Question : GAS CONNECTIONS UNDER ECO DEVELOPMENT PROJECT



(a) whether villagers in the vicinity of seven national parks have been provided the gas connections at a subsidised rate under the India Eco Development Project

(b) if so, the details of the connections provided alongwith the subsidy given in each case, State-wise;

(c) whether the project has proved beneficial for the national parks and bird sanctuaries;

(d) if so, the details and extent thereof ;

(e) whether the Ministry has requested to continue the scheme of providing gas connection on subsidised rates to such villagers on a permanent basis; and

(f) if so, by when it is likely to be implemented ?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a)&(b) Under the India Ecodevelopment Project six Protected Areas in six States have been provided gas connections. The State-wise details of gas connections along with subsidy provided, are given below:

S. No.	Name of State	Name of Tiger Reserve/	No. of Gas	Subsidy	National Park	Connections
1 Gujarat Gir National Park 10638 75%

2. Karnataka Nagarhole National Park 7622 75%

3. Jharkhand Palamau Tiger Reserve 1708 75%

4. Madhya Pradesh Pench Tiger Reserve 1653 75%

5. Kerala Periyar Tiger Reserve 2183 75% 6. Rajasthan Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve 10037 75%



(c)&(d) The project was beneficial to Protected Areas since it reduced the firewood resource dependency of local people on such areas, resulting in enhancement of biodiversity conservation.

(e) & (f) Such activities are being fostered in an ongoing manner under ecodevelopment component of the Centrally Sponsored Umbrella Schemes of the Ministry of Environment and Forests for wildlife conservation.