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ECOLOGICAL STUDY AND
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR
INTEGRATED CEMENT PLANT AND LIMESTONE
MINING AT LAKHPAT KUTCHCHH, GUJARAT
SUBMITTED BY
M/S. ADANI CEMENTATION LIMITED
JUNE-2018
Ecological Study & Wildlife
Conservation Plan for Integrated
Cement Plant and Limestone Mining at
Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
Submitted by
M/s. Adani Cementation Limited
Study by Dr. Bharat Jethva
NABET Accredited FAE Cat-I, Ecology & Biodiversity
Bhagwati Enviro Care Pvt. Ltd. June-2018
Certificate
This report has been prepared by me based on extensive field visits and data
collected, review of published literature, information and maps furnished by M/s
Adani Cementation Limited, and data available in public domain. The study was
carried out in a particular time period and restricted to project area and its 10 km
periphery from the project area.
30th June 2017 Ahmedabad
Dr. Bharat Jethva
NABET Accredited FAE Cat-I, Ecology & Biodiversity
Bhagwati Enviro Care Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad
Content Sr. No
Page
No
1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………. 1
1.1. Background …………………………………..…………………………………………… 1
1.2. Legal Framework ………………………………………………………………………… 4
1.3. Scope of Work…………………………………………………….……………………… 4
1.4. Objectives of the study ……………………………………………...…………………… 5
2 Study Area ………………………………..……………………………………………… 6
2.1. Project Location ………………….……………………………………………………… 6
2.2. Study Area ……….…………………………………………..…………………………… 6
2.2.1. Core Area……….……………...……………………………..…………………………… 6
2.2.2. Buffer Area……….…………….……………………………..…………………………… 8
3 Methodology……………………………………………….…………………………….. 10
3.1. Basic frame work of data collection ………………………….………………………… 10
3.2. Field Surveys …………………..……………………….……...………………………… 10
3.3. General Ecological Assessment …………………………………..……………..…… 10
3.4. Study of Flora …………………………..…………………………………………...…… 11
3.5. Study of Fauna …….…………………..…………………………………………...…… 12
3.5.1. Methodology for Herpetofauna…….…………..…………………………………...…… 12
3.5.2. Methodology for Birds……….…….…………..…………………………………...…… 12
3.5.3. Methodology for mammals…….…………..…………………………………...…… 13
3.6. Important wildlife Habitats and Protected Areas……………………………….……… 14
3.7. Rare, Threatened & Endemic wildlife Species and their Corridors ….…………..… 14
3.8. Literature Review ………………..…………………………………….…….…………… 15
3.9. Consultation ……………………………...…………………………………..…………… 16
3.10. Analysis to evaluate the potential impacts ……………………………….…………… 16
3.11. Preparation of Wildlife Conservation Action Plan: ……………………….…………… 16
3.12. Limitations of the study …………………………………………………………………. 16
4 Ecological Assessment …………………………………….…………….…………… 17
4.1. Biogeographic Zone……………..….………………..……………………………..…… 17
4.2. Protected Areas…………………. ……………..….………………………………..…… 17
4.3. Landuse Types in the Study Area ……………………………………………………… 21
4.4. Important Ecological Habitats ……………...…………………………………………… 23
4.4.1. Forest Area & Forest Type ……………...………………………………….…………… 23
4.4.2. Mangrove Ecosystem……………..………...…………………………………………… 25
4.4.3. Waterbodies……………..............................…………………………………………… 26
4.5. Floral Diversity and Vegetation Type ……………………………………………..…… 27
4.5.1. Vegetation type & community ……………………………………………..………..….. 27
4.5.2. Floral Species Richness…………………………….………………………………..….. 28
4.5.3. Dominant Plant Species ……………………………………..………..……………..….. 29
4.5.4. Invasive Exotic Species………………………………..……………………………..….. 29
4.5.5. Endangered/Threatened/Protected Species…………………..…………………..….. 29
4.6. Faunal Diversity and Species Inventory …………………………..…………………… 33
4.6.1. Herpetofauna Specie Recorded During the Survey…………..…………………..….. 33
4.6.2. Bird Species Recorded During the Survey……………………..…………………..….. 34
4.6.3. Mammal Species Recorded During the Survey…………………..………………..….. 39
4.6.4. Dominant Faunal Species ……………….…………………………………...…………. 41
4.6.5. Wildlife corridors ………………….………………………………..……..……………… 41
4.6.6. Species of High Conservation Significance…………………………….…………..….. 43
5 Potential Impacts & Mitigations…………………………..…………..………. 45
5.1. Habitat Degradation ………….………………………..…………..………………..…… 45
5.2. Impacts on Waterbodies ………...…….………………………………..….…………… 47
5.3. Impacts on Flora….………………….………………………….………………...……… 47
5.3.1. Impacts on Surrounding Forest Area………………………….…………………...…… 48
5.3.2. Impacts on Surrounding Vegetation………………………….…………………...…… 49
5.3.3. Impacts on Mangrove…………………………………...…..……..………………..….. 50
5.4. Impacts on Fauna…………………………………..……..…..…….………………..….. 51
5.4.1. Impacts on Herpetofauna………………..…..…...……..…..…….………………..….. 51
5.4.2. Impacts on Birds………………………..…………..……..…..…….………………..….. 52
5.4.3. Impacts on Mammals…………………..…………..……..…..…….………………..….. 53
6 Conservation Action Plan …………………………...………………...……………… 56
6.1. Critically Endangered Plant Species…………….…..…..……….…….…………….… 57
6.2. Schedule-I Fauna ……………………………………..…..……….…….…………….… 58
6.2.1. Reptiles/Indian Flap Shell Turtle ………………………………….………………….… 58
6.2.2. Birds/ Indian Peafowl ……..………..…..……….…….…………….………………….. 59
6.2.3. Birds/ Schedule-I Raptors ………………………..…..……….…….…..……………… 61
6.2.4. Indian Grey Wolf …………………..….…………..…..……….…….…..……………… 62
6.2.5. Ratel……………………………………..…………..…..……….…….…..……………… 64
6.2.6. Caracal…………………………………..…………..…..……….…….…..……………… 66
6.2.7. Chinkara…………………………………..…….………..…..……….…….…..………… 67
6.3. Wildlife Conservation & Livelihood Improvement Activity…………..…….……….… 69
6.4. Impact Mitigation Matrix & Conservation Plan…………..…….………..…..……….… 70
6.5. General Mitigation/Conservation Measures……………..…….………..…..……….… 76
6.6. Proposed Ecological Monitoring Programme…………..…….….……..…..……….… 77
6.7 Financial Allocation for Wildlife Conservation Activities……...………..…..……….… 78
7 References ……………………………………………………………..………………. 79
Annexure …………………………………….…………...………………..…………… 81
List of Maps, Figures and Tables
No. Map Page
2.1 Project location (core area) with 10.0 Km buffer (study area) in Gujarat 7
4.1 Project site location and the locations of Forest Areas in the study area 19
4.2 Project site location vs. protected areas in Kutch district 20
4.3 Landuse pattern in the study area 22
No. Figures Page
4.1 Percentage of various landuse classless in the study area 21
4.2 Composition of flora in core and buffer area in the study area 33
No. Table Page
2.1 List of villages falling in 10 km buffer area 8
4.1 Protected area and their distances from proposed project site 18
4.2 Area & percentages of various landuse types in the study area 21
4.3 Details of Forest area and forest types in study area 24
4.4 Checklist of different forms of plants observed in the core and buffer area in the study area 30
4.5 Checklist of Herpetofauna reported form the core and buffer area 34
4.6 Inventory of birds reported form the study area with their conservation status. 35
4.7 Inventory and conservation status of mammals reported from study area 40
4.8 Species of high conservation significance (Critically endangered or Schedule-I) present in the study area 43
6.1 Schedule-I fauna and Critically Endangered plant species reported from the study area 56
6.2 General Impacts vs. mitigation matrix & Conservation plan 71
6.3 Proposed financial allocation for mitigation and conservation measures 78
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND
Adani Cementation Limited (ACL) is wholly owned subsidiary of Adani
Enterprises Limited (AEL) created on 6th December 2016, Adani has grown
to become a global integrated infrastructure player with businesses in key
industry verticals - Resources, Logistics, Energy and Agro. The integrated
model is well adapted to the infrastructure challenges of the emerging
economies. It has combined market capitalization in excess of US$ 20
billion, a sales turnover of US$ 9 billion, employing over 10,000 people and
having diverse interests in global trading, development and operation of
Ports, IDC terminal, establishment of SEZ, Oil refining, logistics, gas
distribution, Power Generation, Power Transmission and Power Trading etc.
Adani Port at Mundra promoted by the ADANI Group is operational since
1998. ADANI Group is manned by experienced and highly qualified
professionals including technocrats of repute. The team has demonstrated
capabilities in conceptualization and implementation large projects excellent
records of establishing benchmarks in the industry. With this experience,
Adani Cementation Ltd (ACL) has been formed for development of a number
of Cement Projects (Integrated Cement Plant, Grinding Units & Limestone
Mine).
The total market size of Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh and
Maharashtra is estimated at approximately 30 million tons. The key players
operating in this region are Ultratech, Ambuja, Mehta, Sanghi and JK
Lakshmi. The demand in these markets is expected to growth at par with the
GDP growth rate (~7.5%) of the country. Optimized logistics have been a
key challenge for the players in this region and low cost logistics both in term
of inbound for raw material and distribution cost will be the key success
factor in this region. Leveraging on the existing railway infrastructure and
utilization of low cost sea logistics is expected yield greater advantages.
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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Based on the growing demand in the state of Gujarat over the next 10 years,
the proximity of the project location to this market is an advantage with
respect reduction in freight of cement to these markets. The financial viability
also shows a good Rate of return from the project. Considering the above
factors, Adani Cementation Ltd. (ACL) is proposes to setup an integrated
cement project as Lakhpat Cement Works which includes Limestone Mine in
251.9 ha. area, Cement Plant of rated production capacity of 10 MMTPA
Clinker as well as 3 MMTPA OPC/ PPC/ PSC/ COMPOSITE CEMENT in
three phases, and a berthing jetty of 15 MMTPA bearing capacity in phase
wise manner in Taluka Lakhpat, District Kutch (Gujarat). ACL proposes to
part grind clinker to produce bulk OPC at Lakhpat and transfer the same to
its proposed Blending Unit (BU) in Mumbai, whereas the balance clinker is
proposed to be transferred to the proposed Grinding Units (GU) at Mundra,
Udupi and Dahej in Phase I. ACL proposes to export any excess clinker
which is left after fulfilling the requirements of its proposed GU's and BU's.
The project/activities are covered under category 'A' of item 7(e) 'Ports,
harbours, break waters, dredging; item 1(a) Limestone Mine; item 3(b)
Cement Plant ; item 1(d) Captive Power Plant of the Schedule to the EIA
Notification, 2006 and its subsequent amendments. As a prerequisite (prior
environmental clearance) for the proposed development, ACL submitted the
Form-1, Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) and Prefeasibility Reports for
consideration by the various committees of Ministry of Environment Forests
and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Environment Appraisal Committees of
MoEF&CC considered the project in their relevant meetings, and accorded
the Terms of References (ToR) for undertaking EIA study for obtaining
necessary Environmental/CRZ clearance in accordance with the provisions
of the EIA Notification, 2006 (as amended). As a part of approved ToRs for
EIA studies, following studies shall be carried out.
ToR No 17- for EIA study for Mining: Location of National Parks,
Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Corridors, Ramsar site
Tiger/Elephant Reserves/(existing as well as proposed), if any, within 10 km
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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of the mine lease should be clearly indicated, supported by a location map
duly authenticated by Chief Wildlife Warden. Necessary clearance, as may
be applicable to such projects due to proximity of the ecologically sensitive
areas as mentioned above, should be obtained from the Standing
Committee of National Board of Wildlife and copy furnished.
ToR No 18- for EIA study for Mining: A detailed biological study of the
study area [core zone and buffer zone (10 km radius of the periphery of the
mine lease)] shall be carried out. Details of flora and fauna, endangered,
endemic and RET Species duly authenticated, separately for core and buffer
zone should be furnished based on such primary field survey, clearly
indicating the Schedule of the fauna present. In case of any scheduled-I
fauna found in the study area, the necessary plan along with budgetary
provisions for their conservation should be prepared in consultation with
State Forest and Wildlife Department and details furnished. Necessary
allocation of funds for implementing the same should be made as part of the
project cost.
Generic ToR No iv- for EIA study for Clinkerization plant: The projects to
be located within 10 km of the National Parks, Sanctuaries, Biosphere
Reserves, Migratory Corridors of Wild Animals, the project proponent shall
submit the map duly authenticated by Chief Wildlife Warden showing these
features vis-à-vis the project location and the recommendations or
comments of the Chief Wildlife Warden-thereon.
Generic ToR No v- for EIA study for Clinkerization plant: Wildlife
Conservation Plan duly authenticated by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the
State Government for conservation of Schedule I fauna, if any exists in the
study area.
Therefore, the present study is carried out to fulfil requirement of the ToRS
issued to ACL by three different Environment Appraisal Committees of
Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change. The present study is
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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primarily a detailed account of flora and fauna present in 10 km radius of the
proposed project area and evaluation of impacts and suggestion of
mitigation plans.
1.2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK
ACL proposes to setup an integrated cement project as Lakhpat Cement
Works which includes Limestone Mine in 251.9 ha. area, Cement Plant of
rated production capacity of 10 MMTPA Clinker as well as 3 MMTPA OPC/
PPC/ PSC/ COMPOSITE CEMENT in three phases, and a berthing jetty of
15 MMTPA bearing capacity in phase wise manner in Taluka Lakhpat,
District Kutch (Gujarat). The proposed activities are covered under category
'A' of item 7(e) 'Ports, harbours, break waters, dredging; item 1(a) Limestone
Mine; item 3(b) Cement Plant ; item 1(d) Captive Power Plant of the
Schedule to the EIA Notification, 2006 and its subsequent amendments.
ACL approached Environment Appraisal Committees of MoEF&CC for
considered the project in their relevant meetings, and accorded the Terms
of References (ToR) for undertaking EIA study for obtaining necessary
Environmental/CRZ clearance in accordance with the provisions of the EIA
Notification- 2006 and CRZ notification 2011 (as amended). As a part of
approved ToRs for EIA studies, present study is carried out to fulfil some of
the ToRs mentioned.
1.3. SCOPE OF WORK
Scope of work for this study is in line with the ToRs issued to ACL which
include baseline information on flora, fauna, habitat type and quality,
species, diversity, rarity, migratory corridors of wildlife, presence of
threatened species, presence of presence of Schedule-I wildlife species,
presence of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks etc. in case of schedule-I
fauna, conservation measures should be proposed, and measures to
mitigate impacts of the proposed activities.
The present study carried out identification of ecologically sensitive receptors
(species, habitats& eco-systems) based on field investigations and literature
survey along with their mitigation with conservation action plan. The study
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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was carried out in core area (project site) and in buffer area i.e. 10.0km
periphery from the project site. The study was carried out systematically and
scientifically using primary and secondary data in order to bring out factual
information on the ecological conditions of the project site and its
surroundings.
The study involved assessment of general habitat type, vegetation pattern,
preparation of inventory flora and fauna of terrestrial ecosystem in 10 km
radius from the boundary of proposed integrated unit (Mining block,
Clinkerization/Cement plant, Berthing jetty). Biological assessment of the site
was done to identify whether there are any Rare, Endemic or Threatened
(RET) species of flora or fauna in the core area as well its buffer zone and to
identify whether there are any ecologically sensitive area within buffer zone
that is likely to be impacted. The study also designed to suggest suitable
mitigation measures if necessary for conservation of important species and
their habitats etc.
1.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The major aim of the present study is to avoid any impact of proposed
project activity on important natural habitats or species in the study area.
Therefore, the study is carried out with following objectives.
To evaluate the ecological status of the study area with respect to
important flora, fauna and ecologically sensitive habitats etc.
Assessment of any impacts of the project activities on ecologically sensitive
habitats and species.
Recommend mitigation measures in the form of wildlife conservation plan
with an in-built monitoring mechanism and schedule of implementation
along with financial budget.
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2. STUDY AREA
2.1. PROJECT LOCATION
Proposed Project site and the study area are located in village Maldo,
Mudhvay, Koriyani and Kapurasi, of Tehsil Lakhpat, District Kutch (Gujarat)
state (Map-2.1).
2.2. STUDY AREA
For the convenience of the study and the user agencies, the study area was
divided in two major parts i.e. 1) Core area/project area including the area of
mine, cement plant, conveyer belt, and backup area and 2) Buffer area i.e.
10.0 km periphery of the project boundary (Map-2.1).
