CHAPTER-2

DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA�

Estelar

16

 

CHAPTER-2

DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA

The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti area is situated in Alaknanda Valley of Chamoli

district of Uttarakhand state. The Chamoli district lies in the Central Himalaya and is

surrounded by Uttarkashi in North-West, Pithoragarh in South-West, Almora in South

East, Rudraprayag in South-West and Tehri Grahwal in West. The geographical area

of the district is around 8030 sq.kms out of which 2695 sq.km. area is under forest

cover (FSI, 2009). Besides, enriched with great ranges of biodiversity, it bears unique

cultural heritage and significant land and water resources. The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti

area represents the eastern part of the Garhwal Himalaya. The area has highly

diversified ecological region, and covers a wide range of climatic conditions under

altitudinal variation of 1000-2800 masl.

2.1 Alaknanda valley

The Alaknanda river is a major Himalayan glacial stream. The river traverses 229

km before its confluence with Bhagirathi at Devprayag to constitute the Ganga, the

major and holiest river of India. The Alaknanda originates at a height of 3641 meters

below Balakun peak 16 km upstream of Badrinath from the two glaciers of Bhagirath

Kharak and Satopanth. These two glaciers rise from the eastern slopes of Chaukhamba

(7140 Meters) peak, Badrinath peak and its satellite peaks (Agarwal et al. 2010).

These peaks separate the Gangotri group of glaciers in the west. The Alaknanda

catchment, located between 30° 0′N to 31° 0′N and 78° 45′ E to 80° 0′E, covers an

area about 10,882 km2, and represents the eastern part of the Garhwal Himalaya. From

its source upto Helong (58 km), the valley is treated as upper Alaknanda valley while

the remaining part of the catchment is known as lower Alanknanda valley. From its

source, the river flows in a narrow deep gorge between the mountain slopes of

Alkapuri, from which it drives its name. All along its course, it drains following

tributaries:

Estelar

17

 

1. Saraswati joins the Alaknanda 9 Km downstream from Mana village.

2. Khilrawan Ganga joins it below the Badrinath shrine and Bhuynder Ganga

below HanumanChatti.

3. Dhauliganga meets at Vishnuprayag above Joshimath. The river Dhauliganga

rises from the Nitti Pass at about 5070 meters. Its valley lies between the

Kamet groups of peaks in the west and Nandadevi group in the east. The

Dhauliganaga takes a northern course at Malari village. Between Malari and

Tapovan villages, it is almost a narrow gorge with perpendicular cliffs on

either side several thousand meters high. The river Dhauliganga in its turn is

fed by Girthiganga at Kurkuti and Rishiganga 500 m below Reni village.

4. Downstream small tributaries- Hellong, Garud, Patal and Birahiganga join the

Alaknanda between Joshimath and Chamoli towns.

5. Nandakini, which rises from Semudra glaciers drains the western slopes of

Trishul mountains and joins Alaknanda at Nandprayag town.

6. Pindar river joins at Karanprayag town,

7. Mandakini river joins at Rudraprayag town

8. At Devprayag Bhagirathi river joins it and forms Holy Ganga.

The Alaknanda valley comprises a highly diversified ecological region since it covers

a wide range of climatic conditions under altitudinal variation. Thus, entire region is

provided with a great variety of landscape, which has resulted in diverse flora and

fauna (Hajra and Balodi, 1995; Upreti and Negi, 1995; Samant, 1993). Botanical

survey of India, Dehradun identified 800 species of plant as a result of survey

conducted in the area during past 4 years by P.K. Hajra and B. Balodi (1995).

Few regions of Himalaya have charm and splendor that match the Alaknanda

catchment. Within the catchment, the protected areas (PAs) like ‘Nanda Devi

Biosphere Reserve’ (NDBR), ‘Valley of Flowers National Park’ and ‘Kedarnath

Wildlife Sanctuary’ are located and are considered as the gems of Himalayas. The

NDBR comprises a unique combination of ecosystem including mixed temperate

Estelar

18

 

forests, alpine meadows, glaciers and high mountain peaks. The high percentages of

endemic species richness in the NDBR of this region itself identify the conservation

value of the valley (Uniyal, 2002). Similarly, the valley of the stream Pushpavati, a

tributary of Alaknanda forms the Valley of Flowers (VOF) which is the second core

zone of NDBR and the biological significance of it lies in exquisite floral and faunal

biodiversity with alluring flowers. During the post monsoon period, the floor of the

valley covered with a carpet of myriad colours provides an awesome sight in the

contrasting backdrop of mountain peaks. Kala et al. (1998) recorded a total of 521

species of vascular plants and a total of 13 wild mammal species from the park and its

vicinity. The VOF is included in the list of eight World Heritage Sites by UNESCO

with effect from 14 July 2005 (Kala, 2005). Apart from this floral and faunal

diversity, the Alaknanda river itself is important and is rich in aquatic diversity. The

river sustains about 39 fish species from 15 genera and 5 families. Of these species, 14

species are abundant whereas 7 species are vulnerable, 15 species are at lower risk

level and another 2 species falls under endangered category (Singh and Sharma,

1998).

Beside rich biodiversity, the valley is also famous for its mythological importance.

There are several heritage sites within the study area like Badrinath Dham and

Hemkund Sahib, etc. The holiest of the four main Hindu shrines, “Badrinath” is

situated along the left bank of river Alaknanda. With the splendid Neelkanth

mountains as the backdrop, it is an important destination on the sacred itinerary of

every devout Hindu. The valley because of the presence of these some of the world

famous religious destinations, high Himalayan tracks, astonishing beauty attracts

every year a large number of tourist.  In addition, Auli adds to the list of important

tourist destinations in the area, which is now popular for snow sports.

In Alaknanda valley 10 large (Installed capacity > 100 MW) and some small

hydropower projects have been proposed from Badrinath dham upto Karanprayag

town. A list of these proposed projects along with their salient features are given in

Estelar

19

 

Table 2.1 and map with location of HEPs are given in Figure 2.1. At present only

Vishnuprayag HEP is operation stage and rest projects are in construction and survey

and investigation stage.

Table 2.1: Salient Features Of Hydropower Projects In Alaknanda Basin Project Name Developer Installed

Capacity

(MW)

Location of damsite Dam/

barrage

height (m)

Submergence

Area (ha)

Length of

Tunnel

(km)

Latitude Longitude

Malari Jhelum

HEP THDCIL 114 300 40’54.7” 790 53’ 4.5” 24.5 10.45 4.5

Jhelam Tamak

HEP THDCIL 120 300 38’ 45”

790 49’

57.5” 24.5 13.9 5.7

Tamak Lata

HEP UJVNL 280 300 36’ 00” 790 47’ 00” 12 NA 12

Lata Tapovan

HEP NTPC 170

25 km from

Joshimath NA NA NA 7.51

Tapovan

Vishnu Gad

HEP

NTPC 520 300 33’ 51” 790 33’ 46” 22 10 11.7

Vishnugad

Pipalkoti HEP THDCIL 444 300 30’ 50” 790 29’ 30” 65 24.5 13.4

Vishnuprayag JPVL 400 300 40’ 10” 790 30’ 35” NA NA 11.34

Alaknanda

HEP

(Badrinath)

GMR

Energy Ltd 300 300 43’ 09” 790 29’ 49” 36 3.74 2.84

Bowala

Nandprayag

HEP

UJVNL 300 Near Birahi

village NA 5 NA 10.37

Nandprayag

Langasu HEP UJVNL 100 300 19’ 30” 790 18’ 20” 15 NA 5

Estelar

Figure 2.1: Alaknanda Valley showing location of Hydroelectric Projects and Protected

Areas

2.1.1 The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR)

Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro-electric Power Project is located in outer boundary

(transition zone) of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR). Nanda Devi

Biosphere Reserve (30° 05'-31° 02'N Latitude, 79012'-80019'E Longitude) is located in

the northern part of West Himalaya and comprises of parts of Chamoli district in

Garhwal, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts in Kumaun in the Uttarakhand State

(Figure 2.2). It belongs to Himalayan Highland Biogeographic Zonation of India and

among the World Heritage sites. Nanda Devi Basin has a distinctive microclimate.

