WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. M/s BALAJI TRADING COMPANY
Prepared By
VARDAN ENVIRONET D-142, Sushant Lok-III, Sector-57, Gurugram - 122003 (Haryana)
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
1 Conservation Plan Index
Annexure ...... 2
Annexure-I- LOI ...... 2
Annexure-II- ToR ...... 2
Annexure-III- Key Plan ...... 2
INTRODUCTION ...... 3
2 PROJECT DETAILS ...... 3
3 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 5
4 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ...... 6
5 STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE SURROUNDING ...... 7
6 SCHEDULE-I SPECIES ...... 9
6.1 INDIAN PEAFOWL: ...... 9
6.2 INDIAN GREY HORNBILL: ...... 10
6.3 INDIAN PYTHON: ...... 12
7 ECOLOGICAL THREATS AND CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES ...... 13
8 Conclusion: ...... 15
List of Table
Table 1: Salient Features of the Project ...... 4
Table 2: Endangered Species from Mine site and its buffer zone ...... 8
Table 3: Budget for Conservation/Management Plan ...... 15
Annexure Annexure-I- LOI Annexure-II- ToR Annexure-III- Key Plan WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
INTRODUCTION The Mining industry in India is a major economic activity which contributes significantly to the economy of India. The GDP contribution of the mining industry varies from 2.2% to 2.5% only but as per the GDP of the total industrial sector it contributes around 10% to 11%. Even mining done on a smaller scale contributes to 6% of the entire cost of mineral production. Indian mining industry provides significant job opportunities. Sand is an important economic resource and also a source of silica for making sodium silicate, a chemical compound used for manufacture of both common and optical glasses. Sand is an ingredient in plaster and concrete and is added to clays to reduce shrinkage and cracking in the manufacture of bricks. Sand in the river channel and floodplains constitutes an important raw material in the construction industry and has a variety of uses in this sector. River sand is used along with cement, gravel, water and steel for making reinforced concrete. Along with cement and water, it is used as mortar for joint filling and plastering. The present company under study is keen on the production of good quality sand which will be utilized by the respective industries.
2 PROJECT DETAILS As per EIA Notification, 2006 and its amendment dated 14th August, 2018 this project falls under Category “B1”, as the lease area less than 100 hectare. In this context, ToR application comprising of Form-I and Pre-Feasibility Report was uploaded online in the state portal of U.P. dated 24.08.2018. The baseline data was collected in March 2018- May 2018 as per O.M. No: J-11013/41/2006-IA-11(I) dated: 29.08.2017. In the e-Auction held on 20.01.2018 on the web Portal www.mstcecommerce.com M/s Balaji Trading Company has offered highest bid of Rs. 6,72,63,128/- for the first year for obtaining the mining Contract of Sand minor minerals mines in Dhikka Kalan village, Nakur tehsil, Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh for extraction of sand from Yamuna river having an area of 52.63 Ha. The letter of intent (LoI) has been issued by the Director of Mines & Geology department, Lucknow vide Memo no. 422/KHANIJ/2017-2018 dated 15.03.2018 in favor of M/s Balaji Trading Company for the mining of Sand. The target production capacity of the mine is 17,05,262 MTPA (9,47,368 m3) of sand within the mining lease area of 52.63 ha. The total gross geological reserves, Blocked reserves in the area and mineable reserves have been estimated as 28,42,020 MT (15,78,900 m3), 1,79,928 MT (99,960 m3), and 26,62,092 MT (14,78,940 m3) respectively. With respect to the proposed production, the life of mine is estimated to be 5 years. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
Table 1: Salient Features of the Project