2.2.1. CORE AREA
Core area is proposed project area of Cement Plant/Clinkerization plant,
Limestone Mining area, Conveyor Corridor (Map-2.1) that covers 450 ha. land
located in Village Maldo, Mudhvay, Koriyani and Kapurasi, of Tehsil Lakhpat
of District Kutch in Gujarat. The limestone mining block is located in 26P/7,
26P/10,26P/22, 26P/18, 26P/41, 26P/49,26P/33, 26P/11, 26P/42,
26P/30,26P/57, 26P/32, 26P/25, 26P/8,26P/52, 26P/37, 26P/9,
26P/19,26P/27, 26P/63, 26P/47 of Mudhvay village. The Limestone Mining
lease area is 251.90Ha Mudhvay Limestone Mining Block C is located in
Mudhvay Village, Lakhpat Taluka, Kutch District of Gujarat. ACL has been
granted LOI by State Govt of Gujarat on 21st June 2017 for grant of mining
lease of Mudvay Sub Block C for limestone mineral. The proposed jetty
project area falls in the Kori Creek area where CRZ is applicable. Kapurasi
river is flowing along west of the project site.
The clinkerization unit is located in Govt. Land: Survey No.: 157 & 160
(Area: 145.8401 ha.), Private Land: Survey No.: 144, 145, 146, 147, 148,
149, 150, 151, 152, 153 & 158 (Area: 44.39 ha.) total Area: 190.23 ha.
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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Map- 2.1: Project location (core area) with 10.0 Km buffer (study area) in Gujarat.
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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The Kori creek coast is located at 3.0 km west from the proposed cement
plant site. The proposed cement plant site is located on the Lakhpat-
Narayan Sarovar road whereas; the mining area is located at 3.3 km from
this road. The land is adequate for the plant and mining area which are
acquired by company through due government procedures. No major human
settlements are placed within these proposed areas, therefore there is no
need for rehabilitation of any human settlements from the project site. Most
importantly the project site fall outside the notified eco-sensitive zone of
Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary. Mining and Cement Plant sites are
located at substantial distances from the Coastal Regulatory Zone.
2.2.2. BUFFER AREA
The Buffer Area mainly consists of revenue areas of 30 villages that fall in
10.0 km periphery of the project site (Map-2.1). In the present study, survey
was not carried out within the areas of Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary
that fall in the study area. The list of villages is given in Table-2.1.
Table-2.1: List of villages falling in 10 km buffer area.
No Village No Village No Village
1 Akri 11 Guneri 21 Mindhiyari
2 Chher Moti 12 Kaiyari 22 Mudhvay
3 Chher Nani 13 Kanoj 23 Mudiya
4 Dhedhapar 14 Kapurasi 24 Narayan Sarovar
5 Dhedhdi 15 Khanot 25 Naredi
6 Dhunay 16 Khengarpar 26 Pandhro
7 Fatepur 17 Koriyani 27 Pranpar
8 Fulra 18 Koteshwar 28 Sheh
9 Godhatad 19 Lakhpat 29 Subhashpar
10 Guhar Nani 20 Malda 30 Umarsar
Majority of the land of the buffer area is occupied by the Kori creek in North-
and East directions with mangrove and mudflats. There is also a Akri-Mota
Lignite based Power plant. On southern sides fellow agriculture fields, open
limestone exposed areas, habitation, Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary
and its eco-sensitive zone, on South-East direction there is a huge
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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operational Lignite mine by Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation
(GMDC), open scrub vegetation, natural saltpans, on Northern side etc.
Most importantly, no component of the proposed project is located within
eco-sensitive zone of any Wildlife Sanctuaries or National Parks. The
proposed project areas (mining block and cement plant) are located at
substantial distance from Coastal Regulatory Zone of Gulf of Kutch coast.
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3. METHODOLOGY
3.1. BASIC FRAME WORK OF DATA COLLECTION
The prediction of impacts industries on flora and fauna depends on
understanding of the proposed activities, its magnitude/extent, scale and
ecological conditions in the surrounding area. Collection of comprehensive
baseline information on flora and fauna is therefore a prerequisite for
assessment of impacts of development activities. It would also help in
advance planning and mitigate the impacts and ultimately managing the
natural habitats and resources. The approach to achieve the stated
objectives within defined scope of work, include field surveys, interviews,
and reviews of literature. Following was the basic fame work of the data
collection and analysis for the present study. The baseline ecological
assessment involved information gathering on following.
Develop understanding on general ecological scenario
Study of flora
Study of fauna
3.2. FIELD SURVEYS
Several field visits were carried out in the month of December-2017 to
understand and assess the impacts of proposed project activities on flora
and fauna and natural habitats. We evaluated the distribution and
abundance of flora and fauna in project area and in buffer area separately.
However, survey was not carried out in the parts of Narayan Sarovar Wildlife
Sanctuary that fall inside the buffer area.
3.3. GENERAL ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
The observations and assessment of overall ecological scenario involves
details such as classification of Biogeographic zone, eco-region, habitat
types and land cover, distances from natural habitats, vegetation/forest
types, sensitive ecological habitats such as Wetlands sites, Important Bird
Areas, migration corridors of important wildlife etc. present in the study area.
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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Such baseline information provides better understanding of the situation and
overall ecological importance of the area.
The important ecological habitats and features were identified based on our
field visits and also mapping of landuse types in the study area. We
identified ecologically important habitats through primary survey, literature
survey and consulting local people etc. These important ecological habitats
and features were then identified on landuse map that is prepared for the
study area. Land use map of 10 km radius of the proposed project site is
prepared by EIA agency is used for the present study. Prominent landuse
features such as, roads, rivers/waterbody/drainages, agriculture, sea, sandy
beach, mangrove, mudflats, industrial and built up areas, forest area,
scrubland etc. were digitized using open source software such as QGIS and
their areas were calculated. There may be acceptable margin of errors in the
final map however, locations and important features are identified and shown
on map.
3.4. STUDY OF FLORA
Assessment of flora was carried out in the study area in the month of
December. Study of flora involved simple, systematic and standard
techniques. Due to clustered distributions of project component in predefined
areas (limited to 10 km periphery only), we carried out qualitative
assessment of flora in the study areas through ad libitum sampling. During
surveys, our team continuously searched for plant species and identified
them to prepare a checklist of plants in the respective study area. Various
component of the project i.e. Cement Plant, Mining Block, Conveyor belt,
surrounding buffer areas, were surveyed on foot and qualitative checklists of
plants were made.
We carried out qualitative assessment of the plant species found in the study
area. Information on occurrence of plants, their species names, floral
phenotypes, life forms etc. were collected continuously during the field trip in
the project area from morning to evening hours. The collected data was then
systematically used to synthesize a comprehensive checklist of flora that
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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provides baseline information of the representative vegetation community of
the study area.
3.5. STUDY OF FAUNA
We mainly studied the fauna of higher trophic levels which acts as indicator
of the type and health of the eco-systems. We mainly studied the faunal
classes such as amphibians & reptiles (herpetofauna), birds and mammals
which occupy higher trophic levels which act as indicator of the type and
health of the eco-systems in the project area.
3.5.1. METHODOLOGY FOR HERPETOFAUNA
During our surveys with great difficulties we encountered a few herpetofauna
species. Therefore, such low detection probability was a limitation for not
conducting quantitative sampling of these classes. Therefore, with given low
detection probability, we carried out simple surveys i.e. presence absence
surveys to inventories the herpetofauna of the study area, following
methodology was used during survey.
Direct Search Method: In this method, we randomly and intensively
searched for amphibians and reptiles in core and buffer areas, dry trees,
dense dry bushes, below the stones, small holes etc. in the study area. All
these areas were repeated during each field visit. Uniform efforts were made
in all habitats during surveys in day and night hours. All the species
encountered were identified and photographed using Nikon D70 /
D90/D500/P-900 DSLR cameras. Comprehensive checklist of the
amphibians and reptiles were prepared for each season and site.
3.5.2. METHODOLOGY FOR BIRDS
Birds, occupying higher trophic levels in the ecosystems, respond quickly to
the changes in the habitats and therefore serve as one of the best indicators
for evaluating the ecological status and functioning of ecosystems of the
area. Therefore, we created baseline data on birds by systematically
collected data on occurrence in the core and buffer areas separately. For
Ecological Study & Wildlife Conservation Plan for Integrated Cement Plant and Mining at Lakhpat, Kutchh, Gujarat
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creating baseline data on birds, we carried out bird surveys in different
habitats as differential habitat preferences are seen in birds. In order to study
species richness of birds in core and buffer areas, we employed „Area
Search Method‟ or extensive search within core and buffer areas. We carried
out observations on bird species in small ponds, open areas, scrubland,
dense Prosopis bushes, isolated trees, village peripheries, coastal areas,
mudflats, surrounding agriculture areas etc. Extensive Search Method is a
qualitative method being used for improving the total species richness for
each site in totality. In this method we slowly and randomly walked in the
core and buffer areas and looked for birds and their calls. We walked in the
study area during early morning i.e. 7:00 AM to 9:00AM and 4:00PM to 6:00
PM. These time periods of the day are when maximum bird movements are
expected. We identified birds based on their size, colour, behaviour, flight
pattern, feeding habits, calls, etc. using binoculars and standard reference
books. The species checklist for core and buffer areas is prepared based on
this method. The bird surveys were carried out winter season so as to
include migratory species also. Following equipments were used during the
bird survey.
Nikon 10x50 Binoculars
Nikon 8x40 Binoculars
Nikon D500 with 100-500Tele lenses DSLR Digital Camera
Nikon P-900 DSLR Digital Camera
A comprehensive checklist of birds was prepared with information on their
habitats (i.e. Aquatic and Terrestrial), migratory non-migratory status, IUCN
Red list Categories, Wildlife Protection Act (1972) Schedules, checklist of
birds is prepared for the core and buffer areas.
3.5.3. METHODOLOGY FOR MAMMALS
Like birds, mammals are also occupying higher trophic levels in many
ecosystems and respond quickly to the changes in their habitats therefore,
serves as best indicators of the ecosystem health. We therefore, chose to
create baseline information on distribution and presence and absences of
mammal species. Since the presence of mammalian species is low affecting
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probability of their sightings, in the study area, it was difficult to estimate their
population using line transect method. More importantly, it was difficult to
accommodate the sightings of nocturnal and diurnal animals in the study.
Therefore, we prepared a qualitative check list of mammals based on their
presences and absence using indirect evidences and signs such as
footprints, droppings, diggings, scrap marks, etc. in the study area (core and
buffer) area.
Apart from these, search efforts were also made for various signs of
important wildlife species in the study area which includes looking for wildlife
signs such as dens, diggings, scrap marks, droppings etc. The sites where
likelihood of animals is higher such as shady trees, waterholes and
undisturbed bushes etc. were surveyed intensively during the survey in the
study area. This survey helped us in identifying various species, their
behaviour and characteristics. For mammal inventory, both direct sightings
and indirect evidences (like dung, scats, pellets, foot prints, nests, dens etc.)
were accounted.
3.6. IMPORTANT WILDLIFE HABITATS AND PROTECTED AREAS
We assessed the presence and distances of important wildlife habitats and
hotspots such as protected areas, mangroves, breeding and nesting
habitats, coastal habitats, important wetlands, and grassland area from core
area. These important areas include areas such as Protected areas
(National Park, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves etc.), Wetlands
of national importance, Ramsar sites, Important Bird Areas (IBAs), classified
by the Birdlife International etc.
3.7. RARE, THREATENED & ENDEMIC WILDLIFE SPECIES AND THEIR
CORRIDORS
We also assessed the presence of rare, endangered, endemic wildlife
species in the project area/core area and buffer area. Two major standards
were used for assessing the status of species of flora and fauna of the
project area 1) Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and IUCN Red List
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Categories to know the global status of the species. Apart from their status
of migratory or resident etc. were also assessed. Special search efforts were
made during the field visits to identify any such sensitive species or their
corridors etc. in the project area and the buffer area. Apart from field visits
we relied on interview surveys and consultation with local people.
3.8. LITERATURE REVIEW
Considering the time limitation to undertake statistically rigorous data
gathering system, study also relied on existing knowledge about the ecology
and biodiversity of the region. Importantly, there are quite a few studies
undertaken in the past dealing with the impacts of Cement Plants, mining
activities on flora and fauna and other concerns of biodiversity conservation.
Literature on Cement projects and associated environmental issues were
downloaded and collated through internet. Various relevant literatures were
surveyed during the study for collection of baseline information. Maps,
reports and documents collected from the project proponent were also
reviewed and used in the present study. Books on flora, fauna and wildlife
were also studied in order to understand the biology of several species.
Other than the above, for the purpose of this study, relevant information was
also collected and reviewd from following sources:
Research papers on flora and fauna around Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary
Report on Critically endangered species of India.
Important Bird Area book
Mangrove Atlas published by Gujarat Ecology Commission
Research papers on Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary
Great Indian Bustard conservation Action Plan by Gujarat Government
Google imageries/Google Maps
Project related Maps provided by ACL
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3.9. CONSULTATIONS
During the study, series of consultations were made with both technical and
non technical stakeholders to get better picture on the project area/core area
and buffer zone habitats. In order to know more about the seasonal
presence of several faunal species and their movement, study team
informally consulted and discussed with local people, from the villages,
herders and farmers who inhabit close to the proposed project area.
3.10. ANALYSIS TO EVALUATE THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS
The information collected on status of flora and fauna and, their spatio-
temporal distributions, hotspots, and potential impacts of proposed project
development were logically analyzed and conclusions were extracted for
preparation of conservation plan for the project proponent to implement.
3.11. PREPARATION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN
After identification of key impacts of the project, on flora, fauna or any key
habitats of any important species or their corridors, a comprehensive wildlife
conservation action plan was prepared for 5 years with monitoring
mechanism and financial projections.
3.12. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The study undertaken is structured around the project information as
provided by the project proponent, any change in the proposed activities
may result in variation of outcome. The study is based on field visits,
literature survey, consultation with local people etc. for the duration
mentioned in the report. Professional judgment and subjective interpretation
of facts has been applied for this study. All information‟s and inferences
presented herein are based on the specifics currently available within the
limits of the scope of work, information provided by the client or its
representative, existing secondary data and schedule.
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4. ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
The observations and assessment of overall ecological scenario presented
in this chapter include details of flora, fauna, natural habitats, protected
areas, wildlife species and their migration corridors etc. Such baseline
information provides better understanding of the situation and overall
ecological importance of the area. This baseline information viewed against
proposed project activities help in predicting their impacts on the wildlife and
their habitats in the region. Data collected and information gathered from
secondary literature on flora, fauna, protected area, natural habitats, wildlife
species etc., were analyzed and results are presented as follow.
4.1. BIOGEOGRAPHIC ZONE
The region falls in Indo-Malay Realam (IM 1303) and Deserts and Xeric
Shrublands Biome as defined by WWF. The North-western Thorn Scrub
Forests [IM1303] ecoregion represents a large expanse of degraded dry
forest surrounding the Thar Desert. Neither exceptionally species-rich nor
high in endemism, the ecoregion nevertheless harbours viable populations
of antelopes.
As per classification of Indian Biogeographic zones by Rodgers et al. (2000),
Kachchh district falls under Biogeographic Zone 3 - the Indian Desert and
the Biogeographic Province Kutch Desert- 3B. The coastal areas of Kutch
also falls in Biogeographic Zone -8 the Western Coast.
4.2. PROTECTED AREAS
As per our information and survey there is no Sanctuary, National Park, their
eco-sensitive zones or wildlife corridors within the core area Map-4.1.
However Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 3.4 km south of
mining lease area and Eco-sensitive zone of Narayan Sarovar Wildlife
Sanctuary is located at 2.4 km south of mining lease area. An inland
mangrove site at Guneri village is identified by Gujarat State Biodiversity
board and it is being considered for notifying as Biodiversity Heritage of
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Gujarat (Map-4.2). This site maintains 13.2 km from mining block and 15.0
km from proposed cement plant in North-East direction. Chhari Dhand
Conservation Reserve is located at 59 km South-East direction from the
mining block. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary located is located at 59 km south of
the mining block. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Great
Rann of Kutch at 109 km east of the mining block. Lakhpat fort is located at
12 km North-East of mining lease. Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in the Little
Rann of Kutch at 162 km distance (Table-4.1, Map-4.1, Map-4.2). Various
landuse categories are mapped (Map-4.3 and Table-4.1). There are also
numbers of reserve forest areas in surrounding villages in the 10 km buffer
areas. Details are given in the Table-4.3.
Table-4.1: Protected area and their distances from proposed project site.
