To, 17.08.2021 Director (IA-II) Non - Environmental Clearance

To, 17.08.2021 Director (IA-II) Non –Coal mining Division Ministry Of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhavan, Jor Bagh Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110003 Subject:Submission of reply to the queries raised by EAC Non Coal Mining during its meeting held during November 23rd-25th, 2016 for Mungwari Bauxite, Laterite, Ochre & White Clay Mine with proposed production capacity of 42,612 TPA (ROM) by M/s Ram Chandra Bansal, located at Village Mungwari, Tehsil - Majhgawan ,District - Satna, Madhya Pradesh (MLA –4.95 ha) Ref: file no J-11015/365/2015-IA.II (M) Sir, Please refer to the subject mentioned above, we would like to bring to your notice that the project was considered for EC by the EAC during its meeting held during November 23rd -25th, 2016. The EAC asked for certain information /Clarifications for further appraisal of the project. The information was submitted to Moef & CC earlier but there was no progress in the case, we are hereby re-submitting the documents desired by EAC along with this letter. We request you to kindly consider our case so that EC can be granted to the project without any further Delay.

Thanking you Regards, Thanking you, Regards, For Ram Chandra Bansal

Date 17.08.2021 To, Director (IA-II) Non –Coal mining Division Ministry Of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhavan, Jor Bagh Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110003

Subject: Submission of reply to the queries raised by EAC Non Coal Mining during its meeting held during November 23rd -25th , 2016 for Mungwari Bauxite, Laterite, Ochre & White Clay Mine with proposed production capacity of 42,612 TPA (ROM) by M/s Ram Chandra Bansal, located at Village Mungwari, Tehsil - Majhgawan ,District - Satna, Madhya Pradesh (MLA –4.95 ha)

Ref: file no J-11015/365/2015-IA.II (M)

Sir,

Please refer to the subject mentioned above ,we would like to bring to your notice that the project was considered for EC by the EAC during its meeting held during November 23rd -25th , 2016 .The EAC asked for certain information /Clarifications for further appraisal of the project.

We are now submitting the point wise reply to the queries raised:

Query 1: Since the mine was operational from 1982 and is currently closed as reported verbally by the PP. The Committee is of the view that PP has not submitted the compliance of TOR 1 and needs to submit year-wise production details authenticated by the Mining Department along with the date from which the production is suspended in the mine.

Reply 1: The year wise production of the mine from 1982 till date of closure i.e. 19.07.2015 authenticated by the mining department is annexed as Annexure 1

Query 2: There are 8 Schedule-I species reported in the study area and the PP has prepared a conservation plan and the same has not been submitted for approval to the Wildlife Conservation Department. The PP needs to submit the conservation plan for the approval and provide the proof of the submission of documents.

Reply 2: The conservation plan with budgetary allocation is attached along with the submission receipt as Annexure 2

Query 3: Since the project is in proximity of Ranipur WLS it has to be ascertained whether it is a case of NBWL violation. The PP needs to submit the detailed clarification on the issues.

Reply 3: The mining lease was granted for 20 years period w.e.f. 17.07.1982 to

16.07.2002 .The 1st Renewal of Mining Lease was granted for 20 years period w.e.f.

17.07.2002 to 16.07.2022 vide State Government of Madhya Pradesh and has been

extended for 50 years as per MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2015 up to 16.7.2032. The mine

is currently closed from 19.07.2015.

It is important to note the fact that the Ranipur WLS is located entirely in state of Uttar

Pradesh and forms the boundary of the states of UP & MP. None of the local authorities

ever raised objections to operation of the mine.

The supreme courts interim order in the matter of Goa Foundation Vs Union of India

dated 21.04.2014 states that the no mining activity is allowed within 1 km of wildlife

sanctuaries however the leases outside the 1 KM distance and within may continue

working and should apply for wildlife clearance from NBWL.

Also the final Notification for declaring eco sensitive zone around Ranipur WLS has

been published on 10.11.2017 states that the said mine is outside the Eco-Sensitive

zone of the Ranipur WLS.

The proponent respectfully submits that there has been no violation of NBWL on its

part.

Query 4: The Committee is of the view that PP has not submitted the compliance of TOR 23 w.r.t. PM 2.5.

Reply 4: The PP submits that the TOR no 23 states that:

“Air quality modelling should be carried out for prediction of impact of the project on the air quality of the area. It should also take into account the impact of movement of vehicles for transportation of mineral. The details of the model used and the input parameters used for modelling should be provided. The Air quality contours may be shown on the location map clearly indicating the location of site, location of sensitive receptors, if any, and habitation. The wind roses showing pre-dominant wind direction may also be indicated on the map.”

The air modelling for the project has been conducted by the PP and is mentioned in the section 5.3.2 to Section 5.3.6.

The same are being reproduced as Annexure 3 for your perusal. The proponent respectfully submits that proper compliance for TOR no 23 has been submitted.

Query 5: Since this is old mine and it is noted that the plantation is very less. Accordingly, the PP needs to increase the plantation target and budget for the same and submit the details.

Reply 5: During the Presentation PP submitted the following Green Belt Development plan:

Year No of trees Area (ha) In rupees

Boundary Reclaimed Boundary Backfilled area

Budget

1 400 - 0.20 - 2,500 2 400 400 0.20 0.20 2,500 3 400 400 0.20 0.20 52,500 4 450 600 0.225 0.30 60,000 5 - 1000 - 0.50 45,000

Conceptual Period - 6000 - 2.925 22,68,750 TOTAL 10050 0.8250 4.125 24,31,250

A total of 10,050 plants were proposed to be planted by the PP with the a total budget of Rs 24,31,250/- .it may be further noted that apart from green belt development in the Mine area PP has also kept aside a fund of Rs 1,25,000/- Per year for development of green belt area in the buffer zone .

The development of green belt area in the buffer zone will be done in consultation of gram panchayat and forest department on land identified by them.

Also a separate Rs 3,00,000/- per year as been kept aside for green belt development under the environment protection budget for plantation along the Haul road to prevent dispersion of dust particle during movement of Transport Vehicles.

The budget for Green belt development in Core and Buffer zone is as follows:

Year In rupees

Budget in various

heads for green Belt Development.

1 4,27,500 2 4,27,500 3 4,77,500 4 4,85,000 5 4,70,000

Conceptual Period

22,68,750

TOTAL 45,56,250

We hope the Replies to the Queries submitted as to satisfaction of the EAC, We further request you to kindly re-consider the case for environment Clearance in the upcoming Meeting of the EAC.

Thanking you,

Regards,

Ram Chandra Bansal

Annexure 1

Year wise Production Details

-mail modgmsata Jp gov.n d1i1/af/201

dral-- (1Ouo)

3T51 ATqEU l1 23.05.2017

5

uf:d f 22 11 2018 3:7HR Te}ER ENT REI Tfras faavujt ta atët

3115 85

91 352

1314

1037

1011 1510

3420

1650

520

437 1982

1983 984

1935

1986

1987

1988

i 089

1403

1011

1510

3420

1650

520 89 T

-

1989-90 1990-91 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94

1730 1630 830

5340

18200

204417 15

1920

25

35. 30

1780

1630

830

5340

18200

2044

1715

2032

725

353

815

385

690

1030

2315 195

155

1905 301

14049

13597 4043

6054

9900 13344

8452

16520

10

13

1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1C98-99

15

16 12

18

1999-2000 785 385

20

2000-2001

67C

1030

2085

145

155

1903

2001-02

2002-003

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08 2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

31 2011-12 32 2012-13

2013-14

2014-15 2015-16

22

23

24 230

50

26

387 10358

11462 1506

121

4043

3405

4677

8377

1798

835 90 30

14

372

231

82

85 2550

4851

4736

3750

2030

33

780 3840 34

d490

Annexure 2

CONSERVATION PLAN

1

STUDY OF FLORA AND FAUNA &

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN

OF

Mungawari Bauxite, Laterite, Ochere &White Clay Mine

Village Mungawari, Tehsil Majhgawan, District Satna, Madhya Pradesh

Proposed Production – 42,612 TPA, Mining Area -4.95 Ha

APPLICANT

Shri Ram Chandra Bansal P.O.- Jaitwara, District – Satna (M.P.)

Pin Code - 485221

CONSULTANT

Working together, Finding solutions ENVIRTA Sustainable Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.

As per QCI NABET ‘List of Accredited Consultant Organizations/Rev. 40/ April 08, 2016’, listed in as Accredited consultant, Category ‘A’ Sl. No. 52 ACCREDITED BY NABET UNDER “A” CATEGORY FOR OPEN CAST MINES

Prepared by ENVIRTA SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS INDIA PVT.LTD

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sr. No. Content Page

Number

1. Introduction 3

2. Description of Biological Environment 15

3. Conservation Plans of Schedule I Species of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

30

3.1 Conservation Plan for Indian Peafowl 31

3.2 Conservation Plan for Chinkara 37

3.3 Conservation Plan for Blackbuck 42

3.4 Conservation Plan for Four horned Antelope 46

3.5 Conservation Plan for Sloth Bear 50

3.6 Conservation Plan for Indian Wolf 56

3.7 Conservation Plan for Leopard 59

3.8 Conservation Plan for Bengal Monitor Liard 66

3.9 Conservation Plan for Python 71

4 Composite Conservation Plan of Schedule I species 75


3

CHAPTER I- INTRODUCTION

1.0 Project Background

The biodiversity we see today is the fruit of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural

processes. The vast array of interactions among the various components of biodiversity

makes the planet habitable for all species, including humans. There is a growing

recognition that, biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and

future generations. At the same time, the threat to species and ecosystems has never been

as great as it is today. Species extinction caused by human activities continues at an

alarming rate protecting biodiversity in our self-interest.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the status of the flora and fauna of the core area

and the buffer areas with specific reference to the rare or endangered or endemic or

threatened (REET) species. The study is also designed to evaluate the adverse impacts of

the proposed activity, if any and to suggest remedial / mitigation measures.

This Wildlife Conservation Plan has thus been prepared to comply with Terms of Reference

(ToR) granted by MoEF&CC for obtaining Environment Clearance.

1.1 Salient Features of the Project

Project Name Mungawari Bauxite, Laterite, Ochere &White Clay Mine

Location of the Project Village Mungawari, Tehsil – Majhgawan, District- Satna, Madhya

Pradesh

Mine Lease Area 4.95Ha

Khasra/Plot Details Sl. No Name of Village

Details of Khasra No/Kila Nos

Area in ha

1 Mungawari 1P 4.95Ha

Latitude & Longitude Latitude Longitude

24°53'40.5" to

24°53'53.3" North

81°01'07.8" to 81°01'17.7"East

Toposheet Number 63 H/1 Type of Land Hilly Area


4

Project Cost 1 Crore

Man Power & No. of Working days

50 Manpower for 275 Days/ Year

Water Demand & Source

7.0 KLD, to be sourced from tankers from nearby villages.

Lowest & Highest Elevation

Highest Elevation: 406m AMSL

Lowest Elevation : 370 m AMSL

Probable Mineral Reserves

340129 Tonnes

Targeted Production Production from mine largely depends on market demand presently it is fixed

at 42,612 TPA as per present market scenario.

Proposed Production Validity of Lease

Upto 16.7.2032

Type of Mining Opencast Mechanized Method

Seismic Zone Seismic Zone II & III as per IS-1893 (Part-1)-2002

End use of Product Bauxite of metal grade and will be sold to mainly aluminum

plants. Laterite will be sold to Cement Industry. Ochre will be

used for colour washing and paint industry and white clay will

be used for white washing and as filler in rubber industry.

Nearest Town District Headquarter in Satna at 37.0 Km in SW

Nearest R.S/Airport Manikpur at 20 kms and Jaitwara at 22 kms. distance.

Khajuraho Airport at 111.23 Km in SW

Nearest Highway State Highway 11 at 19.17 Km in SW

Nearest Water Bodies Mau Nala – 7.4 Km SW

Kakarbal Nala – 6.1 Km NE

Water tank – 1.6 Km SW

Historical Monuments (in 10 Km Buffer)

None within the study Area.

Status of Protected/ Other Areas (in 10 Km Buffer)

Ranipur wildlife sanctuary at 3.3 Km in NE direction.

Devri Rajauhan RF7.3 Km NE

Mahua RF 7.7 Kms NE Direction

Chauri RF 6.7 Kms in North

Amua Protected Forest 1.0 Km in NE Direction

Kalyanpur RF 6.8 Kms in NE

Karajhan RF 7.8 km in N

Sarbanga PF 6.6 Kms WNW

Kathara P.F 3.6 Kms SW

Nearest Dispensary &Govt. Hospital

Govt. Hospital 4.1 Km in SW


5

1.3 Project Location and Layout

Fig. Location Map of the Project Site


6

FIG: Evacuation Map (Roads and Highways ) of the Study Area

1.4 Nearby Sensitive Areas and Existing Basic Amenities (in 10 Km Buffer)

Historical Monuments None

Status of Protected/ Other

Areas

Interstate Boundary of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar

Pradesh is at 3.3 Kms and Ranipur Wild life Sanctuary

is at 3.3 Km from the ML area.

Nearest Medical Facilities Govt. Hospital 4.1 Km in SW

Nearest Educational

Facilities

Sashkiya Vidyalaya 8.8 Km SW

Nearest Railway Station Manikpur at 20 kms and Jaitwara at 22 kms. distance


7

Figure: 10km buffer of the study area


8

1.5 Geology

Regional Geology

The lease area is situated in Satna-Rewa plateau. The plateau slopes down gently towards south and merges with the plains of Ganurgarh shale. A series of topographic highs in the form of detached mounds and ridges dot the plateau of Rewa quartzite, as also the plains of Ganurgarh shales. Ochre/clay & Bauxite/Laterite deposit of the lease area belong to Upper Rewa Sandstone in Rewa group of Vindhyan super group

Table 2.1 Regional Geology

Period/Sub Period Age Geological Formation

Associated Mineral Deposits

Recent 1 M.Y. Alluvium Ground Water

Pliestocene 18 M.Y. Laterite &Bauxite Bauxite deposits of Rewa, Satna etc.

Cretaceous to Palaeocene

64 to 97 M.Y.

Deccan Trap Basalt, Bagh, Lametas (Infra -trappean)

Gem varieties of Quartz, Road material, Limestone deposit of Dhar, Jhabua district.

Upper Carboniferous to lower Cretaceous

97 to 320 M.Y.

Gondwana Supergroup

Coal deposits of Betul, Sidhi, Shahdol and Chhindwara, Jabalpur, districts. Clay deposits of Katni, Shahdol district etc.

Proterozoic - III 570 to 900 M.Y.

Bhander Group Rewa Group

Limestone deposits of Damoh, Katni, Satna districts etc. Conglomeratic Diamond field of Panna district.

Proterozoic 900 to 1800 M.Y.

Kaimur Group Semri Group

Diamondiferous Kimberlites of Panna Distt., limestone deposits of Mandsaur, Rewa, and Satna Distt. Lead-zinc deposits of Damoh Distt.

Proterozoic I to II - Gwalior Group, Bijawar Group Chilpi Group

Rock Phosphate of Sagar Distt. Dolomite deposit of Mandla district, Iron ore deposit of Jabalpur district (uneconomic) Minor occurrences of Mn ore.

Proterozoic - I 1600 to 2500 M.Y.

Sausar Group Aravalli Group

Manganese deposit of Balaghat and Chhindwara distt., Copper deposit of Balaghat. Phosphorite and Mn deposits of Jhabua distt.

Archaean to Proterozoic - I

-

Sakoli Group Bundelkhand granite

Pyrophyllite-Diaspore of Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur distt., Granite for cutting / polishing.

Archaean Older than 2500 M.Y.

Amgaon Group peninsular gneisses, Older granites and Magmatites.

