non-controversial, long -term solu­ Magistrate released him but Shri Sunder tion to the acute power crisis that Lalji has started hunger strike/again after has been the State’s greatest bot­ reaching Tehri. As I have already said that tleneck in industrial development he has completed 20 days of his hunger for the last two decades.” stride, I do not want to discuss the various aspects of the case, but I would like to draw May I request the Government to imme­ your attention on some authentic news which diately look into this? The Chief Minister of have been published in the newspapers Kerala came here and made a representa­ during the last 3-4 days. According to the tion to the Ministry of Petroleum; he was news there are some statements made by pursuing this matter. For the last two dec­ the Environmental Minister, Kamal Nath that ades, we are waiting for this. his Ministry opposes the dam firmly. His Ministry is not only opposing the environ­ It will not help the Kerala State but all the mental conditions of the region but is also southern state will be benefited by this grid. opposing the situations which crop up after So, may I request the hon. Minister and the the earthquake. Government to look into this? If it is rejected, it should be reconsidered for industrial de­ Now a new situation has been created velopment of Kerala. and the money which was to be given by Russia for the dam, has been stopped. I have got one other information through some letters received from there that the contrac­ RE: TEHRI DAM tors are doing the construction work of the dam with thir own money because the Gov­ [ Translation] ernment is unable to provide the amount. Plastering work is in progress there. The SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES (Muzaf- whole of the arrangements and the situation farpur): Mr. Speaker, Sir, I want to raise such are under the control of the contractors. an issue before you on which I would expect They are carrying out the construction work an assistance also from you. The question of the dam as if they are the owners of the on Tehri Dam has been raised so many land and the country without paying any times in the House and a number of state­ heed to the administration. Perhaps they are ments have also been made on it by the sure that they will get their payment. I know Government. Mr. Speaker Sir, recently, about that this matter is a bone of contention for the 10 to 12 days back, Sunder Lal Bhuguna, Government but here I have a copy of the who is a leader of this movement has started letter which Bahugunaji has written to the hunger strike. His lunger strike has com­ Prime Minister and copy has been sent to us. pleted 20 today. Before starting the hunger This letter is of 15th i.e. of three days earlier. strike, he had staged a Dharna some 2 to 4 There is a mention of the meeting held with days back in Tehri. The police not only the Prime Minister. It has also been men­ arrested him but the people who were sitting tioned in the letter how did the Prime Minister with him were also beaten up by the goondas realised the gravity of the problem sympa­ and has tried to make them run away from thetically and Shri Sunder Lalji was very there by opposing him in a very rude man­ much confident that this matter would be ner. After it sunder Lalji was arrested and resolved but there is no progress at all in this sent to Roorkee jail. He started hunger stride regard. in Rookee jail. Later on, the Government decided to release him and the District Mr Speaker, Sir, I am worried about the life of Shri Sunder Lalji. Today he has com­ words of George Sahib, I want to say this pleted 20 days of his hunger strike. He is a much only that on that on the 28th February, Gandhian fellow. All of you know him very when the activits of the movement were well. He has gone on a severe hunger strike. sleeping and particularly when there was no You know that Sunder Lalji is not only know question of demonstration, raising slogans, in India'alone but in the whole world also. He launching agitation etc., the arrest of the has been awarded with the ‘Right Liveliood’, people while they were sleeping, and not which is known as an alternative of ‘Noble even giving remand for 8 days, are against Prize’, in connection with his work on Chipko the prescribed procedure of the Indian Penal and environment. The life of the same per­ Code. Under some circumstances, Sunder son is in danger today. One of the depart­ Lalji Bahuguna was released but the 18 ments of the Govt, comments that the role of persons, arrested alongwith him, are still in Sunder Lalji is right; may be these words are jail and nothing has been done for their not theirs, but they do admit that it is not wise release. to advance the construction work of dam there. The other body of the Government Secondly, the Government should make feels that this work should be done Lai ji is it clear before the House as to what is the sitting here. I know that the Bhartiya Janata