HC Deb 26 June 1991 vol 193 cc475-6W
Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of the Minister for Overseas Development on 12 June,Official Report, column 570, whether the independent team appointed to review the Narmada dam will include in its review consideration of proposals to (a) lower the height of the dam by 67 ft in order to reduce submersion and displacement by half and (b) resettlement and rehabilitation of 50,000 people displaced by irrigation channels in Gujarat, in addition to resettlement of oustees in Madyha Pradesh.

Mrs. Chalker

The World bank has informed us that the independent review team's terms of reference will not cover consideration of proposals to lower the height of the Sardar Sarovar dam. The team will consider all resettlement proposals. Bank staff estimate that the number of people affected by irrigation channels will be around 5,000 to 10,000.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether detailed plans have now been drawn up on how to provide drinking water for 10 million people from the Sardar Sarovar dam, funded by the World bank.

Mrs. Chalker

Detailed plans have been drawn up for the provision of drinking water for people in the existing townships nearest to the dam; detailed plans are being developed for people in areas further afield.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the proposed compensatory afforestation for the Narmada dam, funded by the World bank,(a) will ensure a continued source of non-timber forest products, as well as that the total number of trees is maintained, (b) will be located close to the areas where forest will be submerged and (c) will be located so as to minimise the effect of the loss of existing forest on the micro-climate in the area.

Mrs. Chalker

Several species of trees will be planted, including those which will provide non-forest products. The total number of trees will be maintained. Afforestation will be close to the areas where forest will be submerged. Trees will be located so as to minimise the effect on the micro-climate of the area.