Wildlife Management Plan

2018

Prepared by

Neo Human Foundation

DRAFT COPY

Shivpur-Kathautia New BG Electrified Line

Submitted by:-

IRCON INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

121/C, Mandir Marg, Ashok Nagar, Ranchi

Jharkhand - 834002

DRAFT COPY

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Shivpur – Kathautia New BG Electrified Line

IRCON INTERNATIONAL LTD.

Submitted by:-

IRCON INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

121/C, Mandir Marg, Ashok Nagar, Ranchi

Jharkhand - 834002

Prepared by:

Neo Human Foundation

New Forest Colony, Hurhuru, Hazaribag, Jharkhand

Phone:- 09934509213/06546222426 Email- satyawildlife@gmail.com

C O N T E N T

CHAPTER CONTENT PAGE

NO.

PREFACE i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ii-iv

CHAPTER - 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Area details 1-6

1.2 Location of the project area 6-7

1.3 Project description 8-9

1.4 Status of forest diversion proposal 9

1.5 Status of environmental clearance 9

1.6 Villages and habitation within the project area 9

1.6.1 Project area 10

1.6.2 Project impact zone 10

1.7 Climate

1.7.1 Rainfall 10

1.7.2 Temperature 11

1.8 Terrain / Landscape / Geography 11-13

1.8.1 Geology, Rock and Soil 13

1.8.2 Water supply 14

1.9 Demographic details 14-17

1.9.1 Occupational profile of the villages 17-18

1.9.2 Agriculture cropping pattern 18-23

1.9.3 Cattle Population and dependency on forest 23-24

1.10 Forest based livelihoods 24-25

1.11 Industries 25

1.12 Statement of Significance 25-26

1.13 Forest of Project Area

1.13.1 Description of the forests 26

1.13.2 General description of growing stock 27

1.13.3 Forest types 27-33

CHAPTER CONTENT PAGE

NO.

CHAPTER - 1

IMPORTANT FLORA AND FAUNA

1.14 Forest Flora 34

1.14.1 Site specific flora 34-37

1.15 Forest Fauna 41-42

1.15.1 Site specific fauna 42-43

1.15.2 Habit and Habitat of threatened Species of

Fauna 43

1.15.3 Movement of Elephant in the project area 44-46

1.16 Habit and Habitat of Important Animals

MAMMALS

16.1 Elephant 47-48

16.2 Blue Bull 48-50

16.3 Striped Hyena 51-52

16.4 Monkey 52-53

16.5 Common Langur 53-54

16.6 Sloth Bear 54-55

16.7 Indian Porcupine 55-56

16.8 Indian Wild Boar 56-57

16.9 Jackal 57-58

16.10 Jungle Cat 58-59

16.11 Spotted Deer 59

16.12 Barking Deer 59-60

16.13 Sambhar 60-61

16.14 Hares 61- 62

16.15 Squirrels 62-63

16.16 Civet 63-64

16.17 Common Mangoose 64

REPTILES

16.18 Python 65-66

16.19 Common Indian Monitor 66-67

BIRDS

16.20 Peafowl 67-68

16.21 White-backed Vulture 68

CHAPTER CONTENT PAGE

NO.

16.22 Indian Vulture 69-70

1.17 Man animal conflict 70-71

1.18 Analysis of Forest Working/Management Plan 71-72

1.19 Conservation values of the proposed area 72-73

1.20 Methodology 73-75

CHAPTER - 2 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

2.1 Ecological & Environment impact 76-79

2.2 Detrimental effects of Railway Line 79

2.3 Environmental Impacts Found in Railway Projects 80

2.3.1 Wildlife Mortality/Injury (kill/accident) 81-82

2.3.2 Railway line as cause for habitat loss and degradation 83

2.3.3 Impacts of headlight glare on wildlife 84

2.3.4 Habitat impairment / Barrier effect 84-86

2.3.5 Genetic effects on animals 86

2.3.6 Conduits for invasive alien species 86-87

2.3.7 Landslides and soil erosion 87

2.3.8 Impacts on aquatic ecosystems 87

2.3.9 Ecological traps 87-88

2.3.10 Change in animal behaviour 88

2.3.11 Rail, people and pollution 88-89

2.3.12 Impacts on local and indigenous peoples 89

2.3.13 Human-Wildlife Conflict 89

2.4 Summary of threats to wildlife 90

2.5 Methodology 90-91

CHAPTER 3 3.1 Mortality of animals during accident-kill/Electrocution 92-93

3.2 Habitat loss/fragmentation/degradation 93-94

3.3 Conduits for invasive alien species 94

3.4 Landslide and soil erosion 94-95

3.5 Increased human presence and pollution 95

3.6 Effects on local and indigenous peoples 95

CHAPTER 3 CONTENT PAGE

NO.

3.7 Barrier causing habitat fragmentation 96-97

3.8 Higher daytime temperatures and greater range of temperature

extremes 97

3.9 Higher wind speeds and wind-throw of trees in forest areas 97

3.10 Cutting of vegetation resulting in weed proliferation and

suppression of native vegetation regeneration 97

3.11 Disturbance related to construction and maintenance 97-98

3.12 Increased risk of fires, deliberate and due to desiccation 98

3.13 Pollution, sedimentation, and changed discharge regimes into

water bodies

98-99

3.14 Additional enhancement measures 99-101

3.15 Strategies for mitigation action plan 101-102

CHAPTER - 4 PROPOSED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND

INTERVENTION BY THE PROJECT AUTHORITIES

4.1 Wildlife Conservation and Awareness Programme 103-104

4.2 Artificial Nest or Man-made Nest 104-105

4.3 Community programme as social responsibility 105-106

4.4 Management of cleared vegetation on side of track 106

4.5 Signage 106-107

4.6 Research and monitoring 107-109

4.7 Budget 109

CHAPTER- 5

PROPOSED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND

INTERVENTION BY THE DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICER

5.1 Habitat Management for Flora and Fauna

A. Food Management 111-114

B. Water Management 114-115

C. Cover Management 115-116

5.2 Lantana Management 116-117

5.3 Wildlife Health 117

5.4 Illicit filling 117

5.5 Fire Management 117-118

CHAPTER 5 CONTENT PAGE

NO.

5.6 Eco – development work in surrounding village to reduce

conflict

118-120

5.7 Research and Monitoring 120-121

5.8 Monitoring and evaluation 121-122

REFERENCE 123-128

CHAPTER 6 PROPOSED BUDGET 129

Table : 1. Project Authorities (IRCON) 130

Table : 2.1. DFO (Hazaribag West Forest Division)

Table : 2.2. DFO (Chatra South Forest Division)

131-133

134-136

CHAPTER 7 APPENDICES

ANNEXURE ( I - XXXI )

PHOTOGRAPHS ( PLATE I- VI)

MAPS (1-7)

i

PREFACE

This Wildlife Management Plan has been prepared as per condition

stipulated in the Letter No. FP/JH/RAIL/11986/2015/591 dated 4th July, 2016

by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India.

This document should be cited as:

Wildlife Management Plan for New BG Electrified line from Shivpur

to Kathautia in Chatra and Hazaribag district of Jharkhand.

The conservation of wildlife has gained utmost importance in the recent

past. The dwindling population of major fauna as well as lesser known species

has attracted attention of Government of India and State Government. This plan

has been prepared in accordance with guidelines issued by PCCF-cum-Chief

Wildlife Warden, Jharkhand for site-specific Wildlife Management Plan for

diversion of forest land (2015).

A long term Wildlife Management Plan for protection and conservation is

the need of the hour to save from extinction, keeping the above priority in mind

IRCON INTERNATIONAL LTD, a Govt. of India Undertaking has fulfilled

the condition with all due care for wild animals so that development and wild

animals can co-exist.

………………………………….

IRCON INTERNATIONAL LTD

ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The proposed New BG Electrified line from Shivpur to Kathautia in

Chatra and Hazaribag district of Jharkhand is mainly for connectivity of

existing rail infrastructures to coal blocks of North Karnapura and its

distribution to Northern and Eastern region of country after the fulfilment

of local requirement like DVC Koderma, NTPC Barh etc.

The proposed New BG Electrified line from Shivpur to Kathautia (49.085

km) in Chatra and Hazaribag district, passes through Hazaribag West

Forest Division and Chatra South Forest Division in Jharkhand requires

diversion 368.72 Ha of forest land for a project.

The proposed site of forest area diverted i.e. 368.72 Ha is situated within

the legal jurisdiction of Hazaribag West Forest Division (61.72 Ha) and

Chatra South Forest Division (307.01Ha).

Sal (Shorea robusta) is predominant species in Forest Division, with its

associates. Some areas have miscellaneous forests with species like Kend,

Piar, Dauntha, Sidha, Mahua, Salai, Khair etc. All the forests fall in

subgroup 5B, i.e. Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests as classified

by Champion and Seth.

The hilly terrain of proposed area is suitable habitat to sustain wild

animals like Jackal, Wolf, Hyena, Mongoose, Nilgai, Porcupine, Jungle

cat, Rock Python etc. such animals are very important for a healthy

ecosystem. Besides these varieties of bird species raptors, wetland birds,

local migrants, bush birds etc. are found in the region.

The important schedule I species Indian Elephant, Pangolin, Sloth Bear,

White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, Peafowl and Python are seen in

the project area and besides this, other animal listed in Schedule-II, III

and IV of wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

iii

The wildlife is in continuation threat due to developmental projects,

global warming, vehicle movement, noise pollution, fragmentation of

habitat barrier effect and man-animal conflict leading to loss of

biodiversity. They require food, water, shelter for breeding and fawning

cover to sustain its life in wild.

The purpose of this plan is to maintain wildlife habitat, restore degraded

habitats, improve biodiversity, reduce man and wildlife conflict and

organise village level institution for the realization of the above objective

as mitigation measures due to habitat loss by the project.

Before recommending activities in Wildlife Management Plan an

extensive survey has been made in all forest area and villages to meet the

people and assessing condition of wildlife habitat and also to know the

existing wildlife. Besides direct observation, a questionnaire has been

prepared to extract maximum knowledge of local people.

Since the railway line passes through the forest where elephant movement

has been seen in the recent five years, special mitigation measures has

been taken for safe crossing of Elephant/wildlife across the railway track.

The habitat requirement of different wild animals studied and

incorporated in this Wildlife Management Plan. Since, the Hazaribag area

is also identified as IBA (Important Bird and Biodiversity Area). Special

survey of birds has been conducted and mitigation measures has been

recommended.

While making this Wildlife Management Plan care has been taken to

identify the needs of the wildlife. The basic need of food, water and shade

(shelter), has been identified and budgetary provision for each item has

been incorporated in plan.

iv

The entire proposal has been divided in two broad category i.e. scheme to

be implemented by Forest Department officials and schemes to be

implemented by project authorities.

While dividing the work, care has been taken about the site of work. All

the schemes which needs implementation on forest land/department has

been proposed for Forest Department for example works related to

improvement/enrichment of habitat i.e. plantation activities, fire

protection, weed management on forest land etc.

The research and continuous monitoring of impact is necessary for

wildlife conservation. Hence provision for such activities has been made

in plan.

In order to conserve and protect wildlife, mitigation measures are

required which includes assessment of impact and proper implementation

of Wildlife Management Plan. So that loss of biodiversity at regional

level due to degradation of habitat, loss of wildlife, fragmentation of

forest, change in habitat, soil erosion and overall loss of biodiversity can

be mitigated.

**********

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CHAPTER - 1

INTRODUCTION

ildlife management is a science and art of

maintaining/changing the characteristics and interactions of

habitats, wild animal populations and activities of people in order to achieve

specific goals of conservation. The Wildlife Science is of recent origin in

India and scientific information base is developing slowly. Wildlife

management in India is integral to mainstream forest management, yet, as a

resource needing scientific management. Management of wild life is

essentially multidisciplinary and the success of strategies lies in ensuring

multidisciplinary inputs to the extent needed.

Wildlife conservation aims to prevent the loss in the earth’s by taking

into consideration ecological principles such as carrying capacity,

disturbance, succession and environmental conditions such as physiological

geography, pedology and hydrology with the aim of balancing the needs of

wildlife with the needs of people.

1.1 AREA DETAILS

The geographical area of the Jharkhand state is 79,714 km2 which

account for 2.42% of the country's area. The state falls between 220 00'N -

W

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24037'N latitude and 83015'E-87001'E longitude. The important rivers of the

state are Sone, Koel, Swarnrekha, Sankh, and Damodar. The state of

Jharkhand has a tropical climate with annual average rainfall of about

900mm. The temperature varies between 4 0C to 47 0C. The state's population

is 32.97 million (Census, 2011) constituting 2.72% of the country's

population. Of this, the rural population is 75.95% and urban population

24.05%.

The total recorded forest area of the Jharkhand state is 23,605 km²

which is 29.61% of the geographical area to Country's Geog. area. Of the

total recorded forest area of Jharkhand, Reserved Forests constitute 18.58%,

Protected Forests 81.28%, and Unclassed Forests 0.14%. As per India State

of Forest Report, 2013 published by Forest Survey of India, forest cover in

the state is 23, 473 km² which is 29.45% of the total geographical area of the

state Jharkhand. The total forest and tree cover of state, put together

constitutes about 32.74% of the geographical area of Jharkhand (MoFECC,

2012).

The main forest types of Jharkhand are (a) Peninsular Dry and Moist

Sal Forests, (b) Moist Sal Savannah,(c) Hill Valley Swamp Forest, (d) Moist

Mixed Deciduous Forest, (e) Riverine Forest, (f) Bamboo and Cane brakes

(MoEF, 1999).

Regarding forest canopy density classes, 2,587 km2 area is under very

dense forest, 9,917 km2 area under moderately dense forest and 10,470 km2

area are under open forest. The forest cover Map of Jharkhand has been

shown in Fig. 1.

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Fig. 1. Forest Cover Map of Jharkhand (Courtesy, Forest Dept. Jharkhand)

Jharkhand has one National Park and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries covering

2,182.15 km2 which constitutes 2.74% of the state's geographical area. The

protected areas (PA) of the State include the Betla (Palamau) National Park

(23167 ha), the only National Park and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries viz. Dalma

Wildlife Sanctuary (19322 ha), Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary (18625 ha),

Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary (17795 ha), Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary

(20700 ha), Mahauaduar Wildlife Sanctuary (6325 ha), Palamau Wildlife

Sanctuary (79433 ha), Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary (18300 ha), Parasnath

Wildlife Sanctuary (4933 ha), Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary (875 ha),

Udhuwa Lake Bird Sanctuary (565 ha) and Gautam Buddha Wildlife

Sanctuary.

The proposed project for construction of New BG Electrified line from

Shivpur to Kathautia fall in Chatra and Hazaribag district of Jharkhand state,

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a most prolific mineral producing state in the country, consisting primarily of

Chhotanagpur plateau.

1.1.1. CHATRA DISTRICT

The newly created district of Chatra in 1991 is situated within lush

green area with salubrious climate. Thus, former Chatra sub-division of

Hazaribag district attained the status of district. Chatra district forms the

western flank of North Chotanagpur division of Jharkhand state. It is

bounded on the north by district of Gaya (in Bihar state), on the south by

district of Ranchi (Jharkhand), on the east by district of Hazaribag

(Jharkhand) and on the west by districts of Palamu (Jharkhand) and

Gaya(Bihar), Chatra(M) is the headquarters of both Chatra district and Chatra

sub-division.

The district lies between 24.12' Latitude (N) and 84.56' longitude (E)

within northern hemisphere, with respect to area it occupies 3718 sq. km

(Census, 2011). Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the great social reformer and herald

of modern India had worked as a Deputy Registrar from the year 1805-06

A.D. at Chatra. As it remained a sub-division of Hazaribag district since 1914

to 1991, hence the history of Chatra district almost resembles with that of its

parent district of Hazaribag.

The district has only one subdivision, e.g., Chatra subdivision which

has in turn 12 C.D. Blocks, viz., Shaligram Ram Narayanpur (Hunterganj),

Pratappur, Kunda, Lawalaung, Chatra, Kanha Chatti, Itkhori, Mayur Hand,

Giddaur, Pathalgora, Simaria and Tandwa. In entire district there is only one

statutory town Chatra (M) under Chatra C.D. Block and one census town

Bachra under Tandwa C.D. block. There are Chatra & Simaria Legislative

Assembly segment in the district. Total no. of Panchayats in the district are

96 whereas total no. of villages are 1471.

Chatra ranks 15th in terms of population (10,42,886) and 10th in terms

of area (3718 sq.km.) in the state of Jharkhand. The economy of the district

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mainly depends on cultivation or related work. More than 77% of the total

workers are engaged in Primary sector.

1.1.2. HAZARIBAG DISTRICT

The Hazaribag district is a part of Chotanagpur plateau. It is situated in

the north east part of North Chotanagpur Division. The total area of the

district is 3555 Sq. Km. (Census, 2011). It is situated at Latitude 24°00'0.00"

North; Longitude 85°14'60.00" East.

The area has several plateaus, mountains and valleys having three

natural divisions - Medium Plateau, Lower Plateau and Damodar

Valley. The headquarter of Hazaribag District is a part of medium plateau,

at about 2,000 ft from the sea level. The area is surrounded by the lower

plateau height is about 1,300 ft above the sea level except the western part of

the medium plateau. Damodar Valley is in the southern part of the district

where Ramgarh town is situated below about 1,000 ft from the districts

headquarter.

The boundary of Hazaribag district consists of districts of Gaya and

Koderma in the northern part, Bokaro and Giridih in the east, Ramgarh in the

southern part and Chatra and Palamu in the west. The Koderma, Chatra and

Giridih district have been bifurcated from this district. It is famous

for Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary situated about 17 km from Hazaribag

Town.

Hazaribag Town is 93 km. from capital Ranchi. It is located on NH 33

bisecting the Hazaribag district. The principal town and administrative

headquarters is Hazaribag, which is situated towards the west of the higher

Hazaribag plateau at an elevation of about 2,000 feet. According to Sir John

Houlton, the town name Hazaribag is from the small villages of Okni and

Hazari, which is shown in old maps as Ocunhazry. This village is still in

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Hazaribag in the western edge of the town. The district of Hazaribag has been

named after the town of Hazaribag.

Hazaribag district is divided into two sub-divisions: Hazaribagh and

Barhi. Hazaribagh sub-division comprises 11 blocks: Sadar Hazaribag,

katkamsandi, Barkagaon, Bishnugarh, Keredari, Ichak, Churchu,Katkamdag,

Daru, Tati Jhariya, Katkamdag and Dadi. Barhi sub-division comprises 5

blocks : Padma, Barhi, Chauparan, Barkatha and Chalkusha.

(http://www.jharkhand.gov.in/web/hazaribagh).

The major area of Hazaribag district are full of forests cover and

stones. The cultivable land is of two types -the Upper land and the Lower

land. The lower lands present on the banks of rivers are fertile but the upper

land is barren. Rabi and Kharif crops are generally grown here.

1.2 LOCATION OF THE PROJECT AREA

The proposed Railway Line will originate from Kathautia (km. 00.00)

in Hazaribag district and terminate at Shivpur (49.085 km) in Chatra District

of Jharkhand State. The proposed rail line passes through important 31

habitations falling in Hazaribag West Division and Chatra South Forest

Division.

The total length of the proposed railway line from Shivpur to Kathautia

is 49.085 km. The summery of the land use pattern (Table 1.1) of the

proposed project is shown below and the details is enclosed. (Annexure

I).The proposed land is predominantly forest land/JJ (68.46%) and the other

land (31.54%).

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Table 1.1: Land Utilization Pattern of the project site

Type of Land

Area

(Ha)

Total Geographical Area 17429.39

Forest Area 9155.43

Area under Non Agricultural Uses 1501.58

Barren & Uncultivable Land Area 206.71

Permanent Pastures and other Grazing Land Area 121.69

Land Under Miscellaneous Tree Crops etc. Area 86.78

Culturable Waste Land Area 985.36

Fallows Land other than Current Fallows Area 270.46

Current Fallows Area 206.8

Net Area Sown 4894.58

Total Unirrigated Land Area 4428.74

Area Irrigated by Source 384.81

Total length of land acquisition is 538.56 Ha and diversion of forest

land is 368.72 Ha including forest land from Hazaribag West Forest Division

and Chatra South Forest Division. The forest land for diversion within the

PF/JJ areas in the two Forest Division is 368.72 Ha, which is in the stretch of

49.085 km from Shivpur to Kathautia.

The forest area proposed to be diverted is mostly undulating (90%).

Total area required for diversion is 368.72 Ha, comes under the jurisdiction

of Hazaribag West Division and Chatra South Forest Division in Hazaribag

and Chatra district. The draft notification for Eco-Sensitive Zone of

Hazaribag wildlife Sanctuary has been issued (The Gazette of India, 8th Feb

2018). The village Kathautia, Chirua, Hesakudar and Sahpur falling in the

Hazaribag West division is included in the draft notification of Hazaribag

Eco-sensitive Zone. The final notification is pending.

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1.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The proposed New BG Electrified line is mainly for connectivity of

existing rail infrastructures to coal blocks of North Karnapura and its

distribution to Northern and Eastern region of country after the

fulfilment of local requirement like DVC Koderma, NTPC Barh etc.

It is proposed to divert 368.72 Ha of forest land for a project.

Cost of the Project Land Cost ( Rs. 280.12Cr) + Construction cost (Rs.

1013.84 Cr.)= Rs. 1293.96 Cr.

Width proposed varies from 40m - 240 m.

This project is for single line having 6 nos. of crossing

stations/cabins, yards between Shivpur to Kathautia with 11 nos. of

Elephant underpass/Wildlife passes, 58 nos. minor bridges, 8 nos.

major bridges, 14 nos ROBs, 14 nos. RUBs and 10 nos. LHSs.

(Annexure II)

Cost to benefit analysis is attached as per proposal submitted by EC

Railway. (Annexure - III)

Displacement of families- Nil

The total length proposed site is 49.085Km.

The total no. of trees which comes under proposed site is 17637.

(Annexure - IV)

The details of the area diverted is 368.72 Ha, in Hazaribag West

Division (61.72 Ha) and Chatra South Division (307.01Ha) is enclosed.

(Annexure -V)

Map of proposed railway line on toposheet - RF 1:50,000 with GPS

Coordinate is enclosed (Map 1)

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Table 1.2: Summery of the forest area to be diverted

Sl.

No. Forest Division P.F. GMJJ

Total Area

(Ha)

1 Hazaribag West

Division 39.71 22.01 61.72

2 Chatra South Division 245.56 61.44 307.01

Total 285.27 83.45 368.72

1.4 STATUS OF FOREST DIVERSION PROPOSAL

The legal status of forest land proposed (285.27) for diversion is P.F.

(Protected forest) and Deemed Forest as GMJ.J. (Jungle Jhari) is 83.45

Ha in revenue Record.

