Department of Atomic Energy Title: New Atomic Power Plants

Date: 27th November, 2014

The XII Five Year Plan proposals envisage start of work of nineteen new nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 17400 MW. The details are as under:

Project Location Capacity (MW) Indigenous Reactors Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana Gorakhpur, Haryana 2 x 700 (GHAVP 1&2) Chutka Madhya Pradesh Atomic Power Chutka, Madhya 2 x 700 Project (CMPAPP 1&2) Pradesh Mahi Banswara, 1&2 Mahi Banswara, 2 x 700 Rajasthan Kaiga 5 &6 Kaiga, Karnataka 2 x 700 Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR 1&2) Kalpakkam, Tamil 2 x 500 Nadu Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) Location to be decided 300 Reactors with Foreign Cooperation Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Kudankulam, Tamil 2 x 1000 (KKNPP 3&4) Nadu Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP 1&2) Jaitapur, Maharashtra 2 x 1650 Kovvada, 1&2 Kovvada, Andhra 2 x 1500 Pradesh Chhaya Mithi Virdi, 1&2 Chhaya Mithi Virdi, 2 x 1100 Gujarat

In respect of the reactors to be set up in the future with international cooperation, necessary provisions will be made in the commercial contracts to ensure fuel supply for the entire lifetime of the reactors. In respect of indigenous reactors, the fuel supply will be ensured from indigenous and imported sources (for reactors to be placed under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards). Decisions on use of indigenous/ imported fuel (after placing them under IAEA Safeguards) in respect of new indigenous reactors will be taken by the government at an appropriate time.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Power Generation Through Atomic Energy

Date: 27th November, 2014

There are 20 Nuclear Power Reactors in the country with a total installed capacity of 4780 MW. In addition, Unit-1 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, in Tamil Nadu with a capacity of 1000 MW was connected to grid in October 2013. It has so far generated 2825 Million Units (MUs) of electricity. The generation of electricity by the nuclear power reactors in the country was 35333 MUs in the year 2013-14, including 1106 Million units from Kudankulam-1.

The details are as follows:

(i) Additional Protocol with regard to safeguards.

(ii) Regional Cooperation Agreement (RCA) with 21 countries in the Asia Pacific Region and the International atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for collaboration in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

(iii) Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) - for collaboration between IAEA and GCNEP for furthering the objectives of GCNEP.

Government plans/proposes to develop and carry forward the nuclear programme in the country.

The resources of xenotime, another rare-earth bearing mineral, are negligible in India. AMD has established about 2000 tonnes of xenotime-bearing heavy mineral concentrate containing 2% xenotime in the riverine heavy mineral placer deposits of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Monazite is a mineral mainly containing rare earths and thorium-a prescribed substance to be handled by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Accordingly, Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL) wholly owned by the Govt. of India, under the administrative control of the Dept. of Atomic Energy (DAE) utilises monazite mainly for production of rare earth compounds, and thorium, as needed in the Department of Atomic Energy.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Thorium Reserves in Country

Date: 27th November, 2014

India has reserves of thorium in sufficient quantity as compared to other parts of world.

The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has so far established 11.93 million tonnes of in situ resources Monazite (Thorium bearing mineral) in the country, which contains about 1.07 million tonnes of thorium. The state- wise resources of in situ monazite established by AMD as of September 2014 are as follows:

State Monazite (Million tonnes) Odisha 2.41 Andhra Pradesh 3.72 Tamil Nadu 2.46 Kerala 1.90 West Bengal 1.22 Jharkhand 0.22 Total 11.93

Both Uranium and Thorium have got distinctive characteristics governing their utilisation in nuclear reactors. Unlike uranium, thorium alone cannot be directly used as nuclear fuel in a reactor. Utilisation of Thorium with either uranium or plutonium, without going through the second stage of Fast Breeder Reactors, to build sufficient inventory of plutonium first, will be counter-productive by limiting thorium utilisation to a very small fraction of the total available resources in the country. Utilisation of Thorium in the third stage makes it available as a sustainable energy resource for centuries. With this mode of utilisation, Thorium offers not only a sustainable energy resource, but also excellent fuel performance characteristic in a reactor, better than Uranium with respect to lower inventory of long lived nuclear waste.

The three stage Indian nuclear programme was formulated at the inception of the DAE and has as its main stay objective of utilisation of large resources of Thorium in a sustainable manner. As explained above, Thorium cannot be used for overcoming power crisis in the short term.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Deposits of Rare Earths

Date: 27th November, 2014

Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constitute unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has estimated the presence of 11.93 million tonnes of monazite resources in the beach sand mineral placer deposits along the coastal tracts of India. Monazite in general, contains about 55 – 60% total Rare Earth Oxide. The state-wise resources of in situ monazite established by AMD so far are as follows:

State Monazite (Million tonne) Odisha 2.41 Andhra Pradesh 3.72 Tamil Nadu 2.46 Kerala 1.90 West Bengal 1.22 Jharkhand 0.22 Total 11.93

The resources of xenotime, another rare-earth bearing mineral, are negligible in India. AMD has established about 2000 tonnes of xenotime-bearing heavy mineral concentrate containing 2% xenotime in the riverine heavy mineral placer deposits of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Monazite is a mineral mainly containing rare earths and thorium-a prescribed substance to be handled by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Accordingly, Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL) wholly owned by the Govt. of India, under the administrative control of the Dept. of Atomic Energy (DAE) utilises monazite mainly for production of rare earth compounds, and thorium, as needed in the Department of Atomic Energy.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Stagnation in Agricultural Production

Date: 28th November, 2014

Over the years, the production of major agricultural crops in the country has been generally increasing, except in the years of adverse conditions of monsoon rainfall such as drought, flood and extreme temperature conditions etc.

To increase agricultural production in the country to meet the needs of growing population and to curb the prices of agricultural commodities, Government of India has been implementing various Crop Development Schemes/Programmes such as National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI), etc.

Further, to increase productivity and production of agricultural crops in the country, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is having research and development programmes in rice, wheat, maize, millets, fodder crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, etc. These research programmes are undertaken by 26 commodity/theme based Research Institutions and 33 All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) & All India Network Projects (AINPs) to develop location-specific crop varieties and matching technologies as per the agro-ecological needs. The crop improvement programmes give emphasis on development of new crop varieties/hybrids with improved quality and tolerance/resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Besides above, to encourage farmers to increase agricultural production by ensuring remunerative prices for their produce, the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of agricultural commodities have also been increased over the years.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Mohanbhai Kundaria in the Rajya Sabha today.

GG: SB:CP: stagnation (rajya) 28.11.2014

Title: Decline in Sowing of Oilseed

Date: 28th November, 2014

In Maharashtra, the area coverage under oilseeds during kharif 2014 was higher than normal Kharif area under oilseeds in the State. However, at all India level, kharif coverage of oilseeds was lower than normal kharif area due to late onset of monsoon and drought like situation in various States. Rabi sowing of oilseeds is in progress. The normal and current year area coverage of oilseeds in respect of Maharashtra and all India are given below:-

(lakh hectare)

Year Maharashtra All India Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Normal 35.58 3.3 185.8 83.2 2014-15* 39.14 0.4 176.8 54.0

* Area coverage, as on 13/11/2014

As per the 1st advance estimates, all India oilseeds production during kharif 2014 is estimated to be 196.64 lakh tonnes against target of 218.30 lakh tonnes. The target of production of oilseeds in rabi season is 111.70 lakh tonnes. Sowing in rabi season is in progress.

The oilseeds production during kharif 2014 in Maharashtra is estimated to be 43.70 lakh tonnes against target of 49.82 lakh tonnes. The target of rabi oilseeds production is 2.68 lakh tonnes.

To increase production and productivity of oilseeds, National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) is being implemented in the country from 2014-15.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Mohanbhai Kundaria in the Rajya Sabha today.

GG: SB:CP: decline (rajya) 28.11.2014 Title: Revival of Agriculture Sector

Date: 28th November, 2014

Agriculture being a State subject, State Governments take up several schemes and programmes in accordance with the agro-climatic conditions, felt needs of the State concerned for development of Agriculture and better income generation of farmers. In addition, Government of India also implements several schemes and provides financial assistance to States for the benefit of farmers for better planning, cultivation and marketing of their agricultural produce. Better extension support, timely agricultural and market information, best agricultural practices, etc. are provided to farmers through State Govts./ Agencies. States are being encouraged to modify their APMC Act and other statutory provisions so as to make those more conducive and beneficial to farmers. Government of India has also facilitates availability of institutional loans/finances to farmers with provisions for interest subvention for timely payment.

During 12th Five Year Plan period, existing fifty one (51) schemes have been stream lined and restructured to ten (10) Missions to improve quality of production and productivity of Agriculture and Allied Sector:

(i) National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

(ii) Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

(iii) National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil Palm

(iv)National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) including Micro Irrigation

(iv) National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET)

(v) Integrated Scheme for Farmers Income Security

(vi) Integrated Scheme on Agri. Census & Statistics

(vii) Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Marketing

(viii) Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation

(ix) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

In addition, schemes for promotion of export of agricultural and processed food products are being implemented by Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Mohanbhai Kundaria in the Rajya Sabha today.

GG: SB:CP: revival (rajya) 28.11.2014 Title: Illegal Sale Of Insecticides And Herbicides

Date: 25th November, 2014

In order to check illegal sale of pesticides in the country, the Central Insecticide Inspectors (168 nos.) and State Insecticide Inspectors (12,335 nos.) draw samples of pesticides for quality testing.

During 2013-14, a total of 63,557 samples of pesticides were drawn, of which 1,495 samples were found to be misbranded. Prosecution has been launched in 476 cases.

In the Pesticides Management Bill, 2008 pending in Parliament, punishments have been prescribed for ‘misbranded’, ‘sub-standard’ and ‘spurious’ pesticides.

This information was given today by Minister of State for Agriculture Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

GG:CP : sale (lok) 25.11.2014

Title: Deduction Of Premium Of NAIS

Date: 25th November, 2014

National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) being compulsory for loanee farmers, the Banks are required to deduct the premium from the loan amount of farmers including Kisan Credit Card (KCC).

In fact, the experience has been that under NAIS the claims paid to farmers against crop loss are much more than the premium collected. As against the premium of Rs.10445.65 crore collected from farmers since inception of the scheme in the year 1999, the claims paid till Rabi 2013-14 (as on 20.11.2014) has been Rs.32860.84 crore. Whenever and wherever there is shortfall in yield as compared to threshold yield as per data provided by State Governments, the compensation as admissible under the scheme is paid to the farmers.

Government has recently revised the NAIS and introduced Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) as one of the components of National Crop Insurance Programme (NCIP), which is comparatively more farmer’s friendly. Further, improvement in existing Crop Insurance Schemes is a continuing process to ensure that farmers are compensated adequately when they suffer damage to their crops due to any non-preventable risks.

The crop insurance is presently based on area approach. However, with a view to ensure that farmers do not suffer, the unit area of insurance has been reduced to village/village Panchayat level under Modified NAIS. Further, a provision has also been made to settle claims in case of localized calamities like hailstorm etc. at individual basis.

This information was given today by Minister of State for Agriculture Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

GG:CP : premium (lok) 25.11.2014 Title: Wastage of Agricultural Commodities

Date: 25th November, 2014

Ministry of Agriculture closely and regularly monitors weather events, progress of sowing, crop health etc. in the country, in close coordination with India Meteorological Department (IMD) and State Governments. An inter-Ministerial Crop Weather Watch Group (CWWG) meets every week to review weather and rainfall pattern, crop conditions, water storage and input availability over the country. Weekly video conference with States is also held to get first-hand information about State’s preparedness in the wake of natural calamities and to advise States appropriately whenever needed.

Central Research Institute of Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities has prepared contingency plans for 576 districts in the country for implementing location specific interventions to sustain agriculture production in the eventuality of drought, flood etc.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has initiated a Network Project entitled ‘National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) to enhance resilience of Indian Agriculture to climate change and climate vulnerability through strategic research, technology demonstration, capacity building etc.

Ministry has also commenced near real-time drought assessment of the country since Kharif-2012. The assessment provides information on prevalence, severity level and persistence of agricultural drought at state/district/sub-district level.

In the eventuality of a notified natural calamity, State Governments are empowered to initiate necessary relief measures from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which is readily available with them. Additional financial assistance, over and above SDRF, is considered from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) on receipt of relief memoranda from State Governments and in accordance with extant norms and procedures.

Revision of the list of items and norms of assistance under SDRF and NDRF is reviewed normally after the award of successive Finance Commissions. Taking into account various factors including inflations, Government has been revising items and norms of assistance under SDRF/NDRF from time to time, last being done on 28.11.2013.

The extent norms inter-alia provide for assistance to the farmers in the form of Agriculture input subsidy (where crop loss is 50% and above) for damage caused to all types of agriculture and horticulture crops due to the notified natural disasters. The level of assistances are Rs. 4,500/- per ha. for rainfed crops, Rs. 9,000/- per ha. for assured irrigated crops, subject to minimum assistance not less than Rs.750 and restricted to sown areas, and Rs. 12,000/- per ha. for all type of perennial crops, subject to minimum assistance not less than Rs. 1500/- and restricted to sown areas., where crop loss is more than 50% and above.

Financial assistance from SDRF and NDRF is for providing immediate relief and is not to be construed as compensation for loss/damage to crops. Farmers are entitled for compensation under the Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) and National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS).

