Science and Technology on Environment: 2012-13

Q. No. Q. Type Date Ans by Ministry Members Title of the Subject Specific Political State Questions Party Representative 29.03.2012 Environmental Science and Sardar Partap Singh Mapping of Education, NGOs and 2533 Unstarred Technology Bajwa Himalayan Region Media INC 2750 29.03.2012 Science and Shri Ashok Tanwar Status of Bio- INC Haryana Unstarred Technology Diesel Research Agriculture Climate Change and Meteorology Energy Studies Environmental Education, NGOs and Media Science and Shri Rangaswamy Plantation of 3456 Unstarred 26.04.2012 Technology Dhruvanarayana Permanent Pillars Disaster Management INC Karnataka Health and Sanitation Environmental Science and Shri Kotla Jaya Surya Radiation from Education, NGOs and Andhra 3467 Unstarred 26.04.2012 Technology Prakash Reddy Mobile Towers Media INC Pradesh Health and Sanitation Pollution Survey in the Field Science and Shri Marotrao Sainuji of Forest and Hilly 3484 Unstarred 26.04.2012 Technology Kowase Areas Agriculture INC Maharashtra Forest Conservation Medicinal Plants National Mission for Sustaining Science and Himalayan Eco- Environmental 3556 Unstarred 26.04.2012 Technology Shri Manish Tewari system Conservation INC Punjab Environmental Education, NGOs and Media Science and Shri Sameer Magan Budgetary 3562 Unstarred 26.04.2012 Technology Bhujbal Allocation for Bio- Agriculture NCP Maharashtra

safety Research of GMOs Biosafety Environmental Education, NGOs and Media Nano Technology Science and Smt. Deepa for Purification/ Freshwater and 3614 Unstarred 26.04.2012 Technology Dasmunsi Filtering Water Marine Conservation INC West Bengal Pollution Water Management Allocation of Environmental Science and Shri Marotrao Sainuji Funds for Education, NGOs and 5570 Unstarred 10.05.2012 Technology Kowase Scientific Research Media INC Maharashtra Science and Shri Shailendra 301 Unstarred 09.08.2012 Technology Kumar Effect of Radiation Health and Sanitation SP Uttar Pradesh Pollution

MAPPING OF HIMALAYAN REGION 29th March 2012

LSQ 2533

SARDAR PARTAP SINGH BAJWA

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to map the topography of the Himalayan region for gathering high precision data; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government would consider mapping the available water resources of the region through such exercise; (d) if so, whether this data would be made available to civil authorities to plan development activities in far flung areas; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Survey of have generated topographical maps on the scale of 1:2, 50,000 and 1:50,000 for the entire country, including Himalayan region. Some parts of the region are also covered on 1:25,000 scale. In addition, Indian Satellite data from Cartosat-I has been used to generate digital surface maps of the country, including Himalayan regions. (c) to (e): Central Water Commission (CWC) and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) have undertaken a study of “Inventory and Monitoring of Glacial Lakes/ Water Bodies in the Himalayan Region of Indian River Basins” during the Eleventh Plan period and a Report on “Inventory of Glacial Lakes/Water Bodies in the Himalayan region of Indian River Basins” for more than 10 hectare area has been prepared using satellite images. Monitoring of Glacial Lakes/Water Bodies is being done using remote sensing data during monsoon period on monthly basis from June, 2011. In addition, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has awarded a project to Space Application Centre to map the snow cover and glaciers of Indian Himalayan Region. The first phase of the mapping was completed in 2009 and report has been made public. The second phase of the assessment is ongoing. Further, the wetlands were mapped for entire country, including Himalayan regions, at 1:50,000 scale under National Wetland Inventory and Assessment Project, using Indian Remote Sensing satellite data. In addition, using Indian Remote Sensing satellite data potential areas of ground water occurrence have also been mapped at 1:50,000 scale in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh. Under the recently approved National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy, data outside the negative list will be available to civilian authorities for developmental activities.

