ANNEXURE 1: ECOLOGICAL IMPACT STUDY

Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for

Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report

Section - 9: Conclusions and Recommendations 237

ANNEXURE – 1: ECOLOGICAL IMPACT

STUDY

Ecological Impact Study

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN (SDP)

FOR

RAVI RIVERFRONT URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

January-2021




Table of Contants TOC-I

TABLE OF CONTANTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................... 1

SECTION - 1: INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1

1.1 Objectives of the Ecological Impact Assessment Study ...... 1

1.2 Methodology to conduct Ecological Impact Assessment... 1

1.3 Legislation and Guidelines ..................................................... 1

1.4 Study Team .............................................................................. 3

SECTION - 2: OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS................................................. 1

2.1 Section-1 Ecological Baseline Study of the project .............. 1

2.1.1 Project Study Area................................................................... 1

2.1.2 Steps in Ecological baseline study ......................................... 2

2.2 Section-2 Ecological Mapping of the Study Area .............. 51

2.3 Section-3 Assessment of Ecological Impacts from the

Development in the project area ........................................ 53

2.3.1 Construction impacts ............................................................ 53

2.3.2 Operational impacts ............................................................. 58

2.4 Section –4 Mitigation Measures ............................................ 62

2.4.1 Impact avoiding/minimizing ................................................. 62

2.4.2 Restoration and Compensation ........................................... 63

SECTION - 3: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................... 65




Appendices: TOC-II

APPENDICES:

Appendix-1: Appendices of CITES ................................................................................. 68

Appendix-2: Punjab Wildlife Act (amendments) 2007 ................................................. 71

Appendix 3: List of plant species recommended to be planted on riverbank.......... 76

Appendix 4: List of trees for buffer zones and roadside ............................................... 81

Appendix 5: List of Palms, Gymnosperms, shrubs and ferns for Parks and Gardens .. 83




List of Tables: TOC-III

LIST OF TABLES:

Table 1-1: Ecology Study Team .................................................................................... 3

Table 2-1: GIS based estimated existing landuses with their areas within the

project site. ................................................................................................... 2

Table 2-2: Criteria used for evaluating a site/habitat. ............................................... 3

Table 2-3: Criteria for evaluating species found within a habitat ............................. 4

Table 2-4: Evaluating the significance of an ecological impact. ............................. 4

Table 2-5: Details of the forest areas within the project boundary. .......................... 5

Table 2-6: Evaluation of forests in the Project area .................................................. 10

Table 2-7: Evaluation of low-lying grassland in the Project area ............................ 11

Table 2-8: Evaluation of Agricultural fields in the Project area ................................ 12

Table 2-9: Evaluation of orchards in the Project area .............................................. 13

Table 2-10: Evaluation of ponds in the Project area. ................................................. 14

Table 2-11: Evaluation of River in the Project area .................................................... 15

Table 2-12: Evaluation of Islands in the Project area ................................................. 16

Table 2-13: Evaluation of wastelands in the Project area ......................................... 17

Table 2-14: List of plant species collected from ponds and river in the project area.

.................................................................................................................... 18

Table 2-15: List of plant species collected from different habitats in the project

area. ........................................................................................................... 19

Table 2-16: Status of plant species recorded within the study area ......................... 31

Table 2-17: List of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians of the project area ... 34

Table 2-18: Species richness of fauna and flora of the habitat types in the study

area. ........................................................................................................... 39

Table 2-19: List of insect species identified in different habitats................................ 40

Table 2-20: List of zooplanktons and protoctists found in the ponds and river of the

study area .................................................................................................. 42

Table 2-21: List of the fish species found in the river Ravi. .......................................... 43

Table 2-22: Status of Mammals Species recorded within the Study Area ................ 50

Table 2-23: Status of Amphibian Species recorded within the Study Area .............. 50

Table 2-24: Status of Reptile Species recorded within the Study Area. .................... 50

Table 2-25: Status of Birds Species recorded within the Study Area ......................... 51




List of Tables: TOC-IV

Table 2-26: Human Impacts on River Ecosystem. ....................................................... 53

Table 2-27: In-depth Impacts of Riverfront Development on Ecological Resources

of the River Ravi ......................................................................................... 61

Table 3-1: Visiting season of the migratory birds found at the project site............. 66




List of Figures TOC-V

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2-1: Map of the Project area showing the locations of ecological study sites

...................................................................................................................... 1

Figure 2-2: GIS based estimation of the forest areas in the project ........................... 7

Figure 2-3: GIS based estimation of the forest areas affected by channel widening

of River Ravi after development. ............................................................... 9

Figure 2-4 (a): Birds of the study area ......................................................................... 44

Figure 2-5 (b): Birds of the study area ......................................................................... 45

Figure 2-6 (c): Birds of the study area ......................................................................... 46

Figure 2-7 (d): Birds of the study area ......................................................................... 47

Figure 2-8: Mammals of the studuy area ................................................................... 48

Figure 2-9: Reptiles and Amphibians of the study area ............................................ 49

Figure 2-10: Biodiversity map of the protected species and their linkage with their

habitats....................................................................................................... 52

Figure 2-11: Simplified Food web in the Project Area. ................................................ 52

Figure 2-12: Ecological and astronomical light pollution (Longcore and Rich 2004).

.................................................................................................................... 60

Figure 3-1: Fixtures that enhance and reduce light pollution .................................. 69

Figure 3-2: Proper installation of fixtures can save energy and reduce light

pollution http://physics.fau.edu/observatory/lightpol-prevent.html .... 70

Figure 3-3: Kites diving to get sacrificial meat at Shahdara Bridge. ........................ 71

Figure 3-4: People selling and buying sacrificial meat at Shahdara Bridge. .......... 71

Figure 3-5A: Spotlight on building height and bird migration (San Francisco

Planning Department 2011) ...................................................................... 73

Figure 3-6B: Portion of the buildings most susceptible to bird strikes. (San Francisco

Planning Department 2011) ...................................................................... 74

Figure 3-7: Bird scaring devices (a) spikes, (b) flex track, (c) net ............................. 75




List of Plates: TOC-I

LIST OF PLATES:

Plate – 1A: Prosopis glandulosa invasion at Shahdara reserve forest. ....................... 1

Plate - 1B: Livestock in the Mohlanwal forest .............................................................. 1

Plate - 2A: Thick understory and herbaceous cover in Bhaini Forest. ........................ 2

Plate - 2B: Mixed forest at Mohlanwal. ....................................................................... 2

Plate - 3A: Karol Forest Shahdra .................................................................................... 3

Plate - 3B: Conocarpus plantation at Anno Bhatti Forest. ......................................... 4

Plate - 4A: Newly established Eucalyptus stands at Anno Bhatti Forest in 2014. ...... 5

Plate - 4B: Eucalyptus stands in Anno Bhatti Forest in 2021. ....................................... 5

Plate - 5A: Parthenium invasion at Mohlanwal Forest. ................................................ 6

Plate - 5B: Saccharum dominated community near riverbank at Bhaini Forest. ..... 6

Plate - 6A: Mixed plantation at Anno Bhatti Forest. .................................................... 7

Plate - 6B: Paper Mulberry along Riverbank at Bhaini Forest. ................................... 8

Plate - 7A: Pure Eucalyptus stands at Jhok Forest. ...................................................... 9

Plate - 7B: Young Dalbergia stands at Mohlanwal Forest. ......................................... 9

Plate - 8A: A view of Jhok Reserve Forest. ................................................................. 10

Plate - 8B: A view of Jhok Reserve Forest. ................................................................. 10

Plate - 9A: Acacia-Dalbergia stand at Mohlanwal forest. ....................................... 11

Plate - 9B: Vegetation analysis at Bhaini Forest. ....................................................... 11

Plate - 10A: Eucalyptus stands on riverbank of Mohlanwal Forest. ............................ 12

Plate - 10B: Livestock grazing in Jhok reserve forest. .................................................. 12

Plate - 11A: Vegetation Analysis at Bhaini forest. ........................................................ 13

Plate - 11B: Parthenium invasion in Mohlanwal Forest. .............................................. 13

Plate - 12A: Gathering information from local community members and forest

Department Staff at Mohlanwal Forest. .................................................. 14

Plate - 12B: Invasion of Lantana camara at Jhok reserve forest. .............................. 14

Plate - 13A: Thick vegetation and herbage cover at Jhok reserve forest. ............... 15

Plate - 13B: A view of (Dhana-Bhaini) Jhok reserve forest. ........................................ 16

Plate - 14A: Fauna and flora data collection in the forest. ........................................ 17

Plate - 14B: A view of Bhaini Forest showing grass cover, Acacia trees and grazing

herds. .......................................................................................................... 17




List of Plates: TOC-II

Plate - 15A: Degraded forest patches in Jhok (Dhana- Bhaini Forest) ...................... 18

Plate - 15B: Guava plantation in agroforestry areas of Dhana-Bhaini Forest. .......... 19

Plate - 16A: Pure willow stand at Bhaini forest ............................................................. 20

Plate - 16B: New areas coming under agroferstry at Dhana-Bhaini forest. .............. 20

Plate - 17A: Eucalyptus stand at Bhaini forest ............................................................. 21

Plate - 17B: Agroferstry at Bhaini forest. ....................................................................... 22

Plate - 18A: Lantana camara invasion at Dhana-Bhaini forest.................................. 23

Plate - 18B: Agroferstry at Bhaini forest in 2014. .......................................................... 23

Plate - 19A: Agroforestry at Bhaini. ............................................................................... 24

Plate - 19B: A distant view of Shadanwali 2 Forest. .................................................... 25

Plate - 20A: Shadanwali 3 Forest................................................................................... 26

Plate - 20B: Shadanwali 3 Forest................................................................................... 26

Plate - 21A: Map of Korotana forest. ............................................................................ 27

Plate - 21B: Nursery at Korotana forest. ....................................................................... 27

Plate - 22A: Agriculture at Korotana forest. ................................................................. 28

Plate - 22B: View of Korotana forest. ........................................................................... 29

Plate - 23A: A grassland near Bhaini forest. ................................................................. 30

Plate - 23B: Pond in the grassland near Bhaini forest. ................................................ 30

Plate - 24A: Grazing in the grassland. .......................................................................... 31

Plate - 24B: Vegetation and fauna analysis in a degraded grassland. .................... 31

Plate - 25A: Overgrazing has resulted in degradation of grassland vegetation. ..... 32

Plate - 25B: Egrets in the fields. ..................................................................................... 32

Plate - 26A: Paddy fields. ............................................................................................... 33

Plate - 26B: Paddy and Sorghum fields. ....................................................................... 33

Plate - 27A: A Lychee orchard. ..................................................................................... 34

Plate - 28B: Corn fields, Gauva orchard and forest at Bhaini. ................................... 34

Plate - 29A: A seasonal Pond. ....................................................................................... 35

Plate - 29B: A freshwater pond in the grassland. ........................................................ 35

Plate - 30A: A freshwater pond in the grassland. ........................................................ 36

Plate - 30B: A wastewater pond close to the village at Kalakhatai road. ............... 36

Plate - 31A: A freshwater pond in the grassland. ........................................................ 37




List of Plates: TOC-III

Plate - 31B: A freshwater pond in the forest. ............................................................... 37

Plate - 32A: Birds clustered on a small island in the river. ............................................ 38

Plate - 32B: Eroded and cut riverbanks. ...................................................................... 38

Plate - 33A: People crossing the river on boats. .......................................................... 39

Plate - 33B: Shoreline vegetation. ................................................................................ 39

Plate - 34A: People crossing the river on boats. .......................................................... 40

Plate - 34B: Riverbank.................................................................................................... 40

Plate - 35A: View of Ravi River, in the background is Bhaini forest. ........................... 41

Plate - 35B: View of Ravi River, in the background is Mohlanwal forest. .................. 41

Plate - 36A: Riverbank.................................................................................................... 42

Plate - 36B: Walk along the riverbank for data collection. ........................................ 42

Plate - 37A: Fishing in river Ravi. .................................................................................... 43

Plate - 37B: Fishing in river Ravi. .................................................................................... 43

Plate - 38A: View of Ravi river. ...................................................................................... 44

Plate - 38B: View of Ravi river. ...................................................................................... 44

Plate - 39A: Ravi Bridge Shahdara. ............................................................................... 45

Plate - 39B: People using polluted water for bathing and washing at Ravi Bridge

Shahdara. ................................................................................................... 45

Plate - 40A: Polluted riverbank at Ravi Bridge Shahdara. .......................................... 46

Plate - 40B: Polluted riverbank at Ravi Bridge Shahdara. .......................................... 46

Plate - 41A: Livestock grazing on an Island in the river Ravi. ...................................... 47

Plate - 41B: Livestock grazing on an Island in the river Ravi. ...................................... 47

Plate - 42A: Livestock grazing on an Island in the river Ravi. ...................................... 48

Plate - 42B: Livestock grazing on an Island in the river Ravi. ...................................... 48

Plate - 43A: Shoreline vegetation on the island. ......................................................... 49

Plate - 43B: Distant view of Kamran Baradari Island. .................................................. 49

Plate - 44A: Kamran Baradari........................................................................................ 50

Plate - 44B: Kamran Baradari........................................................................................ 50

Plate - 45A: A wasteland in the study area. ................................................................ 51

Plate - 45B: A wasteland in the study area. ................................................................ 51

Plate - 46A: Insect collection using sweep nets. ......................................................... 52

Plate - 46B: Insect collection using sweep nets. ......................................................... 52




List of Plates: TOC-IV

Plate - 47A: Flora and fauna data collection. ............................................................. 53

Plate - 47B: Water and sediment collection from river. .............................................. 53


Plate - 48B: Bird observation using binoculars. ............................................................ 54


Plate - 49B: Algal growth in an irrigation channel. ..................................................... 55

Plate - 50A: Egrets in the fields. ..................................................................................... 56

Plate - 50B: Egrets in the fields. ..................................................................................... 56

Plate - 51A: Dead wild cat in the fields. ....................................................................... 57

Plate - 51B: Grasscrete along walkways. ..................................................................... 57

Plate - 52A: Grasscrete in a parking lot. ....................................................................... 58

Plate - 52B: Grasscrete layers. ...................................................................................... 58

Plate - 53A: Eucalyptus stands established in March 2013 at Anno Bhatti Forest. .... 59

Plate - 53B: Eucalyptus stands established in March 2014 at Anno Bhatti Forest. .... 60

Plate - 54A: A view of Anno Bhatti Forest. .................................................................... 60

Plate - 54B: Livestock grazing at Anno Bhatti forest. ................................................... 61

Plate - 55A: A view of Anno Bhatti Forest. .................................................................... 61

Plate - 55B: A view of Shahdara Reserve Forest.......................................................... 62

Plate - 56A: A view of Shahdara Reserve Forest.......................................................... 62

Plate - 56B: Eucalytus plantation at Shahdara Reserve Forest. ................................. 63

Plate - 57A: Herbaceous cover in the degraded Shahdara Reserve Forest. ........... 64

Plate - 57B: Eucalytus plantation at Shahdara Reserve Forest. ................................. 64

Plate - 58A: Eucalytus plantation at Shahdara Reserve Forest. ................................. 65

Plate - 58B: Soil excavation at Shahdara Reserve Forest. .......................................... 65

Plate - 59A: Eucalytus plantation at Shahdara Reserve Forest. ................................. 66

Plate - 59B: Degraded Shahdara Reserve Forest. ...................................................... 66

Plate - 60A: Eucalyptus tree regenerating from cut stump at Shahdara Reserve

Forest. ......................................................................................................... 67

Plate-60B: Eucalyptus trees regenerating from cut stumps at Shahdara Reserve Forest.

.................................................................................................................... 67

Plate - 61A: Eucalyptus tree regenerating from cut stump at Shahdara Reserve

Forest. ......................................................................................................... 68




List of Plates: TOC-V

Plate - 61B: Interviewing local people at Shahdara Reserve Forest. ........................ 68




0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project is a proposed project to be carried-out on

both sides of a 46 km long stretch of River Ravi. The project will have three phases

which foster mega urban development in the area. This ecological impact assessment

was carried-out as part of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to gather

ecological data of the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project. The proposed

project may have impacts on the natural environment including existing fauna, flora

and their wild habitats. This assessment includes the study of both aquatic and

terrestrial ecology of the project area. The guiding principle for this part of the EIA

report is to conserve major habitats of flora and fauna in the area. This section of the

report includes identification, prediction and evaluation of existing habitats, flora and

fauna. The baseline ecological study was of 40 days in which tours of the area were

arranged in 2014 to assess plants and animals present in different habitats. Survey was

repeated in January 2021 for verification and updating the previously gathered

information. After a vigorous literature review, certain criteria were established to

evaluate habitats, animal and plant species. Keeping in view international and

national legislations, protection status of species found in all habitats were sorted. This

helped in proposing options for the conservation of respective habitats of protected

species. The project site is significant due to its biodiversity richness which was 116

species of fauna and 147 species of flora. Fauna included 24 species of insects (only

butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and mosquitoes), 53 of birds, 13 of mammals, 9 of

reptiles, 3 of amphibians and 14 of fish. There were 147 species of plants in the area.