Particulars Details District of Project Saharanpur Geographical Coordinates Boundary Pillar Latitude Longitude 1 30º 1' 29.9" N 77º 17' 27.8" E 2 30º 1' 40.5" N 77º 17' 28.1" E 3 30º 1' 44.5" N 77º 17' 29.8" E 4 30º 1' 49.9" N 77º 17' 33.1" E 5 30º 1' 48.5" N 77º 17' 39.6" E 6 30º 1' 59.3" N 77º 17' 48.8" E 7 30º 2' 00.1" N 77º 17' 49.9" E 8 30º 1' 59.8" N 77º 17' 54.8" E 9 30º 2' 01.2" N 77º 18' 00.3" E 10 30º 2' 03.4" N 77º 18' 01.4" E 11 30º 2' 07.6" N 77º 18' 10.7" E 12 30º 2' 10.0" N 77º 18' 14.0" E 13 30º 2' 06.7" N 77º 18' 17.2" E 14 30º 2' 04.4" N 77º 18' 16.3" E 15 30º 2' 05.6" N 77º 18' 14.7" E 16 30º 2' 04.2" N 77º 18' 13.6" E 17 30º 2' 03.7" N 77º 18' 11.1" E 18 30º 1' 59.9" N 77º 18' 10.4" E 19 30º 1' 54.3" N 77º 18' 03.3" E 20 30º 1' 52.9" N 77º 18' 01.0" E 21 30º 1' 48.8" N 77º 17' 55.6" E 22 30º 1' 45.4" N 77º 17' 52.2" E 23 30º 1' 39.2" N 77º 17' 47.4" E 24 30º 1' 34.4" N 77º 17' 38.9" E 25 30º 1' 30.2" N 77º 17' 37.3" E 26 30º 1' 25.3" N 77º 17' 36.2" E
Toposheet (OSM) No. H43R1, H43R5, H43L4, H43L8 Lease Area Details Lease Area 52.63 ha Type of Land Yamuna River Topography Undulated (Riverbed) Site Elevation Range 252.550- 249.200 m amsl (Source: Mining Plan) Cost Details Cost of the project Rs. 7 Crore/- Cost for EMP Rs. 110.30 Lakhs (Capital + Reccuring Cost) Cost for CER Rs.14 Lakhs /yr OH&S Rs. 10.00 Lakhs/yr Cost For Biodiversity Conservation Rs.18 Lakhs/- Environmental Settings of the area WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
Ecological Sensitive Areas (National No National Park and Biosphere Reserve falls within 10 Km Park, Wild Life Sanctuary, Biosphere radius. Reserve, Reserve/ Protected Forest etc.) within 10 Km radius
Interstate boundary within 10 Km Inter-state Boundary of Haryana & Uttar Pradesh is approx radius 900 m in West. Archaeological Important Place None Nearest habitation Dhika kalan 1.30 Km ESE direction Nearest Town/ Major City with Sarsawan (~ 8.00 km in NW direction) 200000 population Nearest Railway Station Kalanaur (~6.3 km in NE direction). NH-73 ~ 7.7 Km in E direction, Nearest National/State Highway SH- 6 ~6.4 km in NW direction. Nearest Airport Chandigarh (~ 86.00 km in NW direction). Nearest Post Office Pansra post office ~8.00 Km in N Nearest Police Station Sarsawan Police Station ~9.5 km in SE direction. Medical Facilities Sarsawan Govt. Hospital ~9.2 km in ENE direction. Education Facilities Primary School ~9.00 Km in SE direction. Seismic Zone Zone IV Water Body Yamuna River (Riverbed) Yamuna River(Riverbed) Budhi Nadi/Nallah ~3.1 Km, ESE Augmentation Canal ~5.3Km, NW Western Yamuna Canal~ 8.0 Km, NW (Source: Site visit /Baseline Data and Pre-feasibility Report)
3 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT The term biological environment covers the prevalence of all living forms (plants and animals) both terrestrial and aquatic in study areas. Living forms range over a very wide spectrum of specie. Even a small area may have thousands of species including bacteria, protozoa, worms, insects, plants, animals and birds. In the present study, Flora (trees, small trees, shrubs, under shrubs, climbers and grasses) and Fauna (mammals, birds and reptiles) are considered. It is needless to emphasize that living system is extremely complicated. They are directly affected by changes in the physical environment but may often either adapt or avoid the adverse environmental conditions. Generally, biological communities are the best indicators of climatic and edaphic factors. Studies on biological aspects of ecosystems are important in Environmental Impact Assessment for safety of natural flora and fauna. Information on the impact of environmental stress on the community structure serves WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
as an inexpensive and efficient early warning system to check the damage to a particular ecosystem. The biological environment includes mainly terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The animal and plant communities exist in their natural habitats in a well-organized manner. Their natural settings can be disturbed by externally induced anthropological activities or by naturally induced calamities or disaster. So, once this setting is disturbed, it becomes practically impossible or takes a long time to come back to its original state. Plants and animals are more susceptible to environmental stress. A change in the composition of biotic communities is reflected by a change in the distribution pattern of natural species of flora and fauna existing in the ecosystem. The sensitivity of animal and plant species to the changes occurring in their existing ecosystem can, therefore, be used for monitoring Environmental Impact Assessment studies of any project.
