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

1.0 INTRODUCTION Public Disclosure Authorized w Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state in northern India known for its natural beauty, rich culture and religious heritage. The state has a population of six million and covers 55,673 sq. km, ranging from foothills (Shivaliks), the Mid- hills, the High- Hills, and the Cold Dry Zone of upper Himalayas. The state is a rich repository of biodiversity, and forms the Catchment of several major northern Indian rivers. The rich biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh is reflected through the State Emblems of Pride such as

State Tree Cedrus deodara (Deodar), State Flower Rhododendron arboreum (Brans), State Animal Moschus moschiferus (Musk deer) State Bird Lophophorus impejanus (Monal) Public Disclosure Authorized 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has been assigned to construct 412 MW Rampur Hydro Electric Project (RHEP) near Rampur town in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh (H.P.). The project RHEP has been conceived as a tailrace development from the 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project (NJHEP) to tap the hydropower potential of river Satluj between Jhakri and Bayal village. The surface powerhouse will be constructed on the right bank of the river Satluj at village Bayal, which is about 15 km downstream of Rampur town. 3.0 OBJECTIVES Public Disclosure Authorized The main objective of Terrestrial Biodiversity Study is to collect the baseline terrestrial biodiversity status regarding flora and fauna in the Project Influence Area, (7 Km surrounding the project sites), Project Immediate Influence Area (500 m surrounding project sites and Project Affected Area (Total 49.8 ha of land acquired). For the assessment of Terrestrial Biodiversity data has been collected through extensive survey of the areas with reference to flora and fauna. The objectives are:

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

* To identify ecological status of flora and fauna with respect to endangered, rare, threatened, endemic as well as distribution Public Disclosure Authorized characteristics i.e. native/exotic, commercially/ locally important species, weeds or parasites

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

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

* To identify major threats to existing terrestrial biodiversity

* To review Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Catchment Area Treatment Plan, Muck/ Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan, for RHEP & NJHEP and suggest vegetative measures

* Formulation of Biodiversity Management Plan

4.0 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The Primary & Secondary data has been collected to assess baseline terrestrial biodiversity status. Primary surrey of flora has been conducted by using Standard Quadrate Method & Random sampling approach was followed. The Importance value index was calculated as per the Curter & Irtosh (1950) and diversity index calculated as per Shanon- Weaver (1948) Domestic Animals were directly observed during while birds were identified with binox and information about wildlife was collected form state forest dept. The public consultation was conducted during survey of the project] study area to know about various aspects of forest and wildlife studies.

The baseline biodiversity with reference to flora and fauna was collected for Himachal Pradesh, Satluj Basin, Project Influence Area, Project Immediate Influence Area and Project Affected Area. The information on Ecological status of species & major threat to existing biodiversity also collected. The biodiversity status is discussed in brief.

4.1 Forest Types

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

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

Table: I Comparative Distribution of Forests Types

Forest Types H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAA Tropical Moist Siwalic Sal Forest. Deciduous Forest.. 3C/C2a Bhabur Sal Forest. 3C/C2b

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

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

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

Himalayan Dry + Coniferous Dry D. Frs. - - Temperate Forest.. 13/C2b (2500-3000m.) Con. Pine Frs. 13/Cl - - Blue Pine Frs. 13/C2b Himalayan Moist + Ban-Oak Frs. 12/Cla + Temperate Forest.. Kharsu Oak Frs. 12/C2a + (1500-2500m) Moist Deodar Frs. + 12/C1C Oak- Fir Frs. 12/C2b + Mix. Con Frs. 12/Cld + Moharu Oak Frs. 12/C1 + Oak Scrub Frs. 12/Dsl Sub- tropical Pine + Himalayan Sub- tropical Forest.. Pine Frs. 9C1 St. Euph Srb 9DS2 + + +

Sub-tropical Dry ± Dodonea Srb I0D51 + + + Evergreen Forest.. Tropical Dry + Northern Dry Mixed + Deciduous Forest. Dec. Frs. 5/C2 + Khair- Sissoo Forest. + l_ _5B/1 S2 Total 9/35 8/19 4/10 2/2 2/2 HP- Himachal Pradesh, S.B. - Satiuj Basin, PIA- Project Influence Area PIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area +- Present, - - Absent * Altitudinal Migration

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

The table 1.1 shows comparative distribution of forest types in Himachal Pradesh, Satluj Basin, Project Influenced Area, Project Immediate Influenced Area & Project Affected Area. It revealed that Shivalik Sal Forest differentiate Himachal Pradesh from Satluj Basin. While High Altitude Forest (3500-6600m) Alpine & Sub-Alpine Forest differentiate Satluj Basin and Project Influenced Area. The Project Immediate Influenced Area and Project Affected Area represents only two forest types i.e. Sub-tropical Euphorbia Scrub and Dodonea Scrub, which are sparsely distributed along foothills and hill slopes.

4.2 Nature of Flora

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

Table: 2 Comparative Distribution Of Flora

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

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

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

Table 2 Diversity Indexes of the Project Area

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

Project Affected Area 0.27 - 1.30 0.17 - 0.80

Immediate Influence Area 1.17 - 1.41 0.87 - 1.13

4.3 Natural Fauna

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

Table: 3 Comparative Distribution of Endangered Species of Wildlife

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

Cold Desert Snow Leopard + + - - -

Dry Alpine Him Brown Bear + + - - -I

Scrub Tibetan Wolf + + - - -

Moist Alpine Red Fox + + - - - IV

Sub Alpine Common Leopard + + + - forest. (3500- -I 6600) Him Black Bear + + +* - - III Bharal + + III Him Thar + + I Him Ibex + + I

Musk Deer + + - -I

Baseline Terrestrial Biodiversity Status: - Status*: As per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule-I : Endangered and Rare Species

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

Schedule-Il Special Game Schedule-llI Big Game Schedule-IV Small Game

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

The base line faunal survey of the Project Influenced Area revealed that a total 58 species of fauna recorded during survey of which 18 species are recorded for mammals, 38 species of birds and 2 species of reptiles. Fauna of Project Affected Area and Project Immediate Influenced Area show poor distribution and mainly represented by domestic animals of local interest such as cows/buffaloes/horses/donkeys/mules/cats/dogs etc.

4.4 Protected Area Network

The Himachal Pradesh is endowed with the vast canvas of dense forest & colorful wildlife. The Protected Area network of Himachal Pradesh is comprised of 32 Wildlife Sanctuary and 2 National Parks occupying 13.6% of the Geographical Area of the States. Following table shows comparative distribution of Protected Area Network. Table: 4 Comparative Status of Protected Areas

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

A re a s ______National 2 1-- Park 2 Wildlife 32 8 Sanctuary

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

4.5 Threats to Terrestrial Biodiversity

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

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

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

Table: 5 Major Cause of Pressure on Forests

S. No Detail of Item Unit

1 Timber Demand 4.5 Lakh m3

2 Fuel Demand 35 Lakh MT

3 Fodder demand 150 Lakh MT

4 Medicinal Plants 1500 sp

Out of these various factors, timber demand of local people is the major factor affecting the forest. The traditional timber tights is discussed below in brief 4.6 Traditional Timber Right

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

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

S.N. Timber Species Number of Trees Felled 1 Cedrus deodara (Deodar) 2018 2 Pinus roxburghii (Kail) 5743 3 Pinus wallichiana (Chir) 0217 4 Picea smithiana (Rai) 0687

Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 8 of 15 Document: 20060051 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

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

5.0 IMPACTS ON TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY

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

The terrestrial biodiversity of project affected area and project immediate influence area is represented by low floral & faunal diversity. The forests of the area are represented by degraded forests type such as Euphorbia Scrub and Himalayan Subtropical Scrub. Weedy shrubs with some common tree species dominate the area. Direct impacts of project activity on flora are considered to be due to acquisition of forestland for establishment of various project units, loss of trees due felling and clearing. As acquire forestland is just 0.9% of the total forestland available in Rampur division therefore it will not significantly affect existing forest cover.

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

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

6.0 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

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

Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 9 of 15 Document: 2006005/ EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 1. Construction (i) Acquisition of The proposed project * Strict implementation of Phase Forests Land does not involve approved Compensatory either construction of Afforestation Plan in dam/reservoir hence accordance with Forest major loss to the (conservation) Act 1980 existing forest is not and Himachal Pradesh at all envisaged. Forest Policy (1980).

Loss of Forests land i.e. 48.9 ha which is just 0.9 % of the total forests land available in Ani Forest division Hence impact will be insignificant

(II) Felling of Trees The clearing of * Compensatory project sites for Afforestation will be construction requires carried under the felling of trees, a total degraded Forest Area number of 1075 trees Development scheme are be felled. Out of hence there will be total 92.6 % of trees increase the forest cover are Eucalyptus Plantation , the exotic the natural forests and rest are commonly distributed throughout the project immediate influence as well as project influence area hence, the impact will be insignificant

(iii)Clearing of The project site is * Compensatory Project sites dominated by weedy Afforestation will carried for construction shrubs which are under the Degraded activity commonly distributed Forest Area throughout and none Development scheme of rare, endangered hence there will be or threatened or increase the forest cover endemic species was observed during Environment and Ecology l F Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 10 of 15 Document: 2006005 / EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 survey /reported in the project sites. Therefore no impact on biodiversity is envisaged.

2 Construction (i) Generation of This may cause * All vehicles delivering Phase dust by increase in SPM and materials to the site movement of RPM level in the shall be covered to vehicles and area. Dust is also avoid spillage of construction likely to settle on the materials. work, crusher surrounding flora. operation * All exiting approach The impact shall be road used by vehicles temporary, localised shall be kept clean and and reversible. clear of dust

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

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

* All earth work shall be protected to minimize dust generation.

* All crusher used in construction shall confirm to relative dust emission devises

(ii) Generation of The noise level of the * The machineries, Noise construction site is vehicles and likely to increase due equipments use in to various activities, construction shall strictly which may cause confirm to CPCB Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 11 of 15 Document: 2006005 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase o disturbance to the standard. fauna in the area. However this impact * All vehicles equipment would be insignificant machinery used in as the increase in construction shall be noise shall be fitted by exhaust intermittent and silencers. temporary Equipments should be maintained regularly and soundproof gadgets No significant impact should be used. on fauna of Project Influence Area and * Blasting shall be carried Satluj Basin out as per the statutory laws, regulation and rules pertaining to acquisition, transport, storage, handling and used of explosives

(iii) Movement of The labour force and * The contractor should Labour force technical staff may arrange alternative and Technical poach on source of energy such Staff occasionally invaded as Kerosene or LPG wildlife in the area. * The Wildlife No endangered, rare conservation Act should and threatened be strictly adhered. wildlife is reported in the project area * Environmental hence no significant awareness training impact is anticipated should be provided to on fauna. the Contractor and workers. No significant impact on Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin

(iv) Quarry Extraction of rocks * The extraction of activities and sand shall be material should be done done for the from the identified construction work quarry site only. from quarry sites and Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 12 of 15 Document: 20060051 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 require felling of * If new quarry sites are trees. required then prior permission has to be No significant impact taken from the owner. on Project Influence * The quarry area should Area and Satluj be reclaimed back. The Basin. pits formed should be backfilled by construction waste and site should be stabilized.

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

* Such a stockpile should be utilized for redevelopment of quarry areas.

* Grasses and shrub species should be planted.

(v) Soil Erosion The construction * Strict implementation of activities may lead to approved Catchment the erosion of soil in Area Treatment Plan for catchments area of control of soil erosion. Satluj Basin.

(vi)Muck Disposal The muck produced * The muck should be by the construction disposed at the work shall be identified sites only. disposed at the dumping sites * Before disposal of muck retaining walls should be The disposal of muck constructed at the edges shall destroy the flora to retain the muck as the at the sites. However sites are just above the the sites identified for river Satluj muck disposal has low diversity for trees and shrubs and ranges from 0.59 to Environment and Ecology LG Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 13 of 15 Document: 2006005 / EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 0.97 which is very low.

3. Construction (i)Traditional Loss of flora due to * The increased in timber Phase Timber Rights logging of timber prices for right holders trees which are as per the prevailing Climax species of market rate natural forests * Reduction in permitting timber demand by right holders

* Provision of alternative building material to timber such as provision of bricks/concrete blocks for building houses, tin/ asbestos/ plastic sheets as roof material at concession rates to right holders

(11) Influx of labour Requirement of living * Cutting of trees should places, hotels, filling be strictly prohibited in stations, service the area for other stations and extra construction work. workers will arise. This will provide job * Forest clearance should opportunity to the be obtained if there is local skilled and any requirement for unskilled population. cutting trees.

(111)Induced Development in * Any new colonies Commercial Rampur town and developed in area development nearby places is should have provision likely to take place for plantation in the and land price may colony. increase. * As, the Rampur & New commercial Duttanagar are well development and equipped with the adverse impacts are commercial not envisaged development which are very near from proposed Environment and Ecology l M Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 14 of 15 Document: 2006005 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 The impact on Satluj. sites hence any Basin will be insignificant

However the induced impact will not cause any significant impact on flora of the area as the migrant population is not given any timber right

4. Operation (i) Loss of flora In operation phase * Proper protection Phase no tree felling is measures should be required. taken for the plantation work carried under the Compensatory project afforestation and avenue plantation * Fencing of plantation shall increase the area should be done. greenery in the area. Hence the impact will * Watchman should be be positive during also employed to care of operation phase. plantation for minimum 3 years.

(ii) Loss of fauna Loss of fauna is not * No impact is envisaged anticipated during on fauna during operation phase as operation phase the wildlife is found in the upper reaches of hills far away from project area.

There shall be no impact on fauna of Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin during operation phase.

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

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 (iii) Biodiversity No significant impact * Awareness programs is envisaged on should be held for the biodiversity in Project stakeholders to develop Influence Area and concern for conservation Satluj Basin of biodiversity in the area.

7.0 CONCLUSION

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

Environment and Ecology I CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background 1.2 Project Setting 1.3 Scope of Work 1.4 Policy And Legal Aspects of Biodiversity Conservation 1.4.1 Legal Framework 1.4.2 Protected Area management in Satluj Basin and Himachal Pradesh 1.5 Traditional Timber Rights Followed In H.P. 1.5.1 Procedure for Obtaining Timber 1.5.2 Timber Trees

CHAPTER 2 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.1 Introduction 2.2 Terrestrial Ecosystem 2.3 Flora Assessment 2.3.1 Assessment Techniques 2.4 Fauna Assessment 2.5 Public Consultation

CHAPTER 3 BASELINE BIODIVERSITY STATUS

3.1 Introduction 3.2 Biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh 3.2.1 Forest 3.2.2 Natural Flora 3.2.3 Natural Fauna 3.3 Biodiversity of Satluj Basin 3.3.1 Forest Types 3.3.2. Natural Flora 3.3.3 Natural Fauna 3.4 Biodiversity Status of Project Influence Area 3.4.1 Climate 3.4.2 Geology & Soil Types 3.4.3 Forest 3.4.4 Forest Types 3.4.5 Natural Flora 3.4.6 Community use of Natural Flora 3.4.7 Ethno-botanical Information 3.4.8 Natural Fauna 3.5 Biodiversity of Immediate Influence Area 3.5.1 Forest Types 3.5.2 Natural Flora 3.5.3 Natural Fauna 3.6 Bio Diversity of Project Affected Area 3.6.1 Forest Type 3.6.2 Natural Flora 3.6.3 Community Uses of Natural Flora 3.6.4 Natural Fauna 3.7 Quantitative Assessment of Flora 3.7.1 Project Affected Area 3.7.2 Assessment of Flora of the Immediate Influence Area 3.8 Ecological Status of Species: Flora & Fauna (Endangered/Rare/Threatened /Endemic) 3.8.1 Status of Flora 3.8.2 Status of Fauna 3.9 Comparative Aspects of Flora and Fauna 3.9.1 Comparative Status of Forests Types 3.9.2 Comparative Distribution of Flora 3.9.3 Comparative Distribution of Fauna 3.10 Factors Affecting Terrestrial Biodiversity 3.10.1 Natural Calamities 3.10.2 Anthropogenic Activities

CHAPTER 4 IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES ON BIODIVERSITY

4.1 Introduction 4.2 Impacts on Flora 4.2.1 Direct Impacts 4.2.2 Indirect & Cumulative Impacts 4.2.3. Induced Impacts 4.3 Impacts on Fauna 4.3.1 Direct Impacts 4.3.2 Indirect & Cumulative Impacts 4.3.3 Induced Impacts

CHAPTER 5 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

5.1 Introduction 5.2 Threats to Biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh 5.3 History of Deforestation 5.4 Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives Taken by Gol & GoHP 5.5 Previous Experience of Implementing Nathpa - Jhakri Hydro- 5.5.1 Compensatory Afforestation Plan of NJHEP 5.5.2 Catchment Area Treatment Plan NJHEP 5.6 Conservation of Project Influence Area 5.6.1 Major Threats to Biodiversity 5.7 Proposed Management Plan for Project Affected Area Introduction 5.7.1 Proposed Compensatory Afforestation Plan for RHEP 5.7.2 Proposed Catchment Area Treatment Plan for RHEP. 5.7.3 Proposed Wildlife Management Plan 5.7.4 Proposed Muck Disposal Plan 5.8 Proposed Management Plan for Mitigation of Impacts CHAPTER 6 RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Introduction 6.2 Institutional Strengthening 6.2.1 Appointment of Environment Officer 6.2.2 Suggested Environmental Awareness & Training Programmes 6.2.3 Suggested Training Institutes 6.3 Vegetative Recommendations 6.3.1 Recommendations for Muck/Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan 6.3.2 Recommendation for Avenue Plantations 6.4 Recommendation to be forwarded to State Forest Department 6.4.1 Recommendation for Compensatory Afforestation Plan 6.4.2 Recommendation for Implementation of Catchment Area Treatment Plan 6.4.3 Recommendation for Management of Biodiversity of Project Influence Area

CHAPTER 7 REFERENCES I I List of Tables

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Table 1.1 Salient Features of Rampur Hydro-electric Project Table 1.2 Status of Forest Table 1.3 Status of Protected Area Table 1.4 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Satluj Basin

CHAPTER 2 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

CHAPTER 3 BASELINE BIODIVERSITY STATUS

Table 3.1 Change in Forest Cover of Himachal Pradesh Table 3.2 Major Forest Types Recorded in Himachal Pradesh Table 3.3 Major Forest Types of Satluj Basin Table 3.4 The List of Fauna Reported from Satluj Basin Table 3.5 Land use Pattern of Forest in Project Influence Area Table 3.6 List of Protected Forests under the Study Area Table 3.7 Flora Recorded Under The Project Influence Area (7km) Table 3.8 Ecological Features of Dominant Flora Table 3.9 Major Uses of Trees from Forest Table 3.10 Commercially Important Trees (Horticulture) Table 3.11 Medicinal Plants of Forests Table 3.12 Ethno-botanical Approach for Major Plant Species of Forest Table 3.13 Domestic Animal Census Data (2003) for Rampur Division Table 3.14 List of Wildlife Reported from the Study Area and Their Status Table 3.15 Census Data of Wildlife Table 3.16 Flora Recorded Under the Immediate Project Area (500m) Table 3.17 List of Avifauna Recorded Under the Immediate Influence Area Table 3.18 Breakup of Forest Land under the Project Area Table 3.19 Flora Recorded Under the Project Affected Area Table 3.20 Major Uses of Trees under the Project Area Table 3.21 List of Avifauna Recorded Under the Project Affecte Area Table 3.22 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Curtain Cover Head Race Tunnel Table 3.23 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Kazo Adit Table 3.24 Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit Job Facilities Table 3.25 Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit Approach Road Table 3.26 Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit Table 3.27 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Kunni Adit Table 3.28 Assessment of Flora of Kunni Adit Table 3.29 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Goshai Adit Table 3.30 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area Nimrand Bridge Table 3.31 Assessment of Flora of Dumping Area near Veri Table 3.32 Assessment of Flora of near Surge Shaft Area-- Approach road Table 3.33 Assessment of Flora of Power House Area & Approach Road Table 3.34 Assessment of Flora of Quarry site Table 3.35 Diversity Index of Project Affected Area Table 3.36 Assessment of flora of Kunni Area Table 3.37 Assessment of flora of Nirmand Area Table 3.38 Assessment of flora Near Bayal Village Table 3.39 Assessment of Importance Value Index Near Pashada Forest Area Table 3.40 Diversity Index of Immediate Influence Area Table 3.41 Status of Rare and Threatened Species Table 3.42 Status of Rare, Endangered and Protected Species of Fauna Table 3.43 Comparative Distribution of Forests Types Table 3.44 Comparative Distribution Of Flora Table 3.45 Comparison of Diversity Index Table 3.46 Comparative Distribution of Endangered Species of Wildlife Table 3. 47 Comparative Status of Protected Areas

CHAPTER 4 IMPACT OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES ON BIODIVERSITY

Table 4.1 List of Trees to be felled for clearing the Site Table 4.2 Proposed Sites for Compensatory Afforestation, Anni Forest Division Table 4.3 Details of Identified Dumping Areas Table 4.4 Timber Rights Marketed to Right Holders From 1987-88 to 91-92 in Rampur Forest Division Table 4.5 Rate of Timber for Right Holders (Rs) Table 4.6 Timber Rates for Non-right Holders Table 4.7 Assessment of Impacts And Mitigation Measures CHAPTER 5 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Table 5.1 Assessment of Forest Cover Himachal Pradesh Table 5.2 Species-wise plantation by Forest Department up to 1997 Table 5.3 Himachal Pradesh Forest Cover Change Matrix Table 5.4 Himachal Pradesh Forest Cover Change Matrix Table 5.5 Change in Forest Cover in Himachal Pradesh Table 5.6 Institutional Framework for Implementation of SBSAP Table 5.7 Export Permit Fee for Medicinal Plants Table 5.8 List of Plant Species Recommended for Compensatory Afforestation Table 5.9 Details of Various Plantation Schemes Implemented Under Compensatory Afforestation Table 5.10 The details of Erosion control Measures for sites under catchment Area of Project. Table 5.11 Details of Infrastructure Development Schemes Implemented under CAT Plan Table 5.12 Site Selected for Propose Compensatory Afforestation for RHEP Table 5.13 Details of Various Schemes Implemented Under Forest Conservation & Improvement Programme Table 5.14 List of Trees Recommended for Afforestation RHEP Table 5.15 Proposed Soil & Moisture Conservation Measures in Catchment Area. Table 5.16 Proposed Infrastructure Development in Catchment Area Table 5.17 Budgetary Provision for Wildlife Management Plan. Table 5.18 MANAGEMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

CHAPTER 6 RECOMMENDATIONS Table: 6.1 Proposed Training Modules

Table: 6.2 Recommended shrub species for Redevelopment Plan Table: 6.3 Recommendations of species for Hedges & Boundaries Table 6.4 Recommended Species of Ornamental Plants for Avenue Plantation Table: 6.5 Fodder Spices Recommended for Compensatory Afforestation List of Figures

Fig 1.1 Status of Forest Cover in India Fig 1.2 Status of Forest Cover in Himachal Pradesh Fig 4.1 Chain of Impacts and Structural Relationship of Terrestrial Biota Fig 5.1 Existing Thrust to Forests Fig 5.2 Assessment of Forest Cover for Various Years in Himachal Pradesh Fig 5.3 Change in Forest Cover of Himachal Pradesh Fig 5.4 Compensatory Afforestation : Synergy with Plantation Schemes of Forest Department Fig 5.5 Integrated Approach for Biodiversity Management I 1 $ Lg Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: I of 15 Document: 2006005 / EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

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

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

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.0 OBJECTIVES

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

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

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

Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydroelectric Project Sheet: 2 of 15 Document: 20060051 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RD

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

* To identify major threats to existing terrestrial biodiversity

* To review Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Catchment Area Treatment Plan, Muck/ Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan, for RHEP & NJHEP and suggest vegetative measures

* Formulation of Biodiversity Management Plan

4.0 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

The Primary & Secondary data has been collected to assess baseline terrestrial biodiversity status. Primary surrey of flora has been conducted by using Standard Quadrate Method & Random sampling approach was followed. The Importance value index was calculated as per the Curter & Irtosh (1950) and diversity index calculated as per Shanon- Weaver (1948) Domestic Animals were directly observed during while birds were identified with binox and information about wildlife was collected form state forest dept. The public consultation was conducted during survey of the project/ study area to know about various aspects of forest and wildlife studies.

