(a) whether the Government proposes to lease out the land for excavation as the outskirt of sanctuary area under the Manguraha forest in the western Champaran district of Bihar;
(b) whether the Government is aware that the stones have been accumulated in the Pandai river of Dhori to the extent of a major threat;
(c) if so, whether the Government is considering to take action on this issue; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) Supreme Court vide its order dated 28.10.2003 in I.A. No. 836 under Writ Petition (Civil) No. 202/1995 has stopped all mining activities inside Valmiki wildlife sanctuary and in the proposed safety zone on the fringe of the sanctuary. There is no proposal to lease out any land within or on the fringe of the sanctuary for any kind of mining.
(b) to (d) As per the information provided by the State Government, stones have accumulated in Pandai river as a result of stoppage of mining. This has improved the floral diversity in the area and has also re-established the corridor for the movement of wildlife. Therefore, there is no threat to the habitat. In view of this, no action is required to be taken.