global warming - rajya sabha 1995-2013wwfenvis.nic.in/files/global warming - rajya sabha...

Global Warming – Highlighted in Rajya Sabha from 2005 to till date (Monsoon Session, 2013

1 Compiled by ENVIS Centre, WWF‐India 10/8/2013

Q.NO. Q.Type Date Ministry Member Subject

2027 UNSTARRED 29.08.2013 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA

Global warming impact on Himalayan glacier

3618 UNSTARRED 29.04.2013 EARTH SCIENCES SHRI TARUN VIJAY Rains and floods due to global warming


SHRI HISHEY LACHUNGPA Global warming

3127 UNSTARRED 23.04.2013 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI N. BALAGANGA

Impact of global warming in the country

1580 UNSTARRED 12.03.2013 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI N. BALAGANGA

Impact of global warming on flora and fauna


SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY

Impact of Global Warming on the Himalayas

781 UNSTARRED 30.11.2012 AGRICULTURE SHRI BHUPENDER YADAV Effect of global warming

194 STARRED 24.08.2012 AGRICULTURE SHRI BHUPENDER YADAV Impact of global warming

4974 UNSTARRED 22.05.2012 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI N. BALAGANGA UN Report on global warming

4681 UNSTARRED 18.05.2012 AGRICULTURE

SHRI BHARATSINH PRABHATSINH PARMAR Global warming

321 STARRED 27.04.2012 AGRICULTURE SHRI A. ELAVARASAN Impact of global warming on agriculture


SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA Combating global warming


SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA

Human induced global warming


SHRI PARSHOTTAM KHODABHAI RUPALA

Effect of global warming on Gujarat coast line


SHRI T.M. SELVAGANAPATHI

Impact of global warming onforests

469 UNSTARRED 25.11.2011 AGRICULTURE SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA

III effects of Global warming on production of crops

223 STARRED 11.03.2011 AGRICULTURE SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON BASMATI RICE

2642 UNSTARRED 03.12.2010 AGRICULTURE SHRI MOHAMMED ADEEB

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI PARSHOTTAM KHODABHAI RUPALA

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HUMAN BODY AND AGRICULTURE .


SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT GLOBAL WARMING .


DR. JANARDHAN WAGHMARE

GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE .

1557 UNSTARRED 11.03.2010 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DR. GYAN PRAKASH PILANIA

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING .




SHRI BALAVANT ALIAS BAL APTE

PRESSURE FROM WESTERN COUNTRIES ON GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA

ASSESSMENT OF SCIENTIFIC REPORTS ON GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE


SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA GLOBAL WARMING .


PROF. ALKA BALRAM KSHATRIYA

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON GLACIERS .

1084 UNSTARRED 30.11.2009 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI SANJAY RAUT



SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA

WORLD BANK REPORT ON GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI BHAGIRATHI MAJHI

STEPS TO DECELERATE GLOBAL WARMING .

327 UNSTARRED 23.11.2009 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI TARIQ ANWAR



SHRI GIREESH KUMAR SANGHI GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI BALAVANT ALIAS BAL APTE

THREAT OF EXODUS BY GLOBAL WARMING .

322 STARRED 27.07.2009 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH

LIVES LOST DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR

THREATS OF GLOBAL WARMING .

2292 UNSTARRED 24.07.2009 AGRICULTURE SHRIMATI JAYA BACHCHAN

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON CROPS .


SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA GLOBAL WARMING .

955 UNSTARRED 25.02.2009 EARTH SCIENCES SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR

STUDY ON IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI A. VIJAYARAGHAVAN

TACKLING GLOBAL WARMING .

432 UNSTARRED 19.02.2009 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS DR. K. MALAISAMY

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON GLACIERS .


SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA

ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING .

1909 UNSTARRED 18.12.2008 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR GLOBAL WARMING

1749 UNSTARRED 17.12.2008 EARTH SCIENCES SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT

RISE IN WATER LEVEL OF OCEANS DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING .

1258 UNSTARRED 12.12.2008 AGRICULTURE SHRI SHIVANAND TIWARI

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON AGRICULTURAL



PRODUCTION .

3271 UNSTARRED 24.04.2008 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS PROF. P.J. KURIAN

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON THE ECONOMY .

2973 UNSTARRED 22.04.2008 CULTURE SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HISTORICAL MONUMENTS .

401 STARRED 22.04.2008 WATER RESOURCES SHRI T.T.V. DHINAKARAN

THREAT OF GLOBAL WARMING .

373 STARRED 17.04.2008 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI GLOBAL WARMING .


DR.(SMT.) NAJMA A. HEPTULLA

FRAME WORK TO CURB GLOBAL WARMING .

232 UNSTARRED 28.02.2008 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI

INCREASE IN GLOBAL WARMING .

313 STARRED 06.12.2007 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR

RAPID RISE IN GLOBAL WARMING


SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI

SOCIO ECONOMIC AREAS OF GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT


308 STARRED 06.12.2007 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI SHAHID SIDDIQUI GLOBAL WARMING


SHRI SHARAD ANANTRAO JOSHI

MONITORING OF THREAT POSED BY GLOBAL WARMING

466 UNSTARRED 22.11.2007 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI MANOHAR JOSHI

WARNING OF GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR

NATIONAL POLICY FOR GLOBAL WARMING .

2498 UNSTARRED 06.09.2007 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR GLOBAL WARMING .

1993 UNSTARRED 31.08.2007 AGRICULTURE DR. BARUN MUKHERJEE

ADVERSE EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON AGRICULTURE .


SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR

IMPACT OF LARGE DAMS ON GLOBAL WARMING .

1041 UNSTARRED 21.08.2007 WATER RESOURCES SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH GLOBAL WARMING AND HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECTS .

744 UNSTARRED 20.08.2007 EARTH SCIENCES SHRI C. RAMACHANDRAIAH

RESEARCH STUDIES ON GLOBAL WARMING


SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL CRISIS OF GLOBAL WARMING .

490 UNSTARRED 16.08.2007 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI SURENDRA LATH

DECLINE OF FOOD PRODUCTION DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING .

136 UNSTARRED 13.08.2007 EARTH SCIENCES SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI DANGER OF GLOBAL WARMING .

137 UNSTARRED 13.08.2007 EARTH SCIENCES SHRI JAI PARKASH THREAT OF GLOBAL



AGGARWAL WARMING .

4124 UNSTARRED 14.05.2007 EARTH SCIENCES DR. K. MALAISAMY U.N. PANEL REPORT ON GLOBAL WARMING


SHRI MAHENDRA MOHAN

STUDY ON IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI MAHENDRA MOHAN



SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA GLOBAL WARMING .

3211 UNSTARRED 04.05.2007 AGRICULTURE SHRI JANARDHANA POOJARY

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION .

3256 UNSTARRED 04.05.2007 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON INDIA .

3205 UNSTARRED 04.05.2007 AGRICULTURE SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI

TACKLING GLOBAL WARMING EFFECTS ON AGRICULTURE .

2108 UNSTARRED 19.03.2007 EARTH SCIENCES SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL

STUDY ON GLOBAL WARMING .

2181 UNSTARRED 19.03.2007

NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DR. K. MALAISAMY

SOLUTION OF GLOBAL WARMING .


SHRI SHANTARAM LAXMAN NAIK

DAMAGE TO ENVIRONMENT DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING .

573 UNSTARRED 05.03.2007 EARTH SCIENCES SHRI SHREEGOPAL VYAS

AREAS AFFECTED BY GLOBAL WARMING .

468 UNSTARRED 02.03.2007 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING IN ASSAM AND BENGAL .

1175 UNSTARRED 04.12.2006 EARTH SCIENCES SHRI RAHUL BAJAJ

SSESSMENT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON INDIAN CLIMATES .


SHRI BALAVANT ALIAS BAL APTE GLOBAL WARMING .

3368 UNSTARRED 23.12.2005 AGRICULTURE SHRIMATI SUKHBUNS KAUR

ADAPTATION OF AGRICULTURE TO GLOBAL WARMING .

1324 UNSTARRED 05.08.2005 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI R.S. GAVAI

ADVERSE EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HIMALAYAN GLACIER .

71 STARRED 28.07.2005 EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SHRI R.S. GAVAI DISCUSSION ON GLOBAL WARMING IN G SUMMIT .

189 UNSTARRED 03.12.2004 AGRICULTURE SHRI S.P.M. SYED KHAN

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON RICE PRODUCTION .

363 UNSTARRED 21.02.2003 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI BALKAVI BAIRAGI

GLOBAL WARMING DUE TO AIR TRAFFIC


SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA GLOBAL WARMING .




SHRI P.PRABHAKAR REDDY



SHRI K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY GLOBAL WARMING .


PROF. VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA

PREDICTION OF GLOBAL WARMING

2187 UNSTARRED 18.12.1998 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SHRI S.M. KRISHNA

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GLOBAL WARMING .

1833 UNSTARRED 12.06.1998 ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS Dr. Y. LAKSHMI PRASAD

EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON FORESTS IN WESTERN GHATS .


SHRI PREM CHAND GUPTA GLOBAL WARMING .

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2027 ANSWERED ON‐29.08.2013 Global warming impact on Himalayan glacier 2027 . SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA (a) whether it is a fact that the global warming has an impact on Himalayan glacier; (b) if the Himalayan glacier and Antarctica ice shelf melt and fall on sea, whether there would be any adverse impact on Indian subcontinent; and (c) whether Government has any information in this regard and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) As per the studies conducted by the Geological Survey of India, the glaciers in Himalayan region are receding at varying rates in different regions. As per these findings, recession of glaciers could be the result from natural cyclic processes and other factors including, inter‐alia, global warming. (b) & (c) No such studies have so far been carried out to address such issues. ***** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3618 ANSWERED ON‐29.04.2013 Rains and floods due to global warming



3618 . SHRI TARUN VIJAY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3618 TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2013 RAINS AND FLOODS DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING 3618. SHRI TARUN VIJAY: Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state: (a) whether unprecedented rains and floods in various parts of the country are due to global warming; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether Government has done any study on global warming and its effects caused on the country; and (d) the details of action plan formulated by Government to deal with the said problem? ANSWER ANSWER MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY) (a) There is no clear cause and effect established between global warming and excessive rains and floods. (b) Does not arise. (c) Yes Sir. 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 (IPCC‐AR4, 2007) 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 in 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 total frequency of cyclonic storms that form over the Bay of Bengal has remained almost constant. (iv) Analysis of past tide gauge records for the Indian coastline regions gives an estimate of sea level rise of 1.30 mm/year. (v) There is evidence that glaciers in Himalayas are receding, however it is unclear as to how much of this recession is attributable to climate change, as glacial retreat is also due to natural long‐term inter‐glacial cycles. (vi) 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). (d) Further, the Government has undertaken the following steps in the area of climate Change: (i) Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change has been constituted to coordinate national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change. (ii) Under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), it is proposed to establish a permanent institutional mechanism that will play a development and coordination role. The NAPCC was released by the Prime Minister on 30th June 2008. (iii) Under the NAPCC, eight missions in specific areas of Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Eco‐system, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic knowledge for Climate Change have been identified as a part of multipronged, long term and integrated strategies for achieving key developmental goals in the context of climate change by appropriately dealing with possible adverse impacts. (iv) Constituted an Expert Committee on Climate Change impacts, which is headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. (v) Launched a high‐priority Programme to address the Science issues of Global and Regional Climate Change (GRCC) with a well‐equipped state‐of‐the‐art Center for Climate Change Research (CCCR) at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, a unit under Earth System Science Organization (ESSO) for inter‐disciplinary research and training in the area of science of climate change. ***** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3120 ANSWERED ON‐23.04.2013 Global warming 3120 . SHRI HISHEY LACHUNGPA (a) whether the global warming is having an adverse impact on daily life of human beings; (b) if so, the details thereof;



(c) whether Government has conducted any study in this regard; (d) if so, the outcome thereof; (e) the number of deaths reported during each of the last three years in the country due to direct impact of global warming particularly in North Eastern States including Sikkim, State‐wise; and (f) the funds allocated to combat global warming in the country, State‐wise? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) & (b) According to the Assessment Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), set up jointly by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is an impact of global warming on human system through changing weather patterns (for example, more intense and frequent extreme events) and indirectly through changes in water, air, food quality and quantity, ecosystems, agriculture, economy and increase of the incidents of vector‐borne disease. (c) & (d) A study to assess the impact of climate change on four key sectors of Indian economy, namely agriculture, water, natural ecosystems & biodiversity and health in four climate sensitive regions of India, namely the Himalayan region, the Western Ghats, the Coastal Area and the North‐East Region has been conducted and a report titled “Climate Change and India: A 4X4 Assessment ‐ A Sectoral and Regional Analysis for 2030s” was published in 2010. The study projects a mixed picture of implications for climate parameters and related impacts on the relevant sectors in all four regions. The study also projected overall warming, increase in precipitation variable water yield, change in the composition of the forests, spread of Malaria in new areas and threats of its transmission for longer duration, which are likely to cause adverse impact on the lives of human beings. (e) There is no data available for the country including North Eastern states regarding the number of deaths due to direct impact of global warming. (f) During the 12th Five Year Plan, a new thematic scheme on “Climate Change Action Programme” with an outlay of Rs. 300 crores has been approved to build capacity and support implementation of relevant actions at the national and state level. ******** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3127 ANSWERED ON‐23.04.2013 Impact of global warming in the country 3127 . SHRI N. BALAGANGA (a) whether Government has studied the impact of global warming in the country with respect to India; (b) if so, the details thereof, and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) whether Government proposes to augment the area under forest cover, to tackle the problem of climatic change in the country; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) the details of funds allocated for this purpose during the current plan period?



ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) & (b) A study to assess the impact of climate change on four key sectors of Indian economy, namely Agriculture, Water, Natural Ecosystems & Biodiversity and Health in four climate sensitive regions of India, namely the Himalayan region, the Western Ghats, the Coastal Area and the North‐East Region has been conducted and a report titled “Climate Change and India: A 4X4 Assessment ‐ A Sectoral and Regional Analysis for 2030s” was published in 2010. The study projects a mixed picture of implications for climate parameters and related impacts on the relevant sectors in all four regions. An overall warming for all the regions is projected. It is also projected that all regions will experience an increase in precipitation by 5‐10 days. Water yield is projected to increase in the Himalayan Region whereas it is likely to be variable across the other three regions. Change in the composition of the forests and Net Primary Productivity is projected in all the regions. Malaria is projected to spread in new areas and threats of its transmission are likely to increase for longer duration. (c) to (e) The Green India Mission (GIM) under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) has been launched. The GIM focuses, inter alia, to increase the forest and tree cover in an area of 5 million hectares, improve quality of forest cover in another 5 million hectares area, and enhance forest‐based livelihood, improve eco‐system services, biodiversity, hydrological services and the environmental amelioration. Rs. 2000 crores have been allocated for the Mission during the 12th Five Year Plan. ******* GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1580 ANSWERED ON‐12.03.2013 Impact of global warming on flora and fauna 1580 . SHRI N. BALAGANGA (a) whether Government has constituted an expert committee to go into the phenomenon of global warming and its impact on flora and fauna; (b) if so, the details thereof and the outcome of such a committee; (c) whether Government has taken any action on the recommendations of the committee; and (d) if so, the details thereof, and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) to (d) An expert committee was set up in 2007 under the chairmanship of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India to assess the impacts of climate change in India on various sectors including agriculture, forests and natural ecosystem. The Expert Committee submitted its report in 2008 outlining the initiatives and actions needed in each of sectors to address the likely adverse impacts of climate change. The report has been circulated to the relevant line Ministries for appropriate actions. Many of its recommendations are subsumed in various missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change.



*** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1553 ANSWERED ON‐12.03.2013 Impact of Global Warming on the Himalayas 1553 . SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY (a) whether there has been any study conducted on the impact of Global Warming on the Himalayas; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether there has been a reduction of forest cover depletion over the last three years; and (d) if so, the details thereof and the impact of global warming on forest depletion? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) & (b) A study to assess the impact of climate change on four sectors in four regions of India including Himalayan Region has been undertaken and a report titled “Climate Change and India: 4X4 Assessment ‐ A Sectoral and Regional Analysis for 2030s” was published in 2010 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. As per the report, the mean annual temperature and precipitation for the Himalayan region is projected to increase by 2030 with respect to base year 1970. Drought severity in the region is likely to increase despite extreme precipitation in some areas of the region. Malaria transmission is also likely to increase. (c) & (d) As per the Forest of Survey India report, 2011, total forest cover in the country has increased by 0.11 Million hectares from 60.09 Million hectares in 2007 to 69.20 Million hectare in 2011. *** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐781 ANSWERED ON‐30.11.2012 Effect of global warming 781 . SHRI BHUPENDER YADAV (a) the details of alternate sources of food, Government has envisaged, to make up for the diminishing availability of major grain crops, the details thereof; (b) whether it is a fact that while India will be adversely affected by global warming phenomenon, China will actually experience a surge in crop yield by up to 20 per cent; and (c) whether any plans have been conceptualized for procurement and storage of foodgrains in case of massive scarcity caused by rise in temperature? ANSWER



THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR) (a) Presently there has not been any diminishing availability of food grains in the country. However, the Government is emphasizing the production of alternate sources of food such as course cereals, fruits and vegetables which may supplement the food and nutritional security of the country. The Government accordingly, is implementing schemes namely National Security through Intensive Millets Promotion, National Horticulture Mission, Rastriya Krishi Vigyan Yojana and National Food Security Mission in this regard. (b) Generally, most countries in Asia will be adversely affected by global warming, the effects being moderate (upto 5‐6%) in the short term (upto 2030) and significant (upto 25%) in the medium to long term (2050 and beyond). However, China being a temperate country most models predict that cereals crops like rice in some regions of China (North East, North West and South East coastal Provinces) might increase by 15‐20% (IPCC). While in India, most of the modeling work done by ICAR indicate 4‐6% adverse impacts on yields in the short term (upto 2030). However, the existing adaptation technologies like tolerant varieties and improved crop management can neutralize the short term impacts. (c) There is no massive scarcity of food grains foreseen. However, for contingency requirement, Government of India has in place system for food grain procurement, storage and distribution. ******* GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐194 ANSWERED ON‐24.08.2012 Impact of global warming 194 . SHRI BHUPENDER YADAV (a) whether Government has taken note of the adverse impact of global warming on agriculture in the country, which has manifested unusual trends such as erratic rainfall, shrinking forest cover, rising temperature and increasing food insecurity; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the reaction of Government thereto; (d) whether Government has assessed the impact of global warming on different agro‐climatic zones in the country; (e) if so, the details and outcome thereof, till date; and (f) the measures taken or being taken by Government to meet challenges of global warming and its impact on agricultural production? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE



(SHRI SHARAD PAWAR) (a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. ****** STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (f) of RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 194 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24/08/2012 REGARDING “IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING” _____________________________________________________________________ (a), (b) & (c): All India summer monsoons (June to September) rainfall does not show any significant trend during the last century. However, three subdivisions viz., Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Kerala, show significant decreasing trend and eight subdivisions viz., Gangetic West Bengal, West Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Rayalaseema, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and North Interior Karnataka, show significant increasing trends during last century. A significant increasing trend has been observed in the frequency of heavy rainfall events over the West coast. The mean annual surface air temperature over India has risen by 0.56ºC during 1901‐2009, which is above normal rise over a base period of 1961‐1990. The Government has taken urgent steps to institute Climate Change Division in the Ministries of Environment & Forests (the Nodal Ministry for Climate Change in the Country) and in the Ministry of Agriculture to assess and monitor the changes in the climate scenario. Being a Party to the united National Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Government, as required, has been submitting information (‘national communications’) on green house gas inventory and vulnerability assessment and adaptation, besides an overview of the national circumstances. (d) & (e): The Government of India initiated studies related to Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment through an ICAR ‘Network Project on Climate Change’ (NPCC) consisting of 15 centres in the X Plan and subsequently extended it to 23 centres in the XI Plan across different agro‐climatic zones. Analysis of occurrence of extreme weather events during past six decades has indicated an increasing trend in maximum one‐day precipitation in the west coast of Maharashtra, south Madhya Pradesh, east Bihar, Assam and parts of Karnataka and eastern Uttar Pradesh. At the same time, frequency of occurrence of warmer days has significantly increased in parts of southern Rajasthan, western Madhya Pradesh, southern Chattisgarh, western Gujarat and in parts of peninsular India. Overall, the NPCC studies indicate that climate change may reduce yield of timely sown irrigated wheat by about 6% by 2020. When late and very late sown wheat are taken into consideration, the projected impact could reduce the yield by 18%, if no adaptation measures are followed. Similarly, this study projects 4‐6% reduction in yield of rice and up to 18% in respect of irrigated kharif maize, and 2.5% in rainfed sorghum by the year 2020. (f) As part of the National Action Plan for Climate Change, eight national missions have been proposed. One of them is the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) that has been formulated jointly by Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and Department of Agricultural Research & Education, in active consultation with stakeholders including State Governments. A scheme on ‘National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)’ with an outlay of Rs.350 crores for the period 2010‐12 has been implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The components of the scheme include: (i) strategic research on natural resources, major food crops, livestock, marine and freshwater fisheries for adaption and mitigation; (ii) demonstration of available climate resilient practices on farmers’ field in



