Parliamentary panel to discuss report on possibility of tremor in Uttarakhand

The parliamentary standing committee on science and technology and environment and forests will meet here on May 23 to discuss a report about the possibility of an earthquake in Uttarakhand and review the state of preparedness.

Talking to mediapersons here, chairman of the standing committee Ashwani Kumar said an Indo-Australian team of experts has concluded that a 700-year-old fault beneath the state has reached a tipping point and it could be rocked by a quake not seen in centuries.

"The committee will meet here on May 23 to discuss the report and review the preparedness for any eventuality," he said.

He said the committee had heard views of environment ministry about report concerning "discolouration" of Taj Mahal and had asked Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to prepare action plan to address environmental challenges that were adversely affecting the historic monument.

He said that action plan has been submitted by the ASI.

He said as part of steps taken, Director General ASI has written a letter to the commissioner of the Agra Development Authority to properly treat effluents related to waste water and sewage surrounding the Taj Mahal before their discharge in designated areas.

The ASI letter also said bathing of buffaloes and animals in Yamuna river and water bodies around Taj Mahal should be immediately stopped.

Kumar, who is a former union minister and a Congress MP, said the standing committee, which presented seven reports concerning demands for grants (2015-16) of various ministries, has affirmed primacy of environment protection.

Answering queries, he said that if there was attempt by the government to dilute environment protection laws, the Congress will oppose it tooth and nail.

He said primacy should be given to environment if there were "irreconcilable" differences concerning a project.