Question : DIVERSION OF FOREST LAND



(a) whether the State Government of Karnataka has been requesting the Central Government for diverting forest land in Karnataka;

(b) if so, the details thereof, as on 31 March, 2010; and

(c) the response of the Central Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (c) Yes, Sir. The State Government of Karnataka has been requesting the Central Government for diverting forest land for non-forest purposes under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. As on 31 March, 2010, a total of 1146 diversion proposals regarding irrigation, mining, hydel, drinking water, transmission line and road, etc. were received; of which 728 had been approved.