Applied for Stage 1 clearance

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India

(Letter No. FP/JH/RAIL/11986/2015/591) has scrutinized the proposal

and further compliance for Wildlife Management Plan is required for

further processing.(Annexure- VI)

1.5 STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE

NA

1.6 VILLAGES AND HABITATION WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA

Total numbers of 31 villages comes along the alignment of railway

track. Out of 31, 8 villages are having protected forest, 21 villages involves

both PF and GMJJ, Katiya Village having no forest area and Kathautia

village land already acquired by EC Railway. Details enclosed (Annexure -

VII)

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1.6.1 PROJECT AREA

The construction of railway line will be done on forest land proposed

passing through 29 (i.e. 8+21) such villages which falls under forest

diversion. The total area diverted 368.72 Ha fall under Hazaribag West

Division (61.72 Ha) and Chatra South Division (307.01Ha).

1.6.2 PROJECT IMPACT ZONE

The project is linear and total length of proposed project site is 49.085

km. PF/GM (Jangle Jhari) areas falling in both the concerned Forest

Divisions. Since the project is linear all the 31 villages through which the

railway line is passing has been included as project impact zone.

List enclosed (Annexure- VIII).

1.7 CLIMATE

There are four season viz. winter, summer, rainy and autumn. The

winter season starts from the middle of November and goes upto the middle

of February. The summer season starts from the middle of February and goes

up to the middle of June. The rainy season starts from the middle of June and

goes up to the middle of September. The autumn seasons starts from the

middle of September and goes up to the middle of November.

Humidity varies from a maximum of about 90 percent during monsoon

to a minimum of around 10 percent, during March/April of the year. Since

both the district boundary of Hazariag and Chatra is the same the climatic

condition of both the area is almost same.

1.7.1 RAINFALL

The monsoon is between June to October The North westerly wind in

winter causes severe cold conditions in the area. Rainfall is heavier in the

month of July and August. Annual average rainfall is 1347 mm.

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1.7.2 TEMPARATURE

Hazaribag and Chatra experiences Tropical Climate with hot summers

and cold winters. The maximum temperature during the summer months

(March to May) rises to a high of 46-47°C. The minimum temperature of the

region drops to a low of 4°C during winter (November to February).

However, places at lower altitude record quite high temperature during

summer. This, sometimes adversely affects the plantations. Hot westerly

wind, the ‘loo’ is experience all over the tract. The winter is generally

pleasant except for a short span when the night temperature almost touches

the freezing point. Though frost is not so common, certain low lying pockets

on the plateau near depressions and along the nalas become frosty during the

cold wave.

1.8 TERRAIN / LANDSCAPE /GEOGRAPHY

The topography is extremely variable. In Hazaribag West Division, in

the south, the forests of Ramgarh Range are mostly situated on the steep

northern slopes of Ranchi Plateau. In Barkagaon and Tandwa Ranges the

forests occur on the southern slopes of Hazaribagh plateau and on isolated

hills like Mahudi Pahar, Niri & Khapia etc. The topography of Mahudi hill

needs special mention. It is a high range with precipitous slopes. These slopes

are devoid of any vegetation. The forests of Hazaribag Range occur on the

main Hazaribag plateau where the topography is generally easy to undulating.

Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the important protected area in

Hazaribag with very rich biodiversity. The topography of Hazaribag Wildlife

Sanctuary Range is undulating to hilly. The terrain of the Sanctuary is

undulating with low to high hills in the central and western portions.

Forests of the Chatra South Division are spread over the south of the

Chatra district. This division consists of rugged topography with turbulent

streams, steep slopes, cliff and valleys. The forests lie mainly on its

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undulating slopes. The tract is the eastern part of the Vindhyan Hill ranges.

The ground configuration varies considerably from place to place. The

topography is hilly with occasional plain tracts and some are upland. Most of

the hills are rocky and slops are steep. Western and Southern zones are more

hilly than the others. The hilly terrain of this division lie within the

Lawalong, Simariya and Tandwa range. In Chatra range, land is plain to

undulating. The average height of this division is 1300 ft to 1400 ft.

The drainage system of Chatra South Division is complex due to

rugged and undulating topography but general trend is east to west in the mid

and southern part of the tract and south to north in the eastern part of the

tract.

The table land near Hazaribagh town forms the origin of several

important rivers. The Bokaro and the Konar originate near village Sultana on

the Hazaribag – Chatra Road. The Barakar originates near Ichak. The

Mohane also originates near village Bendi and forms the western boundary

between Hazaribagh West and Chatra South Division. Bulk of the area falls

in the catchment of the Damodar. Only a small portion forming the western

and south-western portion of Hazaribagh Range lies outside the Damodar

catchment.

Due to forest fires, overgrazing and unplanned cultivation of uplands

soil erosion is very severe. The practice of extracting timber firewood etc. by

“gohars” (dragging by means of bullocks) has also been deleterious. Gullies

can be seen all over the area and sheet erosion is uncontrolled. Water, even

from small streams rushing down easy gradient carried a good quantity of

soil with it. All the soil dislodged from the upland goes to big river & its

tributaries and raises their beds.

13 | P a g e

1.8.1 GEOLOGY, ROCK & SOIL:

Geologically, two types of formations – Archaen type & gondwana

type exist in the area. Main rock types of Archaen formation are granite and

gneiss, whereas sandstone, shale and quartzite constitute Gondwana

formation

Hazaribag district is naturally rich in several ores and minerals. Coal

and Mica are the main minerals whereas China clay and limestone are also

found in the district. The portion of the Jharkhand mica belt and the

coalfields that lie in this district are economically the most important. North

Karanpura Valley is important for the coal block.

Soil is very deep in valleys and plains and is loamy or sandy loam in

texture, supporting dense semi deciduous Sal forests interspersed with

grasslands, making an ideal habitat for a variety of fauna. On the hills, soils

are shallow, while the forest is of miscellaneous type.

1.8.2 WATER SUPPLY

Rivers and Important Water bodies

Hazaribag district has a network of two major rivers, the Barakar and

Damodar rivers with a few minor tributaries like Naikari, Kusum, Bhera,

Bokaro, Mohana, and Kumari.

Hazaribag district consists of a total of 770 wetlands comprising an

area of 11307 hectares. Reservoir/Barrage (6571 ha) is observed to be a

dominant type comprising about 58 per cent of wetland extent. River/Stream

(3780 ha), which accounts for about 33 per cent of the area (National

Wetland Atlas, 2010).

Chatra District consist 179 wetlands > 2.25 ha and an additional 464

smaller wetlands comprising area of 5253 ha. Wetland types are dominated

by the River/Stream (3535 ha) and Reservoir/Barrage (854 ha) accounting for

14 | P a g e

about 67 and 16 per cent area under wetlands. The next significant wetland

type is Tank/Pond with 376 ha comprised of 70 numbers.

Amanat, Lilanjan, Mohane, Chako and Dhab are the prominent rivers

in the Chatra South Forest Division.

Generally supply of water for drinking purpose is not a problem. But

during severe draught years the areas specially in hilly terrain face acute

shortage of water. All these streams are rainfed and seasonal and therefore,

dry up in summer.

1.9 DEMOGRAPHIC DETAILS

According to the 2011 census Hazaribag district has a population of

17,34,495. Hazaribag ranks 7th in terms of population (17,34,495 ) and 12th in

terms of area (3555 sq.km.) in the state of Jharkhand. In terms of population

per sq.km. Hazaribag is the 11th densely populated district in the state with

488 persons per sq.km as against the state’s 414. Its population growth rate

over the decade 2001-2011 was 20.65%. Hazaribag ranks 16th in terms of

sex-ratio (947) against the state’s 949, and a literacy rate of 69.75 %.

Chatra ranks 15th in terms of population (10,42,886) and 10th in terms

of area (3718 sq.km.) in the state of Jharkhand. In terms of population per

sq.km. Chatra is the 19th densely populated district in the state with 280

persons per sq.km as against the state’s 414. Chatra ranks 11th in terms of

sex-ratio (953) against the state’s 949. The economy of the district mainly

depends on cultivation or related work. More than 77% of the total workers

are engaged in Primary sector.

The demographic details of the 29 villages of the project site is shown

in Annexure IX. The table show that the most populated village is Edla

(5788) followed by Duari (5642) and Nawadih Damoll (4484) and the lowest

population is of Bisnapur (160). The two village Chirua and Siuria is without

15 | P a g e

any population. The figure showing population and household of 29 sample

villages is shown in the figure 2.

.

The average percentage of Scheduled Castes population of these

village is 21.60 percent. The average percentage of Scheduled Tribe

Population of these Village is 3.79 percent. The highest percentage of SC is

in Duari (11.73%) followed by Edla (10.42%) and Singhani (10.32%)

whereas the lowest is in Lemoia (0.08 %). The highest percentage of ST is in

Shahpur (34.02 %) followed by Hesakudar (17.52 %) and Phulwaria

(16.89%) and the lowest is in Nawadih Damoll (0.17%). The detail are shown

in the figure 3.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

Fig. 2. Showing Household vs Population of 29 villages

Total Households Total Population of Village

16 | P a g e

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Fig. 3. Showing Percentage of SC and ST Population of 29 villages

Scheduled Castes (%) Scheduled Tribes (%)

56.72

0

53.5249.54

56.0358.91

67.5

44.4843.11

68.33

55.92

66.88

60.67

48.19

63.54

55.7957.4

48.75

59.27

0

51.1952.0351.8252.8557.57

60.61

52.48

43.2346.72

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Fig.4. Showing literacy rate of 29 villages

Literacy (%)

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Average literacy rate is 53.92 %. So the literacy is poor in the area.

Literacy rate of population is defined as the percentage of literates to the total

population. The literacy rate 50% and above is found only in 20 villages in

the study area. The highest literacy rate is found in Lemoia (68.33%) and the

lowest was in Bandarchua (43.11%). The literacy level of the sample

households are provided in figure 4.

1.9.1 OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE OF THE VILLAGES

The Census classifies Workers into two groups namely, Main workers

and Marginal workers. Main Workers are those workers who had worked for

the major part of the reference period i.e. 6 months or more. Marginal

Workers are those workers who had not worked for the major part of the

reference period i.e. less than 6 months. The workers are classified on the

basis of Industrial category of workers into the following four categories such

as Cultivators, Agricultural Labourers, Household Industry Workers and

Other Workers. Data from the 2011 census shows that the work participation

is low in these villages (44.47%). Work participation rate is defined as the

percentage of total workers (main and marginal) to total population. The

highest work participation of 65 % is observed in Bisnapur Village whereas

it is only 21.74 percent in Angara Khurd. The census data also shows the

percentage of main workers and marginal workers are also low in this area

which indicates large number of non-workers in this area. It can be attributed

to the non-availability of employment and less developed nature of the study

area. The work participation in only 9 villages is more than 50 % (Figure 5).

This also suggests that employment opportunities are very less in the villages.

The details of work participation in sampled village are provided in Annexure

X.

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1.9.2 AGRICULTURAL CROPPING PATTERN

The economy of the two district Hazaribag and Chatra mainly depends

on cultivation or related work. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood

for more than 75% of the population in the Chatra district either as cultivators

or agricultural labourers. Despite this, only 18.47% of total geographical area

is cultivated. Further, only 26.7% of net sown area has assured irrigation

against the national average of 45%. That is, nearly 73% of cropping area is

rainfed or dependent on unassured irrigation.

All these facts point towards the relatively poor health of irrigation

facilities in the district. Agriculture practiced in this region is characterised as

rainfed monocrop subsistence type cultivation mainly due to lack of

agricultural development, lack of irrigation facilities and a rolling terrain.

Paddy and Makai (Maize) are the two main crops grown in the district. Other

major crops include wheat, pulses, oilseeds. Among pulses, tur/arhar, gram

25.18

0

49.33

40.22

35.04

30.53

65

44.82

64

53.98

43.6647.94

37

21.74

46.57

57.4654.3353.35

50.07

0

40.3543.17

47.7

37.3134.32

44.67

52.4854.01

39.05

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Fig. 5. Showing Work Participation rate in Sampled Villages

19 | P a g e

(chana), lentil are widely grown. Among oilseeds, mustard is most widely

grown crop. However, the district is deficient in food grain production. Due

to proximity to major towns such as Hazaribag and Gaya, vegetables and

fruits are widely cultivated – especially in areas where irrigation facilties are

available. For instance, Simaria, Gidhour and Pathalgadda blocks cultivate

tomato, potato, cabbage, cauliflower, capsicum, chillies, sweet potato to cater

to needs of Hazaribag. The fine texture of soil here further makes it favorable

for vegetable cultivation. Similarly, Hunterganj cultivates brinjal and bottle

guard to cater to needs of Gaya. Panchayats surrounding Chatra town are also

known for vegetable cultivation. Table 1.3 reveals cropping pattern of Chatra

district.

Table 1.3 Cropping Pattern in Chatra district

(Source: Department of Agriculture (PMKSY. 2016)

Crop

Season Grown in

Paddy Most widely grown crop in Chatra.

Grown during Kharif Season

All Blocks.

Maize Kharif All Blocks

Pulses Arhar, Urad are grown during Kharif. And

Gram, Lentil, Pea during Rabi

All Blocks

Wheat Rabi In areas with

irrigation facilites

during winter

Oilseeds

Predominantly during Rabi as they less

moisture. Mustard & Linseed are grown

during Rabi. Groundnut & Seasum during

Kharif.

All blocks

Vegetables All three seasons In irrigated parts of

Hunterganj, Chatra,

Pathalgada, Gidhour,

Simaria, Itkhori

Fruits

All three seasons Itkhori, Mayurhand,

Hunterganj.

Sugarcane Kharif Itkhori, Gidhour

20 | P a g e

Agricultural production in Hazaribag district is also characterized by

mono cropping practices with only 14.5% of the net sown area being

irrigated. About 61% of the agricultural land holding belongs to small and

marginal farmers which have contributed to poor level of mechanized farm

operations in the district. Agriculture is mainly rainfed, the major crops

cultivated are Paddy, Wheat, Maize and Vegetables. The climate is

favourable to Horticultural crops. The climate is highly conducive for

growing a variety of vegetables, which is presently being cultivated in an

unorganised way various blocks.

Majority of the rural population depend on agriculture with very little

nonfarm employment opportunity. Mono-cropping is generally practised in

the district due to lack of irrigation facilities and agriculture is mostly based

on the monsoon. The main Kharif crops grown are Paddy, Maize, Arhar and

Pigeon-peas. Maize is cultivated in the uplands and paddy on medium and

low lands. Black gram and wheat are grown in some areas during the Rabi

season. As irrigation facilities are limited, cultivation in summer is rare and is

confined to growing vegetable, cash crops in areas having irrigation facilities.

Table 1.4 : Cropping pattern in the Hazaribag District

Sl. No. Crop Kharif Rabi

1 Cereals Rice, Maize Wheat

2 Pulses

Arhar (Pigeon pea),

Urad (Black Gram),

Moong (Green Gram)

Gram (Chick Pea),

Linseed,

3 Oilseed Groundnut Mustard

4 Vegetables Bhindi, Capsicum,

Tomato, Brinjal,

Green Pea, Potato, Onion,

Source: NABARD, District Agriculture Plan Hazaribag District 2008-09 to 2011-12

About 43.94 % of land in Hazaribag and 60.4% land in Chatra district

is under forest cover which can be used for cultivation of Medicinal and

Aromatic plants and forest based units (NABARD, 2012; PMKSY. 2016).

21 | P a g e

Potato, Tomato and some other vegetables including coriander leaves

are major commercial crops of the district. Except for a few orchards of

mango and guava and some beehives, horticulture has not been adopted as a

commercial activity and no plantation crop is being taken up in the district.

Vegetables particularly potato, tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, etc. are

grown in large tracts in Sadar Hazaribag, Ichak, and Padma blocks in the

project area. Paddy is the main crop of the district followed by wheat, pulses

and vegetables. Organic farming is being carried out sporadically in many

parts of Hazaribag district by local farmers. There is urgent need for

sensitizing the inhabitants of the district to practice organic farming and use

of bio-fertilizers and bio-insecticides.

Few progressive farmers have also adopted Integrated horticulture

based on mixed vegetable cropping, afforestation, Dairy, Gobar Gas plants ,

application of Vermicompost in the fields with the agriculture units covered

with bamboo plantation/fencing. Three hatcheries under private sector have

been commissioned in the district which are supplying DOCs to broiler units

in the district. Under the leadership of the District administration, a poultry

Broiler scheme was launched in Barhi, Padma, Chauparan blocks under the

Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana (RSVY), (NABARD, 2012).

In the district, livestock rearing is mainly taken as an household

activity, being managed by family members particularly women members.

There is potential in the district to develop dairy as an additional activity for

farmers and main activity for unemployed youth in rural area. One breeding

farm of Animal Husbandry Dept. located at Gouriya Karma in Barhi Block is

engaged in breeding of the rare Red Sindhi breed cows. This will be great

importance in dairy production in the project area. The prospect of promoting

dairy projects is high in the project area. Further, Sheep, Goat and Pig rearing

has substantial potential in the district. Goatery is predominant activity

among many families as a supplementary activity in the area. Potential for the

22 | P a g e

sectors like poultry and fishery exists in the district. The poor level of skill

and awareness among farmers is the reason for low level of growth in these

sectors.

The climate of the Hazaribag district is suitable for dry land

horticulture crops. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) provides training and

technical help to farmers. A reeling & twisting centre (Post Cocoon

Sericulture ) for SHG members has been established by PRADAN (an NGO)

in Barhi & Chauparan blocks with financial assistance from Central Silk

Board. SHG members of Barhi, Padma and Chauparan blocks are to be

provided with Trivedi Charkha (454 nos) and Motorised Charkha (46) for

spinning purpose.

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chatra sanction by the Indian Council of

Agricultural Research (ICAR), was established in May, 2005 under

administrative control of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi. Training of

rural farmers, rural youth Extension functionaries to make aware about

agricultural technological development, conducting location specific research

are some of the important activities of the Kendra to improve the socio-

economic status of agriculturists in the district.

In the project area people mostly depend upon rainfed agriculture

which depends upon the vagaries of nature. Source of irrigation are few. The

main source of irrigation has been ahars (small earthen dams across

depressions). These ahars do not store enough water and in years of scanty

rainfall does not serve any purpose. Irrigation from wells is being practice

now a days. Due to their dependence upon rains, the chief crop of the area is

Kharif viz Paddy and Maize.

Among the winter crops gram and arhar are grown in some localities of

late some enterprising cultivators have started cultivating wheat also. Due to

traditional and unscientific agricultural practices the people and the land have

become poorer. According to census report 2011 the main cultivable Kharif

23 | P a g e

crop in the sampled area is rice. Village survey in the sampled village

reported cultivation of Kharif crop viz. Rice, maize, arhar, Urad, Moong,

Groundnut, Bhindi, chilli, Brinjal and Tomato and the Rabi crop viz. wheat,

gram, Mustard, Potato, Onion etc. (Annexure- XI)

1.9.3 Cattle Population and dependency on forest

It has been estimated from the sampling area of project site that the

average number of livestock population of about 60,124, including cows,

buffaloes, pigs, goats and poultry are found in the project site. The average

percentage of cattle population per village is shown in the figure 6. The

figure show that the goat population is maximum 49% followed by buffaloes

24 %, cow 15%, poultry 6% and the pig is also 6%. Stall feeding is not

popular or being implemented. So people use forest as grazing ground,

causing shortage of food and cover for wild herbivores. On account of this

direct competition for pasture, the wild herbivores like Blue Bull, Deer etc.

are force to come to open places like agricultural field. Excessive grazing

also causes soil compactness which in turn causes soil erosion, runoff,

siltation of water bodies, shortage of water, loss of vegetation etc.

Cow

15%

Buffalo

24%

Goat

49%

Pig

6%

Poultry

6%

Fig. 6. Percent Of Livestock Per Village

Cow

Buffalo

Goat

Pig

Poultry

24 | P a g e

Such habitat degradation due to domestic livestock grazing disturbs the

wild fauna and it also spreads contagious diseases to adversely affect the

health and population of the whole pyramid of ecosystem. Pastures areas

needs to develop and stall feeding implemented for cattle so they are not

depend upon the forest.

1.10 FOREST BASED LIVELIHOODS/NTFP

The villagers are mostly dependent for wood fuel. In the study area

people are not actively engaged in forest product collection. It is an important

livelihood source for many tribal communities. Forest is important source of

firewood and other minor forest produce like timber, herbs, fruits, gums, sal

seed, sal leaves etc. it contribute almost 20 percent of the total income of the

villagers in project. Sal seeds and sal leaves together gives 10 percent of the

forest income. Jamun and Kendu patha contribute almost 8 percent of the

income.

It is estimated 60% of the total production of NTFPs are consumed

locally. Various types of NTFP viz., Kendu leaf, Mahua flower & seeds, Sal

seed and leaves, fruits, flowers, roots, bark, gums, fiber, medicines etc. of

various species are collected from the forest of project area. Except kendu

leaf which is collected by the corporation through contractors, all other NTFP

are collected by the locals in an unorganized way. Recently lac culture is

being promoted in Hazaribag West Division. Training and support is being

given to villagers in these forest division.

Collection of NTFP form the forest in unorganised way has a negative

impact, as it leads to habitat degradation and disturbance causing shortage of

food and cover for wild animals. There are many incidences wherein the

collection of Mahua flower has led to outbreak of forest fires. Even for the

collection of Kendu leaf, fire is lit in order to encourage new flush of kendu

leaves, which is not in the interest of conservation. Regarding the collection

25 | P a g e

of other NTFP, local people need to be educated properly to avoid all kinds

of disturbance and degradation.

1.11 INDUSTRIES

Practically there is no industry worth the name. In fact there are some

installation of stone crushers machine/mining for making stone chips. In

order to earn their livelihood many peoples are employed in these.

1.12 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

On the basis of observation made during several visit to study the

suitability of habitat it can be said that the hilly terrain of proposed area is an

habitat for wild animals like Jackal, Hyena, Deer, Sambhars, Fox, Mongoose,

Porcupine, Jungle cat, Rock python, Russell’s viper etc. such animals are

very important for a healthy ecosystem. Besides this verities of bird species

raptors including vultures, wetland birds (resident and migratory), bush birds,

etc are found in the region.

The forest area is having high anthropogenic pressure so it requires

better management and protection for survival of human and wildlife. The

forests of the Chatra also act as corridor for the internal movement of Indian

Elephant, connecting forests of Palamu, Hazaribag and Koderma and thereby

help in its migration and out breeding. The area is also valued for its

ecological functions such as soil and water conservation.

The project area falling in the West Forest Division also comes under

Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-sensitive zone. Hence the area is of

important significance.

The presence of two species of vanishing critically endangered species

Gyps bengalensis and Gyps indicus and movement of elephant in all the

concerned Chatra South Forest Division and Hazaribag West Forest Division

makes the area significant.

26 | P a g e

Recently seven Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) have

been identified in Jharkhand (Rahmani et al., 2016), which includes:

Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary (HWLS). So, Hazaribag is significantly

important biodiversity area and has significance values in relation to bird’s

diversity.

1.13 FOREST OF HAZARIBAG AND CHATRA DISTRICT

The proposed site is situated within the legal jurisdiction of Hazaribag

West Forest Division and Chatra South Forest Division. The total forest area

of Hazaribag district is 2,088 square Km which is 34.91%, whereas Chatra is

2,268 which is 60.4% of district’s area.

