Question : CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS BY BRO

(a) the details of targets and deadlines for completion of strategy roads projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) along the international border including China and Nepal;

(b) the length of strategic roads completed by BRO in said areas so far;

(c) whether environmental concerns have been taken into consideration while constructing such roads in ecologically sensitive areas and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the other steps being taken for constructing roads and railway lines in strategic areas of the country?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

(a) & (b): 61 Indo-China Border Roads (ICBRs) of total length 3410 km have been entrusted to BRO which were planned to be completed by 2012. Out of which, 17 roads of length 590 km have been completed.

(c) Environmental concerns are taken into consideration while constructing the roads by BRO in ecologically sensitive areas. In case the road alignment passes through any protected area (National Park or Wild Life Sanctuary), Wild Life Clearance is obtained under the provision of Wild Life Protection Act 1972. Wildlife and forest clearance is obtained by BRO after fulfilling conditions by Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) for protection of wild life and rare species in reserve forests.

Felling of trees is restricted to inescapable situations and no felling of trees is carried out unless essentially required. Compensatory afforestation of equivalent area of forest land to be diverted for non forest purpose is included in the project cost.

(d) Government has taken following measures to expedite the pace of road projects:

(i) Chief Secretaries of various State Governments have been requested to constitute Empowered Committees under their chairmanship with Secretaries of concerned departments as members to resolve issues related to land acquisition, wildlife clearance, allotment of quarries etc.

(ii) Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) has given the General Approval under section 2 of forest (conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of forest land required for construction / widening of roads entrusted to BRO in the area falling within 100 kilometers aerial distance from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and for link roads between Border Roads in the area within 100 kilometer aerial distance from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and National Highways / State Highways / Other roads subject to certain conditions.

(iii) Outsourcing has been allowed to augment capacity of BRO.

(iv) Long Term Roll On Work Plan (LTROWP) and Long Term Equipment Plan (LTEP) has been approved.

(v) Enhanced financial and administrative powers have been given to the executives of BRO.

In addition, 4 strategic railway line projects are prioritized for final location survey.