CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION - SJVN...

Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of 9 Document: 2006005 / EC / Chapter-1 Date: August 2006 Draft Final Report Revision: R0

Environment and Ecology

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has been assigned to construct 412 MW Rampur Hydro Electric Project (RHEP) near Rampur town in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh (H.P.). The project RHEP has been conceived as a tailrace development from the 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project (NJHEP) to tap the hydropower potential of river Satluj between Jhakri and Bayel village. The surface powerhouse will be constructed on the right bank of the river Satluj at village Bayel, which is about 15 km downstream of Rampur town. The intake of the project is located at the outfall of Nathpa Jhakri Project at Jhakri. The project area falls under the Tehsil Nirmand covering villages Tunan, Poshana, Gadej, Bahri, Kushwa, Kharga and Bahawa situated on the right bank of river Satluj and Duttnagar situated on the left bank of river Satluj. Project site is about 130 km away from Shimla on NH-22.

1.2 PROJECT SETTING

The salient feature of the proposed hydroelectric project is given in the table below:

Table: 1.1 Salient Features of Rampur Hydro-electric Project

1. LOCATION State Himachal Pradesh District Shimla / Kullu River Satluj Vicinity Intake work at Jhakri in District Shimla. The

tail water of Nathpa Jhakri Hydro-electric Project will be utilized. The Power House is located on right bank of river Satluj near village Bayal in District Kullu about 15 km d/s of Rampur.

2. HYDROLOGY Catchment area at Rampur (G & D

Side) 50880 km2

Design Flood at Rampur(as per SJVNL) 100 Years 4104 m3 /sec

Rampur Hydro Structure Intake Point



1000Years 5572 m3 /sec 10,000 Years 7151 m3 /sec Average Annual runoff in 50%

average year 10181.22 M m3

Average Annual runoff in 90% average year

8195.35 M m3

3. INTAKE STRUCTURE Normal Pond Level 1005.00m Minimum water level(MWL) 1002m Design Discharge 383.88 cumecs Top elevation of wall structure 1026.5m (corresponding to design flood of

5660 cumecs with freeboard of 1.8m) Number of Intake gates 2(6m wide x 7m) 4. INTAKE TUNNEL Type Circular, Concrete lined Size 10.15m/ 10.50m dia Length 484m Design Discharge 383.88 cumecs 5. INTAKE CONDUIT (CUT & COVER) Type Circular Length 43.2m Design Discharge 383.88 cumces 6. HEAD RACE TUNNEL Type Circular Concrete lined Size 10.50 m finished diameter Length 15.08m Design Discharge 383.88 cumecs Bed Slopes 1 in 90 & 1 in 431 Velocity 4.43m/sec 7. ADITS Length of Adit at RD 14625

m(upstream of surge shaft) 590m

Length of Goshai Khad Adit at RD 11720m

1116m

Length of Kunni Khad Adit at RD 5854m

604m

Length of Kazo Khad Adit RD 2712 760m Length of Adit cum spill tunnel at left

bank 342.5

Type 7.5m D shaped 8. SURGE SHAFT Numbers 1 Diameter Restricted Orifice Depth 38m Orifice diameter 4.45m Elevation of centre line of head race

tunnel 949.54m

Elevation of invert of surge shaft 944.29m Max. up surge 1049.38m Minimum down surge 978.05m 9. BUTTERFLY VALVE CHAMBER



Type Surface Type Size of Chamber 69m long, 10.5m wide & 23m high No. of butterfly valves 3 nos. Size of valves 5.40m internal dia. 10. PENSTOCK Number Three numbers Size 5.40m circular steel lined Type Partially underground Length Approx. 5000 m each Velocity in 3.8m dia. portion 5.64 m/sec Type and thickness of steel liner ASTM-537 (20mm to 16mm -main pipe),

(12mm- branch pipe) 11. POWER HOUSE COMPLEX

Type Surface Installed Capacity 412MW Size Approximately 136 m long, 23.5m wide and

50m high Type of turbine Francis vertical axis Speed of Turbine 214.3 RPM Generating unit 6 x 68.67 MW Gross head 138.7 M Net head 119.10M Generators 6 x68.67MW, 0.9 pf, generation voltage

11KV Step up unit Transformer 6 Nos, 84 MVA 3 phase 11/400KV OFWF

type 12. SWITCH YARD Size and Type Surface – 400 KV Switch gear 13. TAIL RACE CHANNEL Type Horse shoe concrete lined / Trapezoidal Length 72 m + open channel Size 10.5 m dia Max. Tail water level for Power

generation (Q=383.88 cumecs) EL 866.70m

Minimum Tail water Level (Q=32 cumecs)

EL 862.90m

14. POWER GENERATION Peaking capacity during lean period 412 MW Annual energy generation in a) 90% dependable year 2021.980 MU 15. TRANSMISSION OF POWER It is Proposed to evacuate the Power generated at Rampur Hydro Electric Project

by LILO of 400KV Jhakri Nalagarh D/C line

1.3 SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of Terrestrial Bio-diversity Study include detailed survey of flora and fauna of the Project Affected Area (The forest land acquired for various project units) and Project Immediate Influence area (500mt on either side of constructions



sites of HRT, Surge shaft, Penstock, Powerhouse, etc) and Project Influence Area (7 Km Surrounding Project Sites). Scope of Biodiversity assessment is as below:

To conduct Botanical survey of flora with reference to. taxonomy and physio-gnomical approach

The survey of flora was conducted following Standard Quadrat Method and

Random Sampling approach was followed. The number of Quadrat studied so as to cover 8-10% of total land parcel under the study

The flora survey also include information on forest type, cover structure of forest,

major and minor associations Composition & structure of forest with reference to Abundance, Distribution,

Phenology, & Ethno-botanical approach for major forest species

To identify ecological Status of flora & fauna species with reference to endangered, rare, threatened or endemic.. Also categorization of species as Native or exotic species, commercially important species, weed or parasite species

To identify major uses of tree species in terms of timber, fodder, food, medicinal

etc base on available literature as well as through consultation with local institute / people

Calculation of density and diversity flora

Preparation of Study area map as well as forest maps

To identify major and minor habitats of fauna

To identify major threats to existing biodiversity

To review compensatory afforestation plan/ Catchments Area Treatment Plan and

re-devolvement plan for Muck Area Disposal of RHP and recommend vegetative measures in light of previous experience of NJHP

To formulate bio-diversity management plan for protection of flora and fauna

1.4 POLICY AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Biogeographically, India is situated at the tri-junction of three realms, namely Afro-tropical, Indo-Malyan, and Paleo-Arctic realms and therefore, has characteristic elements from each of them. As a result, India has a rich biological heritage that qualifies it as one of 12 mega diversity nations of the world. (Gadgil 1992)

In order to project existing biodiversity resources of the country. Government Of India (GOI) is actively involved in various conservation measures such as establishment of National Parks & Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserve Program, World Heritage Sites, Specific Animal Targeted Project (Project Tiger 1973, Project Elephant 1991-92, Rhinoceros i.e. Sanctuary / National Park in North East and North West India), etc. Besides this GOI is actively co-operating with



other nations with reference to biodiversity conservation. Theses are many international treaties/regional treaties concentrate specifically on conservation and use of global biodiversity. Following are some of the international treaties relevant to biodiversity • Convention Relative to the Preservation of Fauna and Flora in their Natural

State. 8th Nov. 1993, London • International Plant Protection Convention. 6th Dec. 1951, Rome • Plant Protection Agreement for South East Asia and Pacific Region 27th

Feb. 1956, Rome • Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as

Waterfowl Habitat 2nd Feb 1971, Ramsar • Convention on the conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, 23rd

June 1979, Bonn • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna

and Flora, 3rd March 1973, Washington • International Tropical Timber Agreement 19th Nov. 1983, Geneva The rich biodiversity of the country has been deservedly acknowledged as playing a significant role in livelihoods and cultural sustenance of the country over the years. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, to formulate a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), is a firm step towards addressing the various issues related to the use, status and conservation needs of biodiversity in the country. Under this initiative, it has been envisaged to produce a series of planning documents dealing with various facets related to the conservation of biodiversity.

The NBSAP process includes widespread consultation process across the country involving all the major stakeholders. It is against this background that the present State Biodiversity and Action Plan (SBSAP) for Himachal Pradesh has been prepared.

The present SBSAP has been prepared with a view to achieve the following objectives: 1- to document the total range of biodiversity of the State and its social and

cultural significance for various communities in the State 2- to assess the existing status of biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh and identify

various factors causing its depletion and deterioration 3- to identify and address biodiversity related needs of local communities 4- to work out a strategy and put in place an action plan for conservation and

sustainable use of the biological resources of the State 5- to generate awareness about biodiversity conservation imperatives amongst

various stake holders and target groups 6- to secure participation of all stakeholders including various government

agencies, public bodies, local communities including women, NGOs, private entrepreneurs, and the general public in the State in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity

7- to empower the local people in taking biodiversity related decisions and to ensure benefits to them as creators and holders of indigenous knowledge systems and

8- to ensure incorporation of principles of restoration, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in cross-sectoral policies and programs



9- to realize the consumptive and non-consumptive values of biodiversity through necessary investment in research and development

10- to identify legal and financial institutions to achieve these objectives 11- to promote regional, inter-state, national and international co-operation

1.4.1 Legal Framework

In order to conserve biodiversity of the Nation, GOI, has established policy framework that foster the sustainable use of biological resources and the maintenance of biodiversity. The economic policies and legal frameworks established by GOI create the incentives and obstacles that influence decision about how to utilize and manage biological resources. Following are some of the legal & policy framework, which relates specifically to biological diversity

The Forest Act 1927 The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 The Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 Environment (Protection) Act 1986 National Conservation Strategy 1992 National Forest Policy, amended in 1988 National Wildlife Action Plan 1973

1.4.2 Protected Area management in Satluj Basin and Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh endowed with a vast canvas of dense forest and colorful wildlife. It encompasses three bio geographic zones representing great attitude and climate variations, sub tropical to cold desert supporting a vast variety of floral and faunal biodiversity. The protected areas are the vital tools for conserving biodiversity The 32 Wildlife Sanctuaries together with 2 National Parks consisting the state’s Protected Area Network (PAN) occupy 13.6% of state’s geographical area as compared to national average of 4.70%. 25.78% area of States area’ fall under forests which is higher than the average national forest area of 20.64% the Protected Area Network for wildlife & biodiversity management. The status of forest of the India, Himachal Pradesh and the two districts are given below:

Table: 1.2 Status of Forest

Place Geographical

Area km 2Dense Forest

km 2

Moderately Dense

Forest km 2Open

Forest km 2

India 3287263 51285 339279 287769

Himachal Pradesh 55673 1093 7883 5377

Kullu District 5503 117 1295 521

Shimla District 5131 194 1587 602 Source: State of Forest Report 2003, Forest Survey of India, Dehradun



The first National Park under Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 was established in 1987 in Pin Valley in Spiti extending over 675 sq. Km consisting 2.59% of geographical area of 55,673 sq. Km and 3.89% of the legal forest area of 37,033 sq. Km of the state (Enchanting Himachal, 2004).

The state’s Protected Area Network is extremely rich in wildlife. Rare mammals include Musk Deer, Black Bear, and Snow Leopard & Leopard. The avifauna includes rare pheasants such as Western Trapogon and Cheer Pheasants. The state bird Monal is still found extensively in many higher protected areas. The status of protected area is given below in Table 1.3

1.56% 10.32%

8.75%

79.36%

Dense Forest

Moderately DenseForest Open Forest

Non Forest Area

Fig. 1.1 Status of Forest Cover in India

2%14.10%

9.70%

74.20%

Dense Forest

Moderately DenseForest Open Forest

Non Forest Area

Fig 1.2 Status of Forest Cover in Himachal Pradesh

Table: 1.3 Status of Protected Area



Location No. of Sanctuaries No. of National Parks

India 490 88

Himachal Pradesh 32 2

Satluj basin 10 0

Project area 0 0 Source: Wildlife wing, Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Shimla

Table 1.4

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Satluj Basin

S. No. NAME AREA (Sq. Km)

1. Bandli (Mandi) 41

2. Daranghati (Shimla) 167

3. Darlaghat (Solan) 6

4. Gobind Sagar 100

5. Kibber (Llauhal & Spiti) 1400

6. Lippa Assrang (Kinnaur) 349

7. Majathal (Solan) 57.55

8. Rakchham Chitkul (Kinnaur) 304

9. Rupi Bhabha (Kinnaur) 738

10. Shikari Devi (Mandi) 72 Source: Wildlife Wing Forest Department Himachal Pradesh

1.5 TRADITIONAL TIMBER RIGHTS FOLLOWED IN H.P.

Himachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of rural population (90.21%) in the country residing more than 20000 villages across the state. The predominantly rural population is primarily dependent on agriculture base economy for livelihood. The natural forest in the area provides wood for building of houses, bridges, furniture, and agricultural implements, in addition to providing much needed fuel wood. People are also dependent upon the native land races of livestock for agricultural purposes and their daily needs of milk, meat, wool and hide. A large proportion of this livestock feeds on grasses and leaves obtained from forest. Overall the dependency of local people on naturally available resources of forest is very high.



The forest of Himachal Pradesh have an estimated growing stock of 10.26 crore m³ and more than 4.5 lakh m³ of timber is harvested every year in the form of salvage and to meet the demand of right holders. As per one estimate timber worth Rs 60 crore is allocated to the right holders at nominal coast every year (HPFSR, 2000). All green commercial harvesting of timber from the State’s forests has been suspended since 1984. The forests also contribute an estimated annual income of Rs. 25 crore to the rural communities in the form of minor forest produce.

The right to the timber is admitted under section 28 of Indian Forest Act (1927). People have a right to get timber at nominal rates for construction/repair of houses/dwellings. The right holders must be bonafied native agriculturist, holding land in settlements in forest areas. A right to the timber is for following purpose: -

i. For construction and repair of dwelling houses, cattle and grass sheds and

other agriculture buildings. ii. For construction & repair of temple and buildings attached to temple. iii. For ask of deotas and other such purposes. iv. For grain boxes, irrigation channels, agricultural & domestic implements.

1.5.1 Procedure for Obtaining Timber

The timber tree allotted to bonafied right holder on application to D.F.O. through Gram Pradhan and Patwani of settlement. The trees are cut and remove whether dry or green stating as fallen for building purpose only. The deputy commissioner is empowered to arrange with right holders in forest. The quantity of timber per annum to be granted (Thumb rule: 800 trees/year) is fixed and quantity is distributed among right holders.

1.5.2 Timber Trees

A total number of 20 timber spices are recommended by forest department. The some important timber species are Deodar (Cedrus deodara); Chir (Pinus roxburghii); Kail (Pinus wallichiana); Rai (Picea smithiana); Tosh (Abies pindrow); Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo); Poplar (Populus deltoides) etc. Trees to be cut are marked by Forest Officer strictly according to the silvicultural availability. Deodar trees are given only for irrigation channels for the construction & repair of temple buildings and for doors and windows of dwelling houses. Green deodar trees are not cut within 10 years of any temple or any building connected with any temple. While dry deodar trees standing within abovementioned places may be cut and remove only for repair of the temple building. There are 250 villages belonging to 48 Panchayat in Rampur forest division.

Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of 3 Document: 2006005 / EC / Chaper-2 Date: August 2006 Draft Assessment Report Revision: R0


CHAPTER 2 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The main objective of ecological survey is to collect the baseline terrestrial biodiversity status regarding flora and fauna in the Project Influence Area, (7 Km surrounding the project site), project immediate influence area (500 m surrounding project area and project impacted area (total 49.8 ha). For Terrestrial ecosystem data has been collected through extensive survey of the areas with reference to flora and fauna. Information is also collected from different Government Organizations such as Forest Department, Social Forestry, Dept of Science, Technology & Environment, District Statistical office, Animal Husbandry Dept., Govt. of Himachal Pradesh. On the basis of onsite observations as well as forest department records a checklist of flora and fauna was prepared.

2.2 TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM

The terrestrial eco-system of the study area is dominated by forest on hills, foothills and river valley. The details of assessment techniques used are discussed below.

2.3 FLORA ASSESSMENT

To characterize the vegetation under the project area study was carried out by using Standard Quadrat Method and Random Sampling approach was followed. The project area is open scrub land with dominant shrub species hence quadrat size of 5 × 5m was used for study of trees and shrubs, whereas for grasses and herbs 1× 1m quadrats were used. Immediate impact sites have been considered for study. The number of quadrats was taken such so as to cover 8-10 % of the total land parcel under the project area. The properties of vegetation with reference to species composition and functional attributes are expressed on species basis. The specific formats are formulated to collect information regarding flora & fauna of the project / study area (Annexure -I). The details of forest studies are discussed in details below

2.3.1 Assessment Techniques

The density measurements reflect as to how many individuals were present, the dominance measurements denote which species is largest in terms of its presence and the frequency measurements indicate how widely species is distributed among the same plots Importance value is a reasonable measure to assess the overall significance of a species since it takes into account several properties of the species in the vegetation. Importance value index will be



calculated as per Curtes & Mc Intosh (1950). The following parameters will assessed from the field data measurements.

(1) Importance Value Index

Number of species A

(i) Density = Area sampled

Number of plots in which species A occurs (ii) Frequency = Total no. of plots sampled

Total cover or basal area of species A (iii) Dominance = Area sampled Density of species A (iv) Relative density = X 100 Total density of all species Frequency value for species A (v) Relative frequency = X 100 Total of all frequency values for all Species Dominance for species A (vi) Relative dominance = X 100 Total Dominance of all species

(vii) Importance value Index = (relative density + relative dominance+ relative frequency)

(2) Shanon – Weaver Index (1948)

The number of species and number of individuals in a community is measure of species diversity which depends on stability of the habitat. Vegetation of the study area was assess by determining Shannon – Weaver diversity index (1948)

D = -Σ (ni / n) log2 (ni / n)

ni = Number of individuals of each species in the sample

n = Total number of individuals



2.4 FAUNA ASSESSMENT

The fauna assessment technique followed during study varied with type of animal present. The domestic animals were listed based on direct observation during field survey; census data was also collected from the District Statistical office, Shimla. The list of wild life was obtained from Rampur and Anni Forest Division, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh office as well as onsite observations (direct/ indirect method). On the basis of onsite observations as well as forest department records a checklist of fauna was prepared. Birds were identified with the help of a binocular.

2.5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

The public consultation was conducted during survey of the project/ study area to know about various aspects of forest studies. Information about uses of various plant species by local people as well as sighting of any wildlife species, uses, poaching ect. were obtained .

Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of 57 Document: 2006005 / EC/ Chapter-3 Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: R0

Environment & Ecology

CHAPTER 3

BASELINE BIODIVERSITY STATUS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Biodiversity or biological diversity is the variability within and between all microorganisms, plants and animals as well as the eco-system, which they inhabit. It starts with genes and manifests itself as organisms, populations, species and communities, which give life to eco systems, landscape and ultimate to the biosphere (Swaminathan 1997). Biodiversity provides a fundamental base to the mountain agriculture and overlap economic system. It is the source of resiliency and regeneration, necessary for sustainability of eco system. It is the ultimate basis for local self-sufficiency and a global asset bringing benefits to people in terms of material welfare in many ways than we realize.

India has a long history of in-situ conservation of biodiversity through protected areas. Approximately 4.75% of the total geographical area of the country has been earmarked for extensive in-situ conservation of habitats and ecosystems. A protected area network of 88 National Park and 490 Wildlife Sanctuaries The results of this network has been significant in restoring viable population of large mammals such as Tiger, Lion, Rhinoceros, Crocodile, and Elephant etc.

The State of Himachal Pradesh varies in topography, geological formations, climatic conditions and the altitudinal range has made the State a veritable treasure house of biodiversity – both wild and domesticated. The range of biodiversity elements represented in the State varies from those of subtropical region to that of temperate and alpine regions.

Such is the relevance of biodiversity to the people of the State that “Deodar” has been adopted as the state tree, “Rhododendron” as the state flower, “Musk deer” as the state animal and “Monal” as the state bird. The baseline biodiversity status of Himachal Pradesh, Satluj Basin, the project influence area (7 km surrounding project site), project immediate influence area (500 meters surrounding the project side) and project affected area (total land acquired for the project) is discussed in details below.

3.2 BIODIVERSITY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH Himachal Pradesh, one of the important mountainous states of India spreads over an area of 55673 Sq. Km in the Himalayan Region of India. The area is rugged and mountainous with ranges spreading along the Indus-Satluj river system. The height varies from 244 m above Mean Sea level (msl) in areas bordering Uttar Pradesh and Punjab plains to 6750 m in Trans Himalayan zone along Lahaul, Spiti and Pin valleys.

Geographically area of the state can be divided into three major zones i.e. subtropical zone extending from lower frames to a height of 1550 m above main sea level and incorporating Shivalik foothills & lower ranges of middle Himalaya. The temperate zone incorporating all hills and valleys situated between 1500 to 3200 m and the Alpine zone covering all hills and valleys situated above an altitude of 3200 m, which are, characterize by extreme cold climate.



3.2.1 Forest

Forestry is the major land use in Himachal Pradesh, owing to a wide range of altitude, temperature and rainfall, Himachal Pradesh supports diverse types of forests, now mostly confined to higher hills and interior valleys. The forests not only serve as a haven for biodiversity in our hilly state, but are also the mainstay for rural life and livelihoods. The total geographical area of 55,673 Sq. Km in the state, out of which 14,353 Sq. Km area is legally classified as forest. This includes meadows, grasslands and barren scree slopes above the tree line as well as areas under permanent snow. 1,093 Sq. Km is classified as “dense” forest and 5,377 Sq. Km as “open” forest.

The tree cover (dense forest and open forests) accounts for 25.78% of the geographical area of the State (SFR, 2003). The actual forest cover has decreased by 7 Sq. Km from the assessment made during 2001.

Table: 3.1 Change in Forest Cover of Himachal Pradesh

Year Dense Forest

(Sq. Km) Open Forest

(Sq. Km) Total Forest

(Sq. Km) 2001 10,429 3,931 14360 2003 8,976 5,377 14353 Change in Forest cover

-1,453 1,446 -7

Source: State of Forest Report 2003 Given the wide latitudinal and climatic range in the State, a wide variety of forests is met with at different altitudes and in different physiographic zones.

Table: 3.2 Major Forest Types Recorded in Himachal Pradesh

S.No Major Forest Type Classification Code

1 Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest 3C/ C 2A

3C/C2B 2 Tropical Dry Deciduous 5B/C-1 A

5B/C-2 5B/C2/DS1 5B/E9 5B/1-S2

3 Subtropical Dry Evergreen 10-C1 10-DS1

4 Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest 12/C-1a 12/C-1b 12/C-1c 12/C-1e 12/C2-a 12/C2-b 12/DS1 12/DS-2



S.No Major Forest Type Classification Code

5 Himalayan Dry Temperate Forest 13/C1

13/C2a 13/C2b 13/C4 13/C5

6 Sub Alpine Forest 14/C/a 14/C1-b 14/DS1

7 Subtropical Pine Forest 9C1 9DS1 9DS2

8 Most Alpine Scrub 15/C1 15/C2 15/E1 15/C3

9 Dry Alpine Scrub 16/C1 16/E1

Source: Forest Working Plan Rampur Forest Division

The forest wealth of Himachal Pradesh, replete with diverse vegetation, ranging from tropical to sub-tropical and temperate to alpine, has been sustaining rural life since time immemorial. The wide range of altitude, topography and climatic conditions have contributed towards the rich and diversified flora Coniferous forests dominant from mid to high hills, with a preponderance of Oaks in moist depressions. In the foothills, forests are dry deciduous, thriving in a low water table and dry soil conditions. The sub-Himalayan region is characterized by most deciduous forests, with Sal as the predominant species. In dry the dominant species, and the moist temperate region in characterized by the presence of Deodar forests.

3.2.2 Natural Flora

It is estimated that almost 3256 species of vascular plants occur in the forests of Himachal Pradesh. Of these, only about 100 odd are commonly utilized for timber, farming implements, fuel, fodder, and NTFP, include medicinal use. Based on published records for the State, the Botanical Survey of India has compiled a Flora of Himachal Pradesh (Chowdhery & Wadhwa, 1984). As per a tentative compilation of the total higher plants found in the State, there are 3120 angiosperm and 12 gymnosperm taxa while 34 species for lower plants including pteridophytes, bryophytes, fungi and algae.

3.2.3 Natural Fauna

The estimated 5721 species of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna listed in the state, perhaps only about 100 species are commonly observed and reported upon regularly. The faunal diversity includes 649 Chordates (77 Mammals, 447 Birds, 44 Amphibians and 81 Fishes), 4543 Arthropods (2 Bryozoa, 4362 Insects, 195 Arachnids, 11 Myriopods and 73 Crustaceans) and 412 others (60 Annelids, 73 Mollusks, 2 Acanthocephala, 132 Nematodes, 16 Rotifers, 90 Platyhelminths, 2 Cnidaria, 3 Porifera and 34 Protozoan). (Biodiversity Action Plan 2003)



The fauna of Himachal Pradesh is very diverse and unique. The rich faunal diversity includes 64 species of mammals, 447 species of birds, 44 species of reptiles, and 81 species of fish. Among the pheasants, with increasing altitude, are Kalij in the foothills Koklas and Monal in the temperate and mid-level forests, and the Snow cock in the alpine areas. The Western Tragopan, a rare and endangered species, is confined only to the western Himalayas. Himachal Pradesh also has probably the largest population of Chir pheasants in the world. Among herbivores are the Ibex, Serow, Blue sheep, Tahr, Musk deer, Goral and the Barking deer or of intermediate status such as Black Bear, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow Throated Martin, Stone Martin and Wolf are also found here. The Common Leopards and Snow Leopards are representative of the larger cats.

