(a) whether the Government has fixed any Corporate Social Responsibility towards the conservation of environment in Chhattisgarh;
(b) if so, the details thereof, district-wise; and;
(c) if not, the steps being taken by the Government for the effective implementation of schemes relating to the conservation of environment?
MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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Statement referred to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 392 due for reply on 20.03.2020 regarding ‘CSR Funds for Conservation of Environment’ by SHRIMATI GOMATI SAI, Hon''ble Member of Parliament
(a) and (b) Government has not fixed any Corporate Social Responsibility towards conservation of environment in Chhattisgarh. However, the Project Proponents have Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) in terms of Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006. The CER at the prescribed rates is specified as one of the conditions, while giving Prior Environmental Clearance to a project or activity.
(c) Government has taken several steps for conservation of environment, inter alia, including prescribing of Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) while granting the Prior Environmental Clearance for the projects or activities towards conservation of environment in surrounding areas of such projects and activities. In addition, as per Companies Act, 2013, the companies are under obligation to earmark funds for meeting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The CSR activities, inter alia, include activities related to conservation of environment.
Further, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is also administering various schemes for conservation of environment including National Mission for a Green India, Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, Conservation of Natural Resources & Ecosystems, National River Conservation Programme and Compensatory Afforestation Programme of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The implementation of schemes is being monitored through regular reviews, spot verification, utilization certificate, etc.
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