(a) the area of forest land, particularly in Jalpaiguri that would be required for the construction of the Golden Quadrilateral East-West corridor through NH-31 C in West Bengal;
(b) the number of sanctuaries to be crossed for the construction of the said corridor;
(c) the details of the effect on the environment as a result of it;
(d) whether permission has been taken from the concerned Department for the construction of the said corridor; and
(e) if so, the details therof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) to (e) Detailed survey and investigation for four laning of sections of NH-31 C and NH-31 on East-West corridor passing through forest areas in North of West Bengal has not yet been done for want of clearance from Ministry of Environment & Forest. A request has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment & Forest for obtaining necessary clearance.
Three sanctuaries namely Mahananda wildlife sanctuary, Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve will be crossed for construction of the East-West corridor.
The environmental impact assessment for widening of National Highways in forest areas can only be carried out after detailed survey and investigations are completed.