(a) whether the Union Government proposes to introduce any scheme for cleaning and conservation of fresh water lakes;
(b) if so, the action taken thereon;
(c) whether the Government proposes to introduce a project for the conservation of Ashtamudi lake, Kollam in Kerala; and
(d) if so, the action taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)
(a) and (b) A Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) is already in place for holistic conservation and restoration of lakes and wetlands (including fresh water lakes and wetlands) in the country for achieving the desired water quality enhancement, besides improvement in biodiversity and ecosystems through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach and a common regulatory framework. This Ministry has so far sanctioned projects for conservation of 63 lakes in 14 States under the scheme at a total cost of Rs.1096.09 crore, and Central share of Rs. 674.462 crore has been released so far to the concerned State Governments, for various conservation activities under the sanctioned projects. In addition, an amount of Rs.148.13 crore has been released so far to the concerned State Governments for undertaking various conservation activities in 82 identified wetlands under the scheme.
(c) and (d) The Government has supported conservation and management of Ashtamudi lake in Kerala since 2001 and an amount of Rs 97.192 lakhs has been released so far to Government of Kerala for various conservation activities relating to catchment area treatment covering afforestation & soil conservation, education and awareness, joint forest management, etc. No fresh proposal has so far been received from the State Government for conservation of this lake.
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