1.13.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE FORESTS:

The Chatra Forest Division is divided in to Chatra South (area 102580

Ha) and Chatra North Forest Division (area 93372 Ha). The major portion of

the proposed project falls in the Chatra South Forest Davison. The Chatra

South Forest Division is bounded by Chatra North Division from north,

Ranchi, Latehar and Hazaribag district from south, Palamau and Latehar

district from west and Hazaribag and Koderma from east. Chatra South

Division comprises six ranges viz. Chatra Range, Simaria Range, Lawalong

Range, Piri Range and Tandwa Range.

The Forest of Hazaribag district constitutes three Forest Division viz.

Hazaribag East Division (area. 103798 ha/1037.98 Km2), Hazaribag West

Division (area 177537 ha /1775.37 Km2) and Hazaribag Wildlife Division

(Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary) (186.25 sq. km). In terms of forest canopy

density classes, 271 km2 area is under very dense forest, 632 km2 area under

moderately dense forest and 1,185 km2 area are under open forest. (MoFECC,

2012).

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1.13.2 General Description of Growing Stock

The forests of Hazaribag and Chatra Division are mostly confined to

hills and undulating lands. This unproductive nature of the soil coupled with

low rainfall and high drainage reflects itself in the poor condition of the

growing stocks, which has been accentuated by heavy tree felling over

grazing and fire. In some cases the proposed rotation has been transformed

into a scrub due to human interference. The anthropogenic factors have let

loose severe erosion which has continued over the past several decades and

brought down the productivity.

Thus a good quality forests is not present. All the forests fall in

subgroup 5B, i.e. northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests as classified by

Champion and Seth in their book. “A revised survey of the forests types of

India” (1968). Even in comparatively good forests the canopy is very

irregular and mostly open. A few shrubs occur. The most common grass is

Heteropogon contortus.

At the onset of summer all the trees shed their leaves, remaining

leafless for about 6 months in a year. The fallen leaves increase the fire

hazard and before adding nutrients to the soil, are burnt every year. The ashes

are washed out of the forests by next monsoon.

1.13.3 FOREST TYPES

Shorea robusta (Sal) is the predominant species of trees in the forests

of Hazaribagh district and Chatra district. According to the classification of

the Forest Types of India (Champion and Seth 1968), the forests of the area

fall under a broad category of Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous forest.

In the Chatra Forest Division, Sal (Shorea robusta) is predominant

species with its associates. Some areas have miscellaneous forests with

species like Kend, Arjun, Sidha, Mahua,Palash etc. Sal is generally confined

28 | P a g e

to plains, narrow valleys and foothills of hills. Because of severe problem of

grazing and hot climate, moisture retaining capacity of soil is very low. Soils

have become impoverished. As a result, xerophytic plants like Salai,

Bamboo, Khair, Harsingar out number other species.

This forest division is blessed with vast expanse of natural forests. It is

estimated that the extent of the natural forests will be about 109768.93 ha,

comprising tropical & deciduous type of forests. The type of a forest is the

resultant reconciliation of the floristic inheritance of the locality with the

habitant. A forest type can be defined as a unit of vegetation possesses broad

characteristics in physiognomy and structure, sufficiently pronounced to

permit its differentiation from other such units. Usually, a forest type will be

described with reference to its geographical location, climatic and edaphic

features, composition and condition. For ascertaining the type of forest, the

vegetation present at the time being only is considered, without taking in to

account the influence of physiographic, edaphic and biotic factors up on it.

According to Harry G. Champion and S. K. Seth 1968 the main forest types

met with in this tract are:-

1 Northern Dry Sal forest 5BC

2 Northern Dry Miscellaneous Forests

Northern Dry Sal forest 5BC

a) Top storey and second storey:- Shorea robusta, Anogeissus latifolia,

Buchnania latifolia, Diospyros melanoxylon, Boswellia serrata,

Dilleinia pentagyna, Lagerstromia parviflora,Emblica officinalis.

b) Shrub:- Lantana ,Gardenia sps,Phoneix sps,Nyctanthes arbostristis

c) Herb and Grasses:- Blumea sps,Petalidium barbericides,Eulaliopsis

binata etc

d) Climber:- Butea superb,Bauhinia vahlii

29 | P a g e

Northern Dry miscellaneous Forest

This type is formed by a mixture of trees practically which are

deciduous during the dry season, usually for several months though some for

a short period only. The number of species is much less than in the foregone

type and although a few tend to predominant over any selected area, the

majority is not particularly gregarious. The upper canopy is light but

probably fairly even and continuous in the climax form, the latter is however

very rarely encountered and an irregular often broken canopy is usual in

consequence, the tree is having a relatively short bole and poor form, and a

height rarely over 15 m and often much less. The canopy is formed entirely

deciduous trees, most of which extend to moist deciduous forest with far

better development. There is considerable inter-mixture of rather smaller

trees, which in this moist deciduous they may be in the second story. There is

usually thin shrubby undergrowth. The feature of the forest contract between

the hot weather condition when it is entirely leafless and the soil fully

exposed, and the monsoon condition when it takes on an almost luxuriant

appearance from the growth of ephemeral herbaceous vegetation coupled

with a leafing out of the trees and shrubs. Only on species of bamboo occurs,

namely, Dendrocalmus strictus. But it is an important feature in this sub type.

During the hot weather is found to be leafless. Grass is always present and is

nearly brunt off annually.

In general beside scientific classification the following distinct types of

forests are noticeable in different parts of this division.

1. Sal Forest

2. Miscellaneous Forests

3. Scrub with Lantana and other shrubs

Sal forests:-

30 | P a g e

Sal is the pioneer species in Chatra south Division .They are found

everywhere in tract but are bad suffers of over exploitation. Due to repeated

cutting the crop is severely destroyed and reached to sapling and rooted waste

stage. The associates of Sal are Diospyros melanoxylon, Buchanania lanzan,

Anogeissus latifolia, Adina cordifolia, Albizzia sps, Aegle marmelos, Emblica

officinalis, Terminalia sps etc. The common shrubs are woodfordia fruticosa,

Phoenix sps, Helicteres isora, Nytanthes arbostristis etc. amongst the

climbers the following are prominent Bauhinia vahlii etc.

Miscellaneous forests:-

There is a great impact of geology on the distribution of the

miscellaneous forests. It was more prominent in western side of tract. The

relative compositions of crop are found according to aspect, biotic factors and

topography. Miscellaneous forests occur in all the zones. Some where it is

confined to a small patch; elsewhere it forms a continuous belt in the eastern

and southern zones. In upper storey are Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia

Belerica, Terminalia Chebula, Adina cordifolia, Butea monosperma,

Diospyros melanoxylon, Cassia fistula, Lagerstromia parvifolia, sterculia

urens, Albizzia sps, Buchannia lanzan , Aegle marmelos etc.

In the under storey are found Holehhrena antydysentrica, Croton

oblongifolius, Nycatanthes arbostristis, Ziziphus sps. Invasion of Lantana is

almost menacing in the plains. The commonest climbers are Bauhinia vahlii.

Scrub with Lantana

The tree species present in the tract belonging to several families. The

prominent families are Dipterocarpaceae, Ebenaceae, Fabaceae,

Anacardiaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Lytheraceae, Mimosaceae, Rubiaceae,

Sapindaceae, Tiliaceae, Arecaceae, Bombacaceae, Combretaceae, Moraceae,

Meliaceae, Euphorbiaceae

Regeneration status

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In forest of this tract, the natural regeneration appears to be a complex

process. Most of the species do not exhibit the same type of liking to all the

localities within forest. They favor certain type of areas to regenerate

profusely. The dominant species regenerate under their own shade. At the

dawn of the favorable season, the natural regeneration of the important

species can be found to be prolific. Along the banks of the streams, nalas,

river and valley are where the conditions are more favorable accelerating the

rate of regeneration of species.

Hazaribagh West Forest Division has only one type 5B/C2- Northern

Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests.

5B/C2- Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests

This type of forest is present throughout the district except in valleys

and depressions. In general this type of forests forms the climax type and it is

in most of the localities. But in some areas it has come as a result of

maltreatment of Sal forests. Preferential cutting of Sal, overgrazing, fire,

erosion, and too much exposure of the soil have replaced Sal with this type in

certain areas. It is found in hilly and undulating areas where the soil is drier

than in the sal areas. Malformed stems are not unusual and the height does

not exceed 15 m generally it is much less. Bamboo and Khair Acacia catechu

are also found in this type. On the moister side this forests yield to sal while

on the drier side or where it has received further maltreatment it gives way to

one of the types mentioned below. The crop is very open and the canopy is

irregular.

The dominant trees in these forests are Shorea robusta, Anogeissus

latifolia, Buchanania lanzan, Terminalia bellirica, Boswellia serrata,

Sterculia urens, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Acacia catechu,

Buteamonosperma, Mitragyna parviflora, Soymida febrifuga,

Gmelinaarborea, Aegele marmelos, Phyllanthus emblica, Bauhinia purpurea,

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Bauhinia racemosa, Semecarpus anacardium, Diospyros melanoxylon, and

Ficus sp.

Other Vegetation:

Besides the above main types of forest, other available types of

vegetation deserve a special mention due to their importance from the food

and cover point of view. They are as follows :

i) Lantana Infestation:

Lantana weed has infested in menacious proportion at many

places. Though it acts as good cover for small fauna, it does not allow

other natural vegetation and grasses to come up in the area and thereby

decreases the food base of the wild animals.

ii) Under story vegetation:

The under storey vegetation consists of Ziziphus, Nyctanthes

arboritristis, Woodfordia fruticasa, Ixora parviflora, Casissa spinarum

etc. These species act as important food source of hervivores besides

grass, especially during dry periods.

iii) Climbers:

Common climbers of the area are Bauhinia vahli, Combretum

decandrum Butea superba, Smilax spp. etc.

iv) Grasses:

Main grasses of the area are Heteropogon contortus,

Chrysopogon spp. Dicanthium spp. etc. that occur in open patches

(blanks) and abandoned cultivated lands. Some of these grass spp. are

important sources of food for herbivores.

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v) Aquatic vegetation:

It is found in the areas where there is a permanent water

accumulation. However, a few species like Tamorix dioca and

Saccharum spontaneum are found in the moist beds of streams. Among

regular aquatics the species such as Caratophyllum demersum,

Hydrilla verticillata, Cryotocoryne retrospiralis, Vallisnaria Spiralis

etc. are also found.

vi) Sub terrestrial vegetation:

The species having roots, rhizomes, bulbs tubers etc. find a

mention in this category. These are important sources of food for Wild

boars, Porcupine, Rodents, Monkeys etc. The Salmalia malabarica,

Asperagus recemosa, Dendrocalamus strictus and a few other species

having tuberous roots., come under this category.

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IMPORTANT FLORA AND FAUNA

The list of flora and fauna in the project area was collected from the

working plan of Hazaribag West and Chatra South Forest Division. Further

the list of site specific flora and fauna actually present in the project region

was also enlisted on the basis of survey of project site.

1.14 FOREST FLORA

List of flora, present within the entire jurisdiction of Forest Division

has been taken from working plan, is enclosed. A total of 118 species of plant

is recorded in the West division having, 71 tree species, 31 species are shrub

and herbs, 16 species of climber and creeper and grasses (Annexure XII).

Further a total of 154 species of plant is recorded in the Chatra South Forest

Division having, 75 tree species, 46 species are shrub and herbs, 19 species

of climber, parasites, smi-parasites and orchids, and 14 species of grasses

and bamboo (Annexure XIII).

1.14.1 SITE SPECIFIC FLORA

A survey was conducted in the project area to prepare inventory of

flora as observed during site specific survey. Phyto-sociological aspects of

the study were carried out by sampling through quadrates method in the

project site. The site specific survey was conducted along the proposed

railway line/villages covering all the project site and forest which falls in the

project area.

ENUMERATION DATA

The summery of the total species enumeration data of the two study

zones are given below. A total of 105 species belonging to 49 families in

Chatra South Forest division (Annexure- XIV), 79 species belonging to 44

families in Hazaribag West Forest division (Annexure-XV) was found

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throughout the different parts of the study area. Most of the species that were

found in the area had medicinal properties.

Table: 1.5. Observation of flora in project area

Species types Enumeration of project site

Chatra South Hazaribag

West

Bamboo 2 0

Climber 8 5

Creeper 1 0

Grass 5 0

Herb 6 24

Orchid 1 0

Parasite 1 0

Shrub 25 13

Tree 56 37

105 79

ENUMERATION DATA WITH RESPECT TO SEASONAL VARIATION

The species enumeration for the total area including the two study

zones was performed for the two seasons, in order to study the variation in

the species composition of each zone with the change in season. From the

above species enumeration data obtained for the two seasons, it is clear that

the species density during the monsoon is much higher in all the zones as

compared to the summer. Also the highest number of species was found in

the Chatra South Forest Division. This proves that the environmental

conditions and physico-chemical parameters of the soil in study area are

favorable for the growth of plants. Thus, multiple species thrive in this area.

In the summer, the species count is decreased drastically in all the zones

indicating that most of the species that thrived during the monsoon has died

out.

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Table: 1.6 Enumeration species count in the respective two seasons of the both

Chatra South & Hazaribag west forest division

QUADRATE SPECIES COUNT

Randomised quadrate method was used for analysis of vegetation

diversity richness along the road. In this method sampling was done by

plotting quadrate, 10 X 10 meter for tree species, 5 X 5 meter for shrub, and 1

X 1 meter for herb species. 10 study site was taken randomly for study in all

the concerned forest division. The site with GPS location enclosed

(Annexure-XVI)

The total number of species found in the two zones during the two

sampling seasons is given below:

Table 1.7 Quadrate species count in the respective two seasons of the Chatra South

forest division

Plant types Monsoon Summer

Climber 6 2

Herb 4 3

Shrub 8 4

Tree 8 8

26 17

Table: 1.8 Quadrate species count in the respective two seasons of the Hazaribag

West forest division

Plant types Monsoon Summer

Climber 4 1

Herb 4 2

Shrub 6 2

Tree 8 8

22 13

Hazaribag West forest

division

Chatra south forest

division

Monsoon Summer Monsoon Summer

Climber 5 2 6 2

Herb 22 8 6 3

Shrub 12 7 20 10

Tree 37 37 56 56

76 54 88 71

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The seasonal variation of the species count data collected from the two

representative zones of study areas showed clear inferences regarding the

change in the species diversity and composition pattern. This difference was

more prominent in case of herbaceous plants and shrubs. During monsoon,

due to high moisture contents and favourable growth conditions, a higher

number of herb and shrub species were observed, while, in case of summer,

most of the herbaceous and shrub species got wiped out due to the excessive

heat and dry conditions.

VEGETATION ANALYSIS

Frequency, Abundance, Density and Vegetation Classifications

Vegetation classification of the plant community of the study area was

done using the Raunkier’s Classification and the Whitford’s Classification. In

the Raunkier’s classification, the plant community was classified on the basis

of the frequency of the different plant species of the area. The Whitford’s

classification was done on the basis of the ratio of the species abundance to

its frequency.

Vegetation Community Structure Indices Based on the quadrat count

of the floral species in the study area, several vegetation community structure

indices were calculated as per standard formula. The index values were

calculated to study the effect of seasonal variation on them. In addition to

this, correlation coefficients were calculated between the species count of

herbs, shrubs and trees versus the soil nutrients (viz. N, P, K).

Raunkiaer’s Classification: (Raunkiaer’s, 1918) The plant community

was classified on the basis of the values of frequency of different plant

species of the area. The classification may be represented by the following

chart:

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A 0-20%

B 21-40%

C 41-60%

D 61-80%

E 81-100%

Whitford’s Classification: Whitford’s classification of the vegetation

communities were classified according to the formula of Whitford and Craig,

1918 (Mukherjee & Sharma, 2014). This is another index where

classification is done based on the ratio of abundance to frequency. It

signifies the pattern of association of plant species in an area. The

classification may be represented as:

REGULAR <0.025

RANDOM 0.025-0.5

CLUMPED >0.05

Data reflected that, in the study area during summer all the species

were found to exist in clumped pattern thus indicating that none of the plant

species were opportunistic in nature. However, during the monsoon some of

the species were seen to exist in random patterns. This indicates that during

the monsoon season due to high moisture and high soil nutrients, some of the

species expressed opportunistic and dominant behaviour (Mukherjee and

Sarma, 2014).

Percentage distribution of species to frequency classes in the two study

area suggested that, there was not much seasonal variation in the percentage

of species falling under different frequency classes as shown in the table

below (Table 8) However, the number of species in frequency class ‘E’ has

diminished to none during the summer. In both the seasons, highest number

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of species belonged to frequency class ‘C’ thus suggesting that about half of

the species existing in the zone is unstable and short-lived (Mancera et al.,

2013).

Table 1.9 Percentage distribution of species to frequency classes study sites

A B C D E

Chatra south forest

Monsoon 7.69 23.08 42.31 23.08 3.85

Summer 5.88 23.53 41.18 23.53 5.88

Hazaribag west forest

Monsoon 9.09 18.18 40.91 27.27 4.55

Summer 7.69 15.38 46.15 23.08 7.69

In the present study, it is observed that there was not much difference

in the species evenness seen in the different zones during monsoon, with

highest value in the Chatra South Forest division. This low evenness values

in all the zones indicated that during monsoon some of the species do take

opportunity of the favourable growth conditions and tend to dominate some

areas. This leads to highly scattered, uneven species distribution. During the

summer however the species evenness increases comparatively in all the

study area indicating uniform even distribution of species. This indicated that

only a few summer specific species thrive during this period, which covers

most of the study area thus forming evenly distributed populations. Among

the two Chatra forest division had the highest evenness value during summer.

As stated by Smith and Wilson (1996), a community in which each species

present is equally abundant has high evenness, while one in which the species

differ a lot in abundance has low evenness. Thus, in the summer season only

few summer specific species were abundant in all the study area and formed

highly even plant communities.

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1.15 FOREST FAUNA

The forest of Chatra South and Hazaribag West is rich in faunal

diversity. The checklist of Working Plan of West Forest Division (2013-14 to

2022-2023), reports 34 Mammals, 11 Reptiles, 9 Fishes, and 93 birds

(Annexure- XVII). The checklist of Working Plan of Chatra South Forest

Division (2013-14 to 2023-24) , reports 39 species of Mammals, 12 Reptiles,

30 fish, 21 species of insects and 96 species of birds. (Annexure XVIII).

The historical records Working Plan, Hazaribag Wildlife Management

Plan of Forest Department and Hazaribag District Gazetteer (Choudhury,

1957), indicate presence of the major carnivores in the past, including tiger,

leopard, wolf, hyena and fox in the area. However, tiger and leopard which

were once seen frequently, has no trace now. Among the vertebrates,

documented information is available only for Mammalian, Reptiles and

Avifauna. However, other vertebrates like Amphibians (frogs, toads) are also

found. Recent studies on reptiles in Jharkhand revealed 25 species of snakes,

8 species of lizards and 1 species of Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys

punctata) in the Hazaribag district. (Raziuddin, 2015). Report on the snake

fauna of Hazaribag district reports presence of 19 species of snakes found in

Hazaribag districts (Prakash and Raziuddin, 2009).

Hazaribag district is very rich in avifauna that had been well

documented in the past. The first published work on the Avi-fauna of

Hazaribagh district was a paper by V. Ball “The Birds of Chotanagpur”,

which appeared in Stray Feathers (Ball, 1874). Captain Baillie contributed a

paper on Hazaribag Bird recording the subject to the Journal of Bengal

Natural History Society (Baillie, 1946). In the District Gazette of 1957, Mr.

Roy Choudhary had mentioned that there were 205 breeding birds in the

district. He also mentioned that 62 bird species used to migrate to the district

during winter. Jamal Ara published a list of 97 birds commonly observed in

the Hazaribag Sanctuary (Ara, 1966).

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The recent study conducted between 2009-2014, after more than four

decades by BNHS has revealed the presence of 183 species of birds in and

around Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary (IBA) that includes nine globally

threatened ones and 32 Biome restricted assemblage species that includes

Critically Endangered resident White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

and Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) in Hazaribag district (Rahmani et al.,

2016). Based on the biome classification of BirdLife International, it lies in

the Indo-Malayan Tropical Dry Zone (Biome-11).

(Annexure XIX).

A study for presence of reptiles in Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary was

carried out by Neo Human Foundation (NHF) (2011-12) with support of

Hazaribag Wildlife Division. In the study an attempt has been made, perhaps

for the first time, to record the reptilian fauna of Hazaribag Wildlife

Sanctuary. During the study a total of 25 species of reptiles were recorded

which included 16 species of snakes, 8 species of lizard and 1 species of

turtle.

Important invertebrates, their status distribution and habitat:

As regards invertebrates, except for few documentation, there is no

proper scientific documentation whatsoever. However a number of

invertebrates exist in the area ranging from Annelids (earthworms,

Centipedes, millipedes) Moluscans (Snails and slugs) to a variety of insects

including beetles, bees, butterflies, bugs moths, crickets, grasshoppers,

termites etc., which are not only abundant but diverse in nature.

Butterfly and Beetles

A study for presence of Butterfly and Beetles in Hazaribag Wildlife

Sanctuary was carried out for the first time by AFNC (2011-12) supported by

Hazaribag Wildlife Division. A total of 38 species of butterfly belonging to 5

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families found in Hazaribag wildlife sanctuary and a total of 51 species of

beetles belonging to 45 genera have been identified from the sanctuary.

1.15.1 SITE SPECIFIC FAUNA

During the present site specific study 25 species of mammals, 119

species of Aves, 21 species of reptiles, 3 species of amphibians, 14 species of

fishes, 18 species of butterfly, and 26 species of other Invertebrates were

recorded. The list is enclosed with their status in Wildlife (Protection) Act.

1972 as amended in 2006. (Annexure XX)

Among recorded mammals Elephant (Elephas maimus), Pangolin

(Manis crassiicaudata) and Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) are enlisted in

Schedule-I of wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the others are in Sch. III

and IV.

The recorded avian fauna during the present study consisted of a total

of 119 species of birds belonged to 47 families. Among 119 species 90

(75.63%) species were resident, 17 (14.29%) species were resident migrant,

10 (8.40%) species were migrant (winter visitor) and 2 (1.68%) species were

summer visitor. Of the total species of birds 21 (17.65%) species were water

birds, 7 (5.88%) species were wetland dependent birds and the 91 (76.47%)

species were others birds which includes arboreal, bush birds and birds of

prey. Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), White-rumped Vulture (Gyps

bengalensis), Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) is enlisted in Schedule-I of

wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the others are in Sch. IV except House

Crow. Some species are not enlisted in any schedule. The checklist of bird

species recoded during site specific survey is enclosed. (Annexure XXI)

Among 21 species of reptiles recoded 15 species were snakes and 6

species were lizards. Snakes serve the mankind in different ways which go

unnoticed. The two economic aspects of the snakes are their role in nature as

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destroyers of insect and rodents. Among snakes, Spectacled Cobra, Banded

Krait, Common Krait, Russell’s viper, Green Pit-viper are poisonous. The

common non –poisonous snakes are India Rock Python, Rat Snake,

Checkered Keelback and Buff-stripped Keelback etc. Among Lizards,

Monitor Lizard, Indian house gecko, Rock lizard, Common Garden Lizard

and Skink etc. are found. Indian Rock Python (Python morulus) belong to

Schedule-I species. Monitor Lizard (Varanus monitor) is listed in Sch.II.