4.1 Forest Types

Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 3 of 15 Document: 20060051 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

Table: 1 Comparative Distribution of Forests Types

Forest Types H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAA Tropical Moist Siwalic Sal Forest. Deciduous Forest.. 3C/C2a Bhabur Sal Forest. 3C/C2b Dry Alpine Scrub + 16/Cl (3000-3600m.) Moist Alpine Scrub + Alpine Pasture 15/C3 (3000-3600m) Sub Alpine Forest.. + Fir Frs. 14/C la (3000-3500m.) Pasture 14/DS1 Himalayan Dry + Coniferous Dry D. Frs. Temperate Forest.. 13/C2b (2500-3000m.) Con. Pine Frs. 13/C I Blue Pine Frs. 13/C2b Himalayan Moist + Ban-Oak Frs. 12/Cla ± Temperate Forest.. Kharsu Oak Frs. 12/C2a + (1500-2500m) Moist Deodar Frs. + 12/ClC Oak- Fir Frs. 12/C2b + Mix. Con Frs. 12/Cld + Moharu Oak Frs. 12/C1 + Oak Scrub Frs. 12/Dsl Sub- tropical Pine + Himalayan Sub- tropical Forest.. Pine Frs. 9C1 St. Euph Srb 9DS2 + + + Sub-tropical Dry + Dodonea Srb 1ODS1 + + + Evergreen Forest.. Tropical Dry + Northern Dry Mixed + Deciduous Forest. Dec. Frs. 5/C2 + Khair - Sissoo Forest. + l_ 5B/1 S2 Total 9/35 8/19 4/10 2/2 2/2 HP- Himachal Pradesh, S.B. - Satluj Basin, PIA- Project Influence Area PIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area +- Present, - - Absent - Altitudinal Migration

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

4.2 Nature of Flora

Table: 2 Comparative Distribution Of Flora

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

Environment and Ecology Lg Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 5 of 15 Document: 20060051 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

Table 2 Diversity Indexes of the Project Area

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

Project Affected Area 0.27 - 1.30 0.17 - 0.80

Immediate Influence Area 1.17 -1.41 0.87 -1.13

4.3 Natural Fauna

Table: 3 Comparative Distribution of Endangered Species of Wildlife

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

Cold Desert Snow Leopard + + - - -

Dry Alpine Him Brown Bear + + - - -ll Scrub Tibetan Wolf + + - - -

Moist Alpine Red Fox + + - - - IV

Sub Alpine Common Leopard + + + - -I forest. (3500- 6600) Him Black Bear + + +* - - Il Bharal + + Ill Him Thar + + I Him Ibex + + I

Musk Deer + - - -I

Baseline Terrestrial Biodiversity Status: - Status*: As per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule-I Endangered and Rare Species

Environment and Ecology Lg Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 6 of 15 Document: 2006005 / EC I Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

Schedule-lI Special Game Schedule-lIl Big Game Schedule-IV Small Game

4.4 Protected Area Network

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

A re a s ______National 2 1-- Park 2 Wildlife 32 8 Sanctuary

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

4.5 Threats to Terrestrial Biodiversity

Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 7 of 15 Document: 20060051 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

Table: 5 Major Cause of Pressure on Forests

S. No Detail of Item Unit

1 Timber Demand 4.5 Lakh m3

2 Fuel Demand 35 Lakh MT

3 Fodder demand 150 Lakh MT

4 Medicinal Plants 1500 sp

Out of these various factors, timber demand of local people is the major factor affecting the forest. The traditional timber tights is discussed below in brief 4.6 Traditional Timber Right

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

S.N. Timber Species Number of Trees Felled 1 Cedrus deodara (Deodar) 2018 2 Pinus roxburghii (Kail) 5743 3 Pinus wallichiana (Chir) 0217 4 Picea smithiana (Rai) 0687

Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 8 of 15 Document: 2006005 1 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

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

5.0 IMPACTS ON TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY

6.0 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 9 of 15 Document: 2006005 / EC I Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

Loss of Forests land i.e. 48.9 ha which is just 0.9 % of the total forests land available in Ani Forest division Hence impact will be insignificant

(II) Felling of Trees The clearing of * Compensatory project sites for Afforestation will be construction requires carried under the felling of trees, a total degraded Forest Area number of 1075 trees Development scheme are be felled. Out of hence there will be total 92.6 % of trees increase the forest cover are Eucalyptus Plantation, the exotic the natural forests and rest are commonly distributed throughout the project immediate influence as well as project influence area hence, the impact will be insignificant

(iii)Clearing of The project site is * Compensatory Project sites dominated by weedy Afforestation will carried for construction shrubs which are under the Degraded activity commonly distributed Forest Area throughout and none Development scheme of rare, endangered hence there will be or threatened or increase the forest cover endemic species was observed during Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 10 of 15 Document: 2006005/ EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 survey /reported in the project sites. Therefore no impact on biodiversity is envisaged.

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

l Plants, machinery and equipment shall be handled so as to minimize generation of dust.

l All earth work shall be protected to minimize dust generation.

* All crusher used in construction shall confirm to relative dust emission devises

(ii) Generation of The noise level of the * The machineries, Noise construction site is vehicles and likely to increase due equipments use in to various activities, construction shall strictly which may cause confirm to CPCB Environment and Ecology Lg Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 11 of 15 Document: 2006005 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 disturbance to the standard. fauna in the area. However this impact * All vehicles equipment would be insignificant machinery used in as the increase in construction shall be noise shall be fitted by exhaust intermittent and silencers. temporary Equipments should be maintained regularly and soundproof gadgets No significant impact should be used. on fauna of Project Influence Area and * Blasting shall be carried Satluj Basin out as per the statutory laws, regulation and rules pertaining to acquisition, transport, storage, handling and used of explosives

(iv) Quarry Extraction of rocks * The extraction of activities and sand shall be material should be done done for the from the identified construction work quarry site only. from quarry sites and Environment and Ecology LM Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 12 of 15 Document: 2006005 1 EC I Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

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

* Such a stockpile should be utilized for redevelopment of quarry areas.

* Grasses and shrub species should be planted.

(v) Soil Erosion The construction | Strict implementation of activities may lead to approved Catchment the erosion of soil in Area Treatment Plan for catchments area of control of soil erosion. Satluj Basin.

(vi)Muck Disposal The muck produced - The muck should be by the construction disposed at the work shall be identified sites only. disposed at the dumping sites | Before disposal of muck retaining walls should be The disposal of muck constructed at the edges shall destroy the flora to retain the muck as the at the sites. However sites are just above the the sites identified for river Satluj muck disposal has low diversity for trees and shrubs and ranges from 0.59 to Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 13 of 15 Document: 2006005 / EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 0.97 which is very low.

(111) Induced Development in * Any new colonies Commercial Rampur town and developed in area development nearby places is should have provision likely to take place for plantation in the and land price may colony. increase. * As, the Rampur & New commercial Duttanagar are well development and equipped with the adverse impacts are commercial not envisaged development which are very near from proposed Environment and Ecology ELm Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 14 of 15 Document: 2006005 EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: RO

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 The impact on Satluj. sites hence any Basin will be insignificant

However the induced impact will not cause any significant impact on flora of the area as the migrant population is not given any timber right

4. Operation (i) Loss of flora In operation phase * Proper protection Phase no tree felling is measures should be required. taken for the plantation work carried under the Compensatory project afforestation and avenue plantation * Fencing of plantation shall- increase the area should be done. greenery in the area. Hence the impact will * Watchman should be be positive during also employed to care of operation phase. plantation for minimum 3 years.

There shall be no impact on fauna of Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin during operation phase.

Environment and Ecology Fg Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 15 of 15 Document: 2006005 / EC / Executive Summary Date: August 2006 Final Report Revision: Ro

7.0 CONCLUSION

Environment and Ecology I9 I1 Fg Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 1 of 10 Chapter-1 Date: August 2006 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has gE..------:- been assigned to construct 412 MW Rampur j , F Hydro Electric Project (RHEP) near Rampur town in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh -- (H.P.). The project RHEP has been conceived as a tailrace development from the

1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydroelectric Project . '. (NJHEP) to tap the hydropower potential of river Satluj between Jhakri and Bayel village. t ' i yf77 Ih 7

The surface powerhouse will be constructed -v on the right bank of the river Satluj at village INTAKE STRUCTURE Bayel, which is about 15 km downstream of Rampur Hydro Electric Project Rampur town.

The intake of the project is located at the ouffall of Nathpa Jhakri Project at Jhakri in District Shimia. The project area falls under the Tehsil Nirmand covering panchayats Bayal Tunan, Poshana and Gadej in district Kullu situated on the right bank of river Satluj and Duttnagar in district Shimla situated on the left bank of river Satluj. Project site is about 130 km away from Shimia on NH-22. 1.2 PROJECT SETTING

The salient feature of the proposed hydroelectric project is given in the table below: Table: 1.1 Salient Features of Rampur Hydro-electric Project

1. LOCATION State Himachal Pradesh District Shimla / Kullu River Satluj Vicinity Intake work at Jhakri in District Shimia. The tail water of Nathpa Jhakri Hydro-electric Project will be utilized. The Power House is located on right bank of river Satluj near village Bayal in District Kullu about 15 km d/s of Rampur. 2. HYDROLOGY Catchment area at Rampur (G & D 50880 km2 Side) Design Flood at Rampur(as per SJVNL) 100 Years 4104 m3 /sec 1OOOYears 5572 m3 /sec 10,000 Years 7151 m 3 /sec Environment and Ecology Fq Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 2 of 10 Chapter-i Date: August 2006

Average Annual runoff in 50% 10181.22 M m3 average year Average Annual runoff in 90% 8195.35 M m3 average vear 3. INTAKE STRUCTURE Normal Pond Level 1005.00m Minimum water level(MWL) 1002m Design Discharge 383.88 cumecs Top elevation of wall structure 1026.5m (corresponding to design flood of 5660 cumecs with freeboard of 1.8m) Number of Intake gates 2(6m wide x 7m) 4. INTAKE TUNNEL Type Circular, Concrete lined Size 10.15m/ 10.50m dia Length 484m Design Discharge 383.88 cumecs 5. INTAKE CONDUIT (CUT & COVER) Type Circular Length 43.2m Design Discharge 383.88 cumces 6. HEAD RACE TUNNEL Type Circular Concrete lined Size 10.50 m finished diameter Length 15.08m Design Discharge 383.88 cumecs Bed Slopes 1 in 90 & 1 in 431 Velocity 4.43m/sec 7. ADITS Length of Adit at RD 14625 590m m(upstream of surge shaft) Length of Goshai Khad Adit at RD 1116m 11720m Length of Kunni Khad Adit at RD 604m 5854m Length of Kazo Khad Adit RD 2712 760m Length of Adit cum spill tunnel at left 342.5 bank Type 7.5m D shaped 8. SURGE SHAFT Numbers 1 Type Restricted Orifice Diameter 38m Depth 140 m Orifice diameter 4.45m Elevation of centre line of head race 949.54m tunnel Elevation of invert of surge shaft 944.29m Max. up surge 1049.38m Minimum down surge 978.05m 9. BUTTERFLY VALVE CHAMBER Type Surface Type Size of Chamber 69m long, 10.5m wide & 23m high Environment and Ecology Fq Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 3 of 10 Chapter-1 Date: August 2006

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

10. PENSTOCK Number Three numbers Size 5.40m circular steel lined Type Partially underground , Length Approx. 5000 m each Velocity in 3.8m dia. portion 5.64 m/sec Type and thickness of steel liner ASTM-537 (20mm to 16mm -main pipe), (12mm- branch pipe) 11. POWER HOUSE COMPLEX Type Surface Installed Capacity 412MW Size Approximately 136 m long,23.5m wide and 50m high Type of turbine Francis vertical axis Speed of Turbine 214.3 RPM Generating unit 6 x 68.67 MW Gross head 138.7 M Net head 119.10M Generators 6 x68.67MW, 0.9 pf, generation voltage 11KV Step up unit Transformer 6 Nos, 84 MVA 3 phase 11/400KV OFWF type 12. SWITCH YARD Size and Type [Surface - 400 KV Switch gear 13. TAIL RACE CHANNEL Type Horse shoe concrete lined / Trapezoidal Length 72 m + open channel Size 10.5 m dia Max. Tail water level for Power EL 866.70m generation (Q=383.88 cumecs) Minimum Tail water Level (Q=32 EL 862.90m cumecs) 14. POWER GENERATION Peaking capacity during lean period 412 MW Annual energy generation in 1969.60 Gwh 90% dependable year Annual energy generation in 2230.31 Gwh 50% dependable year 15. TRANSMISSION OF POWER It is Proposed to evacuate the Power generated at Rampur Hydro Electric Project by LILO of 400KV Jhakri Nalagarh D/C line

Environment and Ecology LM Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 4 of 10 Chapter-1 Date: August 2006

1.3 SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of Terrestrial Bio-diversity Study include detailed survey of flora and fauna of the Project Affected Area (The forest land acquired for various project units) and Project Immediate Influence area (500mt on either side of constructions sites of HRT, Surge shaft, Penstock, Powerhouse, etc) and Project Influence Area (7 Km Surrounding Project Sites). Scope of Biodiversity assessment is as below:

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

* The survey of flora was conducted following Standard Quadrat Method and Random Sampling approach was followed. The number of Quadrat studied so as to cover 8-10% of total land parcel under the study

* The flora survey also include information on forest type, cover structure of forest, major and minor associations

* Composition & structure of forest with reference to Abundance, Distribution, Phenology, & Ethno-botanical approach for major forest species

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

* To identify major uses of tree species in terms of timber, fodder, food, medicinal etc base on available literature as well- as through consultation with local institute / people

* Calculation of density and diversity flora

* Preparation of Study area map as well as forest maps

* To identify major and minor habitats of fauna

* To identify major threats to existing biodiversity

* To review compensatory afforestation plan/ Catchments Area Treatment Plan and re-devolvement plan for Muck Area Disposal of RHEP and recommend vegetative measures in light of previous experience of NJHEP

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

1.4 POLICY AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

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

Environment and Ecology Fq Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 5 of 10 Chapter-1 Date: August 2006

In order to project existing biodiversity resources of the country. Government of India (GOI) is actively involved in various conservation measures such as establishment of National Parks & Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserve Program, World Heritage Sites, Specific Animal Targeted Project (Project Tiger 1973, Project Elephant 1991-92, Rhinoceros i.e. Sanctuary / National Park in North East and North West India), etc. Besides this GOI is actively co-operating with other nations with reference to biodiversity conservation. There are many international treaties/regional treaties concentrate specifically on conservation and use of global biodiversity. Following are some of the international treaties relevant to biodiversity * Convention Relative to the Preservation of Fauna and Flora in their Natural State. 8th Nov. 1993, London * International Plant Protection Convention. 6th Dec. 1951, Rome * Plant Protection Agreement for South East Asia and Pacific Region 27th Feb. 1956, Rome * Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat 2nd Feb 1971, Ramsar * Convention on the conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, 23rd June 1979, Bonn * Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 3rd March 1973, Washington * International Tropical Timber Agreement 19 th Nov. 1983, Geneva

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

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

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

1- to document the total range of biodiversity of the State and its social and cultural significance for various communities in the State 2- to assess the existing status of biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh and identify various factors causing its depletion and deterioration 3- to identify and address biodiversity related needs of local communities 4- to work out a strategy and put in place an action plan for conservation and sustainable use of the biological resources of the State 5- to generate awareness about biodiversity conservation imperatives amongst various stake holders and target groups 6- to secure participation of all stakeholders including various government agencies, public bodies, local communities including women, NGOs, private Environment and Ecology Fq Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 6 of 10 Chapter-1 Date: August 2006

entrepreneurs, and the general public in the State in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity 7- to empower the local people in taking biodiversity related decisions and to ensure benefits to them as creators and holders of indigenous knowledge systems and 8- to ensure incorporation of principles of restoration, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in cross-sectoral policies and programs 9- to realize the consumptive and non-consumptive values of biodiversity through necessary investment in research and development 10- to identify legal and financial institutions to achieve these objectives 11- to promote regional, inter-state, national and international co-operation

1.4.1 Legal Framework

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

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

1.4.2 Protected Area management in Satluj Basin and Himachal Pradesh

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

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

Table: 1.2 Status of Forest

Moderately Geographical Dense Forest Dense Open Place Area km 2 km 2 Forest km 2 Forest km 2

India 3287263 51285 339279 287769 Himachal Pradesh 55673 1093 7883 5377

Kullu District 5503 117 1295 521

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

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

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

1.56% 10.32% * Dense Forest 8.75% /o Moderately Dense Forest c Open Forest

o Non Forest Area 79.36%

Fig. 1.1 Status of Forest Cover in India

Environment and Ecology Fq Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 8 of 10 Chapter-1 Date: August 2006

2% 14.10% ______n Dense Forest

9.70% o Moderately Dense Forest o Open Forest

o Non Forest Area 74.20%

Fig 1.2 Status of Forest Cover in Himachal Pradesh

Table: 1.3 Status of Protected Area

Location No. of Sanctuaries No. of National Parks

India 490 88

Himachal Pradesh 32 2

Satluj basin 10 0

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

Table 1.4 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Satluj Basin

S. No. NAME AREA (Sq. Km)

1. Bandli (Mandi) 41

2. Daranghati (Shimla) 167

3. Darlaghat (Solan) 6

4. Gobind Sagar 100

5. Kibber (Llauhal & Spiti) 1400

6. Lippa Assrang (Kinnaur) 349

7. Majathal (Solan) 57.55

Environment and Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 9 of 10 Chapter-1 Date: August 2006

S. No. NAME AREA (Sq. Km)

8. Rakchham Chitkul (Kinnaur) 304

9. Rupi Bhabha (Kinnaur) 738

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

1.5 TRADITIONAL TIMBER RIGHTS FOLLOWED IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

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

The forest of Himachal Pradesh have an estimated growing stock of 10.26 3 crore m and more than 4.5 lakh m3 of timber is harvested every year in the form of salvage and to meet the demand of right holders. As per one estimate timber worth Rs 60 crore is allocated to the right holders at nominal cost every year (HPFSR, 2000). All green commercial harvesting of timber from the State's forests has been suspended since 1984. The forests also contribute an estimated annual income of Rs. 25 crore to the rural communities in the form of minor forest produce.

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

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

1.5.1 Procedure for Obtaining Timber

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

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1.5.2 Timber Trees

A total number of 20 timber spices are recommended by forest department. The some important timber species are Deodar (Cedrus deodara); Chir (Pinus roxburghii); Kail (Pinus wallichiana); Rai (Picea smithiana); Tosh (Abies pindrow); Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo); Poplar (Populus deltoides) etc.

Trees to be cut are marked by Forest Officer strictly according to the silvicultural availability. Deodar trees are given only for irrigation channels for the construction & repair of temple buildings and for doors and windows of dwelling houses. Green deodar trees are not cut within 10 years of its age which are present in the premises of any temple or any building connected with temple. While dry deodar trees standing within above mentioned places may be cut and remove only for repair of the temple buildings. There are 250 villages belonging to 48 Panchayat in Rampur forest division.