-

(Plz Refer..http://geologyandmining.mp.gov.in/geology.htm)

Local Geology

The surface area is covered by blanket of lateritic soil. The geological formations encountered in the

area are as under :-

Age Rock formations


9

Recent Lateritic soil/ 0 to 0.5m Sub-recent Laterite/Bauxite 3m to 8m to Eocene OB/Sand 0.5m. to 6m. OB/Ochre up to 6m. White clay 1m. to 1.5 m. Rewa quartzite Continued Laterite:-Laterite is mottled red or brown coloured scoriaceous rock with a vermicular structure near the surface, it is found as a capping over a large variety of rocks in areas subject to the tropical monsoonal and subtropical regime of climate. Desilication of preexisting sandstone is more possible explanation for Laterite formation. It is essentially a mixture of the hydrated of aluminium and Iron, partly soft and can be stressed easily but when it is exposed to the air it hardens quickly. Its bulk density is equal to 2.7. It has no well defined strike and dip.

Bauxite:- Bauxite is predominantly pinkish to creamy white in colour. It is characterised by oolitic, concretionary, vermicular, spongy and brecciated texture. The quality of Bauxite in the area is mainly metal grade. Its specific gravity is 2.6 to 3.5. It is usually an amorphous or clay like substance which is however, not plastic.

Ochre & Clay:- Ochre is found below Laterite/Bauxite in 2 layers of 2.5m average thickness in north of mound above 394 mRL. It is residual product derived from sandstone as mentioned above. The mineral ochres are formed from the ferruginous sandstone of Rewa group. The origin is considered due to enrichment of ferric oxide in sandstone having leaching action by water. The insoluble constituents like silica are removed by the constant flow of water leaving behind the soluble iron oxide in form of ochre bed. The hydrous iron oxide imparts yellow colour and the anhydrous iron oxide imparting red colour. Clay is residual product derived from sandstone resulting due to chemical weathering of Shale-sandstone sequence. Leaching and concentration controlled by water table fluctuation on one hand and the inherent permeability of the parent rock on other hand, appears to be responsible for the formation of White Clay deposit in the lease area. The White Clay is horizontally bedded. The mineral has got no well defined strike and dip. The clay of the lease area has soapy feel, dull white in colour having bulk density of 2 and this is non plastic.

Geological and Mineable Reserves (As per Approved Scheme of Mining)

United Nations

Frame-work

Classification (UNFC)

UNFC

code

Bauxite

(t.)

Laterite

(t.)

Ochre

(t.)

White

Clay

(t.)

Grade

Proved Mineral

Reserve 111 - - -

Bauxite is of

metal grade.

Laterite is of

cement

grade. Ochre

& clay is of

moderate

grade.

Probable Mineral

Reserve 121 142314 142315 36000 19500

Feasibility mineral

Resource 211 - - - -

Pre-Feasibility

Mineral Resource 221 36183 36184 - -


10

Measured Mineral


Indicated Mineral


Inferred Mineral


Reconnaissance

Mineral Resource 334 - - - -

Recovery - (Out of this 50% is Bauxite & 50% is Laterite in the whole ML area while the bauxite : Laterite is 40:60 in north and 60:40 in south). Targated production = 42,612 TPA.

Project - activities during Operational phase and its Implementation Schedule.

• Mining

This project is proposed for the excavation of Bauxite, Laterite, Ochre will and white clay. It is an opencast mechanized mining project to excavate Laterite, Bauxite, Ochre & White CLayin its existing form for direct usage and Year wise proposed production details as per approved Mining Plan (Approved mining scheme is attached as Annexure II) are given below:-

• Mining Methodology (Methods of Working for this project)

➢ The proposed mining operations will be carried out by open cast fully mechanized

method.

➢ The average height of each bench will be 3m. The width of the bench will be 6.0m to

15.0m. The mining will be done from top to bottom by slicing of 2.5 m thick.

➢ The Ultimate slope angle proposed is 45° .

➢ The haul road is extended upto the working face at gradient of 1 in 16.

➢ Transport from mines head to the destination by own trucks/hired trucks. Main

destination to which mineral will be transported is within 100 kms radius A clear gap of

7.5 mtrs is provided along with the lease boundary as required under MMR 1961.

➢ The approach road will be repaired as when required.


11

➢ Simultaneous plantation will also be done along the lease boundary.

• Type of Lease area and the present land use pattern:

Sl.No. Particular Type of Land Barren Waste

Land Any other

type Total

1 (A) Lease Area 4.95 - 4.95

2

(B) Mining & Allied Activities i. Pits ii. Dumps iii. Green Belt iv. Road

2.05 0.50

- 0.50

-

2.05 0.50

- 0.50

(C) Infrastructure Undisturbed

Area -

1.90 -

- 1.90

Water Balance Chart

Manpower Requirements

About 50persons will be getting direct and indirect employment in this mine. The man power will be mostly skilled.

Table: Manpower requirement Qualification No. of person

Mining Engineer & Mine manager 1

Mines foreman 1

Mining mate 1

Skilled Labour 10

Skilled Labour 15


12

Skilled Labour 22

Total 50

• Land Environment

Object of this study is to provide a baseline status of the study area covering 10 Km radius

around the proposed Mine site so that temporal changes due to the mining activities on the

surroundings can be assessed.

Land Use/Land Cover Area: Classification scheme adopted for the preparation of land

use/land cover maps on 1:50,000 scales.

Land Use Pattern of the Study Area (10 km Buffer Map)

Micro-Meteorological Data:

Meteorology is the key to understand the air quality. The essential relationship

between meteorological condition and atmospheric dispersion involves the wind

speed and direction in the broad sense. Other factors such as variation in


13

temperature, humidity, cloud amount, atmospheric stability classes etc. also plays a

direct role in dispersion and dilution of pollutants. Wind fluctuations over a wide

range of time, accomplish dispersion and strongly influence other processes

associated with them. This section makes a comparative analysis of the

meteorological data of the study area collected by the project team in 2015. An auto

weather monitoring station is installed at Mungawari village during the study

period to record various meteorological parameters on hourly basis to understand

the wind speed & direction, temperature variation, cloud amount, rainfall and

relative humidity at 1-hour interval during October, November & December months

of post monsoon 2015.

The monthly mean meteorological data recorded are given as follows:-

Table: Micro-meteorology of the area

Months-

2015

Avg. Wind

Speed

(m/s)

Temperature oC) Relative Humidity

(%)

Total

Rainfall

(mm) Highest Lowest Highest Lowest

October 1.9 32.7 20.2 87 51 11.4

November 2.9 29.4 14.0 76 55 0.3

December 1.4 24.7 9.8 72 57 0.1

Wind Rose Diagram:

Wind rose is the diagrammatic representation of wind speed and frequency in a

specified direction with its arms representing sixteen directions. Each arm gives a

clear frequency distribution of wind speed in a particular direction for a given period

of time. It is observed that dominant wind directions are from North West followed

by North. 59.49 % calm is observed in the pre-monsoon season. South and South

west are the worst affected quadrant due to proposed project.


14

Figure: Wind rose Diagram

The prominent wind direction during this period was from NW to SE. This is

followed by North direction of wind. The average wind speed recorded during the

study period was 2.9 km/h. Calm conditions prevailed for 59.49 %.


15

CHAPTER II

DESCRIPTION OF BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

2.0 Introduction

Biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future

generations. At the same time, the threat to species and ecosystems has never been

as drastic as it is today. Species extinction caused by human activities continues at

an alarming rate. Protecting biodiversity is in our self-interest.

The biological study was under taken by Ecology & Biodiversity Expert, as a part of

the EIA study report to understand the present status of ecosystem prevailing in the

study area to predict changes in the biological environment as a result of present

activities and to suggested measures for maintaining its health.

The District of Satna is situated between latituedes 23" 58' and 25"12' north and

longitute 80"21' and 81"23' east in mid northern part of Rewa Commissioner's

Division in Madhya Pradesh state of India. In the north the district boundary

marches with that of Banda District of Uttar Pradesh state. Eastern Boundary of the

district runs with the Teonther, Sirmour and Huzur tehsils of Rewa district and a

very small portion of the Gopadbanas tehsil of Sidhi District. The entire western

boundary of the district is made by Panna district while the southern boundary

shares the Murwara tehsil of Jabalpur district in the west and Bandhogarh tehsil of

Umaria district and Beohari Tehsils of Shahdol district on the east. (Source:

http://satna.nic.in )

2.1 Objectives and Purpose of Study:

The basic objectives of the study are to evaluate the status of the flora and fauna of

the core area and the buffer areas with specific reference to the rare or endangered

or endemic or threatened (REET) species. The study is also designed to evaluate the

adverse impacts of the proposed activity, if any and to suggest remedial / mitigation

measures in accordance with the objectives as desired by the IAIA and the Ministry

of Environment , Forests & Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Government of India

(GoI).

http://satna.nic.in/


16

Activities undertaken during the study

1) Flora survey

✓ Identification and documentation of Tree, shrub, herb, climber and grass

species

✓ Analysis of scheduled taxa of the proposed site

2) Fauna survey

✓ Identification and Documentation of Avian, Reptilian, Amphibian, Mammal

and other faunal diversity

✓ Observations by direct and indirect evidences

✓ Analysis of Scheduled species

Forest Cover

Forest cover of the study area is 26353.23 ha, which is 81.5% of the total 32335.14

ha. The Protected Area and Reserved Forest in the study area are as below:

• Ranipur wildlife sanctuary at 3.3 Km in NE direction.

• Devri Rajauhan RF7.3 Km NE

• Mahua RF 7.7 Kms NE DirectionChauri RF 6.7 Kms in North

• Amua Protected Forest 1.0 Km in NE Direction

• Kalyanpur RF 6.8 Kms in NE

• Karajhan RF 7.8 km in N

• Sarbanga PF 6.6 Kms WNW

• Kathara P.F 3.6 Kms SW

Champion and Seth (1968) recognized sixteen types of forest in India. According to

Champion and Seth (1968), the forests in the study area are Tropical Dry Deciduous

Forests. The dry deciduous forest with discontinuous canopy, but has many more

species, common species are Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia spp., Gmelina spp.,

Gardenia latifolia, Sterculia urens and Bauhinia retusa. The understory is generally

bamboo on the slopes and grass with shrubs on the flat ground. Vegetation also

includes Tendu, Mahua, Bamboo, Dhaak, Gooseberry, Wood Apple, Saal etc. The

sanctuary (3.3 km NE) is characterised by tropical dry evergreen forest that includes

various floral species like: Strychnos Nuxvomica, Pteriospermus, Manilkara Hexandra.

The forest trees are in healthy appearance and showed no stress symptoms. The

forest floor showed significant organic matter accumulation in the soil, due to which

seed, germination and establishment of saplings are in healthy state. Trees are

planted in garden and along roadside as avenue and roadside plantation,

respectively.


17

2.2 Survey Methodology

Flora: The primary objective of survey was to describe the floral and faunal

communities within the study area. The sampling plots for floral inventory were

selected randomly in the suitable habitats. The present study on the floral

assessment for the proposed project activity is based on field survey of the core zone.

The plant species were identified with the help of taxonomists of related fields and

nearby Institutions. Besides the collection of plant species, information was also

collected with vernacular names of plant species made by local inhabitants. The

other relevant data on bio-diversity, like economically important plant species and

medicinal plant, rare and endangered species in the study area have been collected

from secondary sources like forest and wild life departments, published literature.

Fauna: The methodology adopted for faunal survey involves random survey,

opportunistic observations, diurnal bird observation, active search for reptiles,

faunal habitat assessment. The field work observations were then verified by

secondary data. The aim was to set baselines in order to monitor and identify trends

after the commissioning of the mining activity. Emphasis has been placed on

presence of endemic species, threatened species if any present in the study area.

Field study period: The ecological survey has been conducted for one month. The

details are given below:

Post Monsoon: October, 2015

Core zone: At the project site.

Buffer zone: Around the project site in 10 km radius.

Table: Mode of data collection & parameters considered during the survey

Aspect Data Mode Of Data Collection Parameters Monitored

Terrestrial

Ecology

&

Aquatic

Ecology

Primary

data

collection

By field survey

Floral and Faunal

diversity

Secondary

data

collection

From authentic sources like

Forests/Wild Life department of

Satna, available

published literatures like –

Biodiversity and Environment

Management and available

publishes papers of scholars.

Floral and Faunal

diversity and study of

vegetation, forest type,

etc.

4.5.4 Wildlife of the Study Area

Floral study of the area

Core Zone: Core zone does not have any tree species; The area suffers from lack of

moisture, so the soil is extremely dry. Moisture receives only as rainfall in this area

after monsoon. Few of the shrub and herb species listed in Table below are present


18

in area. These herbs & shrubs are merely weeds and are found abundantly in the

surrounding area.

Buffer Zone:-Buffer Zone includes all the forest area in the study area, Ranipur

WLS, Other RF & PF listed above in 4.5.2, agriculture crops, scrub and wasteland.

Species of Tropical deciduous forest can be found in the forest area, whereas crops

usually grown here are rice, millets (Marua, Gondli and Maize), pulses, wheat

oilseed (Sarguja and groundnut) and vegetables. Few areas in the study area are

waste land (3.95%) and open scrub. Due to lack of moisture in the soil most of the

wasteland is without any vegetation. Table 4.17 & 4.18 shows flora in the study

area.

Table Flora in the Study Area (Trees)

Sl. No. Scientific Name Local name Family

Plants

1 Acacia arabica Babul Leguminosae

2 Acacia leucophloea Reunja Leguminosae

3 Adina cordifolia Haldu Rubiaceae

4 Aegle marmelos Bel Rutaceae

5 Ailanthus excelsa Maharukh Simarubaceae

6 Albizia lebbeck Kala-siris Leguminosae

7 Albizia procera Safed-siris Leguminosae

8 Anogeissus latifolia Dhaora Combretaceae

9 Azadirachta indica Neem Meliaceae

10 Bassia latifolia Mahua Sapotaceae

11 Bombax malabaricum Semal Malvaceae

12 Boswellia serrata Salai Burseraceae

13 Butea frondosa Palas Leguminosae

14 Cedrela toona Toon Meliaceae

15 Chloroxylon swietenia Bhirra Meliaceae

16 Cleistanthus collinus Garari Euphorbiaceae

17 Dalbergia latifolia Shisham Leguminosae

18 Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo Leguminosae

19 Dillenia pentagyna Kalla Dilleniaceae

20 Diospyros cordifolia Bhaktendu Ebenaceae

21 Erythrina suberosa Pangra Leguminosae

22 Eugenia jambolana Jamun Myrtaceae

23 Feronia elephantum Kaith Rutaceae

24 Ficus bengalensis Bar Urticaceae

25 Ficus glomerata Gular Moraceae

26 Ficus religiosa Pipal Moraceae

27 Gmelina arborea Gamari Verbenaceae

28 Holoptalia integrifolia Chirol Ulmaceae

29 Hymenodictyon excelsum Bhonrsal Rubiaceae


19

30 Kydia calycina Pula Malvaceae

31 Lagerstroemia parviflora Seja Lythraceae

32 Mangifera indica Aam Anacardiaceae

33 Ougeinia dalbergioides Tinsa Leguminosae

34 Phyllanthus emblica Aonla Euphorbiaceae

35 Pterocarpus marsupium Bijasal Leguminosae

36 Schleichera trijuga Kusum Sapindaceae

37 Schrebera swietenioides Mokha Oleaceae

38 Soymida febrifuga Rohan Meliaceae

39 Spondias mangifera Amra Anacardiaceae

40 Sterculia urens Kulu Sterculiaceae

41 Tamarindus indica Imli Leguminosae

42 Tectona grandis Sagon Verbenaceae

43 Terminalia arjuna Arjun Combretaceae

44 Terminalia belerica Bahera Combretaceae

45 Terminalia chebula Harra Combretaceae

46 Terminalia tomentosa Saj Combretaceae

47 Shorea robusta Sal/Sakhua Dipterocarpaceae

48 Strychnos Muxvomica Nux vomica Loganiaceae

49 Pterospermum acerifolium Kanak Champa Malvaceae

50 Manilkara hexandra Khirni Sapotaceae

Shrubs: Total 30 shrub species belong to about 15 families, are enumerated from the

study area. The shrubs observed in the study area are given in the Tablebelow.