Among 14 species of fishes recorded Tilapia (Oreochromis

mossambicus) is enlisted as Near Threatened in IUCN Relist.

Village level survey for the presence of wildlife is enclosed (Annexure

XI). The species found in Chatra South Forest Division is also common to

West Forest Division, except for Sloth Bear which was only reported from

Chatra South Division.

1.15.2 HABIT AND HABITAT OF IMPORTANT THREATENED

SPECIES OF FAUNA

The habitat requirement of many threatened species or may probable

threatened in the future has been studied and habitat requirement for of

important species and their conservation is discussed. The wildlife

management and conservation plan for important fauna and their habitat

requirement will be the part of budget provision.

It is required to identify habit & habitat requirement of schedule -I.

Species so that their conservation requirement can be understood well and

planned well. The schedule-I species found in the study area are:

1) Elephant

2) Indian pangolin

3) Sloth Bear

4) Rock python

5) Peacock

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6) White-backed Vulture

7) Indian Vulture

1.15.3 MOVEMENT OF ELEPHANT IN THE PROJECT AREA

The destruction of wildlife corridors means the destruction of

biodiversity of the region. A wildlife corridor or green corridor is an area of

habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities. This

allows an exchange of individuals between populations, which may help

prevent the negative effects of inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity (via

genetic drift) that often occur within isolated populations. Corridors may also

facilitate the re-establishment of populations that have been reduced or

eliminated due to random events. This may potentially moderate some of the

worst effects of habitat fragmentation.

Wildlife corridors are susceptible to edge effects; habitat quality along

the edge of a habitat fragment is often much lower than in areas further from

the habitat edge. Wildlife corridors are important for large species requiring

significant sized ranges; however, they are also vital as connection corridors

for smaller animals and plants as well as ecological connectors to provide a

rescue effect.

Elephant corridors are narrow strips of land that allow elephants to

move from one habitat patch to another. There are 88 identified elephant

corridors in India. The elephant habitats of central India are spread over an

area of 17,000 km2 in the states of Jharkhand, Orissa and a part of southern

West Bengal. The 2500 elephants in the range occupy the most fragmented

elephant habitat of the country that has been degraded and fragmented due to

mining, shifting cultivation and developmental activities (The Right of

Passage, Wildlife Trust of India).

Jharkhand has two distinct elephant populations, viz. Palamau and

Singhbum and about 700 elephants. The Palamau population occupies about

1200 km2 of the Betla National Park, Palamau Tiger Reserve and adjoining

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areas. The Singhbum population occupies about 2570 km2 of the available

forest area of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and the forest of Saranda, Porhat,

Kolhan, Saraikala (formerly North Chaibasa) and Dhalbhum Forest

Divisions.

The forest area of project site of the concerned Forest Division is not a

part of already identified 14 corridors in India (The Right of Passage,

Wildlife Trust of India).

Apart from this although no other scientific study has been made to

identify corridor of wild animals like elephant in the project area yet the

official records showing the payment of compensation for human life as well

as for crop damage and site specific survey proves the movement of

elephants around proposed site. Details of compensation paid by Divisional

Forest Officers, Chatra South, and West Forest Division is being enclosed.

(Annexure –XXII and XXIII)

The information provided the Chatra South Forest Division show that

the village affected and movement of Elephant is in all the fives ranges of

Chatra South Division. The details of the affected villages is enclosed

(Annexure XXIV). Data provided by the Forest Department show that the

affected villages Phulwaria, Badhbigha, Dhangada and Nongaon falls in

project area through which the proposed railway line is passing. Generally

the movement of elephant movement is seen in this corridor at least every

year in the recent years since 2014-15. Data show that only one human kill is

reported from Varudi villages in Simaria range and the rest are crop and

house damage in the Chatra South Division during this period. Data available

from 2012-13 to 2016-17 from the forest department show that the conflict

has taken place at many places in the division which is not part of the

proposed area but Bisanapur villages part of the project area is the most

affected village where compensation has been given to the victims. Map

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showing the affected villages as provided by Chatra South Division is

enclosed (Map 2 and Map 3).

From the data available from the Hazaribag West Division show that

the movement of Elephant is mainly restricted to Barhi, Barkagaon,

Barkattha, Keraderi and Katkamshandi. Some incidence of elephant conflict

is reported Katkamsandi Block which falls in the rage of the project area

(Annexure XXIII). As reported by DFO West there is regular movement of

Elephant near Hesakudar, Khatautia, Sahpur, Manar and Katkamsandi region,

at least 2 or 3 times in a year. (Annexure XXV). The elephant from

Hazaribag Sanctuary enters in to this region and moves towards Chatra South

Forest Division and return back (Map 4).

During site specific study it was revealed that the movement of

elephant is seen in the project sites and at few places crosses the proposed

railway track. The movement of elephant was seen in 20 such villages in the

recent five years out of 29 villages in the proposed forest area. The number of

elephant seen ranges from minimum 1 to maximum 30. During movement

the elephant raid the agricultural filed, damages the crop and houses for

stored food grains. It was also found that the elephant crosses the railway

track at few places. The details of village survey in the study area for

elephant enclosed. (Annexure XXVI; Map 5)

Form the above study it was found that there is no regular movement

of elephant in normal condition neither resident population of elephants is

found in any of the Forest Division concerned. The forest area lying with the

railway line is not a part of identified corridor but it is part of area where

elephant moves occasionally, at least once or twice and sometime three times

in a year, during recent years. Their movement pattern is complex and further

study is needed after completion of project for further mitigation. After

discussion it is clear that elephant are not resident of this area but forms a

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corridor in the project area, movement of elephant is seen in the project area

concerned, and mitigation measures are essential for movement of elephant.

1.16 HABIT AND HABITAT OF IMPORTANT ANIMALS

The habitat requirement, feeding & breeding behaviour of some

important animals found in and around project area are as follows :-

MAMMALS

16.1 ELEPHANT

Common Name: Indian Elephant

Scientific Name: Elephas maximus indicus

Habit:

Elephant are social animals and may form herds of 20-30 individuals

led by the oldest female. Herds usually break into stable family groups of 4-7

animals for foraging and may rejoin. Elephant is intolerant of hot summer

and retreats into a shady spot during noon. In the past, when forest ranges

were continuous, elephants used to migrate seasonally in search of better

pastures alternating with forests. Human activities like cultivation, highways,

townships, railways, dams, industries and mines have now fragmented their

habitat and made seasonal migrations virtually impossible.

Habitat :

Elephants are animals of grass lands and scrub forests who have

secondarily switched over to forests once grass lands were mostly brought

under cultivation. The mosaic of grass, scrub forests, open forests and dense

forests suits them well. Elephants consume a variety of diet, bark, roots,

leaves, stems and twinges, bamboos, vines, shrubs belongings to 100 plus

species. An average day’s intake for adults is 150 Kg of vegetation (20-25%

body weight). Elephant may drink 100-140 liters of water at least once in a

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day. Elephants enjoy cultivated foods such as ripe paddy, banana, mango,

jack fruit, sugar cane.

Threats:

i. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to encroachment of forest.

ii. Poaching for tusk.

iii. Forest fire

iv. Conflict with human beings.

Conservation issue

i. Raid in the village and agricultural field for food leads to man-animal

conflicts.

ii. Loss of habitat for food and water.

iii. Particular attention should be paid to identifying ways to reduce human

conflict through promotion of methods that ensure to keep the elephant

away from human.

iv. Unawareness among the people. Awareness programme to reduce

conflicts.

16.2 BLUE BULL

Scientific Name : Boselaphus tragocamelus

Local Name : Nilgai

The Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), is the largest Asian antelope.

Nilgai, also known as Blue Bull, is one of the most commonly found wild

animals of northern India as well as eastern Pakistan. Even though it is an

antelope, it looks quite similar in appearance to an ox. Therefore, it has been

given the name of Blue bull in India. The average lifespan of the Blue bull is

21 years.

This is the largest antelope found in the division. The adult bull has a

coarse iron-grey coat, a white ring below and two white spots on each cheek.

Young bulls and cows are tawny. Bulls have stout come like horns-but not

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long. Blue bull avoid dense forests. Their usual hunts are hills sparsely dotted

with trees, or level or undulating plains covered with grass and patches. Blue

bull are very bold in cultivated fields. They feed upon grasses, leaves and

wild fruits till late in the morning and evening and seek shade during the day

specially in hot summer days. Nilgai like other antelope have habit of

resorting to the same spot to deposit their droppings, forming in this way

considerable accumulations.

Natural Habitat

Nilgai is a diurnal creature, found inhabiting Indian grasslands and

woodlands. It avoids dense forest and has preference for plains and low hills

with shrubs. Blue bulls generally come to the same place to deposit their

droppings.

Behaviour

Nilgai antelope is a sociable creature, usually found in single-sex or

mixed-sex herds. The membership of a herd may be anywhere between four

and twenty. In winter, male blue bulls of northern India are known to form

herds of 30 to 100 animals. Male Blue bulls, after they reach old age, may be

found leading a solitary life. One can also come across individual male or

female in cultivated or semi-urban areas.

Diet

Blue bulls of India are herbivorous creatures, surviving primarily on

grasses, leaves, buds, and fruits. Blue bull can survive for a long period of

time without water.

Generally, Blue bull prefers the mature growth stage of different crops

(e.g., paddy, maize, mustard, chili, cauliflower, cow-pea, black gram,

cabbage, etc), while wheat, potato, radish and pumpkin are preferred in the

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early stages of growth, and lentils are preferred at all stages. Blue bulls were

reported to feed on all the major crops grown in the boundary areas. Apart

from agricultural crops, Blue bulls also caused considerable damage to

vegetables..

Conservation Status

Nilgai antelope has been listed in the 'Low Risk' category by the

IUCN. The estimated population of Nilgai in India is approximately 100,000.

It is enlisted in schedule III of wildlife protection Act 1972. The main threat

to the Nilgai is from the destruction of its habitat to accommodate the ever-

swelling human population.

In India, it is believed that the Nilgai antelope is a sacred animal

(precisely a cow) and it is protected against hunting

THREATS AND CONSERVATION ISSUE

i. Although there has been a reduction in the overall range of nilgai, the

existing populations seem to be doing fairly well. This is largely

because of they are a protected species under the law, and more

importantly the protection they acquire from being considered sacred

due to their resemblance to domestic cows.

ii. Moreover, gradual degradation of dense forests into open scrub and

thickets, increasingly bordered by agricultural fields, has offered

favourable habitat conditions for the increase of nilgai numbers.

iii. Invariably, in such situations, nilgai has become serious pests as crop

raiders and a major issue of human-wildlife conflict. Possible solutions

voiced include a selective culling programme linked to licensed

hunting permits.

iv. Awareness generation among public.

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16.3 STRIPED HYENA

Scientific Name: Hyaena hyaena

Local Name : Lakkar baggha

Habits :

The hyena is rare in forested districts, abundant in open country,

especially were low hills and ravines offer convenient holes and caves for

shelter. Many lie hidden by day in high grass, under bushes or in cane fields

but the den usually preferred is cave amongst rocks or a hole dug in the side

of a hill or ravine. Quite often a hyena enlarges a porcupine’s burrow to suit

its needs. They come out in quest of food by night, retiring before sunrise.

Pairs usually go about together, sometimes a group of 5 to 6 is seen but this is

probably a family party. In search of food the hyena tramps many miles. Its

‘spoor’ is much like a dog’s except that the imprint of the forefoot is much

larger than that have hind, and that of the main pad is uneven and oval.

Animals that have died of disease or those killed by the larger beasts of

prey are the usual food of the hyena. Its share is the coarser remain the

heavier bones which the others reject. These it breaks and crushes with its

powerful jaws and teeth, swallowing and digesting great fragments. Portions

of the meal may be carried to the den to be eaten in greater security. Though

scavengers by profession, performing useful services as such, hyenas do not

feed wholly on carrion, occasionally sheep and goats and quite often stray

dogs are carried off by them. Some individuals, developing the cattle- killing

habit, become perfect pests on livestock. Larger cattle are seldom attacked.

Despite its bulk and power our hyena does not attack big animals, though an

individual may be quite prepared, if need be, to appropriate the kills of

panthers or even tigers. Hyena is regularly reported from the project site,

particularly in Hazaribag Sanctuary and Canary Hill.

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Little is known of the mating habits of this quite common animal.

Mating time is said to be in the cold weather. The young are born during the

hot season.

Threats

i. Road accident

ii. Killed by villagers when enters villages for cattle lifting.

iii. Habitat loss

Conservation issue

i. Lifting of cattle by Hyena leads to man-animal conflicts.

ii. Particular attention should be paid to identifying ways to reduce

human-carnivore conflict through promotion of methods that ensure

adequate numbers of prey persist and/or methods that reduce livestock

killing.

iii. Unawareness among the people. Awareness programme to reduce

conflicts.

16.4 MONKEY

Scientific Name: Macaca mulatta

Local Name : Hindi - Bandar,

Habits :

Captive or wild, this is the common monkey of Northern India. Large

troops live near or in villages and towns and in groves round taken and

temples. In the jungle, they usually keep to the fringes rarely penetrating into

the depths, except where driven to seek denser cover. Almost everywhere the

Rhesus enjoys freedom from molestation. To raid fields and gardens of a

morning or evening is their common and established practice, to which

popular and religious sentiment permits little check. Capture and export on a

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large scale has now abandoned many areas. Like most macaques, the Rhesus

feeds mainly on the ground. Some live habitually among rocks and cliffs

Breeding:

The Rhesus shows a definite breeding season, correlated with climatic

conditions. Mating takes place in all months of the year except March but the

greatest frequency was from October to December. A major birth season

(March to June) preceded the monsoon and a secondary brief post monsoon

birth season in September- October.

Threats

i. Hunting

ii. Deforestation – affect the food availability and habitat loss

iii. Forest Fire

Conservation issue

i. Enters into agricultural fields leading to conflict.

ii. Human interaction to be reduced

iii. Needs to improve habitat.

iv. Awareness generation among public.

16.5 COMMON LANGUR

Scientific Name: Presbytis entellus

Local Name : Langur, Hanuman

Common langur prefer miscellaneous forests specially having

abundant fruit bearing trees. These is a long-limbed, long tailed, black-faced

monkey. These are more arboreal than macaques but can live on rocks and

cliffs. They feed upon fruits, flower, buds, shoots and leaves. Khair fruits are

specially liked by them. These are mainly reported from Sanctuary area.

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They occasionally pillage gardens and cultivation, but are not such

habitual thieves and raiders as macaques. There is a marked breeding season

with a peak birth period in north India in April-May though young are seen

from February onwards.

Threat:

i. In spite of religious sentiments shown by tribals, primitive tribes like

Birhor and Birjas hunt them.

ii. Habitat loss due to intensive agriculture.

iii. Man-animal conflict and fires.

Conservation issue

i. Human-animal conflicts.

ii. Habitat management for wild population.

iii. Public education, monitoring, and limiting factor management.

16.6 SLOTH BEAR

Scientific Name : Melursus ursinus

Local Name : Bhalu

Habits:

Sloth Bear generally live where there is sufficient forest to provide

food and favour those places where projection of rock and fallen boulders

offer them shelter during the hot weather and during rain. These come out

shortly before sunset, hunt for food thought out to night and retire in the

morning. In cloudy and cool weather comes out during day. Food consists

mainly fruit and inset. Their favoured insect food is termite. Hungry Sloth

Bear may eat carrion. The fruit consists of banyan and other wild figs,

mangoes, bel etc. These also eat honey of large rock bee (Apis dorsata) &

Apis indica. Near human settlement they raid the sugarcane and maize crop

and climb the tree to drink toddy form the pots. These also eat Mahuwa fallen

on ground.

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Matting is in hot weather and young are born in December and

January. Slough Bear has lived in captivity for 40 years.

Threat:

i. Habitat loss.

ii. Man-animal conflict and fires.

Conservation issue

i. Human-animal conflicts.

ii. Habitat management for wild population.

iii. Public education, monitoring, and limiting factor management.

16.7 INDIAN PORCUPINE

Scientific Name: Hystrix indica

Local Name : Sayal, sahi,

Habits:

The Indian Porcupine favours rocky hill-sides. It adapts itself to any

type of country, moist or arid, and inhabits both open land and forest.

Porcupines come out after dark. They have a keen sense of small and display

high intelligence in evading traps. Vegetable of all kinds, grain fruit, and

roots are their main food. They can be very destructive in gardens and

cultivation, tunnel line under walls and hedges to make an entry. When

irritated or alarmed, porcupines erect their spines, grunt and puff, and rattle

their hollow tail quills. Their method of attack is peculiar. The animals

launches itself backwards enemy, drives its erect quills deep into it with

painful, or even fatal, results. It has been reported from canary hill apart from

Sanctuary.

The popular belief that porcupine “shoot’ their quills can be

disregarded. Porcupines were found with young in Madhya Pradesh in

March. Both parents usually occupy the burrow with their offspring, which

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may number 2 to 4. They are born are born with their eyes open and the body

covered with short soft spines.

Threat;

i. Hunting/Poaching for their quills and food.

ii. Habitat loss

Conservation issue

i. Habitat protection and conservation.

ii. Awareness generation among public

16.8 INDIAN WILD BOAR

Scientific Name: Sus scrofa

Local Name : Jangali suar

Habits:

Indian Wild boar live in grass or scanty bush jungle, sometime in

forest: after the rains, quite commonly in high crops. They are omnivours,

living on crops, roots, tubers, insects, snakes, offal, and carrion. They feed in

the early morning and late in the evening and, where much disturbed, chiefly

at night. These raid the agricultural field and eats crops and tubers. No animal

is more destructive to crops and in cultivated areas, it is impossible to make a

plea for its protection.

Wild boar display great intelligence and few animals show greater

courage and determination. The sense of smell is acute, the eyesight and

hearing moderate. Wild Boar are highly prolific. It is seen that breed at all

seasons. In central India the majority of young are born at two periods,

shortly before and shortly after the rains.

The period of gestation is said to be four months, four to six young are

born at a time. The mother shelters them in a heaped-up mass of grass or

branches which she builds before she litters.

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After breeding the big boars live along or in company with another of

equal size or with one or two sows.

Threat:

i. Hunting for meat, sport or in revenge for crop damage.

ii. Habitat loss.

Conservation issue

i. Habitat loss hence enters into agricultural field.

ii. Increases in population.

iii. Awareness for conservation.

16.9 JACKAL

Scientific Name : Canis aureus

Local Name : Siyar

The Jackal’s long-down, eerie howling at dusk or just before down is

perhaps more familiar to most people. It lives almost in any environment, in

humid forest country or in dry open plains or desert. The greater number lives

in around town and villages and cultivation, sheltering in holes in the ground,

among ruins or in dense grass and scrub. These usually comes out at dusk and

retires at dawn. Usually they go about alone or two or more hunt together.

They are good scavengers and clears the carcasses. They may hunt poultry

and goat. It is some time known to hunt small deer and wounded animals. It

has been reported from all the forest division.

Apart from this Jackals raid melon patches and sugarcane fields. Also

feeds upon fallen fruits of Ber tree. In the study area it was found that these

raid the Groundnut and sugarcane agricultural fields. Little is known about its

family life, it is so secretive in habits. Life span is about 12 years.

Threat

i. Road accident

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ii. Habitat loss

Conservation issue

i. A part from stealing poultry enters into agricultural field hence

conflict with the human.

ii. Little information is available on jackal densities, habitat use, and

ranging patterns in relation to food availability. Information on

dispersal, survival and mortality factors of adults, pups and

dispersing individuals is not known.

iii. Awareness generation programme for conservation

16.10 JUNGLE CAT

Scientific Name : Felis chaus

Local Name : Jangli billi,

Habit:

Jungle Cats inhabit the driver and more open parts of the country,

keeping more to grassland, scrub jungle, the reedy banks of river and

marshes. The Jungle Cat is frequently come out by day, more usually in the

mornings and evenings. Its movements in the open area much like those of a

small panther.

It preys on small mammals, birds, and when near villages on poultry.

There is record of one making bold to seize its prey even in the presence of

the owners. Very swift and exceedingly strong for its size, it is quite capable

of bringing down larger game.

Births have been recorded between January-April and in August and

November. The litter size usually 3 but occasionally up to 5 kittens. The eyes

open 11 to 15 days after birth.

Threats

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i. Enter in villages for stealing poultry due to this conflict with the

people and gets killed.

ii. Habitat loss and decrease in prey.

Conservation issue

i. Needs awareness among the people.

ii. Habitat improvement

16.11 SPOTTED DEER

Scientific Name : Axis axis

Local Name : Chital

They are commonly seen in herd of 10-30 individuals. They prefer

company of langurs and monkeys. These animals feed upon fruits and shoots

of trees fallen on ground after langurs and monkeys have finished their food.

They are fond of Mahua flowers and are often seen under Mahua trees. These

may enters the cultivations and eats up the crops. They are less nocturnal

them Sambhar and feed till late in the morning and in the afternoon. They

prefer open and shrubby areas and do require cover also.

Threats

i. Poaching for meat and skin

ii. Habitat loss

iii. Comes out in open during summer near villages for water.

Conservation issue

Since it is killed for meat and its skin and horns is used as

trophy. It is important to generate awareness among public for

importance of conservation.

16.12 BARKING DEER

Scientific Name : Muntiacus muntjak

Local Name : Kakar

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They are shy animal and hence are seen rarely. They are seen singly or

in pairs or in small family parties. They are best known by their call which is

quite distinctive than other deer. Their haunts are thickly wooded hills and

they peep more or less to thick jungle and come out to graze in the outskirts

of forests. They are fairly diurnal in habit. The food consists of various

leaves, grasses and wild fruits.

Threats

i. Poaching for meat and skin

ii. Habitat loss

iii. Comes out in open during summer near villages for water.

Conservation issue

Since it is killed for meat and its skin and horns is used as trophy. It is

important to generate awareness among public for importance of

conservation.

16.13 SAMBHARS

Sambhar, the largest of deer species in India, which is found all over

the P.A. The Sanctuary is suitable for the Sambhar on account of the fact that

it’s tract, the terrain, the climate and the vegetation make the habitat most

suitable for them. The Sambhars mostly browse on the leaves, young shoots,

flowers and fruits of the following species, Nyctanthes arbortristis, Bauhinia

species, Eugenia dalbergioides, Terminalia species, Zizyphus species, Leaves

of bamboo, Tender leaves of sal.

They have been rarely found grazing on grass. The food for sambhars

is usually available through out the year, though the intense heat and

incidences of fire make them strive hard for food during peak of summer.

Threats

iv. Poaching for meat and skin

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v. Habitat loss

Conservation issue

Since it is killed for meat and its skin and horns is used as trophy. It is

important to generate awareness among public for importance of

conservation.

16.14 HARES

Scientific Name : Lepus nigricollis

Local Name : Khargosh

Habit:

Large tracts of bush and jungle alternating with cultivated plains are

ideal conditions for habitat. They are less numerous in forests. They ascend

the hill to some height. L.n. ruficaudatus is found in Kumaon at levels

nearing 8000 ft (2400m) while L.n. nigricollis is common in the Nilgiris and

other south Indian hill ranges.