4 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION Biodiversity management is considered as a difficult task as it refers to diversity at all levels like genetic, species and community. The implementation of biodiversity conservation strategy is a challenging job especially in North India. The area is predominated with various Schedule/tribal populations, which consider themselves as an integral part of the forest ecosystem. The formulation of a biodiversity management and wildlife conservation plan for a developmental Project is one of the steps towards the environment conservation. Human activities like agricultural expansion, road construction, urbanization, and other developmental/Mining activities are supposed to be major threats to biodiversity and wildlife, therefore, the most effective and efficient mechanisms for conserving biodiversity is to prevent further destruction of degradation of habitats. The destruction of habitats is the primary reason for the loss of biodiversity in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Habitat loss could be attributed to conversion, habitat degradation and fragmentation. When people cut down trees, fill a wetland, plough grassland or burn a forest, the natural habitat of a species is changed or destroyed. Introduction of invasive species may cause disappearance of native species through biotic interactions. Invasive species are considered second only to habitat destruction as a major cause of extinction of species. Communities are affected by natural disturbances, such as fire, tree fall, and defoliation by insects. Man-made disturbances differ from natural disturbances in intensity, rate and spatial extent. For example, man by using fire more frequently may change species richness of a community. Exploitation, including hunting, collecting, fisheries and fisheries by-catch, and the impacts of trade in species and species’ parts, constitute a major threat for globally threatened birds (30% of all), mammals (33% of all), amphibians (6% of those assessed), reptiles and marine fishes (Baillie WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
et al. 2004). Trade affects 13% of both threatened birds and mammals. Extinction is a natural process. Species have disappeared and new ones have evolved to take their place over the long geological history of the earth. It is useful to distinguish three types of extinction processes. Over-fishing, habitat destruction, widespread marine pollution and human induced climate change threaten the survival of marine biodiversity. Pollution, oil and gas drilling and oil spills may increase the risks of extinction by increasing mortality of marine organisms. The Silent Valley Project in Kerala was abandoned because it was considered as a threat to biodiversity in the region. Biodiversity conservation plan is developed with the aim to reduce adverse impact on the natural habitat of various wild animals. Day by day issues related to threats to natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems arises due to high anthropogenic activities and loss of natural habitat due to climate change. A conservation plan is needed for the conservation of critical habitats of wildlife for endangered and schedule-I species along with their scientific management strategy. During the mining and conservation activities, natural resources (Land, Biodiversity, Forest, Animals and Humans) are likely to expert tremendous pressure due to various activities in the respective region, while the present management plan will ensure mitigation of such impacts. A separate Wildlife conservation Plan is proposed for the mining of sand (minor mineral) project over an area of 52.63 ha at Village-Dhikka Kalan, Tehsil-Nakur, District-Saharnpur, U.P.
5 STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE SURROUNDING The flora of buffer zone comprises of plants growing in thick forests, the edges of agricultural land, village woodlots and trees planted along the roads. Many tree species are planted in the area because of their usefulness, economic and aesthetic values. The tree species observed in the area are, Aam (Mangifera indica), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Bel (Aegle marmelos), Bargad (Ficus bengalensis), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Popular (Populus dealtoides), Safeda (Eucalyptus cameldulensis), Sisam (Dalbergia sissoo) etc. In agricultural waste land and along the road side, growth of weeds likes Argemone mexicana, Cannabis sativa, Cenchrus cilitaris, Heteropogon contortus, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterosporus, etc. are very common. The species found in the core zone are also found all along the riverbed in the study area. These weeds are affecting the agricultural productivity of the region due to fast growth, short life cycle and enormous production of seeds. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