3.3 BIODIVERSITY OF SATLUJ BASIN

The river Satluj is the largest river system of Himachal Pradesh with a total catchment area of 20,398-km² spread over the districts of Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur, Simla, Solan and Bilaspur. Originating in Tibet, the river flows from east to west, enters the State at Shipki (6,608 m) in Kinnaur. Its various right bank tributaries including the Spiti, the Ropa, the Kasang, the Mulgaon, the Yul, the Wanger and the Throng in Kinnaur join it. The Tirung, the Gayanthing, the Duling, the Baspa, the Solding, the Manglad and the Nogli streams form some of its bank tributaries. Before entering the Punjab plains, it cuts a gorge in Naina Devi Dhar. A big dam across this gorge near Bhakra village has been constructed which has created a huge reservoir called the Govind Sagar in the district of Bilaspur.

3.3.1 Forest Types

The altitudinal variation in Satluj basin leads to variation on forest types. The various forest types reported in Satluj basin is as below.

Table: 3.3 Major Forest Types of Satluj Basin

S. No. Major Forest Type Classification Code

1 Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests 5B/C-2

2 Himalayan Subtropical Pine Forests 9 C-1

3 Dry Bamboo Breks 5 B/E9

4 Himalayan Sub Alpine Fir Forests 14/ C1b

5 Himalayan Kharsoo – Oak Forests 12/C2 a

6 Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests 13/ C1

7 Himalayan Kharsoo – Oak Forests 12/C1a

8 Mixed Broad leaved Coniferous Forests 12/C1b

9 Coniferous Pine Forests 13/C2a

10 Western Mixed Coniferous Forests 12/C1d Source: Enchanting Himachal Wildlife wing (2004)



3.3.2. Natural Flora

The marked altitudinal variation in Satluj leads to various forest types. The higher elevations i.e. upper reaches of Satluj basin is marked by great Himalayan Ranges with very high rugged mountains, covered with massive snow and glaciered rising as high as 6700 m above mean sea level. The area is known as Cold Desert, which covers about 35% of total geographical area of the state. The upper reaches of Satluj basin fall in Lahaul & Spiti and Kinnaur district. Major forest types found are Dry Alpine Scrub predominantly in Cold Desert area form 3600 to 5500m. The vegetation is sparse, discontinuous and scattered represented by shrubs having high medicinal values. The dominant shrubs are Juniperus sp, Ephedra sp, Myricaria sp, with supported herbs such as, Rosa macrophylla, Ribes orientale, R.alpestrie, Lonicera spinosa, Clematis veratie, Capparis spinosa, etc.

The Moist Alpine Scrubs are found where cold dry conditions prevail above 3600 m elevation. The dominant herbs represented by Berberis, Loniccra, Cotoneaster, Astragalus, Potertilla, Geranium, Fritillaria, Corydalis etc. Himalayan dry Temperate Forests found in Kinnaur district. The dominant tree species are Pinus wallichiana (Blue pine); Picea smithiana (Rai), Abies spectabilis, Juniperus macropoda, Populus ciliata, Salix viminalis, Quercus dilata, Alnus indica. The dominant shrubs comprise of Salix, Barberis, Rosa, Viburnum, Lonicera sp. etc.

The Middle basin of Satluj shows moist Deodar Mixed coniferous Forests at altitudinal range of 1800 to 2400m. & 2400 to 3300 m. Cedrus deodara (Deodar) is dominant species of forests. The Mixed Coniferous Forests include pure Spruce & Silver fir mixed with Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Kail (Pinus wallichiana) with associated species such as Aesculus indica, Corylus colurna, Juglans regia, Prunus cornata etc.

The Subtropical Pine Forests occurs between 600-1700m covering district of Solan, Shimla and Bilaspur in lower Satluj basin Pinus roxburghii (Chil) is the predominant species associated with Quercus leucotrichophora, Rododendron arboreum, Lyonia ovalifalia, Acacia catehu, Terminalia chebula, Syzygium cumunni, Emblica officinalis, Mallotus philippinensis and dominant shrubs as Carissa opaca, Carissa spinarum, Dodonea viscosa, Indegofera heterantha, Rhamnus virgata etc.

3.3.3 Natural Fauna

The altitudinal variation, also the climatic and forest types the variation in fauna of the Satluj basin is observed. The fauna of the upper basin i.e. Cold desert is of special concern; as most of the endangered, endemic and rare species of wildlife is reported, form this region. A large variety of carnivore of endangered/ rare status such as, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Black Bear, Himalayan weasel, Yellow throated martin, Wooly hair Wolf, and Common Leopard. The herbivores are of various types of which, Ibex, Serow, Blue Sheep, Thar, Musk deer, Ghoral and Barking deer. The small mammals include the Himalayan and long tailed marmots, Himalayan squirrels and Voles. The lower basin of the Satluj represents the different fauna such as Jungle cat, Bengal Fox, Indian Porcupine, Wild Boar, Common Palm Civet etc. The wildlife reported from various forests types are given in details below.



Table: 3.4 The List of Fauna Reported from Satluj Basin

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Mammals

Canis lupus Indian Wolf Canidae

Canis aureus Jackal Canidae

Capra ibex Himalayan Ibex Bovidae

Capricornis sumatraensis Serow Sciuridae

Cervus unicolor Sambar Canidae

Felis bengalensis Leopard cat Felidae

Felis caracal Caracal Felidae

Hemitragus jemlahicus Himalayan thar Bovidae

Hylopetes, Petaurista Flying Squirrels Hylobatidae

Hystrix indica Indian Porcupine

Macaca mutata Rhus Macaque Cercopithecidae

Martes flavigula Yellow Throated Martens

Martes fonia intermedia, , Martens

Moschus moschiferus Musk deer Cervidae

Muntiacus muntjak Barking deer or Muntjac

Nemorhaedus gora, Gorals

Ovis nahura Bharal Bovidae

Paguma larvata Himalayan Palm Civet

Panthera paradus Leopard or Panther Felidae

Panthera uncia Snow leopard Platanistidae

Presbytis entellus Common langur Cerocopithecidae

Petaurista pataurista Common Giants squirrels Sciuridae



Scientific Name Common Name Family

Selenarctos thibetanus Himalayan black bear

Sus scrofa Wild pig Suidae

Tragulus meminna Mouse deer Tragulidoe

Ursus arctos Himalayan Brown bear Ursidae

Vulpes bengalensis Indian fox Canidae

Vulpes ferrilatus Tibetan fox Canidae

Reptiles

Bungarur cacraleus Common Indian Crait

Hemiductilus fuviviridis Common House Geico

Naja naja Indian Cobra

Varanus bengalensis Monitor Lizard Varanidae

Pyyas mocosus Common rat Snake Bovidae

Varanus bengalensis Bengal Monitor Lizard

Source: Enchanting Himachal Pradesh, 2004 3.4 BIODIVERSITY STATUS OF PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA

The project influence area is considered as the 7 Km area surrounding the project sites. The map of Project Influence Area is attached as Fig 2. Forests of the project influence area falls in Rampur division of Shimla District and Anni (Outer Seraj) Division of Kullu District. All proposed project units are situated along the bank of Satluj River falls in Rampur division. A total forest cover of Rampur division is 40, 372 ha. The details of project influence area are discussed below.

3.4.1 Climate

The Climate of the study area is of temperate zone at high altitude above 1000mtr and sub tropical at lower elevations. Generally April to June and Oct-Dec. are dry months. The Major precipitation is received in the months July & August while snow and rain precipitate in the area during January to March. Snowfall occurs above 1600 m autumn is generally very cold, May and June is very hot at lower elevations.

3.4.2 Geology & Soil Types:

The whole tract of Rampur forest division drains into the Satluj River. The tract is hilly with altitude varying from 730 to 5690 m the slopes vary from moderate to steep & very steep to precipitous Rugged and sharp edged cliffs are very common. The main



rock types are Micaceous, Schist and Chositite Schist with Gneiss, Granite, States and Quartzite. Lime stone rocks are also found in Sangri area. In Delta area and along the Satluj the main rock types are Gneiss, Granite with outcrops of schists containing view of quartzite. The forest soil is mainly of two types (a) Acidic soil with low base status and (b) Neutral soil with high base status. Soil is rich in humus in Deodar and Fir forest, which hampers the natural regeneration.

3.4.3 Forest:

The forests are very important natural resource of the state, form the basis of rich biodiversity, and keep the perennial watercourses following. It also provides various lives supporting usufructs to the local communities and revenue to the state government. The wide attitudinal and climatic variation, a wide variety of forests is met with the different altitude. In general coniferous forests dominates mid to high hills while foothill forests are dry deciduous and scrub forests, thriving in a low water table & dry soil conditions. In dry localities Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) occurs as a dominant species while moist temperate region is characterized by the presence of Deodar (Cedrus deodara) forests.

The forests of the study area falls under Rampur Forest Division of Shimla district & Anni forest division of the Kullu district. The total geographical area of Rampur division is 1,29,848 ha of which 49,955.71ha is forest area.The total geographical area of outer Seraj Anni forest division is 68513.79 ha. The total area of forest is 40495.94 ha. The details of landuse pattern of the Project Influenced Area is given in Table 3.5

Table 3.5

Land use Pattern of Forest in Project Influence Area

S N Details of Land Rampur (Area in Ha) Ani (Area in Ha) 1 Demarkated Protected Forest 14737.01 13774.80 2 Un Protected Forest 16562.65 16212.49 3 Agriculture 7560.09 4618.90 4 Pasture 562.90 2637.63 5 Other 10532.25 3252.12 6 Total 49955.71 40495.94 Source: Rampur Forest Divison There are total 12 protected forest under the study area of which 6 forest falls in Rampur Division while 6 in outer Seraj division of Kullu district. The details of protected forest are given in Table 3.6

Table: 3.6

List of Protected Forests under the Study Area \

S.No Rampur Forest Division (Area in ha.)

Distance (Km)

Anni Forest Division

Distance (Km)

1 Bahli Protected Forest (176.17)

2.5 Marha Kod Protected Forest

5.25

2 Banavali Protected Forest

3.0 Khaira Kod Protected Forest

4.0



S.No Rampur Forest Division (Area in ha.)

Distance (Km)

Anni Forest Division

Distance (Km)

3 Baruni Protected Forest (32.4)

0.75 Ramgarh Kondi Protected Forest

3.5

4 Daran Protected Forest (5.5)

5.5 Sanpatu Protected Forest

4.5

5 Gaura Protected Forest (113.8)

3.5 Shikarwah Protected Forest

3.75

6 Sanathali Protected Forest (299.70)

2.5 Tandi Thera Protected Forest

3.0

Source: Data collected form Rampur Forest Division 3.4.4 Forest Types

Distribution of forests type is mainly between the altitudes of 700 m to 2600 m in the Rampur Division. The forests of the traced are as per “The Forest Types of India: by Champion and Seth (1962)”. Following forest types occurs in the protect influence area.

(1) 5B/C-2 Northern mixed deciduous forest:

This forest types is found above Rampur up to 40 Km upstream of river Satluj and its tributaries on the banks of the stream as well as river Satluj. The forests are largely of the scrub type.

Major Associates: Lannea - Mallotus - Cedrela

Bauhina - Albizzia - Bombax Sapindus – Dalbergia - Cedrela

Minor Associates: Desmodium – Rhus - Colebrookia

Euphorbia - Woodfordia – Rubus- Cannabis

(2) Sub group 5/1-5-2 Khair – Sisoo Forests : This type of forests restricted along the river Satluj on gravey and sandy loam soils.

Major Associate: Acacia- Dalbergia - Mallotus

Minor Associate: Adhatoda- Zizyphus - Mallotus - Aseculus

(3) Sub- group 9/C-1 Himalayan Subtropical Pine forests: This type occurs between 1000m to 2000m elevation. Pinus roxburghii (Chir) occurs remarkably in pure and gregarious form. The crop is irregular and mature trees few and widely scattered.

Major Associates: Quercus - Rhododendron- Lyonia Abizzia - Pinus wallichiana



Minor Associates: Woodfordia - Desmodium - Rhus Rubus - Lillium - Berberis Myrsine -Indigofera - Plectranthus

(4) Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests: - This type of forest generally occurs between 1500 to 3300m. These are well-stocked forests of good height growth varying between 30-45m.

Major Associates: Quercus – Pine Minor Associates: Sarococca – Skimmia - Strobilanthus Rosa - Clematis- Hedera

(5) Sub group 12/C-1 Ban – Oak Forests; The Ban Oak is common low level Oak of moist zone and is the major species over considerable area varies from 1500 to 2100m.

Major Associate: Rhododendron - Lyonia- Litsea Cedrela - Carpinus Minor Associate: Berberis - Indigofera - Sarcococca

Desmodium - Inyrrine - Vibernum

Prinsepia-Spiraea - Lonicera - Rubus

(6) Sub group 12/c-1b Mohru oak forests:

These forests occur in small patches above the ban forests between 2100-2500m.

Major Associates: Cedrela –Acer- Rhus Aesculus – Prunus – Pyrus - Juglans Minor Associates: Rubus - Lillium - Berberis Myrsine -Indigofera - Plectranthus

(7) Sub group 12/DS-1 Oak Scrub: This serial occurs near habitations between 1500-2200m and having affected by lopping, browsing, unregulated fallings for fuel and agricultural implements. I as a result Oak is reduced to low stunted, unsound and busy trees often of coppiced origin.

Major Associates: Rhododendron - Lyonia Minor Associates: Berberis – Prinsepia

(8) Sub group – 12/DS-1/I-C Moist Deodar Forests :



The deodar forests occur between the altitudinal ranges of 1800-2400m. Deodar is poorly represented in the heavy rainfall zones adjoining Saharan and this type can be seen in Ramgarh – Kanji range of Anni division.

Major Associates: Deodar - Pinus wallichiana - Quercus incana Minor Associates: Berberis – Launicere - Desmodium 3.4.5 Natural Flora:

The climatic and altitudinal variations markedly influence the type of species distribution in various zones. Physiognomically flora of the study area can be categorized as trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses the list of Flora recorded during survey is given in table 3.5. However flora reported by Rampur and Ani forest department is given as Annexture-II The climax and dominant species of forests are species of the forests are Chir (Pinus roxburghii) Kail (Pinus wallichiana), Deodar (Cedrus deodara) and Ban Oak (Quercus incana) along with their major associated species. The dominant associate of (Cedrus deodara) Deodar is Ban Oak (Quercus incana) Kharsu Oak (Quercus semicarpifolia).

Table: 3.7 FLORA RECORDED UNDER THE PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA (7km)

S. No.

SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY

TREES

1 Acacia leucophloea Subabul Mimosaceae

2 Albizzia lebbek Seris Leguminosae

3 Bauhinia variegata Kachnar Leguminosae

4 Bombax ceiba Semal Bombaceae

5 Callistemon citrinus Bottle brush Myrtaceae

6 Cedrala serrata Darloi Miliaceae

7 Cedrela toona Toon Miliaceae

8 Cedrus deodara Devdaar Coniferae

9 Celtis australis Kharak Urticaceae

10 Cupressus torulosa Leuri Coniferae

11 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Fabaceae

12 Emblica officinalis Amla Euphorbiaceae

13 Eucalyptus globulus Safeda Myrtaceae

14 Ficus bengalensis Bargad Urticaceae

15 Ficus elastica Rubber tree Urticaceae

16 Ficus palmata Fedu, Phegru Urticaceae



S. No.


17 Ficus religiosa Pipal Urticaceae

18 Ficus roxburghii Timal Urticaceae

19 Grevillea robusta Silver oak Proteaceae

20 Grewia oppositifolia Biul Tiliaceae

21 Juglans regia Akhrot Juglandaceae

22 Lannea grandis Jinghini Anacardiaceae

23 Litlsea umbrosa Shuru Lauraceae

24 Mallotus philippinenisis Ruin Euphorbiaceae

25 Mangifera indica Aam Anacardiaceae

26 Melia azaderach Dhenk Meliaceae

27 Morus alba Tut Urticaceae

28 Morus serrala Himu, Tut Urticaceae

29 Morus sps Paper Mulberry Urticaceae

30 Pinus roxburghii Chil Coniferae

31 Populus ciliala Poplar Salicaceae

32 Prunus amygradus Badam Rosaceae

33 Prunus armeniaca Chuli Rosaceae

34 Prunus cerasoides Paja Rosaceae

35 Prunus communis Aloocha Rosaceae

36 Prunus persica Aroo Rosaceae

37 Punica granatum Aanar Lythraceae

38 Pyrus malus Seb Rosaceae

39 Quercus incana Ban Cupuliferae

40 Quercus dilata Moru Cupuliferae

41 Robinia pseudoacacia Pahari kikar Papilionoidaea

42 Rhodondendron arboreum Burans Ericaceae

43 Sapindus mukorossi Ritha Sapindaceae

44 Syzium cumini Jamun Myrtaceae

45 Tamarindus indica Imli Caesalpiniaceae

SHRUBS

1 Adhatoda vasica Basuti, Vasika Acanthaceae

2 Agave americana Rambans Cactaceae

3 Aloe vera Aloe Liliaceae



S. No.


4 Artemesia vulgaris Kubash Compositae

5 Berberies aristata Karmshal, Kashmoi Berberidaceae

6 Berberis lyceum Kashmanl Berberidaceae

7 Calotropis gigantea Aak Asclepiadaceae

8 Cannabis sativa Bhang Cannabinaceae

9 Carissa spinarum Karonada Apocynaceae

10 Colebrookia oppositifolia Bambher, Sidhar Labiatae

11 Cotoneaster acuminata Ruinish Rosaceae

12 Cotoneaster baciIlaris Ruinish Rosaceae

13 Daphne papyracea Chamua, Satpura Thymelaeaceae

14 Debregeasia hypoleuca Sihanru Artocarpeae

15 Desmodium tiliaefolium Martoi Leguminosae

16 Dodonaea viscosa Mehandi Sapindaceae

17 Euphorbia royleana Shuru Euphorbiaceae

18 Girardinia heterophylla Bichhu, Kushki Urticaceae

19 Hypericum oblongifolum Phiunli Hypericaceae

20 Indigofera gerradiana Kathi Leguminosae

21 Indigofera pulchella Sakina Leguminosae

22 Lantana camara Lantana Verbinaceae

23 Lonicera anguslifolia Banchulu Caprifoliaceae

24 Mohonia nepalensis Khoru Berberidaceae

25 Moriandra strobilifera Pothi Labiatae

26 Murraya koengii Kath Neem Rutaceae

27 Musa paradisiaca Kela Scitaminaeae

28 Opuntia monocantha Nagphani Cactaceae

29 Plectranthus coesta Chichiri Labiatae

30 Princepia utilis Bhekal Rosaceae

31 Ricinus communis Arandi Euphorbiaceae

32 Rubus ellipticus Hinsar Rosaceae

33 Rumex hastatus Bhilmora Polgonaceae

34 Sarcococca saligna Tiliari Euphorbiaceae

35 Solanum surattense Kateli Solanaceae

36 Stribilianthus sp. ---------------- Acanthaceae



S. No.


37 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhaula Lythraceae

38 Zizyphus jujuba Beri Rhamnaceae

39 Zizyphus nummularia Beri Rhamnaceae

HERBS/CLIMBERS

1 Achyranthes aspera Aghada, Puthkanda Amaranthaceae

2 Argemone mexicana Prickly poppy Papaveraceae

3 Asparagus racemosa Sahansarpali Liliaceae

4 Bauhinia vahlii Malo Leguminosae

5 Chenopodium album Bathwa Chenopodiaceae

6 Chromolaena odorata Triva gandha Chromolaenae

7 Clemapis montana Kauniabali Ranunculaceae

8 Datura suaveolens Datura Solanaceae

9 Echinops echinatus Gokhru Compositae

10 Erigeron bellidioides Horse weed Compositae

11 Fragaria indica Bhumla Rosoideae

13 Frageria vesica Bhumla Rosoideae

14 Heliotropium strigosum Hatta-juri Boraginaceae

15 Jasminium officinalis Chameli Oleaceae

16 Ocimum basilicum Vantulsi Labiatae

17 Oxalis corniculata Amrit sak Oxilidaceae

18 Polygonatum chinensis Jangli palak Polgonaceae

19 Sonchus oleraceus Dudhi, Pathari Convolvulanceae

20 Thymus serphyllum Hasha Lebiatae

21 Tridex procumbens Ground weed Amaranthaceae

22 Trifolium pratense Purple clover Papilionoidae

23 Verbascum thapsus Gidar tamakus Scrophulariaceae

Ferns

1 Pteris sp Fern Pteridaceae

2 Adiantum sp Fern Pteridaceae

Epiphyte

1 Vanda roxburghii Badang Orchidaceae

Fungi

1 Morchella esculata Mashroom



S. No.


GRASSES

1 Arundo donax Phiral, Naru Gramineae

2 Cynodon dactylon Dhub Gramineae

3 Saccharum spontaneum Kans Gramineae

4 Parthenium hysterophorus Congress grass Compositae

5 Phragimites communis Naal Gramineae

6 Erianthus munja Munj Gramineae Source : Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006

The Chir (Pinus roxburghii) occurs remarkably in pure and gregarious form and constitute stable sub climax due to biotic factors. The crop is generally irregular and mature trees are widely scattered. It improves in quality where pure quartzite formations occur. The common associates of Chir (Pinus roxburghii) are Ruin (Mallotus philippinenisis); Toon (Cedrela toona), Kachnar (Bauhina varigata), Siris (Albizzia lebbek), and Semal (Bombax ceiba). The undergrowth generally consists of Indigofera pulchella, Rosa mustata etc. The ecological features with reference to their habitat, nature i.e. evergreen or deciduous, and their distribution in terms of altitude of the major forest species is given in details below

Table: 3.8

Ecological Features of Dominant Flora

Name of Species Ecology S.No

Scientific Local Habitat Nature Distribution (m)

1. Albizzia lebbek Siris Hills Deciduous 300 – 1300

2. Bombax ceiba Semal Hill slopes Deciduous 300 – 1500

3. Bauhinia varigata Kachnar Forest Deciduous 300 – 1500

4. Cedrus deodara Deodar High forest

Evergreen 1800 – 3000

5. Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Hill slopes Deciduous 300 – 1500

6. Mallotus philippinenisis Roghs Forest Evergreen 300 – 1200

7. Pinus roxburghii Chir Forest Deciduous 300 – 1500

8. Pinus wallichiana Kail Forest Evergreen 1800 – 4300

9. Quercus incana Ban Oak Forest Evergreen 1200 – 2400

10. Quercus semicarpifolia Moharu Oak

Forest Evergreen 2100 – 3800

11. Rododendron arboreum Brass Forest Evergreen 1800 – 4300

12. Sapindus mukurossii Ritha Forest Deciduous 200 – 1500



Source: Data collected during field survey

The Upper reaches (Pinus wallichiana) Kail generally occurs. The common associates are Brass (Rododendron arboreum), Ban oak (Quercus incana) is usually found in small proportion mixed with the Chil (Pinus roxburghii), Kai (Pinus wallichiana) and Deodar (Cedrus deodana). It occupies lower elevation in the northern slopes and along halls It requires a good soil rich in humus.

The Deodar (Cedrus deodara) forests occur at higher elevations. The snowfall is must for the existence of these forests. The Deodar prefers comparatively heavy soil formed disintegration of granite.

3.4.6 Community use of Natural Flora

The people from surrounding villages depend on forest for various purposes the Table given below depict various uses of trees by local people.

Table: 3.9

Major Uses of Trees from Forest

Name of Tree Local Charco-al

Resins Fodder Fuel Timber Manure

Cedrus deodara Deodar - - - + + -

Mallotus philippinenisis

Ruin - - - + + +

Pinus roxburghii Chir + + - + + +

Pinus wallichiana Kail + + - - + +

Dalbergia sissoo Shisham - - + + _

Morus alba Tut - - + + - +

Quercus incana Ban oak - - + + + +

Quercus semicordifolia

Kharsu Oak

- - - + + _

Source: Information Collected during Public Consultation

Considerable loss is done to the forest by the way of illicit felling of Deodar (Cedrus deodara) and Kail (Pinus wallichiana) for agricultural implements and manufacturing of packing cases. The resins are obtained from Kail (Pinus wallichiana) and Chir (Pinus roxburghii) by cutting deeply at the base of trees. The local villagers debark Chir (Pinus roxburghii) trees for roofing material of sheds and charcoal. The resinous wood is used by the villagers for igniting fires in their houses and as a torch for moving from one room/house to another.

Horticulture offers the better and maximum use of land besides checking soil erosion and ameliorating the economic condition of farmers. Fruit trees offer the possibility of a high food yield per unit of land. They optimize the moisture and nutrients from the sub-soil. Some of the fruit trees generally grown in fields are listed below.