No Protected Areas & Biodiversity
sites
Distance in Km
Direction Mining block
Cement Plant
1 Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary 3.4 5.7 South
2 Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary Eco-Sensitive Zone
2.4 5 South
3 Proposed Guneri Mangrove Biodiversity Heritage Site
13.2 15 North-East
4 Kutch Bustard Sanctuary 58 60 South
5 Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve
59 64 South-East
6 Kutch Desert Sanctuary 112 115 North-East
7 Wild Ass Sanctuary 163 166 East
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Map-4.1: Project site location and the locations of Forest Areas in the study area.
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Map-4.2: Project site location vs. protected areas in Kutch district.
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4.3. LANDUSE TYPES IN THE STUDY AREA
We mapped various landuse types of the study area using field surveys and
various references available online. The major landuse features are
agriculture, sea, mudflats, open scrubland, sparse wasteland, mangroves etc
(Table-4.2, Map-4.3, Figure-4.1).
Table-4.2: Area & percentages of various landuse types in the study area.
Sr. No. Landuse Type Area in ha. % Area
1 Agriculture 12511.202 19.79
2 Built up 448.867 0.71
3 Creek 11504.193 18.19
4 Industry 285.203 0.45
5 Jetty 1.124 0.002
6 Mangrove 2084.651 3.30
7 Mining area 1239.415 1.96
8 Mudflat 12725.917 20.13
9 Scrubland 20965.889 33.16
10 Waterbody 1467.814 2.32
63234.27 100
Figure-4.1: Percentage of various landuse classless in the study area.
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Map-4.3: Landuse pattern in the study area.
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4.4. IMPORTANT ECOLOGICAL HABITATS
Due to geographical situation and prevailing physio-climatic condition, this
region supports the various habitats such as tropical thorn forest, grassland,
savannah, mangrove, saline desert and small fresh water wetlands in the
study area. Based on our field visits and literature survey we identified two
important and ecologically sensitive habitats that are located within 10km
buffer zone. These habitats are listed below.
i. Forest Area
ii. Mangrove ecosystem
iii. Waterbodies
4.4.1. FOREST AREA & FOREST TYPES
As per the forest classification of Champion and Seth (1968), forest of
Kachchh district classified under the “Northern Tropical Thorn Forest”.
Our field observation suggests that there is no classified forest as such
falling in the proposed Cement plant or Mining block core area. However,
total 2.6564 ha. of Unclassed Forest land of Malda and Kapurasi villages
would be utilized for laying conveyor belts. An application for the diversion of
the same is submitted to the forest department with due procedure. During
our field visits we noticed presence reserve forest areas in the buffer zone
which are under the jurisdiction of Kutch West Forest Division of Gujarat
Forest Department (Table-4.3). These forest areas have mostly vegetation
type which is known as Open scrub thorn forest. In general, due to poor
canopy formation, these forests form open canopy cover that is mainly
constituted by Acacia senegal and A. nilotica. The occurrence and
distribution of co-dominant species varies greatly within the study area due to
high variability within soil taxonomy, moisture regimes and site-specific
geological formations. Such species include Acacia nilotica, Acacia
leucophloea, Prosopis cineraria, Salvadora persica, Salvadora oleoides,
Euphorbia caducifolia, Grewia tenex, Cordia perrottetii, Capparis deciduas,
Zizyphus numularia, Balanites aegyptica, Casia auriculata etc. The invasion
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Table-4.3: Details of Forest area and forest types in study area.
Sr.No Village Survey No Forest Type Area in ha.
1 Baiyava 56/P Reserved 328.24
2 Baiyava 56/P Reserved 125
3 Dedhapar 55/P Reserved 436.32
4 Dedhapar 55/P Reserved 448.6
5 Dhunay 2/P Reserved 458
6 Fatehpur 15/P Unclassed 193.82
7 Guhar Nani 14/3 Reserved 473.2
8 Kaiyari 34 Reserved 1168.52
9 Kaiyari 16 Reserved 846.24
10 Kanoj 60/P Reserved 345
11 Kapurasi Unsurveyed Unclassed 1585.81
12 Kapurasi Unsurveyed Unclassed 1585.81
13 Kapurasi Unsurveyed Unclassed 1585.81
14 Khengarpar 16/P Unclassed 270.88
15 Khengarpar 16/P Unclassed 274.66
16 Corry Creek Unsurveyed Unclassed 2008.41
17 Malda 24/P Unclassed 728.27
18 Mundhvay 24 Reserved 16.27
19 Mundhvay 23 Reserved 15.09
20 Mundhvay 22 Reserved 9.35
21 Mundhvay 3/P Reserved 290.09
22 Mundhvay 19/P Reserved 151.06
23 Mundhvay 37 Reserved 11.52
24 Mundhvay 25 Reserved 16.22
25 Mundhvay 21 Reserved 12.5
26 Mundhvay 20/P Reserved 12.5
27 Mundhvay 26/P Reserved 216.64
28 Narayan Sarovar Unk Unclassed 10.12
29 Naredi 38/P Reserved 1227.52
30 Pranpar 9-1/P Reserved 615
31 Godhatad 33 Landbank 40
32 Godhatad 33/P Reserved 790.4
33 Godhatad 33/P Reserved 790.4
34 Panandhro 255/P Reserved 750
35 Panandhro 255/P Unclassed 3250.2
36 Kori Creek Unsurveyed Mangrove 57.75
Total 21145.22
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of Prosopis juliflora is very common in these forests, which has changed the
floral composition and vegetation structure. The details of village wise forest
areas are given in Table-4.3. The other type of reserve forests are located in
the form of coastal mudflats area i.e. on high tidal mudflats which are
harbouring sparse patches of mangroves and coastal vegetation details of
these area is given in the section on mangroves.
4.4.2. MANGROVES ECOSYSTEM
The coastal mudflats area located inside the Kori creek are part of reserve
forests which is part of un-surveyed land (Map-4.1, Map-4.3). The mudflats
located on the western bank of Kori creek beyond 7.5 from proposed jetty
location and from the coast have presence of sparse to dense mangroves.
Most of the mangroves are located on high-tidal mudflats of Kori creeks
western bank. These include natural and old mangrove stock along with
planted by forest department. The density of the mangroves varies from
sparse to dense (1900/ha.) in this area. Mangroves in the Kori creek have
height variation of 1 m to 7.5 meters. Majority of the mangrove areas are
dominated by one species i.e. Avicennia marina.
The other species i.e. Rhizophora mucronata and Ceriops tagal are planted
by the forest department as part of their mangrove conservation schemes.
Kachchh mangroves distributed in the arid to semi-arid coastal belts are
traditionally considered as the low dense mangroves which are mostly
degraded. Structural attributes of Kachchh mangrove are not comparable
with other luxuriant mangrove formations on other coasts of India (Sawale
and Thivakaran, 2013).
The recent spurt in inland watershed development schemes deprive the
meagre seasonal run-off to neretic waters, rendering it singly conspecific
formations of Avicennia, marina; a hardy species capable of tolerating high
physiological stresses (Sawale and Thivakaran, 2013). Though eight true
mangrove species were reported earlier from the Gulf of Kachchh, A. marina
was the only species recorded on the coast of Lakhpat i.e. Kori creek area
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with sporadic occurrence of Rhizophora mucronata and Ceriops tagal which
are planted recently by the forest department.
4.4.3. WATERBODIES
Since India is signatory to various conventions related to conservation of
wetlands and migratory bird, the study should reflect the concerns if any
related to these international obligations of India. Our observation and
literature review suggests that there are no major inland wetlands present
within the study area i.e. 10.0 km buffer area of the project site. However,
the „Kori Creek‟ aligned between international boundary and project area in
North to North-Eastern direction is an important tidal creek which is
supporting several important flora and fauna. The creek is uninhabited
marshlands. This creek is one of the major mangrove sites of Gujarat.
During the monsoon season between June and September, the creek floods
its banks and envelops the low-lying salty mudflats around it. During the
winter season, the area is home to flamingos and other migratory shore
birds. Some of the mudflats located in Kori creek are part of forest areas
meant for conservation and protection of mangroves. Forest department
regularly maintains and plants mangroves in this areas.
Apart from Kori Creek, the study area has numerous small ponds and check
dams located on seasonal drainages. These check are known to accumulate
overflowing runoff water for a short period. Apart from being important
hydrological features in the semi-arid area, these check dams provide
important habitat for many bird species and water source for wildlife in the
region. One such drain is known as Kapurasi River which flows from South
to North in Kori creek. There are no major inland wetlands located within the
proposed cement plant area or proposed mining site. There is no check dam
or river in the vicinity of proposed cement plant area and proposed mining
site. However, all such drainages are seasonal in nature and flows only
during rainy days. These drainages flows water from main land to Kori creek
areas. Most of the stagnant water sources i.e. check-dams are located at
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substantial distances from the proposed cement plant area and proposed
mining site.
4.5. FLORAL DIVERSITY AND VEGETATION TYPE
We evaluated species richness of vegetation/plant species in the core area
and in the buffer area of the project site.
4.5.1. VEGETATION TYPE & COMMUNITY
Core area: The proposed project site falls in the arid-semi arid climatic
condition. Our field survey and literature review suggest that the vegetation
types and community in the project area is that of semi arid-arid regions. It is
represented by sparse thorny scrub vegetation on the exposed limestone
substratum. The major part of the project area is devoid of large trees and
mainly consists of highly scattered and sparse shrubs i.e. Prosopis juliflora,
Prosopis cineraria, Acacia nilotica, Casia auriculata and Zizyphus numularia,
caparis deciduas etc. the major grasses include several species of Cyperus
and herbs Indigofera. Details of vegetation survey results are discussed in
forth coming sections.
Buffer area: The buffer area (10.0 km periphery) comprises mainly of Kori
creek area, coastal mudflats, open scrubland, dense and sparse Prosopis
patches, wastelands, small wetlands, mangroves, forest plantations,
scattered bushes of Prosopis juliflora, Prosopis cineraria, Acacia nilotica,
Azadirachta indica. Prosopis juliflora and Zizyphus numularia among the wild
plants and cotton among the cultivated crops are the most dominant plants
in the buffer area. Except for highly scattered and small plants of
Commiphora wightii, there were no rare, endangered or conservation
concern species present in the close vicinity of the project area in the buffer
zone.
Major part of the buffer area is agriculture fields particularly on the Eastern
side of the project area. Since ground water is saline up to 15 km from the
coast and highly saline up to 4 km from the coast. Thus, dry land farming is
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practiced near the coast and irrigated farming is practiced in the farms that
are 5-6 km away from the coast. Cotton, Jowar, Bajra are the main crops
grown here. Some areas i.e. near Lakhpat fort are endowed with good
quality ground water which is used for irrigated agriculture.
Being semi-arid, arid zone, this region support low plant growth and
therefore, not many large trees with sizable canopies are present in the
buffer zone. However, in most of the villages local people have managed to
grow a few trees for shade, aesthetic and religious values.
4.5.2. FLORAL SPECIES RICHNESS
Core Area: During our random survey, found total 56 species of plants
within the core area i.e. proposed Cement plant site, proposed Mining Site,
and Corridors. The number of floral species could be even more as it was
not possible to carryout intensive floral survey in the entire stretch 450 ha. of
the core area. We reported 1 species of Climber, 17 species of Grass, 24
herbs, 6 shrubs and 8 tree species in the project core area (Table-4.4,
Figure-4.2). This suggests that the area falls in Arid-semi arid condition. As
per classification of biome, biogeographic zone, biogeographic province, this
area falls in Indian Desert/ Kutch Desert/Northern Thorny Scrub Forest.
These classifications of the study area suggest lower abundance, density
and diversity of plants in the region is reflected in our floral study of the
project area.
Buffer Area: We recorded total 99 species of plants within the buffer area or
10 km periphery of the core area. The number of floral species could be
even more in buffer area as it was not possible to carryout intensive floral
survey in the entire stretch of around 630 km2 buffer area. We reported 2
species of Climber, 4 species of Sedges, 24 species of Grass, 33 herbs, 16
shrubs and 20 tree species in the buffer area (Table-4.4, Figure-4.2). This
also suggests that the area falls in Arid-semi arid conditions. As per
classification of biome, biogeographic zone, biogeographic province, this
area falls in Indian Desert/ Kutch Desert/Northern Thorny Scrub Forest.
These classifications of the study area suggest lower abundance, density
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and diversity of plants in the region is reflected in our floral study of the
project area.
4.5.3. DOMINANT PLANT SPECIES
Based on our direct qualitative observations we found that Prosopis juliflora,
Acacia nilotica, Salvadora persica, Salvadora oliodes, A leucofolia and
Caparis deciduas etc. in trees and shrubs whereas, in shrubs and Cynodon
sp. Sporolobus Cynodon sp. & Cymbopogon martinii in grasses and Casia
auriculata, Fagonia sp., Suaeda, Cressa sp., Aerva javanica in herbs are the
most dominant species in the region (Table-4-4).
4.5.4. INVASIVE OR EXOTIC SPECIES
Prosopis juliflora is an evergreen tree native to South America, Central
America and the Caribbean. In the United States, it is well known as
mesquite. It is fast growing, nitrogen-fixing and tolerant to arid conditions
and saline soils. Prosopis juliflora is an exotic and invasive widespread,
multi-branched shrub/tree species in the India. It has been invading
grasslands, native scrubland and forests of Gujarat and India.
Our study showed that the Prosopis juliflora is one of the most dominant and
wide spread in the core and buffer areas of the project site. Our biodiversity,
abundance, density measures suggests Prosopis juliflora is fast growing in
the area.
4.5.5. ENDANGERED/THREATENED/PROTECTED SPECIES
During our field survey we found an important plant species i.e. Commiphora
wightii in the core as well as buffer areas with low abundance. These plants
have high medicinal values and are facing the threats of extinction by
overexploitation for commercial purpose (Silori et al., 2004; Joshi, 2002;
GUIDE 2009) from Kachchh. According to IUCN this plant species is listed
as „Critically Endangered‟.
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As per IUCN justification for rating it as Critically Endangered is that the
global distribution and the wild occurrence of this species is limited mainly to
the dry regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
States of India and the adjoining regions of Pakistan. Oleo-gum resin tapped
from the stems of this species constitutes the well known Ayurvedic drug
"Guggul" which is consumed in high volumes by the Indian herbal
industries. Field observations over the last several decades have confirmed
a severe decline in its wild population, as the shrubs tapped for oleo-gum
resin die within two to three years a (IUCN). Over the past 84 years (three
generation lengths) there has been a decline of more than 80% in the wild
population as a result of habitat loss and degradation, coupled with
unregulated harvesting and tapping of oleo-gum resin. This species is
therefore assessed as Critically Endangered.
Table-4.4: Checklist of different forms of plants observed in the core and
buffer area in the study area.
