Question : RAISING OF HEIGHT OF SARDAR SAROVAR DAM

(a) whether the Environment Sub-group (ESG) chaired by the Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forests has cleared the raising of the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam to 121 metres;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the action taken to protect and compensate the environmental losses before raising the height beyond 90 metres as directed by Hon’ble Supreme Court;

(d) the number of visits made by the ESG on the site before granting clearance and submitting its report; and

(e) the further view of the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORTESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Environment Sub-Group (ESG) of Narmada Control Authority (NCA), after taking note of the substantial compliance of the environmental action plan and preparedness of the project authorities for completion of the remaining works and after obtaining assurances from them, has recommended to the NCA for allowing raise in the dam height up to a level of 121.92M during its 41st meeting held on 6th January, 2005.

(c) The Environmental Sub-Group periodically reviews the status of implementation of Environment Safeguard Measures before according any recommendation for raising the dam height. This Subgroup has held 42 meetings so far.

(d) The Environment Sub-Group has not undertaken any field visit. However inspections are carried out by the officers of the NCA under the directions of the Environment Sub-Group from time to time.

(e) The raising of the dam height requires permission from the NCA, which will have to first ensure compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 15.3.05.