annual report 2011-12 - gujarat institute of desert...

Annual Report 2011-12

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology

MISSION

GUIDE will catalyze the process of ameliorating hardships to human

beings in desert ecosystems of Gujarat, following sound ecological

principles and carefully using scientific knowledge, imaginative

technology and capital

MANDATE

Focus on desert, arid and semi-arid ecosystems of Gujarat, with special

emphasis on Kachchh.

Develop benchmark database for ecosystems of Kachchh and

thereafter undertake continuous monitoring and trend-analysis

through specific research activities

Identify problem areas and evolve appropriate solutions and

management strategies with the help of applied research

Formulate and implement relevant projects that would provide models

for emulation

Disseminate ecological information and communicate action plans to

suit local conditions, through extension and other programmes

Provide consultancy and training to NGO's, Government officials,

corporate sectors and other natural resource managers, in the

principles of ecology, integrated management and sustainable

development.

Contents

DIRECTOR’S NOTE ...................................... 1

INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES ........ 7

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ........................ 12

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS ............................. 14

PUBLICATIONS .......................................... 30

BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF GUIDE ....... 32

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS ........... 35

GUIDE Annual Report 2011-12 Page 1

DIRECTOR’S NOTE


(GUIDE), stepping into its 17th year,

continues to function as a pioneering

dryland research institute striving to

address the needs of community

through its research agenda. In order

to fulfill its avowed mandate to

achieve a synergy of science and

community in the field of ecology and

environment, GUIDE has made added

progress.

In order to strengthen its scientific

manpower and to enhance its

accomplishment, GUIDE has recruited a

team of highly qualified and

experienced scientists (Dr. Nimisha

Tripathi and Dr. Pranav Pandya) and

researchers (Dr. Rohitkumar Patel, Dr.

Mital Kannaria, Sh. Dayesh Parmar, Mr.

Nainesh Patel, Ms. R.Leka Meera, Sh.

Nanda Gopal, Sh. Abhinav M. Mehta,

Sh. Nilesh Sharma, Ms. Kiran Chitroda,

Mrs. Sudha Kumari) with multi-

disciplinary background who will work

on different aspects of diverse

ecosystems, biodiversity and livelihood

opportunities in Kachchh and other

places of Gujarat.

Prof. G. Agoramoorthy, Distinguished

Professor, Tajen University, Taiwan

has joined GUIDE as Honorary

Director on 3rd June 2011. His vast

international linkages would

strengthen international collaborative

research programmes and enhance

research acumen. The stewardship

and unflinching effort rendered by

our Chairman Shri S. G. Mankad, IAS

(Retd.) and the Board of Governors of

GUIDE are enabling us to function

with vigour and quality over the

previous years.

To add a feather in the GUIDE’s cap,

Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, IC Director of

GUIDE participated in the 5th IUCN

Asia Regional Conservation Forum at

Incheon, South Korea during the

period between 27th and 30th

September 2011. This Forum was

graced by eminent personalities from

India, including; Honourable Chief

Minister of Asam State- Sh. Tarun

Kumar Gogoi, The President of IUCN -

Dr. Ashok Khosla, Vice President of

IUCN-India - Sh. Karthikeya V.

Sarabhai, Director of SACON – Dr. P.

A. Azeez and Prof. B. C. Choudhury,

Wildlife Institute of India.


In yet another attempt to acquire

global eminence and to draw

worldwide attention towards Kachchh

dryland issues, GUIDE had earlier

signed MoU with Tajen University,

Taiwan and CASII, India. Indeed,

research and academic collaboration

with Yobe State University and Desert

Research Monitoring Control Centre

(DRMCC), Nigeria is also afoot. As a

follow up, a team of four members

visited GUIDE during April 2012 under

the leadership of Prof. Musa Alabe,

Vice Chancellor, Yobe State University,

Nigeria and signed a MoU with GUIDE.

This MoU will enable both the

organizations for faculty exchange,

collaborations between professionals

working within the same field, joint

research and development for

controlling desertification and

training of faculties.

Another MoU was signed with Gujarat

State Forest Development Corporation

(GPCB), GoG, Vadodara for undertaking

NTFP analysis of GSFDC and APSEZL for

characterization of soil, water, air in

APSEZL, Mundra.

National and State level collaborative

research programmes were proposed

with GEER Foundation and S.P.

University, Anand on different aspects

of ecology.


(GUIDE), Bhuj, ever since its

establishment in May 1995, has been

working steadfastly to address

different ecological issues pertaining to

arid and semi-arid regions of Gujarat

in general and Kachchh in particular. In

continuation of this, GUIDE organized a

national conference on “Wetland

Conservation for Sustainable

Development” during 17th and 18th

February 2012 at KSKV Kachchh

University, Bhuj-Kachchh. The main

objective of the symposium was the

conglomeration of research and

academic institutions, government and

non-government organizations, policy


makers and various stakeholders

dedicated to research, conservation

and restoration of wetlands with an aim

to establish a nationwide network of

wetland ecologists and research

organizations.

As a part of its recognition by K.S.K.V.

Kachchh University, Bhuj, GUIDE has

jointly undertaken teaching programme

of M. Sc. (Environmental Science) course

and the second batch of students passed

out during May 2011. A plan to

commence integrated master’s

programme with the Kachchh University

is also on avail. Apart from teaching, in

the areas of research guidance, GUIDE’s

scientists have guided students from

Symbiosis Institute, Pune; S.P. University,

Anand; North Gujarat University, Patan

and K.S.K.V. Kachchh University, Bhuj.

Demonstrating their presentation

capability, GUIDE scientists and

researchers attended several national

and international seminars and

symposia and presented research

papers. Among scientific publications,

notably one correspondence was

made to “Research” by the Honorary

Director of GUIDE.

The GUIDE laboratory has been

recognized as “State Air & State Water

Laboratory” by the GPCB, Gandhinagar

on 3rd September 2010 and the

recognition is extended for the year

2011 & 2012. The laboratory and

infrastructure facilities developed

during the previous year have further

been strengthened by adding more

equipment from the project grant

sponsored by DST, New Delhi. A team

of well-trained analysts is working

full time and the laboratory is now

poised to undertake a broad range of

advanced ecological research

envisaging the lab-to-field approach.

Laboratory facilities, besides serving

different project requirements also

meet analytical requirements of GPCB,

industries, farmers and other NGOs.

Further, GUIDE has signed a MoU with

MPSEZL, Mundra for operating an

environmental laboratory at MPSEZL.

The laboratory is operational since

July 2011.

Mrs. Rita Teotia, Commissioner of

Rural Development of Government of

Gujarat along with a team of officials

visited GUIDE and discussed about the


laboratory and other facilities

available at GUIDE.

To share their views and revelation,

distinguished dignitaries including

Prof Uriel Safriel, Ex Director, BIDR,

Israel; Sh. L. Murugappan, Sr.

Executive Director, IFFCO, Kandla-

Kachchh; Dr. A. K. Ghosh, Ex. Director,

Zoological Survey of India; Dr.