Conditions are generally dry with low annual precipitation, but there is heavy rainfall

during the monsoon from late June to August. The basin is usually snow-bound for six

20

 

Estelar

21

 

months between October and March, the snow accumulating deeper and at lower

altitudes on the southern than on the northern side of the valley.

(i) The Core Zone

The total core area of the NDBR consists of 717.50 Sq. Km. and it comprises

of two National Parks of international repute. The First and the foremost is the

Nanda Devi National Park, which has a total area 624.6 Sq. Km and the other is the

Valley of flower National Park which has a total area of 87.5 Sq. Km. It contains

suitable habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including higher order

predators and may contain centers of endemism. The core zones of NDBR harbours

high diversity of species, alpine communities, rare-endangered, native and endemic

species of both flora and fauna. The core area has 17 species of mammals such as

Snow leopard (Panthera undo). Leopard (P. pardus), Himalayan black bear

(Selenarctos thibetanus), Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos), Himalayan musk

deer (Moschus chrysogaster). Blue sheep (Pseudois nayauf), Himalayan tahr

(Hemitragus jemlahicus), etc. ( Sathyakumar 1993; Tak 1986; Kala et al. 1998), many

species of birds such as Monal pheasant (Lophophorous impejanus), Himalayan snow

cock(Tetraogalhis himalayensis), Koklas pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha), Snow

pigeon (Columba leuconota), Himalayan golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Himalayan

griffon (Gyps himalayensis), Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus), etc. (Tak 1997) and

19 species of butterflies such as Common yellow swallowtail (Papilio machaon),

Common blue apollo (Parnasshis hardwickei), Bath white (Pontia daplidice), Painted

lady (Cynthia cardui), etc. (Baindur, 1993). In Nanda Devi National Park about 493

species of plants have been recorded (Balodi 1993; Samant 1993). The core zone of

the reserve is completely protected.

In Valley of Flowers National Park tourists and research activities are allowed in a

restricted manner. In the core zone of Nanda Devi National Park occasionally

mountaineering, scientific and ecological expeditions are allowed with the permission

of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, New Delhi. The

Valley of Flowers National Park has an area of 87.50 km2. About 63.58 km2 area is

Estelar

22

 

estimated to be under perpetual snow and glaciers based on Satellite Imagery (Kala,

1999). The forest area of the Park is about 5.29 km and the alpine meadows covers

18.63 km2 area. Based on the altitude, aspect and climatic conditions the vegetation of

the Park is divisible into three broad climatic zones viz., sub-alpine, lower alpine and

higher alpine (Kala et al., 1998). Nanda Devi National Park covers 624.6 km2 area, of

which 65 km2 area is under forests, 20 km2 area under grasslands, 36 km2 area under

wasteland and 504 km2 area is under snow/glaciers. The forest density i.e., closed

(>40% crown cover) covers 62 km2 area while degraded (<10% crown cover) covers 3

km2 area (Sahai and Kimothi, 1994).

The changes in the vegetation cover from 1981-1991 indicated that forest resources of

the reserve are well conserved or rather improved during the eighties. During this

period, even 12 km2 area under the open forest category has improved to closed forest

category. Apparently no biotic interference has taken place resulting in improvement

of vegetation cover (Sahai and Kimothi 1994). The core zone is at a distance of 36 km

from the VPHEP dam site.

(ii) The Buffer Zone

The buffer zone adjoins or surrounds the core zone. Uses and activities are

managed in ways that protect the core zone. In the NDBR the whole buffer zone has

mainly three types of lands. Vegetation in the buffer zone comprises of temperate,

subalpine and alpine types. It supports over 1,000 species of plants including fungi,

lichens and bryophytes and 520 species of fauna. Over 23 forest communities and

over 62 alpine communities have been recorded from the buffer zone of the reserve.

Two hundred twenty four species of plants in Pindari area and 193 species in Lata-

Tolma-Malari area are used by the native communities for various purposes (Samant,

1993, 1999; Samant et al., 2000, 2001; Tewari et al., 1994; Hajra and Balodi, 1995).

The buffer zone supports 29 species of mammals (Sathyakumar, 1993; Kala et al.,

1998). The important species are Goral (Nemorhaedus goral), Indian crested

porcupine (Hystrix indica), Yellow bellied weasel (Mustela kathiah), etc., 229 species

Estelar

23

 

of birds such as Indian whitebacked vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Egyptian vulture

(Neophron percnopterus), Peregrine falcon (Faico peregrinus), Chukor partridge

(Alectoris chukor). White crested kaleej pheasant (Lophura leuvumvlunu), Himalayan

red bellied blue magpie (Cissa erythrorhyncha), Yellow bellied blue magpie (C.

flavirostris), etc.. The land cover/land use in buffer zone of old reserve is 1,612 km2 in

which 15 km2 is under built up and agriculture, 432 km2 is under forests, 82 km2 is

under grassland, 111 km2 is under wasteland, and 972 km2 is under snow/glacier

covered area. The forest density (closed with >40% crown cover) covers 172 km2

area, forest density (open with 10-40% crown cover) covers 176 km2 area and

degraded (<10% crown cover) covers 84 km2 area (Sahai and Kimothi 1994). Forty

five villages are located in the buffer zone of the reserve and distributed within the

three districts i.e., Chamoli (Garhwal), Bageshwer and Pithoragarh (Kumaun). The

villagers are totally dependent on the forests for fuel, fodder, medicinal and wild

edible plants and various other purposes. The livestock grazing is common in the

grasslands, meadows and forests of the zone. The main economic activities of the

buffer zone are cultivation of medicinal plants, horticultural and agricultural crops,

sheep farming, bee keeping and eco-tourism.

(iii) The Transition zone

The transition zone surrounding the buffer zone covers 546.34 km2 area and

represents high diversity of habitats, species, communities and ecosystems. This zone

is inhabited by nearly 55 villages. The inhabitants belong to schedule tribes, schedule

castes, Brahmins and Rajputs. The vegetation mainly comprises of temperate,

subalpine and alpine types. The species composition is almost similar to buffer zone.

The villagers are totally dependent on plant resources for fodder, fuel, livestock

grazing, house building, agricultural tools, religious and various other purposes. Most

area of the transition zone is poorly explored in terms of biodiversity, human

dependence, rare-endangered, native, endemic and other economically important

species. Development activities such as sheep farming, ecorestoration, eco-tourism,

cultivation of medicinal plants, bee keeping, training programmes, etc. need to be

Estelar

24

 

encouraged in this zone. The land use pattern mainly comprises of forests, agricultural

land, waste land, settlements, cultivable waste land, orchards, etc. The inhabitants are

mainly dependent on horticultural and agricultural crops such as Apple (Malus

domestica), Walnut (Juglans regia), Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) Potato (Solanum

tuberosum), Amaranth (Amaranthus paniculatus), etc. Bee keeping, medicinal plants

cultivation and sheep farming for income generation.