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CHAPTER 2 BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

2.1 INTRODUCTION

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

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

2.3 FLORA ASSESSMENT

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

2.3.1 Assessment Techniques

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

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

(1) Importance Value Index

Number of species A

(i) Density Area sampled

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

Total cover or basal area of species A (iii) Dominance Area sampled

Density of species A (iv) Relative density =X 100 Total density of all species

Frequency value for species A (v) Relative frequency = X 100 Total of all frequency values for all Species

Dominance for species A (vi) Relative dominance = X 100 Total Dominance of all species

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

(2) Shanon - Weaver Index (1948)

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

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

ni = Number of individuals of each species in the sample

n = Total number of individuals

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2.4 FAUNA ASSESSMENT

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

2.5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

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

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CHAPTER 3 BASELINE BIODIVERSITY STATUS

3.1 INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

Such is the relevance of biodiversity to the people of the State that "Deodar" has been adopted as the state tree, "Rhododendron" as the state flower, "Musk deer" as the state animal and "Monal" as the state bird. The baseline biodiversity status of Himachal Pradesh, Satluj Basin, the project influence area (7 km surrounding project site), project immediate influence area (500 meters surrounding the project side) and project affected area (total land acquired for the project) is discussed in details below. 3.2 BIODIVERSITY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

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

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

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3.2.1 Forest

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

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

Table: 3.1 Change in Forest Cover of Himachal Pradesh

Year Dense Forest Open Forest Total Forest (Sq. Km) (Sq. Kin) (Sq. Km) 2001 10,429 3,931 14360 2003 8,976 5,377 14353 Change in -1,453 1,446 -7 Forest cover Source: State of Forest Report 2003

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

Table: 3.2 Major Forest Types Recorded in Himachal Pradesh

S.No Major Forest Type Classification Code

1 Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest 3C/ C 2A 3C/C2B 2 Tropical Dry Deciduous 5B/C-1 A 5B/C-2 5B/C2/DS 1 5B/E9 53B/1 -S2 3 Subtropical Dry Evergreen 10-Cl 10-DS1 4 Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest 12/C-1 a 12/C-1 b 12/C-Ic 12/C-le 12/C2-a 12/C2-b 12/DS1 12/DS-2

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S.No Major Forest Type Classification Code

5 Himalayan Dry Temperate Forest 13/Cl 13/C2a 13/C2b 13/C4 13/C5 6 Sub Alpine Forest 14/C/a 14/Cl-b 14/DS1 7 Subtropical Pine Forest 9C1 9DS1 9DS2 8 Most Alpine Scrub 15/Cl 15/C2 15/El 15/C3 9 Dry Alpine Scrub 16/Cl 16/El Source: Forest Working Plan Rampur Forest Division

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

3.2.2 Natural Flora

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

3.2.3 Natural Fauna

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

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

3.3 BIODIVERSITY OF SATLUJ BASIN

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

3.3.1 Forest Types

The altitudinal variation in Satluj basin leads to variation on forest types. The various forest types reported in Satluj basin is as below. Table: 3.3 Major Forest Types of Satluj Basin

S. No. Major Forest Type Classification Code

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

2 Himalayan Subtropical Pine Forests 9 C-1

3 Dry Bamboo Breks 5 B/E9

4 Himalayan Sub Alpine Fir Forests 14/ C1b

5 Himalayan Kharsoo - Oak Forests 12/C2 a

6 Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests 13/ Cl

7 Himalayan Kharsoo - Oak Forests 12/Cia

8 Mixed Broad leaved Coniferous Forests 12/Clb

9 Coniferous Pine Forests 13/C2a

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

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

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

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

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

3.3.3 Natural Fauna

The altitudinal variation, also the climatic and forest types the variation in fauna of the Satluj basin is observed. The fauna of the upper basin i.e. Cold desert is of special concern; as most of the endangered, endemic and rare species of wildlife is reported, form this region. A large variety of carnivore of endangered/ rare status such as, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Black Bear, Himalayan weasel, Yellow throated martin, Wooly hair Wolf, and Common Leopard. The herbivores are of various types of which, Ibex, Serow, Blue Sheep, Thar, Musk deer, Ghoral and Barking deer.

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

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Table: 3.4 The List of Fauna Reported from Satluj Basin

Scientific Name Common Name Family

Mammals

Canis lupus Indian Wolf Canidae

Canis aureus Jackal Canidae

Capra ibex Himalayan Ibex Bovidae

Capricomis sumatraensis Serow Sciuridae

Cervus unicolor Sambar Canidae

Felis bengalensis Leopard cat Felidae

Felis caracal Caracal Felidae

Hemitragusjemlahicus Himalayan thar Bovidae

Hylopetes, Petaurista Flying Squirrels Hylobatidae

Hystrix indica Indian Porcupine

Macaca mutata Rhus Macaque Cercopithecidae

Martes flavigula Yellow Throated Martens

Martes fonia intermedia,, Martens

Moschus moschiferus Musk deer Cervidae

Muntiacus muntjak Barking deer or Muntjac

Nemorhaedus gora, Gorals

Ovis nahura Bharal Bovidae

Paguma larvata Himalayan Palm Civet

Panthera paradus Leopard or Panther Felidae

Panthera uncia Snow leopard Platanistidae

Presbytis entellus Common langur Cerocopithecidae

Petaurista pataurista Common Giants squirrels Sciuridae

Selenarctos thibetanus Himalayan black bear

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Scientific Name Common Name Family

Sus scrofa Wild pig Suidae

Tragulus meminna Mouse deer Tragulidoe

Ursus arctos Himalayan Brown bear Ursidae

Vulpes bengalensis Indian fox Canidae

Vulpes fernilatus Tibetan fox Canidae

Reptiles

Bungarurcacraleus Common Indian Crait

Hemiductilus fuviviridis Common House Geico

Naja naja Indian Cobra

Varanus bengalensis Monitor Lizard Varanidae

Pyyas mocosus Common rat Snake Bovidae

Varanus bengalensis Bengal Monitor Lizard Source: Enchanting Himachal Pradesh, 2004

3.4 BIODIVERSITY STATUS OF PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA

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

3.4.1 Climate

The Climate of the study area is of temperate zone at high altitude above 10OOmtr and sub tropical at lower elevations. Generally April to June and Oct-Dec. are dry months. The Major precipitation is received in the months July & August while snow and rain precipitate in the area during January to March. Snowfall occurs above 1600 m autumn is generally very cold, May and June is very hot at lower elevations.

3.4.2 Geology & Soil Types:

The whole tract of Rampur / Aniforest division drains into the Satluj River. The tract is hilly with altitude varying from 730 to 5690 m the slopes vary from moderate to steep & very steep to precipitous Rugged and sharp edged cliffs are very common. The main rock types are Micaceous, Schist and Chositite Schist with Gneiss, Granite, States and Quartzite. Lime stone rocks are also found in Sangri area. In Delta area and along the Satluj the main rock types are Gneiss, Granite with outcrops of schists

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containing view of quartzite. The forest soil is mainly of two types (a) Acidic soil with low base status and (b) Neutral soil with high base status. Soil is rich in humus in Deodar and Fir forest, which hampers the natural regeneration.

3.4.3 Forest:

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

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

Table 3.5 Land use Pattern of Forest in Project Influence Area

S N Details of Land Rampur (Area in Ha) Ani (Area in Ha) 1 Demarkated Protected Forest 14737.01 13774.80 2 Un Protected Forest 16562.65 16212.49 3 Agriculture 7560.09 4618.90 4 Pasture 562.90 2637.63 5 Other 10532.25 3252.12 6 Total 49955.71 40495.94 Source: Rampur Forest Divison

There are total 12 protected forest under the study area of which 6 forest falls in Rampur Division while 6 in outer Seraj division of Kullu district. The details of protected forest are given in Table 3.6 Table: 3.6 List of Protected Forests under the Study Area S.No Rampur Forest Distance Anni Forest Distance Division (Area in ha.) (Krn) Division (Krn) 1 Bahli Protected Forest 2.5 Marha Kod 5.25 (176.17) Protected Forest 2 Banavali Protected 3.0 Khaira Kod 4.0 Forest Protected Forest 3 Baruni Protected Forest 0.75 Ramgarh Kondi 3.5 (32.4) Protected Forest

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S.No Rampur Forest Distance Anni Forest Distance Division (Area in ha.) (Km) Division (Km) 4 Daran Protected Forest 5.5 Sanpatu Protected 4.5 (5.5) Forest 5 Gaura Protected Forest 3.5 Shikarwah 3.75 (113.8) Protected Forest 6 Sanathali Protected 2.5 Tandi Thera 3.0 Forest (299.70) Protected Forest Source: Data collected form Rampur Forest Division

3.4.4 Forest Types

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

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

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

Major Associates: Lannea - Mallotus - Cedrela Bauhina - Albizzia - Bombax Sapindus - Dalbergia - Cedrela

Minor Associates: Desmodium - Rhus - Colebrookia Euphorbia - Woodfordia - Rubus- Cannabis

(2) Sub group 5/1-5-2 Khair - Sisoo Forests:

This type of forests restricted along the river Satluj on gravey and sandy loam soils. Major Associate: Acacia- Dalbergia - Mallotus Minor Associate: Adhatoda- Zizyphus - Mallotus - Aseculus

(3) Sub- group 9/C-1 Himalayan Subtropical Pine forests:

This type occurs between 1000m to 2000m elevation. Pinus roxburghii (Chir) occurs remarkably in pure and gregarious form. The crop is irregular and mature trees few and widely scattered.

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

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

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(4) Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests: -

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

Major Associates: Quercus - Pine

Minor Associates: Sarococca - Skimmia - Strobilanthus Rosa - Clematis- Hedera

(5) Sub group 12/C-1 Ban - Oak Forests;

The Ban Oak is common low level Oak of moist zone and is the major species over considerable area varies from 1500 to 2100m.

Major Associate: Rhododendron - Lyonia- Litsea Cedrela - Carpinus

Minor Associate: Berberis - Indigofera - Sarcococca

Desmodium - Inyrrine - Vibernum

Prinsepia-Spiraea - Lonicera - Rubus

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

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

Major Associates: Cedrela -Acer- Rhus Aesculus - Prunus - Pyrus - Juglans

Minor Associates: Rubus - Lillium - Berberis Myrsine -Indigofera - Plectranthus

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

This serial occurs near habitations between 1500-2200m and having affected by lopping, browsing, unregulated fallings for fuel and agricultural implements. I as a result Oak is reduced to low stunted, unsound and busy trees often of coppiced origin.

Major Associates: Rhododendron - Lyonia

Minor Associates: Berberis - Prinsepia

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

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

Major Associates: Deodar - Pinus wallichiana - Quercus incana Minor Associates: Berberis - Launicere - Desmodium

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3.4.5 Natural Flora: The climatic and altitudinal variations markedly influence the type of species distribution in various zones. Physiognomically flora of the study area can be categorized as trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses the list of Flora recorded during survey is given in table 3.7. However flora reported by Rampur and Ani forest department is given as Annexture-ll The climax and dominant species of forests are species of the forests are Chir (Pinus roxburghi,) Kail (Pinus wallichiana), Deodar (Cedrus deodara) and Ban Oak (Quercus incana) along with their major associated species. The dominant associate of (Cedrus deodara) Deodar is Ban Oak (Quercus incana) Kharsu Oak (Quercus semicarpifolia). Table: 3.7 Flora Recorded under the Project Influence Area (7km) S. SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY No. TREES 1 Acacia leucophloea Subabul Mimosaceae 2 Albizzia lebbek Seris Leguminosae 3 Bauhinia variegata Kachnar Leguminosae 4 Bombax ceiba Semal Bombaceae 5 Callistemon citrinus Bottle brush Myrtaceae 6 Cedrala serrata Darloi Miliaceae 7 Cedrela toona Toon Miliaceae 8 Cedrus deodara Devdaar Coniferae 9 Celtis australis Kharak Urticaceae 10 Cupressus torulosa Leuri Coniferae 11 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Fabaceae 12 Embelica officinalis Amia Euphorbiaceae 13 Eucalyptus globulus Safeda Myrtaceae 14 Ficus bengalensis Bargad Urticaceae 15 Ficus elastica Rubber tree Urticaceae 16 Ficus palmata Fedu, Phegru Urticaceae 17 Ficus religiosa Pipal Urticaceae 18 Ficus roxburghii Timal Urticaceae 19 Grevillea robusta Silver oak Proteaceae 20 Grewia oppositifolia Biul Tiliaceae 21 Juglans regia Akhrot Juglandaceae 22 Lannea grandis Jinghini Anacardiaceae 23 Litlsea umbrosa Shuru Lauraceae 24 Mallotus philippinenisis Ruin Euphorbiaceae

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S. SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY No. 25 Mangifera indica Aam Anacardiaceae 26 Melia azedarach Dhenk Meliaceae 27 Morus alba Tut Urticaceae 28 Morus serrala Himu, Tut Urticaceae 29 Morus sps Paper Mulberry Urticaceae 30 Pinus roxburghii Chil Coniferae 31 Populus ciliala Poplar Salicaceae 32 Prunus amygradus Badam Rosaceae 33 Prunus armeniaca Chuli Rosaceae 34 Prunus cerasoides Paja Rosaceae 35 Prunus communis Aloocha Rosaceae 36 Prunus persica Aroo Rosaceae 37 Punica granatum Aanar Lythraceae 38 Pyrus malus Seb Rosaceae 39 Quercus incana Ban Cupuliferae 40 Quercus dilata Moru Cupuliferae 41 Robinia pseudoacacia Pahari kikar Papilionoidaea 42 Rhodondendron arboreum Burans Ericaceae 43 Sapindus mukorossi Ritha Sapindaceae 44 Syzygium cumini Jamun Myrtaceae 45 Tamarindus indica Imli Caesalpiniaceae SHRUBS 1 Adhatoda vasica Basuti, Vasika Acanthaceae 2 Agave americana Rambans Cactaceae 3 Aloe vera Aloe Liliaceae 4 Artemesia vulgaris Kubash Compositae 5 Berberies aristata Karmshal, Kashmoi Berberidaceae 6 Berberis lycium Kashmanl Berberidaceae 7 Calotropis gigantea Aak Asclepiadaceae 8 Cannabis sativa Bhang Cannabinaceae 9 Carissa spinarum Karonada Apocynaceae 10 Colebrookia oppositifolia Bambher, Sidhar Labiatae 11 Cotoneaster acuminata Ruinish Rosaceae

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S. SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY No.

12 Cotoneaster bacillaris Ruinish Rosaceae 13 Daphne papyracea Chamua, Satpura Thymelaeaceae 14 Debregeasia hypoleuca Sihanru Artocarpeae 15 Desmodium tiliaefolium Martoi Leguminosae 16 Dodonaea viscosa Mehandi Sapindaceae 17 Euphorbia royleana Shuru Euphorbiaceae 18 Girardinia heterophylla Bichhu, Kushki Urticaceae 19 Hypericum oblongifolium Phiunli Hypericaceae 20 Indigofera gerardiana Kathi Leguminosae 21 Indigofera pulchella Sakina Leguminosae 22 Lantana camara Lantana Verbinaceae 23 Lonicera angustifolia Banchulu Caprifoliaceae 24 Mohonia nepalensis Khoru Berberidaceae 25 Moriandra strobilifera Pothi Labiatae 26 Murraya koenigii Kath Neem Rutaceae 27 Musa paradisiaca Kela Scitaminaeae 28 Opuntia monocantha Nagphani Cactaceae 29 Plectranthus coesta Chichiri Labiatae 30 Princepia utilis Bhekal Rosaceae 31 Ricinus communis Arandi Euphorbiaceae 32 Rubus ellipticus Hinsar Rosaceae 33 Rumex hastatus Bhilmora Polgonaceae 34 Sarcococca saligna Tiliari Euphorbiaceae 35 Solanum surattense Kateli Solanaceae 36 Strobilianthes sp. Acanthaceae 37 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhaula Lythraceae 38 Zizyphusjujuba Beri Rhamnaceae 39 Zizyphus nummularia Beri Rhamnaceae HERBS/CLIMBERS

I Achyranthes aspera Aghada, Puthkanda Amaranthaceae 2 Argemone mexicana Prickly poppy Papaveraceae Asparagus racemosa Sahansarpali Liliaceae 4 Bauhinia vahli Malo Leguminosae

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S. SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY No. 5 Chenopodium album Bathwa Chenopodiaceae 6 Chromolaena odorata Triva gandha Chromolaenae 7 Clemapis montana Kauniabali Ranunculaceae 8 Datura suaveolens Datura Solanaceae 9 Echinops echinatus Gokhru Compositae 10 Erigeron bellidioides Horse weed Compositae 11 Frageria indica Bhumla Rosoideae 13 Frageria vesica Bhumla Rosoideae 14 Heliotropium strigosum Hatta-juri Boraginaceae 15 Jasminium officinale Chameli Oleaceae 16 Ocimum basilicum Vantulsi Labiatae 17 Oxalis corniculata Amrit sak Oxilidaceae 18 Polygonum chinense Jangli palak Polgonaceae 19 Sonchus oleraceus Dudhi, Pathari Convolvulanceae 20 Thymus serphyllum Hasha Lebiatae 21 Tridex procumbens Ground weed Amaranthaceae 22 Trifolium pratense Purple clover Papilionoidae 23 Verbascum thapsus Gidar tamakus Scrophulariaceae Ferns 1 Pteris sp Fern Pteridaceae 2 Adiantum sp Fern Pteridaceae Epiphyte 1 Vanda roxburghii Badang Orchidaceae Fungi 1 Morchella esculata Mashroom GRASSES

1 Arundo donax Phiral, Naru Gramineae 2 Cynodon dactylon Dhub Gramineae 3 Saccharum spontaneum Kans Gramineae 4 Parthenium hysterophorus Congress grass Compositae 5 Phragmites communis Naal Gramineae 6 Erianthus munja Munj Gramineae Source: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006

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The Chir (Pinus roxburghii) occurs remarkably in pure and gregarious form and constitute stable sub climax due to biotic factors. The crop is generally irregular and mature trees are widely scattered. It improves in quality where pure quartzite formations occur. The common associates of Chir (Pinus roxburghil) are Ruin (Mallotus philippinenisis); Toon (Cedrela toona), Kachnar (Bauhina varigata), Siris (Albizzia lebbek), and Semal (Bombax ceiba). The undergrowth generally consists of Indigofera pulchella, Rosa mustata etc. The ecological features with reference to their habitat, nature i.e. evergreen or deciduous, and their distribution in terms of altitude of the major forest species is given in details below Table: 3.8 Ecological Features of Dominant Flora S.No Name of S ecies Ecology Scientific Local Habitat Nature Distribution (m) 1. Albizzia lebbek Siris Hills Deciduous 300 - 1300 2. Bombax ceiba Semal Hill slopes Deciduous 300 - 1500 3. Bauhinia variegata Kachnar Forest Deciduous 300- 1500 4. Cedrus deodara Deodar High Evergreen 1800- 3000 forest 5. Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Hill slopes Deciduous 300- 1500 6. Mallotus philippinenisis Roghs Forest Evergreen 300 - 1200 7. Pinus roxburghii Chir Forest Deciduous 300- 1500 8. Pinus wallichiana Kail Forest Evergreen 1800 - 4300 9. Quercus incana Ban Oak Forest Evergreen 1200 - 2400 10. Quercus semicarpifolia Kharsu Forest Evergreen 2100- 3800 Oak 11. Rododendron arboreum Brans Forest Evergreen 1800 - 4300 12. Sapindus mukurossii Ritha Forest Deciduous 200 - 1500 Source: Data collected during field survey

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

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

3.4.6 Community use of Natural Flora

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

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Table: 3.9 Major Uses of Trees from Forest Name of Tree Local Charco- Resins Fodder Fuel Timber Manure al Cedrus deodara Deodar . + + Mallotus Ruin + + + philippinenisis Pinus roxburghii Chir + + + + + Pinus wallichiana Kail + + + + Dalbergia sissoo Shisham + + Morus alba Tut + + + Quercus incana Ban oak + + + + Quercus Kharsu + + semicarpifolia Oak Source: Information Collected during Public Consultation + InUse -Notinuse

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

Horticulture offers the better and maximum use of land besides checking soil erosion and ameliorating the economic condition of farmers. Fruit trees offer the possibility of a high food yield per unit of land. They optimize the moisture and nutrients from the sub- soil. Some of the fruit trees generally grown in fields are listed below. Table: 3.10 Commercially Important Trees (Horticulture) Botanical Name English/Common Name Juglans regia Walnut Pyrus malus Apple Mangifera indica Mango Prunus armeniaca Apricot, Khumani, Prunus avium Cherry (sweet) Prunus domestica Plum Prunus dulcis Almond Prunus persica Peach, Aaru Prunus cerasus Cherry (sour) Punica granatum Pomigranate Pyrus communis Nashpati Source: Information collected during Public consultation/survey Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 17 of 57 Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

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

Table: 3.11 Medicinal Plants of Forests

Name of Species Chemical Part of Use Collection Property Plant Use against Period Scientific Local Disease Acorus calamus Barre Carminative Rhizome Colic May- June

Aconitum Patis Febrifuge Root Dysentery Sept-Oct heterophyllum Berberis lycium Kashmal Anti-malerial Root Jaundice Nov - Mar

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

Juranea Dhoop Freshener Roots Dhoop Mar-May macrocephala Orchis latifolia Salmam Aphrodic Tubers Nervous Sept- Nov debality Pistacia intergerrima Kakarsingi Expectorant Leaves Asthama Mar-May

Podophyllum emodi Bankakdi Purgative Rhizome Apr- Sept

Gentiana kurroo Karu Stimulant Rhizome Fever Oct- Dec

Taxus baccata Rakhal Anti- Bark/ Asthama Mar- May carcinogenic Laves Rhum emodi Chukri Purgative Rhizome May-Jul

Source: Information Collected during Public consultation

3.4.7 Ethno-botanical Information

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

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

Name of Species Group Part of Symptoms Name of Pests Pests Plant . . Affected Scientific Local Cedrus Deodar Insect Needle Defoliation Electropis deodara deodara Cone Loss of seeds Euzophrea cedrella Poles Debarking Scontus major

Roots Stunted growth Cockchafer malolanthea Seedlings Regeneration Agrotis ypsilon

Needle Discoloration Brachyxstus subsignatusis Fungus Poles Stunted Growth Fomes annosus

Pinus Chir Insect Needle Loss of needles Platypus biferis roxburghii Needle Discoloration Chlonophrous stroilicola Fungus Shoots Stunted Growth Peridermium cedri

Needle Shunted Peridermium Growth comanulatum Pinus Kail Insect Poles Debarking Inslongifolia bores wallichiana Cones Discoloration Polyranthus sp

Fungus Growth Trametes pinii

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

3.4.8 Natural Fauna

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

(I) Domestic Life

The rural population is primarily dependant on agriculture based economy for livelihood almost every family owns land and is engaged in agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and animal husbandry. Every family rears livestock for their day to day requirements for agriculture purposes and for cash income. The live stock is mainly dependant upon the natural resources, mainly forest for sustenance. Intensive agriculture is concentrated from foothills to mid-hills valley areas where irrigation Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 19 of 57 Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

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

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

Table: 3.13 Domestic Animal Census Data (2003) for Rampur Division

S. No. Animal Population 1 Cows 37267 2 Buffaloes 862 3 Horses 20 4 Mules 99 5 Donkeys 57 6 Sheeps 35553 7 Goats 16449 Total 90315 Source: Information collected form District Statistical Handbook Govt. of Himachal Pradesh

(II) Wildlife:

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

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

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

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Table: 3.14 List of Wildlife Reported from the Study Area and Their Status Scientific Name Common Name Family Status* Mammals Barbastella barbasetellus Barbos teliobat Canis lupus Indian Wolf Canidae Capricomis sumatraensis Serow Sciuridae II Caprolagus hispidus Hispid hare Cervidae I Hylopetes, Petaurista Flying Squirrels Hylobatidae 11 Hystrix hodgson Himalayan Porcupine 11 Martes flavigula Martens IV Mustela sibirica Himalayan weasel Mos homourus Hill mouse Moschus moschiferus Musk deer Cervidae I Muntiacus muntjak Barking deer or Muntjac IlIl Nemorhaedus goral Gorals IlIl Nesekia indica Indian Molr rat Pteromys petaurista Brown Flying Squirrel Selenarctos thibetanus Himalayan black bear III Vulpes vulpes Red fox Canidae IV Reptiles Agamo tuberculata Rock Lizard Ancistrodous Himalayan pit viper himalayanus Bungarus caerulues Common Indian Krait Hemidactylus brooki Common House Geeko Naja naja Indian Cobra Pyyas mocosus Rat Snake Varanus flavescens Monitor Lizard Varanidae BIRDS Catreus wallichii Cheer Pheasant Phasianidae I Ithaginis cruentus tibetanus, Blood Pheasants Phasianidae Catreus wallichii Cheer Pheasant Phasianidae I Syrmaticus humiae Humes bar backed Phasranidae I Pheasant Lophophorus impejanus, Monal Pheasants Phasianidae I Tetraogallus tibetanus Tibetan Snow cock Phasianidae I Source: Information collected from working plan Rampur/Seraj forest division

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Status*: As per Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule-I Endangered and Rare Species Schedule-lI Special Game Schedule-lIl : Big Game Schedule-IV : Small Game

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

Table: 3.15 Census Data of Wildlife

Wildlife Number Forest division Red Jungle Fowl 09 Rampur Kelij Pheasant 04 Rampur Koklas 09 Rampur Himalayan Monal 04 Rampur Monkey 5881 Rampur Langur 664 Rampur Leopard 07 Rampur Monkey 5601 Anni Leopard 00 Anni Langur 552 Anni Source: Forest Department Rampur wild Census 2005

3.5 BIODIVERSITY OF IMMEDIATE INFLUENCE AREA:

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

3.5.1 Forest Types

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

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(i) DS-1 Himalayan Sub tropical Scrub:

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

Minor Associates: Berberts - Cotoneastor- Prinsepia

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

(ii) DS-11 Sub tropical Euphorbia Scrub

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

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

Table: 3.16 Flora Recorded Under the Immediate Project Area (500m)

S. NO SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY

TREES 1. Acacia leucophloea Subabul Mimosaceae 2. Albizzia lebbek Seris Leguminosae 3. Bombax ceiba Semal Bombaceae 4. Callistemon citrinus Bottle brush Myrtaceae 5. Celtis australis Kharak Urticaceae 6. Cupressus torulosa Leuri Coniferae 7. Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Fabaceae 8. Eucalyptus globules Safeda Myrtaceae 9. Ficus elastica Rubber tree Urticaceae 10. Ficus religiosa Pipal Urticaceae 11. Ficus palmate Fedu, Phegru Urticaceae 12. Ficus roxburghii Timal Urticaceae 13. Grevellia robusta Silver oak Proteaceae Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 23 of 57 Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

S. NO SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY

14. Grewia oppositifolia Biul Tiliaceae 15. Mangifera indica Aam Anacardiaceae 16. Melia azaderach Dhenk Meliaceae 17. Mallotus philippinenisis Ruin Euphorbiaceae 18. Morus alba Tut Urticaceae 19. Morus sps Paper Mulberry Urticaceae 20. Morus serrala Himu, Tut Urticaceae 21. Pinus roxburghii Chil Coniferae 22. Populus ciliata Poplar Salicaceae 23. Prunus amygradus Badam Rosaceae 24. Prunus communis Aloocha Rosaceae 25. Prunus persica Aroo Rosaceae 26. Robinia pseudoacacia Pahari kikar Papilionoidaea 27. Syzygium cumini Jamun Myrtaceae 28. Tamarindus indica Imli Caesalpiniaceae SHRUBS 1 Adhatoda vasica Basuti, Vasika Acanthaceae 2 Agave americana Rambans Cactaceae 3 Aloe vera Aloe Liliaceae 4 Artemesia vulgaris Artemesia Compositae 5 Berberies aristata Karmshal, Kashmoi Berberidaceae 6 Calotropis gigantea Aak Asclepiadaceae 7 Cannabis sativa Bhang Cannabinaceae 8 Carissa spinarum Karonada Apocynaceae 9 Colebrookia oppositifolia Bambher, Sidhar Labiatae 10 Debregeasia hypoleuca Sihanru Artocarpeae 11 Desmodium tiliaefolium Martoi Leguminosae 12 Dodonaea viscosa Mehandi Sapindaceae 13 Euphorbia royleana Shuru Euphorbiaceae 14 Girardinia heterophylla Bichhu, Kushki Urticaceae 15 Lantana camara Lantana Verbinaceae 16 Moriandra strobilifera Pothi 17 Musa paradisiaca Kela Scitaminaeae

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S. NO SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY

18 Opuntia monocantha Nagphani Cactaceae 19 Plectranthus coesta Chichiri Labiatae 20 Princepia utilis Bhekal Rosaceae 21 Ricinus communis Arandi Euphorbiaceae 22 Rubus ellipticus Hinsar Rosaceae 23 Rumex hastatus Bhilmora Polgonaceae 24 Solanum surattense Kateli Solanaceae 25 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhaula Lythraceae 26 Zizyphus nummularia Beri Rhamnaceae HERBS 1 Achyranthes aspera Aghada, Puthkanda Amaranthaceae 2 Argemone mexicana Prickly poppy Papaveraceae 3 Asparagus racemosa Sahansarpali Liliaceae 4 Chenopodium album Bathwa Chenopodiaceae 5 Chromolaena odorata Triva gandha Chromolaenae 6 Echinops echinatus Gokhru Compositae 7 Erigeron bellidioides Horse weed Compositae 8 Fragaria indica Bhumla Rosoideae 9 Heliotropium strigosum Hatta-juri Boraginaceae 10 Ocimum basilicum Vantulsi Labiatae 11 Oxalis corniculata Amrit sak Oxilidaceae 12 Pteris sps Fern Pteridaceae 13 Sonchus oleraceus Dudhi, Pathari Convolvulanceae 14 Tridexprocumbens Ground weed Amaranthaceae 15 Trifolium pratense Purple clover Papilionoidae 16 Verbascum thapsus Gidar tamakus Scrophulariaceae 17 Jasminium officinalis Chameli Oleaceae GRASSES

1 Arundo donax Phiral, Naru Gramineae 2 Cynodon dactylon Dhub Gramineae 3 Saccharum spontaneum Kans Gramineae 4 Parthenium hysterophorus Congress grass Compositae Source: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006

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

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

The common shrubs observed were Adhatoda vasica (Visika)Agave americana (Rambans), Calotropis gigantean (Akh), Cannabis sativa (Bhang), Carissa spinarum (Karonda), Colebrookia oppositifolia (Bhaber), Debregeasia hypoleuca (Sihanaru), Dodoneae viscosa (Mehandi), Euphorbia royleana (Shuru), Girardinia heterophylla (Bichhu Ghas), Moriandra strobilifera (Pothi), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar) Rumex hastatus (Bhilmora) etc.,

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

3.5.3 Natural Fauna

The distribution of fauna is mainly dependant on availability and type of vegetation providing feeding, breeding, hiding & resting sites. As project area is dominated by hilly tracks with less vegetation cover and interrupted by agriculture activities in the form of trench cultivation. Fauna of the project area is represented by reptiles, birds and mammals. The reptiles were represented by Calotes versicolor (Common Lizard) common Geeko (Hemidactylus brooki). The mammals were represented by animals of local importance such as Cows, Oxes, Horese, Mule, Donkey, Pigs etc. No wildlife is recorded during the survey by direct or indirect evidiences. The total no of 38 species of birds where were recorded during the survey (Table 3.15):

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

S. No. Scientific Name Common Name Family 1. Acridotheres tristis Indian Myna Sturnidae 2. Aeridotheres ginginianus Bank myna Sturnidae 3. Cassa flavirostris Yellowbilled Blue Magpai Carvidae 4. Columba livia Blue Rock Pigeon Columidae 5. Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle Crow Carvidae 6. Corvus splendens House Crow Carvidae

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S. No. Scientific Name Common Name Family 7. Corvus corax Ravan Carvidae 8. Dandroatta vagabunda Treepie Corvidae 9. Dicrurus adsimilis Black Drongo Dieruridae 10. Egretta garzetta Little Egret Ardeidae 11. Gallus gallus Common Fowl Phasinidae 12. Lanius schach Rofusedbacked Shrike Campehagidae 13. Lanius excubitor Grey Shrike Campehagidae 14. Mega/aima malaba rica Crimsonbreasted barbet Cpilonidae 15. Megalaima zeylanica Largegreen barbet Cpilonidae 16. Milvus migrans Pariah Kite Acciptridae 17. Motacilla maderatensis Large pied wagtail Motacillidae 18. Myiophonus horsfieldii Whistling Thrush Turnidae 19. Nactarinia asiatica Purplerumpled Sunbird Nectarinidae 20. Nectarinia minima Small Sunbird Nectarinidae 21. Orthotomus sutorius Tailor Bird Pachycephalinae 22. Parus major Gray Tit Parinae 23. Passeer domesticus House Sparrow Passerinae 24. Psittacula krameri Roseringed Parakeet Psittacidae 25. Psittacula cyanocephala Blossomheaded Parakeet Psittacidae 26. Psittacula himalayana Slatyheaded Parakeet Psittacidae 27. Picnonotus articeps Black Headed Bulbul Pycnonotidae 28. Picnonotus leucogenys White Cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotidae 29. Picnonotus cafer Redvented Bulbul Pycnonotidae 30. Saxicoloides fulicate Indian Robin Muscicapidae 31. Sopsychus saularis Magpie Robin Muscicapidae 32. Streptopelia chinensis Spotted dove Columbidae 33. Streptopelia decaocto Ring Dove Columbidae 34. Turdoides caudatus Common babbler Muscicapidae 35. Terpsiphone paradisi Paradise Flycatcher Muscicapinae 36. Turdus merula Blackbird Turninae 37. Upupa epops Hoopoe Upupidae 38. Zosterops palpebrosa White Eyed Zosteropidae Source: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006

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3.6 BIO DIVERSITY OF PROJECT AFFECTED AREA

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

Table: 3.18 Breakup of Forest Land under the Project Area

S.No. Name of Site Forest Area Mohal /Up Forest Land Mohal In Bighas In Hect. 1 Cut & cover and Job Falti Kushwa 10-19 00-88-62 facilities (Kothi 15/20) 2 Adit Approach road & Fatti Tunan 12-10 01-01-16 Job facilities Koja Adit). (Kothi 15/20) 3 Job Facilities (Kajo Fatti Tunan 05-14 00-46-13 Adit) (Kothi 15/20) 4 Dumping Area (Near Fatti Tunan 89-13 07-25-53 Kojo Adit) (Kothi 15/20) 5 Adit Approach & Job Fatti Tunan 05-08 00-43-70 facilities (Kunni Adit) (Kothi 15/20) 6 Dumping Area (Near Fatti Tunan 15-03 01-22-61 Kunni Adit) (Kothi 15/20) 7 Bridge & Approach Fatti Tunan 00-13 00-07-69 road 9near Kunni Adit) (Kothi 15/20) 8 Adit & Job Facilities Fatti Tunan 18-00 01-45-67 (Goshai Adit) (Kothi 15/20) 9 Dumping Area Fatti Nirmand 29-10 02-38-74 10 Dumping Area Fatti Nirmand 45-01 03-64-59 11 Approach road & Job Fatti Bayal 198-09 16-06-04 facilities 12 Power House, Fatti Bayal 82-17 06-70-50 Penstocks, Approach road & Job facilities 13 Approach road, Tail Fatti Bayal 08-02 00-65-55 Race & job facilities 14 Approach road & Job Fatti Bayal 15-11 01-25-84 facilities 15 Quarry road, Crusher & Gadej (Koel) 67-05 05-44-25 Job facilities Total 604-15 48-96-62 Source: Rampur Hydroelectric Project, Jhakri

3.6.1 Forest Type

The terrestrial ecosystem of the project area is represented by hilly mountainous tracks, steep hill slopes, foothills and Satluj river valley. The project area is mainly

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

(I) DS-1 Himalayan Sub tropical Scrub:

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

Major Associates: Dodonea - Rhus - Woodfordid

Minor Associates: Berberis - Cotoneastor- Prinsepia

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

(II) DS-11 Sub tropical Euphorbia Scrub

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

3.6.2 Natural Flora

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

Table: 3.19 Flora Recorded Under the Project Affected Area

S. NO SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY

TREES 1 Acacia leucophloea Subabul Mimosaceae 2 Bombax ceiba Semal Bombaceae 3 Celtis australis Kharak Urticaceae 4 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham Fabaceae 5 Eucalyptus globulus Safeda Myrtaceae 6 Ficus palmata Fedu, Phegru Moraceae 7 Grewia oppositifolia Biul Tiliaceae 8 Mangifera indica Aam Anacardiaceae

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S. NO SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY

9 Melia azaderach Dhenk Meliaceae 10 Millingtonia hortensis Akas Neem Sapotaceae 11 Mallotus philippinenisis Ruin Euphorbiaceae 12 Morus alba Tut Meliaceae 13 Pinus roxburghii Chil Coniferae 14 Prunus communis Aloocha Rosaceae 15 Prunus persica Aroo Rosaceae 16 Robinia pseudoacacia Pahari kikar Papilionoidaea 17 Tamarindus indica Imli Caesalpiniaceae SHRUBS 1 Adhatoda vasica Basuti, Vasika Acanthaceae 2 Agave americana Rambans Cactaceae 3 Aloe vera Aloe Liliaceae 4 Artemesia vulgaris Artemesia Compositae 5 Berberies aristata Karmshal, Kashmoi Berberidaceae 6 Calotropis gigantea Aak Asclepiadaceae 7 Cannabis sativa Bhang Cannabinaceae 8 Carissa spinarum Karonada Apocynaceae 9 Colebrookia oppositifolia Bambher, Sidhar Labiatae 10 Debregeasia hypoleuca Sihanru Artocarpeae 11 Desmodium tiliaefolium Martoi Leguminosae 12 Dodonaea viscosa Mehandi Sapindaceae 13 Euphorbia royleana Shuru Euphorbiaceae 14 Girardinia heterophylla Bichhu, Kushki U rticaceae 15 Lantana camara Lantana Verbinaceae 16 Musa paradisiaca Kela Scitaminaeae 17 Opuntia monocantha Nagphani Cactaceae 18 Princepia utilis Bhekal Rosaceae 19 Ricinus communis Arandi Euphorbiaceae 20 Rubus ellipticus Hinsar Rosaceae 21 Rumex hastatus Bhilmora Polgonaceae 22 Solanum surattense Kateli Solanaceae 23 Zizyphus nummularia Beri Rhamnaceae

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S. NO SCIENTIFIC NAME LOCAL NAME FAMILY

HERBS 1 Achyranthes aspera Aghada, Puthkanda Amaranthaceae 2 Argemone mexicana Prickly poppy Papaveraceae 3 Asparagus racemosa Sahansarpali Liliaceae 4 Chenopodium album Bathwa Chenopodiaceae 5 Chromolaena odorata Triva gandha Chromolaenae 6 Echinops echinatus Gokhru Compositae 7 Erigeron bellidioides Horse weed Compositae 8 Fragaria indica Bhumla Rosoideae 9 Heliotropium strigosum Hatta-juri Boraginaceae 10 Ocimum basilicum Vantulsi Labiatae 11 Oxalis corniculata Amrit sak Oxilidaceae 12 Pteris sps Fern Pteridaceae 13 Sonchus oleraceus Dudhi, Pathari Convolvulanceae 14 Tridexprocumbens Ground weed Amaranthaceae 15 Trifolium pratense Purple clover Papilionoidae 16 Verbascum thapsus Gidar tamakus Scrophulariaceae 17 Jasminium officinalis Chameli Oleaceae GRASSES

I Arundo donax Phiral, Naru Gramineae 2 Cynodon dactylon Dhub Gramineae 3 Saccharum spontaneum Kans Gramineae 4 Parthenium hysterophorus Congress grass Compositae Source: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006

3.6.3 Community Uses of Natural Flora The trees in the project area are used for various purposes. The major uses of trees falling under the project area are as given below: Table: 3.20 Major Uses of Trees under the Project Area

Name of Tree Fence Orname Avenue Fodder Fuel Timber Fruit ntal Planting Acacia + +- - leucophloea Bombax ceiba + + Celtis australis + + Environment e Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 31 of 57 Chapter-3 Date: August 2006

Name of Tree Fence Orname Avenue Fodder Fuel Timber Fruit ntal Planting Dalbergia + + sisso Eucalyptus + + globulus Ficus palmata + + Grewia + oppositifolia Mangifera + indica Melia + azaderach Millingtonia + hortensis Mollotus + + phillipinenisis - Morus alba - + + Pinus + + roxburghii Prunus + communis Prunus persica + Robinia + + pseudoacacia Tamarindus + indica Source: Public Consultation *+ In use - Not in use

3.6.4 Natural Fauna

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

(1) Avifauna

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

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

S. No Scientific Name Common Name Family 1 Acridotheres tristis Indian Myna Sturnidae 2 Aeridotheres ginginianus Bank myna Sturnidae 3 Columba livia Blue Rock Pigeon Columidae 4 Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle Crow Carvidae 5 Corvus splendens House Crow Carvidae 6 Corvus corax Common raven Carvidae 7 Dandroatta vagabunda Treepie Corvidae 8 Dicrurus adsimilis Black Drongo Dieruridae 9 Egretta garzetta Little Egret Ardeidae 10 Lanius excubitor Grey Shrike Campehagidae 11 Megalaima malabarica Crimson breasted Cpilonidae barbet 12 Milvus migrans Pariah Kite Acciptridae 13 Motacilla maderatensis Large pied wagtail Motacillidae 14 Nactarinia asiatica Purplerumpled Nectarinidae Sunbird 15 Nectarinia minima Small Sunbird Nectarinidae 16 Orthotomus sutorius Tailor Bird Pachycephalinae 17 Passeer domesticus House Sparrow Passerinae 18 Psittacula krameri Rose ringed Psittacidae Parakeet 19 Picnonotus leucogenys White Cheeked Pycnonotidae Bulbul 20 Picnonotus cafer Red vented Bulbul Pycnonotidae 21 Sexicoloides fulicate Indian Robin Muscicapidae 22 Sopsychus saularis Magpie Robin Muscicapidae 23 Streptopelia chinensis Spotted dove Columbidae 24 Turdoides caudatus Common babbler Muscicapidae 25 Terpsiphone paradise Paradise Muscicapinae Flycatcher 26 Turdus merula Blackbird Turninae 127 1Upupa epops Hoopoe Upupidae Source: Field Survey CES (I) Pvt. Ltd, Feb- April 2006

Environment & Ecology LM Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 33 of 57 Chapter-3 Date: August 2006 (2) Domestic Animals

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

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

3.7 QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF FLORA

Assessment of Importance Value Index and Diversity index of flora of Project affected areas and immediate influence area has been conducted. Importance Value Index (IVI) expresses dominance and ecological success of any species in an area whereas Diversity Index expresses the variety of species in an area.