100 most vulnerable districts of the country; (iii) strengthen research infrastructure and capacity building for climate change research; and (iv) sponsored research. ******* GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐4974 ANSWERED ON‐22.05.2012 UN Report on global warming 4974 . SHRI N. BALAGANGA (a) whether Government is aware of the United Nations (UN) report on global warming wherein India is ranked amongst the top countries responsible for global warming; (b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of Government thereto; and (c) the steps taken by Government to remedy the situation? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) & (b) As per the information available with the Statistical Division of United Nations and the list of countries by Carbon dioxide emissions prepared by the Centre for Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis (CDIAC), United States of America (USA), which provides information to United Nations, India’s total carbon dioxide emission is 1742698.0 thousand Metric tonnes in 2008 and India is ranked third at global level. India does not have legally binding reduction commitments under Kyoto Protocol. However, Government of India is taking steps voluntarily to reduce Green House Gas emissions. (c) A National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was released on June 30, 2008 to outline India’s strategy to meet the challenge of Climate Change. The NAPCC includes eight Missions in specific area of Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Eco‐system, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic knowledge for Climate Change. The objectives of these Missions are to support India’s policies for sustainable development, by way of promotion of energy efficiency, appropriate mix of fuels and primary energy sources including nuclear, hydro and renewable sources, energy pricing, pollution abatement, afforestation, mass transport, besides differentially higher growth rates of less energy intensive services sectors as compared to manufacturing, results in a relatively Greenhouse Gas benign growth path. ***** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐4681 ANSWERED ON‐18.05.2012 Global warming 4681 . SHRI BHARATSINH PRABHATSINH PARMAR PARSHOTTAM KHODABHAI RUPALA



(a) whether Government is aware that global warming is affecting crop yields, creating crop failure and reducing milk yield of animals; (b) if so, the action taken by Government in this regard; (c) whether information regarding global warming and the effect thereof has been disseminated to enable the representatives of people to help farmers; and (d) the policy initiative contemplated for this? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT) (a) & (b): As per available estimates, despite increase in climatic variabilities attributed to global warming, production of foodgrains has increased from 230.77 million tones (2007‐08) to 244.78 million tones (2010‐11) and during same period milk production has increased from 107.90 million tones to 121.80 million tones due to various advanced technological interventions across the country. (c) & (d): Systematic studies on climate change and its impact on agriculture and allied sectors are relatively few and of recent origin. Assessment of climate change & its impact on agriculture is an on‐going process and there is no conclusive evidence to suggest significant variations in climate change, global warming, and its impact on agricultural productivity. However, for sustaining agricultural growth, even in the wake of changing climatic scenario, Ministry of Agriculture has intensified implementation of various schemes/programmes, namely; Macro Management of Agriculture (MMA), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI) etc. to make Indian agriculture climate resilient by embedding and mainstreaming various adaptation measures. ******* GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐321 ANSWERED ON‐27.04.2012 Impact of global warming on agriculture 321 . SHRI A. ELAVARASAN (a) whether Government is aware of the adverse impact of global warming on agricultural production in developing countries; (b) if so, the details thereof;



(c) whether Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has assessed the impact of global warming on agricultural sector of the country; and (d) if so, the details thereof and the remedial measures taken by Government in this regard? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR) (a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. ****** STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (d) of RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 321 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27/04/2012 REGARDING “IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON AGRICULTURE” _____________________________________________________________________ (a) & (b): There are a number of reports by several organizations and authors about the possible impacts of climate change in general, and rise in temperature in particular, on global agriculture. Publications such as those by Inter‐Governmental Panel on Climate Change (2007) and Universal Ecological Fund (2011) indicate such impacts on some crops in different regions of the world. According to these reports, there will be 14% deficit in global wheat production, 11% in rice and 9% in maize by 2020. They also claim that there will be reduction of up to 50% in rainfed crops in some African countries during 2000‐2020 period. (c) Indian studies conducted under ICAR Network Project on Climate Change (NPCC), however, indicate that climate change may reduce yield of timely sown irrigated wheat by about 6% in 2020. When late and very late sown wheat is taken into consideration, the projected impact could reduce the yield by 18%, if no adaptation measures are followed. Similarly, this study projects 4‐6% reduction in yield of rice and up to 18% in respect of irrigated kharif maize, and 2.5% in rainfed sorghum by the year 2020. (d) As part of the National Action Plan for Climate Change, the Mission Document on National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) has been formulated jointly by Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and Department of Agricultural Research & Education, in active consultation with stakeholders including State Governments, and has been approved in principle by Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change for the XII Plan. A scheme ‘National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)’ with an outlay of Rs. 350 crores for the period 2010‐12 has been implemented by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The components of the scheme include: (i) strategic research on natural resources, major food crops, livestock, marine and freshwater fisheries for adaptation and mitigation; (ii) demonstration of available climate resilient practices on farmers’ field in 100 most



vulnerable districts of the country; (iii) strengthen research infrastructure and capacity building for climate change research; and (iv) sponsored research. ******* GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐10 ANSWERED ON‐13.03.2012 Combating global warming 10 . SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA (a) whether Government is aware that the studies conducted in the Universities like Victoria in British Columbia, Canada stated that even massive conversion of land to forestry would have only a slender benefit against the green house gas problem, because forests are darker than cropland and thus absorb more solar heat, resulting in net warming; (b) if so, apart from preservation of forests and even going ahead with lot more afforestation, what alternatives have been devised to effectively combat the menace of impending global warming ; and (c) the quantum of new forestry undertaken during 2009, 2010 and 2011 both in terms of land‐area and expenditure incurred? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) and (b) The study conducted by Environment Canada and University of Victoria is based on a computer generated model states that there may be little benefits of afforestation, in higher latitudes, owing to the reflective properties of tree crown. However, the study also concluded that avoided deforestation and continued afforestation in the tropics are effective forest management strategies from climate perspective. The study conducted in British Columbia University has no direct relevance to Indian situation, where afforestation is definitely the most effective strategy to mitigate the climate change. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) released on June 30, 2008 outlines eight National Missions in specific areas of Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Eco‐system, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic knowledge for Climate Change, to meet the challenges of Climate Change and enhance the ecological sustainability of India’s development path.

(a) and (b) The study conducted by Environment Canada and University of Victoria is based on a computer generated model states that there may be little benefits of afforestation, in higher latitudes, owing to the reflective properties of tree crown. However, the study also concluded that avoided deforestation and continued afforestation in the tropics are effective forest management strategies from climate perspective. The study conducted in British Columbia University has no direct relevance to Indian situation, where afforestation is definitely the most effective strategy to mitigate the climate change.



The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) released on June 30, 2008 outlines eight National Missions in specific areas of Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic knowledge for Climate Change, to meet the challenges of Climate Change and enhance the ecological sustainability of India’s development path. (c) The approved area and funds released under the National Afforestation Programme (NAP)

during last three years 2008-09 to 2010-11 are as follows:

Year Approved area (in hectares)

Released amount (Rs. In crores)

2008-09 173435 345.62 2009-10 103556 318.17 2010-11 57126 309.99

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2951 ANSWERED ON‐20.12.2011 Human induced global warming 2951 . SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA (a) whether in a Ministry sponsored Paper it has been stated that Human‐induced global warming is much lesser than what the R.K. Pachauri‐headed Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had predicted; (b) if so, whether this assumption is based on a Paper produced by Shir U.R. Rao Former Chairman of ISRO, where he has observed that global warming of 0.75 per cent reported in IPCC report is actually much less i.e. 0.42 per cent; and (c) if so, the views of Government thereon? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) & (b)The Ministry of Environment & Forests published two Discussion Papers in January, 2011 entitled “Contribution of Changing Galactic Cosmic Ray Flux to Global Warming” and “Galactic Cosmic Rays, Low Clouds and Global Warming”. The Discussion Papers examined the issue relating to contribution of changing galactic cosmic rays and low clouds to global warming. According to the Papers, there exists highly persuasive evidence to show that the radiative forcing component due to the decrease in primary cosmic ray intensity during the last 150 years is 1.1 Watt per square meters, which is about 60% of that due to Carbon dioxide increase. The papers suggest that the future prediction of global warming presented by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change requires relook in view of the effect due to long term changes in the galactic cosmic ray intensity. (c) The Government is of the view that more studies are required at global level to enhance understanding of the issue.



******* GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2182 ANSWERED ON‐13.12.2011 Effect of global warming on Gujarat coast line 2182 . SHRI PARSHOTTAM KHODABHAI RUPALA BHARATSINH PRABHATSINH PARMAR (a) whether due to global warming the sea level of long coastal line of Gujarat is rising every year thereby posing a serious threat to some major cities and industrial units located along the coastline of Gujarat; (b) whether the Ministry has prepared any concrete plan thereon; and (c) if so, the details thereof and the time limit within which this work would be completed? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) As per the study of the tide gauge records of the north Indian Ocean for more than 40 years, conducted by the National Institute of Oceanography, it is observed that the sea‐level rose by 1.06‐1.75 millimeters per year in the past century. This estimate is consistent with the estimated global sea‐level rise of 1‐2 millimeters per year made by the Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The scientific studies of climate scenario for the period up to the end of the century and beyond projected likely rise in sea‐level of the order of 55‐60 millimeters. Specific studies on sea‐level rise trends are not available for the Gujarat coast. (b)& (c) Government of India is aware of the implications of climate change and released National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) on June 30, 2008. NAPCC includes eight National Missions, of which the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat is one of the missions, which includes activities for managing coastal zone. These activities will be implemented during the 12th Five Year Plan. ********* GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐789 ANSWERED ON‐29.11.2011 Impact of global warming onforests 789 . SHRI T.M. SELVAGANAPATHI



(a) whether it is a fact that no less than 56 per cent of India''s forests will be transformed under the impact of global warming; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is also a fact that among the most vulnerable will be the Western Ghats; and (d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN) (a) & (b) A report titled published in 2010 under the aegis of the Indian Network on Climate Change Assessment (INCCA), has assessed impacts of climate change on four eco‐sensitive regions namely; Himalayan, Coastal, North‐Eastern and Western Ghats. The assessment result is presented for forest grid which indicates that 55 (56%) out of 98 grids in the Himalayan region, 29 (30%) out of the 96 grids in the entire Coastal region, 6(8%) out of 73 grids of the North‐Eastern region and 10 (18%) out of 54 grids in the Western Ghats region are projected to undergo change. (c) & (d) As per the report, the forest ecosystems of the Himalayan region are most vulnerable to climate change. The Coastal regions and Western Ghats are moderately vulnerable to climate change. ******** GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐469 ANSWERED ON‐25.11.2011 III effects of Global warming on production of crops 469 . SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA (a) whether Government is aware of the recent Report of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization that one degree Celsius rise in mean temperature translates into wheat yield losses of around 6 million tonnes per year in the country; (b) if so, how this loss, which is roughly $1.5 billion in financial terms at the current rate, could be avoided through R&D activities by ICAR; and (c) whether any study has been done in the country or similarly placed countries to safeguard our farmers from such a cumulative loss of income, taking into account other crops as well (estimated loss $20 billion)? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)



(a) Yes, Sir. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) had also launched a Network Project ‘Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change’ in 2004 at 15 locations which was extended to 23 locations in XI Plan to assess the impact of climate change on agriculture. The limited studies conducted under this project indicated the possibility of loss of 4‐5 million tons in wheat production with every rise of 1ºC temperature throughout the growing period. (b) The ICAR has undertaken initiatives to address the impact of climate change on food production by: (i) developing staple food varieties that are better adapted to future climatic conditions; (ii) screening of plant genetic material stored in gene banks keeping in view the future requirements; (iii) collection and study of additional plant genetic resources including those from wild relatives of food crops; and (iv) developing varieties of major cereals that are resistant to heat, drought, submergence and salty water. (c) ICAR is currently implementing a Rs.350.0 crores scheme ‘National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) to evolve cost effective adaption and mitigation strategies through (i) strategic research on natural resources, major food crops, livestock, marine and fresh water fisheries for adaptation and mitigation; (ii) demonstration of available climate resilient practices on farmer’s field in 100 most vulnerable districts of the country; (iii) strengthening research infrastructure and capacity building of scientists for undertaking long‐term research on climate change adaptation; and (iv) sponsored research. ******* GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐223 ANSWERED ON‐11.03.2011 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON BASMATI RICE 223 . SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA (a) the annual production of export quality basmati rice in the country; (b) whether Government has taken note of an Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) study regarding the enormous effect the global warming could have on the fragrant basmati rice; and (c) if so, the steps taken by Government to develop a new heat resistant basmati variety? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR) (a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) of RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 223 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11/03/2011 REGARDING “EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON BASMATI RICE”



(a) The total production of Basmati Rice (Paddy) in the country during 2008, 2009 and 2010 was 6.23, 6.72 and 7.22 million tons respectively. (b) Yes, Sir. (c) Export of Basmati rice from India has almost doubled from 1.17 million tons in 2005‐06 to 2.02 million tons in 2009‐10. A substantial portion of these exports is made up of Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati I and Taraori Basmati which constitue over 70% of the total exports. Pusa Basmati 1 and Taraori Basmati are regularly tested as standard checks for their fragrance and grain length in the All‐India Coordinated trials, and there is no reported decline in quality of these varieties. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2642 ANSWERED ON‐03.12.2010 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 2642 . SHRI MOHAMMED ADEEB SABIR ALI (a) whether Government is aware of the impact of Global Warming which has manifested through unusual trends such as erratic rainfall, shrinking forest cover, rising temperature and increasing food insecurity and decreasing livestock; (b) whether any study has been conducted on the impact of the global warming; and (c) if so, the details of the study made and the steps proposed to be taken in the matter? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS) (a) All India summer monsoon (June to September) rainfall does not show any significant trend during the last century. However, three subdivisions viz. Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Kerala show significant decreasing trend and eight subdivisions viz.. Gangetic West Bengal, West Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Rayalaseema, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and North Interior Karnataka show significant increasing trends during last century. Significant increasing trend has been observed in the frequency of heavy rainfall events over the west coast. The mean annual surface air temperature over India has risen by 0.56°C during 1901‐2009, which is above normal since 1990 over a base period of 1961‐1990. This warming is primarily due to rise in maximum daily temperature across the country.



(b) & (c): Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) initiated a network project on climate change during X Plan to study the impact of climate change and global warming on agricultural crops, horticulture, forests, livestock, fisheries etc. The limited study carried out in the project indicated that (i) maximum and minimum temperatures above 35°C and 23°C, respectively at flowering stage caused pollen sterility in both scented and non‐scented varieties of rice which reduce their yields; (ii) high thermal stress during post‐flowering period caused reduction in economic yield of wheat, mustard and potato (iii) reduced chilling hours due to increase in maximum temperature during November to April shifted apple cultivation to higher elevation in Himachal Pradesh; (iv) sporadic drying of Deodar, Kali and Kharsn trees at 1700‐2300 meter elevation in Himachal Pradesh due to increase in temperature; and (v) reduced milk production in Holstein Friesian cross breed cows due to rise in maximum and minimum temperatures above 22°C in Haryana. A new programme on “National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture” with an outlay of 350 crores is under consideration. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2048 ANSWERED ON‐29.11.2010 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HUMAN BODY AND AGRICULTURE . 2048 . SHRI PARSHOTTAM KHODABHAI RUPALA (a) whether the Ministry has received any proposals from the State Government of Gujarat seeking funds for conducting detailed study about impact of global warming on human body and agriculture in the State: (b) if so, what further action has been taken by the Ministry; and (c) the details thereof and of the fund allocated for this purpose? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a) to (c) As per information received from the Government of Gujarat, a proposal for financial assistance for the preparation of the State Action Plan on Climate Change is under preparation in the State Government. Central Government considers such proposals expeditiously for necessary technical and financial support as and when such proposals are received. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS



RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2289 ANSWERED ON‐16.08.2010 GLOBAL WARMING . 2289 . SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT (a) whether it is a fact that an American environment scientist Allen Hasturg has predicted that global warming has reached a stage that climate around the earth may undergo sudden change leading to catastrophic change in the orbit of earth without warning; (b) if so, the details thereof with particular reference to melting of ice in the Arctic glaciers and increase of carbon dioxide in sea water; and (c) its impact on our country and preventive steps been taken therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a) & (b) The Government is not aware of predictions made by an American environmental scientist Allen Hasturg. However, Alan Hastings of Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the new University of California, USA, has stated in his findings in February, 2010 that the effect of global warming on the ecosystem could lead to an irreversible regime shift in the earth’s natural systems. The study, based on models from ecology, claims that the tipping points in the natural systems could include complete disappearance of Arctic sea ice in summer leading to drastic changes in ocean circulation and climate patterns across the whole Northern Hemisphere; acceleration of ice loss from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, higher rate of sea‐level increase; and ocean acidification from carbon dioxide absorption, etc. (c) The likely impacts of the projected Climate Change include melting of Himalayan glaciers, changes in river hydrology, increased debris production and siltation of rivers in downstream regions. Government of India has launched the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco‐system and the Green India Mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to protect the Himalayan ecology and develop carbon sinks through afforestation. The Government has also developed Guidelines and best practices for Sustaining Himalayan Eco‐system (G‐She), which has been shared with all State Governments in the Himalayan Region. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1861 ANSWERED ON‐15.03.2010 GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE .



1861 . DR. JANARDHAN WAGHMARE (a) whether Government has taken cognizance of the reports which are creating panic in the minds of the people by making different statements regarding the Himalayan Glaciers and the drying of the rivers like Ganga and Yamuna; and (b) if so what steps are being taken to present a realistic and reliable picture based on scientific research to the people, on the one hand, and by taking preventive measures to avert the disastrous consequences of the global warming and climate change, on the other hand? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a)&(b) The Fourth Assessment Report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), suggesting disappearance of Himalayan glaciers by 2035 was based on poorly substantiated estimates of recession. In drafting the paragraph on the subject in question, the clear and well established standards of evidence, required by the IPCC procedures, were not applied properly. Government is sensitive to the need for comprehensive and long term studies to determine the causes of recession of glaciers including the impact of global warming on Himalayan glaciers. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has published a discussion paper titled “Himalayan Glaciers: A state –of‐Art Review of Glacial Studies, Glacial Retreat and Climate Change authored by Shri V.K. Raina, Ex. Deputy Director General, Geological Survey of India. This paper contains information on Glacier Monitoring and key finding of recent studies in the Indian Himalayas and notes that glaciers have retreated throughout history as part of a natural cyclic phenomenon. The National Action Plan on Climate Change which was launched in June 2008, envisages a National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco‐system amongst its 8 national missions. A new research centre on Himalayan Glaciology has been established at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun. This Mission and the Centre would address the issues of Himalayan glaciers. The Government has developed Guidelines and best practices for Sustaining Himalayan Eco‐system (G‐She), which is shared with all State Governments in the Himalayan Region. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1557 ANSWERED ON‐11.03.2010 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 1557 . DR. GYAN PRAKASH PILANIA LALIT KISHORE CHATURVEDI



(a) the details of main glaciers in India, and effect of global warming; (b) the environmental, hydrological and demographic implication of this phenomenon; (c) its effect on rivers; and (d) the action Government proposes in this regard? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINITRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN) (a) to (c): Indian Himalayan region comprises of three major river systems namely, the Indus, Ganges and Brahamputra and their tributaries which originate from permanent ice fields in the Himalayas. Siachen and Gangotri are the two main glacier systems of the region. Data indicate that the glaciers in the Himalayas have been, by and large, shrinking in volume and showing a retreating front. However, there is no conclusive evidence for an abnormal annual retreat. Evidence for global warming being the causative factor for retreat of glaciers is inconclusive. There is a need to segregate the impact of natural and anthropogenic components of climate change on the Himalayan glaciers. (d) A National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem has been mounted by the government under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to address these and other related issues of the Himalayan region. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3411 ANSWERED ON‐21.12.2009 PRESSURE FROM WESTERN COUNTRIES ON GLOBAL WARMING . 3411 . SHRI BALAVANT ALIAS BAL APTE (a) whether Government is under pressure from the western countries with regard to global warming; (b) whether the cabinet is unanimous in this regard; (c) the plan to protect the country’s interest in the next world talks; and (d) the efforts being made to maintain a balance between conservation of environment saving energy and growth in industrial production?



ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a) The western countries have been urging that major developing countries, including India, should also take on emission reduction commitments to prevent global warming. (b) & (c) The Government is of the view that in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals and eradication of poverty, our economy has to grow and thereby our emissions shall also grow. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) also recognizes this fact. India’s position is fully anchored in UN Convention on Climate Change including its Kyoto Protocol and Bali Action Plan. The Government is committed to protect country’s interest in the on‐going as well as future climate change negotiations. (d) As per Kyoto Protocol only developed countries are obliged to take on emission reduction commitments. Though not binding, India has taken a number of voluntary steps for conservation of environment while pursuing a path of sustainable development. These include The National Solar Mission and the National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency, National Mission on Sustainable Habitat under The National Action Plan on Climate Change. Besides, Government has taken several steps towards sustainable development through a range of policies and programmes to mitigate climate change aimed at energy conservation, improved energy efficiency in various sectors; promoting use of renewable energy; power sector reforms; use of cleaner and lesser carbon intensive fuel for transport; fuel switching to cleaner energy; afforestation and conservation of forests; promotion of clean coal technologies and encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3413 ANSWERED ON‐21.12.2009 ASSESSMENT OF SCIENTIFIC REPORTS ON GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE 3413 . SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA (a) whether his Ministry has fully assessed from various scientific reports about the global warming and climate change in coming years; (b) if so, the findings thereof including the specific happing on the Brahmaputra and Ganga basin arising from Tibet Plateau; (c) the remedial measures, if any, already taken and likely to be taken in the near future; (d) whether any specific authority or cell is created for this purpose;



(e) if so, the details thereof; and (f) if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a)&(b) The Government has accepted the findings of the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published in 2007, which provides an assessment of the scientific literature published in the international scientific journals on various aspects of climate change including inter‐alia science, impact, adaptation, vulnerability and mitigation. It is also reported that glaciers in the Himalayas are receding faster than in any other part of the world. The current trend of glacial melt suggests that the Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra and other rivers that criss‐cross the northern Indian plains are likely to become seasonal rivers in the near future as a consequence of climate change . As a part of the Initial National Communication of India to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), studies in regard to the vulnerability assessment and adaptation to climate change in various areas such as water resources, agriculture, forests, natural eco‐systems, coastal zones, health energy and infrastructure have been made which have also projected future climate scenarios and likely impacts in these areas . (c) Being aware of the likely implications of climate change the Government has released National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) on 30th June 2008. The National Action Plan outlines eight Missions in specific areas of solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water, sustaining Himalayan Ecosystems, Green India, sustainable agriculture and strategic knowledge for climate change. These National Missions are being institutionalized by respective Ministries for implementation. (d)to(f) The National Missions are to be institutionalized by the respective Ministries and will be organized through inter‐sectoral groups. Ministry of Environment has been designated for coordinating the implementation of all the Missions. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1870 ANSWERED ON‐07.12.2009 GLOBAL WARMING . 1870 . SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA (a) whether Government has made any assessment on the impact of global warming in the country as being forecasted by various experts and world bodies including the United Nations; (b) if so, the details thereof and the Government’s response in this regard;



(c) the strategy being finalized for combating the ill effects of the climate change; and (d) the reasons for delay in responding to the challenge? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a)&(b) As a part of the India’s Initial National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), studies in regard to the impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in the Indian context have been made. These studies project future climate scenarios and likely adverse impacts in various sectors such as water resources, agriculture, forests, natural eco‐systems, coastal zones, health energy and infrastructure. With a view to enhance and improve our understanding of climate change the Ministry of Environment is currently engaged in the preparation of India’s Second National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. A network of 127 institutions has been engaged countrywide belonging to Universities, Research and Development Institutions, autonomous institutions of the government, Non governmental organization and private institutions for studies on various aspects of climate change. These include greenhouse gas emissions of anthropogenic origin from sectors such as Energy, Industry, Agriculture, Forestry and Waste, Assessment and impact of projected climate change on key sectors such as Agriculture, Water, Natural ecosystems, Health, Extreme climate events, etc. (c)&(d) Government has outlined its strategy for addressing climate change in the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) that was released by the Prime Minister on 30th June 2008. The National Action Plan outlines steps that will enable the country to adapt to climate change and enhance the ecological sustainability of India’s development path. Eight National Missions form the core of the National Action Plan, representing multi‐pronged, long term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals in the context of climate change and its challenges. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1086 ANSWERED ON‐30.11.2009 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON GLACIERS . 1086 . PROF. ALKA BALRAM KSHATRIYA SHOBHANA BHARTIA (a) whether India and China have jointly agreed to conduct research on the impact of global warming on glaciers in the Himalayan and Tibetan regions; (b) if so, the details thereof;



(c) whether Government has taken up the matter of melting of Himalayan Glaciers with other affected neighbouring countries; and (d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a) & (b) India and China have signed an Agreement on cooperation on addressing climate change that covers, inter‐alia, cooperation in observation and monitoring of climate change and undertaking mutually cooperative activities and programmes as appropriate. One of the cooperative activities under this agreement is to undertake joint research and developmental activities. (c) & (d) The Government has not taken up the matter of melting of Himalayan Glaciers with other affected neighbouring countries. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1084 ANSWERED ON‐30.11.2009 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 1084 . SHRI SANJAY RAUT GOVINDRAO WAMANRAO ADIK (a) whether Government’s attention has been drawn to the findings of the scientists at Columbia University and NASA’s space flight center that potency of methane gas emitted by different industries and its impact on global warming, had been largely under estimated while signing the Kyoto Protocol; and (b) if so, whether Government propose to take up any modification of the Kyoto Protocol to precisely the adverse effect of the industrialized nation thereto and to refix their responsibility towards global warming; if so, the steps taken by Government in this direction? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a) The Government is aware of the recent NASA study which states that climate scientists have under estimated the extent of warming caused by methane.



(b) The discussion on common metrics to calculate the carbon dioxide equivalence of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removal by sinks is underway in the Ad hoc working group on Kyoto Protocol. The Parties have requested the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advise to assess, based inter alia on the work of, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the implications of the choice of metrics used to calculate the carbon dioxide equivalence of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of the greenhouse gases listed in Annex A to the Kyoto Protocol for the third or subsequent commitment periods. Parties are also engaged in negotiations to reach an agreed outcome at the 15th Conference of Parties in Copenhagen in December 2009. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1081 ANSWERED ON‐30.11.2009 WORLD BANK REPORT ON GLOBAL WARMING . 1081 . SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA GIREESH KUMAR SANGHI (a) whether Government is aware about the World Bank Report, released in Dubai in October, 2009 that this planet will be faced with devastating effects when temperature rises 5 degree Celsius above pre‐industrial warming period; (b) if so, whether Government would try to arrive at a consensus among the nations, when Kyoto Protocol is to be discussed in Copenhagen in December, 2009 so that developing nations like China, India and Brazil etc. are able to achieve the objective that they are not forced to agree to the same targets as are imposed on developed countries as 65 percent of emission in stock of carbon already in the air came from industrialized nations; and (c) the details of the steps currently being taken to meet the global warming menace? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a) Government is aware of the discussion on World Bank’s ‘Development Report 2010: Development and Climate Change’ that took place in Dubai in October 2009. The Report outlines the World Bank’s vision of dealing with challenge of development in a changing climate. (b) &(c) In the International Negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India, China and Brazil have actively participated and coordinated their position as members of the Group of 77 and China. They have argued that Parties must take actions in accordance with the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’ of the Convention. Annex‐I Parties who bear the historic responsibility for Climate Change must commit themselves to deeper emission reduction commitments while developing countries will take voluntary



mitigation action to the extent that the developed countries provide support in terms of finance and technology. Parties are currently engaged in negotiations under the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol in order to reach agreed outcomes at the 15th Conference of Parties scheduled in Copenhagen in December 2009. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐334 ANSWERED ON‐23.11.2009 STEPS TO DECELERATE GLOBAL WARMING . 334 . SHRI BHAGIRATHI MAJHI KALRAJ MISHRA (a) the decision taken at the recent climate change talks among the heads of the G‐8 and G‐5 countries held at L’Aquila (Italy) to fix specific emission reduction goals to curb and control climate change and to decelerate global warming process with respect to the developed and the developing countries including India; (b) the details of the road map being worked out by the Government in the light of these decisions and goals to achieve the 2050 target particularly that limit the rise in temperature to 2 degree Celsius; and (c) the steps taken in that direction ? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a) In the meeting held on 8th July 2009 at L’Aquila (Italy) the Leaders of Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate declared inter alia, that all member countries would undertake Nationally Appropriate mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and prepare low carbon growth plans. Developed countries will take lead by undertaking robust aggregate and individual reductions in the midterm whereas developing countries would undertake actions resulting in a meaningful deviation from business as usual in the mid term, in the context of sustainable development supported by financing, technology and capacity building. (b) & (c) The Government is of the view that the L’Aquila declaration on limiting global temperature increase above pre‐Industrial levels to 20C is only a recognition of a broad scientific view and reflects on aspiration goal. Actual pathway of reaching a stabilsation level based is closely linked with the carbon concentration of atmosphere which is dependent on several factors including the level of emission reduction by the developed country Parties and a burden sharing paradigm for a long term goal of emission reduction. Further, the MEF declaration recognizes the overriding priority of social and economic development in the developing countries and provides flexibility to developing countries to



pursue a path of sustainable development while undertaking mitigation actions in accordance with the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities as laid down in the Convention. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐327 ANSWERED ON‐23.11.2009 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 327 . SHRI TARIQ ANWAR (a) whether it is a fact that the country has faced impact of global warming recently like floods in coastal areas, drought and shortfall of rain in agricultural producing States; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the steps Government is taking in this regard? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a)& (b) There is no conclusive scientific study to substantiate that the recent floods in coastal areas, drought and shortfall of rain in agricultural producing States is due to global warming. The studies conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) do not reveal confirmed findings about the adverse impact of climate change on Indian agriculture. (c) A National Action Plan on climate change was launched in June 2008 which envisages inter alia National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. The National Mission aims at developing strategies to make Indian agriculture more resilient to climate change through development of new varieties of thermal resistant crops, new credit and insurance mechanisms, better access to information and use of bio‐technology. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3586 ANSWERED ON‐06.08.2009 GLOBAL WARMING . 3586 . SHRI GIREESH KUMAR SANGHI



(a) whether recent reports stating that due to global warming Himalayan glaciers have been receding at a faster pace than thought of earlier have come to his notice; (b) the actual position in the matter with relevant details; (c) the environmental, hydrological and demographic implications of this apparently alarming development for country over coming decades; and (d) the action Government proposed in this regard? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN) (a) to (c): No, Sir. Recent kinematic Global Positioning System (GPS) survey of glacier terminus of Gangotri and Milam glacier indicate a ‘slow down’ in the rates of recession post 1971 from 17.15 meters per annum (approximately) to 11.95 (+/‐ 0.04) meters per year. (d) The Government of India under its National Action Plan on Climate Change has identified a National Mission on ‘Sustaining Himalayan Eco‐System’ to have a deeper understanding of the glacier dynamics in the Himalaya in the context of the climate change and envisages to investigate the impact on the entire Himalayan eco‐system and the life and livelihood of the population. As a part of this initiative, the Government has established a National Centre for Research in Glaciology at Dehradun to institutionalize glaciology research in India, and is endeavoring to strengthen the observational and monitoring networks as well as, network the knowledge institutions and strengthen their research capacity for co‐ordinated research. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2433 ANSWERED ON‐27.07.2009 THREAT OF EXODUS BY GLOBAL WARMING . 2433 . SHRI BALAVANT ALIAS BAL APTE BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI PRABHAT JHA (a) Whether Government is aware that India faces the largest threat of exodus from coastal areas due to threats of floods, drought and shortfall in agriculture productions posed by climate changes resulting from global warming;



(b) If so, the details thereof; (c) Whether this threat is likely to cause large scale migration from India’s neighboring islands and from Bangladesh; and (d) If so, the details thereof along with action plan being worked on by Government to tackle this problem? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a) to (d) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its 4th Assessment Report published in 2007 has reported that future climate change is expected to have considerable impacts on natural resource system. Changes in the natural environment can affect human sustenance and livelihoods. This in turn, can lead to instability often followed by displacement of people and changes in occupancy and migration patterns. However, there is no conclusive study on climate change impact on migration of people. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2292 ANSWERED ON‐24.07.2009 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON CROPS . 2292 . SHRIMATI JAYA BACHCHAN (a) the status of various crops this year including those that have arrived in the market; (b) whether they have been affected in any manner or are likely to be affected by global warming; and (c) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR) (a) to (c): This is the season for sowing of Kharif crops, which will be harvested during the months of Oct‐Nov and will reach market thereafter. As reported by the India Meteorological Department(IMD), during South‐West Monsoon, 2009 (1.6.2009 to 15.7.2009), the country as a whole received 220.5 mm of rainfall against normal average rainfall of 300.8 mm, with 369 out of 533 meteorological districts of the country receiving less than normal rainfall. Due to deficit rainfall there is shortage of moisture, which



has affected sowing in kharif season. The area coverage during Kharif‐2009 under major crops is 432.26 lakh ha., which is 52.11 lakh ha. less than the corresponding area coverage during Kharif 2008 in the country, as per crop ‐wise details given below: Name of the major crops Area coverage in corresponding period in Kharif 2008 (Lakh ha.) Area coverage in Kharif 2009 (Lakh ha.) Rice 145.21 114.63 Jowar 17.16 16.57 Bajara 46.01 34.67 Maize 47.41 46.18 Total coarse cereals 116.05 101.90 Cotton 61.68 68.92 Sugarcane 43.79 42.50 Jute 7.06 6.89 Total 484.37 432.26 The Government of India in the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing through the State Governments various programmes like, the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to increase agricultural productivity and production in the country. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐896 ANSWERED ON‐13.07.2009 GLOBAL WARMING . 896 . SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA (a) the latest update on the effect of global warming and climate changes in India; (b) the findings of reports and recent study and the response of Government thereto; (c) the details of international deliberations made on this issue at various fora and consensus arrived at on different aspects of prevention, as well as handling the impact; and (d) the collaborative role to be played by Government to address the issues and steps taken by Government to mitigate the challenge? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH) (a) & (b) According to the studies conducted by India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other institutions, there has been a warming of about 0.5?C during past 100 years over the country with a significant warming trend along the west coast, central India, and interior peninsula and over northeast India. A cooling trend has been observed in northwest and some parts of southern India. The all India monsoon rainfall does not show any trend but there are some regional patterns. Areas of increasing trend in monsoon rainfall are found along the west coast, north Andhra Pradesh and north‐west India, and those of decreasing trend over east Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas, north‐east India and parts of Gujarat and Kerala. Analysis of past tide gauge records for the Indian coastline regions gives an estimate of sea level rise of 1.30 mm/year.



Actions taken by India to respond to the challenge of climate change include a growth strategy based on sustainable development, setting up of the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change to coordinate the national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change, release of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) by the Prime Minister on 30th June 2008 and setting up of Expert Committee on Impact of Climate Change by the Ministry of Environment & Forests in June 2007. (c) The thirteenth Conference of Parties (COP‐13) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Bali in December 2007 launched a comprehensive process called Bali Action Plan (BAP) in order to enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC through long‐term cooperative action amongst all Parties to the Convention, now, upto and beyond 2012. Bali Action Plan envisages enhanced actions for providing financial resources and technologies to developing countries in order to support their actions for adaptation and mitigation of climate change. It is expected that an agreed outcome would be reached and a decision adopted regarding BAP, at the fifteenth Conference of Parties (COP‐15) to be held in December 2009. (d) India follows a path of sustainable development through a range of policies and programmes to mitigate climate change aimed at energy conservation, improved energy efficiency in various sectors; promoting use of renewable energy; power sector reforms; use of cleaner and lesser carbon intensive fuel for transport; fuel switching to cleaner energy; afforestation and conservation of forests; promotion of clean coal technologies and encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems. National Action Plan on Climate Change will further enhance India’s efforts towards adaptation and mitigation. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐955 ANSWERED ON‐25.02.2009 STUDY ON IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING . 955 . SHRI N.R. GOVINDARAJAR (a) whether unprecedented rains and floods in various parts of the country are due to climate change/global warming; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether Government has instituted any study on climate change/global warming and the damage caused on the country; and (d) if so, the details thereof and the details of action plan formulated by Government to deal with the said problem? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES



(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL) (a)‐(b) Although, a recent study, carried out by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, indicates that the intensity and frequency of heavy to very heavy rainfall events is showing an increasing trend during the past 50 years over the region covering parts of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, it is not clear if this increasing trend in the heavy rainfall events is attributable to global warming or not. (c) Details of the observed and projected changes in the climate were first reported in India’s initial National Communication (NATCOM) on Climate Change to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in June, 2004. This effort has been coordinated by the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), who are now working on the second NATCOM report. Further, climate change related studies have been carried out by several research institutions like Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Physical Laboratory (NPL), National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), C‐MMACS (CSIR org.), Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Central Research Institute for Dry‐land Agriculture (CRIDA), (ICAR org.), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) (ISRO org.), Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bangalore, IIT, Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT, Kanpur, IIT, Kharagpur, University departments, research institutions and some non‐governmental agencies. The IMD has a long series of climate data of more than 100 years over the Indian region, which has been the basis of all past analyses of climate change and variability. The IITM, Pune is the only institution that has carried out long‐term simulations of climate change over the Indian region using a regional model developed by the Hadley Centre of the UK Met. Office. (d) The recently launched National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) of the Government of India outlines number of steps to simultaneously advance India’s development and climate change related objectives of adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency and natural resource conservation. The NAPCC hinges on the development and use of new technologies through the implementation of 8‐National Missions i) National Solar Mission ii) National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency iii) National Mission on Sustainable Habitat iv) National Water Mission v) National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem vi) National Mission for a Green India vii) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture viii) National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change. The implementation of NAPCC would be through appropriate institutional mechanisms suited for effective delivery of each of 8 individual Mission’s objectives and include public‐private partnerships and civil society action. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA



UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐431 ANSWERED ON‐19.02.2009 TACKLING GLOBAL WARMING . 431 . SHRI A. VIJAYARAGHAVAN (a) the Government’s policy to tackle issue of global warming; (b) whether Government is implementing any specific measures to minimise the destruction of the country; and (c) the number of forestation programmes that have been launched in the last four years? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol are the two multilateral environmental agreements addressing the issues related to climate change. India is a Party to both these agreements. As per the Kyoto Protocol, only developed countries have quantified commitment for reducing emissions of Greenhouse Gases. Developing countries including India have no such obligation of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Nevertheless, the Government of India is conscious of various concerns that arise due to climate change. The existing legislative and policy framework and wide ranging reforms in relevant sectors contribute to addressing climate change. The activities that are aimed at promoting accelerated economic growth on the one hand and addressing climate change concerns on the other include programmes related to promotion of energy efficiency, energy conservation, power sector reforms, active renewable energy programme, fuel switching to cleaner energy, afforestation and conservation of forests, etc. Further, Government of India has launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change in June 2008 to outline its strategy to meet the challenge of Climate Change. The National Action Plan advocates a strategy that promotes, firstly, the adaptation to Climate Change and secondly, further enhancement of the ecological sustainability of India’s development path. Eight National Missions which form the core of the National Action Plan represent multi‐pronged, long term and integrate strategies for achieving key goals in the context of climate change. The focus is on promoting understanding of Climate Change, adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency and natural resource conservation. ( c) India has a strong and rapidly growing afforestation programme. Currently, two major schemes are being implemented namely, National Afforestation Programme Scheme for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas in the country and Grants‐in‐aid to Greening India. The Grants‐in‐aid to Greening India was restructured in 2005. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA



UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐432 ANSWERED ON‐19.02.2009 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON GLACIERS . 432 . DR. K. MALAISAMY (a) Whether Government is aware that based on the observation of U.N. Inter‐Governmental panel on climate change that the glaciers in Himalayas are receding faster than any other parts of the world leading to earth warming; (b) If so, whether this situation would influence the perennial rivers becoming seasonal rivers; (c) The serious repercussions and implications of such a situation; and (d) Whether it is not important and urgent to establish an automated weather situation monitor and glacier melting? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) Government of India is aware of the Report of U.N. Inter‐Governmental panel on climate change and its related concerns. (b) & (c) The findings reported in the IPCC Report are based on modeling studies. However, more comprehensive studies would be required to substantiate these findings. According to Geological Survey of India, retreat and advance of glacier is a natural process. Majority of the Glaciers of Himalayan region are passing through a phase of recession as has been the case with glaciers located in other parts of the World. Global warming could be the cause of the recession of glaciers rather than the effect of such recession and is directly related to the amount of snow it receives in the catchments during winter which is varying. (d) A number of automatic weather stations have already been established by various Government agencies. The glacier dynamics are being studied continuously through project mode under the Himalayan Glaciology Programme of Department of Science & Technology for the last two decades. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1906 ANSWERED ON‐18.12.2008 ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 1906 . SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA



(a) whether Government has made assessment on the impact of global warming in India as being forecasted by various experts and world bodies including United Nations; (b) if so, the details thereof and response of Government in this regard; (c) the strategy being finalized for combating the ill effect of the climate change; and (d) the reasons for delay in responding to the challenge? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) As a part of the Initial National Communication of India to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), studies in regard to the vulnerability assessment and adaptation to climate change in various areas such as water resources, agriculture, forests, natural eco‐systems, coastal zones, health energy and infrastructure have been made. Further, the Expert Committee on Impact of Climate Change set‐up by the Ministry of Environment & Forests in June 2007 assessed the impact of anthropogenic climate change on six areas namely water resources, agriculture, Natural Eco‐system, Health, Coastal Zone Management and Climate modeling. The status reports of these sectors have been prepared. (c) & (d) The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was released by the Prime Minister on 30th June 2008.The National Action plan outlines eight Mission in specific areas of Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Eco‐system, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic knowledge for Climate Change. Eight National Mission form the core of the National Action Plan, representing multi‐pronged, long term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals in the context of climate change. The National Missions are to be institutionalized by the respective Ministries and will be implemented as soon as the Mission documents are finalized through inter‐sectoral and inter‐ministerial consultations. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1909 ANSWERED ON‐18.12.2008 GLOBAL WARMING 1909 . SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR N.R. GOVINDARAJAR



(a) whether recently released UN study on the possible consequences of global warming in the next 30 years, has identified India as one of the hot spots and vulnerable to extreme weather events like drought, floods and cyclones; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the necessary disaster management steps like preparedness and warning system, providing disaster resistant structures and planning long term strategies taken by Government to counter the effects of climate change? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) A report has been brought out by UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs along with CARE International, an NGO recently. As per the report, India is considered as Humanitarian hotspot (the area with high overall human vulnerability) and also hotspot for all three climate related hazards i.e. floods, droughts and cyclones. The findings of the study are only indicative in nature and not specific. Also, the opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not represent those of the United Nations. More over, most of the scenarios used in the study are generated by Hadley Center Model, UK and Max Plank Institute, Hamburg, Germany having very coarse model grid of about 300 km. The study also suggests that more studies are necessary with more representative, finer grid model outputs and authentic data sets to confirm the findings. (c) The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has prepared a draft National Policy on Disaster Management for holistic management of disasters with emphasis on prevention, preparedness and mitigation. While the guidelines on management of earthquakes, chemical (industrial) disasters, preparation of State Disaster Management Plans, medical preparedness and mass casualty management and floods have already been released, the guidelines on nuclear disasters, biological hazards, cyclones, landslides, urban flooding, river erosion, micro finance and insurance are under finalization. NDMA is also engaged in planning national level mitigation projects related to cyclone, earthquake, floods etc. Awareness campaign to improve risk perception, preparedness and self reliance in the context of cyclone and earthquake disaster has also been launched. It is also facilitating mock exercises in vulnerable states on various types of natural and man made disasters to help the State Governments in reviewing the adequacy and efficacy of the State and District level Disaster Management Plans and identify gaps in resources and systems. National Action Plan on Climate Change outlines several steps for enhancing disaster management response to extreme climate events through better design of infrastructure strengthened communications networks and disaster management facilities and protection of the coastal areas. The Action Plan also envisages creation of appropriate capacity at the different levels of the Government including Central and the State Governments. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1749



ANSWERED ON‐17.12.2008 RISE IN WATER LEVEL OF OCEANS DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING . 1749 . SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT (a) whether it is a fact that snow covered area of North Pole has shrunken to 4300 kilometers and likely to shrink further to 3100 kilometers in next four years due to global warming the consequence of which will be rise in water level of oceans around India sub‐merging of coastal areas and drying up of rivers. (b) if so, whether the situation been assessed; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps proposed to be taken up by Government to prevent loss to lives and property? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL) (a) Yes Sir, It is a fact that sea ice around North Pole is melting at an alarming rate. North Pole that lies at the center of Arctic Ocean is surrounded by frozen sea ice. Much of this frozen sea ice in the arctic, normally melts each summer and rebuilds in the following winter season. However, due to the global warming, the rebuilding of ice is not coming back to its original levels, because of which the recovery is not complete. Many studies using passive microwave data, have established that average September sea ice extent for the period 1979‐2000 which stood at 7.09 million Sq km has been reduced by 39% at the and of melt season in September 2007. The average sea ice extent for the month of September 2007 at 4.28 million sq km, has been the lowest September figures ever recorded so far. The Arctic sea Ice extent on 23rd September 2008 was at 4.59 million sq km. the sea ice is getting thinner and hence more vulnerable to melting in subsequent summer. (b‐c) Sea level rise as a product of global warming, takes place through two main processes, melting of the land ice and thermal expansion of sea water due to rise in sea surface temperatures. Based on the tide gauge data, the rate of sea level rise during the 20th century has been found to be in the range of 0.8 to 3.3 mm per year with an average of 1.8 mm/year. (d) The rise in the sea level due to melting of sea ice around North Pole is not expected to be sudden or abrupt. However, to safeguard the interests of large section of population living in the coastal areas, Government has set up a network of tidal gauges all along the Indian Coast to monitor the sea level. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE



RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1258 ANSWERED ON‐12.12.2008 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION . 1258 . SHRI SHIVANAND TIWARI (a) whether it is a fact that the climate of the country is undergoing a change very rapidly; (b) whether the climatic change is affecting the agricultural production as well; (c) if so, what has been the extent of its impact on the production of wheat and rice in particular; and (d) what measures have so far been taken in order to provide a protection to the crops/production against the adverse effects of such a climatic change? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA) (a) The increasing average surface air temperature in the country over the past 100 years (1901‐2000) were the order of 0.4ºC. The frequency of occurrence of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, higher temperature in winter, etc. in the recent past has also increased. (b) & (c): No definite evidences of substantial decrease in agricultural production in the country due to climate change, as the process is very slow. However, there are few factual informations reported on decrease in agricultural production in the country due to extreme events like cold waves, heat waves, abnormal temperatures and the excess rainfall. Preliminary simulation studies have indicated significant decline in food grain production due to climate change in future. (d) During X Plan period ICAR has initiated a Network Project on `Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change` at different ICAR Institutes/State Agricultural Universities. The Project aimed to study the impact of climate change on agriculture and allied disciplines like bio‐diversity, agroforestry, horticulture, livestock and fisheries. Research efforts are being made to mitigate the impacts of climate change by increasing the adaptive capacity of the agriculture to global climate change. Emphasis has also been given during XI Plan period to strengthen the existing institutional network with additional budget to cope up to the challenges posed by climate change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3271 ANSWERED ON‐24.04.2008 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON THE ECONOMY . 3271 . PROF. P.J. KURIAN



(a) the details of impact of Global Warming on the economy; (b) the steps taken by Government in this regard; (c) whether it is a fact that the developed countries are contributing to a much larger extent to this global warming; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) the action taken by Government in this regard? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) The Government is aware of the likely impacts of global warming on various sectors. A preliminary assessment of impacts and vulnerability due to projected climate change in key sectors such as water, agriculture, forestry, ecosystems, coastal zones, health, energy and infrastructure was undertaken at the time of preparation of India’s Initial National Communication on Climate Change submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2004. The projected climate change impact scenarios indicate increase in and variable trend of both rainfall and temperature into the 21st century, reduction in the quantity of surface run off across the various river basins, severity of droughts and intensity of floods in various parts of the country. (b) India has been following a path of sustainable development through a range of policies and programmes to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Some of the steps taken by the Government include inter alia ‐ setting up of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and encouraging energy conservation and introduction of energy efficiency labeling, promoting use of renewable energy, power sector reforms, use of cleaner and lesser carbon‐intensive fuel for transport, fuel switching to cleaner energy, afforestation and conservation of forests, promotion of clean coal technologies, reduction of gas flaring, encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems and environmental quality management for all sectors. Besides, India spends every year over 2 percent of the GDP in development measures with strong adaptation content. Further, the Government has also set up an “Expert Committee on Impacts of Climate Change” in May 2007 to study the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on India and to identify the measures that may be needed to address vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change impacts. (c) & (d) India with 16% of world population contributes to approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions that amounts to 23.31% of USA, 30.27% of China, 37.39% of EU‐15. (e) India as a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has contributed to the preparation of an Action plan at the Conference held in Bali in December 2007 to



enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC through long‐term cooperative action, now, up to and beyond 2012. The Government has set up an “Expert Committee on Impacts of Climate Change” in May, 2007 to study the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on India and identify the measures needed to address vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change impacts and any other matter relevant to these. Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change to coordinate national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change was constituted on 6th June 2007 to evolve a coordinated response relating to climate change at the National level. The Council has decided, inter alia, to prepare a National Action Plan on Climate Change to address the challenges of climate change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2973 ANSWERED ON‐22.04.2008 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HISTORICAL MONUMENTS . 2973 . SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA (a) whether there is any danger for all historical monuments in coastal areas like Konark Temple and Jaganath Temple, Puri in view of the global warning; (b) whether Government has any special project for protecting these historical monuments; and (c) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI) (a) There is no immediate danger to centrally protected historical monuments in coastal areas like Sun Temple, Konark and Jagannath temple, Puri due to global warming. (b) & (c) A groyne wall has been provided to Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram for protection against sea waves and casuarina plantation has been provided at Sun Temple, Konark and Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram for protection against saline wind. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐401 ANSWERED ON‐22.04.2008 THREAT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 401 . SHRI T.T.V. DHINAKARAN (a) whether India has geared up to meet acute water shortage in view of the threat of global warming; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF‐UD‐DIN SOZ) (a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 401 TO BE ANSWERD IN RAJYA SABHA ON 22.04.08 REGARDING THREAT OF GLOBAL WARMING. (a) to (c) Realising the need for proper assessment of the effect of climate change on water resources and flow characteristics, studies have been taken up by Central Water Commission, Brahmaputra Board and National Institute of Hydrology with active participation of reputed academic institutes. The study is being coordinated by Central Water Commission. The objective of the study is to examine the effect of climate change on water resources with a view to (a) assess the extent of likely changes in the water availability and the flow characteristics, (b) evaluate the effect of such changes on the performance of the water resources system, and (c) to identify appropriate measures to address the effect of climate change on water resources. With a view to mitigate the effect of possible changes in flow characteristics and ensure optimal utilization of available water resources, various measures for conservation of water,



including creation of storages, traditional water conservation practices, rainwater harvesting and recharge to ground water are taken up by the respective State Governments. The interlinking of river project also aims at optimal utilization of surplus flood water. The National Water Policy envisages that efficiency of utilisation in all the diverse uses of water should be optimised, an awareness of water as a scarce resource be fostered, the water resources be conserved and the availability augmented. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐373 ANSWERED ON‐17.04.2008 GLOBAL WARMING . 373 . SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI (a) whether Government is aware that if climatic trends continue unabated, global warming would threaten our health, our cities, our farms and forests, beaches and wetlands, and other natural habitats; (b) if so, the impact on above segments likely to occur in India, sector‐wise; (c) whether, recently, Government accepted the fact of impact of global warming on agriculture and irregular rain; (d) if so, the details and measures taken; and (e) the programme Government has launched to create awareness on global warming? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO (a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 373 BY SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI DUE FOR REPLY ON 17.04.2008, REGARDING “GLOBAL WARMING”. (a) & (b) The Government is aware of the likely impacts of global warming on various sectors. A preliminary assessment of impacts and vulnerability due to projected climate change in key sectors such as water, agriculture, forestry, ecosystems, coastal zones, health, energy and infrastructure was undertaken at the time of preparation of India’s Initial National Communication on Climate Change submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2004. The projected climate change impact scenarios indicate increase in and variable trend of both rainfall and temperature into the 21st century, reduction in the quantity of surface run off across the various river basins, severity of droughts and intensity of floods in various parts of the country.



(c) & (d) According to India Meteorological Department, the monsoon rainfall at all India level does not show any trend but there are some regional patterns. This in turn would impact yields of crops. The process of climate change is slow and its effects on agriculture are projected to be apparent over several decades. (e) Ministry of Environment & Forests has organized and funded many workshops / conferences / seminars on the issue of climate change and brought out various publications. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is organizing conferences/ workshops for scientists to give more thrust on climate change research. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) is regularly conducting fresher courses and training workshops on Climate Change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2205 ANSWERED ON‐20.03.2008 FRAME WORK TO CURB GLOBAL WARMING . 2205 . DR.(SMT.) NAJMA A. HEPTULLA MAHENDRA MOHAN (a) whether any agreement was reached at Bali Conference on climate change; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any measures to cut industrial and power pollution were discussed in the Conference; (d) if so, the details thereof; (e) whether Government would make any policy frame‐work with the help of business and civic society to curb the global warming; and (f) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) a) & b) The thirteenth Conference of Parties (COP‐13) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the third Meeting of Parties (MOP‐3) to Kyoto Protocol was held in Bali in December 2007. The principal outcome of the Bali conference was to launch a comprehensive process called Bali Action Plan (BAP) that would enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC through long‐term cooperative action, now, up to and beyond 2012. It is expected that an



agreed outcome would be reached and a decision adopted regarding BAP, at the fifteenth Conference of Parties (COP‐15) to be held in December 2009. The Conference of Parties serving as Meeting of Parties at Bali also took crucial decisions in respect of the Kyoto Protocol, the Adhoc Working Group on further commitments of developed countries (beyond 2012) finally established a deadline of 2009 for the completion of its work and forwarding to COP‐15 for a decision, its recommendations on quantified emissions limitation and reduction commitments of Annex I Parties (developed countries). c) Among other things, the COP/MOP at Bali discussed issues related to transfer of technologies that have the potential of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industry and power plants in general. However per se pollution related matters were not discussed. (d) to (f) In the first meeting of the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change held in July 2007, interalia it was decided that a National Action Plan on climate change will be prepared. This report is under preparation. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐232 ANSWERED ON‐28.02.2008 INCREASE IN GLOBAL WARMING . 232 . SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI (a) whether it is a fact that there has been a rapid increase in Global Warming during the period 2005‐06 and 2006‐07; (b) how far it has increased during the period 2007‐08 till date; (c) how far it has adversely effected the fertility of agricultural land, water resources and breathing of the human being and animals; and (d) whether an international Committee of experts has been set up to find out the means for the protection of agriculture, water resources, human beings and other living creatures? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) Surface air temperatures over the India for the period 1901‐2000 indicate a significant warming of about 0.5°C /100 year during the last century. The ten warmest years on record are 2006(0.595), 2002(0.59), 1998(0.50), 2004 & 2001(0.47), 2003(0.45), 1958(0.43), 1987 & 1941(0.41), 2005(0.40), 1999(0.39), 1953 & 2000(0.36) and 1980(0.34). The figures within brackets are the differences from the



long term mean. Since 1993, annual mean temperature has been consistently above normal. The year 2006 was the warmest year on record since 1901. The year 2007 was warmer by 0.55°C. The assessment for the year 2008 will be available only by the end of the year. The spatial distribution of temperature changes indicate that a significant warming trend has been observed along the west coast, central India, and interior Peninsula and over northeast India. However, cooling trend has been observed in northwest and some parts in southern India. These observed trends are based on Instrumental records over the past more than 100 years, collected by the India Meteorological Department. (c) No specific National assessment has been carried out on how far increase in global warming has adversely affected the various natural and biological resources. However, the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides observed changes in the natural systems at global level (snow, ice and frozen grounds) are affected. Further, the Report also projects current understanding of future impacts and projects global and regional level changes e.g. increased risk extinction of plants and animals; changed patterns of distribution of some diseases (malaria and dengue); sea level rise; variable response of crop production depending upon the physical locations of countries; besides providing regional impacts in the major regions of the world including Asia. (d) A Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has been constituted to study the impacts of climate and adaptation to Climate Change in India. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1906 ANSWERED ON‐18.12.2008 ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 1906 . SHRI BIRENDRA PRASAD BAISHYA (a) whether Government has made assessment on the impact of global warming in India as being forecasted by various experts and world bodies including United Nations; (b) if so, the details thereof and response of Government in this regard; (c) the strategy being finalized for combating the ill effect of the climate change; and (d) the reasons for delay in responding to the challenge? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) As a part of the Initial National Communication of India to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), studies in regard to the vulnerability assessment and adaptation to climate change in various areas such as water resources, agriculture, forests, natural eco‐



systems, coastal zones, health energy and infrastructure have been made. Further, the Expert Committee on Impact of Climate Change set‐up by the Ministry of Environment & Forests in June 2007 assessed the impact of anthropogenic climate change on six areas namely water resources, agriculture, Natural Eco‐system, Health, Coastal Zone Management and Climate modeling. The status reports of these sectors have been prepared. (c) & (d) The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was released by the Prime Minister on 30th June 2008.The National Action plan outlines eight Mission in specific areas of Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Eco‐system, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic knowledge for Climate Change. Eight National Mission form the core of the National Action Plan, representing multi‐pronged, long term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals in the context of climate change. The National Missions are to be institutionalized by the respective Ministries and will be implemented as soon as the Mission documents are finalized through inter‐sectoral and inter‐ministerial consultations. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1909 ANSWERED ON‐18.12.2008 GLOBAL WARMING 1909 . SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR N.R. GOVINDARAJAR (a) whether recently released UN study on the possible consequences of global warming in the next 30 years, has identified India as one of the hot spots and vulnerable to extreme weather events like drought, floods and cyclones; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the necessary disaster management steps like preparedness and warning system, providing disaster resistant structures and planning long term strategies taken by Government to counter the effects of climate change? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) A report has been brought out by UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs along with CARE International, an NGO recently. As per the report, India is considered as Humanitarian hotspot (the area with high overall human vulnerability) and also hotspot for all three climate related hazards i.e. floods, droughts and cyclones. The findings of the study are only indicative in nature and not specific. Also, the opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not represent those of the United Nations. More over, most of the scenarios used in the study are generated by Hadley



Center Model, UK and Max Plank Institute, Hamburg, Germany having very coarse model grid of about 300 km. The study also suggests that more studies are necessary with more representative, finer grid model outputs and authentic data sets to confirm the findings. (c) The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has prepared a draft National Policy on Disaster Management for holistic management of disasters with emphasis on prevention, preparedness and mitigation. While the guidelines on management of earthquakes, chemical (industrial) disasters, preparation of State Disaster Management Plans, medical preparedness and mass casualty management and floods have already been released, the guidelines on nuclear disasters, biological hazards, cyclones, landslides, urban flooding, river erosion, micro finance and insurance are under finalization. NDMA is also engaged in planning national level mitigation projects related to cyclone, earthquake, floods etc. Awareness campaign to improve risk perception, preparedness and self reliance in the context of cyclone and earthquake disaster has also been launched. It is also facilitating mock exercises in vulnerable states on various types of natural and man made disasters to help the State Governments in reviewing the adequacy and efficacy of the State and District level Disaster Management Plans and identify gaps in resources and systems. National Action Plan on Climate Change outlines several steps for enhancing disaster management response to extreme climate events through better design of infrastructure strengthened communications networks and disaster management facilities and protection of the coastal areas. The Action Plan also envisages creation of appropriate capacity at the different levels of the Government including Central and the State Governments. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1749 ANSWERED ON‐17.12.2008 RISE IN WATER LEVEL OF OCEANS DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING . 1749 . SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT (a) whether it is a fact that snow covered area of North Pole has shrunken to 4300 kilometers and likely to shrink further to 3100 kilometers in next four years due to global warming the consequence of which will be rise in water level of oceans around India sub‐merging of coastal areas and drying up of rivers. (b) if so, whether the situation been assessed; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps proposed to be taken up by Government to prevent loss to lives and property? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)



(a) Yes Sir, It is a fact that sea ice around North Pole is melting at an alarming rate. North Pole that lies at the center of Arctic Ocean is surrounded by frozen sea ice. Much of this frozen sea ice in the arctic, normally melts each summer and rebuilds in the following winter season. However, due to the global warming, the rebuilding of ice is not coming back to its original levels, because of which the recovery is not complete. Many studies using passive microwave data, have established that average September sea ice extent for the period 1979‐2000 which stood at 7.09 million Sq km has been reduced by 39% at the and of melt season in September 2007. The average sea ice extent for the month of September 2007 at 4.28 million sq km, has been the lowest September figures ever recorded so far. The Arctic sea Ice extent on 23rd September 2008 was at 4.59 million sq km. the sea ice is getting thinner and hence more vulnerable to melting in subsequent summer. (b‐c) Sea level rise as a product of global warming, takes place through two main processes, melting of the land ice and thermal expansion of sea water due to rise in sea surface temperatures. Based on the tide gauge data, the rate of sea level rise during the 20th century has been found to be in the range of 0.8 to 3.3 mm per year with an average of 1.8 mm/year. (d) The rise in the sea level due to melting of sea ice around North Pole is not expected to be sudden or abrupt. However, to safeguard the interests of large section of population living in the coastal areas, Government has set up a network of tidal gauges all along the Indian Coast to monitor the sea level. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1258 ANSWERED ON‐12.12.2008 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION . 1258 . SHRI SHIVANAND TIWARI (a) whether it is a fact that the climate of the country is undergoing a change very rapidly; (b) whether the climatic change is affecting the agricultural production as well; (c) if so, what has been the extent of its impact on the production of wheat and rice in particular; and (d) what measures have so far been taken in order to provide a protection to the crops/production against the adverse effects of such a climatic change? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA)