Table: 3.10 Commercially Important Trees (Horticulture)

Botanical Name English/Common Name

Juglans regia Walnut

Pyrus malus Apple

Mangifera indica Mango

Prunus armeniaca Apricot, Khumani,

Prunus avium Cherry (sweet)

Prunus domestica Plum

Prunus dulcis Almond

Prunus persica Peach, Aaru

Prunus cerasus Cherry (sour)

Punica granatum Pomigranate

Pyrus communis Nashpati Source: Information collected during Public consultation/survey

Large number of herbs is collected for various medicinal purposes. It is estimated that if all the household remedies are taken into account, an estimation of 1500 native plant species are used for health care purposes by the people of the State (Chauhan, 1999). In order to exercise some measure of control over the exploitation of medicinal plants, especially herbs, the Forest Department has prescribed a four-year exploitation cycle and has also fixed an export permit fee in respect of some heavily exploited species. The Gentiana kurro, Podophyulum emodi are extensively exported as dhup for incense. The important medicinal herbs of the forest is described in Table No. 3.11

Table: 3.11

Medicinal Plants of Forests

Name of Species

Scientific Local

Chemical Property

Part of Plant Use

Use against Disease

Collection Period

Acorus calamus Barre Carminative Rhizome Colic Mat- June

Aconitum heterophyllum

Patis Febrifuge Root Dysentery Sept-Oct

Berberis lycium Kashmal Anti-malerial Root Jaundice Nov - Mar

Adhatoda vasica Basul Expectorant Leaves/root Cough/cold Dec-Mar

Juranea macrocephala

Dhoop Freshener Roots Dhoop Mar-May



Name of Species

Scientific Local

Chemical Property

Part of Plant Use

Use against Disease

Collection Period

Orchis latifolia Salmam Aphrodic Tubers Nervous debality

Sept- Nov

Pistacia intergerrima Kakarsingi Expectorant Leaves Asthama Mar-May

Podophyllum emodi Bankakdi Purgative Rhizome Apr- Sept

Gentiana kurroo Karu Stimulant Rhizome Fever Oct- Dec

Taxus baccata Rakhal Anti-carcinogenic

Bark/ Laves

Asthama Mar- May

Rhum emodi Chukri Purgative Rhizome May-Jul

Source: Information Collected during Public consultation 3.4.7 Ethno-botanical Information

The climax species of forest are Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Chil (Pinus roxburghii) and Kail (Pinus wallichiana) hence pathological and ethno-botanical information has been collected with reference to various diseases pathogen type, major symptoms and put of plant affected. Following table depicts details of pathology & ethno-botanical information.

Table: 3.12

Ethno-botanical Approach for Major Plant Species of Forest

Name of Species

Scientific Local

Group Pests

Part of Plant

Affected

Symptoms Name of Pests

Cedrus deodara

Deodar Insect Needle Defoliation Electropis deodara

Cone Loss of seeds Euzophrea cedrella

Poles Debarking Scontus major

Roots Stunted growth Cockchafer malolanthea

Seedlings Regeneration Agrotis ypsilon

Needle Discoloration Brachyxstus subsignatusis

Fungus Poles Stunted Growth Fomes annosus

Pinus roxburghii

Chir Insect Needle Loss of needles Platypus biferis

Needle Discoloration Chlonophrous stroilicola



Name of Species

Scientific Local

Group Pests

Part of Plant

Affected

Symptoms Name of Pests

Fungus Shoots Stunted Growth Peridermium cedri

Needle Shunted Growth

Peridermium comanulatum

Pinus wallichiana

Kail Insect Poles Debarking Inslongifolia bores

Cones Discoloration Polyranthus sp

Fungus Growth Trametes pinii

Source: Information collected from Forest Working Plan Rampur / Seraj division 3.4.8 Natural Fauna

The fauna of the study area is represented by reptiles, birds and animals. The variation in altitude, climate, topography, forests type and forest cover leads to variation in animals the fauna can be characterized as domestic animals and wild life. The details are discussed below. (I) Domestic Life

The rural population is primarily dependant on agriculture based economy for livelihood almost every family owns land and is engaged in agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and animal husbandry. Every family rears livestock for their day to day requirements for agriculture purposes and for cash income. The live stock is mainly dependant upon the natural resources, mainly forest for sustenance. Intensive agriculture is concentrated from foothills to mid-hills valley areas where irrigation facilities exist. In order to assess the population of domestic animals under the study area, animal census data is collected for Rampur division.

The animal census data revealed that cattle population dominated by contributing 42.17% followed by 39.37% of sheep and 18.21% of Goats are predominant group of Ganzers and browses. Local people use the horses, mule and donkeys for carrying their luggage/material in hilly areas.

Table: 3.13

Domestic Animal Census Data (2003) for Rampur Division

S. No. Animal Population

1 Cows 37267

2 Buffaloes 862

3 Horses 20

4 Mules 99

5 Donkeys 57



S. No. Animal Population

6 Sheeps 35553

7 Goats 16449

Total 90315 Source: Information collected form District Statistical Handbook Govt. of Himachal Pradesh

(II) Wildlife:

The altitudinal variation in the study area is from 700-3000 m hence, wildlife also showed characteristic distribution pattern. The carnivore is represented by Leopard (Panthera pardus); Indian Wolf (Canis lupus) and Himalayan Fox (Valpes vulpes). Among herbivores Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntiak) is reported at elevations from 1600-2900mts. Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus) is reported above 3000m, at lower elevation during the winter and higher altitude during summer. All the valleys hold good population of Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus). These animals move close to habitation during crop season particularly during summer.

The common representatives of reptiles are represented by common Indian Krait (Bungarus caerules), Himalayan viper (Ancistrodous himalayanus) Indian cobra (Naja naja) and Rat snake (Pyers mocosus) among Snakes while lizards were represented by Common Indian Monitor (Varanus monitor), common House Geeko (Hemidactylus brooki), and Rock lizard (Agamo tuberculata).

Important birds of the study area includes pheasants which shows typical altitudinal variation among them occurrences such as Kauj Pheasat in the foothill while Koklas & Monal Pheasant in temperate and mid level forest. The list of wildlife reported by forest department is given in following table:

Table: 3.14 List of Wildlife Reported from the Study Area and Their Status

Scientific Name Common Name Family Status* Mammals Barbastella barbasetellus Barbos teliobat Canis lupus Indian Wolf Canidae I Capricornis sumatraensis Serow Sciuridae II Caprolagus hispidus Hispid hare Cervidae I Hylopetes, Petaurista Flying Squirrels Hylobatidae II Hystrix hodgson Himalayan Porcupine II Martes flavigula Martens IV Mustela sibirica Himalayan weasel Mos homourus Hill mouse



Scientific Name Common Name Family Status* Moschus moschiferus Musk deer Cervidae I Muntiacus muntjak Barking deer or Muntjac III Nemorhaedus gora, Gorals III Nesekia indica Indian Molr rat Pteromys petaurista Brown Flying Squirrel Selenarctos thibetanus Himalayan black bear III Vulpes vulpes Red fox Canidae IV Reptiles Agamo tuberculata Rock Lizard Ancistrodous himalayanus

Himalayan pit viper

Bungarus caerules Common Indian Krait Hemidactylus brooki Common House Geeko Naja naja Indian Cobra Pyyas mocosus Rat Snake Varanus flavescens Monitor Lizard Varanidae BIRDS Catreus wallichii Cheer Pheasant Phasianidae I Ithaginis cruentus tibetanus, Blood Pheasants Phasianidae I Catreus wallichii Cheer Pheasant Phasianidae I Syrmaticus humiae Humes bar backed

Pheasant Phasranidae I

Lophophorus impejanus, Monal Pheasants Phasianidae I Tetraogallus tibetanus Tibetan Snow cock Phasianidae I

Source: Information collected from working plan Rampur/Seraj forest division Status*: As per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule-I : Endangered and Rare Species Schedule-II : Special Game Schedule-III : Big Game Schedule-IV : Small Game

The Census data of wildlife for Rampur and Anni Forest Division depicts that population of monkeyis largest in both forest divisions. `Seven Leopards have been reported in Rampur Forest division however in Anni Forest division no Leopard are reported. The detail of wildlife census conducted in 2005 is given in the table below:



Table: 3.15 Census Data of Wildlife

Wildlife Number Forest division Red Jungle Fowl 09 Rampur Kelij Pheasant 04 Rampur Koklas 09 Rampur Himalayan Monal 04 Rampur Monkey 5881 Rampur Langur 664 Rampur Leopard 07 Rampur Monkey 5601 Anni Leopard 00 Anni Langur 552 Anni

Source: Forest Department Rampur wild Census 2005 3.5 BIODIVERSITY OF IMMEDIATE INFLUENCE AREA:

The project immediate influence area is comprised of 500m. Surrounding the project sides. The major ecological are steep hill slopes, foothills and passing of national Highways 21 and major Settlements such as Jhakari, Rampur and many townships. The entire area interrupted by agricultural or horticultural activities. The detail of forest types, Natural Flora and Fauna is discussed in detail below.

3.5.1 Forest Types

The major forest types falling under the project influence area are DS-I Himalayan sub tropical scrub and DS-II sub tropical scrub. The detail of forest types is given below.

(i) DS-I Himalayan Sub tropical Scrub :

The extensive growing areas used as grazing grounds & hay fields by the villagers forms this forest type. They are spread over in between Chir (Pinus roxburghii). There is frequent burning and large scale burning hence this type forms regressive serial stage.

Major Associates: Dodonea - Rhus - Woodfordid Minor Associates: Berberts - Cotoneastor- Prinsepia

This type is due to heavy biotic interference of grazing and burning.

(ii) DS-II Sub tropical Euphorbia Scrub

Euphorbia royelana and Opuntia sp constitute this type of forest which spread along river Satluj. The common associates are Zizyphus jujube, Zizyphus nummularia & Ficus sp. This type is associated with lime stone formation.

3.5.2 Natural Flora



The natural flora of the immediate influence area is represented by natural flora along the slopes, foothills, the avenue plantation carried out along the existing NH-21, plantation of Eucalyptus & Dalbergia sissoo carried out by forests department as well as compensatory afforestationn and plantation under catchment area treatment plan of NJHEP project. A total number of 75 plant species observed during survey. The maximum number of 28 species accounted for trees followed by 26 for shrubs, 17 for herbs and 4 species for grasses. The detail of flora recorded is given below.

Table: 3.16

Flora Recorded Under the Immediate Project Area (500m)

S. NO SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY

TREES

1. Acacia leucophloea Subabul Mimosaceae

2. Albizzia lebbek Seris Leguminosae

3. Bombax ceiba Semal Bombaceae

4. Callistemon citrinus Bottle brush Myrtaceae

5. Celtis australis Kharak Urticaceae

6. Cupressus torulosa Leuri Coniferae

7. Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Fabaceae

8. Eucalyptus globules Safeda Myrtaceae

9. Ficus elastica Rubber tree Urticaceae

10. Ficus religiosa Pipal Urticaceae

11. Ficus palmate Fedu, Phegru Urticaceae

12. Ficus roxburghii Timal Urticaceae

13. Grevellia robusta Silver oak Proteaceae

14. Grewia oppositifolia Biul Tiliaceae

15. Mangifera indica Aam Anacardiaceae

16. Melia azaderach Dhenk Meliaceae

17. Mallotus philippinenisis Ruin Euphorbiaceae

18. Morus alba Tut Urticaceae

19. Morus sps Paper Mulberry Urticaceae

20. Morus serrala Himu, Tut Urticaceae

21. Pinus roxburghii Chil Coniferae

22. Populus ciliala Poplar Salicaceae

23. Prunus amygradus Badam Rosaceae

24. Prunus communis Aloocha Rosaceae




25. Prunus persica Aroo Rosaceae

26. Robinia pseudoacacia Pahari kikar Papilionoidaea

27. Syzium cumini Jamun Myrtaceae

28. Tamarindus indica Imli Caesalpiniaceae

SHRUBS




4 Artemesia vulgaris Artemesia Compositae












16 Moriandra strobilifera Pothi



19 Plectranthus coesta Chichiri Labiatae






25 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhaula Lythraceae


HERBS















12 Pteris sps Fern Pteridaceae






GRASSES




4 Parthenium hysterophorus Congress grass Compositae Source: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006

The dominant tree species of avenue plantataion are Acacia leucophloea (Subabul), Albizzia lebbek (Seris), Bombax ceiba (Semal), Callistemon citrinus (bottle brush), Ficus palmate (Fedu), Grevellia robusta (Silver oak), Grewia oppositifolia (Biul), Melia azaderach (Dhenk), Morus serrata (Shehtut), Populus ciliata (Poplar), Robinia pseudoacacia (Pahari Kikar), etc. The plantation carried out by forests department is mainly of Pinus roxburghi (Chil), Dalbergia sisso (Sisham) and Eucalyptus globulus (Safeda)

The area is interrupted by various agricultural and horticultural activities hence fruit trees were commonly recorded such as Mangifera indica (Mango), Prunus amygradus (badam), Prunus communis (Aloocha), Prunus persica (Aroo), Syzium cumini (Jamun), Tamarindus indica (Imli) etc.

The common shrubs observed were Adhatoda vasica ()Agave americana (Rambans), Calotropis gigantean (Akh), Cannabis sativa (Bhang), Carissa spinarum (Karonda), Colebrookia oppositifolia (Bhaber), Debregeasia hypoleuca (Sihanaru), Dodoneae



viscosa (Mehandi), Euphorbia royleana (Shuru), Girardinia heterophylla (Bichhu Ghas), Moriandra strobilifera (Pothi), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar) Rumex hastatus (Bhilmora) etc.,

The common herb species of the immediate influence area is represented by Achyranthes aspera (Aghada), Chenopodium album (Bathua), Erigeron bellidioides (Horse weed), Oxalis corniculata (Amrit sack), Sonchus oleraceus (Dudhi), Fragaria indica (Bhumla) etc. The common climbers are represented by Asparagus racemosa (Shatavari) and Jasminium officinalis (Chameli).

3.5.3 Natural Fauna

The distribution of fauna is mainly dependant on availability and type of vegetation providing feeding, breeding, hiding & resting sites. As project area is dominated by hilly tracks with less vegetation cover and interrupted by agriculture activities in the form of trench cultivation. Fauna of the project area is represented by reptiles, birds and mammals. The reptiles were represented by Calotes versicolor (Common Lizard) common Geeko (Hemidactylus brooki). The mammals were represented by animals of local importance such as Cows, Oxes, Horese, Mule, Donkey, Pigs etc. No wildlife is recorded during the survey by direct or indirect evidiences. The total no of 35 species of birds where were recorded during the survey (Table 3.15) :

Table: 3.17

List of Avifauna Recorded Under the Immediate Influence Area

S. No. Scientific Name Common Name Family 1. Acridotheres tristis Indian Myna Sturnidae 2. Aeridotheres ginginianus Bank myna Sturnidae 3. Cassa flavirostris Yellowbilled Blue Magpai Carvidae 4. Columba livia Blue Rock Pigeon Columidae 5. Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle Crow Carvidae 6. Corvus splendens House Crow Carvidae 7. Corvus corax Ravan Carvidae 8. Dandroatta vagabunda Treepie Corvidae 9. Dicrurus adsimilis Black Drongo Dieruridae 10. Egretta garzetta Little Egret Ardeidae 11. Gallus gallus Common Fowl Phasinidae 12. Lanius schach Rofusedbacked Shrike Campehagidae 13. Lanius excubitor Grey Shrike Campehagidae 14. Megalaima malabarica Crimsonbreasted barbet Cpilonidae 15. Megalaima zeylanica Largegreen barbet Cpilonidae 16. Milvus migrans Pariah Kite Acciptridae 17. Motacilla maderatensis Large pied wagtail Motacillidae 18. Myiophonus horsfieldii Whistling Thrush Turnidae



S. No. Scientific Name Common Name Family 19. Nactarinia asiatica Purplerumpled Sunbird Nectarinidae 20. Nectarinia minima Small Sunbird Nectarinidae 21. Orthotomus sutorius Tailor Bird Pachycephalinae 22. Parus major Gray Tit Parinae 23. Passeer domesticus House Sparrow Passerinae 24. Psittacula krameri Roseringed Parakeet Psittacidae 25. Psittacula cyanocephala Blossomheaded Parakeet Psittacidae 26. Psittacula himalayana Slatyheaded Parakeet Psittacidae 27. Picnonotus articeps Black Headed Bulbul Pycnonotidae 28. Picnonotus leucogenys White Cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotidae 29. Picnonotus cafer Redvented Bulbul Pycnonotidae 30. Sexicoloides fulicate Indian Robin Muscicapidae 31. Sopsychus saularis Magpie Robin Muscicapidae 32. Streptopelia chinensis Spotted dove Columbidae 33. Streptopelia decaocto Ring Dove Columbidae 34. Turdoides caudatus Common babbler Muscicapidae 35. Terpsiphone paradisi Paradise Flycatcher Muscicapinae 36. Turdus merula Blackbird Turninae 37. Upupa epops Hoopoe Upupidae 38. Zosterops palpebrosa White Eyed Zosteropidae

Source: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006 3.6 BIO DIVERSITY OF PROJECT AFFECTED AREA

The project-affected area is comprised of forestland, which involves establishment of various project units i.e. 86.5 ha of land of which 48.9 ha is forestland for surface work. The layout plan of Project affected Area is attached as Fig. 3. The terrestrial biodiversity study was conducted on above mention forestland that is project area to provide information on baseline status of flora and fauna. Break up of forestland is given below

Table: 3.18 Breakup of Forest Land under the Project Area

Forest Area

Forest Land S.No. Name of Site

Mohal /Up Mohal In Bighas In Hect.

1 Cut & cover and Job facilities

Falti Kushwa (Kothi 15/20)

10-19 00-88-62

2 Adit Approach road & Job facilities Koja Adit).

Fatti Tunan (Kothi 15/20)

12-10 01-01-16

3 Job Facilities (Kajo Fatti Tunan 05-14 00-46-13



Forest Area Forest Land

S.No. Name of Site Mohal /Up

Mohal In Bighas In Hect. Adit) (Kothi 15/20)

4 Dumping Area (Near Kojo Adit)


89-13 07-25-53

5 Adit Approach & Job facilities (Kunni Adit)


05-08 00-43-70

6 Dumping Area (Near Kunni Adit)


15-03 01-22-61

7 Bridge & Approach road 9near Kunni Adit)


00-13 00-07-69

8 Adit & Job Facilities (Goshai Adit)


18-00 01-45-67

9 Dumping Area Fatti Nirmand 29-10 02-38-74 10 Dumping Area Fatti Nirmand 45-01 03-64-59 11 Approach road & Job

facilities Fatti Bayal 198-09 16-06-04

12 Power House, Penstocks, Approach road & Job facilities

Fatti Bayal 82-17 06-70-50

13 Approach road, Tail Race & job facilities

Fatti Bayal 08-02 00-65-55

14 Approach road & Job facilities

Fatti Bayal 15-11 01-25-84

15 Quarry road, Crusher & Job facilities

Gadej (Koel) 67-05 05-44-25

Total 604-15 48-96-62 Source: Rampur Hydroelectric Project, Jhakri 3.6.1 Forest Type

The terrestrial ecosystem of the project area is represented by hilly mountainous tracks, steep hill slopes, foothills and Satluj river valley. The project area is mainly represented by dwarf shrubby vegetation interrupted by patches of Eucalyptus plantation. The total forests cover area of the project area is 48.9 ha for surface work and 20.41 ha forestland involves undergroung work. The major forests type occurring in Project Affected Area are discusses in details below (I) DS-I Himalayan Sub tropical Scrub:

The extensive growing areas used as grazing grounds & hay fields by the villagers forms this forest type. They are spread over in between Chir (Pinus roxburghii). There is frequent burning and large scale burning hence this type farms regressive seral stage.

Major Associates: Dodonea - Rhus - Woodfordid Minor Associates: Berberis - Cotoneastor- Prinsepia

This type is due to heavy biotic interference of grazing and burning.



(II) DS-II Sub tropical Euphorbia Scrub Euphorbia royleana and Opuntia sp constitute this type of forest which spread along river Satluj. The common associates are Zizyphus jujuba Zizyphus nummularia & Ficus sp. This type is associated with lime stone formation.

3.6.2 Natural Flora

The species were identified and categorized for their ecological characteristics. The flora of project area is represented by 64 species belonging to 52 genera and 34 families. Physio-gnomically vegetation has been categorized as trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. The flora recorded under the project affected sites is presented below in the table:

Table: 3.19

Flora Recorded Under the Project Affected Area


TREES

1 Acacia leucophloea Subabul Mimosaceae

2 Bombax ceiba Semal Bombaceae

3 Celtis australis Kharak Urticaceae

4 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Fabaceae

5 Eucalyptus globulus Safeda Myrtaceae

6 Ficus palmata Fedu, Phegru Moraceae

7 Grewia oppositifolia Biul Tiliaceae

8 Mangifera indica Aam Anacardiaceae

9 Melia azaderach Dhenk Meliaceae

10 Millingtonia hortensis Akas Neem Sapotaceae

11 Mallotus philippinenisis Ruin Euphorbiaceae

12 Morus alba Tut Meliaceae

13 Pinus roxburghii Chil Coniferae

14 Prunus communis Aloocha Rosaceae

15 Prunus persica Aroo Rosaceae

16 Robinia pseudoacacia Pahari kikar Papilionoidaea

17 Tamarindus indica Imli Caesalpiniaceae

SHRUBS







4 Artemesia vulgaris Artemesia Compositae




















HERBS















12 Pteris sps Fern Pteridaceae






GRASSES




4 Parthenium hysterophorus Congress grass Compositae Source: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006 3.6.3 Community Uses of Natural Flora

The trees in the project area are used for various purposes. The major uses of trees falling under the project area are as given below:

Table: 3.20 Major Uses of Trees under the Project Area

Name of Tree Fence Orname

ntal Avenue Planting

Fodder Fuel Timber Fruit

Acacia leucophloea

+ - - + _ _ _

Bombax ceiba - + - - + - -

Celtis australis - - - + - + _

Dalbergia sisso

- - - - + + -

Eucalyptus globulus

- - + - - + -

Ficus palmata - - - + - - +

Grewia oppositifolia

- - - + - - -

Mangifera indica

- - - - - - +

Melia azaderach

- - - + - - -

Millingtonia hortensis

- - - - + - -



Name of Tree Fence Ornamental

Avenue Planting

Fodder Fuel Timber Fruit

Mollotus phillipinenisis

- + - - + - -

Morus alba - - - - + - +

Pinus roxburghii

- + - - + - -

Prunus communis

- - - - - - +

Prunus persica - - - - - - +

Robinia pseudoacacia

- + - + - - -

Tamarindus indica

- - - - - - +

Source : Public Consultation

3.6.4 Natural Fauna

The distribution of fauna is mainly dependant on availability and type of vegetation providing feeding, breeding, hiding & resting sites. As project, area is dominated by hilly tracks with less vegetation cover and interrupted by agriculture activities in the form of trench cultivation. Fauna of the project area is mainly represented by reptiles, birds and mammals. The reptiles were represented by Calotes versicolor (Common Lizard) and Hemidactylus brooki (Common Geeko).

(1) Avifauna Birds were identified with binox .The common birds recorded during the survey are given below:

Table: 3.21 List of Avifauna Recorded Under the Project Affecte Area

S. No Scientific Name Common Name Family

1 Acridotheres tristis Indian Myna Sturnidae

2 Aeridotheres ginginianus Bank myna Sturnidae

3 Columba livia Blue Rock Pigeon Columidae

4 Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle Crow Carvidae

5 Corvus splendens House Crow Carvidae

6 Corvus corax Common raven Carvidae

7 Dandroatta vagabunda Treepie Corvidae

8 Dicrurus adsimilis Black Drongo Dieruridae

9 Egretta garzetta Little Egret Ardeidae



S. No Scientific Name Common Name Family

10 Lanius excubitor Grey Shrike Campehagidae

11 Megalaima malabarica Crimson breasted barbet

Cpilonidae

12 Milvus migrans Pariah Kite Acciptridae

13 Motacilla maderatensis Large pied wagtail Motacillidae

14 Nactarinia asiatica Purplerumpled Sunbird

Nectarinidae

15 Nectarinia minima Small Sunbird Nectarinidae

16 Orthotomus sutorius Tailor Bird Pachycephalinae

17 Passeer domesticus House Sparrow Passerinae

18 Psittacula krameri Rose ringed Parakeet

Psittacidae

19 Picnonotus leucogenys White Cheeked Bulbul

Pycnonotidae

20 Picnonotus cafer Red vented Bulbul Pycnonotidae

21 Sexicoloides fulicate Indian Robin Muscicapidae

22 Sopsychus saularis Magpie Robin Muscicapidae

23 Streptopelia chinensis Spotted dove Columbidae

24 Turdoides caudatus Common babbler Muscicapidae

25 Terpsiphone paradise Paradise Flycatcher

Muscicapinae

26 Turdus merula Blackbird Turninae

27 Upupa epops Hoopoe Upupidae Source: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006

(2) Domestic Animals

The common domestic animals observed were Cow, Bulls, Sheep, Goats, Dogs, Cats and Fowls. The major grazers were cows and bulls while browsers were sheep and goats.

(3) Wildlife

During field survey of project-affected area, no evidences of existence of any wildlife either direct or indirect were recorded. None of the endangered, rare, threatened or endemic wildlife species was noticed from the project area.

3.7 QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF FLORA

Assessment of Importance Value Index and Diversity index of flora of Project affected areas and immediate influence area has been conducted. Importance Value Index



(IVI) expresses dominance and ecological success of any species in an area whereas Diversity Index expresses the variety of species in an area.