This information was given today by Minister of State for Agriculture Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

GG:CP : commodities (lok) 25.11.2014 Title: Government to Launch Blue Revolution

Date: 21st November 2014

Government to launch Blue Revolution as a major thrust: announces Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Minister for Agriculture on World Fisheries Day.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Minister for Agriculture today on the occasion of World Fisheries Day informed that the Government is focused to usher in a Blue Revolution meaning increase in fish production and productivity in the country on the occasion of World Fisheries Day. National Fisheries Development Board under Ministry of Agriculture organized celebrations on World Fisheries Day at Pragati Maidan today.

The Minister informed that India ranks world number two in fish production and also the second highest aquaculture country in the world. India with a fishermen population of 14.5 million and a coastal line of 8118 kilometers can rise to be a major player in the world fisheries. India also has a fleet of 200,000 fishing vessels and last year has exported fish worth 5 billion US dollars. The Minister informed that India has a vast area of unutilized and untapped Inland water resources and is short of for quality fish seed and formulated fish feed and government will focus on filling the critical gaps. He informed that the Government has announced a new scheme “Blue Revolution-Inland Fisheries” in the last budget session and the Government is likely to launch very soon a programme to usher in Blue Revolution in the country. Even though the per capita income consumption in the world for fish is 18 kilograms per annum, India stands at 8 kilograms. India currently produces 9.58 million metric tonnes of fish out of which 64% of production is Inland and 36% is from marine sources. The Minister also informed that the fisheries can be an engine of growth due to high growth rates of 7.9% in Inland fisheries last year. He also informed that Fisheries sector in our country is a small scale nature with vast majorities of stakeholders along the value chain from production to consumption. In India, fisheries is recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth of a number of subsidiary sectors. Fisheries in both inland and marine waters have been contributing as an important source of livelihood and supplies nutritious protein for the growing population. In fact, with exponential increase in human populations, the food demand, shrinkage of cultivable land and decline in the agricultural productivity, role of fisheries sector to fulfill the growing demand for food is of paramount importance for nutritional security. From a mere traditional activity years ago, the fisheries sector has transformed into a significant commercial enterprise with an impressive growth in recent times. As per the latest FAO statistics released in 2014 (The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2014), the global fish production has reached to 158 million tonnes, with food fish supply increasing at an average annual rate of 3.2 percent, outpacing world population growth at 1.6 percent.

GG:CP: fisheries (21.11.14)

Oil Seeds Sowing Records Increase as Per Preliminary Area Coverage Data (07-November 2014)

Oil Seeds Sowing Records Increase as Per Preliminary Area Coverage Data

Oil seeds area coverage during 2014-15 as per preliminary Rabi area coverage data is 31.36 lakh hactares while during the corresponding period of 2013-14, it was 28.41 lakh hactares. Area coverage of other Rabi crops during the period is as under –

Crop Area Sown in lakh hectare Area Sown in lakh hectare 2014-15 2013-14 Wheat 4.47 9.39 Gram 16.15 23.78 Pulses 23.98 30.86 GG:CP: weather watch (7.11.2014)

Ministry of Earth Science Title: Monitoring of Variability of Weather Phenomena

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Government continuously monitors the variability of the weather phenomena, extremes and development of abnormal weather pattern potentially leading to drought, flood, flash flood, cyclone, rain induced landslides, heat cold wave, etc. on a continuous basis. Records of past weather events show that extreme values in respect of heavy rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, seasonal rainfall etc. remained unsurpassed in many cases.

Heavy rain events (>10 cm/day) over central India are found to have increased in the recent decades while weak and moderate events are decreasing. The extreme rain events which are becoming more intense in recent years are localized and could be part of the natural variability of the monsoon system.

The occurrence of heat wave conditions is found to be more frequent in May than in June, while very few heat waves occur in the months of March and April. The spatial changes in minimum temperature are found to be decreasing in most parts of Western Ghats and increasing in most parts of Himalayan region and certain parts of the north-eastern region and such warming is confined to winter and post-monsoon seasons. No such pattern is discerned in respect of other weather phenomena.

Spatial pattern of trend in mean annual temperature anomalies, for the period 1902-2012, suggests significant positive (increasing) trend (0.5 0C) in general with few pockets of 1.0 0C) over most parts of the country except some parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bihar, where significant negative (decreasing) trend was observed. No significant long-term trends are reported in the frequencies of large-scale droughts or floods in the summer monsoon season. The total frequency of cyclonic storms that form over the Bay of Bengal has remained almost constant. Although, the monsoon rainfall at all India level does not show any trend but on regional scale, areas of increasing trend is discerned. It is not clear if this increasing trend in the heavy rainfall events is attributable to global warming.

This was stated by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Proposal to Conversion of Sea Water Into Potable Water

Date: 27th November, 2014

Proposal to Conversion of Sea Water Into Potable Water Ministry of Earth Sciences, through National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), has been working on the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) Technology that utilizes the temperature difference available between surface water and deep sea water. In this methodology, the warmer surface sea water is evaporated at low pressures and the vapour obtained are condensed using the colder deep sea water. Three LTTD plants have been successfully commissioned in the country, one each at Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Agatti islands of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The capacity of each of these LTTD plants is 1 lakh liter of potable water per day. The fresh water produced is supplied through local pipe network within the same Island. The Lakshadweep Administration requested NIOT for setting up similar plants in remaining six islands. NIOT has sent a detailed project report to the Lakshadweep Administration in this regard. Work has been initiated to set up a prototype LTTD plant with a capacity of generating 2 million litres of potable water per day at the Tuticorin Thermal Power station, Tamil Nadu.

This was stated by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Mapping of Multi-Hazard Coastal Vulnerability

Date: 27th November, 2014

Earth System Science Organization (ESSO) – Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad and ESSO-Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM), Chennai have carried out mapping and demarcating of multi-hazard coastal vulnerability for the states. The relative vulnerability of different coastal environments is essentially quantified at a regional to national scale using basic information on seven risk variables, viz. shoreline change rate, sea-level change rate, coastal slope, mean significant wave height, mean tidal range, coastal regional elevation and coastal geomorphology. Most of the above parameters are dynamic in nature and require a large amount of data from different sources to be acquired, analysed and processed, with an inbuilt updating mechanism.

The general trend in the vulnerability, demarcated in to four classes (very high, high, medium and low), carried out first time on macro-synoptic scales (at 1:1,00,000) covering the entire Indian coastline suggest varied degrees of vulnerability along coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, Maharastra, Goa, Gujarat and islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. The Gulfs of Kambhat and Kachchh in Gujarat show very high vulnerability indices, with the inlets of Kachch showing localized vulnerability. Relatively low vulnerability indices are reported along the zones of Mangroves that help in breaking the large amplitude waves, dissipating the energy and hence act as a natural barrier. However, it is to be noted that coastal vulnerability aspects at a much local (micro) level are to be accounted with additional parameters such as cyclone, storm surge and coastal flooding so as to add an additional dimension to the current study.

Andhra Pradesh Coast line falls under the five risk classes. The Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) for the state of Andhra Pradesh reveals that the length of 6 km is under very high Vulnerable class. The majority of the coastal stretches belong to Low and Medium Vulnerable class recording a length of 465 km and 379 km, respectively. High vulnerable class was recorded along 224 km of coastline. The coast of Krishna, West Godavari, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizainagaram and Shrikakulam district were classified as medium to high vulnerable class. In general southern parts of Andhra Pradesh are more vulnerable when compared to northern parts.

This was stated by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Title: NASA Aircraft for Prediction of Cyclones

Date: 27th November, 2014

Government does not proposes to buy a NASA aircraft for prediction of cyclones/calamities.

Earth System Science Organization –India Meteorological Department (ESSO-IMD) has installed Doppler Weather Radars network over the coastal areas of the country to identify zones of strong wind and heavy precipitation associated with cyclone as and when cyclone moves in to the 500 km radial coverage range. ESSO-IMD has established network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) over the coastal districts to further authenticate the ground level impact associated with the cyclone landfall. High Performance Computing (HPC) systems have been used to enhance the weather forecasting capacities by assimilating all available global satellite data for forecast generation.

A full proof 24x7 operational cyclone detection and movement mechanism exists for the assessment of intensity, track and landfall over the coastal areas of the country. Details of such monitoring mechanism include genesis of the possible cyclonic circulation over the open seas is generated by the meso-scale short range (72hrs in advance) prediction models and global scale medium range (120hrs in advance) prediction models along with monitoring sea surface temperature and moisture convergence, satellite monitoring is pursued for detecting cyclogenesis and monitoring further intensity, movement and landfall of cyclones.

As far as the track and landfall forecasts of the tropical cyclones are concerned, the performance evaluation of the updated forecast systems for the past 5-years, have demonstrated enhanced forecast skill by about 18%.

This was stated by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Forecasting of Natural Calamities

Date: 26th November, 2014

The Government has latest scientific techniques to forecast the natural calamities in the country as far as the Hydro-meteorological hazards (Cyclones; heat wave/cold wave; Heavy rainfall events; Thunderstorms) and Tsunami are concerned.

Improvement of weather forecasting services is a continuous process. As part of its XI five year plan, Government had implemented a comprehensive modernization programme for Earth System Science Organization-India Meteorological Department (ESSO-IMD) covering upgradation of (i) observation systems (ii) advanced data assimilation tools (iii) advanced communication and IT infrastructure (iv) high performance computing systems and (v) intensive/sophisticated training of IMD personnel to facilitate the implementation of advanced global/regional/meso-scale prediction models for improving the accuracy of weather forecasts in all temporal and spatial scales and for quick dissemination of weather forecast assessments/warnings to the users.

Operational implementation of improved forecast suite of models after the commissioning of the High Performance Computing (HPC) systems have enhanced the weather forecasting capacities through assimilating all available global satellite radiance data for the production of forecast products at 22Km grid globally and 9Kms/3Kms grid over India/regional/mega city domains.

The performance evaluation of the updated global/meso-scale forecast systems for the past 5-7 years have demonstrated enhanced forecast skill by about 18% quantitatively as far as the track and landfall forecasts of the tropical cyclones are concerned.

As and when the cyclone systems move in to the 500Km surveillance range of DWRs, identification of strong wind zones and pockets of heavy rainfall within the core cyclone area is carried out and their rapid changes are monitored on continuous basis. IMD currently operates 5- Doppler Weather Radars (DWR) at Chennai, Machilipatnam, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Sriharikota on the east coast along with a network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) for continuous weather surveillance over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

ESSO-IMD has operationalized its location specific nowcasting weather service across the country. This service activity currently covers 147 urban centres on experimental basis under which nowcast of severe weather (Thunderstorms; heavy rainfall from lows/depressions over the land) in 3-6h range is issued. Origin, development/movement of severe weather phenomena are regularly monitored through DWRs and with all available other observing systems (AWSs; ARGs; Automatic Weather Observing Systems- AWOS; satellite derived wind vectors, temperature, moisture fields etc. Integrated Agro-meteorological Advisory Service (AAS) is rendered now on twice-weekly basis in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), institutions of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) etc. Realized weather of the previous week and quantitative district level weather forecast for next 5-days in respect of rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity and clouds as well as weekly cumulative rainfall forecast are provided. Further, crop specific advisories, generated in partnership with SAUs and ICAR, to help the farmers are issued and widely disseminated. The AAS of ESSO-IMD has been successful in providing the crop specific advisories to the farmers at the district/agro-climatic zone level twice weekly through different print/visual/Radio/ IT based wider dissemination media including short message service (SMS) and Interactive Voice Response Service (IVRS) facilitating for appropriate field level actions. Government feels that the upgradation of the observing system, high performance computing, communication, forecast/warning systems, product dissemination systems etc. should become a part of continuing process by which state-of-the art science and technology tools shall be made accessible to the scientists engaged in weather research and forecasting towards enhancing the service quality.

This information was given today by Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply to Lok Sabha question.

Title: Global Warming Date: 26th November, 2014

The Government has conducted a scientific study on climate change caused by global warming and its impact on monsoon.

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Govt of India had undertaken the Indian second National Communication to UNFCCC during 2009-2011(NATCOM-II). The communication had been a national effort which involved many multi-disciplinary scientific groups. Ministry of Earth Sciences carried out scientific studies on projected climate change and variability under Global and Regional Climate Change (GRCC) government programme under which programme a dedicated Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) within the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, was established.

Monsoon rainfall varies on different spatial and temporal scales. Extreme rainfall events that occur at some isolated places (viz. heavy rainfall over Mumbai or in Rajasthan) are highly localized and are part of the natural variability of the Indian monsoon system itself. Although, some recent studies hint at an increasing frequency and intensity of extremes in rainfall during the past 40-50 years, their attribution to global warming is yet to be established. Moreover, the report of the Inter- governmental Panel on Climate Change and our country`s own assessment using regional climate models indicate that the extremes rainfall events are likely to be more frequent in the later part of the 21st century all over the world including India. As regards other extreme weather phenomena, there are many other reasons for their occurrence, which cannot always be related to climate change.

Although, the monsoon rainfall at all India level does not show any trend but on regional scale, areas of increasing trend is discerned. It is not clear if this increasing trend in the heavy rainfall events is attributable to global warming. Summary of the observed long term changes so far include:

(i) Mean annual surface air temperatures show a significant warming of about 0.5 degree C/100 years during the last century.

(ii) No significant long-term trends are reported in the frequencies of large-scale droughts or floods in the summer monsoon season.

(iii) The average seasonal rainfall over India has shown decline in the last five decades, especially after 1970, that is not found to be statistically significant. Further over core monsoon zone, the contribution from increasing heavy rain events is offset by decreasing moderate events and hence on the long term the change is not appreciable. Many studies have discussed the possible reasons for recent weakening monsoon.