3.7.1 Project Affected Area

Assessment of flora of project-affected area has been conducted. Area specific Diversity index and importance value of affected project area have been derived. All the sites are open scrub areas dominated by thorny shrubs and weed species. The dominant shrub species recorded are Adhatoda vasica, Zizyphus nummularia, Rumex haustatus, Colebrookia oppositifolia, Cannabis sativa, Artemesia vulgaris, Euphorbia royleana, Dodoneae viscose etc. These species are representative of degrade area and are abundantly found in dry areas and wasteland. The dominant herbs and grasses are represented by Pathenium hysterophorus, Arundo donax, Cynodon dactylon, Oxalis corniculata, Tridex procumbens, Erigeron bellidioides etc. Parthenium is weed species present in the area is indicators of degraded land and are found throughout the arid zones and degraded areas The Tree species is represented by Eucalyptus globules, which is an exotic species planted in the area. Besides Eucalyptus some fruit trees like, Prunus persica, Prunus communis etc. are present. The area wise assessment of the flora is provided in the tables below: Table: 3.22 Assessment of Flora near Cut and cover of Head Race Tunnel

Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance

Artemesia vulgaris 42.85 78.26 10.81 131.9 Euphorbia royleana 42.85 17.39 30.83 91.08 Ficus palmate 14.28 4.34 58.37 77.01 Herbs & Grasses Argemone mexicana 20.00 7.14 1.01 28.16 Arundo donax 40.00 42.86 89.66 172.5 Parthenium hysterophorus 40.00 50.00 9.14 99.14

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

Species Relative Relative Relative lvi Frequency Density Dominance

Adhatoda vasica 14.81 27.27 14.75 56.83 Agave americana 3.70 1.81 0.72 6.24 Aloe vera 3.70 1.81 0.662 6.18 Bombax ceiba 3.70 1.81 61.37 66.88 Calotropis gigantea 7.40 9.36 0.937 17.70 Cannabis sativa 11.11 14.54 2.245 27.90 Carissa spinarum 3.70 1.81 0.49 6.01 Colebrookia oppositifolia 11.11 16.36 7.99 35.46 Dodonaeae viscosa 7.40 3.63 0.641 11.68 Opuntia monocantha 3.70 1.81 3.07 8.59 Prinsepia utilis 7.40 3.63 1.70 12.74 Ricinus communis 3.70 1.81 0.371 5.89 Rumex hastatus 11.11 7.27 0.837 19.22 Zizyphus nummularia 14.81 16.36 5.17 36.35 Herbs & Grasses Chenopodium album 10.00 13.79 18.32 42.11 Chromolaena odorata 20.00 17.24 18.95 56.19 Cynodon dactylon 10.00 13.79 33.93 57.7 Jasminium officinalis 20.00 6.89 1.864 28.76 Oxalis corniculata 10.00 17.24 15.38 42.62 Tridex procumbens 30.00 31.03 11.58 72.61

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

Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance

Berberies aristata 10.00 3.33 1.52 14.85 Cannabis sativa 10.00 13.33 1.53 24.86 Carissa spinarum 10.00 3.33 0.42 13.75 Colebrookia oppositifolia 40.00 66.66 23.64 130.3

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Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance

Desmodium tiliaefolium 20.00 10 1.41 31.41 Pinus roxburghii 10.00 3.33 71.49 84.82 Herbs & Grasses Achyranthes aspera 12.49 7.69 10.44 30.63 Asparagus racemosa 6.24 2.56 3.55 12.37 Echinops echinatus 18.74 17.94 26.84 63.53 Ocimum basilicum 24.99 17.94 17.90 60.85 Oxalis comiculata 18.74 17.94 11.86 48.56 Parthenium hysterophorus 6.24 20.51 16.24 43.00 Pteris sps. 12.49 15.38 13.07 40.96

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

Species Relative Relative Relative MVI Frequency Density Dominance

Acacia leucophloea 9.09 4.00 23.44 36.53 Calatropis gigantea 18.18 8.00 0.341 26.52 Cannabis sativa 27.27 56.0 2.61 85.88 Colebrookia oppositifolia 27.27 20.0 3.91 51.18 Mallotus phillipinenisis 27.27 16.0 69.37 112.6 Rumex haustatus 27.27 16.0 0.80 44.08 Solanum surattense 9.09 4.00 0.74 13.83 Herbs & Grasses Heliotropium strigosum 25.0 22.22 18.34 65.56 Ocimum basiculum 16.66 22.22 22.53 61.42 Oxalis corniculata 16.66 18.51 15.41 50.59 Saccharum spontaneum 25.0 29.63 34.73 89.36 Verbascum thapsus 16.66 7.40 8.86 32.94

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Table: 3.26 Assessment of Flora of Kazo Adit

Species Relative Relative Relative [VI Frequency Density Dominance

Pinus roxburghii 33.33 50.05 99.78 183.16 Rumex hastatus 66.66 50.05 0.192 116.90 Herbs & Grasses Partheniumhysterophorus 49.97 66.66 48.17 164.81 Saccharum spontaneum 49.97 33.33 51.83 135.14

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

Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance

Adhatoda vasica 10.71 7.84 19.50 38.06 Berberies aristata 3.57 1.96 3.02 8.55 Calatropis gigantea 7.14 5.88 6.09 19.12 Cannabis sativa 7.142 15.68 10.73 33.56 Carissa spinarum 3.57 1.96 2.46 7.99 Colebrookia oppositifolia 17.85 25.49 16.40 59.82 Debregeasia hypoleuca 3.57 1.96 2.77 8.31 Dodonaea viscosa 21.42 19.60 18.90 59.93 Euphorbia royleana 3.57 1.96 5.02 10.55 Lantana camara 14.28 11.76 8.10 34.15 Rubus ellipticus 3.57 1.96 2.76 8.29 Zizyphus nummularia 3.57 3.92 4.125 11.61

Herbs & Grasses Fragaria indica 18.18 15.38 18.30 51.86 Launaea procumbens 18.18 23.07 21.28 62.54 Parthenium hysterophorus 36.36 34.61 40.56 111.54 Tridex procumbens 27.27 26.92 19.85 74.05

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Table: 3.28 Assessment of Flora of Kunni Adit

Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance

Calotropis gigantea 40.00 37.50 39.67 117.17 Rumex hastatus 60.00 62.50 60.32 182.82 Herbs & Grasses

Cynodon dactylon 49.99 41.66 41.25 132.92 Parthenium hysterophorus | 49.99 58.33 58.74 167.07

Table: 3.29 Assessment of Flora of Goshai Adit Relative Relative Relative IVI Species Frequency Density Dominance

Dodoneae viscosa 60.00 71.43 1.82 133.25 Eucalyptus globulus 20.00 14.28 91.99 126.28 Euphorbia royleana 20.00 14.28 6.18 40.47

Herbs & Grasses _

Oxalis corniculata 50.00 60.00 58.44 168.44 Tridex procumbens 50.00 40.00 41.55 131.55

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

c Relative Relative Relative IVI Species Frequency Density Dominance

Adhatoda vasica 17.65 20.0 3.16 40.81 Cannabis sativa 11.76 16.00 2.56 30.33 Carissa spinarum 5.882 4.00 0.67 10.56

Colebrookia oppositifolia 17.65 24.00 7.42 49.07 Euphorbia royleana 23.53 20.00 29.89 73.4 Ficus palmata 5.882 4.00 27.19 37.07 Opuntia monocantha 5.882 4.00 2.09 11.98 Robinia pseudoacacia 5.882 4.00 25.97 35.85 Zizyphus nummularia 5.88 4.00 0.99 10.88

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Relative Relative Relative Species Frequency Density Dominance IVI

Herbs & Grasses Fragaria indica 16.67 10.52 9.20 36.39 Oxalis comiculata 33.33 38.59 36.57 108.50 Parthenium hysterophorus 41.67 47.36 50.4 139.53 Verbascum thapsus 8.33 3.50 3.715 15.55

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

Species Relative Relative Relative M Frequency Density Dominance

Calotropis gigantea 25.00 29.99 1.68 56.68 Colebrookia oppositifolia 25.00 20.0 3.00 48.00 Zizyphus nummularia 25.00 29.99 2.54 57.54 Eucalyptus globulus 25.00 20.0 92.66 137.66 Herbs & Grasses Parthenium hysterophorus 75.00 86.84 96.10 257.95 Cynodon dactylon 25.00 13.15 3.84 42.00

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

Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance Adhatoda vasica 25.0 35.55 3.57 64.13 Cannabis sativa 12.5 26.66 1.16 40.33 Carissa spinarum 4.16 2.22 0.17 6.55 Eucalyptus globulus 12.5 8.88 90.0 111.38 Euphorbia royleana 12.5 6.66 3.26 22.43 Opuntia monocantha 8.33 4.44 0.65 13.43 Princepia utilis 8.33 4.44 0.52 13.29 Rumex hastatus 8.33 6.66 0.40 15.40 Saccharum spontaneum 62.5 63.63 32.03 158.17 Zizyphus nummularia 8.33 4.44 0.24 13.01 Herbs & Grasses

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S iRelative Relative Relative Species Frequency Density Dominance Arundo donax 37.5 36.36 67.96 141.82

Table: 3.33 Assessment of Flora of Power House Area & its Approach Road Relative Relative Relative Species Frequency Density Dominance lVI

Adhatoda vasica 9.30 11.86 0.32 21.49 Agave Americana 6.97 5.08 2.41 14.4 Ailanthus excelsa 2.32 1.69 3.02 7.04 Cannabis sativa 6.97 10.17 0.16 17.3 Carissa spinerum 4.65 5.08 0.21 9.95 Celtis australis 2.32 1.69 2.60 6.62 Dalbergia sissoo 2.32 1.69 1.29 5.31 Eucalyptus globulus 9.30 11.8 39.0 60.20 Euphorbia royleana 2.32 1.69 0.85 4.87 Ficus palmata 2.32 1.69 3.00 7.02 Girardinia heterophylla 2.32 3.3 0.20 5.9 Grevia sps 2.32 1.69 2.70 6.72 Lantana camara 2.32 6.78 0.10 9.20 Mangifera indica 2.32 1.69 13.52 17.5 Melia azaderach 6.97 5.08 4.50 16.5 Milingtonia hortensis 2.32 1.69 3.43 7.45 Morua alba 2.32 1.69 3.32 7.34 Musa paradisiaca 2.30 1.69 4.21 8.23 Prinsepia utilis 4.65 3.39 0.15 8.19 Prunus communis 4.65 6.78 6.30 17.7 Prunus persica 4.65 3.39 6.01 14.0 Ricinus communis 4.65 3.39 0.09 8.13 Rumex haustatus 4.65 3.3 0.03 8.07 Solanum surattense 2.32 1.69 0.29 4.31 Tamrindus indica 2.32 1.69 2.14 6.16

Herbs & Grasses _ _ _ Arundo donax 11.11 6.89 64.69 82.699 Chenopodium album 11.11 6.897 1.272 19.28

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Species Relative Relative Relative lvi Frequency Density Dominance Cynodon dactylon 22.22 31.04 11.35 64.604 Fragaria indica 11.11 13.79 5.875 30.78 Oxalis comiculata 22.22 24.14 6.666 53.02 Trifolium pratense 11.11 13.79 5.525 30.43 Verbascum thapsus 11.11 3.44 4.627 19.187

Table: 3.34 Assessment of Flora of Quar site at vill ge Koyal Species Relative Relative Relative Frequency Density Dominance Adhatoda vasica 10.52 6.25 5.16 21.94 Calatropis gigantea 5.263 3.12 0.05 8.44 Eucalyptus globulus 5.263 12.50 12.83 30.60 Euphorbia royleana 10.52 9.37 2.79 22.69 Ficus palmata 5.263 3.12 7.34 15.73 Melia azaderach 10.52 6.25 12.30 29.08 Musa paradisiaca 5.263 6.25 10.97 22.49 Prunus communis 15.78 21.87 34.03 71.69 Prunus persica 10.52 12.50 14.18 37.21 Rumex hastatus 10.52 9.37 0.15 20.05 Zizyphus nummularia 10.52 9.37 0.1 20.05 Herbs & Grasses Argemone mexicana 11.11 10.00 11.52 32.63 Erigeron bellidioides 22.22 15.00 13.65 50.87 Fragaria indica 22.22 20.00 19.36 61.58 Oxalis corniculata 22.22 20.00 18.20 60.42 Sonchus oleraceus 11.11 15.00 15.92 42.03 Tridexprocumbens 11.11 20.00 21.36 52.47

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

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Table: 3.35 Diversity Index of Project Affected Area S.N SITE DIVERSITY IN EX (H) Trees & Shrubs Grasses & Herbs 1 Cut and Cover Head Race 0.39 Tunnel 0.27 2 Dumping Area (near Kazo Adit) 0.90 0.58 3 Dumping Area (near Kunni Adit) 0.97 0.73

4 Kazo Adit 0.27 0.27 5 Kazo Job Facility 0.48 0.79 6 Kazo Approach Road 0.51 0.66 7 Kuni Adit 0.28 0.29 8 Goshai Adit 0.34 0.29 9 Dumping Area (Nirmand Bridge) 0.83 0.46 10 Averi Dumping Area 0.59 0.16 11 Surge Shaft Area (Approach 0.78 0.28 road) 12 Power House Area (Approach 1.28 0.75 road, tail race and job facilities) 13 Quarry road, Crusher & Job 0.97 0.76 Facilities

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

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Table: 3.36 Assessment of flora of Kunni Area

Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance Callistemon citrinus 5.40 5.88 7.20 18.44 Dalbergia sissoo 5.40 3.92 9.43 18.76 Eucalyptus globules 5.40 3.92 13.91 23.24 Ficus religiosa 2.70 1.96 2.91 7.57 Ficus palmata 2.70 1.96 3.09 7.75 Ficus roxburghii 2.70 1.96 4.27 8.93 Grevellia robusta 2.70 3.92 12.32 18.95 Mangifera indica 2.70 1.96 17.07 21.73 Mallotus philippinenisis 2.70 1.96 1.43 6.10 Pinus roxburghii 2.70 3.9 12.32 18.95 Prunus communis 5.40 3.92 1.66 10.99

Robinia pseudoacacia 2.70 1.96 3.86 8.52 Adhatoda vasica 5.40 5.88 1.149 12.43 Artemesia vulgaris 5.40 5.88 0.64 11.93 Calotropis gigantea 2.70 1.96 0.21 4.87 Cannabis sativa 2.70 5.88 0.80 9.38

Colebrookia oppositifolia 2.70 1.96 0.36 5.03

Debregeasia hypoleuca 5.40 3.92 1.68 11.00 Dodonaea viscosa 2.70 5.88 1.20 9.79

Girardinia heterophylla 5.40 5.88 1.20 12.49 Lantana camara 2.70 1.96 0.13 4.79

Moriandra strobilifera 2.70 1.96 0.36 5.03 Plectranthus coesta 2.70 3.92 0.40 7.02 Princepia utilis 2.70 1.96 0.26 4.93 Rubus ellipticus 5.40 5.88 1.10 12.39 Rumex hastatus 2.70 5.88 0.30 8.88

Woodfordia fruticosa 2.70 1.96 0.50 5.16

Zizyphus nummularia 2.70 1.96 0.10 4.76

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Species Relative Relative Relative lvi SFrequency Density Dominance

Herbs & Grasses Achyranthes aspera 4.54 5 6.03 15.57

Chenopodium album 4.54 5 4.05 13.5

Chromolaena odorata 4.54 2.5 1.86 8.90

Erigeron bellidioides 9.09 7.5 5.44 22.03 Fragaria indica 9.09 7.5 7.52 24.11

Heliotropium strigosum 9.09 12.5 10.23 31.82 Oxalis corniculata 9.09 10 7.99 27.08 Sonchus oleraceus 9.09 7.5 5.53 22.12 Tridex procumbens 4.54 5 2.72 12.27 Verbascum thapsus 4.54 5 4.13 13.67

Jasminium officinalis 13.63 12.5 8.06 34.20 Cynodon dactylon 4.54 2.5 2.49 9.54

Saccharum spontaneum 4.54 7.5 9.10 21.15

Parthenium hysterophorus 9.09 10 24.77 43.86

Table: 3.37 Assessment of flora of Nirmand Area

Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance IVI

Acacia leucophloea 3.33 2.27 4.70 10.3 Albizzia lebbek 3.33 2.27 5.30 10.9

Callistemon citrinus 3.33 4.54 5.53 13.4 Cupressus torulosa 3.33 4.54 5.99 13.8 Dalbergia sissoo 3.33 2.27 4.61 10.2

Eucalyptus globulus 2.27 6.91 12.5 Ficus palmate 3.33 2.27 3.53 9.14 Ficus roxburghii 3.33 2.273 4.88 10.4

Grevellia robusta 3.33 2.273 5.38 10.9

Melia azaderach 3.33 4.545 8.45 16.3

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Species Relative Relative Relative lvi Frequency Density Dominance Morus sps 3.33 2.273 5.76 11.3

Pinus roxburghii 6.66 6.818 18.6 32.1 Populus ciliata 3.33 2.273 5.38 10.9 Prunus communis 3.33 4.545 2.30 10.1

Robinia pseudoacacia 3.33 2.273 4.41 10.0 Adhatoda vasica 3.33 4.545 0.87 8.75 Agave Americana 3.33 2.273 0.34 5.95 Artemesia vulgaris 3.33 4.545 0.49 8.37 Cannabis sativa 6.66 9.091 1.22 16.9

Colebrookia oppositifolia 3.33 4.545 0.92 8.80

Debregeasia hypoleuca 3.33 2.273 0.69 2.96 Dodonaea viscosa 3.33 2.273 0.49 6.10

Euphorbia royleana 3.33 4.545 0.99 8.87 Girardinia heterophylla 3.33 2.273 0.384 5.99 Lantana camara 3.33 2.273 0.230 5.83 Plectranthus coesta 3.33 4.545 0.307 8.18 Princepia utilis 3.33 2.273 0.307 5.91

Rumex hastatus 3.33 4.545 0.3075 8.18

Woodfordia fruticosa 3.33 2.273 0.538 6.14

Herbs & Grasses

Achyranthes aspera 3.84 2.632 3.89 10.37

Argemone mexicana 3.84 2.632 5.72 12.21

Chenopodium album 3.84 5.263 4.83 13.94 Echinops echinatus 3.84 2.632 0.01 6.478

Erigeron bellidioides 3.84 2.632 2.16 8.643

Fragaria indica 7.69 10.53 11.91 30.13

Heliotropium strigosum 7.69 7.895 7.31 22.91 Oxalis corniculata 7.69 10.53 9.53 27.75 Sonchus oleraceus 7.69 13.16 10.99 31.85

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Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance Tridex procumbens 11.5 7.895 4.87 24.31 Trifolium pratense 7.69 5.263 4.81 17.77 Verbascum thapsus 3.84 2.632 2.17 8.654

Jasminium officinalis 3.84 2.632 2.06 8.54 Cynodon dactylon 3.84 5.263 5.26 14.38 Saccharum spontaneum 11.5 10.53 13.74 35.81 Parthenium hysterophorus 7.69 7.895 10.65 26.24

Table: 3.38 Assessment of flora Near Bayal Villaae Species Relative Relative Relative IVI Frequency Density Dominance Ficus elastica 5.26 3.704 7.648 16.61 Mangifera indica 5.26 3.704 29.08 38.05 Melia azaderach 5.26 3.704 6.373 15.34

Mallotus philippinenisis 5.26 7.407 5.307 17.98 Morus serrata 5.26 3.704 8.633 17.6 Prunus amygradus 5.26 11.11 10.08 26.46 Prunus communis 5.26 7.407 3.476 16.15 Prunus persica 5.26 7.407 5.214 17.88 Syzygium cumini 5.26 3.704 5.62 14.59 Tamarindus indica 5.26 3.704 5.041 14.01 Adhatoda vasica 5.26 7.407 1.321 13.99 Artemesia vulgaris 5.26 7.407 0.746 13.42

Colebrookia oppositifolia 5.26 3.704 0.695 9.662

Debregeasia hypoleuca 5.26 3.704 1.043 10.01 Dodonaea viscosa 5.26 3.704 0.753 9.72

Girardinia heterophylla 5.26 3.704 0.579 9.546 Lantana camara 5.26 7.407 0.695 13.37 Musa paradisiacal 5.26 3.704 7.068 16.04

Zizyphus nummularia 5.26 3.704 0.637 9.604

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Species Relative Relative Relative lvi _ Frequency Density Dominance

Herbs & Grasses

Achyranthes aspera 8.33 3.704 6.159 18.2

Erigeron bellidioides 8.33 3.704 3.424 15.46 Fragaria indica 16.7 18.52 23.55 58.74

Heliotropium strigosum 8.33 14.81 15.43 38.58 Ocimum basilicum 8.33 7.407 7.609 23.35 Oxalis corniculata 8.33 11.11 11.3 30.75 Tridex procumbens 16.7 25.93 18.01 60.6 Trifolium pratense 8.33 7.407 7.609 23.35

Verbascum thapsus 16.7 7.407 6.884 30.96

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

Relative Relative Relative Species Frequency Density Dominance IVI

Adhatoda vasica 4.166 5.71 0.95 10.83 Artemesia vulgaris 4.166 5.71 0.55 10.43 Berberies aristata 4.166 2.85 0.35 7.382 Bombax ceiba 4.16 2.85 6.73 13.75 Carissa spinarum 8.333 5.71 0.55 14.60 Celtis australis 4.16 2.85 5.13 12.16 Dalbergia sissoo 4.16 2.85 5.57 12.60

Desmodium tiliaefolium 4.166 2.85 0.27 7.30

Eucalyptus globulus 8.33 5.71 10.04 24.08

Euphorbia royleana 4.166 2.85 0.35 7.38

Grewia oppositifolia 4.166 2.85 5.89 12.92 Lantana camara 4.166 5.71 0.51 10.3

Mallotus philippinenisis 8.333 8.57 6.45 23.35

Moriandra strobilifera 4.16 2.85 0.36 7.39 Pinus roxburghii 12.5 22.8 53.5 88.90

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Relative Relative Relative Species Frequency Density Dominance lVI

Plectranthus coesta 4.166 5.71 0.70 10.58 Princepia utilis 4.166 2.85 0.55 7.581 Rumex hastatus 4.16 5.71 0.8 10.75

Solanum surattense 4.16 2.8571 0.51 7.54

Herbs & Grasses

Achyranthes aspera 7.69 4.34 2.4 14.49 Arundo donax 7.69 4.34 4.28 16.32

Chenopodium album 7.69 8.69 7.35 23.7 Cynodon dactylon 7.69 8.69 9.55 25.94

Echinops echinatus 15.3 13.0 8.82 37.25 Fragaria indica 7.69 13.0 11.3 32.13

Heliotropium strigosum 15.38 13.0 11.7 40.1

Parthenium hysterophorus 15.38 21.739 31.86 68.98 Pteris sps 7.69 4.34 2.4 14.49

Saccharum spontaneum 7.69 8.69 10.04 26.43

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

Table: 3.40 Diversity Index of Immediate Influence Area S.N. SITE DIVERSITY INDEX (H) Trees & Shrubs Grasses & Herbs 1. Kunni Area 1.40 1.10 2. Nirmand Area 1.41 1.13 3. Near Pashada Forest Area 1.17 0.94

4. Bayal Village 1.24 0.87

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3.8 ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF SPECIES: FLORA & FAUNA (Endangered/Rare/Threatened /Endemic)

The forests are a very important natural resource of the State form the basis of rich biodiversity of the State. Forests of the state is utilized in various puposes such as timber, fuelwood, fodder, grasses, horticulture, leaf collection for cattle bedding & manure. As a result forests are under severe threats. The forest studies revealed that (SSR 1999) a total 440 Sq km of dense forests have degreaded to open forests from 1997 to 1999. The loss of forests leads to loss of habitat to wildlife and hence their ecological status has change to endangered, threatened or rare. The ecological status of flora & fauna is discussed in details below.

3.8.1 Status of Flora

Forests of Himachal Pradesh are rich with a variety of plants that are utilized for their medicinal properties. The Alpine meadows and Alpine scrub forests provide habitat to a variety of important medicinal flora of the state. It is estimated that if all the households remedies are taken into consodarartion, an estimated 1500 native plant speciesare used for health care purposes by the people of the state (Chauhan 1999). Local villagers residing in forests have rights to harvest medicinal plants. Overexploitation of medicinal plants leads to change thir status to threatened endangered, or rare species. The list of rare & threatened plants of Himachal Prasdesh is given below

Table 3.41 List of Rare and Threatened Species S.No. Name 1. Achillea millefolium 2. Aconitum heterophyllum 3. Aconitum violaceum 4. Arnebia benthami 5. Arnebia euchroma 6. Arnebia guttata 7. Astragalus candolianus 8. Astragalus grahmianus 9. Astragalus leucocephalus 10. Betula utilis 11. Bunium persicum 12. Carex borii 13. Carum carvi 14. Chrysanthemum pyrathroides 15. Cortusa mathiole 16. Dactylorhiza hatagirea

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S.No. Name 17. Draba cachemirica

18. Draba lasiophylla

19. Ephedra geradiana 20. Eremurus himalaicus 21. Euphrasia jaeschkei

22. Euphrasia pauciflora 23. Euphrasia platyphylla 24. Ferula jaeshkeana 25. Galium serphylloides

26. Gentiana tianschanica 27. Hedysarum cashmerianum 28. Heracleum candicans 29. Heracleum thomsoni

30. Heteropappus holohermaphroditus 31. Hyoscyamus niger

32. Inular racemosa 33. Juniperus communis 34. Juniperus recurva 35. Jurinea tibetica 36. Leontopodium frinbriligerum

37. Limosella aquatica 38. Meconopsis bikramii 39. Orobanchhe hansii 40. Pedicularis albida 41. Pedicularis pychnantha 42. Pedicularis purpurea 43. Physochlaina praealta 44. Picrorhiza kurrooa

45. Pinus gerardiana 46. Podophyllum hexandrum 47. Potentilla curviseta 48. Potentilla fulgens 49. Rheum australe 50. Rheum moorcroftianum

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S.No. Name

51. Rheum spiciforme

52. Saussurea gnapholoides

53. Saussurea gossypiphora

54. Saussurea obvallata

55. Scrophularia koelzii

56. Scrophulria suffruticosa

57. Sedumjaeschkei

58. Seseli tribobium

59. Silene stewartli

60. Silene stewartii

61. Thylacospermum caespitosum

62. Valeriana jaeschkei

63. Veronica biloba

64. Viola biflora

65. Waldhemia glabra

66. Waldhemia stoliczkei

67. Waldhemia tomentosa Source: Biodiversity Action Plan 2003

The medical plants are distributed to alphine pasture & alpoine scrubs of higher altitudenal range of 3000 to 5500mts. The distribution of endangered plants species in the project-influenced area, immediate influence area and project-affected area is discussed below.

