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Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: I of 15Document: 2006005 1 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006Final Report Revision: RO

ICSEXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION wHimachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in northern India known for its naturalbeauty, rich culture and religious heritage. The state has a population of sixmillion and covers 55,673 sq. km, ranging from foothills (Shivaliks), the Mid-hills, the High- Hills, and the Cold Dry Zone of upper Himalayas. The state is arich repository of biodiversity, and forms the Catchment of several majornorthern Indian rivers. The rich biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh is reflectedthrough the State Emblems of Pride such as

State Tree Cedrus deodara (Deodar),State Flower Rhododendron arboreum (Brans),State Animal Moschus moschiferus (Musk deer)State Bird Lophophorus impejanus (Monal)

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has been assigned to construct 412 MWRampur Hydro Electric Project (RHEP) near Rampur town in Kullu District,Himachal Pradesh (H.P.). The project RHEP has been conceived as a tailracedevelopment from the 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project (NJHEP) totap the hydropower potential of river Satluj between Jhakri and Bayal village. Thesurface powerhouse will be constructed on the right bank of the river Satluj atvillage Bayal, which is about 15 km downstream of Rampur town.

3.0 OBJECTIVES

The main objective of Terrestrial Biodiversity Study is to collect the baselineterrestrial biodiversity status regarding flora and fauna in the Project InfluenceArea, (7 Km surrounding the project sites), Project Immediate Influence Area(500 m surrounding project sites and Project Affected Area (Total 49.8 ha of landacquired). For the assessment of Terrestrial Biodiversity data has been collectedthrough extensive survey of the areas with reference to flora and fauna. Theobjectives are:

* To Conduct Botanical Survey of Flora with respect to taxonomy,physiognomy, forest type, Structure, Associations, Phenology and Ethno-botanical information for major forest species, etc

* To identify ecological status of flora and fauna with respect toendangered, rare, threatened, endemic as well as distributioncharacteristics i.e. native/exotic, commercially/ locally important species,weeds or parasites

Environment and Ecology

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LgProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 2 of 15Document: 20060051 EC I Executive Summary Date: August 2006Final Report Revision: RO

* To identify major uses of plant species in terms of timber, fodder, food,medicinal etc based on available literature & public consultation

* To identify major threats to existing terrestrial biodiversity

* To review Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Catchment Area TreatmentPlan, Muck/ Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan, for RHEP & NJHEP andsuggest vegetative measures

* Formulation of Biodiversity Management Plan

4.0 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The Primary & Secondary data has been collected to assess baseline terrestrialbiodiversity status. Primary surrey of flora has been conducted by usingStandard Quadrate Method & Random sampling approach was followed. TheImportance value index was calculated as per the Curter & Irtosh (1950) anddiversity index calculated as per Shanon- Weaver (1948) Domestic Animalswere directly observed during while birds were identified with binox andinformation about wildlife was collected form state forest dept. The publicconsultation was conducted during survey of the project] study area to knowabout various aspects of forest and wildlife studies.

The baseline biodiversity with reference to flora and fauna was collected forHimachal Pradesh, Satluj Basin, Project Influence Area, Project ImmediateInfluence Area and Project Affected Area. The information on Ecological status ofspecies & major threat to existing biodiversity also collected. The biodiversitystatus is discussed in brief.

4.1 Forest Types

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


Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 3 of 15Document: 2006005 / EC I Executive Summary Date: August 2006Final Report Revision: RO

Table: IComparative Distribution of Forests Types

Forest Types H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAA

Tropical Moist Siwalic Sal Forest.Deciduous Forest.. 3C/C2a

Bhabur Sal Forest.3C/C2b

Dry Alpine Scrub + 16/Cl - -I(3000-3600m.)Moist Alpine Scrub + Alpine Pasture 15/C3 - -

(3000-3600m)Sub Alpine Forest.. + Fir Frs. 14/CIa - -(3000-3500m.) Pasture 14/DS1Himalayan Dry + Coniferous Dry D. Frs. - -Temperate Forest.. 13/C2b(2500-3000m.) Con. Pine Frs. 13/Cl - -

Blue Pine Frs. 13/C2bHimalayan Moist + Ban-Oak Frs. 12/Cla +Temperate Forest.. Kharsu Oak Frs. 12/C2a +(1500-2500m) Moist Deodar Frs. +

12/C1COak- Fir Frs. 12/C2b +Mix. Con Frs. 12/Cld +Moharu Oak Frs. 12/C1 +Oak Scrub Frs. 12/Dsl

Sub- tropical Pine + Himalayan Sub- tropicalForest.. Pine Frs. 9C1

St. Euph Srb 9DS2 + + +

Sub-tropical Dry ± Dodonea Srb I0D51 + + +Evergreen Forest..

Tropical Dry + Northern Dry Mixed +Deciduous Forest. Dec. Frs. 5/C2

+ Khair- Sissoo Forest. +l_ _5B/1 S2

Total 9/35 8/19 4/10 2/2 2/2HP- Himachal Pradesh, S.B. - Satiuj Basin, PIA- Project Influence AreaPIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area+- Present, - - Absent * Altitudinal Migration


EEProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 4 of 15Document: 2006005 1 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006Final Report Revision: RO

The table 1.1 shows comparative distribution of forest types in HimachalPradesh, Satluj Basin, Project Influenced Area, Project Immediate InfluencedArea & Project Affected Area. It revealed that Shivalik Sal Forest differentiateHimachal 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 representsonly two forest types i.e. Sub-tropical Euphorbia Scrub and Dodonea Scrub,which are sparsely distributed along foothills and hill slopes.

4.2 Nature of Flora

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

Table: 2Comparative 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

Flora of the Project Influenced Area recorded highest number of 119 speciesfollowed by 77 and 63 in Project Immediate Influenced Area and Project AffectedArea respectively. Taxonomically, flora is represented by 98 Genera & 58Families. Physiognomically, floral diversity can be categorized as trees, shrubs,herbs, climbers, grasses, ferns, epiphytes & mushrooms. The flora of the ProjectAffected Area is dominated by Shrubs and showed low diversity index as givenin table below:


FqProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 5 of 15Document: 2006005 / EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006Final Report Revision: RO

Table 2

Diversity Indexes of the Project Area

Area Diversity Index Range for Diversity Index Range fortrees and Shrubs Grasses and Herbs

Project Affected Area 0.27 - 1.30 0.17 - 0.80

Immediate Influence Area 1.17 - 1.41 0.87 - 1.13

4.3 Natural Fauna

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

Table: 3Comparative Distribution of Endangered Species of Wildlife

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

Cold Desert Snow Leopard + + - - -

Dry Alpine Him Brown Bear + + - - -I

Scrub Tibetan Wolf + + - - -

Moist Alpine Red Fox + + - - - IV

Sub Alpine Common Leopard + + + - -Iforest. (3500-6600) Him Black Bear + + +* - - III

Bharal + + IIIHim Thar + + I

Him Ibex + + I

Musk Deer + + - -I

Baseline Terrestrial Biodiversity Status: -Status*: As per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Schedule-I : Endangered and Rare Species


LgProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 6 of 15Document: 20060051 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006Final Report Revision: RO

Schedule-Il Special Game

Schedule-llI Big Game

Schedule-IV Small Game

It revealed that only four species of Wildlife are reported from the ProjectInfluenced Area of which Himalayan Black Bear reported only during summerwhile Musk deer showed altitudinal migration during winter. The CommonLeopard is reported to follow cattle/goat/sheep herd commonly surrounding thevillages in forest areas. None of the endangered rare or protected species isreported from Project Immediate Influenced Area or Project Affected Area.

The base line faunal survey of the Project Influenced Area revealed that a total58 species of fauna recorded during survey of which 18 species are recorded formammals, 38 species of birds and 2 species of reptiles. Fauna of ProjectAffected Area and Project Immediate Influenced Area show poor distribution andmainly represented by domestic animals of local interest such ascows/buffaloes/horses/donkeys/mules/cats/dogs etc.

4.4 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 comprisedof 32 Wildlife Sanctuary and 2 National Parks occupying 13.6% of theGeographical Area of the States. Following table shows comparative distributionof Protected Area Network.

Table: 4Comparative Status of Protected Areas

Protected H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAAA re a s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

National 2 1--Park 2

Wildlife 32 8Sanctuary

It shows that there are no Protected Areas in or surrounding Project InfluencedArea, Project Immediate Influenced Area & Project Affected Area.

4.5 Threats to Terrestrial Biodiversity

The factors affecting terrestrial biodiversity can be categorized as natural& anthropogenic activities. The natural calamities are such as heavysnowfall, breaking and uprooting of trees, hail storms, drought anddiseases. The anthropogenic activities include demand of local people for


LgProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 7 of 15Document: 2006005/ EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006Final Report Revision: RO

timber, fodder, fuel, medicine, expansion of agriculture and horticultureactivities in forest areas, illegal felling and wildlife poaching. Due todependency of villagers on forest and forest produces the forest of HimachalPradesh are under tremendous pressure. The quantitative estimation of pressureon forests due to local demand for various purposes is given in following table.

Table: 5Major Cause of Pressure on Forests

S. No Detail of Item Unit

1 Timber Demand 4.5 Lakh m3

2 Fuel Demand 35 Lakh MT

3 Fodder demand 150 Lakh MT

4 Medicinal Plants 1500 sp

Out of these various factors, timber demand of local people is the major factoraffecting the forest. The traditional timber tights is discussed below in brief

4.6 Traditional Timber Right

Section 28 of Indian Forest Act 1927, gives rights to Bonafied Agriculturist of theVillages on timbers of the forest for their uses like Construction or repair ofhouse Dwelling or Cattle Shed, Temples, Arch of Deotas, Cremations of deadbodies, Grain Boxes, Irrigation Channels, Agricultural and Domestic Implements.The timber demand of right holders is increasing due to increase in Population,Nuclear families, better economic conditions of farmers due to increase incultivation of cash crops and horticultural activities. . The data on Timber Rightscollected from Rampur Forest Division for the year 1987-92 is given below:

Table: 6Details of Trees felled for Timber Demand From 1987-92

S.N. Timber Species Number of Trees Felled1 Cedrus deodara (Deodar) 20182 Pinus roxburghii (Kail) 57433 Pinus wallichiana (Chir) 02174 Picea smithiana (Rai) 0687


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It revealed that a total number of 8695 trees were felled to fulfill the timberdemand of local people.

5.0 IMPACTS ON TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY

Based on baseline terrestrial biodiversity status and various project activitiesduring construction & operation phase of project impacts are predicted. Impactsare categorized as direct, indirect, cumulative and induced impacts. Impacts onterrestrial biodiversity have been considered at various levels such as project-affected area, project immediate influenced area and project influenced area (7Km surrounding project site).

The terrestrial biodiversity of project affected area and project immediateinfluence area is represented by low floral & faunal diversity. The forests of thearea are represented by degraded forests type such as Euphorbia Scrub andHimalayan Subtropical Scrub. Weedy shrubs with some common tree speciesdominate the area. Direct impacts of project activity on flora are considered to bedue to acquisition of forestland for establishment of various project units, loss oftrees due felling and clearing. As acquire forestland is just 0.9% of the totalforestland available in Rampur division therefore it will not significantly affectexisting forest cover.

The impact due to tree felling will be insignificant, as 92.6 % of the total trees tobe felled are comprised of Eucalyptus trees, which is exotic species to the naturalforest. Other tree species are commonly available thought project immediateinfluence area and project influence area. As a result there will no change incommunity composition and structure of forest due to tree felling.

The loss due to clearing is also not expected as weedy shrubs, which are widelydistributed. None of the endangered, rare, threatened or endemic species wasobserved throughout the project area hence; adverse impacts on TerrestrialBiodiversity due to loss of species are not at all envisaged. The implementationof suggested recommendations measures for impacts during the construction &operation phase of the project will mitigate indirect and cumulative impacts

6.0 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Based on existing terrestrial biodiversity study conducted for Rampur Hydro-Electric Project recommendations are made for successful implementation ofsuggested mitigation measures during construction & operation phase of theproject. To protect & enhance the terrestrial biodiversity, the recommendationsare also made to Project Implementation Unit (SJVNL) with reference toInstitutional Strengthening, recommendations for vegetative measures &recommendations, which are to be forwarded to the State Forest Department forthe consideration while implementing various plans for the protection of terrestrialbiodiversity.


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S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation MeasuresN Phase01. Construction (i) Acquisition of The proposed project * Strict implementation of

Phase Forests Land does not involve approved Compensatoryeither construction of Afforestation Plan indam/reservoir hence accordance with Forestmajor loss to the (conservation) Act 1980existing forest is not and Himachal Pradeshat all envisaged. Forest Policy (1980).

Loss of Forests landi.e. 48.9 ha which isjust 0.9 % of the totalforests land availablein Ani Forest divisionHence impact will beinsignificant

(II) Felling of Trees The clearing of * Compensatoryproject sites for Afforestation will beconstruction requires carried under thefelling of trees, a total degraded Forest Areanumber of 1075 trees Development schemeare be felled. Out of hence there will betotal 92.6 % of trees increase the forest coverare EucalyptusPlantation , the exoticthe natural forestsand rest arecommonly distributedthroughout theproject immediateinfluence as well asproject influence areahence, the impact willbe insignificant

(iii)Clearing of The project site is * CompensatoryProject sites dominated by weedy Afforestation will carriedfor construction shrubs which are under the Degradedactivity commonly distributed Forest Area

throughout and none Development schemeof rare, endangered hence there will beor threatened or increase the forest coverendemic species wasobserved during


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S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation MeasuresN Phase0

survey /reported inthe project sites.Therefore no impacton biodiversity isenvisaged.

2 Construction (i) Generation of This may cause * All vehicles deliveringPhase dust by increase in SPM and materials to the site

movement of RPM level in the shall be covered tovehicles and area. Dust is also avoid spillage ofconstruction likely to settle on the materials.work, crusher surrounding flora.operation * All exiting approach

The impact shall be road used by vehiclestemporary, localised shall be kept clean andand reversible. clear of dust

No significant impacton Project Influence * The roads surfaces shallArea and Satluj be host or watered usingBasin. necessary equipments.

Plants, machinery andequipment shall behandled so as tominimize generation ofdust.

* All earth work shall beprotected to minimizedust generation.

* All crusher used inconstruction shallconfirm to relative dustemission devises

(ii) Generation of The noise level of the * The machineries,Noise construction site is vehicles and

likely to increase due equipments use into various activities, construction shall strictlywhich may cause confirm to CPCB



S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation MeasuresN Phaseo

disturbance to the standard.fauna in the area.However this impact * All vehicles equipmentwould be insignificant machinery used inas the increase in construction shall benoise shall be fitted by exhaustintermittent and silencers.temporary

Equipments should bemaintained regularly andsoundproof gadgets

No significant impact should be used.on fauna of ProjectInfluence Area and * Blasting shall be carriedSatluj Basin out as per the statutory

laws, regulation andrules pertaining toacquisition, transport,storage, handling andused of explosives

(iii) Movement of The labour force and * The contractor shouldLabour force technical staff may arrange alternativeand Technical poach on source of energy suchStaff occasionally invaded as Kerosene or LPG

wildlife in the area.* The Wildlife

No endangered, rare conservation Act shouldand threatened be strictly adhered.wildlife is reported inthe project area * Environmentalhence no significant awareness trainingimpact is anticipated should be provided toon fauna. the Contractor and

workers.No significant impacton Project InfluenceArea and Satluj Basin

(iv) Quarry Extraction of rocks * The extraction ofactivities and sand shall be material should be done

done for the from the identifiedconstruction work quarry site only.from quarry sites and




require felling of * If new quarry sites aretrees. required then prior

permission has to beNo significant impact taken from the owner.on Project Influence * The quarry area shouldArea and Satluj be reclaimed back. TheBasin. pits formed should be

backfilled byconstruction waste andsite should be stabilized.

* The topsoil (150mm)from all areas should bepreserved in stockpiles.

* Such a stockpile shouldbe utilized forredevelopment of quarryareas.

* Grasses and shrubspecies should beplanted.

(v) Soil Erosion The construction * Strict implementation ofactivities may lead to approved Catchmentthe erosion of soil in Area Treatment Plan forcatchments area of control of soil erosion.Satluj Basin.

(vi)Muck Disposal The muck produced * The muck should beby the construction disposed at thework shall be identified sites only.disposed at thedumping sites * Before disposal of muck

retaining walls should beThe disposal of muck constructed at the edgesshall destroy the flora to retain the muck as theat the sites. However sites are just above thethe sites identified for river Satlujmuck disposal haslow diversity for treesand shrubs andranges from 0.59 to


LGProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 13 of 15Document: 2006005 / EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006Final Report Revision: RO


0.97 which is verylow.

3. Construction (i)Traditional Loss of flora due to * The increased in timberPhase Timber Rights logging of timber prices for right holders

trees which are as per the prevailingClimax species of market ratenatural forests

* Reduction in permittingtimber demand by rightholders

* Provision of alternativebuilding material totimber such as provisionof bricks/concrete blocksfor building houses, tin/asbestos/ plastic sheetsas roof material atconcession rates to rightholders

(11) Influx of labour Requirement of living * Cutting of trees shouldplaces, hotels, filling be strictly prohibited instations, service the area for otherstations and extra construction work.workers will arise.This will provide job * Forest clearance shouldopportunity to the be obtained if there islocal skilled and any requirement forunskilled population. cutting trees.

(111) Induced Development in * Any new coloniesCommercial Rampur town and developed in areadevelopment nearby places is should have provision

likely to take place for plantation in theand land price may colony.increase.

* As, the Rampur &New commercial Duttanagar are welldevelopment and equipped with theadverse impacts are commercialnot envisaged development which are

very near from proposed


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The impact on Satluj. sites hence anyBasin will beinsignificant

However the inducedimpact will not causeany significant impacton flora of the areaas the migrantpopulation is notgiven any timber right

4. Operation (i) Loss of flora In operation phase * Proper protectionPhase no tree felling is measures should be

required. taken for the plantationwork carried under the

Compensatory projectafforestation andavenue plantation * Fencing of plantationshall increase the area should be done.greenery in the area.Hence the impact will * Watchman should bebe positive during also employed to care ofoperation phase. plantation for minimum 3

years.

(ii) Loss of fauna Loss of fauna is not * No impact is envisagedanticipated during on fauna duringoperation phase as operation phasethe wildlife is found inthe upper reaches ofhills far away fromproject area.

There shall be noimpact on fauna ofProject InfluenceArea and Satluj Basinduring operationphase.


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(iii) Biodiversity No significant impact * Awareness programsis envisaged on should be held for thebiodiversity in Project stakeholders to developInfluence Area and concern for conservationSatluj Basin of biodiversity in the

area.

7.0 CONCLUSION

Potential negative direct impact of hydroelectric project is considered to be lossof flora/ forests due to construction of dam/ reservoir. The proposed RampurHydroelectric Project neither involved construction of dam nor submergence offorest. Hence, any adverse impacts on existing forest in terms of reduction ofeither forest cover or loss of wildlife is not at all expected. The loss of forestlandand trees felled will be compensated by implementation of approvedCompensatory Afforestation Plan & Catchment Area Treatment Plan notonly this but also it will increase forest cover area of the surrounding region.Thus, it revealed that no significant adverse impacts on terrestrial biodiversitydue to proposed Rampur Hydro-electric project is envisaged.


CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background1.2 Project Setting1.3 Scope of Work1.4 Policy And Legal Aspects of Biodiversity Conservation

1.4.1 Legal Framework1.4.2 Protected Area management in Satluj Basin and

Himachal Pradesh1.5 Traditional Timber Rights Followed In H.P.

1.5.1 Procedure for Obtaining Timber1.5.2 Timber Trees

CHAPTER 2 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.1 Introduction2.2 Terrestrial Ecosystem2.3 Flora Assessment

2.3.1 Assessment Techniques2.4 Fauna Assessment2.5 Public Consultation

CHAPTER 3 BASELINE BIODIVERSITY STATUS

3.1 Introduction3.2 Biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh

3.2.1 Forest3.2.2 Natural Flora3.2.3 Natural Fauna

3.3 Biodiversity of Satluj Basin3.3.1 Forest Types3.3.2. Natural Flora3.3.3 Natural Fauna

3.4 Biodiversity Status of Project Influence Area3.4.1 Climate3.4.2 Geology & Soil Types3.4.3 Forest3.4.4 Forest Types3.4.5 Natural Flora3.4.6 Community use of Natural Flora3.4.7 Ethno-botanical Information3.4.8 Natural Fauna

3.5 Biodiversity of Immediate Influence Area3.5.1 Forest Types3.5.2 Natural Flora3.5.3 Natural Fauna

3.6 Bio Diversity of Project Affected Area3.6.1 Forest Type3.6.2 Natural Flora

3.6.3 Community Uses of Natural Flora3.6.4 Natural Fauna

3.7 Quantitative Assessment of Flora3.7.1 Project Affected Area3.7.2 Assessment of Flora of the Immediate Influence Area

3.8 Ecological Status of Species: Flora & Fauna(Endangered/Rare/Threatened /Endemic)3.8.1 Status of Flora3.8.2 Status of Fauna

3.9 Comparative Aspects of Flora and Fauna3.9.1 Comparative Status of Forests Types3.9.2 Comparative Distribution of Flora3.9.3 Comparative Distribution of Fauna

3.10 Factors Affecting Terrestrial Biodiversity3.10.1 Natural Calamities3.10.2 Anthropogenic Activities

CHAPTER 4 IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES ON BIODIVERSITY

4.1 Introduction4.2 Impacts on Flora

4.2.1 Direct Impacts4.2.2 Indirect & Cumulative Impacts4.2.3. Induced Impacts

4.3 Impacts on Fauna4.3.1 Direct Impacts4.3.2 Indirect & Cumulative Impacts4.3.3 Induced Impacts

CHAPTER 5 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

5.1 Introduction5.2 Threats to Biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh5.3 History of Deforestation5.4 Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives Taken by Gol & GoHP5.5 Previous Experience of Implementing Nathpa - Jhakri Hydro-

5.5.1 Compensatory Afforestation Plan of NJHEP5.5.2 Catchment Area Treatment Plan NJHEP

5.6 Conservation of Project Influence Area5.6.1 Major Threats to Biodiversity

5.7 Proposed Management Plan for Project Affected AreaIntroduction5.7.1 Proposed Compensatory Afforestation Plan for RHEP5.7.2 Proposed Catchment Area Treatment Plan for RHEP.5.7.3 Proposed Wildlife Management Plan5.7.4 Proposed Muck Disposal Plan

5.8 Proposed Management Plan for Mitigation of Impacts

CHAPTER 6 RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Introduction6.2 Institutional Strengthening

6.2.1 Appointment of Environment Officer6.2.2 Suggested Environmental Awareness & Training

Programmes6.2.3 Suggested Training Institutes

6.3 Vegetative Recommendations6.3.1 Recommendations for Muck/Quarry Area Redevelopment

Plan6.3.2 Recommendation for Avenue Plantations

6.4 Recommendation to be forwarded to State Forest Department6.4.1 Recommendation for Compensatory Afforestation Plan6.4.2 Recommendation for Implementation of Catchment Area

Treatment Plan6.4.3 Recommendation for Management of Biodiversity of

Project Influence Area

CHAPTER 7 REFERENCES

List of TablesCHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Table 1.1 Salient Features of Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectTable 1.2 Status of ForestTable 1.3 Status of Protected AreaTable 1.4 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Satluj Basin

