Question : CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS UNDER PMGSY IN UTTARAKHAND

(a) the targets set and sanction granted for construction of rural roads in hilly areas of the country during current Five Year Plan;

(b) whether construction of roads underPradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in rural hilly areas is being completed on time;

(c) if so, the roads sanctioned underPMGSY in Uttarakhand along with the details of roads constructed in kilometres;

(d) the details of pending roads projects in the State along with the time taken and the reasons for delay;

(e) whether the time frame forcompletion are being set and the number of villages in the State still deprived of roads;and

(f) ifso, whether any survey has been conducted by the Union Government inthis regard and if so, the details thereof andif not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI LALCHAND KATARIA)

(a) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a one-time special intervention in the rural roads sector, which focuses on providing new connectivity to unconnected eligible habitations as a part of poverty reduction strategy. According to PMGSY guidelines, core networks were prepared by concerned states including these unconnected eligible habitations. The priorityfor new connectivityand upgradation of rural roads is based on Comprehensive New Connectivity Priority List (CNCPL) and the Comprehensive Upgradation Priority List (CUPL) respectively.The overall target for new connectivity of eligible unconnected habitations and upgradation of rural roads is set under PMGSY across the country including hilly areas. The status of achievement and balance habitation target during current Five Year Plan in hilly areas is at Annexure.

(b) No, Madam. There are delays observed in execution of cleared roads at the level of states. Rural Roads is a State subject;therefore, the responsibility of execution of rural roads under PMGSY is entrusted with the State Governments. Regular monitoring through Empowered Committee meetings and Regional Reviews meetings at the level of Ministry has a specific focus on timely completion of projects.

(c) In Uttarakhand, 1,008 road works with a length of 7,465 km have been sanctioned and 520 road works with a length of 4,698 km have been completed upto December, 2013.

(d)to(f) The projects under PMGSY are executed by Project Implementation Units (PIUs) and completed within a period of 9 months from the date of issuance of the Work Order. In case the period for execution is likely to be adversely affected by monsoon or other seasonal factors, the time period for execution may be suitably determined while approving the work programme, but shall not exceed 12 calendar months in any case. Time limit up to 18 calendar months is being allowed for completion of stage-I works of hill roads (in hill States) where the work may be executed in two stages, the time limit for completion of stage-II works will remain the same as mentioned above. Some of the road works are delayed and reasons adversely affecting the timely implementation of the programme, as reported by the States are as under:

i.Inadequate Institutional and contracting capacity.

ii.Limited working season and adverse climatic conditions.

iii.Non availability of land and forest clearances of the land falling in forest areas.

iv.Geographically difficult terrain.

In Uttarakhand, 1,088 habitations have been cleared under the programme and 681 habitations have been connected upto December, 2013.