Nine bird, 2 mammal and 5 reptile species are protected year-round under Schedule

three of the Punjab Wildlife Act (Amendment) 2007. All the five nationally protected

reptile species are on either Appendix I, II or III of CITES. Indian cobra and Ceylon

chameleon are on Appendix II of CITES. The native fish species Mully (Wallago attu)

and the Indian soft-shell turtle are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red Data

List of threatened species. In mammals Jungle Cat and Indian Mongoose are

protected under Schedule III of Punjab Wildlife Act (Amendment 2007) while Asiatic

Jackal and Indian Mongoose are on Appendix III of CITES. Indian bull frog is protected

under Apendix II of CITES. None of the plant and insect species are either nationally or

internationally protected. The detailed surveys assisted in mapping momentous

ecological relationships of the area i.e. food chains and food webs between aquatic




0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2

and terrestrial flora and fauna. The potential ecological impacts from the project’s

construction and operation were identified and their possible mitigation measures are

proposed for enactment of habitat and species there. It is strongly recommended

from this ecological impact assessment report that river is a substantial body as a part

of an aquatic biome which should be conserved. Other habitats, most importantly

shoreline and forests are essential habitats for survival of many animal and plant

species, if they will be destroyed or affected by the development in the area,

consequently many flora and fauna species will also disappear.




Section - 1: INTRODUCTION 1

SECTION - 1: INTRODUCTION

This ecological impact assessment is carried-out as part of an Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIA) to gather ecological data of the Ravi Riverfront

Urban Development Project which may have an impact on the natural

environment including existing fauna, flora and wildlife habitats. This

assessment includes both aquatic and terrestrial ecology of the study area.

The guiding principle for this part of the EIA report is to conserve major

habitats of flora and fauna in the area.

This chapter includes identification, prediction and evaluation of existing

habitats of study area, flora and fauna. The baseline ecological study was of

40 days in which tours of the study area were arranged to assess plant and

animals in different times of the day. The potential ecological impacts from

the project’s operation and construction were identified and possible

mitigation measures are proposed for enactment of habitat and species

there.

1.1 OBJECTIVES OF THE ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY

The objectives of this ecological study were to

• identify important ecological resources within the study area

• assess the potential impacts on these ecological resources from the

development in the area

• provide practical mitigation measures to combat, minimize or avoid impacts

from the development within the area

1.2 METHODOLOGY TO CONDUCT ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The current study was carried-out in following steps:

1. Documentation of important ecological resources, i.e surveys were

conducted to gather data about habitat, flora and fauna in the

region, in addition to it, available literature (published reports, research

papers etc.) were searched and used in compiling ground

observations.

2. Evaluation of significance of ecological resources

3. Prediction of ecological impacts on the resources due to project

development

4. Provision of mitigation measures which will reduce or minimize impacts

identified on ecological resources.

1.3 LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES

This Ecological impact assessment was carried-out in consideration of

national and international legislations which Pakistan is abided by. The list of





guidelines and conventions are as follows:

International legislations: Pakistan is signatory to many international

conventions and treaties

• Ramsar Convention: this is intergovernmental Convention on Wetlands of

International Importance; Pakistan is ratified to this convention on November

23, 1976. The main objective is to conserve world’s wetlands and their

resources.

• Bonn Convention: Convention on the Conservation of migratory Species of Wild

Animals, June 1979 and came into force in Pakistan in 1987. The main aim of

this convention is to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species

throughout their range.

• Convention on Biological Diversity CBD: Pakistan ratified to CBD in 1994; it

recognizes the intrinsic Value of biological diversity and ecological, genetic,

social, economic, cultural, educational, recreational, and aesthetic values of

biodiversity and its components.

• IUCN Red List of threatened species: The International Union for Conservation

of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species provides

taxonomic, conservation status and distribution information on plants, fungi

and animals that have been globally evaluated using the IUCN Red List

Categories and Criteria. This system is designed to determine the relative risk of

extinction, and the main purpose of the IUCN Red List is to catalogue and

highlight those plants and animals that are facing a higher risk of global

extinction (i.e. those listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered and

Vulnerable). It also includes information on plants, fungi and animals that are

categorized as Extinct or Extinct in the Wild; on taxa that cannot be evaluated

because of insufficient information (i.e., are Data Deficient); and on plants,

fungi and animals that are either close to meeting the threatened thresholds

or that would be threatened were it not for an ongoing taxon-specific

conservation programme (i.e., are Near Threatened).

• CITES: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora is an international agreement between governments. Its aim

is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants

does not threaten their survival. The species covered by CITES in the project

area are listed in Appendix-1.

National Legislation: Acts and Rules

Following national laws and acts are in force in Pakistan for the protection of

Environment and biological diversity.

• Pakistan Forest Act 1927; Forest (Amended) act 2001





• The Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management)

(Amendment) Act, 2007. The detail of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds

protected throughout the year (Third Schedule) is attached in Appendix-2.

• Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997

• Pakistan National Conservation Strategy (1992)

• Biodiversity Action Plan (2000)

• National Environmental Policy (2005)

• National Forest Policy (2010)

• National Climate Change Policy (2012)

1.4 STUDY TEAM

The details of ecological study team members is given below:

Table 1-1: Ecology Study Team

Sr.

No.

Name of the

Member Specialization Qualification

1 Dr. Faiza Sharif

Conservation

Biologist/Restoration

Ecologist

Ph. D. Botany (GCU Lahore)

2 M. Umar Hayyat EIA specialist

M. Phil. Environmental

Science

(GCU Lahore)

PhD Scholar Environmental

Science (GCU Lahore)

3 Dr. Rashid

Mahmood Botanist

M. Phil. Botany (GCU Lahore),

PhD Environmental Science

(GCU Lahore)

4 Dr. Laila Shahzad Environmentalist


Science (GCU Lahore), PhD

Environmental Science

(LCWU Lahore)

5 Dr. Sumbal Nazir Zoologist

M. Phil. Zoology (GCU

Lahore), PhD Environmental


6 Ms. Asma Mansoor Restoration Ecologist

BSc (Hons.) Environmental

Science (GCU Lahore), MPhil.

Environmental Science (GCU

Lahore)

7 Ms. Arooj Fatima Habitat Ecologist BSc (Hons.) Environmental






Sr.

No.

Name of the

Member Specialization Qualification


Lahore)

8 Mr. Zawar Haider Field Surveyor/

Environmentalist

BSc (Hons.) Environmental



Lahore)

9 Mr. Junaid Nadeem Wildlife Expert M. Phil. Zoology

GC University, Lahore.

10 Mr. Shahzad Siddiq Environmentalist


Science

(GCU Lahore),

PhD Scholar Environmental





Section - 2: OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS 1

SECTION - 2: OBSERVATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS

2.1 SECTION-1 ECOLOGICAL BASELINE STUDY OF THE PROJECT

2.1.1 Project Study Area

The area of the project is 46 km downstream on the River Ravi. The project will

have three phases, will be called phase-1, phase-2 and phase 3. This riverfront

urban development will take place on 46 km Long River with a stretch of 5 km

on each side of the riverbank. The cited area is diverse mix of forests,

agriculture, ponds, lowlands and wasteland etc.

River Ravi: Total area of the River present in the project boundary is about

9,908 Acre. The banks of the River Ravi are vegetated with tree species like

Dalbergia sissoo, Eucalyptus and Acacia nilotica etc. where ever riparian

forests exist. Many grasses and sedges are common on the riverbank as

Cynodon dactylon, Saccharum munja, S. spontaneum, Cyperus difformis

and C. iria. Important fishes of river Ravi are Thaila, Mori, Rohu, Singharee and

Carp etc. The river Ravi is highly polluted river of Punjab with untreated

industrial and municipal waste ending up in it especially in the areas around

Lahore city. The situation is further worsened by dumping of municipal solid

waste on its banks. There are many settlements of katchi abadis close to the

river, which add up in polluting riverbank as well as dry bed of the river. Figure

2-1 shows the locations of the ecological study sites within the Project area.

Figure 2-1: Map of the Project area showing the locations of ecological study sites





2.1.2 Steps in Ecological baseline study

The ecological baseline study was carried-out in three steps:

A. identifying habitats in the area,

B. identifying species of fauna and their protection status

C. identifying species of flora and their protection status

A) Habitat survey and profile

The total project area was surveyed in a team and data was gathered for

the habitat information on the basis of following: Identifying types of habitats,

observing existing condition in each habitat and its ecological characteristics

and providing overview of other distinct characters of the site. The study area

is curbed to 46 km on the both sides of riverbank. The track was determined

by using aerial photographs and the GIS-based maps helped in locating side

roads from the main course. There are five main roads entering from different

sides of the project area that gave access to the study sites i.e. Kala Khatai

road, G.T. road, Lahore ring road, Multan road and Jaranwala road. Habitats

were studied starting from main roads and moving through side roads to

ending up at river at most of the locations. The project area has diverse kinds

of habitats ranging from forested area, agriculture fields, lowland grasslands,

orchards, wastelands etc. Table 2-1 shows types of landuses in project site

and their GIS based estimated areas before the development.

Table 2-1: GIS based estimated existing landuses with their areas within the project

site.

Landuse Area (Acre)

Agriculture 77,357

Barren Land 2,851

Bund or Spurs 295

Creeks 526

Drainage 259

Dumping Site 736

Flood Plain 4,482

Forest 4,958

Graveyard 148.87

Industrail & Commercial Zone 461.9

Island 33.65

Orchards 2,600

Planned 923

Ponds 984

River 3,591

Settelments 1,868

Total 102,074





In the project area, each type of habitat, species of flora and fauna were

observed and evaluated on the basis of criteria which were developed to

assess ecological characteristics and their importance.

Criteria for Evaluating Ecological significance and Ecological impacts of

habitats, flora and fauna

The ecological impact is direct or indirect effect on species or their habitat

due to changes in the environment by a project. In general, an ecological

significance refers to the importance of a specie/site to particular area

whereas ecological impact evaluates importance of certain species or a

habitat specific to the project area in comparison to other less important

ones. Criteria that were used to evaluate ecological importance and

impacts of development on the local ecosystems are presented as follows

(Table 2-2).

Table 2-2: Criteria used for evaluating a site/habitat.

Criteria Remarks

Naturalness

A natural habitat with lesser modifications by human beings

is highly valued in ecological valuation. The more natural

an area will be, the higher will be its importance in

ecological evaluation.

Size A habitat with large area shall be of more importance than

a small area.

Diversity

In a habitat, more diversity of the species communities,

higher will be their conservation value in ecological

valuation.

Rarity

Rarity is a trait of habitats as well as species. The rarer

habitats and species will have higher value of the site than

those without rarity.

Re-creatability Habitats those are difficult to be re-created naturally or

artificially are usually valued higher. e.g. a natural forest

Fragmentation

Fragmentation occurs when a continuous larger habitat

loss into smaller parts/remnants. The more fragmented

habitats have the lower value and vice versa.

Ecological linkage

Ecological linkage refers to a close proximity of two

habitats. e.g. a wetland in a forest area. The value of a

habitat increases if it lies in close proximity and/or links

functionally to a highly valued habitat of any type.

Potential value

Certain sites, through appropriate management or natural

processes, may eventually develop a nature conservation

interest substantially greater than that existing at present.

Factors limiting such potential being achieved shall be

noted.





Criteria Remarks

Nursery/breeding

ground

These are areas of high importance due to the potential of

regeneration and long-term survival of many organisms and

their populations. e.g. coral reefs

Age

Old Long-standing natural or semi-natural habitats are of

higher value. For some habitats such as woodlands, older

ones are normally valued much higher than recent ones.

Abundance/Richness

of wildlife

In general sites supporting more wildlife will be rated higher

than having less/no wildlife.

In the project area, flora and fauna species were identified and their status

was evaluated on the basis of following criteria as shown in Table 2-3

Table 2-3: Criteria for evaluating species found within a habitat

Criteria Remarks

Protection status

It refers to the Species listed under local legislation and

international conventions for protection and conservation

purposes. Species of wildlife shall be given special attention.

Rarity

Rarity is a trait of high concern in ecological evaluation. The

rarer the species, the more value it has. Although exotic species

either rare have low value.

Distribution

Distribution of species can be extensive or restricted. Species

with restricted distribution (locally or regionally) will be of higher

value because of its vulnerable status than those more

widespread ones. In this context endemic species are of higher

concern to a nation.

After documenting the baseline data and impacts of construction in the said

area, ecological impact is identified as described in Table 2-4.

Table 2-4: Evaluating the significance of an ecological impact.

Criteria Remarks

Habitat quality

The quality of habitat is defined to be the basic characteristics

of an ecological site; as how diverse the habitat is. “The impact

will be more significant if ecologically important habitats are

affected”. The criteria used for evaluating the ecological

importance of a habitat can be naturalness of the area, size,

diversity, rarity etc. as shown in Table 2.

Species

Species refer to the organism of a population occupying an

area. “The impact will be more significant if ecologically

important species are affected”. The criteria used for evaluating

the ecological importance of a species are shown in Table 3.

Size/Abundance The impact will be greater if larger areas of a habitat or greater

numbers of organisms are affected (e.g. The impact of





Criteria Remarks

indiscriminate clearance of woodland is more severe than that

of selective felling of trees at the same site).

Reversibility Permanent and irreversible impacts are usually more significant

than temporary and reversible ones.

Duration Long term impacts are usually more significant than short term

ones.

Magnitude

Usually the greater the magnitude of the environmental

changes (e.g. increase in pollution loads, decrease in food

supply), the more significant is the impact.

Habitat Information

1: Forests: There are seven forests in the project area with a total area of 5766

Acre out of that 789 is under Riverbed, 1235 is with Pak Army, 3697.5 is with

forest Department and 44.5 is encroached upon. Out of the 3697.5 Acre area

that is with the Forest Department only 1822 Acre is planted (Table 2-5,

Appendices 6-8). There is 1235 Acre area of Shadanwali, Korotana and Jhok

forests that is with the Pak Army that had both forest stands and agroforestry.

The exact estimation of the planted cover of these forests under possession

of both organizations was difficult, so GIS based estimation was used for this

purpose (

Figure 2-2). The results showed that total planted forest cover is upto 4958

Acre, but the field visits showed that in many areas tree density was very low

such as agroforestry areas of Dhana-Bhaini and Korotana Forests. The tree

species planted in these forests comprise mainly of Eucalyptus, Sheesham,

Kikar, Willow, Simbal and Mulberry etc.

Table 2-5: Details of the forest areas within the project boundary.





Legal

Status Name

Forest

type

Area under Forest Department

(Acre)

Un

de

r Pa

k A

rmy

(A

cre

)

Un

de

r R

ive

rbe

d

(Ac

re)

En

cro

ac

he

d (

Ac

re)

Est

ima

ted

are

a u

nd

er

Riv

er

aft

er

de

ve

lop

me

nt

(Ac

re)

Gro

ss A

rea

Pla

nte

d

Tota

l b

lan

k

Pla

nta

ble

bla

nk

un

-pla

nta

ble

bla

nk

Section

38 Anno Bhatti Riverian 272 260 12 0 0 - - 12 117.43

Reserved Shahdara Riverian 1615 860 755 20 732 - 732 2.5 21.33

Un-

classed

Kamran

Bara Dari Riverian 21 15 6 0 6 - 6 - 0

Reserved Jhok* Riverian 3071 672 916 927 42 590 - 3 0

Reserved Shadanwali* Riverian 380 - - - - 326 - 24 3.31

Reserved Korotana* Riverian 359 - - - - 319 40 0 85.17

Un-

classed Katar Bund Riverian 48 15 19 19 0 - 11 3 27.39

Total 5766 1822 1708 966 780 1235 789 44.5 254.63

(Source: Punjab Forest Department as of January 2021), *1235 Acre area of these forests is undercontrol of Pak Army

and the planted area reported here is only that is under Forest Department.





Figure 2-2: GIS based estimation of the forest areas in the project

1) Anno Bhatii Forest: The total area of this forest is 272 Acre and was

approached by the team through Lahore Ring Road (Appendix 6). The

planted area of this forest is 260 Acre according to the report of Punjab Forest

Department as of July 2020 (Table 6). In 2014 visit it was found that 60 Acre

area of the forest was planted with Eucalyptus in March 2013 and March 2014

(30 Acre each year). Other than Eucalyptus few trees of Acacia nilotica, A.

modesta, and Dalbergia sissoo were found there and the forest was in much

degraded state. But in the current survey in January 2021 it was found that its

150 Acre area was planted in 2016-17, and 25-Acre area in 2017-18 with

Eucalyptus, Kikar, Sheesham, Melia azedarach (Bakain), Kachnar, Morus alba

(Toot), Neem and Conocarpus spp. Among the invasive species Prosopis

juliflora, Paper mulberry and Parthenium hysterophorous were present there.

Herbaceous flora mostly comprised of Croton sparsiflorus, Calotropis procera

and Cynodon dactylon.

2) Shahdara Reserve Forest: The total area of this forest is 1615 Acre and was

approached by the team through Lahore Ring Road (Appendix 7). This is

second largest forest by area in the study site. This forest had a very low

planted area and was in a much-degraded state in 2014, as its soil has also

been excavated and removed from many places. Total planted area of this

forest was only 1.84 Acre in 2014. Almost all of the Eucalyptus trees seem to

be regenerating from cut stumps. Other than Eucalyptus, Ziziphus

nummularia, C. procera, Cynodon dactylon Desmostachya bipinnata,

Sonchus asper and Cyprus were common wild species. Site was heavily

invaded by Prosopis glandulosa. Some compartments of this forest are in the

river but still it had a very large area that was in need of rehabilitation in 2014.

January 2021 visit revealed that the total planted area of this forest is now 860

Acre out of that 600 Acre in Karol were planted in 2014-15 with Eucalyptus

camaldulensis, Morus alba, Morus nigra, Shireen, Simbal, Popular, Jaman,

Conocarpus and Jacaranda etc. and 120 Acre was planted in 2015-16 with

Eucalyptus spp. Invasive species here included P. hysterophorus and Prosopis

juliflora.