CHAPTER 2 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

CHAPTER 3 BASELINE BIODIVERSITY STATUS

Table 3.1 Change in Forest Cover of Himachal PradeshTable 3.2 Major Forest Types Recorded in Himachal PradeshTable 3.3 Major Forest Types of Satluj BasinTable 3.4 The List of Fauna Reported from Satluj BasinTable 3.5 Land use Pattern of Forest in Project Influence AreaTable 3.6 List of Protected Forests under the Study AreaTable 3.7 Flora Recorded Under The Project Influence Area (7km)Table 3.8 Ecological Features of Dominant FloraTable 3.9 Major Uses of Trees from ForestTable 3.10 Commercially Important Trees (Horticulture)Table 3.11 Medicinal Plants of ForestsTable 3.12 Ethno-botanical Approach for Major Plant Species of

ForestTable 3.13 Domestic Animal Census Data (2003) for Rampur DivisionTable 3.14 List of Wildlife Reported from the Study Area and Their

StatusTable 3.15 Census Data of WildlifeTable 3.16 Flora Recorded Under the Immediate Project Area

(500m)Table 3.17 List of Avifauna Recorded Under the Immediate Influence

AreaTable 3.18 Breakup of Forest Land under the Project AreaTable 3.19 Flora Recorded Under the Project Affected AreaTable 3.20 Major Uses of Trees under the Project AreaTable 3.21 List of Avifauna Recorded Under the Project Affecte AreaTable 3.22 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Curtain Cover

Head Race TunnelTable 3.23 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Kazo AditTable 3.24 Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit Job FacilitiesTable 3.25 Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit Approach RoadTable 3.26 Assessment of Flora of Kazo AditTable 3.27 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Kunni AditTable 3.28 Assessment of Flora of Kunni AditTable 3.29 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Goshai AditTable 3.30 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area Nimrand BridgeTable 3.31 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Veri

Table 3.32 Assessment of Flora of near Surge Shaft Area-- Approachroad

Table 3.33 Assessment of Flora of Power House Area & ApproachRoad

Table 3.34 Assessment of Flora of Quarry siteTable 3.35 Diversity Index of Project Affected AreaTable 3.36 Assessment of flora of Kunni AreaTable 3.37 Assessment of flora of Nirmand AreaTable 3.38 Assessment of flora Near Bayal VillageTable 3.39 Assessment of Importance Value Index Near Pashada

Forest AreaTable 3.40 Diversity Index of Immediate Influence AreaTable 3.41 Status of Rare and Threatened SpeciesTable 3.42 Status of Rare, Endangered and Protected Species of

FaunaTable 3.43 Comparative Distribution of Forests TypesTable 3.44 Comparative Distribution Of FloraTable 3.45 Comparison of Diversity IndexTable 3.46 Comparative Distribution of Endangered Species of

WildlifeTable 3. 47 Comparative Status of Protected Areas

CHAPTER 4 IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES ON BIODIVERSITY

Table 4.1 List of Trees to be felled for clearing the SiteTable 4.2 Proposed Sites for Compensatory Afforestation, Anni

Forest DivisionTable 4.3 Details of Identified Dumping AreasTable 4.4 Timber Rights Marketed to Right Holders From 1987-88 to

91-92 in Rampur Forest DivisionTable 4.5 Rate of Timber for Right Holders (Rs)Table 4.6 Timber Rates for Non-right HoldersTable 4.7 Assessment of Impacts And Mitigation Measures

CHAPTER 5 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Table 5.1 Assessment of Forest Cover Himachal PradeshTable 5.2 Species-wise plantation by Forest Department up to 1997Table 5.3 Himachal Pradesh Forest Cover Change MatrixTable 5.4 Himachal Pradesh Forest Cover Change MatrixTable 5.5 Change in Forest Cover in Himachal PradeshTable 5.6 Institutional Framework for Implementation of SBSAPTable 5.7 Export Permit Fee for Medicinal PlantsTable 5.8 List of Plant Species Recommended for Compensatory

AfforestationTable 5.9 Details of Various Plantation Schemes Implemented Under

Compensatory AfforestationTable 5.10 The details of Erosion control Measures for sites under

catchment Area of Project.

Table 5.11 Details of Infrastructure Development SchemesImplemented under CAT Plan

Table 5.12 Site Selected for Propose Compensatory Afforestation forRHEP

Table 5.13 Details of Various Schemes Implemented Under ForestConservation & Improvement Programme

Table 5.14 List of Trees Recommended for Afforestation RHEPTable 5.15 Proposed Soil & Moisture Conservation Measures in

Catchment Area.Table 5.16 Proposed Infrastructure Development in Catchment AreaTable 5.17 Budgetary Provision for Wildlife Management Plan.Table 5.18 MANAGEMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

MEASURES

CHAPTER 6 RECOMMENDATIONSTable: 6.1 Proposed Training Modules

Table: 6.2 Recommended shrub species for Redevelopment PlanTable: 6.3 Recommendations of species for Hedges & BoundariesTable 6.4 Recommended Species of Ornamental Plants for Avenue

PlantationTable: 6.5 Fodder Spices Recommended for Compensatory

AfforestationList of Figures

Fig 1.1 Status of Forest Cover in IndiaFig 1.2 Status of Forest Cover in Himachal PradeshFig 4.1 Chain of Impacts and Structural Relationship of Terrestrial

BiotaFig 5.1 Existing Thrust to ForestsFig 5.2 Assessment of Forest Cover for Various Years in Himachal

PradeshFig 5.3 Change in Forest Cover of Himachal PradeshFig 5.4 Compensatory Afforestation : Synergy with Plantation

Schemes of Forest DepartmentFig 5.5 Integrated Approach for Biodiversity Management

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in northern India known for its naturalbeauty, rich culture and religious heritage. The state has a population of sixmillion and covers 55,673 sq. km, ranging from foothills (Shivaliks), the Mid-hills, the High- Hills, and the Cold Dry Zone of upper Himalayas. The state is arich repository of biodiversity, and forms the Catchment of several majornorthern Indian rivers. The rich biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh is reflectedthrough the State Emblems of Pride such as

State Tree Cedrus deodara (Deodar),State Flower Rhododendron arboreum (Brans),State Animal Moschus moschiferus (Musk deer)State Bird Lophophorus impejanus (Monal)

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has been assigned to construct 412 MWRampur Hydro Electric Project (RHEP) near Rampur town in Kullu District,Himachal Pradesh (H.P.). The project RHEP has been conceived as a tailracedevelopment from the 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project (NJHEP) totap the hydropower potential of river Satluj between Jhakri and Bayal village. Thesurface powerhouse will be constructed on the right bank of the river Satluj atvillage Bayal, which is about 15 km downstream of Rampur town.

3.0 OBJECTIVES

The main objective of Terrestrial Biodiversity Study is to collect the baselineterrestrial biodiversity status regarding flora and fauna in the Project InfluenceArea, (7 Km surrounding the project sites), Project Immediate Influence Area(500 m surrounding project sites and Project Affected Area (Total 49.8 ha of landacquired). For the assessment of Terrestrial Biodiversity data has been collectedthrough extensive survey of the areas with reference to flora and fauna. Theobjectives are:

* To Conduct Botanical Survey of Flora with respect to taxonomy,physiognomy, forest type, Structure, Associations, Phenology and Ethno-botanical information for major forest species, etc

* To identify ecological status of flora and fauna with respect toendangered, rare, threatened, endemic as well as distributioncharacteristics i.e. native/exotic, commercially/ locally important species,weeds or parasites


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* To identify major uses of plant species in terms of timber, fodder, food,medicinal etc based on available literature & public consultation

* To identify major threats to existing terrestrial biodiversity

* To review Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Catchment Area TreatmentPlan, Muck/ Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan, for RHEP & NJHEP andsuggest vegetative measures

* Formulation of Biodiversity Management Plan

4.0 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The Primary & Secondary data has been collected to assess baseline terrestrialbiodiversity status. Primary surrey of flora has been conducted by usingStandard Quadrate Method & Random sampling approach was followed. TheImportance value index was calculated as per the Curter & Irtosh (1950) anddiversity index calculated as per Shanon- Weaver (1948) Domestic Animalswere directly observed during while birds were identified with binox andinformation about wildlife was collected form state forest dept. The publicconsultation was conducted during survey of the project/ study area to knowabout various aspects of forest and wildlife studies.

The baseline biodiversity with reference to flora and fauna was collected forHimachal Pradesh, Satluj Basin, Project Influence Area, Project ImmediateInfluence Area and Project Affected Area. The information on Ecological status ofspecies & major threat to existing biodiversity also collected. The biodiversitystatus is discussed in brief.

4.1 Forest Types

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



Table: 1Comparative Distribution of Forests Types

Forest Types H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAA

Tropical Moist Siwalic Sal Forest.Deciduous Forest.. 3C/C2a


Dry Alpine Scrub + 16/Cl(3000-3600m.)

Moist Alpine Scrub + Alpine Pasture 15/C3(3000-3600m)

Sub Alpine Forest.. + Fir Frs. 14/C la(3000-3500m.) Pasture 14/DS1

Himalayan Dry + Coniferous Dry D. Frs.Temperate Forest.. 13/C2b(2500-3000m.) Con. Pine Frs. 13/C I

Blue Pine Frs. 13/C2b

Himalayan Moist + Ban-Oak Frs. 12/Cla ±Temperate Forest.. Kharsu Oak Frs. 12/C2a +(1500-2500m) Moist Deodar Frs. +

12/ClC

Oak- Fir Frs. 12/C2b +Mix. Con Frs. 12/Cld +Moharu Oak Frs. 12/C1 +Oak Scrub Frs. 12/Dsl

Sub- tropical Pine + Himalayan Sub- tropicalForest.. Pine Frs. 9C1

St. Euph Srb 9DS2 + + +

Sub-tropical Dry + Dodonea Srb 1ODS1 + + +Evergreen Forest..

Tropical Dry + Northern Dry Mixed +Deciduous Forest. Dec. Frs. 5/C2

+ Khair - Sissoo Forest. +l_ 5B/1 S2

Total 9/35 8/19 4/10 2/2 2/2HP- Himachal Pradesh, S.B. - Satluj Basin, PIA- Project Influence AreaPIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area+- Present, - - Absent - Altitudinal Migration


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The table 1.1 shows comparative distribution of forest types in HimachalPradesh, Satluj Basin, Project Influenced Area, Project Immediate InfluencedArea & Project Affected Area. It revealed that Shivalik Sal Forest differentiateHimachal 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 representsonly two forest types i.e. Sub-tropical Euphorbia Scrub and Dodonea Scrub,which are sparsely distributed along foothills and hill slopes.

4.2 Nature of Flora

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

Table: 2Comparative 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

Flora of the Project Influenced Area recorded highest number of 119 speciesfollowed by 77 and 63 in Project Immediate Influenced Area and Project AffectedArea respectively. Taxonomically, flora is represented by 98 Genera & 58Families. Physiognomically, floral diversity can be categorized as trees, shrubs,herbs, climbers, grasses, ferns, epiphytes & mushrooms. The flora of the ProjectAffected Area is dominated by Shrubs and showed low diversity index as givenin table below:



Table 2

Diversity Indexes of the Project Area

Area Diversity Index Range for Diversity Index Range fortrees and Shrubs Grasses and Herbs


Immediate Influence Area 1.17 -1.41 0.87 -1.13

4.3 Natural Fauna

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

Table: 3Comparative Distribution of Endangered Species of Wildlife

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

Cold Desert Snow Leopard + + - - -

Dry Alpine Him Brown Bear + + - - -ll

Scrub Tibetan Wolf + + - - -

Moist Alpine Red Fox + + - - - IV

Sub Alpine Common Leopard + + + - -Iforest. (3500-6600) Him Black Bear + + +* - - Il

Bharal + + I l lHim Thar + + I

Him Ibex + + I

Musk Deer + - - -I

Baseline Terrestrial Biodiversity Status: -

Status*: As per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Schedule-I Endangered and Rare Species


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Schedule-lI Special Game

Schedule-lIl Big Game

Schedule-IV Small Game

It revealed that only four species of Wildlife are reported from the ProjectInfluenced Area of which Himalayan Black Bear reported only during summerwhile Musk deer showed altitudinal migration during winter. The CommonLeopard is reported to follow cattle/goat/sheep herd commonly surrounding thevillages in forest areas. None of the endangered rare or protected species isreported from Project Immediate Influenced Area or Project Affected Area.

The base line faunal survey of the Project Influenced Area revealed that a total58 species of fauna recorded during survey of which 18 species are recorded formammals, 38 species of birds and 2 species of reptiles. Fauna of ProjectAffected Area and Project Immediate Influenced Area show poor distribution andmainly represented by domestic animals of local interest such ascows/buffaloes/horses/donkeys/mules/cats/dogs etc.

4.4 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 comprisedof 32 Wildlife Sanctuary and 2 National Parks occupying 13.6% of theGeographical Area of the States. Following table shows comparative distributionof Protected Area Network.


Protected H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAAA re a s __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

National 2 1--Park 2


It shows that there are no Protected Areas in or surrounding Project InfluencedArea, Project Immediate Influenced Area & Project Affected Area.

4.5 Threats to Terrestrial Biodiversity

The factors affecting terrestrial biodiversity can be categorized as natural& anthropogenic activities. The natural calamities are such as heavysnowfall, breaking and uprooting of trees, hail storms, drought anddiseases. The anthropogenic activities include demand of local people for



timber, fodder, fuel, medicine, expansion of agriculture and horticultureactivities in forest areas, illegal felling and wildlife poaching. Due todependency of villagers on forest and forest produces the forest of HimachalPradesh are under tremendous pressure. The quantitative estimation of pressureon forests due to local demand for various purposes is given in following table.

Table: 5Major Cause of Pressure on Forests

S. No Detail of Item Unit

1 Timber Demand 4.5 Lakh m3

2 Fuel Demand 35 Lakh MT

3 Fodder demand 150 Lakh MT

4 Medicinal Plants 1500 sp

Out of these various factors, timber demand of local people is the major factoraffecting the forest. The traditional timber tights is discussed below in brief

4.6 Traditional Timber Right

Section 28 of Indian Forest Act 1927, gives rights to Bonafied Agriculturist of theVillages on timbers of the forest for their uses like Construction or repair ofhouse Dwelling or Cattle Shed, Temples, Arch of Deotas, Cremations of deadbodies, Grain Boxes, Irrigation Channels, Agricultural and Domestic Implements.The timber demand of right holders is increasing due to increase in Population,Nuclear families, better economic conditions of farmers due to increase incultivation of cash crops and horticultural activities. . The data on Timber Rightscollected from Rampur Forest Division for the year 1987-92 is given below:

Table: 6Details of Trees felled for Timber Demand From 1987-92

S.N. Timber Species Number of Trees Felled1 Cedrus deodara (Deodar) 20182 Pinus roxburghii (Kail) 57433 Pinus wallichiana (Chir) 02174 Picea smithiana (Rai) 0687


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It revealed that a total number of 8695 trees were felled to fulfill the timberdemand of local people.

5.0 IMPACTS ON TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY

Based on baseline terrestrial biodiversity status and various project activitiesduring construction & operation phase of project impacts are predicted. Impactsare categorized as direct, indirect, cumulative and induced impacts. Impacts onterrestrial biodiversity have been considered at various levels such as project-affected area, project immediate influenced area and project influenced area (7Km surrounding project site).

The terrestrial biodiversity of project affected area and project immediateinfluence area is represented by low floral & faunal diversity. The forests of thearea are represented by degraded forests type such as Euphorbia Scrub andHimalayan Subtropical Scrub. Weedy shrubs with some common tree speciesdominate the area. Direct impacts of project activity on flora are considered to bedue to acquisition of forestland for establishment of various project units, loss oftrees due felling and clearing. As acquire forestland is just 0.9% of the totalforestland available in Rampur division therefore it will not significantly affectexisting forest cover.

The impact due to tree felling will be insignificant, as 92.6 % of the total trees tobe felled are comprised of Eucalyptus trees, which is exotic species to the naturalforest. Other tree species are commonly available thought project immediateinfluence area and project influence area. As a result there will no change incommunity composition and structure of forest due to tree felling.

The loss due to clearing is also not expected as weedy shrubs, which are widelydistributed. None of the endangered, rare, threatened or endemic species wasobserved throughout the project area hence; adverse impacts on TerrestrialBiodiversity due to loss of species are not at all envisaged. The implementationof suggested recommendations measures for impacts during the construction &operation phase of the project will mitigate indirect and cumulative impacts

6.0 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Based on existing terrestrial biodiversity study conducted for Rampur Hydro-Electric Project recommendations are made for successful implementation ofsuggested mitigation measures during construction & operation phase of theproject. To protect & enhance the terrestrial biodiversity, the recommendationsare also made to Project Implementation Unit (SJVNL) with reference toInstitutional Strengthening, recommendations for vegetative measures &recommendations, which are to be forwarded to the State Forest Department forthe consideration while implementing various plans for the protection of terrestrialbiodiversity.


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(II) Felling of Trees The clearing of * Compensatoryproject sites for Afforestation will beconstruction requires carried under thefelling of trees, a total degraded Forest Areanumber of 1075 trees Development schemeare be felled. Out of hence there will betotal 92.6 % of trees increase the forest coverare EucalyptusPlantation, the exoticthe natural forestsand rest arecommonly distributedthroughout theproject immediateinfluence as well asproject influence areahence, the impact willbe insignificant


throughout and none Development schemeof rare, endangered hence there will beor threatened or increase the forest coverendemic species wasobserved during


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survey /reported inthe project sites.Therefore no impacton biodiversity isenvisaged.




No significant impacton Project Influence * The roads surfaces shallArea and Satluj be host or watered usingBasin. necessary equipments.

l Plants, machinery andequipment shall behandled so as tominimize generation ofdust.

l All earth work shall beprotected to minimizedust generation.

* All crusher used inconstruction shallconfirm to relative dustemission devises


likely to increase due equipments use into various activities, construction shall strictlywhich may cause confirm to CPCB




disturbance to the standard.fauna in the area.However this impact * All vehicles equipmentwould be insignificant machinery used inas the increase in construction shall benoise shall be fitted by exhaustintermittent and silencers.temporary







workers.No significant impacton Project InfluenceArea and Satluj Basin

(iv) Quarry Extraction of rocks * The extraction ofactivities and sand shall be material should be done

done for the from the identifiedconstruction work quarry site only.from quarry sites and


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require felling of * If new quarry sites aretrees. required then prior






(v) Soil Erosion The construction | Strict implementation ofactivities may lead to approved Catchmentthe erosion of soil in Area Treatment Plan forcatchments area of control of soil erosion.Satluj Basin.

(vi)Muck Disposal The muck produced - The muck should beby the construction disposed at thework shall be identified sites only.disposed at thedumping sites | Before disposal of muck

retaining walls should beThe disposal of muck constructed at the edgesshall destroy the flora to retain the muck as theat the sites. However sites are just above thethe sites identified for river Satlujmuck disposal haslow diversity for treesand shrubs andranges from 0.59 to


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0.97 which is verylow.








* As, the Rampur &New commercial Duttanagar are welldevelopment and equipped with theadverse impacts are commercialnot envisaged development which are

very near from proposed


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The impact on Satluj. sites hence anyBasin will beinsignificant




Compensatory projectafforestation andavenue plantation * Fencing of plantationshall- increase the area should be done.greenery in the area.Hence the impact will * Watchman should bebe positive during also employed to care ofoperation phase. plantation for minimum 3

years.




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area.

7.0 CONCLUSION

Potential negative direct impact of hydroelectric project is considered to be lossof flora/ forests due to construction of dam/ reservoir. The proposed RampurHydroelectric Project neither involved construction of dam nor submergence offorest. Hence, any adverse impacts on existing forest in terms of reduction ofeither forest cover or loss of wildlife is not at all expected. The loss of forestlandand trees felled will be compensated by implementation of approvedCompensatory Afforestation Plan & Catchment Area Treatment Plan notonly this but also it will increase forest cover area of the surrounding region.Thus, it revealed that no significant adverse impacts on terrestrial biodiversitydue to proposed Rampur Hydro-electric project is envisaged.


FgProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of 10Chapter-1 Date: August 2006

CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has gE..----------:-been assigned to construct 412 MW Rampur j , FHydro Electric Project (RHEP) near Rampurtown in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh --(H.P.). The project RHEP has beenconceived as a tailrace development from the1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project . '.

(NJHEP) to tap the hydropower potential ofriver Satluj between Jhakri and Bayel village. t ' i yf77 Ih 7The surface powerhouse will be constructed -v

on the right bank of the river Satluj at village INTAKE STRUCTURE

Bayel, which is about 15 km downstream of Rampur Hydro Electric Project

Rampur town.

The intake of the project is located at the ouffall of Nathpa Jhakri Project at Jhakriin District Shimia. The project area falls under the Tehsil Nirmand coveringpanchayats Bayal Tunan, Poshana and Gadej in district Kullu situated on theright bank of river Satluj and Duttnagar in district Shimla situated on the left bankof river Satluj. Project site is about 130 km away from Shimia on NH-22.

1.2 PROJECT SETTING

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

Table: 1.1Salient Features of Rampur Hydro-electric Project

1. LOCATIONState Himachal PradeshDistrict Shimla / KulluRiver SatlujVicinity Intake work at Jhakri in District Shimia. The

tail water of Nathpa Jhakri Hydro-electricProject will be utilized. The Power House islocated on right bank of river Satluj nearvillage Bayal in District Kullu about 15 kmd/s of Rampur.

2. HYDROLOGYCatchment area at Rampur (G & D 50880 km2

Side)Design Flood at Rampur(as per SJVNL)100 Years 4104 m3 /sec1 OOOYears 5572 m3 /sec10,000 Years 7151 m 3 /sec


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Average Annual runoff in 50% 10181.22 M m3

average yearAverage Annual runoff in 90% 8195.35 M m3

average vear3. INTAKE STRUCTURE

Normal Pond Level 1005.00mMinimum water level(MWL) 1002mDesign Discharge 383.88 cumecsTop 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 TUNNELType Circular, Concrete linedSize 10.15m/ 10.50m diaLength 484mDesign Discharge 383.88 cumecs

5. INTAKE CONDUIT (CUT & COVER)Type CircularLength 43.2mDesign Discharge 383.88 cumces

6. HEAD RACE TUNNELType Circular Concrete linedSize 10.50 m finished diameterLength 15.08mDesign Discharge 383.88 cumecsBed Slopes 1 in 90 & 1 in 431Velocity 4.43m/sec

7. ADITSLength of Adit at RD 14625 590mm(upstream of surge shaft)Length of Goshai Khad Adit at RD 1116m11720mLength of Kunni Khad Adit at RD 604m5854mLength of Kazo Khad Adit RD 2712 760mLength of Adit cum spill tunnel at left 342.5bankType 7.5m D shaped

8. SURGE SHAFTNumbers 1Type Restricted OrificeDiameter 38mDepth 140 mOrifice diameter 4.45mElevation of centre line of head race 949.54mtunnelElevation of invert of surge shaft 944.29mMax. up surge 1049.38mMinimum down surge 978.05m

9. BUTTERFLY VALVE CHAMBERType Surface TypeSize of Chamber 69m long, 10.5m wide & 23m high


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No. of butterfly valves 3 nos.Size of valves 5.40m internal dia.