The main thrust of landscape planning of NDBR is on this zone. This is usually not

delimited one and is a zone of cooperation where conservation knowledge and

management skills are applied and uses are managed in harmony with the purpose of

the Biosphere Reserve. This includes settlements, crop lands, managed forests and

area for intensive recreation and other economic uses characteristics of the region.

Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric Project is situated in the transition zone of NDBR.

Estelar

Figure 2.2: Map of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

25

 

Estelar

26

 

2.1.2 Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS)

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) situated in the Garhwal region of

Western Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Sanctuary is bounded to the north by a range of

places and peaks (300 25’-300 45’ N, 780 54’-790 36’E) with altitudes range from

1,160 to 7,068 m asl. The area covered by the Sanctuary is 97517.80 ha (25293.70 ha

in Chamoli district and 72224.10 ha in Rudraprayag district). The sanctuary lies in the

upper catchment of the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers, which are major tributaries

of holy Ganga. There are 45 villages located within the Sanctuary and 128 villages

outside the Sanctuary within 5 km from the boundary. The inhabitants depend

substantially on the Sanctuary for fuel wood, fodder, medicinal plants and pastures for

livestock grazing. Rights and concession are provided to the villages under settlement

rules. The aerial distance from the boundary of KWLS to the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti HE

Project site is approximately 5 kilometers.

The Sanctuary was created in 1972, and takes its name from the famous Hindu Shrine

at Kedarnath. The area of the Sanctuary falls under the IUCN management Category

IV (Managed Nature Reserve) in the Biogeographical Province 2.38.12 of Himalayan

highlands. It was established mainly to protect the Musk Deer (Moschus

chrysogaster). A Musk Deer Breeding Centre was established in 1982, at

Kanchulakharak within the sanctuary, where Musk deer are bred in captivity and then

released into the wild. For the management purpose the whole KWLS is treated as

core zone, and surrounding areas (up to 5 km distance) are considered as buffer zone.

The main valleys are fully exposed to the summer monsoon, as there is very little

rainshadow effect from the 3,000 m high ranges to the south. Average temperatures

are highest in May or June (250C) and lowest in first half of January (-100C). The

Sanctuary is snow-bound for about three months, following heavy snowfall in

December. The metamorphic rock consists of gneisses, granites and schists.

Estelar

27

 

Eco-tourism is an important activity in the sanctuary area. The area also encloses

many important shrines, including Madhyamaheshwar (3200 m), Rudranath, (3500

m), Trijuginarayan (2200 m) and Tungnath (3750 m), while Kedarnath (3400 m) is

almost on its northern boundary. From May to October regular pilgrims visit

Kedarnath and other shrines. The entry point to the Sanctuary is near Chopta which is

20 km away from Gopeshwar on the Western side of the Hill.

i. Flora of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sanctuary harbors nineteen major vegetation types described by Champion

and Seth, 1968 in India. The floristic richness of KWLS can be attributed to its

location that is at the junction of Indian sub-continent and Indo-China biogeographic

regions (Dinerstein, 1997; Prabhakar et al., 2001). The great variety of vegetation

reflects complex and diverse nature of the climate, geology and topography in the

region.

The forests are mainly dominated by different oak species viz., Quercus glauca

(Harinj), Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj), Quercus floribunda (Moru) and Quercus

semecarpifolia (Kharsu) which form the climax vegetation at different climatic zones.

These forests are not only fulfilling the day to day requirements of local inhabitants

but also associated with the ecological and hydrological balance and support other

species to grow luxuriantly (Singh and Singh, 1992). It is estimated that about 44.4%

to 48.8% of the Sanctuary is forested, 7.7% comprises alpine meadows and scrub,

42.1% is rocky or under permanent snow and 1.5% represents formerly forested areas

that have been degraded (Prabhakar et al., 2001). A total of 530 species of

dicotyledons and 691 species of monocotyledons have been recorded from KWLS

(Kala and Gaur, 1982). The major forest types are:

• Subtropical zone – Pine (upto 2000 masl)

• Temperate Oak-Fir and Maple (2,500–2,800 masl)

• Subalpine Oak-Fir-Maple (2,850–3,150 masl)

• Krumholtz’ or Rhododendron stands (3,100–3,300 masl)

Estelar

28

 

• Sub-alpine fir (2,850–3,150 masl)

• Subalpine scattered tree and scrub (2,800–3,200 masl)

• Alpine meadows and rocks (>3,200 masl)

The subtropical zone is represented mainly by Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii).

Euphorbia royleana occasionally occurs on dry, southern aspects. Within the

temperate zone Ban (Quercus incana), Moru (Quercus dilatata) and Kharsu (Quercus

semecarpifolia) Oak forests occur. Buras (Rhododendron arboretum) often constitutes

a second storey. Oak are mixed with Fir (Abies pindrow) at higher elevations. The

subalpine zone consists of Birch (Betula utilis) with an understory of Rhododendron

campanulatum. Rhododendron extends into the alpine zone. The herb community of

the subalpine and alpine meadows dominated by Danthonia cumminsii, which forms

tussocks of grass over extensive areas. The area is home to many endangered plant

species, viz. Acer caesium, Nardostachys jatamansi, Picrorhiza kurroa, Podophyllum

hexandrum, Saussorea obvallata, Aconitum bulfori and A. heterophyllum (Khushoo,

1991).

ii. Fauna of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

A total 23 mammalian species are recorded in the sanctuary out of which 11 are

threatened. The primates are Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and Common Langur

(Presbytis entellus). Carnivores include Jackal (Canis aureus), Fox (Vulpes vulpes),

Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula),

Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis), Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) and Snow

Leopard (Panthera uncia). Ungulates are Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Musk Deer

(Moschus chrysogaster), Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), Sambar (Cervus

unicolor), Goral (Nemorhaedus goral), Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis), Himalayan

Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) and Bharal (Pseudois nayaur). Some of them are rare

and endangered such as common leopard (Panthera pardus) and snow leopard

(P.uncia) (Green, 1985). Over 230 species of birds are reported from the area.

Estelar

29

 

Himalayan Monal Pheasant (Lophophorus impejanu), Kalij Pheasant (Lophura

leucomelana) and Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) are common in

occurrence.

2.2 Vishnugad- Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project

The Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP) has been designed as

a 444 MW (4 x 111), run-of-river water diversion scheme on the Alaknanda River in

Chamoli district of Uttarakhand (Figure 2.3). The Project is being developed by Tehri

Hydro Development Corporation India Limited, a joint venture of the Government of

India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The Project has been designed to

generate approximately 1,800 GWh (Gigawatt-hours, or million kilowatt-hours) in a

statistically average year. The VPHE Project is envisaged as a runoff the river scheme,

involving construction of a 65 m high diversion dam across river Alaknanda river,

near Village Helong (79o29’30” E and 30o30’50” N). The project utilizes the drop in

water level between out fall of Tapovan- Vishnugad Project and Birahi Alaknanda

confluence. At the diversion site, a discharge of about 228.86 cumecs shall pass

through a tunnel of 13.4 km length and 8 m dia (horse shoe shaped) which leads the

discharge to the underground power house proposed to be located near village Hat

(79o24’56” E and 30o25’31”N), about 3 km from Pipalkoti. The tail race discharge

will be diverted in river Alaknanda through a tunnel of 3.07 km length and 8 m dia.

horse shoe shaped diameter. The power station utilizes a gross head of 237 m with an

installed capacity of (4x111) 444 MW. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh

about 225km from project site (DPR of VPHEP, 2006).