3) Jhok Forest: This is the largest forest in the study area and spreads on both

sides of the river. The part of it on the right side of the river while travelling

downstream is known as Dhana Bhaini forest and on the left bank is known as





Chung Mohlanwal forest named after the adjacent towns (Appendix 8). The

total area of this forest is 3071 Acre out of that 672 Acre is planted as per

Forest Department. Its 590 Acre is under Pak Army control in Dhana-Bhaini side

of the forest that also had forest cover that is not included in the above

estimate. Some area of this forest is also under the river but still it has 927 Acre

area that can be rehabilitated.

Dhana Bhaini forest was approached by the team through Lahore-

Jaranwala road. Some part of it is under army control and is under

agroforestry where seasonal vegetables, corn and sorghum crops were

observed. This forest is under threat because of agroforestry as agricultural

activities like pesticide sprays, frequent irrigation and fertilizer use can have

detrimental effects on soil properties as well as on local fauna and flora.

January 2021 visit revealed more area to be under agriculture and young

guava plantations were also observed. Chung Mohlanwal Forest was

approached by the team through Multan road. This forest is larger in size as

compared to Dhana Bhaini. This forest was stressed by grazing of large

number of livestock kept by the local community. Forest is planted with

Eucalyptus camaldulensis, D. sissoo, Acacia nilotica and Salix tetrasperma

etc. Both these forests were in more intact state as compared to the others

with plantations that were old plus tree stands that were less than 10 years

old. The forest was rich in biodiversity. Invasion of Paper mulberry (especially

in Dhana Bhaini), Lantana camara, P. hysterophorus and mesquite was found

here.

4) Shadanwali Forest: This forest is scattered in small patches known as

Shadanwali 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Appendix 8). The forest was approached by the

team through Lahore-Jaranwala road. Most area of this forest in

compartments 2, 3 and 4 is under Army control while compartment 1 (24

Acre) is under encroachment. As per Forest Department information no

forest cover is shown here because 326 Acre is with Army, but site visit and

data collected from the site showed that almost 340 Acre area of this forest

(Shadanwali 2, 3 and 4) is planted. Most common trees there are Sheesham,

Eucalyptus, Simbal, Toot and Bakain.

5) Korotana Reserve Forest: The total area of this forest is 359 Acre and was

approached by the team through Lahore-Jaranwala road (Appendix 8).

Most of this forest is under Army control (319 Acre) is with the Army and 40

Acre is in Riverbed . This forest is predominantly planted with Eucalyptus and

Sheesham.

6) Katar Bund Forest: This forest is divided into Katar Bund North and South and

is approachable from Multan Road. This is a very small patch of 48 Acre out

of that 19 Acre is Katar Bund North and 29 Acre is Katar Bund South (Appendix

8). Only 15 Acre area of Katar Bund is planted with Eucalyptus, 11 Acre is

under River and 3 Acre is encroached upon.





7) Targhar (Kamran Bara Dari): This is an ‘un-classed’ forest with an area of 21

Acres. The forest is mainly planted with Eucalyptus, Sheesham, Arjun and

Willow etc. The whole of the area of this forest will be protected in the new

development by creating an island.

GIS based estimate has shown that in the new development almost 117 Acre area of

Anno Bhatti, 85 of Korotana, 27 of Katar Band North, 21 of Shahdra and 3.31 of

Shadanwali 4 forests will be lost because of river channelization and widening, while

Jhok, Kamran Bara Dari forests will remain unaffected

Figure 2-3: GIS based estimation of the forest areas affected by channel widening

of River Ravi after development.

The forests were surveyed by the team to identify plant species. Quadrats of

10 m × 10 m were marked in the forests and the number of herbs, shrubs and

trees present in it were recorded (Table 2-6 and Plates 4-23). The samples of

unidentified species were collected and were identified in the laboratory

using available literature and electronic databases.





Table 2-6: Evaluation of forests in the Project area

Criteria Remarks

Naturalness

The forests in the project area are seminatural, as they contain

planted species that are not native to Pakistan like Eucalyptus

spp. along with native species like D. sissoo and A. nilotica etc.

These forests are providing habitat to many native species of

fauna and flora. Agroforestry was introduced in some areas of

the Jhok and Korotana forests. Invasion of Prosopis juliflora,

Prosopis glandulosa, Lantana camara, Broussonetia and

Parthenium has been observed in different forests.

Size There are seven forests in the project area of different sizes

ranging from 48-3071 Acre.

Diversity Diversity of species and habitat types present in the forests is high.

Rarity

Habitat is rare because of a river and forest combination and

largescale conversion of land into agriculture. Few species are

vulnerable according to their conservation status in the region.

Re-creatability

Such forests are not easily re-creatable and it takes long time for

the trees to grow and the diverse species assemblages to

develop from recolonization and establishment.

Fragmentation

The forests are not connected and most of them are fragmented

and isolated. There is a need to develop corridors and create

buffers around them.

Ecological linkage

They had good ecological linkages as they are close to

agriculture fields, river and there are temporary ponds created in

the low-lying areas after rains or floods.

Potential value They have very high conservation value.

Nursery/breeding

ground

Such forests provide important nursery or breeding ground to

many mammals, birds and reptiles.

Age

These forests are old but there are mix of old and comparatively

young trees in the forests as plants are added when so ever

budget is available. Some of the trees are lost after floods or

harvested by the forest department each year.

Abundance/Richness

of wildlife

These forests have high species richness especially of plants, birds

and invertebrates. Diversity of species in the forests is high with 94

plant species and 67 species of birds, reptiles, mammals and

amphibians.

2: Low-lying Grasslands: There are few low-lying grassland areas within the

study area. The lowland areas are inundated by the river when water level is

high after monsoon and during the dry season agriculture is practiced on

some parts of them. One such large grassland is situated adjacent to Dhanna

Bhaini forest. This area was dominated by Cynodon dactylon and other herbs





and grasses (Plates 24-26A). Common species were Croton sparsiflorus,

Polygonum plebejum and Saccharum spontaneum. Some invasion of

Parthenium hysterophorus was also observed. Many ephemeral pools

appear during rainy season that add up to their wildlife and habitat diversity.

These areas are used by the people for livestock grazing. Besides flora, there

were bird species like acridoeheres tristis, hoplopterus indicos, and easer

domesticus etc. Other animal species included Hystrix indica, and Golunda

elliota.

Table 2-7: Evaluation of low-lying grassland in the Project area

Criteria Remarks

Naturalness The low-lying grasslands in the area are natural. But they suffer

from disturbances like agricultural activity and grazing.

Size

Generally, they are not one of the major habitat types in the

area. They are productive areas because seasonal flooding

adds nutrients and sediments making them suitable for

agriculture.

Diversity Because of their smaller size diversity of species and habitats

was low as compared to the forests.

Rarity Because of its competitive agricultural use this is a rare

habitat type within the study area.

Re-creatability Because of the presence of grasses, it can be comparatively

easily recreated.

Fragmentation These grasslands are subjected to fragmentation from the

forest areas.

Ecological linkage Habitat value is high because of linkages with agricultural

fields, river and ponds.

Potential value

Due to human disturbance in the form of cattle grazing and

agriculture this area is under threat. Economic benefits can

be generated from these areas because of the presence of

species like Saccharum spontaneum and S. munja that can

be exploited on sustainable basis.

Nursery/breeding

ground

They usually have comparatively low value in context of

breeding grounds for other organisms, but they act as a

refuge for wildlife.

Age

Their age is varied from few years to several years as these

are recreated repeatedly due to natural and anthropogenic

disturbances.

Abundance/Richness of

wildlife

Moderate with 10 plant species (excluding pond) and 52

species of birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians.





3: Agriculture and Roadside: Most of the project area is agricultural land in

the project boundary which is almost 75.78% of the land covering the area of

77,357 Acre. These lands have an extensive network of side roads and

because of their closeness to the roads they are kept in a single habitat type.

The most common crops grown over there were rice, Sorghum bicolor and

corn while seasonal vegetables were also grown there (Plates 26B-28A). There

were many species of both native and exotic trees like Acacia nilotica,

Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melia azedarach and D. sissoo. Shrubs like

Calotropis procera, Ricinus communis, herbs and grasses like Amaranthus

viridis, Conyza ambigua, Paspalum distichum, Echinochloa colonum,

Cynodon dactylon, sedges like Cyperus iria and Cyperus rotundus. Among

invasive species Prosopis juliflora and Parthenium hysterophorus were more

common. The agriculture land is valuable for birds like acridoeheres tristis,

hoplopterus indicos etc. Other animal species are felis chaus, Hystrix indica,

and Golunda elliota etc.

Table 2-8: Evaluation of Agricultural fields in the Project area

Criteria Remarks

Naturalness All agricultural fields are highly manipulated and are artificial

ecosystems created by humans.

Size Size of this type of habitat within the project area is very large.

Diversity

Plant diversity was very high because of the larger area and a

lot of planted species by humans. Trees are planted on the

margins of the fields to act as a wind breaks or for shade. Fruit

trees like mango and guava were also there. Moreover,

sufficient water and nutrients attract many weeds.

Rarity Most of this area is under agriculture before the project but will

be permanently lost and highly reduced after the project.

Re-creatability This habitat can be recreated where soil conditions are good,

and water is available.

Fragmentation These fields are fragmented due to roads and human

settlements.

Ecological linkage

Agricultural land is protected by farmers who are local people.

They protect their fields from unwanted disturbance but many

animals from adjacent forests come for forage.

Potential value

They have high economic value. The area along Kalakhatai

road is famous for producing Basmati rice that is highly priced in

the International market. Important for food production and

security.

Nursery/breeding

ground

These lands are in use by the nesting birds for foraging; many

mammals, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians use these as

nursery/breeding grounds





Criteria Remarks

Age

Agriculture in this area is practiced for a long time especially the

extension of canal irrigation system led to the largescale

clearance of natural vegetation for agricultural purposes.

Abundance/Richness

of wildlife

High, with 98 plant species and 57 species of birds, reptiles,

mammals and amphibians.

4: Orchards: There are many privately owned orchards present in the project

area with a total area of about 2600 Acre. According to the master plan of

the project, most of these orchards will be retained as such in the new

development in the eco-village of Phase 3 and the farmhouses of Phase 1.

These orchards were of guava, lychee, strawberry and only a few of mango

(Plate 28). Due to proximity of river and fertile soil besides growing crops,

orchard plantation is common practice for commercial purposes. These

orchards were also the habitat of many birds, mammals and plant species.

Bird species were Acridotheres ginginianu, Dicrurus macrocersus vieillot,

Passer domesticus, and Corvus splendens. And the species of mammals were

Hystrix indica, Funambulus pennantii, Golunda elliota and Herpestes

edwardsi. Some grasses and herbs were also present there.

Table 2-9: Evaluation of orchards in the Project area

Criteria Remarks

Naturalness All orchards are artificially created.

Size The size of this habitat type is 2.55% of the total project area.

Diversity Orchards had moderate diversity of flora and fauna.

Rarity This habitat type is not very common in the area and will be

further reduced after development.

Re-creatability Orchards can be recreated but will take time for the plants

to grow and start producing fruits.

Fragmentation These are fragmented and scattered.

Ecological linkage Moderate due to proximity of agricultural fields and at some

places to the forests.

Potential value High economic value plus important for food production.

Nursery/breeding

ground

Their value as breeding grounds is comparatively low.

Orchards are owned by the local people who protect them

from unwanted entrance of animals.

Age Form recent to more than a decade old


wildlife

Moderate abundance, with 49 plant species and 45 species

of birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians.

5: Ponds: The area has wastewater ponds around towns and villages. The

area of ponds is 984 Acres. There will be no wastewater ponds after the

development. Fresh water ponds are seasonal in the area and are created





due to collection of water in depressions after the rainy season (Plates 29-31).

After the development freshwater ponds will be created in Phase 3. Following

bird species were observed around the ponds Egretta intermedia,

Streptopelia tranquebarica, Acridotheres tristis, Dicrurus macrocersus vieillot,

Egretta garzetta, Corvus splendens. One Amphibian species Euphlyctis

cyanophlyctis was common there. Some aquatic plants were also there.

Table 2-10: Evaluation of ponds in the Project area.

Criteria Remarks

Naturalness

Mostly ponds were wastewater ponds for sewage disposal

around settlements. Fresh water ponds in the forests and

grasslands and other areas were natural.

Size Overall size of both these types of ponds was small (< 1%) in

the area.

Diversity Diversity of these ponds were moderate

Rarity Ponds were rare in the project area.

Re-creatability These can be re-created artificially.

Fragmentation Mostly ponds are fragmented.

Ecological linkage Good ecological linkage is due to their presence in forests or

grasslands.

Potential value

Removal of wastewater ponds will increase the

environmental and aesthetic values of the site. Recreation of

Freshwater Ponds in the area will be beneficial in increasing

both species and habitat diversity. They will have their

potential value for fishing and aquaculture as well.

Nursery/breeding

ground

These are important breeding grounds for many insects that

use these ponds as their nursery.

Age Most of the ponds around settlements are old. Freshwater

ponds are mostly seasonal.


wildlife

Abundance of plant and animal species was low. There were

5 macrophyte species and 19 species of birds, reptiles,

mammals and amphibians. Diversity of algae and

zooplanktons was high in the freshwater ponds.

6: River: River Ravi is an old river of Province Punjab, which is badly polluted

close to city Lahore (Plates 32-40). There are many fish species of high food

and economic value known to this river. Water quality of River is poor owing

to the discharge of industrial effluents and sewage water. Tree species on

riverbanks in the area of the forests were mostly Eucalyptus canaldulensis,

Acacia nilotica and Dalbergia sissoo. The aquatic species Eichhornia

crassipes and Pistia stratiotes were also seen on the water surface. Birds on

the embankments were mainly Egretta intermedia, Haplopterus indicus,

Acridotheres ginginianus, Columbia livia. These riverbanks are important for





many migratory birds for example, Anas crecca, Egretta garzetta and

Gallinago Gallinago. Fishing activities were observed both upstream and

downstream of Lahore city.

Table 2-11: Evaluation of River in the Project area

Criteria Remarks

Naturalness

The River Ravi is natural but will undergone channelization.

Also, it is badly degraded by the solid waste generated by

city inhabitants of Lahore, due to domestic sewage and

industrial discharge into main channel of river.

Size The size of the River channel will increase after the project

due to its widening.

Diversity Moderate

Rarity

Punjab is named due to five rivers in the province, Ravi is very

important because all the riparian forests and habitats

floodplain ecosystem services are dependent on it. Its

importance has increased because of decreased water

discharge from India. By area it is a rare habitat as it only

covers < 10% of the total area.

Re-creatability It can be re-created but recreation of a river is very difficult

may take more than 15 years to take its natural flow.

Fragmentation It is a continuous river.

Ecological linkage

It provides important ecological corridor for the movement of

fish and other aquatic life. Moreover, it is also important for

the movement of migratory birds. It is important for the

establishment of riparian vegetation. Seasonal flooding

creates ponds and nurtures other habitat types.

Potential value

The river is a lifeline to support all the goods and services

provided by the surrounding landscape whether in the form

of agriculture or forests. Due to the current degraded and

polluted condition of the river provision of these goods and

services is highly affected. There is a need to improve its water

quality by treating the sewage for the enhancement of its

ecological, economic and aesthetic values.

Nursery/breeding

ground

This river provides breeding ground to many fish, reptile,

amphibian and invertebrate species.

Age It is very old.


wildlife Moderate as compared to forests

7: Island: There are islands in the study area that are created when water

level in the river goes down, while they inundate when water level rises (Plates

41-43 A). One of the islands is very famous historically because of the





presence of Kamran Bara Dari that was built in 1540 (Plates 43B-44). Other

one is in the area of the Jhok reserve forest where wheat is cultivated in winter

when river water levels are low. No crop is cultivated in summer because of

the risk of flood damage so at that time they are converted into grasslands.

Shrubs found there were Calotropis procera, herbs are Eclipta alba,

Parthenium hysterophorus, Phyla nodiflora, Polygonum plebejum, grasses are

Cynodon dactylon, Dactyloctenium scindicum, Echinochloa colonum,

Saccharum spontaneum, sedges are Cyperus rotundus. Out of these species,

there are three invasive species. Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana and

Prosopis juliflora are invasive.

Table 2-12: Evaluation of Islands in the Project area

Criteria Remarks

Naturalness

There is one permanent island in the area while three

more will be created under new development. The

existing one is having old history with the river.

Size Currently size of this habitat is very small (33.65 Acre) but

will be increased after the development.

Diversity Moderate diversity, much river shoreline diversity exists in

this part of land.

Rarity Rare as area under them before and after the

development will be comparatively small.

Re-creatability This can be recreated after diverting the river channel.

But the cost for doing so will be higher.

Fragmentation Fragmented and isolated from other land because of

river.

Ecological linkage Important ecological linkages with interference of land

and water.

Potential value High potential value, important for migratory birds resting

and foraging sites.

Nursery/breeding

ground Vital breeding ground as a shoreline habitat.

Age Old history of seasonal creation


wildlife Moderate

8: Wasteland: There were wastelands in the area, which were with very little

vegetation cover. Sand dredging was carried out at one of such sites near

the river (Plate 45). The total area of such barren lands is currently 2851 Acre

in the project. After the development there will be no wasteland. They maybe

because of human pressures that resulted in land degradation and

desertification. Salt crust was seen on the surface of soil at a couple of places

indicating land salinization.





Table 2-13: Evaluation of wastelands in the Project area

Criteria Remarks

Naturalness

Naturally it used to have vegetation cover but due to

human pressure and their activities, now it is converted

into wastelands.

Artificial.