A total number of 27 medicinal plant speaes reported by forest department (Rampur/Anil Forest Div) from the project influence area out of 27 only seven plant species are reported to be endangered category as per the IUCN red data book. The medicinal plants such as Aconitum heterophyllum (Mithi patish), Picorhiza Karoo (Karoo) and Podophyllum emodi (Bankakari) are endanagered due to 50% reduction in population while Rheum emodii (Rewand chini), Polygonatum verticillatum (Salammishri), velerina wallichii (Nalchnihani) and Acorus calamus (Birch) 20% reduction in population in wild in last ten years (Singh P.B. 1999).

In order to excerise some measures of control over the exploilation of medicinal plants the forest department has prescribed a four year exploitation cycle and has also fixed an export permit fees in respect of heavily exploited species as per the Native list of Export 1994. Forest department also encouraging medicial farming. None of the above mentioned medicinal plants were recorded/reported neither from the project immediate influenced area nor from the project affected area.

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3.8.2 Status of Fauna

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

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

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

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

(i) Project Influence Area

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

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

The carnivore representative of forest under the study area is Leopard (Panthera pardus). It is member of cat family is a sleek short haired and agile animal with a fabulous coat marked with close-set rosettes. It has adapted itself to the forest aera as well as to the open countryside. It is known to lift sheep & cattle from the shed. The Himalayan Blackbear (Selenarctos thibetanus) inhabits the oak forests from 1800 m to 2500 m it is considered a savage animal by villagers for its raids on village cultivation and occasional attacks on humanbeings. Jackel (Canus aureus) have been reported from populated areas while Himalayan fox (Vulpes valpes) reported during winter near habitations in forests.

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

(ii) Project Immediate Influenced Area

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

(iii) Project Affected Area

The area is marked by dry denuaded steep hillslopes, foothills with sdcanty thorney shrubs type vegetation cover and plantation paches of Eucalyptus interrepted by agricultural activities. None of the wildlife was noticed either direct or indirect evidences as well as there are no reports of wildlife from forest department records

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

3.9.1 Comparative Status of Forests Types

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

Table: 3.43 Comparative Distribution of Forests Types

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

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

Bhabur Sal Forest. 3C/C2b

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

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

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

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

Blue Pine Frs. 13/C2b

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

Moist Deodar Frs. + 12/CIC

Oak- Fir Frs. 12/C2b

Mix. Con Frs. 12/Cld

Moharu Oak Frs. 12/C1

Oak Scrub Frs. 12/Dsl

Sub- tropical Pine + Himalayan Sub- tropical + Forest.. Pine Frs. 9C1 St. Euph + + Srb

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Forest H.P. S.B. PIA PIIA PAA Types 9DS2

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

Tropical Dry + + Northern Deciduous Forest. Dry Mixed Dec. + - + Frs.A 5/C2 Khair Sissoo Forest. 51B/1 S2

Total 9/36 8/9 /10 2/2 2/2 HP- Himachal Pradesh, SB. Satluj Basin, PIA- Project Influence Area PIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area + Present - Absent

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

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

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

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Table: 44 Comparative Distribution of Flora

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

Taxonomically flora of the Project Influenced Area recorded highest number of 119 species belonging to 98 Genera & 58 Families followed by 77 and 63 in Project Immediate Influenced Area and Project Affected Area respectively. Physiognomically where flora can be categorized as trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, grasses, ferns, epiphytes & mushrooms.

The diversity of flora of project affected area and immediate influence area does not show much variation. The value of diversity index for trees & shrubs fall in the range of 0.27 to 1.30 for project affected sites and 1.17 to 1.41 for immediate influence areas. The range for diversity index of project affected sites and immediate influence area are given in the table below.

Table: 3.45 Comparison of Diversity Index

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

Project Affected Area 0.27 - 1.30 0.17 - 0.80

Immediate Influence Areas 1.17 - 1.41 0.87 - 1.13

3.9.3 Comparative Distribution of Fauna

The variation in forest type and vegetation pattern resulted in distribution of diversified flora throughout the state. The rich faunal diversity includes 77 species of mammals, 447 species of birds, 44 species of amphibians & reptiles and 81 species of fishes. The Himachal Pradesh supports rich wildlife fauna, which is generally recorded from higher altitude forest (3500-6600m). The comparative distribution of endangered, rare & protected species of Himachal Pradesh is given below

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Table: 3.46 Comparative Distribution of Endangered Species of Wildlife

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

Cold Desert Snow Leopard + +

Dry Alpine Scrub Him Brown Bear + +

Moist Alpine Tibetan Wolf + +

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

Him Black Bear + + +*

Bharal + +

Him Thar + +

Him Ibex + +

Musk Deer + + +*

Barking Deer + + +*

HP- Himachal Pradesh, SB- Satluj Basin, PIA- Project Influence Area PIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area +- Present, - - Absent *- Altitudinal Migration

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

3.9.4 Comparative Status on Protected Area Network

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Table: 47 Comparative Status of Protected Areas

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

A reas ______National 2 1--- Park 2 Wildlife 32 8 Sanctuary HP- Himachal Pradesh, S.B. - Satluj Basin, PIA- Project Influence Area PIIA- Project Immediate Influence Area, PAA- Project Affected Area

3.10 FACTORS AFFECTING TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY

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

3.10.1 Natural Calamities

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

3.10.2 Anthropogenic Activities

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

* Illegal felling for agricultural implements and pack. * Grazing & browsing pressure by sheep/goats * Severe Lopping for fodder, fuel, manure etc. * Fires due to local incendiaries with the belief that the burning of forest areas improves the fodder resources by getting fresh grass and tender herbage. * Heavy Timber demand * Fuel wood and charcoal * Torch wood extraction to Chir & Kail by cutting deeply the resinous wood from base portion of stem. The damage trees weaken at the base & fall due to wind action. The resinous wood is used by the villagers for igniting fires in their houses.

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

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4.1 INTRODUCTION

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

D* I -4

R E C T Ha at

Population R

E Communities

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

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

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

4.2 IMPACTS ON FLORA

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

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

4.2.1 Direct Impacts

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

(I) Acquisition of Forests Land

The total land requirement of the project is 86.5 ha out of which 69.37 ha (48.9 ha of surface land and 20.47 notional area) is forestland the forestland is represented by Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 3 of 21 Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

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

(ii) Tree Felling The direct impact on flora is attributed to loss of trees, which are required to be cleared for establishment of various project units. A total number of 1075 trees are to be felled/ cleared. The details of tree are given below. Table 4.1 List of Trees to be felled for clearing the Site S.No. Scientific Name Common Name Number

1 Eucalyptus globolus Safeda 996 2 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham 37 3 Melia azadirach Dreak 21 4 Grewia oppositifolia Biul 9 5 Toona ciliata Tun 4 6 Pinus roxburghii Chir 3 7 Morus alba Mulberry 2 8 Acacia leucophloea Subabul 1 9 Salix sp Willow 1 10 Ficus palmata Fedu 1 Total 1075 Source: Tree Cutting Report Rampur Forest Division

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

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

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(iii) Clearing of Project Land Direct impact on flora is also attributed to loss of flora due to clearing for forests land for providing various facilities such as provision of approach road, job facilities, construction of adits, power house, excavation for quarry and dumping areas etc. The detailed site specific investigation has been carried out to establish terrestrial biodiversity status it revealed that, dominant shrubs were Adhatoda vasica (Vasik), Colebrookia oppositifolia (Bambher), Calotrolois gigantea (Akh), Carissa spinarum (Karonda), Cannabis sativa (Bhang), Agave americana (Rambans), Euphorbia royleana (Shuru), Dodonea vasicosa (Mehandi), Opuntia monocantha(Nagpani), Rubus ellipticus (Hinsar), Zizyphus numularia (Beri) Lantana camara (Lantana), Rumux hastatus(Bhilmora) etc. The common tree species observed were Eucatyptus globolus (Safeda), Acacia leucophloea (Subabul), Mallotus philippinenisis (Kamela), Mangifera India (Aam), Morus alba (tut), Grewia oppositiflolia (Biul) etc. These species are widely distributed throughout the project immediate influence area as well as project influence area and are neither endangered, rare nor threatened, endemic in nature. The flora of the project area is very sparsely distributed showing low diversity index, which varied between 0.78 to 0.97 indicative of degraded forestland. Thus, it revealed that loss of flora due to clearing of trees for various project activities will not have any direct significant impacts on flora of the region in terms of total forest cover, loss of ecologically significant species, change in structure, composition and distribution pattern of flora and there by any adverse significant impacts on existing terrestrial biodiversity status of the forest of Rampur division, in particular and flora of Satluj Basin or Himachal Pradesh in general. As direct impacts of project activities are confirmed to project affected areas only hence, any direct impacts on project immediate influence area and project influence area are not at all expected.

In order to compensate the loss of forests land acquired for establishing various project units, loss due to tree felling as well as due to land clearing the approved Compensatory Afforestation Plan will be implemented by State Forest Department. The Compensatory Afforestation will be carried out on 139 ha as per the Forests (Conservation) Act 1980 in Arsu and Nither ranges of Ani forest division. The Details of land for compensatory afforestation is given below. Table 4.2 Proposed Sites for Compensatory Afforestation, Anni Forest Division S.No. Name of Unprotected Forests Forests Compartment Numbers 1 Bail C - 09 2 Chebri C - 83 3 Karnon C- 11 4 Kindla C - 38 5 Rallo C- 14 6 Shalt C- 06 7 Sisu C- 10 Source: Proposal for Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Anni Div. Govt. H.P.

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The direct impacts will be compensated by implementation of Compensatory Afforestation Plan not only this it will helpful to increase forest cover of the region. 4.2.2 Indirect & Cumulative Impacts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(II) Generation of Noise

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

(Ill) Temporary Labour Camp

The hydroelectric projects are labour intensive hence, large number of labours are expected to influx the area during construction phase. The aggregation of labor population estimated to be 11850 for various construction purposes. The important project activity-affecting flora surrounding the project influence area is due to establishment of laborer camps. The major threat to surrounding flora is through collection of fuel wood by labour for cooking purposes and thereby loss of trees. Hence, to mitigate this impact on flora necessary alternate arrangement should be done for fuel such as provision of LPG, Kerosene etc. It should be ascertained that no open fire should be allowed in labor camps as it may lead to fire to surrounding forest leading to loss of forest. The solid wastes generated in the form of garbage and effluent due to sewage should be properly collected and suitably disposed so as to avoid any impact on surrounding flora.

(IV) Generation of Debris& Muck

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

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TABLE 4.3 Details of Identified Dumping Areas

S.N. Dumping Area Description of Area Quantity of Dump mm3 1 Dumping area - I Opposite Kaneri Hospital, Rampur 1.05 2 Dumping area - 11 Opposite HERC workshop, 0.06 Rampur 3 Dumping area - IlIl D/S Nirmand Bridge 0.38 4 Dumping area- IV Averi 1.32

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

(V) Soil Erosion

The soil erosion due to natural and anthropogenic activities cause major threat to survival of vegetation. The Saltuj River flows in narrow deep channels with steep hills rising on either side in the project area. The hills are very steep with poor or no vegetation cover. Due to poor vegetation cover the rate of soil erosion is high. Different forms of erosion such as sheet erosion, gully erosion, riverbank erosion are quite prevalent throughout the project affected/immediate influence and project influence area. Common anthropogenic factors leading to erosion are over gazing, collection of trees for fuel, fodder, timber and unscientific farming practices.

The project activities accelerating soil erosion will be quite significant during construction phase such excavation work, tunneling/blasting, construction of temporary and permanent road in project area to move vehicle/machinery/equipments and working force (Labour) . The forestland acquired for the project had to be cleared to make way for various project components clearing of vegetation accelerates erosion process in addition to above-mentioned activities.

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

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

4.2.3. Induced Impacts

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

The baseline terrestrial biodiversity status of the project influence area (7 Km) revealed that; eight different forests types represent the flora. The altitudinal variation leads to various forest types. The dominant forest type in project influence area are Himalayan Subtropical Scrub forests, Euphorbia Scrub forests, Northern mixed deciduous forest, Himalayan Subtropical Pine forests, DSI Oak Scrub etc. The dominant tree species of these groups are Pinus roxburghii (Chir) and its common associates such as Quercus incana (Ban oak), Rhododendron arboreum (Brass), Lyonia ovalifolia (Anyar), Albizzia procera (Siris), Mallotus philippinensis (Kamela), Cadrela toona (Toon), Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar), Albizzia lebbek (Siris), Bombax ceiba (Semul), Pinus wallichiana (Kail) and Lennea grandis (Jhingan) while at higher elevations 1800 to 2400m Cedrus deodara (Deodar) is reported.

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

The forests of the influence area are interrupted with various forest settlements along with agricultural, horticultural, animal husbandry practices. Local villagers are fully dependent on forests for their day-to-day requirements including fodder, fuel, timber grazing etc. All these activities adversity affect the forests and it is under pressure due to increasing human population and their activities. Besides this, lopping of trees for fodder manure and bed preparation for cattle sheds, heavy grazing and forest fire have thinned out the forest to varying degree, destroy all undergrowth and reduced shrubby ground cover. The other human activities contributing to forest reduction are unscientific horticultural practices, torch wood extraction, debarking etc. The induced impacts are discussed below in details.

(I) Traditional Timber Rights

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

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feeds on grasses and leaves obtained from forest. Overall the dependency of local people on naturally available resources of forest is very high.

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

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

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

S. Year Deodar Kail Rai Chir No

No Vol No Vol No Vol No Vol 1 1987 - 88 533 1646.71 1058 4291.62 277 941.68 58 35.70 2 1988- 89 408 1085.58 955 2597.34 53 786.79 70 99.36 3 1989 - 90 109 543.04 655 2397.98 236 1118.43 23 26.99 4 1990 - 91 344 1773.625 1414 378.85 86 363.99 25 58.63 5 1991 - 92 624 2448.14 1661 6694.68 65 996.29 41 116.45 Source: Working Plan for Rampur Forest Division

The right holders have rights to remove all Chir & Kail trees uprooted by natural process such as rain, wind & snow. Deodar trees normally granted for door & windows only, but it is seen that, right holders manage to get Deodar for whole of the

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building. Besides this, right holders get timber at very nominal rate which are decided at the time of settlement i.e. Zamindari rate. The Zamindari rate or subsidized rates at which a right holder get timber is given below

Table 4.5 Rate of Timber for Right Holders (Rs)

S.N. Girth Size Class Deodar Kail Fir Chir 1 90- 120 ID 5.0 1.0 0.25 0.50 2 IC 4.0 1.0 0.25 0.50 3 IB 4.0 1.0 0.25 0.50 4 IA 3.0 1.0 0.25 0.50 5 60 - 90 IIB 2.0 0.75 0.19 0.37 6 IIA 1.5 0.50 0.19 0.28 7 30- 60 III 0.75 0.25 0.12 0.12 8 > 30 IV 0.19 0.12 006 0.06 Source: Working Plan, Outer Seraj Kullu Dist

It revealed that, the rates for high quality timber Deodar is sold at the rate of 0.19 to 5.ORs depending on class of timber followed by Kail 0.12 to 1 Rs, Fir 0.06-0.25 Rs and Chir 0.06-0.50 Rs. This concession has resulted in considerable depletion of forest near habitats/settlements as demand of timber is growing day by day. The prices for non-right holder are decided by Himachal Pradesh Forest Corporation (1978). The average sale price/cubic centimeter timber in the depots of Forest Corporation is given below. Table 4.6 Timber Rates for Non-right Holders S.No. Name of Size(cm) Grade Rate Species II 1 Deodar 305x25x13 20,744 18,372 14,048 Kail - do - 14,978 12,226 10'262 Fir - do - 7,288 6,455 5,381 Chir - do - 6,876 6,089 4,690

2 Deodar 240x21x10 14,112 12,497 11,874 Kail - do - 13,401 11,869 9,183

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S.No. Name of Size(cm) Grade Rate Species Fir - do - 6,728 5,960 4,968 Chir - do - 5,991 5,305 4,087

3 Deodar 240x16x16 14,112 12,497 9,557 Kail - do - 10,765 9,537 7,378 Fir - do - 6,294 5,574 4,647 Chir - do - 5,821 5,156 3,971 Source: Working Plan , Outer Seraj Kullu Dist

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

Increase in timber demand attributed to increase in population of right holders, as well as partition in the family, all round development of the people in their financial position & good return of horticultural crops/activities and most importantly the low rates (two to four rupees/tree) at which trees are granted to right holders as compare to the prevailing market rate. It is also observed that, local right holders misuse rights by selling timber obtained in confessional rates to non-right holders & city dwellers of nearby town. The concessions with reference to Rights to the timber have been reduced due to non-availability of trees in Rampur Forest Division.

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

(II) New migrant Labour

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

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(Ill) Associated Developments

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

(IV) Induced Commercial Development

As such the project area is located in interior areas away from the township in hilly area hence, large-scale commercial development is not expected. All commercial facilities are available at Rampur and Duttanagar village that are very near from proposed powerhouse and settlement town ship therefore additional commercial development is also not envisaged. Hence any adverse impacts on flora of the either project influence area or project immediate influence area due to induced commercial development is not expected.

Thus it revealed that., timber right to local villagers is the main threat for depletion of forests in the project influence area and not due to the project induced changes. Hence, necessary steps should be taken by forest department to control timber demand & minimize pressure on forest.

4.3 IMPACTS ON FAUNA

The presence of fauna in any area is largely depends on type and nature of flora. It provides major habitat, food, fodder, resting, hiding as well as breeding sites to all types of animals. The major factor affecting the distribution of animals in entire area is found to be forest types, altitudinal variation, interference of human activities and forest cover. The data has been collected on fauna based on extensive field survey, direct and indirect methods, secondary data collected from respective Forests Dept., Animal Husbandry dept. Wildlife Board etc.. Impacts on fauna are categorized as direct, indirect, cumulative and induced impacts and are discussed in details below.

4.3.1 Direct Impacts

Direct impacts of project activities are restricted to project influence area. The presence of fauna is directly related to type of flora present. Himalayan Subtropical Scrub and Subtropical Euphorbia Scrub, which are sparsely distributed along hill slopes, foothills and Satluj river valley, represent Flora of project-affected area. The forest patches present in the project-affected area is mostly Eucalyptus Plantation carried out by state forest department under degraded forest area development Environment & Ecology 1M Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 13 of 21 Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

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

The baseline faunal biodiversity status of project affected area revealed that, fauna is very thinly distributed. Reptiles, birds and mammals represent the fauna. The common representation of reptiles was Calotes versicolor (Common Lizard), and Hemidactylus brooki (Common Gecko). The common birds recorded were Acridotheres tristis (Indian Myna), Columba livia (Blue Rock Pigeon), Corvus macrorhynchos(Jungle Crow), Dandroatta vagabunda(Treepie), Lanius excubitor(Grey Shrike), Milvus migrans(Pariah Kite), Nectarinia minima(Purplerumpled Sunbird), Picnonotu Mammals leucogenys(White Cheeked Bulbul), Orthotomus sutorius(Tailor Bird), Turdoides caudatus(Common babbler), Sexicoloides fulicata (Indian Robin), Turdus merula (Blackbird) etc. showing typical agrarian bird community as area is marked by intensive agricultural & horticultural activities.

The mammals were represented by domestic animals. As the agricultural & horticultural activities dominated the project area the domestic animals of local importance were mainly observed such as Cow, Buffalo, Ox of agricultural importance, Horses, Mules and Donkeys used for carrying loads in hilly areas and common pet animal such as Dogs & Cats. None of the wildlife was either observed during survey of the area or has been reported by forest department. These area no records of any endangered, rare, threatened or endemic species from the project area. The project activities affecting directly to animals project present in the project area is not envisaged in terms of direct loss of any animal due to any proposed project activity.

4.3.2 Indirect & Cumulative Impacts

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

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

The loss of 48.9 ha of forest land for various project unit will also not adversity affect the fauna as similar habitat is present throughout the project immediate influenced area as well as project influence area. Therefore impact due to loss of habitat for birds, reptiles and mammals of the project area is not expected.

The blasting activity is short term activity and impact is lest up to 0.5 sec. Due to noise generated during blasting may lead to short time driving way of birds & animals

Environment & Ecology LS Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 14 of 21 Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

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

Impacts on surrounding fauna due to movement of vehicles, machinery, equipments and work force may slightly interfere in animal movements. As most of the domestic animals are guided & controlled by cowboy's eg. Cow, Buffalo, goats sheep's, donkey & horses and hence any causality in terms of killing or accident are not expected. However proper maintenance of vehicle and controlling speed during driving may avoid impact totally. As no wildlife is reported from project-affected areas any adverse impacts on wildlife are totally ruled out.

4.3.3 Induced Impacts

The induced impacts are considered to be due to establishment of propose hydroelectric project, migration of labours/employees, induced commercial developmental activities on surrounding fauna. As project affected area and project immediate are is mainly represented by common domestic animals, which are protected by their owners, hence any adverse impacts are not envisaged. However the project influence are 7 Km surrounding the proposed project varies forest types as well as wildlife is reported hence induced impacts are discussed with reference to forests & wild life reported from project influence area.

