(a) whether the Government has received any proposal from UT administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands seeking tree cutting permission for construction of NH-223 project;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any decision on the matter; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) to (d) No Madam. However, two proposals have been received from A&N Administration with regard to NH 223 road project, as follows:
1. For change of user agency from APWD to NHIDCL.
Regional Office, Chennai has accorded permission as per the guidelines in force.
2. Rehabilitation and up-gradation of NH 223 (now NH-4) from Km 242 to Km 298.
Stage-I clearance for re-diversion approval is accorded by the Regional Office, Chennai as per the recommendation of the Regional Empowered Committee (REC).
However, it is also to mention here that tree cutting permission is to be granted by local Administration i.e. local Forest Department as per the existing guidelines once all the necessary levies are paid by the User Agency.
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