Assembly Business

List of Business

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH
ORDERS OF THE DAY
WEDNESDAY, THE 27TH FEBRUARY, 2013.

Business to be brought forward before the Legislature on Wednesday, the 27th February, 2013 at 10.00 a.m.

I. (A) RECITATION FROM THE HOLY QUR’AN.
   (B) NAAT SHAREEF.

II.QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
   (Forest Department)

III.LEAVE APPLICATION OF MEMBERS, IF ANY.

IV. PRIVILEGE MOTION, IF ANY

V.  ADJOURNMENT MOTION NO. 06 OF 2013; GIVEN NOTICE OF BY MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI, MPA.  

VI. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ASSENT TO BILLS:

    Madam Acting Speaker announces that the Honourable Governor of Sindh has given assent to the following Bills:-

    1.The Sindh Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2013.

    2.The Sindh High Density Development Board (Amendment) Bill, 2011.

    3.The Sindh (Repeal of the Sindh Peoples Local Government Act, 2012 and Revival of the Sindh Local Government Ordinance, 1979) Bill, 2013

VII.INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT BILLS:-

    1.Bill No. 08 of 2013-The Dawood University of Engineering and Technology Bill, 2013.

    2.Bill No. 13 of 2013-The Sindh Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Bill, 2013.

VIII.CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT BILLS:

    1.Bill No. 22 of 2011-The Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Dewan University Bill, 2011.

    2.Bill No. 12 of 2012-The Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law, Karachi Bill, 2012.

    3.Bill No. 12 of 2013-The Sindh Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2013 Clause by Clause.

IX.PRESENTATION/ ADOPTION OF THE REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON HOME ON MOTION MOVED BY MR. ANWAR AHMED KHAN MAHAR, MPA; REGARDING TO MAKE SURVEY, CONSIDER TO IMPROVE THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN THE PROVINCE.

X. ANY OTHER BUSINESS WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CHAIR.  

KARACHI, THE                                                                        G.M.UMAR FAROOQ
26TH FEBRUARY, 2013.                                                      ACTING SECRETARY
                                                                                       PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

Summary of Proceedings

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

FOREST DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

WEDNESDAY THE 27^TH FEBRUARY, 2013.

*4885. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

District-wise number of acres of forest land destroyed in the result of floods of 2010?

 ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

As a result of floods 2010 and heavy rains, forest as such was not destroyed but 2-3 years old young/tender forest crops, recently raised, over 18,000 acres were affected. Following is the district-wise details:

 However, availing the opportunity of floods 2010, babul seed was broadcast/regenerated over 60,000 acres in forests of Sindh. Beside, the riverine forests of Sindh and mangroves were the main beneficiaries of the super flood, 2010 after a dry spell of about 10 years.

 *5027. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that drip irrigation and solar pumps are being used by the Aforestation, division Dadu;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in the affirmative, the cost of the scheme and area covered?

 ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

(a)      Yes. It is a fact that drip irrigation and solar pumps are being used by the Afforestation Division Dadu under the development scheme titled “ Sustainable land management to combat desertification in arid areas of Sindh with the participation of civil societies.”

(b)      The total approved cost of the scheme is Rs. 88.446 million. Out of this total cost, the amount of Rs. 12.600 million and Rs. 21.800 million have been kept for drip irrigation over 200 acres and installation of 34 numbers solar pumps respectively.

The above mentioned scheme was approved for a period of two years (2009-10 to 2010-11) and being executed in Tharparkar, Kachoo areas of Dadu and Chotiari area of Sanghar districts.

An area of 179 acres has been planted under drip irrigation and 19 numbers solar pumps have been installed in the above districts up to 30-04-2011.

*5777. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the mis-appropriation on large scale has been made in the amount in aid provided by the World Bank at Khipro for the establishment of nursery project;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, the detail/name of the officials/officers involved in the same?

ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

(a)      No, it is not correct that mis-appropriation has been made in the amount of aid provided but the fact is that no any allotment of funds have been made by World Bank in Khipro Afforestation Division for any of the project.

(b)      ----

 *5857. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that thousands trees of gugal were destroyed at Thar by injecting poisonous chemical into it and contractor mafia damaged the trees in February, 2011 inspite of imposition of section-144 at different areas of district Thar;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, the action taken in this regard?

ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

(a)      It is a fact that thousands trees of Gugal were damaged/destroyed at Thar during February, 2011 by injecting poisonous chemical into it by local influential people of the area, in spite of imposition of Section-144 at different areas of district Thar.

(b)      The action was taken on the spot and offenders were caught during the financial year    2010-11. An amount of Rs. 43,500/- only on account of value and compensation were recovered from various offenders as provided under scction-68(a) of The Forest Act, 1927.

 Looking to the gravity of situation, Forest Department with the help of District Government has taken following actions:

(i)     Imposition of Section-144.