Many hares live in the neighbourhood of villages and cultivation. Here

they become unclean feeders. During the hot weather, when grass is scanty,

hares come to roadsides or even enter compounds to feed on the grass

growing there. They are partly nocturnal and during day/evening a hare

usually makes itself comfortable in some patch of grass. Scraping the blades

this way and that with its paws, it scoops out a hollow. In this ‘form’ it settles

down to sleep. Sometimes they lie up in uncultivated fields. They have many

enemies, foxes, mongooses, wild cats, even village pie-dogs prey upon them.

Lying still the hare is not easily detected and remains safe, unless stumbled

upon. A common refuge in flight is a fox hole or some such burrow.

Its particular breeding season is not recorded. The blacknaped Hare

breeds chiefly between October and February. Two young born in captivity

(in Kanara) were produced early in November. Their eyes were open at birth

and they were able to move about within twelve hours.

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Threats:

i. Poaching for meat.

ii. Threats from domestic dog which enters into forest.

Conservation issue

i. It is important to see that domestic or stray dog does not enters in

the forest.

ii. Habitat management.

16.15 SQUIRRELS

Scientific Name : Funambulus pennant, Funambulus palmarum.

Local Name : Gilhari

Habit:

The Five-striped Squirrel is the commonest and most familiar of all

Indian wild animals. It is not found in forest, but has forsaken forests to live

with man in and about his dwellings and fields. It has become almost as

department on man for food and shelter as house rats and mice, and lives in

crowded towns and cities, or in villages, it shelter in houses, gardens, groves

and hedges, and on roadside trees. Lively active sprites, frisking about on the

ground or scampering about the house or in the trees, their antics are always

pleasing to watch. But like most squirrels they are noisy creature.

The Three-striped Palm Squirrel on the other hand is a forest animal. It

has a particularly shrill bird-like call which it repeats again and again,

accompanying its music with quick jerks of its tail. Their food is the usual

food of all squirrels, fruits, nuts, young shoots, buds, and bark. When the silk

cotton trees are in bloom these squirrels visit the flowers to drink the nectar

and so probably help in their pollination. They also eat the pods. They are

partial to ‘prickly pears’ and, in fruiting time, may be seen in the thorny

cactus hedges, their mouths and feet stained red with the juice of the ripe

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fruit. Insects are eaten at a pinch, as also the eggs of birds. They are persistent

egg robbers.

The male and female come together for only a day or two during which

period it is probable that the female mates with more than one male. The

period of gestation is about six weeks. When about to bring forth her young,

the female builds an untidy nest of grass and leaves and fibers. This is placed

in a tree, or in the rafters of a house, or in holes in the walls. Two or three

young are produced. They are born blind and remain in the nest till able to

fend for themselves.

Threats:

Poaching

Conservation issue

Awareness among the people and in schools

16.16 CIVET

Scientific Name : Viverricula indica (Small Indian Civet)

Paradoxorus hermaphrodites (Common Palm Civet)

Local Name : Khatash

Two type of civets namely small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica) and

common paim Civet (Paradoxorus hermaphrodites) are found in the area.

Former is tawny, Grey or greyish brown white the latter is blackish brown

with long coarse hair. Palm Civet prefers slightly denser forests then small

Indian civet. They seek their food during night and prey upon rats, squirrels,

small birds. Lizards, insects and their grubs. They also eat fruits, roots and

other vegetable matter.

Threats:

i. Conflict with human

ii. Sometimes steals poultry

Conservation issue

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i. Awareness for conservation

ii. Habitat management.

16.17 COMMON MANGOOSE

Scientific Name : Hrpestes edwardsi

Local Name : Newala

They are not creature of forests but of open lands, of scrubs jungle and

cultivations near the villages. These prey upon rats, snakes, lizards, frogs,

scorpions and insects etc. It digs in moist soil for earthworm and eat eggs of

ground nesting birds. It also eats fruits, roots and carrion. It breeds all the

years and three litters may be produced in a year.

Threats

i. Hunted for keeping pet.

Conservation issue

i. Habitat management

REPTILES

A typical reptile is lizard-like in shape, with three main parts the head,

trunk and the tail constituting the body. Reptiles are the first vertebrates to

break their link with water and become truly adapted to terrestrial life. All

reptiles are covered by dry scales or horny plates. All are cold blooded

animals i.e. their body temperature is not constant and varies with the

surroundings. Most reptiles, barring the burrowing snakes and some

degenerate lizard, have fairly well developed eyesight. A vast majority of the

reptiles are carnivorous, insects constituting the principal food. Sexes are

separate but are not easily distinguishable. Most reptiles lay hard-shelled eggs

which are usually buried in pits in the soil for incubation but a few produce

live young. Parental care among reptiles is negligible.

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The beneficial role played by reptiles is little known. Lizards destroy

countless harmful insects. Snakes are efficient destroyers of rats which

damage our food crops. It is suggested that snakes can even be utilized as

indicators of levels of pollution. Snakes are used in basic research because

they spend their lives in slow motion capable of subsisting on a fraction of

food input. Apart from providing antivenin - the life saving antidote for

snakebite, the venom of snake is put to other uses. Cobra venom is said to be

an effective pain killer while that of the Russell’s viper can prevent excess

bleeding during the dental surgery.

The poisonous snakes found in the study area were Spectacled Cobra,

Banded Krait, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper, Green Pit-viper. The common

non –poisonous snakes are India Rock Python, Rat Snake, Checkered

Keelback and Buff-stripped Keelback. Among Lizards, Monitor Lizard,

Indian house gecko, Rock lizard, Common Garden Lizard and Skink are

found. Indian Rock Python (Python morulus) belong to Schedule-I species

and Common Indian Monitor Lizard belong to Schedule-II species which is

discussed below.

16.18 PYTHON

Scientific Name : Python molurus

Local Name : Ajgar

Habit:

The Indian Rock Python is a serpent of marshes, and wet rocky areas

near streams and pools. It is a resident of burrows, dense clumps of

vegetation, large rotten logs, caves, crevices and old ruins namely, structures

and monuments. It is a good clumber and sometime suspends itself from the

branches of trees, waiting motionless for a prey to come within its easy reach.

It is extremely fond of water and is an expert swimmer.

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Like all other species of reptiles it is cold blooded by nature and as

such it hibernates into hollows of trees, underneath rocks or rock-shelves.

The species is more nocturnal than diurnal.

Food:

Its dietary habits are largely restricted to reptiles (monitor lizard), birds

(peafowl, poultry, wild ducks) and mammals (hare, porcupine, langur, jackal,

mouse deer, hog deer, chital etc.) but seem to prefer mammals.

16.19 COMMON INDIAN MONITOR

Scientific Name : Varanus bengalensis

Local Name : Goha

Common Indian Monitor lizard famous in Indian history for its

reported use by Maratha heroes in scaling the walls of Mughal fortresses.

Monitors are distinguished by their long and flattened body, long tail, long

neck and the extremely elongated, slender, forked tongue, similar to that of

snakes. Eyes with well-developed eyelids. Head covered with small scales.

Body covered with small round or oval scales. Ventral scales arranged in

regular rows. Limbs well developed and the digits armed with strong claws.

Inhabits a variety of habitats from semi-deserts and scrub to evergreen

forests and plantations. Diet consists of a variety of insects and spiders,

snails, crabs, frogs, small mammals, birds.

Common threat to reptiles:

i. Several species of reptiles are killed for their valuable skin for

commercial use.

ii. A number of species of reptiles are, however, critically endangered

now due to the gradual loss of their habitat and overexploitation by

man for food, medicine and skin.

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iii. Fear from death due to snake bites make them vulnerable to human

kill.

Conservation issues

In general the reptilian fauna of India is on decline due to various

factors including environment apathy, habitat loss, forest fire and ignorance

of the common people towards them and their over exploitation for

commercial uses; besides, non-implementation of the conservation measure is

also important. Snakes don't get much legal protection because of the public

prejudice.

BIRDS

Birds are amongst the most eye-catching forms of animal life. These

are bipedal egg laying vertebrates in which the forelimbs have modified into

wings. There are about 10,000 living bird species in the world. Birds are one

of the best indicators of environmental quality of any ecosystem (Ripley,

1978). Of the total number of different species of birds known to inhabit

earth, about one tenth is found in India alone. The avifauna of India includes

around 1313 species (Grimmett et al., 2011).

The site specific survey reveals presence of at least 119 species of

birds belonged to 47 families. Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), Critically

endangered White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Indian Vulture (Gyps

indicus) is enlisted in Schedule-I of wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 which is

discussed below.

16.20 PEAFOWL

Scientific name: Pavo cristatus

Local name : Mor

Habit:

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Inhabits dense scrub and deciduous jungle – plain and foot hill –

preferably in the neighbourhood of rivers & streams. Polygamous; usually

parties of one cock with 4 or 5 hens.

Food

Eats grains, vegetables shoots. Snakes, insects, lizards.

Peacocks lose their train during and after heavy rains, and feathers are

picked up to make brooms, fans, wing quills etc. in order times it was used

for the purpose of writing. The peafowl are also killed by eagles & leopards.

Men hunt them for table purpose.

16.21 WHITE BACKED VULTURE

Scientific name: Gyps begalensis

Local name : Giddh

Habit:

Our commonest vulture. A carrion feeder and useful scavenger on the

countryside and in the environs of towns and villages. Large gatherings

collect at animal carcasses with astonishing promptness and demolish then

with incredible speed. Thought a repulsive creature at close quarters, a

vulture gliding effortlessly in the sky is the very embodiment of graceful

motion.

Nesting:

October to March, Nest is a large untidy platform of sticks on top of a

Eucalyptus, Banyan, tamarind or similar tree, often along roadside or near

villages. Egg is a singleton, white, occasionally speckled and spotted with

reddish brown.

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16.22 INDIAN VULTURE (Long Billed Vulture)

Scientific name: Gyps indicus

Local name: Giddh

Habitat:

A northern race inhabits the Himalayan foothills and other mountains

areas, while a southern race occupies the plains of India and Southeast Asia.

Food:

Like other vultures it is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of

dead animals which it finds by soaring over Savannha and around human

habitation. They often move in flocks.

Threats to Vultures:

1. Habitat loss eg. Eucalyptus, Peepal etc

2. Use of NSAID drug (Diclofenac) It is a non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory drug (NSAID) given to diseased animals to reduce

pain. When such animal dies the carcass is devour by vulture.

The residue left in the body of carcass acts as poison causing

liver & kidney failure leading to death of vultures.

3. Forest fire

4. Conflict with human beings

5. Pesticides and organic chemicals in food chain

Common threats to the bird

i. Hunting/Poaching

ii. Habitat loss

iii. Pesticides

iv. Use of NSAIDs

v. Electrocution due to transmission line

Conservation issue

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i. Habitat loss due to anthropogenic activity should be compensated

by plantation of food yielding plants and nesting trees.

ii. The habitat of the wetland species of birds (water bodies like pond,

lakes etc.) for roosting, nesting and feeding is important. Hence the

water management is important survival.

iii. Artificial nest to be installed in villages and trees around the impact

zone to compensate the loss of habitat due to ground clearance

during construction and pruning work.

1.17 MAN ANIMAL CONFLICT

The information provided by DFO Chatra South division show that the

conflict with the elephant has taken place in Simaria, Piri, Tandwa, Chatra

and Lawalong range. Except for Bisnapur no other incident has taken place in

the project area in the last five year. One human death is reported from varudi

village (Simaria) in 2014-15 (Annexure XXII). A part from this cases of

hunting/poaching of Barking Deer, Spotted Deer and Hyena has been

reported from the Chatra South Forest Division in last five years from 2012-

13 to 2016-17. Although one seizure of skin of Leopard has taken place but

the poaching case was of not this division (Annexure XXVII).

Data provide by the West Division depicts that the man-elephant

conflict has been reported from Ichak, Barkattha, Katkamshandi, Padma and

Barhi. Katkamshandi falls in the project area. (Details Enclosed- Annexure

XXIII). A part from this cases of hunting and poaching of Barking Deer,

Deer, Wild Boar, Jackal, Birds and Blue Bull has been reported from the

West Forest Division in last five years from 2012-13 to 2016-17. Accidental

death of Hyena is also been reported. (Annexure XXVIII).

The recorded scenario from the data provided by the DFOs, depicts

that most of the conflicts are resultant of crop raiding by Elephant, Nilgai,

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Wild Boar. Poaching is also an issue in both the division. Besides few

incidence of cattle killing and injuries to human is due to presence of Jackel

and Hyena. Apart from this during the village level survey in the sample

area and talking to local peoples it was found that most of the conflicts are

resultant of crop raiding by Elephant, Blue bull (Nilgai), Wild Boar and

conflict was due to Hyena and Jackal. Specially herbivores are found of

maize and paddy crop. Beside this snake bite cases have been reported from

almost all the places. A few incidences of cattle killing/lifting due to presence

of Hyena, Jackal, was reported during the survey. Such man-animal conflicts

should be resolved giving attention towards sensible scientific &

compassionate approach (Annexure XI).

The detail analysis of the data provided by the forest department and

village level survey during last five years clearly show that man animal

conflict has been taken place and as such compensation has been paid to the

people. Except for the fact that during the survey it was found that the

villagers are not getting compensation due to damage caused by Blue Bull

menace and death due to snake bite in the affected areas. This is mainly due

to non-reporting of cases to the forest department due to lack of evidence.

Since the Blue Bull raid the agricultural field in night they are unable to

collect photographic evidence except the damages done to the crop. Steps are

required to give compensation related to snake bite in the forest area.

1.18 ANALYSIS OF FOREST WORKING PLANS

The working/management plan of the concerned Forest Division

prescription for management of forest and wildlife has mentioned two major

strategy for wildlife management i.e. Habitat Management of protection of

micro habitat like caves, overhangs, dens, clefts, large rocks on river beds

and nalas.

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Besides this working plan also prescribe for macro habitat like riparian

zones, wetlands, old growth stands and grasses etc. The matter has been

discussed with forest officials regarding the implementation of prescribed

recommendation in working plan. Due to paucity of fund for management of

special habitat of wildlife, prescription implemented are not satisfactory. So,

the microhabitat has been neglected or disturbed by the local people.

The other prescription includes prevention of poaching, management

of water, registration of fire arms and trophies, prevention against spread of

disease and awareness generation among the public. To reduce man animal

conflict compensation has been paid in the ranges but during site specific

survey it was found that some has not received compensation or they receive

compensation late in the in project area villages.

Problems specific to the Division

Scarcity of water during the month of April to June is of such extent

that wild animals die of starvation. Wild animals have very few water sources

during these months to drink the water. Restricted number of water

availability spots force them to come to these spots making them more

vulnerable to poaching. Incidence of poaching of wild animals have taken

place. Since the wild animals comes to villages for drinking water where

domestic cattle also drink on these sources of water, incidences of spread of

disease is high.

1.19 CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE PROPOSED AREA

(i) All the forests fall in subgroup 5B, i.e. northern Tropical Dry

Deciduous Forests as classified by Champion and Seth

(ii) Supports available population of wild life species like Blue bull,

Hyena, Jackal, Monkeys, Porcupine, Pangolin, Spotted Deer, Indian

Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Hare, Squirrels, Cobra, Python, Vultures,

Peacock & many other birds etc.

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(iii) The proposed area in the West Forest Division is close to the

boundary of Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary and falls in Hazaribag

Wildlife Sanctuary Eco sensitive Zone as per the draft notification.

(iv) Hazaribag Sanctuary has been identified as IBA (Important Bird

and Biodiversity Area).

(v) Catchments conservation of rivers and its tributaries.

(vi) Supports local population.

(vii) Scope for Wildlife Research and nature education.

1.20. METHODOLOGY

The railway line passes through 31 villages from Shivpur to Kathautia.

There are 29 villages in which the rail line passes through which have P.F./

Jungle Jhari. Since the project is site specific all the 29 villages of project

area were selected for sampling to have maximum representation of the area

of the concerned division for study.

The primary data of the study for flora and fauna was obtained by

survey in the study area by direct observations and the secondary data was

collected from the village survey/literature and Working/Management Plan of

the concerned forest division. The secondary data was also collected from the

concerned Forest Division for man-animal conflict. The study of flora and

fauna was conducted along the proposed railway track corridor in a stretch of

49 km area covering slightly more than 100 meters on both side of railway

line and covering all the 29 study sites passing through the forest in the

stretch. The socioeconomic, demographic details and land use pattern was

taken from census of India 2011. Village level survey was also conducted

with interviews/consultations and group meeting with the local people in the

villages.

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Maximum number of 29 sites/villages were considered in the study.

Almost 100 % sampling was done to have maximum representation of the

area with a view to gather more data for better analysis by stratified random

sampling. Literature and data available in the management plan were also

consulted. The data provided by the forest department was also used for

analysis. The study was conducted between August 2017 to May 2018.

The study of flora was aimed at enumeration of the available plant

resources and obtaining a broad representation of the existing floristic

variations in the forest area and surrounding village/railway track areas.

Enumeration of the plant wealth was done by surveying the area through

walking along the gradients of hillocks and valleys followed by collection

and identification of plant specimens during the pre and post-monsoon

periods. Phyto-sociological aspects of the study were carried out by sampling

through quadrates method as mentioned above. Sample plots were selected

in such a way to get maximum representation of different types of vegetation

and plots were laid out in different parts of the areas within the forest area as

well as the surrounding village/road side. Selection of sites for vegetation

data was made by random sampling procedure. Frequency and density of the

flora were also studied and compare with withford’s index.

The study of fauna was conducted by random sampling method.

Survey were also conducted along the course of proposed railway line,

covering all the project sites, for the presence of different species of animals.

The primary data was collected by direct sighting method. The secondary

data was collected by interviews/consultations/group meetings with the

locals. Relevant literature and data available in the working plan were also

consulted and taken into account. The search for the vertebrates and selected

groups of invertebrates fauna was made frequently in the study area in

different seasons.

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Standard binocular Olympus 10x50 DPS I and camera Sony Cybershot

63x were used during study. Standard books and guides were used for the

identification of species. The list of experts involved in the study are enclosed

as Annexure XXIX.

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CHAPTER – 2

2.1 ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ailway, roads and electricity transmission lines (powerlines) are

an essential part of India's development, providing for vital

needs of transport, communication, and power. The creation, expansion, and

maintenance of such infrastructure also carries, however, significant

ecological and environmental impacts and social and cultural consequences.

Such impacts are particularly serious for sensitive natural areas, especially

Protected Areas (PAs) such as Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks,

Community Reserves, and Wetlands. Although protected areas are important

for wildlife yet consensus has been formed at national level that more number

of wildlife is reported in outside forest areas other than protected areas.

Hence, the developmental projects passing through forest areas other than

protected areas are much more important for wildlife management and

mitigation measures. The Apex Court as well as National Wildlife Board has

taken this view very seriously and has taken attempt to make it mandatory to

prepare a comprehensive wildlife plan for all development projects which

involves even forest areas outside protected areas.

R

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Railway and road network systems are vital to today’s economy and

society. Not only do railway and road provide for safe and efficient

movement of goods and people across cities and continents, throughout the

world they have become a permanent part of our physical, cultural and social

environment. Railways and their networks are one of the most prominent

human-made features on the landscape today. However, as railway networks

extend across the landscape and their weave intensifies, natural areas become

increasingly fragmented and impoverished biologically.

Broad and long lasting impacts on wildlife are caused by habitat

impairment. The habitat requirements of many animal species do not permit

them to adjust to changes created by land disturbance. These changes reduce

living space. The degree to which a species or an individual animal tolerates

human competition for space varies. Some species tolerate very little

disturbance. Large mammals and other animals displaced from their home

ranges may be forced to use adjacent areas already stocked to carrying

capacity. This overcrowding usually results in degradation of remaining

habitat, lowered carrying capacity, reduced reproductive success, increased

interspecies and interspecies competition, and potentially greater losses to

wildlife populations than the number of originally displaced animals.

The Indian railways is the third largest railway network in the world. It

network of over 64,000 route-km has linked markets and connected communities

across the length and breadth of the country. Indian Railways operates 12,000

passengers trains every day and 7000 freight trains. It transports 2.8 million tons

of freight traffic and 30 million passenger every day (WII, 2016).

Indian Railways run on three gauges: the meter and narrow gauges are

mostly single line and non-electrified; broad gauge contributes about 91% of

total track km and accounts for 97.9% of passenger and almost 100% of the

freight traffic(WII, 2016).

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Understanding the nature of ecological impacts of linear infrastructure is

essential to the identification of measures to avoid, reduce or remedy them. The

development of roads, railway lines and transmission lines can impact wildlife in

a variety of ways. The impacts of railways and road on wildlife are similar, as

they convert a strip of land into an area where fast-moving cars or trains can

collide with and kill or injure animals. Railways and roads also emit noise, light

and chemical pollution (Dorsey et al. 2015), and can act as barriers to

movement (WII, 2016).

However, railways are generally believed to provide a more eco-friendly

mode of transport than roads and highways (Borken-Kleefeld et al. 2010). This

view is true only in terms of fuel efficiency and air emissions. Their ecological

impact is also relatively low when compared to that of roads because of smaller

direct spatial footprint due to a narrower ROW and lower induced impacts

resulting from settlements, logging, poaching etc., in natural areas through which

they pass. Railways are known to have a negative impact on ecosystems during

the construction phase (e.g. laying of tracks and erecting buildings, bridges and

other infrastructure) and in the operational phase (e.g. running of trains,

maintenance of tracks, etc.).

During the 5th meeting of India's National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

held on 18 March 2010, under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Prime

Minister, it was decided that there is a need to evolve guidelines to mitigate

the growing impact of various linear intrusions such as roads, pipelines,

transmission lines, etc., in wildlife habitats.

In the 20th meeting of the Standing Committee of the NBWL held on

13 October 2010, it was discussed that linear intrusions were a serious issue

and a sound policy needs to be framed consulting various experts. Keeping in

view the above opinion the steering committee, responsible for clearance of

forest land diversion proposal involving linear projects has started

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recommending formulation of wildlife conservation/mitigation project as an

important component for stage 2 clearance (NBWL, 2011).

2.2 DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF RAILWAY LINE

Detrimental effects are defined as any effect that leads to loss,

conversion, or disturbance of natural areas, or that results in degradation,

fragmentation, spread of invasive alien species, pollution, or that causes

injury and death of individuals, or decline or extinction of populations of

native wildlife species (plants and animals). The following detrimental effect

may occurs due to linear project in the area, including but not restricted to

those listed in the following table.

Table 2.1 : Detrimental effect of railways

Sl.