Studies were undertaken in four climate sensitive regions of the country, viz. Himalayan Region, Western Ghats, North Eastern Region, Coastal Areas to assess the possible impacts on the four sectors viz. agriculture, water, forests and health. A Report entitled, Climate Change & India: A 4X4 Assessment – A Sectoral and Regional Assessment of Impact of Climate Change in 2030s, has been released by the Government during November, 2010 under the aegis of the Indian Network of Climate Change Assessment (INCCA).

Global warming has been attributed largely to the increase in concentration of greenhouse gases mainly from anthropogenic activities. The Government has initiated the National Action Plan on Climate Change in specific areas for addressing long term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals of sustainable development in the context of climate change, so as to reduce its adverse impacts.

Government of India is setting up a National Institute for Climate Change Studies and Actions (NICCA) under Climate Change Action Programme (CCAP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change with an objective to support all scientific, technical and analytical studies relating to climate change policy and implementing strategies. The institute has an outlay of Rs. 25 crores for the 12th Five Year Plan out of an allocated budget of Rs. 290 crores for CCAP.

This information was given today by Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply to Lok Sabha question.

Title: Letter of Intent Between ESSO-MOES and UNESCO for Cooperation in the Field of Reducing Disaster Risks and Capacity Building in Earth Sciences Signed

Date: 24th November, 2014

A Letter of Intent between Ministry of Earth Sciences and UNESCO was signed here in New Delhi today in the presence of Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences by Dr. Shailesh Nayak ,Secretary MoES and Ms. Irina Bokova, Director General, UNESCO in the field of Reducing Disaster Risks and Capacity Building In Earth Sciences .

Welcoming the agreement Dr Harsh Vardhan said it is a historic moment and will usher in opening new vista’s of cooperation in not only the Ocean related studies but other areas of cooperation in different fields of Scientific Acctivities.

The Minister said as a founder member of the International Oceanographic Congress (IOC), India has always been actively associated with the major endeavors of IOC such as Global and Regional Ocean Observing and Capacity Building programs. He said some of the active areas of cooperation are as under:

• India had played a pivotal role in establishing a Regional Alliance in the Indian Ocean (GOOS- IOGOOS) as a part of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). The Secretariat of IOGOOS is currently located at the Earth System Science Organization ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ESSO-INCOIS) Hyderabad.

• The oceanographic Data Centre located at ESSO-INCOIS, Hyderabad, has been recognized as Regional Argo Data Centre as well as Responsible National Oceanographic Data Centre (RNODC) of International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of IOC. India also serves as a regional node for the Northern Indian Ocean Biogeographic Information System (IndOBIS).

• Indian National Tsunami Warning System has also been recognized as Regional Tsunami Service Provider (RTSP) for the Indian Ocean.

• In response to ‘The Ocean Call’ from Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)/UNESCO in June 2010 to its Member States for contributions towards the IOC’s efforts on capacity building, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India decided to establish an International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITC Ocean) at the Earth System Science Organisation-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ESSO-INCOIS), Hyderabad. Subsequent to singing an MOU between IOC and ESSO-INCOIS on 4thCentre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOO) at Hyderabad, India. ITC Ocean started functioning formally by conducting a two week training course on ‘Fundamentals of Ocean Climate Modeling at Global and Regional Scales’ together with CLIVAR and International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Italy during 5-14 August 2013. Thirty participants drawn from the Indian Ocean rim countries attended that training course taught by the faculty participated from India, USA, Australia and Italy. Subsequently, ITCO ocean conducted another four training courses, covering different aspects of operational oceanography, for the trainees from Africa and Indian Ocean rim countries.

• India has also taken responsibility for coordination of activities relating to Celebration for articles for “Indian Ocean Bubble-2” has been issued along with a newsletter to now precipitate ideas for the successful execution of IIOE-2. International and national organizing committees have been setup for celebration of IIOE-2. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Title: Two day National Conference on “Alternatives to Animal use in Experimentation” held recently

Date: 25th November, 2014

A two day National Conference on “Alternatives to Animal use in Experimentation” organised by the CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals), Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC) was held recently.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Ashok Lavasa, Secretary MoEFCC said that the paths may be different for the scientific community and the people who work for animal welfare. But, both should strive for the development of science and animal welfare by their different paths. The inaugural function chaired by Shri Hem Pande, Additional Secretary, MoEFCC and Chairman, CPCSEA was attended, among others, by Chairman and members of Animal Welfare Board of India, members of CPCSEA, Drug Controller General of India and Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Government of India.

The Conference discussed the issue of whether valid alternatives could replace the use of animals for experimentation. During the discussions, some participants came out with some validated alternative methods which would be a good learning for other countries. Significanr participants from different countries were Mr. Nuke Jukes from England, Mr. Christina Pellevoisin from France, Mr. C.F.F. Hendriksen from the Netherlands, Mr. Jarrod Bailey from London, Dr. Jagat Kumar Roy from BHU, Varanasi, Dr. M.A. Akbarsha from Tiruchirapalli, TN, Dr. Sandhya Kaushika from TIFR, Mumbai. A wide spectrum of participants comprising scientists from various institutions, both from the Govt. as well as private sector who are involved in bio-medical research using animals like rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, monkeys and equines and CPCSEA nominees from different parts of the country also attended the conference.

The CPCSEA is mandated to alleviate pain & suffering to the laboratory animals before, during and after experimentation through the principle of 4 Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine and Rehabilitate). CPCSEA is trying to find appropriate alternatives to the use of animals in experiments in India. This Conference deliberated upon the ways to reduce and replace animals in experimentation through use of alternatives methods. Title: Text of the Speech delivered by Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar at High Level Segment of 26th Meeting of the Montreal Protocol, 20 Nov 2014

Date: 21st November, 2014

Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguish delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr President, Please accept our heartiest felicitations on your election to the President of 26th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP) on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer. The Montreal protocol on substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been recognized as the most successful Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) in the history. All countries of the world have ratified this landmark treaty with as Endeavour to protect the planet from ill-effects for depletion of the Ozone layer.

This is 325th anniversary of the French revolution that changed the world, and India hopes to see in Paris next year in 2015, yet another revolution on climate change to reset the world clock towards climate resilient society. India has made huge contribution to the success of the Montreal Protocol and I would like to thank the bilateral and multilateral agencies, industries and NGOs –and not least –Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol. India successfully phased out CFCs and other oDS like CTC/CFC/Halon well in time and its phase out of HCFCs is proceeding with due diligence.We have already done this in foam . We have also helped other SAARC countries to come out of theses ODs.

We all know that all is not well with the Montreal Protocol .There are number of challenges still. We introduced HFCs as substitute for the CFCs and now for HCFCs. HFCs are Green House Gases ( GHG) and its Global Warming Potentials ( GWP) are thousands of time greater than CO2-commonly known GHG. The joint statement between our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president Obama has emphasizes study the issue with priority and take appropriate action .

First of all we have to understand why did we land in this problem? We had help of thousands of experts, scientists who warned us on this for decades…then why we are in this problem? It is said that understanding the problem itself solves half of that problem! Its mainly because developing countries followed developed countries in implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Developing countries were given technologies and financial assistance to adopt the alternatives which were mainly HFC-dependent. So the questions we need to respond to : who are responsible to proliferation of HFCs today? I would like to remind you all that, HFCs is not the issue of elites and scientists. It is the issue of common man, farmers and emerging middle class who need refrigeration and AC at affordable cost and also energy security. HFCs is also the issue of poverty elimination. My government led by PM Modi is giving utmost priority to the needs of the poorest man in India. Hence it is not only emission of HFCs per se is the key problem, but energy use of the equipment and appliances using alternatives to HFCs is in fact more important. Lot of time is being wasted in debating, but we still do not know the statistics of what efforts are being done and how HFC phase down is occurring in the developed countries. I was told that developed world is still increasing their HFC consumption, and production facilities are moving to the developing countries. There are no specific offers of technology transfer, technology demonstrations and technology cooperation for the developing countries, except reports and presentations. IPR, Patents, Confidentiality are the arguments still used by the developed countries for the issues that would lead us to climate disaster. What is the use of those confidentiality and IPR issues if all of us are getting drowned together due to global warming? Do not use cards so close to your chest, that you yourself cannot see your future!!

My suggestions and proposal · UNEP Technical and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) should produce reports indicating : -Country wise production and consumption of HFCs over last 10 years. India does not want ‘estimates’. We need actual figures. That`s what we did in case of CFCs decades back. · India needs in every 29 states of India immediate demonstration projects for alternatives to HFCs in refrigeration and ACs to test the viability, affordability and energy efficiency. · We woud like the developed country industry and research institutes to initiate immediate collaboration to develop and improve the affordability of HFC alternatives. · The negotiations on HFCs should proceed on the principles of grace period ( CBRD) , financial assistance including that for research and development, technology transfer without clauses of confidentiality.

Title: TSR Subramanian Committee Submits Report to Shri Prakash Javadekar

Date: 18th November, 2014

The TSR Subramanian Committee headed by Shri TSR Subramanian today submitted its report to Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The Committee was constituted to review the processes, laws and Acts of the Ministry. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Javadekar said that the Report was a historic achievement that would strengthen processes to balance developmental commitments and environment protection. The recommendations of the Report would enhance Ministry’s efforts to avoid undue delays and ensure transparency in clearances and implementation of projects. Lauding the efforts of the Committee for submitting the report in a short span of time, the Minister stated that Ministry would expedite consultations with all stakeholders for the timely implementation of the recommendations of the Committee.

In his remarks, Shri TSR Subramanian, Chairman of the Committee, said that the committee had built on the existing mechanisms to optimize the efforts to balance developmental imperatives causing least possible damage to environment. The committee had undertaken wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders and formulated action points to streamline Ministry’s efforts to strengthen institutions and processes.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change had appointed the High Level Committee (HLC) to review the following Acts administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.

(i) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (ii) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (iii) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (iv) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (v) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

The terms of reference were as follows:-

(i) To assess the status of implementation of each of the above Acts vis-a-vis the objectives; (ii) To examine and take into account various court orders and judicial pronouncements relating to these Acts; (iii) To recommend specific amendments needed in each of these Acts so as to bring them in line with current requirements to meet objectives; and (iv) To draft proposed amendments in each of the above Acts to give effect to the proposed recommendations.

The composition of the Committee was as follows:-

(1) Shri. T.S.R. Subramanian, Chairman (2) Shri Viswanath Anand, Member (3) Justice (Retd.) Sh. A.K. Srivastav, Member (4) Shri K.N. Bhat, Member

Title: First meeting of Reconstituted Executive Committee on Climate Change held

Date: 14th November, 2014

The first meeting of the reconstituted Executive Committee on Climate Change (ECCC) was held here today. The Committee reviewed the progress made by the eight National Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

The Committee noted that 29 states had prepared their State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), allocation of additional 1500 MW power was made by the Ministry of Power to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for bundling scheme and that a team for quantification of GHG emission reduction through the implementation of national missions was set up. The Committee was also apprised about the establishment of a unit to coordinate actions in all Himalayan States and an institutional mechanism in 7 Himalayan States by D/o Science & Technology (DST) etc.

The National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency reported emissions reduction by around 98.55 million tons by 2015 and saving of 23 million tons of oil- equivalent of fuel savings and distribution of 2.58 million LED bulbs. The designated consumers in the PAT scheme would be enhancing energy efficiency by 4.05% per year which would reduce energy cost by 7500 crores per year. The Committee suggested that the Mission should enhance its targets in the next PAT cycle.

The Solar Mission reported the addition of grid solar power of 2870 MW and off -grid solar applications of 364.27 MW along with solar thermal collectors of 8.42 million sq. Mtr till 2013-14 and total CO2 reduction of 15.5 million tonnes. The Committee was apprised of the new projects of solar parks, solar PV power projects on canal top/canal banks and solar power driven agricultural pump sets and water pumping station in 2014-15 and implementation of green corridors transmission infrastructure.

While noting the progress made, the Committee expressed concern on lack of progress in allocation of sub-targets within the existing earmarking of 3 % for solar projects and implementation of Sustainable Habitat standards by the States. The lack of adequate funding was flagged by some of the missions. The committee discussed some other initiatives as envisaged in the NAPCC. These are Greenhouse Gas (GHG) mitigation in power generation; other Renewable Energy Technologies (RET) programmes; Disaster management links; Protection of coastal areas; Health sector; and creating capacity at different levels of government on climate change and suggested that relevant ministries may prepare a work programme on all these initiatives. It advised that Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) should coordinate these initiatives. Suggestions were also made to launch new national missions in the field of Wind Energy, Health, Waste to Energy conversion and Coastal management.

The committee appreciated the efforts of state governments in formulating SAPCCs and recommended launching of a new Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS), if required, for implementing some of their priority projects. The committee suggested expediting the finalisation of remaining 6 SAPCCs. The committee was apprised of the “Low Carbon Strategies for Inclusive Growth” by the Planning Commission.

Title: Environment Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar addresses school children and architecture students on green features of New Paryavaran Bhawan

Date: 14th November, 2014

Adopt habits and attitudes that protect earth and conserve environment: Shri Prakash Javadekar

On the occasion of Children’s Day, Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State (I/C) for Environment, Forests & Climate Change said that we need to adopt habits and attitudes which are mindful of the earth and environment. He was addressing children from Chougule Public School & students of School of Planning and Architecture, introducing them to the green features of New Paryavaran Bhawan. Welcoming them to the New Paryavaran Bhawan and wishing the children on the occasion of Children’s Day, the Minister talked of the need to adopt small steps like switching off lights and other devices when not in use, in order to save energy. Shri Javadekar emphasized that there is no contradiction between adopting such environment-friendly habits and the ability to lead a comfortable lifestyle. He added that children should also be aware of the origins of daily-use items like milk, paper as well as their production processes, the people involved in their production and the impact they have on the environment.

