(a) whether the World Summit on Sustainable Development is to be held at Johannesburg in August-September this year; and
(b) if so, the steps being taken to secure the Association of Assam and other North-Eastern States including Sikkim in shaping the environment and development policies of the globe in the 21st century?
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a)&(b) The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) under the aegis of the United Nations is to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 26 to September 4, 2002. As a part of the preparatory process, the Government of India has taken the following steps: -
(i) Multi stakeholder consultations with representatives of a cross section of people are being undertaken covering seven regional (including North East) and one national level consultation. Consultation in Assam was organized on 8th February, 2002 at Guwahati.
(ii) Documentation of success stories of our policies and programmes;
(iii) School awareness activities and National/State level competitions to familiarize school children with sustainable development issues;
(iv) Beginning of a new scheme for preparing a State of Environment Report in the States and Union Territories.
The above activities are being conducted in all States including the North East and Sikkim. As a part of this exercise, suggestions have also been sought from all the Chief Ministers including those of the North East.