No. Detrimental effect Remark

1 Wildlife mortality (accident and electrocution) Yes

2 Habitat loss and degradation Yes

3 Barriers causing habitat fragmentation Yes

4 Conduits for invasive alien species Yes

5 Effects on population genetics Yes

6 Landslides and soil erosion Yes

7 Increased human presence and pollution (including noise and air) Yes

8 Ecological traps Yes

9 Change in animal behaviour in or along linear instruction Yes

10 Effects on local and indigenous peoples Yes

11 Higher light penetration and desiccation of vegetation Yes

12 Higher wind speeds and wind-throw of trees in forest areas Yes

13 Cutting of all vegetation resulting in weed proliferation and

suppression of native vegetation regeneration Yes

14 Disturbance related to construction and maintenance Yes

15 Increased risk of fires, deliberate and due to desiccation Yes

16 Pollution, sedimentation, and changed discharge regimes into water

bodies Yes

17 Impairment of natural aesthetic and scenic values due to built

structures Yes

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2.3 Environmental Impacts Found in Railway Projects

Impacts of railways have been documented mostly in Europe, North

America, Australia, and more recently in China (WII, 2016). Studies on the

ecological impacts of railways on wild animals in India are, however, generally

lacking, with the exception of a few studies that have highlighted mortalities of

animals like elephants and tigers on railway tracks (e.g. Singh et al., 2001).

As described in the detailed (Raman, 2011), road established as linear

intrusions in such natural areas, cause habitat loss and fragmentation, spread

of invasive alien species, desiccation of vegetation, wind-throw damage to

trees in forest areas, increased incidence of fires, animal injury and mortality

(e.g., road kill), changes in animal behaviour, increased developmental,

tourist and hunting pressures, increase in pollution, garbage, and various

disturbances. Road may also have negative effects on indigenous and

marginalised people, rural and forest-dwelling communities through loss of

land and relocation. These effect are also common in railway. Likewise,

railways may pollute water and air, cause noise, act as a source of garbage and

human wastes, and facilitate the spread of invasive species within wildlife

habitats. Altered drainage patterns and pollution or sedimentation of aquatic

ecosystems can also lead to degradation of habitats. Disturbance from poorly-

supervised construction workers could pose additional threats of unauthorised

activities.

Railways are known to be misused by the mafias in certain areas to

smuggle timber and wildlife from forest (WII, 2016).

Wildlife populations often decline due to the cumulative impacts of

railways over time. The area of forest habitat affected by railway track

(ecological footprint) may be much larger than the actual cleared footprint

due to negative edge effects that penetrate the forest to varying distances. The

most common categories of environmental impacts appearing in the study

area are described briefly in the following paragraphs.

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2.3.1 Wildlife Mortality/Injury (Kill/accident)

Rail and road induced mortality and injury is probably the most

acknowledged effect on wildlife, kills ranging from those of reptiles, to small

rodents to deer, to large cats and mega herbivores such as elephant are a

common view along roads and rail tracks (WII, 2016). Railway track

represent an obstacle to maintaining ecological connectivity and viable

wildlife populations. Reduced landscape connectivity and impeded

movements due to railway track may result in higher mortality, lower

reproduction and ultimately smaller populations and lower population

viability. Perhaps the most obvious direct effect of railway track is the effect

on faunal mortality and injury due to collisions with moving trains. Death of

elephant due to trains have been well documented (Singh et. al., 2001;

Williams et al., 2001; Roy et al., 2009; Sharma 2009; Joshi 2010; Rangarajan

et al., 2010).

Trains cause mortality by direct collision, electrocution, entrapment and

wire strikes (Dorsey et al. 2015). A large number of wild animals are run over

by trains in India every year. In the past two and half decades, India has lost over

200 elephants (Elephas maximus) as a consequence of hits by trains (WTI, 2013)

in different parts of the country.

According to Eco-friendly measures to mitigate impacts of linear

infrastructure on wildlife (WII, 2016), aases of mortalities on railway tracks

have also been recorded for many other wildlife species including tiger

(Panthera tigris), lion (Panthers leo persica), leopard (Panthera pardus),

rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), gaur (Bos gaurus), sloth bear (Mlursus

ursinus), fishing cat (Prionalurus viverrina), leopard cat (Prionalurus

bengalensis), wild boar (Sus scrofa), hog deer (Axis porcinus), Chital (Axis

axis), barking dear (Muntiacus muntjak), sambar (Rucervus unicolor), blue

bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus), goral (Nemorhaedus goral). porcupine

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(Hystrix indica), crocodile (Crocodilus palustris), monitor lizard (Varanus

spp., python (Python molurus) and various species of turtles, snakes and frogs.

Apart from direct collision, since the railway line will be electrified the

impacts on wildlife such as bats and bird will also vulnerable to electrocution

during operation phase.

These deleterious effects have underscored the need to maintain and

restore essential movements of wildlife species across roads, particularly

those with passing through the forest and elephant movement zone in the

project area. In view of their great mobility and extensive spatial

requirements for survival, large mammalian fauna are vulnerable to rail

effects. The railway track proposed in the area in near future due to high

traffic will restrict the animal from free movement.

Reptiles like snakes and turtles, which sometimes bask on the warm

rail track to regulate their body temperatures, are at greater risk of being run

over by moving train.

The animals are killed during railway track construction, earthwork

and annual maintenance operations, particularly slow-moving and burrowing

species such as turtles, snakes, and soil fauna. Direct impacts include plant

and animal death caused by construction equipment.

Many animals are struck and badly wounded by trains along rail track

but manage to flee or drag themselves away from the rail corridor to die

unseen and unrecorded some distance away. It is not unusual for rail-killed

animals to be removed off the rail or consumed by scavengers, and thereby

the kills go unrecorded. Another compounding factor is the attraction of

animals to killed carcasses, which may lead to further deaths from speeding

trains until the carcass is safely disposed away from the rail track.

Since these incident may happens during any time of the day or night

and there is no mechanism of monitoring all the time, these incidence goes

unnoticed.

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2.3.2 Railway line as cause for habitat loss and degradation

There is direct loss of habitat during establishment and maintenance of

railway track. This happen due to clearing of vegetation, dumping of

excavated earth and materials, movement of heavy vehicles and earth-

movers, creation of labour camps etc. The effects of these disturbances may

persist in the landscape for years to decades.

Indirect impacts of habitat loss also include displacement of

individuals that may eventually die from predation or the greater competition

and less resources for each animal in the adjacent habitats into which animals

are forced. Some species with high fidelity to home range will be

detrimentally affected as they resist shifting and are forced to continue in the

same cleared or degraded location.

In forest areas, rail-related clearing may also result in higher wind-

speeds that may negatively affect trees, increase stress due to desiccation and

damage and mortality from wind-throw.

The condition of wildlife habitats adjacent to railway line often suffers as

a result of construction activities such as trenching and digging and the presence

of construction camps. Impacts typically include invasion by exotic weeds, and

pollution due to liquid or solid wastes or emissions. The effects of heavy metals

such as lead from motor vehicle on trees and soils, and numerous chemical

elements arising from vehicles, fuels and corrosion, and wear and tear of vehicle

components, are recognised impacts. In addition, the habitat may become less

attractive to wild animals due to noise, lights or human presence.

Roads and railway lines dissect contiguous habitat patches, resulting in

smaller patch sizes and higher edge-to-interior ratios, making them increasingly

vulnerable to outside disturbance. In the present case of railway line bisect the

forest from Shivpur to Khathotia in two half. The fragmentation of habitat into

spatially isolated parts is a major cause of the decline of biodiversity (Stuart et

al. 2004).

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2.3.3 Impacts of headlight glare on wildlife

Artificial lights may contribute to disturbance of wildlife near roads

(Seller 2002). It may disorient birds (Poot et al. 2008), disturb breeding and

foraging behaviour in birds (Hill 1992), repel spiders and beetles (Mader et

al. 1990), and Influence the behaviour of nocturnal frogs (Buchanan 1993). It

is also thought that a flash of artificial light causes an animal to become

temporarily blind, popularly called the 'deer-in-the-headlights' effect,

reducing its chances of avoiding collisions with vehicles (Rich & Longcore

2006).

Headlight glare can interfere with the flights of birds and bats, it can

disrupt homing behaviour and mating calls (croaking) of amphibians in

wetland habitats, and influence navigational ability and decline in population

of reptiles (Perry & Fisher 2006).

2.3.4 Habitat impairment / Barrier effect

The barrier or fragmentation effects of railway line result when

animals within populations are unable to approach or cross railway track to

connect habitats, access mates or meet other biological requirements. The

avoidance of railway track or limiting crossing opportunities is generally

attributed to rails characteristics, such as traffic density, noise, gradient and

width of railway track. Other physical features of railway track and adjacent

habitat have been shown to limit animal movement or be associated with the

occurrence of rail track-killed animals. The traffic in the proposed railway

track is going to become high in coming years and it will go on increasing.

Rails may reduce access to saltlicks or waterholes by wild animals in

general, access to summer and winter ranges by ungulates, to wetland

breeding sites by amphibians, and to upland nesting habitat by turtles.

One of the major changes associated with landscape modification is the

loss and fragmentation of habitat. Less conspicuous than other forms of

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habitat disturbance, linear features can have immense and pervasive impacts

on wildlife populations (Forman and Alexander 1998).

Many animals migrate each day and search for water, shelter and food.

Fragmentation can create a barrier that prevents animals from locating their

basic supplies in an efficient manner. This obstruction is especially critical in

extreme weather when food and water may not be available within close

range. Animals will have to seek out other areas that may not be as beneficial

to them. This hardship can affect the health and welfare of the creatures.

One of the major ways that habitat fragmentation affects biodiversity is

by reduction in the amount of available habitat for all organisms in an

ecological niche. Habitat fragmentation invariably involves some amount of

habitat destruction. Plants and other sessile organisms in these areas are

usually directly destroyed. Mobile animals (especially amphibians, reptiles,

birds and mammals) retreat into remnant patches of habitat. This can lead to

crowding effects and increased competition.

Additionally, habitat fragmentation leads to edge effects.

Microclimactic changes in light, temperature and wind can alter the ecology

around the fragment, and in the interior and exterior portions of the fragment.

Fires become more likely in the area as humidity drops and temperature and

wind levels rise. Exotic and pest species may establish themselves easily in

such disturbed environments, and the proximity of domestic animals often

upsets the natural ecology. Also, habitat along the edge of a fragment has a

different climate and favours different species from the interior habitat. Small

fragments are therefore unfavourable for species which require interior

habitat.

As railway line become wider and busier, the number of animals

crossing and the rate of accidental kill usually increases, but beyond a point it

may actually begin to decrease. This usually happens when railway track

become single to double catering heavy traffic every day. The reduction may

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be due to the decimation of wildlife populations along the railway track as

well as a ‘barrier’ effect, where many animals actively avoid the rail track

and avoid crossing it. A railway track like this passing through a forest or key

natural habitat essentially cleaves it into two pieces. For many species, this is

an added fragmentation of an already fragmented habitat.

2.3.5 Rails and genetic effects on animals

The effect of rails as a barrier to individual movements may add

another indirect impact: the genetic alteration due to reduced exchange

between populations. A recent review by Holderegger and Di Giulio (2010)

reported that, although most roads and highways have only recently been

built and only few generations might thus have passed since road

construction, several studies have found negative effects of roads on genetic

diversity and genetic differentiation in animal species, especially for larger

mammals and amphibians. Railways may thus rapidly cause genetic effects

and wildlife crossing or passage structures may be required to stave off such

population genetic effects.

2.3.6 Rails as conduits for invasive alien species

The increased light levels, exposure, and microclimatic effects of

railway track such as heating and drying, produce conditions that favour the

establishment of alien (exotic) weed species. A road also provides a

movement corridor for the dispersal of weeds. This often results in the

development of exotic grasslands or shrubby swathes of woody weeds along

verges which enables the penetration of more weeds and animal pests alien to

the surrounding forest habitat.

Invasive alien weed species may spread into adjoining natural

ecosystems and affect the natural recruitment of native plant species. Weeds,

including species such as Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata

(Eupatorium) may also increase fuel loads, resulting higher risk or intensity

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of fire. Fire can strongly alter plant composition by allowing greater

infestation of species that are more prone to burning.

Besides plants, many animal species of other vegetation types,

including feral and domestic species may spread along railway track into

natural ecosystems.

2.3.7 Rails as cause for landslides and soil erosion

Railway track construction is associated with increased frequency of

landslides and other forms of erosion in steep forested landscapes. Railway

track drains divert water from the normal processes of overland runoff and

underground seepage, which instead passes into the substrate of the rail zone

perched on the hill slope. Therefore, slopes and verges need to be protected

from concentrated flows and erosion.

2.3.8 Rail impacts on aquatic ecosystems

Adjoining aquatic habitats may, be affected by erosion and landslides,

sedimentation, flow patterns and channelisation, with subsequent impacts on

aquatic and stream bank life both up- and down-stream from the clearing.

Alteration of stream flow, siltation and sediment loading, and pollution are

some main degradation concerns. Alteration of stream flow regime is both

caused and indicated by stream siltation.

2.3.9 Rails as ecological traps

In most cases, the railway track and verges are of little use to most

animals. Some species, usually common species such as Doves, Pigeon,

Mynas, Kite and Rodents, may be attracted to rails for scraps of food thrown

by the passengers. Some reptiles such as lizards and snakes may be attracted

to bask on the hot surface of rail track on a sunny day. In these cases, the road

becomes an ecological death-trap, where the very adaptations evolved over

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millennia to enable these species to locate their food and thrive in their

environment now propel them to their death (Raman, 2009).

2.3.10 Rails and change in animal behaviour

Most of the animals that are killed on railway tracks, merely trying to

cross to the other side. Yet railway track crossing can be a risky affair, and

many species are behaviourally susceptible to avoiding rail track and road-

crossings. Animals may also be seriously stressed or change their behaviour

in the vicinity of rails. In African rainforests, Laurance et al. (2008) also

found that the species richness and abundance of several nocturnal primates,

smaller ungulates, and carnivores, many of which are affected by changes in

forest structure, were significantly depressed within approximately 30 m of

roads.

2.3.11 Rails, people and pollution

Water, land, air and sound pollution may adversely impact the general

health and fertility of wild animals (and livestock). Rails transporting, coal,

petroleum products, compressed/ liquefied gases, chemicals and other toxic or

hazardous materials are similar to factories in their potential impacts.

According to Parris (2015), if the noise is loud enough and present for

long it can have serious and significant impacts. Due to huge traffic volume

noise will also keep on disturbing the project area keeping the animal

separated from the adjoining habitat. Another long-term aspect is the issue of

increased access. This results in various forms of pollution (solid waste,

chemicals and heavy metals from vehicles and rail tarck construction,

garbage from passengers, noise pollution and air pollution. Waterways may

also be polluted by storm water runoff from adjoining areas (coal dust, heavy

metals and other contaminants).

Effects of chemical pollutants and nutrient runoff are likely to be

especially serious for streams and wetlands near rails, with major pulses of

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waterborne pollutants and nutrients entering aquatic ecosystems with heavy

rains at the onset of the wet season. Such contaminants can have wide-

ranging effects: for example, many aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates are

sensitive to water pollution; waterborne nutrients can promote harmful

eutrophication; and heavy metals are often biomagnified in aquatic food

chains.”

The role of labourers who are staying within protected areas during

railway track construction is also a serious concern. The impacts of labour

camps (hunting, disturbance, erosion, garbage) can be severe.

2.3.12 Rails impacts on local and indigenous peoples

Rails can also lead to negative impacts on local and indigenous

peoples, as well as social imbalances resulting from market penetration or

iniquitous distribution of benefits. Proponents of rails take it as 'given' that

any railway line is beneficial to locals, yet proper assessments of benefits are

rarely carried out. A rail leading into a village, for instance, may benefit a

small number of traders or merchants, without substantial benefits to

agriculturists, or a rail through the hills, may primarily benefit distant

tourists, without bringing benefits to local populations.

2.3.13 Human-Wildlife Conflict

Linear structure like railways may disrupt the normal movement

pattern of wild animals. This may force them to enter human settlements

raiding the crop and lifting of livestock may increase, this results in increased

man-animal conflict.

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2.4 SUMMARY OF THREATS TO WILDLIFE

In the present context the following are perceived to be the main

threats for the wildlife in the proposed area.

1. Significant mortality of invertebrates and vertebrates animals

particularly as amphibians, reptiles, soil fauna, Jackal and birds.

2. Disturbance in the movement of elephant in the area.

3. Major impact will be collisions of animals and habitat

fragmentation.

4. Nesting and breeding grounds of various species will get disturbed.

5. Shortage of food, cover and water base for wild fauna are expected

to due to habitat fragmentation in the corridor area.

6. The entire area is also being heavily grazed by domestic cattle.

7. Air, water and noise pollution.

8. Forest fire

9. Increase in man-animal conflict.

10. If the ground vegetation is not maintained or cut regularly it may

cause fire. Such incidence will adversely affect the flora and fauna

and microclimate of soil. This will further degrade the area leading

to its barren status. Besides valuable soil moisture; nesting sites of

innumerable birds & insects habitats, several palatable species of

grasses will be lost due to fire causing a lot of hardships to the

existing wildlife.

2.5 METHODOLOGY

Almost all the forest area of the proposed site were visited by the

expert team to have maximum interaction with villagers and field

observation. Besides detailed information has been obtained regarding crop

pattern, livelihood option, dependency on forest conflicts with wild animals

in 29 sampled village including almost all the villages falling in the proposed

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forest. The summery/analysis of the interaction is being annexed (Annexure

XI and Annexure XXVI). Site specific observations were made and literature

of working/management plan of Chatra South Forest Division and West

Forest Division was consulted. Discussion with the DFOs, of concerned

Forest Division was made to incorporate his suggestions, observations and

experience. Views of other forest officers and staff were also taken.

Observations made and recommendations given in available literature

published in national and international journals were also consulted before

coming to any conclusion.

“Draft guidelines for linear infrastructure intrusions in natural areas:

roads and powerlines.” (NBWL, 2011), Ministry of Environment and Forests

and India and Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts of Linear

Infrastructure on Wildlife. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, India (Wll,

2016), were also taken into consideration before recommending plan for

wildlife conservation. Attempt has been made to cover the entire forest area

of the proposed site hence a conclusion drawn were not based on

extrapolation.

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CHAPTER – 3

his chapter deals with the objective of the management and

strategies to mitigate and minimize adverse impact so observed

in the field. The objective of this project was to find solutions for mitigating

impact on wildlife in the project area. During the construction work the

disturbance of the habitat will be more and so the impact will be greater.

Regular contact with the Forest Department will be maintained to monitor

wildlife movement when the work starts. The mitigation work will starts

simultaneously with as the construction work starts on priority based in the

forest area diverted.

Based on identified detrimental effect of road in Chapter-2 the

following mitigation measure will be carried out.

3.1 Mortality of animals during accidents/kills/ Electrocution

i. Any mortality of wild animal will be reported to the Forest

Department.

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ii. Speed Limit of 25-30 km/h in the elephant movement/corridor route

will be strictly followed. Signage at 500 mt. in the elephant zone of

forest area with suggestion to follow the speed limit.

iii. To check the speed limit signage of important species of animals

with short information will be erected on both side of forest area.

iv. Monitoring track kill for animal deaths and effectiveness of

implemented measures.

v. Safe passage for wild animals and special elephant crossing to

cross.

vi. Use of appropriate lighting systems for illumination of railway

track in mostly in elephant affected area can reduce attraction for

elephant and birds.

vii. At other places lights should generally be discouraged and

reflective posts should be used instead.

viii. In the project design every steel tower and pole will have a danger

sign and an anti-climbing barbed wire for the safety purposes for

wild animals.

ix. Exchange of information with railway department and forest

department regarding presence of elephant in the area.

3.2 Habitat loss/fragmentation/degradation

i. In any case, if there is a water course (whatsoever small or large

may be) will not be disturbed, blocked or diverted. Water to be

allowed to flow uninterrupted.

ii. Wildlife and wildlife habitat will be protected in accordance

with wildlife law and guideline issued by Chief Wildlife

Warden.

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iii. Construction of underpass/culvert/passage before construction of

railway track. This will minimize the effect of fragmentation and

the animals will find alternative route during construction phase.

iv. In the project design every underpass/culvert/passage will be

natural, ecofriendly and ‘animal friendly’ with green corridor.

v. Habitat of both the side of under passes for wildlife/elephant

movement will have artificial water bodies in the forest land for

guiding the animal towards the underpasses with mixed

plantation.

vi. Artificial nests will be installed on trees near pond/waterbodies

and in villages for roosting and nesting of birds.

vii. Plantation of native trees species.

viii. Fences: Fences can be constructed if found essential on both

side of underpass of about 500 mt to guide the animals towards

the underpass/culvert etc. This will reduce the chance of barrier

effect and will also acts as shelter for animals from direct human

presence along the underpass.

3.3 Conduits for invasive alien species

i. In no case exotic/alien species will be planted in the project area.

ii. The invasion of alien species should be checked by eradication

at regular intervals.

3.4 Landslide and soil erosion

i. Soil and water conservation measures to be practiced

normally at the site.

ii. Installation of soil and debris traps and soak pits along side

drains at key location.

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iii. Plantation of native species including grasses, sedges,

bamboo, trees or shrubs of plant on both side of railway track

and streams.

iv. Soil binders like Bamboo will be planted to protect soil

erosion particularly in the stream, water bodies and underpass

region where the chances of erosion is more.

3.5 Increased human presence and pollution

i. No blasting/drilling or sound producing activities will be

initiated between sun set and sun rise. It is binding for all units

to use modern noise reducing techniques during the work

operation or any other activity.

ii. Vehicles will not exceed speed limits and wildlife warning

signs to be installed in high density areas and at known

crossings locations as a result of wildlife monitoring.

iii. Hunting and disturbing of wildlife by project staff will not be

permitted while working on the project sites.

iv. No firearms will be permitted at construction sites.

v. Herbicides will not be used for weed eradication.

vi. The construction phase within the forest area should be quick,

with minimum disturbance.

3.6 Effects on local and indigenous peoples

i. Preference will be given to local people in employment during

construction period. No outside or camp labour will be

preferred for non-technical job.

ii. The project will take responsibility for awareness generation

and livelihood options among people of project village.

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3.7 Barrier causing habitat fragmentation

i. Understory vegetation will be managed at access routes to limit

line of sight.

ii. Maintenance of hedgerows along the railway track to serve as

movement corridor.

iii. New by-pass trails and access routes not to be created as far as

possible and existing natural terrain should be used. The existing

vegetation will minimize the barrier effect.

iv. Underpasses: Well-designed tunnels, culverts, pipes, and other

structures will be as underpasses below railway track and bridges, for a

wide-range of terrestrial and aquatic species, especially frogs, turtles,

fish etc. It is important to also have underpasses below penstocks in

wildlife areas.

The Railway authority will already construct 58 minor bridges

and 8 major bridges, 14 ROBs, 14 RUBs and 10 LHSs throughout the

length of the railway track (Annexure II). These structure will also act

as wildlife corridor for animals.

Apart from this as per discussion with the DFOs of concerned

Forest Division, the railway authorities will also construct 11

elephant/wildlife passes (4 underpass and 7 overpass) for free elephant

movement with minimum 7 meters height and preferably 30-70 meters

length with 22 water bodies on both side of underpass/overpass at the

identified sites. The details of proposed area with location/chainage is

enclosed (Annexure XXX; Map 6). The site locations has been

identified by the site specific study conducted and as per discussion

with the DFOs of the concerned division. These structure is believed to

facilitate the free movement elephant including other wild animals

across the forest/water bodies and minimize the barrier effect in the

area, maintaining the green corridor.

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v. Any movement of animal across the railway track will not be

disturbed. After construction work natural regeneration will be allowed

and plantation activity will be taken up so the impact will gradually

reduce.

