Warangal: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) responded on Monday to questions raised by Congress MP Kadiyam Kavya of Warangal during Lok Sabha’s Question Hour in the Winter Session. The MP had asked whether an ecological impact study of illegal sand mining in the former Warangal district and along the Godavari riverbank had been conducted; for an update on afforestation under the National Mission for a Green India (GIM); what protective measures are in place for Pakhal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary; and how eco tourism in Warangal’s forest areas is being funded.
Union minister Bhupender Yadav confirmed that the ecological impact study on illegal sand mining along the Godavari has been completed. He added that the Central government is bolstering state enforcement through policy measures and technological support in collaboration with the ministry of mines. To curb illegal activities and promote sustainable practices, the MoEFCC has issued the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines (SSMMG) 2016 and the Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining (EMGSM) 2020.
On afforestation, the minister noted that while GIM projects are active in Warangal, Telangana has not yet submitted its state implementation plan. He also highlighted that the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notification around Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary regulate mining and pollution in the area. Based on inputs from the state’s forest department, the Central government has taken multiple measures to protect Pakhal Lake and the sanctuary from encroachment and contamination.
Regarding funding, Yadav said that Rs 2.74 crore has been allocated under the Haritha Nidhi scheme for eco restoration at Pakhal. The Telangana Pollution Control Board is also conducting monthly water quality testing at the lake under the National Water Monitoring Programme. Although MoEFCC issued guidelines for sustainable eco tourism in forest and wildlife areas in 2021 and provides financial assistance through the Centrally sponsored “Development of Wildlife Habitats” scheme, the minister clarified that no funds have been earmarked specifically for eco tourism in Telangana under this scheme in the past year or the current year.