No Species Plant Form Core Buffer
1 Daemia extensa Climber 1
2 Citrullus colocynthis Climber 1 1
3 Cyperus bulbosus Sedge 1
4 Cyperus compressus Sedge 1
5 Cyperus rotundus Sedge 1
6 Cyperus triceps Sedge 1
7 Aeluropus lagopoides Grass 1 1
8 Apluda mutica Grass 1 1
9 Aristida adscensionis Grass 1 1
10 Aristida funiculata Grass 1 1
11 Aristida histricula Grass 1 1
12 Aristida hystrix Grass 1
13 Cenchrus ciliaris Grass 1 1
14 Chloris montana Grass 1
15 Chrysopogon fulvus Grass 1 1
16 Cymbopogon martinii Grass 1 1
17 Cynodon dactylon Grass 1 1
18 Cyperus flavidus Grass 1
19 Dactyloctenium aegypticum Grass 1 1
20 Dactyloctenium sindicum Grass 1 1
21 Desmostachya bipinnata Grass 1
22 Dichanthium annulatum Grass 1 1
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No Species Plant Form Core Buffer
23 Echinochloa colonum Grass 1 1
24 Eleusine compresso Grass 1
25 Eragrostis ciliaris Grass 1 1
26 Heteropogon contortus Grass 1 1
27 Paspalidium jlavidum Grass 1 1
28 Sporobdlus coromendalianus Grass 1
29 Sporolobus maderaspatenus Grass 1 1
30 Urochondra setulosa Grass 1
31 Abutilon indicum Herb 1 1
32 Acalypha indica Herb 1 1
33 Achyranthus aspera Herb 1 1
34 Aerva javanica Herb 1 1
35 Aerva persica Herb 1 1
36 Aloe barbandensis Herb 1
37 Boerhavia diffusa Herb 1 1
38 Casia auriculata Herb 1 1
39 Commicarpus verticillatus Herb 1 1
40 Convolvulus auricomus Herb 1 1
41 Cressa cretica Herb 1 1
42 Crotalaria burhia Herb 1 1
43 Datura metel Herb 1
44 Enicostema axillare Herb 1 1
45 Evolvulus alsinoides Herb 1
46 Fagonia schweinfurtii Herb 1 1
47 Indigofera cordifolia Herb 1 1
48 Indigofera oblongifolia Herb 1
49 Indoneesiella echioides Herb 1
50 Justicia procumbens Herb 1 1
51 Launaea procumbens Herb 1 1
52 Salicornia brachiata Herb 1
53 Salsola baryosma Herb 1 1
54 Scirpus tuberosus Herb 1 1
55 Sesuvium sesuvioides Herb 1 1
56 Solanum surattense Herb 1
57 Solanum xanthocarpum Herb 1 1
58 Suaeda fruticosa Herb 1
59 Suaeda nudiflora Herb 1 1
60 Taverniera cuneifolia Herb 1
61 Tephrosia purpurea Herb 1 1
62 Tribulus terrestris Herb 1 1
63 Tridax procumbens Herb 1 1
64 Balanites aegyptica Shrub 1 1
65 Cadaba fruticosa Shrub 1
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No Species Plant Form Core Buffer
66 Calotropis gigantea Shrub 1
67 Calotropis procera Shrub 1 1
68 Capparis decidua Shrub 1 1
69 Cappris grandis Shrub 1
70 Commiphora wightii Shrub 1 1
71 Euphorbia nerifolia Shrub 1 1
72 Grewia tenax Shrub 1
73 Grewia villosa Shrub 1
74 Lantana camara Shrub 1
75 Maerua oblongifolia Shrub 1
76 Maytenus emarginata Shrub 1
77 Tamarix aphylla Shrub 1
78 Tamarix gallica Shrub 1
79 Zizyphus numularia Shrub 1 1
80 Acacia catechu Tree 1 1
81 Acacia leucophloea Tree 1 1
82 Acacia nilotica Tree 1 1
83 Acacia senegal Tree 1 1
84 Avicennia marina Tree 1
85 Azadirachta indica Tree 1
86 Butea monosperma Tree
1
87 Cassia fistula Tree 1
88 Ceriops tagal Tree 1
89 Cocos nucifera Tree 1
90 Ficus benghalensis Tree
1
91 Ficus religiosa Tree 1
92 Phoenix sylvestris Tree
1
93 Pithecellobium dulce Tree 1
94 Propis cineraria Tree 1 1
95 Prosopis juliflora Tree 1 1
96 Rhizophora mucronata Tree 1
97 Salvadora oliodes Tree 1 1
98 Salvadora persica Tree 1 1
99 Tamarindus indica Tree 1
56 99
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Figure-4.2: Composition of flora in core and buffer area in the study area.
4.6. FAUNAL DIVERSITY AND SPECIES INVENTORY
The present study has made assessment of 4 major higher vertebrate
classes such as Amphibians & Reptiles (Herpetofauna), Birds and
Mammals. The assessment of fauna representing higher trophic levels in the
ecosystem was carried out since their diversity acts as indicators of the
health of the ecosystem in which they live. The details of the
results/observations are given as following.
4.6.1. HERPETOFAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE SURVEY
Majority of the reptile species are fossorial in habit, therefore the assessment
of reptiles and their diversity etc. holds special significance for any
development project. In the present study we identified a total of 2 species of
Amphibians and 15 species of n reptiles in the buffer area. Whereas, we
reported total 1 species of Amphibian in core area and 7 species of reptiles
inside the core area (Table-4.5).
Of the reported herpetofauna, species in the buffer area, 1 species of turtles
(Indian Flap shell turtle) belong to Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act
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1972 and it is classified as „Least Concerned by the IUCN. The Indian Flap
shell turtle was also reported from waterbodies in buffer area which is
common throughout country. However, three species belong to Schedule-II
(Spiny tailed Lizard, Common Cobra and Indian Monitor Lizard) where as
reset of the species belong to Schedule-IV. Majority of the reptile species
(except Seaturtles and tortoise) reported from the buffer area either fall in
„Least Concerned‟ or Not Evaluated category of IUCN. During our survey,
we found total 1 species of amphibian in core area whereas, 7 species of
reptiles from the core area, no endangered, rare, threatened or endemic
species of reptiles was reported from the project core area (Table-4.5).
Table-4.5: Checklist of Herpetofauna reported form the core and buffer area.
No Species Scientific name IWPA (1972)
IUCN Status
Core Buffer
1 Bufo melanostictus Common Indian toad Sch-IV LC 1 1
2 Bufo stomaticus Indian Marbled toad Sch-IV LC 1
3 Agama minor Short tailed Agama Sch-IV LC 1 1
4 Bungarus caeruleus Common Krait Sch -IV NE 1
5 Calotes versicolor Garden lizard Sch -IV NE 1 1
6 Champacuon zeylanicus Indian Chameleon Sch-IV
LC 1
7 Echis carinatus Saw scaled Viper Sch-IV NT 1 1
8 Eryx johni John Sand Boa Sch-IV LC 1 1
9 Hemidactylus flaviviridis Northern house gecko Sch -IV NE 1
10 Lissemus punctatea Flap shell Turtle Sch -I LC 1
11 Mubuya carinata Common Skink Sch-IV LC 1
12 Naja naja Common cobra Sch -II NE 1
13 Natrix piscator Cheakered Keelback Sch-IV LC 1
14 Ophiops jordoni Jordon‟s snake-eye Sch-IV LC 1
15 Saara hardwickii spiny-tailed lizard Sch -II NE 1 1
16 Sitana ponticeriana Fan throated lizard Sch -IV LC 1 1
17 Varanus bengalensis Indian monitor lizard Sch-II LC 1 1
8 17
4.6.2. BIRDS SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE SURVEY
During the study we observed 107 bird species in buffer area and 63 from
core area. Majority of the species (71) are resident specie where as only 36
species were found to be migratory (Table-4.6). Of these 107 recorded bird
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Table-4.6: Inventory of birds reported from the study area with their conservation status.
S. No.
Name of Species Conservation Status as per IWPA-1972 (Schedule I
to VI)
Conservation Status as per
IUCN
Residant/ Migratory
Observed /Reported
Scientific Name Common Name Core Area
Buffer Area
1 Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark Eremopterix grisea Sch-IV LC R 1 1
2 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Sch-IV LC R 1 1
3 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Sch-IV LC R 1 1
4 Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus Sch-IV LC R 1
5 Black drongo Dicrurus macrocercus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
6 Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
7 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros phoenicuroides Sch-IV LC M 1 1
8 Black shoulder kite Elanus caeruleus Sch-I LC R 1 1
9 Black winged stilt Himantopus himantopus Sch-IV LC R 1
10 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Sch-IV NT M 1
11 Blue rock pigeon Columba livia Sch-IV LC R 1 1
12 Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Sch-IV LC M 1 1
13 Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus Sch-IV LC M 1
14 Cattle egret Bulbulcus ibis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
15 Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
16 Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Sch-IV LC M 1 1
17 Common babbler Turdoides caudatus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
18 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita tristis Sch-IV LC M 1 1
19 Common Coot Fulica atra Sch-IV LC R 1
20 Common Crane Grus grus Sch-IV LC M 1 1
21 Common Crested Lark Galerida cristata Sch-IV LC R 1 1
22 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Sch-IV LC M 1
23 Common Hoopoe Upupa epops Sch-IV LC R 1 1
24 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia Sch-IV LC R 1
25 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Sch-IV LC M 1
26 Common myna Acridotheres tristis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
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27 Common Redshank Tringa totanus Sch-IV LC M 1
28 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Sch-IV LC M 1
29 Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata Sch-IV LC M 1 1
30 Common tailor bird Orthotomus sutorius Sch-IV LC R 1
31 Common Teal Anas crecca Sch-IV LC M 1
32 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala Sch-IV LC R 1
33 Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo Sch-IV LC M 1
34 Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Sch-IV LC M 1 1
35 Dunlin Calidris alpina Sch-IV LC M 1
36 Dusky Crag-Martin Hirundo concolor Sch-IV LC R 1
37 Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto Sch-IV LC R 1 1
38 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Sch-IV NT R 1 1
39 Franklin's Prinia Prinia hodgsonii Sch-IV LC R 1 1
40 Graceful Prinia Prinia gracillis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
41 Greater couckal Centropus sinensis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
42 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Sch-IV LC R 1
43 Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Sch-IV LC M 1 1
44 Green bee eater Merops orientalis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
45 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Sch-IV LC M 1
46 Grey francolin Francolinus pondicerianus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
47 Grey heron Ardea cinerea Sch-IV LC R 1
48 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Sch-IV LC M 1 1
49 House crow Corvus splendens Sch-V LC R 1
50 House sparrow Passer domesticus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
51 Indian Courser Cursorius coromandelicus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
52 Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Sch-I LC R 1
53 Indian pond heron Ardeola grayii Sch-IV LC R 1
54 Indian robin Saxicoloides fulicata Sch-IV LC R 1 1
55 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
56 Indian silverbill Lonchura malabarica Sch-IV LC R 1 1
57 Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus Sch-IV LC M 1 1
58 Isabelline wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina Sch-IV LC M 1 1
59 Jungle Crow Corvus macrorhynchos Sch-IV LC R 1
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60 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Sch-IV LC M 1
61 Laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
62 Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor Sch-IV NT R 1
63 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca halimodendri Sch-IV LC M 1 1
64 Little cormorant Phalacrocorax niger Sch-IV LC R 1
65 Little egret Egretta garzetta Sch-IV LC R 1
66 Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Sch-IV LC R 1
67 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Sch-IV LC M 1
68 Long tailed shrike Lanius schach Sch-IV LC R 1 1
69 Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Sch-I LC M 1
70 Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Sch-IV LC M 1
71 Median Egret Mesophoyx intermedia Sch-IV LC R 1
72 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus Sch-I LC M 1 1
73 Northern Shoveller Anas clypeata Sch-IV LC M 1
74 Oriental magpie robin Copsychus saularis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
75 Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis Sch-IV LC M 1 1
76 Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
77 Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola Sch-IV LC M 1 1
78 Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala Sch-IV NT R 1
79 Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus Sch-I NT M 1 1
80 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Sch-IV LC R 1
81 Purple sunbird Nectarinia asiatica Sch-IV LC R 1 1
82 Red vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Sch-IV LC R 1 1
83 Red wattled lapwing Vanellus indicus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
84 River Tern Sterna aurantia Sch-IV NT R 1
85 Rose ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri Sch-IV LC R 1 1
86 Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus Sch-IV LC M 1 1
87 Rufus tailed lark Ammomanes phoenicurus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
88 Sanderling Calidris alba Sch-IV LC M 1
89 Shikra Accipiter badius Sch-I LC R 1 1
90 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus Sch-I LC R 1
91 Singing Bush-Lark Mirafra cantillans Sch-IV LC R 1 1
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92 Sirkeer Malkoha Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii Sch-IV LC R 1 1
93 Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
94 Spotted Owlet Athene brama Sch-IV LC R 1 1
95 Stone-Curlew Burhinus oedicenemus Sch-IV LC R 1
96 Sykes's Crested Lark Galerida deva Sch-IV LC R 1 1
97 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Sch-IV LC M 1 1
98 Variable wheatear Oenanthe picata Sch-IV LC M 1 1
99 Western Reef-Heron Egretta gularis Sch-IV LC R 1
100 Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Sch-IV LC M 1 1
101 White throated kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Sch-IV LC R 1
102 White Wagtail Motacilla alba Sch-IV LC M 1 1
103 White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis Sch-IV LC R 1 1
104 White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa Sch-I LC R 1
105 Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii Sch-IV LC R 1
106 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Sch-IV LC M 1
107 Yellow wattled lapwing Vanellus malarbaricus Sch-IV LC R 1 1
NT=Near Threatened, LC=Least Concerned 63 107
NT=Near Threatened, LC=Least Concerned; R=Resident, M=Migratory
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species, 101 belong to „Least Concerned‟ category rated by IUCN where as
total 6 species are i.e. Painted Stork, Eurasian Curlew, Lesser Flamingo,
Pallid Harrier, River tern and Black tailed Godwit belong to Near Threatened
Species (Table-4.6).
Majority of the birds reported i.e. 98 species in the study area belong to the
Schedule-IV of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Table-4.6). Whereas, only 8
species i.e. Black shoulder kite, Shikra, Long-legged Buzzard, Montagu's
Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Short-toed Snake Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard and
Indian Peafowl belong to Schedule-I of IWPA 1972. Whereas House crow
belong to Schedule-V. The birds were recorded mainly from non-forested,
degraded areas and in the surrounding open scrubland, wetlands, creeks,
and fallow agriculture landscape interspersed with scattered trees and
drainages. The bird species groups observed in the study area were
represented by species of open scrubland such as Raptors, Passerines,
Shrikes, Francolin, Quails etc. and waterbodies birds such as
Waders/shorebirds, Waterbirds, Egrets, Herons sandpipers, plovers etc.
Majority of the birds observed in the study area represent birds of coastal
mudflats, wetland and semi arid non-forested landscapes etc. Moreover,
majority of the bird species reported in the present study are abundant and
common even in human dominated landscapes such as urban cities, lakes
and ponds etc.
Majority of the resident species reported in the study area are known to
breed in this region as well as in entire Gujarat. No Rare, Threatened or
Endemic bird species were found to breed in the core project area.
4.6.3. MAMMAL SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE SURVEY
Based on direct and indirect survey, we reported a total of 20 mammal
species in the buffer area and 7 in the core area of the project site (Table-
4.7). The common mammalian species that were directly observed in the
core area include Indian Jackal, Jungle Cat, Nilgai, Wild Pig, Grey
Mongoose, Indian Hare, and Five Striped Squirrel etc. We got signs of
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presence of Indian Porcupine from buffer area in the form of quills. No
Threatened or Schedule-I species reported from the core area of the project
site (Table-4.7).
Table-4.7: Inventory and conservation status of mammals reported from study area.
No.
Name of Species IWPA Status
IUCN Status
Observed /Reported
Scientific Name Common Name Core Area
Buffer Area
1 Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus
Sch-III LC
1 1
2 Indian Jackal Canis aureus Sch-II LC 1 1
3 Indian Grey Wolf
Canis lupus pallipes
Sch-I UNK 1
4 Caracal Caracal caracal Sch-I LC 1
5 Jungle cat Felis chaus Sch-II LC 1 1
6 Desert Cat Felis silvestris Sch-I LC 1
7 Palm squirrel
Funambulus pennanti
Sch-IV LC
1
8 Chinkara Gazella bennettii Sch-I LC 1
9 Long-eared hedgehog
Hemiechinus collaris
Sch-IV LC 1 1
10 Common mongoose
Herpestes edwardsi
Sch-II LC 1 1
11 Hyena Hyaena hyaena Sch-III NT 1
12 Indian porcupine Hystrix indica Sch-IV LC 1 1
13 Indian Hare Lepus nigricollis Sch-IV LC 1 1
14 Honey badger
Mellivora capensis
Sch-I LC 1
15 Indian Desert Gerbil
Meriones hurrianae
Sch-IV LC 1
16 Indian pipistrelle
Pipistrellus coromandra
Sch-IV LC
1
17 House rat Rattus rattus Sch-V LC 1
18 Wild Pig Sus scrofa Sch-III LC 1 1
19 Indian Gerbil Tatera indica Sch-IV LC 1 1
20 Indian Fox Vulpes bengalensis
Sch-II LC 1
Unk= Unknown, NT=Near Threatened, LC=Least
Concerned 9 20
Indian Grey Wolf, Caracal, Desert Cat and Honey Badger are included in the
list as these species are reported in various literatures and studies carried
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out for Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary. No direct or indirect evidences
(signs, scats, footprints, dens etc.) of these species were recorded during
out survey inside core and surrounding buffer area. Since a small northern
part of Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary area falls in the study (10 km
buffer), these species are included in the list of species occurring in the
study area. Chinkara was spotted by us directly in the buffer area during
survey in part of eco-sensitive zone of Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary. These
species belong to Schedule-I of WPA. Whereas Indian Jackal, Jungle cat,
Common Mongoose were reported from both core and buffer area and
Indian Fox was reported from buffer area only, belong to Schedule-II of
IWPA 1972. Whereas Nilgai, and Wild pig also reported from core and buffer
areas and Hyena reported from only buffer area belong to Schedule-III of
IWPA 1972. Palm squirrel, Indian porcupine, Indian Hare, Indian pipistrelle,
Long-eared hedgehog, Indian Desert Gerbil, Indian Gerbil belong to
Schedule-IV of WPA. Whereas, House rat belong to Schedule-V of WPA.
House rat belong to Schedule-IV of WPA.
4.6.4. DOMINANT FAUNAL SPECIES
Based on our observations, interview survey of local people, cattle herders in
the study area, we found that Nilgai, Wild Pig, hare are most common and
dominant mammal species present in the landscape. Whereas there were
several birds species belong to Passerine were most common and dominant
group of birds present in the core and buffer area of the project site. Among
reptiles, Spiny tailed Lizard, common garden lizard, monitor lizard etc. were
most common species present in the buffer areas of the project site.