STATUS OF BIO-DIESEL RESEARCH 29th March, 2012

LSQ 2750

SHRI ASHOK TANWAR

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) the status of Bio-diesel research in the country; (b) whether the same is likely to be introduced in the open market in near future; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the Government has signed any technological agreements or Memoranda of Understandings with other leading Bio-diesel manufacturing countries; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) Research on Biodiesel production is being supported by different Ministries /Departments – Department of Biotechnology, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Defence Research Development Organization, Indian Council of Agriculture Research, National Oilseeds and Vegetable Oils Development Board, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Systematic programs on germplasm collection, evaluation and accessioning programme to identify superior material from existing natural variations have been supported. Institutions have worked on aspects from survey of superior material to experimental plantation and germplasms has been collected from across the country. These collected germplasms have been characterized morphologically, chemically and genetically, out of which 890 germplasms have been accessioned in National Register at NBPGR. 500 accessions have been found promising on the basis of percentage oil and tolerance to local conditions. More than 7.00 lakh plants have been produced over 316.63 ha at 148 sites which cover diverse agro climatic conditions of the country. Multilocation trials of 20 promising accessions was initiated in 2007 to study the effect of set agronomy practices, soil and agro-climatic conditions on performance of accessions at with 9 partner institutes. In addition to agronomy trials,100 accessions are also being tested for silvicultural trial along with agro climatic performances.Micro-propagation protocol for mass multiplication; standardized. R& D projects on Development of feedstock namely Jatropha and production of Biodiesel have been supported. (b) & (c) As reported by Biodiesel Association of India, biodiesel production facility with an aggregate capacity of 3470 tonnes per day have been set up by private companies in the country. However, no biodiesel has so far been procured by Oil Marketing Companies for blending with diesel.” (d) & (e) No, Sir.

PLANTATION OF PERMANENT PILLARS 26th April, 2012

LSQ 3456

SHRI RANGASWAMY DHRUVANARAYANA

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Survey of India will plant permanent pillars and wooden pegs at intervals all along the coast, clearly demarcating the hazard line to residents, visitors and prospective developers for the next century; (b) if so, the details worked out so far; (c) the present status thereof; and (d) the funds earmarked for this purpose for the current year?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Survey of India (SoI) has been assigned the work of delineating, mapping and benchmarking of the coastal hazard Line along the mainland coast of India under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP), which is being implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) with World Bank assistance. Under the project, SoI will generate a 0.5 meter elevation contour map on 1:10,000 scale as base map to delineate the hazard line for mainland coast of India up to maximum width of 7 km from shore line on the landward side. As part of this project, Survey of India is erecting some permanent pillars which are needed for survey and mapping. They are not meant for demarcating the Hazard Line at this stage. After the mapping is done, the hazard line will be demarcated and then some permanent markers will be established on the ground. (c) Primary control and secondary control consisting of Ground Positioning System (GPS) and leveling work of the entire coastal area is completed. Aerial photography of the project area is under process. Data processing is expected to commence in June, 2012. (d) Total estimated cost of construction of pillar benchmarks is Rs.135 lakh. No year-wise earmarking of funds have been made.

RADIATION FROM MOBILE TOWERS 26th April, 2012

LSQ 3467

SHRI KOTLA JAYA SURYA PRAKASH REDDY

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is studying the impact of radiation from mobile towers; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the decision taken and implemented so far in this regard, State-wise?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) No Madam. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has not undertaken any study on the impact of radiation from mobile towers. (b)&(c) Does not arise.