(a) The increasing average surface air temperature in the country over the past 100 years (1901‐2000) were the order of 0.4ºC. The frequency of occurrence of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, higher temperature in winter, etc. in the recent past has also increased. (b) & (c): No definite evidences of substantial decrease in agricultural production in the country due to climate change, as the process is very slow. However, there are few factual informations reported on decrease in agricultural production in the country due to extreme events like cold waves, heat waves, abnormal temperatures and the excess rainfall. Preliminary simulation studies have indicated significant decline in food grain production due to climate change in future. (d) During X Plan period ICAR has initiated a Network Project on `Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change` at different ICAR Institutes/State Agricultural Universities. The Project aimed to study the impact of climate change on agriculture and allied disciplines like bio‐diversity, agroforestry, horticulture, livestock and fisheries. Research efforts are being made to mitigate the impacts of climate change by increasing the adaptive capacity of the agriculture to global climate change. Emphasis has also been given during XI Plan period to strengthen the existing institutional network with additional budget to cope up to the challenges posed by climate change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3271 ANSWERED ON‐24.04.2008 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON THE ECONOMY . 3271 . PROF. P.J. KURIAN (a) the details of impact of Global Warming on the economy; (b) the steps taken by Government in this regard; (c) whether it is a fact that the developed countries are contributing to a much larger extent to this global warming; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) the action taken by Government in this regard? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) The Government is aware of the likely impacts of global warming on various sectors. A preliminary assessment of impacts and vulnerability due to projected climate change in key sectors such as water,



agriculture, forestry, ecosystems, coastal zones, health, energy and infrastructure was undertaken at the time of preparation of India’s Initial National Communication on Climate Change submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2004. The projected climate change impact scenarios indicate increase in and variable trend of both rainfall and temperature into the 21st century, reduction in the quantity of surface run off across the various river basins, severity of droughts and intensity of floods in various parts of the country. (b) India has been following a path of sustainable development through a range of policies and programmes to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Some of the steps taken by the Government include inter alia ‐ setting up of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and encouraging energy conservation and introduction of energy efficiency labeling, promoting use of renewable energy, power sector reforms, use of cleaner and lesser carbon‐intensive fuel for transport, fuel switching to cleaner energy, afforestation and conservation of forests, promotion of clean coal technologies, reduction of gas flaring, encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems and environmental quality management for all sectors. Besides, India spends every year over 2 percent of the GDP in development measures with strong adaptation content. Further, the Government has also set up an “Expert Committee on Impacts of Climate Change” in May 2007 to study the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on India and to identify the measures that may be needed to address vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change impacts. (c) & (d) India with 16% of world population contributes to approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions that amounts to 23.31% of USA, 30.27% of China, 37.39% of EU‐15. (e) India as a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has contributed to the preparation of an Action plan at the Conference held in Bali in December 2007 to enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC through long‐term cooperative action, now, up to and beyond 2012. The Government has set up an “Expert Committee on Impacts of Climate Change” in May, 2007 to study the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on India and identify the measures needed to address vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change impacts and any other matter relevant to these. Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change to coordinate national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change was constituted on 6th June 2007 to evolve a coordinated response relating to climate change at the National level. The Council has decided, inter alia, to prepare a National Action Plan on Climate Change to address the challenges of climate change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2973 ANSWERED ON‐22.04.2008 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HISTORICAL MONUMENTS . 2973 . SHRI RAMACHANDRA KHUNTIA



(a) whether there is any danger for all historical monuments in coastal areas like Konark Temple and Jaganath Temple, Puri in view of the global warning; (b) whether Government has any special project for protecting these historical monuments; and (c) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI) (a) There is no immediate danger to centrally protected historical monuments in coastal areas like Sun Temple, Konark and Jagannath temple, Puri due to global warming. (b) & (c) A groyne wall has been provided to Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram for protection against sea waves and casuarina plantation has been provided at Sun Temple, Konark and Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram for protection against saline wind. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐401 ANSWERED ON‐22.04.2008 THREAT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 401 . SHRI T.T.V. DHINAKARAN (a) whether India has geared up to meet acute water shortage in view of the threat of global warming; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (PROF. SAIF‐UD‐DIN SOZ) (a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.



STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 401 TO BE ANSWERD IN RAJYA SABHA ON 22.04.08 REGARDING THREAT OF GLOBAL WARMING. (a) to (c) Realising the need for proper assessment of the effect of climate change on water resources and flow characteristics, studies have been taken up by Central Water Commission, Brahmaputra Board and National Institute of Hydrology with active participation of reputed academic institutes. The study is being coordinated by Central Water Commission. The objective of the study is to examine the effect of climate change on water resources with a view to (a) assess the extent of likely changes in the water availability and the flow characteristics, (b) evaluate the effect of such changes on the performance of the water resources system, and (c) to identify appropriate measures to address the effect of climate change on water resources. With a view to mitigate the effect of possible changes in flow characteristics and ensure optimal utilization of available water resources, various measures for conservation of water, including creation of storages, traditional water conservation practices, rainwater harvesting and recharge to ground water are taken up by the respective State Governments. The interlinking of river project also aims at optimal utilization of surplus flood water. The National Water Policy envisages that efficiency of utilisation in all the diverse uses of water should be optimised, an awareness of water as a scarce resource be fostered, the water resources be conserved and the availability augmented. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐373 ANSWERED ON‐17.04.2008 GLOBAL WARMING . 373 . SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI (a) whether Government is aware that if climatic trends continue unabated, global warming would threaten our health, our cities, our farms and forests, beaches and wetlands, and other natural habitats;



(b) if so, the impact on above segments likely to occur in India, sector‐wise; (c) whether, recently, Government accepted the fact of impact of global warming on agriculture and irregular rain; (d) if so, the details and measures taken; and (e) the programme Government has launched to create awareness on global warming? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO (a) to (e) A statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 373 BY SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI DUE FOR REPLY ON 17.04.2008, REGARDING “GLOBAL WARMING”. (a) & (b) The Government is aware of the likely impacts of global warming on various sectors. A preliminary assessment of impacts and vulnerability due to projected climate change in key sectors such as water, agriculture, forestry, ecosystems, coastal zones, health, energy and infrastructure was undertaken at the time of preparation of India’s Initial National Communication on Climate Change submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2004. The projected climate change impact scenarios indicate increase in and variable trend of both rainfall and temperature into the 21st century, reduction in the quantity of surface run off across the various river basins, severity of droughts and intensity of floods in various parts of the country. (c) & (d) According to India Meteorological Department, the monsoon rainfall at all India level does not show any trend but there are some regional patterns. This in turn would impact yields of crops. The process of climate change is slow and its effects on agriculture are projected to be apparent over several decades. (e) Ministry of Environment & Forests has organized and funded many workshops / conferences / seminars on the issue of climate change and brought out various publications. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is organizing conferences/ workshops for scientists to give more thrust on climate change research. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) is regularly conducting fresher courses and training workshops on Climate Change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2205 ANSWERED ON‐20.03.2008 FRAME WORK TO CURB GLOBAL WARMING . 2205 . DR.(SMT.) NAJMA A. HEPTULLA



MAHENDRA MOHAN (a) whether any agreement was reached at Bali Conference on climate change; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any measures to cut industrial and power pollution were discussed in the Conference; (d) if so, the details thereof; (e) whether Government would make any policy frame‐work with the help of business and civic society to curb the global warming; and (f) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) a) & b) The thirteenth Conference of Parties (COP‐13) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the third Meeting of Parties (MOP‐3) to Kyoto Protocol was held in Bali in December 2007. The principal outcome of the Bali conference was to launch a comprehensive process called Bali Action Plan (BAP) that would enable the full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC through long‐term cooperative action, now, up to and beyond 2012. It is expected that an agreed outcome would be reached and a decision adopted regarding BAP, at the fifteenth Conference of Parties (COP‐15) to be held in December 2009. The Conference of Parties serving as Meeting of Parties at Bali also took crucial decisions in respect of the Kyoto Protocol, the Adhoc Working Group on further commitments of developed countries (beyond 2012) finally established a deadline of 2009 for the completion of its work and forwarding to COP‐15 for a decision, its recommendations on quantified emissions limitation and reduction commitments of Annex I Parties (developed countries). c) Among other things, the COP/MOP at Bali discussed issues related to transfer of technologies that have the potential of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industry and power plants in general. However per se pollution related matters were not discussed. (d) to (f) In the first meeting of the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change held in July 2007, interalia it was decided that a National Action Plan on climate change will be prepared. This report is under preparation. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐232 ANSWERED ON‐28.02.2008 INCREASE IN GLOBAL WARMING . 232 . SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI (a) whether it is a fact that there has been a rapid increase in Global Warming during the period 2005‐06 and 2006‐07; (b) how far it has increased during the period 2007‐08 till date; (c) how far it has adversely effected the fertility of agricultural land, water resources and breathing of the human being and animals; and (d) whether an international Committee of experts has been set up to find out the means for the protection of agriculture, water resources, human beings and other living creatures? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) Surface air temperatures over the India for the period 1901‐2000 indicate a significant warming of about 0.5°C /100 year during the last century. The ten warmest years on record are 2006(0.595), 2002(0.59), 1998(0.50), 2004 & 2001(0.47), 2003(0.45), 1958(0.43), 1987 & 1941(0.41), 2005(0.40), 1999(0.39), 1953 & 2000(0.36) and 1980(0.34). The figures within brackets are the differences from the long term mean. Since 1993, annual mean temperature has been consistently above normal. The year 2006 was the warmest year on record since 1901. The year 2007 was warmer by 0.55°C. The assessment for the year 2008 will be available only by the end of the year. The spatial distribution of temperature changes indicate that a significant warming trend has been observed along the west coast, central India, and interior Peninsula and over northeast India. However, cooling trend has been observed in northwest and some parts in southern India. These observed trends are based on Instrumental records over the past more than 100 years, collected by the India Meteorological Department. (c) No specific National assessment has been carried out on how far increase in global warming has adversely affected the various natural and biological resources. However, the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides observed changes in the natural systems at global level (snow, ice and frozen grounds) are affected. Further, the Report also projects current understanding of future impacts and projects global and regional level changes e.g. increased risk extinction of plants and animals; changed patterns of distribution of some diseases (malaria and dengue); sea level rise; variable response of crop production depending upon the physical locations of countries; besides providing regional impacts in the major regions of the world including Asia. (d) A Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has been constituted to study the impacts of climate and adaptation to Climate Change in India.



‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐313 ANSWERED ON‐06.12.2007 RAPID RISE IN GLOBAL WARMING 313 . SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR (a) whether Government has come to know about rapid rise in global warming during the period 2005‐06 and 2006‐07; (b) how far it is expected to go up during the period 2007‐08; (c) how it has adversely affected the fertility of the agricultural land, water resources and breathing of human being and animals; and (d) the steps being taken by Government for the protection of human beings and other living creatures? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. Statement Refered To In Reply To Parts (A) To (D) Of The Rajya Sabha Starred Question No: 313 Due For Answer On 06.12.2007 By Shri Kamal Akhtar, Mp, Regarding “Rapid Rise In Global Warming” (a) & (b): According to the results of analysis of data on global temperature anomalies by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), USA and Climate Research Unit (CRU), University of East Anglia, UK, which is used by World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the years 2005 and 2006 have been observed to be the warmest, however, there are no specific projections for the year 2007‐08. (c): Climate Change is a long term process and it is difficult to assess its effects on various sectors in the short term. However, according to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Inter‐governmental Panel on Climate Change, many natural systems are being affected by regional climate changes, particularly temperature increases. A global assessment of data since 1970 has shown, inter alia, that by 2050s, annual average river runoff and water availability are projected to increase by 10‐40% at high latitudes and in some wet tropical areas, and decrease by 10‐30% over some dry regions at mid‐latitudes and in the dry tropics. Drought‐affected areas are likely to increase in extent, heavy precipitation events are very likely to increase in frequency. The report mentions impacts on Ecosystems, Food, Fibre and Forest products, Coastal systems and low‐lying areas, Industry, Settlement, Society and Health (d): The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol address the issues related to climate change. India is a Party to both these agreements and the



Government of India is conscious of the various concerns that may arise due to climate change. The existing legislative and policy frame work in various sectors of concern, together with programmes which target conservation of rivers, improvement of urban air quality, enhanced forestation, promotion of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency etc. contribute to addressing climate change issues. There are also various programs addressing climate variability concerns, the expenditure of which accounts for 2.6 % of our GDP in 2006‐07. These include cyclone warning and protection, coastal protection, floods and drought control and relief, major and minor irrigation projects, control of malaria, food security measures, and research on drought resistant crops, and several others. Further, the Government has set up the “Expert Committee on Impacts of Climate Change” on 7th May 2007 under the chairmanship of Dr. R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India to study the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on India and to identify the measures that we may have to take in the future in relation to addressing vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change impacts. In addition, a Council has been set up under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister on 6th June, 2007 constituting eminent persons to evolve a coordinated response to issues relating to climate change at the National level and provide oversight for formulation of action plans in the area of assessment. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1826 ANSWERED ON‐06.12.2007 SOCIO ECONOMIC AREAS OF GLOBAL WARMING . 1826 . SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI (a) whether the Government is aware that global warming is set to reverse decades of social and economic progress across Asia, home to over 60 per cent of the world’s population as revealed in a new report – Up in Smoke? Asia and the Pacific; (b) if so, what is the reaction of Government; (c) in what socio‐economic areas global warming is going to affect the nation and to what extent; (d) whether our ecosystems such as river‐sheds, mangroves coastal zones, forests and grasslands are already overburdened by environmental pressure from commercialization, excessive resources use and indiscriminate dumping of industrial and agricultural waste; (e) if so, action taken by Government? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)



(a) to (d) Government is aware of the implications of Climate Change, which is one of the most serious environmental concerns and threat to mankind. India is also not immune to impact of global warming and Climate Change. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the surface air temperature over the Indian subcontinent shows a slightly warming trend by about 0.40 C during the past 100 years. This warming trend is however not uniform either in time or space. Some regions do not exhibit as much warming trend as the others, and some regions of the country show lesser warming trend. However, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its Fourth Assessment Report in 2007 has projected a warming of 0.20 C per decade of the earth’s atmosphere for a range of Special Report Emission Scenarios. India’s large population depends on climate‐sensitive sectors like agriculture and forestry for livelihoods. Any adverse impact on water availability due to recession of glaciers, decrease in rainfall and increased flooding in certain pockets would threaten food security, cause die back of natural ecosystems including species that sustain the livelihood of rural households, and adversely impact the coastal system due to sea level rise and increased frequency of extreme events. Apart from above, other systems such as habitats, health, energy demand, and infrastructure investments would be adversely affected. (e) India is a Party to both The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol and is actively participating in Climate Change discussions. India has taken several measures to mitigate Climate Change by encouraging renewable sources of energy, energy efficiency, afforestation programmes and promoting projects under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, which reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases. The Government of India has also set up an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Principal Scientific Adviser on impacts of Climate Change to identify the impacts of anthropogenic Climate Change on India and to identify the measures that we may have to take in the future in relation to addressing vulnerability to anthropogenic Climate Change impacts. The composition of the Expert Committee includes eminent scientists and representatives of concerned Ministries and Departments. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1830 ANSWERED ON‐06.12.2007 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 1830 . SHRI RAJKUMAR DHOOT (a) Whether it is a fact that global warming is causing quick melting of ice to deplete natural resources and drying up of underground water; (b) if so, the details thereof and its impact on the conditions; and (c) the steps which are proposed to be taken to reverse the process? ANSWER



MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): According to the information furnished by the Ministry of Water Resources, some of the studies project that the Climate Change will effect the water resources of the various rivers of the country mostly because of increase in the glacier melt. As per the studies conducted by the Geological Survey of India if the present scenario of the receding glaciers is accelerated, there may be some reduction in the river discharge. It has been further indicated that the major part of the river discharge is contributed by snowfall and precipitation, which is likely to go up with global warming. The continuous retreat of glaciers may lead to marginal shortage of water in the Himalayan rivers. Studies also indicate that the major part of the glacier melt run off is released during June‐September period, which is a time for monsoon activity. Thus, marginal decrease in glacier contribution may be compensated by increased monsoon activity. Realising the need for proper assessment of the effect of Climate Change on water resources, research on these issues has been undertaken by institutes of national repute, like IIT Delhi, National Institute of Hydrology, etc. The Ministry of Water Resources has constituted a Standing Committee for “Assessment of Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources”. Government of India has also set up an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Principal Scientific Adviser on impacts of Climate Change to identify the impacts of anthropogenic Climate Change on India and to identify the measures that we may have to take in the future in relation to addressing vulnerability to anthropogenic Climate Change impacts. The composition of the Expert Committee includes eminent scientists and representative of various Ministries and Departments concerned. Prime Minister’s ‘Council on Climate Change’ coordinates national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of Climate Change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐308 ANSWERED ON‐06.12.2007 GLOBAL WARMING 308 . SHRI SHAHID SIDDIQUI (a) whether it is a fact that India is preparing to put before U.N’s convention, its strategies on climate change; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the further steps which are being taken to control global warming? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.



STATEMENT REFERED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (c) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO: 308 DUE FOR ANSWER ON 06.12.2007 BY SHRI SHAHID SIDDIQUI, MP, REGARDING “GLOBAL WARMING” (a) to (c): As per the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India, as well as other developing countries, taking into account the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and national circumstances” are expected to formulate, implement, publish and regularly update national programmes containing measures to mitigate Climate Change by addressing anthropogenic emissions of all greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, and measures to facilitate adequate adaptation to Climate Change. India as a developing country is not expected under the UN Convention on Climate Change to take on mitigation commitments. As per the UNFCCC, the extent to which developing country Parties will effectively implement their commitments under the Convention will depend on the effective implementation by developed country Parties of their commitments under the Convention related to financial resources and transfer of technology and will take fully into account that economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of the developing country Parties. India attaches great importance to the issue of climate change and is engaged constructively and productively with the international community to preserve and protect the environment. India has already stated that India’s per‐capita GHG emissions would not exceed those of developed countries even while pursuing policies of development and economic growth. However in various international fora representatives from developed countries have been advocating involvement of developing countries to check emissions of greenhouse gases. In this context, the Indian position on the issue is that as a developing country, India is not expected under the UN Convention on Climate Change to take on mitigation commitments. However, our GHG emissions are among the lowest in per capita terms and account for only 4% of the world’s emissions. Nonetheless, even though, India as a developing country does not have any mitigation commitments, a sustainable development path is being followed through a range of policies and programmes to mitigate climate change, which include interalia the following: (i) ensuring energy conservation and improved energy efficiency in various sectors as well as setting up of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (ii) promoting use of renewable energy (iii) power sector reforms and active renewable energy programme (iv) use of cleaner and lesser carbon intensive fuel for transport (v) fuel switching to cleaner energy (vi) afforestation and conservation of forests (vii) promotion of clean coal technologies (viii) reduction of gas flaring (ix) encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems



(x) environmental quality management for all sectors However, the biggest challenge for countries like India will be to look for adaptation activities in critical sectors, as the projected climatic change indicates adverse impacts on developing countries in many ways resulting in changes in frequency, duration and intensity of extreme events such as heat waves and heavy precipitation events. Government of India is conscious of the implications of climate change and has been implementing various programs addressing climate variability concerns, the expenditure of which accounts for 2.6 % of our GDP in 2006‐07. These include cyclone warning and protection, coastal protection, floods and drought control and relief, major and minor irrigation projects, control of malaria, food security measures, and research on drought resistant crops, and several others. Further, the Government has set up the “Expert Committee on Impacts of Climate Change” on 7th May 2007 under the chairmanship of Dr. R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India to study the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on India and to identify the measures that we may have to take in the future in relation to addressing vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change impacts. In addition, a Council has been set up under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister on 6th June, 2007 constituting eminent persons to evolve a coordinated response to issues relating to climate change at the National level and provide oversight for formulation of action plans in the area of assessment. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1055 ANSWERED ON‐29.11.2007 MONITORING OF THREAT POSED BY GLOBAL WARMING 1055 . SHRI SHARAD ANANTRAO JOSHI (a) whether there is any Department or Agency in the State that is monitoring the threat posted by global warming; (b) if so, whether any ‘satellite imaging’ and other meteorological studies, such as average mean temperature rise, precipitation, Green House Gases levels, etc. have been undertaken; and (c) whether efforts are being made by the State to obtain essential data in this regard? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): Indian scientists and meteorologists have studied the climate data of more than 100 years available from the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD’s) network of meteorological stations spread all over the country. Average surface temperature over India as a whole has shown warming trend of the order of 0.5 0 C during 1901‐2006 with large spatial variations. No significant trends have



been observed in rainfall during last century. However, decadal variations were found, which are within natural fluctuations. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐466 ANSWERED ON‐22.11.2007 WARNING OF GLOBAL WARMING . 466 . SHRI MANOHAR JOSHI (a) whether Government have come across the warning issued by WHO at a workshop on climate change that was held at Kuala Lumpur that “global policy makers must act quickly to address the critical problem of global warming or face serious health and economic consequences; and (b) if so, the Government’s reaction thereto? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS br> (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) No, Sir. World Health Organisation (WHO) has not issued such warning at the Kuala Lumpur Workshop on climate change held in July 2007 that “global policy makers must act quickly to address the critical problem of global warming or face serious health and economic consequences”. (b) Does not arise in view of reply to part (a) above. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐465 ANSWERED ON‐22.11.2007 NATIONAL POLICY FOR GLOBAL WARMING . 465 . SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR (a) whether Government have formulated a new national policy for addressing the issue of global warming; (b) if so, the details thereof; and