Dhrubajyoti Ghosh, Regional Chair,

IUCN Commission for Ecosystem

Management; Prof. V. C. Soni,

Saurashtra University and Prof. Geeta

Padate, M. S. University happily shared

their time to visit GUIDE.

Notwithstanding with the above, the

other significant achievement is the

publication initiatives of “State of

Environment of Kachchh” (SoEK) which

was published through GEER

Foundation, Gandhinagar in May 2011.

In an effort to fortify the research

endeavor of the institute, many

research proposals have also been

framed out, including the international

research proposal with Earth Watch;

Technology development for

production of biocolors from novel

microbes for application in dyeing and

leather industries with DST, New Delhi;

“Status of Biodiversity in the core and

buffer zone area around the Nirma

Cement Plant at Mahuva, district

Bhavnagar, Gujarat” with Nirma Cement

Company Ltd; and “Biological

Environment: Ecological Study for an

Integrated Cement Plant at Vayor,

district Kachchh, Gujarat”-Reliance

Cement Company.

Moreover, the successfully completed

projects within stipulated time

include; Impact of Desertification and

Climate Change in Kachchh,

Banaskantha and Patan Districts of

Gujarat, Marine Monitoring of APSEZL,

Studies on the Impact of Salinity

Prevention Structures along the


Coastal Belt of Kachchh and Micro-

planning of Selected Villages in Khadir

and Pachchham Islands.

The new projects initiated during the

tenure include; Watershed project at

Pachchham area with a budget outlay

of Rs. 1,027/- Lakhs and mangrove

monitoring studies at Mundra and

Dhandi areas of Gujarat. Other new

projects include; Environmental

monitoring study with ESSAR,

Jamnagar; and Biodiversity study in

Dholera SIR in collaboration with GEER

Foundation, Gandhinagar.

As a matter of pride, GUIDE was

facilitated with a precious accolade of

“Kachchh Ratna” awarded by the

Kutchi Chair of K. S. K. V. Kachchh

University, Bhuj-Kachchh for best

performance in environmental

research activities. The award was

presented on 7th April 2012 in a

special function Chaired by the

Honorable Finance Minister of the

Gujarat State – Shri. Vajubhai Vala and

Minister for State – Shri. Vasanbhai

Gopalbhai Ahir. The important

dignitaries include; the Vice

Chancellor of K.S.K.V. Kachchh

University – Dr. S. G. Yadav; the Vice

Chancellor of Ambedkar University –

Dr. Manoj Soni; Editor of Kutchmitra -

Sh. Kirthibhai Khatri, MLA of Abdasa

Taluka of Kachchh - Sh. Jayanthibhai

Bhanushali, Dr. Dharshanaben

Dholakiya, , Dr. B. S. Patel, Members

of Kutchi Chair and Faculties of

K.S.K.V. Kachchh University.

RESEARCH & STUDIES

Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation Studies

Desertification and Land Degradation Process

Regional Environmental Assessment and Planning

Socio-Economic Studies for Development Options

Natural Resources Management in Arid and Semi-Arid Zone (Rangeland Ecology, Agro-Ecology)

Impact of Invasion by Exotic and Introduced Species

Remote Sensing & GIS Applications for Biodiversity Conservation & Environmental Planning

Coastal Biodiversity and Coastal Monitoring

TEACHING

M. Sc. in Environmental Science (In collaboration with K. S. K. V. Kachchh University, Bhuj)

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Development and Conservation Options in Rann of Kachchh

Watershed Development and Management

Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems including Grassland, Mangroves, Forests, Wetlands, etc.

Development Options for Pastoral Communities

Improving the Management of Protected Area Networks

Ecological Restoration of Mining and Industrial Areas

TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO ACTION PROGRAMMES

Demonstration of Ecological Restoration Programmes

Technical Support to Non-governmental Organizations and Governmental Agencies/Departments

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Environmental Management and Planning (EMP)

THRUST AREAS


INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES

CAMPUS

The Institute is spread over four acres of land acquired from Government of

Gujarat, where its own complex

comprising well-furnished blocks for

academics, laboratory, library,

administration, conference and

meeting halls and hostel for research

scholars is located. In addition,

residential blocks for scientists have

also been constructed within the

premises of the institute which make it possible to devote more time to their

research activities.

HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION

The hostel complex has eight rooms

of double occupancy and special

double occupancy rooms to

accommodate important visitors. All

the scholars of GUIDE are

accommodated in the hostel. Dining

and recreational facilities are

provided in the hostel, which include

television, table tennis and provision

for outdoor games such as volley ball, badminton and cricket.

COMPUTER FACIL ITIES

Since computers and relevant software are essential

and integral part for quality research, it is

constantly endeavored to procure new software and

keep the systems updated. The institute is

equipped with ample computer facilities for storage

and processing of research data including an ecological data base.


TEACHING AND RESEARCH

Research activities in different disciplines are in progress since the inception of

institute through its multi-disciplinary team of scientists and research scholars.

Apart from the routine research, GUIDE has also undertaken initiatives in creating

ecological models in grassland restoration, community based mangrove

restoration and saline land reclamation. Further, the Institute has been

recognized as Research and Education Centre by K.S.K.V. Kachchh University,

Bhuj and is involved in conducting M.Sc. Environmental Sciences programme with

the university. The institute has modern teaching aids and field research

equipments with appropriate accessories to operate in-house and field

programmes.

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY

The laboratory facility at GUIDE meets all requirements of Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) of terrestrial and coastal areas. Regular analysis of

environmental samples is being carried out for industrial sectors, local

agriculturists and NGO’s. All types of environmental samples i.e. soil, water

(fresh water and sea), waste water, sludge are being carried out. In addition, the

analysis of on-site air quality is also done using sophisticated air samplers.


All the analyses in this laboratory are

carried out using standard methods

using equipment such as Atomic

Absorption Spectrophotometer, UV-

vis Spectrophotometer, Flame-

photometer, etc., several

sophisticated instruments such as;

Repairable Dust Samplers, Stack

Monitoring Kit, Fine Particulate

Sampler, Spectro-fluorometer and Ion Chromatography have also been added

recently.

With eminent scientific supervision and skilled technical staff, the laboratory is

running as a self-sustained unit and is recognised as State Air & State Water

Laboratory (First of its kind in Gujarat) by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board,

GoG, Gandhinagar.

HERBARIUM & MUSEUM

The institute possesses excellent collection of plant and animal specimens

(especially marine fauna) of Kachchh

in particular and Gujarat in general.

The floral specimens collected are

properly catalogued with phyto-

geographical information.

Extensive specimens of intertidal

molluscan shells from Kachchh and

Jamnagar coastal habitats are

preserved and kept as ready reference materials in the marine laboratory which

could be used by different school and college students. Speciment of terrestrial

animals from Gujarat is also planned to be preserved and exhibited in the

museum, which will cater the purpose of reference materials. The development

of digital herbarium is in process which will function as a reference centre for

students and researchers.


LIBRARY & DOCUMENTATION

A library with a wide range of multi-

disciplinary collection viz., arid and

semi-arid ecology, different

ecosystems, plant and animal

ecology, biodiversity, management

techniques, environmental

economics, interpretation and

education is being actively build up.