Size Varies from small to large. Overall area of this landuse is

currently 2.79%.

Diversity Diversity of such habitats is low.

Rarity Not very common, but they should be reclaimed to

productive uses.

Re-creatability

This can be recreated easily. But rather than recreating

this site, it should be replanted or used in a development

perspective.

Fragmentation These are in the form of patches in the productive land.

Ecological linkage They were present close to agriculture fields. Some also

had temporary freshwater ponds in it.

Potential value

Such lands have low potential value with respect to

biological diversity. Their economic value is very low but

can be increased after rehabilitation and reclamation.

Nursery/breeding

ground

Their value as a nursery or breeding ground for species is

low.

Age Recent to old

Abundance/Richness

of wildlife

Low, with 26 plant and 33 species of mammals, birds,

reptiles and amphibians.

B) Flora Information

1- Survey for the Floral Inventory of the project area

Plants species in the study area were surveyed by the team using all the major

roads travelling upstream and downstream of Lahore at both sides of river

Ravi first in 2014 and then repeated in January 2021. Plant species on the main

and side roads, orchards, grasslands and agricultural fields were carried out

using 100 m long transect walks. Quadrats of 10 m × 10 m were marked in the

forests and the number of herbs, shrubs and trees present in it were recorded

(Table 7 and Plates 4-23). Long walks along the bank of the river at various

locations helped in describing shoreline vegetation. Islands were reached

through boats. Unknown plants species were collected for the purpose of

identification which were then identified using Floras of Lahore, Punjab and

Pakistan. Help from eflora of Pakistan

(http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=5), IUCN’s red list

(https://www.iucnredlist.org/) and global invasive species database

(http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/) websites was also taken. Number and types

http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=5

https://www.iucnredlist.org/

http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/





of trees, shrubs, and herbs were recorded during the surveys and their IUCN

status was noted afterwards. Few common trees were eucalyptus, seesham,

kikar, beri, toot, dherak, phulai etc. Invasive species included Lantan camara,

Prosopis juliflora and Parthenium in terrestrial ecosystems while Pistia and

Eichhornia crassipes were invasive species of aquatic ecosystems. List of

aquatic plant species present in river or pond is given in Table 2-14 while list

of plants from all other habitats is given in Table 2-15.

Table 2-14: List of plant species collected from ponds and river in the project area.

AQUATIC PLANTS COMMON NAMES

Habitat

s Abundanc

e class

IUCN

STATUS R P

ANGIOSPERMS

Eichhornia crassipes* Water Hyacinth + + A Not

Evaluated

Lemna minor Common

Duckweed - + B

Least

Concern

Pistia stratiotes* Tropical Duck-

Weed + + B

Least

Concern

Potamogeton sp. Pondweed - + D Not

Evaluated

Typha angustata Lesser indian reed

mace - + C

Not

Evaluated

PTERIDOPHYTES

Marsilea villosa Villous Waterclover - + B Not

Evaluated

BRYOPHYTE

Marchantia sp. Liverwort + - D Not

Evaluated

"+" = Present, "-" = Absent, * = Invasive, R= River, P = Pond, A = Very Common, B =

Common & Widespread, C = Less Common, D = Rare, E = Very Rare

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fern





Table 2-15: List of plant species collected from different habitats in the project area.

SCIENTIFIC NAMES COMMON NAMES HABITATS ABUNDAN

CE CLASS

IUCN

STATUS F A + R R. B. O L W K I

TREES

Acacia nilotica Egyptian Thorn + + - + - - + - A Not

Evaluated

Albizia lebbeck Rain Tree + + - - - - + - C Not

Evaluated

Albizia procera Tall Albizia - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Alstonia scholaris White Cheesewood - - + - - - + - D Least

Concern

Azadirachta indica Neem Tree + - - - - - + - C Not

Evaluated

Bombax ceiba Cotton Tree + + + - - - + - C Not

Evaluated

Broussonetia

papyrifera* Paper Mulberry + + + - - - - - D

Not

Evaluated

Conocarpus spp Mangrove tree + + - - - - + - D -

Cordia myxa Assyrian Plum + + - - - - - - D Not

Evaluated

Cupressus

sempervirens Italian Cypress - - - - - - + - E

Not

Evaluated

Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo Tree + + + + - - + - A Not

Evaluated

Ehretia serrata Koda Tree + - - - - - - - E Not






CE CLASS

IUCN


Evaluated

Erythrina suberosa Corky Coral Tree + - - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Eucalyptus

camaldulensis Red Gum + + + + - - - - B

Not

Evaluated

Eucalyptus citriodora Spotted Gum + - - - - - + - D Not

Evaluated

Eucalyptus largiflorens Flooded Gum + - - - - - + - D Not

Evaluated

Ficus benghalensis Banyan Fig - + - - - - + - C Not

Evaluated

Ficus carica Fig + + - + - - - - C Least

Concern

Ficus infectoria White Fig - - + + - - - - D Not

Evaluated

Ficus racemosa Cluster Fig - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Ficus religiosa Peepul Tree + + + + - - + - C Not

Evaluated

Mangifera indica Mango - + - - - - + - D Data

Deficient

Melia azedarach China Berry + + + + - - + - B Not

Evaluated

Mimusops elengi Spanish Cherry - - - - - - + - E Not






CE CLASS

IUCN


Evaluated

Morus alba White Mulberry + + + + - - + - B Not

Evaluated

Morus nigra Black Mulberry - + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Musa paradisiaca Banana - + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Nerium oleander Oleander - + - - - - + - E Least

Concern

Parkinsonia aculeate Cambron + + + - - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm + - + - - - + - C Not

Evaluated

Platanus orientalis Chinar - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Pongamia pinnata Indian Beech + + + - - - + - C Least

Concern

Polyalthia longifolia Ashok - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Populus euphratica Salt Poplar - + - + - - - - D Not

Evaluated

Prosopis cineraria Jand - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Prosopis juliflora* Mesquite + + + + - - + - B Not






CE CLASS

IUCN


Evaluated

Psidium guajava Guava + + - + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Salix tetrasperma Indian Willow + - - - - - - - D Not

Evaluated

Syzygium cumini Black Plum - + - + - - + - C Not

Evaluated

Tamarix aphylla Athel Pine + - - - - - - - D Not

Evaluated

Terminalia arjuna Arjun Tree + - - - - - + - D Not

Evaluated

Ziziphus jujuba Chinese Date + + + - - - - - C Least

Concern

Ziziphus nummularia Jujube + + + - - - - - C Not

Evaluated

SHRUBS

Abutilon bidentatum Velvetleaf - + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Abutilon hybridum Chinese Bellflower + + - - + - - - C -

Acacia farnesiana Mimosa Bush - + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Atriplex crassifolia Saltbush - + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Bougainvillea Bougainvillea - - - - - - + - E Not






CE CLASS

IUCN


spectabilis wild Evaluated

Calotropis procera Rubber bush/ Aak + + + + - - + - B Not

Evaluated

Hibiscus rosa sinensis Shoe Flower - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Ipomoea carnea Bush Morning Glory + + + - + - - + C Not

Evaluated

Jasminum officinale Jasminum - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Lantana camara* Big Sage + - + - - - + - C Not

Evaluated

Murraya exotica Orange Jasmine - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant + + - - - - + - C Not

Evaluated

Rosa indica Rose Bed - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Sida cordifolia Country Mallow + - - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Tamarix dioca Salt Cedar - + + - - - - + D Not

Evaluated

Withania somnifera Indian Ginseng + + + + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

HERBS






CE CLASS

IUCN


Agave Americana Century Plant + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Achyranthes aspera Prickly Chaff Flower + + - + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Alhagi maurorum Camelthorn + - + + - + - - C Not

Evaluated

Alternanthera sessilis Sessile Joyweed + + + - - - - - C Least

Concern

Amaranthus viridis Slender Amaranth + + - + - - - - B Not

Evaluated

Ammannia baccifera. Blistering Ammania - + - - - - - - E Least

Concern

Boerhavia diffusa Red Spiderling + + + - - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Cannabis sativa Marihuana + + - - - - - + C Not

Evaluated

Cassia absus Tropical Sensitive

Pea + + - - - - - - D

Least

Concern

Chenopodium

ambrosioides Mexican Tea + + - - - - - + C

Not

Evaluated

Chenopodium album Lambsquarters + + + - - - - - B Not

Evaluated

Chrozophora tinctoria Dyer's Litmus - + - - - - - - E Least

Concern

Citrullus lanatus Watermelon + + + + - - - + D Not






CE CLASS

IUCN


Evaluated

Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed + + - + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Conyza ambigua Rough Conyza + + + + - + - - B Not

Evaluated

Conyza Canadensis Horseweed + - - - - + - - D Not

Evaluated

Croton sparsiflorus Ban Tulasi + + + - + + - - B Not

Evaluated

Croton tiglium Purging Croton - - - - - + - - E Not

Evaluated

Digera muricata False Amaranth + + + + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Datura metel Devil's Trumpet - - - - - - + - E Not

Evaluated

Eclipta alba Eclipte Blanche + + + + - + - + B Data

Deficient

Euphorbia hirta Asthma Weed + + - + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Euphorbia prostrata Prostrate Sandmat + + + + - + - - B Not

Evaluated

Launaea procumbens Country Dandelion + + + - + - - - C Not

Evaluated

Leptochloa panacea Mucronate + + - + - + - - C Least






CE CLASS

IUCN


Sprangletop Concern

Malvastrum

coromandelianum False Mallow + + - + - - - - C

Not

Evaluated

Nicotiana

plumbaginifolia Tex-Mex Tobacco - + + - - - - - E

Not

Evaluated

Oxalis corniculata Sleeping Beauty + + + + - + - - B Not

Evaluated

Oxystelma

esculentum Rosy Milkweed Vine + - - - - + - - D

Least

Concern

Parthenium

hysterophorus* Whitetop Weed + + + - + + - + B

Not

Evaluated

Phyla nodiflora Turkey Tangle

Frogfruit + + + + - - - + B

Least

Concern

Physalis divaricate Ground Cherry - + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Polygonum persicaria Redshank + + + + - - - - C Least

Concern

Polygonum plebejum Small Knotweed + + - - + + - + B Not

Evaluated

Portulaca oleracea Little Hogweed + - - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade + + + - - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Solanum Thai Eggplant + - - - - + - - D Not






CE CLASS

IUCN


xanthocarpum Evaluated

Sonchus asper Spiny Milk Thistle + + - - - + - - C Not

Evaluated

Sphenoclea zeylanica Gooseweed - + - - - - - - E Least

Concern

Suaeda fruticosa Shrubby Seablite + - - - - + - - E Not

Evaluated

Trianthema

portulacastrum Wild Water Melon + + + + - - - - C

Not

Evaluated

Tribulus terrestris Bullhead - + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Verbena officinalis Herb Of The Cross + - - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur + + - + - - - - B Not

Evaluated

GRASSES

Acrachne racemosa Goosegrass - + - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Bothriochloa

laguroides Silver Beardgrass - + + - - - - - D

Not

Evaluated

Brachiaria ramose Browntop Millet + - + - - - - - D Least

Concern

Brachiaria reptans Creeping Panic

Grass + + + + - - - - C

Least

Concern






CE CLASS

IUCN


Cenchrus ciliaris Buffel Grass + + - - - - - - D Not

Evaluated

Cenchrus setigerus Birdwood Grass + + - + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Cenchrus

pennisetiformis Cloncurry + - - - - - - - E

Not

Evaluated

Cynodon dactylon Bermuda Grass + + + + + + - + A Not

Evaluated

Dactyloctenium

aegyptium

Egyptian Crowfoot

Grass - + - - - - - - D

Not

Evaluated

Dactyloctenium

scindicum Crowfoot Grass - + + + - - - + B

Not

Evaluated

Desmostachya

bipinnata Halfa Grass + + + + - + - - B

Least

Concern

Digitaria ciliaris Southern Crabgrass - + + + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Dichanthium

annulatum Marvel Grass + - - + - - - - D

Not

Evaluated

Echinochloa colonum Jungle Rice + + + + - - - + B -

Echinochloa crusgalli Barnyardgrass - + - + - + - - C Least

Concern

Eleusine indica Wiregrass - + - - - - - - E Least

Concern

Eragrostis cilianensis Candy Grass - + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated






CE CLASS

IUCN


Eriochloa procera Spring Grass + + - - - - - - D Least

Concern

Hemarthria

compressa Whip Grass + + + + - - - - C

Least

Concern

Imperata cylindrical Blady Grass + + - + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Panicum antidotale Blue Panicgrass - + - - - - - - E Not

Evaluated

Paspalidium flavidum. Yellow Watercrown

Grass + - - - - - - - E

Least

Concern

Paspalum distichum Gingergrass + + - + - + - - B Not

Evaluated

Perotis hordeiformis Bottle-brush grass - - - - - + - - E Not

Evaluated

Phragmites karka Tall Reed + - - - - - - - E Least

Concern

Saccharum munja Plume Grass + + + - - + - - B Not

Evaluated

Saccharum ravennae Canne D'italie + + - + - - - - C Least

Concern

Saccharum

spontaneum Wild Cane + + + + + + - + B

Least

Concern

Setaria glauca Yellow Foxtail + + - - - - - - D Not

Evaluated

Setaria pumila Pigeon Grass + + + + - - - - C Not






CE CLASS

IUCN


Evaluated

Sorghum halepense Johnson Grass + + - + - - - - C Not

Evaluated

Sporobolus

coromandelianus

Madagascar

Dropseed - + - - - + - - D

Not

Evaluated

SEDGES

Carex fedia ness. Carex - + + - + + - - C Not

Evaluated

Cyperus difformis Small flower

Umbrella Sedge - + - - - - - - E

Least

Concern

Cyperus iria Rice Flat Sedge + + + + - + - - B Least

Concern

Cyperus rotundus Nut-Grass + + + + - - - + B Least

Concern

Fimbristylis dichotoma Two Rowed Rush + - - - - + - - D Least

Concern

Pycreus flavidus - - + - - + - - - E Least

Concern

"+" = Present, "-" = Absent, * = Invasive, F = Forest, A + R = Agriculture + Roadside, R. B. = River Bank, R= River, O = Orchard, P = Pond, L =

Lowland, W = Wasteland, K = Kamran Bara dari, I = Island ,AC= Abundance class, A = Very Common, B = Common & Widespread, C =

Less Common, D = Rare, E = Very Rare





In addition to trees, shrubs and herbs found in different habitats, samples of water

were collected from irrigation channels, rice paddies, ponds and river and were

observed under compound microscope for identification of algae. Following is the

list of algae found in ponds and river during study period.

Table 17: List of algae found in irrigation channels, rice paddies, river and ponds

during the study period.

Species Phylum

Spirogyra Charophyta

Chlorococcum Chlorophyta

Ankistrodesmus Chlorophyta

Ulothrix Chlorophyta

Cladophora Chlorophyta

Oedogonium Chlorophyta

Cosmarium Chlorophyta

Hydrodictyon Chlorophyta

Pandorina Chlorophyta

Oscillatoria Cyanobacteria

Nostoc Cyanobacteria

Anabaena Cyanobacteria

Lyngbya Cyanobacteria

Microcystis Cyanobacteria

Chrococcus Cyanobacteria

Navicula Heterokontophyta

Pinnularia Heterokontophyta

2- Protection status of Plants found in the area

After developing inventory of the plants in each habitat, status of species protection,

distribution and their rarity was evaluated according to the criteria described in Table

2-16.

Table 2-16: Status of plant species recorded within the study area

Criteria Remarks

Protection

Status

None of the species is protected under IUCN Red List of Threatened

Species. Status of most of the species is either not evaluated or least

concern.

Distributio

n

5 are very common, 23 are common and widespread, 46 are less

common, 27 are rare and 45 are very rare in the study area.





Criteria Remarks

Rarity

No species is rare under IUCN. But the widespread of exotic species like

Parthenium, Lantana, P. juliflora and Paper Mulberry is pushing native

species of trees, shrubs like Calotropis, Ranunculus to become very less

frequent in the area.

C) Fauna Information

1- Fauna survey for developing inventory in the project site

The survey was done in the project area and data was gathered for

mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, insects and zooplanktons. A checklist

of the species that might be expected in the study area was prepared by

searching published literature. Both direct observation and indirect methods

were used to gather information. Community surveys were carried out and

data was gathered from the local people regarding information of animals

in the area using field guides and colored photographs. A verification survey

was conducted in the second week of January 2021 to verify the presence

and abundance of the fauna reported during the previous study conducted

in 2014. The survey area was the same as in the previous study to draw a

comparative analysis. The literature review and community survey were also

conducted to ensure that all species which are present or expected to be

present within the study area are reported. The detailed survey included

ecological importance of species, their niche and their IUCN conservation

status; like endangered, threatened, vulnerable etc. Plates (46-51A)

a- Survey of Birds

The methodology adopted for the avifauna survey included line-transect

method, point count, direct observation, and call recognition. The bird survey

was conducted at early morning and evening time, when the bird activity is

maximum. The birds were observed with binoculars (10 x 50) and spotting

scopes, and they were identified with the help of field guide/book Grimmett

et al. (2008). The effective sampling distance was 200 m from transects. While

the recorded data included species identity as well as its relative abundance

in the project area. Table 18 and Figures 4 (a-d) show details of the birds found

in the project area.

b- Survey of Mammals

Mammals were surveyed during the visits and were identified from field

observations of paw prints, scats and their burrows. In consideration of the

nocturnal and elusive behaviour of mammals, the survey methodology

included direct observation, spoor tracking (observations based on

footprints, burrows, den sites etc.) and scat analysis (morphometric analysis

of faecal matter). The species identification was based on the field guides

Roberts (2005a & b). Moreover, the public and the Forest Department Staff





were also interviewed regarding the presence of mammalian species and

their relative abundance. Table 18 and Figure 5 show details of the mammals

found in the project area.

c- Survey of Reptiles and Amphibians

These field surveys were carried out to locate species and their habitats within

the study area. The morning surveys were conducted in the bright day light

and evening surveys of the same place were also carried out. The

herpetofauna survey was based on active search method and public survey.