10. PENSTOCKNumber Three numbersSize 5.40m circular steel linedType Partially underground

, Length Approx. 5000 m eachVelocity in 3.8m dia. portion 5.64 m/secType and thickness of steel liner ASTM-537 (20mm to 16mm -main pipe),

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

Type SurfaceInstalled Capacity 412MWSize Approximately 136 m long,23.5m wide and

50m highType of turbine Francis vertical axisSpeed of Turbine 214.3 RPMGenerating unit 6 x 68.67 MWGross head 138.7 MNet head 119.10MGenerators 6 x68.67MW, 0.9 pf, generation voltage

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

type12. SWITCH YARD

Size and Type [Surface - 400 KV Switch gear13. TAIL RACE CHANNEL

Type Horse shoe concrete lined / TrapezoidalLength 72 m + open channelSize 10.5 m diaMax. Tail water level for Power EL 866.70mgeneration (Q=383.88 cumecs)Minimum Tail water Level (Q=32 EL 862.90mcumecs)

14. POWER GENERATIONPeaking capacity during lean period 412 MWAnnual energy generation in 1969.60 Gwh90% dependable year

Annual energy generation in 2230.31 Gwh50% dependable year

15. TRANSMISSION OF POWERIt is Proposed to evacuate the Power generated at Rampur Hydro Electric Projectby LILO of 400KV Jhakri Nalagarh D/C line


LMProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 4 of 10Chapter-1 Date: August 2006

1.3 SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of Terrestrial Bio-diversity Study include detailed survey of flora andfauna of the Project Affected Area (The forest land acquired for various projectunits) and Project Immediate Influence area (500mt on either side of constructionssites 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 andRandom Sampling approach was followed. The number of Quadrat studied so asto 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 toendangered, rare, threatened or endemic.. Also categorization of species asNative or exotic species, commercially important species, weed or parasitespecies

* To identify major uses of tree species in terms of timber, fodder, food, medicinaletc base on available literature as wellas 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 andre-devolvement plan for Muck Area Disposal of RHEP and recommend vegetativemeasures in light of previous experience of NJHEP

* 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, namelyAfro-tropical, Indo-Malyan, and Paleo-Arctic realms and therefore, hascharacteristic elements from each of them. As a result, India has a rich biologicalheritage that qualifies it as one of 12 mega diversity nations of the world. (Gadgil1992)



In order to project existing biodiversity resources of the country. Government ofIndia (GOI) is actively involved in various conservation measures such asestablishment 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 NorthEast and North West India), etc. Besides this GOI is actively co-operating withother nations with reference to biodiversity conservation. There are manyinternational treaties/regional treaties concentrate specifically on conservationand use of global biodiversity. Following are some of the international treatiesrelevant 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 19 th Nov. 1983, Geneva

The rich biodiversity of the country has been deservedly acknowledged as playinga significant role in livelihoods and cultural sustenance of the country over theyears. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, to formulate aNational Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), is a firm step towardsaddressing the various issues related to the use, status and conservation needs ofbiodiversity in the country. Under this initiative, it has been envisaged to produce aseries of planning documents dealing with various facets related to theconservation of biodiversity.

The NBSAP process includes widespread consultation process across the countryinvolving all the major stakeholders. It is against this background that the presentState Biodiversity and Action Plan (SBSAP) for Himachal Pradesh has beenprepared.

The present SBSAP has been prepared with a view to achieve the followingobjectives:

1- to document the total range of biodiversity of the State and its social andcultural significance for various communities in the State

2- to assess the existing status of biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh and identifyvarious factors causing its depletion and deterioration

3- to identify and address biodiversity related needs of local communities4- to work out a strategy and put in place an action plan for conservation and

sustainable use of the biological resources of the State5- to generate awareness about biodiversity conservation imperatives amongst

various stake holders and target groups

6- to secure participation of all stakeholders including various governmentagencies, public bodies, local communities including women, NGOs, private



entrepreneurs, and the general public in the State in the conservation andsustainable use of biodiversity

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

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

9- to realize the consumptive and non-consumptive values of biodiversity throughnecessary 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 policyframework that foster the sustainable use of biological resources and themaintenance of biodiversity. The economic policies and legal frameworksestablished by GOI create the incentives and obstacles that influence decisionabout how to utilize and manage biological resources. Following are some of thelegal & 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 colorfulwildlife. It encompasses three bio geographic zones representing great attitudeand climate variations, sub tropical to cold desert supporting a vast variety offloral and faunal biodiversity. The protected areas are the vital tools forconserving biodiversity The 32 Wildlife Sanctuaries together with 2 NationalParks consisting the state's Protected Area Network (PAN) occupy 13.6% ofstate'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 nationalforest area of 20.64% the Protected Area Network for wildlife & biodiversitymanagement. The status of forest of the India, Himachal Pradesh and the twodistricts are given below:


Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 7 of 10Chapter-1 Date: August 2006

Table: 1.2Status of Forest

ModeratelyGeographical Dense Forest Dense Open

Place Area km 2 km 2 Forest km 2 Forest km 2

India 3287263 51285 339279 287769

HimachalPradesh 55673 1093 7883 5377

Kullu District 5503 117 1295 521

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

The first National Park under Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 was established in1987 in Pin Valley in Spiti extending over 675 sq. Km consisting 2.59% ofgeographical area of 55,673 sq. Km and 3.89% of the legal forest area of 37,033sq. Km of the state (Enchanting Himachal, 2004).

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

1.56% 10.32%

* Dense Forest8.75%

/o Moderately DenseForest

c Open Forest

o Non Forest Area79.36%

Fig. 1.1 Status of Forest Cover in India



2%14.10% _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

n Dense Forest

9.70% o Moderately DenseForest

o Open Forest

o Non Forest Area74.20%

Fig 1.2 Status of Forest Cover in Himachal Pradesh

Table: 1.3Status 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 1.4Wildlife 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



S. No. NAME AREA (Sq. Km)

8. Rakchham Chitkul (Kinnaur) 304

9. Rupi Bhabha (Kinnaur) 738

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

1.5 TRADITIONAL TIMBER RIGHTS FOLLOWED IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

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

The forest of Himachal Pradesh have an estimated growing stock of 10.26 crorem3 and more than 4.5 lakh m3 of timber is harvested every year in the form ofsalvage and to meet the demand of right holders. As per one estimate timberworth Rs 60 crore is allocated to the right holders at nominal cost every year(HPFSR, 2000). All green commercial harvesting of timber from the State's forestshas been suspended since 1984. The forests also contribute an estimated annualincome of Rs. 25 crore to the rural communities in the form of minor forestproduce.

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 ofhouses/dwellings. The right holders must be bonafied native agriculturist, holdingland 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 andother 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. throughGram Pradhan and Patwani of settlement. The trees are cut and removedwhether dry or green stating as fallen for building purpose only. The deputycommissioner is empowered to arrange with right holders in forest. The quantityof timber per annum to be granted (Thumb rule: 800 trees/year) is fixed andquantity is distributed among right holders.



1.5.2 Timber Trees

A total number of 20 timber spices are recommended by forest department. Thesome important timber species are Deodar (Cedrus deodara); Chir (Pinusroxburghii); 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 silviculturalavailability. Deodar trees are given only for irrigation channels for theconstruction & repair of temple buildings and for doors and windows of dwellinghouses. Green deodar trees are not cut within 10 years of its age which arepresent in the premises of any temple or any building connected with temple.While dry deodar trees standing within above mentioned places may be cut andremove only for repair of the temple buildings. There are 250 villages belongingto 48 Panchayat in Rampur forest division.


Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of 3Chaper-2 Date: August 2006

CHAPTER 2BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The main objective of ecological survey is to collect the baseline terrestrialbiodiversity status regarding flora and fauna in the Project Influence Area, (7 Kmsurrounding the project site), project immediate influence area (500 m on bothsides along the alignment of HRT and project impacted area (total 49.8 ha). ForTerrestrial ecosystem data has been collected through extensive survey of theareas with reference to flora and fauna. Information is also collected fromdifferent Government Organizations such as Forest Department, Social Forestry,Dept of Science, Technology & Environment, District Statistical office, AnimalHusbandry Dept., Govt. of Himachal Pradesh. On the basis of onsiteobservations as well as forest department records a checklist of flora and faunawas prepared.

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

2.3 FLORA ASSESSMENT

To characterize the vegetation under the project area study was carried out byusing Standard Quadrat Method and Random Sampling approach was followed.The project area is open scrub land with dominant shrub species hence quadratsize of 5 x 5m was used for study of trees and shrubs, whereas for grasses andherbs lx lm quadrats were used. Immediate impact sites have beenconsidered 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 vegetationwith reference to species composition and functional attributes are expressedon species basis. The specific formats are formulated to collect informationregarding flora & fauna of the project / study area (Annexure -I). The details offorest studies are discussed in details below

2.3.1 Assessment Techniques

The density measurements reflect as to how many individuals were present, thedominance measurements denote which species is largest in terms of itspresence and the frequency measurements indicate how widely species isdistributed among the same plots Importance value is a reasonable measure toassess the overall significance of a species since it takes into account severalproperties of the species in the vegetation. Importance value index will be


FLProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 2 of 3Chaper-2 Date: August 2006

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

(1) Importance Value Index

Number of species A

(i) DensityArea 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 speciesdiversity which depends on stability of the habitat. Vegetation of the study area wasassess by determining Shannon - Weaver diversity index (1948)

D= -E (ni / n) log2 (ni / n)

ni = Number of individuals of each species in the sample

n = Total number of individuals


Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 3 of 3Chaper-2 Date: August 2006

2.4 FAUNA ASSESSMENT

The fauna assessment technique followed during study varied with type of animalpresent. The domestic animals were listed based on direct observation duringfield 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! indirectmethod). On the basis of onsite observations as well as forest departmentrecords a checklist of fauna was prepared. Birds were identified with the help of abinocular.

2.5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

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


tII

I I I

Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: I of 57Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

CHAPTER 3BASELINE BIODIVERSITY STATUS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Biodiversity or biological diversity is the variability within and between allmicroorganisms, plants and animals as well as the eco-system, which they inhabit. Itstarts with genes and manifests itself as organisms, populations, species andcommunities, which give life to eco systems, landscape and ultimate to the biosphere(Swaminathan 1997). Biodiversity provides a fundamental base to the mountainagriculture and overlap economic system. It is the source of resiliency andregeneration, necessary for sustainability of eco system. It is the ultimate basis forlocal self-sufficiency and a global asset bringing benefits to people in terms ofmaterial 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 beenearmarked for extensive in-situ conservation of habitats and ecosystems. A protectedarea network of 88 National Park and 490 Wildlife Sanctuaries The results of thisnetwork has been significant in restoring viable population of large mammals such asTiger, Lion, Rhinoceros, Crocodile, and Elephant etc.

The State of Himachal Pradesh varies in topography, geological formations, climaticconditions and the altitudinal range has made the State a veritable treasure house ofbiodiversity - both wild and domesticated. The range of biodiversity elementsrepresented in the State varies from those of subtropical region to that of temperateand alpine regions.

Such is the relevance of biodiversity to the people of the State that "Deodar" hasbeen adopted as the state tree, "Rhododendron" as the state flower, "Musk deer" asthe state animal and "Monal" as the state bird. The baseline biodiversity status ofHimachal Pradesh, Satluj Basin, the project influence area (7 km surrounding projectsite), project immediate influence area (500 meters surrounding the project side) andproject 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 anarea of 55673 Sq. Km in the Himalayan Region of India. The area is rugged andmountainous with ranges spreading along the Indus-Satluj river system. The heightvaries from 244 m above Mean Sea level (msl) in areas bordering Uttar Pradesh andPunjab 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. subtropicalzone extending from lower frames to a height of 1550 m above main sea level andincorporating Shivalik foothills & lower ranges of middle Himalaya. The temperate zoneincorporating all hills and valleys situated between 1500 to 3200 m and the Alpinezone covering all hills and valleys situated above an altitude of 3200 m, which are,characterize by extreme cold climate.

Environment & Ecology


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, nowmostly confined to higher hills and interior valleys. The forests not only serve as ahaven for biodiversity in our hilly state, but are also the mainstay for rural life andlivelihoods. The total geographical area of 55,673 Sq. Km in the state, out of which14,353 Sq. Km area is legally classified as forest. This includes meadows, grasslandsand 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 thegeographical area of the State (SFR, 2003). The actual forest cover has decreased by7 Sq. Km from the assessment made during 2001.

Table: 3.1Change in Forest Cover of Himachal Pradesh

Year Dense Forest Open Forest Total Forest(Sq. Km) (Sq. Kin) (Sq. Km)

2001 10,429 3,931 143602003 8,976 5,377 14353Change in -1,453 1,446 -7Forest cover

Source: State of Forest Report 2003

Given the wide latitudinal and climatic range in the State, a wide variety of forests ismet with at different altitudes and in different physiographic zones.

Table: 3.2Major Forest Types Recorded in Himachal Pradesh

S.No Major Forest Type Classification Code

1 Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest 3C/ C 2A3C/C2B

2 Tropical Dry Deciduous 5B/C-1 A5B/C-25B/C2/DS 15B/E953B/1 -S2

3 Subtropical Dry Evergreen 10-Cl10-DS1

4 Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest 12/C-1 a12/C-1 b12/C-Ic12/C-le12/C2-a12/C2-b12/DS112/DS-2



S.No Major Forest Type Classification Code

5 Himalayan Dry Temperate Forest 13/Cl13/C2a13/C2b13/C413/C5

6 Sub Alpine Forest 14/C/a14/Cl-b14/DS1

7 Subtropical Pine Forest 9C19DS19DS2

8 Most Alpine Scrub 15/Cl15/C215/El15/C3

9 Dry Alpine Scrub 16/Cl16/El

Source: Forest Working Plan Rampur Forest Division

The forest wealth of Himachal Pradesh, replete with diverse vegetation, ranging fromtropical to sub-tropical and temperate to alpine, has been sustaining rural life sincetime immemorial. The wide range of altitude, topography and climatic conditions havecontributed towards the rich and diversified flora Coniferous forests dominant from midto 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. Thesub-Himalayan region is characterized by most deciduous forests, with Sal as thepredominant species. In dry the dominant species, and the moist temperate region incharacterized 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 ofHimachal Pradesh. Of these, only about 100 odd are commonly utilized for timber,farming implements, fuel, fodder, and NTFP, include medicinal use. Based onpublished records for the State, the Botanical Survey of India has compiled a Flora ofHimachal Pradesh (Chowdhery & Wadhwa, 1984). As per a tentative compilation ofthe total higher plants found in the State, there are 3120 angiosperm and 12gymnosperm 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 Amphibiansand 81 Fishes), 4543 Arthropods (2 Bryozoa, 4362 Insects, 195 Arachnids, 11Myriopods and 73 Crustaceans) and 412 others (60 Annelids, 73 Mollusks, 2Acanthocephala, 132 Nematodes, 16 Rotifers, 90 Platyhelminths, 2 Cnidaria, 3Porifera and 34 Protozoan). (Biodiversity Action Plan 2003)The fauna of Himachal Pradesh is very diverse and unique. The rich faunal diversityincludes 77 species of mammals, 447 species of birds, 44 species of reptiles, and 81


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species of fish. Among the pheasants, with increasing altitude, are Kalij in the foothillsKoklas and Monal in the temperate and mid-level forests, and the Snow cock in thealpine areas. The Western Tragopan, a rare and endangered species, is confined onlyto the western Himalayas. Himachal Pradesh also has probably the largest populationof 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 BlackBear, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow Throated Martin, Stone Martin and Wolf are alsofound here. The Common Leopards and Snow Leopards are representative of thelarger cats.

3.3 BIODIVERSITY OF SATLUJ BASIN

The river Satluj is the largest river system of Himachal Pradesh with a total catchmentarea of 20,398-km2 spread over the districts of Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur, Simla, Solanand Bilaspur. Originating in Tibet, the river flows from east to west, enters the State atShipki (6,608 m) in Kinnaur. Its various right bank tributaries including the Spiti, theRopa, 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 theNogli streams form some of its left bank tributaries. Before entering the Punjab plains,it cuts a gorge in Naina Devi Dhar. A big dam across this gorge near Bhakra villagehas been constructed which has created a huge reservoir called the Govind Sagar inthe district of Bilaspur.

3.3.1 Forest Types

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

Table: 3.3Major 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/ Cl

7 Himalayan Kharsoo - Oak Forests 12/Cia

8 Mixed Broad leaved Coniferous Forests 12/Clb

9 Coniferous Pine Forests 13/C2a

10 Western Mixed Coniferous Forests 12/Cld

Source: Enchanting Himachal Wildlife wing (2004)



3.3.2. Natural Flora

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

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

The Middle basin of Satluj shows moist Deodar Mixed coniferous Forests at altitudinalrange of 1800 to 2400m. & 2400 to 3300 m. Cedrus deodara (Deodar) is dominantspecies of forests. The Mixed Coniferous Forests include pure Spruce & Silver firmixed with Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Kail (Pinus wallichiana) with associated speciessuch as Aesculus indica, Corylus colurna; Juglans regia, Prunus cornata etc.

The Subtropical Pine Forests occurs between 600-1700m covering district of Solan,Shimia and Bilaspur in lower Satluj basin Pinus roxburghii (Chil) is the predominantspecies associated with Quercus leucotrichophora, Rododendron arboreum, Lyoniaovalifalia, 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 theSatluj basin is observed. The fauna of the upper basin i.e. Cold desert is of specialconcern; 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, SnowLeopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Black Bear, Himalayan weasel, Yellow throatedmartin, Wooly hair Wolf, and Common Leopard. The herbivores are of various types ofwhich, Ibex, Serow, Blue Sheep, Thar, Musk deer, Ghoral and Barking deer.

The small mammals include the Himalayan and long tailed marmots, Himalayansquirrels and Voles. The lower basin of the Satluj represents the different fauna suchas Jungle cat, Bengal Fox, Indian Porcupine, Wild Boar, Common Palm Civet etc. Thewildlife reported from various forests types are given in details below.



Table: 3.4The 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

Capricomis sumatraensis Serow Sciuridae

Cervus unicolor Sambar Canidae

Felis bengalensis Leopard cat Felidae

Felis caracal Caracal Felidae

Hemitragusjemlahicus 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

Selenarctos thibetanus Himalayan black bear



Scientific Name Common Name Family

Sus scrofa Wild pig Suidae

Tragulus meminna Mouse deer Tragulidoe

Ursus arctos Himalayan Brown bear Ursidae

Vulpes bengalensis Indian fox Canidae

Vulpes fernilatus Tibetan fox Canidae

Reptiles

Bungarurcacraleus 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 projectsites. The map of Project Influence Area is attached as Fig 2. Forests of the projectinfluence area falls in Rampur division of Shimla District and Ani (Outer Seraj)Division of Kullu District. All proposed project units are situated along the bank ofSatluj River falls in Rampur/Ani division. The details of project influence area arediscussed below.

3.4.1 Climate

The Climate of the study area is of temperate zone at high altitude above 1 0OOmtr andsub 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 rainprecipitate in the area during January to March. Snowfall occurs above 1600 mautumn is generally very cold, May and June is very hot at lower elevations.

3.4.2 Geology & Soil Types:

The whole tract of Rampur / Aniforest division drains into the Satluj River. The tract ishilly 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. Themain 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 areaand 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 withlow base status and (b) Neutral soil with high base status. Soil is rich in humus inDeodar 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 richbiodiversity, and keep the perennial watercourses flowing. It also provides various livessupporting 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 thedifferent altitude. In general coniferous forests dominates mid to high hills while foothillforests are dry deciduous and scrub forests, thriving in a low water table & dry soilconditions. In dry localities Chir pine (Pinus roxburghi,) occurs as a dominant specieswhile moist temperate region is characterized by the presence of Deodar (Cedrusdeodara) 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 divisionis 1,29,848 ha of which 49,955.71 ha is forest area.The total geographical area of outerSeraj Anni forest division is 68513.79 ha. The total area of forest is 40495.94 ha. Thedetails of landuse pattern of the Project Influenced Area is given in Table 3.5

Table 3.5Land 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 inRampur Division while 6 in outer Seraj division of Kullu district. The details of protectedforest are given in Table 3.6

Table: 3.6List of Protected Forests under the Study Area

S.No Rampur Forest Distance Anni Forest DistanceDivision (Area in ha.) (Krn) Division (Krn)

1 Bahli Protected Forest 2.5 Marha Kod 5.25(176.17) Protected Forest

2 Banavali Protected 3.0 Khaira Kod 4.0Forest Protected Forest

3 Baruni Protected Forest 0.75 Ramgarh Kondi 3.5(32.4) Protected Forest



S.No Rampur Forest Distance Anni Forest DistanceDivision (Area in ha.) (Km) Division (Km)

4 Daran Protected Forest 5.5 Sanpatu Protected 4.5(5.5) Forest

5 Gaura Protected Forest 3.5 Shikarwah 3.75(113.8) Protected Forest

6 Sanathali Protected 2.5 Tandi Thera 3.0Forest (299.70) Protected Forest

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 theRampur/ Ani 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 influencearea.

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

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

Major Associates: Lannea - Mallotus - CedrelaBauhina - Albizzia - BombaxSapindus - Dalbergia - Cedrela

Minor Associates: Desmodium - Rhus - ColebrookiaEuphorbia - 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 1 000m to 2000m elevation. Pinus roxburghii (Chir) occursremarkably in pure and gregarious form. The crop is irregular and mature trees fewand widely scattered.

Major Associates: Quercus - Rhododendron- LyoniaAbizzia - Pinus wallichiana

Minor Associates: Woodfordia - Desmodium - RhusRubus - Lillium - BerberisMyrsine -Indigofera - Plectranthus


FOProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 10 of 57Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

(4) Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests: -

This type of forest generally occurs between 1500 to 3300m. These are well-stockedforests of good height growth varying between 30-45m.

Major Associates: Quercus - Pine

Minor Associates: Sarococca - Skimmia - StrobilanthusRosa - 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 overconsiderable area varies from 1500 to 2100m.

Major Associate: Rhododendron - Lyonia- LitseaCedrela - Carpinus

Minor Associate: Berberis - Indigofera - Sarcococca

Desmodium - Inyrrine - Vibernum

Prinsepia-Spiraea - Lonicera - Rubus

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

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

Major Associates: Cedrela -Acer- RhusAesculus - Prunus - Pyrus - Juglans

Minor Associates: Rubus - Lillium - BerberisMyrsine -Indigofera - Plectranthus

(7) Sub group 12/DS-1 Oak Scrub:

This serial occurs near habitations between 1500-2200m and having affected bylopping, browsing, unregulated fallings for fuel and agricultural implements. I as aresult 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/l-C Moist Deodar Forests:

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

Major Associates: Deodar - Pinus wallichiana - Quercus incanaMinor Associates: Berberis - Launicere - Desmodium

Environment e Ecology


3.4.5 Natural Flora:The climatic and altitudinal variations markedly influence the type of speciesdistribution in various zones. Physiognomically flora of the study area can becategorized as trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses the list of Flora recorded duringsurvey is given in table 3.7. However flora reported by Rampur and Ani forestdepartment is given as Annexture-ll The climax and dominant species of forests arespecies of the forests are Chir (Pinus roxburghi,) Kail (Pinus wallichiana), Deodar(Cedrus deodara) and Ban Oak (Quercus incana) along with their major associatedspecies. The dominant associate of (Cedrus deodara) Deodar is Ban Oak (Quercusincana) Kharsu Oak (Quercus semicarpifolia).