Table: Flora in the Study Area (Shurbs, Herbs, Climbers and Grass)

S.No. Botanical Name Family Common Name

SHRUBS

1 Achyranthes aspera Amarantaceae Apamarg

2 Adhatoda vasica Acanthaceae Adusa

3 Annona squamosa Anonaceae Sitaphal

4 Antidesma diandrum Euphorbiaceae Khatua

5 Argemone Mexicana Berberidaceae Siarkanta

6 Capparis horrid Capparidaceae Ulatkanta

7 Carissa spinarum Apocynaceae Karonda

8 Cassia auriculata Leguminosae Tarwar

9 Clerodendron infortunatum

Verbenaceae Bhant

10 Colebrookia oppositifolia Labiatae Kalabansa

11 Desmodium pulchellum Leguminosae Chipti

12 Dodonaea visocosa Sapindaceae Kharenta


20

13 Embelia robusta Myrsinaceae Baibirang

14 Eugenia heyneana Myrtaceae Kath Jamun

15 Euphorbia neriifolia Euphorbiaceae Thuar

16 Grewia hirsute Tiliaceae Gursakri

17 Helicteres isora Sterculiaceae Marorphali

18 Hygrophila spinosa Acanthaceae Talmakhana

19 Indigofera pulchella Leguminosae Neel

20 Lantana camara Verbenaceae Raimunia

21 Leea macrophylla Vitaceae Hathikand

22 Nyctanthes arbor tristis Verbenaceae Harsingar

23 Opuntia dillenii Cactaceae Nagphani

24 Strobilanthes callosus Acanthaceae Maruadona

25 Tamarix dioica Tamaricaceae Jhau

26 Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae Gokhuru

27 Waltheria indica Sterculiaceae Halduli

28 Woodfordia floribunda Lythraceae Dhawai

29 Zizyphus rugosa Rhamnaceae Churna

30 Zizyphus rotundifolia Rhamnaceae Jharberi

HERBS

31. Bauhinia vahlii Fabaceae Siali, Sualoi

32. Cassia tora Fabaceae Banchkunda

33. Calotropis gigantean Asclepiaceae Arakha

34. Celosia argenta Amaranthaceae Mayurachulia

35. Jatropha gossypifolia Euphorbiaceae Ratanjot

36. Ocimum sanctum Lamiaceae Tulsi

37. Smilax zeylanica Liliaceae

Smilax/ Muturi

species

38. Solanum xanthocarpum Solanaceae Ankarati

39. Vitex negundo Verbenaceae Begunia

40. Apluda varia Gramineae Phuli

41 Chionachne koenigii Gramineae Karpia

42 Chrysopgon montanus Gramineae Chikua

43 Coix gigantean Gramineae Garru

44 Cymbopogon martini Gramineae Rusa

45 Cynodon dactylon Gramineae Doob

46 Desmostachya bipinnata Gramineae Dab

47 Dichanthuium annulatum Gramineae Jarga / janeva

48 Echinochloa colonum Gramineae Sama

49 Eragrostis tenella Gramineae Bhurbhusi

50 Eulaliopsis binata Gramineae Sabai

51 Heteropogon contortus Gramineae Kusul

52 Imperata cylindrical Gramineae Chhir

53 Ischaemum pilosum Gramineae Kunda

54 Pennisetum hohenackeri Gramineae Moya


21

55 Saccharum munja Gramineae Munj

56 Saccharum spontaneum Gramineae Kans

57 Sehima sulcatum Gramineae Paonia

58 Themeda quadrivalvis Gramineae Gunher

59 Crysopogon fulvus Gramineae Kush

60 Andropogon pumilus Gramineae Gangekha

61 Aristeda dopresa Gramineae Safed lappa

CLIMBERS

62 Cuscuta reflexa Cuscutaceae Amarbel

63 Capparis sepiaria Capparaceae kakarora

64 Ventilago calyculata Rhamnaceae Kauti / hariya /bauri

65 Acacia pinnata Fabaceae Kuchi

66 Coocinia indica Cucurbitaceae Kundru

67 Mucuna prurita Fabaceae Kaoinch

68 Milletia auriculata Fabaceae Gaouj

69 Abrus precatorius Fabaceae Ghongachi /ratti

70 Cryptostregia grandiflora Apocynaceae Chabukchali

71 Maerua arenaria Capparaceae Darahari bel

72 Ichnocarpus frutesense Apocynaceae Dudhi / dudhia

73 Vallaris solanacea Apocynaceae Dudhi bel

74 vitis repanda Vitaceae Pani vel

75 Cissampelos pareira Menispermaceae Pureina /harjuri

76 Butea superb Fabaceae Badhasin

77 Bauhinia vahlii Caesalpiniaceae Maurain

78 Celasstrus paniculatus Celastraceae Malkangani

79 Smilex prolifera Smilacaceae Ramdatun

80 Zizypus oenoplia Rhamnaceae Makoh

Medicinal Trees: The list of medicinal trees observed in the study area is given in the

table.

Table: Medicinal Plants in the Study Area

Sr.

No

Botanical

Name

Common

Name

Family Medicinal Use

1. Aegle

marmelos L.

Bel Rutaceae Leaves chewed and swallowed every

morning help in healing stomach

ulcer and also to reduced sugar of

diabetes patient.

2. Azadirachta

indica A.

Neem Meliaceae Leaf Decoction is applied locally on

cure wounds


22

Sr.

No

Botanical

Name

Common

Name


3. Acacia arabica

L.

Babul Leguminosae Leaf sap with whey or two bean of

plant can eat with whey.

4 Albizia procera

Benth.

Safed siris Fabaceae Problems of pregnancy, stomach-

ache,ulcers

5 Butea

monosperma

(Lam.)

Palas Fabaceae The bark and seeds are given for

snake bite as antidote.

6 Curcuma

domestica L.

Haldi Zingiberaceae Rhizome powder with boiled milk is

taken at bed time during cough, cold

and also used in healing injuries.

7 Careya arborea

Roxb.

Kumbhi Barringtoniaceae Swelling due to injury

8 Datura innoxia

(Linn.) Miller

Datura Solanaceae Hydrophobia and earache

9 Ficus glomerta

Roxb.

Gular Gular Moraceae The stem bark decoction is given in

case of diarrhoea

10 Ficus religiosa

L.

Pipal Moraceae Laxative, cooling and alterative

11 Ficus racemosa

L.

Umar Moraceae Leucorrhoea, blood disorders, burning

sensation, fatigue, urinary

discharges, leprosy, menorrhagia,

epistaxis, intestinal worms, asthma

and piles

12 Flacourtia

ramontchi

L’Herit.

Kaker Flacourtiaceae Appetizing, diuretic, digestive, in

jaundice, intermittent fever nephritic

colic cholera

13 Gardenia

latifolia Ait.

Hort.

Papara Rubiaceae Antispasmodic, anthelmintic

splenomegaly, foul ulcers, wounds

and obesity


23

Sr.

No

Botanical

Name

Common

Name


Kew.

14 Holorrhena

antidysenterica

Roxb.

Dudhi Apocyanaceae The decoction of stem bark is taken

twice a day.

15 Holoptelea

integrifolia

Planch.

Chirol Ulmaceae Oedema, diabetes, leprosy and other

skin diseases, intestinal disorders,

piles and spruce

16 Melia

azedarachta L.

Bakain Meliaceae Diabetes, blood purification and skin

tonic

17 Mucuna

pruriens L.

Kewanch Fabaceae The aqueous root paste is taken twice

a day for two days.

18 Psidium

guajava L.

Amrood Myrtaceae The decoction of young leaves mixed

with Anar leaf juice is taken orally

twice a day for three days.

19 Pterocarpus

marsupium

Roxb.

Bija Fabaceae Diabetes, stomachache

20 Ricinus

communis

Linn.

Arandi Euphorbiaceae Boils, swelling, laxative and to start

labour pain 21 Sapindus

emarginata

Vahl.

Ritha Sapindaceae Epilepsy, throat infection, piles,

headache

22 Solanum

nigrum Miller.

Makoy Solanaceae Hydrophobia and earache

23 Ocimum

sanctum L.

Tulsi Lamiaceae Stomach and vomiting

24 Terminalia

arjuna W. & A.

Prod.

Arjun Combretaceae Cardiac tonic, earache.


24

Sr.

No

Botanical

Name

Common

Name


25 Terminalia

bellirica

(Gaertn.) Roxb.

Bahada Combretaceae Headache, stomach disorder, cold and

cough, constipation

26 Withania

somnifera (L.)

Dunal.

Aswagandha Solanaceae Phthisis, dropsy, for enlargement of

spleen

27 Zizyphus

nummularia

(Burm.f.)

Wight

Jangli beri Rhamnaceae Jaundice

28 Zizyphus

vulgaris

Ber Rhamnaceae The powder of root bark is taken with

honey or curd in case of diarrhoea.

(Source: Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science & Environment,

Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gromodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna,

Madhya Pradesh, India , Journal of Medicinal Studies)

FAUNAL BIODIVERSITY OF STUDY AREA

Core Zone: Core zone does not have any tree species only few species of weeds are

observed. Thus the habitation is appropriate for common rodents like Mus booduga, Funambulus pennati. Reptiles like snakes was not spotted during field survey, as

reported by local people sight of reptiles like snakes is very rare in the core zone.

However, lizards are a common sight.

Buffer Zone:-As 81.5% of the study area is covered under forest including Ranipur

Wildlife Sanctuary, it provides habitation to many exotic species. Fauna of the study

area is presented in below Table below. There are no resident Tigers (Panthera tigris) in the buffer zone, however as per Forest Department, Tigers from Panna

keep frequenting the Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary. Antelopes are very common in the

Forest Area of the buffer zone. Fauna found in the non forest areas are the one

commonly found in India like Macaca mulatta, Rattus rattus, Calotes versicolor.


25

Table: Fauna of the Study Area

Sr. No. Scientific Name Common Name

Wildlife

Protection

Act-1972

Schedule

Status in

IUCN

Category

Ver 3.1

Mammals

• Panthera pardus Leopard Schedule I Near

Thretened

• Antilope cervicapra

Black Buck Schedule I Near

Threatened

• Gazella bennettii Chinkara Schedule I Least Concern

• Axis Axis Spotted Deer Schedule III Least Concern

• Cervus unicolor Sambar Schedule III Vulnerable

• Melursus ursinus Sloth Bear Schedule I Vulnerable

• Vulpes bengalensis Indian Fox Schedule II Least Concern

• Macaca mulatta Rhesus Macaque Schedule II Least Concern

• Semnopithecus entellus

Common Langur Schedule II Least Concern

• Herpestes edwardsi

Common Mangoose Schedule II Least Concern

• Canis aureus indicus

Jackal Schedule II Least Concern

• Mus booduga Little Indian Field

Mouse Schedule V Least Concern

• Rattus rattus House Rat Schedule V Not Evaluated

• Suncus murinus Asian house shrew Schedule V Not Evaluated

• Lepus nigricollis Indian hare Schedule IV Least Concern

• Pteropus giganteus

Indian fly fox Schedule V Least Concern

• Boselaphus tragocamelus

Neelgai Schedule III Least Concern

• Funambulus pennati

Squirrel Schedule IV Least Concern

• Chiroptera Bat Schedule V Least Concern

• Tetracerus quadricornis

Four horned

Antilope Schedule I Vulnarable

• Sus scrofa Wild Pig Schedule III Least Concern

• Canis lupas pallipes

Wolf Schedule I --

• Vulpes bengalensis Fox Schedule II Least Concern

• Hystrix indica Porcupine Schedule IV Least Concern

• Varanus bengalensis

Bengal Monitor Schedule I Least Concern

Reptiles and Amphibians


26

Sr. No. Scientific Name Common Name

Wildlife

Protection

Act-1972

Schedule

Status in

IUCN

Category

Ver 3.1

• Ptyas carinata Rat Snake Schedule II Least Concern

• Naja naja Spectacled Cobra Schedule II Not Evaluated

• Calotes versicolor Garden lizard Schedule IV Not Evaluated

• Vipera russelli Russell’s Viper Schedule IV Not Evaluated

• Bungarus caeruleus

Common Krait Schedule IV Vulnerable

• Zootoca vivipara Common Lizard Schedule IV Least Concern

• Hemiddyctalis species

Northern house

Geko Schedule V Least Concern

• Rana hexadactyla Indian Pond Frog Schedule IV Least Concern

• Hemidactylus flaviviridis

House

Gecko/Chhipkali Schedule IV Least Concern

• Rana tigerinus Indian Bull Frog Schedule IV Least Concern

• Python reticulatus Python Schedule I Not Assessed

Table: List of Avifauna recorded in the Study Area

Sr.

No. Scientific Name Common Name Family

Status in

Wildlife

Protectio

n Act-

1972

Status in

IUCN

Category

1. Delichon dasypus Asian House Martin Hirundinida

e

Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

2. Acridotheres tristis

Common Myna Sturnidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

3. Perdicula asiatica Jungle Bush Quail Phasianidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

4. Aloedo atthis Small Blue Kingfisher Alcedinidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

5. Ardeola grayii Pond Heron Ardeidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

6. Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher Alcedinidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

7. Columba livia neglecta

Blue Rock Pegion Columbidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

8. Coracias benghalensis

Indian Roller Coraciidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

9. Corvus splendens House Crow Corvidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern


27

Sr.


Status in

Wildlife

Protectio

n Act-

1972

Status in

IUCN

Category

10. Dicrurus adsimillis

Black Drongo Dicruridae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

11. Eudynamys scolopacea

Koel Cuculidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

12. Gallinula chloropus

Indian Moorhen Rallidae Not

Enlisted

Least

Concern

13. Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Pheasant tailed

Jacana Jacanidae

Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

14. Merops orientalis Green bee eater Meropidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

15. Passer domesticus

House Sparrow Passeridae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

16. Pavo cristatus Common Peafowl Phasianidae Schedule I Least

Concern

17. Phalacrocorax niger

Little Cormorant Phalacrocora

cidae

Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

18. Phalacrocorax qarbo

Large Cormorant Phalacrocora

cidae

Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

19. Ploceus philippinus

Baya Ploceidae Schedule

IV Endangered

20. Pseudibis papillosa

Black Ibis Threskiornit

hidae

Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

21. Pycnonotus cafer Red Vented Bulbul Pycnonotidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

22. Recurvirostra avosetta

Avocet Recurvirostri

dae

Schedule

IV

Near

threatened

23. Strebopelia decaocto

Ring Dove Columbidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

24. Streptopelia chinensis

Spotted dove Columbidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

25. Turdoides candatus

Common babbler Leiothrichid

ae

Schedule

IV Threatened

26. Nettapus coromandelianus

Cotton teal Anatidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

27. Saxicoloides fulicatus

Indian Robin Muscicapida

e

Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

28. Copsychus saularis

Oriental Magpie-

Robin

Muscicapida

e

Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

29. Gallus gallus Red Jungle fowl Phasianidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalacrocoracidae





28

Sr.


Status in

Wildlife

Protectio

n Act-

1972

Status in

IUCN

Category

30. Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

Small Minivet Campephagi

dae

Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

31. Corvus levaillantii

Eastern Jungle Crow Corvidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

32. Cuculus canorus Common Cuckoo Cuculidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

33. Cinnyris asiaticus Purple Sunbird Nectariniida

e

Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

34. Apus affinis Little Swift Apodidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

35. Francolinus pictus

Painted partridge Phasianidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

36. Gallus varius Jungle Fowl Phasianidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

37. Galloperdix spadicea

Spur-Fowl Phasianidae Schedule

IV

Least

Concern

Source: Survey team in consultation with concern state forest officials and local

people

4.5.5 Agriculture & Livestock

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people living in 0.5% settlement in the

buffer zone of Salaiya mine. 13.6 % (4403.89 ha) of the total land of the study area is

covered under agricultural crops. Important crops grown in the area are wheat, rice,

chickpea, soybean, lentil, black gram, linseed etc. The area also produces vegetables

like potato, cauliflower, onion, tomato, chilies and fruits like mangoes, guava, citrus

etc. Animals reared are Poultry, Dogs, Donkeys, Elephants (Safari) etc. in the study

area of the proposed project.