4.6.5. WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), constituted under the
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amendment 2006), defines wildlife corridors
as inherent geographical linkages (through forests, river courses or other
habitat attributes) which facilitate movement of tigers and other wild animals
from one source area to another. While the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,
under section 38V mandates that the state government shall prepare a Tiger
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Conservation Plan, when notifying an area as a tiger reserve, so as to
ensure “ecologically compatible land uses in the tiger reserves and areas
linking one protected area to another for addressing the livelihood concerns
of local people, so as to provide dispersal habitats and corridor for spill over
population of wild animals from the designated core areas of tiger reserves
or from tiger breeding habitats within other protected area”, the term corridor
has not been defined in the act.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
issued certain guidelines in 2011, to notify eco-sensitive zones in
accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2002, the National
Wildlife Action Plan (2002), the National Board for Wildlife‟s letter dated 27
May 2005, and the Supreme Court‟s directions to states, to declare ESZs
around protected areas. According to these MoEF&CC Guidelines, a corridor
can be included in an eco-sensitive zone. Section 4.2 of the Guidelines
states: „In cases where sensitive corridors, connectivity, and ecologically
important patches, crucial for landscape linkages, are even beyond 10 KM
width, these should be included in the Eco-sensitive Zone. The eco-sensitive
zone around Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary has been identified and declared
vide S.O 1257 Dated: 31st May 2012. This notification encompassed various
important habitats in the periphery of the sanctuary as eco-sensitive zone.
However, the proposed project core areas falls outside the notified eco-
sensitive zone of Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Our observations suggested that there is no rare, threatened or endemic
species of fauna present within the proposed project core area. Moreover,
water is a limiting factor in the semi arid zones for wildlife. Generally wild
animals regularly move for food and drinking water to their foraging ground
and the waterholes. Often they select their breeding sites in the close
proximities to the water sources. Since the proposed project area for Cement
Plant, Mining block and conveyor belt do not have waterbodies, such regular
movements of wildlife are not noticed within the project core area.
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4.6.6. SPECIES OF HIGH CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE
Based on our extensive field visits, literature survey, and consultation local
people, we found 14 faunal species of high conservation significance as they
belong to Schedule-I of Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Table-4.8). No
globally Threatened or Endemic species of fauna as per IUCN of reported
from core or buffer area of the project site. However, a Plant species
categorized as Critically Endangered by IUCN i.e. Commiphora wightii is
reported from both core and buffer areas of the project area (Table-4.8).
Table-4.8: Species of high conservation significance (Critically endangered
or Schedule-I) present in the study area.
No Class Scientific Name Common Name IUCN Status
Core Buffer
1 Reptile Lissemus punctatea
Flap shell Turtle LC 1
2 Bird Elanus caeruleus Black shoulder kite LC 1 1
3 Bird Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl LC 1
4 Bird Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard LC 1
5 Bird Circus pygargus Montagu's Harrier LC 1 1
6 Bird Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier NT 1 1
7 Bird Accipiter badius Shikra LC 1 1
8 Bird Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Snake Eagle
LC 1
9 Bird Butastur teesa White-eyed Buzzard LC 1
10 Mammal Canis lupus pallipes
Indian Grey Wolf UNK 1
11 Mammal Gazella bennettii Chinkara LC 1
12 Mammal Caracal caracal Caracal LC 1
13 Mammal Felis silvestris Desert Cat LC 1
14 Mammal Mellivora capensis Honey badger LC 1
Floral Species
15 Shrub Commiphora wightii
Gugal CR 1 1
CR=Critically Endangered Unk= Unknown, NT=Near Threatened, LC=Least Concerned
5 15
Of the reported 14 faunal species, 5 species are reported from the core area
i.e. proposed cement plant area and proposed mining block. One species of
Reptile, 8 species of birds and 5 species of mammals are Schedule-I
species reported from the study area. The species reported from core area
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are mostly bird species which are Black shoulder kite, Indian Peafowl,
Montagu's Harrier, Pallid Harrier and Shikra. Among the bird species, except
Indian Peafowl, rest of the species are recently added to Schedule-I list by
last amendment made in IWPA 1972 in the year 2013.
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5. POTENTIAL IMPACTS & MITIGATIONS
Impacts of integrated Cement unit along with Clinkerization/Cement plant,
Conveyor belts, Berthing jetty, Limestone mining block, on flora and fauna of
surrounding area were identified mainly by using information presented in
previous Chapter-4. Due to limitations of the study period, the baseline
information was also substantiated through secondary information. Finally,
the baseline ecological information was juxtaposed with the project activities
and impacts arising due to its construction and operation phases were
assessed. Specific impacts were visualized in terms of seasonal issues
related with the ecology of important species and their habitats.
Following the above mentioned approach, impacts on various components of
biodiversity were assessed. The general ecological impacts during the
construction and operation phases may be either short term, temporary or
long term and permanent or irreversible in nature. Some of the impacts may
be confined to the close boundary of the project site and some may extend
to the surrounding areas. Scientific studies revealed that loss of vegetation
cover, pollution of water, soil and air, depletion of natural flora and fauna,
reduction in biodiversity, erosion of soil, instability of soil and rock masses,
changes in landscape and degradation of agriculture land are some of the
conspicuous ecological and environmental implications of limestone mining.
Following are general and specific ecological impacts in absence of
mitigation measures during construction and operation phases of the
proposed integrated cement plant with mining block and conveyor belts.
5.1. HABITAT DEGRADATION
As reported in the baseline ecological data in chapter-4, the core and buffer
area of the proposed integrated project represents unique coastal xeric
desert eco-system. This area has vegetation representative that of typical
dry deciduous tropical thorn forests. The fauna of the study area are also
typical representatives of desert, arid and semiarid region. The proposed
project activities in absence of any mitigation measures could potentially
alter the habitat and degrade the eco-system, their functions as following.
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Though, not part of any identified or protected or sensitive ecological
habitats such as protected area and their eco-sensitive zone,
biodiversity heritage site, important bird area, important wetland etc.
this area has sparse scrubland interspersed with fallow agriculture
fields in the coastal arid zone which is relatively undisturbed with very
low human density and contiguous with Narayan Sarovar Wildlife
Sanctuary. This project would change landuse worth the project area
as the area would be occupied by the project components such as
cement plant, mining area, conveyor belt etc. This would be the gross
loss of habitats for flora and fauna in the region.
The project set up would require excavation and vegetation removal
from this area. This would result in removal or displacement of
existing vegetation/flora and fauna from the project core area i.e. 450
ha.
During construction of cement plant and operation of mining area, top
soil would be removed which is a gross loss of productive soil form
the eco-system.
During the construction work, construction wastes such as oil, grease
and debris could pollute the soil in the surrounding area and decrease
its productivity.
The major impact of construction and operation of cement plant on
terrestrial ecology is due to constant emission of construction related
dust and airborne cement dust which will settle on surrounding area
soil and on vegetation and it would gradually degrade vegetation
cover and degrade the land and decrease biomass productivity of the
surrounding area.
The major impact of operation of limestone mining on terrestrial
ecology is due to constant emission of airborne lime dust which will
settle on surrounding area soil and vegetation and it would gradually
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degrade land and decrease biomass productivity of the surrounding
area.
Cement dust falling on the soil are known to have effects such as
change in the soil pH making it more alkaline and unfavourable for
certain plants species and also causing leaf injury or death in plants
due to blocking of light for photosynthesis.
Chronic spillage and flow of cement or sediments from the cement
plant and limestone mining site through runoff could alter the texture
of soil in surrounding areas. This in long term potentially affects the
vegetation and biotic components of the surrounding area.
5.2. IMPACTS ON WATERBODIES
Sediments, material and pollutants that flow through runoff from
cement plant into drainages could potentially choke hydrology and
degrades and affect the water quality and degrade aquatic eco-
systems in the long term. As per the our study there are minor
drainages located in proposed cement plant and the proposed mining
block area that drains into Kori creek through Kapursai River (Map-
4.3). If these drainages carries sediments of cement, lime and
contaminated mine discharge etc. from cement plan and mining area,
it could affect the drainages, Kapursai River, its fan area and the
mudflats of Kori creek coast. This in long term potentially affects the
vegetation and biotic components of these waterbodies.
5.3. IMPACTS ON FLORA
Impacts of proposed activities on flora are identified as impacts on
surrounding forest area, general vegetation and the mangrove of Kori Creek
as follow.
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5.3.1. IMPACTS ON SURROUNDING FOREST AREA
As per our observations, forest vegetation in this area has sparse and dry
deciduous scrub type dominated with Prosopis juliflora, Acacia nilotica,
salvadora persica, salvadora oliodes, Ziziphus, Caparis, Euphorbia species.
As per our observations and study of maps it is revealed that there a total of
2.65 ha. area of Unclassed forest would be diverted for the construction of
conveyor belt for the project. Hence, this area would be the gross loss from
the forest area along with their vegetation and faunal assemblages. Apart
from this there are forest areas located in on the immediate northern and
north-eastern boundary of the proposed cement plant. The forest areas are
also located on the immediate surroundings of the proposed limestone
mining area.
These areas would be subjected to air, water, light and noise pollution during
the construction and operation phases of the proposed integrated project if
proper mitigation measures are not in place. Company should take utmost
precautions not to degrade these areas by constructing temporary roads,
worker camps, dumping construction materials, overburden, solid wastes,
garbage or any other form of materials within these forest areas. The fugitive
emission from the construction and operation activities shall be strictly
controlled so that it does not affect the growth of vegetation in these forest
areas. It is also known that workers collect fuel wood from the easily
available sources. Since forest areas are located on immediate peripheries
of the proposed project sites, ACL shall take utmost care and instruct the
workers not to collect fuel wood cut any trees from the surrounding forest
areas.
Since the predominant wind directions in this region is from South –West to
North-East, the pollutants from mining block and the Cement plant both can
potentially affect the surrounding forest area and the vegetation. It is
therefore, the company shall ensure that there would be no impact of project
activities on these forest areas through proper environmental planning and
monitoring policy during the construction and operation phases. Detailed
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recommendations are made to minimize impact of the project activities on
the surrounding forest areas in Ecological Management Plan (EMP).
5.3.2. IMPACTS ON SURROUNDING VEGETATION
Baseline status of terrestrial vegetation clearly suggests that the project sites
falls in semi-arid biogeographic zone with low floral density and diversity.
The Cement Plant, Conveyor belts, Back up area and the mining lease area
referred here as core area which totals up to 454.2 ha. of land area which is
presently having natural vegetation. Construction and mining operation in
this land area 454.2 ha. would require clearing of existing natural vegetation.
This means displacement of existing vegetation/flora from the project core
area. This include a species of climber, 17 species of grass, 24 species of
herbs, 6 species of shrubs and 8 species of trees. This also include a
species of shrub i.e. Commiphora wightii which is categorized as Critically
Endangered by IUCN.
Though, the project core area does not have other important plant species
except Commiphora wightii, the unavoidable removal of vegetation during
construction activity could not be considered negligible in otherwise known
as xeric condition. However, it is recommended that minimum vegetation
shall be removed from the project site and the naturally occurring important
plant and tree species on the periphery of the project site be left as part of
green belt development.
As per our survey, we noticed that the core area supports only a few plant
species of higher conservation significance (e.g. Commiphora wightii).
Commiphora wightii which is medicinally and economically important plant
which has very slow growth rate in semi-arid zones. Though, their population
is quite small and isolated in the core area, it is recommended that this
plants should not be disturbed as far as possible. Also Company shall take
up plantation of Commiphora wightii in the green belts as well as in the
adjoining buffer area along with the forest department.
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5.3.3. IMPACTS ON MANGROVES
Kori Creek Mangroves: The baseline information suggests that the coastal
area Lakhpat particularly on the mudflats located on western bank of Kori
creek has dense to sparse patches of mangrove. It maintains more than 7.5
km from the proposed jetty and about 9.5 km from the coast. A large patch of
mangrove area is located in the Mangrove Forest areas of Kori creek (Map-
4.3). Since the jetty would maintain more than 7.5 km from the mangrove
area, there are negligible chances that the mangroves located west of the
jetty site would be affected due the project activities. However, the impact of
jetty operations on mangrove eco-system of Kori creek would be studied in
marine EIA. Therefore, jetty operations shall be carried out as per the
recommendations made in the Marine EIA to minimize its impacts on
mangrove.
The construction and operation phases of Cement Plant and the mining
lease are likely to have minimum impacts on Kori creek mangroves as the
predominant wind direction is from South-West to North-East direction in the
region. Moreover, a seasonal drainage (also known as Kapurasi River)
located 2.0 km away from proposed cement plant and the mining block. This
river drains from Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary located in south to Kori
creek located in north. Therefore, chances of fugitive emissions or dust
materials flow to Kori creek mangrove areas through air or water/drainage is
negligible and less likely to affect mangroves eco-system.
Guneri Inland Mangroves: Apart from Kori creek mangrove, there is an
inland mangrove site at Guneri village which is identified by Gujarat State
Biodiversity board and it is being considered for notifying as one of the
Biodiversity Heritage sites of Gujarat. This site maintains 13.2 km from
mining block and 15.0 km from proposed cement plant in North-East
direction. It is found in the north-western boundary of the Guneri village
apparently it has no surface connection with the Arabian Sea and its high
tide and low tide lines. The total area of the inland mangrove patch is 2.14
ha in 5 patches. A total of 1232 live individual of Avicennia marina have
been counted in total 5 patches of inland mangrove site. No direct impacts of
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project activities on this inland mangrove site are envisaged due to
substantial distance from the project site. However, since the predominant
wind direction in the region is from SW-NE, and the mangrove site is located
in NE direction of the project site, there may be impacts of air pollution on
this mangrove site in the long term.
Since mangroves are important plants and constitutes important eco-system
in the study area, it is recommended that ACL shall strictly control air and
water pollution using state of the art technologies in the project. ACL should
also monitor the mangroves of Kori creek and the inland mangrove of Guneri
as part of their regular ecological monitoring and if there are impacts, than
ACL should chalk out a detailed mangrove conservation plan along with
forest department. Aim & Objective of mangrove conservation plan shall be
to strictly avoid any damage by the project activities, preserve and add more
mangrove areas in the study area or zone of influence.
5.4. IMPACTS ON FAUNA
Though, the impacts of proposed plant and related construction activities
may be on several faunal taxa, but for the present study we focused mainly
on vertebrate classes i.e. herpetofauna, birds and mammals for identification
of impacts and future monitoring purpose. Therefore, in the present study we
identified impacts on the herpetofauna, birds and mammals particularly on
important and Schedule-I species of the landscape.
5.4.1. IMPACTS ON HERPETOFAUNA
The baseline study has reported total 17 species of herpetofauna reported
from the study area and 8 species from core area. No rare, endangered or
Schedule-I species are reported from the core area i.e project site. However,
Flap shell Turtle is reported from the buffer area which belongs to Schedule-I
of Wildlife Protection Act and listed as Least Concerned as per IUCN Red list
categories. However, a species i.e. Uromastix hardwickii belong to Schedule-
II which is reported form core and the buffer area of the study area. This is a
resident and most vulnerable species as it is localized and sedentary unlike
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other reptiles such as snakes and lizards. Large scale excavation in core
area and movement of vehicles in buffer area may result in gross loss of their
habitats where they breed and thrive throughout the year. This species is
also often hunted or poached for their oil and meat. Therefore, it is
recommended that during construction and operation phases, no workers
shall be involved in poaching of such species. It is recommended that prior to
clearing vegetation from cement plant area and the mining lease area;
company should ensure safe rehabilitation of this species in to surrounding
safe habitats. The rehabilitation shall not be done in winter as this species is
cold blooded and hibernate during winter. Local biologist or trackers can be
consulted in rehabilitating these individuals from their holes. It is also noticed,
that construction workers sometime engage in poaching of Spiny tailed
lizzard for food as well as selling in the grey market. ACL shall ensure that
none of thier workers shall engage in such acts throughout construction and
operation phases. Taking care of water pollution and safe mining discharges
in to drainages shall take care of Schedule-I Indian Flap Shell Turtle.
5.4.2. IMPACTS ON BIRDS
We observed total 107 species of birds in the study area. Though the study
area, provide favourable and suitable habitats to large number of resident
and migratory birds it is not part or in proximity of the Important Bird Areas
identified by BNHS in Kutch, Gujarat. During our study we reported total 8
species of birds that belong to Schedule-I in Buffer area of the proejct site.
We also observed total 4 Schedule-I species of birds in the core area that
include Black Shoulder Kite, Montagu's Harrier, Pallid Harrier and Shikra.
