Question : Environmental Impact Assessment of Road Projects

(a) whether the flash flood on February 7, 2021 is likely to result in any review, assessment or public engagement regarding concerns about the road projects in Uttarakhand and if so, the details, thereof;

(b) whether a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment of the road projects has been undertaken and if so, the details thereof and if not, reasons therefor;

(c) the extent of tree cover already lost and the projected loss due to road projects;

(d) whether any tree-felling, hill cutting, waste dumping or future plan of construction has happened for areas under Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park or other protected areas and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government recognizes the concerns that the freshly cut slopes may be prone to landslides if so, the details of redressal measures proposed by the Government in this regard; and

(f) whether the Government is implementing the recommendations made by the Supreme Court appointed High Powered Committee for the purpose and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) Central Government is responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways in the Country. As per reports received from the Government of Uttarakhand, the flash floods of February 7, 2021 are not due to National Highways Projects in Uttarakhand.

(b) Yes Sir. Environmental Impact Assessment of the National Highway Projects have been undertaken in accordance with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) Notification dated 14.09.2006 and amendment dated 22.08.2013 thereof.

(c) For implementation of National Highway projects in the State of Uttarakhand, 1252.8 ha of forest land already diverted and 104.6 ha of forest land is under process of diversion.

(d) Yes Sir. For widening of National Highways between Haridwar and Dehradun, which passes through Rajaji National Park, 23,032 trees have been felled,
(e) Yes Sir. Adequate/sufficient slope protection measures viz. construction of retaining walls & breast walls, drapery system, netting, anchoring, reinforced wall and bio-engineering method have been provided in the projects.
(f) The High Powered Committee submitted its recommendation during June, 2020 and December, 2020, which were not unanimous due to differences of opinion among the members regarding the width of the road being constructed. The matter is still subjudice in Hon’ble Supreme Court.
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