In addition to reference works and

text books on these subjects, a massive stock of monographs and reprints on

ecology, ecosystems etc. is also available. The JSTOR subscription for a period of

five years helps in accessing over 370 international journals in the fields of

Botany, Environment, Agriculture, Ecology, Biodiversity etc.

Currently the reference collection comprises over 1,200 classified items, which

are now being catalogued on to computer for easy review and retrieval. An

important part of the library services is also envisaged through computerized

database and literature search facilities, enabling rapid survey of existing

information on a particular topic. An amount of Rs. 1–1.50 Lakhs is spent every

year on journals and books for the library.

GIS & REMOTE SENSING CELL

GIS & RS facilitates research activities

related to biodiversity, land use, soil, and

geo-hydrological regime, Natural Resource

Mapping (NRM) and Participatory Resource

Mapping (PRM). The cell is well equipped

with GIS software Arc GIS 9.3.1, Cartalinx,

and Image processing software ERDAS

Imagine 9.3. We are also focusing on Open Source GIS software like QGIS,

GRASS, MapWindow and Multispec. The cell also has database of LANDSAT and

IRS Satellite imageries. The cell has mapped thematic layers of landscape

features of Gujarat in general and Kachchh, in particular.


TECHNICAL SERVICES

Institute provides various kinds of technical and analytical facilities on soil, water

and air to the academic and research institutes, industries and NGOs. The

various services provide include:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Marine Environmental Monitoring (MEM)

Environmental Managment and Planning (EMP)

Training programmes on Natural Resource Development and Management,

Biodiversity, etc.


Importance of wetlands in view of their service to

fishery, socio-economics, biodiversity and many

other benefits are now fully recognized. Occupying

about 6% of the global area their contribution to

rural economy in drylands like Kachchh is

enormous. They serve as sources of food and

water, carbon sink, flood control, a sink for

pollutants and a buffer for climate change. In

addition, wetlands provide valuable ecosystems for

various species of terrestrial and aquatic organisms

in Kachchh.

In spite of being arid, Kachchh district covers

maximum area under wetlands. Out of the total

area under wetland in Gujarat, Kachchh region

accounts for 21.77 lakh ha which is 80.12% of the

State’s wetlands. The unique wetlands of Great and

Little Ranns of Kachchh occupy maximum area

under these category. Many man-made reservoirs are functioning as inland wetlands. Some

of the best-known wetlands of Kachchh are the Bhimasar and Shinay lakes, Devisar tank,

Rudarmata dam and Ningal dam, Kukma village tank and Ler dam, Don dam, Topansar tank

and Vijay Sagar dam, etc. The Great and Little Ranns of Kachchh are flat saline waste or salt

impregnated wetlands. Banni, one of the largest grassland extent of the country too has many

seasonal and perennial wetlands.

In view of the importance of wetland in Kachchh context, a two day national conference

was conducted by GUIDE during 17th and 18th February 2012 at K.S.K.V. Kachchh

University. This mega event was inaugurated by the Former Director-General of Zoological

Survey of India (ZSI), Dr. A.K.Ghosh, and graced by eminent scientists and scholars from

various national institutes, universities, NGOs and Government Departments. The

conference was focussed towards wetland related gigantic and core issues which were

addressed through invited lectures from eminent wetland scientists and twelve presentations

by young researchers, dealing with the following themes.

Status of wetlands: National and International Scenario

Status of Gujarat Wetlands

Conservation, Restoration and Management of Wetlands

National Conference

‘Wetland Conservation and Sustainable Development’


Besides the scheduled deliberations, the conference also brought together other researchers

and professionals to discuss

development and exchange

experiences in the field of wetland

systems who highlighted the present

status and future strategies for the

conservation of wetlands for people

and wildlife of Gujarat, in general

and Kachchh, in particular. The

conference was marked by

reviewing case studies, sharing

personal experiences, brain

storming sessions, deliberations and interactions. In the process, lacunae in terms of policy

decisions, research and stakeholder

contributions was identified. In its

concluding session the conference

brought out a set of recommendations

to further fine tune the present

conservation and management efforts

by various government agencies and

resource managers. Role of

stakeholders and their contribution

towards conservation and

management had also been a focal

point of discussion. It was decided to

conduct such conferences periodically in Kachchh for better exchange of views and

advancing wetland research on different aspects.

Conclusion: The concluded wetland

conference has highlighted the

importance of sustainable usage of

wetlands in a dryland like Kachchh. It

also highlighted how conserving

wetlands, whose presence in Kachchh is

most extensive in Gujarat, will sustain

biodiversity, rural economy and related

ecosystem services of wetlands. All the

participants unanimously felt the need

for more such deliberations and scientific

discussions which will pave way for

better management and conservation of

this important ecological entity.


Funded by GSFD (Development and Management)

Team Mr. Nikunj B. Gajera (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mohato (Co-PI) and

Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya

Budget Rs. 11, 91,000 /=

Duration 1st May 2011 to 31st May 2012

Status Ongoing

Dryland Division

1. Assessment of Ecological and Economical Impact of Forest, Kachchh Circle

Forests are known to be critically important habitats in terms of the biological diversity they

contain and the ecological functions they serve. It is well known fact that forest ecosystem

provides direct and indirect ecological benefit and share in the generation of economy to the

society. The measure of ecological

and economic value of the forest to

the society might be conveniently

classified as: Direct use values,

indirect use values and optional

values.

The study covered forest areas of

Kachchh circle including Kachchh

and Patan districts of the Gujarat

state.

For the assessment, secondary data

was collected from IMD, NBSS-LUB, Survey of India, Gujarat State

Forest/Agriculture/Animal Husbandry/Irrigation departments, GWRDC, and GWSSB.

Primary data on soil, socio-economic

survey was conducted in forest and

neighboring non-forest areas. A total of

3,163 households were surveyed from

forest villages and 691 households

surveyed from non-forest villages of

Kachchh Circle.

The analysis of data collected from

primary and secondary sources is in

progress. The results will highlight the

impacts of forest in providing ecological and economical services. The final report will be

submitted in June 2012.


2. Collection of Baseline Data Pertaining to Biodiversity and Socio-economic in

Dholera SIR Area, Gujarat: Vegetation components

Government of Gujarat is

in the process of

developing the first

Special Investment

Region (SIR) of Gujarat

in Dholera, located in

Ahmedabad district,

spread over 900 km2

area

covering 22 villages. In

this connection, the

Government has decided

to develop data base of the

region pertaining to air,

soil, water, flora, fauna

and socioeconomic status

through Gujarat

Infrastructure

Development Board (GIDB). The

GIDB has allotted the biodiversity part

of the study to GEER Foundation and

GUIDE.

GUIDE is currently working on the

floral component of biodiversity, in

which, a total of 219 plant species

belonging to 64 families have been

recorded from the study area. The data

analysis and report preparation is in

progress. The study report will be

submitted to GIDB during the end of May 2012.