3.7.1 Project Affected Area

Assessment of flora of project-affected area has been conducted. Area specific Diversity index and importance value of affected project area have been derived. All the sites are open scrub areas dominated by thorny shrubs and weed species. The dominant shrub species recorded are Adhatoda vasica, Zizyphus nummularia, Rumex haustatus, Colebrookia oppositifolia, Cannabis sativa, Artemesia vulgaris, Euphorbia royleana, Dodoneae viscose etc. These species are representative of degrade area and are abundantly found in dry areas and wasteland. The dominant herbs and grasses are represented by Pathenium hysterophorus, Arundo donax, Cynodon dactylon, Oxalis corniculata, Tridex procumbens, Erigeron bellidioides etc. Parthenium is weed species present in the area is indicators of degraded land and are found throughout the arid zones and degraded areas The Tree species is represented by Eucalyptus globules, which is an exotic species planted in the area. Besides Eucalyptus some fruit trees like, Prunus persica, Prunus communis etc. are present. The area wise assessment of the flora is provided in the tables below:

Table: 3.22

Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Curtain Cover Head Race Tunnel

Species Relative Frequency

Relative Density

Relative Dominance IVI

Artemesia vulgaris 42.85 78.26 10.81 131.9

Euphorbia royleana 42.85 17.39 30.83 91.08

Ficus palmate 14.28 4.34 58.37 77.01

Herbs & Grasses

Argemone mexicana 20.00 7.14 1.01 28.16

Arundo donax 40.00 42.86 89.66 172.5

Parthenium hysterophorus 40.00 50.00 9.14 99.14

Table: 3.23 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Kazo Adit


Relative Density


Adhatoda vasica 14.81 27.27 14.75 56.83

Agave americana 3.70 1.81 0.72 6.24




Relative Density


Aloe vera 3.70 1.81 0.662 6.18

Bombax ceiba 3.70 1.81 61.37 66.88

Calotropis gigantea 7.40 9.36 0.937 17.70

Cannabis sativa 11.11 14.54 2.245 27.90

Carissa spinarum 3.70 1.81 0.49 6.01

Colebrookia oppositifolia 11.11 16.36 7.99 35.46

Dodonaeae viscosa 7.40 3.63 0.641 11.68

Opuntia monocantha 3.70 1.81 3.07 8.59

Prinsepia utilis 7.40 3.63 1.70 12.74

Ricinus communis 3.70 1.81 0.371 5.89

Rumex hastatus 11.11 7.27 0.837 19.22

Zizyphus nummularia 14.81 16.36 5.17 36.35

Herbs & Grasses

Chenopodium album 10.00 13.79 18.32 42.11

Chromolaena odorata 20.00 17.24 18.95 56.19

Cynodon dactylon 10.00 13.79 33.93 57.7

Jasminium officinalis 20.00 6.89 1.864 28.76

Oxalis corniculata 10.00 17.24 15.38 42.62

Tridex procumbens 30.00 31.03 11.58 72.61

Table: 3.24 Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit Job Facilities


Relative Density


Berberies aristata 10.00 3.33 1.52 14.85

Cannabis sativa 10.00 13.33 1.53 24.86



Desmodium titiaefolium 20.00 10 1.41 31.41

Pinus roxburghii 10.00 3.33 71.49 84.82

Herbs & Grasses

Achyranthes aspera 12.49 7.69 10.44 30.63




Relative Density


Asparagus racemosa 6.24 2.56 3.55 12.37

Echinops echinatus 18.74 17.94 26.84 63.53

Ocimum basilicum 24.99 17.94 17.90 60.85



Pteris sps. 12.49 15.38 13.07 40.96

Table: 3.25 Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit Approach Road


Relative Density


Acacia leucophloea 9.09 4.00 23.44 36.53

Calatropis gigantea 18.18 8.00 0.341 26.52

Cannabis sativa 27.27 56.0 2.61 85.88


Mollotus phillipinenisis 27.27 16.0 69.37 112.6

Rumex haustatus 27.27 16.0 0.80 44.08

Solanum surattense 9.09 4.00 0.74 13.83

Herbs & Grasses

Heliotropium strigosum 25.0 22.22 18.34 65.56

Ocimum basiculum 16.66 22.22 22.53 61.42


Saccharum spontaneum 25.0 29.63 34.73 89.36

Verbascum thapsus 16.66 7.40 8.86 32.94



Table: 3.26 Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit


Relative Density



Rumex hastatus 66.66 50.05 0.192 116.90

Herbs & Grasses



Table: 3.27 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Kunni Adit


Relative Density


Adhatoda vasica 10.71 7.84 19.50 38.06



Cannabis sativa 7.142 15.68 10.73 33.56



Debregeasia hypoleuca 3.57 1.96 2.77 8.31

Dodonaea viscosa 21.42 19.60 18.90 59.93


Lantana camara 14.28 11.76 8.10 34.15

Rubus ellipticus 3.57 1.96 2.76 8.29


Herbs & Grasses

Fragaria indica 18.18 15.38 18.30 51.86

Launaea procumbens 18.18 23.07 21.28 62.54





Table: 3.28 Assessment of Flora of Kunni Adit


Relative Density



Rumex hastatus 60.00 62.50 60.32 182.82

Herbs & Grasses



. Table: 3.29

Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Goshai Adit


Relative Density


Dodoneae viscosa 60.00 71.43 1.82 133.25

Eucalyptus globulus 20.00 14.28 91.99 126.28


Herbs & Grasses



Table: 3.30 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area Nimrand Bridge


Relative Density


Adhatoda vasica 17.65 20.0 3.16 40.81

Cannabis sativa 11.76 16.00 2.56 30.33




Ficus palmata 5.882 4.00 27.19 37.07


Robinia pseudoacacia 5.882 4.00 25.97 35.85




Relative Density



Herbs & Grasses

Fragaria indica 16.67 10.52 9.20 36.39




Table: 3.31 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Veri


Relative Density






Herbs & Grasses



Table: 3.32 Assessment of Flora of near Surge Shaft Area-- Approach road


Relative Density


Adhatoda vasica 25.0 35.55 3.57 64.13

Cannabis sativa 12.5 26.66 1.16 40.33





Princepia utilis 8.33 4.44 0.52 13.29

Rumex hastatus 8.33 6.66 0.40 15.40






Relative Density


Herbs & Grasses

Arundo donax 37.5 36.36 67.96 141.82Table: 3.33

Assessment of Flora of Power House Area & Approach Road


Relative Density


Adhatoda vasica 9.30 11.86 0.32 21.49

Agave Americana 6.97 5.08 2.41 14.4

Ailanthus excelsa 2.32 1.69 3.02 7.04

Cannabis sativa 6.97 10.17 0.16 17.3

Carissa spinerum 4.65 5.08 0.21 9.95

Celtis australis 2.32 1.69 2.60 6.62

Dalbergia sissoo 2.32 1.69 1.29 5.31

Eucalyptus globules 9.30 11.8 39.0 60.20


Ficus palmata 2.32 1.69 3.00 7.02

Girardinia heterophylla 2.32 3.3 0.20 5.9

Grevia sps 2.32 1.69 2.70 6.72

Lantana camara 2.32 6.78 0.10 9.20

Mangifera indica 2.32 1.69 13.52 17.5

Melia azaderach 6.97 5.08 4.50 16.5

Milingtonia hortensis 2.32 1.69 3.43 7.45

Morua alba 2.32 1.69 3.32 7.34

Musa paradisiaca 2.30 1.69 4.21 8.23

Prinsepia utilis 4.65 3.39 0.15 8.19

Prunus communis 4.65 6.78 6.30 17.7

Prunus persica 4.65 3.39 6.01 14.0

Ricinus communis 4.65 3.39 0.09 8.13

Rumex haustatus 4.65 3.3 0.03 8.07


Tamrindus indica 2.32 1.69 2.14 6.16

Herbs & Grasses

Arundo donax 11.11 6.89 64.69 82.699




Relative Density




Fragaria indica 11.11 13.79 5.875 30.78


Trifolium pratense 11.11 13.79 5.525 30.43


Table: 3.34 Assessment of Flora of Quarry site


Relative Density


Adhatoda vasica 10.52 6.25 5.16 21.94




Ficus palmata 5.263 3.12 7.34 15.73

Melia azaderach 10.52 6.25 12.30 29.08

Musa paradisiaca 5.263 6.25 10.97 22.49

Prunus communis 15.78 21.87 34.03 71.69

Prunus persica 10.52 12.50 14.18 37.21

Rumex hastatus 10.52 9.37 0.15 20.05


Herbs & Grasses


Erigeron bellidioides 22.22 15.00 13.65 50.87

Fragaria indica 22.22 20.00 19.36 61.58


Sonchus oleraceus 11.11 15.00 15.92 42.03


The Diversity Index for the project-affected area has been calculated. The diversity of the area is very low. Highest value of diversity index recorded is 1.28 for Powerhouse and approach road area. For all other sites, the diversity index is below 1. This



indicates that the area is not rich in floral wealth and represents poor diversity. The diversity index of the project-affected area is given in the table below.

Table: 3.35

Diversity Index of Project Affected Area

DIVERSITY INDEX (H) S.N SITE

Trees & Shrubs Grasses & Herbs

1 Curtain Cover Head Race Tunnel 0.27 0.39

2 Dumping Area (near Kazo Adit) 0.90 0.58

3 Dumping Area (near Kunni Adit) 0.97 0.73

4 Kazo Adit 0.27 0.27

5 Kazo Job Facility 0.48 0.79

6 Kazo Approach Road 0.51 0.66

7 Kuni Adit 0.28 0.29

8 Goshai Adit 0.34 0.29

9 Dumping Area (Nirmand Bridge) 0.83 0.46

10 Veri Dumping Area 0.59 0.16

11 Surge Shaft Area (Approach road)

0.78 0.28

12 Power House Area (Approach road, tail race and job facilities)

1.28 0.75

13 Quarry road, Crusher & Job Facilities

0.97 0.76

3.7.2 Assessment of Flora of the Immediate Influence Area

Assessment of flora of immediate influence area has been conducted (500m from the project-affected areas). Random Quadrat sampling has been conducted and site-specific Diversity Index and Importance Value Index have been derived. The Diversity index is low and maximum value is 1.41. The value of diversity index for trees & shrubs is higher than grasses & herbs. Importance Value Index (IVI) expresses dominance and ecological success of any species in an area. The flora of the area is dominated by succulent shrubs such as Agave americana (Rambans), Euphorbia royleana (Shuru), and Opuntia monocantha (Nagphani) followed by thorny species such as Carissa spinarum (Karonda), Zizyphus nummularia (Beri), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar), Solanum surrattense (Kateli) etc. The assessment of flora depicts that Eucalyptus globules is the dominant tree in the area followed by Mallotus phillipinenisis and fruit trees of Prunus sps. Among herbs and grasses Parthenium hysterophorus is dominant species followed by Arundo donax, Cynodon dactylon, Oxalis corniculata, Tridex procumbens,



Erigeron bellidioides, Jasminium officinalis, Fragaria indica etc. The site wise quantitative assessment of the flora of project affected sites are discussed below

Table: 3.36 Assessment of flora of Kunni Area


Relative Density


Callistemon citrinus 5.40 5.88 7.20 18.44


Eucalyptus globules 5.40 3.92 13.91 23.24

Ficus religiosa 2.70 1.96 2.91 7.57

Ficus palmata 2.70 1.96 3.09 7.75

Ficus roxburghii 2.70 1.96 4.27 8.93

Grevellia robusta 2.70 3.92 12.32 18.95


Mallotus philippinenisis 2.70 1.96 1.43 6.10


Prunus communis 5.40 3.92 1.66 10.99


Adhatoda vasica 5.40 5.88 1.149 12.43


Calotropis gigantean 2.70 1.96 0.21 4.87

Cannabis sativa 2.70 5.88 0.80 9.38





Lantana camara 2.70 1.96 0.13 4.79

Moriandra strobilifera 2.70 1.96 0.36 5.03

Plectranthus coesta 2.70 3.92 0.40 7.02


Rubus ellipticus 5.40 5.88 1.10 12.39

Rumex hastatus 2.70 5.88 0.30 8.88




Relative Density


Woodfordia fruticosa 2.70 1.96 0.50 5.16


Herbs & Grasses

Achyranthes aspera 4.54 5 6.03 15.57

Chenopodium album 4.54 5 4.05 13.5

Chromolaena odorata 4.54 2.5 1.86 8.90


Fragaria indica 9.09 7.5 7.52 24.11


Oxalis corniculata 9.09 10 7.99 27.08


Tridex procumbens 4.54 5 2.72 12.27

Verbascum thapsus 4.54 5 4.13 13.67




Parthenium hysterophorus 9.09 10 24.77 43.86

Table: 3.37 Assessment of flora of Nirmand Area


Relative Density


Acacia leucophloea 3.33 2.27 4.70 10.3

Albizzia lebbek 3.33 2.27 5.30 10.9

Callistemon citrinus 3.33 4.54 5.53 13.4

Cupressus torulosa 3.33 4.54 5.99 13.8


Eucalyptus globulus 3.33

2.27 6.91 12.5

Ficus palmate 3.33 2.27 3.53 9.14




Relative Density


Ficus roxburghii 3.33 2.273 4.88 10.4

Grevellia robusta 3.33 2.273 5.38 10.9

Melia azaderach 3.33 4.545 8.45 16.3

Morus sps 3.33 2.273 5.76 11.3


Populus ciliata 3.33 2.273 5.38 10.9

Prunus communis 3.33 4.545 2.30 10.1


Adhatoda vasica 3.33 4.545 0.87 8.75

Agave Americana 3.33 2.273 0.34 5.95


Cannabis sativa 6.66 9.091 1.22 16.9



Dodonaea viscose 3.33 2.273 0.49 6.10



Lantana camara 3.33 2.273 0.230 5.83



Rumex hastatus 3.33 4.545 0.3075 8.18

Woodfordia fruticosa 3.33

2.273 0.538 6.14

Herbs & Grasses









Relative Density


Fragaria indica 7.69 10.53 11.91 30.13











Table: 3.38 Assessment of flora Near Bayal Village


Relative Density


Ficus elastica 5.26 3.704 7.648 16.61


Melia azaderach 5.26 3.704 6.373 15.34


Morus serrata 5.26 3.704 8.633 17.6

Prunus amygradus 5.26 11.11 10.08 26.46

Prunus communis 5.26 7.407 3.476 16.15

Prunus persica 5.26 7.407 5.214 17.88

Syzium cumini 5.26 3.704 5.62 14.59

Tamarindus indica 5.26 3.704 5.041 14.01

Adhatoda vasica 5.26 7.407 1.321 13.99








Relative Density



Lantana camara 5.26 7.407 0.695 13.37

Musa paradisiacal 5.26 3.704 7.068 16.04


Herbs & Grasses



Fragaria indica 16.7 18.52 23.55 58.74


Ocimum basilicum 8.33 7.407 7.609 23.35





Table: 3.39 Assessment of Importance Value Index Near Pashada Forest Area


Relative Density


Adhatoda vasica 4.166 5.71 0.95 10.83



Bombax ceiba 4.16 2.85 6.73 13.75


Celtis australis 4.16 2.85 5.13 12.16


Desmodium tiliaefolium 4.166 2.85 0.27 7.30



Grewia oppositifolia 4.166 2.85 5.89 12.92




Relative Density


Lantana camara 4.166 5.71 0.51 10.3


Moriandra strobilifera 4.16 2.85 0.36 7.39




Rumex hastatus 4.16 5.71 0.8 10.75


Herbs & Grasses


Arundo donax 7.69 4.34 4.28 16.32




Fragaria indica 7.69 13.0 11.3 32.13



Pteris sps 7.69 4.34 2.4 14.49

Saccharum spontaneum 7.69 8.69 10.04 26.43 Assessment of diversity index for immediate project area have been conducted which depicts that the diversity of the area is low for both trees & shrubs and grasses & herbs. All the value of diversity index fall below 1.5. The difference in value of diversity of the area is insignificant. The assessment of diversity is presented in the tables below.

Table: 3.40

Diversity Index of Immediate Influence Area

DIVERSITY INDEX (H) S.N. SITE


1. Kunni Area 1.40 1.10



DIVERSITY INDEX (H) S.N. SITE


2. Nirmand Area 1.41 1.13

3. Near Pashada Forest Area 1.17 0.94

4. Bayal Village 1.24 0.87 3.8 Ecological Status of Species: Flora & Fauna (Endangered/Rare/Threatened

/Endemic) The forests are a very important natural resource of the State form the basis of rich biodiversity of the State. Forests of the state is utilized in various puposes such as tomber, fuelwood, fodder, grasses, horticulture, leaf collection for cattle bedding & manure. As a result forests are under severe threats. The forest studies revealed that (SSR 1999) a total 440 Sq km of dense forests have degreaded to open forests from 1997 to 1999. The loss of forests leads to loss of habitat to wildlife and hence their ecological status has change to endangered, threatened or rare. The ecological status of flora & fauna is discussed in details below. 3.8.1 Status of Flora Forests of Himachal Pradesh are rich with a variety of plants that are utilized for their medicinal properties. The Alpine meadows and Alpine scrub forests provide habitat to a variety of important mrdicinal flora of the state. It is estimated that if all the households remedies are taken into consodarartion, an estimated 1500 native plant speciesare used for health care purposes by the people of the state (Chauhan 1999). Local villagers residing in forests have rights to harvest medicinal plants. Overexploitation of medicinal plants leads to change thir status to threatened endangered, or rare species. The list of rare & threatened plants of Himachal Prasdesh is given below Table 3.41

Status of Rare and Threatened Species S.No. Name S.No. Name 1. Achillea millefolium 34. Juniperus recurva 2. Aconitum heterophyllum 35. Jurinea tibetica 3. Aconitum violaceum 36. Leontopodium

frinbriligerum 4. Arnebia benthami 37. Limosella aquatica 5. Arnebia euchroma 38. Meconopsis bikramii 6. Arnebia guttata 39. Orobanchhe hansii 7. Astragalus candolianus 40. Pedicularis albida 8. Astragalus grahmianus 41. Pedicularis pychnantha 9. Astragalus leucocephalus 42. Pedicularis purpurea 10. Betula utilis 43. Physochlaina praealta



11. Bunium persicum 44. Picrorhiza kurrooa 12. Carex borii 45. Pinus gerardiana 13. Carum carvi 46. Podophyllum hexandrum 14. Chrysanthemum

pyrathroides 47. Potentilla curviseta

15. Cortusa mathiole 48. Potentilla fulgens 16. Dactylorhiza hatagirea 49. Rheum australe 17. Draba cachemirica 50. Rheum moorcroftianum 18. Draba lasiophylla 51. Rheum spiciforme 19. Ephedra geradiana 52. Saussurea gnapholoides 20. Eremurus himalaicus 53. Saussurea gossypiphora 21. Euphrasia jaeschkei 54. Saussurea obvallata 22. Euphrasia pauciflora 55. Scrophularia koelzii 23. Euphrasia platyphylla 56. Scrophulria suffruticosa 24. Ferula jaeshkeana 57. Sedum jaeschkei 25. Galium serphylloides 58. Seseli tribobium 26. Gentiana tianschanica 59. Silene stewartii 27. Hedysarum cashmerianum 60. Silene stewartii 28. Heracleum candicans 61. Thylacospermum

caespitosum 29. Heracleum thomsoni 62. Valeriana jaeschkei 30. Heteropappus

holohermaphroditus 63. Veronica biloba

31. Hyoscyamus niger 64. Viola biflora 32. Inular racemosa 65. Waldhemia glabra 33. Juniperus communis 66. Waldhemia stoliczkei 67. Waldhemia tomentosa Source : Biodiversity Action Plan 2003 The medical plants are distributed to alphine pasture & alpoine scrubs of higher altitudenal range of 3000 to 5500mts. The distribution of endangered plants species in the project-influenced area, immediate influence area and project-affected area is discussed below. A total number of 27 medicinal plant speaes reported by forest department (Rampur/Anil Forest Div) from the project influence area out of 27 only seven plant species are reported to be endangered category as per the IUCN red data book. The medicinal plants such as Aconitum heterophyllum (Mithi patish), Picorhiza Karoo (Karoo) and Podophyllum emodi (Bankakari) are endanagered due to 50% reduction in population while Rheum emodii (Rewand chini), Polygonatum verticillatum (Salammishri), velerina wallichii (Nalchnihani) and Acorus calamus (Birch) 20% reduction in population in wild in last ten years (Singh P.B. 1999). In order to excerise some measures of control over the exploilation of medicinal plants the forest department has prescribed a four year exploitation cycle and has also fixed an export permit fees in respect of heavily exploited species as per the Native list of Export 1994. Forest department also encouraging medicial farming. None of the above mentioned medicinal plants were recorded/reported neither from the project immediate influenced area nor from the project affected area.



3.8.2 Status of Fauna The variation in climatic, altitudinal and forests diversity resulted in diversified fauna. The faunal biodiversity is under tremendous threat due to fragmentation, degreadation and loss natural of habitat. Himachal Pradesh Govt. has provided special protection to wildlife by declaring Musk deer as state animal while Monal phesant as state bird. The list of wild animals of Himachal Pradesh owing to their ecological status is given below.

Table 3.42

Status of Rare, Endangered and Protected Species of Fauna

Scientific Name Common Name Protected Panthera pardus Leopard Panthera uncia Snow leopard Felis bengalensis Leopard Ovis ammon hodgsoni Nayan Pseudois nayaur Bharal Capricornis sumatraensis Serow Moschus moschiferus Musk deer Hemitragus jemlahicus Himalayan Thar Hemitragus jemlahicus Himalayan Thar Catreus wallichii Cheer Pheasant Endangered Panthera uncia Snow leopard Capra ibex Himalayan Ibex Hemitragus jemlahicus Himalayan Thar Vulnarable Panthera pardus Leopard Moschus moschiferus Musk deer Panthera uncia Snow leopard

The distribution of endangered/protected and vulnerable animals in project influenced area, immediate influence area and project affected area is discussed below. (i) Project Influence Area The information about the distribution of endangered wildlife is collected from respective forest division i.e. Rampur/Ani forest Division Himachal Pradesh. The endangered animals reported from project influence area are Leopard (Panthera pardus); Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntiak); Himalayan fox (Vulpes valpes) wolf (Canis lupus) and among birds Monal phesant (Lophophorus impejanus), Koklaj Pheasant( Purcra sia macrolopha) and Cheer Pheasant ( Catreus wallichii) are reported from the forests of the study area. The carnivore representative of forest under the study area is Leopard (Panthera pardus). It is member of cat family is a sleek short haired and agile animal with a fabulous coat marked with close-set rosettes. It has adapted itself to the forest aera as well as to the open countryside. It



is known to lift sheep & cattle from the shed. The Himalayan Blackbear (Selenarctos thibetanus) inhabits the oak forests from 1800 m to 2500 m it is considered a savage animal by villagers for its raids on village cultivation and occasional attacks on humanbeings. Jackel (Canus aureus) have been reported from populated areas while Himalayan fox (Vulpes valpes) reported during winter near habitations in forests. The Musk deer (Muschus mosehiferus), a solitary and secretive animal is reported from Alpine and sub alpine zones of the forests at altitude above 2900-4000 mts elevation range The havey show fall in higher altitudes leads to downward migration up to 2800 to 2500 mt is reported during winter. The Rhesus macaque (macaca mulata) reported between 1200 to 2400 m mostly in broad-leaved forests while Langoor (Presbytes entellus) reported 1800 to 2800 m. The large sexually dimorphic members of phesant family are found throughout the forests. The Monal phesant (Lophophorus impejanus) a colourful & attractive bird reported fom 300 to m while Koklaj Pheasant (Purcra sia macrolopha) found on steep forested hillsides between 500 to 3000 m elevatioin and that of Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) found on hillsides between 1800 to 2500m.

(ii) Project Immediate Influenced Area The area is marked by degraded scrub forest, heaving populated along the National Highway interrupted with intensive agriculture/horticulture/animal hasbandary practices, etc Hence chances of wildlife habitats are not expected; and no records of wild life reported from the project area. (iii) Project Affected Area The area is marked by dry denuaded steep hillslopes, foothills with sdcanty thorney shrubs type vegetation cover and plantation paches od Eucalyptus interrepted by agricultural activities. None of the wildlife was noticed either direct or indirect evidences as well as there are no reports of wildlife from forest department records

3.9 COMPARITIVE ASPECTS OF FLORA AND FAUNA Inorder to compare status of various issues of terrestrial biodiversity the comparative status of various isses are diacussed below

3.9.1 Comparative Status of Forests Types

Forest is the major land use of Himachal Pradesh. The recorded forest area of the state is 3.54 million ha, which constitutes 66.6% the total geographical area of the state. The wide range of altitude, topography and climatic conditions contributed towards diverse forest types ranging from Tropical to Sub-tropical & temperate to Alpine Forests. As per the Champian & Seth (1962), a total nine major forest types and 35 sub-groups of forests were reported through out the State.

Table: 3.43 Comparative Distribution of Forests Types



Forest Types

H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAA

Tropical MoistDeciduous Forest..

Siwalic Sal Forest. 3C/C2a

Bhabur Sal Forest. 3C/C2b

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Dry Alpine Scrub (3000-3600m.)

+ 16/C1 - - -

Moist Alpine Scrub (3000-3600m)

+ Alpine Pasture 15/C3 - - -

Sub Alpine Forest.. (3000-3500m.)

+ Fir Frs. 14/C1a

Pasture 14/DS1

- - -

Himalayan Dry Temperate Forest.. (2500-3000m.)

+ Coniferous Dry D. Frs. 13/C2b

Con. Pine Frs. 13/C1

Blue Pine Frs. 13/C2b

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest.. (1500-2500m)

+ Ban-Oak Frs. 12/C1a

Kharsu Oak Frs. 12/C2a

Moist Deodar Frs. 12/C1C

Oak- Fir Frs. 12/C2b

Mix. Con Frs. 12/C1d

Moharu Oak Frs. 12/C1

Oak Scrub Frs. 12/Ds1

+

+

+

-

+

+

+

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Sub- tropical Pine Forest..

+ Himalayan Sub- tropical Pine Frs. 9C1

+

St. Euph Srb 9DS2

-

+

-

+

Sub-tropical Dry Evergreen Forest..

+

+

Dodonea Srb 10DS1

+ +



Forest Types

H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAA

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest.

+

+

+

+

Northern Dry Mixed Dec. Frs. 5/C2

Khair – Sissoo Forest. 5B/1S2

-

-

-

-

Total 9/36 8/9 4/10 2/2 2/2

The table shows comparative distribution of forest types in Himachal Pradesh, Satluj Basin, Project Influenced Area, Project Immediate Influenced Area & Project Affected Area. It revealed that Shivalik Sal Forest differentiate Himachal Pradesh from Satluj Basin. While High Altitude Forest (3500-6600m) Alpine & Sub-Alpine Forest differentiate Satluj Basin and Project Influenced Area. The Project Immediate Influenced Area and Project Affected Area represents minimum forest types i.e. Sub-tropical Euphorbia Scrub and Dodonea Scrub, which are sparsely distributed along foothills and hill slopes.

