External Affairs on Environment: 2012-13

Q. No. Q. Type Date Ans by Ministry Members Title of the Questions Subject Political State Specific Party Representative Freshwater Dr. Ponnusamy Diversion of and Marine *107 Starred 21.03.2012 External Affairs Venugopal Brahmaputra Water Conservation AIADMK Tamil Nadu Shri Vishwa Mohan Water Kumar Management JD(U) Bihar Freshwater and Marine 1364 Unstarred 21.03.2012 External Affairs Shri Hari Manjhi Siyang River Conservation BJP Bihar Shri Radha Mohan Water Singh Management BJP Bihar Shri Jai Prakash Agarwal INC Delhi Shri Adhir Ranjan Nuclear Security Alternative 3401 Unstarred 25.04.2012 External Affairs Chowdhury Summit-2012 Technologies INC Energy Shri Abdul Rahman Studies DMK Tamil Nadu Shri Chandre D.B.Gwda BJP Karnataka Setting up of Bank by Alternative 4300 Unstarred 02.05.2012 External Affairs Shri Prabodh Panda BRICS Nations Technologies CPI West Bengal Shri Dharmendra Energy Yadav Studies SP Uttar Pradesh Shri SS Shri Asaduddin Andhra Owaisi AIMIM Pradesh Shri Manicka Tagore INC Tamil Nadu Shri Uday Pratap Madhya Singh INC Pradesh Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav JD(U) Bihar Shri Anto Antony INC Kerala

Shri Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh JD(U) Bihar Kunwar Rewati Raman Singh SP Uttar Pradesh Shri J. M. Aaron Rashid INC Tamil Nadu Shri INC West Bengal Shri Gopinath Pandurang Munde BJP Maharashtra Smt. Yashodhara Madhya Raje Scindia BJP Pradesh Shri A.Ganeshamurthi MDMK Tamil Nadu Shri Shivaji Adhalrao Patil SS Maharashtra Shri C. Sivasami AIADMK Tamil Nadu Shri Sanjay Dina Patil NCP Maharashtra Dr. Sanjeev Ganesh Naik NCP Maharashtra Shri Avtar Singh Bhadana INC Haryana Sri Lanka's Concern over Kudankulam 6549 Unstarred 16.05.2012 External Affairs Shri P.Lingam Project Biosafety CPI Tamil Nadu Energy Studies Health and Sanitation

DIVERSION OF BRAHMAPUTRA WATER 21st March, 2012

LSQ *107

DR. PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL SHRI VISHWA MOHAN KUMAR

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh has expressed their apprehension that China has diverted water of Brahmaputra river which has dried up in Arunachal Pradesh recently; (b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; (c) whether the Government has raised the issue with the Chinese authorities; (d) if so, whether China has denied diversion of river Brahmaputra and construction of large dams in Tibet; and (e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto and the further steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (E) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.107 REGARDING “DIVERSION OF BRAHMAPUTRA WATER” FOR ANSWER ON 21.03.2012

Government is aware of concerns in Arunachal Pradesh in this regard. Government has clarified that changes in river flows are a natural phenomenon dependent on various hydro-meteorological and climatological factors. There has neither been any abnormal rise nor fall in water flow of River Siang. has raised trans-border river issues with the Chinese side on many occasions including at the highest level. During his visit to India in December 2010, the Chinese Premier conveyed that China’s development of upstream areas of the Brahmaputra will never harm downstream interests. Government has ascertained that construction activity on the Brahmaputra River at Zangmu on the Chinese side is a run-of-the-river hydro-electric project which will not adversely impact the downstream areas in India.

SIYANG RIVER 21st March, 2012

LSQ 1364

SHRI HARI MANJHI SHRI RADHA MOHAN SINGH SHRI JAI PRAKASH AGARWAL

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the river Siyang in China originating from Tibet has almost dried up in Arunachal Pradesh due to sudden depleting water level; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether China has diverted the water of said river towards its territory which resulted into the receding water level; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR) (a) to (e) The Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), Government of India clarified that changes in river flows are a natural phenomenon dependent on various hydro-meteorological and climatological factors. There has been neither any abnormal rise nor fall in water flow of River Siyang. India has raised trans-border river issues with the Chinese side on many occasions and at the highest level. During his visit to India in December 2010, the Chinese Premier conveyed that China’s development of upstream areas of Brahmaputra will never harm downstream interests. Government has ascertained that construction activity on Brahmaputra River at Zangmu on the Chinese side is a run-of-the-river hydro-electric project which will not adversely impact the downstream areas in India.

NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT 25th April, 2012

LSQ 3401

SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY SHRI ABDUL RAHMAN SHRI CHANDRE D.B.GWDA

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Prime Minister went on a visit to South Korea to attend the Nuclear Security Summit in the month of March, 2012; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the other countries which participated in the Summit; (d) whether during his stay at Seoul, he held discussions with Heads/representatives of other countries; and (e) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) to (c) Prime Minister visited Seoul to attend the Second Nuclear Security Summit from 26-27 March 2012. The Summit was attended by 53 countries (Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, Ukraine, USA and Vietnam) and four international organisations (UN, IAEA, INTERPOL and EU). The Summit adopted a Communiqué. (d) to (e) On 25 March 2012, Prime Minister held meetings with the President of the Republic of Korea which covered bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest. The two sides signed an agreement on simplifying visa procedures. Prime Minister also held bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Italy, Norway and Turkey. During the Nuclear Security Summit, Prime Minister also met leaders of other countries.

