CHAPTER-III

 

APPRAISAL REPORTS OF MAJOR PROJECTS/PROGRAMMES

COSTING Rs. 100 CRORES OR MORE

 

 

207.        INDIAN COUNCIL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH & EDUCATION (ICFRE),

                DEHRADUN

 

                ICFRE for the X Plan has outlay of Rs. 210.00 crores under plan (Rs. 196.50 crores as general component and Rs. 13.50 crores for research component.  Expenditure upto March, 2004 is Rs. 77.25 crores, as shown in the Chapter II.C.I and II.C.2 of the Performance Budget for 2004-05. Expenditure of Rs. 154.75 crores will be incurred upto the end of 10th Plan.

 

ICFRE does not have any mega project costing Rs. 100 crores or more.  However we are running – 249 research projects under plan and 45 new projects were initiated  in the current financial year.  The projects have a budget ranging from  around Rs. 1.00 lac to Rs. 17.00 lac.  New projects were initiated with Emphasis in view of the recent developments in the R & D for oil yielding species, energy plantations and tree improvement activities, and also for lesser known forestry species for multipurpose tree utilization.  The experts felt that more projects with multi disciplinary approach should be handled.

 

The progress of all the projects are satisfactory and being reflected in quarterly performance review of ICFRE.  Some of the significant  research achievements made by ICFRE during 2002-03 and 2003-04 are as – Studies on the pest problems in forest nurseries and their management in arid and semi-arid region, Standardization of seed handling procedures for commercially important medicinal plants of forest eco-systems, Plasticization of palms and bamboo, Mass multiplication technique of Trichogromma spp standardized and their efficacy against key pests of teak forests, Highly insect resistant teak clone Pt-45 identified against Euteclona machaeralis (skeletonizer), DNA fingerprinting in Casuarina and Eucalyptus sp – A strategy for structured DNA fingerprint database management developed, Eight species of family Encyrtidae have been recorded first time.  It is new to the science.

 

 

208.        INTEGRATED FOREST PROTECTION SCHEME

 

Integrated Forest Protection Scheme (IFPS) has been launched during the Xth Plan by merging the two earlier schemes of 'Forest Fire Control and Management (FFCM)' and 'Bridging up of Infrastructural Gaps in Forestry  in NE states and Sikkim'.

 

The main objective of the scheme is to provide central assistance to the state governments  for various activities / works related to forest protection and management. The scheme has two components:-

 

(a)                       Forest Fire Control and Management

(b)                      Strengthening of Infrastructure

 

(i)                   Forest Protection

(ii)                 Survey and Demarcation and Preparation of Working Plans                    

 

The progress of expenditure during the first two years of the plan and the proposed BE for the current FY is indicated in the table below :-

 

                    (Rs. in Crores)

FY

BE

Actual Expenditure

2002-03

65.00

46.69

2003-04

66.00

25.09

2004-05

100.00*

-

2005-06

120.00*

-

2006-07

153.22*

-

 

                      *  Projected figures

The main reason for low expenditure during last year has been change in funding pattern from 100% central assistance to sharing basis (75 : 25).

 

209.        ASSISTANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL PARKS AND SANCTUARIES      

It is an ongoing scheme to facilitate better management of the National Parks and Sanctuaries. National Wildlife Action Plan lays emphasis on setting up of bio-geographically representative network of protected areas for improving the management. As a result today we have 500 sanctuaries and 89 national parks covering an area of 1.568 lakh sq.kms.

 

During the IXth Five Year Plan the objectives of three ongoing schemes namely: Development of National parks and Sanctuaries, Eco development in and around protected areas and Beneficiary oriented Tribal Development Schemes were found to be overlapping and mutually supplementary. It has also been experience in implementation of GEF/UNDP funded India Eco-development project that it is necessary to incorporate eco development activities in the frame work of general management of National parks and sanctuaries. Further, Planning Commission has also issued guidelines to club the schemes having similar objectives. Considering these facts, during the Xth Plan period it was decided to merge the above mentioned three schemes to have a single (umbrella ) scheme in the name "Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries' This scheme include all the activities of these three schemes.