present position of this Tehri Project since Partly has shown its resentment over this the aid which was to be received by us from Tehri issue, both in the House as well as Russia is likely to be curtailed due to disinte­ outside the House. Many of its Members gration of that country and there is every have raised this issue many times in this possibility that this aid will not be received House. Once, half an hour debate was con­ any more to enable us to complete this ducted here over this issue and the other projects. Wili the Government get that proj­ questions related to it, the people’s repre­ ect completed or not under these circum­ sentatives of that area have made their roles stances? In view of all the geographical clear against this issue. The Members of situations after the earthquake, it is said that Bhartiya Janata Party from that area are also the completion of that project will be against present in the House. In these circumstances, the environment. According to the newspa­ through you. I request Lai ji. I do not know pers reports, the Environment Ministry states whether it comes under rule or not but I want that it would reconsider the issue of issuing to say one thing that the prevailing terror of a ‘no objection certificate’ to this project police and Magistrate through the contractor because the Technocrats did not comply all in Tehri and Garhwal, shoufd immediately be the directives given by the Government in stopped. No steps is being taken to stop that this regard so it is not known whether they terror of the contractors. The terror should be would reject it or not. Such a situation has stopped in that area because on the 20th, a come up, therefore, the Government should big public meeting is going to be held there. give statement on these issues, as to what will be the treatment oi the Government with Mr. Speaker, Sir, one of my request is those people who were arrested under the that whatever steps is required to be taken leadership of Sunder Lai Bahuguna? Sec­ by the Government to save the life of Sunder ondly, will that project be completed or not in Lai Bahuguna should be taken immediately. case the aid from Russia is stopped. Thirdly You please direct the Government to take from the technical point of view, the comple­ that step without further delay. tion of that project is still desirable or not after the earthquake? I submit that the Govern­ SHRI MOHAN SINGH (Deoria): Mr. ment should give a complete statement Speaker, Sir, I do not want to repeat the before the House on the present situation of doubt and distrost prevailing in the country. I have take up this issue with the State Government and the State Government also [English] says that it appears from the reports of technical experts that there is no danger to SHFJIMATIMALINIBHATTACHARAYA dam even after the earthquake. If this dam is (Jadavines): We also feel that til environ­ not constructed, the area may suffer. These mental seurity aspect f the Theri Dum shuld are the two aspects of the issue. The Gov­ be revuwed. ernment of India should decide the aspect which carries more weight and then place the information available with it before the SHRI LAL KRISHNA ADVANI (Gandhi­ House. With this request, I support George nagar): Mr. Speaker, Sir, on one aspect of Saheb. ( Interruptions) the question raised by my friend George Fernandes just now, I think that the whole House will be unanimous that a person like [English] Shri Sunder Lalji Bahuguna who has done a lot for environment, has done such a pen­ SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE ance, if it is the 20th day of his hunger strike, (Bobur): We also join the appeal. then it is a matter of great concern. [ Translation] We would make an appeal to all those persons who can influence him. We will SHRI ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE make an appeal to him that whatever he has (Lucknow): The hunger-strike should end. said on this problem has attracted the atten­ (Interruptions) Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is true to tion of the whole country. So he should break say that Government should make up its his fast. I had a talk to this effect yesternight mind and the State Government should with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He reconsider it, as Advaniji has said. We have had also told me that he was going to make all regards for Sundarlal ji. But is it proper to an appeal to him to break his fast. There are stake one’s life to prevent the construction of two opinions of experts as will as two opin­ a dam/ ( Interruptbns) When such a big project ions of public on the question whether the of Narmada has been taken in and someone dam should be constructed there or not and may feel about it strongly on environment, if it is to be constructed, what should be its but how far is it proper to resort to hunger- height. This House has also held a discus­ strike while the Narmada development proj­ sion on it onceortwice. The