The river stretch under the project is about 27 km from Helong village to village

Birahi. The operation of VPHEP is linked to the upstream projects on Vishnugad (by

Jai Praksh group) and of Topovan- Vishnugad (by National Thermal Power

Corporation Ltd.). Downstream of this project, further run of the river power project

are planned, which will also divert water from Alakananda through headrace tunnel.

The salient features of the VPHE Project is given in the Table 2.2 and free draining

catchment area map are given in Figure 2.4.

Estelar

30

 

Table: 2.2 Brief Details of the Vishnugad- Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project

LOCATION - 300 30’ 50”N to 300 25’ 31”N

790 29’ 30” E to 790 24’ 56”E

State Uttarakhand

District Chamoli

HYDROLOGY Snow Catchment 2896 km2

Catchment area at

Vishnugad

4672 km2 Maximum 10 daily flow 1308.12 cumec (average)

Average Annual Runoff 5682.6 mcm

HEAD RACE TUNNEL U/S SURGE SHAFT

Type Modified Horse Shoe No. 01

Size 8.8 m Type Controlled orifice

Length 13.4 km Diameter / Depth U/S 2 m /110m

TAIL RACE TUNNEL D/S SURGE SHAFT

Type Modified Horse Shoe No. 01

Size 8.8 m Type Underground

Length 3.07 km Diameter / Depth 120 x 12 x 27

PENSTOCK UNDERGROUND POWER HOUSE COMPLEX

Number 4 Installed Capacity 111 x 4 = 444 MW

Size 5.20 m/3.65 m dia Size 127 x 20.3 x 50 m

Type Circular Turbine Francis. 4 Generating

Units

Length 351 m/36.7 m Gross / Net Head 237m / 211m

SWITCH YARD TRANSMISSION OF

POWER

By Transmission Line

Constructed by

Powergrid Corporation Size and Type 8 Bays/GIS/420 KV Este

lar

Figure 2.3: Location of Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project Area

31

 

Estelar

Figure 2.4: Free Draining Catchment Area of Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric

Project

32

 

Estelar

33

 

2.2. 1 Major Project Component

i. Dam Site- The Dam site is near Helong village. A 65 m high concrete dam

above the deepest river bed EL 1205 m. 89.3 long with spillway in the deep

gorge portion is proposed at this site. The reservoir will have a gross storage

capacity of 3.63 million cum, out of which 2.47 million cum shall be live

storage. A diversion cum spill tunnel of 10 m dia. shall divert the discharge of

725 m3/sec during the construction period. The water conductor system

comprises of 3 intake tunnels, 3 Underground sedimentation chambers, a head

race tunnel, a surge shaft, 2 pressure shafts bifurcating into 4 Penstocks.

ii. Power House Site- The power house site is located inside a hill in right bank

of Alaknanda river downstream of Hat village, near Pipalkoti town. The

underground power house is proposed as the river banks are steep and there is

paucity of space for surface power house. It will comprise of two separate

underground caverns for installation of turbines and transformers. The

dimensions of power house will be 127 m x 20.3 m x 50 m. The size of

transformer cavern is 112 m x 16 m x 24.5 m. The power house will have 4

units of 111MW. The project would afford an annual energy generation of

1813.03 GWH on 90% dependability basis

iii. Colony Area- An establishment of the Project Township is also an important

component for successful implementation of project. The Colony site is

identified near Hat village, located on the right bank of Alaknanda, D/S of the

power house site. The area required for the colony site is 13.0 ha. The

land/terrain has a gentle slope, which can be developed by construction of

retaining walls for establishment of Project Township (i.e. colony, shopping

complex, community centre etc.). At present, the local market is Pipalkoti,

which is 4 km. away from the proposed project colony area.

Estelar

34

 

iv. Muck Disposal Sites- About 1.5 Mm3 of muck is likely to be generated of

which about 0.45 Mm3 would be used in construction of the various civil

structures for the project. The balance (1.05 Mm3) shall have to be disposed at

designated sites. An area of 12 ha has been earmarked for muck disposal. Four

muck disposal sites are identified near at:

• Gulabkoti village

• Guniyala village

• Hat village

• Siyasain village

The muck disposal sites in the proposed project are located close to river

Alaknanda. After disposal of muck, the site needs to be stabilized using bio-

engineering measures.

v. Quarry Area- Construction material is proposed to be acquired from the

following quarries:

Gulabkoti quarry : 2 km from dam site

Patalganga quarry : 5 km from dam site

Birahi quarry : 5 km from power house site

The quarrying operations are semi-mechanized in nature. Normally, in a hilly

terrain like Uttarakhand, quarrying is normally done by cutting a face of the

hill. A permanent scar is likely to be left, once quarrying activities are over.

With the passage of time, rock from the exposed face of the quarry under the

action of wind and other erosional forces, get slowly weathered and after some

time, they become a potential source of landslide. Thus it is necessary to

implement appropriate slope stabilization measures to prevent the possibility of

soil erosion and landslides in the quarry sites.

Estelar

35

 

vi. Approach Road- The National Highway No. 58 is on the left bank of the river

whereas all the project components are located on the right side of the river. All

material and equipment for the project will be transported from the existing

road network of NH-58. There is no road to reach the various work fronts.

Approach road leading to work fronts is required to be constructed. Four

approach roads are proposed under the project which will be taken under

advance construction works.

i. Approach Road to Dam site

ii. Approach Road to Langsi Adit

iii. Approach Road to Maina Adit

iv. Approach Road to Power house and Colony site

2.2.2 Land requirement

The total land required for the project is 120.00 ha. Out of which 80 ha is forest land

and 40 ha is private land. The details are given in Table 2.3.

Estelar

36

 

Table 2.3- Land Requirement for Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project

Project Component Area (ha)

Dam Area 36.50

Approach roads 38.00

Adits 5.00

Quarry area 12.00

Dumping area 12.00

Colony 13.00

Pot Yard area 1.50

Power house 2.00

Total 120.00

2.3 Climate

The climate of the project area can be divided into four main season i.e. winter

ranging season from December to February followed by pre-monsoon or mild summer

season from March to May. The monsoon season begins in June and continue upto

middle of October. The period from second half of the October to November is the

post-monsoon season.

a. Temperature

The Temperature in the area varies with elevation. It rises rapidly after March and the

month of July is the hottest month of the year with mean daily maximum temperature

going up to 27-28oC. With the withdrawal of monsoons, by the end of September,

there is a sharp decrease in temperatures. The months of December and January are

Estelar

37

 

the coolest months of the year, with mean daily minimum temperature as low as 4 to

5oC.

b. Rainfall

The average annual rainfall is about 125 c.m. per annum. The maximum rainfall is

received in the months of July and August. About 60% of the rainfall is received

under the influence of south west monsoons during the months from July to

September. On an average, there are about 88 rainy days (i.e. days with rainfall of 2.5

mm) in a year.

c. Humidity

The average `humidity’ is about 61% Apart from the monsoon months, humidity is

around 50-55% throughout the year. The average meteorological conditions in the

project area are given in Table-2.4 and figure 2.5.