Conclusion

81.5% of the Study area is covered under forest which is habitation of many wild

plants & animals. Common animals found in forests are Antelopes and forest

vegetation is dry evergreen type. Most of these forest areas are north of the proposed

mining site. The nearest protected area is Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary which is at 3.3

km in Northeast Direction. Windrose diagram shows Fig. No. 4.8 that no wind is

blowing towards North, Northeast direction which is habitation of most of the

wildlife in the study area. Thus, wildlife in the study area is not likely to get affected

by Fugitive Dust caused by mining activity. However, transporatation of the mineral

will be planned in a way that wildlife of the study area will not be disturbed (Traffic

& Evacuation Study). To protect cropland from being affected by the project and as a


29

part of Environment Management Plan, boundary area will be brought under green

belt cover. At the end of the life of mine, the mine will be rehabilitated by

afforestation.

None of the species found in core zone are listed under Schedule I of Wildlife

Protection Act, 1972.

Schedule I species which are found in the forest areas of the buffer zone are listed

below:

Sr. No. Common Name Scientific Name Indian WPA

1972, Status IUCN (3.1)

Status

Aves

1. Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus I LC

Mammals

2. Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) Gazella bennettii I LC

3. Black Buck Antilope cervicapra I NT

4. Four horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis I V

5. Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus I V

6. Indian Wolf Canis lupas pallipes I DD

7. Leopard Panthera pardu I NT

Reptiles

8. Bengal Monitor Varanus bengalensis I LC

9. Python Python reticulatus NA


30

CHAPTER III Conservation Plans

Of Schedule I Species Of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

3.0 INTRODUCTION

The threat to species and ecosystems has never been as great as it is today. Species extinction caused by human activities continues at an alarming rate protecting biodiversity in our self-interest. This Conservation plan has been prepared for execution on commencement of the project. Four Schedule I species (Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972) has been found in the study area. Specific Conservation Plan for each species listed follows next. In addition to specific conservation plan, a composite conservation Plan has also been prepared. An amount of Rs. 10.84 Lakhs has been allotted to Wild Life Conservation Budget, which has been discussed in detail in Chapter 4.

Table Schedule – I of WL(P) Act, 1972 Species in the Study Area

Sr. No. Common Name Scientific Name Indian WPA 1972, Status

IUCN (3.1) Status

Aves

1. Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus I LC

Mammals

2. Indian Gazelle (Chinkara) Gazella bennettii I LC

3. Black Buck Antilope cervicapra I NT

4. Four horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis I V

5. Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus I V

6. Indian Wolf Canis lupas pallipes I DD

7. Leopard Panthera pardu I NT

Reptiles

8. Bengal Monitor Varanus bengalensis I LC

9. Python Python reticulatus NA

31 ENVIRTA Sustainable Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.

3.1 Conservation Plan of Common Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Aves

Order Galliformes

Family Phasianidae

Genus Pavo

Species Cristatus

Common Name Indian Peafowl, Common Peafowl, Peafowl

IUCN Redlist Category & Criteria (ver 3.1)

Least Concern (LC)

W(P)A, 1972 Sch. Schedule I

CITES Appendix III

Conservation Status

Indian Peafowl is National Bird of India and therefore has got protection under Wildlife

Protection Act, 1972 by being placed under Schedule I. However, in IUCN Redlist, the bird

has been Categorized as Least Concern (as per ver 3.1). Because this species is so

thoroughly woven into many cultures, they face little threat of becoming endangered.

However, because the human population is growing so quickly, peafowl face the loss of

natural habitat and access to water sources. National parks are working to protect the

habitats in India and nearby countries considered native to peafowl. Because Indian blue

peafowl are so adaptable, it has been introduced to different countries to extend its range.

Geographic Range

Indian blue peafowl, Pavo cristatus, (also known as peacocks) are native to Sri Lanka and

India, but can also be found naturally in Pakistan, Kashmir, Nepal, Assam, Nagaland, Burma,

Java, Ceylon, Malaya, and the Congo. Peafowl are prized possessions and therefore can be

found in any country in captivity through trade. The Arakan hills prevented this species

from moving naturally to the east, while the mountains of the Himalayas and Karakoram

further prevented their travel north.


32

Fig Distribution of Pavo cristatus in India

Habitat

Indian blue peafowl do not migrate or travel widely. They are most common in deciduous,

open forest habitats. Areas that had sufficient water sources and were relatively distant

from any human presence are also preferred if given the choice. Their basic requirements

include a suitable roost tree, a small territory, and sufficient food. In their native range,

peafowl are only found from 900 to 1200 m above sea level in areas with appropriate

forest habitat to support them. They are often kept in urban gardens and zoos.


33

Physical Description

Indian blue peafowl are known best for their exquisite train and plumage. If the length of

the tail and wing span is included, the peafowl is considered one of the largest flying birds.

They weigh in between 2.7-6 kg and have a wingspan of 1.4-1.6 m. They vary widely in

length from 0.86-2.12 m. This species has long, strong, grayish-brown legs equipped for

running away into brush for safety. Both sexes are equipped with spurs that are around 2.5

cm long; males will use them during the breeding season to ward off other competing

males. Females are brown, grey, and cream-colored. Chicks are usually a light yellow to

brown color. The males have a long train, about 1.2 m in length on average, from June to

December. The train is discarded in January, but is grown again at a rapid pace when

breeding season approaches. Their necks and breasts are a bright blue, golden feathers line

their sides and backs, and their trains are an iridescent arrangement of multiple colors

featuring ocelli (eye-spots). When displayed, the male’s train spreads out in a wide fan,

showing off gold, brown, green, and black feathers. Around 30 to 40 of the ocelli around the

outer edges of the fan are not round but v-shaped. This complicated pattern is thought to

be an advantage in mating, and even though it might seem like this bright pattern would

make peafowl stand out, they can very easily disappear into foliage, making it extremely

hard to spot. In addition, Pavo cristatus can hybridize with the green peafowl, Pavo muticus.

For the past two decades, a new mutation in the plumage has been discovered almost every

year.

Reproduction

There is a significant positive correlation between a peafowl’s train and its mating success.

This correlation is due to female’s preference for more elaborate trains on their mates.

Males spend a great deal of energy to produce and maintain good tail conditions, resulting

in a trade-off between a longer train and avoiding predators or searching for food. Mating

success is usually more successful for the males with the highest number of eyespots (also

called ocelli) on their train. If eyespots were experimentally removed from a male’s train

below the the range of other individuals eyespot numbers, mating success decreased

significantly. There is also a positive correlation between the number of eyespots, the

amount of time a male displays to a female during the breeding season, and the overall

health of the individual. Peahens choose the peacocks with the most eyespots because her

chicks will hopefully inherit the male’s superior immune system and have a greater chance

at survival.

Peahens are also very aggressive when it comes to finding a suitable partner. The bigger

and stronger females will fight away other females and try to monopolize the male by

repeatedly mating with him. Favored males tend to mate with more females and the same

female more than once, increasing their fitness significantly. On average, males usually

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pavo_muticus/


34

mate with up to six different peahens every breeding season. Because the male only

contributes its sperm, females must pick the best possible choice and try to limit the access

of other females to increase their own offspring’s survival rates.

Mating System

This species becomes sexually mature at three years, though some males can breed at age

2. Females will lay 3-5 brownish oval eggs, but in some cases have laid up to 12. The eggs

are laid one at a time every other day. Their glossy shells have deep, small pores that let in

water to keep it moist. The incubation period lasts up to 28 days.

The nest is made up of dry sticks and leaves, and is located on the ground, under shrubs.

Naturally, a peahen will only lay one clutch per breeding season. Chicks are mobile and

fully feathered at hatching, can fly in about one week, and rely on their mother for only an

additional few weeks. Although the chicks are fairly resilient, they do need relatively warm

temperatures to survive and can die in colder climates. Some aviculturists have avoided

this problem by raising eggs in incubators. Peachicks must be taught to eat and drink

through imitation. Males and females look alike until the males develop their train and

bright feathers. It takes up to three years for males to develop a full train. It is almost

impossible to tell the difference until a couple of months after hatching in which the males

have longer legs. Also, the males will have light gray outer primary feathers and their

female counterparts will be brown.

Lifespan/Longevity

Pavo cristatus can live up to 25 years in the wild, but the average is around 20 years due to

predation, diseases, electrocution from flying into power lines, pesticide poisoning, and

destruction of their natural habitat. In captivity, the maximum life span is 23.2 years, with

an average around 16 years. These differences in lifespan between captivity and the wild

can be due to the diet. In the wild, peafowl have an entirely different lifestyle because they

are always searching for food and must eat whatever they can find. In captivity, peafowl eat

the feed that is given to them and do not have to search constantly for food. Because they

are not burning off excessive protein and calcium, gout and kidney failure can shorten the

lifespan of these captive birds. Those who decide to have Pavo cristatus as pets need to

worm the peafowl twice a year to get rid of any parasites and prevent disease. Life Span is

10 to 25 years.

Home Range

Males defend their territory during the breeding season, attacking competing males with

their spurs. During the non-breeding months, the males are less agressive towards other

males, but will attack other animals (such as humans) if they feel threatened. Owners of


35

these exotic birds put Indian blue peafowl in pens with their chickens or turkeys because

they intimidate potential predators that roam onto their territory.

Communication and Perception

The calls of Indian blue peafowl are extremely loud and are often described as unpleasant,

harsh shrieking. These calls are extremely varied, with up to six alarm calls issued by both

sexes and seven additional calls that males emit during territorial disputes. Three of the

calls the males produce are only associated with reproduction, and are typically only used

during breeding season.

Food Habits

Indian blue peafowl are omnivorous. They consume insects, worms, lizards, frogs, and

snakes. Termites are their food of choice. This species name in Sanskirt means “killer of

snakes” because they eat young cobras (Ophiophagus Hannah), making them invaluable

and often revered. They also feed on tree and flower buds, petals, grain and grass and

bamboo shoots. In order to help with the breakdown of their food, peafowl will ingest

pebbles which are stored in their gizzard and help grind up grains. It is also reliant on an

abundance of water for survival.

Predation

The natural enemies of Indian blue peafowl are large cats like civets (Civettictis civetta),

tigers (Panthera tigris), and leopards (Panthera pardus). Wild dogs like dholes (Cuon

alpines) and jackals (Canis aureus) are also considered to be main predators. Because

peafowl are so effective at running away and disappearing into shrubbery, predators

usually take the birds down in a surprise attack.

Ecosystem Roles

Indian blue peafowl help regulate the numbers of venomous snakes, abundant lizards, and

insects to maintain a stable ecosystem. Peafowl are a carrier of lice and microorganisms. In

one study, Pavo cristatus was found to be a host for two louse species, Goniodes

pavonis and Amyrisdea minuta. Because males and females only come together to mate and

there is no parental care by the father, louse distribution is largely continued from the

mother to the offspring. The father can still pass on the lice secondarily by infecting the

mother, who then passes the lice to the peachicks. Females avoid this situation by picking

the favored males because those mates most likely have the best parasite resistance and

are less likely to pass on any parasites during copulation. In another study of captive

peafowl at three different zoos, scientists tested the birds for the presence of harmful

microorganisms. All three zoos had peafowl that carried Bordetella avium, Mycoplasma

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ophiophagus_hannah/

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Civettictis_civetta/

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Panthera_tigris/

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Panthera_pardus/

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Canis_aureus/

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Goniodes_pavonis/

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Goniodes_pavonis/


36

synoviae, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli. Bordetella avium and Mycoplasma

synoviae are contagious and can be passed on to other species, but do not result in high

mortality rates. Clostridium perfringens is a helpful bacteria for the digestive system of

birds and is opportunistic, only becoming harmful under certain circumstances (like if the

immune system is compromised by some other illness).

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

Pavo cristatus feather extract in the form of water or ash can be used to treat the poisonous

bites of Russell vipers Vipera russelii, common cobras Naja naja, and Malabar pit

vipers Trimeresurus malabaricus. The extract is high in iron, protein, and steroids, and acts

as an inhibitor to harmful enzymes in the venom that cause tissue damage. This is a

traditional treatment in India for those who live far away from hospitals and doctors.

Their eggs are a profitable source of income in areas where they are not revered and

protected through religion. Because of their extravagant trains, peacocks have been

depicted in art and literature throughout the ages. In Hindu and Buddhist religions, Pavo

cristatus is considered a vehicle for the gods. Religion is not the only reason Indian blue

peafowl are respected and loved. They also kill deadly snakes such as cobras, and

consumes a large number of insects reducing the amount of pesticides used on crops.

Conservation Measures

• Habitat improvement works will be carried out by planting bushes and shrubs in

surrounding areas. Tall plants with branches will provide a safe habitation for

these birds.

• Natural habitat places will be preserved in the surrounding.

• During campaigning, schools staff will be told importance of hanging earthen

pots of water on trees

• Construction of artificial water bowls in the forest area

• Growing trees along the roads, agriculture land & fountains.

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Naja_naja/

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Trimeresurus_malabaricus/


3.2 Conservation Plan of Indian Gazelle (Gazella gazella bennetti)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Mammalia

Order Artiodactyla

Family Bovidae

Genus Gazella

Species G. bennettii

Common Name Chinkara, Indian Gazelle


Least Concern (LC)


Conservation Status

Occur in more than 80 protected areas in India, 5 in Pakistan and 9 in Iran. In parts of

western India Chinkara are protected by villagers for religious reasons. The species is fully

protected by law in India, Pakistan and Iran.

Geographic Range

Range covers much of western and central India, extending through Pakistan, south-

western Afghanistan into north-central Iran. The Thar Desert of western India remains a

stronghold. Distribution in Pakistan has been greatly reduced by overhunting and although

still widespread, populations are scattered (Habibi 2001b). In Iran, distribution is also

scattered extending to Kavir NP in Tehran Province (Hemami and Groves 2001).


38

Fig: Distribution of Chinkara in India and abroad.

Habitat

Indian Gazelle can thrive in a variety of habitats. They have been observed in dry deciduous

forests, open woodlands and dry areas such as sand dunes, semi-arid deserts and arid

valleys that have an annual rainfall of 150 to 750mm. Indian Gazelle are facultative

drinkers and can withstand relatively long intervals between visits to water points by

conserving metabolic water and taking advantage of water found in vegetation.


Indian gazelles are characterized by a sandy, yellowish and red colored fur with a pale

white ventral region. Facial markings are well developed: they have a dark brown or black

forehead and a light face with dark stripes and a noticeable nose spot. Fur color varies

seasonally. In the winter, Indian gazelles are a dark grayish sandy color, and there is a

distinct brown band edging the white ventral area of the torso. In the summer, the fur is a

darker brown.


39

Indian gazelles have straight horns with prominent rings and tips that are slightly out-

turned. Horns are found on both males and females, although they are relatively shorter in

females. Sub-adult males are hard to distinguish from females because of their

intermediate horn length. Horns can reach lengths of 250 to 350 mm in adult males. Female

horns are usually half the length of and thinner in width than male horns and have less

prominent rings. Average male horn length of the subspecies Gazella bennetti

fuscifrons and G. b. shakari is 256.6 mm. Females of these subspecies have an average horn

length of 184.7 mm.

Indian gazelles reach 0.9 to 1.2 m in length and 0.6 to 0.8 m in height. Fully grown Indian

gazelles weigh 20 to 25 kg. Females tend to weigh less than males and can be as much as 10

cm shorter in height.

The braincase is reasonably short and flat, with a long slender premaxilla that has a slight

curve. The skull has large auditory bullae and teeth. The toothrows are bowed outward and

incurved anteriorly.

Reproduction

Indian gazelles are polygamous. Males are extremely territorial and defend their resources

with their horns. Male-male competition is frequently observed during the mating season,

and males aggressively defend females from other males before mating. Mating begins as a

male gazelle touches the underparts of a female gazelle with a stiff leg, called “laufschlag.”

When complete, copulation ensues. (Bobra, et al., 1992; Habibi, 2011)

Mating System

There are two breeding seasons throughout the year, one at the end of the monsoon season

from late August through early October, and the second in late spring from March to the

end of April. Indian gazelles have a gestation period of 5 to 5.5 months. Females generally

give birth to one offspring, but twins have been frequently reported. A majority of births

occur in April. Offspring are precocial and are weaned at about 2 months of age, though

they may stay with their mother for up to 12 months when she has another offspring.