SURVEY IN THE FIELD OF FOREST AND HILLY AREAS 26th April, 2012

LSQ 3484

SHRI MAROTRAO SAINUJI KOWASE

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether any survey has been conducted/proposed to be conducted by the Government about forest and hilly areas in the country; (b) if so, whether any research has been conducted about availability of herbs in these areas; (c) if so, the details thereof; (d) if not, the reasons therefor; (e) whether any efforts have been made by the Central Pharmaceuticals and Aromatic Institute to fulfil the demand of herbs in International market and earn foreign exchange therefrom; and (f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) to (c): Yes, Madam. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories namely, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bio- resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu and CSIR-North-East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat conduct survey and collect bioresources of the hilly regions. They have undertaken Research and Development R&D) for genetic improvement of plant bio-resources through conventional breeding and biotechnological methods and agro-technology of economically important plants, including medicinal and aromatic plants. Efforts have also been to develop process technology for phytochemicals. Recently CSIR-CIMAP has taken up a project funded by Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology on the `Inventorisation of cultivation and conservation status of medicinal and aromatic plants in Uttarakhand`. Survey units of Research Councils working under Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have conducted surveys of forests and hilly areas of the country to inventorise and document medicinal plants as well as local plants used in health traditions. The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Department of AYUSH has been providing financial assistance in institutions engaged in research to survey and inventorise medicinal plants in the hilly regions of the country. Further, Botanical Survey of India (BSI), an organisation under Ministry of Environment and Forests conduct ethno-botanical studies in the country. (d): Does not arise. (e) & (f): Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)’s laboratory - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP)’s efforts towards development of high yielding mint varieties, cropping and integrated pest and soil nutrient management schedules transferred to cultivators leading to high mint oil yields and enormous employment generation in the area, has largely contributed to India achieving a capability to meet about 75% of world’s requirement of about 15000 tons of natural menthol. Such efforts have also been extrapolated for several commodities such as lemongrass oil, senna, etc., which are being produced in the country for meeting domestic requirement as well as for export purposes. Due to continuing efforts made by CSIR-CIMAP in dissemination of technologies through training, interaction, farmers` meet, etc., production of different medicinal and aromatic plants is increasing in the country. Several of such commodities (Mentha oil, lemongrass oil, Palmarosa oil, Senna, Isabgol, etc.) are being exported by the traders/manufactures/ processors who procure these raw materials from the farmers. As per the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCI&S), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, during the year 2008-09, about 3612 tonnes of Mentha oil worth Rs.245.08 crores and 137 tonnes Lemongrass oil worth Rs.8.63 crores were exported.

NATIONAL MISSION FOR SUSTAINING HIMALAYAN ECO SYSTEM 26th April, 2012

LSQ 3556

SHRI MANISH TEWARI

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of the States which have decided to provide support to National Mission for sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system; (b) the details of the States which proposed human/knowledge capacities or institutional capacities which have been identified as yet for conducting the study by researchers; (c) the number of people recruited in the human/knowledge or institutional capacities during the last three years and the current year; State-wise; and (d) the target set for fast tracking the mechanism?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) All 12 Himalayan States viz., Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizorum and Tripura have been enrolled into National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE). The States are in the process of preparing State Action Plans. Out of 12 Himalayan States, 9 have submitted draft State Action Plans. These are: Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizorum and Tripura. (b) No proposal for building human/knowledge capabilities or institutional capacities has been received by the Mission from the Himalayan States. However, Government is considering to initiate pro- active action on building human and institutional capacities for research in the areas related to Himalayan ecosystem. (c) Under the mission, institutions are proposed to be supported for recruiting people. A Centre for Himalayan Glaciology has been set up as part of Wadia Institute for Himalayan Geology, Dehradun which recruited 14 people.

(d) To fast tracking the mechanism for building human and institutional capacities, several actions that include setting up of an Indo-Swiss Joint Working Group on capacity building in glaciology and related areas and action for setting up of a National Centre for Himalayan Glaciology have been initiated.

BUDGETARY ALLOCATION FOR BIO SAFETY RESEARCH OF GMOS 26th April, 2012

LSQ 3562

SHRI SAMEER MAGAN BHUJBAL

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has made any budgetary allocation for bio-safety research related Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in farming; (b) if so, the amount set aside and spent thereon during the last three years and the current year; (c) whether the Department of Biotechnology has taken up any projects for independent research on bio-safety claims of GM crop developers; (d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the said Department has any projects for assessing the bio-safety of GM crops with latest scientific protocols; (f) if so, the details thereof; and (g) the funding available from the said Department for such projects vis-à- vis GM crop development?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING, MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE MINISTRY OFEARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) & (b) The budgetary allocations and the amount spent for bio-safety research during the last three years are Rs.200 lakhs during 2009-10; Rs.100 lakhs during 2010-11; Rs.200 lakhs during 2011-12; and Rs.200 lakhs has been proposed during the current year. No separate allocation has been made for bio-safety research related to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in farming. (c) to (f) The Department of Biotechnology has not taken up any project for independent research of bio-safety claims of GM crop developers and for assessing bio-safety of GM crops with latest scientific protocols. (g) There is no separate funding for GM crop development projects vis-à-vis the available budgetary allocation for bio-safety research.

