(a) whether the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has been facing
many roadblocks particularly due to non-environmental clearance;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any proposals were floated in the past to use rubberized
bitumen for construction of rural roads under this Yojana; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a) & (b) As per the notification issued under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on 14.9.2006, the rural and
village roads do not require environmental clearance. However, implementation of road projects taken up under
PMGSY has been affected due to following reasons:-
# Inadequate institutional capacity in some of the States.
# Limited contracting capacity in some States.
# Non availability of sufficient qualified technical personnel including engineers with the contractors.
# Limited working season and adverse climate conditions.
# Unfavorable weather conditions i.e. very long rainy seasons/flood.
# Non availability of construction materials in the locality etc.
(c) & (d) Proposals under PMGSY for the use of Natural Rubber Modified Bitumen (NRMB) and Crumb Rubber
Modified Bitumen (CRMB) received from some States like Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have
been sanctioned by the Ministry.