and sisters.

 

May this festival reinforce our commitment to synthesis, harmony and goodwill towards all".

 

sh/lv/vk/dk/kol/13:39 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting                                

Life-Time Achievement Awards to be Conferred to Four Legendary Photographers on 19th August by Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

In order to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Photo Division, a Media Unit of Ministry of I&B, the Life Time Achievement Awards shall be conferred for the first time by the Hon'ble Vice President of India, H.E.Shri M.Hamid Ansari, to four eminent photojournalists on 19th August, at a special function to mark the occasion at Vigyan Bhavan. The awards shall be given to Smt. Homai Vyarawalla, Shri S. Paul, Shri Benu Sen and Shri K.G. Maheshwari. The awards include a cash prize of Rs.1.50 lakhs, a Shawl, a Memento and a Citation. Smt. Ambika Soni, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Shri C.M. Jatua, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting will also be present on the occasion.

 

The first category of awards shall honour two eminent Photojournalists. The first being Smt. Homai Vyarawalla of Vadodara, 97 years of age, popularly known as the First Indian Lady Photojournalist in the country. She is popularly known for her artistic work in the pre and post partition period. She studied in J J School of Art and started her career as a freelancer with Illustrated Weekly. Her depiction of political events have remained imprinted in public memory since several decades.

 

The second recipient is Shri S. Paul, 79 years of age, an eminent photojournalist who was the Chief Photographer of the Indian Express from 1962 to 1988 and the winner of the maximum photo awards in the country and abroad. First Indian to have been profiled with a portfolio of four pictures by the World's oldest and prestigious The British Journal Of Photography Annual 1967 followed by another portfolio with article in the 1969 edition (U.K). First Indian to win Nikon International Photo Contest in 1971.

 

In the Pictorialists category, the Life Time Achievement Award shall be conferred to Shri Benu Sen of Kolkata, 79 year old, a living legend in Pictorial photography. He is the Secretary-General, Federation of Indian Photography and President of Photographic Association of Dum Dum. His contribution both an individual artist and as a promoter for the development of Indian Photography exceeds that of any living Indian Photographer. He has authored several books on Photography including the famous publication "Art of Photography" published in 1979. He has been adjudged the best Indian Pictorialist by the Camera World International, Australia and the Harvard Senetic Museum.

 

The second recipient in the Pictorialist category is Shri K.G. Maheshwari from Mumbai. 88 years old, Shri Maheswari has been a creative legend in Portrait Photography. He has participated in various International Exhibitions and has won over 400 awards. He was conferred the Honour of being an Associate of Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (ARPS) in the year 1946. He was also conferred by the Photographic Society of India with its highest honour "The Honorary Life Membership" and has also been conferred with a number of Honorary Fellowship and membership by many national and international photographic organization for his contribution in creative photography.

 

cp/skt/dk/kol/13:40 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Environment and Forests                     

Recent Milestone Initiatives for Conservation of Wild Animals

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

Reports from various sources on the illegal wildlife trade linkages in various countries pour in  and action is taken wherever necessary in respect of any connected crimes on Indian soil.  The ongoing demand for tiger body parts catering to the traditional Chinese medicine and the practice of tiger farming in China are causes for great concern. This creates  deleterious effect on the status of wild tigers in India.  Alerts have been issued to the concerned Police and Forest Departments to step up vigil in the tiger habitat and its surroundings including bus/railway stations.  Joint operations have been undertaken by various agencies to pursue linkages.  The issue of illegal trade has been taken up for inclusion in the agenda for the Foreign Office Consultations with Myanmar and Nepal.  A Special Coordination Committee, comprising various intelligence, security and enforcement agencies, has been formed and checks are conducted at the exit points by various agencies to prevent trafficking of wildlife articles.  The milestone initiatives taken by the Government of India for protection of tigers and other wild animals are at Annexure.

 

Annexure

 

Recent Milestone Initiatives Taken for Conservation of Tiger and Other Wild Animals

 

Financial steps

 

Financial and technical help is provided to the States under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz. Project Tiger and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the States for providing effective protection to wild animals.

 

International Cooperation

 

1.         India has a Memorandum of Understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, apart from a protocol on tiger conservation with China.

 

2.         A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for addressing international issues related to tiger conservation.