In a unique event, the school children and students were given a presentation on the features of the New Paryavaran Bhawan, followed by a conducted tour of the building.The Minister announced that such conducted tours of the green building for school children, shall be a regular feature. He said that school children are welcome and are encouraged to visit this unique building.

Background: New Paryavaran Bhawan, A Green Building

The New Paryavaran Bhawan is a ‘Green Building’ with state of art modern amenities and comfort with Intelligent Building Management System which optimizes energy consumption. It holds the unique distinction of being a "net zero energy" building, with 100% on-site power generation. It provides for 40% savings in electricity and 55% savings in water with zero discharge. It is the first building in Govt. sector with highest green ratings - 5 star GRIHA rating, and Platinum LEED India rating. The design of New Paryavaran Bhawan is focussed on increasing efficiency of resource usage & minimizing impact on human habitat and environment. This has been achieved through careful site planning, appropriate building form, material usage, easy maintenance, very low effluent disposal and onsite energy production.

Title: Information Technology-driven initiatives would ensure transparent, objective & expeditious decision making: Prakash Javadekar

Date: 11th November, 2014

GIS based Decision Support System to avoid undue delay in Clearances for Developmental Projects

Minister launches GIS based Decision Support System for Forest Clearances

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has said that merit-based and information technology-driven initiatives would facilitate transparent, objective and balanced policy decisions that would not only expedite processes but also help in striking a fine balance between environment protection and development. Shri Javadekar stated this while launching the first version of Geographical Information System (GIS) based Decision Support System for Forest Clearance here today. The Minister further added that this step was the latest in a series of key initiatives undertaken by the Ministry to fast-track efficient, expedite and transparent decision making pertaining to effective forest management, environment protection and biodiversity conservation.

Elaborating further, Shri Javadekar said that in order to facilitate the needs of the critical sectors necessary amendments had been carried out to balance environment protection, development, logistical needs and requirements. Such projects would be balanced with compensatory afforestation programmes. In order to decentralize the process of granting of Forest Clearances, the Ministry had constituted Empowered Committees at regional levels and delegated decision-making powers to these Committees for issuing Forest Clearances to Linear Projects like Railway Lines, Transmission Lines, Highways, and Pipelines. In a similar vein, development processes had been expedited in Left Wing Extremism affected areas.

Outlining the future course of action, the Minister said that information on Eco Sensitive Zones would be made available through the newly launched web based Decision Support System in its second phase. Hydrological layer, Net Present Value of Forest, Time Series of Forest Cover Map, Important Wildlife habitats outside Protected Area network, Recorded forest area boundaries would also be incorporated into the system, the Minister added.

Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shri Ashok Lavasa who was also present on the occasion said that in order to achieve afforestation targets, it is important to make available precise, accurate, and timely knowledge and information on forest resources to decision makers and other stakeholders.

The first version of the Decision Support System developed by the Forest Survey of India would provide qualitative, quantitative and administrative attributes of forests to facilitate efficient management and implementation of Forests Conservation Act. Designed with features like Search Layer Tool, Draw and Measure Tool, Identify Tool and Print Tool, the GIS based Decision Support System would help the government classify forests of the country into various classes and categories based on the ecological significance of each category. Availability of the database would also significantly improve accessibility of information and predictability of forest clearance applications. The new system contained information on geo-referenced layers of Forest Cover, Forest Types, Biological Richness, Landscape Integrity, Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves, and Tiger Corridors.

Title: Ashtamudi Estuary's short neck clam fishery becomes the first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fishery in India

Date: 7th November, 2014

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has congratulated the Clam Governing Council of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala for becoming the first Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery in India. He was speaking at the Press Conference in New Delhi today.

Elaborating further Shri Javadekar said, Ashtamudi Estuary showcases to the world that development and environment protection go hand in hand and participatory approach at the local level in managing biodiversity is an important aspect of it. The achievement of MSC certification would mean that implementation of measures to ensure valuable resource was not overfished and its ecosystem was protected. Shri Javadekar further added that this achievement also opens up the scope for other fisheries in India to work towards MSC certification, which would enhance conservation and sustainability of the resource, while providing greater economic returns.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization set up to help transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis. The MSC runs the only certification and eco-labeling programme for wild-capture fisheries. Ashtamudi short neck clam fishery is only the third fishery in Asia to have received the recognition.

Background: · Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar Wetland of international importance, is the second largest estuarine system in Kerala. · The clam fishery in Ashtamudi dates back to 1981 and supports the livelihoods of around 3000 fisherpersons involved in collection, cleaning processing and trading clams. · The growth of Ashtamudi’s commercial fishery was driven by demand from Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia in the 1980s and 1990s. By 1991, the catch peaked at 10,000 tonnes a year, but declined 50 percent in 1993 due to overfishing. · Closed season fishing and mesh size restrictions for nets were introduced, along with a minimum export size and a prohibition on mechanical clam fishing. These measures showed immediate effects, and clam fishery has sustained landings of around 10,000 tonnes a year for the past decade. · Globally, over 11 percent of the annual global harvest of wild capture fisheries is engaged in the MSC programme. Certified fisheries currently land over seven million metric tonnes of seafood annually – close to eight percent of the total harvest from wild capture fisheries. Worldwide, more than 19,500 seafood products, which can be traced back to the certified sustainable fisheries, bear the blue MSC ecolabel.

Title: Government reconstitutes the Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change

Date: 5th November, 2014

The Government has decided to re-constitute the Prime Minister`s Council on Climate Changeto coordinate National Action for Assessment, Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change. The composition of the reconstituted Prime Minister`s Council on Climate Change, as approved by Prime Minister, is as follows: Prime Minister Chairperson Minister for External Affairs Member Finance Minister Member Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Member Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Member Minister for Agriculture Member Minister for Urban Development Member Minister for Science and Technology Member MoS (Power, Coal and NRE) Member Cabinet Secretary Member Foreign Secretary Member Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Member Dr. R. K. Pachauri, Chairperson, TERI Member Dr. Nitin Desai Member Shri ChandrasekarDasgupta Member Shri Ajay Mathur, Chairperson, BEE Member Shri J.M. Mauskar Member Principal Secretary to PM Member convenor The Committee would focus on the following tasks: • Evolve a coordinated response to issues relating to climate change at the national level; • Provide oversight for formulation of action plans in the area of assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change; • Periodically monitor key policy decisions.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change will assist PMO in facilitating the work of this Committee.

Title: Government to establish Centre for Zoo Sciences soon - Prakash Javadekar

Date: 3rd November, 2014

Minister inaugurates the five day Conference of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that the Government of India would be establishing a Centre of Zoo Sciences at New Delhi in due course for which the modalities were being worked out. The purpose for establishing such an institution would be to bring about a turn around in the functioning of the zoos in the country, infuse scientific and technical culture in the present system and make the zoos more visitor friendly. The proposed institution would act as a Technical Advisor to the Central Zoo Authority and to provide expert help to the States and UTs in ex-situ conservation breeding of endangered species, and organize training courses for in-service zoo personnel and stakeholders in India as well as for zoo personnel of South Asian countries. The Minister stated this while delivering his inaugural address at the 69th Annual Conference of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) here today.

Elaborating further, Shri Javadekar said the theme of the Conference “Bio-diversity is Us” was quite appropriate for India, a land of diverse habitat eco-system, culture, religion, tradition, language and food. This was also manifested in the country’s cultural tradition that preserved about 13,270 secret groves across the country by the people. India with only 2.4% of the World’s land area was home to 7-8% of the World’s bio-diversity spanning across 91,000 species of animals and 45,000 species of plants. It also had four of the 34 globally identified biodiversity hotspots, supports about 50% of the world’s tiger population and 60% of Asian elephant and rhino population including the only surviving population of the Asiatic lion.

Shri Javadekar also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry for the conservation of endangered species. He mentioned the initiative for setting up of Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species at Hyderabad, National Stud Book Cell at Wildlife Institute of India, and major zoos of the country becoming member of the International Species Information System to utilize the web based Zoological Information Management System with the help of CZA had been undertaken to compliment the ongoing conservation breeding programme for various endangered species. The Government had also initiated a programme for disaster management in the zoos in order to deal with recent incidents involving visitors inadvertently falling into the animal enclosures. The Minister also mentioned that the action plan for the conservation of vultures had been a great success with support being offered for conservation breeding centre for 23 species which included various endangered species.

Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Shri Ashok Lavasa, who was also present on the occasion, said that preserving nature was our ethical responsibility and the prime symbol of development would be to successfully conserve nature and ecosystems. He further stated that the Ministry was in the process of bringing about comprehensive changes in the Wildlife Act to incorporate international conventions and practices on environment protection.

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has organized this five day Conference to initiate discussions and create public awareness about preserving bio-diversity and contributing towards achieving Aichi targets for Global Biodiversity Conservation.

Title: Government will not tolerate poaching & illegal trade of wildlife products

Date: 2nd November, 2014

Illegal trade of wildlife products poses serious threat to biodiversity: Prakash Javadekar

Illegal Wildlife Products incinerated at National Zoological Park

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has said that Government would not tolerate illegal trade of wildlife products as it posed serious threat to biodiversity and sustainable development. Reiterating the need for harmonious co-existence of all living organisms on earth, Shri Javadekar said that Government wanted to send a strong signal against unethical and unlawful trade of wildlife products by destroying the seized products publicly. The Minister added that money generated from illegal trafficking and trade of animals and poaching always found a way into illegal activities. Shri Javadekar stated this while presiding over the event of consigning the illegal wildlife products to flames in the incinerator at the National Zoological Park, here today.

Unethical use of products of various animals and plants, often based on unjustified reasons has been a factor flaming illegal activities like poaching, smuggling and illegal wildlife trade. In order to curb this unethical behavior, the law enforcing agencies all over the world including India have been putting in serious efforts in combating the wildlife crimes and have seized a large number of wildlife products.

The illegal wildlife products destroyed by the Ministry of Environment & Forests included those derived from tigers, elephants, leopards, lions, snakes, deer, mongoose, owls, shells etc. Few wildlife articles available in the National Zoological Park were also destroyed. The event was a step towards appreciating the efforts of various law enforcing agencies like forest and wildlife departments, wildlife crime control bureau, police, customs and many others for checking illegal trade of these products. The event also marked Government’s commitment to curb illegal trade of wildlife products, to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity for the future generations.

Title: Illegal Wildlife Products to be incinerated at National Zoological Park tomorrow

Date: 1st November, 2014

Shri Prakash Javadekar to be present on the occasion

Sustainable use of biodiversity is essential for the survivalof mankind and is an imperative for sustainable development. Adhering to this perspective, as a step to encourage conservation of wildlife, Central Zoo Authority under the aegis of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change will be destroying illegal wildlife articles tomorrow at National Zoological Park.Highlighting the importance of protection of biodiversity, particularly wildlife, illegal wildlife products will be consigned to flames in the incinerator at the National Zoological Park in the presence of Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

Unethical and unjustified use of products of various animals and plants, often based on unjustified and unethical reasons has been a factor flaming illegal activities like poaching, smuggling and illegal wildlife trade.In order to curb this unethical behavior, the law enforcing agencies all over the world including India have been putting in serious efforts in combating the wildlife crimes and have seized a large number of wildlife products resulting from unlawful activities. The exercise is an attempt to deplore the unethical, indiscriminate and mostly unlawful activities of harvest and trade of wildlife products.

The illegal wildlife products to be destroyed by the Ministry of Environment & Forests included those derived from tigers, elephants, leopards, lions, snakes, deer, mongoose, owls, shells etc. Few wildlife articles available in the National Zoological Park will also be destroyed.It would be a step in appreciating the efforts of various law enforcing agencies like forest and wildlife departments, wildlife crime control bureau, police, customs and many others who have contributed immensely for the cause of protection of biodiversity.

Ministry of Mines Title: Study for Exploration of Rare Earth Element

Date: 26th November, 2014

Damage by Hudhud Cyclone

The Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has said that the operations in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant was stopped due to Cyclone Hudhud on 12th October, 2014 on account of failure of power supply. The preliminary estimate of impact of physical damage of property, loss of production and consequential loss of profits is about Rs.350 crores. However, provisional claim for damages to property was lodged with the Insurance Company and the claim for loss of profits is being worked out.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the matter was taken up with the Government of Andhra Pradesh for restoration of power supply to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and the same was restored in the early hours of 16th October, 2014. The progress of the revival of units in plant is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Steel. All the units have been brought back into operation in a phased manner. Title: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill

Date: 26th November, 2014

The Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has said that Ministry of Mines has prepared a draft of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2014 seeking to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The draft Bill is presently put-up on the website of the Ministry of Mines inviting comments/suggestions as part of the pre-legislative consultation process. On the basis of the comments/suggestions received from the general public, state governments, and stakeholders, the draft Bill will be finalized in consultation with the Department of Legal Affairs. Thereafter, the Bill so finalized will be introduced in the Parliament after obtaining the approval of the Cabinet. No definite date for the introduction of the Bill has yet been finalized.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the thrust of the Bill would be to ensure: (i) improved transparency in the allocation of mineral resources; (ii) obtaining for the government its fair share of the value of such resources; (iii) attracting private investment and the latest technology; and (iv) eliminating delay in administration, so as to enable expeditious and optimum development of the mineral resources of the country. One of the proposed provisions in the Bill is for creation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in every district affected by mining, which will be funded by an additional levy related to royalty. The funds will be used for the benefit of persons affected by mining as also for the rebuilding of infrastructure in mining affected areas. Title: Mines Ministry Seeks Suggestions to Amend Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

Date: 21st November, 2014

The Ministry of Mines has prepared the draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2014 seeking to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

The draft Bill along with an Explanatory Note explaining the provisions of the proposed draft Bill are available at the following web-link: http://mines.gov.in/writereaddata%5CContentlinks%5C339d181935cf425094eb82d1f626fc93.pdf

Comments/suggestions are invited from the general public, Governments of States and Union Territories, Mining Industry, Stake Holders, Industry Associations, and other persons and entities concerned, on the draft Bill. The last date for receipt of the comments/suggestions is 10th December 2014. Title: “We must develop a time-bound action plan to complete geo-physical and geo-chemical mapping of national resources,” says Shri N S Tomar

Date: 12th November, 2014

4th meeting of Geo-science Advisory Council (GAC) was held under the Chairmanship of Union Steel and Mines Minister and Chairman, GAC Shri Narendra Singh Tomar at Vigyan Bhawan today.