Due to winter season in the second survey in January 2021, herp species were

unlikely to be observed through direct observation. However, the active

search method was adopted whereby debris, logs, and riverbank were

searched for direct and indirect observations. Moreover, the public was

interviewed regarding the species presence and their relative abundance.

List of the species is shown in table 19 and figure 6.

Bird species were more abundant along the riverbanks, agricultural fields and

in forest areas. Most common species were Passer domesticus, Corvus

splendens, Acridotheres tristis, Egretta intermedia, and Dicrurus macrocersus

vieillot. Wild boars and jackals were present in the study area. Mostly small

size mammals which included porcupines, rat and bat species were there.

Mammals were mostly found in forests and agriculture fields. Among the

reptiles, Varanus bengalensis, Uromastyx hardwickii and Naja naja etc. were

common. Three species of snakes and two species of turtles are reported.

According to the IUCN red list of threatened species, Nilssonia gangetica is

vulnerable and it needs to be protected. Only three Amphibian species were

found in the study area. Among them, Hoplobatrachus tigrinus and Bufo

stomaticus were very common. None of the species of birds, mammals and

amphibians were found rare in the IUCN lists.





Table 2-17: List of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians of the project area

Animal Species Common name

Habitats

AC IUCN

status

Punjab

Wildlife

Act

CITES A+

R W P R O L F

Birds

Egretta intermedia Intermediate Egret + - + + - + + B LC

Accipiter badius Shikra + - - - - - + D LC

Acridotheres ginginianus Bank Myna + + - - + + + B LC

Acridotheres tristis Common Myna + + + + + + + A LC

Actitis hypoleucos* Common Sand piper + + - + - + + B LC

Amaurornis phoenicurus White breasted hen - - - + - + - D LC

Anas crecca* Common teal - - - + - - - D LC

Anas Platyrhynchos* Mallard - + - - + + + C LC

Ardeola grayii Indian pond Heron + - - - + - + C LC

Bubulcus ibis Cattle egret + - - + + + + C LC

Callacanthis burtoni Spectacle Finch - - + + + + + D LC

Centropus sinensis Crow pheasant + - - - + - + C LC

Ceryle rudis Pied kingfisher + - - + + + + C LC

Cinnyris asiaticus Purple sunbird + - - - + - + D LC

Columba livia Wild rock dove + - - + + + + B LC

Copsychus saularis Magpie robin + - - - + - + C LC

Coracias benghalensis Indian roller + + - - - - + B LC

Corvus splendens House Crow + + + + + + + A LC






Habitats

AC IUCN

status

Punjab

Wildlife

Act

CITES A+

R W P R O L F

Coturnix coturnix* Common Quail - - - + - - + D LC

Dicrurus macrocersus vieillot Black Drongo + - + + + - + B LC

Dinopium benghalense Golden backed woodpecker + + - - + - + C LC

Egretta garzetta* little egret + - + + + + + B LC

Francolinus pondicerianus Black Partridge + - - - - - + E LC

Francolinus pondicerianus Grey Partridge + + - + + + + C LC

Galerida cristata Crested lark + - - - + + + C LC

Gallinago gallinago* Common snipe - - - + - - - E LC

Gallinula chloropus* Common moorhen - + - + - - + C LC

Gracupica contra Pied myna + + - + + + + D LC

Halcyon smyrnensis White-breasted Kingfisher + - - + + + + B LC

Himantopus himantopus* Black winged stilt + - + + - - - C LC

Hirundo rustica* Common swallow - - - + - - - D LC

Hoplopterus indicus* Red-Wattled Lapwing + + - + + + + B LC

Hydrophasianus chirurgus* white pheasant jacana - - + - - + - E LC

Lanius schach long tailed shrike + - - - - - + C LC

Merops orientalis Green bee eater + + - - - - + C LC

Merops philippinus* Blue tailed bee eater - - - + + + + C LC

Milvus migrans migrans Black kite + - + + + + + A LC

Motacilla alba White wagtail + - - + - + + C LC






Habitats

AC IUCN

status

Punjab

Wildlife

Act

CITES A+

R W P R O L F

Orthotomus sutorius Common tailor bird + - - - - - + C LC

Passer domesticus House Sparrow + + + + + + + A LC

Petronia xanthocollis yellow throated sparrow + - - - - - + C LC

Ploceus philippinus baya weaver + - - + + - + B LC

Pyconotus cafer Red vented bulbul + - - + + + + B LC

Saxicola caprata Bush chat + - - - + - + C LC

Saxicoloides fulicata Indian robin + + - + + + + C LC

Spilopelia senegalensis little brown dove + - - - + - + B LC

Streptopelia capicola Ring necked dove + - - - - + + C LC

Streptopelia tranquebarica Red turtle dove + - - + + + + C LC

Treron phoenicoptera yellow-footed green pigeon - - - + + + + C LC

Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank + - + + - + + B LC

Turdoides caudata Common babbler + + - - - - + B LC

Upopa epops* Hoopoe + - - + + + + B LC

Zosterops palpebrosus Oriental white eye - - - - + - + D LC

Mammals

Canis Aureus Asiatic Jackal + - - + + + + C LC III

Felis chaus Jungle cat + + - + + + + D LC

Funambulus pennantii Palm squirrel + + + + + + + A LC

Golunda elliota Bush rat + - - - + + + B LC






Habitats

AC IUCN

status

Punjab

Wildlife

Act

CITES A+

R W P R O L F

Herpestes edwardsi Indian mongoose + + - + + + + B LC III

Hystrix indica Indian crested porcupine + + + + + + + A LC

Lepus nigricollis Indian hare + + - - - - + D LC

Megaderma lyra Indian false vampires + + - - + + + B LC

Millardia meltada soft furred field rat + + + + + + + B LC

Mus musculus House mouse + + + + + + + A LC

Rattus Rattus roof rat + + - + + + + B LC

Suncus Murinus Asiatic House shrew + + - + + + + B LC

Sus scrofa Wild boar + - - - - + + C LC

Reptiles

Nilssonia gangetica Indian soft-shell turtle - - - + - + + C VU I

Bungarus caeruleus Indian crate + + - + + + + B LC

Calotes versicolor Indian garden lizard + + + + + + + A LC

Chamaeleo zeylanicus Ceylon Chameleon + - - - + + + C NE II

Lissemys punctate Indian flapshell turtle - - - + - + + C LC II

Naja naja Indian cobra - - - + - + + C LC II

Uromastyx hardwickii Spiny tail lizard + + + + + + + B LC II

Varanus bengalensis Indian monitor lizard + + + + + + + B LC I

Xenochrophis piscator Checkered keelback + + + + + + + B NE III

Amphibians






Habitats

AC IUCN

status

Punjab

Wildlife

Act

CITES A+

R W P R O L F

Bufo stomaticus Indus toad + + + + + + + A LC

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis Indian skipper frog - + - - - + - B LC

Hoplobatrachus tigrinus Indian bull frog + + + + - + + A LC II

*=Migratory, A+R= Agriculture and roadside, W= wasteland, P=Pond, R= Riverbank, O=Orchard, L=Lowland, F=Forest, AC =

abundance class, LC=Least concern, VU=Vulnerable, NE=Not evaluated, A=very common, B= common & wide spread, C= less

common, D= Rare, E =very rare.





Table 2-18: Species richness of fauna and flora of the habitat types in the study area.

d- Insect surveys

Insect surveys were carried out using sweep nets, while they were also

identified by direct observations. Because of their well-established status as

indicators of ecosystem health emphasis was given on butterflies. Other

groups included dragonflies, damselflies, and mosquitoes etc. The list of the

species is given in Table-20. Insects were identified with the help of available

literature and keys. Insect guilds are identified with the help of field

observation and available literature (CSIRO, 1991; Triplehorn and Johnson,

2005).

Coleopteran species (Berosus spp. and Hydrophlis spp.) are water scavenger

beetles. Larval stages of Dipteran species (Anopheles spp. and Culex spp.)

occur in ponds while adults are present in forests, lowlands and orchards. They

suck blood of other animals and humans. Female mosquitoes also collect

nectar and honeydew from trees. Larval stages of Chironomid spp. (Diptera)

occur in tree holes filled with water, ponds, stagnant water. Adult stage is

attracted to flowers for pollen and nectar and exist in orchards, lowlands and

forests. Nectar provides good source of energy. Larval stages of Odonata

are present near the bank of river and pond while adult stages can be seen

in orchards, lowlands and forests. Both adult and larval stages of Dragonflies

(Odonata) are voracious predators, feeding on the living prey. Insects

belonging to Hemiptera (Hydrometra spp.) are present in ditches, swamps

and ponds. It moves on the surface of water and eats mosquito larvae and

water fleas. Lepidopteran species play an important role of pollination and

can be seen in agricultural fields, lowlands, orchards and forests.

Habitat types Birds Mammals Reptiles Amphibians Plants

Agriculture and

roadside 41 13 6 2 99

Wasteland 15 10 5 3 26

Pond 11 4 4 2 5

Riverbank 32 9 8 2 53

Orchard 32 11 6 2 49

Lowland 29 12 9 3 10

Forest 47 13 9 2 94





Table 2-19: List of insect species identified in different habitats

Scientific name Common name Habitats

AC IUCN

status A+ R W P R O L F

Order Coleoptera

Berosus sp Beetle - - + - - - - C NE

Hydrophilus sp Beetle - - + - - - - B NE

Order Diptera

Anopheles sp Mosquitoe - - La - A A A B NE

Chironomid sp Non-biting midges - - La La A + A C NE

Musca domestica house fly + + - - + + + A NE

Culex sp Mosquitoe - - La - A A A B LC

Order Hemiptera

Hydrometra sp Bug - - + - - - - E NE

Order Odonata

Crocothemis

erythraea Scarlet Dragonfly A - La - A - A A NE

Ishnura forcipate N/A A - La - A - A A NE

Orthetrum anceps N/A A - La - A - A B NE

Orthetrum Sabina Slender Skimmer A - La - A - A B NE

Pantala flavescens Wandering Glider A - La - A - A A NE

Order Lepidoptera

Agriopis marginaria Dotted Border + - - - + - + B NE

Catoprilia pyranthe Mottled Emigrant + - - - + - + B NE





Scientific name Common name Habitats

AC IUCN

status A+ R W P R O L F

Colotis amata

Fabricius Small Salmon Arab + - - - + - + E NE

Cynthia cardui Painted Lady + - - - + - + D NE

Danaus chrysippus African Monarch + - - - + - + A NE

Junonia almanac Peacock Pansy + - - - + - + D NE

Nomophila

neararctica Lucerne Moth + - - - + - + B NE

Papilio demoleus Lime Butterfly + - - - + - + A NE

Pieris canidia the indian cabbage

white + - - - + - + B NE

Pieris napi Green veined white + - - - + - + B NE

Spodoptera litura Oriental Leaf worm

Moth + - - - + - + C NE

Zizeeria maha Pale Grass Blue + - - - + - + A NE

A+R= Agriculture and roadside, W= wasteland, P=Pond, R= Riverbank, O=Orchard, L=Lowland, F=Forest, LC=Least concern,

NE=Not evaluated, A=Adult, Las=Larvae, AC = Abundance Class, A = Very common, B = Common & widespread, C = less

common, D = rare, E =very rare





e- Survey of zooplanktons

Water samples from river and ponds were collected and brought into the

laboratory. Zooplanktons were observed under compound and stereo

microscopes. List of zooplanktons is given in Table 22.

Table 2-20: List of zooplanktons and protoctists found in the ponds and river of the

study area

Scientific name Group

Paulinella nidulus Amoeboid

Centropyxis aculeta Amoebozoa

Difflugia lobostoma Arcellinida

Plumatella fruiticosa Bryozoan

Fredericella sultana Bryozoan

Diaptomus castor Crustacean

Diaptomus sarsi Crustacean

Cyclops viridus Crustacean

Cyclops varicans Crustacean

Mesocyclops leuckerti Crustacean

Mesocyclops hyalinus Crustacean

Parastenocaris lacustris Crustacean

Daphnia ambigua Crustacean

Ceridaphnia reticulate Crustacean

Moinodaphnia malcayii Crustacean

Daphnia smilis Crustacean

Bosmina longirostris Crustacean

Macrothrix rosae Crustacean

Polyartha vulgaris Rotifer

Keratella quadrata Rotifer

Keratella cochlaeris Rotifer

Asplancha priodonta Rotifer

Epiphanes branchionus Rotifer

Euclanis dilatata Rotifer

Trochosphaera solstitialis Rotifer

Philodina roseola Rotifer

Filina longiseta Zooplankter

Protoctists

Euglena Protoctist

Paramecuim Protoctist





f- Fish survey

Fish surveys were conducted in the main channel of river Ravi with the help

of local fishermen using nets. These nets were deployed at different sites for

30 minutes to one hour during the vegetation survey of the nearby

community. Fishermen were also interviewed to collect information on the

river fish in the study site. List of fish species found in the river are shown in

Table 2-21.

Table 2-21: List of the fish species found in the river Ravi.

Scientific Names Common Names IUCN status

Catla catla Thaila/Indian carp LC

Channa marulius Saul LC

Channa punctate Daula LC

Cirrhinus mrigala Mori LC

Ctenopharyngodon idella † Grass carp NE

Cyprinus carpio*† Common carp/Gulfam VU

Hypopthalmichthys molitrix † Silver carp NT

Hypophthalmichthys nobilis † Big head carp DD

Labeo rohita Rohu LC

Macrognathus pancalus Groj LC

Oreochromis aureus* Tilapia NE

Rita rita Khagga/Tirkanda LC

Sperata sarwari Singharee LC

Wallago attu Mullee VU

LC=Least concern, VU=Vulnerable, NT=Near threatened, DD= Data deficient, NE=

Not evaluated, * = invasive, † exotic





Figure 2-4 (a): Birds of the study area





Figure 2-5 (b): Birds of the study area





Figure 2-6 (c): Birds of the study area





Figure 2-7 (d): Birds of the study area





Figure 2-8: Mammals of the studuy area





Figure 2-9: Reptiles and Amphibians of the study area

2- Protection status of all Animals found in the area

After evaluating habitats and developing fauna’s inventory in each case, status of

protection was evaluated for the species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds

according to the criteria described in Table-4. Following is the detail of mammals in

the study area those are evaluated on their distribution, protection status and rarity.





Table 2-22: Status of Mammals Species recorded within the Study Area

Criteria Remarks

Protection Status

Herpestes edwarsdi (Indian Mongoose) and Felis Chaus are

protected under Punjab Wildlife Act. Asiatic Jackal and

Indian Mongoose are listed in CITES Appendix III

Distribution

Funambulus pennantii and Mus musculus are very common.

Lepus nigricollis and Canis Aureus are less common. Other

species are common and widespread. There are no endemic

species.

Rarity None of them are threatened according to IUCN red data

list.

The detail of amphibian species evaluated on the basis of their distribution,

protection status and rarity are given below.

Table 2-23: Status of Amphibian Species recorded within the Study Area

Criteria Remarks

Protection Status Indian Bull Frog is listed in CITES Appendix II

Distribution

2 species are very common (Hoplobatrachus tigrinus and

Bufo stomaticus), 1 species (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis) is

common and widespread. There are no endemic species.

Rarity None of them are rare locally or are threatened according

to IUCN red data list.

In case of reptiles, the details of their distribution, protection status and rarity

are listed in below

Table 2-24: Status of Reptile Species recorded within the Study Area.

Criteria Remarks

Protection Status

Varanus bengalensis and Uromastyx hardwickii are protected

under Punjab Wildlife Act Schedule Three. Freshwater turtles are

on the priorty list of WWF-P and are also protected under

Punjab Wildlife Act Schedule Three. Naja naja (Indian Cobra),

Lyssemus punctata (Indian flapshell turtle), Chamaeleo

zeylanicus and Uromastyx hardwickii are included in CITES

Appendix II. Nilssonia Gangetica and Varanus bengalensis are

listed in CITES Appendix I. Xenochrophis piscator is listed in CITES

Appendix III.

Distribution

Nilssonia gangetica Trionyx gangetica and Lissemys Punctata

are less common. The reason could be the illegal hunting of

softshell turtles. Other species are common and widespread.

There are no endemic species present in this area.





Rarity Nilssonia gangetica is graded as vulnerable on IUCN Red List

of threatened species.

The distribution, protection status and rarity of birds evaluated in the study

area are as follows

Table 2-25: Status of Birds Species recorded within the Study Area

Criteria Remarks

Protection Status

Egretta Intermedia, Streptopelia tranquebarica, Bubulcis ibis,

Anas platyrhynchos, Milvis migrans migrans, Hydrophasianus

chirurgus, Amaurorinus phoenicurus and Ardeola grayii are

listed in Punjab Wildlife Act Schedule III. Himantopus himantopus

is protected under UNEP’s Agreement on the Conservation of

African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds of ‘Convention on

migratory species’

Distribution

4 species are very common, 11 species are common and

widespread, 20 species are less common, 8 are uncommon.

There is no endemic species in this area.

Rarity None of the species are rare according to IUCN red data list.