Funded by Gujarat Infrastructure development Board, Gandhinagar

Nodal Agency GEER foundation, Gandhinagar

Team Dr. Rohitkumar Patel (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (Co-PI),

Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Nainesh Patel, Dr. Mital Kaneria and

Mr. Yatin Patel

Budget Rs.18, 97,000/-

Duration June 2011 to May 2012

Status Ongoing


3. Ecological Evaluation of Biota and Provide Conservation and Monitoring

Strategies for 1 km Peripheral Area of 1840ha allotted for Infrastructure

Development-Mundra Port & SEZ Limited, Mundra, Kachchh.

Gujarat State Forest Department

has allotted 1,840 hectare land to

Adani Port SEZ Ltd (APSEZL),

near a forest area known as

Bharadimata. Due to high

ecological sensitivity of the area,

APSEZL approached GUIDE to

evaluate the baseline data and

status of 1 km peripheral area of

the Bharadimata and suggest

measures for management and

conservation of the area. The total

allotted land area was divided

into three parts, based on

ecological characteristics viz,

natural vegetation including forest,

mudflats and mangroves.

Total 3 field surveys were

conducted for ecological

evaluation of the study area.

The preliminary investigations

have recorded 118 plant species

including a rare and endangered

plant Commiphora whightii.

Along with plants, the faunal

component includes 6 species

of mammal, 2 species of

reptiles and 61 species of birds

from the 1 km peripheral areas

of the Bharadimata. The study

is in progress and the final

report will be submitted in July

2012.

Funded by Adani Port SEZ Ltd., Mundra

Team Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Rohit Patel, Mr. Nainesh

Patel, Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya

Budget Rs.5, 06,000.00/-

Duration 1 year

Status Ongoing


4. Integrated Grassland Development in Banni

Banni, the largest remnant grassland and perhaps the only single vast stretch of grassland in

India, is situated on the northern border of the Bhuj taluka (230 19' to 23

0 52' N latitude and 68

0

56' to 700 32' E longitude) of Kachchh district. Covering an area of 2617.72 sq. km.

(GUIDE

2007), the grassland forms the

fringes of the Greater Rann.

The project attempts restoration

of degraded grassland and

ecological assessment of

grassland biodiversity of Banni

Region of Kachchh District. The

project was sanctioned in May

2007 by the Gujarat Department

of Forest and Environment

(GDFE), GoG, Gandhinagar,

however, the project activities commenced from April 2008 after the receipt of the first

installment. For smooth execution of this project, a District Level Committee (DLC) was

constituted by the GoG under the Chairmanship of District Collector, Kachchh. A detailed

guideline for execution of the project was framed and approved by the DLC.

As a part of Research and monitoring, seasonal data was collected (winter, summer, and

monsoon). A base map of Banni was prepared with the help of toposheet maps, cadastral

maps and the satellite imagery of pre monsoon 2008 under the GIS platform. The land use

pattern was classified into five major types; Prosopis dominant area, Suaeda scrub (Including

barren land), Prosopis with other vegetation, Grassland with sparse Prosopis and Water

bodies. Predominant area in Banni is Suaeda scrub including barren land (753.25 km2),

followed by Prosopis dominant area (720.73 km2) and Prosopis with other vegetation (554.52

km2).

As part of the restoration of Banni grassland, currently five NGOs are working at seven

villages in Banni, covering an area of 705ha. The development activities of the project have

got a setback due to sociological issues in Banni. The project aimed to cover 4,000ha

grassland area development subject to active participation of maldharis of Banni. In addition,

micro-planning of 44 villages was also submitted to GSFD, Kachchh and GDFE,

Gandhinagar.

Funded by Gujarat Department of Forest and Environment (GDFE)

Team Dr. V. Vijay Kumar (Project Leader)

Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Yatin Patel, and Mr. Prakash Patel

Budget Rs. 664 Lakhs

Duration 5 Years (2007 – 2012)

Status Ongoing


5. Integrated Watershed Management Programme

The watershed project

(IWDP -9) was sanctioned by

the DWDU during May,

2011. The project villages

include Dhrobana, Mota

Dinara, Nana Dinara and

Kuran, covering an area of

7,188 ha in Pachchham area

of Bhuj taluka of the

Kachchh district. These

villages are located along the

fringes of the Greater Rann

of Kachchh.

Major problems of the project area includes degraded lands, climatic constraints, poor soil

fertility, soil erosion, poor

vegetative cover, water crises, soil

and water salinity resulting into

land degradation and its

productivity. The integrated

project aims at improving the land

status through various soil, water

and other site specific

amendments, thereby improving

the socioeconomic status of the

villagers. The project activities

were initiated during June/July,

2011. During the initial ten months period, the following activities were covered under the

project:

PRA of the project area.

Baseline survey and preparation of Detailed Project Report.

Formation and registration of village committees.

Entry Point Activities (Survey, Planning and Execution).

Funded by District Watershed Development Unit (DWDU)

Team Dr. V. Vijay Kumar (Nodal Officer)

Mr. Prakash Patel (Engineer),

Budget Rs. 1,078 Lakhs

Duration 5 Years (2011- 2016)

Status Ongoing


Funded by West and East Division of Kachchh Forest Circle

Team Dr. Rohitkumar Patel (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, (Co-PI)

Mr. Yatin Patel and Mr. Arun S. Sasi,

Budget Rs.75, 000/-

Duration Three months

Status Completed

6. State of Environment of Ranns (SoER) – Part of State of Environment of Gujarat

Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC),

Gandhinagar has taken initiatives in publishing a

book on “State of Environment of Gujarat”, in

which one topic, State of Environment of Ranns

was allotted to GUIDE. The chapter deals with

Greater and Little Ranns of Kachchh, and its

pressure, state, impact and responses for

conservation, management and sustainable

utilization of the Ranns. The chapter will be submitted to GEC during June 2012.

7. Floristic Inventory of Selected Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) of

Kachchh, Gujarat.

The Kachchh Forest Circle sponsored a short term

assessment project to conserve Commiphora wightii

(Guggal) in Kachchh forest circle and to improve the data

base on various other floristically rich areas in already

established Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas (MPCAs).

The main aim of this project was to document floristic

richness of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge of

local villagers in Mangvana and Gugliyana of West

division and Tharavada-Gandher and Ler of East Division.

During this study, Mangvana and Gugliyana areas were

found to represent the higher floral diversity and local

villagers were acquainted with the usage of medicinal

plants, while in Ler the growth of natural Guggal was

excellent but local villagers were having poor knowledge and little acquaintance with the

medicinal plants.

Funded by Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC), Gandhinagar

Team Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Coordinator,

Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Mr. Nainesh Patel

Budget Rs.3, 50,000/-

Duration 6 months

Status Ongoing


8. Microplanning of 13 villages in Khadir bet and Khavada Region, Kachchh

The main aim of this study was to

strengthen the agricultural activities in

7 villages of Khavda region and 6

villages of Khadir region of Kachchh

district. Therefore, the study addresses

various traditional options to maintain

the soil fertility and improve

agricultural productivity, develop

water sources for farmers and

maldharies and to control the spread of

Prosopis juliflora in grassland areas

of these villages.

9. Biodiversity Survey of the Selected River Crossing and Water bodies along

Salaya – Bhogat Pipeline Route (80 km): CAIRN Energy India PTY Ltd,

Gurgaon, Haryana.