In his inaugural address, Shri Tomar said, “India has about 8 lakh square kilometer area identified as Obvious Geological Potential (OGP). However, the geophysical and geochemical mapping has been achieved only to a limited extent. Since the field of mining is directly linked to country’s growth, we must develop a time-bound action plan to complete geo-physical and geo-chemical mapping of our national resources and share this data in public domain to attract investment in mining. Emphasis of action plan should be on speed and quality. GAC with its expertise and experience, should recommend solutions to fast-track the exploration activity in the country so that this resource base in utilized in the best possible manner.” He further observed that GAC’s recommendations should contain specific actionable points. Government is committed to provide every possible assistance in this effort, be it in terms of policy, personnel, technology or budget, he added.

The Union Minister of State for Steel and Mines, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai exhorted the council members to infuse new energy in geo-science field and to enable Research & Development of international standards.

The Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Vice Chairman of GAC, Shri Anup Kumar Pujari, senior government officers and members of GAC, drawn from various central ministries, scientific institutions including Geological Survey of India attended the meeting.

GAC provides a platform to the Administrators, Earth Scientists and academicians to deliberate and suggest the gap areas in existing system of pursuing geoscience and the direction which organizations, individually and collectively, should pursue to meet the future challenges.

Title: A Curtain Raiser on 4th Geoscience Advisory Council Meeting of the Ministry of Mines

Date: 11th November, 2014

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Minister of Mines & Steel will chair the 4th Geoscience Advisory Council (GAC) meeting of the Ministry of Mines in New Delhi tomorrow.

The meeting shall be attended by the Minister of State for Mines Sri Vishnu Deo Sai, senior officers of the Ministry of Mines, members of GAC, drawn from various Central Ministries, Scientific Institutions, including the Geological Survey of India and other nominated non-official members.

MEMBERS

The ‘Geoscience Advisory Council’ functions under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister for Mines and Secretary, Ministry of Mines as Vice Chairman. It comprises following members -

Secretary/Additional Secretary(s) Ministry of Earth Science Department of Science & Technology (DST) Environment & Forest (MoEF0 Department of Atomic Energy Planning Commission Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Ministry of Water Resources Coal India Ltd. Steel Authority of India Ltd.

Heads of the following Scientific Institutions: Geological Survey of India (GSI) Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration & Research Indian Metrological Department (IMD) National Institute of Oceanography Central Arid Zone Research Institute Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany National Geophysical Research Institute Head of Geology Wing –ONGC Upto 12 non-officials nominated by the Ministry of Mines from amongst persons who have long experience and expertise on geoscientific policy and R&D. Additional/Dy. Director General, (Science Policy) GSI: Member Secretary.

GEOSCIENCE ADVISORY COUNCIL- PLATFORM

Geoscience Advisory Council provides a platform to the Administrators, Earth Scientists, and Academicians to deliberate and suggest the gap areas in our present system of pursuing Geoscience and the direction which organizations, individually and collectively, should pursue to meet the future challenges.

The GAC has already held three meetings till date. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Title: Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission

Date: 27th November, 2014

The various schemes being implemented under the first and second phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) are:

Off-Grid and Decentralized Solar Applications New Grid Connected Solar Power Projects under Batch-I & II, Phase-I of JNNSM (Bundling with thermal power) Rooftop PV and Small Solar Power Generation Programme (RPSSGP) New Grid Connected Solar Power Projects under Batch-I, Phase-II of JNNSM (Viability Gap Fund)

This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that a statement showing state-wise status of the commissioned capacity of grid connected Solar Power Projects is given below:-

Commissioning Status of Grid Connected Solar Power Projects under JNNSM

Total commissioned Sr. No. State/UT capacity 1 Andhra Pradesh 234.86 2 Arunachal Pradesh 0.03 3 Chhattisgarh 7.6 4 Gujarat 919.05 5 Haryana 12.8 6 Jharkhand 16 7 Karnataka 57 8 Kerala 0.03 9 Madhya Pradesh 353.58 10 Maharashtra 286.9 11 Orissa 31.5 12 Punjab 55.77 13 Rajasthan 835.5 14 Tamil Nadu 104.2 15 Uttar Pradesh 29.51 16 Uttarakhand 5 17 West Bengal 7.21 Andaman & 18 Nicobar 5.1 19 Delhi 5.47 20 Lakshadweep 0.75 21 Puducherry 0.03 22 Chandigarh 2 23 Others 0.79 TOTAL 2970.66

The Minister further stated that ministry is providing 30% capital subsidy for installation of SPV applications like solar lighting systems, solar PV power plants and solar pumps under solar off-grid application scheme of JNNSM in rural as well as urban areas throughout India, the Minister added.

RM/RS- USQ719 – LS Title: Setting Up of 25 Solar Parks

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has initiated scheme for setting up of 25 Solar Parks, each with the capacity of 500 MW and above, to be developed in next 5 years in various States. The Ministry has sent scheme for Development of Solar Park to various States along with MOU to all the state Governments against which 12 states have given consent for setting up of Solar Parks. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

States which have sent written request for setting up Solar Power Park/Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects are given below:-

State Capacity of Solar Land Park (approximately Identified at S. No. 1 Gujarat 750 MW Taluka- Vav, Distt.- Banaskantha 2 Madhya Pradesh 750 MW +750 MW Rewa-Distt. 3 Telangana 1000 MW Mehboob Nagar-Distt. 4 Andhra Pradesh 2500 MW Anantpur-Distt, Kadapa and Kurnool 5 Karnataka 1000 MW Mulwar, Bijapur (near Kargi) 6 Uttar Pradesh 600 MW District-Jalaun, Sonbhadra and Allahabad 7 Meghalaya 50 MW University of Science and Technology, 9thMile, near Guwahati, Meghalaya 8 Jammu & Kashmir 7500 MW Leh and Kargil 9 Punjab 1000 MW +1000 MW District-wise land identified 10 Rajasthan i. Bhadla 700 MW District - Phase-II Bhadla and Jaisalmer ii. Bhadla 1000 MW Phase-III iii. Jaisalmer 1000 MW Park Phase-I iv. Jaisalmer 1000 MW Park Phase-II 11 Tamil Nadu 500 MW Location yet to be identified 12 Odisha 1000 MW Location yet to be identified Total 22,100 MW

The Minister further stated that the estimated cost for development of solar park would be around Rs.0.95 Cr./MW. Solar Power Plants of various capacities would be set up by Solar Power Developers in the Park. The developers would be selected through bidding process under Central/State Schemes. As per tariff determined for the year 2014-15 by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), the capital cost of Grid connected solar PV project is Rs. 6.91 Cr./MW.

RM/RS- USQ869 – LS Title: Investment in Renewable Energy Sector

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Government is contemplating to seek international cooperation for importing technology to boost global investment in renewable energy sector of the country. To showcase India’s renewable energy potential globally, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is organizing the Global Renewable Energy Investment Promotion Meet (RE-INVEST) from 15-17 February, 2015 in New Delhi as a follow up to the ‘Make in India’ initiatives launched by the Prime Minister of India. This meet will give an opportunity to all states to showcase their policies to facilitate investment, progressive, initiatives and investor friendly climate to attract investments in renewable energy. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that as per the “Global Status Report 2014” of Renewable Energy Policy Network (REN-21), about US Dollar 6.1 billion has been invested in renewable energy in India whereas, about US Dollar 56.3 billion has been invested in renewable energy in China during the year 2013-14. The investment was mainly for solar and wind power projects, the Minister added.

RM/RS- USQ778 – LS Title: Balance of Trade in North-Eastern Region

Date: 26th November, 2014

The North East Region of India is endowed with natural resources. Also, due to continued focus on development of the region by the NE States supplemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Planning Commission and other Central Ministries has led to substantial improvement in intra-regional connectivity, social and other physical infrastructure and capacity of human resources. Further, 96% of the North Eastern Region has long international borders with four neighbouring countries with several old overland routes. Given its competitive advantages and considerable potential, close proximity and immediate linkages with Bangladesh, Myanmar and other South East Asian countries offer robust opportunities for the North Eastern Region to emerge as a major manufacturing, trading and logistics hub for trade with the ASEAN Region. The consequent benefits to the country are also likely to be substantial.

Keeping in view the above factors, Government of India has focused on expeditious and time bound completion of major infrastructure projects of Rail, Road, Telecom, Inland Water Transport, Airports and Power in the North Eastern Region. Government of India has also taken steps for the development of road and port projects in Myanmar, improvement of customs facilities at the Indo-Myanmar border, development of road and rail connectivity in Bangladesh for access to sea ports and appropriate customs facilities at the Indo-Bangladesh border. Implementation of these major projects is being regularly reviewed at various levels.

Ministry of DoNER and Planning Commission have also taken the initiative to project the recent developments made in North Eastern Region through The North East Business Summit by highlighting the potential and upcoming opportunities, with the objective to invite domestic and foreign entrepreneurs to engage with North Eastern markets and to trigger large scale economic activities in the North Eastern Region that will enhance livelihoods and employment opportunities in the region.

This was stated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North East Region in Lok Sabha today. Title: IREDA & US-Exim Bank Signs MoU with Respect to Cooperation on Clean Energy Investment

Date: 18th November, 2014

US Exim Bank to Provide US $ 1 Billion Medium and Long-Term Loans

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd ( IREDA) and US Exim Bank with respect to cooperation on clean energy investment. The MoU was signed by Mr K.S. Popli, Chairman & Managing Director IREDA, and Mr Fred P Hochberg, Chairman and President, Export-Import Bank of the United States here today in the presence of Shri Upendra Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and other senior officials from MNRE, IREDA and US-Exim Bank.

This MoU is intended to establish a framework for cooperation in the financing of creditworthy entities for renewable energy projects and to facilitate the export of goods and services of U.S. origin or manufacture in India and various forms of collaboration between the IREDA & US-Exim Bank.

US Exim Bank shall provide US $ 1 Billion medium and long-term guaranteed and/or direct dollar loans to finance U.S. technologies, products and services utilized during commercial development activities within the clean energy sector by IREDA. The proposed credit facility carries no specific commitment on the part of IREDA and will depend on the import of US equipment to India and attractiveness of credit facility to the project developers in India. This US Exim Bank facility will be available for financing of imported US equipment, and in addition to financing of 30% of domestic component.

With the above proposed facility, IREDA will be providing a new window of credit facility to developers who would like to avail this facility to meet their specific requirement. The credit facility will be available for a repayment period of 18 years with the same fixed rate of interest. The other detailed terms and conditions shall be decided upon signing of MoU.

The following sectors have identified as priority areas of clean energy investment cooperation under this MoU: Solar (utility scale PV and CSP including solar tower); Wind; Hydro and any other Renewable Energy projects; Waste-to-Energy; Other areas of cooperation as agreed. A profile: IREDA ,a Central Public Sector Undertaking functioning under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, is a developmental financial institution in the field of Renewable Energy and provides financial assistance in the form of term loans to the eligible project developers for setting up new and renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency projects.

US-Exim Bank, an agency of the United States of America, was established with the mandate, among other things, to aid in the financing of creditworthy entities to facilitate the export of goods and services of U.S. origin or manufacture. RM/RS Title: Commercial Generation Commences From Muzzafarpur (110 Mw) & Ntpc- Barh (660mw)

Date: 15th November, 2014

The 110 MW unit II of Muzzafarpur Thermal Power station (Stage I ) of Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam Limited and the first 660 MW unit of NTPC`s Barh Super Thermal Power Station commenced commercial generation with the declaration of Commercial Operation by Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State ( Independent charge) for Power, Coal, New& Renewable Energy, in Bihar today. Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chief Minister of Bihar presided over the functions. The Union Minister for Communications & Information Technology, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Union Minister for Agriculture, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Shri Ram Kripal Yadav were the guests of honour at the above functions. Leading dignitaries from the State of Bihar , officials from Ministry of Power, State Government and NTPC attended the functions.

Situated at Kanti in Distt. Muzzafarpur in Bihar Muzzafarpur Thermal Power Station belongs to Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam a subsidiary of NTPC ( 65%) in Joint Venture with Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd (35%). Leading dignitaries from the State of Bihar were present on the occasion. Muzzafarpur Thermal Power station with a capacity of 2X110 MW was owned by BSEB both the units were under shut down. In order to revive the station, Govt. of Bihar handed over the station to a JV company formed by BSEB and NTPC. Project has 2 X 195 MW capacity under construction at present. Bihar will get 484MW from the project (220 MW from stage-I and 264 MW from stage II) which is 80% of the project capacity.