 

3.         During the 14th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was held from 3rd to 15th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with directions to Parties with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers.  The resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming, and eliminate stockpiles of Asian big cats body parts and derivatives.  The importance of continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized.

 

4.         Based on India's strong intervention during the 58th meeting of the Standing Committee of the CITES at Geneva from 6th to 10th July, 2009, the CITES Secretariat issued notification to Parties for submitting reports relating to compliance of Decisions 14.69 and 14.65 within 90 days with effect from 20.10.2009 (Progress made on restricting captive breeding operations of tigers etc.).  During the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties, India intervened for retaining the Decision 14.69 dealing with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale.     

 

Reintroduction of Tigers

 

1.         As a part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves where tigers have become locally extinct, reintroduction of tigers / tigresses have been done.

 

2.         Special advisories issued for in-situ build up of prey base and tiger population through active management in tiger reserves having low population status of tiger and its prey.

 

Creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF)

 

3.         The policy initiatives announced by the Finance Minister in his Budget Speech of 29.2.2008, interalia, contains action points relating to tiger protection. Based on the one time grant of Rs. 50.00 crore provided to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a Special Tiger Protection Force, the proposal for the said force has been approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves.  Rs. 93 lakhs each has been released to Corbett, Ranthambhore & Dudhwa Tiger Reserve for creation of STPF during 2008-09. Since then, the guidelines of the STPF have been revised for deploying forest personnel in place of Police as an option-II, with scope for involving local people like the Van Gujjars.

 

4.         In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, an online tiger crime data base has been launched, and Generic Guidelines for preparation of reserve specific Security Plan has been evolved.

 

Recent initiatives

 

1.         Implementing a tripartite MOU with tiger States, linked to fund flows for effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives.

 

2.         Rapid assessment of tiger reserves done.

 

3.         Special crack teams sent to tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey.

 

4.         Chief Ministers of tiger States addressed at the level of the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests on urgent issues, viz. implementation of the tripartite MOU, creation of the Tiger Conservation Foundation, stepping up protection etc.

 

5.         Chief Ministers of States having tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey addressed for taking special initiatives.

 

6.         Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection, besides launching 'M-STrIPES' for effective field patrolling and monitoring.

 

7.         Steps  are being taken for involvement of Non-Governmental Experts   the ongoing all India tiger estimation.

 

8.         Special independent team sent to Similipal for assessing the status, besides constituting State level Coordination Committee for redressing the administrative problems.

 

9.         Issue of tiger farming and trafficking of tiger body parts discussed at the level of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests with the Chinese Authorities.

 

10.       Action taken for amending the Wildlife (Protection) Act to ensure effective conservation.

 

11.       Initiatives taken for improving the field delivery through capacity building of field officials, apart from providing incentives.

 

12.       Steps have  taken for the independent Monitoring and Evaluation of tiger reserves.

 

13.       Action initiated for using Information Technology to strengthen surveillance in tiger reserves.

 

14.       Providing special assistance for mitigation of human-tiger conflicts in problematic areas.

 

15.       As an outcome of the fourth Trans-border Consultative Group Meeting held in New Delhi, a joint resolution has been signed with Nepal for biodiversity / tiger conservation.

 

kp/dk/kol/13:40 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Environment and Forests                     

Assistance to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

There has been a reduction in the number of birds visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. State Government of Rajasthan infomed the Ministry of Environment and Forests that various reasons including shortage of water, disruptions along the migratory route, etc have been attributed to this reduction. However, there is no direct evidence of pollution affecting the number of migratory birds visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. The important steps taken by the Government in this regard include:

 

(i) The State Government has completed the Chiksana Canal project which would draw 50 million cubic feet of flood water to Keoladeo National Park during the monsoon period. Further, four deep bore wells and two new shallow bore wells have also been dug inside the Park.

 

(ii) In order to bring a permanent solution to the water crisis faced by the Keoladeo National Park, a project was formulated that envisaged drawing about 350 million cubic feet water from Govardhan Drain for the Keoladeo National Park during monsoon every year through about 17 Kms. long dedicated underground pipeline. A team of the Planning Commission had inspected the project site in August 2008 and the project had been approved 'in principle'. An amount of Rs. 6.00 crore, against the Rs. 20.00 crore

 

(iii)sanctioned by the Planning Commission, was released by the Ministry of Finance to the Government of Rajasthan for construction of Govardhan Drain to solve the problem of supply of water to Keoladeo National Park. The remaining amount of Rs. 14.00 crore is to be borne by the State Government out of the overall allocation of Planning Commission to the State Govt.

