(a) whether the Government contemplate to implement a scheme at a cost of Rs. 4.56 crores in Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Erode, Kumarapalayam, Bhavani Pallipalayam, Palani and Dindigul towns for the control of air, water and noise pollution under `Green Belt for abatement of Pollution and Environment Improvement Scheme`;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI BABU LAL MARANDI)
(a), (b) and (c) : Yes, Sir. The Government have initiated a scheme on Green Belt for
Abatement of Pollution and Environmental Improvement to reduce the adverse effects of air,
water and noise pollution in five cities of Tamil Nadu, viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai,
Salem and Tirunelvelli at a cost of Rs. 4.557 crores. Of this, Rs. 4.0 crores have been
provided by the Central Government under the central share of Water Cess Funds to the
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board through the Central Pollution Control Board during
the year 1999-2000 and Rs.0.557 crore have been provided by the State Government of
Tamil Nadu. This scheme has been extended to 102 Municipalities in Tamil Nadu at a
cost of Rs. 1.02 crores. Of this, Rs. 0.765 crore have been provided by the
Central Government during the year 2000-2001 and Rs. 0.255 crore have been provided
by the State Government of Tamil Nadu. The scheme is implemented through the Tamil
Nadu Pollution Control Board, Environment & Forests Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
along with the concerned Corporations and Municipalities.
Under National River Conservation Plan, the towns of Erode, Kumarapalayam, Bhavani,
Pallipalayam and Trichy are covered for afforestation activities within the premises of sewage
treatment plants, pumping stations, along the banks of effluent channels, pathways and areas
around crematoria, areas around the bathing ghats and low cost sanitation facilities etc.