3.9.2 Comparative Distribution of Flora

The wide range of altitude topography and climatic conditions resulted in rich and diversified flora in Himachal Pradesh. The flora of Himachal Pradesh comprised of higher plants, ferns, mosses, fungi and lichens. A total number of 3256 vascular plants has been reported from the State of which 3210 are angiosperms, 12 are gymnosperms and 34 species of lower plants. Local people for timber, fodder, fuel, food and medicines have used the flora. The comparative statement on flora recorded during survey is given below

Table: 44

Comparative Distribution of Flora S.N. Nature of Flora PIA PIIA PAA 1 Trees 45 28 17 2 Shrubs 39 26 23 3 Herbs 21 14 16 4 Climber 04 02 01 5 Grasses 06 04 04 6 Ferns 02 02 02 7 Epiphytes 01 01 - 8 Mushroom 01 - - Total 119 77 63



Taxonomically flora of the Project Influenced Area recorded highest number of 119 species belonging to 98 Genera & 58 Families followed by 77 and 63 in Project Immediate Influenced Area and Project Affected Area respectively. Physiognomically where flora can be categorized as trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, grasses, ferns, epiphytes & mushrooms. The diversity of flora of project affected area and immediate influence area does not show much variation. The value of diversity index for trees & shrubs fall in the range of 0.27 to 1.30 for project affected sites and 1.17 to 1.41 for immediate influence areas. The range for diversity index of project affected sites and immediate influence area are given in the table below.

Table: 3.45

Comparison of Diversity Index

Area Diversity index Range for Trees & Shrubs

Diversity index Range for Grasses & Herbs

Project Affected Area 0.27 – 1.30 0.17 – 0.80

Immediate Influence Areas 1.17 - 1.41 0.87 – 1.13

3.9.3 Comparative Distribution of Fauna

The variation in forest type and vegetation pattern resulted in distribution of diversified flora throughout the state. The rich faunal diversity includes 64 species of mammals, 447 species of birds, 44 species of amphibians & reptiles and 81 species of fishes. The Himachal Pradesh supports rich wildlife fauna, which is generally recorded from higher altitude forest (3500-6600m). The comparative distribution of endangered, rare & protected species of Himachal Pradesh is given below

Table: 3.46

Comparative Distribution of Endangered Species of Wildlife

Forest Type Wild life H.P S.B. PIA PIIA PAA

Cold Desert

Dry Alpine Scrub

Moist Alpine

Sub Alpine Frs.(3500-6600)

Red Fox

Snow Leopard

Him Brown Bear

Tibetan Wolf

Common Leopard

Him Black Bear

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

-

-

-

-

+

+*

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-



Bharal

Him Thar

Him Ibex

Musk Deer

Barking Deer

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

-

-

-

+*

+*

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

HP- Himachal Pradesh, SB- Satluj Basin, PIA- Project Influence Area

PIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area

+- Present, - - Absent *- Altitudinal Migration It revealed that only four species of Wildlife are reported from the Project Influenced Area of which Himalayan Black Bear reported only during summer while Musk & Barking deer showed altitudinal migration during winter. The Common Leopard is reported to follow cattle/goat/sheep herd commonly surrounding the villages in forest areas. None of the endangered rare or protected species is reported from Project Immediate Influenced Area or Project Affected Area. The base line faunal survey of the Project Influenced Area revealed that a total 58 species of fauna recorded during survey of which 18 species are recorded for mammals, 38 species of birds and 2 species of reptiles. Fauna of Project Affected Area and Project Immediate Influenced Area show poor distribution and mainly represented by domestic animals of local interest such as cows/buffaloes/horses/donkeys/mules/cats/dogs etc.

3.9.4 Comparative Status on Protected Area Network

The Himachal Pradesh is endowed with the vast canvas of dense forest & colorful wildlife. The Protected Area network of Himachal Pradesh is comprised of 32 Wildlife Sanctuary and two National Parks occupying 13.6% of the Geographical Area of the States. Following table shows comparative distribution of Protected Area Network.

Table: 47 Comparative Status of Protected Areas

Protected

Areas H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAA

National Park

2 1 - - -

Wildlife Sanctuary

32 8 - - -



3.10 FACTORS AFFECTING TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY

The factors responsible for the degradation of forests can be categorized as Natural calamities and anthropogenic activities. The details are discussed below.

3.10.1 Natural Calamities

It is caused by the extent of snow, wind action, hail storms mainly by lightening, frost and drought. Due to heavy show fall, breaking & uprooting of trees is quite common. Usually wind damage occurs during October, November and March leading to uprooting/breaking of trees. Hailstorms are common during April. Young seedling suffers in case of winter frost. While drought period is of 2-3 months before and after rainy, season and causes mortality to large number of seedlings in the afforested areas. Damage by fire is highest during period of prolonged drought.

3.10.2 Anthropogenic Activities

This factor is largely responsible for degradation of forests and a major threat to the forests. Anthropogenic activities can be categorized as follows.

Illegal felling for agricultural implements and pack.

Grazing & browsing pressure by sheep/goals

Severe Lopping for fodder, fuel, manure etc.

Fires due to local incendiaries with the belief that the burning of forest areas improves the fodder resources by getting fresh grass and tender herbage.

Heavy Timber demand

Fuel wood and charcoal

Torch wood extraction to Chirr & Kail by cutting deeply the resinous wood from base portion of stem. The damage trees weaken at the base & fall due to wind action.

The resinous wood is used by the villagers for igniting fires in their houses and as torch for moving from one room to another.

Debarking: The local villagers debark Ban, Spruce and Chir trees for rooting material of sheds and black smith manufacture charcoal. The walnut roots are debarked for making sticks, which are sold in market clandestinely.

Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of 20 Document: 2006005 / EC / Chapter-4 Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: R0


CHAPTER 4 IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES ON BIODIVERSITY

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Natural flora and fauna are the two important component of terrestrial ecosystem. They are organized into community on constantly interact with their physical environment as well as among themselves. They show various responses to outside influences. Environment impacts on biotic communities vary in directness, intensity and duration depending upon both nature of project activities and type of biotic communities. The response of biotic communities to project mediated changes in surrounding environment varies with ecological hierarchy i.e. from individual organism to ecosystem level as indicated in following flow chart (Manzel 1979).

D I R E C T I N D I R E C T

Project Activities

Habitat

Individual O i

Population

Communities

Ecosystem

Flow Diagram 4.1: Chain of Impacts and Structural Relationship of Terrestrial Biota



The project activity may directly affect organism by removal from habitat or indirectly through bringing out physico-chemical changes / alterations in their habitat. Long-term effect may be at population, communities and ecosystem level.

Impacts on terrestrial biodiversity has been considered at various levels such as project-affected area, project immediate influenced area and project influenced area (7 Km surrounding project site). Based on baseline terrestrial biodiversity status and various project activities during construction & operation phase of project impacts are predicted. Impacts are categorized as direct, indirect, cumulative and induced impacts. The mitigation measures for each impact is detailed out in Table 4.7 hence, are not discussed along with impacts. The details of impacts are discussed below.

4.2 IMPACTS ON FLORA

Impacts of various project activities are directly related to project affected area. The baseline terrestrial biodiversity status of the project affected area revealed that, two forests types i.e. Himalayan Subtropical Scrub and Subtropical Euphorbia Scrub, dominated by various shrub species, represent natural flora and few tree species.

The flora of the project affected area is dominated by succulent shrubs such as Agave americana (Rambans), Euphorbia royleana (Shuru), and Opuntia monocantha (Nagphani) followed by thorney species such as Carissa spinarum (Karonda), Zizyphus nummularia (Beri), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar), Solanum surrattense (Kateli) etc. The dominant weeds recorded were Colebrookia oppositifolia (Bambher), Calotropis gigantea (Aak), Lantana camera (Lantana); Girardinia heterophylla (Bichhu grass), Ricinus communis (Arandi), Rumex hastatus (Bhilmora) etc. Common tree species observed during the survey were Eucalyphtus globosus (Safeda); Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham), Acacia leucophloea (Subabul), Ficus palmata (Fedu); Bombax ceiba (Semal), Mallotus philippinensis (Kamela), Morus alba (Tut) etc. Impacts of various project activities on flora of project area are discussed below:

4.2.1 Direct Impacts

Direct impacts of project activities on flora of the project-affected area are due to acquisition of forests land, tree felling and clearing of land for providing various project units. Details are discussed below

. (I) Acquisition of Forests Land

Potential negative direct impact of hydroelectric project is considered to be loss of flora/ forests due to construction of dam/ reservoir. The proposed Rampur Hydroelectric Project neither involved construction of dam nor submergence of forest. Hence, any adverse impacts on existing forest in terms of reduction of either forest cover or loss of forest flora.



The total land requirement of the project is 86.5 ha of which 69.37 ha is forestland The forestland is represented by degraded forest based on forest types i.e. Subtropical Euphorbia Scrub and Himalayan Subtropical Scrub. Hence, direct impact due to loss of forestland i.e. 48.9 ha on existing forest cover will be insignificant. Moreover, the total forest cover area of Rampur forest division is 53,826 ha, as compare to forestland required for project i.e. 69.37 ha is just 0.90% of total forest cover. Hence, forest loss is insignificant as compare to availability of forests land in Rampur division.

(ii) Tree Felling

The direct impact on flora is attributed to loss of trees, which are required to be cleared for establishment of various project units. A total number of 1075 trees are to be felled/ cleared. The details of tree are given below.

TABLE 4.1

List of Trees to be felled for clearing the Site

Sl.No. Scientific Name Common Name Number

1 Eucalyptus globolus Safeda 996

2 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham 37

3 Melia azadirach Dreak 21

4 Grewia oppositifolia Biul 9

5 Toona ciliata Tun 4

6 Pinus roxburghii Chir 3

7 Morus alba Mulberry 2

8 Acacia leucophloea Subabul 1

9 Salix sp Willow 1

10 Ficus palmata Fedu 1

Total 1075

Source: Tree Cutting Report Rampur Forest Division

Tree cutting report reveled that, of 92.6 % of trees to be felled is contributed by Eucalyptus. The Eucalyptus is exotic species to the natural forests of the region, and is planted by forests department under degraded forest area development scheme.



Other species reported are commonly distributed throughout the project immediate influence area and project influence area.

None of endangered, rare, threatened or endemic tree is loosed due to felling in project-affected area. Owing to their common distribution and not having significant ecological status loss, of these species will not significantly affect existing biodiversity status of the either project influence area, Satluj Basin in general or Himachal Pradesh in totality. It will also not affect the structure composition, of existing forest types, forest cover or distribution characteristics of flora. Therefore, adverse impacts on terrestrial biodiversity due to proposed tree felling is not at all expected.

(I) Clearing of Project Land

Direct impact on flora is also attributed to loss of flora due to clearing for forests land for providing various facilities such as provision of approach road, job facilities, construction of adits, power house, excavation for quarry and dumping areas etc. The detailed site specific investigation has been carried out to establish terrestrial biodiversity status it revealed that, dominant shrubs were Adhatoda vasica (Vasik), Colebrookia oppositfolia (Bambher), Calotrolois gigantea (Akh), Carissa spinarum (Karonda), Cannabis sativa (Bhang), Agave americana (Rambans), Euphorbia royleana (Shuru), Dodonea vasicosa (Mehandi), Opuntia monocantha(Nagpani), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar), Zizyphus numularia (Beri) Lantana camara (Lantara), Rumux hastatus(Bhilmora) etc. The common tree species observed were Eucatyptus globosus (Safeda), Acacia leucophloea (Subabul), Malotus philippennsis (Kamela), Mangifera India (Aam), Morus alba (tut), Grewia oppositiflolia (Biul) etc. These species are widely distributed throughout the project immediate influence area as well as project influence area and are neither endangered, rare nor threatened, endemic in nature.

The flora of the project area is very sparsely distributed showing low diversity index, which varied between 0.78 to 0.97 indicative of degraded forestland. Thus, it revealed that loss of flora due to clearing of trees for various project activities will not have any direct significant impacts on flora of the region in terms of total forest cover, loss of ecologically significant species, change in structure, composition and distribution pattern of flora and there by any adverse significant impacts on existing terrestrial biodiversity status of the forest of Rampur division, in particular and flora of Satluj Basin or Himachal Pradesh in general. As direct impacts of project activities are confirmed to project affected areas only hence, any direct impacts on project immediate influence area and project influence area are not at all expected.

In order to compensate the loss of forests land acquired for establishing various project units, loss due to tree felling as well as due to land clearing the approved Compensatory Afforestation Plan will be implemented by State Forest Department. The Compensatory Afforestation will be carried out on 139 ha as per the Forests (Conservation) Act 1980 in Arsu and Nather ranges of Ani forest division. The Details of land for compensatory afforestation is given below.



TABLE 4.2 Proposed Sites for Compensatory Afforestation, Anni Forest Division

S.No. Name of Unprotected Forests Forests Compartment

Numbesr

1 Bail C - 09

2 Chebri C - 83

3 Karnon C - 11

4 Kindla C - 38

5 Rallo C - 14

6 Shalt C - 06

7 Sisu C - 10 Source: Proposal for Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Anni Div. Govt. H.P.

The direct impacts will be compensated by implementation of Compensatory Afforestation Plan not only this it will helpful to increase forest cover of the region.

4.2.2 Indirect & Cumulative Impacts

Indirect impacts of project activities on flora is expected to be limited to project immediate influence area and to some extent to project influence area. Indirect impacts will be due to various construction activities such as generation of dust due to earthwork, excavation, transportation of construction materials( Sand, Soil, Cement etc), quarry, crusher & blasting operations, , air pollution due to movement of construction vehicles, equipments and machineries, influx of laborers population and pollution generated through provision of labors camps / huts established temporarily at construction sites etc. These impacts will be short term and limited to construction period only.

The existing terrestrial biodiversity status of the project immediate influence area revealed the, natural flora is representative of Euphorbia Scrub and Himalayan Subtropical Scrub, it is interrupted by human settlements and intensive agricultural & horticultural activities, heavy lopping & browsing activities, continuous traffic on existing NH-21 etc. The flora is dominated by trees due to avenue plantation / compensatory afforestation.

The dominant trees of avenue plantation along existing NH-21 are Acacia leucophloea (Subabul), Bombax ceiba (Semul), Erithrina indica (Pangara) Eucalyptus globosus( Safeda), Ficus palmata (Fedu), Mallotus philippinensis(Kamela), Melia azedirechta (batern), Morus alba (Malbery), Pinus roxburgi (Chir), Robnia pseudoacacia (Pahari kikar) etc. Common shrubs were represented by Adhatoda vasica (Vasak), Colobrookia oppositifolia (Bambter);



Calotropics giganted (Akh), Carissa spinarum (Karonda); Dodonea vasicosa (Me handi), Euphorbia royleana (Shuru), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar) Cannabis sativa (Bhang), Debregeasia hypoteuca (Sihanru), Girardinia heteropnhylla (Bichhu Ghas), Ricinus communis (Arandi) Zizyphus numularia (Beri), Rumex hastatus (Bhilmara) etc. The indirect impacts due to various project activities are discussed in details below. (I) Generation of Dust The dust is primary air pollutant in the form of Suspended Particulate Matter generated due to various project activities such as earthworks, general transportation, loading/unloading/ transportation of construction material, blasting, crusher & quarry operation etc. Trees are well known for their remarkable scavenging abilities. Trees can filter out dust, soot and smoke. It is estimated that vegetation can filature out particulate matter of 120 ugm/sqm of leaf area over a distance of 200 mts. Evergreen species with simple leaves, having rough & hairy surface are more efficient dust collector than deciduous trees with compound leaves having smooth surface (Das T.M. 1990). Long-term exposure of dust primarily affects vegetation by interfering the matter exchange between plants and atmosphere. The exchange of gaseous components is an important for various vital physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration & evapotranspiration etc leading to various morphological effects such as chlorosis, necrosis, discoloration and ultimately reduction in primary productivity. As the avenue plantation along the existing NH-22 is well grown (which will be used for transportation) and will helpful in filtering out dust and impact due to dust during transportation will minimize. The vegetation in project immediate influence area is a thorny shrub hence, impact will be insignificant. As indirect impact due to dust will be restricted during construction period only hence long terms impacts are not expected. However to mitigate adverse impact due to dust suggested mitigative meajures (Table 4.7) should be strictly followed.

(II) Generation of Noise

The noise will be generated due to various construction activities such as movement of construction vehicles machineries and equipments, working force as well as blasting. Blasting is a common practice of tunneling activity. It is short-lived phenomenon i.e. duration generally less than 0.5 seconds. There are no direct impacts of blasting activity on vegetation as vegetation attenuates sound by absorption. The blasting will be carried out by controlled blasting techniques hence any adverse impacts on vegetation are not expected. (III) Temporary Laborers Camp The hydroelectric projects are labor intensive hence, large number of labors are expected to influx the area during construction phase. The aggregation of labor population estimated to be 11850 for various construction purposes. The important project activity-affecting flora



surrounding the project influence area is due to establishment of laborer camps. The major threat to surrounding flora is through collection of fuel wood by laborers for cooking purposes and thereby loss of trees. Hence, to mitigate this impact on flora necessary alternate arrangement should be done for fuel such as provision of LPG, Kerosene etc. It should be ascertained that no open fire should be allowed in labor camps as it may lead to fire to surrounding forest leading to loss of forest. The solid wastes generated in the form of garbage and effluent due to sewage should be properly collected and suitably disposed so as to avoid any impact on surrounding flora. (IV) Generation of Debris& Muck

Huge amount of construction spoils/ muck is expected to be generated from various constructions it may adversely affect the surrounding forest areas leading to loss of flora. Hence, necessary steps to be taken to mitigate impact by suitable disposal at identified dumping areas. A total 3.06 Mm3will be generated of which 0.3 Mm3 will be reused and 2.76 Mm3will be disposed at four dumping areas. Details of proposed dumping area are given below.

TABLE 4.3

Details of Identified Dumping Areas

S.N. Dumping Area No.

Description of Area Quantity Dump Mm3

1 Dumping area - I Opposite Kaneri Hospital, Rampur 1.05 2 Dumping area – II Opposite HERC workshop,

Rampur 0.06

3 Dumping area - III D/S Nirmund Bridge 0.38 4 Dumping area -

IV Vairi 1.32

It revealed that dumping areas are either devoid of vegetation or showed few weedy shrubs. Hence, any adverse impacts on flora are not expected as these shrubs are widely distributed in project immediate influence area as well as project influence area. To mitigate this loss of shrubs approved Muck Disposal Plan should be strictly implemented. As such no vegetation was recorded at proposed quarry site, however to avoid impacts due to quarry operations on surrounding quarry site necessary dust suppression measures should be implemented. After completion the quarry operation area should be reclaimed. (V) Soil Erosion The soil erosion due to natural and anthropogenic activities cause major threat to survival of vegetation. The Saltuj River flows in narrow deep channels with steep hills rising on either side in the project area. The hills are very steep with poor or no vegetation cover. Due to



poor vegetation cover the rate of soil erosion is high. Different forms of erosion such as sheet erosion, gully erosion, riverbank erosion are quite prevalent throughout the project affected/immediate influence and project influence area. Common anthropogenic factors leading to erosion are over gazing, collection of trees for fuel, fodder, timber and unscientific farming practices. The project activities accelerating soil erosion will be quite significant during construction phase such excavation work, tunneling/blasting, construction of temporary and permanent road in project area to move vehicle/machinery/equipments and working force (Laborers) . The forestland acquired for the project had to be cleared to make way for various project components clearing of vegetation accelerates erosion process in addition to above-mentioned activities. The excavated material is generally loose, unstable and keeps rolling down and thereby affecting natural drainage channels of the river deteriorate water quality as well as accelerate sedimentation & soil erosion. As three of four dumping area are located closed to river Satluj and chances of rolling down of muck/ loose material leading to blockage in river flow or contamination of water due to silting are more. In order to avoid this the retaining wall varying from of 2 – 7 mts height is proposed along the bank of the river at all Muck Disposal Areas. In order to control the soil erosion the approved Catchments Area Treatment Plan should be strictly implemented. Other measures of soil erosion control during construction activities are enlisted in Table. 4.2.3. Induced Impacts The induced impacts largely concentrated on project influence area owing to dependency of local people on forests. These impacts are discussed specially in light of various human activities affecting forest such as Traditional timber rights, new migrant labors, associated development, and induced commercial developments The baseline terrestrial biodiversity status of the project influence area (7 Km) reveled that; eight different forests types represent the flora. The altitudinal variation leads to various forest types. The dominant forest type in project influence area are Himalayan Subtropical Scrub forests, Euphorbia Scrub forests, Northern mixed decidus forest, Himalayan Subtropical Pine forests, DSI Oak Scrub etc. The dominant tree species of these groups are Pinus roxburghii (Chir) and its common associates such as Quercus incana (Ban Oak), Rhododendron arboreum (Brass), Lyonia ovalifolia (Anyar), Albizzia procera (Siris), Mallotus philippinensis (Kamela), Cadrela toona (Toon), Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar), Albizzia lebbek (Siris), Bombax ceiba (Semul), Pinus wallichiana (Kail) and Lennea grandis (Jhingan) while at higher elevations 1800 to 2400m Cedrus deodara (Deodar) is reported. The dominant shrubs reported to be Adhatoda vasica, (Vasak), Colebrookia oppositifolia (Bambher); Euphoribia royleana (Shuru), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar), Girardiana heterophylla (Bichnu ghas), Woodfordia floribunda (Dhau) Cannabis sativa (Bhang), Zizyphus nummularia (Ber), Donoea vasica( Mehandi) etc. The forests of the influence area are interrupted with various forest settlements along with agricultural, horticultural, animal husbandry practices. Local villagers are fully dependent on



forests for their day-to-day requirements including fodder, fuel, timber grazing etc. All these activities adversity affect the forests and it is under pressure due to increasing human population and their activities. Besides this, lopping of trees for fodder manure and bed preparation for cattle sheds, heavy grazing and forest fire have thinned out the forest to varying degree, destroy all undergrowth and reduced shrubby ground cover. The other human activities contributing to forest reduction are unscientific horticultural practices, torch wood extraction, debarking etc. The induced impacts are discussed below in details. (I) Traditional Timber Rights Himachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of rural population (90.21%) in the country residing more than 20000 villages across the state. The predominantly rural population is primarily dependent on agriculture base economy for livelihood. The natural forest in the area provides wood for building of houses, bridges, furniture, and agricultural implements, in addition to providing much needed fuel wood. People are also dependent upon the native land races of livestock for agricultural purposes and their daily needs of milk, meat, wool and hide. A large proportion of this livestock feeds on grasses and leaves obtained from forest. Overall the dependency of local people on naturally available resources of forest is very high.

The forest of Himachal Pradesh have an estimated growing stock of 10.26 crore m³ and more than 4.5 lakh m³ of timber is harvested every year in the form of salvage and to meet the demand of right holders. As per one estimate timber worth Rs. 60 crore is allocated to the right holders at nominal coast every year (HPFSR, 2000). The forests also contribute an estimated annual income of Rs. 25 crore to the rural communities in the form of minor forest produce. The right to the timber is admitted under section 28 of Indian Forest Act (1927). People have a right to get timber at nominal rates for construction/repair of houses/dwellings. The right holders must be bonafied native agriculturist, holding land in settlements in forest areas. A right to the timber is for building & repair of households, construction of temple arch, cremation of dead bodies etc. As regards the timber rights of project influence area total forest cover of Rampur division is 40372 ha and there are 250 villages under 48 panchayats as right holders. The local villagers have rights to get timber for construction of house/ cattle sheds. It is estimated that nearly 800 trees are cut/felled to fulfill the demand of local people The data on timber rights has been collected form Rampur Div. For five years i.e. 1987-92. It revealed that, total 8695 trees were felled/ cut to meet timber demand. Important timber trees are Pinus roxburghii(Chir), Pinus wallichiana (Kail), Cedrus deodara and Picea smithiana(Rai). The maximum number of 5743 trees of Kail was felled followed by 2018 of Deodar, 717 of Rai and 217 of Chir. The year wise details of species felled along with number & volume of trees is given below

TABLE 4.4 Timber Rights Marketed to Right Holders from 1987-88 to 91-92 in Rampur Forest Division



S.N. Year Deodar Kail Rai Chir No Vol No Vol No Vol No Vol 1 1987 – 88 533 1646.71 1058 4291.62 277 941.68 58 35.70 2 1988– 89 408 1085.58 955 2597.34 53 786.79 70 99.36 3 1989 – 90 109 543.04 655 2397.98 236 1118.43 23 26.99 4 1990 – 91 344 1773.625 1414 378.85 86 363.99 25 58.63 5 1991 – 92 624 2448.14 1661 6694.68 65 996.29 41 116.45 Source : Working Plan for Rampur Forest Div The right holders have rights to remove all Chir & Kail trees uprooted by natural process such as rain, wind & snow. Deodar trees normally granted for door & windows only, but it is seen that, right holders manage to get Deodar for whole of the building. Besides this, right holders get timber at very nominal rate which are decided at the time of selltement i.e. Zamindari rate. The Zamindari rate or consessinal rates at which a right holder get timber is given below

TABLE 4.5 Rate of Timber for Right Holders (Rs)

S.N. Gith

Size Class Deodar Kail Far Chir

1 90 – 120

ID 5.0 1.0 0.25 0.50

2 IC 4.0 1.0 0.25 0.50 3 IB 4.0 1.0 0.25 0.50 4 IA 3.0 1.0 0.25 0.50 5 60 – 90 IIB 2.0 0.75 0.19 0.37 6 IIA 1.5 0.50 0.19 0.28 7 30- 60 III 0.75 0.25 0.12 0.12 8 > 30 IV 0.19 0.12 006 0.06

Source : Working Plan , Outer Seraj Kullu Dist It revealed that, the rates for high quality timber Deodar is sold at the rate of 0.19 to 5.0Rs depending on class of timber followed by Kail 0.12 to 1 Rs, Fir 0.06-0.25 Rs and Chir 0.06-0.50 Rs. This concession has resulted in considerable depletion of forest near habitats/settlements as demand of timber is growing day by day. The prices for nonright holder are decided by Himachal Pradesh Forest Corporation (1978). The average sale price/cubic centimeter timber in the depots of Forest Corporation is given below.