 

Objectives of the scheme: 

               

The main objectives of the Scheme are:

 

1.                    To assist the States and Union Territories in the development of National Parks and Sanctuaries and encourage them to extend this network through financial assistance.

2.                    To create infrastructure facilities for better protection and management of these PAs.

3.                    To provide financial assistance for training, capacity building and research studies.

4.                    To provide alternatives for bio-resources from PAs and for sustenance to the communities living on the fringes of national parks and sanctuaries.

5.                    To improve the ecological productivities for the buffer zones of PAs through the introduction of sustainable resources amelioration activities.

6.                    To engender the active involvement of these communities in protecting these sanctuaries and national parks and their wildlife through a well designed package of activities aimed at providing sustenance to them and mitigate their hardships.

7.                    To minimise conflict between these communities ad protection staff.

8.                    Relocation and rehabilitation of the people living inside the protected areas to outside.

 

 

Allocation  during  Xth Plan:                   Rs. 350.00 crores.

 

Pattern of funding:

 

 100% assistance is provided for non-recurring item of expenditure for both national parks and sanctuaries.

 

50% cost of recurring expenditure is also provided for National parks where the State Govt. provides 50% of the matching share.

 

National parks and sanctuaries in high mountain regions, coastal zones and deserts and supporting large number of endangered species like Snow leopard, Red panda, Rhino, Sanghai deer, Phary's leaf monkey, Musk deer, Hangul, Great Indian Bustard, Marine  Turtle are  also eligible for 100% central assistance for both recurring and non recurring items for expenditure including salary of incremental staff.

 

210.        PROJECT TIGER

 

                Project Tiger is a centrally sponsored continuing scheme. Focused project has a holistic approach for conserving the eco-system in its totality by focusing initiatives on the flagship species — tiger.

 

                                Project Tiger was launched in 1973 with an objective “to ensure maintenance of a viable population of Tigers in India for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values and to preserve for all time areas of biological importance as a national heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people”.

 

The Project has been successfully implemented, and at present there are twenty seven Tiger Reserves in seventeen  states,  covering an area of 37761 sq. km. The selection of reserves was guided by the need to conserve unique ecosystem/habitat types across the geographic distribution of tigers in the country. Project Tiger is indisputably the custodian of major gene pool of the country and a repository of some of the most valuable ecosystem and habitats for wildlife.  

 

For the purpose of management, tiger reserves are constituted on a ‘core – buffer’ strategy. In core area, forestry operations, collection of minor forest produce, grazing, human settlement and other biotic disturbances are not allowed and is singularly oriented towards conservation. The buffer zone is managed  as a ‘multiple use area’ with conservation oriented land use,  having the twin objectives of providing habitat supplement to the spillover population of wild animals from the core,  apart from facilitating site  specific  eco developmental inputs to stake holder communities. The main thrust of  the project is protection and mitigation of deleterious biotic impacts with a view to comprehensively revive the natural ecosystem in the reserves for  fostering  a viable  population of tigers, co-predators and herbivore.

               

                This is  an ongoing  project and is continued in the      X Five Year  Plan. Preservation of threatened species, establishment of a network of protected areas, their maintenance and development have been accorded high priority in the National Wildlife Action Plan. In pursuance of this and as detailed above, the scheme has been continued in the X Five Year Plan, alongwith the merger of two existing  schemes (eco-development and beneficiary oriented tribal development) with their original components of activities.

 

Nature of the scheme :

 

                This is a centrally sponsored (Plan) scheme. As stated earlier, 100% Central assistance would be provided for non-recurring expenditure and 50% Central assistance would be  provided for recurring ones.     The major  non-recurring activities are construction of buildings, development of communication - road, wireless etc., purchase  of  various equipments, scientific items, protections, development of water facilities, eco-development works, shifting of villages and cattle, miscellaneous tools, development of veterinary research and compensation to the legal heirs of staff/person killed while performing official duty of Tiger Reserve, and any other non-recurring item specific to the Tiger Reserves. The recurring activities are allowance of the staff, habitat improvement, salt lick, water facilities, fire protection, maintenance of various items, publicity and extension, protection measures and legal assistance for dealing with wildlife offences and any other item, recurring in nature, specific to the Tiger Reserve.