Table: 3.7Flora Recorded under the Project Influence Area (7km)

S. SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILYNo.

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 Embelica officinalis Amia Euphorbiaceae

13 Eucalyptus globulus Safeda Myrtaceae

14 Ficus bengalensis Bargad Urticaceae

15 Ficus elastica Rubber tree Urticaceae

16 Ficus palmata Fedu, Phegru Urticaceae

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 azedarach 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 Syzygium 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

4 Artemesia vulgaris Kubash Compositae

5 Berberies aristata Karmshal, Kashmoi Berberidaceae

6 Berberis lycium 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 bacillaris 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 oblongifolium Phiunli Hypericaceae

20 Indigofera gerardiana Kathi Leguminosae

21 Indigofera pulchella Sakina Leguminosae

22 Lantana camara Lantana Verbinaceae

23 Lonicera angustifolia Banchulu Caprifoliaceae

24 Mohonia nepalensis Khoru Berberidaceae

25 Moriandra strobilifera Pothi Labiatae

26 Murraya koenigii 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 Strobilianthes sp. Acanthaceae

37 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhaula Lythraceae

38 Zizyphusjujuba Beri Rhamnaceae

39 Zizyphus nummularia Beri Rhamnaceae

HERBS/CLIMBERS

I Achyranthes aspera Aghada, Puthkanda Amaranthaceae

2 Argemone mexicana Prickly poppy Papaveraceae

Asparagus racemosa Sahansarpali Liliaceae

4 Bauhinia vahli 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 Frageria indica Bhumla Rosoideae

13 Frageria vesica Bhumla Rosoideae

14 Heliotropium strigosum Hatta-juri Boraginaceae

15 Jasminium officinale Chameli Oleaceae

16 Ocimum basilicum Vantulsi Labiatae

17 Oxalis corniculata Amrit sak Oxilidaceae

18 Polygonum chinense 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

GRASSES

1 Arundo donax Phiral, Naru Gramineae

2 Cynodon dactylon Dhub Gramineae

3 Saccharum spontaneum Kans Gramineae

4 Parthenium hysterophorus Congress grass Compositae

5 Phragmites communis Naal Gramineae

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



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

Table: 3.8Ecological Features of Dominant Flora

S.No Name of S ecies EcologyScientific Local Habitat Nature Distribution

(m)1. Albizzia lebbek Siris Hills Deciduous 300 - 13002. Bombax ceiba Semal Hill slopes Deciduous 300 - 15003. Bauhinia variegata Kachnar Forest Deciduous 300- 15004. Cedrus deodara Deodar High Evergreen 1800- 3000

forest

5. Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Hill slopes Deciduous 300- 15006. Mallotus philippinenisis Roghs Forest Evergreen 300 - 12007. Pinus roxburghii Chir Forest Deciduous 300- 15008. Pinus wallichiana Kail Forest Evergreen 1800 - 43009. Quercus incana Ban Oak Forest Evergreen 1200 - 240010. Quercus semicarpifolia Kharsu Forest Evergreen 2100- 3800

Oak11. Rododendron arboreum Brans Forest Evergreen 1800 - 430012. Sapindus mukurossii Ritha Forest Deciduous 200 - 1500

Source: Data collected during field survey

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

The Deodar (Cedrus deodara) forests occur at higher elevations. The snowfall is mustfor the existence of these forests. The Deodar prefers comparatively heavy soil formeddisintegration of granite.

3.4.6 Community use of Natural Flora

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



Table: 3.9Major Uses of Trees from Forest

Name of Tree Local Charco- Resins Fodder Fuel Timber Manureal

Cedrus deodara Deodar . + +

Mallotus Ruin + + +philippinenisis

Pinus roxburghii Chir + + + + +

Pinus wallichiana Kail + + + +

Dalbergia sissoo Shisham + +

Morus alba Tut + + +

Quercus incana Ban oak + + + +

Quercus Kharsu + +semicarpifolia Oak

Source: Information Collected during Public Consultation+ InUse -Notinuse

Considerable loss is done to the forest by the way of illicit felling of Deodar (Cedrusdeodara) and Kail (Pinus wallichiana) for agricultural implements and manufacturing ofpacking cases. The resins are obtained from Kail (Pinus wallichiana) and Chir (Pinusroxburghii) 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 woodis used by the villagers for igniting fires in their houses.

Horticulture offers the better and maximum use of land besides checking soil erosionand ameliorating the economic condition of farmers. Fruit trees offer the possibility of ahigh 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: 3.10Commercially 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 NashpatiSource: Information collected during Public consultation/survey



Large number of herbs is collected for various medicinal purposes. It is estimated thatif all the household remedies are taken into account, an estimation of 1500 native plantspecies 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 cycleand has also fixed an export permit fee in respect of some heavily exploited species.The Gentiana kurro, Podophyulum emodi are extensively exported as dhup forincense. The important medicinal herbs of the forest is described in Table No. 3.11

Table: 3.11Medicinal Plants of Forests

Name of Species Chemical Part of Use CollectionProperty Plant Use against Period

Scientific Local DiseaseAcorus calamus Barre Carminative Rhizome Colic May- June

Aconitum Patis Febrifuge Root Dysentery Sept-OctheterophyllumBerberis lycium Kashmal Anti-malerial Root Jaundice Nov - Mar

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

Juranea Dhoop Freshener Roots Dhoop Mar-MaymacrocephalaOrchis latifolia Salmam Aphrodic Tubers Nervous Sept- Nov

debalityPistacia 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- Bark/ Asthama Mar- Maycarcinogenic Laves

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 roxburghil) andKail (Pinus wallichiana) hence pathological and ethno-botanical information has beencollected with reference to various diseases pathogen type, major symptoms and putof plant affected. Following table depicts details of pathology & ethno-botanicalinformation.



Table: 3.12Ethno-botanical Approach for Major Plant Species of Forest

Name of Species Group Part of Symptoms Name of PestsPests Plant

. . AffectedScientific Local

Cedrus Deodar Insect Needle Defoliation Electropis deodaradeodara

Cone Loss of seeds Euzophreacedrella

Poles Debarking Scontus major

Roots Stunted growth Cockchafermalolanthea

Seedlings Regeneration Agrotis ypsilon

Needle Discoloration Brachyxstussubsignatusis

Fungus Poles Stunted Growth Fomes annosus

Pinus Chir Insect Needle Loss of needles Platypus biferisroxburghii

Needle Discoloration Chlonophrousstroilicola

Fungus Shoots Stunted Growth Peridermium cedri

Needle Shunted PeridermiumGrowth comanulatum

Pinus Kail Insect Poles Debarking Inslongifolia boreswallichiana

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 variationin altitude, climate, topography, forests type and forest cover leads to variation inanimals the fauna can be characterized as domestic animals and wild life. The detailsare discussed below.

(I) Domestic Life

The rural population is primarily dependant on agriculture based economy forlivelihood almost every family owns land and is engaged in agriculture, horticulture,floriculture and animal husbandry. Every family rears livestock for their day to dayrequirements for agriculture purposes and for cash income. The live stock is mainlydependant upon the natural resources, mainly forest for sustenance. Intensiveagriculture is concentrated from foothills to mid-hills valley areas where irrigation



facilities exist. In order to assess the population of domestic animals under the studyarea, animal census data is collected for Rampur division.

The animal census data revealed that cattle population dominated by contributing42.17% followed by 39.37% of sheep and 18.21% of Goats are predominant group ofGanzers and browses. Local people use the horses, mule and donkeys for carryingtheir luggage/material in hilly areas.

Table: 3.13Domestic 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

6 Sheeps 35553

7 Goats 16449

Total 90315Source: 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 alsoshowed 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 from1600-2900mts. Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus) is reported above 3000m, at lowerelevation during the winter and higher altitude during summer. All the valleys holdgood population of Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus). These animals move close tohabitation 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 (Najanaja) and Rat snake (Pyers mocosus) among Snakes while lizards were representedby Common Indian Monitor (Varanus monitor), common House Geeko (Hemidactylusbrook,), and Rock lizard (Agamo tuberculata).

Important birds of the study area includes pheasants which shows typical altitudinalvariation 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 forestdepartment is given in following table:

Environment s Ecology


Table: 3.14List 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

Capricomis sumatraensis Serow Sciuridae II

Caprolagus hispidus Hispid hare Cervidae I

Hylopetes, Petaurista Flying Squirrels Hylobatidae 11

Hystrix hodgson Himalayan Porcupine 11

Martes flavigula Martens IV

Mustela sibirica Himalayan weasel

Mos homourus Hill mouse

Moschus moschiferus Musk deer Cervidae I

Muntiacus muntjak Barking deer or Muntjac IlIl

Nemorhaedus goral Gorals IlIl

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 Himalayan pit viperhimalayanus

Bungarus caerulues 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

Catreus wallichii Cheer Pheasant Phasianidae I

Syrmaticus humiae Humes bar backed Phasranidae IPheasant

Lophophorus impejanus, Monal Pheasants Phasianidae I

Tetraogallus tibetanus Tibetan Snow cock Phasianidae ISource: Information collected from working plan Rampur/Seraj forest division



Status*: As per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Schedule-I Endangered and Rare Species

Schedule-lI Special Game

Schedule-lIl : Big Game

Schedule-IV : Small Game

The Census data of wildlife for Rampur and Anni Forest Division depicts thatpopulation of monkey is largest in both forest divisions. Seven Leopards have beenreported in Rampur Forest division however in Anni Forest division no Leopard arereported. The detail of wildlife census conducted in 2005 is given in the table below:

Table: 3.15Census 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 AnniSource: Forest Department Rampur wild Census 2005

3.5 BIODIVERSITY OF IMMEDIATE INFLUENCE AREA:

The project immediate influence area is comprised of 500m on both sides along thealignment of HRT. The major ecological are steep hill slopes, foothills and passing ofnational Highways 21 and major Settlements such as Jhakari, Rampur and manytownships. The entire area interrupted by agricultural or horticultural activities. Thedetail 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 subtropical scrub and DS-Il sub tropical scrub. The detail of forest types is given below.



(i) DS-1 Himalayan Sub tropical Scrub:

The extensive growing areas used as grazing grounds & hay fields by the villagersforms this forest type. They are spread over in between Chir (Pinus roxburghii). Thereis frequent 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-11 Sub tropical Euphorbia Scrub

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

3.5.2 Natural FloraThe natural flora of the immediate influence area is represented by natural flora alongthe slopes, foothills, the avenue plantation carried out along the existing NH-22,plantation of Eucalyptus & Dalbergia sissoo carried out by forests department as wellas compensatory afforestationn and plantation under catchment area treatment plan ofNJHEP project. A total number of 75 plant species observed during survey. Themaximum number of 28 species accounted for trees followed by 26 for shrubs, 17 forherbs and 4 species for grasses. The detail of flora recorded is given below.

Table: 3.16Flora 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 ProteaceaeEnvironment & Ecology



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 ciliata Poplar Salicaceae

23. Prunus amygradus Badam Rosaceae

24. Prunus communis Aloocha Rosaceae

25. Prunus persica Aroo Rosaceae

26. Robinia pseudoacacia Pahari kikar Papilionoidaea

27. Syzygium cumini Jamun Myrtaceae

28. Tamarindus indica Imli Caesalpiniaceae

SHRUBS




4 Artemesia vulgaris Artemesia Compositae










14 Girardinia heterophylla Bichhu, Kushki Urticaceae


16 Moriandra strobilifera Pothi






19 Plectranthus coesta Chichiri Labiatae






25 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhaula Lythraceae


HERBS

1 Achyranthes aspera Aghada, Puthkanda Amaranthaceae


3 Asparagus racemosa Sahansarpali Liliaceae





8 Fragaria indica Bhumla Rosoideae




12 Pteris sps Fern Pteridaceae


14 Tridexprocumbens Ground weed Amaranthaceae



17 Jasminium officinalis Chameli Oleaceae

GRASSES

1 Arundo donax Phiral, Naru Gramineae



4 Parthenium hysterophorus Congress grass CompositaeSource: 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), Meliaazaderach (Dhenk), Morus serrata (Shehtut), Populus ciliata (Poplar), Robiniapseudoacacia (Pahari Kikar), etc. The plantation carried out by forests department ismainly of Pinus roxburghi (Chil), Dalbergia sisso (Sisham) and Eucalyptus globulus(Safeda)

The area is interrupted by various agricultural and horticultural activities hence fruittrees 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 (Visika)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) Rumexhastatus (Bhilmora) etc.,

The common herb species of the immediate influence area is represented byAchyranthes aspera (Aghada), Chenopodium album (Bathua), Erigeron bellidioides(Horse weed), Oxalis corniculata (Amrit sack), Sonchus oleraceus (Dudhi), Fragariaindica (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 vegetationproviding feeding, breeding, hiding & resting sites. As project area is dominated by hillytracks with less vegetation cover and interrupted by agriculture activities in the form oftrench cultivation. Fauna of the project area is represented by reptiles, birds andmammals. The reptiles were represented by Calotes versicolor (Common Lizard)common Geeko (Hemidactylus brooki). The mammals were represented by animals oflocal importance such as Cows, Oxes, Horese, Mule, Donkey, Pigs etc. No wildlife isrecorded during the survey by direct or indirect evidiences. The total no of 38 speciesof birds where were recorded during the survey (Table 3.15):

Table: 3.17List of Avifauna Recorded Under the Immediate Influence Area

S. No. Scientific Name Common Name Family1. Acridotheres tristis Indian Myna Sturnidae2. Aeridotheres ginginianus Bank myna Sturnidae3. Cassa flavirostris Yellowbilled Blue Magpai Carvidae4. Columba livia Blue Rock Pigeon Columidae5. Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle Crow Carvidae6. Corvus splendens House Crow Carvidae



S. No. Scientific Name Common Name Family

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. Me ga/aima malaba rica 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

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. Saxicoloides 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 ZosteropidaeSource: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006


FL3Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 27 of 57Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

3.6 BIO DIVERSITY OF PROJECT AFFECTED AREA

The project-affected area is comprised of forestland, which involves establishment ofvarious project units i.e. 86.5 ha of land of which 48.9 ha is forestland for surfacework. The layout plan of Project affected Area is attached as Fig. 3. The terrestrialbiodiversity study was conducted on above mention forestland that is project area toprovide information on baseline status of flora and fauna. Break up of forestland isgiven below

Table: 3.18Breakup of Forest Land under the Project Area

S.No. Name of Site Forest AreaMohal /Up Forest Land

Mohal In Bighas In Hect.1 Cut & cover and Job Falti Kushwa 10-19 00-88-62

facilities (Kothi 15/20)2 Adit Approach road & Fatti Tunan 12-10 01-01-16

Job facilities Koja Adit). (Kothi 15/20)3 Job Facilities (Kajo Fatti Tunan 05-14 00-46-13

Adit) (Kothi 15/20)4 Dumping Area (Near Fatti Tunan 89-13 07-25-53

Kojo Adit) (Kothi 15/20)5 Adit Approach & Job Fatti Tunan 05-08 00-43-70

facilities (Kunni Adit) (Kothi 15/20)6 Dumping Area (Near Fatti Tunan 15-03 01-22-61

Kunni Adit) (Kothi 15/20)7 Bridge & Approach Fatti Tunan 00-13 00-07-69

road 9near Kunni Adit) (Kothi 15/20)8 Adit & Job Facilities Fatti Tunan 18-00 01-45-67

(Goshai Adit) (Kothi 15/20)9 Dumping Area Fatti Nirmand 29-10 02-38-7410 Dumping Area Fatti Nirmand 45-01 03-64-5911 Approach road & Job Fatti Bayal 198-09 16-06-04

facilities12 Power House, Fatti Bayal 82-17 06-70-50

Penstocks, Approachroad & Job facilities

13 Approach road, Tail Fatti Bayal 08-02 00-65-55Race & job facilities

14 Approach road & Job Fatti Bayal 15-11 01-25-84facilities

15 Quarry road, Crusher & Gadej (Koel) 67-05 05-44-25Job facilitiesTotal 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 mountainoustracks, steep hill slopes, foothills and Satluj river valley. The project area is mainly


FHProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 28 of 57Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

represented by dwarf shrubby vegetation interrupted by patches of Eucalyptusplantation. The total forests cover area of the project area is 48.9 ha for surface workand 20.41 ha (notional area) of forestland for underground works. The major foreststype occurring in Project Affected Area are discusses in details below

(I) DS-1 Himalayan Sub tropical Scrub:

The extensive growing areas used as grazing grounds & hay fields by the villagersforms this forest type. They are spread over in between Chir (Pinus roxburghi,). Thereis frequent 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-11 Sub tropical Euphorbia Scrub

Euphorbia royleana and Opuntia sp constitute this type of forest which spread alongriver 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. Theflora of project area is represented by 64 species belonging to 52 genera and 34families. Physio-gnomically vegetation has been categorized as trees, shrubs, herbsand grasses. The flora recorded under the project affected sites is presented below inthe table:

Table: 3.19Flora 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

Environment S Ecology

LEProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 29 of 57Chapter-3 Date: August 2006


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










14 Girardinia heterophylla Bichhu, Kushki U rticaceae













HERBS

1 Achyranthes aspera Aghada, Puthkanda Amaranthaceae


3 Asparagus racemosa Sahansarpali Liliaceae





8 Fragaria indica Bhumla Rosoideae




12 Pteris sps Fern Pteridaceae


14 Tridexprocumbens Ground weed Amaranthaceae



17 Jasminium officinalis Chameli Oleaceae

GRASSES

I Arundo donax Phiral, Naru Gramineae



4 Parthenium hysterophorus Congress grass CompositaeSource: 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 treesfalling under the project area are as given below:

Table: 3.20Major Uses of Trees under the Project Area

Name of Tree Fence Orname Avenue Fodder Fuel Timber Fruitntal Planting

Acacia + +- -

leucophloea

Bombax ceiba + +

Celtis australis + +



Name of Tree Fence Orname Avenue Fodder Fuel Timber Fruitntal Planting

Dalbergia + +sisso

Eucalyptus + +globulus

Ficus palmata + +

Grewia +oppositifolia

Mangifera +indica

Melia +azaderach

Millingtonia +hortensis

Mollotus + +phillipinenisis -

Morus alba - + +

Pinus + +roxburghii

Prunus +communis

Prunus persica +

Robinia + +pseudoacacia

Tamarindus +indica

Source: Public Consultation

*+ In use- Not in use

3.6.4 Natural Fauna

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

(1) Avifauna

Birds were identified with binox .The common birds recorded during the survey aregiven below:



Table: 3.21List 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

10 Lanius excubitor Grey Shrike Campehagidae

11 Megalaima malabarica Crimson breasted Cpilonidaebarbet

12 Milvus migrans Pariah Kite Acciptridae

13 Motacilla maderatensis Large pied wagtail Motacillidae

14 Nactarinia asiatica Purplerumpled NectarinidaeSunbird

15 Nectarinia minima Small Sunbird Nectarinidae

16 Orthotomus sutorius Tailor Bird Pachycephalinae

17 Passeer domesticus House Sparrow Passerinae

18 Psittacula krameri Rose ringed PsittacidaeParakeet

19 Picnonotus leucogenys White Cheeked PycnonotidaeBulbul

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 MuscicapinaeFlycatcher

26 Turdus merula Blackbird Turninae

127 1Upupa epops Hoopoe UpupidaeSource: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006



(2) Domestic Animals

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

(3) Wildlife

During field survey of project-affected area, no evidences of existence of any wildlifeeither direct or indirect were recorded. None of the endangered, rare, threatened orendemic 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 affectedareas and immediate influence area has been conducted. Importance Value Index(IVI) expresses dominance and ecological success of any species in an areawhereas 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 specificDiversity index and importance value of affected project area have been derived. Allthe sites are open scrub areas dominated by thorny shrubs and weed species. Thedominant 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 ofdegrade 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, Erigeronbellidioides etc. Parthenium is weed species present in the area is indicators ofdegraded land and are found throughout the arid zones and degraded areasThe Tree species is represented by Eucalyptus globules, which is an exotic speciesplanted in the area. Besides Eucalyptus some fruit trees like, Prunus persica, Prunuscommunis etc. are present. The area wise assessment of the flora is provided in thetables below:

Table: 3.22Assessment of Flora near Cut and cover of Head Race Tunnel

Species Relative Relative Relative IVIFrequency Density Dominance

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


lp


Table: 3.23Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area I ( near Kazo Adit)

Species Relative Relative Relative lviFrequency Density Dominance

Adhatoda vasica 14.81 27.27 14.75 56.83

Agave americana 3.70 1.81 0.72 6.24

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: 3.24Assessment of Flora of Job Facilities area at Kazo Adit


Berberies aristata 10.00 3.33 1.52 14.85

Cannabis sativa 10.00 13.33 1.53 24.86






Desmodium tiliaefolium 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

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

Oxalis comiculata 18.74 17.94 11.86 48.56


Pteris sps. 12.49 15.38 13.07 40.96

Table: 3.25Assessment of Flora of Approach Road for Kazo Adit

Species Relative Relative Relative MVIFrequency Density Dominance

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


Mallotus 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: 3.26Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit

Species Relative Relative Relative [VIFrequency Density Dominance


Rumex hastatus 66.66 50.05 0.192 116.90

Herbs & Grasses

Partheniumhysterophorus 49.97 66.66 48.17 164.81


Table: 3.27Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area II (near Kunni Adit)


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: 3.28Assessment of Flora of Kunni Adit



Rumex hastatus 60.00 62.50 60.32 182.82

Herbs & Grasses


Parthenium hysterophorus | 49.99 58.33 58.74 167.07

Table: 3.29Assessment of Flora of Goshai Adit

Relative Relative Relative IVISpecies Frequency Density Dominance

Dodoneae viscosa 60.00 71.43 1.82 133.25

Eucalyptus globulus 20.00 14.28 91.99 126.28


Herbs & Grasses _



Table: 3.30Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area IlIl (D/S of Nimrand Bridge)

c Relative Relative Relative IVISpecies Frequency Density Dominance

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 Relative RelativeSpecies Frequency Density Dominance IVI

Herbs & Grasses

Fragaria indica 16.67 10.52 9.20 36.39




Table: 3.31Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area IV (at Averi)

Species Relative Relative Relative MFrequency Density Dominance





Herbs & Grasses



Table: 3.32Assessment of Flora of Sur ge Shaft Area and Approa ch road to Su ge Shaft


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



Herbs & Grasses



S iRelative Relative RelativeSpecies Frequency Density Dominance

Arundo donax 37.5 36.36 67.96 141.82

Table: 3.33Assessment of Flora of Power House Area & its Approach Road

Relative Relative RelativeSpecies Frequency Density Dominance lVI

Adhatoda vasica 9.30 11.86 0.32 21.49Agave Americana 6.97 5.08 2.41 14.4Ailanthus excelsa 2.32 1.69 3.02 7.04Cannabis sativa 6.97 10.17 0.16 17.3Carissa spinerum 4.65 5.08 0.21 9.95Celtis australis 2.32 1.69 2.60 6.62Dalbergia sissoo 2.32 1.69 1.29 5.31

Eucalyptus globulus 9.30 11.8 39.0 60.20Euphorbia royleana 2.32 1.69 0.85 4.87

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 6.72Lantana 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






Fragaria indica 11.11 13.79 5.875 30.78


Trifolium pratense 11.11 13.79 5.525 30.43


Table: 3.34Assessment of Flora of Quar site at vill ge Koyal

Species Relative Relative RelativeFrequency Density Dominance

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

Tridexprocumbens 11.11 20.00 21.36 52.47

The Diversity Index for the project-affected area has been calculated. The diversity ofthe area is very low. Highest value of diversity index recorded is 1.28 for Powerhouseand approach road area. For all other sites, the diversity index is below. Thisindicates that the area is not rich in floral wealth and represents poor diversity. Thediversity index of the project-affected area is given in the table below.


[EProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 41 of 57Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

Table: 3.35Diversity Index of Project Affected Area

S.N SITE DIVERSITY IN EX (H)

Trees & Shrubs Grasses &Herbs

1 Cut and Cover Head Race 0.39Tunnel 0.27

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 Averi Dumping Area 0.59 0.16

11 Surge Shaft Area (Approach 0.78 0.28road)

12 Power House Area (Approach 1.28 0.75road, tail race and job facilities)

13 Quarry road, Crusher & Job 0.97 0.76Facilities

3.7.2 Assessment of Flora of the Immediate Influence Area

Assessment of flora of immediate influence area has been conducted (500m from theproject-affected areas). Random Quadrat sampling has been conducted and site-specific Diversity Index and Importance Value Index have been derived. The Diversityindex 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) expressesdominance and ecological success of any species in an area. The flora of the area isdominated by succulent shrubs such as Agave americana (Rambans), Euphorbiaroyleana (Shuru), and Opuntia monocantha (Nagphani) followed by thorny speciessuch as Carissa spinarum (Karonda), Zizyphus nummularia (Beri), Rubus ellipticus(Hinsar), Solanum surrattense (Kateli) etc. The assessment of flora depicts thatEucalyptus globules is the dominant tree in the area followed by Mallotusphillipinenisis and fruit trees of Prunus sps.

Among herbs and grasses Parthenium hysterophorus is dominant species followedby Arundo donax, Cynodon dactylon, Oxalis corniculata, Tridex procumbens,Erigeron bellidioides, Jasminium officinalis, Fragaria indica etc. The site wisequantitative assessment of the flora of project affected sites are discussed below



Table: 3.36Assessment of flora of Kunni Area


Callistemon citrinus 5.40 5.88 7.20 18.44

Dalbergia sissoo 5.40 3.92 9.43 18.76

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



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

Woodfordia fruticosa 2.70 1.96 0.50 5.16




Species Relative Relative Relative lviSFrequency Density Dominance

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: 3.37Assessment of flora of Nirmand Area

Species Relative Relative Relative IVIFrequency Density Dominance IVI

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 2.27 6.91 12.5

Ficus palmate 3.33 2.27 3.53 9.14

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






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






Fragaria indica 7.69 10.53 11.91 30.13














Table: 3.38Assessment of flora Near Bayal Villaae


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

Syzygium 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






Lantana camara 5.26 7.407 0.695 13.37

Musa paradisiacal 5.26 3.704 7.068 16.04




Species Relative Relative Relative lvi_ Frequency Density Dominance

Herbs & Grasses



Fragaria indica 16.7 18.52 23.55 58.74


Ocimum basilicum 8.33 7.407 7.609 23.35





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

Relative Relative RelativeSpecies Frequency Density Dominance IVI

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

Lantana camara 4.166 5.71 0.51 10.3


Moriandra strobilifera 4.16 2.85 0.36 7.39




Relative Relative RelativeSpecies Frequency Density Dominance lVI



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


Assessment of diversity index for immediate project area have been conducted whichdepicts 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 ofdiversity of the area is insignificant. The assessment of diversity is presented in thetables below.

Table: 3.40Diversity Index of Immediate Influence Area

S.N. SITE DIVERSITY INDEX (H)

Trees & Shrubs Grasses &Herbs

1. Kunni Area 1.40 1.10

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 richbiodiversity of the State. Forests of the state is utilized in various puposes such astimber, 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 from1997 to 1999. The loss of forests leads to loss of habitat to wildlife and hence theirecological status has change to endangered, threatened or rare. The ecologicalstatus 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 theirmedicinal properties. The Alpine meadows and Alpine scrub forests provide habitat toa variety of important medicinal flora of the state. It is estimated that if all thehouseholds remedies are taken into consodarartion, an estimated 1500 native plantspeciesare 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 threatenedendangered, or rare species. The list of rare & threatened plants of HimachalPrasdesh is given below

Table 3.41List of Rare and Threatened Species

S.No. Name

1. Achillea millefolium

2. Aconitum heterophyllum

3. Aconitum violaceum

4. Arnebia benthami

5. Arnebia euchroma

6. Arnebia guttata

7. Astragalus candolianus

8. Astragalus grahmianus

9. Astragalus leucocephalus

10. Betula utilis

11. Bunium persicum

12. Carex borii

13. Carum carvi

14. Chrysanthemum pyrathroides

15. Cortusa mathiole

16. Dactylorhiza hatagirea



S.No. Name

17. Draba cachemirica

18. Draba lasiophylla

19. Ephedra geradiana

20. Eremurus himalaicus

21. Euphrasia jaeschkei

22. Euphrasia pauciflora

23. Euphrasia platyphylla

24. Ferula jaeshkeana

25. Galium serphylloides

26. Gentiana tianschanica

27. Hedysarum cashmerianum

28. Heracleum candicans

29. Heracleum thomsoni

30. Heteropappus holohermaphroditus

31. Hyoscyamus niger

32. Inular racemosa

33. Juniperus communis

34. Juniperus recurva

35. Jurinea tibetica

36. Leontopodium frinbriligerum

37. Limosella aquatica

38. Meconopsis bikramii

39. Orobanchhe hansii

40. Pedicularis albida

41. Pedicularis pychnantha

42. Pedicularis purpurea

43. Physochlaina praealta

44. Picrorhiza kurrooa

45. Pinus gerardiana

46. Podophyllum hexandrum

47. Potentilla curviseta

48. Potentilla fulgens

49. Rheum australe

50. Rheum moorcroftianum



S.No. Name

51. Rheum spiciforme

52. Saussurea gnapholoides

53. Saussurea gossypiphora

54. Saussurea obvallata

55. Scrophularia koelzii

56. Scrophulria suffruticosa

57. Sedumjaeschkei

58. Seseli tribobium

59. Silene stewartli

60. Silene stewartii

61. Thylacospermum caespitosum

62. Valeriana jaeschkei

63. Veronica biloba

64. Viola biflora

65. Waldhemia glabra

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 providedspecial protection to wildlife by declaring Musk deer as state animal while Monalphesant as state bird. The list of wild animals of Himachal Pradesh owing to theirecological status is given below.

Table 3.42Status of Rare, Endangered and Protected Species of Fauna

Scientific Name Common Name

Protected

Panthera pardus Leopard

Panthera uncia Snow leopard

Felis bengalensis Leopard Cat

Ovis ammon hodgsoni Nayan

Pseudois nayaur Bharal

Capricornis sumatraensis Serow

Moschus moschiferus Musk deer

Hemitragus jemlahicus Himalayan Thar

Catreus wallichii Cheer Pheasant

Endangered


Capra ibex Himalayan Ibex

Hemitragus jemlahicus Himalayan Thar

Vulnarable

Panthera pardus Leopard

Moschus moschiferus Musk deer


The distribution of endangered/protected and vulnerable animals in project influencedarea, immediate influence area and project affected area is discussed below.

(i) Project Influence Area

The information about the distribution of endangered wildlife is collected fromrespective forest division i.e. Rampur/Ani forest Division Himachal Pradesh. Theendangered animals reported from project influence area are Leopard (Pantherapardus); Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), Barking deer (Muntiacusmuntiak); Himalayan fox (Vulpes valpes) wolf (Canis lupus) and among birds Monal



phesant (Lophophorus impejanus), Koklaj Pheasant( Purcrasia macrolopha) andCheer Pheasant ( Catreus wallichii) are reported from the forests of the study area.

The carnivore representative of forest under the study area is Leopard (Pantherapardus). It is member of cat family is a sleek short haired and agile animal with afabulous coat marked with close-set rosettes. It has adapted itself to the forest aera aswell as to the open countryside. It is known to lift sheep & cattle from the shed. TheHimalayan Blackbear (Selenarctos thibetanus) inhabits the oak forests from 1800 m to2500 m it is considered a savage animal by villagers for its raids on village cultivationand occasional attacks on humanbeings. Jackel (Canus aureus) have been reportedfrom populated areas while Himalayan fox (Vulpes valpes) reported during winter nearhabitations in forests.

The Musk deer (Muschus mosehiferus), a solitary and secretive animal is reportedfrom Alpine and sub alpine zones of the forests at altitude above 2900-4000 mtselevation range The havey show fall in higher altitudes leads to downward migrationup to 2800 to 2500 mt is reported during winter. The Rhesus macaque (macacamulata) reported between 1200 to 2400 m mostly in broad-leaved forests whileLangoor (Presbytes entellus) reported 1800 to 2800 m.The large sexually dimorphic members of phesant family are found throughout theforests. The Monal phesant (Lophophorus impejanus) a colourful & attractive birdreported fom 300m to 3000 m while Koklaj Pheasant (Purcrasia macrolopha) found onsteep forested hillsides between 500 to 3000 m elevatioin and that of Cheer Pheasant(Catreus wallichi,) found on hillsides between 1800 to 2500m.

(ii) Project Immediate Influenced Area

The area is marked by degraded scrub forest, heaving populated along the NationalHighway interrupted with intensive agriculture/horticulture/animal hasbandarypractices, etc Hence chances of wildlife habitats are not expected; and no records ofwild life reported from the project area.

(iii) Project Affected Area

The area is marked by dry denuaded steep hillslopes, foothills with sdcanty thorneyshrubs type vegetation cover and plantation paches of Eucalyptus interrepted byagricultural activities. None of the wildlife was noticed either direct or indirectevidences 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 comparativestatus 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 thestate is 3.54 million ha, which constitutes 66.6% the total geographical area of thestate. The wide range of altitude, topography and climatic conditions contributedtowards diverse forest types ranging from Tropical to Sub-tropical & temperate to



Alpine Forests. As per the Champian & Seth (1962), a total nine major forest typesand 35 sub-groups of forests were reported through out the State.

Table: 3.43Comparative Distribution of Forests Types

Forest H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAATypes

Tropical Mois Siwalic Sal Forest. .Deciduous Forest.. 3C/C2a


Dry Alpine Scrub + 16/Cl(3000-3600m.)

Moist Alpine Scrub + Ipine Pasture 15/C3(3000-3600m)

Sub Alpine Forest.. + Fir Frs. 14/Cia(3000-3500m.)

Pasture 14/DS1

Himalayan Dry + Coniferous Dry D. Frs. -Temperate Forest.. 13/C2b(2500-3000m.)

Con. Pine Frs. 13/Cl

Blue Pine Frs. 13/C2b

Himalayan Mois + Ban-Oak Frs. 12/Cia +Temperate Forest..(1500-2500m) Kharsu Oak Frs. 12/C2a +

Moist Deodar Frs. +12/CIC

Oak- Fir Frs. 12/C2b

Mix. Con Frs. 12/Cld

Moharu Oak Frs. 12/C1

Oak Scrub Frs. 12/Dsl

Sub- tropical Pine + Himalayan Sub- tropical +Forest.. Pine Frs. 9C1

St. Euph + +Srb



Forest H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAATypes

9DS2

Sub-tropical Dry Dodonea + +Evergreen Forest.. Srb

+ + 1ODS1

Tropical Dry + + NorthernDeciduous Forest. Dry

MixedDec.

+ + Frs. - A5/C2

KhairSissooForest.51B/1 S2

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

HP- Himachal Pradesh, SB. Satluj Basin, PIA- Project Influence AreaPIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area

+ Present - Absent

The table shows comparative distribution of forest types in Himachal Pradesh, SatlujBasin, Project Influenced Area, Project Immediate Influenced Area & Project AffectedArea. It revealed that Shivalik Sal Forest differentiate Himachal Pradesh from SatlujBasin. While High Altitude Forest (3500-6600m) Alpine & Sub-Alpine Forestdifferentiate Satluj Basin and Project Influenced Area.

The Project Immediate Influenced Area and Project Affected Area represents minimumforest types i.e. Sub-tropical Euphorbia Scrub and Dodonea Scrub, which are sparselydistributed along foothills and hill slopes.

3.9.2 Comparative Distribution of Flora

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


FElProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 55 of 57Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

Table: 44Comparative Distribution of Flora

S.N. Nature of Flora PIA PIIA PAA1 Trees 45 28 172 Shrubs 39 26 233 Herbs 21 14 164 Climber 04 02 015 Grasses 06 04 046 Ferns 02 02 027 Epiphytes 01 01 -

8 Mushroom 01 - -

Total 119 77 63PIA- Project Influence AreaPIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area

Taxonomically flora of the Project Influenced Area recorded highest number of 119species belonging to 98 Genera & 58 Families followed by 77 and 63 in ProjectImmediate Influenced Area and Project Affected Area respectively. Physiognomicallywhere 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 notshow much variation. The value of diversity index for trees & shrubs fall in the range of0.27 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 aregiven in the table below.

Table: 3.45Comparison of Diversity Index

Area Diversity index Range Diversity index Range forfor Trees & Shrubs Grasses & Herbs


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 diversifiedflora throughout the state. The rich faunal diversity includes 77 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 fromhigher altitude forest (3500-6600m). The comparative distribution of endangered, rare& protected species of Himachal Pradesh is given below



Table: 3.46Comparative Distribution of Endangered Species of Wildlife

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

Cold Desert Snow Leopard + +

Dry Alpine Scrub Him Brown Bear + +

Moist Alpine Tibetan Wolf + +

Sub Alpine Frs. Red Fox + +(3500-6600)

Common Leopard + + +

Him Black Bear + + +*

Bharal + +

Him Thar + +

Him Ibex + +

Musk Deer + + +*

Barking Deer + + +*

HP- Himachal Pradesh, SB- Satluj Basin, PIA- Project Influence AreaPIIA- 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 InfluencedArea of which Himalayan Black Bear reported only during summer while Musk &Barking deer showed altitudinal migration during winter. The Common Leopard isreported to follow cattle/goat/sheep herd commonly surrounding the villages in forestareas. None of the endangered rare or protected species is reported from ProjectImmediate Influenced Area or Project Affected Area.

The base line faunal survey of the Project Influenced Area revealed that a total 58species of fauna recorded during survey of which 18 species are recorded formammals, 38 species of birds and 2 species of reptiles. Fauna of Project AffectedArea and Project Immediate Influenced Area show poor distribution and mainlyrepresented by domestic animals of local interest such ascows/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 & colorfulwildlife. The Protected Area network of Himachal Pradesh is comprised of 32 WildlifeSanctuary and 2 National Parks occupying 13.6% of the Geographical Area of theStates. Following table shows comparative distribution of Protected Area Network.




Protected H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAAA reas __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _

National 2 1---Park 2


HP- Himachal Pradesh, S.B. - Satluj Basin, PIA- Project Influence AreaPIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area

3.10 FACTORS AFFECTING TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY

The factors responsible for the degradation of forests can be categorized as Naturalcalamities 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, frostand drought. Due to heavy show fall, breaking & uprooting of trees is quite common.Usually wind damage occurs during October, November and March leading touprooting/breaking of trees. Hailstorms are common during April. Young seedlingsuffers in case of winter frost. While drought period is of 2-3 months before and afterrainy, season and causes mortality to large number of seedlings in the afforestedareas. 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 theforests. Anthropogenic activities can be categorized as follows.

* Illegal felling for agricultural implements and pack.* Grazing & browsing pressure by sheep/goats

* Severe Lopping for fodder, fuel, manure etc.

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

* Heavy Timber demand

* Fuel wood and charcoal

* Torch wood extraction to Chir & Kail by cutting deeply the resinous wood frombase portion of stem. The damage trees weaken at the base & fall due to windaction.

The resinous wood is used by the villagers for igniting fires in their houses.

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



CHAPTER 4IMPACT 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 physicalenvironment as well as among themselves. They show various responses to outsideinfluences. Environment impacts on biotic communities vary in directness, intensityand duration depending upon both nature of project activities and type of bioticcommunities. The response of biotic communities to project mediated changes insurrounding environment varies with ecological hierarchy i.e. from individual organismto ecosystem level as indicated in following flow chart (Manzel 1979).

D* I -4

RECT Ha at

N

D

PopulationR

ECommunities

T

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 indirectlythrough bringing out physico-chemical changes / alterations in their habitat. Long-term effect may be at population, communities and ecosystem level.

Impacts on terrestrial biodiversity have been considered at various levels such asproject-affected area, project immediate influenced area and project influenced area(7 Km surrounding project site). Based on baseline terrestrial biodiversity status andvarious project activities during construction & operation phase of project impacts arepredicted. Impacts are categorized as direct, indirect, cumulative and inducedimpacts. 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. Thebaseline terrestrial biodiversity status of the project affected area revealed that, twoforests 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 asAgave 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 (Bichhugrass), Ricinus communis (Arandi), Rumex hastatus (Bhilmora) etc. Common treespecies observed during the survey were Eucalyphtus globosus (Safeda); Dalbergiasissoo (Shisham), Acacia leucophloea (Subabul), Ficus palmata (Fedu); Bombaxceiba (Semal), Mallotus philippinensis (Kamela), Morus alba (Tut) etc. Impacts ofvarious 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 toacquisition of forests land, tree felling and clearing of land for providing variousproject units. Details are discussed below

(I) Acquisition of Forests Land

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

The total land requirement of the project is 86.5 ha out of which 69.37 ha (48.9 ha ofsurface land and 20.47 notional area) is forestland the forestland is represented by



degraded forest based on forest types i.e. Subtropical Euphorbia Scrub andHimalayan Subtropical Scrub. Hence, direct impact due to loss of forestland i.e. 48.9ha on existing forest cover will be insignificant. Moreover, the total forest cover areaof Rampur forest division is 53,826 ha, as compare to forestland required for projecti.e. 69.37 ha is just 0.90% of total forest cover. Hence, forest loss is insignificant ascompare to availability of forests land in Rampur division.

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

Table 4.1List of Trees to be felled for clearing the Site

S.No. Scientific Name Common Name Number

1 Eucalyptus globolus Safeda 9962 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham 373 Melia azadirach Dreak 214 Grewia oppositifolia Biul 95 Toona ciliata Tun 46 Pinus roxburghii Chir 37 Morus alba Mulberry 28 Acacia leucophloea Subabul 19 Salix sp Willow 1

10 Ficus palmata Fedu 1Total 1075

Source: Tree Cutting Report Rampur Forest Division

Tree cutting report reveled that, of 92.6 % of trees to be felled is contributed byEucalyptus. The Eucalyptus is exotic species to the natural forests of the region, andis planted by forests department under degraded forest area development scheme.Other species reported are commonly distributed throughout the project immediateinfluence area and project influence area.

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



(iii) Clearing of Project LandDirect impact on flora is also attributed to loss of flora due to clearing for forests landfor providing various facilities such as provision of approach road, job facilities,construction of adits, power house, excavation for quarry and dumping areas etc. Thedetailed site specific investigation has been carried out to establish terrestrialbiodiversity status it revealed that, dominant shrubs were Adhatoda vasica (Vasik),Colebrookia oppositifolia (Bambher), Calotrolois gigantea (Akh), Carissa spinarum(Karonda), Cannabis sativa (Bhang), Agave americana (Rambans), Euphorbiaroyleana (Shuru), Dodonea vasicosa (Mehandi), Opuntia monocantha(Nagpani),Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar), Zizyphus numularia (Beri) Lantana camara (Lantana),Rumux hastatus(Bhilmora) etc. The common tree species observed were Eucatyptusglobolus (Safeda), Acacia leucophloea (Subabul), Mallotus philippinenisis (Kamela),Mangifera India (A am), Morus alba (tut), Grewia oppositiflolia (Biul) etc. Thesespecies are widely distributed throughout the project immediate influence area as wellas project influence area and are neither endangered, rare nor threatened, endemicin 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 revealedthat loss of flora due to clearing of trees for various project activities will not have anydirect significant impacts on flora of the region in terms of total forest cover, loss ofecologically significant species, change in structure, composition and distributionpattern of flora and there by any adverse significant impacts on existing terrestrialbiodiversity status of the forest of Rampur division, in particular and flora of SatlujBasin or Himachal Pradesh in general. As direct impacts of project activities areconfirmed to project affected areas only hence, any direct impacts on projectimmediate influence area and project influence area are not at all expected.

In order to compensate the loss of forests land acquired for establishing variousproject units, loss due to tree felling as well as due to land clearing the approvedCompensatory 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 Nither ranges of Ani forest division. TheDetails of land for compensatory afforestation is given below.

Table 4.2Proposed Sites for Compensatory Afforestation, Anni Forest Division

S.No. Name of Unprotected Forests Forests Compartment Numbers

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



The direct impacts will be compensated by implementation of CompensatoryAfforestation 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 are expected to be limited to projectimmediate influence area and to some extent to project influence area. Indirectimpacts will be due to various construction activities such as generation of dust due toearthwork, excavation, transportation of construction materials( Sand Aggregate,Cement etc), quarry, crusher & blasting operations, , air pollution due to movement ofconstruction vehicles, equipments and machineries, influx of labour population andpollution generated through provision of labour camps established temporarily atconstruction sites etc. These impacts will be short term and limited to constructionperiod only.

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

The dominant trees of avenue plantation along existing NH-22 are Acacialeucophloea (Subabul), Bombax ceiba (Semul), Erithrina indica (Pangara) Eucalyptusglobolus( Safeda), Ficus palmata (Fedu), Mallotus philippinensis(Kamela), Meliaazederach (baken), Morus alba (Malberry), Pinus roxburghii (Chir), Robiniapseudoacacia (Pahari kikar) etc. Common shrubs were represented by Adhatodavasica (Vasaka), Colobrookia oppositifolia (Bamber); Calotropics gigantea (Aak),Carissa spinarum (Karonda); Dodonea vasicosa (Me handi), Euphorbia royleana(Shuru), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar) Cannabis sativa (Bhang), Debregeasia hypleuca(Sihanru), Girardinia heteropnhylla (Bichhu Ghas), Ricinus communis (Arandi)Zizyphus numularia (Beri), Rumex hastatus (Bhilmora) etc. The indirect impacts dueto various project activities are discussed in details below.

(I) Generation of Dust

The dust is primary air pollutant in the form of Suspended Particulate Mattergenerated due to various project activities such as earthworks, general transportation,loading/unloading/ transportation of construction material, blasting, crusher & quarryoperation etc. Trees are well known for their remarkable scavenging abilities. Treescan filter out dust, soot and smoke. It is estimated that vegetation can filature outparticulate matter of 120 ugm/sqm of leaf area over a distance of 200 m. Evergreenspecies with simple leaves, having rough & hairy surface are more efficient dustcollector than deciduous trees with compound leaves having smooth surface (DasT.M. 1990).

Long-term exposure of dust primarily affects vegetation by interfering the matterexchange between plants and atmosphere. The exchange of gaseous components is



an important for various vital physiological processes such as photosynthesis,respiration & evapo-transpiration etc leading to various morphological effects such aschlorosis, necrosis, discoloration and ultimately reduction in primary productivity.

As the avenue plantation along the existing NH-22 is well grown (which will be usedfor transportation) and will helpful in filtering out dust and impact due to dust duringtransportation will minimize. The vegetation in project immediate influence area is athorny shrub hence, impact will be insignificant. As indirect impact due to dust will berestricted during construction period only hence long terms impacts are not expected.However to mitigate adverse impact due to dust suggested mitigative measures(Table 4.7) should be strictly followed.