Female Indian gazelles first conceive when they are yearlings.

Female Indian gazelles provide direct care to offspring until they are weaned at about 2

months of age. Some offspring, however, may stay with their mother for up to 12 months

when she has another offspring. (Arshad and Hussain Gill, 2010; Habibi, 2011; Mallon,

2008)

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gazella_bennettii/#14D0AF25-DF65-4BEC-BE46-BC7D992B8E48

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gazella_bennettii/#2B0B3123-A093-11E1-89F3-002500F14F28

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gazella_bennettii/#5D06C47E-1330-4BF7-A2D0-EDB0F868E137


http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gazella_bennettii/#82867FA9-A033-4B80-838C-247C13A79BAF

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gazella_bennettii/#82867FA9-A033-4B80-838C-247C13A79BAF


40

Lifespan/Longevity

Longevity of wild Indian gazelles is unknown. One individual lived to be 12.3 years of age in

captivity.

Home Range

Little is known regarding the home range of Indian gazelles. They are thought to mark their

territory with fecal piles.


When alarmed, Indian gazelles stamp their forefoot on the ground and emit a sneeze-like

hiss through the nose. (Habibi, 2011

Communication Channels: acoustic

Other Communication Modes: scent marks

Perception Channels: Visual, tactile and chemical

Food Habits

Indian gazelles are better adapted to browsing than grazing, but they can consume legumes

and grasses in large quantities. Their diet typically consists of grasses, various leaves, crops

and fruits such as pumpkins and melons. A majority of their metabolic water intake comes

from the vegetation they consume. The brush and trees that make up their diet are found in

mountain ranges and deciduous forests, while grasses and other herbaceous plants are

found in valleys and agricultural fields. In the arid Thar Desert, Indian gazelles mainly

consume four species of herbs: Crotalaria burhia (42% of diet), Ziziphus

nummularia (15%), Maytenus emerginata (11%), and Prosopis cineraria (9%).

Primary Diet: herbivore, folivore, frugivore

Plant Foods: leaves fruit

Predation

he primary predators of Indian gazelles are golden jackals (Canis aureus), Bengal

tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian wolves (Canis lupus pallipes), Indian

leopards (Panthera pardus fusca), Asiatic cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), crested

hawk-eagles (Nisaetus cirrhatus), village or feral dogs (Canis lupus) and, most importantly,

humans. Hunting and illegal poaching have greatly reduced population sizes of this species.


41

Indian gazelles use their speed and stamina to evade predators and use their horns for

defense.

Ecosystem Roles

Indian gazelles eat fruits such as pumpkins and melons and thus act as seed dispersers.

Hypoderma diana, a species of warbler, lays its eggs on the legs of Indian gazelles. When a

gazelle licks its legs, the eggs are ingested. Larvae of Hypoderma diana emerge in the

digestieve tract and create "warbles" or swellings under the skin. When the warbler

emerges through the skin, it may injure the gazelle. Additionally, this decreases value of the

hide to trappers.


Indian gazelles are considered sacred by the Vishnoi community of Rajasthan, which may

contribute to larger populations in this area. Indian gazelles are also hunted for their skin,

meat, and occasionally for horns, which serve as trophies.

Positive Impacts: Food; body parts are source of valuable material




these mammal.




• Screening of documentaries and other informative visuals to students or during

panchayat meetings will help increase the awareness among people.


3.3 Conservation Plan of Black Buck (Antilope cervicapra)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Mammalia

Order Cetartiodactyla

Family Bovidae

Genus Antilope

Species Antilope

cervicapra

Common Name Black buck, Kala Hiran


Near Threatened (NT)


CITES Appendix III

Conservation Status

The blackbuck was once the most abundant hoofed mammal in India and Pakistan, but

their populations have been greatly reduced through excessive hunting and loss of habitat

due to agricultural development.

Geographic Range

The Blackbuck formerly occurred across almost the whole of the Indian subcontinent.

Their range decreased sharply during the 20th century and they are now extinct in

Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. Attempted reintroductions have taken place in Pakistan

and Nepal


43

Fig: Distribution of Blackbuck in India.

Habitat

The species inhabits grassland and lightly-wooded country. They require water daily,

which restricts distribution to areas where surface water is available for the greater part of

the year. Blackbuck are primarily grazers. And mainly sedentary, but in summer may move

long distances in search of water and forage (Rahmani 2001).


Adult bucks stand approximately 73.7 - 83.8cm at the shoulder and on average have a head

and body length of 120cm. The blackbuck is one of the few antelope whose color differs

between sexes. The males are rich dark brown above, on the sides, and on the outside of

the legs. Females tend to be yellowish in the same areas. Both sexes exhibit white

underparts and insides of the legs, and a prominent white circular patch around the eye.

Also, males gradually become darker with age. Blackbucks have a graceful and slender

built. The horns are borne only by males and range from 50 - 61 cm; they are ringed at the

base and twist spirally up to approxiamtely 4 turns. The narrow muzzle is sheeplike, the

tail is short, and the hooves are delicate and sharply pointed.


44

Reproduction

Indian gazelles are polygamous. Males are extremely territorial and defend their resources

with their horns. Male-male competition is frequently observed during the mating season,

and males aggressively defend females from other males before mating. Mating begins as a

male gazelle touches the underparts of a female gazelle with a stiff leg, called “laufschlag.”

When complete, copulation ensues. (Bobra, et al., 1992; Habibi, 2011)

Mating System

Mating occurs throughout the year, with the most rutting activity in March - April and

August - October. During the rut, the mature male establishes a territory by regularly

depositing faeces in particular places. Males are extremely aggressive during this time and

drive all other males from their territory by a throaty grunt and an occasional horn fight.

The gestation period is about six months, and most of the time a single young is born. The

young is able to run about soon after birth.

Lifespan/Longevity

The average longevity of the blackbuck is found to be 15 years in wild.

Food Habits

Being herbivores, blackbuck graze on low grasses, occasionally browsing as well. They

prefer sedges, fall witchgrass, mesquite, and live oak. They have occasionally been

observed browsing on acacia trees in the Cholistan Desert. Oats and berseem were found to

be palatable and nutritious to captive populations in a study. A study in the Velavadar Black

Buck Sanctuary (Gujarat, India) showed that Dichanthium annulatum comprised 35

percent of their diet. Digestion of nutrients, especially crude proteins, was poor in summer,

but more efficient in the rainy and winter seasons. Consequently crude protein intake in

summer was very low, even below the recommended value. Blackbuck had a lower food

consumption in summer. The fruits of Prosopis juliflora are often eaten, and blackbuck may

play a role in their dispersal. Prosopis becomes a significant food item if grasses are

scarce. Water is a daily requirement of the blackbuck.


It is priced for its meat.

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Gazella_bennettii/#14D0AF25-DF65-4BEC-BE46-BC7D992B8E48



45

Blackbucks have a tendency to raid crops, paticularly sorghum and millet. As a result,

farmers lose crops and money. Many farmers set up traps and hunt the blackbuck to stop

them from destroying crops.




these mammal.






• Inclusion of trees like Prosopis juliflora, Acacia spp. etc in the plantation list, as

these species of tree are proffered by the animal.


46

3.4 Conservation Plan of Four Horned Antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Mammalia

Order Cetartiodactyla

Family Bovidae

Genus Gazella

Species Tetracerus

quadricornis

Common Name Four-horned Antelope, Chousingha


Vulnerable (V)


CITES Appendix III

Conservation Status

The species occurs in many protected areas in India (for example, Gir N.P., Panna N.P.,

Pench N.P., and Kanha Tiger Reserve). It is totally protected by law on Schedule I of the

Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. It is listed on CITES Appendix III (Nepal only).

Geographic Range

The Four-horned Antelope is distributed widely, but in scattered populations, over most of

India, from the Himalayan foothills to peninsular India (Rahmani 2001). A few may remain


47

in Nepal

Fig: Distribution of Chausingha in India.

Habitat

Four-horned antelopes are found primarily in wooded areas in India. The species is still

widely distributed throughout its range. T. quadricornis uses the hilly country and tall

grassy areas for shelter. It prefers open forests and is rarely seen, dashing into thick cover

at the first sign of danger (MacDonald, 1984).


T. quadricornis weighs between 15 and25 kg. The body length is 80-110 cm, with a

shoulder height of 55-65 cm, and a tail length of 10-15cm. The hair is short, coarse, and

thin, with sexually dimorphic brownish color above and lighter on sides. The insides of the

legs are white along with the middle of the belly. Males are dull-red brown above, with

white below, and have a dark stripe that runs down the front of each leg. Older males are

yellowish. Females typically are a brownish-bay color. The horns, only on males, are

smooth, short, and conical. The posterior set range from 80 to100 mm in length. The front

two are typically 25-38 mm long, and sometimes only a raised black area of skin is present.

The muzzle and outer surface of the ears are blackish brown. The small hooves are split


48

and rounded in the front. Four-horned Antelopes are unique, being the only bovids with

four horns

Reproduction and Mating System

Males can be extremely aggressive to one another during the rut. Further information on

the mating system of this bovid is not available. Mating takes place during the rainy season

from July to September. The gestation period is 7.5 to 8 months (Grizmek, 1990). Usually

one or two young per litter are born with an average weight of about 1 kg each.

As in all mammals, the female nurses her young. Although information is not available on

the specifics of parental care in this species, it is common for Artiodactyls to produce

precocious young. Male parental care is typically not associated with bovids.

Lifespan/Longevity

T. quadricornis in captivity can live up to 10 years of age.


Perception Channels: Tactile and chemical i.e these species use touch and smell to

communicate with each other.

Food Habits

The four-horned antelope feeds on grasses, herbs, shrubs, foliage, flowers and fruits. A

study in Mudumalai National Park (Tamil Nadu, India) showed that the antelope prefers

grass species of the family Cyperaceae; genera Axonopus, Cynodon, Digitaria

, Echinochloa, Panicum, Sehima and Sporobolus; and the species Imperata

cylindrical, Ottochloa nodosa, Pseudanthistria umbellata andThemeda cymbaria. The

shrub Grewia hirsuta is frequently eaten. Preferred herbs

include Helichrysum, Indigofera and Tinospora species and Leucas aspera. The four-horned

antelope feeds on the leaves of trees such as Cordia wallichii, Emblica officinalis, Randia

dumetorum and Zizyphus xylopyrus. Grasses comprise nearly 29 percent of the diet,

followed by foliage from trees (nearly nine percent). Grass and browse were consumed in

nearly equal proportions. A study in the Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh, India)

showed preference for Zizyphus mauritiana, Acacia nilotica, A. leucophloea and A.

catechu. Babool flowers were frequently eaten. The antelope often associates

with langurs under fruiting trees, just as chital frequently do. Interaction with chital,

a sympatric species, was infrequent. The antelope is wary when feeding, often raising its

head and looking about its vicinity. The four-horned antelope needs to drink water

frequently; as such it stays in places near water sources.


49

Predation

The predators of T. quadricornis are tigers, leopards, wolves, dhole, and small cats.

Information on anti-predator adaptations are not available, but they are likely to rely

primarily on vigilance and speed to escape predators.

Ecosystem Roles

The role of this species within its ecosystem has not been evaluated. Because it is a prey

species, it probably affects predator populations to the extent that those predators rely

upon T. quadricornis for food. It also has a likely role in affecting plant communities

through its browsing behavior.


T. quadricornis may be eaten by people in India and Nepal, but it is reportedly not as good

to eat as are other antelopes. This species is sought after by trophy hunters because of its

unique horns. In India ecotours are offered and one the top attractions is often the four-

horned antelope. It is also a species sought after by zoos




these mammal.


• Construction of waterholes should be done, as this species is highly water

dependent.

• Construction of boundaries around human settlements using poisonous herbs

and shrubs should be avoided, as herbs and shrubs constitutes a major portion

of their diet.





50

3.5 Conservation Plan of Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Mammalia

Order Carnivora

Family Ursidae

Genus Melursus

Species Melursus ursinus

Common Name Sloth Bear, Bhalu


Vulnarable (V)


Conservation Status

Sloth bears are reported to exist in 174 Protected Areas in India, which include 46 National

Parks and 128 Wildlife Sanctuaries (Chauhan 2006). Populations appear to be reasonably

well protected inside these PAs, but faced with deteriorating habitat conditions outside PAs

(Santiapillai and Santiapillai 1990, Akhtar et al. 2006). Reduced cover and food resources

outside PAs (Akhtar et al. 2004) have led to increased bear–human conflicts, including

frequent maulings (Bargali et al. 2005). It is estimated that half to two-thirds of the sloth

bears in India live outside protected areas. About half the occupied range in Sri Lanka is

outside protected areas (Ratnayeke et al. 2006).

Sloth bears are listed in Appendix I of CITES and are completely protected under Schedule I

of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. They are also protected to varying degrees by national

laws in the other range countries. However, they can be killed to protect life or property.

Given the aggressive nature of this animal, and the increasing number of encounters

between bears and people, these bears are widely feared. Although education may help to

reduce bear-human conflicts and enhance a conservation ethic among locals, the root of the

problem is largely related to deteriorating habitat, which increases the chance of

interaction between people and bears. Thus, habitat improvements (government or

community-based reforestation) would be helpful in alleviating such conflicts.


51

Geographic Description

Native

Bhutan; India; Nepal; Sri Lanka

Geographic Range

Sloth bears are present in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. Until recently they were also

known to occur in Bangladesh, but their continued existence there is uncertain: the last

documented records are from the late 1990s. In historic times, sloth bears never ranged

further west than Gujarat, India, and probably no further east than the states of

northeastern India, although some unverified reports suggested that they once occurred in

the southwestern corner of present day Myanmar (Erdbrink 1953). Although still widely

present in its former range, its distribution is now highly fragmented.

Fig Distribution of Sloth Bear in India

Habitat and Ecology

Sloth bears subsist primarily on termites, ants, and fruits. This is the only species of bear


52

adapted specifically for myrmecophagy (ant and termite-eating; Garshelis et al. 1999b,

Sacco and Van Valkenburgh 2004). The ratio of insects to fruits in the diet varies seasonally

and geographically (Baskaran et al. 1997, Joshi et al. 1997, Bargali et al. 2004, Sreekumar

and Balakrishnan 2002).

Sloth bears occupy a wide range of habitats on the Indian mainland including wet or dry

tropical forests, savannas, scrublands, and grasslands (Joshi et al. 1995, Sreekumar and

Balakrishnan 2002, Akhtar et al. 2004, Ratnayeke et al. in press). They are primarily a

lowland species. Most sloth bear range in India and Nepal is limited to habitats below 1,500

m, although the species may occur as high as 2,000 m in the forests of the Western Ghats

(Johnsingh 2003). In Sri Lanka, sloth bears are confined to the remaining dry forests in the

north and eastern parts of the island, mostly below 300 m (Ratnayeke et al. 2006). In areas

where cover is sparse, and where daytime temperatures are high (a large part of the

range), the bear is largely nocturnal or crepuscular and will shelter in rock outcrops,

thickets, and tree cavities during the heat of the day. Although sloth bears may be active

during the day in protected areas, they tend to be almost exclusively nocturnal in disturbed

and fragmented forests interspersed with human habitations (Akhtar et al. 2004).

Studies in Nepal and Sri Lanka suggest that sloth bears avoid areas where human

disturbance is high, so crop depredation by sloth bears is typically rare (Joshi et al. 1995,

Ratnayeke et al. in press). Conversely, in some parts of India, sloth bears routinely raid

peanut, maize, and fruit crops (e.g., Changani 2002). Chauhan (2006) suggests that such

crop depredations may occur because these habitats are severely affected by human

exploitation, including the extraction of several food sources for bears.