3.8 Higher daytime temperatures and greater range of temperature

extremes

i. Hazaribag and Chatra district is becoming very hot during

summer in recent years and the temperature can rise up to 45-

460 during day time. The minimum temperature in winter

season falls below up to 40. This shows greater range of

temperature extremes.

ii. The higher temperature increases fire risks which can be reduce

by increasing moisture regime in surrounding areas.

3.9 Higher wind speeds and wind-throw of trees in forest areas

The impact of higher wind speed and wind through of trees due

to railway track can be reduced by plantation of more trees on

both the side.

3.10 Cutting of vegetation resulting in weed proliferation and

suppression of native vegetation regeneration

i. Removal of weed like Lantana management will be done.

ii. Clearing will undertaken in such a manner that there is no

slashing of all understory vegetation without destroying native

species.

iii. Regular attempt will be taken to eradicate alien species.

3.11 Disturbance related to construction and maintenance

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i. During construction the digging of large pits are inevitable

leading to casualty of burrowing animals like reptiles, hares,

mongoose, porcupine etc. of animals at the project site.

ii. The project authority should take utmost care to motivate the

labourers to avoid conflict with wild animals.

iii. Wildlife will not be fed, befriended or harassed at construction

areas.

iv. Any problem related to wildlife will be reported immediately to

the Forest Department.

v. Orientation for Contractors and employees to be conducted that

should include awareness of environmental protection

measures for wildlife and wildlife habitat.

vi. Any wildlife killed or injured by vehicles during construction

phase will be reported to Forest Department.

vii. Regular contact with the Forest Department should be

maintained to monitor wildlife movement when the work starts

3.12 Increased risk of fires, deliberate and due to desiccation

i. The ground vegetation will be maintained or cut regularly to

avoid any case of fire.

ii. The cleared vegetation will be removed from the site.

iii. The laborer will made aware of fire hazard in forest areas

due to their smoking habits.

iv. The villagers deliberately create fire in forest area for new

flush of grasses for their domestic cattle so they should be

made aware of risk of serious fire. This will avoid deliberate

fire.

v. Fire line should be maintained to avoid spreading of

deliberate fires near on both side of road.

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3.13 Pollution, sedimentation, and changed discharge regimes into water

bodies

i. Any substance creating pollution will not left at the project

sites.

ii. No substance will be discharged in the water regimes.

3.14 ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENT MEASURES

(I) Monitoring for wildlife death

i. Carcasses of rail kills should be removed as soon as detected.

ii. Toll free/phone number on signage in the forest area for

information regarding any wildlife mortality on railway track.

(II) Habitat Management

Vegetation or other habitat features (e.g. rocks, fallen timber) are

strategically placed, planted or allowed to regrow so that animals are directed

to preferred crossing locations. At these locations, animals cross the railway

line or road without the aid of any structures (i.e. similar to a pedestrian

crossing).

(III) Corridor plantings:

Strips of vegetation to be planted on either side of the linear clearing to

provide attractive corridors for animal movement.

(IV) Measures to reduce use of railway track surfaces by snakes for

thermoregulation

It is recommended to place strips of different surfaces (Blacktop or

Cemented structure) that may be attractive to thermoregulating snakes next to

the railway track in the forest area to keep them away from railway line. The

size may be square (2/3x2/3m) or rectangular (2x3m) on both side of track in

forest. This trials will significantly reduce the mortality of snakes of high

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conservation importance, including the Indian rock python and Russell's

viper found in the project forest area.

(V) Signage and warning systems

The purpose of animal warning signs and detection systems is to

prevent or reduce the number of Animal-Vehicle Collisions. Signs warning of

wildlife will be put up along stretches of railway lines or roads where animals are

known to occur or use local habitat, to caution drivers about the potential

presence of animals.

All warning signs can be grouped into the following five categories:

i. Caution signs

Simple caution signs are commonly used to alert loco pilot/drivers to the

presence of wildlife crossing zones. In India, the most common caution signs

near railway lines are simple warning signs with silhouettes/outline of the animal

that may be using the crossing, together with a prescribed speed limit or written

message.

ii. Enhanced caution signs

Many caution signs are enhanced by adding words like 'Deer Xing

(Crossing)' or illuminated with reflective tape, in addition to silhouettes

(Outline) of animals.

iii. Temporary wildlife warning signs

These signs may be put up to warn drivers of wildlife presence during

specific times of the day or year e.g. during animal migration or active and/or

breeding periods of amphibians and reptiles. These can be made and kept and

during need can be installed on the road. The structure should be similar to road

traffic police barrier.

iv. Posters and billboards

Colour posters and rail side billboards are put up on railway track as part

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of programmes and campaigns to reduce animal mortalities due to collisions

with trains. They also help to generate awareness of this issue among the public.

The size, shape, colour and material (reflective, non-reflective) of signs

should be chosen to make the signs most effective.

Signs that highlight the conservation importance of the site through which

the transportation corridor passes, can help garner support for reducing traffic

speed and increased awareness of drivers, thereby helping to protect several

threatened species.

v. Animal Detection System

Should be installed in the elephant crossings underpass. Camera/Video

recorder can be installed on both side of underpass.

vi. Measures for noise attenuation

Attenuation or reduction in noise due to running train can be achieved by

the use of noise barriers, limitation of speeds and limitation of trains in near

future.

It is known that approximately 60 m width of dense vegetation can reduce

noise by 10 dB(A). So, enough vegetation along a railway track is required to

achieve such reductions. It would be ideal to create noise buffers using a

diversity of tree species, with a range of foliage shapes and sizes: a combination

of shrubs and trees may be necessary to achieve this effect. Evergreen species

that could provide a year-round buffer would be desirable.

3.15 STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATION ACTION PLAN

Mitigation is defined as measures to minimise detrimental effects of

the project on ecology, wildlife, local communities.

While preparing Wildlife Management Plan for mitigating the impact

on wildlife, special emphasis has been laid on schedule -I , II and III species

because they hold important position in the ecosystem and have threatened

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status. The plan for protection of schedule-I species will take care for prey

base and their habitat. While preparing this plan special emphasis has to be

laid on mitigation measures for conservation of mammals, birds, reptiles and

other lesser known animals.

On the basis of above assumption, Wildlife Management Plan has been

prepared keeping in mind following them plans.

(i) Habitat Management for Flora and Fauna in Project Area

A. Food Management

B. Water Management

C. Cover Management

(ii) Lantana Management

(iii) Wildlife Health

(iv) Illicit felling

(v) Fire Management

(vi) Eco – development work in surrounding village

(vii) Research and Monitoring

The objective of above them plans and its importance for wildlife

management and protection of its habitat has been discussed in detail in

chapter -5.

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CHAPTER – 4

his chapter deals with the interventions by the Project Authorities

within the impact area through which the railway line is passing.

The financial outlay and plan to be implemented has been distributed in 10

years for proper implementation. The suitable provision for interim review

has been made. Some essential work needs to be implemented on forest land.

Such scheme has been identified in a separate budgetary provision for

implementation by Forest Department in Chapter 5. The annual work

programme and annual outlay for each component is given in Chapter 6

under the heading budget.

PROPOSED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND INTERVENTION

4.1 Wildlife Conservation and Awareness Programme

Organise awareness cum training programme regularly to deal with

wildlife conservation issues in the project area.

I. Apart from this general wildlife awareness programme will be

conducted in all schools, with the EDC, VFMC and villages in the

project site.

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II. Training to staff and villagers to deal with local wildlife issues

related to poaching and man animal conflicts with Elephant, Blue

bull, snakes and birds etc.

4.2 Artificial Nest or Man-made Nest

Since the area is also declared as IBA (Important Bird and Biodiversity

Area), it is important to have habit management for birds. Man-made nests

should be installed on near water bodies, railway cabin and villages that

provide suitable conditions for the existence and reproduction of birds and at

the same time. Many species of birds find their homes in artificial nests

mostly Common Kestrels, Black kite, Owls, parakeets, sparrows etc. By

accepting the offered artificial nesting opportunities, these birds make it

possible for ornithologists to study their lives and behaviour.

Apart from this to cope up with the habitat loss due to clearance of

vegetation in the project site, artificial nest should be put up on big trees for

other birds for nesting. Artificial nest can also be put up in the houses in the

villages around the project site. Awareness and training programme will be

organised for birds and installation of nest in their houses for conservation of

avifauna as mitigation measures. These artificial nests should be put up in

and around the project impact site. The Schedule-I species of birds like

vulture Gyps bengalensis, Gyps indicus, and Peacock (Pavo cristatus) are

found in the project area. Chatra and Hazaribag district comes under

Provisional Vulture Safe Zone for conservation of vulture (Mukherje et. al.,

2014). So special mitigation measures are required for vulture conservation.

Intervention:

1. Installation of artificial nest in and around project sites.

2. Vulture conservation and awareness programme in the project area.

3. Bird Watching workshop and awareness programme.

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4. Yearly Waterbird census in Chatra and Hazaribag district.

5. Scientific study of avifauna in the project area.

4.3 Community programme as social responsibility

An education and communication strategy for the mitigation plan is

vital to ensure successful implementation of the Plan. Early, effective and

frequent communication with project personnel and non-project parties is

critical on following ground -

I. To ensure the safety of workers and the public at large.

II. To protect the environment from access related effects.

III. To create an understanding among specific relevant groups and the

public at large.

IV. To gain the cooperation and support of all concerned parties in

encouraging citizens to respect the aim of the plan and abide by its

measures.

V. To foster a sense of trust between stakeholders, indigenous

communities, municipalities, landowners and the public.

Intervention:-

After construction of work following intervention will be implemented

in the project and project impact zone.

1. Human health care camp and distribution of medical kit in villages.

2. Veterinary health care camp.

3. Livelihood programme/income generation programme.

4. Eco-development work in different village, like construction and

renovation of Pond/check dam etc.

5. As per suggestions of DFO West, installation of solar lights throughout

the length of 5 km passing through west forest division at regular

interval on both side of the village along the railway track to keep the

elephant away. A part from this installation of solar street light/solar

fluorescent light in the villages (Kathautia, Hesakudar, Sahpur, Manar,

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Katkamsandi, Baghia, Barakola, Jhongi, Dodhawa and Amjhar) as per

suggestion of DFOs West (Annexure XXV).

6. Preparation of microplan and follow up of the project impact villages.

4.4 Management of cleared vegetation on the side

If the cleared vegetation on the side of railway track is left as such

may cause fire when these dries up, it may become more dangerous during

summer. So it is important to manage by control burning after clearance or

by any means in consultation with Forest Department.

4.5 Signage :

Signs warning of wildlife will be put up along stretches of railway track.

The following five categories can be installed viz. Caution signs, Enhanced

caution signs, Temporary wildlife warning signs, Posters and billboards.

Some signage and Signboard with Neon Light can be installed in

consultation with the forest department. The signage should be installed at an

interval every 5 km in whole length of the railway line. Apart from this special

signage in the elephant underpass zone will be installed. Before installation of

signage suggestion of the DFOs will be taken regarding place and design of the

signboard/hording.

The following dimension of signage has been suggested by DFOs Chatra

South and West Forest Division. The signage design will be installed as per

instruction/suggestions of Forest Department.

Dimension as per suggestion of DFOs of the concerned Forest Division.

i. Signage/Hoarding- 20’ x 10’

ii. Signboard- 10’x10’

iii. Signboard 6’ x 4’

Apart from this, signage with speed limit of 30 Km and No Horn Zone

signboard, will be installed at every elephant/wildlife crossing zone. Toll

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free/phone number on signage for information regarding any wildlife

mortality on railway track.

4.6 Research and Monitoring

After completion of project there is an urgent need for post scientific

study for movement of animals across the railway track. There is no concrete

information on the movement pattern of animals across the railway line

proposed in this region. In order to overcome this deficiency, information on

movement and mortality of animals can be undertaken by reputed

agency/NGO working in the field of Wildlife & Environment. The detailed

study of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals should be

made for carrying out research to elicit information on habit and habitat of

different species. This information and data collected will be helpful in future

for wildlife conservation and the findings and the results will be utilized for

implementation in next 10 year mitigation plan after completion of current 10

year plan.

Intervention:

I. Independent research and monitoring should be implemented by

Project Authorities in consultation with relevant experts/NGOs, to

improve our understanding of the impacts of railway line on

biodiversity, especially on the population dynamics of the main

affected species.

II. Local level scientific study of population and habitat used by

Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and invertebrate fauna.

Particularly the species reported in the present study during 1st 10 year

plan. Special study will be done on movement of elephant, snakes,

deer, Jackal, Hyena etc.

III. Special research project should be undertaken on the risk of rail kill

with train at least for consecutive three years with an interval of three

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years. The rail kill report will be immediately reported to the forest

department concerned and yearly report to the concerned forest

department.

IV. Scientific study to for the genetic effect on long term basis to know

changes on both side of forest area.

V. Installation of Camera Trap on both side of elephant underpass and

around water bodies constructed to record the presence and movement

of animals across the underpass in consultation with Forest

Department.

VI. Further survey for avifauna should be regularly conducted for knowing

the present status of the birds.

VII. Research should be done on birds or any other specific animals

regularly involving research scholar to know the impact of railway line

in the area.

VIII. Spite specific survey for flora and fauna in general will be conducted

regularly and the checklist will updated and submitted to the forest

department.

IX. Research can be undertaken on any other issues related to wildlife

suggested by DFOs of the concerned forest division.

X. Research for conservation and monitoring of Schedule I species should

be taken on priority basis.

XI. The results of research should be published in reputed scientific

journals to ensure wider dissemination.

A safety officer will be at the construction site during the construction

phase, at all times. The safety officer will make sure a first aid kit is always

available and that the skilled workers are aware of the safety rules. A safety

campaign along the railway alignments should be conducted with local

population.

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NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will be engaged in

research and wildlife awareness programme.

4.7 BUDGET

The annual work programme and annual outlay for component which

is to be implemented is given in Chapter 6 under the heading budget to be

implemented by project authorities (Railway). The component identified to

implemented by Forest Department is given in Chapter 6 under the budget to

be implemented by Forest Department.

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CHAPTER- 5

his chapter deals with the intervention by the Divisional Forest

Officers (DFOs) in the project impact area. This include the

habitat improvement, measures to reduce the human-animal interface

conflicts and the measures to facilitate the movement of mega fauna across

the railway line causing hindrance in their movement. It also deals with

monitoring and evaluation arrangement for the activities undertaken for

initial 10 years with suitable provision for interim review and suitable

modification. The annual work programme and annual outlay for each

component is given Chapter 6 under the heading budget.

PROPOSED MITIGATION ACTION PLAN

(i) Habitat Management for Flora and Fauna

A. Food Management

B. Water Management

C. Cover Management

(ii) Lantana Management

(iii) Wildlife Health

(iv) Illicit filling

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(v) Fire Management

(vi) Eco–development work in surrounding village to reduce conflict

(vii) Research and Monitoring

MITIGATION MEASURE

5.1 Habitat Management for Flora and Fauna

(A) FOOD MANAGEMENT

The grasses and palatable shrubs are very sparsely distributed and so

unable to fulfill the requirement of herbivores. Hence the area should be

managed in such a way that plenty of food should be available round the year

for herbivores. It will be done by ensuring habitat protection and its

improvement by developing grassland and other browse species like

Zyzyphus, Bija, Sissoo, Bauhinia, Karanj, Bamboos etc, fruit trees such as

Bargad, Pipal, Wild fig, Amla, Bel, Tut etc. at suitable places. Similarly a

number of salt licks should be provided at different places in the forest area.

Heteropogon controtus, Chrysopogon species, Dicanthium sp.,

Saccharum sp. are the main grasses constituting the ground cover. The

grasslands have been deteriorated due to weed infestation. This needs proper

management. The scrub forest supports food requirement of other ungulates,

Hyena, Jackal, Fox and bush living birds like Jungle Fowl, Quails, Warblers

etc.

Food and Feeding Habits of main species

The carnivores of the area feed mostly on the small herbivores and

occasionally kill village cattle, Goats etc. Hyena and Jackal thrive mostly on

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smaller domesticated animals like Goat, Rabbits and birds like Hen, Peacock,

Jungle fowl, Partridges etc.

The food and feeding habitat of some species like Blue bull, Wild Boar

etc. creates severe problems for villagers leading to conflicting situation and

causing concern for management. So they are being dealt separately.

(i) Elephant

Elephants have been found to prefer, Karils and leaves of bamboos,

Bark, leaves and twigs of Bauhinia spp., Bridellia retusa etc. Elephants are

also often seen to attack neighboring agricultural crops like paddy, maize,

wheat, banana etc. A detail checklist of tree and grass species preferred by

elephant is enclosed (Annexure XXXI)

(ii) Sambhars

The Sambhars mostly browse on the leaves, young shoots, flowers and

fruits of the following species viz. Nyctanthes arbortristis, Bauhinia species,

Eugenia dalbergioides, Terminalia species, Zizyphus species, Leaves of

bamboo, Tender leaves of sal.

(iii) Cheetals

Cheetals have been found mostly grazing upon the following species of

grasses native to this sanctuary like Heteropogen controtus, Chrysospogon

species, Dicanthium species, Sanchharum species

The availability of grazing materials for the cheetals becomes scarce

by the end of the winter season, when the grasses dry up. They often visit

agricultural fields to graze during this critical period.

(iv) Blue Bull (Nilgai)

Blue bulls of India are herbivorous creatures, surviving primarily on

grasses, leaves, buds and fruits of field crop. The freshly fallen flower of

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mahuwa tree attract Nilgai. The plantation of Ber and Shesam in the forest

area and creation of grassland may reduce the menace caused by Blue bull.

Blue bull can survive for a long period of time without water.

Generally, Blue bull prefers the mature growth stage of different crops

(e.g., paddy, maize, mustard, chili, cauliflower, cow-pea, black gram,

cabbage, etc), while wheat, potato, radish and pumpkin are preferred in the

early stages of growth, and lentils are preferred at all stages. Apart from

agricultural crops, Blue bulls also caused considerable damage to vegetables.

The Villagers should be encouraged for plantation/cultivation of

unpalatable Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as Sarpagantha and

Mentha etc in high crop damage areas as alternative crops and biofencing

(Plantation of unpalatable plant on the boundary of crop field).

(v) Wild Boars

Wild boars live mostly on rhizomes, roots and tubers of the species

like: Saccharum spp., Bamboo (Dandorocalamus strictus), Semal (Selmalia

malabaricum), Smilax spp.

(vi) Monkeys and Langurs

Monkeys and lagurs have been observed to thrive on: Tender shoots of

Bauhinia spp, Semal, Bamboo, Leaves and fruits of Acacia Spp, Ficus spp.,

Morus spp., Kend (Diospyros melanoxylon)., Kadamb (Anthocephalus

kadamba), Zizyphus spp, Aegel marmelos etc.

(vii) Sloth Bear

Sloth bears are expert hunters of termites. In the month of March and

April, they eat the fallen petals of mowha trees and are partial

to mangoes, sugar cane, jackfruit, and wood apple the pods of the Amaltas.

Sloth bears are extremely fond of honey. When feeding their cubs, sows are

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reported to regurgitate a mixture of half-digested jack fruit, wood apples, and

pieces of honeycomb.

(viii) Birds

The birds mostly feed upon insects and fruits of the species like: Fiscus

bengalensis, Fiscus glomerata, Kend (Diospyros mel anoxylon), Piar

(Buchanania latifolia), Zizyphus spp., Bridellia retusa etc. Emphasis should

be given for plantation of fruit bearing plant species mentioned above

especially near water source or reservoir for providing perching and nesting

site. Apart from this the fruit yielding tree species listed in site specific

survey should be encouraged for habitat improvement of birds since they are

the native flora of the area.

(B) WATER MANAGEMENT

Water is essential not only for animals but also for plants, microbes

and all ecological processes. Both in-situ and ex-situ conservation of water

should be done by various means. It will be ensured that catchments remain

covered with vegetation at all times by protection and plantation, so that

erosion and run off will be kept at the minimum. Works like creation of

contour trenches; gully plugging etc. will be carried out wherever necessary

from time to time through annual plans. Desiltation of main reservoirs even

in the villages will also be done periodically, so that water will remain

available even in summer months.

It is important to take special measures for creation of at least 22 pond

for water management on both side of elephant crossing proposed (Annexure

XXX). This will motivate, trail the elephant including other wild animals to

guide them towards the underpass. During extreme scarcity of water in

summer the animals will become adapted to passes through the under pass for

drinking water, avoiding crossing the railway track. Apart from this the

management of water in all respect will be done per suggestion of DFOs of

115 | P a g e

both the concerned Division during the annual plan in the light of existing

situation.

The water becomes an important threat to wild animals immediately

after March. The condition remains same up to July. After rainy season water

is localized at few places. Such condition has arises due to siltation of all

streams which has reduced their water holding capacity. A series of check

dam/ water bodies (ponds) is required around the surrounding areas project

site to improve the water regime of the habitat.

Since water is an important component for survival of species and

requirement of water in increased during summer. So management of water is

a must for improving the water regime for the purpose of Wildlife

Conservation. In any case, if there is a water course (whatsoever small or

large may be) should not be disturbed and water should be allowed to flow

uninterrupted except for making series of check dam and treatment of

catchment area.

(C) Cover Management

Cover or shelter is another important requirement for the welfare of the

species. The cover may be natural or artificial. Caves or holes are required for

their resting and breeding period for carnivores and reptiles. Lack of such

natural caves or holes is limiting factor for animals. These animals will never

stay in an area which is devoid of above type of shelter.

In case of herbivores, sufficient cover of either grass, wood,

brushwood etc. is required for shelter, protection and breeding. Woods are

used as cover for small animals as well as big animals during hot summer

days. It also acts as shelter for birds. Grasses as used for breeding for hares,

deers and other species. Small bushes provide breeding, resting and

protective shelters for birds like Jungle Fowl, Quails and Partridge. Shrubs

provide protective shelters for herbivores and other pray animals from

predators.

116 | P a g e

On the whole it can be said that different kind of covers like winter

cover, summer cover, refuse cover, breeding cover, fawning cover, resting

cover, ambush cover and nesting cover are required for different animals for

different purpose. It can be ensured by strict protection of habitat, that

includes dens, caves, rocks, nalas, ravines, vegetal cover etc and further, by

improvement of habitat by planting in blanks with suitable plant species

listed in site specific survey separately listed for the conserned two divisions,

for rehabilitation of degraded forest areas as well as habitat change due to

construction of railway line and construction of underpass etc. The

occurrence of fire incidence greatly hampers the availability of nesting and

reproductive cover for birds. So incidence of fire should be checked

efficiently.

Apart from this for birds, since the area is also IBA, it is important that

for birds nesting and roosting the plant listed in site specific survey should be

encouraged for plantation, since they are the native flora of the area.

The project has included in its design planting of trees to replace those

that will have to cut down and as an effort to reverse the high rate of

deforestation. The program will be implemented in collaboration with the

Forest Department who have forestry offices and nurseries in their

jurisdiction. Recommended types of trees will be determined by the Forest

Department. The program shall be community based and accompanied by

awareness and sensitization of the people.