These bird species were not found to breed in the core area.
Occurrences of birds in the study area are mainly due to the overall
ecological condition which provides them suitable habitats where they obtain
their food and safety for their breeding or wintering in the region. Therefore,
any changes or degradation of air, soil and water quality would lead to
degradation of vegetation and habitats of birds. Increased noise levels and
disturbance levels would result in their displacement form the core area and
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its immediate surroundings. Direct disturbance by presence of people,
vehicle, their noise, vibrations, lights etc. can potentially displace most of the
birds‟ species. It is often noticed, that construction workers engage in
poaching of wild animals particularly the birds which are easy to trap using
various methods.
Therefore, it is recommended that ACL shall take utmost care in controlling
dust, fugitive emissions and put in place all pollution control measures during
construction and operation phases which would not result in degradation of
air, soil, water qualities that affect the surrounding forest areas and
vegetation. It is also recommended that construction workers shall be strictly
instructed so that they don‟t engage in poaching of birds. It is further
recommended that ACL shall monitor the ecological status of the study area
including species of birds and their habitats as part of their periodic
comprehensive biodiversity monitoring programme.
5.4.3. IMPACTS ON MAMMALS
We observed a total of 20 mammal species in the buffer area and 7 in the
core area of the project site. No Threatened or Schedule-I species reported
from the core area of the project site. There are total 5 Schedule-I species of
mammals in the buffer area i.e. Indian Grey Wolf, Caracal, Desert Cat,
Chinkara and Honey badger (Ratel). Except Chinkara remaining other
Schedule-I species were not directly or indirectly observed during the
present study; however, these species are known to occur in the Narayan
Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary that falls in the buffer area of the proposed
project site. Local herders are known to kill most of the carnivores‟ species
by smoking their dens, poisoning carcasses, trapping etc. as they lift their
cattle, goats and sheep. This could also be the reason for low abundance of
most of the carnivore species in the study area. We also interviewed few
local herders and they informed us about not observing these species in the
region since long. Since various literatures that we surveyed have mentioned
occurrences of these Schedules-I species in Narayan Sarovar Wildlife
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Sanctuary, we mentioned them in the checklist of species occurring in the
buffer area.
Occurrences of mammals in the study area are mainly due to the overall
ecological condition which provides them suitable habitats where they feed,
rest and breed in the region. Moreover, unlike birds most of the mammals
except bats are terrestrial in habits therefore, terrestrial land environment i.e.
their habitats is of utmost importance to them. Therefore, degradation of air,
soil and water quality would lead to degradation of vegetation and the overall
quality of their habitats. Increased noise levels and disturbance levels would
also result in their displacement form the core area and its immediate
surroundings. Direct disturbance by presence of people, vehicle, their noise,
vibrations, lights etc. can potentially displace most of the mammalian
species. It is noticed, that construction workers also sometime engage in
poaching of wild animals particularly the chinkara, Nilgai, hare, pigs etc.
using various methods.
The impact of proposed project on mammals also involves displacement of
the mammalian species occurring in the core area. We recorded presence of
Nilgai, Indian Jackal, Jungle Cat, Common Mongoose, Wild Pig, Indian
Gerbil inside the core area of the project site. These species would be
displaced from the project core area during the project operation. These
species are most common mammalian species which are found throughout
semiarid, non-forested, open scrubland, non protected areas and even in the
periphery of villages in Kutch region.
There are several Schedule-I mammalian species reported in the study area
landscape. However, as per literature survey except Chinkara, all other
schedule-I mammal species are reported from the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife
Sanctuary area. Moreover, the important wildlife habitats in the periphery of
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary have been identified and protected in the form
of eco-sensitive zone. As per our study the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife
Sanctuary is located at 3.4 km south of mining lease area and its Eco-
sensitive zone is located at 2.4 km south of mining lease area. Similarly
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Cement Plant maintains 5.7 km from Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary
and 5.0 km from its eco-sensitive zone. Therefore, habitats of the entire
Schedule-I mammal species (except Chinkara) maintains substantial
distances from proposed limestone mining area, cement plant and conveyor
belts. Moreover, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary lies south of the project
whereas the predominant wind direction is from South-West to North-East in
this region therefore, the chances of pollution load, noise etc. may not be a
cause of concern for the Sanctuary and its Schedule-I mammal species.
Since Chinkara is a Schedule-I mammal species which exist in the entire
study area and even in the periphery of the proposed project site, it requires
attention of the project authority to ensure minimum impacts are caused to
the species. ACL shall ensure that all types of impacts due to mining activity
and cement plant on the surrounding forest areas and vegetation are
minimized through strict pollution control measures. Moreover, there are
incidences of large herbivore species such as Chinkara, Nilgai, etc. falling in
the mining pits. Therefore, the mining pits shall be fenced and the slope of
the mining pits shall not be steep so that animal if visit accidently fall and get
injured or die. Details of the conservation actions for the species are
mentioned in the forth coming chapter.
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6. CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES
Based on our field observations and literature survey we found several
species important plant species as well as Schedule-I wildlife species in the
study area (Table-6.1). We reported a plant species and 14 animal species.
The faunal wildlife species include a species of Reptiles, 8 species of birds
and 5 species of mammals.
Table-6.1: Schedule-I fauna and Critically Endangered plant species
reported from the study area
No Class Scientific Name Common Name IUCN Status
Core
1 Reptile Lissemus punctatea Flap shell Turtle LC
2 Bird Elanus caeruleus Black shoulder kite LC 1
3 Bird Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl LC
4 Bird Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard LC
5 Bird Circus pygargus Montagu's Harrier LC 1
6 Bird Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier NT 1
7 Bird Accipiter badius Shikra LC 1
8 Bird Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Snake Eagle LC
9 Bird Butastur teesa White-eyed Buzzard LC
10 Mammal Canis lupus pallipes Indian Grey Wolf UNK
11 Mammal Gazella bennettii Chinkara LC
12 Mammal Caracal caracal Caracal LC
13 Mammal Felis silvestris Desert Cat LC
14 Mammal Mellivora capensis Honey badger LC
15 Shrub Commiphora wightii Gugal CR 1
CR=Critically Endangered Unk= Unknown, NT=Near Threatened, LC=Least Concerned 5
Species wise status, impacts and the mitigation measures are suggested in
as follow.
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6.1. CRITICALLY ENDANGERED PLANT SPECIES:
Gugal: (Commiphora wightii)
Status: Our field survey in the proposed project area revealed that there is a
critically endangered plant species present in the core and buffer areas.
However, this plant was found with
low density in the core and buffer
area. This plant has high medicinal
values and is facing the threats of
extinction by overexploitation for
commercial purpose (Silori et al.,
2004; Joshi, 2002; GUIDE 2009) from
Kachchh. However, recently Gujarat
Forest Department has accomplished
a large scale project on plantation of
Commiphora wightii in Gujarat.
Through this project thousands of
plants were raised and planted in
entire Kachchh region. This project has improved the number and density of
the species in the region.
Impacts: The construction of cement plant, conveyor belts and mining
operations would involve large scale removal or vegetation from the core
area. Therefore, this plant would be removed from entire project area. Apart
from the gross loss of the number of plants from the core area, the habitat
degradation due to air borne dusting from cement plant, mining area, mining
discharge, pollution load, movement of vehicle etc. can potentially affect the
density and distribution of this species in the buffer area.
Recommendations: ACL shall put in place all kind of pollution control
measures so that the surrounding vegetation is not degraded and this
species along other plants survive normally in the study area. ACL shall
carryout comprehensive biodiversity monitoring at regular intervals in order
to check impact of their project activities on surrounding area and special
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emphasis shall be given to this species. It is also recommended that
company should take up plantation of Commiphora wightii by involving local
forest department, which has vast experience of carrying out plantation of
this specialized plant species. At least plantation of 10000 plants or more
should be done by the company. Since the survival rate of this species is
very low, the plantation shall be of higher number.
6.2. SCHEDULE-I FAUNA
Among the fauna, we reported total 14 animal species. As mentioned above,
the faunal wildlife species include a species of Reptiles, 8 species of birds
and 5 species of mammals.
6.2.1. REPTILE/ INDIAN FLAP SHELL TURTLE
Status: During our study this species of reptile was recorded form the small
village ponds in the study area. The
species is resident and breeding in
the buffer areas. The Indian Flap
shell Turtle (Lissemys punctata) is a
freshwater species of turtles are
widespread and common in the
South Asian provinces. They are
listed as Schedule-I species under
Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and as Least Concerned as per IUCN threat
categories.
Impacts: Since this species is an aquatic and cold blooded, it may be
subjected to impacts related to water pollution and hydrological impacts
arising due to project activities. These may include degradation of water
sources, soil characteristics, choking of drainages etc. This species is
otherwise not hunted or eaten by the people. Therefore, changes of
degradation of overall aquatic habitat qualities in the buffer area are likely to
affect these species and their distribution.
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Recommendations: ACL shall put all kind of pollution control measures in
place so that surrounding area ecological conditions are not degraded.
During construction it shall be seen that no drainage, ponds etc. are
damaged or altered. ACL shall carryout comprehensive biodiversity
monitoring at regular intervals in order to check impact of their project
activities on surrounding area and special emphasis shall be given to
monitoring of surface (drainage, check dams, ponds) water and wetlands in
the buffer area.
6.2.2. BIRDS/ INDIAN PEAFOWL
Status: The Indian Peafowl ( Pavo cristatus) is a resident breeder in
the Indian subcontinent. The bird was justifiably declared as the national
bird of India in year 1963 due to its „flagship‟ value founded on its glorious
position in mythology and its widespread distribution in the country. The
species is found in dry semi-desert
grasslands, scrub and deciduous
forests. It forages and nests on the
ground but roosts on top of trees. It eats
seeds, insects, fruits, small mammals
and reptiles. The Indian Peafowl is a
ground nesting bird and it lays a clutch
of 4-8 eggs which take 28 days to hatch.
The eggs are light brown and are laid
every other day usually in the afternoon.
The male does not assist with the rearing, and is polygamous. Poaching of
peacocks for their feathers and poisoning by feeding on pesticide treated
seeds are known threats to wild birds. Under the law, collection of tail
feathers is allowed only when the bird sheds them. The Indian peafowl is
under various threats that include the demand for feathers and wild meat,
conflict with farmers during cropping season, increased use of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides and habitat degradation.
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Impacts: Our field study reported presence of Indian Peafowl in the buffer
areas of project site. The species was observed in the buffer area of 10 km
radius particularly near human habitations, villages and agriculture fields.
Since our study reported presence of Indian Peafowl in the buffer area, its
possibility of nesting in buffer area could not be ruled out. Since Indian
Peafowl is a ground nester, several project activitie can have adverse
impacts on their nesting grounds such as pollution, degredation of soil and
vegetation from surrounding ara and in the forest areas. Direct disturbance
by presence of people, vehicle, their noise, vibrations, lights etc. can
potentially disturb most of the bird species.
Recommendations: following actions for the conservation and protection
are suggested in wildlife conservation action plan to reduce impacts of
project related activities on the species. Based on our field observation on
the distribution, behavioral ecology, conservation need, and envisaged
impacts of cement plant, mining, and conveyor belts, we identified several
species specific actions that would help reduce the impacts of limestone
mining on Indian Peafowl as under.
i. A rapid survey for the breeding population of Indian Peafowl during
their nesting season shall be carried out in pre-monsoon season by
wildlife experts so as to ensure that no nesting of the species is
present in and around project or corea area.
ii. Since Indian Peafowl is a ground nesting bird, mining activities could
disturb their nesting activities. Therefore if nesting of peafowl is found,
in close proximity of the minig area, mining should not be carried out
in that particular block. Mining activities should resume only after egg
hatching is completed and the fledglings leave the nest.
iii. Avoid vehicle movement in the area where nesting is found. The
movement of vehicles or humans shoul be prohibited in vicinity of the
nesting area.
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iv. Electric lines shall be designed to minimize the potential for
electrocution of indian peafowl and other such large birds.
v. Lightings of within the project area could potentially deter the species
presence. Therefore, ACL shall ensure that minimum illumination
comes out from the project area. This can be done by adjusting the
angles of the light sources and using low intensity focused bulbs
inside the project area.
vi. Tree Plantation shall be carried out by ACL in the surrounding
villages and schools etc. in the buffer area. This would help the
species and provide them much needed roosting place.
vii. Staff involved in construction and mining activities shall be trained
staff and made aware of Indian Peafowl‟s status as National Bird of
India, and Schedule-I species protected under Indian Wildlife
Protection Act 1972. This is important because if there any casualties
of the species are found then they should report to the project
authorities and the local forest department to carryout further
necessary actions.
6.2.3. BIRDS/ SCHEDULE-I RAPTORS
Status: Total 7 bird species i.e. terrestrial Raptors belonging to Schedule-I of
Wildlife Protection Act 1972 are reported
from the study area. These species are
Black shoulder kite, Long-legged Buzzard,
Montagu's Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Shikra,
Short-toed Snake Eagle and White-eyed
Buzzard. Of these 7 species of Raptors, total
4 are reported from the core area and all 7
are reported from buffer area. The species
reported from core area are Black shoulder
kite, Montagu's Harrier, Pallid Harrier and
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Shikra. Harriers are migratory bird species and Shikra and Black Shouldered
Kite are resident species. Almost all the raptor species are recently added to
Schedule-I list through amendment made in year 2013. Of the reported 7
species, Pallied Harrier is listed as Near Threatened by IUCN and rest other
species are listed as Least Concerned. Montagu's Harrier and Pallid Harrier
are migratory raptors that arrive in this area during winter season.
Impacts: These 7 species of terrestrial raptors are predators and occupies
tertiary consumers positions in the food chain and ecological pyramids.
Therefore, any change in primary productivity would affect their distribution,
density and population in the region. Therefore, project activities resulting in
air, water and noise pollution, degradation of vegetation would potentially
affect the habitat of these bird species and their population in the study area.
Moreover, direct disturbance by presence of people, vehicle, their noise,
vibrations, lights etc. can potentially displace most of the raptors species
from the project area and its immediate surroundings.
Recommendations: It is recommended that ACL shall take utmost care in
controlling dust, fugitive emissions using state of the art technologies and put
in place all types of pollution control measures during construction and
operation phases which would ensure minimum degradation of surrounding
vegetation, forest area vegetation and waterbodies. Minimize vehicle
movements around the project areas. Adjust lightings within core area and
ensure minimum illuminations spreads outside the project area. Keep all the
machineries maintained so that minimum noise and vibrations are generated
in the surrounding area. Since most of the raw materials and products are to
be carried through conveyer belts the impact related to vehicle movements
would be low.
6.2.4. INDIAN GREY WOLF (Canis lupus pallipes)
Status: This species is reported in the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Since northern part of this sanctuary falls inside the study area i.e. 10 km
buffer area, therefore, this species is considered to be present in the study
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area. This species is reported in it is a conservation concern endangered
species with its numbers believed to range between 2000-3000 individuals in
the country (Jethva & Jhala 2004, Jethva & Jhala 2000). Indian wolf is
protected as Schedule-I species under the Wildlife Protection Act of India
1972. This species is protected by
law and killing or trading of this
species is prohibited in India.
Majority of the wolf populations in
India survive outside of protected
areas and subsist primarily on
livestock (Jethva and Jhala 2004,
Jethva 2003). It is often killed by
local cattle herders as they fear
lifting of their livestock. Therefore, their population is declining fast from
Kutch region. As such Grey wolf (Cans lupus) are considered as Least
Concerned by IUCN. The Indian subspecies is not evaluated for its status
and the IUCN status is unknown.
Impacts: Since this species is reported in the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife
Sanctuary which maintains 3.4 km from the proposed mining block and 5.7
km from the proposed cement plant the direct impact of this project activities
are likely to be low. However, wolves choose their habitats by optimizing on
resource availability such as water; prey and disturbance free habitats which
provide them cover during the day. Wolf is a shy and very sensitive animal
species and it respond immediately to any changes in their habitats
particularly human disturbances. The large scale construction and mining
activities in the core area may involve frequent movement of heavy vehicles
and people etc. Since most of the raw materials and products are to be
carried through conveyer belts the impact related to vehicle movements
would be low. There would also be illuminations in the core area. These
activities may cause considerable disturbance to wolf if it is present in the
vicinity.
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Recommendations: Though the species is not reported from the core area
and its immediate periphery as it is reported from Narayan Sarovar
Sanctuary the impact of the proposed project is likely to be low on their
habitats. However, it is recommended that ACL shall minimize disturbance
caused by noise, vibrations and illuminations in the core area which could
lower impact on the species. Even small vibrations could disturb sensitive
species such as wolf. Conveyor belt vibrations shall be minimized by
maintaining it in best conditions throughout. It is recommended that ACL
shall take utmost care in controlling dust, fugitive emissions using state of
the art technologies and put in place all types of pollution control measures
during construction and operation phases which would ensure minimum
degradation of surrounding vegetation, forest area and waterbodies.