(II) Generation of Noise

The noise will be generated due to various construction activities such as movementof construction vehicles machineries and equipments, working force as well asblasting. Blasting is a common practice of tunneling activity. It is short-livedphenomenon i.e. duration generally less than 0.5 seconds. There are no directimpacts of blasting activity on vegetation as vegetation attenuates sound byabsorption. The blasting will be carried out by controlled blasting techniques henceany adverse impacts on vegetation are not expected.

(Ill) Temporary Labour Camp

The hydroelectric projects are labour intensive hence, large number of labours areexpected to influx the area during construction phase. The aggregation of laborpopulation estimated to be 11850 for various construction purposes. The importantproject activity-affecting flora surrounding the project influence area is due toestablishment of laborer camps. The major threat to surrounding flora is throughcollection of fuel wood by labour for cooking purposes and thereby loss of trees.Hence, to mitigate this impact on flora necessary alternate arrangement should bedone for fuel such as provision of LPG, Kerosene etc. It should be ascertained thatno open fire should be allowed in labor camps as it may lead to fire to surroundingforest leading to loss of forest. The solid wastes generated in the form of garbage andeffluent due to sewage should be properly collected and suitably disposed so as toavoid any impact on surrounding flora.

(IV) Generation of Debris& Muck

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



TABLE 4.3Details of Identified Dumping Areas

S.N. Dumping Area Description of Area Quantity ofDump mm3

1 Dumping area - I Opposite Kaneri Hospital, Rampur 1.05

2 Dumping area - 11 Opposite HERC workshop, 0.06Rampur

3 Dumping area - IlIl D/S Nirmand Bridge 0.384 Dumping area- IV Averi 1.32

It revealed that dumping areas are either devoid of vegetation or showed few weedyshrubs. Hence, any adverse impacts on flora are not expected as these shrubs arewidely distributed in project immediate influence area as well as project influencearea. To mitigate this loss of shrubs approved Muck Disposal Plan should be strictlyimplemented. As such no vegetation was recorded at proposed quarry site, howeverto avoid impacts due to quarry operations on surrounding quarry site necessary dustsuppression measures should be implemented. After completion the quarry operationarea should be reclaimed.

(V) Soil Erosion

The soil erosion due to natural and anthropogenic activities cause major threat tosurvival of vegetation. The Saltuj River flows in narrow deep channels with steep hillsrising on either side in the project area. The hills are very steep with poor or novegetation 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 arequite prevalent throughout the project affected/immediate influence and projectinfluence 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 duringconstruction phase such excavation work, tunneling/blasting, construction oftemporary and permanent road in project area to movevehicle/machinery/equipments and working force (Labour) . The forestland acquiredfor the project had to be cleared to make way for various project components clearingof vegetation accelerates erosion process in addition to above-mentioned activities.

The excavated material is generally loose, unstable and keeps rolling down andthereby affecting natural drainage channels of the river deteriorate water quality aswell as accelerate sedimentation & soil erosion. As three of four dumping area arelocated closed to river Satluj and chances of rolling down of muck/ loose materialleading to blockage in river flow or contamination of water due to silting are more. Inorder to avoid this the retaining wall varying from of 2 - 7 m height is proposed along


Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 8 of 21Chapter-4 Date: August2006

the bank of the river at all Muck Disposal Areas. In order to control the soil erosion theapproved Catchments Area Treatment Plan should be strictly implemented.

4.2.3. Induced Impacts

The induced impacts largely concentrated on project influence area owing todependency of local people on forests. These impacts are discussed specially in lightof various human activities affecting forest such as Traditional timber rights, newmigrant labour, associated development, and induced commercial developments

The baseline terrestrial biodiversity status of the project influence area (7 Km)revealed that; eight different forests types represent the flora. The altitudinal variationleads to various forest types. The dominant forest type in project influence area areHimalayan Subtropical Scrub forests, Euphorbia Scrub forests, Northern mixeddeciduous forest, Himalayan Subtropical Pine forests, DSI Oak Scrub etc. Thedominant tree species of these groups are Pinus roxburghii (Chir) and its commonassociates 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), Bombaxceiba (Semul), Pinus wallichiana (Kail) and Lennea grandis (Jhingan) while at higherelevations 1800 to 2400m Cedrus deodara (Deodar) is reported.

The dominant shrubs reported to be Adhatoda vasica, (Vasaka), Colebrookiaoppositifolia (Bambher); Euphorbia royleana (Shuru), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar),Girardiana heterophylla (Bichnu ghas), Woodfordia floribunda (Dhaula) Cannabissativa (Bhang), Zizyphus nummularia (Beri), Dodoneae viscose (Mehandi) etc.

The forests of the influence area are interrupted with various forest settlements alongwith agricultural, horticultural, animal husbandry practices. Local villagers are fullydependent on forests for their day-to-day requirements including fodder, fuel, timbergrazing etc. All these activities adversity affect the forests and it is under pressuredue to increasing human population and their activities. Besides this, lopping of treesfor fodder manure and bed preparation for cattle sheds, heavy grazing and forest firehave thinned out the forest to varying degree, destroy all undergrowth and reducedshrubby ground cover. The other human activities contributing to forest reduction areunscientific horticultural practices, torch wood extraction, debarking etc. The inducedimpacts are discussed below in details.

(I) Traditional Timber Rights

Himachal Pradesh has the highest percentage of rural population (90.21%) in thecountry residing more than 20000 villages across the state. The predominantly ruralpopulation is primarily dependent on agriculture base economy for livelihood. Thenatural forest in the area provides wood for building of houses, bridges, furniture,and agricultural implements, in addition to providing much needed fuel wood. Peopleare also dependent upon the native land races of livestock for agricultural purposesand 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 localpeople 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 salvageand to meet the demand of right holders. As per one estimate timber worth Rs. 60crore 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 ruralcommunities 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 ofhouses/dwellings. The right holders must be bonafied native agriculturist, holdingland in settlements in forest areas. A right to the timber is for building & repair ofhouseholds, construction of temple arch, cremation of dead bodies etc.

As regards the timber rights of project influence area total forest cover of Rampurdivision is 40372 ha and there are 250 villages under 48 panchayats as rightholders. The local villagers have rights to get timber for construction of house/ cattlesheds. It is estimated that nearly 800 trees are cut/felled to fulfill the demand of localpeople. The data on timber rights has been collected form Rampur Div. For fiveyears i.e. 1987-92. It revealed that, total 8695 trees were felled/ cut to meet timberdemand. Important timber trees are Pinus roxburghii(Chir), Pinus wallichiana (Kail),Cedrus deodara and Picea smithiana(Rai). The maximum number of 5743 trees ofKail was felled followed by 2018 of Deodar, 717 of Rai and 217 of Chir. The yearwise details of species felled along with number & volume of trees is given below

Table 4.4Timber Rights Marketed to Right Holders from 1987-88 to 91-92 in Rampur

Forest Division

S. Year Deodar Kail Rai ChirNo

No Vol No Vol No Vol No Vol1 1987 - 88 533 1646.71 1058 4291.62 277 941.68 58 35.702 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 41 116.45Source: Working Plan for Rampur Forest Division

The right holders have rights to remove all Chir & Kail trees uprooted by naturalprocess 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 decidedat the time of settlement i.e. Zamindari rate. The Zamindari rate or subsidized ratesat which a right holder get timber is given below

Table 4.5Rate of Timber for Right Holders (Rs)

S.N. Girth Size Class Deodar Kail Fir 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 to5.ORs depending on class of timber followed by Kail 0.12 to 1 Rs, Fir 0.06-0.25 Rsand Chir 0.06-0.50 Rs. This concession has resulted in considerable depletion offorest near habitats/settlements as demand of timber is growing day by day. Theprices for non-right holder are decided by Himachal Pradesh Forest Corporation(1978). The average sale price/cubic centimeter timber in the depots of ForestCorporation is given below.

Table 4.6Timber Rates for Non-right Holders

S.No. Name of Size(cm) Grade RateSpecies

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


1MProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 11 of 21Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

S.No. Name of Size(cm) Grade RateSpecies

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 3,971Source: Working Plan , Outer Seraj Kullu Dist

The rate per m3 for best quality swan timber is Rs 1,421, for Deodar, Rs 900 for Kail,Rs 798 for fir & Rs743 for Chir . It seems that rates of timber allotted to right holdersare 1000 time less than prevailing market rate, leading to increase of timber demandby local people.

Increase in timber demand attributed to increase in population of right holders, as wellas 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 (twoto four rupees/tree) at which trees are granted to right holders as compare to theprevailing market rate. It is also observed that, local right holders misuse rights byselling timber obtained in confessional rates to non-right holders & city dwellers ofnearby town. The concessions with reference to Rights to the timber have beenreduced due to non-availability of trees in Rampur Forest Division.

Thus it revealed that, major impact on project influence area is due to various rightsgiven to villagers residing in forests

(II) New migrant Labour

The induced impact associated with new migrant labor are due loss ofvegetation/flora for provision of facilities such as accommodation, provision of road fortransportation, provision of waste disposal such as solid waste/garbage and effluentsgenerated through sewage, provision of commercial complexes to meet their day today requirements and provision of parking facilities etc. As the land acquired forabove-mentioned purposes is not forestland hence loss of flora associated with theseactivities are not expected. Moreover large scale migration of labour/ employeesduring operation phase is not at all expected as working staff will be limited to skillworkers & trained officials of SJVNL Therefore loss of forest land, loss of flora,pollutions generated via sewage & garbage & thereby adverse impacts onsurrounding flora is not at all envisaged.



(Ill) Associated Developments

Development of Rampur Hydro-electric project will bring associated development inseveral sectors such as transportation, automobile, commercial sectors such as dailyneeds, agriculture related developments such as vegetable, fruit, grain, fertilizer,pesticides, irrigation, electric appliances, which will provide employment opportunitiesfor local people and help to increase their social & economic status. All thesedevelopment need space/land, which is clear of flora/vegetation. The land is to becleared before establishment of any facility. As such all above mentioned facilities arewell developed at Rampur as well as Duttanagar town hence no new development isexpected in project area. Hence, loss of flora attributed to clearing of land fordevelopment & 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 hillyarea hence, large-scale commercial development is not expected. All commercialfacilities are available at Rampur and Duttanagar village that are very near fromproposed powerhouse and settlement town ship therefore additional commercialdevelopment is also not envisaged. Hence any adverse impacts on flora of the eitherproject influence area or project immediate influence area due to induced commercialdevelopment is not expected.

Thus it revealed that., timber right to local villagers is the main threat for depletion offorests in the project influence area and not due to the project induced changes.Hence, necessary steps should be taken by forest department to control timberdemand & 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. Itprovides major habitat, food, fodder, resting, hiding as well as breeding sites to alltypes of animals. The major factor affecting the distribution of animals in entire area isfound to be forest types, altitudinal variation, interference of human activities andforest 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 asdirect, 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. Thepresence of fauna is directly related to type of flora present. Himalayan SubtropicalScrub and Subtropical Euphorbia Scrub, which are sparsely distributed along hillslopes, foothills and Satluj river valley, represent Flora of project-affected area. Theforest patches present in the project-affected area is mostly Eucalyptus Plantationcarried out by state forest department under degraded forest area development



programmed. Most of the hill slopes are very steep and almost without any vegetationor with thin vegetation dominated by shrubs, which is already discussed in details onvegetation impacts.

The baseline faunal biodiversity status of project affected area revealed that, fauna isvery thinly distributed. Reptiles, birds and mammals represent the fauna. Thecommon representation of reptiles was Calotes versicolor (Common Lizard), andHemidactylus brooki (Common Gecko). The common birds recorded wereAcridotheres tristis (Indian Myna), Columba livia (Blue Rock Pigeon), Corvusmacrorhynchos(Jungle Crow), Dandroatta vagabunda(Treepie), Laniusexcubitor(Grey Shrike), Milvus migrans(Pariah Kite), Nectariniaminima(Purplerumpled Sunbird), Picnonotu Mammals leucogenys(White CheekedBulbul), Orthotomus sutorius(Tailor Bird), Turdoides caudatus(Common babbler),Sexicoloides fulicata (Indian Robin), Turdus merula (Blackbird) etc. showing typicalagrarian bird community as area is marked by intensive agricultural & horticulturalactivities.

The mammals were represented by domestic animals. As the agricultural &horticultural activities dominated the project area the domestic animals of localimportance were mainly observed such as Cow, Buffalo, Ox of agriculturalimportance, Horses, Mules and Donkeys used for carrying loads in hilly areas andcommon pet animal such as Dogs & Cats. None of the wildlife was either observedduring survey of the area or has been reported by forest department. These area norecords of any endangered, rare, threatened or endemic species from the projectarea.The project activities affecting directly to animals project present in the project area isnot envisaged in terms of direct loss of any animal due to any proposed projectactivity.

4.3.2 Indirect & Cumulative Impacts

Indirect and cumulative impacts are associated with various construction activitiessuch as clearing of vegetation for establishment of various project units, movement ofvehicles, construction equipments & machineries etc, interferences due to influx oflabours as well as temporary establishment of labour camps, blasting operations etc.

The major direct impact of and hydro -electric project is primarily through constructionof reservoir and submergence of forest leading to loss of habitat for wildlife. Theproposed project does not involve construction of dam hence any adverse impact dueto loss of habitat is totally ruled out.

The loss of 48.9 ha of forest land for various project unit will also not adversity affectthe fauna as similar habitat is present throughout the project immediate influencedarea as well as project influence area. Therefore impact due to loss of habitat forbirds, 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 tonoise generated during blasting may lead to short time driving way of birds & animals


LSProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 14 of 21Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

in surrounding areas. As the controlled blasting technique will be followed hence anylong-term adverse impacts are not engaged.

Impacts on surrounding fauna due to movement of vehicles, machinery, equipmentsand work force may slightly interfere in animal movements. As most of the domesticanimals are guided & controlled by cowboy's eg. 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 mayavoid impact totally. As no wildlife is reported from project-affected areas any adverseimpacts on wildlife are totally ruled out.

4.3.3 Induced Impacts

The induced impacts are considered to be due to establishment of proposehydroelectric project, migration of labours/employees, induced commercialdevelopmental activities on surrounding fauna. As project affected area and projectimmediate are is mainly represented by common domestic animals, which areprotected by their owners, hence any adverse impacts are not envisaged. Howeverthe project influence are 7 Km surrounding the proposed project varies forest typesas well as wildlife is reported hence induced impacts are discussed with reference toforests & wild life reported from project influence area.

The variation in altitude leads to variation in forest types and associated changes inwildlife. Important wild animals are reported at higher altitude such as HimalayanBlack bear (Selenarctor thibetenus) reported at 1800 to 2500mt altitude, Musk deer(Moschus moschiferus) is reported from 2900-4000 meters. Rhus Macaque (Macacamulata) from 1200-2400m while Languor (Presbytes entellus) from 1800-2800meters. Hence, any adverse impacts due to induced developmental activities onwildlife are not expected. However, in order to improve forest cover & wild habitatsuggested recommendations to be strictly implemented as per approvedCompensatory Afforestation Plan and Catchment Area Treatment Plan.

5 CONCLUSION

The terrestrial biodiversity of project affected area and project immediate influencearea is represented by low floral & faunal diversity. The forests of the area arerepresented by degraded forests type such as Euphorbia Scrub and HimalayanSubtropical Scrub. Weedy shrubs with some common tree species dominate thearea. Direct impacts of project activity on flora are considered to be due to acquisitionof forestland for establishment of various project units, loss of trees due to felling andclearing. As acquired forestland is just 0.9% of the total forestland available in Anidivision 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 befelled are comprised of Eucalyptus trees, which is exotic species to the natural forest.Other tree species are commonly available thought project immediate influence areaand project influence area. As a result there will no change in community compositionand structure of forest due to tree felling.



The loss due to clearing is also not expected as weedy shrubs, which are widelydistributed, dominate project area. None of the endangered, rare, threatened orendemic species was observed throughout the project area hence; adverse impactson Terrestrial Biodiversity due to loss of species are not at all expected. The loss offorestland and trees felled will be compensated by implementation of approvedCompensation Afforestation Plan not only this but it will also increase forest coverarea of the surrounding region. Thus, it reveled that no significant adverse impacts onterrestrial biodiversity due to proposed Rampur Hydro-electric project is envisaged.

Table 4.7Assessment of Impacts and Mitigation Measures




(II) Felling of Trees The clearing of Compensatoryproject sites for Afforestation will beconstruction requires carried under thefelling of trees, a total degraded Forest Areanumber of 1075 trees Development schemeare be felled. Out of hence there will betotal 92.6 % of trees increase the forest coverare EucalyptusPlantation , the exoticthe natural forestsand rest arecommonly distributedthroughout theproject immediateinfluence as well asproject influence areahence, the impact will




be insignificant


throughout and none Development schemeof rare, endangered hence there will beor threatened or increase the forest coverendemic species wasobserved duringsurvey /reported inthe project sites.Therefore no impacton biodiversity isenvisaged.




No significant impact * The roads surfaces shallon Project Influence be host or watered usingArea and Satluj necessary equipments.Basin.

* Plants, machinery andequipment shall behandled so as tominimize generation ofdust.

* All earth work shall beprotected to minimizedust generation.

* All crusher used inconstruction shall




confirm to relative dustemission devises


likely to increase due equipments use into various activities, construction shall strictlywhich may cause confirm to CPCBdisturbance to the standard.fauna in the area.However this impact * All vehicles equipmentwould be insignificant machinery used inas the increase in construction shall benoise shall be fitted by exhaustintermittent and silencers.temporary







workers.No significant impacton Project Influence




Area and Satluj Basin

iv) Quarry Extraction of rocks * The extraction ofactivities and sand shall be material should be done

done for the from the identifiedconstruction work quarry site only.from quarry sites andrequire felling of * If new quarry sites aretrees. required then prior






(v) Soil Erosion The construction * Strict implementation ofactivities may lead to approved Catchmentthe erosion of soil in Area Treatment Plan forcatchments area of control of soil erosion.Satluj Basin.

(vi)Muck Disposal The muck produced * The muck should beby the construction disposed at thework shall be identified sites only.disposed at thedumping sites * Before disposal of muck

retaining walls should beThe disposal of muck constructed at the edgesshall destroy the flora to retain the muck as the




at the sites. However sites are just above thethe sites identified for river Satlujmuck disposal haslow diversity for treesand shrubs andranges from 0.59 to0.97 which is verylow.








* As, the Rampur &Environment & Ecology



New commercial Duttanagar are welldevelopment and equipped with theadverse impacts are commercialnot envisaged development which are

very near from proposedThe impact on Satluj. sites hence anyBasin will beinsignificant




Compensatory projectafforestation andavenue plantation | Fencing of plantationshall increase the area should be done.greenery in the area.Hence the impact will * Watchman should bebe positive during also employed to care ofoperation phase. plantation for minimum 3

years.







area.


FqProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

CHAPTER 5BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

5.1 INTRODUCTIONThe varied topography, geological formations, climatic conditions and the altitudinalranges has made the Himachal Pradesh a veritable treasure house of biodiversityboth wild and domesticated. The range of biodiversity elements represented in thestate varies from those of subtropical region to that of temperate and alpine regions.Biodiversity provides a fundamental base to the mountain agriculture and to theoverlap economic systems of the state. Enriched biodiversity of the State is reflectedthrough State's emblems of pride such as. Deodar (Cedrus deodara) as State Tree,Brass (Rhododendron arborium) as State Flower, Musk Deer( Moschusmoschiferous) as Sate Animal and Monal Phesant (Lophophorus impejanus) asState Bird.

Forest are very important natural resources of the State and are confined to higherhills and interior valleys. The forest not only saves as a haven for biodiversity but isalso 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 observedthroughout 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

M> S -... -.- --. .seS.- . - .

NATURAL CAUSES A ANTHROPOGENIC CAUSES

FOREST FIRE T l

ADVERSE CLIMATIC EXPANSION OFCONDITIONS AGRICULTURE LAND

INVASION BY WEEDS

PATHOGENS HORTICULTURALENCROACHMENT

LILLEGAL POACHING/WILDLIFE TRADE

TORCHWOODEXPLOITATION

Fig 5.1 Existing threats to Forest


Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

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

Agriculture is the major occupation of the people residing in rural area. It is estimatedthat out of the total cultivated area of 522,000 ha, the hills occupy about 40% of thetotal area of the state. Most of the agriculture is of subsistence type, hence,inadequate to fulfill the total livelihood requirements of the people. Hence, farmershave to do many jobs such as horticulture, animal husbandry, floriculture, collectionof major/minor forests produces etc. to supplement their livelihood.

Rural population depends largely on forest for their day-to-day demands of life suchas fuel, fodder, grazing, timber etc. The net demand for fuel wood from the forest isestimated 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 forestproducts 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 isborne 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. Importanthorticultures crops of the state are Apple, Almond, Apricot, Walnut, GuavaPomegranate, Peach, etc. The area under horticulture was approximately 35,300hectares (1985-86), which rose to 37,183 ha in 1996-97. The increase area isderived either from agriculture land or forest clearance and thus associated with lossof forest and thereby biodiversity.

5.3 HISTORY OF DEFORESTATION

Although a relatively small state within India, there are ranges of altitude, climate andgeology that contribute rich and diversified flora of Himachal. 66 percent area of thestate 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 Pradeshconstitutes the biggest land use. The cause of degradation of biodiversity is givenbelow:

At present 25.78 percent is currently under tree cover out of which only 2 percent isdense forest and 14.10 percent as moderately dense forest. Within the legallyclassified forestland there are large areas which can neither be cultivated nor sustainforests, comprising barren land, alpine pastures and areas above tree line. Thepressure 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 forestcover and forest resources in the country. The status of forest covers in HimachalPradesh since 1987 is presented below:


LMProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

Table No.5.1Assessment of Forest Cover Himachal Pradesh

Year of Assessment Area Under Forest Cover (Km2)1987 12,480

1989 12,4801991 124801993 12,5021995 12,501

1997 12,5211999 13,032

2001 14,3602003 14,353

Source: State of Forest Report 2003

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

15000

14500 --- �-- ---- -- --- -

14000 - -�- - - - -_-__

13500 - - --_l

13000 . - ---

1 2500- -- *-| --- *-3

12000

11500

1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003

I 0 Area Under Forest Cover (Km2)1

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 ofPine, Khair, Deodar and Robinia taken up during 1989-93. The Table given belowdepicts the plantation carried in Himachal Pradesh


LmProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

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

Species Total Area (ha) PercentagePinus roxburghii 250.92 32.6Acacia catechu 139.61 18.2Cedrus deodara 92.83 12.1Robinia spp. 36.61 4.8Eucalyptus spp. 31.11 4.0Abies pindrow 15.64 2.0Poplar spp. 11.32 1.5Pinus wallichiana 10.58 1.4Dalbergia spp. 10.38 1.4Others 169.53 22.1Total 768.53 100Source: Himachal Pradesh Forest Department

However, the increase in forest cover is also associated with change in forest cover typei.e. dense forest has degraded to open forest. The increase in forest cover is presented inthe figure 5.3 while change in forest cover assessed during 1987 to 2003 is given in table5.3

16000-

14000-

12000-

10000 -,-.,

2000; Zr

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003

. |Dense Forest (KM2 ) EC Open Forest (KM2)|

Fig : 5.3 Change in Forest Cover of Himachal Pradesh


LgProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

Table No.5.3Himachal Pradesh Forest Cover Change Matrix

1997 1999 Assessment (Data Oct.-Dec. 98) TotalAssessment Dense Open Forest Scrub Non-Forest 1997 Km2

(Data) Forest Km2 Km2 Km2 Km2

Oct.94 & Nov.95

Dense Forest 8,887 640 0 33 9,560

Open Forest 92 2,864 0 5 2,961Scrub 42 253 558 972 1,825

Non- Forest 99 205 8 41,015 41,327

Total 1999 9120 3962 566 4025 55,673Net Change -440 +1,001 -1259 +698

Source: State Forest Report 1999

The change matrix, given in above reveals that, an overall decrease of 440 sq. km ofdense forest is due to the conversion of 640 sq. km of dense forest to open forest and33 sq. km to non-forest are with the increase of 1001 sq. km of open forest area.

