(a) whether the Government are considering any effective measures for optimum utilisation of available natural resources i.e. Bauxite, Coal, Marine life and tourism etc. in Orissa in order to improve the bottom half position of the State in the development index of the country.
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINERALS
(SMT. RITA VERMA)
(a) & (b) It is primarily the responsibility of the State Government of Orissa to take appropriate policy measures for optimum utilisation of natural resources available in Orissa. However, the Central Government has taken the following measures for optimum utilisation of natural resources of Orissa i.e. Bauxite, Coal, Marine life and tourism.
(i) Government has exempted setting up of Alumina/ Aluminium Plants from the provisions of compulsory licensing. Anyone who wants to set up Alumina/ Aluminium Plants may do so by filing an Industrial Entrepreneurs` Memorandum (IEM).
(ii) National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), Central Government Public Sector Company, is making optimum utilisation of bauxite resources of Orissa by producing Alumina and Aluminium. NALCO is also implementing two expansion programmes to increase the capacity of Bauxite Mines from 2.4 million tonnes per annum (TPA) to 4.8 million TPA, that of Alumina Refinery from 0.8 million TPA to 1.575 million TPA and that of Aluminium Smelter from 2,30,000 TPA to 3,45,000 TPA.
(iii) Detailed exploration of Coal deposits in the two coalfields of Orissa, namely, Talcher and Ib river is being carried out by Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) by deploying Departmental drills. A total of 3.80 billion tonnes of Coal reserves have been established in Talcher and Ib river coalfields during the first 3 years of IX Plan. Government has taken effective measures for achieving the objectives of optimal utilisation of Coal resources in the State of Orissa. A production level of 43.55 million tonnes of coal has been achieved during 1999-2000 as against a production level of 22.60 million tonnes in 1991-1992.
(iv) For optimum utilisation of marine fishery resources, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Development of Marine Fisheries is under implementation in the State. The scheme aims at technological upgradation of traditional fishing sector and development of small mechanised fishing sector to increase fish production and export of marine products from the State.
(v) Central financial assistance for tourism infrastructure and fairs & festivals is provided to the State Government.
(c) Does not arise.