(ii)    Constitution of vigilance committee at district & taluka levels notified by the District & Session Judge Tharparkar.

(iii)  Detection of the Gugal Gum extraction by the staff of the Forest Department and submission of regular monthly progress report to Provincial Ombudsman.

(iv)   Deployment of field staff at sensitive points to check the illegal transportation.

The above mentioned measures have given encouraging results and illicit gum extraction has been reduced to a great extent.

In addition to the above, the efforts of the department in the Nagarparkar areas under the control of Forest Department in Karonjhar hills are as under:

(i)     Fencing of the selected areas under Gugal plantation over an area of 50.0 acres.

(ii)    Planting of cuttings over an area of 30.0 acres.

(iii)  Raising of Gugal saplings and planting over an area of 30.0 acres.

Due to the above mentioned actions there is a large scale germination of Gugal plants and are under proper protection.

 *5863. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that officials of forest department at district Thatta do not allow fishing in various pits, ponds and tanks and permit is being given to various people only for the exchange of huge amount;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, the steps taken in this regard?

ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

The forest areas of Sind Forest Department in District Thatta are Reserved Forest. Under the provision of the Forest Act, 1927 and as defined under Agroforestry Lease Policy all Ponds/water areas, Dhandhs, fall under the jurisdiction of Thatta Afforestation Division as and when inundated during floods (normally in Abkalani season i.e. during the month of July of every year). The fishing rights of the same areas are given to the local Fishermen through open auction after completing all the codal formalities.

 *5864. MS. NUSRAT SEHER ABBASI: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that due to conflagrant in the forest for Tajal near Sorah in district Khairpur the forest comprising on 400 acres land were burnt in February, 2011;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in the affirmative, the reasons and details thereof?

 ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

(a)      There is Belhat Forest having total area 1257.33 acres comprises of following Dehs and Survey numbers declared as Reserved Forest vide Minister’s Office order Khairpur Estate No.5336 on 24^th November, 1941.

 It is not correct that due to conflagrant the area of 400.0 acres deh Tajjal Belhat Forest was brunt. But infact on 26-02-2011 some unknown persons caused fire in compartment No.6 of Belhat Forest. The area falls in Block No.25 of Deh Nasarullah and an area of 963.22 acres containing natural growth i.e. Lai, Kandi, Khabar & Kana Sar was badly effected.

 On 26-02-2011 when some unknown persons caused the fire the Deputy District Officer Forest Khairpur was also present in Nara on official visit. He immediately rushed to the site and called the fire brigade of Taluka Nara & OMV Gas Company. He also informed the District Officer Forest Khairpur who immediately rushed to the site. The fire was extinguished with the help of Taluka Fire Brigade Gas Company Forest Field Staff, Local Villagers & Labour working at site. After making full control over fire, the forest was carefully visited. The natural growth of Lai, Kandi, Khabar and Kanasar over an area of 70 acres was badly effected as initially assessed.

 The Deputy District Officer Forest Khairpur lodged the F.I.R. regarding fire against the unkown persons at 02:00 A.M. on 27-02-2011 at Police Station Sorrah for investigation (Copy at Annexure, placed on the table of the House). The District Officer Forest, Khairpur (District Government informed to their concerned quarters).

 Thereafter the case was submitted before the Honourable Court of Civil Judge/III- Judicial Magistrate Khairpur by Investigation Officer Police Station Sorrah as untraced “A” Class for hearing and final orders.

 The Honourable Court of Civil Judge & Judicial Magistrate-III Khairpur accepted the submission of Investigation Officer Police Station Sorrah for approval of the case in hand in “A” Class on 15-11-2011 which means that “A” Class is a unstressed class. In this class whenever the unknown accused identified by the complainant or Investigation Officer of concerned Police Station, they will be challaned in the same F.I.R. beforee the Honourable Court concerned in which the case under “A” Class have been disposed off.

The maximum validity of “A” Class is upto 10 years.

The copy of the orders passed by Honourable Court on 15-11-2011 is at Annexure, placed on the table of the House.

 Report of Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry Division, Khairpur is at Annexure, placed on the table of the House.

 *5947. SYEDA MARVI RASHDI: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the Indus Delta Mangrove Forest was considered the seventh largest block in the world;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, whether the same rank has been maintained;

(c)    If answer to (a) above be in the negative, the reasons for mangrove’s destruction?

 ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

(a)      No, it is not a fact that Indus Delta Mangrove forests were considered the seventh largest block of mangroves in the world.

The most recent reliable estimates of world mangroves depict that the large portions of world mangroves are constantly occupied by the following countries in following descending order:

Source (FAO)

 The Indus Delta mangroves have never occupied the 7^th largest block of the world mangroves, as the countries mentioned above, are having large quantities of mangroves forest since decades.