TABLE 4.6

Timber Rates for Non-right Holders

S.N. Name of Species Size(cms) Grade Rate I II



1 Deodar 305x25x13 20,744 18,372 14,048 Kail - do - 14,978 12,226 10’262 Fir - do - 7,288 6,455 5,381 Chir - do - 6,876 6,089 4,690 2 Deodar 240x21x10 14,112 12,497 11,874 Kail - do - 13,401 11,869 9,183 Fir - do - 6,728 5,960 4,968 Chir - do - 5,991 5,305 4,087 3 Deodar 240x16x16 14,112 12,497 9,557 Kail - do - 10,765 9,537 7,378 Fir - do - 6,294 5,574 4,647 Chir - do - 5,821 5,156 3,971

Source: Working Plan , Outer Seraj Kullu Dist The rate of best quality swan timber is Rs 1,421, for Deodar, 900 Rs for Kail, Rs 798 for & 743 m3. It seems that rates of timber allotted to right holders are 1000 time less than prevailing market rate. Leading to increase of timber demand by local people. Increase in timber demand attributed to increase in population of right holders, as well as partition in the family, all round development of the people in their financial position & good return of horticultural crops/activities and most importantly the low rates (two to four rupees/tree) at which trees are granted to right holders as compare to the prevailing market rate. It is also observed that, local right holders misuse rights by selling timber obtained in confessional rates to non-right holders & city dwellers of nearby town. The concession with reference to Rights to the timber have been reduced due to non-availability of trees in Rampur Forest Division. Thus it revealed that, major impact on project influence area is due to various rights given to villagers residing in forests

(II) New migrant Labors

The induced impact associated with new migrant labor are due loss of vegetation/flora for provision of facilities such as accommodation, provision of road for transportation, provision of waste disposal such as solid waste/garbage and effluents generated through sewage, provision of commercial complexes to meet their day to day requirements and provision of parking facilities etc. As the land acquired for above-mentioned purposes is not forestland hence loss of flora associated with these activities are not expected. Moreover large scale migration of labors/ employees during operation phase is not at all expected as working staff will be limited to skill workers & trained officials of SJVNL Therefore loss of forest land, loss of flora, pollutions generated via sewage & garbage & thereby adverse impacts on surrounding flora is not at all envisaged.

(III) Associated Developments



Development of Rampur Hydro-electric project will bring associated development in several sectors such as transportation, automobile, commercial sectors such as daily needs, agriculture related developments such as vegetable, fruit, grain, fertilizer, pesticides, irrigation, electric appliances, which will provide employment opportunities for local people and help to increase their social & economic status. All these development need space/land, which is clear of flora/vegetation. The land is to be cleared before establishment of any facility. As such all above mentioned facilities are well developed at Rampur as well as Duttanagar town hence no new development is expected in project area. Hence, loss of flora attributed to clearing of land for development & thereby any adverse impacts are not envisaged..

(IV) Induced Commercial Development

As such the project area is located in interior areas away from the township in hilly area hence, large-scale commercial development is not expected. All commercial facilities are available at Rampur and Duttanagar village that are very near from proposed powerhouse and settlement town ship therefore additional commercial development is also not envisaged. Hence any adverse impacts on flora of the either project influence area or project immediate influence area due to induced commercial development is not expected. Thus it revealed that., timber right to local villagers is the main threat for depletion of forests in the project influence area and not due to the project induced changes. Hence, necessary steps should be taken by forest department to control timber demand & minimize pressure on forest. 4.3 IMPACTS ON FAUNA The presence of fauna in any area is largely depends on type and nature of flora. It provides major habitat, food, fodder, resting, hiding as well as breeding sites to all types of animals. The major factor affecting the distribution of animals in entire area is found to be forest types, altitudinal variation, interference of human activities and forest cover. The data has been collected on fauna based on extensive field survey, direct and indirect methods ,secondary data collected from respective Forests Dept., Animal Husbandry dept. Wildlife Board etc.. Impacts on fauna are categorized as direct, indirect, cumulative and induced impacts and are discussed in details below. 4.3.1 Direct Impacts Direct impacts of project activities are restricted to project influence area. The presence of fauna is directly related to type of flora present. Himalayan Subtropical Scrub and Subtropical Euphorbia Scrub, which are sparsely distributed along hill slopes, foothills and Satluj river valley, represent Flora of project-affected area. The forest patches present in the project-affected area is mostly Eucalyptus Plantation carried out by state forest department under degraded forest area development programmed. Most of the hill slopes are very steep and almost without any vegetation or with thin vegetation dominated by shrubs, which is already discussed in details on vegetation impacts.



The baseline faunal biodiversity status of project affected area revealed that, fauna is very thinly distributed. Reptiles, birds and mammals represent the fauna. The common representation of reptiles was Calotes versicolor (Common Lizard), and Hemidactylus brooki (Common Gecko). The common birds recorded were Acridotheres tristis (Indian Myna), Columba livia (Blue Rock Pigeon), Corvus macrorhynchos(Jungle Crow), Dandroatta vagabunda(Treepie), Lanius excubitor(Grey Shrike), Milvus migrans(Pariah Kite), Nectarinia minima(Purplerumpled Sunbird), PicnonotuMammals leucogenys(White Cheeked Bulbul), Orthotomus sutorius(Tailor Bird), Turdoides caudatus(Common babbler), Sexicoloides fulicata (Indian Robin), Turdus merula (Blackbird) etc. showing typical agrarian bird community as area is marked by intensive agricultural & horticultural activities. The mammals were represented by domestic animals. As the agricultural & horticultural activities dominated the project area the domestic animals of local importance were mainly observed such as cow, Buffalo, Oxes of agricultural importance, Horses, Moles and Donkeys used for carrying loads in hilly areas and common pet animal such as Dogs & Cats. None of the wildlife was either observed during survey of the area or has been reported by forest department. These area no records of any endangered, rare, threatened or endemic species from the project area. The project activities affecting directly to animals project present in the project area is not envisaged in terms of direct loss of any animal due to any proposed project activity. 4.3.2 Indirect & Cumulative Impacts Indirect and cumulative impacts are associated with various construction activities such as clearing of vegetation for establishment of various project units, movement of vehicles, construction equipments & machineries etc, interferences due to influx of laborers as well as temporary establishment of labor camps, blasting operations etc. The major direct impact of and hydro -electric project is primarily through construction of reservoir and submergence of forest leading to loss of habitat for wildlife. The proposed project does not involve construction of dam hence any adverse impact due to loss of habitat is totally ruled out. The loss of 48-9 ha land for various project unit will also not adversity affect the fauna as similar habitat is present throughout the project immediate influenced area as well as project influence are. Therefore impact due to loss of habitat for birds, reptiles and mammals of the project area is not expected. The blasting activity is short term activity and impact is lest up to 0.5 sec. Due to noise generated during blasting may lead to short time driving way of birds & animals in surrounding areas. As the controlled blasting technique will be followed hence any long-term adverse impacts are not engaged. Impacts on surrounding fauna due to movement of vehicles, machinery, equipments and work force may slightly interfere in animal movements. As most of the domestic animals are guided & controlled by cowboy’s egg. Cow, Buffalo, goats sheep’s, donkey & horses and



hence any causality in terms of killing or accident are not expected. However proper maintenance of vehicle and controlling speed during driving may avoid impact totally. As no wildlife is reported from project-affected areas any adverse impacts on wildlife are totally ruled out. 4.3.3 Induced Impacts The induced impacts are considered to be due to establishment of propose hydroelectric project, migration of laborers/employees, induced commercial developmental activities on surrounding fauna. As project affected area and project immediate are is mainly represented by common domestic animals, which are protected by their owners, hence any adverse impacts are not envisaged. However the project influence are 7 Km surrounding the proposed project varies forest types as well as wildlife is reported hence induced impacts are discussed with reference to forests & wild life reported from project influence area. The variation in altitude leads to variation in forest types and associated changes in wildlife. Important wild animals are reported at higher altitude such as Himalayan Black bear (Selenarctor thibetenus) reported at 1800 to 2500mt altitude, Musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) is reported from 2900-4000 meters. Rhus Macaque (Macaca mulata) from 1200-2400m while Languor (Presbytes entellus) from 1800-2800 meters. Hence, any adverse impacts due to induced developmental activities on wildlife are not expected. However, in order to improve forest cover & wild habitat suggested recommendations to be strictly implemented as per approved Compensatory Afforestation Plan and Catchment Area Treatment Plan. Conclusion The terrestrial biodiversity of project affected area and project immediate influence area is represented by low floral & faunal diversity. The forests of the area are represented by degraded forests type such as Euphorbia Scrub and Himalayan Subtropical Scrub. Weedy shrubs with some common tree species dominate the area. Direct impacts of project activity on flora are considered to be due to acquisition of forestland for establishment of various project units, loss of trees due to felling and clearing. As acquire forestland is just 0.9% of the total forestland available in Rampur division therefore it will not significantly affect existing forest cover. The impact due to tree felling will be insignificant, as 92.6 % of the total trees to be felled are comprised of Eucalyptus trees, which is exotic species to the natural forest. Other tree species are commonly available thought project immediate influence area and project influence area. As a result there will no change in community composition and structure of forest due to tree felling. The loss due to clearing is also not expected as weedy shrubs, which are widely distributed, dominate project area. None of the endangered, rare, threatened or endemic species was observed throughout the project area hence, adverse impacts on Terrestrial Biodiversity due to loss of species are not at all expected. The loss of forestland and trees felled will be compensated by implementation of approved Compensation Afforestation Plan not only



this but it will also increase forest cover area of the surrounding region. Thus, it reveled that no significant adverse impacts on terrestrial biodiversity due to proposed Rampur Hydro-electric project is envisaged.

TABLE 4.7 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

S N Project Phase

Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures

1. Construction Phase

(i) Acquisition of Forests Land (II) Felling of Trees (iii)Clearing of Project sites for construction activity

The proposed project does not involve either construction of dam/reservoir hence major loss to the existing forest is not at all envisaged. Loss of Forests land i.e. 48.9 ha which is just 0.9 % of the total forests land available in Rampur Forest div. Hence impact will be insignificant The clearing of project sites for construction requires felling of trees, a total number of 1077 trees are be felled. Out of total 92.6 % of trees are Eucalyptus Plantation , the exotic the natural forests and rest are commonly distributed throughout the project immediate influence as well as project influence area hence, the impact will be insignificant . The project site is dominated by weedy shrubs which are commonly distributed throughout and none of rare, endangered or threatened or endemic species was observed during survey /reported in the project sites. Therefore no impact on biodiversity is envisaged.

Strict implementation of approved Compensatory Afforestation Plan in accordance with Forest (conservation) Act 1980 and Himachal Pradesh Forest Policy (1980). The compensatory Afforestation will carried under the Degraded Forest Area Development scheme hence there will be increase the

S N. Project Phase


2 (i) Generation of dust by

This may cause increase in SPM and RPM level in the area. Dust is also likely to

* All vehicles delivering materials to the site shall be covered to avoid



movement of vehicles and construction work, crusher operation (ii) Generation of Noise

settle on the surrounding flora. The impact shall be temporary, localised and reversible. No significant impact on Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin. The noise level of the construction site is likely to increase due to various activities, which may cause disturbance to the fauna in the area. However this impact would be insignificant as the increase in noise shall be intermittent and temporary No significant impact on fauna of Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin

spillage of materials. * All exiting approach road used by vehicles shall be kept clean and clear of dust * The roads surfaces shall be host or watered using necessary equipments. * Plants, machinery and equipment shall be handled so as to minimize generation of dust. * All earth work shall be protected to minimize dust generation. * All crusher used in construction shall confirm to relative dust emission devises * The machineries, vehicles and equipments use in construction shall strictly confirmed to CPCB standard. * All vehicles equipment machinery used in construction shall be fitted by exhaust silencers. * Equipments should be maintained regularly and soundproof gadgets should be used. * Blasting shall be carried out as per the statutory laws, regulation and rules pertaining to acquisition, transport, storage, handling and used of explosives



* Blasting should be carried out during fixed hours preferably during midday.

S N. Project Phase


(iv) Movement of Labour force and Technical Staff (v) Borrow and Quarry activities (vi) Control of Soil Erosion

The labour force and technical staff may poach on occasionally invaded wildlife in the area. No endangered, rare and threatened wildlife is reported in the project area hence no significant impact is anticipated on fauna. No significant impact on Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin Extraction of rocks soil and sand shall be done for the construction work. Borrow and quarry sites require felling of trees. No significant impact on Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin. The construction of activities may lead to the erosion of soil in catchments area of Satluj

* The contractor should arrange alternate source of energy such as Kerosene or LPG * The Wildlife conservation Act should be strictly adhered. Environmental awareness training should be provided to the Contractor and workers. * The extraction of material should be done from the identified borrow and quarry site only. * If new borrow & quarry sites are required then prior permission has to be taken from the owner. The quarry and borrow area should be reclaimed back. The pits formed should be backfilled by construction waste and site should be stabilized. * The topsoil(150mm) from all areas should be preserved in stockpiles. * Such a stockpile shall be utilize for redevelopment of borrow / quarry areas. * Grasses and shrub species should be planted.



(vii) Muck Disposal

Basin. The muck produced by the construction work shall be disposed at the dumping sites.

Strict implementation of approved Catchment Area Treatment Plan for control of soil erosion. * The muck should be disposed at the identified sites only.

S N. Project Phase


3.

(i) Traditional Timber Rights (II) Influx of laborers (III) Induced commercial

The disposal of muck shall destroy the flora at the sites. However the sites identified for muck disposal has low diversity for trees and shrubs and ranges from 0.59 to 0.97 which is very low. Loss of flora due to logging of timber trees which are Climax species of natural forests Requirement of living places, hotels, filling stations, service stations and extra workers will arise. This will provide job opportunity to the local skilled and unskilled population.

* Before disposal of muck retention wall should be constructed at the base to retain the muck as the sites are just above the river Satluj. The increased in timber prices for right holders as per the prevailing market rate Reduction in permitting timber demand by right holders Provision of alternate building material to timber such as provision of breaks/concrete blocks for building houses, tin/ asbestos/ plastic sheets as roof material at concession rates to right holders Cutting of trees should be strictly prohibited in the area for other construction



development Development in Rampur town and nearby places is likely to take place and land price may increase.

work. Forest clearance should be obtained if there is any requirement for cutting trees. Any new colonies developed in area should have provision for plantation in the colony. As, the Rampur &

Duttanagar are well

equipped with the

commercial development

which are very near from

proposed sites hence any

S.N. Project Phase




4. Operation Phase

Loss of flora Loss of fauna Biodiversity

The impact on Satluj. Basin will be insignificant. However the induced impact will not cause any significant impact on flora of the area as the migrant population is not given any In operation phase no tree felling is required. Compensatory afforestation and avenue plantation shall increase the greenery in the area. Hence the impact will be positive during operation phase. Loss of fauna is not anticipated during operation phase as the wildlife is found in the upper reaches of hills far away from project area. There shall be no impact on fauna of Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin during operation phase. No significant impact is envisaged on biodiversity in Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin

new commercial

development and adverse

impacts are not envisaged

Proper protection measures should be taken for the plantation work carried under the project Fencing of plantation area should be done. Watchman should be also employed to care of plantation for minimum 3 years. No impact is envisaged on fauna during operation phase Awareness programs should be held for the stakeholders to develop concern for conservation of biodiversity in the area.

Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of 29 Document: 2006005 / EC / Chapter -5 Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: R0


CHAPTER 5 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

5.1 Introduction

The varied topography, geological formations, climatic conditions and the altitudinal ranges has made the Himachal Pradesh a veritable treasure house of biodiversity both wild and domesticated. The range of biodiversity elements represented in the state varies from those of subtropical region to that of temperate and alpine regions. Biodiversity provides a fundamental base to the mountain agriculture and to the overlap economic systems of the state. Enriched biodiversity of the State is reflected through State’s emblems of pride such as. Deodar (Cedrus deodara) as State Tree, Brass (Rhododendron arborium) as State Flower, Musk Deer( Moschus moschiferous) as Sate Animal and Monal Phesant (Lophophorus impejanus) as State Bird. Forest are very important natural resources of the State and are confined to higher hills and interior valleys. The forest not only saves as a haven for biodiversity but is also mainstay far rural life and livelihoods. As per the classification of Champian & Seth (1962) a total nine major forest type & 33 subgroups of forests are observed throughout the state. The recorded forest area of the state is 3.54 million hectare, which constitutes 63.60% of the total geographical area of the state.

5.2 Threats to Biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh

BIODIVERSITY DEGRADATION

NATURAL CAUSES ANTHROPOGENIC CAUSES

FOREST FIRE

ADVERSE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

PATHOGENS

INVASION BY WEEDS

TIMBER DEMAND

TORCHWOOD EXPLOITATION

ILLEGAL POACHING/ WILDLIFE TRADE

HORTICULTURAL ENCROACHMENT

GRAZING PRESSURE

EXPANSION OF AGRICULTURE LAND /

Fig 5.1 Existing threats to Forest



Himachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of rural population (90.21%) in the country residing in the more than twenty thousand villages across the state. The rural population is primarily dependant on agriculture based economy for livelihood. Biodiversity in the state is under tremendous pressure due to various social issues related to agriculture, horticulture, and traditional rights.

Agriculture is the major occupation of the people residing in rural area. It is estimated that out of the total cultivated area of 522,000 ha, the hills occupy about 40% of the total area of the state. Most of the agriculture is of subsistence type, hence, inadequate to fulfill the total livelihood requirements of the people. Hence, farmers have to do many jobs such as horticulture, animal husbandry, floriculture, collection of major/minor forests produces etc. to supplement their livelihood. Rural population depends largely on forest for their day-to-day demands of life such as fuel, fodder, grazing, timber etc. The net demand for fuel wood from the forest is estimated to be 27.6 Lakh tones and that of fodder 92 Lakh metric tones. Per annum. In addition, 1.06 Lakh m³ of timber and 11.62 metric tones of non timber forest products are also removed from the forest annually by right holders. In view of this, demand of timber, fuel, fodder, medicinal plants or non timber forest produces is borne only by a few choice species, the major threat to their continued survival. Horticulture possibility of a high food yield per unit area of land. Important horticultures crops of the state are Apple, Almond, Apricot, Walnut, Guava Pomegranate, Peach, etc. The area under horticulture was approximately 35,300 hectares (1985-86), which rose to 37,183 ha in 1996-97. The increase area is derived either from agriculture land or forest clearance and thus associated with loss of forest and thereby biodiversity.

5.3 HISTORY OF DEFORESTATION

Although a relatively small state within India, there are ranges of altitude, climate and geology that contribute rich and diversified flora of Himachal. 66 percent area of the state is legally classified as forestland. The recorded forest area is 3.54 million ha, which constitutes 63.60% of the geographic area. Forest in Himachal Pradesh constitutes the biggest land use. The cause of degradation of biodiversity is given below:

At present 25.78 percent is currently under tree cover out of which only 2 percent is dense forest and 14.10 percent as moderately dense forest. Within the legally classified forestland there are large areas which can neither be cultivated nor sustain forests, comprising barren land, alpine pastures and areas above tree line. The pressure on forest is continuously increasing leading to rapid deforestation.

Forest Survey of India (FSI) an organization of Ministry of Environment and Forests (Government of India) is engaged in generating information and database on forest cover and forest resources in the country. The status of forest covers in Himachal Pradesh since 1987 is presented below:



Table No.5.1 Assessment of Forest Cover Himachal Pradesh

Year of Assessment Area Under Forest Cover (Km2) 1987 12,480 1989 12,480 1991 12480 1993 12,502 1995 12,501 1997 12,521 1999 13,032 2001 14,360 2003 14,353

Source: State of Forest Report 2003 The assessment of forest cover since 1987 depicts that forest cover of Himachal Pradesh has increased from 12,480 Km2 to 14,353 Km2. Forest Survey of India has recorded an increase of 1,873 Km2 in forest cover as per the State of Forest Report.

11500

12000

12500

13000

13500

14000

14500

15000

1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003

Area Under Forest Cover (Km2)

Fig: 5.2 Assessment of Forest Cover for Various Years in Himachal Pradesh The increase of forest cover is due to inclusion of large-scale block plantations of Pine, Khair, Deodar and Robinia taken up during 1989-93. The Table given below depicts the plantation carried in Himachal Pradesh



Table No 5.2 Species-wise plantation by Forest Department up to 1997

Species Total Area (ha) Percentage Pinus roxburghii 250.92 32.6 Acacia catechu 139.61 18.2 Cedrus deodara 92.83 12.1 Robinia spp. 36.61 4.8 Eucalyptus spp. 31.11 4.0 Abies pindrow 15.64 2.0 Poplar spp. 11.32 1.5 Pinus wallichiana 10.58 1.4 Dalbergia spp. 10.38 1.4 Others 169.53 22.1 Total 768.53 100 Source: Himachal Pradesh Forest Department However, the increase in forest cover is also associated with change in forest cover type i.e. dense forest has degraded to open forest. The increase in forest cover is presented in the figure 5.3 while change in forest cover assessed during 1987 to 2003 is given in table 5.3

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003

Dense Forest (Km2) Open Forest (Km2)

Fig : 5.3 Change in Forest Cover of Himachal Pradesh



Table No.5.3 Himachal Pradesh Forest Cover Change Matrix

1999 Assessment (Data Oct.-Dec. 98)

1997 Assessment

Oct.94 & Nov.95

DenForest Km

orest Total

19(Data)

se 2

Open Forest Scrub Non-FKm2 Km2 Km2

97 Km2

Dense Forest 8,887 640 0 33 9,560 Open Forest 92 2,864 0 5 2,961

Scrub 42 253 558 9 72 1,825 Non- Forest 41,015 99 205 8 41,327 Total 1999 9120 566 3962 4025 55,673

N +1,001 -1259 et Change -440 +698 So orest R 1999

he change matrix, given in above reveals that, an overall decrease of 440 sq. km of

tate of Forest Report for the year 2003 shows that, the area of open forest has increased

Table No.5.4 Himachal Pradesh r Change Matrix

urce: State F eport Tdense forest is due to the conversion of 640 sq. km of dense forest to open forest and 33 sq. km to non-forest are with the increase of 1001 sq. km of open forest area. Sby 1,446 sq. Km whereas the area of dense forest has decreased by 1,453 Km2. The table given below depicts the change in forest cover in Himachal Pradesh from 2001 to 2003.

Forest Cove2003 Assessment

2001 Assessment Dense Forest O b Non-forest Total 2001

Km2pen Forest

Km2ScruKm2 Km2

Km2

Dense Forest 10429 8146 1126 20 1137Open Forest 661 2892 7 371 3931 Scrub 20 140 196 210 566 Non-forest 7 149 1219 166 39213 4074Total 2003 8976 5377 389 40931 55673 Net Change -1453 1446 -177 184 Source: State Forest R 999

Table No. 5.5 Change in Fore achal Pradesh

Year Total Forest

eport 1

st Cover in HimDense Forest Open Forest

(Km2) (Km2) (Km2) 1995 9565 2936 12,501 1997 9,560 2,961 12,251 1999 9,120 3962 13,082 2001 10,429 3,931 14,360 2003 8,976 5,377 14,353

Source: State of Forest Report



5.4 Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives Taken by GoI & GoHP. ant role in livelihood

order to conserved enriched biodiversity of the Government of Himachal Pradesh

(a) stitutional Approach for implementation of Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Table No. 5.6 Institutional Framew entation of SBSAP

S.No. Theme Institution

In order to protect rich biodiversity of country which plays signific& cultural sustenance of the country, Government of India, under Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF) constituted National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (NBSAP) a, firm step towards addressing the various issues related to the use, status and conservation needs of biodiversity in the country. Under this initiative, it has been envisaged to produce a series of planning documents dealing with various facts related to the conservation of National Biodiversity. The biodiversity of India has been globally ranked amongst the 12-megadiversity countries and two of its bio-geographic provinces. These are all government initiatives and approximately 5% of the country’s surface area has been successfully declared as legally protected areas. Inconstituted State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2001) under the nodal agency i.e. State Council for Science & Technology and Environment. The present SBSAP covers the varied natural ecosystems like forests, grasslands, alpine meadows cold desert, wetlands across the state along with the range of species diversity harbored by these ecosystems. It also covers the agricultural & horticultural ecosystems including the domesticated species of plants and animals. Various approaches followed by Government of Himachal Pradesh for implementation of proposed SBSAP are discussed below InInstitution of Framework has been set up by Government of Himachal Pradesh constituted sub committee comprising of Vice Chancellor, Palampur (H.P.), Head Dept. of Bio-Sciences, H.P. University , Shimla and Member Secretary (E.C.) State Council for Science Technology & Environment. Thematic groups and institution responsible for implementation of biodiversity action plan is given below.

ork for Implem

1 Domestic iversity Biodiversity Ce Agri. Univ., ated Biod ntre, CSKPalampur.

2 Wild Plant Diversity search, University of Himachal Director RePradesh (UHP) Nauli Solan.

3 Wild Animal Diversity lan Zoological Survey of India So4 Micro Organism Diversity , Shimla Department of Bio Sciences HPU5 Culture and Bio Diversity IGRMS, Bhopal, Chapter Shimla 6 Technology, Industry and

Bio Diversity Director IHBT, Palampur

7 nd valuation UHP, Nomini Solan Economics aof Biodiversity

8 iversity Director of Ayurveda, Shimla Health and Biod9 Policies, Laws, Institutions mla

and Planning Human Right Commission Shi

10 ystem Department of Fisheries Bilashpur Aquatic Eco S11 Livelihood, life style and

biodiversity Regional Station, NBPGR, Shimla



S.No. Theme Institution 12 esearch and Department of Education HPU, Shimla Education R

Training 13 iness AIR Station Shimla Local News Papers etc. Public Air

S ce: ersity Strate

(b) egislative Approach also adopted the National Forest Policy (1980) that seeks to

1972, vation Act, 1978

986 ution) Act 1974

Control) Act 1995

) Management Level Approach

t management level, conservation of biodiversity now forms an integral part of

and around protected areas

gthened for management of National

(v) al Sanctuaries, Zoos and Peasantries for ex-situ conservation

) Biodiversity Evaluation Approach

he State Government has assigned “environmental value” to forest land @ 8.00

order to exercise some control over the exploitation of medicinal plants, specially

our HP State Biodiv gy and Action Plan, 2002 LHimachal Pradesh has integrate biodiversity conservation and sustainable use by local people. A complete ban on hunting (1982) and green felling (1984) has been imposed in the state .A number of legislation having a bearing on biodiversity conservation in the state have been enacted in the state. Some of these are as below Indian Forest Act 1927. Wildlife (Protection), Act Himachal Pradesh Land Preser Forest conservation Act, 1980 Environmental Protection Act, 1 Water (Presentation & control of Poll Air (Presention & control of pollution) Act, 1981 Himachal Pradesh Non-biodegradable Garbage ( Bio- diversity Act 2002 Bio- diversity Rule 2004

(c AForest working plan, Management plans for the National Park and Wildlife sanctuaries lay special emphasis on conservation of biodiversity. Some of the important schemes implemented by the Govt. are (i) Sanjhi Van Yojana (ii) Eco-development in

(iii) Development of Minor Forest Produces (iv) Wildlife wing in the state has been stren

Park Nation

(d TLakh & Rs. 5.00 Lakh per hectares for the areas having forest cover exceeding 10% and for the remaining forest areas respectively. Cost equivalent to this value towards compensation for loss of environmental values of forest land will have to be borne by the user agency for every hectare of forest land diverted for non-forestry purposes. (Department of Forest GOHP Notification No. FFE-B-C (8)1/2002 dated 24/06/2002). Inherbs, the forest department has prescribed a four year exploitation cycle and has also fixed, an export permit fee in respect of heavily exploited species. The list of few plant species are given below.