2.2 SECTION-2 ECOLOGICAL MAPPING OF THE STUDY AREA

Biodiversity map of the protected species and their linkage with their habitats

is presented in Figure 7





Figure 2-10: Biodiversity map of the protected species and their linkage with their

habitats

From the data gathered in the project area, there are two important

ecosystems identified, one is in form of aquatic ecosystem provided by the

river and ponds whereas the other one is terrestrial ecosystem. Terrestrial

ecosystem included forest areas, grasslands, orchards, agricultural fields,

islands and wasteland. The two forms of biomes are interconnected and

have developed vital linkages from land to water and water to land. In rainy

seasons, water, sediments, pollutants, nutrients, and other materials flow from

terrestrial environments to aquatic one. The nutrients in form of droppings of

the amphibiotic animals move from water to land. Such connections develop

important food chains and food webs in both ecosystems. An illustration of

such possible food web is provided for the study area.

Figure 2-11: Simplified Food web in the Project Area.

These conceptual models show trophic levels of producers, herbivores, omnivores and

carnivores which existed in the area. e.g. birds are omnivorous as they eat

invertebrates and plants. In an ecosystem, energy and nutrients flow from a low

trophic level to a higher trophic level. As the river gets polluted the pollutants from

water and sediments travel into the food chain and get bioaccumulated into the

bodies of the animals. The area surrounding river Ravi is mostly agricultural where high

pesticides usage exists. These pesticides are reported from the water and sediments

of river (Syed et al. 2014). Organochlorines have been reported to be present in the

eggshells of cattle egret (Malik et al. 2011). There is a need to clean the river from

pollution loads to save the whole of the ecosystem.





2.3 SECTION-3 ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS FROM THE

DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROJECT AREA

This section of the report deals with the impacts on ecological resources of

project area. The above identified habitats, species and other resources can

have potential impacts from developmental project. Evaluation of these

impacts are being described on basis of construction activities in the area

and secondly because of project operation. The significant ecological

resources of the area are different habitats, flora, fauna and river channel

itself. To reveal the potential impacts on resources, visits were made to the

area in addition extensive literature surveys were conducted to compile this

section.

Here is the list of Human impacts on river ecosystem as documented in

literature.

Table 2-26: Human Impacts on River Ecosystem.

Flow Regime Habitat

Structure Water Quality Food Source Biotic Interaction

Discharge

Water depth

Water velocity

Flood frequency

Flood magnitude

Drought

frequency

Flow variability

Habitat diversity

Siltation

Bank stability

Cover

Woody debris

Channel

sinuosity

Habitat

connectivity

Nutrients

Thermal

regime

Turbidity

Salinity

Dissolved

oxygen

pH

Toxins

Algal

production

Energy input

Particulate

organic

matter

Aquatic

invertebrates

Terrestrial

invertebrates

Exotic species

Endemic species

Threatened and

endangered

species

Hybridization

Population

structure

Competition

Species richness

Predation

Trophic structure

Keeping legislations and guidelines in consideration and researching

literature, the potential impacts of construction and operations of the project

on the ecological resources have been identified as follows:

2.3.1 Construction impacts

During the construction phase activities like clearance of sites, excavation,

dredging, habitat filling with spoils, site formation, riprap handling for riverbed

and embankments will create disturbance for the wild animals, birds as well

as plant species.





A) Permanent loss of habitat

Due to the construction and site clearance, few habitats will be totally lost

e.g. the river shoreline. This will totally diminish the plant species growing on

the shoreline of river Ravi. In addition, water-land interface is necessary for

many amphibians which will be destroyed due to formation of concrete

walls. Many reptiles like freshwater turtles use these areas as their nesting sites

and doing so will seriously affect the population of species that are already

under threat.

As planned in the new development that the width of the river will be fixed

whereas in natural flow the rivers do not have a uniform width. This will bring

an extra 2.32% area under the river that will be achieved by clearing many

adjacent habitats. Almost all area of Anno Bhatti Forest and half of Korotana

Forest will thus be lost.

Larger areas of land under agriculture will be totally lost while some of the

orchard areas will also be lost. This will cause pressure on the supply of fruits

and vegetables to Lahore city which then will have to be transported from

far off areas and will result in their increased prices and shortage.

B) Amplified Fragmentation

During construction phase, controlling the flow of water while creating islands

in the river body, construction of barrages and river wall will affect water flow

ultimately affecting aquatic life. Construction activities will cause

fragmentation and isolation of existing habitats. They may cause hindrance

in movement of biota across different landscape patches for searching food,

breeding or other purposes. Reduced mobility of animals may cause loss of

metapopulation structure resulting in population decline and local extinction.

C) Habitat damage

Due to the construction in the project site, direct, indirect or temporary

damages will occur from site excavation and clearance and dumping spoils

in other habitats. Transportation during construction process will also destroy

wilderness of the area. Most of the agricultural land will be damaged due to

construction in the site

D) Soil erosion

Due to excavation and site clearance, soil will be exposed and eroded. As a

result of this soil erosion, there will be more soil deposition with runoff in

riverbed which will increase eutrophication and sediment loads in the river.

Aquatic life can face stress from high turbidity of suspended soil particles

which will reduce light penetration affecting primary production, and reduce

visibility of aquatic animals. High sediment loads can clog gills of the fish.

Furthermore, eutrophication can deplete dissolved oxygen of the water

bodies providing more stress to fish and other aquatic macrophytes.





E) Wildlife disturbance and Noise pollution

Wilderness is a trait of wild areas which are far from the urban areas. Urban

areas display lots of population, roads traffic, congestion, sounds of

machines, etc. The forest areas close to the riverbank exhibit trait of

wilderness. Due to construction in this area, human disturbance to

ecosystems will be highest to the wild animals and birds especially. The

severity of this disturbance totally depends upon duration of activity in the

site, its intensity and frequency. Many mammals and birds can be more

disturbed by presence of workers, loud noises and operational construction

plants.

F) Cutting down riparian vegetation

The removal of this vegetation leads to increased water temperature and

changes in river ecosystems. The absence of riparian belt of vegetation

leads to unhindered passage of nutrients into the river. Where this vegetation

belt is intact up to 90% of the nutrients are captured and absorbed before

reaching the river. The roots of plants and especially those of trees have an

important structural role on the reinforcement of riverbanks because they

retain the soil particles and prevent the water from carrying them away.

G) River channelization

River Channelization - is the process of planned human intervention in the

course, characteristics or flow of a river with the intention of producing some

defined benefit. Flowing water is an essential feature of a river. It determines

the capacity to erode and transport sediments and governs ecological

processes so that lotic communities form open rather than closed systems.

Changes to a river’s flow regime therefore are likely to have profound

consequences. Channelization has several predictable and negative effects

• Loss of wetlands because of construction of embankments is one of

the important effects of river channelization. In the current project the

last 6-7 km of the river channel will be kept natural without the

construction of embankments. That will allow flooding of the Phase 3

area during rainy seasons, where many freshwater ponds are planned

to compensate the loss of wetland habitats.

• Although the current development aims to maintain the natural

meander of the river but fixing the river width will reduce meander and

cause straightening of river as compared to its natural course.

Straightening causes the streams to flow more rapidly, which can, in

some instances, vastly increase soil erosion. All of this results in faster

water flow and higher water levels during floods. The faster flow itself

results in intensified erosion of both the riverbanks and bottom, i.e. the

river starts “eating” its own bed and digs into the ground until it reaches

harder bedrock. The increased erosion results in higher water turbidity,





which is a big problem for all aquatic organisms because it reduces

the penetration of sunlight into the water. Fine particles clog to the gills

of the animals that breathe dissolved oxygen.

• Another, even more serious problem related to riverbed incision is the

lowering of groundwater levels. The river and neighbouring

groundwater are interconnected bodies, and the drop of water levels

in the river (in some cases down 5 or 6 m) leads to a parallel decrease

in the groundwater level because the river acts as a draining channel.

The lowering of groundwater level result in withering of riparian trees

and dry wells and boreholes.

H) Effect of Barrages on river ecology

Many studies have proved that creation of barrages or dams in river channels

effect ecology of river, especially fish. As fish needs instream flow of water

which is disturbed by barrages and hence affect spawning and food

activities of these fauna. The construction of a dam, for example, affects the

transport of water and sediment, so that the local hydrological equilibrium is

upset, and the effects spread through the community, causing a general

ecological transition. These responses are an important focus of modern river

ecology. Juvenile fish would be affected by altered flow of water. The

fragmentation of aquatic and riparian habitats and isolation of associated

populations results in the deterioration of ecological integrity and loss of

important ecosystem services (Dynesius and Nilsson, 1994). The instream

barriers restrict the migration of ichthyofauna to the upstream, wintering and

spawning habitats (Irving & Modde, 2000). The alteration in flow frequency

and magnitude can change the periphyton communities (algal and

cyanobacterial communities) in river (Biggs, 2000). The periphyton

community is not only the primary source of oxygen, food and energy for the

higher trophic level in water, but these are also important indicators of water

quality. The change in downstream hydrology and geomorphology may

result in the larval and juvenile mortality at water intakes (Benstead et al.

1999).

Extensive studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of barriers

such as barrages and dams which disrupt the longitudinal connectivity of

rivers and consequently obstruct the fish movement to their feeding and

spawning grounds thereby also limiting dispersal (Van Puijenbroek et al., 2019;

Barbarossa et al., 2020). The barriers alter morphology, hydrology, and

function of the freshwater ecosystem. The resulting fragmentation and

isolation results in a major shift in species distribution and abundance (Poff

and Schmidt, 2016). Thus, construction of such barriers is considered a major

threat to the freshwater biodiversity (Reid et al., 2019). Moreover, reduction in

dissolved oxygen levels in the stagnant water usually makes it unsuitable for

the survival of the resident fish fauna (Welcomme, 1985). Another major





environmental impact on the fish fauna is triggered during the construction

phase of barriers. The soil and silt erosion during excavation activities

degrades the water quality which lead to toxicity to fish. Moreover, the soil

and silt runoff also threaten the breeding/spawning grounds in the river.

Furthermore, the use of explosives during excavation process also creates

blast shocks which are in turn lethal for the fish population within its range

(Bernacsek, 2001).

Fish ladders can also have higher mortality rates, depending on the success

of the design, and also fish may avoid them. Those fish that successfully

negotiate the barrage structure, would then pass into the calmer basin where

the change in current flows, sedimentation, directional clues and predation

could either benefit or disbenefit differing species (The Severn Barrage, 2007).

There are two categories of threats to fish:

Direct: injury and mortality due to strikes and water conditions (for example

water pressure) resulting in damage or disorientation.

Indirect: loss and degradation of habitat which may be important for feeding

and spawning; and disruption to movement.

The most drastic impact of constructing barriers such as barrages is the loss of

land, which includes forests, marshes, etc, which serve as a habitat to a large

number of bird and animal species. The disturbance during reservoir

construction activity, the noise, light, presence of construction workers, etc.

disturb the wild animals, which consequently attempt to escape to distant

habitats. Moreover, the habitat destruction causes wide-spread migration to

new environments where if the species fail to adapt, they risk extinction (Liao

et al., 1988). The construction of barrages dramatically changes the river

hydrological regime and thus in turn alter the migratory pathways of

waterbirds as well. The negative impact of river barriers on the abundance

and distribution of fauna, including birds (including waterfowls), fishes,

macroinvertebrates and zooplankton) has already been recognized (Poff &

Zimmerman, 2010). The selection of a water body as a stop-over or wintering

ground depends on the food availability, predation and disturbance

(Newton, 2010). The construction of barriers changes the vegetation

dynamics, macroinvertebrate habitat and fish abundance and diversity

(Liermann et al. 2012), consequently, altering the food availability for the

migrating water birds as well (Zeng et al., 2017).

After construction of the barrage the habitat of the reservoir borders are

forever altered from their pre-existing state due to difference in lentic and

lotic conditions, seasonal flooding and water quality. Moreover, the

increased water turbidity due to increased erosion and sedimentation, and

decreased photosynthesis of planktons and submerged plants dramatically

reduces primary productivity. The reduction in turn affects freshwater





chelonians due to decrease in food availability. The freshwater turtles have

feeding and nesting habitat at the riverbanks. As they are extremely

vulnerable to noise and disturbance, the construction activity and human

disturbance results in a drastic decline in their population (Alho, 2011).

I) Concrete boundary of river

Riverbanks are used as corridor for bridging land and terrestrial life. These

banks should be as natural as possible of earthen material, grass concrete or

pebbles rather than concrete. The concrete boundary will act as a barrier for

many amphibians and reptiles that use the sandy banks of the river.

J) Island creation

There are three islands proposed in the project area that will be artificially

created in phase I, II, and III. Creating new islands will be a fruitful idea if it will

provide shoreline and terrestrial habitat to birds and other species. Creation

of islands will mean diverting river water to an artificially constructed channel

that can lead to reduced water flows in the main channel.

2.3.2 Operational impacts

Operational impacts are impacts which are expected after completion and

regulation of the project.

A) Habitat Loss and degradation

After completion of the project, many habitats will be totally diminished e.g.

vegetation on the riverbank, seasonally flooded grasslands and most of the

agricultural fields. Therefore, vegetation of these particular habitats will be

lost. There will be more fragmentation in the natural habitats due to road

network in the area. Suburban areas around Lahore city produce seasonal

vegetables that are sent to markets in Lahore. Fertile alluvial soils of this area

also provide cereals and fruits to Lahore city and development on this land

will mean loss of productive land on which many people depend for their

livelihoods. According to the master plan area for Eco-village has been set

aside in phase 3 of the project that will have fields and orchards. This area will

also have freshwater ponds that will add up to habitat heterozygosity and will

support native biological diversity. Urban agriculture and food production in

this eco-village can in part compensate for loss of this habitat and tackle food

supply issues.

B) Ecological barriers

On completion of the project, the width of the river will be fixed to 1 km with

concrete banks. As a result, this will be an ecological barrier to terrestrial

animals, predatory mammals, juvenile birds and other wild animals.





C) Noise and air pollution due to urbanization

Due to the development in the area, urban life will create big burden on

natural resources. Human interruption and activities in the form of business

centers, universities, residential colonies and movement of vehicles etc. will

degrade naturalness of the area. Therefore, after operation more noise and

air pollution will result.

D) Light pollution

Another important operational impact on wildlife will be from lights in urban

areas. Wild animals are used to conditions of wild that is low noise, low lights

and naturalness. With this mega construction in the area, and lots of lights

from urban, residential, commercial and transportation pressure, many wild

animals will be forced to leave their wild sites. Light pollution affects human

health by disrupting circadian rhythm. Nocturnal animals such as bats suffer

greatly, causing a decrease in population, difficulties with finding food,

exposure to predators, and an increase in mortality. Insects such as moths

and flies suffer a decrease in population due to light pollution because of

strikes and it is easier for predators to hunt the insects. The decreased insect

population impacts all the animals that feed on insects as their main food

source. Large numbers of birds die from collisions with lighted buildings. The

lighted buildings attract them. Migrating birds don’t reach their destination

because the artificial lights interfere with their navigation and can throw them

off course. Light pollution alters the day/night patterns in animals, resulting in

not getting enough sleep, not having enough down time for the body to

repair itself, and altered reproductive cycles.





Figure 2-12: Ecological and astronomical light pollution (Longcore and Rich 2004).

E) Bird Collisions and strikes

There are special problems posed for birds living in or flying through cities.

Research has documented that buildings and windows are the top killer of

wild birds (Klem 2009; Gelb and Delacretaz 2009). This toll strikes

indiscriminately culling some of the healthiest of the species. Between one

and five percent of the total migratory population die in window crashes

annually (Klem, 2009). Building collisions pose further risk to endangered or

threatened species whose populations are already declining due to habitat

loss, toxin loads, and other severe environmental pressures. Juvenile residents

and migrants of all ages — those least familiar with the urban setting — face

the greatest risk of injury or death from the hazards of the city environment.

Collision hazards include vehicles, bridges, transmission towers, power lines,

and turbines, but the majority of avian deaths and injuries occur from impacts

with building components such as transparent or reflective glass. Night-time

lighting also interferes with avian migrations. Building collisions are a threat of

sufficient magnitude to affect the viability of bird populations, leading to

local, regional, and national declines.





Table 2-27: In-depth Impacts of Riverfront Development on Ecological Resources of

the River Ravi

Ecological resources

Impacts

Positive/

Negative

Magnitude

or Extent Duration Reversibility

Available resources

Territory (hunting/foraging

grounds; shelter and breeding

sites; corridors for migration and

dispersal)

Negative Extensive Long term Irreversible

Water quality of river Positive Extensive Long term

Reversible

to some

extent

Soil minerals and nutrients Negative Extensive Long term Irreversible

Stochastic process

Flooding Positive Extensive

Short and

Long term Irreversible

Climate change Negative Complex Long term Complex

Erosion Negative Extensive Long term Irreversible

Eutrophication Negative Extensive Short and

Long term Reversible

Ecological processes

Population dynamics:

(survival rates and reproduction

rates;

competition; predation;

seasonal behaviour; dispersal

and genetic exchange;

elimination of wastes.)

Negative Extensive Long term Irreversible

Vegetation dynamics

(colonisation; succession;

competition; and nutrient-

cycling)

Negative Extensive Long term Complex

Ecosystem properties

Fragility and stability carrying

capacity and limiting factors,

Productivity

Connectivity, Patchiness and

degree of fragmentation

Negative

Negative

Negative

Extensive

Extensive

Extensive

Long term

Long term

Long term

Irreversible

Irreversible

Irreversible

Ecological relationship

Tropic levels, Food chains and Negative Extensive

Short and

Long term Complex





Ecological resources

Impacts

Positive/

Negative

Magnitude

or Extent Duration Reversibility

food webs, herbivore-plant

relationships, predator-prey

relationships, herbivore-

carnivore relationships,

adaptation and dynamism

Ecological role or function

Decomposer, primary producer,

consumers, parasite and

predator, keystone species.