Minimize vehicle movements around the project areas. Adjust lightings within
core area and ensure minimum illuminations spreads outside the project
area. Keep all the machineries maintained so that minimum noise and
vibrations are generated in the surrounding area. No blasting shall be
carried out during construction or operation phases of the project cycle.
Gentle slopes in the mining pits shall be maintained so as to prevent any
accidents of animals during their nocturnal movements. ACL shall also
support forest department in conducting awareness of local people towards
wildlife conservation and law reinforcement and anti poaching activities in
the study area.
6.2.5. RATEL (Mellivora capensis)
Status: This species is reported in the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Since northern part of this
sanctuary falls inside the study
area i.e. 10 km buffer area,
presence of this species is
considered to be present in the
study area. The honey badger,
also known as the Ratel, is a
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species of mustelid native of Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian
Subcontinent. Despite its name, the honey badger does not closely
resemble other badger species; instead it bears more anatomical similarities
to weasels. It is classed as Least Concern by the IUCN owing to its
extensive range and general environmental adaptations. It is primarily a
carnivorous species and has few natural predators because of its thick skin
and ferocious defensive abilities. Although mostly solitary, honey badgers
may hunt together in pairs during the breeding season.
Impacts: This species is also reported in the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife
Sanctuary which maintains 3.4 km from the proposed mining block and 5.7
km from the proposed cement plant the direct impact of the project activities
are likely to be low. Since the species is likely to be present in the buffer
area of mines in the Lakhpat Taluka. Species being fossorial needs special
attention when mining activities are carried out.
Recommendations: Though the species is not reported from the core area
and its immediate periphery as it is reported from Narayan Sarovar
Sanctuary the impact of the proposed project is likely to be low on their
habitats. However, it is recommended that ACL shall minimize disturbance
caused by noise, vibrations and illuminations in the core area which could
lower impact on the species. Even small vibrations could disturb sensitive,
nocturnal small carnivore species such as Ratel. Conveyor belt vibrations
shall be minimized by maintaining it in best conditions throughout. It is
recommended that ACL shall take utmost care in controlling dust, fugitive
emissions using state of the art technologies and put in place all types of
pollution control measures during construction and operation phases which
would ensure minimum degradation of surrounding vegetation, forest area
and waterbodies. Minimize vehicle movements around the project areas.
Adjust lightings within core area and ensure minimum illuminations spreads
outside the project area. Keep all the machineries maintained so that
minimum noise and vibrations are generated in the surrounding area. No
blasting shall be carried out during construction or operation phases of the
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project cycle. Gentle slopes in the mining pits shall be maintained so as to
prevent any
6.2.6. CARACAL (Caracal caracal)
Status: This species is one of the most beautiful, shy and elusive cats of
India. It is protected as Schedule-I species under the Wildlife Protection Act
of India 1972 and listed as Least Concerned by IUCN. It is a found ranging
over Western Asia, South Asia and Africa. The caracal is a slender, yet
muscular cat, with long legs and a short tail. Males can weigh from 13 to 19
kg, while females weigh 6 to 12
kg. They are nocturnal. The
caracal is distributed over Africa,
the Middle East, Pakistan
and India. Its chief habitat is dry
steppes and semi deserts, but it
also inhabits woodlands,
savannah, and scrub forest. They
generally prefer open country, so long as there is sufficient cover, in the form
of bushes and rocks, from which to ambush prey. Though, the species is
least concerned globally as per IUCN category, it is sporadically reported
from Gujarat and Rajasthan in India. The species has sporadic distribution in
Kutch district as it has very few recent records from parts of Abdasa,
Lakhpat and Nakhatrana Taluka. During our study we could not record
presence of Caracal (Caracal caracal) in the core area. However, presence
of the species is reported from buffer area of proposed project site i.e.
Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary by forest officials in 2005. The species
is reported from Matano Madh area in 1997 (Jhala and Jethva 1997).
Impacts: Caracal is reported in the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary
which maintains 3.4 km from the proposed mining block and 5.7 km from the
proposed cement plant therefore, the direct impacts of the project activities
on this species habitats are likely to be low. However, in view of the similar
landscape extending in the buffer area, their presence cannot be ruled out. It
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is very shy species and responds to even small disturbances and vacates
the place. Hence direct noise disturbance from the project could displace the
species from the landscape. Similar to Caracal, the Desert Cat is also a shy
and small carnivore cat species. Impacts of the proposed project would be
same on these two cat species in the landscape.
Recommendations: Though the species is not reported from the core area
and its immediate periphery as it is reported from Narayan Sarovar
Sanctuary the impact of the proposed project is likely to be low on their
habitats. However, it is recommended that ACL shall minimize disturbance
caused by noise, vibrations and illuminations in the core area which could
lower impact on the species. Even small vibrations could disturb sensitive,
nocturnal small carnivore species such as Ratel. Conveyor belt vibrations
shall be minimized by maintaining it in best conditions throughout. It is
recommended that ACL shall take utmost care in controlling dust, fugitive
emissions using state of the art technologies and put in place all types of
pollution control measures during construction and operation phases which
would ensure minimum degradation of surrounding vegetation, forest area
and waterbodies. Minimize vehicle movements around the project areas.
Adjust lightings within core area and ensure minimum illuminations spreads
outside the project area. Keep all the machineries maintained so that
minimum noise and vibrations are generated in the surrounding area. No
blasting shall be carried out during construction or operation phases of the
project cycle. Gentle slopes in the mining pits shall be maintained so as to
prevent any accidents of terrestrial mammals are averted.
6.2.7. CHINKARA (Gazella bennettii)
Status: The important herbivore present in the buffer area is Chinkara which
is protected as Schedule-I species in Wildlife Protection Act 1972. During our
survey, we reported presence of Chinkara through direct sightings in the
buffer area in the study area. Indian gazelle is a shy animal and avoids
human habitation. It stands at 65 centimetres and weighs about 23
kilograms. It can go without water for long periods and can get sufficient
fluids from plants and dew. Although most individuals are seen alone, they
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can sometimes be spotted in groups of up to four animals. It lives
in grasslands and desert areas in India. Its population is on the decline due
to it being hunted for game.
Narayan Sarovar Wildlife
Sanctuary and its surrounding
areas are known for Chinkara
population. The sanctuary is also
known as Narayan Sarovar
Chinkara Sanctuary. The species
is common in landscape of Kutch
and North Gujarat. The species is listed as Schedule-I in Wildlife Protection
Act 1972 and as Least Concerned by IUCN. The species needs safe,
undisturbed arid semi arid plains with open and sparse vegetation.
Impacts: These mammals are likely to be using surrounding area for their
feeding and breeding. They are also likely to be using waterbodies in the
buffer area for their requirement of water. The impacts of mining activities on
herbivore are likely to be direct as they are primary consumers in the eco-
system. Degradation of soil, vegetation and habitat due to chronic pollution
loads the species would lose its feeding ground and breeding area.
Moreover, the direct loss of habitat worth the core area is also an irreversible
loss to the species. Therefore, changes in overall habitat qualities in the
buffer area are likely to affect these species. The species being swift runner
prey species it is likely to fall in the deep mining pits if there is no fencing
around mining pits or gentle slopes are not maintained in the mining pits. The
direct disturbance to these species by vehicle traffic, human intrusion in
wildlife habitat is also issue of some concern.
Recommendations: It is recommended that company shall comply with all
the pollution control and other conditions imposed in the environmental
clearance by MoEF&CC. Compliance of all the conditions in environment
clearance by MoEF&CC would take care of major issue of habitat
degradation for the species. Apart from pollution control measures, it is also
important to carefully plan mining pits. Chinkara moving particularly in the
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night hours are likely to fall in the pits. It is also suggested that the mining
pits shall be fenced properly or the slopes of the pits needs to be maintained
in such a way so that during night hours herbivore animals do not fall
accidently in to it and get injured or die. ACL shall also support forest
department in conducting awareness of local people towards wildlife
conservation and law reinforcement and anti poaching activities in the study
area. ACL shall support forest department in installing sign boards on roads
and strategic locations of villages informing prohibition of killing, poaching
etc. under wildlife protection act 1972.
6.3. WILDLIFE CONSRERVATION & LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITY
Our study and literature survey suggests that the area around the proposed
project site have great tourism potentials in terms of Narayan Sarovar
Wildlife Sanctuary, Rann of Kutch, inland mangroves, small waterbodies,
Chhari Dhandh, etc. There are more than 17 species of herpetofauna, 20
species of mammals and 150 plus birds. The beautiful landscapes of
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary and its wildlife and especially the birdlife is
unique that could be a major attraction for eco-tourists. This area already
receives large number of tourists that visit Narayan Sarovar and Koteshwar
temples and Lakhpat fort. There are very little eco-tourism infrastructure and
facilities in the region, that provides the tourists with quality infrastructure,
interpretation, nature guides etc. Therefore, provided with quality
infrastructure, lodging facilities and best nature guides, the hardcore eco-
tourists would visit this area and local community could benefit from the eco-
tourism opportunities.
As such economic opportunities for local community are very limited in this
area. They are mainly facing poverty and remain occupied for their daily
quest to meet their basic needs. It is also fact that these people are unaware
of the value of natural resources lying in their surroundings. Nor are they
aware of the link between these resources and their livelihood. The key to
turning this situation around is to help rural people understand not only the
ecological and social values of their resources but also the tremendous
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economic opportunities and “ecotourism” revenue that natural resources can
bring to the region.
It is therefore, recommended that Adani Cementation Limited through their
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Environment
Responsibility (CER) funds shall support development of a model eco-
tourism facility in one of the surrounding villages. This should be done
systematically after studying eco-tourism potential, site selection in
consultation with forest department, local village panchayat and Bhuj
collector. The proposed Eco-tourism Centre shall employ only local villagers
for day to day management, nature guides, drivers etc. Boys from local
villages shall be trained to become nature guides for eco-tourists. They shall
be given comprehensive training in hospitality, nature guiding, code of
conduct, rules and regulations etc. This centre shall have nature
interpretation centre where local wildlife and eco-system shall be interpreted
through photos, models and audio-visuals. ACL shall bear the cost of
development of this eco-tourism centre and run it for at least initial 3 years.
After hand holding of 3 year period is over this shall be handed over to local
village body to mange and run it. The cost of land, construction, electricity,
training, vehicles etc. shall be borne by ACL. A total budget of around Rs.
3.5 Crore shall be allocated through CSR and ESR.
6.4. IMPACT – MITIGATION MATRIX & CONSERVATION PLAN
Based on our observation, literature review and consultation with local
people, and NGO, we formulated following impact vs mitigation matrix
(Table-6.2). It is advised that company shall follow the suggestions provided
in the following table-6.2. The matrix is created using information and data
collected during our field visits and the information available in public
domain. We calculated distances of sensitive ecological receptors such as
protected areas, their eco-sensitive zones, biodiversity heritage sites,
important bird areas, mangrove, reserve forests, wetlands, rivers etc. from
project core areas. Professional judgements are made based on our
experience and the variables used often for predicting impacts.
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Table-6.2: General Impacts vs. mitigation matrix & Conservation plan.
Issue Status Impacts Mitigation
Ec
os
ys
tem
s
Protected Areas
Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in buffer area. It maintains 3.4 km from Mining area and 5.7 km from Cement Plant, It is located in South of project site, Prominent wind direction is from SW-NW
No impacts are envisaged, as predominant wind direction is from SW-NE. However, workers and vehicle trespassing through this area could affect and degrade it.
Ensure no trespassing of vehicle or people are through the sanctuary and it‟s environ.
No resources from sanctuary shall be used (i.e. fuel wood, soil, stone etc.) by workers or project authority.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
Support Forest Department‟s Wildlife Conservation activities
Eco-sensitive zone
Eco-sensitive zone of Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary maintains 2.4 km from Mining area and 5.0 km from Cement Plant, It is located in South of project site
No impacts are envisaged, as the prominent wind direction is from SW-NW. However, workers and vehicle trespassing through this area could affect and degrade it.
Ensure no trespassing of vehicle or people are through the eco-sensitive zone.
No resources from eco-sensitive zone shall be used (i.e. fuel wood, soil, stone etc.) by workers or project authority.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
Support Forest department
Wetlands & waterbodies
Village ponds are present , whereas no major wetlands, Wetlands of National or International importance are present in the study area
No major and important wetlands are located in close proximity to the project site. Few small to medium wetlands are located beyond 5.0 km south of project area. However, few drainages leading from the surrounding of project site meets Kapursai river which drains into Kori Creek may carry sediments and affect it in long run.
All pollution control measures shall be in place including garland drain in the mines.
Runoff water before releasing from mine and cement plant shall be treated/settled and shall be made free of sediments.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
Support water conservation activities in surrounding villages through CSR/CER budget
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Important Bird Areas
Banni & Naliya grasslands are two major IBAs of Kutch
No impacts are envisaged, as these IBAs are located far away from the project site, Naliya Grassland is located 50 km south and Banni Grassland IBA is located more than 45 km East of project site.
Nil
Forest Area Reserve Forest, Unclassed forest areas are located adjacent to Mining lease, Cement Plant and Conveyor belt areas. Total 2.65 ha. of Forest land will be diverted for project use.
Direct loss of forest land worth 2.65 ha. Pollution loads from Mining activities and Cement Plant could potentially degrade forest land as the predominant wind direction is from SW to NE. People and vehicle may enter forest area and damage it.
Compensate loss or damage to Forest area due to pollution by taking up plantation of native species.
Develop thick green belt using native plants.
Maintain minimum 50 mtrs distance from the boundary of mining lease and cement plant.
No roads or trespassing shall be allowed through Forest area.
No collection of fuel wood from forest land shall be allowed.
No worker camps, dumping of solid waste, over burden inside forest land shall be allowed.
Fire and safety precautions shall be in place during construction and operation phases.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
Mangroves Located at more than 7.5 km distance from proposed jetty, 9.0 km from coast
No direct impacts on mangrove are envisaged, however, during jetty construction and operation dredging related activities may affect mangroves
All pollution control measures shall be in place including garland drain in the mines.
Runoff water before releasing from mine and cement plant shall be treated/settled and shall be made free of sediments.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
Follow recommendations made in Marine EIA for jetty for conservation of mangroves if any.
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Biodiversity Heritage Site
Proposed "Guneri Inland Mangrove Biodiversity Heritage Site" by Gujarat Biodiversity Board. It maintains 13.2 km from Mines and 15 km from Cement Plant in North-East direction.
No direct impacts on this inland mangrove site are envisaged due to distance. Though, the inland mangrove site maintains substantial distance from the project site, Since the wind direction is towards this site (NE) there may be impact in long term due to air pollution.
All pollution control measures shall be in place including garland drain in the mines.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
ACL shall monitor health of this site at regular interval of 3 years and take corrective measures if needed.
World Heritage Site
There are no world heritage sites declared by UNESCO for Nature Conservation. However, Lakhpat Fort Gurudwara is one of the UNESCO World Heritage site
Nil Nil
Ramsar Site There are no Ramsar Sites in Kutch district.
Nil Nil
Flo
ra
General Vegetation
This area has native vegetation representative of semi arid zones. These include typical tropical thorn forest area comprising of Acacia, Salvadora, Caparis, Ziziphus, Commphora species.
There will be irreversible loss of native vegetation from the core area i.e. 450 ha. The native vegetation from the immediate surroundings of the mine and cement plant areas would also be affected due to pollution load.
Remove minimum vegetation from core area.
Strict pollution control measures shall be in place.
Vehicle movements shall be minimum. No vegetation shall be cut by workers from surrounding area.
No collection of fuel wood from surrounding land shall be allowed.
Fire and safety precautions shall be in place during construction and operation phases.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
Important plant Species
Commiphora wightii is an important plant which is listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN. This plant is present in core and buffer area.
This important species would be displaced from core area and will also be affected in the surrounding area due to air and water pollution loads from cement plant and mining operations
ACL shall remove minimum number of Commiphora wightii plants from core area.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
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Fau
na
Threatened or Endemic fauna Species
No threatened species of fauna listed by IUCN (Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered) are reported from the study area i.e. core or buffer area.
Nil Nil
Schedule-I Reptiles
The Indian Flap shell Turtle (Lissemys punctata) is present in ponds and wetlands of buffer area
Degradation of overall aquatic habitat qualities in the buffer area is likely to affect these species and their distribution.
Strict pollution control measures shall be in place including garland drain in the mines.
Monitoring of biodiversity including this species and take corrective measures.
Runoff water before releasing from mine and cement plant shall be treated/settled and shall be made free of sediments.
