Question : FOREST CLEARANCE TO SUBERNAREKHA PROJECT

(a) whether forest clearance has been accorded to the Subernarekha multipurpose project;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the amount sanctioned and utilised for the project;

(d) whether the requisite amount has been deposited in the Compensatory Afforestation Management Fund and Planning Authority (CAMPA) and alternative land has also been demarcated for diversion of forest land; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the said clearance is likely to be granted?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 411 BY SHRI MADHU KODA REGARDING “FOREST CLEARANCE TO SUBERNAREKHA PROJECT” DUE FOR REPLY ON 25.08.2010.

(a) & (b): The Central Government has granted in-principle approval on 23.08.2006 for diversion of 1655.55 ha of forest land (originally proposed 1800.81 ha) for Subernarekha Multi - Purpose project in East and West Singhbhum, Saraikela and Kharswan Districts in favour of Water Resources Department of Jharkhand with mitigative stipulations regarding Compensatory Afforestation (CA), Penal CA, Net Present Value (NPV), etc. It was also mentioned that the diversion of remaining 145.26 ha of forest land falling in Dalma Wild life Sanctuary will be considered after receipt of approval from standing committee of National Board of Wild Life (NBWL) and Supreme Court.

(c) As per the records available in the Ministry, the above multipurpose project was sanctioned for an estimated amount of Rs.2869.77 crores.

(d) & (e): As per the details provided by the State Government of Jharkhand, an amount of Rs.169.526 crores including CA (15.00 crores), Penal CA (26.848 crores), Canal Bank Plantation (17.682 crores), NPV (109.996 crores) against the diversion of 1655.55 ha of forest land, has been deposited by the project proponent recently with the State Government. The project proponent has also transferred 1934.76 ha of non-forest land for raising Compensatory Afforestation in Chaibasa, East Singbhum and Saraikela district.

The State Government has also intimated that the compliance report of the conditions of in-principle approval will be sent to MoEF through State Government for final approval of diversion of 1655.55 ha of forest land shortly.