Table-2.4 Average Meteorological Conditions in The Study Area

Month

Mean Temperature Daily (oC)

Rainfall (mm)

Number of rainy days

Relative humidity (%)

Maximum Minimum 8:30 17:30

January 12.79 4.54 77.8 5 53 48 February 14.84 5.35 107.6 6.3 57 50 March 18.83 11.25 113 7 52 49 April 24.78 14.88 59.1 4.8 49 41 May 25.86 18.31 52.9 4.9 53 44 June 26.81 20.73 111.5 8.8 72 61 July 27.33 21.06 267.1 17.7 89 78 August 26.17 20.37 232.7 17.7 91 80 September 25.22 10.52 124.3 10 82 72 October 23.36 17.48 40.4 3.4 65 59 November 18.69 13.84 14.9 1.3 51 48 December 13.55 7.59 24.3 1.5 47 43

(Source: Forest Department, Gopeshwar)

Estelar

Figure 2.5: Temperate (in oC) and rainfall (in mm) in the study area for the year 2008-09

2.4 Geology

The study area forming a part of Alaknanda valley exposes rocks belonging to

Garhwal Group and Central Himalayan Crystalline and are composed mainly of calc-

arenaceous rocks with basic intrusive and migmatite bodies, while around Helong

village (near dam site) low to medium grade metamorphic rocks are exposed. The

rocks occurring at the dam site are quartzites and along most of the length of the

tunnel alignment are: quartzite with biotite schist, interbedded and interbanded grey

slates and dolomites/limestone, grey thinly bedded slates with minor interbeds of

limestone, dolomitic limestone with subordinate grey slates, grey pyritous shale /

slates, thinly bedded dolomitic limestones, grey slate / phyllite, white siliceous

dolomite with magnesite and talc schist; light grey dolomite with stromatolitic

structures, interbedded quartzite phyllite and dolomite belong to Garhwal Group.

Calcareous shale and dolomitic limestone / dolomite are observed at the dam site.

Along Tail race tunnel, dolomitic limestone, metabasics, augen gneisses and schist are

38

 

Estelar

39

 

observed. The project area lies within seismic zone V. The north dipping Main Central

Thrust (MCT) lies about 2 km northeast of the proposed dam site and the seismic

status of this thrust is not properly known. The Alaknanda fault and Srinagar thrust are

located about 32 km and 45 km southwest respectively of the proposed dam site.

2.5 Soil

Soil is the product of geological, chemical and biological interactions. The soil

in the study area, like any other region of Himalayas is young. The vegetal cover is

one of the most important influencing factor characterizing the soil types in a region.

The soil in a region varies according to altitude and climate. Soil on the slope above

30o, due to erosion and mass wasting processes, are generally shallow and usually

have very thin surface horizons. Such soils have medium to coarse texture. Valley

soils are developed from colluviums and alluvium brought down from the upper

slopes and are deposited in the valleys and low-lying tracts or river terraces. In general

north facing slopes support deep, moist and fertile soils. The south facing slopes on

the other hand, are too precipitous and well exposed to denudation. The soils of

Vishnugarh–Pipalkoti area is silty to clayey loam and is very fertile. In the forest

margins the soil are stony, completely immature and extremely poor. During field

study soil samples were collected from ten locations of study area figure 2.6. The

physico-chemical characteristics of soil of the study area are given in Table 2.5. The

pH of soil at vairous sites lies within neutral range. The levels of NPK indicate low to

moderate productivity.

Estelar

40

 

Table-2.5 Physico-chemical characteristics of soil of the study area

Soil

sampling

site

Parameters

pH Potassium

(kg/ha)

Nitrogen

(kg/ha)

Phosphorus

(kg/ha)

S1 6.86 127 310 10

S2 6.92 179 290 8

S3 6.95 172 469 12

S4 7.75 210 290 15

S5 6.96 240 214 11

S6 7.42 170 345 9

S7 7.1 137 312 15

S8 7.1 204 330 12

S9 6.9 105 350 12

S10 7.2 200 340 20

(Source: Field survey during year 2007- 20008)

Estelar

Figure 2.6 Map showing location of soil sampling sites

41

 

Estelar

42

 

2.6 Land Use/Land Cover

Landuse describes how a patch of land is used (e.g. for agriculture, settlement,

forest etc.), whereas land cover describes the materials (such as vegetation, rocks or

buildings) that are present on the surface. Accurate land use and land cover

identification is the key to most of the planning processes. The land use pattern of the

study area has been studied through digital satellite imagery data.. The data was

processed through ERDAS software package.

Ground truth studies were conducted in the area to validate various signals in the

satellite images and correlate them with different land use domains. As the major

portion of the area consists of vegetation and index makes the various

vegetation types as discreet. The image obtained after the vegetation index,

enhancement becomes a single band data i.e. the grey set. The grey set was merged

with the coloured FCC. This image was then classified using the prominent

signatures extracted . Figure 2.7 presents the landuse/landcover map of the study

area. The land use pattern of the study area is outlined in Table-2.6.

Table-2.6 Land Use Pattern Of The Study Area

Landuse Cover Area (ha)

Dense vegetation 4475 (13.6%) Open vegetation 5797.3 (17.6%) Water bodies/River bed 199 (0.60%) Exposed rock 4071 (12.4%) Agricultural land 9830.8 (29.9%) Grassland 2143.4 (6.5%) Scrub 3247 (9.9%) Snow 1120 (3.3%) Silty land 2034.5 (6.2%) Total 32918 (100.0%)

(Source: Detail Project Report of VPHE Project)

The major land use category in the study area is area under vegetation, which accounts

for 31% of the study area. The other dominant landuse category are agricultural land

(30%) and rock exposed area (12.4%).

Estelar

Figure 2.7 Landuse classification of the study area

2.7 Forest types of study area

The recorded forest area of the Uttarakhand is about 34,651 km2, which

constitutes 64.79% of its geographical area. By legal status, reserved forests

constitutes 71.10%, Protected forests 28.52% and Unclassed forests 0.38% of the total

forests area. However, the forest cover of the state based on satellite data of October

43

 

Estelar

44

 

2006-January 2007 is 24,495 km2 which constitutes about 45.80% of the total state

geographical area. Very dense forest accounts for 4762 km2 (8.90%), 14165 km2

(26.49%) is moderately dense forest and 5,568 km2 (10.41%) is open forest (FSI,

2009).

Chamoli district accounts for a geographical area of 8,030 sq. km. The forest cover of

the district is about 2695 km2, out of which 427 km2 is very dense forest, 1586 km2 is

moderately dense forest and 682 km2 is open forest (FSI Report, 2009). Hence,

Chamoli district has 33.56% forest cover of the total geographical area. The forests of

the district vary from sub tropical pine forest to moist alpine scrub forests. Due to

large differences in altitude and precipitation, the forest vegetation types in this region

range from tropical to alpine types. The six major forest types occurring in the state

are Tropical dry deciduous, Subtropical Pine, Subtropical dry evergreen, Himalayan

moist temperate, Himalayan dry temperate, Sub-alpine and Alpine forests. These

forests are primary livelihood source for the rural population and source of fresh water

for both urban and rural population.

The Chamoli district covers the forest of Badrinath, Kedarnath and Nanada Devi

National Park territorial Forest Divisions. The Proposed Vishnugad-Pipalkoti H.E.

Project area comes under all the above forest divisions.The forests present in the

Vishnugad-Pipalkoti area and adjoining area have been studied based upon the

information from the classical work of champion and Seth (1968) and Singh and

Singh (1992). The formation types in the Himalayas recognized by Singh and Singh

(1992) and the vegetation types recognized by Champion and Seth are given below for

comparison (Table 2.7).