5.2 Lantana Management

Lantana weed has become a menace in some parts of the degraded

forest areas. In the interest of the wild life, therefore, it has to be cleared by

uprooting as far as possible. People may be allowed and encouraged to

collect it from forest for fuel or fencing purpose.

117 | P a g e

The eradication of lantana should be based on scientific knowledge i.e.

root cut back method. In this process lantana should be cut 5 cm below

ground level. Afterwards it should be turned upside down and grass species

should be planted.

However care should be taken to eradicate lantana in phase wise

because it is good soil cover and hiding place for some wild animals. Besides

varieties of insects and butterflies thrive on them. So Lantana should be

eradicated in phase wise manner and such areas should be developed as

grassland or for plantation of fodder species.

5.3 Wild Life Health

Efforts will be made to immunize the domestic animals in and around

the proposed area against contagious diseases like Food & Mouth disease,

Rinderpest etc. In order to avoid the spread of disease the stall feeding should

be encouraged by supporting grassland development on community or private

fellow land. The villagers should be given incentive to change crop pattern

and simultaneously motivated to reduce the number of cattle and rear hybrid

breed of cattle.

5.4 Illicit felling

The proposed area is will become venerable for illicit felling once the

railway line becomes functional and excess number of villages within or in

peripheral region. Besides local market & nearby township is a market of fuel

wood as well timber for building purpose.

Regular raid, seizure and carriage of seized materials should be undertaken.

5.5 Fire Management

With the onset of dry season in sensitive areas people will be educated

to prevent intentional fires and to extinguish them completely. For combating

the menace of fire a fire fighting squad will be employed on daily wage every

118 | P a g e

year during summer for the purpose of early detection and control.

Occurrence of fires, location, causes, extent of damage etc will be properly

documented for improving the fire management plan periodically. A network

of fire line should be created to avoid incidence of fire.

Most of the fires in forest are intentional fires set by villagers for

obtaining new flush of grasses for grazing and for the collection of Mahua

flower or Sal seed or Kendu leaves suitable for bidi making. In addition,

sometimes accidental fires are caused by throwing of cigarette butts or bidis

without extinguishing from running trains.

These fires naturally go against the conservation values of the area as

the food and cover base of the wild fauna is destroyed and the soil is exposed

to the danger of erosion and run off, weed infestation and, therefore,

replacement of natural flora with unnatural and unpalatable species.

It is always better to have controlled burning as a management tool.

Otherwise fire is harmful because it leads to loss of cover of herbivores as

well as destruction of eggs and nests of ground birds like Jungle fowl quail,

peafowl and partridge or bush living birds. Besides it accelerates soil

erosion, deteriorate the forest and ultimately reduce the aesthetic value of the

forest.

The adverse impact of fire should be highlighted by signboard &

distribution of pamphlets. Based on requirement creation of new fire line

after careful study and survey work can be undertaken in project zone.

5.6 Eco - development work in surrounding village to reduce conflict.

The conservation of wildlife or forest cannot be dealt in isolation. The

need of the people who were traditionally depended on forest for their

livelihood, should get benefit from the project so that their support in wildlife

conservation measures can be obtained. Eco-development measures can help

in wining confidence of local people. Specific issues related to conflicting

119 | P a g e

situation between wildlife conservation versus human development are as

follows.

(i) Cattle Grazing

The surrounding village’s economy is heavily dependent on animal

husbandry. Goats have been a traditional source of income generation for

poor people. Since the locals are mostly landless or marginal farmers, they

can’t produce fodder for their own cattle and practice stall-feeding. Low

productivity of the traditional breeds of milking cows also makes it

economically unviable to feed them on farm-produced fodder. The locals,

therefore, are left with no choice but to send their cattle to adjoining forests

for regular grazing.

(ii) Need for firewood and small timber

In the absence of firewood and small timber availability from their

private or community lands, the local villagers have to solely depend on the

forest for their regular supply. The major use of timber is in making ploughs

and fencing the farmlands.

(iii) Agricultural Productivity

The local villager economy is mostly dependent on agriculture.

However, due to small and fragmented land holdings, lack of proper

irrigation facilities, monsoon based single-crop cultivation pattern, use of

traditional farming methods etc; agricultural productivity is too low to

sufficiently meet the basic needs of the local population and so most of the

villagers are trying to encroach upon forest land to increase their land holding

under the cover of Forest Right Act 2006..

The specific issues of each village have to be considered separately, for

which inventory should be prepared for issues identified and techniques to

120 | P a g e

resolve the problems should be enlisted. The suggestions of DFOs in yearly

plan will be implemented.

(iv) Apathy/unawareness to wildlife

The common people are unaware about the importance of wildlife in

day to day life so they remain unconcern about its importance. There is the

need to establish link with wildlife through conservation awareness

programme.

5.7 Research and Monitoring

The research component used to be given less priority in forestry.

There has never been an attempt to conduct or promote research by any

project to generate information about ecology, biology etc. of various species

which are involved in conflict with the human eg. Elephant, Sloth Bear, Wild

Boar, Jackal, Blue bull, Hyena, etc. As a result of this, information on many

aspects is highly inadequate to make suitable plans and strategies for different

species. Lack or priority and funding for this purpose have been the main

cause behind this.

In order to overcome this deficiency, information on many aspects,

which do not involve any technical expertise, like animals sighted, number,

age/sex distribution, location, habitat description, general activity, plant

phenology, fire outbreaks, extent of burnt area, animal killings, observations

pertaining to dens, caves etc. should be initiated by the department on its own

or through support by project authorities.

On the other hand, for those aspects which need considerable skill and

technical expertise like ecology and biology of important wild animals eg.

Elephant, Sloth Bear, Jackal, Blue Bull, Hyena, reptiles, amphibians, fishes,

Birds, invertebrates and aquatic flora and fauna etc., causes of decline in

wild life populations, making detailed inventories of flora and fauna,

121 | P a g e

contractual engagements or consultancies with experience NGOs working in

the field of Wildlife & Environment or University should be made. The

detailed inventory of invertebrates, lower plants, medicinal plants,

amphibians, reptiles, birds, lesser known animals etc. for carrying out

research to elicit information on habit and habitat of different species, their

distribution, population trends, densities etc.

In addition a rainfall gauge and best quality scientific digital

thermometer should be placed at different location within project area and

regular data should be noted down beginning from the first year of the plan.

The forest staff deployed can be trained to the take observation and the report

should sent monthly to the concerned Forest Division. The data will be used

for preparation of next ten year plan.

5.8 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The overall objective of environmental and social monitoring is to

ensure that mitigation measures are implemented.

Environmental monitoring will be carried out to ensure that all

construction activities comply and adhere to environmental provisions and

standard specifications. The project authorities will maintain regular contact

with all the DFOs concerned. The contractor will have responsibility to

ensure that the proposed mitigation measures are properly implemented

during the construction phase.

Internal Monitoring

It is the responsibility of Forest Department in collaboration with

Railway Authorities to conduct regular internal monitoring of the project to

verify the results of implementation of environmental mitigation measures

contained in the Wildlife Conservation Plan. The responsibility for mitigation

monitoring during the operation phase will lie with the Project Authorities.

122 | P a g e

External Monitoring and Evaluation

DFOs, of concerned two Forest Division has the overall responsibility

for issuing approval for the project and ensuring that their environmental

guidelines are followed during project implementation. Its role therefore is to

review compliance documentation submitted by the implementing

authorities. A midterm impact review is essential for implementation of

management plan. So, site specific wildlife management plan must be

reviewed at an interval of 5 years for proper implementation of mitigations

measures and if necessary further amendment can be made in the plan in the

existing situation. An undertaking is to be given by Project Authorities for

implementing the wildlife management plan.

Further, Project Authorities through third party evaluation/consultant

will provide Forest Department with reports on environmental/wildlife

compliance during implementation as part of their annual progress reports

and annual environmental auditing reports.

The intervention to be adopted by divisional forest officers in the

project impact area as well as the interventions by the project authority is

being included in the table. The provisions in the budget has been designed to

improve the habitat in terms of food, water and shelter. Attempt has been

taken to reduce the human-animal interface conflicts by habitat improvement

for wildlife, awareness programme and training programme for the villagers.

Provision for regular monitoring by the forest officials has been made to

ensure that all condition imposed by Govt. of India should be adhere to its

letter and spirit. The total budgetary provision has been summarized into

annual work plan with a provision of annual outlay in tabulate form for each

component.

123 | P a g e

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129 | P a g e

CHAPTER 6

BUDGET

Table :- 1. To be implemented by Project Authorities (Railway)

Table :- 2. To be implemented by DFOs:

2.1 Hazaribag West Forest Division

2.2 Chatra South Forest Division

13

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outh

and

West F

orest D

ivisio

n).

13

1 | P

ag

e

Ta

ble

: 2.1

TH

E P

RO

PO

SE

D B

UD

GE

T F

OR

INT

ER

VE

NT

ION

BY

DF

O, H

aza

riba

g W

est F

ore

st D

ivis

ion

Sl.

No

. N

am

e o

f the

activ

ity

Ye

ar w

ise

Fin

an

cia

l Ta

rge

ts (R

s. In

La

c.)

1s

t Ye

ar

2n

d Y

ea

r 3

rd

Ye

ar

4th

Y

ea

r 5

th

Ye

ar

6th

Y

ea

r 7

th

Ye

ar

8th

Y

ea

r 9

th

Ye

ar

10

th

Ye

ar

TO

TA

L

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

M

AN

AG

EM

EN

T O

F F

OO

D

1

Ha

bita

t en

rich

me

nt w

ith

pla

nta

tion

of b

am

bo

o/ fru

it b

ea

ring

sp

ecie

s / fu

el &

fod

der

pla

nta

tion

10

.00

10

.00

5.0

0

_

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

_

3.0

0

3.0

0

46

.00

M

AN

AG

EM

EN

T O

F W

AT

ER

2

De

siltin

g, R

en

ova

tion

&

Ma

inte

nan

ce

of w

ate

r hole

s a

nd

o

ld p

on

ds

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

50

.00

3

Co

nstru

ctio

n o

f 6 p

on

d o

n b

oth

sid

e o

f 3 e

lep

ha

nt p

asse

s a

nd

m

ain

ten

an

ce

from

2n

d y

ea

r

48

.00

6.0

0

6.0

0

6.0

0

6.0

0

6.0

0

6.0

0

6.0

0

6.0

0

6.0

0

10

2.0

0

4

So

il & m

ois

ture

co

nserv

atio

n

me

asu

res

10

.00

10

.00

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

44

.00

M

AN

AG

EM

EN

T O

F S

HE

LT

ER

5

Fire

Pro

tectio

n

(a

) Fire

line

cuttin

g &

Co

ntro

lled

b

urn

ing

alo

ng

fore

st a

rea

2

.00

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

20

.00

(b

) Fire

pro

tectio

n th

rou

gh

V

FP

C.

E

CO

DE

VE

LO

PM

EN

T

6

Eco

- dev

elop

men

t wo

rk in

differen

t villag

es (eg.

Ren

ovatio

n o

f po

nd

, Check

Dam

etc)

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

50

.00

13

2 | P

ag

e

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

7

Veterin

ary h

ealth care cam

p

inclu

din

g v

accinatio

n

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

20

.00

8

Hum

an h

ealth care cam

p

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

20

.00

R

ES

EA

RC

H

9

Mo

nito

ring an

d M

ovem

ent o

f

Elep

han

t in th

e pro

ject area

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

_

_

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

_

_

18

.00

10

Vultu

re Mo

nito

ring,

Co

nserv

ation an

d A

waren

ess

pro

gram

me

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

30

.00

11

Lo

cal level S

cientific stu

dy o

f

po

pulatio

n, m

onito

ring an

d

hab

itat used

by V

ertebrates an

d

Inv

ertebrates

10

.00

10

.00

10

.00

_

_

10

.00

10

.00

10

.00

_

_

60

.00

12

Surv

ey fo

r avifau

na in

the

pro

ject area

5.0

0

5.0

0

_

5.0

0

5.0

0

_

5.0

0

5.0

0

_

_

30

.00

13

Sp

ecific research o

n railw

ay

collisio

n/m

ortality

10

.00

10

.00

10

.00

_

_

10

.00

10

.00

10

.00

_

_

60

.00

14

Installatio

n o

f artificial nest an

d

its contin

uo

us m

onito

ring an

d

replacem

ent

5.0

0

2.0

0

_

2.0

0

2.0

0

_

2.0

0

2.0

0

_

2.0

0

17

.00

15

AW

AR

EN

ES

S A

ND

TR

AIN

ING

PR

OG

RA

MM

E

13

3 | P

ag

e

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

a T

rainin

g p

rogram

me an

d

finan

cial sup

po

rt for In

com

e

gen

erating sch

eme lik

e Po

ultry

,

Piscicu

lture, B

ee keep

ing,

Duck

ery, M

ush

roo

m cu

ltivatio

n,

Lac cu

lture, B

amb

oo

article etc.

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

50

.00

b

Train

ing an

d aw

areness to

ED

C/V

FM

C, in

Sch

oo

ls,

Villag

e level V

olu

nteers fo

r

Wild

Life C

onserv

ation

&

Pro

tection

c P

rintin

g o

f bro

chures an

d

fold

ers, bo

ard &

sinag

es

d

Tra

inin

g p

rogra

mm

e fo

r ma

n-

an

ima

l co

nflic

t 1

.00

1.0

0

1.0

0

1.0

0

1.0

0

1.0

0

1.0

0

1.0

0

1.0

0

1.0

0

10

.00

M

ISC

EL

LA

NE

OU

S A

CT

IVIT

Y

16

Prep

aration o

f Micro

plan

of 4

villag

es in fo

rest area div

erted

and

its initiatio

n o

f

imp

lemen

tation (en

try p

oin

t

wo

rk) (1

.00

lakh/v

illage)

4.0

0

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

4.0

0

17

M

ixe

d p

lan

tatio

n fo

r sh

elte

r an

d

foo

d e

leph

an

t corrid

or

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

_

3.0

0

3.0

0

_

3.0

0

30

.00

18

W

atc

h T

ow

er o

n b

oth

sid

e o

f ra

ilwa

y tra

ck (3

+3

= 6

) 2

1.0

0

21

.00

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

42

.00

13

4 | P

ag

e

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

19

S

ite s

pe

cific

Ele

pha

nt M

itiga

tion

M

ea

su

res

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

20

.00

20

S

ola

r ligh

t

(a

) Sola

r Stre

et lig

ht in

Ele

ph

an

t a

ffecte

d v

illag

e (N

o. 5

0)

35

.00

35

.00

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

70

.00

T

OT

AL

1

93

.00

14

4.0

0

69

.00

46

.00

51

.00

64

.00

74

.00

69

.00

39

.00

44

.00

79

3.0

0

N

OT

E:-

1

The estim

ated am

ount o

f pro

posed

work

is subject to

chan

ge d

epen

din

g o

n ch

ange in

wag

e rates and estim

ates of G

ovt. o

f Jhark

han

d

13

5 | P

ag

e

Tab

le: 2

.1 T

HE

PR

OP

OS

ED

BU

DG

ET

FO

R IN

TE

RV

EN

TIO

N B

Y D

FO

, CH

AT

RA

SO

UT

H F

OR

ES

T D

IVIS

ION

Sl.

No.

Na

me o

f the a

ctiv

ity

Year w

ise F

inan

cia

l Targets (R

s. In L

ac.)

1st Y

ear

2n

d

Year

3rd

Year

4th

Year

5th

Year

6th

Year

7th

Year

8th

Year

9th

Year

10th

Year

TO

TA

L

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

M

AN

AG

EM

EN

T O

F

FO

OD

1

Hab

itat enrich

men

t with

plan

tation o

f bam

boo/ fru

it

bearin

g sp

ecies / fuel &

fodder p

lantatio

n

20.0

0

20.0

0

20.0

0

_

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

_

5.0

0

5.0

0

85.0

0

M

AN

AG

EM

EN

T O

F

WA

TE

R

2

Desiltin

g, R

enovatio

n &

Main

tenan

ce of w

ater holes

and o

ld p

onds

8.0

0

8.0

0

8.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

8.0

0

8.0

0

8.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

68.0

0

3

Constru

ction o

f 16 p

ond o

n

both

side o

f 8 elep

han

t passes

and m

ainten

ance fro

m 2

nd

year

128.0

0

16.0

0

16.0

0

16.0

0

16.0

0

16.0

0

16.0

0

16.0

0

16.0

0

16.0

0

272.0

0

4

Soil &

moistu

re conserv

ation

measu

res

15.0

0

15.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

70.0

0

M

AN

AG

EM

EN

T O

F

SH

EL

TE

R

5

Fire P

rotectio

n

(a) F

ire line cu

tting &

Contro

lled b

urn

ing alo

ng

forest area

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

40.0

0

(b

) Fire p

rotectio

n th

rough

VF

PC

.

13

6 | P

ag

e

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

E

CO

DE

VE

LO

PM

EN

T

6

Eco

- dev

elopm

ent w

ork

in

differen

t villag

es (eg.

Ren

ovatio

n o

f pond, C

heck

Dam

etc)

10.0

0

10.0

0

10.0

0

10.0

0

10.0

0

10.0

0

10.0

0

10.0

0

10.0

0

10.0

0

100.0

0

7

Veterin

ary h

ealth care cam

p

inclu

din

g v

accinatio

n

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

50.0

0

8

Hum

an h

ealth care cam

p

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

50.0

0

R

ES

EA

RC

H

9

Monito

ring an

d M

ovem

ent o

f

Elep

han

t in th

e pro

ject area

6.0

0

6.0

0

6.0

0

_

_

6.0

0

6.0

0

6.0

0

_

_

36.0

0

10

Vultu

re Monito

ring,

Conserv

ation an

d A

waren

ess

pro

gram

me

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

3.0

0

30.0

0

11

AW

AR

EN

ES

S A

ND

TR

AIN

ING

PR

OG

RA

MM

E

a T

rainin

g p

rogram

me an

d

finan

cial support fo

r Inco

me

gen

erating sch

eme lik

e

Poultry

, Piscicu

lture, B

ee

keep

ing, D

uck

ery, M

ush

room

cultiv

ation, L

ac cultu

re,

Bam

boo article etc.

15.0

0

15.0

0

15.0

0

15.0

0

15.0

0

15.0

0

15.0

0

15.0

0

15.0

0

15.0

0

150.0

0

b

Train

ing an

d aw

areness to

ED

C/V

FM

C, in

Sch

ools,

Villag

e level V

olu

nteers fo

r

Wild

Life C

onserv

ation &

Pro

tection

13

7 | P

ag

e

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

c P

rintin

g o

f bro

chures an

d

fold

ers, board

& sin

ages

d

Train

ing p

rogram

me fo

r man

-

anim

al conflict

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

2.0

0

20.0

0

M

ISC

EL

LA

NE

OU

S

AC

TIV

ITY

12

Prep

aration o

f Micro

plan

of

27 v

illages in

forest area

div

erted an

d its in

itiation o

f

implem

entatio

n (en

try p

oin

t

work

) (1.0

0 lak

h/v

illage)

17.0

0

10.0

0

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

27.0

0

13

Mix

ed p

lantatio

n fo

r shelter

and fo

od elep

han

t corrid

or

10.0

0

10.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

5.0

0

_

5.0

0

5.0

0

_

5.0

0

50.0

0

14

Watch

Tow

er on b

oth

side o

f

railway

track (1

5)

56.0

0

49.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

105.0

0

15

Site sp

ecific Elep

han

t

Mitig

ation M

easures

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

4.0

0

40.0

0

16

Solar lig

ht

(a) S

olar S

treet light in

Elep

han

t affected v

illage (N

o.

75)

50.0

0

50.0

0

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

100.0

0

T

OT

AL

358.0

0

232.0

0

108.0

0

79.0

0

84.0

0

88.0

0

93.0

0

88.0

0

79.0

0

84.0

0

1293.0

0

N

OT

E:-

1

The estim

ated am

ount o

f pro

posed

work

is subject to

chan

ge d

epen

din

g o

n ch

ange in

wag

e rates and estim

ates of G

ovt. o

f Jhark

han

d

138 | P a g e

CHAPTER – 7

APPENDICES

1. ANNEXURES

Annexure-I Village wise land utilization pattern of the project area

Annexure-II List of Bridges, ROBs, RUBs etc

Annexure-III Cost to benefit analysis

Annexure-IV Total no. of forest trees which comes under proposed site

Annexure – V The details of the forest land area diverted

Annexure- VI Letter of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate for preparation

of Wildlife Management plan

Annexure- VII Details of all Land from Shivpur to Kathautia

Annexure-VIII List of villages passing through the project area

Annexure IX Demographic details of the 29 villages of the project site

Annexure- X Occupational profile of villages of project site

Annexure- XI Summary of the survey in villages where railway track is passing

through forest land

Annexure- XII Flora of West Division (Working Plan 2013-14 to 2022-2023)

Annexure- XIII Flora of Chatra South Division (Working Plan 2013-14 to 2022-2023)

Annexure- XIV Inventory of site specific flora of Chatra South Division

Annexure - XV Inventory of site specific flora of Hazaribag West Forest division

Annexure- XVI Quadrate study sites with GPS location

Annexure-XVII Checklist of fauna of West Forest Division (Working Plan 2013-14

to 2022-2023)

Annexure- XVIII Checklist of fauna of Chatra South Forest Division (Working Plan

2013-14 to 2023-24)

Annexure- XIX IBA Chapter (Rahmani et al., 2016)

Annexure- XX Inventory of site specific fauna of project area

Annexure- XXI Inventory of Avifauna recorded in the project area

Annexure- XXII Payment of compensation for human life as well as for crop damage

given due to the movement of elephants in Chatra South Forest

Division

139 | P a g e

Annexure- XXIII Payment of compensation for human life as well as for crop damage

given due to the movement of elephants in Hazaribag West Division

Annexure- XXIV Elephant affected villages in Chatra South Forest Division

Annexure- XXV Suggestions of DFO, Hazaribag West Forest Division

Annexure- XXVI Sighting, movement and conflict with elephant in the study area

Annexure- XXVII Poaching/hunting and accident cases in Chatra South Forest Division

Annexure- XXVIII Poaching/hunting and in Hazaribag West Forest Division

Annexure- XXIX List of Expert

Annexure- XXX List of Elephant/Wildlife Underpass

Annexure- XXXI List of plant species preferred by Elephant

2. PHOTOGRAPHS

Plate I : Location of the project site

Plate II &III : Photographs of the study area.

Plate IV to VI : Photographs of some important fauna found in the project site

3. MAPS

Map 1. Map of Shivpur-Kathautia New BG Electrified line over SOI Toposheet-

RF 1:50,000

Map 2. Location map of elephant zone of Chatra South Forest Division (Provided

by Chatra South Forest Division)

Map 3. Location map of man elephant conflict (Provided by Chatra South Forest

Division)

Map 4. Location map of movement of elephant in West Division (Provided by

West Division)

Map 5. Site specific movement of elephant seen in last five year in the project area

Map 6. Location of Elephant/wildlife passes proposed

Map 7. Reference Map of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) Plates

Map 7.1. Land Use Land Cover (LULC) of Project Site (1)

Map 7.2. Land Use Land Cover (LULC) of Project Site (2)