State of Forest Report for the year 2003 shows that, the area of open forest has increasedby 1,446 sq. Km whereas the area of dense forest has decreased by 1,453 Km2. The tablegiven below depicts the change in forest cover in Himachal Pradesh from 2001 to 2003.

Table No.5.4Himachal Pradesh Forest Cover Change Matrix

2003 AssessmentTotal 2001

2001 Assessment Dense Forest Open Forest Scrub Non-forest Km2

Km 2 Km 2

Km2

Km 2

Dense Forest 8146 1126 20 1137 10429

Open Forest 661 2892 7 371 3931

Scrub 20 140 196 210 566

Non-forest 149 1219 166 39213 40747

Total 2003 8976 5377 389 40931 55673

Net Change -1453 1446 -177 184

Source: State Forest Report 1999



Table No. 5.5Change in Forest Cover in Himachal Pradesh

Year Dense Forest Open Forest Total Forest

(KM 2 ) (KM 2 ) (KM 2 )

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.

In order to protect rich biodiversity of country which plays significant role in livelihood& cultural sustenance of the country, Government of India, under Ministry ofEnvironment & Forests (MOEF) constituted National Biodiversity Strategy & ActionPlan (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, ithas been envisaged to produce a series of planning documents dealing with variousfacts related to the conservation of National Biodiversity. The biodiversity of India hasbeen globally ranked amongst the 12-megadiversity countries and two of its bio-geographic provinces. These are all government initiatives and approximately 5% ofthe country's surface area has been successfully declared as legally protected areas.

In order to conserved enriched biodiversity of the Government of Himachal Pradeshconstituted State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2001) under the nodalagency i.e. State Council for Science & Technology and Environment. The presentSBSAP covers the varied natural ecosystems like forests, grasslands, alpinemeadows cold desert, wetlands across the state along with the range of speciesdiversity harbored by these ecosystems. It also covers the agricultural & horticulturalecosystems including the domesticated species of plants and animals. Variousapproaches followed by Government of Himachal Pradesh for implementation ofproposed SBSAP are discussed below

(a) Institutional Approach

Institution of Framework for implementation of Biodiversity Strategy and Action Planhas been set up by Government of Himachal Pradesh constituted sub committeecomprising of Vice Chancellor, Palampur (H.P.), Head Dept. of Bio-Sciences, H.P.University , Shimla and Member Secretary (E.C.) State Council for ScienceTechnology & Environment. Thematic groups and institution responsible forimplementation of biodiversity action plan is given below.


FOProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

Table No. 5.6Institutional Framework for Implementation of SBSAP

S.No. Theme Institution1 Domesticated Biodiversity Biodiversity Centre, CSK Agri. Univ.,

Palampur.

2 Wild Plant Diversity Director Research, University of HimachalPradesh (UHP) Nauli Solan.

3 Wild Animal Diversity Zoological Survey of India Solan4 Micro Organism Diversity Department of Bio Sciences HPU, Shimla5 Culture and Bio Diversity IGRMS, Bhopal, Chapter Shimia6 Technology, Industry and Director IHBT, Palampur

Bio Diversity

7 Economics and valuation UHP, Nomini Solanof Biodiversity

8 Health and Biodiversity Director of Ayurveda, Shimia9 Policies, Laws, Institutions Human Right Commission Shimla

and Planning

10 Aquatic Eco System Department of Fisheries Bilashpur11 Livelihood, life style and Regional Station, NBPGR, Shimla

biodiversity

12 Education Research and Department of Education HPU, ShimlaTraining

13 Public Airiness AIR Station Shimia Local News Papers etc.Source: HP State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2002

(b) Legislative ApproachHimachal Pradesh has also adopted the National Forest Policy (1980) that seeks tointegrate biodiversity conservation and sustainable use by local people. A completeban on hunting (1982) and green felling (1984) has been imposed in the state .Anumber of legislation having a bearing on biodiversity conservation in the state havebeen enacted in the state. Some of these are as below* Indian Forest Act 1927.* Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972,* Himachal Pradesh Land Preservation Act, 1978* Forest conservation Act, 1980* Environmental Protection Act, 1986* Water (Presentation & control of Pollution) Act 1974* Air (Presention & control of pollution) Act, 1981* Himachal Pradesh Non-biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act 1995* Bio- diversity Act 2002* Bio- diversity Rule 2004


LGProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

(c) Management Level Approach

At management level, conservation of biodiversity now forms an integral part ofForest working plan, Management plans for the National Park and Wildlifesanctuaries lay special emphasis on conservation of biodiversity. Some of theimportant schemes implemented by the Govt. are(i) Sanjhi Van Yojana(ii) Eco-development in and around protected areas(iii) Development of Minor Forest Produces(iv) Wildlife wing in the state has been strengthened for management of National

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

(d) Biodiversity Evaluation Approach

The State Government has assigned "environmental value" to forest land @ 8.00Lakh & 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 towardscompensation for loss of environmental values of forest land will have to be borne bythe 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).

In order to exercise some control over the exploitation of medicinal plants, speciallyherbs, the forest department has prescribed a four year exploitation cycle and hasalso fixed, an export permit fee in respect of heavily exploited species. The list of fewplant species are given below.

Table No. 5.7Export Permit Fee for Medicinal Plants

S.No Scientific Name Common Export FeeName (Rs. Per Quintal)

1 Morchella esculanta Guchchi 10,000

2 Aconitum chesmanthum Karvi patish 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

Source: HP State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2002

5.5 PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OF IMPLEMENTING NATHPA - JHAKRI HYDRO-ELECTRIC PROJECT

In order to know previous experience of implementation of CompensatoryAfforestation Plan and Catchment Area Treatment Plan of NJHEP, the review ofabove mentioned documents were carried out. The plantation sites undercompensatory of afforestation and CAT plan was visited. The details of review are asbelow.



5.5.1 Compensatory Afforestation Plan of NJHEP

The Nathpa Jhakri Hydro-electric Project is run off the river scheme envisaged toutilize a drop of 444 m available in the river bed of Satluj between village Nathpa inKinnaur district and village Jhakri in Shimla district. For execution of project NJHEPacquired 123 ha of forestland and 224 ha of private land. In order to compensate theloss of forestland compensatory afforestation Plan was implemented by ForestDepartment Govt of Himachal Pradesh since 1991-92 for a period of 10 Years. Thedetailed review of plan is discussed below.

(i) Site Selection for Compensatory Afforestation

The compensatory afforestation plan was implemented under degraded forest areadevelopment scheme. A total number of 41 unprotected forestland with scanty or novegetation was brought under afforestation. Out of 41 unprotected forests 17 falls inSarahan range, 13 in Kinnaur range and 11 Rampur range. The areas identified byforest department were quite refractory, the peculiar features of land were, poor soil& rainfall conditions, harsh winter with high wind velocity and excessive human andcattle interferences.

(ii) Species Recommended for Afforestation.

The afforestation was carried out main three schemes as Forest Establishment &Improvement, Pasture Improvement and Subsidiary Silvicultural operations. Basedon climatic conditions, adaphic factors and suitability of plant species to existingconditions the mixture of confer and broad leaved tree species were selected byforest department. the species were recommended by forest department forcompensatory afforestation is given below:

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

S. N. Name of Plant species S. N. Name of Plant speciesScientific Name Comman Name Scientific Name Comman Name

1 Cedrus deodara Deodar 8 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham2 Pinus roxberghii Chir 9 Aejculas indica Aesculus3 Fraxinus xenthoxyloides Ash 10 Asesculus indica Asculus4 Lancia lecocephala Subabul 11 Populus citiata Paplar5 Melia azadirach Dreak 12 Salix sp Willow6 Prunus americana Chulli 13 Sapindus mukorossi Retha7 Abies spectablities Silverfir 14 Grewia oppositifolia BiulSource: Catchment Area Treatment Plan 2002 State Forest Department HP



(iv) Compensatory Afforestation in Synergy with Various Plantation Schemes

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

A

Degraded Area Development I ReplenishmentAfforestation

Assisted Natural Regeneration NonTimberForestProduces

.. ~~~ - -.,.,S ......

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants

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

The local rural communities are directly dependant on various commodities which areobtained from surrounding forests. In order to fulfill the demand for biomassresources development of Non Timber Forest Produces scheme was implementedalong 670 ha of degraded forestland. Mainly plantation of medicinal herbs such asKaroo, Dhoop, Chaura, Salam Panja, Patis was planted. A total number of 2000plants/ha was planted.



Table 5.9Details of Various Plantation Schemes Implemented Under Compensatory

Afforestation

S.N. Name of Scheme Total Area No. of Amount(Ha.) Plants/ha (% of Total

Cost)

1 Degraded Area 629 1100 6.49Development

2 Replenishment Afforestation 195 6800 1.63 Natural Regeneration 160 500 0.754 Development of NTFPS 670 2000 55 Pasture Improvement 375 - 2.046 Low-lying Pasture 125 1.037 Silivicultural Operation 125 0.10Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan 2002 State Forest Department HP

The pastures and grasslands plays significant role in rural economy. These are themain sources of herbages and roughage. They are spread on the natural slopes andform considerable portion of the Satluj catchment. Heavy grazing pressure by cattlepopulation 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 ecosystemas well as to fulfill the demand of fodder for existing cattle population. An area of 375ha degraded pastureland of Alpine range & 125 ha of Low-Lying pastureland wasbrought under pasture improvement program.

In order to improve silvicultural management of existing forest area where plantationhas been carried out in past, as well as closure areas where natural regenerationwas found to be improved, subsidiary silvicultural operations such as cleaning offorest floor, removing of weeds & climbers, slash disposal and burning of debris wascarried out over 125 ha of forestland so as to improve the growth conditions of climaxspecies of forests such as Cedrus deodara (Deodar), Pinus wallichiania (Kail), Pinusroxburghii (Chir), Quercus incana (Ban) etc.

The site visit conducted at the places of compensatory afforestation sites revealedthat, it has been carried out successfully as large number of plantations raised underthe plan has come up in the tract. The dense patches of Pinus roxburghii were seenthroughout the tract.

5.5.2 Catchment Area Treatment Plan NJHEP

River Satluj is a major river of Western Himalayas, originating from lake Mansaroverin Tibet at an altitude of 4570 m. The total catchment area of River Satluj, upstreamof the dam at Nathpa is 49820 sq. km. The catchment area of directly draining rivers



to the Nathpa diversion dam and the catchment to sholding Khad is estimated to be280 sq. km. The cathcment area under project falls in Kinnaur, Sarahan and Rampurforest division. In order to compensate adverse impacts such as soil erosion, landslides, sedimentation due to various project activities during construction andoperation phase of the project, Catchment Area Treatment plan was formulated andimplemented by State Forest Department, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh since 2001-02to 2010-11. The CAT plan addresses important issues such as damage toinfrastructure, 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 2001-02-201 0-11.The total cost of project is 29.51 crores. The details of various erosion controlmeasures, along with number of sites and total cost of the under each heading isgiven below.

(i) Treatment of Erosion Prone Areas

The areas which are already eroded or prone to erosion has been undertaken toprovide land stability. The treatment of such areas include provision of engineeringmeasures such as check walls, protection walls, gully plugging, diversion channels,for stabilization of area. In order to improve soil status of the area vegetativemeasures such as vegetative shrub barrier, brush wood check dams, planting ofgrasses etc. Various schemes were implemented to control soil erosion in catchmentarea under proposed plan are discussed below.

Table No. 5.10The details of Erosion control Measures for sites under catchment Area of Project.

S.N. Name of Scheme No. of Sites Measures to be AmountTaken (% of Total Cost)

I Treatment of Erosion 76 Ha Engineering Mes. 1.4prone Areas Vegetative Mes

2 Stabilization of 31 Engineering Mes 0.14Landslides prone area Vegetative Mes

3 Treatment of Nala 38 Engineering Mes 6.9Vegetative Mes

4 Roads Site Erosion - 1.45 Treatment of Private - Contour bunding 1.7

Land Terrace RepainingSource: Catchment Area Treatment Plan 2002 State Forest Department HP

The total 76 ha of eroded land was treated by applying various engineering as wellas vegetative measures A total of 31 active landslide site was also treated whichwere rapidly extending to engulf the forestland. In order to check the velocity ofrunoff, detention of silt and prevention of cutting & banks. A total of 38 main nallaswere treated by providing suitable engineering & biological/vegetative measuresunder treatment of nallas.

The existing roads are the potential sources of erosion/land slips. In order to preventflow of loose excavated material into the river with runoff the road stretches werestabilized by providing appropriate engineering/vegetative measures. The sitesvisited 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, Pinusroxburghii, Crismus Trees were found to be well grown throughout the tract.

(ii) Infrastructure Development.

The construction phase of the project has resulted in disruption/damage torural/forest infrastructure. Hence CAT plan has supported the restoration and upgradation of such infrastructure in the project area. The infrastructure developmentincludes development of forest path, forest buildings, village paths, springs,traditional water sources, bridges, minor irrigation channels, village ponds etc. Thedetails of various infrastructure developments are given below.

Table: 5.11

Details of Infrastructure Development Schemes Implemented under CAT Plan

S.N. Name of Scheme Item Amount% of Total Cost)

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

2 Rural Infra Restoration/Up gradation of 5structure Village Path, Springs, Bridges

Development and Irrigation Canal3 Village Ponds 37 Sites 0.954 Soil and Water 13 Sites 0.95

ConservationStructures

5 Improvement of 102 Sites 0.95Water Resources

6 Strengthening of 58 Nos. 1.59Village Path

7 Construction of 14 Nos. 0.71Foot Bridges

Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan 2002 State Forest Department HP

5.6 CONSERVATION OF PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA

The altitudinal variation in project influence area leads to various forests types suchas, Northern mixed deciduous forests, Khair-sissu Forests, Himalayan SubtropicalPine forests, Ban Oak forests etc. the forests are interrupted with various humanactivities 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 tothe forests are discussed in brief below while recommendations for the managementof biodiversity of project influence area are given in Chapter 6.



5.6.1 Major Threats to Biodiversity

(a) Timber DemandThe climax species of natural forests are under tremendous pressure due toincreased timber demand. The timber species of forests such as Cedrus deodara(Deodar); Pinus roxburghii (Chir), Pinus wallichiana (Kail); Quercus incana (Ban oak),Quercus himalayana (Moharu oak); Picea smithiana (Rai); Grewia oppositifolia (Biul)etc. are under pressure due to high timber demand by right holders as well as due toillegal felling of trees.

(b) Agriculture & Horticulture Activities

Intensive agricultural activities were concentrated from foothills to mid-hills valleyareas where irrigation facilities exist. Horticulture, a cash crop/profit graining activityi.e. cultivation of fruits, vegetable, flowers is increasing at the cost of forestlandleading to loss of forest area year by year. There is also tremendous demand oftimber for packing cases for marketing of fruits due to horticulture bloom, leading toincrease pressure on forest.

(c) Grazing Pressure

Animal husbandry is an important vocation for agriculturist and almost every familyrears livestock for rears livestock for their day to day requirement the livestock ismainly defendant upon natural resources mainly forests for sustenance. Extensivegrazing of livestock and severe lopping of trees for fodder had adversity affected theforests of probed-influenced area.

Ban oak forest area under pressure due to grazing, browsing, severe lopping forfodder & fuel and manufacturing of agricultural implements. It has reduced oak tolow, stunted, unsound growth and form of busty trees. Due to these activities ban oakforests area is gradually denuded.Kharsu oak (Quercus semicarpifolia) forests are slowly gaining importance onaccount of their demand for various commercial uses. Heavy grazing, lopping andfire have thinned out forests to varying degree, destroyed all undergrowth except forplants of inedible species. It is grazed by enormous flocks of sheep/goats/etccommonly seen in Sarhan range.

(d) Torchwood Exploitation

The local people cause extensive damage to Chir (Pinus roxburghi,) and Kail (Pinuswallichiana) by cutting deeply the resinous wood from the base portion of the stem.The forests situated in proximity of villages and along road sites are the worst suffers.The damaged trees are weakened at the base and fall due to wind action. Thisresinous wood is used by the villagers for igniting fires in their houses and as torchmoving from one place to another or one house to another house.

(e) Forest Fire

Forest fire is commonly recorded throughout the forest. As the agriculture are alwaysassociated with burning of remnant of corps. Most of the fires are due to local


LmProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

incendiaries with the belief that burning forest areas improve the resources by gettingfresh grass & tender herbages.

5.7 PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PROJECT AFFECTED AREA

The Biodiversity Management of Project Affected Area is the joint responsibility ofSJVNL, State Forest Department and Local Community. As CompensatoryAfforestation Plan, Catchment Area treatment Plan and Wild Life Management Planwill be implemented by State Forest Department; Govt. of H.P. where asMuck/Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan, Avenue Plantation and Landscaping will beimplemented by SJVNL. In order to suggest vegetative measures, theabovementioned documents were reviewed and recommendations are given inChapter 6. The implementation of above mentioned plans will be helpful forconservation of terrestrial biodiversity of the Project Affected Area as well assurrounding Project Immediate Influenced Area. The review of above mentionedplans are discussed in brief below.

FORIST SJVNL

IPAR ERSIM TAGEENT

Fig. 5.5 Integrated Approach for Biodiversity Management

5.7.1 Proposed Compensatory Afforestation Plan for RHEP

In order to compensate diversion of forestland i.e. 69.38 ha for establishment ofvarious project units, and 21 ha for Notional land for underground work, thecompensatory afforestation plan is proposed to be on 139 ha as per the Forest(conservation) Act (1980). The compensatory afforestation will be carried out in


LgProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

unprotected forests of Arsu and Nither ranges of Ani forest division of Kullu District ofHimachal Pradesh. The cost of compensatory afforestation has been estimated to beRs 86,42,620. The details of sites selected for Compensatory Afforestation Plan isgiven below

Table: 5.12Site Selected for Propose Compensatory Afforestation for RHEP

SI.No. Status of Land Name of RangeI Unprotected Forest Bail C-92 Unprotected Forest Chebri C-833 Unprotected Forest Kindla C-384 Unprotected Forest Karnon C-115 Unprotected Forest Rallo C-146 Unprotected Forest Shalt C-67 Unprotected Forest Sisu C-10

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

5.7.2 Proposed Catchment Area Treatment Plan for RHEP.

The total catchment areas of River Satluj, above Bhakra dam site is 56,875 sq. km ofwhich 50,880 sq. km area is up to Rampur. The area covered in the CAT plan is only1,062.50 sq. km. Out of which 612.50 sq. km falls in Rampur Forest Division while450 sq. km. in Ani Forest Division. The catchment Area Treatment Plan of proposedRampur HEP includes Rampur Range, Bahil Range, Machhada catchment ofNankhari Range and of Sarahan Range.

The proposed plan is formulated by state forest Department for the period of tenyears starting from 2006-07 to 2015-16. The 2005-06 will be considered as zero yearof plan and emphasis will be given to develop and maintain nurseries to raisesufficient planting stock. Most of the activities will be completed within initial 5 yearsand later half of the plan will be mainly for maintenance. The total cost of plan will be23.37 crores.

The CAT plan is designed to address the basic environmental issues such asincrease soil erosion, high rate of siltation, surface runoff, sheet & gully erosion andto mitigate these impacts through adoption of site specific bio-engineringtechnologies to reduce soil crosion, conserve water and improve vegetal cover in thecatchment. The proposed catchment treatment plan comprised of four sections i.e.Forest conservation & Improvement, Soil and Moisture Conservation Works,Infrastructure Development and Implementation of Ecodevelopment Plan forreducing pressure on forest by local population. The details of various sections arediscussed below.

(i) Forest Conservation & Improvement.

In order to improve forest cover of the catchment area it is proposed to increasevegetation cover through implementation of various forestry schemes such asAfforestation of degraded forestland, Replenishment, afforestation, Assisted NaturalRegeneration, Development of Medicinal Plants, Pasture improvement andsubsidiary silvicultural operations barren, areas which are devoid of tree growth orthe degraded forestland with scanty vegetation shall be brought under afforestation.


FRProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

The details of various schemes will be implemented under forest conservation andimprovement program is given in detailed below

Afforestation of Degraded Forestiand includes blank areas devoid of vegetation ordegraded forestland will be taken up for plantation. A total 780 ha area have beenidentified available for taking under this scheme. Out of total 300 ha falls in Rampurwhile 480 ha in Ani forest division. Replenishment Afforestation includes plantationof forest areas of the track depleted due to excessive pressure of local communitydue to fodder, fuel, timber etc. to restore such areas to their optimum productivepotential. Such forest areas will be planted by artificial means to increase theirstocking to the required level.

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

Improvement ProgramName of Scheme Total Area No. of Amount

(Ha.) Plants/ha (% Total Cost)Degraded Area 780 1100 17.31Development R:480 A:300

Replenishment 460 700 8.25Afforestation R:260 A:200Assisted Natural 400 300 5.17Regeneration R:195 A:205

Development of NTFPS/ 170 2000 2.92Medicinal Plants R:80 A:90

Alpine Pasture 125 - 0.47Improvement R:100 A:25

Low-lying Pasture 240 3.92R:80 A:160


The Assisted Natural regeneration scheme will be implemented to forest areas whereconditions are conducive to natural regeneration. Forest floor will be cleared of slash,debris and felling, re-use to afford a clean seed bed to the falling seeds & togerminate. Large number of villagers depends on medicinal plants as theirlivelihood. In order to meet their demand as well as for in-situ conservation ofMedicinal plants, herbs such as Karoo, Dhoop, Chora, Salam Pania, Discorea, Patishwill be planted on 170 ha of forestland.

Under Pasture improvement schemes, Alpine pasture and Low-lying pastures will betaken up for treatment. A total of 3200 ha of pasture area is available in catchment. Itis an important source of herbage/roughage for cattle, sheep & goats. The welldeveloped crop areas within the forests will taken for subsidiary silviculturaloperations to improve the growth conditions & hygiene of the forests floor such as,climber cutting (de-weeding), slash disposal, debris collection & burning.


FqProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

(ii) Species Selected for Afforestation

Based on climatic & edaphic site-specific conditions following species are selected byForest Department for afforestation. However, preference of local communities asregard the choice of species will be planted under this scheme. The speciesrecommended for low-lying pastures are Lancia lecocephala (Subabul), Salixsikkimensis (Willow), Grewia oppositifolia (Biul) and Morus alba (Tut).