NANO TECHNOLOGY FOR PURIFICATION FILTERING WATER 26th April, 2012

LSQ 3614

SMT. DEEPA DASHMUNSI

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether nano-technology is available in the country for purifying and filtering contaminated water; (b) if not, whether the Government proposes to make this technology available to people for purifying contaminated water ; and (c) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a): Yes, Madam. Technologies using nano particles have been developed in the country for purifying and filtering contaminated water. These technologies use nano-silver particles. Nano silver coated ceramic candles developed by the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad are available in the country for purifying and filtering contaminated water. In the second one, the technology developed by Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-Madras) uses nano- silver particles along with other compounds for purifying and filtering contaminated water. (b) & (c): ARCI, Hyderabad has transferred their technology to SBP Aqua Tech Pvt. Limited, Hyderabad. IIT-Madras has transferred their technology to Eureka Forbes Limited. Both these companies are marketing their products for purifying and filtering contaminated water.

ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 10th May 2012

LSQ 5570

SHRI MAROTRAO SAINUJI KOWASE

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) the funds allocated and utilized to various sectors for scientific research during each of the last three years and the current year; (b) whether any concrete results have been obtained in such research; and (c) if so, the efforts being made by the Government for giving a boost to education and scientific research in future?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) The funds allocated and utilized to various sectors for scientific research by the Departments of the Ministry of Science and Technology during each of the last three years and the current year are as follows:

(Rs. in Crores) Funds Allocated Funds Utilized

Sector & Department 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Science and Technology- DST 1775 2025 2349 2477 1667.41 1932.89 2167.33

Biotechnology- DBT 1000 1200 1400 1485 882.78 1120.55 1182.39

Scientific and Industrial Research- DSIR (including CSIR) 1350 1600 1930 2013 1278.87 1596.26 1832.17

(b) The scientific research support in the country has enhanced the Indian capability and global visibility in research and has driven level of funding support system per scientist to critical levels with improvement in gender parity. India’s global position in the field of scientific research, as measured by the number of research papers published has improved from 12th position in 2000 to 9th position in 2010 as per the Scopus International database. Vaccines for malaria, dengue, cholera and rotavirus are at advanced stages of clinical trials. A low cost tractor suitable for marginal farmers has been developed. A number of technologies have been transferred to industries such as recovery of Sulphate of Potash (SOP), Recombinant streptokinase, new anti-ulcer drug etc. Open Source Drug Discovery (OSDD) programme has emerged as a new platform for innovation in the health care. R&D support by the Government has created and nurtured competency in frontier areas like Plasma Physics; Structural Biology, Neuroscience, Organic Synthesis; Stem cell; Marine Biotechnology; Nanotechnology; Pharmaceuticals; Robotics and Manufacturing; Biomedical Engineering etc. The S&T infrastructure of the science departments of universities, colleges and other academic Institutions in the country have been substantially improved through a major initiative titled “Fund for Improvement of S&T infrastructure in universities and higher educational institutions (FIST)”. (c) The Government has taken various measures for the promotion and growth of scientific research in the country. These measures include, successive increase in plan allocations for Scientific Departments, setting up of new institutions for science education and research, creation of centres of excellence and facilities in emerging and frontline areas in academic and national institutes, establishment of National Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), induction of new and attractive fellowships such as INSPIRE, strengthening infrastructure for R&D in universities, encouraging public- private R&D partnerships, recognition of R&D units and national awards for outstanding R&D for industries etc.

EFFECT OF RADIATION 9th August, 2012

LSQ 301

SHRI SHAILENDRA KUMAR

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up an expert Panel to chart out a time-bound action plan for study of the impact of radiation emanating from cell phone towers on human health and ecology; (b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the composition of the panel; (c) whether the Prime Minister has given any direction in this regard; and (d) if so, the time by which the panel is likely to be set up and report likely to be submitted thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) Yes, Madam. (b) Department constitutes an Expert Panel to develop terms of reference for mounting a Nation-wide campaign to study the consequences of radiation from cell phone towers on human health and ecology in a time- bound manner. The expert panel will consist of former Director General, Indian Council Medical Research (ICMR); Director, IIT-Madras at Chennai; Director, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), Lucknow and include members from Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Science and Technology and Department of Health Research. (c) The Hon’ble Prime Minister has instructed Secretary, DST to look into the issue and report to Prime Minister’s Office. Department of Science and Technology held an Expert Group meeting on July 3, 2012 and reported to PMO, as directed. (d) The Expert Panel has been constituted for drawing up Frame of Reference for calling for Request for Proposals. Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has approved the proposal for calling for Request for Proposals, for undertaking scientific studies. Department proposes to bring out status reports once in two months.