A baseline study was proposed to

assess the impact of the pipeline

project on biodiversity during the

installation of pipelines crossing the

river and water bodies. Initially a

reconnaissance was carried out to

understand the physical and

biological attributes of the pipeline

route of the proposed project and

thereafter the detailed study was

undertaken. The study has provided

the actual impacts and its remedial

measures.

Funded by Gujarat State Forest Department (GSFD) Kachchh Circle

Team Mr. Mukeshkumar H. Koladiya (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato

Budget Rs.1, 30,000/-

Duration Three Months

Status Completed

Funded By CAIRN Energy India PTY Ltd

Team S.F. Wesely Sunderraj (PI), S. Somasundaram and Dr. Pankaj Joshi

Budget Rs. 8, 40,000/-

Duration February 2010 – July 2011

Status Completed


10. A Study on the Effect of Desertification and Climate Change in Kachchh,

Banaskantha, and Patan Districts of Gujarat State

The Government of Gujarat (GoG) has taken initiatives towards combating climate change

through launching separate department

for Climate change. As a follow-up, GoG

has sanctioned a project to GUIDE

through Gujarat Ecology Commission to

enhance the understanding and

knowledge on impact of climate change

and desertification in the arid districts

(Kachchh, Banaskantha and Patan) of

Gujarat. The study was completed during

June 2011.

Human and livestock population increase

was high in all the studied talukas which led to natural resource depletion. The overall

environmental risk status was prepared based on the study and it was found that in Kachchh

district Lakhpat, Bhachau, Rapar ranked in high risk category with maximum scoring of

environmental degradation and Abdasa, Mandvi, Mundra, Bhuj, Anjar and Nakhatrana talukas

were scored in medium risk category. In

Banaskantha district Deodar, Dhanera,

Tharad and Vav talukas were ranked as

high risk category whereas rest of the

talukas were under medium risk

category. In Patan district, Hirij,

Radhanpur and Santalpur were found to

fall under high risk category. It was

proposed to undertake immediate

attention in terms of natural resource

management. In all the three districts,

the natural resource depletion is found to

be very high, especially in ground water

depletion. In all most all the talukas

people are now shifted from the rain fed crops to irrigated crops, thereby leading to ground water

depletion as well as increased salinity. So people are encouraged towards the arid area crops with

modern water harvesting structures.

Funded By Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC), Gandhinagar

Project Team Dr. S. F. Wesley Sunderraj (PI)

Dr. S. Somasundaram, Mr. Yatin Patel and Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya

Budget Rs. 20, 00,000

Duration February 2010 to May 2011

Status Completed


11. Identify Problem Areas and Provide Eco-Management Strategies for the

Proposed Thermal Power Plant and Port projects of SP-EGPL, Kodinar,

Junagadh District, Gujarat

Shapoorji Pallonji Energy Private Limited (SP-EGPL) Group has planned to set up a Coal

based Thermal Power plant at village Kaj and Green Field Port project at village Chhara,

Taluka Kodinar, District Junagadh, Gujarat. In order to carry out ecological studies within the

influence areas of the proposed project sites, SP-EGPL requested Gujarat Institute of Desert

Ecology to carry out the study. The area considered for this ecological study included an

extant of 15 km long and 10 km width keeping a strategic center point between the proposed

Port and Thermal

Power plant located

between Chhara and

Kaj villages of

Kodinar Taluka.

The project approach

involved collection

and compilation of

secondary information

pertaining to the

sensitive ecosystems

and validate the same

through rapid survey

and formal discussion

with the concerned

stakeholders. Status of

wetlands, sea turtle

nesting beaches,

shoring of whale shark

and straying lions were discussed and eco-management plan and monitoring strategies for

their long-term conservation were provided.

Funded by Shapoorji Pallonji Energy (Gujarat) Private Limited,

Team Dr. S. F. Wesley Sunderraj (PI), Dr. S. Somasundaram, Mr. Nikunj

Gajera, and Mukesh H. Kolidiya

Budget Rs 3, 50,000

Duration 3 months

Status Completed


Wetland Division

1. Baseline Monitoring Study for Biological Characteristics in Kharo Creek, Kachchh

North-western coast of

Kachchh bordering Abdasa and

Lakhpat talukas is the hub of

coastal industrial activities.

Incidentally, this coastal belt

harbours some of the best

coastal biodiversity hotspots

like mangroves. Sanghi

Cements Ltd., located in

Abadasa taluka has its own

jetty in Kharo creek. As per the

directives of Ministry of

Environment and Forests

(MoEF), Sanghi Cements Ltd.,

has instituted a seasonal marine

monitoring study in Kharo creek in and around its Jetty which is being carried out by GUIDE.

This study monitors Kharo

creek environment by

investigating important

biotopes like mangroves,

benthic and pelagic habitats.

The study parameters include

plankton, intertidal and sub-

tidal fauna, water quality and

sediment quality. This study

will help the authorities to

keep a vigil on the ecosystem

health and take remedial

measures in the event of any

impact.

Funded by Sanghi Cement Pvt. Ltd.

Team Dr. Sourav Kundu, Dr. G.A. Thivakaran, Dr. K. Karthikeyan, Ms. V.

Devi and Mr. G. Nandagopal

Budget Rs. 4, 50,000

Duration 5 years

Status: Ongoing


2. Marine Monitoring Studies at Vadinar Oil Terminal and SBM, Jamnagar, Gulf

of Kachchh

Vadinor Oil Terminal Ltd. (VOTL), an ESSAR Group Company located on the Narara Bet on

the southern shore of Gulf of Kachchh (GoK) around 50 km west of Jamnagar has been set up

to import crude oil for the ESSAR Oil Limited and to partially evacuate the products

manufactured in the refinery. VOTL has its

own Single Buoy Moorings (SBM)

positioned roughly around 7 km from its

berths which enable the VOTL authorities to

handle super tankers to download crude oil

through pipeline systems to the shore based

storage structures.

The berths located in the Pathfinder Inlet

provide all weather berthing facilities for

product tankers for loading petroleum

products. In addition, the refinery draws

seawater for cooling and other uses from the Pathfinder Inlet and the effluent which is largely

seawater used for cooling and desalination is released through a marine outfall in the vicinity

of the SBM.

Realizing the sensitivity of the

immediate marine ecosystem and the

importance to track ecological changes

to maintain the environmental health in

their port area, VOTL authorities have

instituted a holistic study to monitor the

marine ecological conditions of the port

which will enable them to track

environmental changes if occurring in

the region due to their activities. As per

the assignment, monthly monitoring

studies are being carried out by GUIDE

since November 2011. This ecological study encompasses water and sediment quality,

biological productivity, intertidal and sub tidal fauna and planktonology at four stations

namely Jetty, SBM, Jetty intertidal and Pipeline intertidal.

Funded by ESSAR Industries, Jamnagar

Team Dr. K. Karthikeyan (PI), Dr. G.A.Thivakaran (Co-PI)

Dr. Sourav Kundu, Ms. Devi Veluswamy, Ms. R.Leka Meera and

Mr. G.Nandhagopal


Duration November 2011 – October 2012)

Status Ongoing


Funded by Kandla Port Trust- KPT through National Institute of Oceanography,

Mumbai

Team G. A. Thivakaran, Dr. S. F. Wesley Sunderraj, Dr. K. Karthikeyan,

Mr. Nikunj Gajera, Mr. Mukesh Koladia, Mrs. Munmun Sinha, Ms. V.