 

Achievements/Returns expected - other economic implications :

 

                The Project would be completing three eventful decades shortly. It has been acclaimed internationally as one of  the  greatest conservation ventures  in modern times, not only for putting the tiger on an assured course of recovery from the brink of extinction, but more for saving the  floral and faunal genetic diversity in some of our unique and endangered wilderness areas. The adoption of a total ecosystem approach has resulted in an overall improvement of habitat, an increase in number of wildlife with better dispersal leading to efficacious utilisation of habitat in the tiger reserves.

 

                The activities under the Project generate employment for both regular personnel and daily wagers. Among the regular personnel are senior technical officers and field professionals besides staff for protection and enforcement. Both protection and developmental activities under the project are labour intensive and generate considerable employment for rural communities in the interior forest areas. The scheme, thus, provides substantial employment opportunities.

 

                Apart from direct employment opportunities, indirect benefits like  arresting of erosion, enrichment of water regime, regeneration of grass and ground flora provide are useful to animals and communities in neighborhood.

               

                Further the eco development inputs in the project would reduce dependency of indigenous stakeholder communities dwelling on the fringes of Tiger Reserve and ensure their socio-economic welfare to elicit support for conservation.

               

Funds Allocation/Expenditure:

 

                                The allocation for the Project during the Xth plan period is Rs. 150 Crores.

 

 

211.     NATIONAL AFFORESTATION & ECO-DEVELOPMENT BOARD

 

National Afforestation & Eco‑development Board has one programme costing Rs. 100 crores or more.  The National Afforestation Programme has been launched during the year 2002-03.  The objectives of the programme are as under:-

1.1          Short term objectives:‑

    -       Regeneration and eco‑development of degraded forests and adjoining areas on a watershed basis.

                -            Augmentation of the availability of fuelwood, fodder and grasses from the regenerated areas.

                -            Securing people's participation in planning and regeneration efforts to ensure sustainability and equitable distribution of forest products from the regenerated lands, and to promote the partnership concept in the management and administration of forests and common property resources.

                -            Promote agro-forestry and development of Common Property Resources.

                -            Promotion of fuel saving devices to encourage efficient use of fuel -wood  and to reduce the drudgery of rural women involved in collection of wood, as also to improve the environment.

                -            Conservation and improvement of non-timber forest produce such as bamboo, cane and medicinal plants

-                   Encourage production of non-timber products such as wax, honey, fruits and nuts from the regenerated areas.

-                   Raising coastal shelterbelts to mitigate the adverse impacts of cyclonic winds. 

                -            Develop water resources through plantation and water harvesting programme.

                -            Development and extension of improved technologies such as clonal propagation and use of root trainers for raising seedlings, mycorrhizal inoculation, etc.

                -            Rehabilitation of special problem lands like saline/alkaline soils, ravines, desert areas, coastal areas, mined areas, Himalayas, Aravallis and Western Ghats.

                -            Employment generation for the disadvantaged sections of society, particularly women, scheduled castes/scheduled tribes and landless rural labourers, inhabiting the forests and adjoining areas.

 

        1.1.2               Long‑term objectives:

                -            Protection, Conservation of natural resources through active involvement of the people.

                -            Checking land degradation, deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

                -            Ecological restoration and environmental conservation and eco‑development,

                -            Evolving village level people’s organisation which can manage the natural resources in and around villages in a sustainable manner,

                -            Fulfilment of the broader objectives of productivity, equity, and sustainability for the general good of the people.

                -            Improve quality of life and self-sustenance aspect of people living in and around forest areas.

-            Capability endowment and skill enhancement for improving employability  of the rural people.

 

 

212.        NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION DIRECTORATE

 

 

1.             National River Conservation Plan

 

NRCP scheme covers 31 stretches of polluted rivers in 157 towns in 18 States  The present approved cost of NRCP is Rs. 4688 crore.    