Sloth bears typically breed during June-July, and females give birth, usually to one or two

cubs, during November –January (Laurie and Seidensticker 1977, Joshi et al. 1999,

Chauhan et al. 2003). Cubs typically ride on the mother’s back during their first nine

months, presumably to reduce the risk of predation. Cubs remain with their mothers for

1.5–2.5 years


Sloth bears have a shaggy black coat, especially over the shoulders. Brown and grey hairs

found on the coat give the appearance of a cinnamon color on some bears. This heavy coat

may be an adaptation to deal with cold. These bears have long snouts, which are similar to

but less elongate than those of anteaters. The molars are broad and flat, representing a

trend away from carnivory. The body structure of M. ursinus is awkward with huge feet


53

and enormous claws. Sloth bears are nevertheless capable of galloping faster than a person

can run. Compared to the body, the face appears naked and grey. They have extremely large

tongues, a mobile snout, and they can voluntarily open and close their nostrils, all of which

prove helpful with their diets. These bears have a light "U" or "Y" shaped patch on their

chests. The color of these markings varies from white to yellow to chesnut brown. Females

can weigh between 55 and 95 kg. Males are 30 to 40% heavier than females and can weigh

between 80 and 140 kg. Adults measure 60 to 90 cm at the shoulder.


Sloth bears tend to be very noisy during mating (Blomstrom, 2000).

Information on the reproductive behavior of M. ursinus varies. Some studies have them

mating mostly between May and July, whereas others report mating and giving birth at any

tiime of year. These differences may be due to the location of the bears studied. Field

studies in India found sloth bears to mate mostly in June. On the other hand, field studies in

Sri Lanka discovered they mate over a greater part of the year. In captivity, a pair only

mates for about 1 to 2 days. Most births occur from September to January. Pregnancy lasts

between 6 and 7 months. One to two offspring are usually born, rarely three, but it does

occur. Females usually search for a cave or a ground shelter in which to give birth (Ward

and Kynaston, 1995; Sanderson, 1972; IBA, 1999; Blomstrom, 2000).

After birth (usually in a ground shelter of some sort), sloth bears are blind for about 3

weeks. Following a period of about 4 to 5 weeks the young leave the den. The cubs stay

with their mother until they reach adulthood at about 2 to 3 years of age (Ward and

Kynasaton, 1995; Blomstrom, 2000). Cubs often ride on the mother's back (Ward and

Kynaston, 1995). Males are not reported to participate in parental care.

Lifespan/Longevity

Captive sloth bears have lived up to 40 years.


Perception Channels: tactile and chemical, i.e Use touch and chemical scent/signals for

communication.

Food Habits

Sloth bears are omnivorous, although their diet typically includes a large proportion of

insect foods. Their diet includes leaves, honey, flowers, and fruits. During the months of

March through June, fruits are more common and on occasion may make up 50% of these

bears' diet. They prefer termite or bee nests and will do everything to get at them. While


54

raiding termite nests these bears insert their long snouts into the nest, rip open the nest

with their long claws, blow away the earth and dust, then feast on their prize by vacuuming

the termites into their mouths. This sucking action is also accompanied with a series of

puffings and belchings which can be heard up to 185 m away. The ability to voluntarily

open and close the nostrils prevents the inhalation of dust during this process. Termites are

a very secure food source, as they are present all year round. When nearby populated areas

sloth bears feed on cultivated crops like sugar cane and maize

Predation

These bears only risk predation from large predators such as tigers and leopards. Female

sloth bears with cubs will occasionally vary from their nocturnal tendencies to avoid these

nocturnal predators

Ecosystem Roles

Since these bears include some fruit in their diet, they disperse the seeds of the fruit they

eat. Also, by feeding on numerous amounts of termites, they keep the termite populations

in check (Ward and Kynaston, 1995).

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds


The gall bladders and fat of M. ursinus are used in traditional medicine (Ward and

Kynaston, 1995).

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

Sloth bears will enter crop fields such as maize. They also have a reputation for being

unpredictable and aggressive (although this may be an unfair description) toward humans.

They are quite possibly the most dangerous wild animal in Central India. When they are in

human territory, or vice versa, numerous human casualties occur. One study found that

between April 1989 and March 1994, there were 735 victims of sloth bear assaults and 48

were fatal (Rajpurohit and Krausman, 2000).

Negative Impacts: crop pest




these mammal.


55


• Construction of waterholes should be done, in the forest area.



of their diet.




• Inclusion of trees like Mahua trees, in the plantation programme, for it being

the primary food of the species.


56

3.6 Conservation Plan of Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Mammalia

Order Carnivora

Family Canidae

Genus Canis

Species Canis lupus

Common Name Indian Wolf, Bheriya


Data Deficient (DD)


Conservation Status

It is estimated that only about 3,000 of this species remain in the wild. They are kept in

captivity in Rajasthan in the Jai Samand Sanctuary. It has been quite hard for conservation

efforts to be effective mainly due to the bad reputation of the Indian wolves and the poor

economic condition in the areas where they live. For instance, most people feel that the

conservation efforts and funds should be spent on helping Indians rather than protecting

the Indian wolves. Politics and ethics have continued to frustrate conservation effort.

Geographic Range

These wolves can survive in desert like areas and are most commonly found in India. They

mainly roam on the open lands. They have been known to frequent areas such as Gujarat

and Madhya Pradesh

Habitat and Ecology

Its habits are similar to those of other grey wolf subspecies, though the Indian wolf

generally lives in smaller packs rarely exceeding 6-8 individuals, and is relatively less

vocal, having rarely been known to howl. There is at least one record of a lone wolf

associating with a pair of dholes in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. It tends to breed from

mid-October to late December, and whelp in holes or ravines. It typically preys

on antelopes, rodents, and hares. It usually hunts in pairs when targeting antelopes, with

one wolf acting as a decoy while the other attacks from behind.


57


The Indian wolf is similar in structure to the European wolf, but is smaller, more slightly

built, and has shorter fur with little to no underfur. Like the Arabian wolf, it has short, thin

fur in summer, though the hair on the back remains long even in summer, an adaptation

thought to be against solar radiation. The fur is generally greyish-red to reddish-white with

grey tones. The hairs are grizzled with black, particularly on the back, which sports a dark

V-shaped patch around the shoulders. The limbs are paler than the body, and the

underparts are almost completely white. Pups are born sooty-brown, with a milk-white

patch on the chest that fades with age. Black specimens are rare, but have been recorded in

India's Solapur district and two regions of Iran. In the latter country, the mutation was

found to be naturally occurring, unlike in North American grey wolves, which have

inherited the Kb allele responsible for melanism from past interbreeding with dogs


Their mating period is during October which is quite different from other species.

However, this has been attributed to the timing of rains which often brings out additional

food for this species of wolves. Hence this is partially responsible for the rather strange

timing. The mother produces 1-6 pups per litter and she has several dens to enable her to

move her pups around often. The pups never come out of the dens until they are about

three months old. The entire pack helps to take care of the young as the mother goes to

hunt for their food until they are strong enough to join her or hunt for their own food.

Food Habits

The Indian wolf’s diet mainly comprises of small animals and it is what they survive on.

This includes rabbits, raccoons and rodents. The pack is mostly spread loosely over a given

location and each wolf hunts for its own food. This mainly takes place at night and ends

around dusk.

Humans Interactions:

The Indian wolf is at conflict with residents living in their habitats mainly because it is

known to kill livestock. Therefore, it has become an enemy of most people living in these

regions. They are also known to attack people most commonly small children and experts

have attributed this to the lack of food in their natural habitat and the environment in

general. Even though the Indian Wolf is a protected species, mainly because it is

endangered, trapping, hunting and poisoning continues.


58




these mammal.


• Construction of waterholes should be done, in the forest area.



of their diet.





59

3.7 Conservation Plan of Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Mammalia

Order Carnivora

Family Felidae

Genus Panthera

Species Panthera pardus

Common Name Leopard


Vulnerable (VN)


Conservation Status

The Leopard is included in CITES Appendix I. Trade of Leopard skins and products is

restricted to 2,560 individuals in 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, the practices

within the hunting industry have been called into question by wildlife researchers and

conservationists (Packer et al. 2011). In 2010, the government of Namibia conducted an

assessment of trophy hunting in response to calls for an increase in permits amid reports of

unethical hunting practices. Zambia placed a moratorium on Leopard and Lion hunting in

2013 due to concerns about the conservation status of the populations. In South Africa,

Mozambique and Botswana, researchers have developed regional studies of the hunting

quota systems that incorporate measures of trophy quality and regulate the geographic

distribution of permits. These quota studies integrate previous hunting data to prescribe

the number and distribution of hunting permits with local stakeholder participation. In

2014, sport hunting has been banned altogether in Botswana while South Africa suspended

trophy hunting of Leopards for the year in 2016. In North and West Africa, the Middle East

and large parts of Asia, Leopards are restricted to protected areas where they are afforded

refuge if poaching is not significant. However, many of these protected areas are not large

enough to maintain genetically viable populations and will likely require intensive

management. In Indo-Malayasia and China, Leopards require increased protection from


60

illegal trade in skins and bones (Nowell 2007). In 2009, Leopards were protected from all

hunting and trading within Afghanistan on the country’s Protected Species List (Zahler

pers. comm. 2014).

Geographic Range

Leopards have the largest distribution of any wild cat, occurring widely in Africa as well as

eastern and southern Asia, although populations have shown a declining trend and are

fragmented outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Within sub-Saharan Africa, the species is still

numerous and even thriving in marginal habitats where other large cats have disappeared.

Populations in North Africa may be extinct. Data on their distribution in Asia are not

consistent. Populations in southwest and central Asia are small and fragmented; in the

northeast, they are critically endangered. In the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia,

and China, leopards are still relatively abundant. Of the species as a whole, its numbers are

greater than those of other Panthera species, all of which face more acute conservation

concerns.

Native

Afghanistan; Angola (Angola); Armenia (Armenia); Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Benin; Bhutan;

Botswana; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cambodia; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Chad;

China; Congo; Congo, The Democratic Republic of the; Côte d'Ivoire; Djibouti; Egypt;

Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Gabon; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; India;

Indonesia (Jawa); Iran, Islamic Republic of; Iraq; Kenya; Liberia; Malawi; Malaysia; Mali;

Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Nepal; Niger; Nigeria; Oman; Pakistan; Russian

Federation; Rwanda; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Africa; South

Sudan; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Swaziland; Tanzania, United Republic of; Thailand; Turkey;

Turkmenistan; Uganda; Yemen; Zambia; Zimbabwe.


61

Fig: Distribution of Leopard in India.

Habitat

Leopards are exceptionally adaptable, although associated primarily

with savanna and rainforest. Populations thrive anywhere in the species range

where grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests remain largely undisturbed. They are

equally adept surviving in some of the world's most humid rainforests and even semi-arid

desert edges.

Leopards in west and central Asia try to avoid deserts, areas with long-duration snow

cover and areas that are near urban development. In India, leopard populations sometimes

live quite close to human settlements and even in semi-developed areas. Although

occasionally adaptable to human disturbances, leopards require healthy prey populations


62

and appropriate vegetative cover for hunting for prolonged survival and thus rarely linger

in heavily developed areas. Due to the leopard's superlative stealthiness, people often

remain unaware that big cats live in nearby areas.


The leopard is a big cat distinguished by its robust build and muscular but relatively

shorter limbs, a broad head and a coat covered by spots arranged in rosettes. Males stand

60–70 cm (24–28 in) at the shoulder, while females are 57–64 cm (22–25 in) tall. The

head-and-body length is typically between 90 and 190 cm (35 and 75 in). While males

weigh 37–90 kg (82–198 lb), females weigh 28–60 kg (62–132 lb) these measurements

vary geographically. The maximum recorded weight for a leopard is 96.5 kilograms

(213 lb). Sexually dimorphic, males are larger and heavier than females.

Basically pale yellow to yellowish brown or golden (except for the melanistic forms), the

coat is spotted and rosetted; spots fade toward the white underbelly and the insides and

lower parts of the legs. Rosettes are most prominent on the back, flanks and

hindquarters. The pattern of the rosettes is unique to each individual. Juveniles have woolly

fur, and appear dark due to the densely arranged spots. The white-tipped tail, 60–100

centimetres (24–39 in) long, white underneath, displays rosettes except toward the end,

where the spots form incomplete bands.


63

Reproduction

Depending on the region, leopards may mate all year round. Cubs are usually born in a

litter of 2–4 cubs. Mortality of cubs is estimated at 41–50% during the first year.

Females give birth in a cave, crevice among boulders, hollow tree, or thicket to make a den.

Cubs are born with closed eyes, which open four to nine days after birth. The fur of the

young tends to be longer and thicker than that of adults. Their pelage is also more gray in

colour with less defined spots. Around three months of age, the young begin to follow the

mother on hunts. At one year of age, leopard young can probably fend for themselves, but

remain with the mother for 18–24 months.

Lifespan/Longevity

The average typical life span of a leopard is between 12 and 17 years. The oldest recorded

spotted leopard was a female with an age of 24 years, 2 months and 13 days.


Although leopards are silent most of the time, they may give a hoarse, rasping cough at

repeated intervals to advertise their presence to conspecifics. Males use this unique call to

announce territorial boundaries. If another leopard is in the vicinity, it may answer with a

similar vocalization and continue vocalizing as it exits the area. Males also grunt at each

other and females call to potential mates when in estrous. Some leopards may purr while

feeding.

Food Habits

Leopard diet is related to prey availability and presence of larger competitors. Generally,

Leopards prefer medium-sized ungulate prey (10- 40 kgs) where available (Hayward et

al. 2006). They have a highly varied diet, however, feeding on insects, reptiles, birds and

small mammals up to large ungulates. Though the Leopard as a species has the reputation

of being a generalist, often individuals will become adept specialists for a particular prey

item. These individuals will feed almost exclusively on that prey, occasionally

supplementing their diet with other food items when necessary. Where competitors are


64

present Leopards will cache their kills under thick vegetation or hoist their prey into the

limbs of a tree. Hoisting behaviour is more often recorded where intraguild competitors

density is higher. Male Leopards tend to hoist more often than females, particularly in the

dry season when available ground cover is scarce (Stein et al.in press). In the absence of

larger competitors, leopards feed on larger prey (Ramakrishnan et al. 1999, Hayward et

al. 2006).

In many parts of its range, the importance of domestic animals in their diet is also evident

with dogs, goats and cattle forming a large proportion of their diet (Mukherjee et al. 2001)

sometimes even dominating the prey items in the diet (Athreya et al. 2014, Shehzad et

al.2014). Dogs have been reported as important prey for Leopards (Edgaonkar and Chellam

2002, Athreya et al. 2014). Overall studies on diet of Leopards are very scant across its

Asian range.

Predation

Humans are the primary predator of leopards. Leopards are hunted as trophy animals for

their fur, and retaliatory killings by farmers protecting their livestock are not uncommon.

Lions (Panthera leo), tigers (Panthera tigris), spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), and African

wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) prey upon leopard cubs and are capable of killing adult leopards.

Typically, when an adult is killed it is due to a territorial confrontation. Many of the

characteristics that make leopards great predators also serve as excellent predator defense

mechanisms. For example, a leopard's spots allows them to travel inconspicuously and

avoid detection.

Ecosystem Roles

Leopards compete for food with lions (Panthera leo), tigers (Panthera tigris), spotted

hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). To avoid attacks from

potential predators, leopards tend to hunt at different times of the day and avoid areas

where potential predators are most populous. When competition for larger prey items is

high, leopards prey on smaller animals, which reduces interspecific competition. Leopards

are host to many common felid parasites, including lung flukes (Paragominus westermani),

flat worms (Pseudophyllidea), spirurian nematodes (Spiruroidea), hookworms

(Ancylostomatidae), lung worms (Aelurostrongylus), intestinal and hepatic parasites

(Capillaria), and parasitic protozoa (Sarcocystis).


Leopards can be seen in National Parks throughout Asia and Africa. They help control

baboon populations and disperse seeds that stick to their fur. Chiefs and warriors from


65

tribal cultures throughout the leopard's geographic range wear their fur as a symbol of

honor and courage. Tribal medicine men and women suggest leopard skins as a remedy for

bad omens. Leopards are often captured for pet trade and are targeted by trophy hunters

as well. (Arhin, 2003)


• The habitat improvement works like uprooting of Lantana weed and planting

with grasses and fruit plants will be carried out inside the protected areas to

provide adequate pray base for the Panthers in protected areas. This will help to

increase the herbivorous population inside the protected area and thus reduce the

man animal conflicts outside the protected areas.

