(a) whether Forest Conservation Act, 1980 is the biggest hurdle in the implementation of the `Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana` particularly in Himachal Pradesh; and
(b) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Union Government to remedy this hurdle?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M. VENKAIAH NAIDU)
(a) & (b) Government of Himachal Pradesh have raised a concern that the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 could come in the way of expeditious implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
2. With a view to finding an appropriate solution, the views of other State Governments, having large areas under forests, have been sought and are awaited.