members elected ect is in hand? As Advaniji has suggested from there had opposed it particularly after that George Saheb should use his influence. the equrthquake. It is high time that the Sundarlalji has been released. Let him call Central Government apprised the House of off the hunger-strike so that the entire issue what it has thought of so far on the basis of can be reviewed by the Centre. There can be technical experts’ advice. The Environment no objection to it. But if the hunger-strike Minister had written only one thing. That continues, tension will continue to prevail would not do. If the Government does not do there. anything in this matter, that will not suffice. We can express our views only after infor­ [English] mation on the dam is made available to us by Government about its views which it has SHRI SAIFUDDIN CHOUDHURY based on the technical consultations, par­ (Katwa): Mr. Speaker, Sir, we also join with ticularly after the earthquake. other in this appeal. About these big projects, certain con­ gunaji may call off his hunger-strike immedi­ cerns have been expressed by many people, ately as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh who are very reputed people and who have is going to make an appeal to him to call off done a lot of work on this area. Shri Vajpayee his hunger-strike so that his valuable life can has referred to about Narmada project. Their be saved. representatives came to us and they have also expressed certain doubts about the Secondly, we have expressed our fears displaced persons. Now, if certain doubts on this issue in this House, I would like to are there and certain questions are raised by raise a fundamental question as the Govern­ people like Shri Sunder Lai Bahuguna and ment has said nothing about it. For the last those percolate down to the common people, three-four days it has been appearing in then what steps the Government would take newspapers that the Environment Minister to remove the fears from the minds of the Kamal Nath ji was going to withdraw the people? Now there has to be development interim clearance given for the construction projects. There may certain objections and of the Tehri dam. If it is so, the cause will end they may not be from right angle. But howto for which Bahugunaji is fighting and working create an opinion in the country and how to for the hill -people in case the Government convince the people?lt should not be some­ accepts it. Instead of letting the news leaked thing of confrontation but it should be to out - - which has been leaking for three days convince the people. That is why we vrge and the press reporters are told- - upon the Government to take the leaders and all others who are concerned into confi­ [English] dence, to place before them everything and to really convince the people that it is being "Sources close to. Shri Kamal Nath done for the interest of the country and not say” for any other purpose, and that those who are going to be displaced, will be properly [ Translation] rehabilitated. This is a very serious aspect. The way the concerns are expressed, we That Government should have informed just cannot brush them aside by saying that us about its stand, its technical stand on these are motivated. No. With a clear outlook such a serious issue on which the entire we have to deal with the situation. That is my House is worried, as Russia has said that it appeal. will not give money, so that the House can make up its mind. [ Translation] SHRI BHOGENDRA JHA (Madhubani): SHRI RABI RAY (Kendrapara): Mr. Mr. Speaker Sir, the House should make an Speaker, Sir, we all make an appeal to appeal to Bahugunaji to break hisfast. As far Bahugunaji along with Kalyan Singh ji’s as its technical aspect is concerned, much statement and Advaniji’s appeal to him to time and resources have been spent on its call off his hunger strike. He is not a leader of utility. Water resourcr are the biggest re­ a particular party. He launched 'Chipako* sources to the country. If we don’t harness it, movement on environment and has specific there are floods, droughts and powers crisis. knowledge of environment. He takes pains So it is totally against the interests of the for it. He is a public leader. That is why I country as well humanity to stop these multi­ request Shri Kumaramangalam that an purpose river projects in the name of envi­ appeal should be made on behalf of the ronment. Shri Rabi Ray has submitted in Government of India to the effect that Bahu­ right spirit that if the Environment Minister does anything on his own, it is not proper. TRY OF LAW, JUSTICE AND COMPANY The Government should adopt unanimous AFFAIRS (SHRI RANGARANJAN stand otherwise internal problems arise. As KUMAR AM ANGALAM): Mr. Speaker, Sir, far as the displaced persons are concerned, the issue of Tehri Dam has been raised by all of us^hould make a demand for them . almost all the parties. I totally agree that Shri But to create obstacles is against the na­ Sunderlal Bahuguna