Estelar

45

 

Table 2.7: Forest formation types recognized by Singh and Singh (1987) and

vegetation types recognized by Champion and Seth (1968)

Formation type (Singh and Singh,

(1992)

Equivalent groups, sub-groups and

categories of Champion and Seth

(1968)

Low-montane needle leaf forest with

concentrated summer leaf drop

Sub-tropical pine forest (Group-9)

Low-to mid–montane

hemisclerophyllus broadleaf forest

with concentrated summer leaf drop

Lower western Himalayan temperate

forests, (Group-12/C2), excluding

coniferous category.

Mid-montane needle–leaf evergreen

forest

Coniferous categories of lower western

(Group-12/C1) and upper west (Group-

12/C2) Himalayan temperate forests.

High-montane mixed stunted forest Sub-alpine forest (Group-14)

Very high-montane scrub Alpine scrub (Group-15)

The major forest types found in the study area and in catchment area are discussed

below:

(A) Group-9 Subtropical Pine Forests

(i) Himalayan Chir-Pine forest (Type 9C/1b): This type of forest mainly occurs

between 750m to 2000m occasionally extending above and below this zone. Pinus

roxburghii occupy the top canopy of the vegetation while Quercus leucotrichophora,

Lyonia ovalifolia, Rhododendron arboreum, Pyrus pashia, Myrica esculenta,

Symplocos chinensis makes the middle story with the association of Pyracantha

crenulata, Innula cappa, Berberis aristata, Rubus ellipticus, Viburnum cotinifolium

etc. The major herbs and grasses of this type of forest are Anaphalis spp., Artemisia

Estelar

46

 

vulgaris, Desmodium microphyllum, Cymbopogon martini and Apluda mutica etc.

Among the species frequently associated with Chir in lower limits are Ougeinia

oogeinensis, Bauhinia variegata, Ficus auriculata, Woodfordia fruticosa, Indigofera

heterantha, Rhus parviflora, R. cotinus, Boehmeria rugulosa at most shady places

Syzygium cumini, Toona ciliata are common on rocky southern aspect.

(ii) Sub-tropical Euphorbia scrub (Type 9/C1/ds2): The occurrence of scrub of

Euphorbia royleana is primarily related to edaphic factors. It is found on dry; rocky

and exposed slopes devoid of soil in the lower fringe of Pine forests. However, under

biotic pressure, notably of fire and grazing, the consociations extend and become

denser and purer owing to the elimination of less resistant species. The type is absent

above 1500masl. Euphorbia royleana is found pure, occasionally associated with

Woodfordia fruticosa and Rhus parviflora. The ground cover consists of Heteropogon

contortus and Cymbopogon martini species.

(B) Group- 12- Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests:

(i) Banj-Oak forest (Type 12/C1a): Banj oak forests are found generally between

elevations 1,500 and 2,000m. Ban oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) is the predominant

species of these forests. Small patches of these forests are found near Helong,

Shelang, Joshimath and Vishnuprayag areas of study area. In such forest Quercus

leucotrichophora, Alnus nepalensis, Carpinus viminea, Toona serrata, Aesculus

indica and Quercus glauca makes the top canopy whereas Rhododendron arboreum,

Lyonia ovalifolia, Betula alnoides, Litsea glutinosa makes the middle story. The shrub

vegetation of the forest is Berberis chitria, Viburnum cotinifolium, Indigofera

heterantha, Rubus niveus etc. Common climbers found in these forests are Vitis spp.,

Hedera sp. Rosa brunoii and Smilax spp. etc. The degradation of Banj-oak forests is

primarily due to lopping for fodder, neighbouring agricultural fields and the associated

anthropogenic factors.

Estelar

47

 

(ii) Moru-Oak forest (Type 12/C1b): Moru oak (Quercus himalayana) forests are

found at higher altitudes (between 2,000 m and 2700m) than the Banj oak forests. This

type of forest mainly found between Quercus leucotrichophora and Q. semicarpifolia.

The composition of such forest is developed by Quercus floribunda, Q.

leucotrichophora, Q. semicarpifolia, Betula alnoides, Acer caesium, Persea duthiei,

Carpinus viminea, Aesculus indica, Toona and Prunus cornuta. These forests are

represented in the upper catchment area of Alakananda river.

(iii) Moist deodar forest (Type 12/C I c): This is more or less pure forest of deodar

(Cedrus deodara) with a little proportion of other species. The forest is found near

Joshimath area between 2500-2600 m elevations. Some important tree associates

found in the forests are Abies pindrow, Hippophae rhamnoides and Populus ciliata.

Climbers and epiphytes are absent.

(iv) Western mixed coniferous forests (Type 12/C1d): Western mixed coniferous

forests is found to occur in the altitudinal zone of 2,400 to 3,000 m in the project

catchment area. A varying mixture of Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana, Pinus

wallichiana, Taxus baccata, Cedrus deodara with evergreen and deciduous

broadleaved forest is characteristics of this type forests. Amongst evergreen

broadleaved species Quercus semicarpifolia, Acer caesium associates in the higher

reaches and Q. floribunda, Q. leucotrichophora, Aesculus indica, Ulmus wallichiana,

Juglans regia, Carpinus viminea and Rhododendron arboreum in lower reaches. The

common shrubs in this type of forest are Rhus punjabensis, Rhamnus purpurea, R.

virgata, Viburnum spp., Rosa brunonii, Rubus niveus, and Berberis chitria etc.

Herbaceous flora comprising the species of Artemisia, Potentilla, Anemone, Viola,

Valeriana, Fragaria etc.

(v) Moist temperate deciduous forest (Type 12/C1e): This type of forest occurs

throughout the most temperate forests except the lower parts on deep and moist soils

at elevation between 1800 to 2750m. It is common along hill streams bottom and

sheltered valleys, mainly on the northern aspects. The tree species are all deciduous

and much branchy. Aesculus indica, Acer caesium, Ulmus wallichiana, Betula

Estelar

48

 

alnoides, Toona serrata, Prunus cornuta, Swida macrophylla and Juglans regia with

their undergrowth Viburnum spp., Rubus spp., Pyracantha spp. and Pterocanthus spp

are the common species of this type. Common climbers found in these forests are Vitis

semicordata, Clematis montana, Rubus paniculatus, Rosa brunonii and Smilax sp. etc.

(v) Kharsu-oak forest (Type 12/C2a): Kharsu occupies the highest zone amongst the

oaks. Here, Quercus semicarpifolia associates with Abies pindrow, Betula alnoides,

and Aesculus indica with middle story of Rhododendron arboreum, Prunus cornuta,

Taxus baccata etc. The common shrubs of these types are Rosa sericea, R.

macrophylla, Cotoneaster acuminata etc. The herbaceous layer comprised the species

of Geranium, Fragaria, Viola, Anemone, Rumex, Agrotis etc.

(vi) West Himalayan upper oak-fir forest (Type 12/C2b): This type has small

extent of occurrence above the mixed coniferous forest in the altitudinal zone 2600 to

3400m especially on the northern aspects and sheltered sites. The major species of this

type are Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana with second story of Quercus semicarpifolia,

Q. floribunda, Aesculus indica, Acer caesium, Taxus buccata and shrub layer is

comprised by Rubus niveus, Rosa macrophylla, Rhamnus purpurea species.