(b) if not, by when that is likely to be done? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) The National Environment Policy 2006 of Ministry of Environment & Forests inter alia addresses the issue of global warming. The following comprise essential elements of India`s response to climate change: a) Adherence to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities of different countries in respect of both mitigation of green house gases (GHGs), and adaptation measures. b) Reliance on multilateral approaches, as opposed to bilateral or plurilateral or unilateral measures. c) Equal per‐capita entitlements of global environmental resources to all countries. d) Over‐riding priority of the right to development. e) Identify key vulnerabilities of India to climate change, in particular impacts on water resources, forests, coastal areas, agriculture, and health. br> f) Assess the need for adaptation to future climate change, and the scope for incorporating these in relevant programmes, including watershed management, coastal zone planning and regulation, forestry management, agricultural technologies and practices, and health programmes. g) Encourage Indian Industry to participate in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) through capacity building for identifying and preparing CDM projects, including in the financial sector. h) Participate in voluntary partnerships with other countries both developed and developing, to address the challenges of sustainable development and climate change, consistent with the provisions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Further, the Government has also set up “Expert Committee on Impacts of Climate Change” in May 2007 to study the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on India and to identify the measures that we may have to take in the future in relation to addressing vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change impacts. A coordination committee chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister called “Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change to coordinate national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change” was constituted on 6th June 2007. The focus of the Committee would be to: I. Evolve a coordinated response to issues relating to climate change at the national level; II. Provide oversight for formulation of action plans in the area of assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change;



III. Periodically monitor key policy decisions. (c) Does not arise in view of the reply to parts (a) & (b) above. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2498 ANSWERED ON‐06.09.2007 GLOBAL WARMING . 2498 . SHRI KAMAL AKHTAR RAVULA CHANDRA SEKAR REDDY (a) whether it is a fact that global warming has hit the danger mark; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) the steps being taken by Government to reduce pollution to prevent extinction of human race? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which brings out assessment of climate change based on peer reviewed scientific work world wide, has released its three reports, the last of which has been released in May 2007 does not mention of any danger mark of global warming. (c) The Government of India is a Party to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCCC) and has set up the National Clean Development Mechanism Authority to accord Host Country Approvals (HCA) to eligible Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. India also has the largest number of projects under the CDM of the Kyoto Protocol, which reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases. Further, even though India as a developing country does not have any mitigation commitments, nevertheless, a sustainable development path is being followed through a range of policies and programmes to mitigate climate change: (i) ensuring energy conservation and improved energy efficiency in various sectors as well as setting up of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (ii) promoting use of renewable energy



(iii) power sector reforms and active renewable energy programme (iv) use of cleaner and lesser carbon intensive fuel for transport (v) fuel switching to cleaner energy (vi) afforestation and conservation of forests (vii) promotion of clean coal technologies (viii) reduction of gas flaring (ix) encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems (x) environmental quality management for all sectors ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1993 ANSWERED ON‐31.08.2007 ADVERSE EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON AGRICULTURE . 1993 . DR. BARUN MUKHERJEE (a) whether it is a fact that the FAO (UN) chief has recently predicted a huge loss of cereals production of India due to climate change; (b) if so, whether Government agree to it and what is Government`s assessment in this respect; (c) which of the cereals may be worst affected; (d) whether Government agree that such adverse effect of global warming is a matter of great concern, particularly when India`s growth rate in agricultural sector has alarmingly gone down; and (e) what measures are being taken to combat such adverse situation? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA) (a) FAO Chief has predicted loss of cereal production in India due to climatic change. He stated that rainfed agriculture in marginal areas in semi‐arid and sub‐humid region is mostly at risk. He further



suggested that science and technology including new tools available in the field of bio‐technology must spearhead agricultural production in the coming years at a faster rate than in the past. (b) & (c): Recent studies in Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) indicate the possibility of loss of 4‐5 million metric tones of wheat production with every rise of 1°C temperature throughout the growth period. Wheat may be more affected than other cereals. (d) & (e): Adverse effects of global warming are a matter of concern for the country`s food security. Simple practices such as change in planting date and crop varieties could help in reducing the impact of climate change. ICAR has taken several measures to address this issue including adaptation to climate change. Wheat varieties such as NIAW 34, RAJ 3765, RAJ 4037 and DBW 14 have been developed that are tolerant to rise in temperature. Resource Conservation Technologies like Zero Tillage Technology are being popularized. Zero Tillage Technology reduces the cost of cultivation, advances the time of wheat sowing (4‐5 days), requires less water for the first irrigation and saves diesel. It thus also helps reduce emission of green house gases. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐178 ANSWERED ON‐23.08.2007 IMPACT OF LARGE DAMS ON GLOBAL WARMING . 178 . SHRI EKANATH K. THAKUR (a) whether it is a fact that as per the recently published study by the scientists, large dams in India are responsible for about a fifth of the country’s global warming impact and Indian dams are the largest global warming contributors compared to other nations; (b) whether it is a fact that the total methane emissions from India’s large dams could be 33.5 million tonnes per annum; and (c) if so, the steps Government propose to take to investigate in this matter and the action proposed? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) & (b) Scientifically, methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming, is emitted from reservoirs of dams. However, no scientific study, as on date has been brought out, pertaining to methane emissions from the reservoirs of Indian dams. (c) Does not arise.



‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1041 ANSWERED ON‐21.08.2007 GLOBAL WARMING AND HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECTS . 1041 . SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH (a) whether it is a fact that global warming is taking place rapidly in the world; (b) if so, whether it would also affect the snowy mountains located in the Northern part of India; (c) if so, whether the water sources of the rivers originating from the mountains of Northern India would dry up and its likely impact on the longevity of a large number of valuable hydro‐electric projects to be set up in future; and (d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV) (a) Various reports indicate that the average temperature values of the earth has in the last decade shown increasing trend. (b) As reported by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the seasonal snow cover has been melting in the last few years, the same way it was in the past and it seems that effect is more pronounced on Glaciers. Geological Survey of India (GSI) have reported that most of the glaciers of Himalayas as well as in the other parts of the world are receding and the recession of the glaciers may result due to subnormal snowfall, higher temperature during summer, less severe winter or a combination of all of them. The GSI has further reported that it may also be due to global warming a topic which is still debatable. (c) & (d) As per GSI, if the present scenario of receding glaciers is accelerated, there may be some reduction in the river discharge. However, it may be noted that the major part of the river discharge is contributed by snow fall and precipitation which is likely to go up with global warming. More melting of glaciers will generate more water initially. Hence there is no likelihood of northern rivers drying up in near future. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES



RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐744 ANSWERED ON‐20.08.2007 RESEARCH STUDIES ON GLOBAL WARMING 744 . SHRI C. RAMACHANDRAIAH (a) whether the research institutes under the Ministry are working in a coordinated manner to resolve issues pertaining to global warming, that are either directly or indirectly affecting the socio‐economic growth of the country; (b) if so, whether research studies are done on melting down of Himalayan Glaciers, increased occurrence of cyclone, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, flash floods, cloud bursts, etc; (c) if so, the details thereof, along with the breakthrough made, if any; and (d) if not, the reasons thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (KAPIL SIBAL) (a) Yes, Sir. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and other concerned institutes of the Ministry are working in a coordinated manner to address the science issues related to global warming. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology(WIHG) is also pursuing research related to climate change/global warming using the various proxies and geological records. The findings on trends of climate change over the Indian region have formed the basis for further impact studies on socio‐economic aspects carried out by other research groups. (b) & (c) Several studies have been undertaken by the IITM, Pune, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) and IMD on the cyclonic disturbances that form in Bay of Bengal and cross Andhra Coast. In general it was observed that the number of intense storms (monsoon depressions) that form over the Bay of Bengal have been showing a decline during the past 2‐3 decades while there is a general increasing trend in the low‐pressure systems (low‐intensity). There are no conclusive results yet obtained on trends of flash floods and cloud bursts. It is well‐established fact that glaciers, in general, including the Himalayan glaciers, recede or build‐up in response to variations in temperature of the region in which they are located. The analysis of temperature data for more than a century indicates slight increase of temperature, particularly in the winter season over the Western Himalayan region with some local variations. The recession in glaciers could be attributed to various reasons, including the possibility due to global warming. In the past 750,000 years, there have been Ice Age cycles, separated by warmer periods called interglacial periods. This is part of the normal climate variation cycle. The effects of Greenhouse warming, if any, shall be



superimposed on such natural variations. Due to such complexities it is difficult to make clear attribution of the observed recession of Himalayan glaciers to global warming. (d) Does not arise ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐495 ANSWERED ON‐16.08.2007 CRISIS OF GLOBAL WARMING . 495 . SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL (a) whether consensus was reached among international delegations on 4th May, 2007 in Bangkok that in order to deal with the danger posed by global warming, the emission of green house gases having harmful effects should be checked; (b) whether consensus was also reached on the report of international panel on climate changes in this meeting wherein it who emphasized to take immediate steps to reduce the increase of two degree Celsius in global temperature; and (c) if so, the measures taken so far to deal with the crisis of global warming in the country? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA ) (a) A meeting of the Inter‐Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was held in Bangkok during April 30 – May 4, 2007 to consider and adopt a report of the Working Group III of the IPCC on mitigation of climate change. The IPCC is a specialised scientific body and is charged with the responsibility for preparation of scientific assessment based on the peer reviewed published literature. It is not a forum to develop consensus on the actions to be taken by the various countries. The report of the IPCC on mitigation of climate change adopted on May 4, 2007 at Bangkok, Thailand provides global level assessment of new literature on scientific, technological, environmental, economic and social aspect of climate change, after the year 2002. Further, the report provides global trends of greenhouse gas emission; mitigation in short and medium term (until 2030); mitigation in long term (after 2030); policies, measures and instruments to mitigate climate change; sustainable development and climate change mitigation and gaps in knowledge. (b) & (c) No such consensus was reached on any target of 2 degree Celcius for the global warming. However, the Government of India is a Party to Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and has set up the National Clean Development Mechanism Authority to accord Host Country Approvals to eligible Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects



as per the requirements of Marrakesh Accords. Although India as a developing country does not have any mitigation commitments. India also has the largest number of projects under CDM of the Kyoto Protocol, which reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases. Further, the message of CDM has been propagated through various workshops and seminars organized from time to time. Capacity building programmes have been undertaken for various stakeholders with multilateral and bilateral agencies. A sustainable development path is being followed in India by a range of policies and programmes to mitigate climate change: (a) ensuring energy conservation and improved energy efficiency in various sectors as well as setting up of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (b) promoting use of renewable energy (c) power sector reforms and active renewable energy programme (d) use of cleaner and lesser carbon intensive fuel for transport (e) fuel switching to cleaner energy (f) afforestation and conservation of forests (g) promotion of clean coal technologies (h) reduction of gas flaring (i) encouraging Mass Rapid Transport systems (j) environmental quality management for all sectors ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐490 ANSWERED ON‐16.08.2007 DECLINE OF FOOD PRODUCTION DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING . 490 . SHRI SURENDRA LATH (a) whether it is a fact that production of foodgrains has declined due to global warming; (b) if so, the percentage of it; and (c) whether Government are making any efforts or some policy is being worked out to tackle this problem?



ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): The information is being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐136 ANSWERED ON‐13.08.2007 DANGER OF GLOBAL WARMING . 136 . SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI (a) whether it is a fact that Mumbai finds a place in the list of areas that face the danger of global warming; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether other coastal cities are also included in the list; if so, the names thereof; and (d) the steps/measures taken/being taken by Government in this regard? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL) (a) There is no such list of areas that face the danger of Global Warming. All low lying coastal regions are equally vulnerable . (b) Does not arise. (c) Does not arise. (d) We have been constantly addressing concerns of the coastal zone and its environment. We have adopted the National Environment Policy in 2006 and have also taken other measures and policy initiatives. Recently, the Government has set up a Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change to coordinate national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change. The Ministry of Environment and Forests have also constituted an Expert Committee on Climate Change impacts, which is headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Cabinet.



‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐137 ANSWERED ON‐13.08.2007 THREAT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 137 . SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL (a) whether there was any consensus among international delegation in Bangkok on 4th May 2007 that to face the threat of global warming, the harmful effects of emission of green house gases should be curbed; (b) whether there was any consensus on the report of international panel on climate changes in this meeting, in which it was stressed to take immediate steps to lesson the increase of 2 degree Celcius temperature all over the world; and (c) if so, the steps taken so far to face the thereof of global warming in the country? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES ( SHRI KAPIL SIBAL) (a) No, Sir. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is not a forum to evolve consensus on the need or otherwise to take action for curbing the emission of green house gases. However, the IPCC approved the Fourth Assessment Report, of its Working Group III on MITIGATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE at a meeting on 4th May 2007 at Bangkok, Thailand, written by about 168 authors by peer reviewing the scientific findings. (b) No, Sir (c) We have been constantly addressing concerns of the coastal zone and its environment. We have adopted the National Environment Policy in 2006 and have also taken other measures and policy initiatives. Recently, the Government has set up a Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change to coordinate national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change. The Ministry of Environment and Forests have also constituted an Expert Committee on Climate Change impacts, which is headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Cabinet. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐4124



ANSWERED ON‐14.05.2007 U.N. PANEL REPORT ON GLOBAL WARMING 4124 . DR. K. MALAISAMY (a) whether the U. N. Panel Report on Global Warming has been considered seriously or ignored by other countries; (b) the reaction of India on this report; and (c) whether there will be any preventive or curative process and measures to get over this nature’s onslaught ? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYAND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL) a)&b) Yes Sir. The U.N. Report provides a global assessment of observed climate change, climate processes and estimates of projected future climate change including increase in average global temperatures. All countries including India are concerned about these findings. Necessary steps are being undertaken to address these issues most effectively through coordinated programs at National and International level. c) India is engaged in the International Climate Change Regime, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol, and various partnerships with other countries under the UNFCCC. Government have taken a number of initiatives like improving energy efficiency, conservation, afforestation and conservation of forests, encouraging mass rapid transport system, taking up environmental quality management all with a view to reduce climate change and mitigate its bad effect. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐528 ANSWERED ON‐11.05.2007 STUDY ON IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 528 . SHRI MAHENDRA MOHAN (a) whether Government are aware that towns and cities along India’s eastern coast would be devastated with global warming intensifying cyclones and rising sea levels eroding vast stretches of the shorelines;



(b) if so, whether Government have done any comprehensive study on the impact of global warming in the coastal areas; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) if not, the reasons therefore? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO: 528 BY SHRI MAHENDRA MOHAN, MP, DUE FOR ANSWER ON 11.05.2007 (a) to (d) The Government is aware of the implication of the sea level rise due to projected climate change. The past observations on the mean sea level along the Indian coast show a long‐term rising trend of about 1.0 mm/year. The recent data suggests a rising trend of 2.5 mm/year in the sea‐level along Indian coastline. Model simulation studies, indicate that the oceanic region adjoining the Indian subcontinent is likely to warm at its surface by about 1.5‐2.0 degree Centigrade by the middle of this century and by about 2.3‐3.5 degree Centigrade by the end of the century. The corresponding thermal expansion, related sea‐level rise is expected to be between 15 cm and 38 cm by the middle of this century and between 46 cm and 59 cm by the end of the century. According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests on the impacts of climate change on various sectors including coastal zones, in the event of one meter sea‐level rise, 5764 Km2 of land in coastal areas of India is projected to lose, displacing approximately 7.1 million people along with 4200 Kms of roads by the end of the 21st century. Further the coastal areas are also vulnerable to projected increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like storm surges and cyclones. In the eastern coast, the vulnerable districts include Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara in Orissa and Nellore in Andhra Pradesh and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐4048 ANSWERED ON‐11.05.2007 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 4048 . SHRI MAHENDRA MOHAN (a) whether Government are aware that country would lose many hectares of land due to global warming by the end of this century;



(b) if so, what strategy has been formulated by Government to identify the affected areas; (c) whether Government have prepared any blue‐print for the rehabilitation of affected people and evacuate the likely and already affected areas; and (d) how much land has been lost by our country in the coastal areas due to global warming during this century and what is the rate of rise of sea level right now compared to last decades? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) Yes, Sir. (b), (c) and (d) The Government is aware of the implications due to projected climate change and the past observations on the mean sea level along the Indian coast show a long‐term rising trend of about 1.0 mm/year. The recent data suggests a rising trend of 2.5 mm/year in the sea‐level along Indian coastline. Model simulation studies indicate that the oceanic region adjoining the Indian subcontinent is likely to warm at its surface by about 1.5 ‐2 degree Centigrade by the middle of this century and by about 2.3 ‐ 3.5 degree Centigrade by the end of the century. The corresponding thermal expansion, related sea‐level rise is expected to be between 15 cm and 38 cm by the middle of this century and between 46 cm and 59 cm by the end of the century. According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests on the impacts of climate change on various sectors including coastal zones, in the event of one meter sea‐level rise, 5764 km2 of land in coastal areas of India is projected to lose, displacing approximately 7.1 million people along with 4200 km of roads. Further the coastal areas are also vulnerable to projected increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like storm surges and cyclones. In the eastern coast, the vulnerable districts include Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara in Orissa and Nellore in Andhra Pradesh and Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. The Government appointed an “Expert Committee on Impacts of Climate Change” with following Terms of Reference: (a) To study the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on India. (b) To identify the measures that we may have to take in the future in relation to addressing vulnerability to anthropogenic climate change impacts. (c) Any other matter relevant to (a) and (b) above. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐4041 ANSWERED ON‐11.05.2007 GLOBAL WARMING .