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

5 CONCLUSION

The terrestrial biodiversity of project affected area and project immediate influence area is represented by low floral & faunal diversity. The forests of the area are represented by degraded forests type such as Euphorbia Scrub and Himalayan Subtropical Scrub. Weedy shrubs with some common tree species dominate the area. Direct impacts of project activity on flora are considered to be due to acquisition of forestland for establishment of various project units, loss of trees due to felling and clearing. As acquired forestland is just 0.9% of the total forestland available in Ani division therefore it will not significantly affect existing forest cover.

The loss due to clearing is also not expected as weedy shrubs, which are widely distributed, dominate project area. None of the endangered, rare, threatened or endemic species was observed throughout the project area hence; adverse impacts on Terrestrial Biodiversity due to loss of species are not at all expected. The loss of forestland and trees felled will be compensated by implementation of approved Compensation Afforestation Plan not only this but it will also increase forest cover area of the surrounding region. Thus, it reveled that no significant adverse impacts on terrestrial biodiversity due to proposed Rampur Hydro-electric project is envisaged.

Table 4.7 Assessment of Impacts and Mitigation Measures S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 1. Construction (i) Acquisition of The proposed project * Strict implementation of Phase Forests Land does not involve approved Compensatory either construction of Afforestation Plan in dam/reservoir hence accordance with Forest major loss to the (conservation) Act 1980 existing forest is not and Himachal Pradesh at all envisaged. Forest Policy (1980).

Loss of Forests land i.e. 48.9 ha which is just 0.9 % of the total forests land available in Ani Forest division Hence impact will be insignificant

(II) Felling of Trees The clearing of Compensatory project sites for Afforestation will be construction requires carried under the felling of trees, a total degraded Forest Area number of 1075 trees Development scheme are be felled. Out of hence there will be total 92.6 % of trees increase the forest cover are Eucalyptus Plantation , the exotic the natural forests and rest are commonly distributed throughout the project immediate influence as well as project influence area hence, the impact will

Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 16 of 21 Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 be insignificant

(iii)Clearing of The project site is * Compensatory Project sites dominated by weedy Afforestation will carried for construction shrubs which are under the Degraded activity commonly distributed Forest Area throughout and none Development scheme of rare, endangered hence there will be or threatened or increase the forest cover endemic species was observed during survey /reported in the project sites. Therefore no impact on biodiversity is envisaged.

No significant impact * The roads surfaces shall on Project Influence be host or watered using Area and Satluj necessary equipments. Basin. * Plants, machinery and equipment shall be handled so as to minimize generation of dust.

* All earth work shall be protected to minimize dust generation.

* All crusher used in construction shall Environment & Ecology LS Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 17 of 21 Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 confirm to relative dust emission devises

(ii) Generation of The noise level of the * The machineries, Noise construction site is vehicles and likely to increase due equipments use in to various activities, construction shall strictly which may cause confirm to CPCB disturbance to the standard. fauna in the area. However this impact * All vehicles equipment would be insignificant machinery used in as the increase in construction shall be noise shall be fitted by exhaust intermittent and silencers. temporary Equipments should be maintained regularly and soundproof gadgets No significant impact should be used. on fauna of Project Influence Area and * Blasting shall be carried Satluj Basin out as per the statutory laws, regulation and rules pertaining to acquisition, transport, storage, handling and used of explosives

Environment & Ecology LS Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 18 of 21 Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 Area and Satluj Basin

iv) Quarry Extraction of rocks * The extraction of activities and sand shall be material should be done done for the from the identified construction work quarry site only. from quarry sites and require felling of * If new quarry sites are trees. required then prior permission has to be No significant impact taken from the owner. on Project Influence * The quarry area should Area and Satluj be reclaimed back. The Basin. pits formed should be backfilled by construction waste and site should be stabilized.

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

* Such a stockpile should be utilized for redevelopment of quarry areas.

* Grasses and shrub species should be planted.

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 at the sites. However sites are just above the the sites identified for river Satluj muck disposal has low diversity for trees and shrubs and ranges from 0.59 to 0.97 which is very low.

(111) Induced Development in * Any new colonies Commercial Rampur town and developed in area development nearby places is should have provision likely to take place for plantation in the and land price may colony. increase. * As, the Rampur & Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 20 of 21 Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 New commercial Duttanagar are well development and equipped with the adverse impacts are commercial not envisaged development which are very near from proposed The impact on Satluj. sites hence any Basin will be insignificant

However the induced impact will not cause any significant impact on flora of the area as the migrant population is not given any timber right

4. Operation (i) Loss of flora In operation phase * Proper protection Phase no tree felling is measures should be required. taken for the plantation work carried under the Compensatory project afforestation and avenue plantation | Fencing of plantation shall increase the area should be done. greenery in the area. Hence the impact will * Watchman should be be positive during also employed to care of operation phase. plantation for minimum 3 years.

Environment & Ecology 1M Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 21 of 21 Chapter-4 Date: August 2006

S. Project Activities Impacts Mitigation Measures N Phase 0 (ii) Loss of fauna Loss of fauna is not * No impact is envisaged anticipated during on fauna during operation phase as operation phase the wildlife is found in the upper reaches of hills far away from project area.

There shall be no impact on fauna of Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin during operation phase.

(iii) Biodiversity No significant impact * Awareness programs is envisaged on should be held for the biodiversity in Project stakeholders to develop Influence Area and concern for conservation Satluj Basin of biodiversity in the area.

Environment & Ecology I Fq Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

CHAPTER 5 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

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

Forest are very important natural resources of the State and are confined to higher hills and interior valleys. The forest not only saves as a haven for biodiversity but is also mainstay far rural life and livelihoods. As per the classification of Champian & Seth (1962) a total nine major forest type & 33 subgroups of forests are observed throughout the state. The recorded forest area of the state is 3.54 million hectare, which constitutes 63.60% of the total geographical area of the state.

5.2 THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

BIODIVERSITY DEGRADATION

M> S -... -.- --. .seS.- . - . NATURAL CAUSES AANTHROPOGENIC CAUSES

FOREST FIRE l T

ADVERSE CLIMATIC EXPANSION OF CONDITIONS AGRICULTURE LAND

INVASION BY WEEDS

PATHOGENS HORTICULTURAL ENCROACHMENT

LILLEGAL POACHING/ WILDLIFE TRADE

TORCHWOOD EXPLOITATION

Fig 5.1 Existing threats to Forest

Environment &Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

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

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

Rural population depends largely on forest for their day-to-day demands of life such as fuel, fodder, grazing, timber etc. The net demand for fuel wood from the forest is estimated to be 27.6 Lakh tones and that of fodder 92 Lakh metric tones. Per annum. In addition, 1.06 Lakh m3 of timber and 11.62 metric tones of non timber forest products are also removed from the forest annually by right holders. In view of this, demand of timber, fuel, fodder, medicinal plants or non timber forest produces is borne only by a few choice species, the major threat to their continued survival.

Horticulture possibility of a high food yield per unit area of land. Important horticultures crops of the state are Apple, Almond, Apricot, Walnut, Guava Pomegranate, Peach, etc. The area under horticulture was approximately 35,300 hectares (1985-86), which rose to 37,183 ha in 1996-97. The increase area is derived either from agriculture land or forest clearance and thus associated with loss of forest and thereby biodiversity.

5.3 HISTORY OF DEFORESTATION

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

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

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

Environment & Ecology LM Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

Table No.5.1 Assessment of Forest Cover Himachal Pradesh Year of Assessment Area Under Forest Cover (Km2) 1987 12,480 1989 12,480 1991 12480 1993 12,502 1995 12,501 1997 12,521 1999 13,032 2001 14,360 2003 14,353 Source: State of Forest Report 2003

The assessment of forest cover since 1987 depicts that forest cover of Himachal 2 Pradesh has increased from 12,480 Km to 14,353 Km2. Forest Survey of India has recorded an increase of 1,873 Km2 in forest cover as per the State of Forest Report.

15000

14500 --- ------

14000 - -- - - - -_-__

13500 - - _l --

13000 . - ---

12500- -- *-| --- *-3

12000

11500 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003

I 0 Area Under Forest Cover (Km2)1

Fig: 5.2 Assessment of Forest Cover for Various Years in Himachal Pradesh

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

Environment & Ecology Lm Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

Table No 5.2 Species-wise plantation by Forest Department up to 1997 Species Total Area (ha) Percentage Pinus roxburghii 250.92 32.6 Acacia catechu 139.61 18.2 Cedrus deodara 92.83 12.1 Robinia spp. 36.61 4.8 Eucalyptus spp. 31.11 4.0 Abies pindrow 15.64 2.0 Poplar spp. 11.32 1.5 Pinus wallichiana 10.58 1.4 Dalbergia spp. 10.38 1.4 Others 169.53 22.1 Total 768.53 100 Source: Himachal Pradesh Forest Department

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

16000-

14000-

12000-

10000 -,-.,

2000; Zr

1995 1997 1999 2001 2003

. |Dense Forest (KM2 ) ECOpen Forest (KM2)|

Fig : 5.3 Change in Forest Cover of Himachal Pradesh

Environment & Ecology Lg Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

Table No.5.3 Himachal Pradesh Forest Cover Change Matrix

1997 1999 Assessment (Data Oct.-Dec. 98) Total Assessment Dense Open Forest Scrub Non-Forest 1997 Km2 (Data) Forest Km2 Km2 Km2 Km2 Oct.94 & Nov.95

Dense Forest 8,887 640 0 33 9,560 Open Forest 92 2,864 0 5 2,961 Scrub 42 253 558 972 1,825 Non- Forest 99 205 8 41,015 41,327 Total 1999 9120 3962 566 4025 55,673 Net Change -440 +1,001 -1259 +698 Source: State Forest Report 1999

The change matrix, given in above reveals that, an overall decrease of 440 sq. km of dense forest is due to the conversion of 640 sq. km of dense forest to open forest and 33 sq. km to non-forest are with the increase of 1001 sq. km of open forest area.

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

Table No.5.4 Himachal Pradesh Forest Cover Change Matrix 2003 Assessment Total 2001 2001 Assessment Dense Forest Open Forest Scrub Non-forest Km2

2 2 2 Km Km Km Km 2

Dense Forest 8146 1126 20 1137 10429

Open Forest 661 2892 7 371 3931

Scrub 20 140 196 210 566

Non-forest 149 1219 166 39213 40747

Total 2003 8976 5377 389 40931 55673

Net Change -1453 1446 -177 184 Source: State Forest Report 1999

Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

Table No. 5.5 Change in Forest Cover in Himachal Pradesh

Year Dense Forest Open Forest Total Forest

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

5.4 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION INITIATIVES TAKEN BY GOI & GOHP.

In order to protect rich biodiversity of country which plays significant role in livelihood & cultural sustenance of the country, Government of India, under Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF) constituted National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (NBSAP) a, firm step towards addressing the various issues related to the use, status and conservation needs of biodiversity in the country. Under this initiative, it has been envisaged to produce a series of planning documents dealing with various facts related to the conservation of National Biodiversity. The biodiversity of India has been globally ranked amongst the 12-megadiversity countries and two of its bio- geographic provinces. These are all government initiatives and approximately 5% of the country's surface area has been successfully declared as legally protected areas.

In order to conserved enriched biodiversity of the Government of Himachal Pradesh constituted State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2001) under the nodal agency i.e. State Council for Science & Technology and Environment. The present SBSAP covers the varied natural ecosystems like forests, grasslands, alpine meadows cold desert, wetlands across the state along with the range of species diversity harbored by these ecosystems. It also covers the agricultural & horticultural ecosystems including the domesticated species of plants and animals. Various approaches followed by Government of Himachal Pradesh for implementation of proposed SBSAP are discussed below

(a) Institutional Approach

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

Environment & Ecology FO Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

Table No. 5.6 Institutional Framework for Implementation of SBSAP

S.No. Theme Institution 1 Domesticated Biodiversity Biodiversity Centre, CSK Agri. Univ., Palampur. 2 Wild Plant Diversity Director Research, University of Himachal Pradesh (UHP) Nauli Solan. 3 Wild Animal Diversity Zoological Survey of India Solan 4 Micro Organism Diversity Department of Bio Sciences HPU, Shimla 5 Culture and Bio Diversity IGRMS, Bhopal, Chapter Shimia 6 Technology, Industry and Director IHBT, Palampur Bio Diversity 7 Economics and valuation UHP, Nomini Solan of Biodiversity 8 Health and Biodiversity Director of Ayurveda, Shimia 9 Policies, Laws, Institutions Human Right Commission Shimla and Planning 10 Aquatic Eco System Department of Fisheries Bilashpur 11 Livelihood, life style and Regional Station, NBPGR, Shimla biodiversity 12 Education Research and Department of Education HPU, Shimla Training 13 Public Airiness AIR Station Shimia Local News Papers etc. Source: HP State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2002

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

Environment & Ecology LG Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

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

(d) Biodiversity Evaluation Approach

The State Government has assigned "environmental value" to forest land @ 8.00 Lakh & Rs. 5.00 Lakh per hectares for the areas having forest cover exceeding 10% and for the remaining forest areas respectively. Cost equivalent to this value towards compensation for loss of environmental values of forest land will have to be borne by the user agency for every hectare of forest land diverted for non-forestry purposes. (Department of Forest GOHP Notification No. FFE-B-C (8)1/2002 dated 24/06/2002).

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

Table No. 5.7 Export Permit Fee for Medicinal Plants S.No Scientific Name Common Export Fee Name (Rs. Per Quintal)

1 Morchella esculanta Guchchi 10,000 2 Aconitum chesmanthum Karvi patish 7,500 3 Dactylorrhiza hatageria Salam Panga 6,000 4 Viola odorata Banafsha 2,250 5 Banium persicum Kala zira 2,000 6 Aconitum heterophyllum Patish 1,500 Source: HP State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2002

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

In order to know previous experience of implementation of Compensatory Afforestation Plan and Catchment Area Treatment Plan of NJHEP, the review of above mentioned documents were carried out. The plantation sites under compensatory of afforestation and CAT plan was visited. The details of review are as below. Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

5.5.1 Compensatory Afforestation Plan of NJHEP

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

(i) Site Selection for Compensatory Afforestation

The compensatory afforestation plan was implemented under degraded forest area development scheme. A total number of 41 unprotected forestland with scanty or no vegetation was brought under afforestation. Out of 41 unprotected forests 17 falls in Sarahan range, 13 in Kinnaur range and 11 Rampur range. The areas identified by forest department were quite refractory, the peculiar features of land were, poor soil & rainfall conditions, harsh winter with high wind velocity and excessive human and cattle interferences.

(ii) Species Recommended for Afforestation.

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

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

S. N. Name of Plant species S. N. Name of Plant species Scientific Name Comman Name Scientific Name Comman Name 1 Cedrus deodara Deodar 8 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham 2 Pinus roxberghii Chir 9 Aejculas indica Aesculus 3 Fraxinus xenthoxyloides Ash 10 Asesculus indica Asculus 4 Lancia lecocephala Subabul 11 Populus citiata Paplar 5 Melia azadirach Dreak 12 Salix sp Willow 6 Prunus americana Chulli 13 Sapindus mukorossi Retha 7 Abies spectablities Silverfir 14 Grewia oppositifolia Biul Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan 2002 State Forest Department HP

Environment & Ecology LM Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

(iv) Compensatory Afforestation in Synergy with Various Plantation Schemes

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

Degraded Area Development I ReplenishmentAfforestation

Assisted Natural Regeneration NonTimberForestProduces

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

Cultivation of Medicinal Plants

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

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

Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

Table 5.9 Details of Various Plantation Schemes Implemented Under Compensatory Afforestation

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

1 Degraded Area 629 1100 6.49 Development 2 Replenishment Afforestation 195 6800 1.6 3 Natural Regeneration 160 500 0.75 4 Development of NTFPS 670 2000 5 5 Pasture Improvement 375 - 2.04 6 Low-lying Pasture 125 1.03 7 Silivicultural Operation 125 0.10 Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan 2002 State Forest Department HP

The pastures and grasslands plays significant role in rural economy. These are the main sources of herbages and roughage. They are spread on the natural slopes and form considerable portion of the Satluj catchment. Heavy grazing pressure by cattle population of the surrounding villages led to elimination of palatable grasses & legumes and replaced by non palatable and undesirable grasses & bushes.

In view of this, Pasture improvement plays significant role in restoration of ecosystem as well as to fulfill the demand of fodder for existing cattle population. An area of 375 ha degraded pastureland of Alpine range & 125 ha of Low-Lying pastureland was brought under pasture improvement program.

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

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

5.5.2 Catchment Area Treatment Plan NJHEP

River Satluj is a major river of Western Himalayas, originating from lake Mansarover in Tibet at an altitude of 4570 m. The total catchment area of River Satluj, upstream of the dam at Nathpa is 49820 sq. km. The catchment area of directly draining rivers Environment &Ecology LM Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

to the Nathpa diversion dam and the catchment to sholding Khad is estimated to be 280 sq. km. The cathcment area under project falls in Kinnaur, Sarahan and Rampur forest division. In order to compensate adverse impacts such as soil erosion, land slides, sedimentation due to various project activities during construction and operation phase of the project, Catchment Area Treatment plan was formulated and implemented by State Forest Department, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh since 2001-02 to 2010-11. The CAT plan addresses important issues such as damage to infrastructure, changes in drainage pattern, increased pressure on natural resources, impacts on wildlife and damage to visual & aesthetic nature of the catchment area.

The total period of implementation of CAT plan is ten years from 2001-02-201 0-11. The total cost of project is 29.51 crores. The details of various erosion control measures, along with number of sites and total cost of the under each heading is given below.

(i) Treatment of Erosion Prone Areas

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

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

S.N. Name of Scheme No. of Sites Measures to be Amount Taken (% of Total Cost) I Treatment of Erosion 76 Ha Engineering Mes. 1.4 prone Areas Vegetative Mes 2 Stabilization of 31 Engineering Mes 0.14 Landslides prone area Vegetative Mes 3 Treatment of Nala 38 Engineering Mes 6.9 Vegetative Mes 4 Roads Site Erosion - 1.4 5 Treatment of Private - Contour bunding 1.7 Land Terrace Repaining Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan 2002 State Forest Department HP

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

The existing roads are the potential sources of erosion/land slips. In order to prevent flow of loose excavated material into the river with runoff the road stretches were stabilized by providing appropriate engineering/vegetative measures. The sites visited at Nathpa diversion dam, plantation carried out in staff colony and along the Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

roads of Guest house and office complex. The Bottle Brush, Ticoma, Silver fir, Pinus roxburghii, Crismus Trees were found to be well grown throughout the tract. (ii) Infrastructure Development.

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

Table: 5.11

Details of Infrastructure Development Schemes Implemented under CAT Plan

S.N. Name of Scheme Item Amount % of Total Cost) 1 Forest 14 Roads (147 Km, 25 4 Infrastructure Buildings) Development 2 Rural Infra Restoration/Up gradation of 5 structure Village Path, Springs, Bridges Development and Irrigation Canal 3 Village Ponds 37 Sites 0.95 4 Soil and Water 13 Sites 0.95 Conservation Structures 5 Improvement of 102 Sites 0.95 Water Resources 6 Strengthening of 58 Nos. 1.59 Village Path 7 Construction of 14 Nos. 0.71 Foot Bridges

Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan 2002 State Forest Department HP

5.6 CONSERVATION OF PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA

The altitudinal variation in project influence area leads to various forests types such as, Northern mixed deciduous forests, Khair-sissu Forests, Himalayan Subtropical Pine forests, Ban Oak forests etc. the forests are interrupted with various human activities among which agriculture, horticulture, grazing of animals, timber demand, etc are predominant. The forests are under threat due to over exploitation for timber, fodder, fuel, medicinal plants and collection for minor forests produces. The threats to the forests are discussed in brief below while recommendations for the management of biodiversity of project influence area are given in Chapter 6.

Environment & Ecology LM Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

5.6.1 Major Threats to Biodiversity

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

(b) Agriculture & Horticulture Activities

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

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

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

(d) Torchwood Exploitation

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

(e) Forest Fire

Forest fire is commonly recorded throughout the forest. As the agriculture are always associated with burning of remnant of corps. Most of the fires are due to local Environment & Ecology Lm Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

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

5.7 PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PROJECT AFFECTED AREA

The Biodiversity Management of Project Affected Area is the joint responsibility of SJVNL, State Forest Department and Local Community. As Compensatory Afforestation Plan, Catchment Area treatment Plan and Wild Life Management Plan will be implemented by State Forest Department; Govt. of H.P. where as Muck/Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan, Avenue Plantation and Landscaping will be implemented by SJVNL. In order to suggest vegetative measures, the abovementioned documents were reviewed and recommendations are given in Chapter 6. The implementation of above mentioned plans will be helpful for conservation of terrestrial biodiversity of the Project Affected Area as well as surrounding Project Immediate Influenced Area. The review of above mentioned plans are discussed in brief below. FORIST SJVNL

IPARERSIM TAGEENT

Fig. 5.5 Integrated Approach for Biodiversity Management

5.7.1 Proposed Compensatory Afforestation Plan for RHEP

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

Environment & Ecology Lg Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

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

Table: 5.12 Site Selected for Propose Compensatory Afforestation for RHEP

SI.No. Status of Land Name of Range I Unprotected Forest Bail C-9 2 Unprotected Forest Chebri C-83 3 Unprotected Forest Kindla C-38 4 Unprotected Forest Karnon C-11 5 Unprotected Forest Rallo C-14 6 Unprotected Forest Shalt C-6 7 Unprotected Forest Sisu C-10 Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) State Forest Department HP

5.7.2 Proposed Catchment Area Treatment Plan for RHEP.

The total catchment areas of River Satluj, above Bhakra dam site is 56,875 sq. km of which 50,880 sq. km area is up to Rampur. The area covered in the CAT plan is only 1,062.50 sq. km. Out of which 612.50 sq. km falls in Rampur Forest Division while 450 sq. km. in Ani Forest Division. The catchment Area Treatment Plan of proposed Rampur HEP includes Rampur Range, Bahil Range, Machhada catchment of Nankhari Range and of Sarahan Range.

The proposed plan is formulated by state forest Department for the period of ten years starting from 2006-07 to 2015-16. The 2005-06 will be considered as zero year of plan and emphasis will be given to develop and maintain nurseries to raise sufficient planting stock. Most of the activities will be completed within initial 5 years and later half of the plan will be mainly for maintenance. The total cost of plan will be 23.37 crores.

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

(i) Forest Conservation & Improvement.

