Question : CONSERVATION OF ENVIRONMENT IN GANGOTRI VALLEY

(a) Whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `Gangotri Ghati Main Paryavaran Sanrakshan ke naam per fareb hi fareb` appearing in the Jansatta dated June 26, 2000;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether some voluntary organisations are working towards forest conservation and they receive funds from the Government and foreign countries;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the amount of funds received by these organisations during the last three years;

(f) whether the Government have reviewed their functioning;
(g) if so, the outcome thereof; and
(h) the steps being taken by the Government for the conservation of environment in Gangotri Valley?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS ( SHRI BABU LAL MARANDI)

(a)&(b) Yes, Sir. There is no doubt that the Gangotri Valley is getting increasingly polluted.

(c)&(d) Himalayan Environment Trust, a voluntary organisation is working towards the conservation of Gangotri Valley under Gangotri Conservation Project launched in June, 1994. Forest conservation is one of the components under this project. Funds by the following agencies were given to Himalayan Environment Trust for carrying out the conservation activities:

i) Government of India	Rs.15 lakhs	ii Government of Uttar Pradesh	Rs.15 lakhs	iii) American Himalayan Foundation	$ 50,000	iv) Pacific Aerial Travel Association	$ 7,500

i) Construction of community toilets	ii) Afforestation	iii) Solid waste management	iv) Public awareness