Table No. 5.7 Export Permit Fee for Medicinal Plants

S.No Scientific Export Fee (R l)

Name Common Name s. Per Quinta

1 Morchella esculanta i 1Guchch 0,000 2 Aconitum chesmanthum sh Karvi pati 7,500 3 Dactylorrhiza hatageria Salam Panga 6,000 4 Viola odorata banafsha 2,250 5 Banium persicum Kala zira 2,000 6 Aconitum heterophyllum Patish 1,500

ource: tegy and lan, 2002

5.5 revious Experience of Implementing Nathpa – Jhakri Hydro-Electric Project ry

5.1 Compensatory Afforestation Plan of NJHEP

The Nathpa Jhakri Hydro-electric Project is run off the river scheme envisaged to

) Site Selection for Compensatory Afforestation

he compensatory afforestation plan was implemented under degraded forest area

(ii) pecies Recommended for Afforestation.

he afforestation was carried out main three schemes as Forest Establishment &

S HP State Biodiversity Stra Action P PIn order to know previous experience of implementation of CompensatoAfforestation Plan and Catchment Area Treatment Plan of NJHEP , the review of above mentioned documents were carried out. The plantation sites under compensatory of afforestation and CAT plan was visited. The details of review are as below.

5.

utilize a drop of 444 m available in the river bed of Satluj between village Nathpa in Kinnaur district and village Jhakari in Shimla district. For execution of project NJHEP acquired 123 ha of forestland and 224 ha of private land. In order to compensate the loss of forestland compensatory afforestation Plan was implemented by Forest Department Govt of Himachal Pradesh since 1991-92 for a period of 10 Years. The detailed review of plan is discussed below.

(i Tdevelopment scheme. A total number of 41 unprotected forestland with scanty or no vegetation was brought under afforestation. Out of 41 unprotected forests 17 falls in Sarahan range, 13 in Kinnaur range and 11 Rampur range. The areas identified by forest department were quite refractory, the peculiar features of land were, poor soil & rainfall conditions, harsh winter with high wind velocity and excessive human and cattle interferences. S TImprovement, Pasture Improvement and Subsidiary Silvicultural operations. Based on climatic conditions, adaphic factors and suitability of plant species to existing conditions the mixture of confer and broad leaved tree species were selected by forest department. the species were recommended by forest department for compensatory afforestation is given below:



Table No. 5.8 List of Plant Species Recommended for Compensatory Afforestation

Name of Plant species Name of Plant species

S. N. Scientific n Name

S. N.Scientif Name Name Comma ic Name Comman

1 8 Cedrus deodara Deodar Dalbergia sissoo Shisham 2 Pinus roxbenghsi Chir 9 Aejculas indica Aesculus 3 Fraxinus xenthoxyloides Ash 10 Asesculus indica Asculus 4 Lancia lecocephala Subabul 11 Populus citiata Paplar 5 Melia azadirach Dreak 12 Salix sp Willow 6 Prunus americana mukorossi Chulli 13 Sapindus Retha 7 Abies spectablities Silverfir 14 Grewia oppositifolia Biul Source reatme 02 State est

v) Compensatory Afforestation in Synergy with Various Plantation Schemes dder

ig.5.4 Compensatory Afforestation: Synergy with Plantation Schemes of Forest Department

: Catchment Area T nt Plan 20 For Department HP (i

In order to fulfill the demand of local people for timber fuel wood and foreplenishment afforestation has been carried out along 195 ha and 600-800 number of plants were planted per ha. The forest areas which are suitable for natural regeneration, forest floor was cleared of slash, debris and felling refuse to afford a clean seed bed to the falling seeds. A total 160 ha land has been identified for Assisted Natural Regeneration of native species to increase forest cover through natural regeneration.

Replenishment Afforestation Degraded Area Development

Assisted Natural Regeneration Non Timber Forest Produces

Subsidiary Silvicultural Pasture Improvement

F

Operation

Eco-development Plan Cultivation of Medicinal Plants

Avenue Plantation & Landscaping



The local rural communities are directly dependant on various commodities which are

btained from surrounding forests. In order to fulfill the demand for biomass

Table 5.9 Details of Various Plantation Schemes Implemented Under Compensatory

A

S.N. Name of Scheme To(Hect.)

No. of Plants/ha

Amount (% of Total

oresources development of Non Timber Forest Produces scheme was implemented along 670 ha of degraded forestland. Mainly plantation of medicinal herbs such as Karoo, Dhoop, Chaura, Salam Panja, Patis was planted. A total number of 2000 plants/ha was planted.

fforestation

tal Area

Cost)

1 Degraded Area Development

629 1100 6.49

2 Replenishment Aff. 195 6800 1.6 3 eration 160 500 0.75 Natural Regen4 Development of NTFPS 670 2000 5 5 Pasture Improvement 375 - 2.04 6 Low -lying Pasture 125 - 1.03 7 Silivicultural Operation 125 - 0.10 Source reatment Pla 2 State Forest epartment HP

These are the ain sources of herbages and roughage. They are spread on the natural slopes and

osystem

as well as to fulfill the demand of fodder for existing cattle population. An area of 375

f existing forest area where plantation

has been carried out in past, as well as closure areas where natural regeneration

pensatory afforestation sites revealed at, it has been carried out successfully as large number of plantations raised under

: Catchment Area T n 200 D The pastures and grasslands plays significant role in rural economy.mform considerable portion of the Satluj catchment. Heavy grazing pressure by cattle population of the surrounding villages led to elimination of palatable grasses & legumes and replaced by non palatable and undesirable grasses & bushes.

In view of this, Pasture improvement plays significant role in restoration of ec

ha degraded pastureland of Alpine range & 125 ha of Low-Lying pastureland was brought under pasture improvement program.

In order to improve silvicultural management o

was found to be improved, subsidiary silvicultural operations such as cleaning of forest floor, removing of weeds & climbers, slash disposal and burning of debris was carried out over 125 ha of forestland so as to improve the growth conditions of climax species of forests such as Cedrus deodara (Deodar), Pinus wallichiania (Kail), Pinus roxburghii (Chir), Quercus incana (Ban) etc. The site visit conducted at the places of comththe plan has come up in the tract. The dense patches of Pinus roxburghii were seen throughout the tract.



5.5.2 Catchment Area Treatment Plan NJHEP River Satluj is a major river of Western Himalayas, originating from lake Mansarover

catchment area of River Satluj, upstream

1. he total cost of project is 29.51 crores. The details of various erosion control

(i) Erosion Prone Areas he areas which are already eroded or prone to erosion has been undertaken to

of such areas include provision of engineering

The details of Erosion control Measures for sites under catchment Area of Project.

Taken

(% of Total Cost)

in Tibet at an altitude of 4570 m. The total of the dam at Nathpa is 49820 sq. km. The catchment area of directly draining rivers to the Nathper diversion dam and the catchment to sholding Khad is estimated to be 280 sq. km. The cathcment area under project falls in Kinnaur, Sarahan and Rampur forest division. In order to compensate adverse impacts such as soil erosion, land slides, sedimentation due to various project activities during construction and operation phase of the project, Catchment Area Treatment plan was formulated and implemented by State Forest Department, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh since 2001-02 to 2010-11. The CAT plan addresses important issues such as damage to infrastructure, changes in drainage pattern, increased pressure on natural resources, impacts on wildlife and damage to visual & aesthetic nature of the catchment area. The total period of implementation of CAT plan is ten years from 2001-02-2010-1Tmeasures, along with number of sites and total cost of the under each heading is given below. Treatment ofTprovide land stability. The treatment measures such as check walls, protection walls, gully plugging, diversion channels, for stabilization of area. In order to improve soil status of the area vegetative measures such as vegetative shrub barrier, brush wood check dams, planting of grasses etc. Various schemes were implemented to control soil erosion in catchment area under proposed plan are discussed below.

Table No. 5.10

S.N. Name of Scheme No. of Sites Measures to be Amount

1 Treatment of Erosion prone Areas

. tative Mes

76 Ha Engineering MesVege

1.4

2 Stabilization of Landslides prone area

31 Engineering Mes Vegetative Mes

0.14

3 Treatment of Nala 38 Engineering Mes Vegetative Mes

6.9

4 Roads Site Erosion - - 1.4 5 Treatment of Private - Contour

Terrace Repaining 1.7

Land bunding

Sourc atment Pla 2002 State nt HP

eering as well as vegetative measures A total of 31 active landslide site was also treated which

e: Catchment Area Tre n Forest Departme

The total 76 ha of eroded land was treated by applying various engin

were rapidly extending to engulf the forestland. In order to check the velocity of runoff, detention of silt and prevention of cutting & banks. A total of 38 main nallas were treated by providing suitable engineering & biological/vegetative measures under treatment of nallas.



The existing roads are the potential sources of erosion/land slips. In order to prevent flow of loose excavated material into the river with runoff the road stretches were tabilized by providing appropriate engineering/vegetative measures. The sites

(ii)

he construction phase of the project has resulted in disruption/damage to AT plan has supported the restoration and up

gradation of such infrastructure in the project area. The infrastructure development

Details of Infrastructure Development Schemes Implemented under CAT Plan S.N. Name of Scheme Item Amount

(% of Total Cost)

svisited at Nathpa diversion dam, plantation carried out in staff colony and along the roads of Guest house and office complex. The Bottle Brush, Ticoma, Silver fir, Pinus roxburghii, Crismus Trees were found to be well grown throughout the tract.

Infrastructure Development.

Trural/forest infrastructure. Hence C

includes development of forest path, forest buildings, village paths, springs, traditional water sources, bridges, minor irrigation channels, village ponds etc. The details of various infrastructure developments are given below.

Table: 5.11

1 Forest 14 Roads (147 Km, 25 4 Infrastructure Development

Buildings)

2 R Re f Village Pa , Bridges

and Irrigation Canal

ural Infrastructure

Development

storation/Up gradation oth, Springs

5

3 V 0.95 illage Ponds 37 Sites 4 So 0.95 il and Water

Conservation Structures

13 Sites

5 Improvement of Water Resources

102 Sites 0.95

6 Strengthening of 58 Nos. 1.59 Village Path

7 14 Nos. 0.71 Construction of Foot Bridges

Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan 2002 State Forest Department HP

.6

The altitudinal variation in project influence area leads to various forests types such air-sissu Forests, Himalayan Subtropical

Pine forests, Ban Oak forests etc. the forests are interrupted with various human

5 Conservation of Project Influence Area

as, Northern mixed deciduous forests, Kh

activities among which agriculture, horticulture, grazing of animals, timber demand, etc are predominant. The forests are under threat due to over exploitation for timber, fodder, fuel, medicinal plants and collection for minor forests produces. The threats to the forests are discussed in brief below while recommendations for the management of biodiversity of project influence area are given in Chapter 6.



5.6.1 (a)

he climax species of natural forests are under tremendous pressure due to creased timber demand. The timber species of forests such as Cedrus deodara

, Pinus wallichiana (Kail); Quercus incana (Ban oak), na (Moharu oak); Picea smithiana (Rai); Grewia oppositifolia (Biul)

(b)

facilities exist. Horticulture, a crash crop/profit graining activity i.e. cultivation of fruits, vegetable, flowers is increasing at the cost of forestland

lso tremendous demand of

(c)

rtant vocation for agriculturist and almost every family rears livestock for rears livestock for their day to day requirement the livestock is

ural resources mainly forests for sustenance. Extensive grazing of livestock and severe lopping of trees for fodder had adversity affected the

orm of busty trees. Due to these activities ban oak rests area is gradually denuded.

grazed by enormous flocks of sheep/goats/etc

(d)

damage to Chir (Pinus roxburghii) and Kail (Pinus wallichiana) by cutting deeply the resinous wood from the base portion of the stem.

villages and along road sites are the worst suffers. The damaged trees are weakened at the base and fall due to wind action. This

(e)

culture are always ssociated with burning of remnant of corps. Most of the fires are due to local

the belief that burning forest areas improve the resources by getting esh grass & tender herbages.

Major Threats to Biodiversity Timber Demand Tin(Deodar); Pinus roxburghii (Chir)Quercus himalayaetc. are under pressure due to high timber demand by right holders as well as due to illegal felling of trees.

Agriculture & Horticulture Activities Intensive agricultural acuities were concentrated from foothills to mid-hills valley areas where irrigation

leading to loss of forest area year by year. There is atimber for packing cases for marketing of fruits due to horticulture bloom, leading to increase pressure on forest.

Grazing Pressure

Animal husbandry is an impo

mainly defendant upon nat

forests of probed-influenced area. Ban oak forest area under pressure due to grazing, browsing, severe lopping for fodder & fuel and manufacturing of agricultural implements. It has reduced oak to low, stunted, unsound growth and ffoKharsu oak (Quercus semicarpifolia) forests are slowly gaining importance on account of their demand for various commercial uses. Heavy grazing, lopping and fire have thinned out forests to varying degree, destroyed all undergrowth except for plants of inedible species. It is commonly seen in Sarhan range.

Torchwood Exploitation

The local people cause extensive

The forests situated in proximity of

resinous wood is used by the villagers for igniting fires in their houses and as torch moving from one place to another or one house to another house. Forest Fire Forest fire is commonly recorded throughout the forest. As the agriaincendiaries withfr



5.7

nt and Local Community. As Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Catchment Area treatment Plan and Wild Life Management Plan

ovt. of H.P. where as uck/Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan, Avenue Plantation and Landscaping will be

5.7.1

39 ha as per the Forest (conservation) Act (1980). The compensatory afforestation will be carried out in

division of Kullu District of

Proposed Management Plan For Project Affected Area The Biodiversity Management of Project Affected Area is the joint responsibility of SJVNL, State Forest Departme

will be implemented by State Forest Department; GMimplemented by SJVNL. In order to suggest vegetative measures, the abovementioned documents were reviewed and recommendations are given in Chapter 6. The implementation of abovementioned plans will be helpful for conservation of terrestrial biodiversity of the Project Affected Area as well as surrounding Project Immediate Influenced Area. The review of above mentioned plans are discussed in brief below.

Fig. 5.5 Integrated Approach for Biodiversity Management

Proposed Compensatory Afforestation Plan for RHEP In order to compensate diversion of forestland i.e. 69.38 ha for establishment of various project units, end 21 ha for Notional land for underground work, the compensatory afforestation plan is proposed to be on 1

unprotected forests of Arsu and Nither ranges of Ani forestHimachal Pradesh. The cost of compensatory afforestation has been estimated to be Rs 74.49,400. The details of sites selected for Compensatory Afforestation Plan is given below



Table: 5.12 Site Selected for Propose Compensatory Afforestation for RHEP

Sl.No. Status of Land Name of Range

1 Unprotected Forest Bail C-9 2 Unprotected Chebri C-83 Forest 3 Unprotected Forest Kindla C-38 4 Unprotected Forest Karnon C-11 5 Unprotected Forest Rallo C-14 6 Unprotected Forest Shalt C-6 7 Unprotected Forest Sisu C-10

Sour : Catchment A 05) State 5.7.2 Prop ed Catchme Plan for

The total catchment j, above

t plan is only 1,062.50 sq. km. Out of which 612.50 sq. km falls in Rampur Forest Division while

reatment Plan of proposed ampur HEP includes Rampur Range, Bahil Range, Machhada catchment of

e completed within initial 5 years and later half of the plan will be be mainly for maintenance. The total cost of plan will be 23.37

gies to reduce soil crosion, conserve water and improve vegetal cover in the catchment. The proposed catchment treatment plan comprised of four sections i.e.

(i)

through implementation of various forestry schemes such as Afforestation of degraded forestland, Replenishment, afforestation, Assisted Natural

inal Plants, Pasture improvement and ubsidiary silvicultural operations barren, areas which are devoid of tree growth or

ce rea Treatment Plan (20 Forest Department HP

os nt Area Treatment RHEP.

areas of River Satlu Bhakra dam site is 56,875 sq. km of which 50,880 sq. km area is up to Rampur. The area covered in the ca

450 sq. km. in Ani Forest Division. The catchment Area TRNankhari Range and of Sarahan Range.

The proposed plan is formulated by state forest Department for the period of ten years starting from 2006-07-2015-16. The 2005-06 will be considered as zero year of plan and emphasis will be given to develop and maintain nurseries to raise sufficient planting stock. Most of the activities will b

crores.

The CAT plan is designed to address the basic environmental issues such as increase soil erosion, high rate of siltation, surface runoff, sheet & gully erosion and to mitigate these impacts through adoption of site specific bio-enginering technolo

Forest conservation & Improvement, Soil and Moisture Conservation Works, Infrastructure Development and Implementation of Ecodevelopment Plan for reducing pressure on forest by local population. The details of various sections are discussed below.

Forest Conservation & Improvement. In order to improve forest cover of the catchment area it is proposed to increase vegetation cover

Regeneration, Development of Medicsthe degraded forestland with scanty vegetation shall be brought under afforestation. The details of various schemes will be implemented under forest conservation and improvement program is given in detailed below



Afforestation of Degraded Forestland includes blank areas devoid of vegetation or degraded forestland will be taken up for plantation. A total 780 ha area have been identified available for taking under this scheme. Out of total 300 ha falls in Rampur

hile 480 ha in Ani forest division. Replenishment Afforestation includes plantation

ovement Program Name of Scheme Total Area No. of

Plants/ha Amount

(% Total Cost)

wof forest areas of the track depleted due to excessive pressure of local community due to fodder, fuel, timber etc. to restore such areas to their optimum productive potential. Such forest areas will be planted by artificial means to increase their stocking to the required level.

Table: 5.13 Details of Various Schemes Implemented Under Forest Conservation &

Impr

(Hect.) Degraded Area 780 1100 17.31Development

R:480 A:300

RepAfforestation

R:260 A:200

lenishment 460 700 8.25

Assisted NaturalRegeneration

400 R:195 A:205

300 5.17

Development of Medicinal Plan

NTFPS/ ts

170 R:80 A:90

2000 2.92

Alpine Pasture Improvement

125 R:100 A:25

- 0.47

Low-lying Pasture 240 R:80 A:160

- 3.92

Source : Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) State Forest Departmen

T l regeneration sc e implem nted to forest a where conditions are conductive to na ration. Forest floor will be cleared of

s & to germinate large number of villagers depends on medicinal plants as their livelihood.

of herbage/roughage for cattle, sheep & goats. The well developed crop areas within the forests will taken for subsidiary silvicultural

(ii)

selected by Forest Department for afforestation. However, preference of local communities as

under this scheme. The species commended for low-lying pastures are Lancia lecocephala (Subabul), Salix

t HP

he Assisted Natura heme will btural regene

e reas

slash, debris and felling refuse to afford a clean seed bed to the falling seed

In order to meet their demand as well as for in-situ conservation of Medicinal plants, herbs such as Karoo, Dhoop, Chora, Salam Pania, Discorea, Patish will be planted on 170 ha of forestland.

Under Pasture improvement schemes, Alpine pasture and Low-lying pastures will be taken up for treatment. A total of 3200 ha of pasture area is available in catchment. It is an important source

operations to improve the growth conditions & hygiene of the forests floor such as, climber cutting (de-weeding), slash disposal, debris collection & burning.

Species Selected for Afforestation Based on climatic & adaphic site-specific conditions following species are

regard the choice of species will be plantedresikkimensis (Willow), Grewia oppositifolia (Biul) and Morus alba (Tut).



Table: 5.14 List of Trees Recommended for Afforestation RHEP

Name of Plant species Name of Plant species S. N.

Scientific N

S. N.

e Common Name

ame Common Name

Scientific Nam

1 Cedrus de Dalbergodara Deodar 8 ia sissoo Shisham

2 9 Pinus wallichiana Kail Aesculas indica Aesculus

3 Robinia pseudoacacia 10 Ailanthus sp kh Robinia Maharu

4 Lancia lecocephala Subabul 11 Populus citiata Paplar

5 Melia azadirach Dreak 12 Picea smithiana Spruce

6 Albizzia lebbek Siris 13 Queruces incana Banoak

7 Abies spectablities Silverfir 14 Grewia oppositifolia Biul

Source a Treatme (2005) Stat res

) nservation Work

oject activities during construction & operation phase, various soil & moisture conservation work will

easures such as construction of check walls, rotection walls, vegetative barriers, bushwood check dams etc. Various schemes

S.N. es to be Taken

Amount (% of Total Cost)

: Catchment Are nt Plan e Fo t Department HP (iii Soil & Moisture Co

In order to control soil crosion in catchment area due to various pr

be carried out. The soil stabalization mpimplemented under this head are detailed out below.

Table: 5.15 Proposed Soil & Moisture Conservation Measures in Catchment Area.

Name of Scheme No. of Sites Measur

1- Stabilization of Landslides p

71 R ngineering Mes. 9.22 rone area Vegetative Mes.

:34 A:40 E

2- TreaA:51

EVegetative Mes

tment of Nallas 150 R:99 ngineering Mes 17.83

3- Roads Side Erosion - - 0.48 4- f Private Land - 0.64 Treatment o Contour bunding

Terrace Repining 5- Avenue

g 0.15

Plantation/Landscapin- -

Source nt Plan 05) St ent HP

umber of 71 sites were entified in catchment area which are severely bilization measures. Similarly about 150 number of Nalla’s

rosion control easures includes road side erosion control, avenue plantation and landscape works

: Catchment Area Treatme (20 ate Forest Departm

A total neroded and need soil sta

id

are to be treated so as to stop excess silt load in main river other emsurrounding project site.



(iv)

frastructure development is an important part of Forest Management. In order to aintain roads/path in serviceable conditions are needed to be improved. Various

chemes implemented under this head are discussed below. able: 5.16

Proposed Infrastructure Development in Catchment Area S.N.

Infrastructure Development Inms

T

Name of Scheme Item Amount (% of Total Cost)

1 Development (ii) Construction of Buildings

0.69 2.18

Forest Infrastructure (i) Forest Path

2 RD

ural Infrastructure evelopment

Repair of Village Road and Path 2.29

3 Village Ponds 31 Nos. R:13 A:18

0.63

4 Soil and WaterConservation Structures

17 Nos. R:8 A:9

1.09

5 Improvement of Water Resources

- 0.86

6 Strengthening oVillage Path

f - 2.29

7 of Foot - 0.17 ConstructionBridges

8 LPG, Pressure Cooker, Smokeless Chullas

0.1 Fuel Saving Devices

9 14 Sites 0.65 Rain water harvesting

Source : Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) State Forest Department HP

rastructure developm f forest path, construction/repair of buildings, farm ponds ater harvesting struc While rural e development includes construction/repair of village ponds & tanks,

nd construction of footbridges & rainwater harvesting structures.

