Question : Inland Waterways

(a) whether there is any mechanism to gauge/ measure the environmental impact of developing inland waterways, including impact on river ecology;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any mechanism is in place to regularly evaluate environmental impact after a waterway has become operational and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has analysed the possible damage to the environment due to implementation of the Inland Waterways Project, if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and

(e) whether the Government has taken note of certain waterways projects that will be implemented in already declared eco-sensitive zones and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING
(SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)


(a)&(b): No, Madam.
(c)to(e):Prior to undertaking any developmental activities on National Waterways, a Techno-Economic Feasibility Study is conducted which, inter-alia, includes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) studies. Further, once the waterway is declared as National Waterway, before commencement of its development for shipping purpose, a Detailed Project Report, for every major project is prepared which, inter-alia, includes EIA and EMP. Based on the outcome of these reports, necessary mitigation measures are taken up as per extant rules and regulations.

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