In order to improve forest cover of the catchment area it is proposed to increase vegetation cover through implementation of various forestry schemes such as Afforestation of degraded forestland, Replenishment, afforestation, Assisted Natural Regeneration, Development of Medicinal Plants, Pasture improvement and subsidiary silvicultural operations barren, areas which are devoid of tree growth or the degraded forestland with scanty vegetation shall be brought under afforestation. Environment & Ecology FR Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

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

Afforestation of Degraded Forestiand includes blank areas devoid of vegetation or degraded forestland will be taken up for plantation. A total 780 ha area have been identified available for taking under this scheme. Out of total 300 ha falls in Rampur while 480 ha in Ani forest division. Replenishment Afforestation includes plantation of forest areas of the track depleted due to excessive pressure of local community due to fodder, fuel, timber etc. to restore such areas to their optimum productive potential. Such forest areas will be planted by artificial means to increase their stocking to the required level.

Table: 5.13 Details of Various Schemes Implemented Under Forest Conservation & Improvement Program Name of Scheme Total Area No. of Amount (Ha.) Plants/ha (% Total Cost) Degraded Area 780 1100 17.31 Development R:480 A:300 Replenishment 460 700 8.25 Afforestation R:260 A:200 Assisted Natural 400 300 5.17 Regeneration R:195 A:205 Development of NTFPS/ 170 2000 2.92 Medicinal Plants R:80 A:90

Alpine Pasture 125 - 0.47 Improvement R:100 A:25 Low-lying Pasture 240 3.92 R:80 A:160

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

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

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

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(ii) Species Selected for Afforestation

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

Table: 5.14 List of Trees Recommended for Afforestation RHEP

S. N. Name of Plant species S. N. Name of Plant species Scientific Name Common Scientific Name Common Name Name 1 Cedrus deodara Deodar 8 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham 2 Pinus wallichiana Kail 9 Aesculas indica Aesculus 3 Robinia pseudoacacia Robinia 10 Ailanthus sp Maharukh 4 Lancia lecocephala Subabul 11 Populus citiata Paplar 5 Melia azadirach Dreak 12 Picea smithiana Spruce 6 Albizzia lebbek Siris 13 Queruces incana Banoak 7 Abies spectablities Silverfir 14 Grewia oppositifolia Biul Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) State Forest Department HP

(iii) Soil & Moisture Conservation Work

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

Table: 5.15 Proposed Soil & Moisture Conservation Measures in Catchment Area. S.N. Name of Scheme No. of Sites Measures to be Amount (% Taken of Total Cost) 1- Stabilization of Landslides 71 R:34 A:40 Engineering Mes. 9.22 prone area Vegetative Mes. 2- Treatment of Nallas 150 R:99 Engineering Mes 17.83 A:51 Vegetative Mes 3- Roads Side Erosion 0.48 4- Treatment of Private Land Contour bunding 0.64 Terrace Repining 5- Avenue - 0.15 Plantation/Landscaping Source : Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) State Forest Department HP

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

(iv) Infrastructure Development

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

Table: 5.16 Proposed Infrastructure Development in Catchment Area S.N. Name of Scheme Item Amount (% of Total Cost) 1 Forest Infrastructure (i) Forest Path 0.69 Development (ii) Construction of Buildings 2.18 2 Rural Infrastructure Repair of Village Road and Path 2.29 Development 3 Village Ponds 31 Nos. 0.63 R:13 A:18 4 Soil and Water 17 Nos. 1.09 Conservation R:8 A:9 Structures 5 Improvement of 0.86 Water Resources 6 Strengthening of 2.29 Village Path 7 Construction of Foot 0.17 Bridges 8 Fuel Saving LPG, Pressure Cooker, 0.1 Devices Smokeless Chullas 9 Rain water 14 Sites 0.65 harvesting Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) State Forest Department HP

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

5.7.3 Proposed Wildlife Management Plan

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

Environment &Ecology Fg Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Chapter -5

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

(i) Protective Measures

The protection of wildlife can be afforded by implementing preventive and control measure for preservation and propagation of wildlife, as below- * Ban/Reduction in issuing crop protection licenses * Provision of Forest Guards to control hunting & poaching * Protection from forest fire * Prevention from diseases spread by domestic animals * Increase in Public Awareness about wildlife * Reward/Incentives to informers

(ii) Habitat Improvement

In order to provide suitable condition for growth, development and reproduction of wildlife following measures are suggested * Increase in forest cover through implementation of various afforestation schemes * Plantation of tree species, which are major sources of fodder for wildlife * Provision of Saitlicks at various places as a source of essential nutrients required for growth of wild animals * Increase in pastureland by sowing suitable local species of grasses, bamboo plantation etc Besides this, there is also provision conducting of wildlife census in forest areas, as well as conducting Public Awareness Programs, display of sign and slogan boards in forest areas for protection of wildlife. The budgetary provision for wildlife management plan is given detailed below

Table: 5.17 Budgetary Provision for Wildlife Management Plan. Si. No. Name of Scheme Amount (Lakhs) 1 Wildlife Improvement 47.10 2 Protection of Forest 25.48 3 Training and Studying 5.00 4 Awareness and Publicity 2.00 5 Eco Development 12.50 Source: Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) State Forest Department HP

5.7.4 Proposed Muck Disposal Plan

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

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

(i) Engineering & Mechanical Works

Following engineering structures are recommended for stabilization of slope * The construction of retaining wall varying from 2 to 7 m height to prevent dumped material from sliding/rolling down * Once meter terracing along the contour at 5m intervals along the slope in staggered manner * The Uphill side of the terraces will be provided with the walls/edging of 50cm height & 50 cm thickness to protect Uphill side of the terraces from slipping * Fencing of dumping areas with barb wires in strand with two diagonal strands using wooden fence ports

(ii) Vegetative Measures

The vegetative measures includes plantation of suitable species for slope stabilization. * Plantation of ornamental plants such as Robinia, Ailanthus, Poplar, Silver oak, Bottle brush, Subabul, Baken to increase aesthetic nature of the disposal area * The soil binders are recommended for slope stabilization includes Heteropogon, Chrysdoopgon, Rumex etc * The plan will be implemented by SJVNL and there is budgetary provision of Rs 2.36 Crores for various items to be implemented

5.8 PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MITIGATION OF IMPACTS

In order to mitigate various impacts due to various project activities during construction and operation phase of the project management plan is suggested which is described below

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

Table: 5.18 MANAGEMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Type of impact 1. Direct Impact The proposed project does not involve Strict implementation of approved Forest department/ (i) Acquisition either construction of dam/reservoir Compensatory Afforestation Plan in SJVNL of Forests hence major loss to the existing forest is accordance with Forest (conservation) Act Land not at all envisaged. 1980 and Himachal Pradesh Forest Policy (1980). The compensatory Afforestation will Loss of Forests land i.e. 48.9 ha which carried under the Degraded Forest Area is just 0.9 % of the total forests land Development scheme hence there will be available in Rampur Forest div. Hence increase the forest cover impact will be insignificant

(II) Felling of The clearing of project sites for Trees construction requires felling of trees, a total number of 1075 trees are be felled. Out of total 92.6 % of trees are Eucalyptus Plantation, the exotic the natural forests and rest are commonly distributed throughout the project immediate influence as well as project influence area hence, the impact will be insignificant (iii)Clearing The project site is dominated by weedy of Project shrubs which are commonly distributed sites for throughout and none of rare, construction endangered or threatened or endemic activity species was observed during survey

/reported in the project sites. Therefore _

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S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Type of impact no impact on biodiversity is envisaged. 2 Indirect impact

(i) Generation This may cause increase in SPM and All vehicles delivering materials to the site Contractor/ SJVNL of dust by RPM level in the area. Dust is also shall be covered to avoid spillage of movement of likely to settle on the surrounding flora. materials. vehicles and construction The impact will be temporary, localized All exiting approach road used by vehicles work, crusher and reversible. shall be kept clean and clear of dust operation No significant impact on Project The roads surfaces shall be host or watered Influence Area and Satluj Basin. using necessary equipments.

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

All earth work shall be protected to minimize dust generation.

All crusher used in construction shall confirm to relative dust emission devises

The machineries, vehicles and equipments use in construction shall strictly confirm to CPCB standard. (ii) Generation The noise level of the construction site All vehicles equipment machinery used in Contractor /SJVNL of Noise is likely to increase due to various construction shall be fitted by exhaust Environment e Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 24 of 28 Chapter -5 Date: August 2006

S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Type of impact activities, which may cause disturbance silencers. to the fauna in the area. However this Equipments should be maintained regularly impact would be insignificant as the and soundproof gadgets should be used. increase in noise shall be intermittent and temporary Blasting shall be carried out as per the statutory laws, regulation and rules pertaining No significant impact on fauna of to acquisition, transport, storage, handling Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin and used of explosives

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

Laborers may cut trees for cooking The contractor should arrange alternative purpose as fuel source of energy such as Kerosene or LPG Their should be provision of proper design / Impact due to sewage/ solid wastes collection / handling and disposal system for /garbage generated from labor camp sewage and solid wastes

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

-_ No significant impact on Project

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S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Type of impact Influence Area and Satluj Basin (v) Quarry Extraction of rocks soil and sand shall The extraction of material should be done Contractor /SJVNL activities be done for the construction work. from the identified quarry site only. Borrow and quarry sites require felling of trees. f new quarry sites are required then prior permission has to be taken from the owner. No significant impact on Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin The quarry and borrow area should be reclaimed back. The pits formed should be backfilled by construction waste and site should be stabilized.

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

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

Grasses and shrub species should be planted. (vi) Control of The construction of activities may lead Strict implementation of approved Catchment Forest department Soil to the erosion of soil in catchments area Area Treatment Plan for control of soil /SJVNL Erosion of Satluj Basin. erosion.

(vii) Muck The muck produced by the construction The muck should be disposed at the Contractor /SJVNL Disposal work shall be disposed at the dumping identified sites only. sites. The disposal of muck shall destroy the Before disposal of muck retention wall should Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 26 of Chapter -5 28 Date: August 2006

S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Type of impact _ flora at the sites. However the sites be constructed at the base to retain the muck identified for muck muck disposal has as the sites are just above the river Satluj. low diversity for trees and shrubs and ranges from 0.59 to 0.97 which is very low.

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

Provision of alternate building material to timber such as provision of breaks/concrete blocks for building houses, tin/ asbestos/ plastic sheets as roof material at concession rates to right holders

Cutting of trees should be strictly prohibited in the area for other construction work. (il) Influx of Requirement of living places, hotels, Forest clearance should be obtained if there laborers filling stations, service stations and is any requirement for cutting trees. extra workers will arise. This will provide job opportunity to the local skilled and Any new colonies developed in area should unskilled population have provision for plantation in the colony. (111)Induced Development in Rampur town and As, the Rampur & Duttanagar are well commercial nearby places is likely to take place and equipped with the commercial development Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 27 of 28 Chapter -5 Date: August 2006

S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Type of impact development land price may increase. which are very near from proposed sites hence any new commercial development and The impact on Satluj. Basin will be adverse impacts are not envisaged insignificant. *Proper protection measures should be taken However the induced impact will not for the plantation work carried under the cause any significant impact on flora of project the area as the migrant population is not given any timber right.

Operational Phase Loss of flora In operation phase no tree felling is Fencing of plantation area should be done. Forest department required. /SJVNL Compensatory afforestation and avenue *Watchman should be also employed to care plantation shall increase the greenery in of plantation for minimum 3 years. the area. Hence the impact will be positive during operation phase.

Loss of fauna Loss of fauna is not anticipated during *No impact is envisaged on fauna during operation phase as the wildlife is found operation phase in the upper reaches of hills far away from project area. There shall be no impact on fauna of Project Influence Area and Satluj Basin during operation phase.

Biodiversity No significant impact is envisaged on *Awareness programs should be held for the Forest department Environment & Ecology Project: Terrestrial Biodiversity Study for Rampur Hydro-electric Project Sheet: 28 of 28 Chapter -5 Date: August 2006

S N Activities/ Impacts Mitigation Measures Responsibility Type of impact biodiversity as there is no loss of any stakeholders to develop concern for /SJVNL endangered, rare endemic of conservation of biodiversity in the area. threatened species of flora or fauna, due or project activities.

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CHAPTER 6 RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 INTRODUCTION

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

6.2 INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING

Following measures are recommended for Institutional Strengthening in terms of appointment of Environment Officer, Training Programme for Environmental Awareness and suggested Training Institutes. The details are discussed below. 6.2.1 Appointment of Environment Officer

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

* Review of specifications during project preparation to ensure their adequacy and suitability with respect to the recommendations of the Management Plan, * Collection and dissemination of relevant environmental information indicating amendments to environmental protection acts issued by various agencies including the World Bank etc * Laision with NGOs, community groups, Government Departments, etc. on environmental issues * Monitor the environmental aspects of projects, during construction phase to ensure that the environmental requirements and the mitigation measures proposed in the Management Plan are implemented, * Undertake compliance monitoring to provide periodic checks, * Undertake environmental training activities * Co-ordination with State Forest Department for effective implementation of recommended of Compensatory Afforestation Plan and Catchment Area Treatment Plan with reference to:

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(i) Inspection of Forest nurseries from where saplings are to be brought for plantation (ii) Supervision & monitoring of various plantation programmes (iii) Effective Implementation of recommended species for compensatory afforestation (iv) Regular inspection/monitoring/evaluation of plantation during maintenance period (v) Effective Implementation of recommended Wildlife Management Plan (vi) Effective implementation of Eco-development Plan recommended by forest department (vii) Co-ordination with Forest Department & local people of Project Influence Area for Conservation of Forest & Wildlife through Public Awareness Programs

* Successful implementation of Muck area re-development plan. * Successful implementation of Quarry area re-development plan * Effective implementation of proposed avenue plantation along proposed roads in project area * Monitoring & supervision of landscaping work expected to be carried out in and surrounding project area

6.2.2 Suggested Environmental Awareness & Training Programs

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

* In the immediate short term, training will be required for SJVNL staff on environmental awareness * The network of training Institutions in India and the World Bank's Economic Development Institute, Environment and Natural Resources Division and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) carry out regular training and contacts in this regard needs to be developed * In the long term, following the setting up of the Environmental Unit, the need for additional and specialized training has to be examined and appropriate training has to be undertaken During construction phase training/awareness program should be organized by the PIU for PIU staff, and the contractor twice a year. During operational phase one workshop/awareness program should be organized at district level each year for the first 3 years. The suggested training modules are given in Table 6.1.

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Table: 6.1 Proposed Training Modules

No Target Group Subject (s) Method 1. PIU staff, Environmental Awareness Lectures Environmental Environmental Regulations, Specialists, Hydro-power Related provisions of various acts, EIA notifications, process and methodology for Biodiversity Conservation 2. Managers (Env) at Implementation of Workshops and PIU, Environmental Biodiversity Management Lectures Specialists Plan Planning, Design and Contractor Staff execution of mitigation and enhancement measures, monitoring and evaluation of environmental conditions during construction and

.operation. 3. Environmental Environmentally Sound Seminars and Specialist Construction Practices Lectures Contractor's Staff Clean Construction Technology, Waste minimization and management in construction processes, storage and maintenance of equipments/ materials, Control of soil erosion, Transplantation and compensatory plantation including maintenance, Borrow Area and Construction Camp Management.

6.2.3 Suggested Training Institutes

There are several agencies and training institutes in India which organize training in the above areas. Some of the institutes are: * Confederation of Indian Industry (CIl) * World Bank's Economic Development Institute of Environment * State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)/Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) * Universities and Non-Government Organizations * Forest Research Institute (FRI) * National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI),

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* Botanical Survey of India * Zoological Survey of India * National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) etc

6.3 VEGETATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS

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

6.3.1 Recommendations for Muck/Quarry Area Redevelopment Plan

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

Table: 6.2 Recommended shrub species for Redevelopment Plan S. No. Scientific Name Common Name 1 Adhatoda vasica Vasica 2 Calotropis gigantean Aak 3 Colebrookea oppositifolia Bambher 4 Debregeasia hypoleuca Sihanru 5 Dodonea viscosa Mehandi 6 Rumex hastatus Bhilmora 7 Racinus cummunis Arendi

Following thorny and succulent shrubs are recommended for hedges and boundaries of propose Muck/Quarry redevelopment areas owing to their protective, non-palatable and medicinal value to local people.

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Table: 6.3 Recommendations of species for Hedges & Boundaries

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

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

Table 6.4 Recommended Species of Ornamental Plants for Avenue Plantation S. No. Scientific Name Common Name Color of Flowering Flower Season 1 Albizzia lebbek Siris Yellowish June to Sept. white 2 Bombax ceiba Semul Orange/ Red Mar. to May 3 Callistemon Bottle Brush Red Jan to Mar. lantecolatus 4 Cassia fistula Amaltas Yellow Apr. to May 5 Erythrina indica Scarlet Red Feb. to Mar. 6 Bauhinia verigata Kachnar Purple Feb. to Mar. 7 Melia azaderach Baken White Mar. to May 8 Millingtonia Akash Neem White Apr. to Jun. hortensis 9 Tecoma stans Ticoma Yellow Mar. to Apr. 10 Thevetia Pila kaner Yellow/ white/ Jul. to Oct. peruviana Red 11 Nerium indicum Kaner White/Pink/Red Jan. to Dec. 12 Mallotus Kamala Red Feb. to May. philippinensis

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

(ii) Community Development

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

(iii) Community Capacity Building

Community Capacity Building is an important tool to strengthen the cadre of people involved in a project, and is achieved through PA, formation of village level institutions and micro planning. The objectives of capacity building are: (1) to enhance capabilities of participatory communities in terms of awareness, knowledge and skills; (2) to enable them to perform tasks assigned in a better manner, and (3) to develop visionary leadership for village improvement.

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

(iv) Village Level Institutions

The need for constituting village level institutions is to organise community members through a common platform to address the issues of natural resource management, to build leadership resources at the local level, to create a forum which can ensure accountability and transparency, empowerment of disadvantaged and to create a reservoir of resources, which can maintain community assets created under the project to sustain activities after the project withdraws.

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Self-Help Groups (SHG) need to be formed in different villages for social mobilization of women. This approach gives an opportunity to women to free themselves from isolation and exploitation. Regular training needs to be conducted to develop and enhance their skills to run these organizations. (v) Training

The training activities of the project would be undertaken the following objectives: * To enhance the technical competence of field level forestry staff in areas like forestry extension, rural communication, participatory assessment, micro planning, participatory monitoring and evaluation and leadership building, in order to enable effective implementation of the project * Community capacity building at village level with a view to promote participation and self-reliant actions of the community, to manage their village resources in a sustainable manner * To hasten the process of empowerment of the weaker sections of village communities, particularly women, scheduled castes, landless and other disadvantaged groups, through on-the-job skill training to generate self- employment opportunities

(vi) Information and Communication

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

* Villagers require access to community information systems related to management of Common Property Resources (CPRs), farm tree resources, income generating possibilities, resources and markets, various Government schemes for village development, skills needed to manage village level institutions * Extension staff needs information on different forestry models, community development processes, and communication and media skills • Project management would require information for decision-making, planning, monitoring and evaluation through establishment of reporting systems and a Management Information System (MIS)

(vii) Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation

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

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6.6 RECOMMENDATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY OF PROJECT INFLUENCE AREA

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

(i) Control of Timber Demand:

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

* Strict ban on felling of timber species of size less than 90 i.e. girth at gbh (II B class) timber species * Reduction in Timber Demand by local right holders * Increase in zamindari rate/concessional rates to prevailing market rules * Compulsory plantation/successful survival of timber species then only T.D. should be permitted by forest department to right holder * Provision of alternate building material to timber such as concrete block made of fly ash or brick for construction of houses/dwellings, Provision of Cement/Asbestos/Plastic/Tin sheets as roof material for poor right holders

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

• The agriculture/horticulture activities at the cost of forestlands should be discouraged * Strict control on felling of trees for expansion of agriculture/horticultural lands existing in forests areas * Control on Land use in forests areas and should be based on land capability classification * Areas under dense forests cover should not be disturbed for agriculture/ horticulture activities

(iii) Control of Forest Fire:

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

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* Quick communication * Early action * Placement of fire control equipments * Reduction of fire hazards in forests * Setting of fire lines and fire breaks * Create Public awareness about impacts/effects of fire (iv) Control on Grazing:

In order to protect forest from overgrazing certain punitive actions, as mentioned below, need to be attended to:

* Where grazing is permitted, the animals should be allowed to enter the forests well after the rains have begun so that grasses would have grown sufficiently to withstand grazing and trampling * The cattle allowed to graze inside the forests should be accompanied by a herdsman to control unwanted grazing * To reduces the dependency of grazing on forest surrounded by heavy bovine population, stall feeding, balanced animal nutrition, improved cattle varieties application of concentrates etc. should be encouraged * Fencing around the important forest areas to prevent entry of cattle inside forest should also be tried. Provision of at least 1.5 m high fencing with barbed wire and R.C.C. posts is standard practice. Effective fencing restrict the movement of human beings and thereby illicit removal of forest material * Cattle proof trenching of size 3 m wide top, 1.5 m wide bottom, and 1.5m deep is dug and dugout earth is heaped on the border of trench so that cattle cannot enter the protected area. On the soil, heaped on the border of trench, thorny species like Carissa spinarium, Zizyphus nummularia, Euphorbia royleana, Agave americana etc. should be planted so that it will stabilize the soil and prevent animals to jump and get into forest (v) Illegal Cutting/Felling of Trees:

In order to prevent economic loss to forest division and degradation of reserve forest from illicit cutting following care should be taken - * Theft of timber and firewood, if any should be controlled * Special forest protection force should be established to apprehend the 10 illegal felling * For unlawful activities in forests, strong actions should be taken and be punished NGOs should also be involved for creating public awareness against illegal felling of trees

Environment and Ecology

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

CHAPTER 7 REFERENCES

Agrawal S.K. (2002) "Biodiversity Conservation" published by Rohini Books Jaipur P.P. 232

Biodiversity Action Plan (2003) State Council for Science, Technology & Environment Himachal Pradesh

Catchment Area Treatment Plan (2005) for Rampur Hydro-electric Project. CAT Plan Division, Nichar Forest Division. Govt. of Himachal Pradesh

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

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

Enchanting Himachal (2004) Publication of Wildlife Wing Forest Department Govt. of H.P.

Revised Working Plan for the Forests of Outer Seraj (1996-97 to 2011-2012) Kullu District Govt of H.P.

Revised Working Plan for the Forests of Outer Kotgarh/ Rampur Forest Division (1993-94 to 2007-2008) Kullu District Govt of H.P.

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

Swaminathan 1997 (Biodiversity Action Plan Lahul & Spiti)

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

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