 

2              Ganga Action Plan Phase(GAP) II

 

(i)            The present approved cost of GAP Phase II is Rs.2285.48 crore against which an amount of Rs. 804.06 crore has been released to implementing agencies as on 31.03.2004.

 

(ii)           The current status of various components of GAP Phase II is as follows:

 

(a)           Yamuna Action Plan (YAP)

 

(i)            YAP presently covers pollution abatement works in 21 towns.  The approved cost of YAP is Rs. 509.45 crore (including establishment) of which an expenditure of Rs. 474.32 crore has been incurred by the State so far.  Works under JBIC assisted package in original 15 towns has already been completed. A treatment capacity of 738 million litres per day (mld) has been created.  Works in the additional 6 towns in Haryana, which are not covered under the JBIC assistance, are in different stages of completion. Of the 13 schemes of pollution abatement sanctioned, 4 schemes have been completed.

 

(ii)           Because of savings in JBIC assistance, additional pollution abatement works of short gestation period amounting to Rs. 222.60 crore were approved in May, 2001.  The break-up of the estimated cost is Rs. 22.28 crore for Haryana, Rs. 166.62 crore for Delhi and Rs. 29.65 crore for U.P.  In addition, an amount of Rs. 4.05 crore has been provided for fees payable to Indo-Japanese consultants consortium.   While in the case of Delhi, the works primarily relate to low cost sanitation/community toilets in slums, regularised and resettlement colonies in rural and urban villages, in the case of Haryana and U.P., the projects include items such as additional pumps, diesel generator sets, additional sludge drying beds etc.  The expenditure incurred so far by State Governments under this package is Rs.  200.27 crore by the State.  All the works have been completed under this package.  The JBIC loan agreement has expired on 19.2.2003.

 

(iii)          Together with this additional package the total cost of Yamuna Action Plan stands at Rs. 732.05 crore.  This includes cost of establishment.

 

(iv)          In order to address further problem of water pollution of river Yamuna, additional pollution abatement works in the States of Delhi, Haryana and U.P. have been approved at a cost of Rs.624 crore.   

 

v                  Cost of works under YAP-II  to be shared between Govt. of India and State Governments in the ratio of 85:15 i.e Rs.530 crore Central Share and 94 crore States share.

 

v                  Cost of works to be executed in the three States comprises of :

 

(Rs. in crore)

Delhi

387.17

U.P.(Nine Towns)

124.13

Haryana (Eight Towns)

62.50

Miscellaneous

(WQM, Capacity building Consultancy etc. )

52.20

 

v                  Main components to be implemented under the project are :

 

Delhi

STP (135 mld capacity new and 324 mld capacity rehabilitation)

 

Rehabilitation/replacement of trunk sewers(30.82 kms.)

U.P.

STP (38 mld capacity new)

Sewer line (73 kms.)

Rising Main (12.70 kms)

Haryana

Sewer lines (73 kms) & improvement in efficiency of existing STPs

 

v                  The project completion period is 5 years i.e September, 2008.

 

v                  Expenditure on GOI share (Rs.530 crore) will be met out of the outlay as follows :

 

X Plan                    :               Rs.255.00 crore

XI Plan                   :               Rs.275.00 crore

 

v                  The execution of works is expected to start after appointment of consultants for the project is done.

 

(v)                 In addition to the Yamuna Action Plan of the Ministry of Environment & Forests,  the Government of NCT of Delhi has also taken up large scale sewerage and sewage treatment plant works out of its own plan funds. 

 

 

(b)           Ganga Action Plan (Main Stem)

 

Under this component pollution abatement works have been taken up in 59 towns.  Of these, 10 are in Uttranchal, 12  in U.P., 13 in Bihar, 1 in Jharkhand and 23 in West Bengal.  The total approved cost of works under this component is Rs.682.11 crore against  which works amounting to Rs.350.62 crore sanctioned and an amount of Rs.146 crore has been released to the implementing agencies.  The expenditure incurred by the implementing agencies till 31.08.2003 is Rs.115.06 crore. 

 

(c)           Gomti Action Plan

 

The proposal for 2nd phase of Gomti Action Plan at Lucknow has been  approved by GOI in April 2003 for Rs.263.26 crore on 70:30 cost sharing basis between the Central and the State Government. Administrative Approval & Expenditure Sanction for the project has already been issued with works valued at Rs.263.04 crore.. 