Devi and Dr. Sourav Kundu

Budget Rs. 32, 000, 00

Duration Two years

Status Ongoing

3. Comprehensive Terrestrial Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the

Proposed Multi-Product Special Economic Zone at Kandla Port, Gandhidham,

Gujarat

Kandla port has several ideal conditions for setting up Special Economic Zone (SEZ). In

order to boost trade and commerce in this region due to these ideal conditions, Kandla

Port Trust (KPT) is planning to promote a multi-purpose special economic zone (MPSEZ) in

two segments, namely Kandla block (Block A) and Tuna Block (Block B). Different kinds of

industries will be accommodated in each block based on their nature and types. A

comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study both on the terrestrial and

marine realm has been planned and the task was assigned by KPT to National Institute of

Oceanography (NIO), Mumbai. National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), in turn, assigned

the task of carrying out the terrestrial EIA studies to Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology

(GUIDE), Bhuj.

The present EIA study has the following scope

1. Physio-chemical characterization of the impact zone in terms of air, soil, ground and

surface water and biological characterization like fauna, flora and their conservation

status.

2. Feasibility of the location for the proposed development activity in the light of

collected baseline environmental characters.

3. Description of processes and products planned in the proposed SEZ.

4. Adherence to relevant environmental quality standards

5. Anticipation/predicted impact as based on the gathered baseline data and assessment

in the light of proposed activities.

6. Suggestion of appropriate mitigation and abatement measures.

7. Suggestion of a holistic and long-term management plan to ensure sustainability of the

activity.

8. Socio-economic aspects

As per the scope of the project two seasonal data on the components of the study have been

gathered and the report writing is under progress.


Funded by Adani Petronet Ltd., Surat

Team Dr. G.A.Thivakaran, Mr. Nandhagopal and Dr. Sourav Kundu

Budget 4, 50,000

Duration Three years

Status Ongoing

4. Mangrove Plantation Monitoring Studies at Dandi, Surat

Adani Petronet located at Surat is handling

coal and other products in its jetty at Surat.

The company has raised mangrove plantation

to the tune of 200 ha at the coastal stretch of

Dandi village near Surat. Gujarat Institute of

Desert Ecology, Bhuj was entrusted to carry

out regular monitoring of the raised

plantation of 200 ha at Dandi through

assessment of different ecological

characteristics. The regular monitoring is

being carried out in a periodic manner at a

time interval of 3 months using standardized

monitoring protocol including different

components of the monitoring activity.

Objectives of this monitoring program are:

Assess the survival and mortality (if

any) of the planted mangroves

bimonthly through density assessment

and find out the cause for mortality.

Assess growth of planted mangroves

bimonthly through increment in GBH,

Canopy.

Record associated macro-faunal

population dynamics as an indicator of

the stand health through faunal density

and diversity studies.

Study relevant physical and chemical

characteristics of soil and water

(salinity, nutrients etc.).

Find out natural (algal encrustation, shift in substrate nature) and anthropogenic

threats (cattle grazing, cutting) to the plantation and suggest measures to ward it off.

Suggest appropriate management plan based on findings to ensure long-term survival

of the planted mangroves and discharge of its natural ecological services.

Till now two seasonal studies have been carried out and a report based on the field assessment

is submitted to Adani authorities.


Funded by Adani Port and Special Economic Zone (APSEZL), Mundra

Team Ms. Munmun Sinha, Dr. Sourav Kundu, Dr. Rohitkumar Patel, Dr.

Mital Kaneria and Mr. Nandha gopal,

Dr. G.A.Thivakaran


Duration Three years

Status

5. Mangrove Plantation Monitoring Studies at Luni, Mundra

Adani Port and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZL) as a part of its environmental plan,

has developed mangrove plantation in 200 ha at the coastal stretch of Luni village in Mundra

Taluka. Further mangrove

plantation efforts are being planned

in a long term manner. Gujarat

Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj

was entrusted to carry out regular

monitoring of the raised plantation

of 200 ha at Mundra Taluka

through assessment of different

ecological characteristics.

The regular monitoring is carried

out in a periodic manner at a time

interval of 3 months using

standardized monitoring protocol

including different components of the monitoring activity.

Objectives of this monitoring program are as follows:

Assess the survival and mortality (if any) of the planted mangroves bimonthly through

density assessment and find out the cause for mortality.

Assess growth of planted mangroves bimonthly through increment in GBH, Canopy.

Record associated macro faunal population dynamics as an indicator of the stand

health through faunal density and diversity studies.

Physio-chemical characterization of soil and water (salinity, nutrients etc).

Find out natural (algal encrustation, shift in substrate nature) and anthropogenic

threats (cattle grazing, cutting) to the plantation and suggest measures to ward it off.

Suggest appropriate management plan based on findings to ensure long term survival

of the planted mangroves and discharge of its natural ecological services.

So far, two seasonal studies have been carried out and a report based on the field assessment

is submitted to Adani authorities. The periodic status report elaborates on different growth

characters, threats and problems observed and management suggestions including remedial

measures to make the plantation viable for a functional ecosystem.


Funded by Kandla Port Trust- Kandla, Gandhidham

Team Dr. G.A.Thivakaran, Ms.V.Devi, G.Nandhagopal, Dr. Sourav Kundu

Ms. Leka Meera and Dr. Rohitkumar Patel.

Budget Rs. 12, 00,000

Duration 4 Months

Status Draft Report submitted and Final Report to be submitted

6. Development of Berthing and Allied Facilities off –Tekra near Tuna: Mangrove

Preservation and Management Plan

Kandla Port is constructing its 17th

dry

bulk terminal at the Tuna region in order to

meet the growing cargo handling demands

as the port is registering a phenomenal

growth in its trade and commerce. The

Proposed jetty will come up at Tuna, where

mangroves are present in 2000 ha area. The

Ministry of Environment and Forest

(MoEF) while according environmental

and CRZ clearance to the project has made

it mandatory to draw measures to preserve

pristine mangrove formation in and around

Tuna region. This assignment of drawing an exhaustive preservation measures was given to

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj.

The Main Objective of the project is three fold namely,

a) To document the present status of

Tuna mangroves including its

vegetation attributes, water and

sediment quality.

b) To visualize the potential impact

that may arise out of the proposed

bulk terminal construction and

operation and

c) To draw appropriate preservation

plan to ward off impact and

preserve the Tuna mangrove stand.

Detailed field studies were carried out and all baseline data of mangroves and its governing

water and sediment quality have been documented. Based on the quantum of physical

activities and their different nature, a detailed plan for preservation of Tuna mangroves was

drawn and submitted to Kandla Port authorities.