NTPC - Barh shall have ultimate capacity of 3300 MW capacity in two stages ( Stage1 :3X660 MW and Stage II : 2X660 MW).Situated in Patna Distt of Bihar, the project is identified to benefit Bihar and eastern region states. The Ministry of Power, Govt of India has allocated 50% power of stage-II and 26.42% power of stage-I to home state Bihar, balance has been allocated to States of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Sikkim.

NTPC presently has a capacity of over 3200 MW in Bihar from Kahalgaon( 2340MW) , Muzzafarpur I (220 MW) and Barh II (660MW). Total capacity under construction 6010 MW, from Barh-I, 1980 MW, Barh II – 660MW ( unit V), Nabinagar ( subsidiary of NTPC)- 1000MW, Muffaarpur II ( subsidiary of NTPC )- 390MW and Nabinagar I ( JV with BSEB) 1980MW. Current allocation of power to the state from NTPC 1864 MW, in coming years NTPC shall provide 3622 MW of power from its upcoming stations.

NTPC has an installed capacity of 43128 MW through 16 coal based, 7 gas based, 7 solar renewable and 7 Joint Venture power stations. The company has over 22,000 MW projects under construction at its various projects located across the country. NTPC has a vision to be the world’s largest and best power producer, powering India`s growth. NTPC contributes more than 25 percent of electricity in the country, with about 18% percent of India`s installed capacity. Long term Corporate Plan of the company envisages a vision of becoming a 128000MW company by 2032 with 28% capacity from non-fossil sources. Title: Raising the authorized share capital of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency

Date: 5th November, 2014

The Cabinet today at the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi gave its approval to raise the authorized share capital of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) from the existing level of Rs.1000 crore to Rs.6000 crore.

The approval does not involve any immediate requirement of funding. Infusion of equity, as and when required, would be based on level of operations.

During the 12th Five Year Plan, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has targeted 30,000 MW from various renewable energy projects out of which IREDA aims to finance projects of an aggregate capacity of 4800 MW. For this, IREDA would need to mobilize financial resources to the tune of Rs.14,000 crore. A higher level of authorised share capital would facilitate in leveraging higher levels of debt from the market.

The MNRE has recommended strengthening of the equity base of IREDA by infusion of Rs.5000 crore through rights issue and the IPO route during the 12th Five Year Plan, in line with the Integrated Energy Policy (IEP) of the Government.

Background :

IREDA is a public financial institution established in March, 1987 under the Company`s Act, 1956. IREDA is registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company with the Reserve Bank of India. Since its inception, IREDA has played a pioneering role in supporting and facilitating the policies and programs of the MNRE that has nurtured the renewable energy industry in the country. IREDA has primarily worked with private sector enterprises operating in the power sector. For over two and half decades, IREDA has been supporting the establishment of renewable energy projects and has greatly succeeded in the commercialization of sustainable energy technologies in the country. Subsequently, its business operations have been widened to extend term loans to energy efficiency and energy conservation projects as well. Ministry of Power Title: Steps to Overcome the Shortcomings in Supply of Power

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Central Government is taking the following steps to overcome the shortcomings in supply of power.

(i) Generation capacity addition of 88,537 MW is targeted for the 12th Plan from conventional sources. As against this, 48,026 MW has already been achieved.

(ii) Transmission lines of 1,07,440 ckm and 2,82,740 MVA transformation capacity have been targeted for the 12th Plan. As against this, 45,570 ckm of transmission lines and 1,56,354 MVA of transformation capacity has been achieved.

(iii) Two new schemes have been approved by the Government, namely Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna and Integrated Power Development Scheme for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks and for segregation of agricultural feeders.

(iv) Government of India has taken initiative to prepare Action Plans for providing 24x7 Power For All (PFA) in partnership with the States.

(v) Renovation & Modernization (R&M) of old power plants is planned by the concerned State and Central Power Utilities for improving the Plant Load Factor of power stations.

(vi) The gap in coal availability is planned to be met through enhanced coal production and coal imports for increased generation by thermal plants.

(vii) Promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency and demand side management measures.

(viii) In order to support financial viability of State Distribution Utilities (Discoms), the Central Government had notified a Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP). (ix) Expeditious resolution of issues relating to environmental and forest clearances.

The availability of power both in terms of energy and peak in the country during the current year 2014-15 (up to October, 2014) is 617.7 BU and 1,41,160 MW respectively. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that the assessment of anticipated shortage of power in the current year 2014- 15 has been done and as per the assessment, the anticipated shortage of power in terms of energy and peak during the year would be 5.1% and 2.0% respectively.

The Minister further stated that the Assessment of anticipated shortage is done on annual basis.

RM/RS- USQ816 – LS Title: Round the Clock Supply of Power

Date: 27th November, 2014

Government of India has taken a joint initiative with respective State Governments to provide 24 x 7 power to the non-agricultural consumers while ensuring sufficient supply to agricultural consumers. This initiative aims at ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the existing consumers and providing access to electricity to all un-connected consumers in the next five years. To begin with, state specific documents for Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have been prepared in consultation with respective State Governments. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that the following steps have been taken by the Union Government to increase the power generation capacity and to ensure round the clock power supply in the whole country:

(i) Government of India has now launched two new schemes viz. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) & Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS). The first, aims to provide reliable and adequate power supply to farmers by separation of agriculture and non-agriculture feeders and strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas, among others. Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana for rural electrification will get subsumed in DDUGJY. The second scheme, Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), aims to reduce AT &C losses and also to provide quality power by strengthening sub-transmission and distribution network in urban areas. RAPDRP will get subsumed in IPDS.

(ii) A capacity addition target of 88,537 MW has been fixed for the 12th Plan period, comprising 72,340 MW from Thermal, 10,897 MW from Hydro and 5,300 MW for Nuclear. The achievement against this target, as on 31.10.2014, is 48,026.3 MW, comprising 46199.9 MW from thermal and 1,826.4 MW from Hydro.

(iii) Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is monitoring the progress of construction of power projects through frequent site visits and interaction with the developers and equipment suppliers. In addition, CEA holds review meetings periodically with the developers and other stakeholders to identify issues critical to commissioning of projects and helps in resolving them.

(iv) A Power Project Monitoring Panel (PPMP) has been set up by the Ministry of Power for independent monitoring of Thermal and Hydro Generation projects targeted for commissioning during the 12th Plan and beyond along with the associated transmission systems.

RM/RS- USQ796 – LS Title: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Government has decided to introduce and implement Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana in the country. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) envisages feeder separation, strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution system including metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers and rural electrification with scheme cost of Rs.43033 crore during the entire implementation period. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that the scheme implementation starts in current Financial Year 2014-15.

RM/RS- USQ920 – LS Title: Approval for signing and ratifying SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Regional Railways Agreement

Date: 20th November, 2014

The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved signing and ratifying the SAARC Regional Railways Agreement by India, as a member State of SAARC.

SAARC region is considered one of the least networked regions in terms of physical and soft connectivity leading to high costs and low volumes of trade recognizing which the leaders of the SAARC countries agreed that better transport infrastructure and linkages among the SAARC countries was necessary. A study viz. the SAARC Regional Multi Modal Transport Study (SRMTS) of 2005 undertaken by SAARC Secretariat had recommended multilateral agreements permitting free movement of people, goods and services within SAARC region in the Road and Rail sector and this was endorsed by the SAARC countries in the Summit level and Transport Ministers meetings. Accordingly, the Regional Rail Agreement (RRA) was drafted by India for SAARC countries in 2008. Since then, the draft Agreement has been discussed in the three meetings of the Expert Group on Regional Rail Agreement and in the meetings of Inter-Governmental Group on Transport (IGGT) and the text of the Agreement proposed now for signature was finalized in the 5th IGGT held in New Delhi on 30th September, 2014.

The SAARC Regional Railways Agreement will strengthen transport connectivity in the SAARC Region. Strengthened rail and transport connectivity will not only provide stimulus to the economic development in the region as a whole but also promote social and cultural contact and encourage tourism amongst the Member States. The Regional Rail Agreement will also enable low cost, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation in the SAARC region and provide trade and economic links for the land locked countries and semi isolated regions.

Title: Integrated Power Development Scheme

Date: 20th November, 2014

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval to launch "Integrated Power Development Scheme" (IPDS) with the objectives of:

1. Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network in the urban areas; 2. Metering of distribution transformers /feeders / consumers in the urban areas. 3. IT enablement of distribution sector and strengthening of distribution network as per CCEA approval dated 21.06.2013 for completion of targets laid down under Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (RAPDRP) for 12th and 13th Plans by carrying forward the approved outlay for RAPDRP to IPDS.

The scheme will help in reduction in AT&C losses, establishment of IT enabled energy accounting / auditing system, improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and improvement in collection efficiency.

The estimated cost of the present scheme with the components of strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks, including metering of consumers in the urban areas is Rs. 32,612 crore which includes the requirement of budgetary support from Government of India of Rs. 25,354 crore over the entire implementation period.

The component of IT enablement of distribution sector and strengthening of distribution network approved by CCEA in June, 2013 in the form of RAPDRP for 12th and 13th Plans will get subsumed in this scheme and CCEA-approved scheme outlay of Rs.44,011 crore including a budgetary support of Rs. 22,727 crore will be carried over to the new scheme of IPDS.

The process of sanction of projects shall commence immediately. After sanction of projects, contracts for execution of projects are to be awarded by States Discoms / Power Departments. The projects shall be completed within 24 months from date of award. ------North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project for six (6) States (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland) for strengthening of the Intra-State Transmission and Distribution System (20-November 2014)

North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project for six (6) States (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland) for strengthening of the Intra-State Transmission and Distribution System

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSlP) for six States (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland) for strengthening of the Intra State Transmission and Distribution System at an estimated cost of Rs.5111.33 crore including capacity building expenditure of Rs.89 crore. The scheme is to be taken up under a new Central Sector Plan Scheme of Ministry of Power (MoP). The scheme is to be implemented with the assistance of World Bank loan and the budget of MoP. The project will be funded on 50:50 (World Bank loan: Gol) basis except the component of capacity building for Rs.89 crore for which GoI will bear entirely.

As the Intra-State Transmission and Distribution systems in the North-Eastern States have remained very weak, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) developed a comprehensive scheme for the North East Region (NER) in consultation with the Power Grid Corporation of the India Limited (PGCIL) and State Governments concerned. The project shall be implemented through PGCIL in association with six NER States in 48 months from the date of release of funds to PGCIL. After commissioning, the project will be owned and maintained by the State Governments.

Presently, all the six NER States are connected to transmission network at 132 KV and below. The 33 KV system is the backbone of power distribution system in the six NER States. In order to reduce the gap between the requirement and availability of the intra-state transmission and distribution system, it is necessary to provide 132 KV / 220 KV connectivity to all the six NER States for proper voltage management and lower distribution losses. Similarly, the distribution system in all six NER States which mainly relies on 33 KV network would be strengthened substantially.

Implementation of this project will create a reliable State power grid and improve its connectivity to the upcoming load centres, and thus extend the benefits of the grid connected power to all the consumers. The project would also provide the required grid connectivity to such villages and towns of the States, where development of distribution system at the downstream level has been taking place under Gol sponsored RGGVY/ APDRP/ R-APDRP schemes.

This project is a major step towards meeting the national objective of "Power to All" through enhancement in access of consumers to grid connected power supply through improving its availability and reliability, thereby facilitating inclusive growth. This shall also increase the per capita power consumption of these States, which is lagging behind the average national consumption and shall contribute to the economic development of the North-Eastern Region. Title: Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana

Date: 20th November, 2014

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the launch of Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) with components (i) to separate agriculture and non agriculture feeders facilitating judicious rostering of supply to agricultural and non-agricultural consumers in rural areas and (ii) strengthening and augmentation of sub transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas, including metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers.

The estimated cost of the scheme for above two components is Rs.43,033 crore which includes the requirement of budgetary support of Rs.33,453 crore from Government of India over the entire implementation period.

The Cabinet further approved, that the balance work relating to rural electrification as per CCEA’s approval in August, 2013 with the norms of the ongoing scheme of RGGVY in 12th and 13th Plans will get subsumed in DDUGJY as a distinct component for rural electrification, for which CCEA has already approved the scheme cost of Rs.39,275 crore including budgetary support of Rs.35,447 crore. This outlay will be carried forward to the new scheme of DDUGJY in addition to the outlay of Rs.43,033 crore.

The scheme would help in:

(i) Improvement in hours of power supply in rural areas, (ii) Reduction in peak load, (iii) Improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and (iv) Providing access to electricity to rural households.

The process of sanction of projects shall commence immediately. After sanction of projects, contracts for execution of projects will be awarded by States Discoms / Power Departments. The projects shall be completed within 24 months from date of award.

Title: Signing of "SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity)" among the SAARC Member countries in the forthcoming 18th SAARC Summit

Date: 20th November, 2014

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for signing of "SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity)" among the SAARC Member States during the forthcoming 18th SAARC Summit scheduled to be held at Kathmandu, Nepal on 26-27 November, 2014.

