Question : ILLEGAL COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AROUND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

(a) whether the Government has received complaints from several quarters including environmentalists and wildlife activists regarding illegal commercial properties mushrooming around various wildlife sanctuaries;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has sought a detailed report in this regard from various State Environment and Forests Departments;

(d) if so, the details and response of the States thereon; and

(e) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to remove all such illegal commercial properties around various wildlife sanctuaries in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 197 REGARDING ‘ILLEGAL COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AROUND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES’ BY SHRI KAMAL NATH AND SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA DUE FOR REPLY ON 10.03.2015.

(a) and (b) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has not received any specific complaints regarding illegal commercial properties around wildlife Sanctuaries. The State Governments have the responsibility of taking action against illegal activities, including those around Wildlife Sanctuaries.

(c) and (d) Does not arise.

(e) In case of noticing any illegal activities in the State, including around various wildlife Sanctuaries, appropriate steps are to be taken by the respective State Government in accordance with the provisions of law.