SETTING UP OF BANK BY BRICS NATIONS 2nd May, 2012

LSQ 4300

SHRI PRABODH PANDA SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV SHRI GAJANAN DHARMSHI BABAR SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI SHRI MANICKA TAGORE SHRI UDAY PRATAP SINGH SHRI DINESH CHANDRA YADAV SHRI ANTO ANTONY SHRI RAJIV RANJAN (LALAN) SINGH KUNWAR REWATI RAMAN SINGH SHRI J. M. AARON RASHID SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY SHRI GOPINATH PANDURANG MUNDE SMT. YASHODHARA RAJE SCINDIA SHRI A.GANESHAMURTHI SHRI SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL SHRI C. SIVASAMI SHRI SANJAY DINA PATIL

DR. SANJEEV GANESH NAIK SHRI AVTAR SINGH BHADANA

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the discussions held/decisions taken/ agreements signed on checking of terrorism, nuclear programmes and multilateral loan facility at the recently held BRICS Summit in New Delhi; (b) the timeframe prescribed for the implementation of the decisions taken at the said Summit; (c) the benefits likely to accrue to India and the extent to which trade among BRICS nations would improve on implementation of the decisions taken at the Summit; (d) whether the BRICS nations have decided to examine the viability of a development bank for developing countries and if so, the details thereof including the modalities worked out in this regard; (e) whether any BRICS nation has opposed this move and if so, the details thereof alongwith the alternative suggested by that nation in this regard; (f) whether the Government has examined the feasibility of a multilateral agency modelled on the lines of the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank to generate resources for funding infrastructure and core sector projects in the BRICS nations as well as other emerging economics; and (g) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) At the 4th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi on 29 March 2012, the Leaders reaffirmed determination to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries in countering terrorism with the United Nations having a central role in coordinating international action against terrorism and within the framework of the UN Charter and in accordance with principles and norms of international law. The Leaders emphasized the need for an early finalization of the draft of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and its adoption by all UN Member States. In the context of nuclear energy, the Leaders emphasized that international cooperation in the development of safe nuclear energy for peaceful purposes should proceed under conditions of strict observance of relevant safety standards and requirements concerning design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants. The Leaders also stressed the essential role of International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] in the joint efforts of the international community towards enhancing nuclear safety standards. As regards multilateral loan facility, the Leaders called upon the World Bank to give greater priority to mobilising resources and meeting the needs of development finance while reducing lending costs and adopting innovative lending tools. The Leaders also considered the possibility of setting up a new BRICS-led Development Bank for mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries and directed their Finance Ministers to examine the feasibility and viability of this initiative and report back at the next Summit. (c) India attaches high importance to its engagement with BRICS as a platform for coordination, consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues having global as well as regional significance, as well as issues of political and economic global governance. The Action Plan endorsed at the Summit covers a wide-ranging agenda of coordination and cooperation amongst BRICS in taking intra-BRICS cooperation forward in a number of sectors including in Agriculture, Health, S&T, trade & investments, renewable energy resources as well as on energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, urban infrastructure development, etc. BRICS members posses wealth of knowledge, know-how, capacities and best practices that we can share with each other and build meaningful cooperation to mutual benefit for our peoples. Two Agreements, (i) Master Agreement on Extending Credit Facility in Local Currencies, and (ii) BRICS Multilateral Letter of Credit Confirmation Facility Agreement signed at the Summit by BRICS EXIM/Development Banks are enabling agreements subject to national country regulations having the potential to enhance cooperation amongst the BRICS Development Banks, reduce intra-BRICS trade transaction costs, and promote intra-BRICS trade. (d) to (g) BRICS nations have agreed to examine the feasibility and viability of setting up a new Development Bank for mobilizing resources through recycling surplus savings for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other developing countries. The BRICS Finance Ministers will examine this initiative further and report their findings at the next Summit.

SRI LANKA S CONCERN OVER KUDANKULAM PROJECT 16th May, 2012

LSQ 6549

SHRI P. LINGAM SHRI SAI PRATHAP ANNAYYAGARI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether Sri Lanka has expressed its concern over the possible impact of radiation from Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant on the island nation; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the reaction of the Union Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) There have been reports in the media regarding concerns expressed by the Sri Lankan Minister for Power on the Kudankulam nuclear power plant. The Sri Lankan Minister, however, clarified that his comments had been mis-reported and that the Government of Sri Lanka was not planning to take up the matter at the International Atomic Energy Agency as reported in the media. In a separate statement, the Chairman of the Sri Lankan Atomic Energy Authority Dr. R.L. Wijayawardana has said that “the Sri Lankan Government has neither opposed nor registered their protest for any Nuclear Power Plant on Indian soil”. (c) Does not arise.

INDIA-JAPAN ENERGY DIALOGUE 19th December, 2012

LSQ 4334

DR. PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether India and Japan had 6th Round of Energy Dialogue in Tokyo recently; (b) if so, the details thereof including the focus areas of discussions; (c) whether Japan has agreed to share its nuclear technology and expertise with India; and (d) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) The sixth meeting of the India-Japan Energy Dialogue between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan, was held in Tokyo on 10 October 2012. The areas of discussion included cooperation in energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, electricity, coal, petroleum and natural gas, and nuclear energy.

(c) & (d) On 25 June 2010, the Government of Japan announced its decision to commence negotiations with the Government of India on an Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Three rounds of negotiations have been held so far.