The Agreement will enable greater cooperation in the power sector among SAARC countries. The Agreement is expected to improve the power availability in the entire SAARC region. It would facilitate integrated operation of the regional power grid. Title: Shri Piyush Goyal Applauds Role of Appellate Tribunal for Electricity

Date: 19th November, 2014

Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy inaugurated here today anniversary celebration function of Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL). The Chairman and Members of the Central and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions across the country, Advocates of Bar Association and Power Utilities also attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal applauded the role of the Appellate Tribunal in adjudicating complex, legal, technical and financial matters. In particular, he cited the landmark judgment of the Tribunal giving directions to the State Commissions to determine the Retail Supply Tariff every year and before the commencement of the Financial Year. This judgment strengthened the hands of the Regulators and the Distribution companies resulting in improving the financial health of the distribution companies and to improve the reliability of supply to their consumers, Shri Goyal added . He also emphasized on the role of Regulatory Commissions in framing of Regulations, so as to minimize the litigation. Shri Goyal reiterated Government’s commitment to ensure 24x7 power supply to the consumers in the days to come ahead and for which he sought co-operation of the Commissions and Tribunal.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice M. Karpaga Vinayagam, Chairperson, APTEL speaking on the occasion said that with the establishment of Circuit Benches of the Appellate Tribunal at Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata, the objective of delivery of justice at the door step has been achieved to a large extent.

The Inaugural Function was followed by Interactive Session between the Chairperson and Members of the Appellate Tribunal and Central & State Commissions in which, issues relating to meet the Renewable Purchase Obligations from Renewable Sources of Energy, encourage development of Renewable Sources of Energy and other issues relating to expedite the delivery of justice were discussed.

Background:

The Appellate Tribunal has been constituted under the Electricity Act as an Appellate body to hear the Appeals arising out of the orders of the Central and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions. The Tribunal also has powers to give directions to the Central and State Commissions regarding the performance of their statutory functions. Title: Shri Piyush Goyal Inaugurates NTPC'S Technology Summit

Date: 7th November, 2014

NTPC’s first International Technical Summit titled ‘Global Energy Technology Summit’ GETS 2014 was inaugurated today by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister for Power, Coal, New & Renewable energy. In his address Shri Goyal said that Sustainability and Technology shall be the two main drivers of all energy related plans of the Government. He complimented NTPC for its initiatives in solar power generation & other renewable sources and its ability to think different. He appreciated NTPC’s efforts to organise the global technology summit every year and emphasised that research should be carried out with a focus on practical outcomes in mitigating energy requirements of the country.

The function was held at Manekshaw Center, New Delhi and was attended by Dr. R.Chidambram, Principal scientific advisor to GOI, Shri Upendra Tripathy, Secretary MNRE, senior officials of NTPC and national & international delegates.

In all 167 papers have been accepted and 72 papers have been selected for the presentation out of which 43 are international papers from about 10 different countries. Balance accepted papers forms part of the compendium which was released in the inauguration ceremony.

Dr. R. Chidambram in his address spoke about initiatives taken for introduction of Advanced Ultra Super Critical Technology and importance of Nuclear and renewable energy in India. He emphasised that India is looking forward to be an energy self-sufficient with sustainable power to all.

Secretary MNRE complimented NTPC on GETS initiative and suggested establishing a World Energy Museum where information on journey of energy technology from invention of a bulb to advance super cuticle & nuclear technologies as well as other sources could be showcased.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Arup Roy Choudhury, CMD NTPC requested all the delegates and authors to think & deliberate on ways to make better use of technology while keeping the local environment and available fuel condition in perspective. Dr. Roy Choudhury added that NTPC has 42 units under construction totalling 23,854MW capacity which is 55% of our present installed capacity and is probably the largest capacity under construction at one time by a single company. Ministry of Water Resources Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as on November 27, 2014

Date: 28th November, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on November 27, 2014 was 104.198 BCM which is 67% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 85% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 99% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than the storage position of last year and also less than the storage of average of last ten years. Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:

NORTHERN REGION The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 11.21 BCM which is 62% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 78% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 67% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 14.94 BCM which is 79% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 91% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 74% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 16.46 BCM which is 67% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 83% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was74% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 32.12 BCM which is 76% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 84% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 56% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 29.47 BCM which is 57% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 69% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 72% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Kerala and Tamil Nadu. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh,Karnataka. Title: Cleaning of Yamuna River

Date: 27th November, 2014

Government of India has sanctioned Yamuna Action Plant (YAP)-I and YAP-II schemes for river Yamuna in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and YAP-III in Delhi under financial assistance from Japan International Coorperation Agency (JICA) for taking up works for sewerage/interception and diversion of drains, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), low cost sanitation/community toilet complexes, electric/ improved wood crematoria, etc. An expenditure of Rs. 1514.42 crore (including state share) has been incurred on YAP-I and YAP-II while YAP-III has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs. 1656.00 crore.

Government of India has also sanctioned two projects for Rs. 217.87 crore for pollution abatement of river Yamuna in towns of Sonepat and Panipat in Haryana.

In addition, under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) project of Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), DJB is implementing an interceptor sewer project costing Rs. 1357.71 crore to intercept sewage flowing into river Yamuna from three major drains, namely Najafgarh, Supplementary and Shahdara in Delhi.

The timeframe for completion of YAP-III scheme, being funded by JICA for Delhi, is December, 2018 and for interceptor sewer project is June, 2015.

This information was given by Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in Lok Sabha today.

Title: Cleaning Of Ganga

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Union Budget 2014-15 has set up an Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission namely “Namami Gange” with an allocation of Rs. 2037 crore for Ganga Rejuvenation. The plan formulated for Ganga Rejuvenation provides for ‘Short-term’, ‘Medium-term’, and a ‘Long-term’ action plan, incorporating the projects already sanctioned by National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBP). Presently, a World Bank assisted National Ganga River Basin Project (NGRBP) for Rs 7000 crore and a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted Project at Varanasi for Rs. 496.90 crore are under implementation.

National Ganga Monitoring Centre (NGMC) is conceptualized as a Nodal Centre for monitoring the critical aspects of Ganga rejuvenation, such as water and effluent quality at identified suitable locations throughout Ganga, using IT enabled systems, etc.

The Government proposes to free all villages along the banks of the river from open defecation under Namami Gange project.

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has prepared an Action Plan to make 1649 Gram Panchayats along the banks of river Ganga Open Defecation Free at an estimated cost of Rs. 1508.76 crore. Further, 118 urban habitations on both banks of river Ganga have been tentatively identified by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) for extending suitable coverage of sewerage infrastructure

This information was given today by Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in Lok Sabha. Title: Groundwater in Rural Areas

Date: 27th November, 2014

Central Ground Water Board carried out assessment of replenishable ground water resources (as on March 2011), jointly with the respective State Ground Water Departments in the Country including rural and backward areas. It shows that 1071 Blocks/Mandals/Talukas in the Country are ‘Over-Exploited’; 217 are ‘Critical’ and 697 are ‘Semi-Critical’. 162 Blocks/Talukas/Areas for regulation of ground water development in the Country have been notified by CGWA, wherein, permission to construct new bore wells is not granted, except for drinking and domestic purposes.

The Central Sector Scheme of Ground Water Management and Regulation, under implementation during XII Plan, inter-alia, envisages participatory management of groundwater involving Panchayat Raj Institutions, local communities, NGOs and other Stakeholders for ensuring safe and sustainable management of groundwater resources in the Country including backward areas.

This information was given by Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in Lok Sabha today. Title: Uma Bharti will Review the Working of her Ministry on Weekly Basis

Date: 26th November, 2014

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has asked senior officials of her Ministry that they should complete all schemes and programmes of the Ministry in time bound manner. Addressing a meeting of the senior officials of her Ministry here today, the Minister expressed concern over slow progress of some schemes of the Ministry. She said, in future she will herself review the progress of all the schemes with the senior officials on weekly basis.

Sushri Bharti said that some States are implementing the schemes of her Ministry in a very proper manner while some other are lagging behind. The Minister said if needed, she will herself talk to the Chief Minister of concerned State to sort out their problems.

The Union Water Resources Minister said that this Government is first such Government since independence which has come to power on the agenda of the development. The Minister said “Because of this the responsibility of the Ministry has become more important so that it works for the development according to the aspirations of the people. The Ministry needs to give more attention to two of its major schemes viz. Mission Ganga and Inter-linking of rivers.” She said we need to give more attention to those State which are linked with Mission Gang and inter-linking of rivers.

Underlining the importance of flood forecasting, the Minister said the Ministry has to give more attention to this issue. We have to ensure that benefit of every scheme of the Ministry reaches the last man of the society, the Minister added. Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as on November 20, 2014

Date: 24th November, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on November 20, 2014 was 106.822 BCM which is 69% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 84% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 99% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than the storage position of last year and also less than the storage of average of last ten years.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:

NORTHERN REGION The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 11.60 BCM which is 64% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 81% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 70% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 15.08 BCM which is 80% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 92% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 75% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 16.73 BCM which is 68% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 85% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was75% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 32.84 BCM which is 78% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 86% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 58% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 30.57 BCM which is 60% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 74% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 74% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Kerala and Tamil Nadu. States having equal storage than last year for corresponding period is Karnataka. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh. Title: Government to Start Jal Gram Scheme in Every District Says Uma Bharti

Date: 22nd November, 2014

Three Day National Conference Jal Manthan on Issues for Optimal use of Water Resources Concludes

This centre will start Jal Gram (Water Village) scheme next year. Announcing this here today Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti said that initially the scheme will be implemented as a pilot project. The Minister was speaking at the concluding session of the three day national conference Jal Mathan on issues for optimal use of water resources. Sushri Bharti said that the village with utmost water scarcity in every district will be indentified as Jal Gram. She said the assistance of other central Government Ministries and voluntary organizations will also be taken in the scheme. The Minister said later the scheme will be implemented in every district of the country. She said her Ministry will celebrate next as water conservation year and during this various programmes will be organized by her Ministry in every district of the country to create awareness about water conservation.

Referring to the Ganga conservation programme the Minister said a lot of money was spent in the past in haste which did not give desired result. She said “We will do something solid on this which will have long lasting result.”

The Minister assured the participants that her Ministry will seriously consider each and every issue raised during the conference and its suggestions. She said “After two years I will invite all of you here again and explain the steps taken by my Ministry on your suggestions.”

The Minister also released a booklet about Ganga Manthan, a national dialogue on Ganga Rejuvenation which was held on 7th July this year in New Delhi. The booklet contains various suggestions and conclusions of deliberation held during the dialogue.

Title: Our District-Our Water Programme to be Launched to take the Message of Water Conservation to Every Village of the Country-Uma Bharti

Date: 22nd November, 2014

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has stressed the need for adopting modern technique in the field of water conversation and to make it a public movement. Addressing the third day of the national conference on issues for optimal use of water resources called “Jal Manthan” here today, the Minister said there is a need to take the issue of water conservation to every village of the country. She said “Our district-Our water” programme will be launched for this purpose during India water week which will be held from 13 to 17 January next year. The Minister said that apart from creating awareness towards water conservation, the programme will also focus on locating every such place in every district of the country which requires water conservation.

The Minister said Government is committed to provide irrigation facility to every agricultural field in the country and if necessary, acts will also be amended for this purpose. She said Government will take technological assistance from countries likes Israel and Germany in this task.

The water resources Minister said that she has observed that a large chunk of money allocated to State Governments remains unutilized due to strict Government rules and regulations. She said that she has directed her Ministry officials to find out solution to this problem at Ministry level itself. If required, we will go to the cabinet or even Parliament to seek amendments in the acts for this purpose, the Minister added.

Sushri Bharti said that yesterday she sat through the discussion on inter-linking of rivers. She said “Many good suggestions were made in this regard. There was not a single suggestion against inter-linking of rivers. People only expressed some apprehensions and problems which we me have to face. Except for one or two States, all other State were in agreement for this task. We will dispel the apprehensions of these States.”

The three day event was organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to take up wide ranging consultations with the state Water Resources/ Irrigation Ministers, Secretaries and a range of other stakeholders. The focus was on refining policies of the Ministry to make them more people friendly and responsive to the needs of the states.

The first day of the conference was devoted for deliberations on the three flagship schemes being implemented by the Union Government through Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, viz., Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies and Flood Management Programme. New proposals, such as, Incentivizing States for Water Sector Reforms India Water Resources Information System and Hydrology Project III were also discussed.

The second day of the conference was devoted to issues related to inter-linking of rivers in the country. It is proposed to deliberate on various aspects of inter-linking as the programme has evoked strong reactions from civil societies and environmental groups.

On the third and last day of the conference, deliberations were held on broader issues of water conservation and management with civil societies, non-governmental organizations and water user communities. The focus was on water Security, Humane Face to Water Projects, Farm Water Management and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies.

Besides Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Rural Development Minister Choudhary Birender Singh, Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu about 300 delegates from various States and organizations attended the conference.

Title: River Linking Can Raise the Irrigation Capacity of the Country by 90 Per Cent Says Uma Bharti

Date: 20th November, 2014

Three Day National Conference on Issues of Optimal Use of Water Resources Begins

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that inter-linking of river will raise the irrigation capacity of the country by 90 percent. Inaugurating the national conference on issues for optimal use of water resources called “Jal Manthan” here today, the Minister said that there is no shortage of water in our country. She said excess rain water in our country flows in to seas through rivers. We need to conserve this water by inter-linking the rivers.

The Minister said, in our country irrigation schemes take lot of time and money to complete. She said only farmer can feel the pain of these delayed projects. The Minister said that when she became Minister in the centre, many Ministers and Secretaries from various States came to her and explained their problems about water resources and irrigation. The Minister promised that after going through the recommendations of Jal Manthan deliberation, she will make necessary amendments to the schemes and plans of the Ministry. She said that Prime Minister has desired that we should ensure that irrigation facility is provided to every field of each farmer without any extra cost.