Funded by Salinity Control Division-Bhuj (Kachchh Irrigation Circle)

Team Dr. G. A.T hivakaran (PI)), Dr. S. F. W. Sunderraj, Dr. K. Karthikeyan,

Dr. P.N. Joshi, Dr. M. K. Pardesi, Mr. Nikunj Gajera, Ms. Munmun Sinha,

Mrs. Apeksha Patel, Mr. Yatin Patel and Mr. Mukesh Koladia

Budget Rs 23, 72,000

Duration March 2010-June 2011

Status Completed

7. Assessment of the Impact of Proposed and Completed Salinity Ingress Prevention

Structures Along the Coastal Belt of Kachchh district

Salinity ingression in coastal zone

is a major problem in Gujarat.

Almost all coastal districts are

facing this menace. Salinization of

groundwater, scarcity for potable

water and reduced agricultural

productivity are some of the

serious repercussions of salinity

ingression.

The Salinity Control Division-

Bhuj, Kachchh has constructed

forty-five bandharas spanning

over 7 coastal talukas of Kachchh

to check salinity ingression into

the coastal zone. In order to assess

the impact of these civil

structures, Irrigation Circle

initiated a study through GUIDE.

In this study, effects of

constructed bandharas in terms of

water and soil quality, agriculture,

land use and land cover change

and socio-economics of the

communities residing nearby have been investigated. A discernible impact in all these

quarters could be seen. The bandharas have helped in reclaiming the saline soil, improving

the agriculture thereby enhancing the socio-economic status of the areas around the

bandharas. A detailed management plan in order to enhance the performance of bandharas

and involvement of local stakeholders and beneficiaries of bandharas are also discussed in the

final report which was submitted to Irrigation circle of Kachchh.


Reports

Patel, R. M. and Mahato, A. K. R. (2011). Floristic inventory of selected medicinal plants conservation areas (MPCAs) of Kachchh, Gujarat (Mangvana and Gugliyana of West division Tharavada-Gandher and Ler of East Division). Final Study Report. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh.

Koladiya, M. and Mahato, A. K. R. (2011). Social aspect Micro-planning of 13 villages of Khadirbet and Khavada Region, Kachchh. Final Study Report. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh.

Sunderraj, S. F. W. and Somasundaram, S. (2011). A Study on the Effect of Desertification and Climate Change in Kachchh, Banaskantha, and Patan Districts of Gujarat State. Final Study Report. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh.

Sunderraj, S. F. W. and Somasundaram, S. (2011). Biodiversity Survey of the Selected River Crossing and Water bodies along Salaya – Bhogat Pipeline Route (80 km): CAIRN Energy India PTY Ltd, Gurgaon, Haryana. Final Study Report. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh.

Sunderraj, S. F. W. (2011). Identify Problem Areas and Provide Eco-Management Strategies for the Proposed Thermal Power Plant and Port projects of SP-EGPL, Kodinar, Junagadh District, Gujarat. Final Study Report. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh.

Thivakaran, G. A., Sunderraj, S. F. W. and Gajera, N. B. (2011). Assessment of the impact of proposed and completed Salinity Ingress Prevention structures along the coastal belt of Kachchh district. Final Study Report. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh.

Thivakaran, G. A. (2011). Development of Berthing and Allied Facilities off –Tekra near Tuna: Mangrove Preservation and Management Plan (Draft Report submitted and Final Report to be submitted). Final Study Report. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh.

Scientific Communication

Agoramoorthy, G. (2012). Nuclear power: India should exploit renewable energy. Nature 481, 145. doi: 10.1038/481145c.

Agoramurthy, G. and Vijay Kumar, V. (2011) Reintroducing the Cheetah in India’s Grassland-Glamour or Conservation. Current Science, Vol.101, No3, 10 August, 2011.

Agoramurthy, G. , Vijay Kumar, V. and Patel, P. (2011) Rice eating Jackals of The Rann of Kachchh. Current Science, Vol.101,No7,10 October, 2012.

Koladiya, M. H. (2011). Bird observation Note on Sighting of Houbara Bustard. Journal of Prakruti, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Vol.19 pp37-39.

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v481/n7380/full/481145c.html#auth-1


Presentations at Conference/Seminar

Gajera, N. and Mahato, A. K. R. (2011). “Impact of Prosopis julifroa on the avifaunal diversity in dry-

land areas of Kachchh-Gujarat” in International Conference on Indian Ornithology – 2011

Organized by Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore (19th -23rd

November, 2011)

Gajera N. B. and Mahato A. K. R. (2011). “Socio-ecology of antelope in arid region of Kachchh,

Gujarat, India: a study for conservation’’ has been accepted for Oral presentation in the

WCMANU – 2011 organized by the Department of Zoology & Environmental Science,

Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, India (11th –13th November, 2011).

Shah, J. P. (2012). Ecological Succession of Prosopis juliflora in coastal region of Kachchh district

presented at workshop on Utilization of Prosopis juliflora Challenges and opportunities at

CAZRI – Jodhpur (12th- 13th March, 2012).

Shah, J.P. and Thivakaran, G. A. (2012). Influence of Soil Ionic Compounds on Halophytes of Coastal

Kachchh, Gujarat presented at International Conference on Biotechnology: For Environment,

Agriculture and Society - North Gujarat University Patan (30th March-1st April, 2012).

Sharma, N. (2012). Paper presentation in 17th International Conference on “Expanding Horizons in

Chemical and Biological Sciences: Innovation Crossroads” at Solapur University (21st -24th

January, 2012)


BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF GUIDE

S. No. Board of Governors Designation

1. Sh. S. G. Mankad, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Gujarat Chairman

2. Sh. Sandeep I. Virmani, Abhiyan, Bhuj Vice Chairman

3. The District Development Officer, Kachchh District Member

4. Ms. Vijayalaxmi T. Sheth, Ex. Post Master General, Gujarat Member

5. Sh. R. V. Asari, Ex. PCCF (Wildlife), Gandhinagar Member

6. Dr. R. Parthasarathy, CEPT, Ahmedabad Member

7. The Vice Chancellor, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj Member

8. Sh. Harthik Shah, Member Secretary, GPCB, Gandhinagar Member

9. Prof. Nisha Shah, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad Member

10. Joint Director, GUIDE Member

11. Director, GUIDE Member Secretary

THE GUIDE SOCIETY

S. No. GUIDE Society Members

1. Shri S. G. Mankad, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Gujarat

2. Shri Sandeep I. Virmani, Abhiyan, Bhuj

3. Dr. R. Parthasarathy, CEPT, Ahmedabad

4. The District Development Officer, Kachchh District

5. Sh. Harthik Shah, Member Secretary, GPCB, Gandhinagar

6. Sh. R. V. Asari, Ex. PCCF (Wildlife), Gandhinagar

7. Prof. Nisha Shah, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad

8. Ms. Vijaylaxmi Sheth, Ex. Post Master General, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

9. The Vice Chancellor, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj

10. Head, Regional Station, CAZRI, Kukma, Kachchh,

11. Director, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi

12. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), GSFD, Gandhinagar

13. Dr. B. N. Desai, Ex. Director, National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Mumbai

14. Prof. Mahesh Pathak, Vallabh Vidya Nagar, Anand, Gujarat

15. Sh. Kantisen C. Shroff, Chairman, Shrujan, Bhujodi, Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat

16. Sh. Asim Chakraborty, Director, Welspun Group, Anjar-Kachchh, Gujarat

17. Sh. Dipak Bhimani, Chairman, Navdeep Chemicals Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai

18. Director, GUIDE

19. Joint Director, GUIDE


THE GUIDE TREE

(2011-12) S. No Name Designation

Scientists

1. Prof. G. Agoramoorthy, M. Sc., Ph. D. Honorary Director

2. Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, M. Sc., Ph. D. Joint Director & IC Director

