Two new rail line projects in Maharashtra, namely Baramati-Lonand via Phaltan and Kopargaon-Shirdi, are presently pending with the Government. Baramati-Lonand via Phaltan line was included in Budget 1997-98 with the proviso that work will be taken up after the necessary clearances have been obtained. Action in this regard has been initiated and work will be taken up once clearances are received. As regards Kopargaon-Shirdi line, Planning Commission have stipulated that the cost should be shared by Railways and the Temple Authorities to make the line viable. The Temple Authorities, however, have expressed their inability to do so. The matter is under consideration.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways,Shri Ram Naik in a written reply to a question from Prof.Ram Kapse in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    A survey for construction of Dahanu-Nasik Railway line in Maharashtra has been taken up. Further consideration of the project would be possible once the survey report becomes available.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways,Shri Ram Naik in a written reply to a question from Prof.Ram Kapse in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    The work of doubling on Ghaziabad-Moradabad Section is in progress in Phase-I between Ghaziabad and Hapur and is targeted for completion by December 2000. Phase-II for Hapur-Moradabad will be taken up on completion of Phase-I. Specific provision has been made in budget 1998-99 for Rs.10 crores. Budget provision for next financial year will be made to suit the target for the work mentioned in reply to Part (a) subject to availability of resources.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways,Shri Ram Naik in a written reply to a question from Shrimati Malti Sharma in Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) had funded a Rail Sector Technical Assistance Study for carrying out a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) Analysis of the Indian Railways(IR) and to indicate the policy action required by IR in order to form a long term vision incorporating the priorities Indian Railways need to address over the next fourteen years. M/s. Mckinsey & Co. and Swede Rail were appointed as consultants for this study by the ADB with a copy to IR. As a result of the findings of the study, a 5 years programme has been drawn up by the Indian Railways.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways,Shri Ram Naik in a written reply to a question from Dr.B.B.Dutta in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    Checks have been intensified by the Railways, particularly on Northern Railways to curb the activity of recycling of disposable containers in Delhi area. Efforts are being made to avoid use of plastic cups and glasses as far as possible and to replace them gradually by biodegradable paper cups and glasses. Public awareness is being created by use of stickers and by making announcements on the Public Address System to crush such items after use.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways,Shri Ram Naik in a written reply to a question from S/shri S.Ramachandran Pillai and E.Balanandan in the Rajya Sabha today.
 
 

    The Union Minister for Environment & Forests Shri Suresh P.Prabhu gave away the Paryavaran Aur Van Mantralya Vishisht Vaigyanik Puraskar for the year 1994-95 and 1995-96, at a function held here today to celebrate the World Environment Day. The awards, each containing a Certificate, Citation and Rs. 20,000/- in cash are awarded to Scientists in the Ministry of Environment & Forests and its associated Organisations to encourage original and applied research in fields connected with the objectives of the Ministry. The awardeed were:-

    1994-95

    Dr. Eklabya Sharma, Scientist, G.B.Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora (UP). He has made significant contribution in the field of Himalayan ecology. His work would help in providing basic information on the functioning of the mountain ecosystmes.

    2. Dr. S.K.Banerjee, Scientist, Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur.

    3. Dr. Gajanand Gupta, Scientist, Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur. He has contlributed significantly in the field of technologty for harrvesting, conservation and efficient use of rain water in desert areas.

    4. Dr. P.S.N. Rao, Scientist, Botanical Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Circle, Port Blair. He has contributed significantly in the field of Phytogeographical affinity of Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. His recent studies have led to the discovery of rare, endemic species such as Casearia andamanica, the taxonomy and utilisation of the plants of mass consumption among aborigines such as Discorea.