(vii) Himalayan Temperate pasture (Type 12/Ds3): This type of forest is found in

localized patches where excessive grazing has been taken place in temperate forests

and the favorite sites on ridges and the greater slopes, especially when moist or near

water have gradually been cleared passing through the park land stage to open

grassland. This type has altitude range 1800 to 3000m occasionally going lower and

higher depending upon aspects etc. The grasses commonly found upper zone are

Agrostis spp. etc and in lower region are Themeda, Heteropogon and Chrysopogon

etc.

(viii) Alder Forest (Type 12/1S1): Alder (Alnus nepalensis) forests are found

occurring in pure patches especially on the banks of streams and nalas from 1,000 to

3,000 m. There is very little undergrowth in these forests as they are most often

growing on degraded and nutritionally poor soils, which cannot sustain herbaceous

Estelar

49

 

undergrowth. Small patches of these forests are found on the banks of Birahi Ganga,

Patal Ganga and Garur Ganga rivers of study area. The other common associates of

alder are Pinus roxburghii, Populus ciliata, Celtis australis, Toona serrata, Aesculus

indica, Ulmus wallichiana, etc. Undergrowth species consists of Berberis sp.,

Prinsepia sp., Rumex nepalensis, Polygonum sp., Ranunculus and Gerardiana

heterophylla.

(C) Group- 14- Sub Alpine Forests

(i) West Himalayan sub-alpine birch/fir forests (Type 14/C Ia & 14/C Ib): This is

an irregular forest consisting mainly of fir, birch and Rhododendron bushes. These

forests are found between 2,900-3,500 m altitudes. The forest is mainly evergreen,

although most of other broadleaved species are deciduous. The winters in this tract are

very severe with sub-zero temperatures for long periods. The important species found

in this forest are Abies spectabilis, Betula utilis and Viburnum grandiflorum. This type

of forest is found in the catchment area of project. These trees provide excellent

substratum for the corticolous lichen species of the genera like Heterodermia,

Parmelia, Ramalina and Usnea. The undergrowth includes Cotoneaster microphyllus,

Hippophae rhamnoides, Rosa sericea, Rhododendron hypenanthum, Salix denticulata,

Skimmia laureola, etc. Climbers and epiphytes are absent. Herbaceous flora is

represented by Agrostis stolonifera, Artemisia maritima, Anaphalis triplinervis,

Calamagrostis emodensis, Carex obscura, Festuca sp., Morina longifolia, Origanum

vulgare, Poa spp., etc.

(D) Group- 15- Alpine Forests

(i) Birch/Rhododendron Scrub forests - Sub-alpine forests (Type 15/C1): These

types of forest are found as low evergreen forests of Rhododendron arboreum and

Birch (Betula utilis) at altitudes ranging above 3,100 m. At some places, birch occurs

in pure stands. These forests are found in upper reaches of Alaknanda and

Dhauliganga river catchment area.

Estelar

50

 

(ix) Alpine Pastures (Type15/C3): These are extensive grasslands above the tree line

and below snow line, which are much prized by the grazers for grazing their flocks.

These grasslands are the abodes of the number of important medicinal plants and

herbs. The more significant of these plants are Jurinea macrophylla, Aconitum

heterophyllum, Picrorhiza kurroa and Saussurea lappa etc. Viola odorata,

Podophyllum hexandrum, Valeriana wallichii, Salvia moorcroftiana were growing

occasionally in the forests and alpine pastures. Most of these species are now seen

rarely as their populations are dwindling owing to exploitation and habitat loss.

2.8 Agriculture

The agriculture of Garhwal himalayas exhibit a great deal of variability in crop

diversity, crop composition and crop rotation. The region can be divided into the

following three agro-climatic zones along the elevational gradient:

(i) Lower altitude (500 m to 1000 m)

(ii) Middle altitude (1000 m to 1800 m)

(iii) Higher altitude (> 1800 m)

The study area is located in the middle altitude area. The cropping pattern in this zone

is built around two major cropping seasons, viz. kharif (April-October) and rabi

(October-April). Paddy, maize and pulses are the major kharif crops. During rabi

season, crops such as wheat, barley, mustard, peas are grown.

According to the traditionally accepted criteria agricultural land in the region is

identified either as the rainfed (locally known as Ukhar) or the irrigated (known as

Seva). Only 15% of the cropped area is irrigated. Irrigated land is often confined to the

river valleys at lower altitudes and sometimes in terraced agricultural fields of middle

altitude where water is available. Traditionally, water is channelled from the river

through gools (water canals) to the agricultural fields. The yield of various crops in

the study area is given in Table-2.8.

Estelar

51

 

Table-2.8 Yield of various crops in the area

Crop Yield (qtl/ha)

Wheat (unirrigated) 10.25

Barley 11.0

Mixed crop of paddy, millet 18.16

Potato 98.65

Mixed crop of wheat, lentil and mustard under

irrigated conditions

35.74

(Source: Uttarakhand Statistical Handbook, 2006 )

2.9 People

Uttarakhand resembles other parts of the Himalayas where various ethnic

groups live side by side. Leading chiefly an agrarian-pastoral way of life, the people

of the state make their living from the hilly land. Collectively all people of the hills

are known as “Paharis”, and “Garhwalis” particularly the inhabitants of this region.

The study area villages fall under two blocks of Chamoli district namely Dasholi

block (Chamoli tehsil) and Joshimath block (Joshimath tehsil). As per the 2001 census

the total population of district Chamoli is 370359 and the density of population is

45.85 persons per square kilometer. Out of the total population male population is

183745 (49.61%) and females population is 186614 (50.39%). The proportion of

SC/ST population to total population is 20.90%. As per the Census 2001, literacy rate

for the project district is 75.43%. Observed across gender the male literacy rate is

higher than the female literacy rate. The villages of the area are located on gentle

slopes or on more or less plain areas, mostly nearby water courses and surrounded by

terraces of crop fields. The basic occupation of the locales is agriculture, cattle

farming and a few artisans and household industries.

The Tribal and Non Tribal People of Study Area

Garhwal has been known as ‘Kedarkhand’ in the ancient text, It extended from

Gangadwar (Haridwar) in south to high mountains in north and from the Tamsa river

Estelar

52

 

(Tons river) in west to Budhanchal (Nanda Devi peaks) in the east. The scriptural text

(a part of Skandhapuran) mentions a number of tribes that inhabited the region like

Sakas, Hunas, Nagas, Kiratas, etc. Before coming of Brahamins and Rajputs from

plains the region was dominated with Khasas.

The study area is inhabited by Scheduled Tribes (Bhotia), Schedule Castes and other

castes of the region. The inhabitants of the Alaknanda valley area belong to the Indo-

Mongoloid (Bhotia ) and Indo - Aryan groups. They have unique culture and tribal

customs.

(1) Indo-Mongoloid people :

Bhotiya tribes play an important role in the demography of Chamoli district as

compared to other districts of Garhwal. The tribe is called Bhotiya in Garhwal. The

Bhotiya are people living in the trans Himalayan region that divides India from Tibet.

In some regions they are called Bhutia. They are closely related to the Tibetans and

their name, Bhotiya, derives from the word Bod, which is another name for Tibet.

Bhotiya tribe is comprised of about 9 groups, in which Shaukas of Kumaon and

Tolchhas and Marchhas of Garhwal are pre-dominant in Uttarakhand.

The Marchhas live in the Mana and Niti valleys in the cold and dry tracts of upper

Chamoli district. Though they speak a Tibetan-Burman language, their facial features

suggest some intermarriage with the Aryans. Because they originally migrated from

Tibet, the Marchhas follow Hinduism. Unlike the other Bhotiya groups, they worship

in Hindu temples, and rely on the Hindu Brahmins to conduct religious ceremonies.