 

(d)           Damodar Action Plan

 

Pollution abatement works have been sanctioned in 12 towns.  Of these, 8 are in Jharkhand and 4 in West Bengal.   The total approved cost of works is Rs.22.41 crore out of which the amount approved for Jharkhand is Rs.10.22 crore and for West Bengal is Rs.12.19 crore. In Jharkhand, 4 scheme of Low Cost Sanitation have been sanctioned at a cost of Rs.41.44 lakhs against which the expenditure incurred is 8.27 lakhs. In West Bengal 7 schemes have been sanctioned for an amount of Rs.75.55 lakhs against which the expenditure incurred is Rs.53.98 lakhs by the states. In West Bengal 3 schemes has been completed so far.    

                                                                                                                                             

5.             National Lake Conservation Plan  (NLCP)

 

5.1           The activities under NLCP include the following:-

 

(i)                   Prevention of pollution from point sources by intercepting, diverting and treating the pollution loads entering the lake.

(ii)                 In situ measures of lake cleaning such as Desilting, Deweeding, Bioremediation, constructed wetland approach etc. depending upon the site conditions.

 

(iii)                Catchment area treatment and lake beautification which may include bunding, fencing, creation of facilities  for public recreation and entertainment(children park, boating etc.) and public area.

(iv)               Other activities depend upon location specific conditions  including the interface with human population.

 

 

A total outlay of Rs. 220 crore has been approved for NLCP  during the X Plan with an annual outlay of  Rs. 45 crore in the current financial year.

 

The approval of the Government was accorded on 31st May 2001 for financing conservation and management plans of Powai Lake in Mumbai (Maharashtra), Ooty and Kodiakanal Lakes in Tamil Nadu under NLCP.  Subsequent to the approval of Powai, Ooty & Kodaikanal conservation and management plans for 23 more lakes under 12 projects have been approved with an outlay of Rs. 125 crore.  The approved projects are as follows:-

 

Lake

Approved Cost

Date of Approval

 

4 lakes of Bangalore namely, Vengaiahkere, Kamakshilpya,

Nagavara and Jarganahalli

Rs. 12.32 crore                            

06/12/2002

Mansagar(Rajasthan)                                                                                                                                                                                         

 

Rs. 22.89 crore

Revised to Rs.24.72 crores

05/09/2002

Revised to 23/12/2002            

Rabindra Sarovar(West Bengal)       

Rs. 6.96 crore

03/09/2002

9 lakes in Thane(Maharashtra)         

Rs. 2.53 crore                                              

26/12/2002

Bellandur Lake(Karnataka)                                

Rs. 5.542 crore

 

Kotekere Lake(Karnataka) 

Rs. 5.64 crore

23/01/2003

Powai Lake(Maharashtra)                                                  

Rs. 6.62 crore

08/06/2001

Ooty Lake(Tamil Nadu)                                                      

Rs. 1.95 crore

27/06/2001

Kodaikanal(Tamil Nadu)                                    

Rs. 6.33 crore

21/12/2001

4 Lakes of Nainital District                                                

Rs. 16.85crore

12/06/2003

Nainital Lake (Uttranchal ) 

Rs 47.97 crore             

13/08/2003

Bhishma(Karnataka)                                                           

Rs.  2.50 crore

18/09/2003

Lal Baug(Karnataka)

Rs   1.66 crore

17/12/2003

 

 

213.        ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND TRAINING SCHEME

 

                Environment Education, Awareness and Training Scheme of the Ministry is precisely meant for creating environmental awareness.  Under this scheme, various programmes are conducted every year for creating for creating environmental awareness both through non-formal activities as well as through formal education system.  The following non-formal programmes are handled under the Scheme:

 

-               National Environmental Awareness Campaign.

-               National Green Corps.

-               Seminar/Symposia/Workshops/Conferences.

-               Grant-in-aid to Professional Societies and publication of resource material.