3. Dr. G. A. Thivakaran, M. Sc., M. Phil., Ph. D. Senior Principle Scientist

4. Dr. Wesley Sunderraj, M. Sc., Ph. D. Senior Principle Scientist (Till 9th Jan.

2012)

5. Dr. Nimisha Tripathi, M. Sc., Ph. D. Senior Scientist

6. Mr. K. Karthikeyan, M. Sc., Ph. D. Scientist

7. Ms. Munmun Sinha, M. Sc., Ph. D. Scientist

8. Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, M. Sc., Ph. D. Scientist

9. Dr. P. N. Joshi, M. Sc., Ph. D. Scientist (Till 31st May 2011)

10. Dr. Jagruti H. Sanghvi, M. Sc., M. Phil., Ph. D. Women Scientist (DST)

Research Fellows

11. Dr. Sourav Kundu, M. Sc., M. Phil., Ph. D. Senior Associate Fellow

12. Dr. Mital Kaneria, M. Sc., Ph. D. Senior Associate Fellow

13. Dr. S. Somasundaram, M. Sc., Ph. D. Project Coordinator (Till 30th July 2011)

14. Dr. Prathiksha S. Patel, M. Sc., Ph. D. Project Coordinator (Till 12th August 2011)

15. Dr. M. K. Pardesi, M. Sc., Ph. D. Research Associate (Till 27th April 2011)

16. Mr. Dayesh Parmar, M. Sc., PGDRS. Senior Associate Fellow

17. Mr. Nikunj B. Gajera, M. Sc., M. Phil. Associate Fellow

18. Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, M. Sc. Associate Fellow

19. Ms. V. Devi, M. Sc. Associate Fellow

20. Ms. R. Leka Meera, M. Sc., M. Phil. Associate Fellow

21. Mr. Abhinav M. Mehta, M. Sc. Associate Fellow

22. Dr. Rohitkumar M. Patel, M. Sc., Ph. D. Associate Fellow

23. Mr. G. Nandagopal, M. Sc. Associate Fellow

24. Mr. Nainesh Patel, M. Sc., MS (EC). Associate Fellow

25. Mr. Yatin Patel, M. Sc. Associate Fellow (Till 30th August 2011)

26. Mrs. Apeksha Patel, MRM. Junior Research fellow (Till 30th April

2011)

27. Mr. Sandip Chad, MSW. Agronomist

28. Mr. Sanjay Baldania, MSW. Community Mobilizer

29. Ms. Sonal Rathod, MSW. Social Worker (Till 30th November 2011)

Technical Fellows

30. Mr. Prakash M. Patel, BE. Assistant Estate Manager

31. Mr. Mukesh Thakor Surveyor

32. Mr. Balakrishna, M. Sc. Lab Chemist (Till 8th June 2011)

33. Mr. Umesh K. Soni, M. Sc. Lab Analyst (Till 8th June 2011)

34. Mr. Hardhik Thacker, M. Sc. Lab Analyst (Till 8th June 2011)

35. Ms. Sunitha Bandole, M. Sc. Lab Analyst (Till 27th July 2011)

36. Ms. Sudha Kumari, M. Sc. Associate Fellow


37. Mr. Nilesh Sharma, M. Sc. Associate Fellow

38. Ms. Kiran Chitorda, M. Sc. Associate Fellow

39. Mr. Paresh Parmar, M. Sc. Associate Fellow

40. Mr. Rajesh Choudhari, M. Sc. Associate Fellow

Supportive Staff

41. Mrs. Jenny Furia, CA. Accounts-In-Charge/Internal Auditing

42. Mrs. Geeta Goswami, B. Com. Account Assistant

43. Mr. Manish P. Vyas, B.A. Admin-Cum-Library Assistant

44. Mr. Arvind K Lakum Diver Cum Peon

45. Mr. Altaf A. Meman Diver Cum Peon

46. Mr. Hameed H. Manyar Peon

47. Mr. Dansingh Bist Cook Cum Care Taker

Watchman & Sweeper (4 Nos.)

DISSERTATION STUDENTS IN GUIDE

The following Post-graduate students from various institutions/universities have

completed their dissertation studies at GUIDE during April 2011- March 2012

S. No. Name of the Student Organization/University

1. Mr. Joystu Dutta Forest Research Institute (Deemed) University -

ICFRE, Dehra Dun.

2. Mr. Smitkumar Misra Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics, Pune

3. Mr. Vedhant Rimsar Jhala Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics, Pune

4. Mr. Roshankumar Jha Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics, Pune

5. Mr. B. K. Maheshwari Dept. of Chemistry, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj

6. Mr. Mahesh P. Dafda Dept. of Chemistry, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj

7. Mr. Mayur K Goswami Dept. of Chemistry, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj

8. Mr. Anil Goswami Dept. of Chemistry, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj

9. Mr. Jignesh Patel Dept. of Chemistry, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj

10. Ms. N. B. A. Sumra Department of Earth and Environmental Science,

KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj

11. Ms. Gopi Vyas Dept. of Earth and Environmental Science, KSKV

Kachchh University, Bhuj

12. Mr. R. Kamaraj Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.

13. Mr. R. Sounthirarajan Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.

14. Ms. Darshna Z. Rangani Shri Sahajand and PG Center of Social Work,

Akwada, Bhavnagar.


HIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Member

IUCN, Switzerland.

International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS), Beijing, China

Ocean Expert, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.

District Agricultural Development Committee (Part of State and National

Agricultural Committee), Kachchh District, Gujarat.

Member Secretary of the District Level Committee for Banni Grassland

Development, Kachchh District, Gujarat.

Special Invitee

GUIDE is a Special Invitee of Gujarat Biodiversity Board under the

Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Recognition

GUIDE is recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization

(SIROs) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of

India, New Delhi.

GUIDE is recognized as Education and Research Institute by the K. S. K. V.

Kachchh University, Bhuj. GUIDE is officiating partner of K. S. K. V. Kachchh

University to conduct M.Sc. course (Environmental and Earth Sciences)

GUIDE Laboratory has been recognized as State Air & State Water

Laboratory by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), GoG,

Gandhinagar


P.O. Box No. 83, Mundra Road, Bhuj, Kachchh-370001, Gujarat, India

Tel: +91 2832-329408, 235025 Fax: +91 2832-235027

Email: [email protected] Website: www.gujratdesertecology.com

Editor Dr. Nimisha Tripathi

Mr. Nainesh Patel

Ms. V. Devi

Graphics and Design Mr. Dayesh Parmar

“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad.

Otherwise what is there to defend? ” …Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park

dedication, 1985

mailto:[email protected]

annual report 2011-12 - gujarat institute of desert...

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