• The drinking water points, Khels will be constructed inside the Protected area to

provide drinking water for the animal particularly in dry period to avoid the

chances of man animal conflict. These drinking points will be constructed at

strategic locations to ensure regular water supply.

• The plantation under agro-forestry and community land, waste lands will be

carried out in the area to reduce the pressure on natural forests and protected

areas.

• The regular awareness generation camps will be organized to motivate the

local peoples towards protection and conservation of panther animal.

• The communities generally involved in the killing and poaching of panthers will

be educated towards the rules and regulations framed under the Act for

protection of animal and will also be motivated towards the conservation of

big cat.

• The help of local informers, NGOs will be taken to gather information about

the wildlife crime and the habitual offenders of the area.

• The company workers and labours will also be educate and motivated

towards the protection of wild animal. The regular vigil will be kept in the

area.


66

3.8 Conservation Plan of Bengal Monitor Lizard(Varanus bengalensis)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Reptilia

Order Squamata

Family Varanidae

Genus Varanus

Species Varanus

bengalensis

Common Name Bengal Monitor Lizard, Clouded Monitor, Common Indian Monitor


Least Concern (LC)


Conservation Status

This species occurs in many protected areas across its extensive

range and it is protected in a number of countries by national

legislation because it is currently listed on Appendix I of CITES.

Further research into the harvest levels, threats, trends and habitat

status of this species is needed. The establishment and management

of new protected areas where it is illegal to hunt this species should

be carried out to provide a refuge from persecution.


67

Geographic Range

This wide ranging Varanid is found from southeastern Iran, through

south central Asia (ranging from Afghanistan in the north as far south

as Sri Lanka) and eastwards throughout Southeast Asia, as far as

Java and the Anambas Islands in Indonesia. However, in the last

century, this species has been exterminated from parts of Sri Lanka,

India and Bangladesh. Although there are some old specimens

purportedly from Sumatra, no recent records seem to exist (e.g.

Auffenberg 1994). This species has an upper limit of 1,500 m above

sea level.

Fig: Distribution of Bengal Monitor in India.

Habitat

Unlike other varanid lizards, Bengal monitors have the ability to cope with a broad range of

environments, from deserts to rainforests to habitats having seasonally snowy winters.

However, generally they are found in areas with continuously warm climates, with mean

annual air temperatures of approximately 24 C. Most of southern Asia experiences seasonal


68

monsoons and wind patterns influenced by neighboring seas and mountains. Thus,

precipitation across much of the range for Bengal monitors is highly variable. Some habitat

areas are relatively arid, with mean precipitation less than 200 mm per year. Other habitats

are considerably more humid, with annual rainfall reaching 2,200 mm per year. The most

common tropical forest habitats for Bengal monitors are deciduous, semi-deciduous,

evergreen tropical forests, and thornbrush.


Adult Bengal monitors are generally grey or greenish-grey in color, with a ventral pattern

of grey to black crossbars from the chin to the tail. These markings are generally darkest in

the western parts and lightest in the eastern parts of the geographic range. These ventral

markings typically become lighter, and the ground color darker, with age. Thus, adults

display a less pronounced, less contrasting pattern than younger Bengal monitors.

In the wild, the heaviest recorded male Bengal monitor weighed 7.18 kg, though captive

individuals have been reported to reach 10.2 kg. In the wild, males generally weigh 42%

more than females. Males of the same snout to vent length (SVL) as females are typically

9.2% heavier. Young Bengal monitors, on average, weigh 0.078 kg.

Reproduction

Chemical cues play an important role in the ability of males to recognize receptive females.

These chemical cues are produced by the female, from glands located in skin of the

abdomen. In captivity, females show the greatest chances of successful copulation by

mating with only one or two individual males in successive years, though they still may be

courted by several other males.

Lifespan/Longevity

Like many other large predators, V. bengalensis is relatively long-lived. This species is

relatively unaffected by drought or daily variations in rainfall, so population sizes remains

fairly stable from season to season. Mortality rates are highest for neonates, due to

predation, with only about half surviving past the age of two and reaching sexual maturity.

For captive individuals, the longest recorded life span was about 22 years.

Age estimates in reptiles are obtained by counting bone layers. Reptiles, including V.

bengalensis have annual cyclic bone growth that can be estimated by staining methods.


Like most varanids, Bengal monitors use primarily scent as their main method of

communication and perception. They “taste” the environment around them by constantly


69

flicking their highly sensitive tongues while moving their head from side to side. This is

useful in tracking prey and mates and in signaling between monitors of the same species. It

has been documented in the wild that V. bengalensis spends large amounts of time

examining the droppings of other Bengal monitors that have passed through their territory.

Even though they are solitary creatures, scent messages in feces are said to be important in

communication. The scent perceived by one monitor from another can inform of hostile

intentions or to stay away from the particular territory.

There is a diverse range of intraspecific communication exhibited by V.

bengalensis through touching, biting, clawing and wrestling. Being solitary predators,

roughly three quarters of encounters begin as purely investigatory and the remaining

quarter are for the purpose of sex and courtship. Conflict between males, whether over

food or mating, usually results in an initial investigation through acquiring each others

scents and their intent. Conflict typically involves vocalization which is usually a hissing

noise accompanied by the monitor inflating its upper body to appear larger. Tail-slapping

and whipping is also common behavior between males and sometimes females to establish

dominance. Encounters between males can lead to wrestling in which case both males

stand on their hind legs and embrace each other while thrashing their heads and upper

bodies. Occasionally biting and clawing can occur during wrestling but it is usually

collateral damage rather than intentional.

Food Habits

The diet of Bengal monitors is almost strictly carnivorous. They consume almost anything

that is smaller than themselves and that they can easily overpower. They are known to

scavenge carcasses of previously felled animals. Their documented observed prey species

list is considerable, containing roughly 200 species. Common prey include: annelids,

insects, amphibians, smaller reptiles, birds, small mammals, and eggs. Cannibalism of eggs,

hatchlings, and even adults has been noted, although predation on adults is rare. As with

most varanids, they swallow prey whole but are also capable of ripping and tearing flesh

from larger animals and carcasses. At smaller body sizes for Bengal monitors, various

beetles species represent the largest portion of their diet, averaging 52.8%. The second

largest component of their diet is made up of orthopteran insects at 9.5%. The remainder

of their diet is made up of other insects, crabs, rodents, reptiles, spiders, birds and almost

any other animal they can reasonably consume.

Predation


70

Predation on V. bengalensis does occur despite the fact that they themselves large

predators. Species that prey upon V. bengalensis include other Bengal monitors, pythons

and other large snakes, eagles, mongooses, wild and domesticated dogs, feral cats, and even

humans. Most predation occurs early in life as eggs, hatchlings, and juveniles, while only a

small portion of predation involves fully grown adults.

Ecosystem Roles

Bengal monitors are primary predators of many smaller animals in the ecosystems they

inhabits. Juveniles are preyed upon by larger predators, including other monitors. There

are four tick species known to infect Bengal monitors, including: Aponommon gervaisi, A.

varanensis, A. laeve, and Amblyomma helvolum In addition, trematodes, cestode worms,

nematodes, filarial worms, and sporozoan protozoans are known to infect these monitors.


Bengal monitor population declines for this species are largely due to the commercial

exploitation of their skins for leather products. In addition, various parts of their bodies are

used in some village medicines. Monitors in general, also are eaten by human populations

in some parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia.




these mammal.






71

3.9 Conservation Plan of Python (Python reticulatus)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Chordata

Class Reptilia

Order Squamata

Family Pythonidae

Genus Python

Species Python reticulatus


Least Concern (LC)


Geographic Range

Reticulated pythons are found in South Asia from the NicobarIslands, India,

Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, east

through Indonesia and the Indo-Australian Archipelago (Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands,

the NatunaIslands, Borneo, Sulawesi, Java ,Lombok , Sumbawa, Flores, Timor, Maluku, Tan

imbar Islands) and the

Philippines (Basilan, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros,Palawan, Pana

y, Polillo, Samar, Tawi-Tawi). The original description does not include a type locality.

Restricted to "Java" by Brongersma (1972).

Three subspecies have been proposed, but are not recognized in the Integrated Taxonomic

Information System (ITIS). The color and size can vary a great deal among the subspecies


72

described. Geographical location is a good key to establishing the subspecies, as each one

has a distinct geographical range

Habitat

Reticulated pythons inhabit steamy tropical rainforests (Mattison 1999). These snakes are

heavily dependent on water and can often be found near small rivers or ponds. They

require tropical environments with temperatures in the range of 80 - 92 degrees F.


The reticulated python has a complex, geometric pattern, which incorporates a number of

different colors. A series of irregular diamond shapes are positioned dorsally along the

back, usually flanked with smaller markings which have light centers. This gives the snake

a netlike pattern, which is where it gets its common and Latin name. The head of this

species is unmarked with only a conspicuous line running from each eye to the angle of the

jaws. The size of this animal along with the unmarked head is usually enough to identify

this species, even though there is some variation in pattern (Mattison 1999). Some of the

variations in the pattern of this snake are listed as; Normal, Yellow Head, Calico, Albino,

Tiger, Super Tiger, Jaguar and island forms (McCurley 1999). This is an extremely large

snake, considered by many as the largest snake in the world (definitely the longest).

Lengths of more than 16 feet are common and sizes of 25 feet or more occur regularly. The

largest Reticulated python maintained in captivity was at the Pittsburgh Zoo; a 28.5 ft 320

lbs female named Colossus. They are sexually dimorphic in size, as females attain larger

sizes than males. The largest reticulated python ever measured which was 32 ft 9.5 inches

and holds the record for the largest snake in the world according to the Guiness Book of

World Records, 1991 (Murphy and Henderson 1997). This is also a long lived snake;

accounts of specimens 25 years old are commonplace in captivity.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity is reached in the first 2 - 4 years. Males breed at 7 - 9 ft, while females are

typically 11ft. before they become receptive. Breeding usually takes place between the

months of September - March. Reduction in the photo-period and overall temperature

declines are the primary driving factors that stimulate breeding behavior in these snakes.

Both male and females may fast during this time, so appropriate weight is necessary.


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Fasting may last up until the eggs are laid in the case of females and most probably until the

eggs have hatched (McCurley 1999). Females usually lay 25 - 80 plus eggs, which are then

maternally incubated at 88-90 degrees F, for 80 - 90 days. Eggs are also large in size,

greater than 250 g (Shine 1999). Female Reticulated pythons show maternal care for their

offspring only in that they brood the eggs. While the eggs are developing females will coil

around them and "shiver" producing muscle contractions which serve to increase the

overall temperature of the eggs. Females will also defend their eggs against predators,

however once the eggs hatch, they are on their own.

Lifespan/Longevity

Average lifespan of pythons is generally about v21 years.

Food Habits

Reticulated pythons are strictly carnivorous. They are most productive as ambush

predators, often waiting in trees for unsuspecting prey (Murphy and Henderson 1997).

They are also known to be active foragers, however this method of hunting is seldom used

because of the amount of energy it requires. P. reticulatus typically feeds on birds and

mammals. This diet extends however to dogs, large deer, pigs and on rare occasions

humans (Mattison 1999, Murphy and Henderson 1997). R. Shine (1999) found that prey

sizes increased rapidly with growth. Small snakes feed mostly on rats, but shift to larger

mammals (e.g. pangolins, porcupines, monkeys, wild pigs, and mouse deer) at only 3-4

meters body length. Reticulated pythons, like all reptiles, have a low metabolic rate

allowing them to go without food for long periods of time. In 1926, a captive specimen at

Regent's Park refused food for 23 months, after which it accepted a meal and continued to

feed normally (Murphy and Henderson 1997).


This snake does provide economically for the humans in its range that exploit them. They

are heavily sold for their skin and meat. Also tourists visiting these areas often buy

materials made from these snakes.


• The people living in the surrounding area and employee of the company

would be motivated towards the protection of the animal. Motivation will

lead to timely information to the concerned authorities about any threat to

wild life or any cases of pouching/hunting.


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• Farmers will be educate and awareness will be generated regarding safe use

of pesticides, machinery and adoption of organic farming.

• The natural habitat places will be preserved and habitat improvement work will be

carried out by planting bushes in the area.

• The Snake charmer communities reside in the project area will be aware about the

snake conservation. The will be engaged as labourer in the project activities to

provide alternative livelihood opportunities.


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Chapter IV Composite Conservation Plan of

Schedule I Species

Composite Perceived threats to the Wild Life:

Threats to the species in the area are:

1) Habitat loss, specially the shortage of tall trees in and around the cluster area for

roosting and for providing shade during hot summer months

2) Shortage of drinking water, food or prey in their natural habitat

3) Casualties caused by eating chemically treated agricultural crop seeds

4) Illegal hunting by some communities

5) Illegal trading and poaching of the species

6) Use of certain chemical in the food chain

7) Disease due to anthropogenic changes in the natural environment of the species.

8) Over exploitation of resources

9) Increasing production of pollutants

10) Climate change

11) Overpopulation of invasive species

12) Encroachment in the biological habitat

13) Discharge of waste into the water bodies which act as potential threat to the

species diversity of the area

14) Increased human-wildlife conflicts

Conservation Plan has to address all these common threats and specific threats to

the species. These will be as follows:

Feeding and Watering Arrangement:

Artificial water holes will be created along the natural drained nallahs which can provide

sufficient drinking water up to summer of the region. An anicut and open wall will be

created as community development programme involving the local panchayats in this

work. Proposing for plantation at suitable places to increase population of wild life will

help retaining wildlife in their habitat. To support furgivorous birds, monkey artificial feed

like wild fruits trees and vegetables will also be planted.


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Study Approach &Conservation measures needed: The following conservation measures in the buffer area of the Project Site:

1. Increase in tree cover in the buffer area of the project site for shelter of wild animals

and roosting of the bird. This will be achieved by

a) Planting of two groves of ten hectare each in degraded buffer area.

b) Planting of trees along the boundaries of agricultural fields.

c) Planting of tree groves in school compounds in the villages of buffer area

2. Publicity for generating public awareness for conservation of Wildlife in the area.

a) Amongst cultivators to avoid using chemically treated crop seeds.

b) Generating awareness in school children by organizing competitions during

Wildlife Week and Van Mahotsavas celebrations.

c) Distribution of caps in schools with slogans for protection of sps.

d) A tour at the Zoo will be organized for school children. This will be a fun

experience for them and at the same time they can be explained how important it is

for all species to exist peacefully.

3. Provide funds:

a) Project Proponent will invite Research Organizations/NGO’s which is working on

Conservation of these species. The Money donated can facilitate their work.

4. Strengthening of anti-poaching measures.

a) To conduct a campaign in local language in the villages regarding the issue ‘Illegal

Trade of Wildlife’ and the International and National Wildlife Laws that are there,

which can provide a solution to this problem.

b) Giving cash Rewards to the people / informers who provide information about

the poaching of species and get the poachers arrested.

Details of the proposed conservation measures:

For increasing the tree cover the following should be done:-

1. Plantation Programme & Nursery development in the buffer zone. Tree groves in the buffer area should be planted. These tree groves will be raised in

degraded area. These planted tree groves will improve the environmental conditions in the

buffer area close to quarrying site and will provide much needed shelter and roosting sites

for the fauna. As per the existing model of the forest department for planting in such sites,


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plants will be planted per hectare along the groves. Here the planting of local species such

as Mango, Neem, Figs etc. would be done.

2. Plantation Programme (Year wise) in the core area of the mining lease It is proposed to provide funds to the forest department for growing more trees. These

seedlings will have to be raised in larger polythene bags of size 20 by 40 cms in place of

12.5 by 30 cms used normally. Increased quantity of soil and manure will help to boost the

growth. These tall plants will have better chances of survival when planted in field and will

need care for a shorter duration. Plants of local hardy and fruit bearing species like Mango,

Neem, Guava , Jamun, etc, which will attract avifauna and others as suggested by

SPCB/Forest Department are proposed to be raised. These plants will be distributed to the

cultivators in the buffer area. These plants would also be available to the association of the

Cluster without any additional payment for planting in the dumping sites and also in the

core area of the cluster area. Also plants with ornamental and medicinal values for example

China Rose, Periwinkle, Tulsi, etc can also be planted.