 

(iv)Another project to divert Chambal river water to Mallah of Bharatpur for domestic purposes, is in progress. As informed by the State Government, about 310 million cubic feet of water per year for initial four years and about 62.5 million cubic feet of water per year after four years would be made available to the Park from this project.

 

(v)The Keoladeo National Park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Natural Heritage Sites category due to its uniqueness. A UNESCO funded project is also in operation for better management and improved co-ordination amongst all stakeholders of the National Park.

 

kp/dk/kol/13:40 hrs.

 

 

 

 

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Environment and Forests                     

Coastal Zone Management and Coastal Eco-System

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

The World Bank assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project has the National component and the State level components in the States of Gujarat, Orissa and West Bengal. Under the National component, the main activities include hazard mapping and establishing the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management. Under the project, cleaning of beaches, solid waste landfill sites, pollution control facilities are provided to the three States of Gujarat, West Bengal and Orissa. Further, capacity building and strengthening of the Gujarat, Orissa and West Bengal State Pollution Control Boards will be undertaken. Improvement of livelihood of coastal local communities by providing alternative livelihood, upgrading fishing infrastructure facilities in these three States are also taken up. In the States, the project components include mangrove plantation, livelihood improvement, integrated coastal management plan.

Under the World Bank assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, the capacity building and strengthening of the Chilka Development Authority for species and wetland research is included.

The existing research centre of Chilka Development Authority is to be upgraded for carrying out research and undertaking public awareness programme in the area of coastal management. The total cost provided for upgradation of the Chilka Development Authority is Rs.13.88crores under this project.

The total cost of this World Bank project is Rs.1155.63crores, of which the World Bank contribution is Rs.898.12 crores (77.7%) and Government contribution is Rs.177.49crores (15.5%). The budget earmarked for the State of Gujarat is Rs.298.34crores, Orissa is Rs.201.62crores, and for West Bengal is Rs.300.26crores.

As a part of the State contribution, the State of Gujarat, Orissa and West Bengal have allocated Rs.29.83crores, Rs.20.16crores and Rs.30.03crores, respectively.

One of the major components of the World Bank assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project is mapping the ecologically-sensitive areas along the coast and prepare management plans to conserve and protect these areas.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued a policy framework to regulate the ports and harbours development in the country based on the shoreline changes and eco-sensitivity of the coast.

Government of Gujarat is planning to develop ports and harbors in the state. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has already got the shoreline change maps of Gujarat prepared on priority through Institute of Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai. The development of port and harbours in the State of Gujarat will be permitted based on the shoreline change maps and in accordance with the norms laid down in the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991.

 

kp/dk/kol/13:41 hrs.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Environment and Forests                     

Study on Mangroves Ecology

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

The Ministry of Environment and Forests through the Indo-Canada Environment Facility had supported the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) to conduct detailed studies on problems of ecology of mangrove wetlands of the country in partnership with the concerned State Forest departments. Apart from the MSSRF, grant-in-aid in research projects have been sanctioned to various research institutions, universities and NGOs on various problems of ecology and biology of mangrove ecosystems. The results of these studies have been published in the form of Mangrove Atlases for Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh; Manuals; Field Guides; Books and several peer-reviewed research papers in national and international journals. The Ministry has established an Environment Information System (ENVIS) database at Annamalai University for collection, collation and dissemination of scientific information pertaining to coastal ecosystems with special attention to mangrove ecology.

 

The Ministry of Environment & Forests has identified 38 sites in the country as appropriate for planting/cultivation of mangroves, and their conservation and management. The State-wise list is given in the Annexure. Not all coastal areas are suitable for mangrove cultivation as mangroves require an appropriate mixture of saline & freshwater, and soft substrate like mudflats to be able to grow and perpetuate. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Conservation & Management of Mangroves, 100% central assistance is extended to Coastal States and Union Territories for implementation of their approved Management Action Plans in the identified sites for components such as Survey and Demarcation, Planting, Restoration and Regeneration of Mangroves, Alternate and Supplementary Livelihoods, Protection Measures, and Education & Awareness etc. During last three years (from 2007-08 to 2009-10), an amount of approximately Rs. 18.00 crores were released to various Coastal States for conservation, regeneration and management of mangroves.