Schedule-I Birds
Indian peafowl and 7 Schedule-I bird species i.e. terrestrial Raptors are present in study area.
Pollution load and overall habitat degradation, direct loss of habitat worth 450 ha. and direct disturbance due to vehicle movement, illuminations and project activities.
Strict pollution control measures shall be in place.
Maintain machinery so minimum vibrations and noise is generated.
Adjust lightings in the core area so minimum illumination spread outside core area.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
Monitor biodiversity including bird species and take corrective measures accordingly.
Schedule-I Mammals
Total 5 species of Schedule-I mammals are reported from the study area. None from core area and most of these species are reported from the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary as per literature survey; however Chinkara is reported from entire study area.
Overall degradation of habitat due to pollution. Direct disturbance due to Noise, vibration due to mining, cement plant, conveyor belt and vehicle movements could deter these species. Lighting and illumination could displace the species from surrounding area. Hunting, killing by workers,
Strict pollution control measures shall be in place.
Maintain machinery so minimum vibrations and noise is generated.
Adjust lightings in the core area so minimum illumination spread outside core area.
Thick green belts shall be created using native species of plants in the periphery of mine and cement plant.
Monitor biodiversity including mammal species and take corrective measures accordingly.
Support Forest department‟ wildlife conservation activities i.e. protection, monitoring, raising awareness and anti poaching law enforcement activities.
Provide financial support to Forest department for
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purchasing vehicles for patrolling, water supply for wild animals etc.
Wildlife Corridors
No wildlife corridor is identified under any legal framework in the study area. However, important habitat linkages with Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary are identified as Eco-sensitive zone. Part of Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary and Its Eco-sensitive zone falls within 10 km buffer of the project site i.e. study area.
No direct impacts of project activities are envisaged on Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone as the prominent wind direction is from SW-NW.
Ensure no trespassing of vehicle or people are through the sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone.
No resources from sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone shall be extracted (i.e. fuel wood, soil, stone etc.) by workers or project authority.
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6.5. GENERAL MITIGATION/CONSERVATION MEASURES
i. Strict control on dust pollution using various methods and technologies
shall be carried out.
ii. During construction, operation, mining activities water sprinkling on haul
roads, overburden and soil dumps shall be carried out regularly to control
dust pollution.
iii. Gentle slopes in the mining pits shall be maintained so as to prevent any
accidents of terrestrial mammals or wildlife species of the landscape.
iv. During operation phase ambient air quality standards (emission of
pollutants like Particulate Matter) must be maintained as per GPCB/CPCB
norms in and around the project site.
v. Ambient noise pollution and vibrations during construction and operation
phases of Cement plant, mining and conveyor belt shall be within limits of
the standards mentioned.
vi. Plantation of thick green belt on periphery of the project site shall be
created using local and hardy species.
vii. Ensure no movement of vehicles or people through Forest Areas located
nearby the cement plant and mining lease area.
viii. Ensure zero discharge of waste water from the project site into
surrounding area.
ix. Ensure safe passage of runoff through drainages located nearby the
project area.
x. Ensure no cement, fly ash, sediments, or any raw materials spill out from
project areas and flow into nearby drainage during the operation phase of
the project.
xi. ACL shall ensure that their construction workers and other staff during
construction or operational phase shall not be involved in poaching and
hunting activities of birds, reptiles or mammals around the project site.
xii. All other general measures to keep environmental parameters within
permissible standards.
xiii. No trespassing or vehicle or people shall be through, surrounding forest
area or the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary. This shall be instructed to
the workers and staff in advance.
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xiv. No workers camps shall be established within the surrounding forest area,
Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone. This shall
be instructed to the workers and staff in advance.
xv. No resources (i.e. fuel wood, stones, sand, soil etc.) from the surrounding
forest area, Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive
zone shall be collected by staff or workers. This shall be instructed to the
workers and staff in advance.
xvi. No workers or staff members shall be involved in poaching or killing of any
wild animals throughout the project life cycle. This shall be instructed to
the workers and staff in advance and sign boards to this effect within
project area.
xvii. ACL shall support forest department in installing sign boards for anti
poaching activities and wildlife protection act enforcement.
xviii. ACL shall conduct regular ecological monitoring in the study area and take
corrective measures accordingly.
xix. ACL through their CER/CSR funds shall provide vehicles for patrolling
(Mahindra Scorpio-S10/11 model) and water supply for wild animals
(Tractor with water Tanker).
xx. Apart from these, ACL using CER/CSR budget shall carryout water
conservation activities in the surrounding villages which would benefit
local wildlife and birds.
6.6. PROPOSED ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAMME
A special emphasis on ecological conservation shall be given by
extending special responsibility to senior environment authority within the
management of the proposed project authority.
A senior ecologist shall be employed / consulted on regular basis to
oversee ecological/wildlife conservation activates under Green CSR.
The senior personal responsible for the conservation of ecology shall
report directly to the head of the organization.
Substantial budget be allocated to carryout ecological conservation
activities by the company.
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Compliance report for these activities shall be submitted to CWLW,
Gujarat and along with other environmental compliances, as scheduled by
GPCB/SEIAA.
Any additional conditions from any of the Environment Appraisal
Committees at state or central levels or by the Forest department shall be
complied with.
6.7. FINANCIAL ALLOCATION FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES
Following is the proposed budget allocation for wildlife conservation after
approval from all statutory bodies permitting the project (Table-6.3).
Table-6.3: Proposed financial allocation for mitigation and conservation measures.
S. No
Activity Agency Duration
Years
Rate/ Year
(Lakh)
Total Amount (Lakh)
1
Plantation of Green Belt using native and local plant species as per norms & Fencing Mining Pits
ACL Cont. till target is achieved
5 100
2 Develop Eco-tourism centre through CSR/CER fund
ACL Initial 3 years
350
3
Provide vehicles for patrolling (Mahindra Scorpio), water supply for wild animals (Tractor & Water Tanker) through CER fund.
Forest Dept.
25
4 Plantation of native vegetation (Commiphora Wightii) 10000 plants and other native trees
ACL 5 years 2 15
5 Comprehensive ecological & Biodiversity monitoring by ACL once every 3 years
ACL
At every 3 year for 10 years
10 30
6 Documentation and preparation of Annual compliance report. 10 years
ACL Annual 1 10
7 Total amount in Lakh 530
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7. REFERENCES
BirdLife International (2001) Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red
Data Book. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.
Champion, H. G. & S. K. Seth. 1968. A Revised Survey of the Forest Types of India.
Manager of Publications, Govt. of India, New Delhi.
GEER. (2001). Ecological status of Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary with a management
perspective. Final report. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj and Gujarat
Ecological Education and Research Foundation (GEER), Gandhinagar. 196 p.
GIDE (2009). Regional environmental assessment in western parts (Lakhpat,
Nakhtrana and Abdasa talukas) of Kachchh district, Gujarat. A draft report
prepared by Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj-Kachchh,
Gujarat, India. 451 p.
Jethva B. and Jhala Y.V. 2000. “Ecological Impact Assessment of Lignite Mining in
Kutch India”. Oral presentation given in an international symposium:
Carnivore-2000, held in November-2000 at Denver, Colorado. USA.
Jethva B. D. and Jhala Y. V. 2003. Foraging Ecology, Economics and Conservation
of Indian Wolves in the Bhal Region of Gujarat, Western India. Biological
Conservation: 116: 351-357.
Jethva B. D. and Jhala Y. V. 2004. Computing biomass consumption from prey
occurrences in Indian wolf scats. ZooBiology, Volume 23, Issue 6, Pages 513 -
520.
Joshi, P. N. (2002). Study of ethnobotanical angiosperms of Bhuj and Mandavi
talukas of Kachchh, Gujarat. Ph. D thesis, Bhavnagar university, Bhavnagar.
Ministry of Environment and Forests: 2011: Critically endangered animal species of
India March 2011. Government of India publication.
Rodgers, W. A., Panwar, H. S. and Mathur, V. B. (2000) Wildlife Protected Area
Network in India: A Review (Executive Summary). Wildlife Institute of India,
Dehra Dun. Pp. 44..
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Silori, C. S. Dixit, A. M., Gupta, L. M. and Mistry, N. R. (2005). Observation on
medicinal plant richness and associated conservation issues in district
Kachchh, Gujarat. In: Medicinal plants : utilization and conservation (ed.) P. C.
Trivedi, Rajasthan University, Rajasthan
Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972) 1993. Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Government of India. http://envfor.nic.in/legis/wildlife/wildlife1.html [accessed 6
Nov 2008].
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Annexure- I: Curriculum Vitae of the NABET Accredited Expert, Dr. Bharat Jethva
(Ecology & Biodiversity) Academic qualification:
Ph.D. in Ecology & Environment -FEB-2003 from Wildlife Institute of India-FRI Deemed University-. Thesis title: „Feeding Ecology and Habitat Needs of Wolves in the Bhal Area of Gujarat‟.
M.Phil., Zoology, 1995 Department of Zoology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University Ahmedabad.
M.Sc., Zoology 1994., Department of Zoology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University Ahmedabad. India
B.Sc., Zoology, 1992 from Bahauddin College-Junagadh, Saurashtra University Gujarat, India.
Work experience:
1. Currently working as Category-A Accredited Expert for Ecology & Biodiversity, by National Accreditation Board Government of India and Recognized by Ministry of Environment Forests & Climate Change for Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) experts.
2. More than 25 years of experience in the field of Wildlife Research and Conservation with special emphasis on Endangered species, Conservation and research on Endangered Birds (ornithological), Environment Impact Assessment, Wetlands, Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, Grasslands and Desert Ecosystems.
3. Worked as Asian Waterbird Census Coordinator with Wetlands International-South Asia, New Delhi from September 2008 to June 2011. Coordinated Asian Waterbird Counts in Asian region.
4. Worked as Scientist for 5 years (1st September 2003 to 31st August 2008) at GEER Foundation (an autonomous institute under Gujarat Forest Department), Gandhinagar.
5. As Senior Research Fellow in the Conservation of the India Wolf Research Project at Wildlife Institute of India from January-2000 to August 2003.
6. As Junior Research Fellow, in the Conservation of the India Wolf Research Project at Wildlife Institute of India. From December-1997 to December-1999.
7. As Technical Assistant on Conservation of the Indian Wolf Research Project at Wildlife Institute of India. From November 1995 to December 1997.
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Memberships:
1. Member of IUCN-Flamingo Specialist Group.
2. Member Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat
3. Executive Committee member Mangrove Society of India –Goa,
4. Member- International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems-Japan
5. Member Sirenian International, USA
Technical reports published:-
1. Status, distribution and habitat Survey of Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis
nigriceps in Gujarat, 2008. Project sponsored by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
2. Status of Gyps Vultures in Gujarat, 2007- A comprehensive state-wide survey of vulture nests and population. Project sponsored by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. Published by GEER Foundation.
3. Biodiversity of Purna Wildlife Sanctuary a comprehensive ecological and socio-economic study. Mammals and socio-economic studies 2007.
4. Biodiversity of Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary a comprehensive ecological and socio-economic study. Contribution in studies on mammals 2008.
5. Movement Pattern of Wild Ass Across the Proposed Kachachh Branch Canal (Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited) on the Northern Fringe of Wild Ass Sanctuary in Gujarat, 2006.
6. Status of Gyps Vultures in Gujarat, 2005- A comprehensive state-wide survey of vulture nests and population. Published by GEER Foundation
7. Proceedings of the workshop on “Cranes and Community in Gujarat-a holistic conservation strategy for future” held on 23rd November-2004 at GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
8. Ecological Impacts of Lignite Mining in Kutch with Special Emphasis on the Indian Grey Wolf and its Habitats, 1997. WII-EIA Technical Report No-19, Wildlife Institute of India.
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Peer reviewed scientific publications:-
1. Jethva B. D. and Jhala Y. V. 2004. Computing biomass consumption from prey occurrences in Indian wolf scats. ZooBiology, Volume 23, Issue 6, Pages 513 - 520.
2. Jethva B. D. and Jhala Y. V. 2003. Foraging Ecology, Economics and Conservation of Indian Wolves in the Bhal Region of Gujarat, Western India. Biological Conservation: 116: 351-357.
3. Jethva B. D. and Jhala Y. V. 2003. Sample Size Considerations for Food Habits Studies of Wolves from Scats: Mammalia 67: 589-591
4. Sankar K, Jethva B. 2002. Notes on Food habits of Stripped Hyena (Hyena hyena) in Sariska Tiger Reserve: short note in Journal of Bombay Natural History Society.
5. Ramesh Sabapara; Suresh Chugh; Bharat Jethva; Budhan Pukazhenth;
David E. Widt; Terri L. Roth (1994) A note on reproduction research. Asiatic Lion Population Habitat Viability Analysis (PHVA) report, Vadodara, 1993.
6. Sandeep B. Munjpara, B. Jethva, C.N. Pandey: 2011: Distribution of the
Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Gruiformes: Otididae) in Gujarat State, India . Journal of Threatened Taxa. 01/2011; 3:2090–2094.
7. Sheetal Punjani, Bharat Jethva, Preeti Shrivastava: 2011: Morphophysiology
of Radiation Induced Lenticular Opacity. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 2, Issue 12, December-2011, ISSN 2229-5518.
8. Sheetal Punjani, Bharat Jethva, Preeti Shrivastava: 2012. Effects of fructose
on Radiation induced lenticular opacity. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 3, Issue 11, November-2012 ISSN 2229-5518.
9. Kalavanti Mokaria, Bharat Jethva, 2018. Diversity, Local Distribution and
Occurrence of Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata: Insecta) In Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (Ramsar Site), Gujarat. IJSRP, Volume 8, Issue 1, January 2018 Edition [ISSN 2250-3153].
Other Contributions:
1. Newsletter for Asian Waterbird Census December 2008. Published by Wetlands International Malaysia office.
2. Childress, B., Nagy, S. and Hughes, B. (Compilers). 2007. International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor). AEWA Technical Series No. --. Bonn, Germany.
3. Contribution to Chapter on Dugong of Asia, in a Book on Dugong (Dugong dugon) published by Elen Hinse. James Cook University of Australia.
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Trainings obtained:
1. Training Programme on „Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Energy Sector’ held in Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand on 3-5 August 2015.
2. One week Regional Training Programme on Wetland Management and Conservation held between 2-6th May 2008 at GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
3. UNESCO Regional training program on Satellite Image Processing for Natural Resources Management (21-31 January 2002), conducted by Centre for Geo-Sciences and Engineering, Anna University, Chennai.
4. Animal Welfare Training Course 1995. Conducted by Animal Welfare Board of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests held at Sakkarbaug Zoo, Junagadh Gujarat.
Selected presentations/Abstracts in conferences:
1. Jethva Bharatkumar, A. G. Untawale, Jayantibhai Chauhan, Shigeyuki Baba. “Mangrove plantations by local community in Sabarmati Estuary, Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat”. Silver Jubilee Mangrove Conference on July 26-27 2017.
2. Jethva Bharat, A. G. Untawale, Shigeyuki Baba. “Mangrove Plantation in Sabarmati Estuary, Gulf of Cambey in Gujarat”. International Conference on Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystems: Managing A Vital Resource For Achieving The SDGS and the Paris Agreement. 18-21 April 2017, Bali, Indonesia.
3. Conservation Potential of Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Gujarat.
National workshop on Marine biodiversity and community held at GEER Foundation with the support of MoEF, Government of India at Ahmedabad.
4. Jethva B. 2005, Vulture Conservation initiatives in Gujarat, Abstract and Oral Presentation in the conference of Society for Conservation Biology Asia Chapter held in Kathmandu, Nepal, November-2005.
5. Jethva B. 2005, Crane Conservation and community in Gujarat, Abstract and Oral Presentation in the conference of Society for Conservation Biology Asia Chapter held in Kathmandu, Nepal November-2005.
6. Jethva B and Jhala Y.V 2003, Foraging ecology, economics, and conservation of Indian wolves. Abstract for an oral presentation in International Wolf congress to be held at Banff, Alberta Canada on September-25–28, 2003.
7. Jhala Y.V., Jethva B, and Chauhan K, 2001. The Role of Predation by Wolves (Canis lupus pallipes) and Jackals (Canis aureus) on Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) in Velavadar National Park, India. Presentation in International Canid Conference held in Oxford University U.K.
8. Jethva B and Jhala Y.V 2000, “Food habits, Consumption and predation by wolves in the Bhal, India, Abstract in an international symposium “Beyond
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2000: Realities of Global Wolf Restoration held at Duluth, Minnesota, USA, Feb-2000.
9. Jethva B. and Jhala Y.V. 2000. “Ecological Impact Assessment of Lignite Mining in Kutch India”. Oral presentation given in an international symposium: Carnivore-2000, held in November-2000 at Denver, Colorado. USA.
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