Question : PROJECT ON KASTURI MRIG

(a) whether the Government are implementing a project on protecting `Kasturi Mrig` in Uttranchal specially in Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts;

(b) if so, the objectives and activities of this project and the budgetary provisions, the time from which it is in operation and the agency/agencies responsible for its operation;

(c) the progress made in achieving the objectives for which the project was started;

(d) whether review of its working has been made in the recent past; and

(e) if so, the details thereof ?

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( SHRI T.R.BAALU)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) The objective of the project was to carry out ex-situ breeding of Kasturi Mrig for augmenting the population in the wild. The project is being implemented by Uttranchal Government under the state plan since 1980-81 . The budget provisions for the project from 1997-98 to 1999-2000 have varied between Rs.2.26 Lakhs to 3.94 Lakhs.

(c),(d)&(e) The success in captive breeding of Kasturi Mrig at the centre has been far below the expectation . The project needs a closer monitoring and more scientific inputs. Suitability of the site is also doubtful. The State Government has been requested either to improve the centre or to close it down.