 

                NEAC Programme steadily increased from about 11 organisations in 1986 to almost 8000 organisations in 2003-2004.  Under NGC programme, in all, about 70000 eco clubs have been set-up through out the country.  It is proposed that during the Xth Plan period, the number of eco clubs would be increased to 1,00,000.  It is also proposed to extend the programme to Colleges, through appropriate implementing mechanism.  There are ongoing activities which are likely to be continued in future.  Under the Formal Environment Education sector the Ministry has also taken several initiatives during IXth Plan period.  During the year 2004-05 an amount of Rs. 5.00 crores have been allocated for Greening Environment Education in 10 States.

 

                During the Xth five year Plan, Rs.125.00 crores have been allocated for the scheme.  During the year 2002-03, an amount of Rs.12.00 crores were allocated and the expenditure was Rs.11.80 crores.  For the financial year 2003-04, an amount of Rs.17.00 crores was allocated and expenditure was Rs.17.50 crores.  For the current financial year i.e. 2004-05, an amount of Rs.34.00 crores have been allocated. 

  

214.        TAJ PROTECTION MISSION

               

The EFC Memo giving details of the scheme on Taj Protection Mission was approved in EFC

meeting held on 26.101998 and on 23.2.1999. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the

following 10 schemes of Rs.222.21 crores:-

 

1)       Improvement in Electric Supply at Agra Part.II

2)       Improvement in Electric Supply in and around the rural areas of Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.

3)       Water Supply (Agra)

4)       Water Supply (Mathura-Vrindavan)

5)       Gokul Barrage

6)       Solid Waste Management in Agra City

7)       Storm Water Drainage System (Agra)

8)       Construction of one part of Agra Bye-pass

9)       Widening of Agra Bye-pass

10)     Improvement of Master Plan of roads of Agra city.

 

215.        ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CAPACITY BUILDING TECHNICAL    

               ASSISTANCE PROJECT  (WORLD BANK AIDED)

 

The project on Environmental Management Capacity Building Technical Assistance Project became effectively operational in 1998.  During the year 1998-99 the concerned Executive Agencies responsible for implementation of the respective components remained busy with preparation and finalization for the Project Implementation Plan (PIPs), which were subject to frequent revision at the behest of World Bank before getting finally approved. The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in its meeting held on 23.08.97.  At the time of finalization of the outlay its approved cost was US $ 61.48 million comprising of IDA credit of US $ 50 million and Government of India contribution of US $ 11.48 million (Rs. 221.38 crores).  The project started in September 1997 and its target date of completion was 30th June 2003.  The progress of the Project has been reviewed periodically through periodical Supervision Missions of the World Bank. It was agreed during these Missions that certain components such as (i) Regional Offices of MoEF; (ii) Paryavaran Vahini; (iii) ENVIS Centres; and (iv) Environmental Indicators should be dropped since no progress had been made in their implementation.  The Mid- Term Review concluded in April 2000 and it was felt that considering the last depreciation in the value of the rupees against the dollar the project outlay should be reduced to 45.53 million dollars. The Mission also agreed to include three new components namely Environmental Impact Assessment, Coastal Zone Management Plans and Training of Media in Environmental Journalism. The IDA Mission again reviewed progress of the project and found that in the face of poor expenditure there was still scope for reduction in the outlay and, therefore, the project outlay, came down to 29.62 million dollars. Another Mission of the World Bank visited the Ministry on 7th and 8th December 2000 and discussed the various components about the possible simplification of project procedures and the status of the progress with regard to the various components.  The final amendment to the Development Credit Agreement has been signed by all parties in May-June, 2001.  Soon thereafter another IDA Mission visited India in June, 2001 when ways and means were suggested for accelerated pace of progress to reduce the possibility of physical and financial slippages which have been finally included in the restructured project.  The last visit of IDA Mission was between 7th to 11th October, 2002, when it was found that the reduced outlay of $ 29.62 million be utilized by the end of the project on30-6-2003.  Since some of the activities under a few components including that of IPP Project could not be completed by the original scheduled date of closure  of the project on 30.6.2003, the duration of the project has been extended upto 30.6.2004 with the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs with a view to fully achieving objectives of the project.