Negative

Extensive

Long term

Irreversible

2.4 SECTION –4 MITIGATION MEASURES

The mitigation priorities for the project are avoidance or minimization,

restoration and compensation. The aims of providing mitigation measures are

to provide environmentally friendly options which will minimize unnecessary

habitat loss.

2.4.1 Impact avoiding/minimizing

First measure to reduce the impacts of construction and operation of the

project, are in form of avoiding and minimizing the impacts.

A. Avoiding dumping of dredged spoil in other ecological habitats

adjacent to the site: During construction of the project, the dredged

spoil will be created. It should be avoided to dump such spoil in closer

habitats. As dumping of this excess material will degrade other

habitats too.

B. Protection of other habitats with fences and barriers: During

construction phase, a fence should be used as a barrier to protect

forested area as well as agricultural land as much as possible. So that

such habitats and their wildlife remain undisturbed.

C. Minimization of barging disturbance to wildlife: Noise and disturbance

may increase while barging spoil and would have effects on birds and

other animals. Following mitigation measures may be adopted to

protect birds against excessive noise and disturbance:

• The construction workers on the barge should avoid making

sudden loud noises or disturbing birds.

• Barging of more spoil should be scheduled in the summer to

avoid the migratory period of birds in winter as far as possible.

A. The adoption of diligent and proper construction practices can





mitigate the erosion near the riverbanks during excavation process,

thereby minimizing the threat of turbidity and toxicity to the fish stock.

Moreover, it is pertinent to prevent buildup of excessive bedload in

order to protect the fish habitats, in particular the spawning grounds.

The damage from the blast shocks can also be minimized by

constructing a temporary fencing/screen to ensure that the fish stock

remains out of range from the blast area. Similarly, the timing of the

explosives can also be adjusted for use during periods when fish

activity is likely to be minimum in the area, e.g. daylight hours, dry

season (Welcomme, 1985).

B. It is crucial to monitor the fauna habitat, feeding, nesting requirements

of birds and interaction with the community and ecosystem in general.

The monitoring activity helps in determining the areas of high sensitivity

and priority and in turn modify the development work to minimize the

detrimental impacts on the habitat and reproductive activity of

terrestrial animal species.

2.4.2 Restoration and Compensation

Secondly restoration and compensation are mitigation measures that can be

followed if impacts are to be minimized. Restoration can be important

measure in this project to value ecological resources of the area and

restoring the degraded habitats is the best option available. Whereas

Compensation in this project refers to reimbursement of loss or used habitat

in favorable condition.

a. Avoiding loss of existing forests: Almost 255 Acre land area of Shahdra,

Katar Bund, Anno Bhatti, Korotana and Shadanwali forests is expected

to be lost in the widening of the River channel. At the first place these

forests should be tried to be saved from being lost using some

engineering approach or re-design by creating islands. But in extreme

and unavoidable circumstances proper land and monetary

compensation shall be paid to the Forest Department for re-

establishment of these lost forest areas. It will take a much longer time

period for the mature forest stands to establish and start providing the

lost ecosystem services they are currently providing so doing this

should only be taken as a last resort.

b. Forest restoration with native species: As mentioned in Table 5 that still

1750 Acre of land area is available in the forests for plantation.

Moreover, during the construction phase of the project species in the

forested land may also be affected. There will be a need to restore

and augment the populations after the project completion to

enhance the biodiversity in the area and to provide more habitats for

other species. Such forest restoration should be carried out with native





species, e.g. Dalbergia sissoo, Tamarix aphylla, Acacia nilotica,

Populus euphratica, Prosopis cineraria and Tamarix dioca etc. Almost

1750 Acre area in the current forests is still blank and is available for

plantations, on that 1,058,811 more trees can be established (12 ft x 6

ft density). This will enhance the site value and in part will provide

compensation for the lost habitat for the species.

c. Revegetation along the embankment slopes and along the river:

Plantation of grasses, sedges and other herbs on the outside

embankment slopes and their adjacent areas has a potential to

mitigate lost riparian grassland habitats. Planting on such bank slopes

would increase the value of habitat by providing vertical structural

diversity and will provide a compensation for the lost land-water

interface for the movement of reptile and amphibian species.

Establishment of extensive and continuous vegetation cover along the

embankments of the riverbanks is highly recommended. It is further

recommended that at least 50 m wide continuous green belt

comprising of shrubs and trees be established on both sides of the river.

A mixture of plant species with various life forms and heights should be

used to encourage development of a multi-level canopy which would

increase the habitat diversity and resource provision to the biological

diversity.

d. Creation of buffer zones along the main roads and railway tract: Buffer

belts along the main roads and railway tracts shall be created using

native tree species of the thorn forest community that has been lost

from this area due to land clearance for agriculture purposes i.e. P.

cineraria, Salvadora oleoides, T. aphylla and Capparis decidua. This

will not only help in the conservation of native species of wild flora and

fauna but will also reduce air and noise pollution created by vehicles.

A good compensation for the lost habitats can be creation of new

habitats at other sites.

e. Creation of grasscretes in the foreshore areas: The establishment of

grasscrete in the foreshore areas like viewpoints, parking lots and

walking tracts can be made with grasscrete using native grasses

(Plates 51B-52). “Foreshore is the part of a shore between the water

and cultivated or developed land.”

f. Island vegetation: Islands in the project area should be planted with

the shoreline vegetation which will be removed from the riverbanks.

This will help in compensating the lost vegetation of the riverbank and

restoring a new site with native trees.




Section - 3: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 65

SECTION - 3: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

On the basis of results of the current study it is concluded that development

in this area will have less impacts on the ecological resources of the area if

the following recommendations will be considered during construction and

operation of the project:

1- River is an important place for the wildlife, aquatic life, and riparian

vegetation. It is important to conserve the river Ravi as a sustainable

support to flora and fauna of this area.

2- It is imperative to protect the river as a continuous wildlife corridor and

not a fragmented unsustainable corridor. The riverbank should be

constructed like that there should be option for its revegetation with

native grasses and sedges. A list of plants suitable for plantation at

riverbank is provided in appendix 3.

3- Forests are prime wildlife habitat within the project area, so it is highly

recommended that all of the forests should be retained. The project

shall be designed in such a way that all the forest areas are protected.

4- Habitats and species of conservation value should be protected. It is

crucial to monitor the fauna habitat, feeding and nesting

requirements and interaction with the community and ecosystem in

general. The monitoring activity allows the decision makers to

determine the areas of high sensitivity and priority and in turn modify

the development work to minimize the detrimental impacts on the

habitat and reproductive activity of species. Indian Soft-shell turtle are

vulnerable species of the site. It is important to conduct population

surveys for soft-shell turtle and chekered keelback snake and all the

other species that are listed in CITES or are protected under Schedule

III of Punjab Wildlife Act, and to identify their breeding populations

and nesting grounds to minimize the effects of this developmental

activity on the ecology of their habitat. Help in this regard can be

taken from Punjab Wildlife Department, species specialist groups of

IUCN and WWF-P.

5- It is suggested that ramps along the riverbanks shall be made at

appropriate distance and places to give access to wildlife.

6- Migratory route used by the birds to cross Pakistan is known as Green

route or Indus Flyway or International Bird Migratory route number 4.

Almost one million migratory birds visit Pakistan each year, majority of

them during winter season (Nov. to Feb.). Due to the construction and

development in the area, many migratory birds of the area will be

disturbed or maybe they leave to visit this site in future. It is therefore

important to avoid or reduce construction activities during that time





of the year in particular areas so as not to disturb their right-of-way.

Monitoring their behavior during construction will also be important.

Help in this regard can be taken from WWF-P and Wildlife Department.

A list of birds along with their migratory season is given in table 30

Table 3-1: Visiting season of the migratory birds found at the project site

No. Scientific names Common names Migration

season Months

1 Upupa epops Hoopoe Winter Oct-Feb

2 Vanellus indicus Red wattled

Lapwing Summer

Monsoon (May-

Oct)

3 Anas Platyrhynchos Mallard Winter Nov-Feb

4 Gallinula chloropus Common moorhen Winter Sept-May

5 Merops philippinus Blue tailed bee

eater Summer March-Sept

6 Actitis hypoleucos Common Sand

piper Winter Aug-Mar

7 Anas crecca Common teal Winter Nov-Mar

8 Gallinago gallinago Common snipe Winter Sep-Mar

9 Hirundo rustica Common swallow Winter Oct-Mar

10 Coturnix coturnix Common Quail Winter Sep-Mar

11 Egretta garzetta little egret Winter Oct-May

12 Hydrophasianus

chirurgus

white pheasant

jacana Summer Mar-Oct

13 Himantopus

himantopus Black winged stilt Winter Oct-Mar

7- Reducing pollution loads of the river by installing wastewater

treatment plants will definitely have a positive impact on the fish

species and other aquatic life but barrages and river channel diversion

for islands might affect them. Although in the project design there are

two fish ladders with each barrage for ensuring the movement of fishes

but to what extent these will be used by individual species is not clear.

Studies have shown difference in the behavior of fish species regarding

use of fish ladders. Moreover, there is a need to protect our native fish

species that are under threat and their population has already

suffered a considerable decline due to introduction of exotic species,

overexploitation and habitat degradation. Help in this regard can be

taken from Fisheries Department.

8- The surveys during this study have shown that the riparian forests are

affected by the factors like overgrazing, trespassing, trampling and

invasion of exotic species like Parthenium, mesquite and Lantana. If





properly restored these forests have a lot of potential to compensate

the loss of tree species elsewhere as a result of this development. It is

therefore suggested to conduct a detailed study on the current status

of these forests to propose management interventions for their

ecological restoration. Help in this regard can be taken from

Restoration Ecology Research Group of Sustainable Development

Study Centre, GC University Lahore.

9- Forest restoration should be carried-out to provide habitat to native

biological diversity and to ensure their conservation. Rehabilitation of

these forests to a healthier state will not only provide biological benefits

but will also provide social benefits. Guided trails for the tourists and

local residents can be made in the forests for nature experience like

bird watching etc. This will also increase the heuristic value of these

forests (value for education and research). Help in this regard can be

taken from Restoration Ecology Research Group of Sustainable

Development Study Centre, GC University Lahore and the Punjab

Forest Department.

10- It is strongly recommended that no metal or concrete roads shall pass

through the forest areas to avoid their fragmentation and isolation. This

will also act as a barrier for wildlife movement and will result in their

population decline because of strikes or reduced mobility. Noise

produced by this will also affect their behavior, feeding and nesting of

birds etc.

11- It was observed that agroforestry is widely practiced in some forests

especially Dahnna Bhaini and Korotana forests which should be

discontinued to keep forests in an intact state. Agriculture alters soil

properties due to ploughing, irrigation, use of fertilizers and pesticides

etc., that make them good for weed invasion and less suitable for

forest growth.

12- Buffer belts around roads and railway tracts shall be planted using

native tree species to extend wildlife habitat and to compensate tree

loss from other sites. It is highly recommended that some area in the

buffers shall be set aside for the establishment of once widespread

native Thorn Forest community comprising of Salvadora oleoides,

Prosopis cineraria, Tamarix aphylla and Capparis decidua trees. These

floodplain thorn forests have been totally exterminated from almost all

of their historic range mostly because of the clearance of land for

agricultural purposes. Recreation of a lost forest type will have a high

conservation value and will be a good compensation measure. This

restored Thorn Forest will not only provide habitat to native flora and

fauna but will also act as a demonstration site and a living classroom

for the students for their education and research. Help in this regard





can be taken from Restoration Ecology Research Group of Sustainable

Development Study Centre, GC University Lahore. A list of tree species

suitable for plantation at buffer zones and roadsides is provided in

Appendix 4.

13- It is recommended that the forests and other open green space areas

like orchards and parks be connected through green belts to provide

corridors for the movement of wildlife. Lists of species suitable for

plantation in parks and green belts are provided in Appendices 4 and

5.

14- A tree and shrub belt of native species at least of 30-50 m width is

proposed along both banks of the river as a compensation for the loss

of shoreline riparian habitat (Appendix 3).

15- Most of the agricultural land will be lost as a result of this development

in a time frame of 30 years (the proposed time of project completion).

An eco-village comprising of natural habitats like ponds, fields and

orchards is proposed in the Phase III of the project. The area along

Kalakhatai road in Phase I is famous for rice production that is a local

specialty and is highly priced in the international market. It is therefore

recommended that some area shall be set aside for agriculture in

Phase I as well. It is highly recommended to promte the use of modern

agriculture techniques for urban farming like hydroponics and rooftop

gardening to accommodate the shortage of land. Education,

awareness and traings in this regard shall be provided to the residents

with financial and technical assistance.

16- Developments built into the river can change the flow of water,

resulting in the accumulation of silt or, conversely, scouring of the

riverbed and foreshore. This can have an adverse effect on the river’s

hydrology, navigability, aquatic life and flood defense structures.

Precautionary measures shall be taken to minimize these sediments

loads ending up in the river.

17- Kamran Baradari is a site of great archaeological significance, so it is

suggested that the construction of river embankments around it be in

such a way that they don’t affect its existing vegetation and distant

visibility.

18- Following are some of the recommendations for reducing effects of

light pollution (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

http://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/lighting/pollution/,

IDA (International Dark Sky association) Practical Guide: PG1

Introduction to light pollution (www.darksky.org)

• Keeping the light LOW (mounting the fixture as low as possible).

http://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/lighting/pollution/

http://www.darksky.org/





• Lower the wattage of all outdoor lighting—both municipal and

private. Over lighting reduces the eye’s ability to see outside of

the lit area. In addition, excess light can produce glare, which

also reduces visibility. Selecting the correct lamp wattage

increases safety and reduces costs.

• Place motion sensors on essential outdoor lamps. Lighting on

demand trumps a manual switch or timer. Motion sensitive

switches light walkways when need.

• SHIELDED (fully shielding the light so bulbs and/or glowing lenses

are not visible) cuts down on the amount of glare and light

visible to the animals, so that there is less opportunity for them

to get trapped, repelled, or have their day/night patterns

altered.

Figure 3-1: Fixtures that enhance and reduce light pollution

• Keeping it LONG wavelength (ambers and reds) actually

makes the light that is visible seem dimmer to nocturnal animals

that primarily use rod vision. Some long wavelength light sources

such as low-pressure sodium lights and amber and red LEDs use

a fraction of the energy of their mercury halide, incandescent

and even fluorescent counterparts and cut down greenhouse

gas emissions.

• Closing curtains at night to keep indoor light in, especially in a

multi-storied building will prevent bird crashes

• Considering them as prime wildlife habitat in the urban area

lighting in the Forest areas should be avoided.





Figure 3-2: Proper installation of fixtures can save energy and reduce light

pollution http://physics.fau.edu/observatory/lightpol-prevent.html

19- One common practice that local people have adopted is throwing of

sacrificial flesh in the river water as a “sadqa”. Sacrificial meat which is

also known as SADQA has been used for many years in Lahore city.

People give sadqa because they have a concept that by giving it we

can release from all types of troubles and bad omen. Many cyclists on

river Ravi Bridge sell sacrificial meat in packets on roadsides. The meat

sellers have made it their profession and they sell one packet of meat

at the cost of Rupees 10. In addition, they are using different dyes to

keep that meat as red in color. It has been researched that such dyes

contain known heavy metals (Nickel, Copper, Cadmium, Chromium

and Arsenic) in it (Mohiyudin 2014). Later on, such dyed meat is taken

up by the large birds and it end up in becoming part of the food chain.

The high rate of heavy metal concentration and microbial contents in

sacrificial meat can make it more hazardous and harmful to the health

of animal and birds. This project of river development can stop

throwing this meat in river Ravi through a prohibition act to control on

such activities in river body.

http://physics.fau.edu/observatory/lightpol-prevent.html





Figure 3-3: Kites diving to get sacrificial meat at Shahdara Bridge.

Figure 3-4: People selling and buying sacrificial meat at Shahdara Bridge.





20- To avoid bird collisions following measures can be taken

• Bird-safe glazing treatments should be included like fritting,

netting, permanent stencils, frosted glass, exterior screens,

physical grids placed on the exterior of glazing or UV patterns

visible to birds.

• Awareness campaigns for developers, architects, planners,

property owners, businesses, residents and youth groups should

be arranged.

• Interior plants should be moved from the window so as not to

be visible from the outside to the birds.

• Consider limiting nighttime building use by combining motion

operated light sensors with daytime cleaning services. This

combination will reduce light pollution and increase energy

conservation.

• Where interior lighting is used at night, window coverings should

be closed to block light transmission adequately.

• Consider seasonal migration needs. Unneeded interior and

exterior lighting should be turned off from dusk to dawn during

this period.





Figure 3-5A: Spotlight on building height and bird migration

(San Francisco Planning Department 2011)





Figure 3-6B: Portion of the buildings most susceptible to bird strikes.

(San Francisco Planning Department 2011)

21- High-rise buildings present an easy target for birds. Not only are they

up in the birds' domain, but they offer multiple stories on which they

can roost and nest. Followings are frequently used birds’ deterrents

• Visual (Lasers, Dogs, Human Scarer, Scarecrows, Balloons,

Falconry, Radio-Controlled Aircraft, Mirrors/Reflectors, Tapes,

Flags, Rags and Streamers).