is not a person who tional interests. There should not be any belongs to any particular party. He is a well- condition for it. The fate of the nation de­ known environmentalist. I would like to join, pends of it. This is not case on a particular and the Government would also like to join region. Electricity is generated from water with the House in unanimously requesting and coal but the electricity from coal causes him and appealing to him to give up his fast. environmental degradation. If orders are This issue has been discussed many a time issued for planting trees on both sides of in this House with various Governments. As canais, then the number of trees will become rightly pointed out by Shri Bhogndra Jha, the fifty times morethanearlier. Inthe same way technical and financial aspects have also plantation of trees on both sides of rail track been discussed. There are equally strong and roads should form part of the national feeling, both from environmental angle as policy If it is done, the entire country will well as the utilisation point of view. I think it become a garden. Environment should form would be advisable, instead of going on and part of the national policy. on this subject, to say that all the parties are concerned about this matter. I think we should I request you to make an appeal to ail sit together at some particular period of Bahugunaji to call off his hunger strike. time -we have time during this session-and really work out a solution, instead of having [English] a constant barrage whether it is right or wrong, whether it is technically perfect or not MR. SPEAKER: Chandulalji, are you to etc. There is no party involved in this. This is speak on this point? a development matter. Let us take up this development matter in that sense of the term SHRI CHANDULAL CHANDRAKAR: that it is for the benefit of the country, whether (Durg): On this point and also on another the benefit is such that it justifies or does not point. justify, may be, certain other problems.

I think it is better that we discuss it MR. SPEAKER: On this point ‘yes’, on between ourselves first and come to a the other issue probably ‘no'. complete picture on it and then, instead of confusing the atmosphere more, come out with - as rightly pointed out- a collective SHRI CHANDULAL CHANDRAKAR: thought, through the people, so that a devel­ That is also very essential, Sir. opment project does go through.

MR. SPEAKER: Then you speak on the With regard to the so-called leakages, other issue. I will give you a chance after this. ‘sources close to the hon. Environment You take it up afterwards please. Minister has quoted this matter’ etc., I think the hon. Minister who is present here would THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE find out which are the papers being referred MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS to and come back, if you want to. But I do not AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINIS- think it is necessary. THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE tion Act does not mean that the Government MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FOR­ alone has to act but the people who are non­ ESTS (SHRI KAMAL NATH): I do not know government can also act. notices have been what is happening. issued to my Ministry for stoppage of this work. We are actively considering them. MR. SPEAKER: Mr. Minister, the matter There is no subterfuge. There is no secret in relating to Shri Bahuguna’s hunger strike this. I have stated on the floor of the House and Tehri Dam was raised. Are you inter­ and I reiterate that I would not have any ested in saying something at this point of hesitation in withdrawing environmental time? clearance to the Tehri Dam if the environ­ ment conditions are not met or are not going SHRI BHOGENDARA JHA: What about to be met. leakage? If they are going to be violated, I am not going to accept that situation. We are very MR. SPEAKER: No, leakage is a very clear on this because this is just not the minor issue. question of a development project. There are many reunifications of it and more so SHRI KAMAL NATH: Sir, I was not in after the earth quake. I have also talked to the House earlier. My colleague, the hon. the hon. Members from that area. Hon. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, was telling Members won’t mind my saying that I talked me what happened here. I suppose the to Col. Khanduriji and others on this and they Members here would be happy if he would have written to me, they have met me, and I tell me what was discussed. He was apprais­ have discussed with them to find out what ing me what was discussed in this House. I are their views since they are people’s rep­ was in the Rajya Sabha. A similar issue was resentatives. So, I have constantly been raised in the Rajya Sabha. having this interaction, there is no subter­ fuge that somebody is leaking something I have stated on the floor of this House there is nothing like this, it is all very open before that environmental clearance to the and whatever conditions are there are there, Tehri Darn project was given in July, 1990. there is nothing to leak, what has not been But this clearance was given subject to cer­ fulfilled, has not been fulfilled there is nothing tain conditions. I have also stated on the floor to leak. I have taken a very clear and open of the House several months ago that some position on the floor of this House. So, I of these conditions have not been fulfilled. I would only like to inform the Members that I have brought this to the notice of the Tehri had written to the hon. Chief Minister of U.P. Dam authorities and we have been interact­ saying that there cannot be any difference of ing with them. Shri Sunderlal Bahuguna has opinion on issues relating to environmental been on fast after his release from arrest. I impact on catchment area treatment, on would like to inform the hon. Members here disaster management plans etc. I did write to that in this connection I wrote to the Chief the U.P. Chief Minister last week that we Minister of Uttar Pradesh offering any infor­ could perhaps have discussions with Shri mation, any input which may be required to Sunderlal Bahugunaji and I wouid be very facilitate any negotiation or discussion which willing to provide any forum, any information, could, perhaps, take place. Shri Sunderlal any input required to facilitate this discus­ Bahuguna had met me also some time ago sion because it is not a very happy situation and asked me about the status. We all know that Bahugunaji has been on this agitation - that approval on the Environmental Protec­ - first he was arrested and now he is on fast, and also there are reports which I do not of the environment in this country and we know whether they are correct, I am not hope he will heed to our request. making any allegation, he has not been treated properly. So, Sir, I would assure this (Interruptions) House th*at this matter of withdrawing envi­ ronmental clearance to the Tehri Dam is, as I have stated in the Rajya Sabha, under active consideration and with this I thought [ Translation] we could appeal to Shri Sundarlal Bahu­ gunaji to withdraw his agitation. SHRI CHANDULAL CHANDRAKAR: Mr. Speaker, Sir, all of you know that the SHRI BHOGENDRA JHA: Sir, he has Bhilai Steel Plant is the largest plant in the made the confusion worse confounded. He country and it is running well. But iron ore is has not told what are the conditions that brought here from Dalli-Rajhara but the have not been fulfilled and which conditions sources are likely to be exhausted within need to be fulfilled. three years. The construction of rail line from Dalli-Rajhara to Bailadilla has not begun so far. But there are chances of the closure of MR. SPEAKER: Now, let us take that he the Bhilai Plant after three years. has not confused any issue, he has not given any assurance, he would look into the matter [T ranslation] vqry carefully. All the workers of Bhilai, whether they Well, on your behalf, on behalf of the are in steel plant or SAIL and even the Union Members of Parliament, I would like to say Steel Minister are worried that this large something. industry which is giving maximum profit, shall be closed after three or four years, if a I know Shri Sundarlal Bahugunaji. I had railway line is not laid there. That is why, several occasions to meet him and discuss through you I would like to make a special some issues on environment with him. He is request to the Minister and the Council of an evolved soul. We want his guidance and Ministers, to expedite construction work on blessings for the protection of the environ­ that railway line, If this is not done, it will be ment. He should remain hale and hearty. of serious consequences. District Bastar is The environment should be protected and the Biggest tribal district-bigger than Har­ preserved. The development should be yana- but it has no railway line. This is the brought about. If at times they look contrary reason, why there is no progress and devel­ to each other, we have to strike a balance opment in the tribal area. There are various between the two. kinds of metals and minerals there which are not being tapped properly. That is why, to­ On the Tehri Dam, people have differ­ day, through you, I would like to make a ent views, they have to be studied carefully special request that they should start the and action has to be taken carefully. Cer­ work for the construction of the railway line. tainly necessary steps can be taken by the Government to study the issue carefully. Secondly, I like to thank the hon. Speaker We. the Members of Lok Sabha, would like for appealing to Shri Sunder Lai Bahuguna to entreat that he should give up his hunger to end his hunger strike. I also know him for strike and continue to guide the environmen­ the last forty years. When I was in a Newspa­ talists and the movement for the protection per, he too was associated with the Newspa­