771. SHRI S.S. RAMASUBBU:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the unauthorised operation of stone quarrying in a sensitive zone of Biligirirangaswamy Temple (BST) Tiger Reserve has been posing serious threat to Nilgiri Tiger Reserves and endangering the lives of animals in the protected zone;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to protect this Tiger reserve?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) As reported by the State, there are no stone quarries operating inside the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Tiger Reserve.
(b) Question does not arise.
(c) Funding assistance under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger is provided to the Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Tiger Reserve for protection and management.