Table: 5.14List of Trees Recommended for Afforestation RHEP

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

Scientific Name Common Scientific Name CommonName Name

1 Cedrus deodara Deodar 8 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham

2 Pinus wallichiana Kail 9 Aesculas indica Aesculus

3 Robinia pseudoacacia Robinia 10 Ailanthus sp Maharukh

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


(iii) Soil & Moisture Conservation Work

In order to control soil crosion in catchment area due to various project activitiesduring construction & operation phase, various soil & moisture conservation work willbe carried out. The soil stabalization measures such as construction of check walls,protection walls, vegetative barriers, bushwood check dams etc. Various schemesimplemented under this head are detailed out below.

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

S.N. Name of Scheme No. of Sites Measures to be Amount (%Taken of Total Cost)

1- Stabilization of Landslides 71 R:34 A:40 Engineering Mes. 9.22prone area Vegetative Mes.

2- Treatment of Nallas 150 R:99 Engineering Mes 17.83A:51 Vegetative Mes

3- Roads Side Erosion 0.484- Treatment of Private Land Contour bunding 0.64

Terrace Repining5- Avenue - 0.15

Plantation/LandscapingSource : Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) State Forest Department HP



A total number of 71 sites were identified in catchment area which are severelyeroded and need soil stabilization measures. Similarly about 150 number of Nalla'sare to be treated so as to stop excess silt load in main river other erosion controlmeasures includes road side erosion control, avenue plantation and landscape workssurrounding project site.

(iv) Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure development is an important part of Forest Management. In order tomaintain roads/path in serviceable conditions are needed to be improved. Variousschemes implemented under this head are discussed below.

Table: 5.16Proposed Infrastructure Development in Catchment Area

S.N. Name of Scheme Item Amount(% of Total Cost)

1 Forest Infrastructure (i) Forest Path 0.69Development (ii) Construction of Buildings 2.18

2 Rural Infrastructure Repair of Village Road and Path 2.29Development

3 Village Ponds 31 Nos. 0.63R:13 A:18

4 Soil and Water 17 Nos. 1.09Conservation R:8 A:9Structures

5 Improvement of 0.86Water Resources

6 Strengthening of 2.29Village Path

7 Construction of Foot 0.17Bridges

8 Fuel Saving LPG, Pressure Cooker, 0.1Devices Smokeless Chullas

9 Rain water 14 Sites 0.65harvesting


Forest infrastructure development includes repair of forest path, construction/repair ofoperational buildings, farm ponds, soil & water harvesting structures. While ruralinfrastructure development includes construction/repair of village ponds & tanks,repair of springs, wells & other water resources, repair of village roads & paths andconstruction of footbridges & rainwater harvesting structures.

5.7.3 Proposed Wildlife Management Plan

The wildlife in the forest is exposed to lot of human disturbances besides stray casesof poaching. The excessive cattle population, traditional rights of local people,lopping of trees for fodder, illegal felling of trees etc resulted in depletion of forestsand thereby reduction/loss/disturbance to wild habitat. The wildlife Management planis formulated by State Forest Department Govt of H.P. to maintain viable, healthyand productive population of wildlife, to improve habitat of wildlife by proving forest


FgProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

cover, water holes, saltlicks etc and protect them from natural & anthropogenichazards. Following measures are suggested to protect wildlife.

(i) Protective Measures

The protection of wildlife can be afforded by implementing preventive and controlmeasure for preservation and propagation of wildlife, as below-

* Ban/Reduction in issuing crop protection licenses* Provision of Forest Guards to control hunting & poaching* Protection from forest fire* Prevention from diseases spread by domestic animals* Increase in Public Awareness about wildlife* Reward/Incentives to informers

(ii) Habitat Improvement

In order to provide suitable condition for growth, development and reproduction ofwildlife following measures are suggested

* Increase in forest cover through implementation of various afforestationschemes

* Plantation of tree species, which are major sources of fodder for wildlife* Provision of Saitlicks at various places as a source of essential nutrients

required for growth of wild animals* Increase in pastureland by sowing suitable local species of grasses, bamboo

plantation etcBesides this, there is also provision conducting of wildlife census in forest areas, aswell as conducting Public Awareness Programs, display of sign and slogan boards inforest areas for protection of wildlife. The budgetary provision for wildlifemanagement plan is given detailed below

Table: 5.17Budgetary Provision for Wildlife Management Plan.

Si. No. Name of Scheme Amount (Lakhs)

1 Wildlife Improvement 47.10

2 Protection of Forest 25.48

3 Training and Studying 5.00

4 Awareness and Publicity 2.00

5 Eco Development 12.50


5.7.4 Proposed Muck Disposal Plan

The large quantity of muck will be generated during construction phase; it should beproperly disposed to avoid siltation/sedimentation of river. In order to preventsedimentation due to muck generated during construction activities muck disposalplan is formulated by SJVNL.


FOProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric ProjectChapter -5

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

(i) Engineering & Mechanical Works

Following engineering structures are recommended for stabilization of slope* The construction of retaining wall varying from 2 to 7 m height to prevent

dumped material from sliding/rolling down* Once meter terracing along the contour at 5m intervals along the slope in

staggered manner* 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* Fencing of dumping areas with barb wires in strand with two diagonal strands

using wooden fence ports

(ii) Vegetative Measures

The vegetative measures includes plantation of suitable species for slopestabilization.

* Plantation of ornamental plants such as Robinia, Ailanthus, Poplar, Silveroak, Bottle brush, Subabul, Baken to increase aesthetic nature of thedisposal area

* The soil binders are recommended for slope stabilization includesHeteropogon, Chrysdoopgon, Rumex etc

* The plan will be implemented by SJVNL and there is budgetary provision ofRs 2.36 Crores for various items to be implemented

5.8 PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MITIGATION OF IMPACTS

In order to mitigate various impacts due to various project activities duringconstruction and operation phase of the project management plan is suggestedwhich is described below


Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 22 of 28Chapter -5 Date: August 2006

Table: 5.18MANAGEMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures ResponsibilityType ofimpact

1. Direct Impact The proposed project does not involve Strict implementation of approved Forest department/(i) Acquisition either construction of dam/reservoir Compensatory Afforestation Plan in SJVNLof Forests hence major loss to the existing forest is accordance with Forest (conservation) ActLand not at all envisaged. 1980 and Himachal Pradesh Forest Policy

(1980). The compensatory Afforestation willLoss of Forests land i.e. 48.9 ha which carried under the Degraded Forest Area

is just 0.9 % of the total forests land Development scheme hence there will beavailable in Rampur Forest div. Hence increase the forest coverimpact will be insignificant

(II) Felling of The clearing of project sites forTrees construction requires felling of trees, a

total number of 1075 trees are be felled.Out of total 92.6 % of trees areEucalyptus Plantation, the exotic thenatural forests and rest are commonlydistributed throughout the projectimmediate influence as well as projectinfluence area hence, the impact will beinsignificant

(iii)Clearing The project site is dominated by weedyof Project shrubs which are commonly distributedsites for throughout and none of rare,construction endangered or threatened or endemicactivity species was observed during survey

/reported in the project sites. Therefore _


LMProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 23 of 28Chapter 5 Date: August 2006


no impact on biodiversity is envisaged.2 Indirect

impact

(i) Generation This may cause increase in SPM and All vehicles delivering materials to the site Contractor/ SJVNLof dust by RPM level in the area. Dust is also shall be covered to avoid spillage ofmovement of likely to settle on the surrounding flora. materials.vehicles andconstruction The impact will be temporary, localized All exiting approach road used by vehicleswork, crusher and reversible. shall be kept clean and clear of dustoperation

No significant impact on Project The roads surfaces shall be host or wateredInfluence Area and Satluj Basin. using necessary equipments.

Plants, machinery and equipment shall behandled so as to minimize generation of dust.

All earth work shall be protected to minimizedust generation.

All crusher used in construction shall confirmto relative dust emission devises

The machineries, vehicles and equipmentsuse in construction shall strictly confirm toCPCB standard.

(ii) Generation The noise level of the construction site All vehicles equipment machinery used in Contractor /SJVNLof Noise is likely to increase due to various construction shall be fitted by exhaust




activities, which may cause disturbance silencers.to the fauna in the area. However this Equipments should be maintained regularlyimpact would be insignificant as the and soundproof gadgets should be used.increase in noise shall be intermittentand temporary Blasting shall be carried out as per the

statutory laws, regulation and rules pertainingNo significant impact on fauna of to acquisition, transport, storage, handlingProject Influence Area and Satluj Basin and used of explosives

(iii) influx of Large number of labor population will No tree should be permitted to cut or Contractor /SJVNLlabours influx the project influence area leading destructions of flora for provision of

to destructions of flora due to provision temporary construction camptemporary labor camp

Laborers may cut trees for cooking The contractor should arrange alternativepurpose as fuel source of energy such as Kerosene or LPG

Their should be provision of proper design /Impact due to sewage/ solid wastes collection / handling and disposal system for/garbage generated from labor camp sewage and solid wastes

(iv) Movement The labors force and technical staff may The Wildlife conservation Act should be Contractor /SJVNLof Labors poach on occasionally invaded wildlife strictly adhered.force and in the area No endangered, rare andTechnical threatened wildlife is reported in the Environmental awareness training should beStaff project area hence no significant impact provided to the Contractor and workers.

is anticipated on fauna.

-_ No significant impact on Project




Influence Area and Satluj Basin(v) Quarry Extraction of rocks soil and sand shall The extraction of material should be done Contractor /SJVNLactivities be done for the construction work. from the identified quarry site only.

Borrow and quarry sites require fellingof trees. f new quarry sites are required then prior

permission has to be taken from the owner.No significant impact on ProjectInfluence Area and Satluj Basin The quarry and borrow area should be

reclaimed back. The pits formed should bebackfilled by construction waste and siteshould be stabilized.

The top soil (150 mm) from all areas shouldbe preserved in stockpiles.

Such a stockpile shall be utilize forredevelopment of borrow / quarry areas.

Grasses and shrub species should beplanted.

(vi) Control of The construction of activities may lead Strict implementation of approved Catchment Forest departmentSoil to the erosion of soil in catchments area Area Treatment Plan for control of soil /SJVNLErosion of Satluj Basin. erosion.

(vii) Muck The muck produced by the construction The muck should be disposed at the Contractor /SJVNLDisposal work shall be disposed at the dumping identified sites only.

sites.The disposal of muck shall destroy the Before disposal of muck retention wall should



S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures ResponsibilityType ofimpact _

flora at the sites. However the sites be constructed at the base to retain the muckidentified for muck muck disposal has as the sites are just above the river Satluj.low diversity for trees and shrubs andranges from 0.59 to 0.97 which is verylow.

3 Induced Loss of flora due to logging of timber The increased in timber prices for right Contractor /SJVNLImpacts trees which are Climax species of holders as per the prevailing market rate(i) Traditional natural forestsTimber Rights Reduction in permitting timber demand by

right holders

Provision of alternate building material totimber such as provision of breaks/concreteblocks for building houses, tin/ asbestos/plastic sheets as roof material at concessionratesto right holders

Cutting of trees should be strictly prohibited inthe area for other construction work.

(il) Influx of Requirement of living places, hotels, Forest clearance should be obtained if therelaborers filling stations, service stations and is any requirement for cutting trees.

extra workers will arise. This will providejob opportunity to the local skilled and Any new colonies developed in area shouldunskilled population have provision for plantation in the colony.

(111) Induced Development in Rampur town and As, the Rampur & Duttanagar are wellcommercial nearby places is likely to take place and equipped with the commercial development



S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures ResponsibilityType ofimpactdevelopment land price may increase. which are very near from proposed sites

hence any new commercial development andThe impact on Satluj. Basin will be adverse impacts are not envisagedinsignificant.

*Proper protection measures should be takenHowever the induced impact will not for the plantation work carried under thecause any significant impact on flora of projectthe area as the migrant population is notgiven any timber right.

OperationalPhaseLoss of flora In operation phase no tree felling is Fencing of plantation area should be done. Forest department

required. /SJVNLCompensatory afforestation and avenue *Watchman should be also employed to careplantation shall increase the greenery in of plantation for minimum 3 years.the area. Hence the impact will bepositive during operation phase.

Loss of fauna Loss of fauna is not anticipated during *No impact is envisaged on fauna duringoperation phase as the wildlife is found operation phasein the upper reaches of hills far awayfrom project area.There shall be no impact on fauna ofProject Influence Area and Satluj Basinduring operation phase.

Biodiversity No significant impact is envisaged on *Awareness programs should be held for the Forest departmentEnvironment & Ecology



biodiversity as there is no loss of any stakeholders to develop concern for /SJVNLendangered, rare endemic of conservation of biodiversity in the area.threatened species of flora or fauna,due or project activities.


LgProject: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: I of 11Chapter-6 Date: August 2006

CHAPTER 6RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 INTRODUCTION

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

6.2 INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING

Following measures are recommended for Institutional Strengthening in terms ofappointment of Environment Officer, Training Programme for EnvironmentalAwareness 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 theenvironmental aspects of the project. It is recommended that an additional postof Environment Officer is to be created at corporate level to tackle variousenvironmental issues. The Environmental Officer deployed should be familiarwith the National Environmental Legislation and would have experience inmonitoring of similar projects. Briefly, his main responsibilities will include:

* Review of specifications during project preparation to ensure their adequacyand suitability with respect to the recommendations of the Management Plan,

* Collection and dissemination of relevant environmental information indicatingamendments to environmental protection acts issued by various agenciesincluding the World Bank etc

* Laision with NGOs, community groups, Government Departments, etc. onenvironmental issues

* Monitor the environmental aspects of projects, during construction phase toensure that the environmental requirements and the mitigation measuresproposed in the Management Plan are implemented,

* Undertake compliance monitoring to provide periodic checks,* Undertake environmental training activities* Co-ordination with State Forest Department for effective implementation of

recommended of Compensatory Afforestation Plan and Catchment AreaTreatment Plan with reference to:



(i) Inspection of Forest nurseries from where saplings are to bebrought 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 PublicAwareness 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, appreciationtowards handling them is limited. It is important to develop sensitivity toappreciate natural flora and fauna. For implementation of biodiversity training ofSJVNL officials is essential required which should start top to bottom. It isessential that senior officials should grasp completely the features of biodiversitymanagement.For management of biodiversity it is required to develop ability to communicateand work with community and understanding the socio-political dynamicsprevalent in the village community. The training required are:

* In the immediate short term, training will be required for SJVNL staff onenvironmental awareness

* The network of training Institutions in India and the World Bank's EconomicDevelopment Institute, Environment and Natural Resources Division and theHimachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) carry out regulartraining and contacts in this regard needs to be developed

* In the long term, following the setting up of the Environmental Unit, the needfor additional and specialized training has to be examined and appropriatetraining has to be undertaken

During construction phase training/awareness program should be organized bythe PIU for PIU staff, and the contractor twice a year. During operational phaseone workshop/awareness program should be organized at district level each yearfor the first 3 years. The suggested training modules are given in Table 6.1.



Table: 6.1Proposed Training Modules

No Target Group Subject (s) Method1. PIU staff, Environmental Awareness Lectures

Environmental Environmental Regulations,Specialists, Hydro-power Related

provisions of various acts, EIAnotifications, process andmethodology for BiodiversityConservation

2. Managers (Env) at Implementation of Workshops andPIU, Environmental Biodiversity Management LecturesSpecialists Plan Planning, Design andContractor Staff execution of mitigation and

enhancement measures,monitoring and evaluation ofenvironmental conditionsduring construction and

.operation.

3. Environmental Environmentally Sound Seminars andSpecialist Construction Practices LecturesContractor's Staff Clean Construction

Technology, Wasteminimization and managementin construction processes,storage and maintenance ofequipments/ materials, Controlof soil erosion, Transplantationand compensatory plantationincluding maintenance, BorrowArea and Construction CampManagement.

6.2.3 Suggested Training Institutes

There are several agencies and training institutes in India which organize trainingin the above areas. Some of the institutes are:* Confederation of Indian Industry (CIl)

* 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 andLandscaping will be carried out by SJVNL in and surrounding project Area. Thevegetative measures are recommended based on extensive field survey of theproject area. The details of vegetative recommendation for variousabovementioned activities are discussed below:

6.3.1 Recommendations for Muck/Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan

The review of Muck/Quarry Area redevelopment plan revealed that ornamentaltrees and glass are recommended for redevelopment. In order to hence speedyresilience of eco system following species of native, every green fast growinggregarious shrubs are recommended for the abovementioned areas.

Table: 6.2Recommended 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 andboundaries of propose Muck/Quarry redevelopment areas owing to theirprotective, non-palatable and medicinal value to local people.


Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 5 of IIChapter-6 Date: August 2006

Table: 6.3Recommendations 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 PlantationsThe ornamental value of trees are due to their beautiful colors of flowers and arehelpful to increase aesthetic nature of avenues in proposed project roads and incolonies. Based on intensive survey of sites following flowering plants arerecommended for avenue plantation along proposed road to be constructed. Thedetails of ornamental plants are given below

Table 6.4Recommended Species of Ornamental Plants for Avenue Plantation

S. No. Scientific Name Common Name Color of FloweringFlower Season

1 Albizzia lebbek Siris Yellowish June to Sept.white

2 Bombax ceiba Semul Orange/ Red Mar. to May3 Callistemon Bottle Brush Red Jan to Mar.

lantecolatus4 Cassia fistula Amaltas Yellow Apr. to May5 Erythrina indica Scarlet Red Feb. to Mar.6 Bauhinia verigata Kachnar Purple Feb. to Mar.7 Melia azaderach Baken White Mar. to May8 Millingtonia Akash Neem White Apr. to Jun.

hortensis9 Tecoma stans Ticoma Yellow Mar. to Apr.10 Thevetia Pila kaner Yellow/ white/ Jul. to Oct.

peruviana Red11 Nerium indicum Kaner White/Pink/Red Jan. to Dec.12 Mallotus Kamala Red Feb. to May.

philippinensis



Participatory approach implies development of/strengthening the capacity of thecommunity for collaborative action, identifying and analyzing their problems,setting goals and actively implementing micro-projects. The community takesmanagement decisions and the technocratic outsider acts as a facilitator in theprocess. This would include the following.

(ii) Community Development

In order to make the participatory approach a success, sufficient attention is paidto Community Development Process. The process aims at buildingup/strengthening the capacity of the community to plan and undertakeparticipatory development activities. The process starts with Village Selectionwith simultaneous deployment of staff and selection of NGOs, who are to beinvolved in project implementation process to assist in Rapid Appraisal (RA),community development through Participatory Assessment (PA), ParticipatoryResource Planning (PRP), Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PME), on-the-job training for leadership development and communication skills for villagersand village institutions, gender sensitization and to carry out process evaluationstudies.

(iii) Community Capacity Building

Community Capacity Building is an important tool to strengthen the cadre ofpeople involved in a project, and is achieved through PA, formation of villagelevel 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 bettermanner, and (3) to develop visionary leadership for village improvement.

Capacities building through training and on-the-job exposure visits within andoutside the state are essential. The contents focus on project ideology, roles andresponsibilities and record keeping among others. This will probably make adifference in the near future in terms of village level institutions that areholistically concerned with the quality of environment, natural resourcemanagement, upkeep of records, resource mobilisation, increasing area undervillage woodlots, land fertility, innovation, etc.

(iv) Village Level Institutions

The need for constituting village level institutions is to organise communitymembers through a common platform to address the issues of natural resourcemanagement, to build leadership resources at the local level, to create a forumwhich can ensure accountability and transparency, empowerment ofdisadvantaged and to create a reservoir of resources, which can maintaincommunity assets created under the project to sustain activities after the projectwithdraws.



Self-Help Groups (SHG) need to be formed in different villages for socialmobilization of women. This approach gives an opportunity to women to freethemselves from isolation and exploitation. Regular training needs to beconducted to develop and enhance their skills to run these organizations.

(v) Training

The training activities of the project would be undertaken the followingobjectives:

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

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

* To hasten the process of empowerment of the weaker sections of villagecommunities, particularly women, scheduled castes, landless and otherdisadvantaged 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 projectas below which needs to be communicated

* Villagers require access to community information systems related tomanagement of Common Property Resources (CPRs), farm tree resources,income generating possibilities, resources and markets, various Governmentschemes for village development, skills needed to manage village levelinstitutions

* Extension staff needs information on different forestry models, communitydevelopment processes, and communication and media skills

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

(vii) Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation

The main aim is to provide information for better managing community forestrymicro-projects and for improving community capabilities for sustainable resourcemanagement. The involvement of people in the process enables them to criticallyexamine the programmes in order to achieve the desired results.



6.6 RECOMMENDATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY OF PROJECTINFLUENCE AREA

Based on extensive field survey of Project Influenced Area & major treats toexisting terrestrial biodiversity, following recommendations are made for theconservation 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 nominalrate. The ratio between this concessional and market rate is 1:4000 tol:5000.Due to division of families, the number of right holders is multiplying and theforests are depleting The right to timber for villagers is found to be the majorfactor affecting forests of the project influence area. Almost half of the yieldprescribed annually from the forest goes to T.D. right holders. As whole standingtree are marked to the individual right holder, it gives entry and license to enterthe forest and provide a temptation for illicit felling. The timber species of theforest are climax species & pays significant role in providing forest cover andhabitat for wildlife hence, it should be protected from felling. Following measuresare 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 ofCement/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 bediscouraged

* Strict control on felling of trees for expansion of agriculture/horticulturallands existing in forests areas

* Control on Land use in forests areas and should be based on landcapability 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 forestfire 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, asmentioned below, need to be attended to:

* Where grazing is permitted, the animals should be allowed to enter theforests well after the rains have begun so that grasses would have grownsufficiently to withstand grazing and trampling

* The cattle allowed to graze inside the forests should be accompanied bya herdsman to control unwanted grazing

* To reduces the dependency of grazing on forest surrounded by heavybovine population, stall feeding, balanced animal nutrition, improvedcattle varieties application of concentrates etc. should be encouraged

* Fencing around the important forest areas to prevent entry of cattle insideforest should also be tried. Provision of at least 1.5 m high fencing withbarbed wire and R.C.C. posts is standard practice. Effective fencingrestrict the movement of human beings and thereby illicit removal offorest material

* Cattle proof trenching of size 3 m wide top, 1.5 m wide bottom, and 1.5mdeep is dug and dugout earth is heaped on the border of trench so thatcattle cannot enter the protected area. On the soil, heaped on the borderof trench, thorny species like Carissa spinarium, Zizyphus nummularia,Euphorbia royleana, Agave americana etc. should be planted so that itwill 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 ofreserve 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

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

punishedNGOs should also be involved for creating public awareness against illegalfelling of trees


Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of IChapter-7 Date: August 2006

CHAPTER 7REFERENCES

Agrawal S.K. (2002) "Biodiversity Conservation" published by Rohini BooksJaipur 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. CATPlan Division, Nichar Forest Division. Govt. of Himachal Pradesh

Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2002) for NJHEP District Kinnaur & ShimlaHimachal Pradesh, State Forest Department H.P.

Champion H.G. & Seth S.K. (1968) "Forest Types of India"

Enchanting Himachal (2004) Publication of Wildlife Wing Forest DepartmentGovt. 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(1 993-94 to 2007-2008) Kullu District Govt of H.P.

Procedure & Instructions for the Timber Extractions Works (1988); HimachalPradesh State Forest Corporation Limited

Swaminathan 1997 (Biodiversity Action Plan Lahul & Spiti)

SFR-2003, Chauhan 1999, Chaudhary & Wadhwa 1984, (HPSFR 2000) areavailable in Biodiversity Action Plan


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