(b)      -----

(c)      The mangroves of world have been deteriorated/destroyed for various reasons including shortage of fresh water supply, conversion of mangroves for other land uses. The Indus Delta Mangroves though effected by the shortage of fresh water down stream of Kotri Barrage, erosion due to sea intrusion and other localized factors.

 *6576. MS. HEER ISMAIL SOHO: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that lacs acre land along both sides of river Indus have been encroached;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, the details and reasons thereof?

 ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

(b)      District wise details are as under:-

 Reasons thereof:

Ø  The forest land has been encroached forcibly. As per High Court’s Order dated            10-03-2011, the details of forcibly encroached lands, so far, have been furnished to the District and Sessions Judges, Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur and Shikarpur for taking legal action against the culprits.

Ø  The land grabbers are influential persons and notorious too, hence forcibly encroached upon the forest land.

Ø  Strenuous efforts for vacating the encroached areas through local Police are being taken.

Ø  Besides, law and order situation in the kacha areas is un-conducive for land vacation.

Ø  Law enforcing agencies hence also been approached for vacation of encroachments.

Ø  Un-armed formation of forest personnel to get the area vacated from encroaches is also one of the impediments.

Ø  The area is under forcible encroachment by local people. All out efforts even local police have been moved to extend legal help in vacating the areas.

 Technical Reasons.

Ø  Erratic and desperately low inundations of the River Indus are adversely affecting the health of Riverine forests of Sindh in the form of no or poor regenerations coupled with rampant drying and dying of existing tree growth. Consequently, most of the Riverine forests of Sindh are devoid of tree growth. This miserable situation persisting on ground is attracting land grabbers to forcibly occupy forest lands and raise agricultural crops for personal fortunes at the huge cost of environment and society.

 Socio-Economic Reasons

Ø  Lack of substantial investment in education and human capital development, in rural areas has constrained bringing a qualitative change in the attitude, thinking and lives of most of rural population. At the current levels of literacy and human capital development; the most of rural populations are playing a role close to a foe to natural resources including forests instead of utilizing them in a sustainable and environment friendly manner.

Ø  Burgeoning population growth and its continuously increasing pressure on natural resources including forests to meet their livelihoods.

Ø  Lack of development in rural areas has constrained employment opportunities to rural populations; In absence of alternate employment opportunities, the rural populations, more often than not, are entirely dependent upon natural resources including forests for their livelihoods.

 *6577. MS. HEER ISMAIL SOHO: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the land of Kacha Area of various districts is being used for cultivation;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, the names of districts and whether the said cultivation is legal?

ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

(a)      Yes, it is fact that the land of kacha area of various districts is being used for cultivation. An area of 50,425.2 acres has been leased out to various persons under five years agroforestry leased policy, 2004.

 The District wise details are as under:-

 (b)      An area of 50,425.2 acres has been leased out to various persons under five years agroforestry lease policy, 2004 in open auction. Hence the said cultivation is legal.

 *6988. SYED KHALID AHMED: Will the Minister for Forest be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that Arial seeding of Gorakh Hill station is being contemplated;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in the affirmative, when the same will be opened for tourists?

 ANSWER

SYED ALI NAWAZ SHAH RIZVI, Minister for Forest:

(a)      No arial seeding of Gorakh Hill is being carried out by the Sindh Forest Department. Moreover, any such plan is also not under consideration these days.

(b)      -----

Karachi:-                                                 G. M. Umar Farooq

the 26^th February, 2013.                            Acting Secretary

                                                         Provincial Assembly of Sindh.

Provincial Assembly of Sindh in its sitting held on Wednesday, the 27th February, 2013 has unanimously passed the following Resolution moved by Mr. Imran Zafar Leghari, MPA, Dr. Sikandar Ali Shoro, MPA and Mr. Imdad Ali Pitafi, MPA:-

“This Assembly strongly condemns the dastardly act of the terrorism in Shikarpur and Jacobabad. These acts are in continuation of similar terrorist activity against the Hazara Community in Balochistan. This Assembly also appeals to PML (N) to disassociate themselves and discontinue all overt and covert support to banned terrorist organizations who are the perpetrators of such heinous activities.”

Provincial Assembly of Sindh in its sitting held on Wednesday, the 27th February, 2013 has unanimously passed the following Resolution moved by Syed Waseem Hussain, MPA, Mr. Muhammad Moin Aamir Pirzada, MPA, Mr. Rehan Zafar, MPA, Mr. Mazahir Ameer Khan, MPA, Mr. Fahim Ahmed, MPA, Mr. Imdad Ali Pitafi, MPA and Ms. Firdous Hameed alias Farheen Mughal, MPA:-

“This House resolves and recommends to the Provincial Government that a Public Sector University in Hyderabad be announced unanimously.”