4041 . SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA SHOBHANA BHARTIA (a) whether a proposal has been mooted by the Chairman of the Inter‐governmental Panel on Climate Change to set up a high‐level taskforce to deal with the emerging climate‐change scenario in the wake of first part of IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report; (b) whether according to Indian experts immediate physical impacts of climate change to larger environmental processes and the costs that would need to be factored and also on the impacts of global warming on biodiversity in Asia’s case, about 50 percent of flora and fauna diversity could suffer some or the other effect; and (c) if so, whether Prime Minister has considered this proposal? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c): A proposal was received from Dr R K Pachauri through Prime Minister’s Office, before the release of first part of the Inter‐governmental Panel on Climate Change suggesting to set up a high‐level taskforce to articulate policies and develop a strategy for the emerging climate change scenarios. This Ministry has recently set up an “Expert Committee on Impact of Climate Change”, under the Chairmanship of Dr.R.Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3211 ANSWERED ON‐04.05.2007 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION . 3211 . SHRI JANARDHANA POOJARY T.T.V. DHINAKARAN (a) whether it is a fact that global warming is adversely affecting the agriculture production in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof with the quantum of decline in the agricultural produce during the last five years; year‐wise, State‐wise, produce‐wise (i.e. rice, wheat, sugarcane, oilseeds, etc.); (c) whether Government propose to conduct a study on the impact of global warming on India`s agriculture and to take remedial measures; and



(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA) (a) Sir, no definite evidence of impacts of climate change on agriculture production in the country has been noticed. However, preliminary results available from the study conducted under network project on impact, adaptation and vulnerability of Indian agriculture to climate change indicates that increase in temperature and change in precipitation pattern could significantly impact the agriculture production in the country in future. (b) Some scanty informations on extreme events of cold waves, heat waves and the excess rainfall have been noticed. In Agra, wheat, gram, mustard and aonla yields were lowered due to cold waves in 2002‐03 as compared to previous normal year of 2001‐02. In Bihar, loss of seed setting in maize and loss of productivity in boro rice of Assam was recorded in response to extreme coldness. Loss of production, higher incidence of diseases and advance maturity in wheat was noticed due to abnormal temperature rice in March, 2004. Damage due to excess rainfall in 1998 and 2005, the prices of onion spiraled in retail market due to crop damage. (c) Yes, Sir. (d) During X Plan period ICAR has initiated a Network Project on `Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change` at different ICAR Institutes/State Agricultural Universities. The Project aimed to study the impact of climate change on agriculture and allied disciplines like bio‐diversity, agroforestry, horticulture, livestock and fisheries. Research efforts are being made to mitigate the impacts of climate change by increasing the adaptive capacity of the agriculture to global climate change. Emphasis has also been given during XI Plan period to strengthen the existing institutional network to cope up to the challenges posed by climate change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3256 ANSWERED ON‐04.05.2007 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON INDIA . 3256 . SHRIMATI MAYA SINGH (a) whether Government are aware of the warning of a scientist, Shri Nicolas Stern that India would be worst affected by global warming; (b) if so, whether Government have formulated any plan to deal with this problem; and



(c) whether any estimate has been made by the scientists and meteorologists regarding the places which would be affected and the degree of effect on them alongwith the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the Government Economic Service and Adviser to the British Government has submitted a Report namely, ‘The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change’ in October, 2006. This Report has assessed wide range of evidence on the impacts of climate change and on the economic costs and has used a number of different techniques to assess costs and risks and aims at providing global and regional impacts of climate change. The Report projects adverse impact for many regions including Indian region and the estimates, therein, are based on integrated assessment models and scenarios for future climate change and inherently involve several approximations. The effects of climate change on the Indian monsoon however remain unclear, as yet. As of today, for extreme events, there is insufficient information to assess recent trends, and climate models lack spatial details required to make confident projections. Further, as per information available with the Indian Meteorological Department, the surface air temperatures over the Indian subcontinent show a slight warming trend by about 0.4 C during the past 100 years. This warming trend is however not uniform either in time or space. Some seasons do not exhibit as much warming trends as the others, and some regions of the country show lesser warming trend or even cooling trends. While significant warming trend occur over most parts of the peninsular region of the country; many parts of the North West India show cooling trends. In the Indian context, most of the studies during the last four decades have clearly pointed out that the monsoon rainfall is trend‐less and is mainly random in nature over a long period of time, particularly on an all‐India scale. (b) In India, the existing legislative and policy framework in various sectors of concern, together with wide ranging reforms contribute to addressing the climate change issues. These, interalia, include energy efficiency measures, energy conservation, power sector reforms and active renewable energy programme, fuel switching to cleaner energy, afforestation and conservation of forests, etc. India also has the largest number of projects under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol, which reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases. Moreover, India has had, over the last 55 years of economic development, undertaken major programs addressing climate variability concerns. These include cyclone warning and protection, coastal protection, floods and drought control and relief, major and minor irrigation projects, control of malaria, food security measures and research on drought resistant crops. (c) A detailed assessment of the present trends in Indian climate parameters and future scenarios of climate change is provided in India’s Initial Communication to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The studies carried out for different future greenhouse gas emission scenarios indicate that the projected temperature changes are more pronounced over the Northern Latitudes compared to the peninsular India. The rainfall is expected to increase by about 10‐15% across India with variability across regions. While there is a higher confidence for temperature projections, there are still large uncertainties in the projected monsoon rainfall over this part of the globe as most of the climate models still lack sufficient detail in their simulation of monsoon rainfall. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐



GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3205 ANSWERED ON‐04.05.2007 TACKLING GLOBAL WARMING EFFECTS ON AGRICULTURE . 3205 . SHRIMATI MOHSINA KIDWAI (a) whether ICAR or his Ministry has taken up any study or research to find out the impact of global warming on agriculture in the country; (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) how much agriculture land has been lost in the country due to global warming and what would be its impact in the coming future; (d) whether erratic rainfall and frequent floods and droughts which have destroyed crops are the result of global warming; and (e) if so, what strategy has been adopted by ICAR to tackle this problem? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA) (a) Yes, Sir. (b) During X Plan period ICAR has intimated a Network Project on `Impact, Adaptation and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change` at different ICAR Institutes/State Agricultural Universities. The Project aimed to study the impact of climate change on agriculture as also on bio‐diversity, agroforestry, horticulture, livestock and fisheries. (c) There are no reports indicating loss of agricultural land due to global warming in the country. (d) There is no evidence that the frequent occurrences of floods or droughts are due to global warming. (e) Not Applicable. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2108 ANSWERED ON‐19.03.2007 STUDY ON GLOBAL WARMING .



2108 . SHRI JAI PARKASH AGGARWAL (a) Whether any scientific study on impact of global warming on climate changes, has been conducted; (b) whether various parts of the country have witnessed such extreme conditions of climate such as tsunami, excessive rains, and drought because of this impact; (c) if so, the details of areas most affected by climatic changes: and (d) the details of international deliberations on this issue, various aspects concerning its prevention, and consensus arrived at various fora to overcome its impact? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES ( SHRI KAPIL SIBAL ) a) Yes, Sir. Many scientific studies on global warming and climate change issues have been made by the scientists of the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology The studies include, long term trends of temperature and rainfall over different parts of the country, changes in extreme weather events like heat and cold waves and heavy precipitation and trend in tropical cyclone activity over north Indian Ocean. b & c) There has been an increase in the extreme weather conditions like cyclones, heavy rainfall and drought due to global warming in last 15 years. However, no specific change has been noticed in India except a few events like Mumbai deluge of 2005 or excessive rainfall in Rajasthan in 2006. During the past 100 years, mean temperature over the country (India) has increased by 0.5 °C. However, there is no appreciable change in the annual rainfall averaged over the country as a whole. d) The Inter‐Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) working under the aegis of the United Nations has submitted its Summary Report on Working Group (WG) ‐ I entitled “Climate Change 2007 : The Physical Science Basis”. The main conclusions of the WG – I Panel Report are : ∙ Global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have increased markedly as a result of human activities since 1750 and now far exceed pre‐industrial values determined from ice cores spanning many thousands of years. The global increases in carbon dioxide concentration are primarily due to fossil fuel, land‐use change, while those of methane and nitrous oxide are primarily due to agriculture. Wide spread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level has been reported. ∙ to the report, anthropogenic warming and sea level rise would continue for centuries due to time scales associated with climate processes and feedbacks, even if greenhouse gas According concentrations were to be stabilized. ∙ The report provides findings at the continental level. No country specific findings have been provided. Climate change is a global environmental problem the principal responsibility of which lies with the developed countries and not developing countries like India. ∙ India is engaged in the international climate change regime, including United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto protocol and various partnerships with other countries under UNFCCC.



Steps taken by the Government Although India does not have any GHG abatement commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, nevertheless a range of policies and programmes help mitigate climate change. These include improving energy efficiency and conservation as well as setting up of Bureau of Energy Efficiency, power sector reforms, promoting hydro and renewable energy, promotion of nuclear energy, promotion of clean coal technology, coal washing and efficient utilization of coal, afforestation and conservation of forests and reduction of gas flaring. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2181 ANSWERED ON‐19.03.2007 SOLUTION OF GLOBAL WARMING . 2181 . DR. K. MALAISAMY (a) whether it is a fact that bio‐diesel is one of the immediate and viable solutions to tackle global warming and to meet requirement of fuel besides being the only fuel that reduce carbon dioxide life cycle by an amazing 78 per cent; (b) if so, the measures taken to go for large scale and commercial production of bio‐fuel; and (c) whether the measures taken are adequate and effective? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR) (a): The Report of the Committee on Development of Bio‐fuel (2003) set up by the Planning Commission has brought out properties of bio‐diesel as an alternative fuel, which can be used as a blend or substitute of conventional diesel. The Central Pollution Control Board has reported (2002) that the life‐cycle production and use of bio‐diesel produces approximately 80% less carbon dioxide and almost 100% less sulphur dioxide compared to conventional diesel. (b) & (c): The Government has set up a National Mission on Bio‐diesel under the Ministry of Rural Development, which includes the demonstration phase for plantation of Jatropha and pongamia on an estimated 5 lakh hectare of waste lands. The implementation of the progamme for large scale and commercial production of bio‐diesel would depend on the successful implementation of the demonstration phase. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1238 ANSWERED ON‐09.03.2007 DAMAGE TO ENVIRONMENT DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING . 1238 . SHRI SHANTARAM LAXMAN NAIK (a) whether any assessment of damage to environment in the country has been done on account of global warming; (b) whether global warming is likely to affect monsoon, winter and summer seasons; and (c) if so, in what manner? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c) A preliminary assessment of impacts and vulnerability due to projected climate change in key sectors such as water, agriculture, forestry, ecosystems, coastal zones, health, energy and infrastructure has been undertaken. The projected climate change scenarios indicate increase in and variable trend of both rainfall and temperature into 21st century. It is projected that quantity of surface run off due to climate change would reduce and vary across the various river basins. The initial analysis has revealed that climate change may have adverse effects in terms of severity of droughts and intensity of floods in various parts of the country. Increase in CO2 concentration; increase in temperature and variable distribution of rainfall show a mixed projection of yields of various crops across the regions. No definite trends have yet been established. Forest types in India seem to be highly vulnerable to the projected changes in climate. Coastal areas are also vulnerable to climate variability in varying degrees. The Government of India is seized of the various concerns that may arise due to climate change. The existing legislative and policy frame work in various sectors of concern, together with programmes which target conservation of rivers, improvement of urban air quality, enhanced forestation, promote renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency etc. contribute to addressing climate change issues. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐573 ANSWERED ON‐05.03.2007 AREAS AFFECTED BY GLOBAL WARMING . 573 . SHRI SHREEGOPAL VYAS VINAY KATIYAR



(a) the areas in India which may be adversely affected by global warming in the coming few years; (b) whether there are some areas which may be submerged; (c) whether there is a danger to the industries being set up or already existing at sea shore on account of this; and (d) whether in the light of above possibilities, Government are providing due information to the concerned area / States; if so details thereof? Answer ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL) a) An initial assessment of the possible scenario of global warming in different parts of India has been carried out by scientists of Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune using the Hadley Center Regional Climate Prediction Model‐ PRECIS. These results have been published by the Ministry of Environment and Forest in their National Communication‐I, submitted to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). As per this report the warming, by the year 2070, is expected to lie in the range of 1.5‐2.0 °C and it would more or less be uniformly distributed over most parts of India. It is however, expected to be slightly higher over the North West Indian region. b) The submergence of coastal areas is a complex process where several factors are involved. Sea level rise induced by global warming is one of the factors. No studies have been made systemically for coastal submergence in different parts of the Indian coastline. However, observations show that there is no significant sea level rise in the recent past. Records of coastal tide gauges in the north Indian Ocean for more than 40 years has yielded sea level rise estimates between 1.06‐1.75mm per year, with a regional average of 1.29mm. The global sea level rise estimates reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is 1‐2mm per year. c) The sea level rise is a slow process as mentioned above. As per the Coastal Regulation Zone Act, no construction is allowed within 500m of coast from the HighTide Level. In view of the above information, there is no danger to any industry in its lifetime. d) In view of (c) the issue does not arise. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐468 ANSWERED ON‐02.03.2007 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING IN ASSAM AND BENGAL . 468 . SHRI ABU ASIM AZMI (a) whether it is a fact that today Tibet is becoming to warmer day by day and as a result thereof there can be a flood in Brahmaputra river adversely affecting Assam; (b) how far it would have adverse effects on agricultural production in Assam and West Bengal and particularly tea and Jute; and



(c) what efforts are being made by Government for the protection of the population and agricultural production and when? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) to (c) The summary for Policy makers by Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Fourth Assessment Report, released recently hints at retreating glaciers since 1960s but with an increasing speed since 1990 over the Asian high mountain region in general. However there is no specific indication about Tibet in particular in this summary. In view of this, it is premature at this juncture to comment about the impact of warmer temperatures in Tibet on floods in Brahmputra river and consequently on population and agricultural production, particularly on tea and Jute. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1175 ANSWERED ON‐04.12.2006 SSESSMENT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON INDIAN CLIMATES . 1175 . SHRI RAHUL BAJAJ (a) Whether an assessment of likely impact of global warming on Indian climate has been made; (b) if so, what are its major findings; and (c) if not the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES ( SHRI KAPIL SIBAL ) a) Yes Sir, b) Impact of global warming on future climate change in India have been evaluated by Indian scientists through climate predictions based on different scenarios of global trends in Greenhouse gas emissions, which have been agreed to by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The results are obtained from Global Model simulations followed by Regional simulations to get results relevant to the Indian region. It must however be noted that these results can only be considered as preliminary at the present stage and efforts are being continued by the scientific community to obtain more reliable estimates. In the case of mean annual temperature for the country as a whole, an increase of the order of 2ºC to 5ºC is projected to occur by the end of this century based on the model results. Examination of the spatial patterns of annual temperature changes indicates that the warming will be more pronounced over the northern states of India and eastern parts of the peninsular region. It is estimated to be more during winter and post monsoon seasons compared to the rest of the year. Prediction of rainfall changes is less reliable than that of temperature. The global results indicate that there is likelihood of increase in



annual mean rainfall to the tune of 15 ‐ 40 per cent till the end of the 21st century as compared to the baseline period 1961‐1990. The maximum change in rainfall is projected to occur over the climatologically low rainfall region of north‐western India. Considering monsoon season separately a decrease in rainfall in the western parts of the country and a corresponding increase in the eastern parts is projected. The central and western parts of the country show a reduction in the number of rainy days by middle of present century indicating that heavier precipitation events could become slightly more frequent in the non monsoon months. As on date the observed trends in temperature are qualitatively similar to the predicted model results but the rainfall data does not show any significant trend except that a marginal reduction in rainfall of Central India has been noticed during the recent decade. c) does not arise ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐198 ANSWERED ON‐03.03.2006 GLOBAL WARMING . 198 . SHRI BALAVANT ALIAS BAL APTE KRIPAL PARMAR (a) the details of areas being affected by global warming in the country; and (b) the steps being taken to check the phenomenon from getting worst? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a) and (b): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) AND (b) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO: 198 SHRI BALAVANT ALIAS BAL APTE AND SHRI KRIPAL PARMAR DUE FOR ANSWER ON 3.3.2006 (a) As per information available with the Indian Meteorological Department, the surface air temperatures over the Indian subcontinent show a slight warming trend by about 0.4 C during the past 100 years. This warming trend is however not uniform either in time or space. Some seasons do not exhibit as much warming trends as the others, and some regions of the country show lesser warming trend or even cooling trends. Significant warming trend occur over most parts of the peninsular region of the country. Many parts of the North West India show cooling trends. However, IPCC in its Third Assessment Report in 2001 has projected that globally averaged surface temperature would rise by 1.4 degree centigrade to 5.8 degree centigrade and the global mean sea level may rise by 0.09 to 0.88 m during 1990‐2100 in the most tropical and sub‐tropical regions.



(b) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol are two multilateral environmental agreements addressing the issues related to climate change. India is a Party to both these agreements. As per the Kyoto Protocol only developed countries have quantified commitment for reducing emissions of Greenhouse Gases. Developing countries including India have no such obligation of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Nevertheless, the Government of India is conscious of various concerns that arise due to climate change. The existing legislative and policy framework in various sectors of concern, together with wide ranging reforms contribute to addressing the climate change issues. The wide ranging reforms aimed at promoting accelerated economic growth on the one hand in the past decade in the country and addressing climate change concern include energy efficiency, energy conservation, power sector reforms and active renewable energy programme, fuel switching to cleaner energy, afforestation and conservation of forests, steps to encourage efficient utilization of coal, reduction of gas flaring and installation of waste heat recovery systems in the oil sector, standardization of fuel‐efficient irrigation pump sets, rectification of existing pump‐sets to make them more energy efficient, rationalization of power tariffs and better cultivar practices in the agricultural sector etc. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3368 ANSWERED ON‐23.12.2005 ADAPTATION OF AGRICULTURE TO GLOBAL WARMING . 3368 . SHRIMATI SUKHBUNS KAUR KALRAJ MISHRA (a) whether a recent study has predicted that global warming will adversely affect agriculture, bio‐diversity, disease pattern and water availability in India; (b) whether Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and UK`s Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research have predicted that temperature increase by as much as 3 to 4 degrees in parts of Northern India and increase in rainfall by 10% to 30% will affect rain based agriculture and increase surface water availability over the basins of Ganga, Krishna and Godavari; and (c) if so, Government`s reaction thereto and the strategy contemplated to meet the challenges? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA) (a) Yes, Sir. (b) Yes, Sir.



(c) The Government is contemplating several measures including afforestation, and appropriate soil/land management to mitigate global warming. Indian Council of Agricultural Research has already initiated a project in network mode on Impact, Assessment and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change during Xth Plan to meet the emerging challenges. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1324 ANSWERED ON‐05.08.2005 ADVERSE EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HIMALAYAN GLACIER . 1324 . SHRI R.S. GAVAI (a) whether it is a fact that Himalayas are melting due to adverse effect being caused due to global warming; (b) whether it is also a fact that the recent flood witnessed Sutlej river is an example of the same; (c) if so, whether Government have conducted any study, so far, regarding such a situation to find out changes taking place at Himalayas; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the steps Government contemplate in this regard in future? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a). The studies carried out by Geological Survey of India have revealed that the majority of Himalayan glaciers are passing through a phase of recession, which is a worldwide phenomenon. The recession of glaciers is a part of the natural cyclic process of changes in size and other attributes of the glaciers. These changes could be attributed to various reasons including global warming. (b). The recent flood in Sutlej was caused by the breach of the artificial lake formed in the Pareechhu river, a tributary of the Spiti‐Satluj, located in Chinese territory. (c)to(e)In order to develop proper understanding of glaciers, the Government has commissioned a few studies, including a comprehensive programme on the inventory of glaciers, fluctuations in their sizes and mass balance. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA



MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐71 ANSWERED ON‐28.07.2005 DISCUSSION ON GLOBAL WARMING IN G SUMMIT . 71 . SHRI R.S. GAVAI MANOJ BHATTACHARYA (a) whether it is a fact that a conference of industrial nations of the world was held recently in Scotland; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of the discussion held with regard to global warming; and (d) what steps would be taken to check this problem; (e) whether the developed countries agreed to reduce the increasing Green House emissions; and (f) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E AHAMED) (a)‐(f) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN ANSWER TO PARTS (a)‐(f) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 71 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2005 REGARDING DISCUSSION ON GLOBAL WARMING IN G‐8 SUMMIT (a to f) The annual G‐8 Summit was held in Gleneagles, UK from July 6‐8, 2005. Leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa were invited to join the discussions on the global economy, climate change and sustainable development on July 7, 2005. Leaders from seven African countries joined the discussions on Africa and development that were held on July 8, 2005. 2. The G‐8 agreed that climate change is happening now, that human activity is contributing to it, and that it could affect every part of the globe. They adopted the Gleneagles Plan of Action on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development to address the problem of global warming. The Summit also initiated a new dialogue between the G‐8 nations and other countries with significant energy needs, consistent with the aims and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 3. The G 8 recognised that in moving towards a low‐carbon economy, leadership will be required from the developed world. They agreed to act with resolve and urgency now to meet the shared and multiple objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving the global environment, enhancing energy security and cutting air pollution in conjunction with vigorous efforts to reduce poverty.



‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐189 ANSWERED ON‐03.12.2004 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON RICE PRODUCTION . 189 . SHRI S.P.M. SYED KHAN (a) whether Government have taken note of the recent findings that the global warming has cut rice harvest by atleast 10 per cent whereas the rice production has to rise by one per cent every year; (b) whether this trend will affect Indian farmers; and (c) the details of rice production in the country during the last five years, year‐wise and State‐wise? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA) (a) Yes, Sir. The ICAR is aware of the recent findings of the International Rice Research Institute where they have indicated that increase in night temperature can result in reduction in rice yields. The reductions in rice production as referred above are estimates projected by different crop simulation models by considering the expected increase in average temperature and carbon dioxide. Efforts are in progress to increase the rice production by breeding for high yielding varieties, improving crop and water management practices and developing adaptation mechanisms to minimize climate change impacts. (b) There is considerable uncertainty in the magnitude of global warming. The probable effect of this on Indian farming therefore, remains very uncertain and would depend on the actual change in temperatures, carbon dioxide and other climatic features of different regions, and adaptation strategies followed by farmers. Some preliminary studies indicate only a limited effect of global warming on crop yields provided irrigation is maintained and pests are controlled. Adjusting crop management by planting dates and by using different varieties can minimize in short‐term most of the negative effects of global warming. This subject is now being intensively studied in ICAR. (c) The details of rice production in the country during the last five years, year‐wise and state‐wise, are given in Annexure‐I (Table‐1 and Table‐2). Annexure‐I Table 1: Rice Production in the country during the last five years Year Production (in million tonnes) 1998‐99 86.08 1999‐2000 89.68 2000‐01 84.98 2001‐02 93.34 2002‐03 72.65 (Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India) Table 2: State‐wise Production of Rice in India during last 5 years (000 tonnes) Years State/UT 1998‐99 1999‐2000 2000‐01 2001‐02 2002‐03 Andhra



Pradesh 11878.0 10637.8 12458.0 11389.8 7194.6 Arunachal Pradesh 114.1 134.8 132.7 134.6 152.5 Assam 3254.8 3861.0 3998.5 3854.0 3737.9 Bihar 6769.4 7251.9 5442.6 5202.9 4978.3 Chattisgarh 2369.3 5073.7 2553.6 Goa 151.2 208.9 142.1 126.5 134.8 Gujarat 101.8 984.9 472.7 1040.1 596.4 Haryana 2425.0 2583.0 2695.0 2724.0 2468.0 Himachal Pradesh 117.8 120.4 124.9 137.4 85.7 Jammu & Kashmir 589.1 391.1 414.9 421.8 421.0 Jharkhand ‐ 1644.7 1821.7 2172.0 Karnataka 3656.9 3716.7 3846.7 3234.0 2237.0 Kerala 726.7 770.8 751.3 703.4 700.3 Madhya Pradesh 5060.6 6376.5 982.1 1692.7 899.6 Maharashtra 2467.6 2558.9 1929.2 2651.4 1849.0 Manipur 382.2 365.0 381.7 387.3 378.0 Meqhalaya 149.7 170.7 179.0 189.0 181.9 Mizoram 109.2 88.4 103.7 105.7 109.2 Nagaland 209.6 132.4 230.0 237.3 225.0 Orissa 5391.5 5187.0 4614.0 7148.0 3243.6 Punjab 7940.0 8716.0 9154.0 8816.0 8880.0 Rajasthan 205.5 252.6 155.7 180.0 67.9 Sikkim 22.0 23.4 21.4 22.3 22.4 Tamil Nadu 8141.4 7532.1 7366.3 6584.0 5709.3 Tripura 491.5 505.7 513.4 587.4 542.6 Uttar Pradesh 11386.6 13231.0 11679.2 12856.0 8108.6 Uttranchal ‐ ‐ 621.5 614.4 483.0 West Bengal 13316.5 13759.7 12428.1 15256.7 14389.3 A & N Islands 26.2 28.4 32.2 27.3 29.3 D&N Haveli 17.0 22.1 20.0 29.7 20.5 Delhi 6.0 6.7 5.0 18.0 5.9 Daman & Diu 3.3 5.6 3.2 4.0 4.3 Pondicherry 51.5 59.4 63.5 66.9 71.4 All India 86076.7 89682.9 84976.6 93340.0 72652.9 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3368 ANSWERED ON‐23.12.2005 ADAPTATION OF AGRICULTURE TO GLOBAL WARMING . 3368 . SHRIMATI SUKHBUNS KAUR KALRAJ MISHRA (a) whether a recent study has predicted that global warming will adversely affect agriculture, bio‐diversity, disease pattern and water availability in India; (b) whether Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and UK`s Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research have predicted that temperature increase by as much as 3 to 4 degrees in parts of Northern India and increase in rainfall by 10% to 30% will affect rain based agriculture and increase surface water availability over the basins of Ganga, Krishna and Godavari; and (c) if so, Government`s reaction thereto and the strategy contemplated to meet the challenges? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA) (a) Yes, Sir. (b) Yes, Sir.



(c) The Government is contemplating several measures including afforestation, and appropriate soil/land management to mitigate global warming. Indian Council of Agricultural Research has already initiated a project in network mode on Impact, Assessment and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change during Xth Plan to meet the emerging challenges. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1324 ANSWERED ON‐05.08.2005 ADVERSE EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HIMALAYAN GLACIER . 1324 . SHRI R.S. GAVAI (a) whether it is a fact that Himalayas are melting due to adverse effect being caused due to global warming; (b) whether it is also a fact that the recent flood witnessed Sutlej river is an example of the same; (c) if so, whether Government have conducted any study, so far, regarding such a situation to find out changes taking place at Himalayas; (d) if so, the details thereof; and (e) if not, the steps Government contemplate in this regard in future? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA) (a). The studies carried out by Geological Survey of India have revealed that the majority of Himalayan glaciers are passing through a phase of recession, which is a worldwide phenomenon. The recession of glaciers is a part of the natural cyclic process of changes in size and other attributes of the glaciers. These changes could be attributed to various reasons including global warming. (b). The recent flood in Sutlej was caused by the breach of the artificial lake formed in the Pareechhu river, a tributary of the Spiti‐Satluj, located in Chinese territory. (c)to(e)In order to develop proper understanding of glaciers, the Government has commissioned a few studies, including a comprehensive programme on the inventory of glaciers, fluctuations in their sizes and mass balance. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐



GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO‐71 ANSWERED ON‐28.07.2005 DISCUSSION ON GLOBAL WARMING IN G SUMMIT . 71 . SHRI R.S. GAVAI MANOJ BHATTACHARYA (a) whether it is a fact that a conference of industrial nations of the world was held recently in Scotland; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of the discussion held with regard to global warming; and (d) what steps would be taken to check this problem; (e) whether the developed countries agreed to reduce the increasing Green House emissions; and (f) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E AHAMED) (a)‐(f) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN ANSWER TO PARTS (a)‐(f) OF THE RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 71 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2005 REGARDING DISCUSSION ON GLOBAL WARMING IN G‐8 SUMMIT (a to f) The annual G‐8 Summit was held in Gleneagles, UK from July 6‐8, 2005. Leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa were invited to join the discussions on the global economy, climate change and sustainable development on July 7, 2005. Leaders from seven African countries joined the discussions on Africa and development that were held on July 8, 2005. 2. The G‐8 agreed that climate change is happening now, that human activity is contributing to it, and that it could affect every part of the globe. They adopted the Gleneagles Plan of Action on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development to address the problem of global warming. The Summit also initiated a new dialogue between the G‐8 nations and other countries with significant energy needs, consistent with the aims and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 3. The G 8 recognised that in moving towards a low‐carbon economy, leadership will be required from the developed world. They agreed to act with resolve and urgency now to meet the shared and multiple



objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving the global environment, enhancing energy security and cutting air pollution in conjunction with vigorous efforts to reduce poverty. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐189 ANSWERED ON‐03.12.2004 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON RICE PRODUCTION . 189 . SHRI S.P.M. SYED KHAN (a) whether Government have taken note of the recent findings that the global warming has cut rice harvest by atleast 10 per cent whereas the rice production has to rise by one per cent every year; (b) whether this trend will affect Indian farmers; and (c) the details of rice production in the country during the last five years, year‐wise and State‐wise? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA) (a) Yes, Sir. The ICAR is aware of the recent findings of the International Rice Research Institute where they have indicated that increase in night temperature can result in reduction in rice yields. The reductions in rice production as referred above are estimates projected by different crop simulation models by considering the expected increase in average temperature and carbon dioxide. Efforts are in progress to increase the rice production by breeding for high yielding varieties, improving crop and water management practices and developing adaptation mechanisms to minimize climate change impacts. (b) There is considerable uncertainty in the magnitude of global warming. The probable effect of this on Indian farming therefore, remains very uncertain and would depend on the actual change in temperatures, carbon dioxide and other climatic features of different regions, and adaptation strategies followed by farmers. Some preliminary studies indicate only a limited effect of global warming on crop yields provided irrigation is maintained and pests are controlled. Adjusting crop management by planting dates and by using different varieties can minimize in short‐term most of the negative effects of global warming. This subject is now being intensively studied in ICAR. (c) The details of rice production in the country during the last five years, year‐wise and state‐wise, are given in Annexure‐I (Table‐1 and Table‐2). Annexure‐I Table 1: Rice Production in the country during the last five years



Year Production (in million tonnes) 1998‐99 86.08 1999‐2000 89.68 2000‐01 84.98 2001‐02 93.34 2002‐03 72.65 (Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India) Table 2: State‐wise Production of Rice in India during last 5 years (000 tonnes) Years State/UT 1998‐99 1999‐2000 2000‐01 2001‐02 2002‐03 Andhra Pradesh 11878.0 10637.8 12458.0 11389.8 7194.6 Arunachal Pradesh 114.1 134.8 132.7 134.6 152.5 Assam 3254.8 3861.0 3998.5 3854.0 3737.9 Bihar 6769.4 7251.9 5442.6 5202.9 4978.3 Chattisgarh 2369.3 5073.7 2553.6 Goa 151.2 208.9 142.1 126.5 134.8 Gujarat 101.8 984.9 472.7 1040.1 596.4 Haryana 2425.0 2583.0 2695.0 2724.0 2468.0 Himachal Pradesh 117.8 120.4 124.9 137.4 85.7 Jammu & Kashmir 589.1 391.1 414.9 421.8 421.0 Jharkhand ‐ 1644.7 1821.7 2172.0 Karnataka 3656.9 3716.7 3846.7 3234.0 2237.0 Kerala 726.7 770.8 751.3 703.4 700.3 Madhya Pradesh 5060.6 6376.5 982.1 1692.7 899.6 Maharashtra 2467.6 2558.9 1929.2 2651.4 1849.0 Manipur 382.2 365.0 381.7 387.3 378.0 Meqhalaya 149.7 170.7 179.0 189.0 181.9 Mizoram 109.2 88.4 103.7 105.7 109.2 Nagaland 209.6 132.4 230.0 237.3 225.0 Orissa 5391.5 5187.0 4614.0 7148.0 3243.6 Punjab 7940.0 8716.0 9154.0 8816.0 8880.0 Rajasthan 205.5 252.6 155.7 180.0 67.9 Sikkim 22.0 23.4 21.4 22.3 22.4 Tamil Nadu 8141.4 7532.1 7366.3 6584.0 5709.3 Tripura 491.5 505.7 513.4 587.4 542.6 Uttar Pradesh 11386.6 13231.0 11679.2 12856.0 8108.6 Uttranchal ‐ ‐ 621.5 614.4 483.0 West Bengal 13316.5 13759.7 12428.1 15256.7 14389.3 A & N Islands 26.2 28.4 32.2 27.3 29.3 D&N Haveli 17.0 22.1 20.0 29.7 20.5 Delhi 6.0 6.7 5.0 18.0 5.9 Daman & Diu 3.3 5.6 3.2 4.0 4.3 Pondicherry 51.5 59.4 63.5 66.9 71.4 All India 86076.7 89682.9 84976.6 93340.0 72652.9 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐363 ANSWERED ON‐21.02.2003 GLOBAL WARMING DUE TO AIR TRAFFIC 363 . SHRI BALKAVI BAIRAGI (a) Whether the temperature of the earth and atmosphere is on the rapid rise owing to the pollution caused by heavy air traffic throughout the world, as has been stated by the environmentalists; and (b) if so, whether due to this the threat of global warming is taking a serious turn and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI DILIP SINGH JU DEV) (a) & (b) The climatic impact of emissions, as a result of aviation are difficult to quantify directly. However aviation is also a source of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. Some estimates by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) ‐ a United Nation`s body constituted for assessing climate change globally, has reported that aviation contribution to global warming is projected to increase slightly over the next fifty years.



‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3174 ANSWERED ON‐20.12.2002 GLOBAL WARMING . 3174 . SHRI VIJAY JAWAHARLAL DARDA (a) what efforts Government are making to create an eco‐friendly environment in the country in light of the statement of the Prime Minister at UN Climate Change Conference contradicting the change that developing countries generate green house gas emission which are unnecessary for their economies; (b) whether Government are mobilizing world opinion so as to motivate developed countries to make a greater contribution to check global warming; and (c) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU) (a) The steps taken by the Government to create an eco‐friendly environment in the country and to address greenhouse gas emissions include measures relating to energy efficiency, energy conservation, power sector reforms, renewable energy programme, fuel switching to cleaner energy, afforestation and conservation of forests, efficient utilization of coal, reduction of gas flaring, installation of heat recovery systems in oil and power sector, standardization of fuel efficient irrigation pump sets and better cultivar practices. India is a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which seeks to address climate change in accordance with principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The Convention notes that the largest share of historical and current global emissions of greenhouse gases has originated in developed countries, that per capita emissions in developing countries are still relatively low and that the share of global emissions originating in developing countries will grow to meet their social and development needs. (b) & (c) India is actively participating in various multilateral forums on climate change. India also acceded to the Kyoto Protocol in August, 2002 which further affirms India`s commitment to strengthening global efforts to combat climate change. India also hosted the Eighth Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change from October 23 to November 1, 2002 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi which is again a reiteration of its commitment to the cause of climate change. The Delhi Ministerial Declaration, an outcome of the Conference, urges Parties that have not ratified the Kyoto Protocol to do so in a timely manner. It also resolves that Annex I Parties should further implement their commitments under the Convention, including, for Annex II Parties, those relating to the provision of financial resources, technology transfer and capacity‐building, and demonstrate that they are taking the lead in modifying longer‐term trends in anthropogenic greenhouse



gas emissions, consistent with the ultimate objective of the Convention, through the adoption of national policies and corresponding measures for the mitigation of climate change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1083 ANSWERED ON‐26.07.2002 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING . 1083 . SHRI P.PRABHAKAR REDDY (a) whether Government`s attention has been drawn to the news‐item captioned, `Global Warming will hit rice, wheat yields`, appearing in the Hindu dated 2nd May, 2002; (b) if so, Government`s reaction thereto ; and (c) the measures to be adopted to address problems highlighted in the news‐item, to counteract the adverse impact of global warming ? ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T. R. BAALU) (a) Yes, Sir. (b) The impact of global warming on rice and wheat yields depends upon a number of factors like species and cultivar; soil properties; pests and pathogens; direct effect of carbon dioxide on plants; air temperature; water stress; mineral nutrition; air quality and adaptive responses. The Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change, which has been carrying out comprehensive assessments of potential impacts of climate change has projected in its Third Assessment Report published in 2001 that productivity of cereal crops in most of tropical and sub‐tropical Asia may decline with increases in temperature. Degradation of soil and water resources, processes that are likely to be intensified by changes in temperature and precipitation, would be amongst major challenges for agriculture. (c) Various programs and schemes of the Government including those relating to National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA), Soil conservation for Enhancing Productivity of Degraded lands in the catchments of River Valley Projects and Flood Prone Rivers, reclamation of alkali soils, Watershed Development Project in Shifting Cultivation Areas (WDSCA), National Project on Development and Use of Biofertilisers, Promotion of Integrated Pest Management, National Project on organic farming, promotion of zero tillage and drip and sprinkler irrigation, contribute to addressing the potential adverse impacts of climate change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS



RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐3388 ANSWERED ON‐26.04.2002 GLOBAL WARMING . 3388 . SHRI K.B. KRISHNA MURTHY (a) whether, according to the recent findings of scientists, worldwide global warming has started affecting plant and animal life across the planet, as published in Nature Journal; (b) whether the World`s mean temperature has increased by around o.6 degrees Celsius during the last three decades, affecting adversely the flora and fauna from the Equator to the Poles; and (c) to what extent India has evolved a greenhouse policy, to check emissions of gasses like Carbon dioxide etc.? ANSWER MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI T.R. BAALU) (a) & (b) According to a recent article published in the journal `Nature`, there is evidence of impacts of climate change on plant and animal life. As per the Third Assessment Report of Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change, the global mean surface temperature has increased 0.6± 0.2° C over the 20th century. (c) Several policy initiatives have been taken by the Government in energy and transportation sectors to check emissions of gases like Carbon dioxide etc. The initiatives, among others, include improvement of the efficiency of conventional energy generation and use, development of major renewable energy programmes, promotion of clean coal and bio‐mass energy technologies, conservation of forests, upgradation of automobile technology and improvement of fuel quality. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1235 ANSWERED ON‐05.03.1999 PREDICTION OF GLOBAL WARMING 1235 . PROF. VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA RAGHAVJI (a) whether a recently conducted study, undertaken by the Center for Atmospheric Sciences on future global warning, has predicted rise of 1 degree Celsius in surface air temperature during Monsoon season and 2 degree Celsius during winter, in the Indian Sub‐continent by the year 2050;



(b) what are the details of study undertaken by the Centre; and (c) whether the Centre has recommended any remedial measures to meet the situation? ANSWER MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI) (a & b). Two scientists of the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences of Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, in collaboration with German and Australian scientists have studied the plausible climate change (global warming) scenarios, due to increase in greenhouse gas concentrations of the atmosphere, on the Indian sub‐continent during 2030 and 2070. The investigations are based on a few selected General Circulation Model (GCM) simulation experiments with enhanced greenhouse gas forcing. There are still many uncertainties involved in CMS and the nature of future radioactive forcing which limit our ability to provide precise global warming projections. The level of confidence about the predictions from such models is particularly low on regional scales. The changes observed so far are within natural variations. Also, the available data and computing power required for such studies are inadequate to determine whether consistent global climate change has really occurred during the past century. There is, however, some evidence of local climate changes. (c). No, Sir. The results obtained so far using the aforesaid modeling exercises are still rather preliminary for considering any remedial measures. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐2187 ANSWERED ON‐18.12.1998 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GLOBAL WARMING . 2187 . SHRI S.M. KRISHNA (a) whether he attended an international conference on Global Warming at Buenos Aires, recently ; if so; the salient feature, and the outcome thereof: and (b) what steps his Ministry had takes on the deliberations of Rio easier Summit to project India`s point of view on the subject in recent summit? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS ( SHRI BABU IAL MARAND1) (a) Yes. Sir. The 4th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held during November 2‐13,1998 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Conference considered the various issues relating to implementation of the emmitnients by the Parties under the



UNFCCC and issues emerging out of its Kyoto Protocol mechanisms namely Clean Development Mechanism, Emission Trading and Implementation of projects among developed countries. The Conference decided upon the elements of a work programme on the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms. (b) India underlined that in accordance with various Rio Principles , Agenda 21 and the UNFCCC itself, the first and overriding priority of developing countries was social and economic development and poverty eradication. At the same time, India projected the implementation of national programmes for promoting sustainable development including enhancement of energy and production efficiency, clean fuels, renewable energy technologies, afforestation and wasteland development in the form of a document titled `India ; Sustainable Development`, ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐1833 ANSWERED ON‐12.06.1998 EFFECT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON FORESTS IN WESTERN GHATS . 1833 . Dr. Y. LAKSHMI PRASAD (a) whether Government`s attention has been drawn to the report in `Asian Age` dated August 30, 1997, attributed to scientists of the Indian Institute of Science, to the effect that there would be wide‐scale shifts in forest boundaries and change in vegetation in Western Ghats in the years to come, as a result of global warning; (b) if so, the details of the studies made by the Institute in this regard; and (c) the steps taken and plants laid down to prevent the adverse effect of global warning? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI BABU LAL MARANDI) (a) Yes, Sir. (b) The study is stated to have been sponsored by Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and is understandably not yet published/printed. As per the details supplied by he author, regional assessments of climate change impacts on forest was conducted in two regions of the Western Ghats; Uttara Kannada district and the Nilgiri Hills. Climate Change projections for 2020 and 2050 were used in assessing the impacts on forests. The study anticipates that in an event of projected global warming, there will be a shift in forest types in the western Ghats which might affect the availability of forest products and the employment level among the people in the region. Author (s) conclude by saying that given the uncertainties regarding the model based regional projections of climate change and vegetation response, the findings should be cautiously considered more as an indicator of the direction of change.



(c) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN‐FCCC) which enjoins upon signatory country parties to take precautionary measures to anticipate, prevent and minimise the causes of climate change and mitigate its adverse effects has been ratified by India on November 1, 1993. In accordance with the provisions of UN‐FCCC, India is not required to adopt a national greenhouse gas or carbon dioxide reduction target. It also needs to be underlined that India`s past and present contributions to global Green House Gas (GHG) emissions are not significant. The bulk of the earlier GHG emission build‐up is on account of industrialized countries, which are even today the largest sources of GHG emission. India`s approach towards implementation of the framework Convention and associated environmental matters is covered within policy declarations, namely, National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development (1992) and a policy Statement on Abatement of Pollution (1992) for regulating various environmental parameters. In addition, various other enactments such as the Air Pollution (Prevention and Control) Act, 1981, amended in 1987 and Motor Vehicles Act,1939 amended in1988 and contribute significantly towards minimising the causes of global warning and climate change. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella legislation and it contains sufficiently stringent measures to regulate environmental protection and also empowers the Government to futher formulate statutory rules for fulfilling various requirement. Futher, Environmental Impact Assessment has been made statutory for various development activities and the Coastal Regulations Zone Notification (1991) provides guidelines for protection and management of coastal zones. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO‐353 ANSWERED ON‐25.07.1997 GLOBAL WARMING . 353 . SHRI PREM CHAND GUPTA (a)whether it is a fact that adequate steps are not being taken by the International community to check global warming inspite of resolution passed at the first Earth Summit at Rio‐de‐Janeiro five years ago; and (b) what is India`s role in this regard? ANSWER ED THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ): (a) At the first earth Summit at Rio‐de‐Janeiro a multilateral treaty to check global warming was opened for signatures. This was the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change. The Convention entered into force from March 21, 1994. The Convention enjoins upon the developed countries to aim to return to their 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the year 2000. According to scientific assessments, these commitments are inadequate to check global warming.



(b) The Government of India is concerned at the non‐implementation of commitments made by developed countries at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development to assist the developing countrieswith new and additional financial resources and technology for promoting ecologically sustainable development. At various environment related international for a, India has been proposing transfer of financial resources and environmentally sound technologies to the developing countries as per the provisions of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

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