Question : CONSTRUCTION OF RURAL ROADS IN A & N ISLANDS

(a) whether there was any proposals for construction of rural roads from ATR to Boalcha (Udaygarh) , settlement year 1959 in Sundergarh panchayat and from Rajatgarh to Khatta Khari, settlement year 1959 in Nilambur panchayat under Baratang Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands;

(b) if so, the action taken by the A&N Administration regarding forest clearance/ construction of rural roads;

(c) the time by which the said roads are likely to be completed with forest clearance;

(d) whether there is any year mark provision of the Administration to complete said roads; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ(SHRI V. KISHORE CHANDRA DEO)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Subsequent to transfer of these roads from Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to Andaman Public Works Department(APWD) in March 2011, as first step, APWD has taken up Environmental Impact Assessment Study for which tender has been invited which is due for opening in first week of August, 2011. On completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment Study, the department will apply for forest clearance.

(c):It is expected that after obtaining the forest clearance, the work will be taken up in 2012-13.

(d) & (e):Provision has been made for having an Environmental Impact Assessment study during the current financial year as it has been planned to complete the pre-construction activities.