• Exclusion (Nets, Wires and Anti-Perching Devices). Exclusion

techniques are usually extremely effective. Efficacy depends

on the degree to which birds are excluded, but the greater the

exclusion the more expensive they are.

• Habitat Modification (Vegetation Management, Alternative

Feeding Areas and Bait Stations, Removal of Roost Structures,

Water Spray Devices and Food Removal). Habitat modification

techniques are generally considered to be effective and

environmentally friendly.





Figure 3-7: Bird scaring devices (a) spikes, (b) flex track, (c) net

22- Following are some of the recommendations for reducing ecological

footprint of this development:

• Development of mass transit system will cut down carbon

emissions.

• Energy efficient buildings and building codes should be

introduced in the urban construction to reduce energy use by

heating and cooling.

• Forest restoration and vegetation enhancement to capture

and fix carbon dioxide.

• Street and other lights in the public areas should be on solar

energy.

• Use of alternative energy resources will reduce ecological

footprint.

• Setting aside areas for agriculture in the project for urban

agriculture and vegetables production to meet the needs of

the local residents will reduce ecological footprint.

• Solid waste generated from the residential areas should be

segregated at source and properly recycled.





• Compositing of all the garden waste will be cut down synthetic

fertilizer use and help in reducing ecological footprint.





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APPENDICES





Appendix-1: Appendices of CITES













Appendix-2: Punjab Wildlife Act (amendments) 2007





















Appendix 3: List of plant species recommended to be planted on riverbank

Plant Type Local Name Family Height Flowering Time

Trees

Acacia modesta Phulai Fabaceae Medium April – May

Acacia nilotica Egyptian Thorn Mimosaceae 10-12m June – July

Bauhinia alba Sufaid Kachnar Fabaceae 8-12m March - April

Cassia fistula Amaltas Fabaceae 12-15m May - June






Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo Tree Fabaceae 20-25m April

Ficus religiosa Peepul Tree Moraceae 30 m Set – Oct

Jacaranda

mimosifolia Gul-e-Neelam Fabaceae 10 m

March-April &

Sep-Oct

Populus euphratica Salt Poplar Salicaceae Upto to

15m Jan - June.

Prosopis cineraria Jand Fabaceae 3-5 m Feb - March

Salix tetrasperma Indian Willow Salicaceae 8-10m March-April

Syzygium cumini Black Plum Myrtaceae Upto to

30m March - April

Tamarix aphylla Athel Pine Tamaricaceae 20 m June – Oct

Shrubs

Acacia farnesiana Kabli Kikar /

Gand Fabaceae 4m Aug - March

Alpinia allughas Alaichi /

Cardamom Zingiberaceae 1-1.5m April - May

Andropogon

muricatus Bamboo Poaceae 0.5-1m March - April

Bambusa nana Common

bamboo Poaceae

1 / 2-

1.5m -

Barleria lupulina Hop headed

barleria Acanthaceae 0.6m April - May

Bauhinia

tomentosa Orchid tree Fabaceae 1-1.5m Sep - Oct

Bougainvillea

arborea

Thornless

bougan Nyctaginaceae 2-4m June - July

Carissa grandiflora Kronda / Natal Apocynaceae 2.5-3.5m May - August

Cassia glauca Cassia / cenna Fabaceae 2-3m April - May

Cestrum diurnum Day Jasmine Solanaceae 1.5-3m April - May &

Sep - Oct






Cestrum

nocturnum Night Jasmine Solanaceae 1.5-3m

April - May &

Sep - Oct

Codiaeum

veriegatum Croton Euphorbiaceae 2-3m -

Duranta repens Pigeon berry Verbenaceae 1-4m May - Oct

Eranthemum

nervosum Neelum Acanthaceae 1-2m April-May

Euphorbia

cotinifolia Lal jhari Euphorbiaceae 1-5m Nov - April

Hamelia patens Jhumka /

Bunday Rubiacaee 2-4m

Throughout the

year

Hibiscus rosa-

sinensis Shoe flower Malvaceae 2-3m

Throughout the

year

Jasminum

grandiflora

Yasmeen /

Chambeli Oleaceae 3-5m Nov - Feb

Jasminum humile Pili chambali Oleaceae 2-3m Feb - March

Jasminum sambac Motia Oleaceae 2-4m April - Sep

Jatropha integrima Jatropha Euphorbiaceae 2-3m March-April

Juniperus prostrate Juniper Pinaceae 2-3m -

Lagerostoemia

lancasteri Gul-e-fanoos Lythraceae 1-3m May - Sep

Lawsonia inermis Heena Lythraceae 2-3m May - June

Murraya exotica Murva Rotaceae Upto 3m Many times a

year

Nerium oleander Oleander Apocynaceae 2–6 m May - June

Nyctanthes arbor-

tristis Har Singhar Oleaceae 2-4m Oct -Nov

Punica granatum Anar Punicaceae 3-4m April - May &

Sep - Oct

Russelia

sarmentosa Fountain bush Scrophulariaceae 1-2m

Most part of the

year






Schinus

terebinthilolius Kali mirch Anacardiaceae 3-4m March - April

Tamarix dioica salt cedar Tamaricaceae 1-18m -

Tecomella

undulate Lahura Bignoniaceae 3-5m Feb - April

Thevetia peruviana Pili kaner Apocynaceae 3-4m April - May /

Year round

Thuja orientalis More Pankh Pinaceae 2-3m No flower

Herbs

Agave Americana Century Plant Asparagaceae Upto 9m June - July

Anemone sp. Windflower Ranunculaceae 0.2m June - Aug.

Aquilegia sp. Columbine Ranunculaceae 0.5m Feb - May

Dahlia sp. Dahlia Asteraceae 0.3m Dec - June

Freesia sp. Freesia Iridaceae 0.3m March-April

Gazania sp. Treasure Flower Asteraceae 0.2m Feb - June

Pansy sp. Pansy Violaceae 0.2m Jan - May

Pettunia sp. Petunia Solanaceae 0.3m Dec - March

Ranunculus sp. Buttercup Ranunculaceae 0.4m Feb - May

Solanum nigrum Black

Nightshade Solanaceae 0.15-0.6

Throughout the

year

Grasses & Sedges for river embankment slopes

Brachiaria reptans Creeping Panic

Grass Gramineae 0.1-0.5m

Throughout the

year

Carex fedia ness. Carex Cyperaceae 0.25-

0.6m April - May

Cyperus iria Rice Flat Sedge Cyperaceae 0.08m-

0.6m

Throughout the

year

Cyperus rotundus Nut-Grass Cyperaceae 0.3-0.4 Throughout the

year






Desmostachya

bipinnata Halfa Grass Poaceae 1.2-1.8 m Mid Summer

Digitaria ciliaris Southern

Crabgrass Gramineae Upto 1m

Throughout the

year

Echinochloa

colonum Jungle Rice Gramineae 0.1-1m

Throughout the

year

Hemarthria

compressa Whip Grass Gramineae Upto 1m

Throughout the

year

Saccharum munja Plume Grass Poaceae 2m Oct - Jan

Saccharum

spontaneum Wild Cane Poaceae 2-3.5 m May - Dec

Setaria pumila Pigeon Grass Poaceae 0.2m Throughout the

year





Appendix 4: List of trees for buffer zones and roadside


Trees

Acacia nilotica Egyptian

Thorn Mimosaceae 10-12m June - July

Albizia lebbek Rain Tree Mimosaceae 18-24m April - May

Albizia procera Tall Albizia Mimosaceae 15-20m June - August

Alstonia scholaris White

Cheesewood Apocynaceae 15-20m Oct - Dec

Azadirachta indica Neem Tree Meliaceae 10-12m April - May

Capparis decidua Kareer Capparaceae 5 m April-May, Aug-

Sept.

Cordia myxa Assyrian Plum Boraginaceae 10-12m March - April

Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo Tree Fabaceae 20-25m April

Erythrina suberosa Corky Coral

Tree Fabaceae 10-18m March - April

Ficus benghalensis Banyan Fig Moraceae 20-30m April & Oct. – Nov

Ficus carica Fig Moraceae 7–10 m Jun - Sep

Ficus infectoria White Fig Moraceae Upto

15m Set - Oct

Ficus racemosa Cluster Fig Moraceae 9-12 m Dec- March &

July-Sep

Ficus religiosa Peepul Tree Moraceae 30 m Set - Oct

Heterophargama

adenophyllum Nag Phali Bignoniaceae 10-15m July - Aug

Mangifera indica Mango Anacardiaceae 12-15m Feb. - March

Melia azedarach China Berry Meliaceae 9-12m April - May

Mimusops elengi Spanish

Cherry Sapotaceae 12-18m July - Dec

Morus alba White

Mulberry Moraceae 12-15m March - April

Morus nigra Black

Mulberry Moraceae 12m May - June

Musa paradisiaca Banana Musaceae 2–9 m Throughout the

year






Parkinsonia aculeate Cambron Fabaceae 7-10m March - April &

Sep - Oct

Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Arecaceae 30 m Feb to March

Phoenix sylvestris Silver date

palm Arecaceae 4-15m June - July

Platanus orientalis Chinar Platanaceae Upto

25m March - May

Polyalthia longifolia Ashok Annonaceae 20-25m Feb - April

Populus euphratica Salt Poplar Salicaceae Upto

15m Jan - June.

Prosopis cineraria Jand Fabaceae 3-5 m Feb - March

Psidium guajava Guava Myrtaceae 6m April- May

Salix tetrasperma Indian Willow Salicaceae 8-10m March-April

Salvadora oleoides Vann Salvadoraceae 6m March-April

Syzygium cumini Black Plum Myrtaceae Upto

30m March - April

Tamarix aphylla Athel Pine Tamaricaceae 20 m June - Oct

Terminalia arjuna Arjun Tree Combretaceae 20-30m March - May

Ziziphus jujuba Chinese

Date Rhamnaceae 8-10m June - July





Appendix 5: List of Palms, Gymnosperms, shrubs and ferns for Parks and

Gardens

Plant Type Local Name Family Height Reproduction

Time

Palms

Bismarkia nobilis Bismarck palm Palmae 25m Mid spring

Borassus flabalifer Sugar palm Palmae 30m Feb - April

Butia capitata Jelly Palm Palmae Upto

6m June - July

Caryota urens Wine palm Palmae Upto

12m -

Chamaedorea

elegans Parlour Palm Palmae

0.1-

0.3m Mid Spring

Chamaerops humilis Fan Palm Palmae 2-5m April-May

Cocos nucifera Coconut Palm Palmae Upto

30m -

Dypsis lutescens Golden

cane palm Palmae 6-12m July - August

Livistona australis Slender palm Palmae Upto

25m April - May

Livistona chinensis Chinese Fan

Palm Palmae 13m -

Nannorrhops

ritchieana Mazari Palm Palmae 1-2m -

Neodypsis decaryl Triangle Palm Palmae 15m -

Phoenix canariensis Date palm Palmae 10-12m Jan

Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Palmae 30 m Feb - March

Phoenix sylvestris Silver Date

Palm Arecaceae 4-15m June - July

Phoenix roebelenii Miniature Date

Palm Palmae 2-3m -

Phoenix rupicola Cliff Date Palm Palmae 8m -

Phoenix raclinata Wild date palm Palmae 7.5-15m Feb

Ravenea rivularis Majesty Palm Palmae 12m -

Rhapis excels Lady Palm Palmae 3m Jan






Time

Rhapis humilis Slender Lady

Palm Palmae 3-4m -

Roystonea regia Cuban royal

palm Palmae 20-30m Jun - July

Sabal maxicana Texas Palmetto Palmae 9-12m April - May

Washingtonia filifera California Fan

Palm Palmae 9m Feb - March

Wodyetia bifurcata Foxtail Palm Palmae 6-9m

Gymnosperms

Araucaria

araucana

Monkey Puzzle

Tree

Araucariacea

e 40m Feb - March

Araucaria

cunnninghamii Hoop Pine

Araucariacea

e 60m -

Araucaria

heterophylla

Norfolk Island

Pine

Araucariacea

e 20-30m -

Cedrus deodara Deodar Pinaceae 40-50m Aug - Sep

Cupressus arizonica Arizona Cypress Cupressacea

e 15-25m -

Cupressus funebris Cypress Cupressacea

e 20-35m Feb

Cupressus

sempervirens Italian Cypress

Cupressacea

e 18m -

Cycas circinalis Queen Sago Cycadaceae Upto

4m -

Cycas revoluta Kungi Palm Cycadaceae 3m -

Ephedra ciliata Joint-pine Ephedraceae 0.2m -

Ginkgo biloba Maidenhair

Tree Ginkgoaceae 20-35 April

Juniperus

horizontalis

Creeping

Juniper Pinaceae

0.1-

0.3m June

Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine Pinaceae 15-25m March - April

Pinus roxburghii Chir pine Pinaceae 30-50m Jan - April

Podocarpus

macrophyllus Kusamaki

Podocarpac

eae 20m -






Time

Thuja occidentalis White cedar Cupressacea

e 10-20m Feb - March

Zamia fischeri Cycad Zamiaceae 0.4-

0.5m Feb - March

Shrubs

Acacia farnesiana Kabli Kikar /

Gand Fabaceae 4m Aug - March


Cardamom

Zingiberacea

e 1-1.5m April - May


Cardamom

Zingiberacea

e 1-1.5m April - May

Andropogon


Andropogon


Bambusa nana Common

bamboo Poaceae

1 / 2-

1.5m -

Bambusa nana Common

bamboo Poaceae

1 / 2-

1.5m


barleria

Acanthacea

e 0.6m April - May


barleria

Acanthacea

e 0.6m April - May

Bauhinia tomentosa Orchid tree Fabaceae 1-1.5m Sep - Oct

Bauhinia tomentosa Orchid tree Fabaceae 1-1.5m Sep - Oct

Bougainvillea

arborea

Thornless

bougan

Nyctaginace

ae 2-4m June - July

Carissa grandiflora Kronda / Natal Apocynacea

e

2.5-

3.5m May - August

Cassia glauca Cassia / cenna Fabaceae 2-3m April - May

Cestrum diurnum Day Jasmine Solanaceae 1.5-3m April - May &

Sep - Oct

Cestrum nocturnum Night Jasmine Solanaceae 1.5-3m April - May &

Sep - Oct

Codiaeum

veriegatum Croton

Euphorbiace

ae 2-3m -






Time

Duranta repens Pigeon berry Verbenacea

e 1-4m May - Oct

Duranta repens Pigeon berry Verbenacea

e 1-4m May - Oct

Eranthemum

nervosum Neelum

Acanthacea

e 1-2m April-May

Eranthemum

nervosum Neelum

Acanthacea

e 1-2m April - May

Euphorbia

cotinifolia Lal jhari

Euphorbiace

ae 1-5m Nov - April

Hamelia patens Jhumka /

Bunday Rubiacaee 2-4m

Throughout the

year

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Shoe flower Malvaceae 2-3m Throughout the

year

Jasminum

grandiflora

Yasmeen /

Chambeli Oleaceae 3-5m Nov - Feb

Jasminum humile Pili chambali Oleaceae 2-3m Feb - March

Jasminum sambac Motia Oleaceae 2-4m April - Sep

Jatropha integrima Jatropha Euphorbiace

ae 2-3m March-April

Juniperus prostrata Juniper Pinaceae 2-3m -

Lagerostoemia

lancasteri Gul-e-fanoos Lythraceae 1-3m May - Sep

Lawsonia inermis Heena Lythraceae 2-3m May - June

Murraya exotica Murva Rotaceae Upto

3m

Many times a

year

Nerium oleander Oleander Apocynacea

e 2–6 m May - June

Nyctanthes arbor-

tristis Har Singhar Oleaceae 2-4m Oct -Nov

Punica granatum Anar Punicaceae 3-4m April - May &

Sep - Oct

Russelia sarmentosa Fountain bush Scrophulariac

eae 1-2m

Most part of

the year

Schinus

terebinthilolius Kali mirch

Anacardiace

ae 3-4m March - April






Time

Tamarix dioica salt cedar Tamaricacea

e 1-18m -

Tecomella undulata Lahura Bignoniacea

e 3-5m Feb - April

Thevetia peruviana Pili kaner Apocynacea

e 3-4m

April - May /

Year round

Thuja orientalis More Pankh Pinaceae 2-3m No flower

Herbs

Pettunia sp. Petunia Solanaceae 0.3m Dec - March

Pansy sp. Pansy Violaceae 0.2m Jan - May

Gazania sp. Treasure Flower Asteraceae 0.2m Feb - June

Dahlia sp. Dahlia Asteraceae 0.3m Dec - June

Freesia sp. Freesia Iridaceae 0.3m March - April

Ranunculus sp. Buttercup Ranunculace

ae 0.4m Feb - May

Grasses & Sedges

Arundo don Nara Poaceae Upto

1.5m Nov - Feb

Cynodon dactylon Khabble Grass Poaceae 0.2m Throughout the

year

Cyperus nutans - Cyperaceae 0.5m Oct - Nov

Ferns

Adiantum

raddianum - Pteridaceae

0.1-

0.3m -

Adiantum venustum - Pteridaceae 0.2-0.3 -

Cyrtomium

falcatum -

Dryopteridac

eae 0.5m -

Dryopteris ramosa - Dryopteridac

eae - -

Marsilea quadrifolia - Marsileaceae 0.19m -

Onychium

japonicum - Pteridaceae

0.4-

0.6m -

Pteris vitata - Pteridaceae Upto

1m -









Appendix 6: Map of Anno Bhatti Forest





Appendix 7: Map of Shahdara Reserve Forest





Appendix 8: Map of Jhok, Korotana and Sadhanwali Forests

Documents

ANNEXURE 1: ECOLOGICAL IMPACT STUDY