5.7.3

ights of local people, lopping of trees for fodder, illegal felling of trees etc resulted in depletion of forests

o wild habitat. The wildlife Management plan formulated by State Forest Department Govt of H.P. to maintain viable, healthy

(i)

Forest inf ent includes repair ooperational infrastructur

, soil & w tures.

repair of springs, wells & other water resources, repair of village roads & paths a

Proposed Wildlife Management Plan The wildlife in the forest is exposed to lot of human disturbances besides stray cases of poaching. The excessive cattle population, traditional r

and thereby reduction/loss/disturbance tisand productive population of wildlife, to improve habitat of wildlife by proving forest cover, water holes, saltlicks etc and protect them from natural & anthropogenic hazards. Following measures are suggested to protect wildlife. Protective Measures The protection of wildlife can be afforded by implementing preventive and control measure for preservation and propagation of wildlife, as below-



Ban/Reduction in issuing crop protection licenses st Guards to control hunting & poaching

Protection from forest fire

(ii) Ha In o e evelopment and reproduction of wild d

Increase in forest cover through implementation of various afforestation schemes s, which are major sources of fodder for wildlife rovision of Saltlicks at various places as a source of essential nutrients required for

able local species of grasses, bamboo

st areas, as we sareas f The budgetary provision for wildlife management plan is given det d

Table: 5.17

Provision of Fore

Prevention from diseases spread by domestic animals Increase in Public Awareness about wildlife Reward/Incentives to informers

bitat Improvement

rd r to provide suitable condition for growth, dlife following measures are suggeste

Plantation of tree speciePgrowth of wild animals Increase in pastureland by sowing suitplantation etc Besides this, there is also provision conducting of wildlife census in fore

ll a conducting Public Awareness Programs, display of sign and slogan boards in forest or protection of wildlife.

aile below

Budgetary Provision for Wildlife Management Plan. Sl. No. Name of Scheme Amount (Lakhs)

1 Wildlife Improvement 47.10 2 Protection of Forest 25.48 3 Training and Studying 5.00 4 A 2.00 wareness and Publicity 5 Eco Development 12.50

Source : Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) State Forest Department HP

5.7.4 Proposed The large ll be generated during construction phase; it should be

r to prevent sedimentation due to muck generated during construction activities muck disposal

(i)

on of retaining wall varying from 2 to 7 m height to prevent dumped material from sliding/rolling down

e contour at 5m intervals along the slope in staggered manner

Muck Disposal Plan

quantity of muck wiproperly disposed to avoid siltation/sedimentation of river. In orde

plan is formulated by SJVNL.

The four sites are identified for disposal of muck. Three of the four disposal areas are close to river Satluj, but are located at safe distance from high flood level. The bioengineering measures are recommended at disposal site to prevent sedimentation & stabilization of soil.

Engineering & Mechanical Works Following engineering structures are recommended for stabilization of slope

The constructi

Once meter terracing along th



The Uphill side of the terraces will be provided with the walls/edging of 50cm height & 50 cm thickness to protect Uphill side of the terraces from slipping

ports (ii) Vegetative

The vstabiliz

ental plants such as Robinia, Ailanthus, Poplar, Silver oak, Bottle brush, Subabul, Baken to increase aesthetic nature of the

soil binders are recommended for slope stabilization includes

for various items to be implemented

5.8 Propos Impacts In order to project activities during

construction and operation phase of the project management plan is suggested

Fencing of dumping areas with barb wires in strand with two diagonal strands using wooden fence

Measures

egetative measures includes plantation of suitable species for slope ation.

Plantation of ornam

disposal area The

Heteropogon, Chrysdoopgon, Rumex etc The plan will be implemented by SJVNL and there is budgetary provision of Rs 2.36 Crores

ed Management Plan For Mitigation of

mitigate various impacts due to various

which is described below



Table: 5.18 MANAGEMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

S N Activities/ Type of impact

Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility

1. Direct Impact (i) Acquisition of Forests Land (II) Felling of Trees (iii)Clearing of Project sites for construction activity

The proposed project does not involve either construction of dam/reservoir hence major loss to the existing forest is not at all envisaged. Loss of Forests land i.e. 48.9 ha which is just 0.9 % of the total forests land available in Rampur Forest div. Hence impact will be insignificant The clearing of project sites for construction requires felling of trees, a total number of 1075 trees are be felled. Out of total 92.6 % of trees are Eucalyptus Plantation , the exotic the natural forests and rest are commonly distributed throughout the project immediate influence as well as project influence area hence, the impact will be insignificant . The project site is dominated by weedy shrubs which are commonly distributed throughout and none of rare,

Strict implementation of approved Compensatory Afforestation Plan in accordance with Forest (conservation) Act 1980 and Himachal Pradesh Forest Policy (1980). The compensatory Afforestation will carried under the Degraded Forest Area Development scheme hence there will be increase the

Forest department/ SJVNL





endangered or threatened or endemic species was observed during survey /reported in the project sites. Therefore no impact on biodiversity is envisaged.

2

Indirect impact (i) Generation of dust by movement of vehicles and construction work, crusher operation

This may cause increase in SPM and RPM level in the area. Dust is also likely to settle on the surrounding flora. The impact will be temporary, localized and reversible. No significant impact on Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin.

* All vehicles delivering materials to the site shall be covered to avoid spillage of materials. * All exiting approach road used by vehicles shall be kept clean and clear of dust * The roads surfaces shall be host or watered using necessary equipments. * Plants, machinery and equipment shall be handled so as to minimize generation of dust. * All earth work shall be protected to minimize dust generation. * All crusher used in construction shall confirm to relative dust emission devises * The machineries, vehicles and equipments use in construction shall strictly confirm to

Contractor /SJVNL





(ii) Generation of Noise (iii) influx of labours

The noise level of the construction site is likely to increase due to various activities, which may cause disturbance to the fauna in the area. However this impact would be insignificant as the increase in noise shall be intermittent and temporary No significant impact on fauna of Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin Large number of labor population will influx the project influence area leading to destructions of flora due to provision temporary labor camp Laborers may cut trees for cooking purpose as fuel

CPCB standard. * All vehicles equipment machinery used in construction shall be fitted by exhaust silencers. * Equipments should be maintained regularly and soundproof gadgets should be used. * Blasting shall be carried out as per the statutory laws, regulation and rules pertaining to acquisition, transport, storage, handling and used of explosives * Blasting should be carried out during fixed hours preferably during midday. *No tree should be permitted to cut or destructions of flora for provision of temporary construction camp * The contractor should arrange alternate

Contractor /SJVNL





(iv) Movement of Labors force and Technical Staff

Impact due to sewage/ solid wastes /garbage generated from labor camp The labors force and technical staff may poach on occasionally invaded wildlife in the area No endangered, rare and threatened wildlife is reported in the project area hence no significant impact is anticipated on fauna. No significant impact on Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin

source of energy such as Kerosene or LPG * Their should be provision of proper design / collection / handling and disposal system for sewage and solid wastes * The Wildlife conservation Act should be strictly adhered. Environmental awareness training should be provided to the Contractor and workers.

Contractor /SJVNL





3.

(v) Borrow and Quarry activities (vi) Control of Soil Erosion (vii) Muck Disposal Induced Impacts

Extraction of rocks soil and sand shall be done for the construction work. Borrow and quarry sites require felling of trees. No significant impact on Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin. The construction of activities may lead to the erosion of soil in catchments area of Satluj Basin. The muck produced by the construction work shall be disposed at the dumping sites. The disposal of muck shall destroy the flora at the sites. However the sites identified for muck muck disposal has low diversity for trees and shrubs and ranges from 0.59 to 0.97 which is very low.

* The extraction of material should be done from the identified borrow and quarry site only. * If new borrow & quarry sites are required then prior permission has to be taken from the owner. The quarry and borrow area should be reclaimed back. The pits formed should be backfilled by construction waste and site should be stabilized. * The top soil (150 mm) from all areas should be preserved in stockpiles. * Such a stockpile shall be utilize for redevelopment of borrow / quarry areas. * Grasses and shrub species should be planted. *Strict implementation of approved Catchment Area Treatment Plan for control of soil erosion. * The muck should be disposed at the identified sites only. Before disposal of muck retention wall should be constructed at the base to retain the muck

Contractor /SJVNL Forest Department /SJVNL





disposal has low diversity for trees and shrubs and ranges from 0.59 to 0.97 which is very low. Loss of flora due to logging of timber trees which are Climax species of natural forests Requirement of living places, hotels, filling stations, service stations and extra workers will arise. This will provide job opportunity to the local skilled and unskilled population. Development in Rampur town and

* Before disposal of muck retention wall should be constructed at the base to retain the muck as the sites are just above the river Satluj. *The increased in timber prices for right holders as per the prevailing market rate Reduction in permitting timber demand by right holders *Provision of alternate building material to timber such as provision of breaks/concrete blocks for building houses, tin/ asbestos/ plastic sheets as roof material at concession rates to right holders *Cutting of trees should be strictly prohibited in the area for other construction work. *Forest clearance should be obtained if there is any requirement for cutting trees. *Any new colonies developed in area should have provision for plantation in the colony.

ct: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 28 of 29 cument: 2006005 / EC / Chapter -5 Date: August 2006

Revision: R0


ProjeDoFinal Report



CHAPTER 6

RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Introduction

Based on existing terrestrial biodiversity study conducted for Rampur Hydro-Electric Project following recommendations is made for successful implementation of suggested mitigation measures during construction & operation phase of the project as well as to protect & enhance the terrestrial biodiversity. The recommendations are made to Project Implementation Unit (SJVNL) with reference to Institutional Strengthening, recommendations for vegetative measures & recommendations, which are to be forwarded to the State Forest Department for their consideration while implementing various plans for the protection of terrestrial biodiversity. The issue-wise details are discussed below:

6.2 Institutional Strengthening

Following measures are recommended for Institutional Strengthening in terms of appointment of Environment Officer, Training Programme for Environmental Awareness and suggested Training Institutes. The details are discussed below.

6.2.1 Appointment of Environment Officer

At present there is only one environment engineer looking after the environmental aspects of the project. It is recommended that an additional post of Environment Officer is to be created at corporate level to tackle various environmental issues. The Environmental Officer deployed should be familiar with the National Environmental Legislation and would have experience in monitoring of similar projects. Briefly, his main responsibilities will include: • Review of specifications during project preparation to ensure their adequacy

and suitability with respect to the recommendations of the Management Plan, • Collection and dissemination of relevant environmental information indicating

amendments to environmental protection acts issued by various agencies including the World Bank etc

• Liaise with NGOs, community groups, Government Departments, etc. on environmental issues

• Monitor the environmental aspects of projects, during construction phase to ensure that the environmental requirements and the mitigation measures proposed in the Management Plan are implemented,

• Undertake compliance monitoring to provide periodic checks, • Undertake environmental training activities • In the long term, the Environment Officer should liaise with various safety

issues related to the project



• Co-ordination with State Forest Department for effective implementation of recommended of Compensatory Afforestation Plan and Catchment Area Treatment Plan with reference to:

(i) Inspection of Forest nurseries from where saplings are to be brought for plantation

(ii) Supervision & monitoring of various plantation programmes (iii) Effective Implementation of recommended species for

compensatory afforestation (iv) Regular inspection/monitoring/evaluation of plantation during

maintenance period (v) Effective Implementation of recommended Wildlife Management

Plan (vi) Effective implementation of Eco-development Plan recommended

by forest department (vii) Co-ordination with Forest Department & local people of Project

Influence Area for Conservation of Forest & Wildlife through Public Awareness Programs

Successful implementation of Muck area re-development plan. Successful implementation of Quarry area re-development plan Effective implementation of proposed avenue plantation along proposed

roads in project area Monitoring & supervision of landscaping work expected to be carried out in

and surrounding project area 6.2.2 Suggested Environmental Awareness & Training Programs

Whilst there is increased awareness of environmental issues, appreciation towards handling them is limited. It is important to develop sensitivity to appreciate natural flora and fauna. For implementation of biodiversity training of SJVNL officials is essential required which should start top to bottom. It is essential that senior officials should grasp completely the features of biodiversity management. For management of biodiversity it is required to develop ability to communicate and work with community and understanding the socio-political dynamics prevalent in the village community. The training required are:

• In the immediate short term, training will be required for SJVNL staff on

environmental awareness • The network of training Institutions in India and the World Bank’s Economic

Development Institute, Environment and Natural Resources Division and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) carry out regular training and contacts in this regard needs to be developed

• In the long term, following the setting up of the Environmental Unit, the need for additional and specialized training has to be examined and appropriate training has to be undertaken

During construction phase training/awareness program should be organized by the PIU for PIU staff, and the contractor twice a year. During operational phase



one workshop/awareness program should be organized at district level each year for the first 3 years. The suggested training modules are given in Table 6.1.

Table: 6.1

Proposed Training Modules Sl. No Target Group Subject (s) Method

1. PIU staff, Environmental Specialists,

Environmental Awareness Environmental Regulations, Hydro-power Related provisions of various acts, EIA notifications, process and methodology for Biodiversity Conservation

Lectures

2. Managers (Env) at PIU, Environmental Specialists Contractor Staff

Implementation of Biodiversity Management Plan Planning, Design and execution of mitigation and enhancement measures, monitoring and evaluation of environmental conditions during construction and operation.

Workshops and Lectures

3. Environmental Specialist Contractor’s Staff

Environmentally Sound Construction Practices Clean Construction Technology, Waste minimization and management in construction processes, storage and maintenance of equipments/ materials, Control of soil erosion, Transplantation and compensatory plantation including maintenance, Borrow Area and Construction Camp Management.

Seminars and Lectures

6.2.3 Suggested Training Institutes

There are several agencies and training institutes in India which organize training in the above areas. Some of the institutes are:

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) World Bank’s Economic Development Institute of Environment State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)/Central Pollution Control Board

(CPCB) Universities and Non-Government Organizations



Forest Research Institute (FRI) National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Botanical Survey of India Zoological Survey of India National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) etc

6.3 Vegetative Recommendations

The proposed Muck/Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan, Avenue Plantation and Landscaping will be carried out by SJVNL in and surrounding project Area. The vegetative measures are recommended based on extensive field survey of the project area. The details of vegetative recommendation for various abovementioned activities are discussed below:

6.3.1 Recommendations for Muck/Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan

The review of Muck/Quarry Area redevelopment plan revealed that ornamental trees and glass are recommended for redevelopment. In order to hence speedy resilience of eco system following species of native, every green fast growing gregarious shrubs are recommended for the abovementioned areas.

Table: 6.2

Recommended shrub species for Redevelopment Plan

S. No. Scientific Name Common Name 1 Adhatoda vasica Vasica 2 Calotropis gigantean Aak 3 Colebrookea oppositifolia Bambher 4 Debregeasia hypoleuca Sihanru 5 Dodonea viscosa Mehandi 6 Rumex hastatus Bhilmora 7 Racinus cummunis Arendi Following thorny and succulent shrubs are recommended for hedges and boundaries of propose Muck/Quarry redevelopment areas owing to their protective, non-palatable and medicinal value to local people.

Table: 6.3

Recommendations of species for Hedges & Boundaries

S. No. Scientific Name Common Name 1 Agave americana Rambans 2 Aloe vera Aloe 3 Euphorbia royleana Shuru 4 Opuntia monocantha Nagphani 5 Carisa spinarium Karonda 6 Zizyphus nummularia Ber 7 Rumex hastatus Bhomali



6.3.2 Recommendation for Avenue Plantations

The ornamental value of trees are due to their beautiful colors of flowers and are helpful to increase aesthetic nature of avenues in proposed project roads and in colonies. Based on intensive survey of sites following flowering plants are recommended for avenue plantation along proposed road to be constructed. The details of ornamental plants are given below

Table 6.4

Recommended Species of Ornamental Plants for Avenue Plantation S. No. Scientific Name Common Name Color of

Flower Flowering

Season 1 Albizzia lebbek Siris Yellowish

white June to Sept.

2 Bombax ceiba Semul Orange/ Red Mar. to May 3 Callistemon

lantecolatus Bottle Brush Red Jan to Mar.

4 Cassia fistula Amaltas Yellow Apr. to May 5 Erythrina indica Scarlet Red Feb. to Mar. 6 Bauhinia verigata Kachnar Purple Feb. to Mar. 7 Melia azaderach Baken White Mar. to May 8 Millingtonia

hortensis Akash Neem White Apr. to Jun.

9 Tecoma stans Ticoma Yellow Mar. to Apr. 10 Thevetia

peruviana Pila kaner Yellow/ white/

Red Jul. to Oct.

11 Nerium indicum Kaner White/Pink/Red Jan. to Dec. 12 Mallotus

philippinensis Kamala Red Feb. to May.

The aesthetic and environmental value of proposed roads can further be enhance by implementing plantation of same species throughout the stretch and naming road as Bombax Avenue (Bombax ceiba); Siris Avenue (Albizzia lebbek); Kachnar Road (Bauhinia verigata) etc. The roads in proposed staff colonies may be planted with colorful shrubs reaching to the height of 2-3 m such as Tecoma Lane (Tecoma stans), Yellow Kaner Lane (Thevetia peruviana), Kaner Lane (Nerium indicum) etc

6.4 Recommendation to be forwarded to State Forest Department

The Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Catchment Area Treatment Plan & Wild life Management Plan will be implemented by State Forest Department Govt. of Himachal Pradesh through the Conservator of Forests. At the field level the actual implementation will be done by DFO’s of Rampur & Ani Forest Division. Based on the review of abovementioned documents and our experience during



extensive field survey of Project Influenced Area, following recommendations are made which can be forwarded by SJVNL to State Forest Department for their consideration while implementing these plans. The recommendations are discussed below.

6.4.1 Recommendation for Compensatory Afforestation Plan

Following species were found to be growing well throughout the forest patches. Being native, easily available as well as high fodder value in respect of crude protein content. Following spices are recommended to incorporate as fodder species in proposed compensatory afforestation plan which will be implemented by State Forest Department.

Table: 6.5 Fodder Spices Recommended for Compensatory Afforestation

S. No.

Scientific Name Common Name Crude Protein Content (%)

1 Bauhinia variegata Kachnar 15.18 2 Bombax ceiba Semul 16.83 3 Cleitis australis Kharik 13.33 4 Cedrela toona Tun 10.71 5 Quercus dilata Moharuoak 13.37 6 Zizyphus nummularia Ber 11.63 7 Tamarindus indica Imli 18.80

6.4.2 Recommendation for Implementation of Catchment Area Treatment Plan

The Catchment Area Treatment Plan formulated by State Forest Department covers all issues related to control soil erosion by implementing various schemes. This CAT Plan is designed to address the basic environmental problem of catchment’s degradation. An associated approach would be to assist institutional development and strengthening to ensure sustainability of interventions with involvement and participation of the local communities. The details are discussed below:-

(i) Participatory Approach

It is now accepted that no forestry works would be successful in any project, without the involvement of the local population. A participatory approach has to be adopted in this CAT Plan as well. Participatory approach implies development of/strengthening the capacity of the community for collaborative action, identifying and analysing their problems, setting goals and actively implementing micro-projects. The community takes management decisions and the technocratic outsider acts as a facilitator in the process. This would include the following.



(ii) Community Development

In order to make the participatory approach a success, sufficient attention is paid to Community Development Process. The process aims at building up/strengthening the capacity of the community to plan and undertake participatory development activities. The process starts with Village Selection with simultaneous deployment of staff and selection of NGOs, who are to be involved in project implementation process to assist in Rapid Appraisal (RA), community development through Participatory Assessment (PA), Participatory Resource Planning (PRP), Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PME), on-the-job training for leadership development and communication skills for villagers and village institutions, gender sensitization and to carry out process evaluation studies.

(ii) Community Capacity Building

Community Capacity Building is an important tool to strengthen the cadre of people involved in a project, and is achieved through PA, formation of village level institutions and micro planning. The objectives of capacity building are: (1) to enhance capabilities of participatory communities in terms of awareness, knowledge and skills; (2) to enable them to perform tasks assigned in a better manner, and (3) to develop visionary leadership for village improvement. Capacities building through training and on-the-job exposure visits within and outside the state are essential. The contents focus on project ideology, roles and responsibilities and record keeping among others. This will probably make a difference in the near future in terms of village level institutions that are holistically concerned with the quality of environment, natural resource management, upkeep of records, resource mobilisation, increasing area under village woodlots, land fertility, innovation, etc.

(iv) Village Level Institutions

The need for constituting village level institutions is to organise community members through a common platform to address the issues of natural resource management, to build leadership resources at the local level, to create a forum which can ensure accountability and transparency, empowerment of disadvantaged and to create a reservoir of resources, which can maintain community assets created under the project to sustain activities after the project withdraws. Self-Help Groups (SHG) need to be formed in different villages for social mobilization of women. This approach gives an opportunity to women to free themselves from isolation and exploitation. Regular training needs to be conducted to develop and enhance their skills to run these organizations.



(v) Training

The training activities of the project would be undertaken the following objectives:

To enhance the technical competence of field level forestry staff in areas like forestry extension, rural communication, participatory assessment, micro planning, participatory monitoring and evaluation and leadership building, in order to enable effective implementation of the project

Community capacity building at village level with a view to promote participation and self-reliant actions of the community, to manage their village resources in a sustainable manner

To hasten the process of empowerment of the weaker sections of village communities, particularly women, scheduled castes, landless and other disadvantaged groups, through on-the-job skill training to generate self-employment opportunities

(vi) Information and Communication

There is a range of community forestry information needed within the project as below which needs to be communicated

Villagers require access to community information systems related to management of Common Property Resources (CPRs), farm tree resources, income generating possibilities, resources and markets, various Government schemes for village development, skills needed to manage village level institutions

Extension staff needs information on different forestry models, community development processes, and communication and media skills

Project management would require information for decision-making, planning, monitoring and evaluation through establishment of reporting systems and a Management Information System (MIS)

(vii) Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation

The main aim is to provide information for better managing community forestry micro-projects and for improving community capabilities for sustainable resource management. The involvement of people in the process enables them to critically examine the programmes in order to achieve the desired results.

6.4.3 Recommendation for Management of Biodiversity of Project Influence Area

Based on extensive field survey of Project Influenced Area & major treats to existing terrestrial biodiversity, following recommendations are made for the conservation of Project Influenced Area. The issues are discussed in details below.



(i) Control of Timber Demand: Local people have recorded rights of timber for construction purposes at nominal rate. The ratio between this concessional and market rate is 1:4000 to1:5000. Due to division of families, the number of right holders is multiplying and the forests are depleting The right to timber for villagers is found to be the major factor affecting forests of the project influence area. Almost half of the yield prescribed annually from the forest goes to T.D. right holders. As whole standing tree are marked to the individual right holder, it gives entry and license to enter the forest and provide a temptation for illicit felling. The timber species of the forest are climax species & pays significant role in providing forest cover and habitat for wildlife hence, it should be protected from felling. Following measures are suggested

Strict ban on felling of timber species of size less than 90 i.e. girth at gbh (II B class) timber species

Reduction in Timber Demand by local right holders Increase in zamindari rate/concessional rates to prevailing market rules Compulsory plantation/successful survival of timber species then only

T.D. should be permitted by forest department to right holder Provision of alternate building material to timber such as concrete block

made of fly ash or brick for construction of houses/dwellings, Provision of Cement/Asbestos/Plastic/Tin sheets as roof material for poor right holders

(ii) Control of Agriculture/Horticulture activities in forest areas.

The agriculture/horticulture activities at the cost of forestlands should be discouraged

Strict control on felling of trees for expansion of agriculture/horticultural lands existing in forests areas

Control on Land use in forests areas and should be based on land capability classification

Areas under dense forests cover should not be disturbed for agriculture/ horticulture activities

(iii) Control of Forest Fire :

Special fire protection measures needed to be undertaken for control of forest fire such as

Early detection Quick communication Early action Placement of fire control equipments Reduction of fire hazards in forests Setting of fire lines and fire breaks Create Public awareness about impacts/effects of fire



(iv) Control on Grazing :

In order to protect forest from overgrazing certain punitive actions, as mentioned below, need to be attended to: • Where grazing is permitted, the animals should be allowed to enter the

forests well after the rains have begun so that grasses would have grown sufficiently to withstand grazing and trampling

• The cattle allowed to graze inside the forests should be accompanied by a herdsman to control unwanted grazing

• To reduces the dependency of grazing on forest surrounded by heavy bovine population, stall feeding, balanced animal nutrition, improved cattle varieties application of concentrates etc. should be encouraged

• Fencing around the important forest areas to prevent entry of cattle inside forest should also be tried. Provision of at least 1.5 m high fencing with barbed wire and R.C.C. posts is standard practice. Effective fencing restrict the movement of human beings and thereby illicit removal of forest material

• Cattle proof trenching of size 3 m wide top, 1.5 m wide bottom, and 1.5m deep is dug and dugout earth is heaped on the border of trench so that cattle cannot enter the protected area. On the soil, heaped on the border of trench, thorny species like Carissa spinarium, Zizyphus nummularia, Euphorbia royleana, Agave americana etc. should be planted so that it will stabilize the soil and prevent animals to jump and get into forest

(v) Illegal Cutting/Felling of Trees:

In order to prevent economic loss to forest division and degradation of reserve forest from illicit cutting following care should be taken – Theft of timber and firewood, if any should be controlled Special forest protection force should be established to apprehend the

illegal felling For unlawful activities in forests, strong actions should be taken and be

punished NGOs should also be involved for creating public awareness against illegal felling of trees

Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of 1 Document: 2006005 / EC Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: R0


CHAPTER 7

REFERENCES

Agrawal S.K. (2002) “Biodiversity Conservation” published by Rohini Books Jaipur P.P. 232 Biodiversity Action Plan (2003) State Council for Science, Technology & Environment Himachal Pradesh Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) for Rampur Hydro-electric Project. CAT Plan Division, Nichar Forest Division. Govt. of Himachal Pradesh Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2002) for NJHEP District Kinnaur & Shimla Himachal Pradesh, State Forest Department H.P. Chaimpion H.G. & Seth S.K. (1968) “Forest Types of India” Enchanting Himachal (2004) Publication of Wildlife Wing Forest Department Govt. of H.P. Revised Working Plan for the Forests of Outer Seraj (1996-97 to 2011-2012) Kullu District Govt of H.P. Revised Working Plan for the Forests of Outer Kotgarh/ Rampur Forest Division (1993-94 to 2007-2008) Kullu District Govt of H.P. Procedure & Instructions for the Timber Extractions Works (1988); Himachal Pradesh State Forest Corporation Limited Swaminathan 1997 (Biodiversity Action Plan Lahul & Spiti) SFR-2003, Chauhan 1999, Chaudhary & Wadhwa 1984, (HPSFR 2000) are available in Biodiversity Action Plan

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