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Rural Development Minister Choudhary Birender Singh and Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat also addressed the inaugural session. The three day event has been organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to take up wide ranging consultations with the state Water Resources/ Irrigation Ministers, Secretaries and a range of other stakeholders. The focus will be on refining policies of the Ministry to make them more people friendly and responsive to the needs of the states.

The first day of the conference was devoted for deliberations on the three flagship schemes being implemented by the Union Government through Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, viz., Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies and Flood Management Programme. New proposals, such as, Incentivizing States for Water Sector Reforms India Water Resources Information System and Hydrology Project III were also discussed.

The second day of the conference will be devoted to issues related to inter-linking of rivers in the country. It is proposed to deliberate on various aspects of inter-linking as the programme has evoked strong reactions from civil societies and environmental groups. The event would provide a platform to address the concerns and clarify issues raised by them.

On the third day of conference, it is proposed to hold deliberations on broader issues of water conservation and management with civil societies, non-governmental organisations and water user communities. The focus will be on water Security, Humane Face to Water Projects, Farm Water Management and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies. Three Day National Conference on Issues for Optimal Use of Water Resources (15-November 2014)

Three Day National Conference on Issues for Optimal Use of Water Resources

Uma Bharti to Inaugurate Jal Manthan on November 20

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti will inaugurate the national conference on issues for optimal use of water resources called “Jal Manthan”on November 20, 2014 in New Delhi. The three day event has been organized by the Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation take up wide ranging consultations with the state irrigation ministers, Secretaries for Water Resources and a range of other stakeholders. The focus will be on refining policies of the Ministry to make them more people friendly and responsive to the needs of the states.

The first day of the conference will be devoted for deliberations on the three flagship schemes being implemented by the Union Government through Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, viz., Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies and Flood Management Programme. New proposals, such as, Incentivizing States for Water Sector Reforms India Water Resources Information System and Hydrology Project III would also be introduced. The programme will involve participation from concerned Ministers and Principal Secretaries from the State Governments and provide them an opportunity to highlight their concerns and impediments being faced by them in effective implementation of these Schemes.

The second day will be devoted to issues related to inter-linking of rivers in the country. It is proposed to deliberate on various aspects of inter-linking as the programme has evoked strong reactions from civil societies and environmental groups. The Event would provide a platform to address the concerns and clarify issues raised by them. On the third day of Conference, it is proposed to hold deliberations on broader issues of water conservation and management with civil societies, non-governmental organisations and water user communities. The focus will be on water Security Humane Face to Water Projects Farm Water Management and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies.

It may be recalled that the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharati has emphasized the need to hold wider consultations amongst various stakeholders engaged in water resource development and management to achieve synergy of water resource development with environment, wild-life and various social and cultural practices. About 300 experts are expected to attend the conference. Title: Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat Inaugurates Pavilion of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation at IITF-2014

Date: 14th November, 2014

Minister of state for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat inaugurated the pavilion of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation at India International Trade Fair -2014 here today.

The theme of the pavilion for the year is: “CLEAN RIVER-BRIGHT FUTURE”. In view of expansion of the Ministry after inclusion of River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, the theme of the pavilion has been selected carefully to make the pavilion relevant in the present context. The Ganga river plays significant role in lives of the people living in cities on its banks. Accordingly, the message matching with the theme of the pavilion is being exhibited through interactive models and other means to spread awareness and education among visitors.

The central attraction of the pavilion is a large size (20’X10’) working model of Ganga at Allahabad, showing Ganga-Yamuna Sangam alongwith prominent landmarks of the Allahabad city. The subject of the central model has also been selected, depicting present day status of Ganga at Allahabad and efforts for its rejuvenation. Various models of Water Cycle, Gangotri Glaciers, River Yamuna at Delhi, Spillways Scrolling Display, Power Generation, Rain Water Harvesting, Lift Irrigation System. Evapo- retardation along with generation of clean solar electricity have also been exhibited.

The models and exhibitory materials are being explained to the visitors by resource persons of relevant fields. Display items and posters related to Effects of climate change on Hydrological cycle, Water and Disasters, Global Warming, Data Collection and management, River Engineering, Impacts of major pollutants in water on human body, Ground water flow in aquifers, Artificial recharge of ground water, Water resources potential in river basins of India, Flood forecasting, Glimpses of Rehabilitation and Resettlement works of Tehri Dam Project, Sardar Sarovar Project, Bargi Project, Indira Sagar Projects, Omkareshwar Project, Water Falls at Amarkantak, Water Conservation, Maps on interlinking of rivers and Film on Ken-Betwa Link Project have also been displayed.

Children represent the next generation and constitute one of the most important clientele groups in focus for awareness campaign of the Ministry. Accordingly a student corner has been provided in the pavilion where a pantomime show, which is a traditional art form and the quiz show on various aspects of water are also being organized throughout the duration of the fair to attract and educate children especially the students about issues relating to water resources management.

Various organizations under Ministry of Water Resources viz. Central Water Commission (CWC), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), National Water Development Agency (NWDA), Central soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS), National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Central Water & Power Research Station (CWPRS), Narmada Control Authority (NCA)and Public Sector undertakings viz. WAPCOS Ltd. and National Projects Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC) Ltd. are exhibiting their models and other exhibitory materials to showcase their activities and achievements. Title: Official Facebook Page of Ministry of Water Resources Launched

Date: 12th November, 2014

In its efforts to reach to social media, the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation today launched its official facebook page. The page was launched by newly appointed Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat here today. Speaking on the occasion the Minister expressed the hope that with this launch the programmes and policies of the Ministy will reach to a wider audience. He said optimum utilization of water is very important for a drought and flood prone country like India. Prof. Jat also stressed on the need for proper waste water management.

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti was also present on the occasion. She introduced Prof. Jat to the senior officials of her Ministry. She expressed the hope that Prof. Jat who comes with a very long experience as irrigation Minister of Rajasthan will prove to be an asset to the Ministry of Water Resources.

Title: Uma Bharti calls for Fast Track mode for Inter-Linking of Rivers Consultative Committee meeting of Ministry of Water Resources Held

Date: 11th November, 2014

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has called for fast track measures to achieve the goal of inter-linking of rivers (ILR) in the country. Addressing the Parliamentary consultative meeting of her Ministry here today the Minister said that as per the National Perspective Plan of ILR, it would give additional benefits of 35 million hect. of irrigation (25 million hect. of irrigation from surface waters and 10 million hect. by increased use of ground waters) raising the ultimate irrigation potential from 140 million hect. to 175 million hect. and generation of 34000 MW of power, apart from the benefits of flood control, navigation, water supply, fisheries, salinity and pollution control etc. She said, “ILR is a project of national importance and its purpose is to provide equitable distribution of water in the country which will specially benefit flood and drought prone areas. I seek co-operation of all the States in this national task.”

Sushri Bharti informed members that National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has identified 30 links, 16 under Peninsular Component and 14 under Himalayan Component for preparation of Feasibility Reports. Out of this, feasibility reports of 14 links of peninsular component and two links (Indian portion) of Himalayan component have been prepared. Surveys and investigation in respect of seven other links is also complete and their draft feasibility reports have been compiled.

Sushri Bharti informed the meeting that DPR of Daman Ganga-Pinjal link has been prepared and it has been forwarded to the State Governments of Maharashtra and Gujrat for further necessary action in April this year. The DPR of Par-Tapi-Narmada link is under preparation and is likely to be complete by March next year. The Minister said that NWDA has received 46 proposals from States for intra-state links. Out of this, pre feasibility reports of 33 links have been prepared and sent to respective States. She said that on the request of Bihar Government, NWDA prepared DPRs for Burhi Gandak-Noon-Bya-Ganga and Kosi- Mechi river link in December 2013 and March 2013 respectively. These reports have been forwarded to the Bihar Government for the further necessary action. One DPR each is also under preparation for the States of Maharashtra, Tamilnadu and Jharkhand.

Members of Parliament who attended the meeting were unanimous in their support to the concept of inter- linking of rivers. They said that Government should take this programme in the mission mode and it should be completed in time bound manner. One member was of the view that due to apprehensions expressed in some sectors about this programme, a sense of seriousness is missing. Another member said that while taking up this programme we should not ignore ecological, social and environmental cost of the project. One member was of the view that centre should seriously consider nationalization of rivers. Some other suggestions like Krishna-Godavari link, Ganga-Gomti link, Sharda-Yamuna link, Pindari-Kosi link, construction of rubber dams during ILR, linking of Falgu river in Bihar were also made by the members.

Thanking the Members for their valuable suggestions the Minister urged them to raise issues and questions related to ILR in both houses of Parliament so that the attention of nation could be drawn to this important issue.

The following members attended the meeting:

Shri AT Nana Patil, Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Shri Ajay Tamta, Smt Anju Bala, Shri Bahadur Singh Koli, Shri Dharambir Bhaleram, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shri Hemant Tukaram Godse, Dr Krishn Pratap Singh, Shri Kristappa Nimmala, Smt Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Shri Sunil Kumar Mondal, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey (All from Lok Sabha) and Shri Ram Narain Dudi from Rajya Sabha.

Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat, Secretary Water Resources Shri AK Bishnoi and Senior officials of the Ministry were also present in the meeting. Title: Prof Sanwar Lal Jat Takes Over As MoS Water Resources

Date: 10th November, 2014

Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat took over as Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation here today. Born on 01 January, 1955 in Village Gopalpura of Ajmer District in Rajasthan, he did his post graduation in Commerce and obtained Ph.D also. Shri Sanwar lal joined the faculty of Department of Accountancy and Business Statistics of University of Rajasthan in Jaipur in the year 1981 and took VRS from their in 2012.

He founded Gramin Shodh evam Vikas Parishad in 1990 and organized public awareness programmes in villages on various issues related farmers. Prof. Jat was elected to 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Rajasthan legislative assembly from Bhinay constituency. He was elected to 14th Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha in 2013 from Nasirabad constituency. Prof. Jat was Minister of State for Relief and Rehabilitation (Independent Charge) in Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Government during 1993 to 1998. He was Minister of Water Resources in Vasundhara Raje Government from 2003 to 2013.

Prof. Sanwar Lal was elected to Lok Sabha this year from Ajmer Parliamentary constituency defeating Congress candidate and Union Minister Sachin Pilot. He has co-authored a three volume book on Government Audit besides contributing several research papers in journals of national and international repute. Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as On November 5, 2014

Date: 9th November, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on November 5, 2014 was 111.957 BCMwhich is 72% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 85% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 100% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than the storage position of last year and equal to storage of average of last ten years.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS

NORTHERN REGION The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 12.57 BCM which is 70% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 86% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 74% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 14.71 BCM which is 78% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 88% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 76% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 18.00 BCM which is 73% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 87% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was78% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 33.87 BCM which is 80% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 89% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 61% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 32.80 BCM which is 64% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 79% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 77% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period is Tamil Nadu.States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.

Title: Every Agricultural Field in the Country to have Irrigation Facility in the Next Ten Years

Date: 7th November, 2014

Uma Bharti Inaugurates National Convention of Presidents of Water Users’ Associations on Participatory Irrigation Management

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that every agricultural field in the country will have irrigation facility in the next ten years. Inaugurating the National Convention of Presidents of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) on Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) here today, the Minister said availability of water for utilization needs to be augmented to meet increasing demands through efficient use of water in all the sectors. She said the issue of Water Use Efficiency is recognized as being very important for water security in the coming years. Irrigation sector accounts for about 80% of total water use and therefore, it is imperative that water use efficiency is much more important in case of irrigation projects.

The Minister said shortage of water is one of the major problems of the country. She said we have to stop misuse of water if we want to conserve our water resources. Sushri Bharti called for public participation at a very large scale to conserve water resources of the country. The Minister said people should not depend on Government for everything and society should take initiatives on its own on sensitive issues like water conservation.

The Union Water Resources Minister said that an effective WUA will work towards an equitable and uniform distribution of available canal water among all users, will ensure adequate repair and maintenance of watercourses and keep it in running condition by clearing of the silt and vegetation. She said, “A functional WUA will ensure efficient and economical use of canal water and take assistance of agricultural extension programme to decide type of crop for optimum utilization of available water. This will not only lead to prosperity of the participating farmers and region but will also result in protection of environment and ecological balance by involving stakeholders in implementation of water budget and operational plan”.

She informed the convention that her Ministry has issued guidelines for farmers participation under Command Area Development & Water Management programme, recognizing the need for sound legal framework for PIM in the country. Sushri Bharti said that her Ministry has been promoting PIM and has requested the State Governments to enact legislation for involvement /participation of farmers in the irrigation management at different levels. She said though over 84000 WUAs have been formed in the country, their functional efficiency in ensuring efficient water use and equitable water allocation is far from satisfactory. Therefore, introspection at this juncture is vital, the Minister added.

The Minister expressed the hope that deliberations among the different stakeholders including farmer groups in this convention shall be very useful in the overall objective of increasing water use efficiency and provide necessary recommendations to find viable solution to the problems being faced in the irrigation sector.

The two day Convention has been convened with a vision to provide a platform for multiple stakeholders for consultation and to make them functionally effective, where they already exist and creating an environment for establishing WUAs where they are needed. The agenda of the convention has been so designed that it ensures providing a free voice to farmers and WUAs enabling them to raise their concerns, limitation and challenges for making WUAs effective. The Ministry envisages providing an open forum for the farmers and WUAs to discuss candidly the role of Union Ministry, State Governments and WUAs.

Shri Anuj Kumar Bishnoi, Secretary of the Water Resources Ministry, Additional Secretary Dr Amarjit Singh and Chairman Central Water Commission Shri AB Pandya also addressed the inaugural session.