 

According to Conservation Action Trust (CAT) – a Mumbai based NGO - there are two mangrove theme parks proposed by CAT in partnership with the Maharashtra Forest Department. One Mangrove Park is located at Bhandup in Mumbai, and the second is located off Palm Beach Road at Navi Mumbai. The land that is being utilized for these Parks is Protected Forest in the possession of the Maharashtra Forest Department. The activities proposed at these two locations are education, research and conservation.

 

Further, as per the information received from Government of Kerala, the State Government, based on the Directions issued by the Ministry under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has ordered closure of the Mangrove Theme Park, near Pappinisseri Panchayath Office, P.O. Pappinisseri, Kannur, Kerala.

 

kp/dk/kol/13:41 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Environment and Forests                     

MID Career Training for Indian Forest Service Officers With USA Universities

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

The Government has tied up with some USA's universities to raise the competence of the Indian Forest Service Officers on the areas of environmental policy and forestry management.

 

Mid Career Training is mandatory at various levels for Indian Forest Service Officers in their career progression as per IFS (Pay) Rules. The Mid Career Training aims at upgradation of their professional skills at Indian Institutes of Management/Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun and two weeks in selected foreign universities. Out of the six such selected universities the three universities are of United States i.e. Colorado State University, University of Yale and University of Syracuse.

 

The training institutes have been selected through the global bidding after necessary technical and financial evaluation of the bids. The estimated cost for three years is Rs.56.70 Crore. The Mid Career Trainings are expected to improve professional skills of IFS officers.

 

kp/dk/kol/13:41 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Environment and Forests                     

Installation of New Sewage Treatment Plants

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

The Central Government is supplementing the efforts of the State Governments/ Urban Local Bodies for creation of civic infrastructure for sewage management and disposal, through central schemes to bridge the gap between generation and treatment of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). A report of the Central Pollution Control Board shows against an estimated sewage generation of about 38254 million litres per day (mld.) from the Class I cities & Class II towns of the country, the available treatment capacity is for 11787 mld (31%). Additional sewage treatment capacity for 26467 mld needs to be created to bridge the gap.

Interception and diversion of sewage and setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants is among the main components of pollution abatement works taken up under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). Sewage treatment capacity of about 4064 mld. has been created so far under this Plan. Sewerage and sewage treatment works are also being implemented under other central schemes, such as Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns, as well as under state schemes.

External assistance from bilateral/ multilateral agencies is availed of by the Government from time to time. In addition to setting up of new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and sewage pumping stations, renovation/ capacity augmentation of existing ones is also taken up based on the proposals for conservation of rivers received from the State Governments. The Yamuna Action Plan Phase-II(YAP-II), an ongoing programme assisted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for pollution abatement of river Yamuna, has components for renovation/augmentation of existing pumping stations and STPs in Delhi. A project for conservation of river Ganga at Varanasi is being implemented with the assistance of JICA, which includes works for renovation of existing pumping stations and STPs, besides other pollution abatement works.

 

kp/dk/kol/13:42 hrs.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways                                

Progress of NHDP

New Delhi: August 18, 2010.

 

For expeditious completion of National Highways Development Project (NHDP), the Government has approved for award of contracts for 23,744 km up to 2010-11 under Work Plan-I and Work Plan – II. So far contracts for a total length of 5822 km have been awarded under Work Plans I & II. This information was provided by Shri R.P.N Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways in the Rajya Sabha today.

In reply to another question, the Minister informed the House that the National Highways Authority of India has restructured 47 National Highway Development Projects. The major benefits of restructuring include optimization of the project cost and increasing its viability for award on PPP mode.

On a question about expenditure incurred by NHAI on various projects during the last three years, the Minister informed the House that an expenditure of Rs.17490.48 crore, Rs.17756.37 crore and Rs. 17955.57 crore was incurred in 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-2010 respectively. Out of the 256 projects, 82 projects have been completed during the last three years and the balance work is under implementation.

 

rs:pm/dk/kol/13:42 hrs.

--
Palash Biswas
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