3. Beneficiary programmes & Awareness among farmers

The farmers in the buffer area will be motivated to plant fruit

and timber trees on the boundaries of their agricultural fields

and near their homes etc. Benefits of planting these trees

would be explained to them by distribution of printed

handbills or posters designed for the purpose. Cash awards to

be given to those farmers who are able to maintain and grow

at least eight out of ten plants supplied to them for five years,

provided these plants have attained a height of ten feet and

have a proportionately developed girth and crown. Fifty such

farmers will be rewarded each year. In all 200 farmers of the

buffer area will be benefited in four years (rewarded between

4th to 5th Year). Selection of the farmers for cash awards each

year will be done jointly by the forest department and

representative of the mining company. Money for the awards

will be provided by the Association of the Cluster. Flyers will

be distributed among farmers to make aware of benefits of

organic farming Publishing and distributing posters/ hand bills in the buffer area, urging

the cultivators to protect their fields from wildlife feeding on their chemically treated

farms.


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4. Plantation Programme and its promotion in schools

There are some schools in the villages falling in the buffer area of the mine. Most of the

schools that lie in the buffer zone of the mining lease are properly fenced. Each year (for 2nd

year to 5th year) as per area of availability, a number of trees out of the total tree to be

planted will be planted in schools. The children of the schools will be motivated to look

after the plants later on. To induce a spirit of competition in protection and development of

these plants, the school having the best maintained plants/trees in the third year of the

planting would be given a trophy and a cash prize by the Cluster Association. Every year

the school for award would be selected by the company in consultation with the forest

department.

5. Awareness programme for “wildlife” conservation will be scheduled in a year in

ten schools every year

Wide publicity for the conservation of Wildlife would be done in the villages and schools of

the area. This would include distribution of bills and posters for Wildlife protection, and

generating awareness in masses for making drinking water available to birds by hanging

earthen pots under trees and filling them with water. Following further activities are

proposed to be undertaken for publicity purposes:

• Wildlife Week and “Van Mahotsavas” would be annually organized in the selected

schools in the buffer area. These will be organized by the school teachers in

respective schools. Programmes like debate competitions, essay writing, and

painting competitions, etc. could be organized. Prizes will be distributed to the

students in each school. These prizes will be distributed in the schools for five

years. Local officials of the Cluster Association would also be associated in

organizing the annual Wildlife Week and Van Mahotsavas in the buffer area along

with the Forest officials.

• Distribution of caps every alternate year to the school children in the buffer area.

These caps will have a painting of the Scheduled I Species in the area along with a

slogan for saving them written below the painting. Besides the slogan for saving

these fauna the caps can also have name of Cluster Association distributing them.

• A Trip visit to Nearby National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary will be organised every

year for the children of the village school which shows maximum enthusiasm in

conservation of Wildlife Activities.

6. Strengthening of anti poaching measure:


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The human population in buffer area protect Wildlife. Yet occasionally some people indulge

in poaching of these animals for its meat and other items. To curb this occasional poaching

a cash reward should be given to anyone who would help the forest department in

apprehending and prosecution such poacher.

7. Sign Board on the Roads

Displaying sign boards on the roads passing through Wildlife Habitat or any other

identified places to stop people from littering on roads which might invite wildlife fauna for

accidents, to not to feed Wild animals, to drive slow within speed limit, anti-hunting etc

should be done.


BUDGET FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN

Separate Budget will be allotted for each activity as listed as in the table below. Total expenditure on wildlife conservation for

Five Year (life of the mining project) will be Rs. 10.84 lakhs, out of this Total Rs. 5 Lakhs (Rs. 1 Lakh for each year) will be kept

aside for funds for Aforestation, construction of water ponds in the forests, display of sign boards in wildlife conservation

areas.

Table Budget for Conservation Plan (Total Capital Cost expenditure in Rs. Lakhs)

Sr. No. Activity Ist Yr IInd Yr IIIrd Yr IVth Yr Vth Yr Total

1. New Nursery Creation 1.6 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 1.8

2. Raising of Plants, Planting of Tree Groves, along roads, civic amenities & in school

0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 1.8

3. Funds for Aforestation, construction of water ponds in the forests, display of sign boards in wildlife conservation areas

1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 5.0

4. Flyers on Organic Farming & Appeal for not hunting - 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.6

6. Cash Reward to Farmers for Maintaining Planted Trees

- 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.0

7. Prized in schools for Conservation Activities - 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 1.0

8. Publicity Material for distribution (eg. Caps with listed Sch I fauna)

- 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.0

9. Anti Poaching Measures (Prize) - 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.4

Total 2.96 3.11 3.11 3.11 3.11 15.4

Plantation Cost Included in Environment Management Plan of the Project

2.96 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 4.50

Budgetary of Wild Life Conservation Plan 0.00 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.71 10.84


This Wild Life Conservation Plan has been Prepared by

ENVIRTA Sustainable Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. on behalf of

Shri. Ram Chandra Bansal

P.O- Jaitwara, District- Satna (M.P)

As a prerequisite to obtain Environment Clearance for their

MUNGAWARI (4.95 ha)

Mungawari Bauxite, Laterite, Ochere &White Clay Mine

Annexure 3 Section 5.3.2 to Section 5.3.6 of the EIA report

5.3.2 Emmision Details Loading - unloading and transportation of ores and overburden over the haul road are the main polluting sources in the proposed mining activities releasing Particulate Matter (PM10) affecting Ambient Air Quality of the area. Cumulative emission value is based on the combined impact of drilling & blasting, loading and unloading and transportation of the dolomite and lime stone deposit by tucks on the haul road. Further emissions from over burden and open area also have impact on Ambient Air Quality but they are not significant. Prediction of impact is calculated by the area source. It is assumed that truck carries 10 Tons of ore.Details of emission during loading and unloading and transportation on the haul road are discussed. It is observed that impact of wind erosion of the exposed area and road maintenance is small compare to other potential parameters in emission calculation. They are not considered in prediction of impact. Loading and Unloading - US EPA, 2008, revision of emission factor for AP-42 is used to calculate emission of particulate matter released into the atmosphere during loading and unloading separately. Emission during loading has comparable value during unloading. Emission of PM10 during loading is calculated and found to be 3.29 x 10-2 g/s based on moisture content 10-20 % in ore. It is assumed that moisture content in ore deposit is 7 % and further moisture content increases to 10-20% to reduce fugitive emission of PM10

during loading/unloading. Emission value during unloading is 3.29 x 10-2 g/s and average wind speed 2.06 m/s (7.41 km/h) as observed with site data. Calm condition is 10 % used as shown in wind rose and discussion of local meteorology of the area. Haul Road - US EPA, 2006, revision of emission factor for AP-42 is used to calculate emission of particulate matter released into the atmosphere during transportation of ore and over burden by trucks operated per hour on haul road. Emission of PM10 due to transportation of ores on haul road is 4.70 x10-2 g/s based on assumption that slit content spread on road surface is 15%, and efficiency of PM10 emission control 80%. Truck is fully covered with tarpaulin material and emission of PM10 during on the haul road will be insignificant. Total emission of PM10 is 11.23 x10-2 g/s, if all the activities such as loading & unloading, movement of vehicle on the haul road occur simultaneously. Total emission of PM10 and 1 – h meteorological data are used as input of ISCST3 Dispersion model developed by USEPA. It is approved by CPCB/MoEF and various SPCBs. Emission value in each case is discussed as above is given in Table 4.1.

Table 5.1: Emission of PM10 in g/s in various mining activities S.No. Source type Pollutants Emission

1 Loading & Unloading PM10 6.58 x 10-2 2 Transportation over the Haul Road PM10 4.70 x 10-2

Total Emission of PM10 from all activities 11.28 x 10-2 5.3.3 Meteorological data The meteorological data recorded at hourly interval during the months of March to May – 2016 representing proposed site on wind speed, wind direction, temperature, cloud cover

and rainfall are recorded to extract hourly mean meteorological data as per the guidelines of CPCB/MoEF for prediction of impacts from the area source. Data recorded from authorized source/Govt. agency are used as meteorological input as supplementary source to verify the authenticity of the primary data recorded at the site for Dispersion Model, which are stored in the computer for further analysis and interpretation to study the local meteorology of the study area. It is observed that north westerly is dominant wind during pre-monsoon season as shown in wind rose (Fig. 4.1). Moderate to low wind speed and 59.49 % calm condition is observed in the site meteorology during study period. Average wind speed is 7.41 km/h. Impact of the pollutants is anticipated in southeast sector under influence of winds. Ambient air quality locations are selected based on the long term wind rose pattern of the area. Six ambient air quality sampling locations are finalized to study the base-line status around the proposed site and to study impact of proposed project. 24-h maximum impact of PM10 is envisaged close to the site at southeast of the site. South east is considered as the worst affected sector due to the proposed mining activity.

Fig. 5.1 Wind rose - Postmonsoon:

5.3.4 Frame work of Computation & Model details Air quality modeling is an important tool for prediction, planning and evaluation of air pollution control activities besides identifying the requirements for emission control to meet the regulatory standards and to apply mitigation measures to reduce impact caused by mining activities. It has important role in design and selection of technology in air pollution control in construction and operation phases of project. By using the above-mentioned inputs, incremental Ground Level Concentrations of PM10 due to the mining activities is estimated and impact is studied on the human settlement,

location of historical importance (if present) in the study area. The effect of air pollutants upon receptors are influenced by concentration of pollutants and their dispersion in the atmosphere. PM10 is the major pollutant occurred during mining activities. Impact of area source emission is considered and prediction of impact is made on various monitoring locations in the study area due to i) loading and unloading and ii) transportation of minerals on the haul road in the mining area. Impact is predicted in the worst case scenario due to combined impact of drilling & blasting, loading and unloading and emission due to transportation on haul road of mining area. It is assumed that they occur simultaneously. Combined emission due to all activities discussed above is 11.28 x 10-2 g/s. Impact is predicted over the distance of 10,000 m and 2,000 m around the source in grids of 200m & 20 m respectively in Cartesian coordinates (X,Y) to assess the impact at each receptor separately at the various locations and prediction of maximum incremental GLC value at the project site. Maximum impact of PM10 is observed close to the source due to low to moderate wind speeds. Incremental value of PM10 is superimposed on the base line monitored value at the proposed site to predict total GLC of PM10 due to combined impacts as discussed above. 5.3.5 Model Results The Air Quality Impact Prediction is done by using “Industrial Source Complex Short Term version 3 (ISCST3), of USEPA”. The main sources of air pollution with regard to the proposed project for the purpose of estimation of increase in PM10 are identified due to –

• Loading/unloading • Transportation of ore on the Haul road.

Ambient Air Quality Standards Ambient air quality standards promulgated by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for all type of land uses for the relevant air quality parameters are as follows:

Concentration (µg/m3)

PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NOx

100 60 80 80

Table - 5.2 shows the Impact of PM10 due to combined impact of i) Loading & unloading iii) Transportation of ore by trucks on the haul road

Table No: 5.2 Ground Level Concentrations of PM10

Location & Codes Ground Level Concentrations of PM10 in

µg/m3 Background (Max.)

Predicted values

Total Expected

CPCB Standard

Mungwari ML area –AQ1 63.30 0.35 63.65 100 Ghatania 5.005 ha ML area - AQ2 63.33 0.35 63.68 100

Ghatania 3.845 ha ML area – AQ3 64.36 <0.1 64.46 100 Khulnyan – AQ4 53.23 <0.1 53.33 100 Kandela – AQ5 54.52 <0.1 54.62 100 Birpur (Upwind Direction)– AQ6 52.18 <0.1 52.28 100 Jhariya(Downwind Direction)-AQ7 56.52 <0.1 56.62 100 Salaura-village – AQ8 54.23 <0.1 54.33 100 Amua-village (Near Amua PF) – AQ9 48.12 <0.1 48.22 100 Worst case 64.36 0.35 64.71 100

Note – 24-h average incremental value due to project was 64.46 µg/m3 occurred at 200 m, SE. Total predicted GLC of PM10 is 64.46 µg/m3 with maximum. base-line (64.36 µg/m3) + incremental (<0.1 µg/m3) occurred at 200m, SE at the core area. However under the worst case scenario, total predicted GLC of PM10 is 64.71 µg/m3 with maximum base-line (64.36 µg/m3) + maximum incremental (0.35 µg/m3) as in Table 5.2.

It is seen from the above table, the GLC’s obtained at various locations for the study period

are well within the CPCB standards (dated 18th November, 2009).

5.3.6 Discussion of Results and Conclusion ISCST3 - Model is used for prediction of impact of PM10 during conditions i) Loading & unloading and ii) transportation of ore by trucks on Haul roads by using area source model to predict GLC of PM10 during these conditions. GLC of PM10 is predicted with combined emission values due to blasting, loading & unloading and transportation of minerals by trucks on haul road as discussed in Table 4.1. Total predicted 24-h maximum GLC of PM10 is 0.35 µg/m3 occurred at 200 m southeast of the site after superposition of base-line value 64.36 µg/m3 over the incremental 0.35 µg/m3 due to combined cumulative impact as discussed in Table 4.2. Max. 24-h maximum incremental GLC of PM10 is 0.35 µg/m3 occurred at 200 m, southeast of the site. Total Predicted values of PM10 is 63.65 µg/m3 observed at the project site after superposition of base-line value (63.3 µg/m3) on the incremental GLC of 0.35 µg/m3 occurred under the influence of local meteorology as shown in wind rose (Fig. 4.1) and combined impact of loading/unloading and transportation of ore by trucks over the haul road of the mining area. Iso-pleth of PM10 is shown in Fig. 5.2 covering an area of 2000 m (X,Y) in all direction around the site at the grid interval of 20m. It is observed that GLG of PM10 beyond 2000 m is very low values due to low wind speed and high calm conditions and is not shown in isopleths. It is observed that maximum total GLC of PM10 under the worst scenario due to combined impact is 64.71 µg/m3 is low compare to the stipulated standards of CPCB/MoEF & CC National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 with superposition of maximum baseline and maximum incremental.

CORE AREA OF IMPACT 2 KM

INCREMENTAL GLCs OF PM10(µg/m3)

Fig. – 5.2 Shows Iso-pleth shows max. incremental GLC of PM10 is 0.35 µg/m3 at the proposed site under i) loading and unloading and iii) transportation of ore over the haul road of mining area occur simultaneously at the site.

5.3.5 Mitigation Measures

➢ Water sprinkling will be done on the haul roads twice in a day.

➢ The dust generated during the process will be minimized by water spray at the

working faces before and after the activity.

➢ Plantation will be carried out on approach roads and in Lease boundary.

➢ Planning transportation routes of mined material so as to reach the nearest paved

roads by shortest route. (minimize transportation over unpaved road);

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➢ Personal Protection Equipments (PPE) like dust masks, ear plugs etc. will be provided to mine workers.

➢ Rock breaker will be used for breaking over size boulders in order to reduce dust and noise generation, which otherwise would be generated due to secondary blasting.

➢ Speed limit will be enforced to reduce airborne fugitive dust from vehicular traffic.

➢ Deploying PUC certified vehicles to reduce their noise emission.

➢ Haul road shall be covered with gravels

➢ Spillage from the trucks will be prevented by covering tarpaulin over the trucks.

➢ Ambient Air Quality Monitoring will be conducted on regularly basis to assess the quality of ambient air.

5.3.6 Prevention and control of Gaseous Pollution

• Proper maintenance of machines improves combustion process & makes reduction in the pollution. Good maintenance and monitoring of fuel and oil will not allow significant addition in the gaseous emission.

To, 17.08.2021 Director (IA-II) Non - Environmental Clearance

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Transcript of To, 17.08.2021 Director (IA-II) Non - Environmental Clearance