Traditionally, most Marchha were nomadic shepherds and herders. These animals

graze on the rich alpine pastures in the summer, and move to lower altitudes in the

winter. The herders sell wool, meat, and milk to earn a living. All Bhotias are now

classified as Schedule Tribes. Each Bhotiya group speaks its own dialect including

Garhwali, Kumaoni and Tibetans.

Tolchha is another small Bhotiya tribe living in the Niti valley among the Marchha

tribe, the Tolchha, like the Marchha, are Hindus. Despite the fact that they are of

Estelar

53

 

Tibetan origin, Aryan intermarriage over the centuries have made the Tolchha tribe

resembling much more closely to the Aryan Jaunsari than the Tibetans.

(2) Indo-Aryan origin :

They include Brahmins, Rajputs and Scheduled Castes (Artisans, Carpenters, Masons

etc.).There exists a good sprinkling of admixture of the two bigger ethnic groups

throughout the area. The people of the study area by and large are poor. Land holdings

are very small and literacy percentage is very poor due to remoteness. They have their

own culture, tradition and religious beliefs. The principle occupation is agriculture and

Sheep rearing. Typically the men work as shepherds rearing sheep and goats, while

the women stay in the villages tending the fields. Crops grown in these high mountain

areas include rajma (beans), aloo (potatoes), mutter (peas) as well as several different

varieties of grains. All the houses hold entirely depend on forest for fuel, fodder,

timber and leaf litter for organic manure. Many plant species are used in traditional

health care system by these tribal. People wear cloths made of woolen material quite

often homemade. With the changing social-cultural style. People have started

purchasing and eating rice wheat and other pulses replacing their traditional food like

cheena (Pancicum milliaceum) Phaphar (Gagopyrum tataricum), oagal (Gafopyrum

esculantum) and Rajma (Phaseolus spp). Local people have adopted to the harsh

climate and tough terrain of the area by having settlements at lower altitudes while the

summer settlements at higher altitudes. Based on the migrating distance villages have

been grouped into two categories is locally & distantly migrating.

2.10 Fauna

The distribution of fauna is mainly dependant on availability and type of

vegetation providing feeding, breeding, hiding and resting sites. The Garhwal forests

can be divided into two zones vis-a-vis availability of wildlife species. These are low

land forests (El 1000 m) and highland forests (El 1000-3000 m). The study area is

located in the highland forest zone, which corresponds to lesser or lower Himalayas.

Estelar

54

 

The forest areas, which are relatively undisturbed are reported to serve as habitat for

various faunal species. In the lower reaches, i.e. upto timber line species such as

leopard, jungle cat, civet, wild dog, Indian fox are reported. In the upper reaches,

faunal species such as bharal, thar, musk deer, snow leopard, brown bear, etc. are

reported. Amongst avi-fauna partridge, pheasants, piegeons, wood peckers, cuckoos,

etc. are reported in the study area. The common domestic animals are represented by

common livestock. As livestock farming along with agriculture is the main occupation

of people. Cows and buffaloes are the major source of milk in the region. The goat,

sheep, bull, horse, mule and donkey are used for transportation of goods. The list of

faunal species of study area is given in Table 2.9.

Table 2.9 Fauna Diversity Of Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project Area

Zoologi cal Name English Name Vernacular Name

Family

Mammals

Presbytis entellus Common Langur Langur Cercopithecidae

Panthera pardus Common Leopard Bagh Felidae

Selenarctos thibetanus Himalayan Black Bear Reechh Ursidae

Felis chaus Jungle Cat Junglee billi Felidae

Prionailurus bengalensis Leopard Cat Chita billi Felidae

Mus booduga Common Indian Field Mouse

Musoo Muridae

Macaca mulatta Rhesus Macaque Bandar Cercopithecidae

Canis aureus Jackal Siyar Canidae

Lepus nigricollis Indian Hare Khargosh Leporidae

Muntiacus muntjak Barking Deer Kakar Cervidae

Sus scrofa Wild Boar Suar Suidae

Vulpes bengalensis Indian Fox Lomdi Canidae

Estelar

55

 

Viverricula indica Small Civet Malpusa Viverridae

Suncus murinus Shrew Chuchunder Soricidae

Avifauna

Dicrurus leucophaeus Ashy Drongo - Corvidae

Ictinaetus malayensis Black Eagle Cheel Accipitridae

Alectoris chukar Chukor Partridge Chakor Phasianidae

Passer montanus Eurasian tree sparrow Ghinoda Passeridae

Passer domesticus House sparrow Ghinoda Passeridae

Bubo bubo bengalensis Eagle owl Ulloo Strigidae

Dicaeum melanoxanthum Fire breasted flower pecker

- Nectariniidae

Parus monticolus manticolus

Green backed tit - Paridae

Culicicapa ceylonensis Grey headed canary Flycatcher

- Muscicapidae

Arborophila torqueola Hill Partridge Bun teetar Phasianidae

Dendrocitta formosae Himalayan Tree pie - Corvidae

Dendrocopos himalayensis Himalayan Woodpecker Kathphodwa Picidae

Upupa epops Hoopoe Hudhud Upupidae

Corvus splendens House Crow Kawa Corvidae

Oriolus oriolus Indian Golden Oriole - Corvidae

Acridotheres tristis Common Myana Sintula Sturnidae

Acridotheres fuscus Jungal Myana Sintula Sturnidae

Streptopelia decaocto Eurasian collard dove Ghuguti Columbidae

Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle Crow Kawa Corvidae

Pycnonotus cafer Red vented bulbul Bulbul Pycnonotidae

Columba livia Rock Pegion Kabutar Columbidae

Streptopelia orientalis Oriental turtle dove Ghuguti Columbidae

Estelar

56

 

Eumyias thalassinus Verditer flycatcher - Muscicapidae

Phylloscopus maculipennis virens

Ashy throated warbler - Sylviidae

Enicurus maculatus Western spotted forktail - Muscicapidae

Pycnonotus leucogenys White checked Bulbul Pahadi bulbul Pycnonotidae

Sitta himalayensis White tailed nuthatch - Sittidae

Cissa flavirostris Yellow billed blue Magpie

Lampuchiya Corvidae

Reptiles

Hemidactylus frenatus Asian house gecko Chipkali Gekkonidae

Calotes spp. Calotes Chipra Agamidae

Varanus bengalensis Common Indian monitor lizard

Golu Varanidae

Agama tuberculata Common rock lizard - Agamidae

Ramphotyphlops braminus Common worm snake Saanp Typhlopidae

Argyrogena ventromaculatus

Gray's rat snake Saanp Colubridae

Trimeresurus albolabris Green pit viper Saanp Viperidae

Naja naja Indian cobra Nag Elapidae

Amphibians

Bufo spp. Tod Mendhak Bufonidae

Rana spp. Frog Mendhak Ranidae

 

Estelar

Panromic view of Alaknanda valley

Estelar

Forest Types in Study Area

Estelar

Alnus nepalensis patch near Rishiganga

Presbytis entellus (common langur) near study area

Estelar

View of Pipalkoti Town in Alaknanda valley

Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project Area

Estelar

�

�

�

Dam site of Vishnugad‐ Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project 

Estelar

�

�

�

Power House and Project colony site 

 

Estelar

�

�

�

Construction of Approach Road to Maina river Adit site 

Estelar