In scrub area commonly seen plant species in such areas are Cannabis sativa, Lantana camara, Ipomea carnea, Calotropis procera, Cassia tora, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ziziphus mauritiana, Heteropogon contortus, Argemone Mexicana, etc. These weeds also affect the agricultural productivity of the region. A linear transect of 1.0 km each was chosen for sampling at each site. Each transect was trekked for 1.5 hr for the sampling of faunal diversity through following methods for different categories. For the sampling of butterflies, the standard ‘Pollard Walk’ method was employed and all the species recorded daily. Voucher specimens of the species that could not be identified in the field were collected using a butterfly net besides photographing them. For bird’s sampling, ‘Point Sampling’ along the fixed transect (Foot trails) was carried out. All the species of birds were observed through a binocular and identified with the help of field guide book and photographs. For the sampling of mammals, direct count on open width (20m) transect was used. In addition, information on recent sightings/records of mammals by the villagers/locals was also collected. For carnivores, indirect sampling was carried out and the mammals were identified by foot marks, faeces and other marks/sign created by them. In case of reptiles mainly lizards were sampled by direct count on open width transects. The study of fauna takes substantial amount of time to understand the specific faunal characteristic of area. The assessment of fauna has been done by extensive field survey of the area. During survey, the presence of wildlife was also inhabitants depending on animal sightings and the frequency of their visits in the project area which was later confirmed from forest department, Wildlife Department etc. 105 species of vertebrates was observed in the vicinity of the proposed project. Endangered species present within the study area are listed in Table 2. It was observed that out of 105 species only 3 are listed in the Schedule I under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered & Critically Endangered categories of IUCN 3.1. Table 2: Endangered Species from Mine site and its buffer zone
Species Schedule REPTILE 1. Python molurus Schedule-I AVES 2. Pavo cristatus Schedule-I 3. Ocyceros birostris Schedule-I
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
6 SCHEDULE-I SPECIES Biodiversity conservation plan is developed with the aim to reduce adverse impact on the natural habitat of various wild animals. Day by day issues related to threats to natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems arises due to high anthropogenic activities and loss of natural habitat due to climate change. A conservation plan is needed for the conservation of critical habitats of wildlife for endangered and schedule-I species along with their scientific management strategy. During the mining and conservation activities, natural resources (Land, Biodiversity, Forest, Animals and Humans) are likely to expert tremendous pressure due to various activities in the respective region, while the present management plan will ensure mitigation of such impacts. Some general behavior and biology of encountered schedule-I species are discussed below which help in making the conservation and management plan success fully.
6.1 INDIAN PEAFOWL: CONSERVATION STATUS The Indian Peafowl is listed as Least Concern species in the Red List of International Union for Conservation of Nature (BirdLife International 2008), probably owing to its widespread distribution, occurrence of locally abundant semi-feral populations, and protection from people on religious grounds. In India, it is given the utmost protection by inclusion in the Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Act, 1972. Although the train feathers of the Indian Peafowl are traded for various reasons, it is not included on any Appendix of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species perhaps on the claim that these feathers are naturally fallen ones during annual molt of the species, and also that the scale of trade across international border is still to be understood. THREATS The Indian Peafowl is under threat from various quarters that include the demand for feathers and wild meat, conflict with farmers during cropping season, increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and habitat degradation. Other threats include habitat degradation and loss - more significantly from conversion of their habitat to agriculture, habitation and Mining/Industrial growth, poisoning to counter crop damage, consumption of eggs and fat extracts for alleged medicinal values, and killing for wild meat (del Hoyo et. al., 1994; Chakkaravarthy 2002). Although these threats are believed to be causing an alarming decline in populations, the magnitude and pattern of the effects in different parts of the country are yet to be quantified.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
CONSERVATION MEASURES It is critical that urgent efforts are made to understand the habitat and population status of the species through field based research and in situ conservation projects. A meeting of the Indian Board for Wild Life (held on 19 June 2006) underlined the need for such efforts. The actions required are: 1) Mapping of habitat and distribution status of the species across the country, inside and outside protected areas; 2) Time series analysis of habitat change to quantify the rate of change and identify high-risk areas and potential sites for further affirmative action; 3) Estimation of population size by established count methods such as line transect, call counts and roost counts; 4) Intensive ecological investigations in representative sites in major biogeographic zones with focus on the effects of threats in relation to breeding success and survival probability; 5) Quantification of trade, with details on source and people involved; and Undertaking outreach activities to sensitize local communities, which may be carried out by a network of ‘student clubs’ (e.g. National Green Corps) throughout the country. These people could be trained to collect population data and undertake monitoring within their localities, and the reliability of the results could be ensured by adopting rigorous protocols.
6.2 INDIAN GREY HORNBILL: INTRODUCTION Hornbills Bucerotidae are one of the most recognizable groups of birds in the Old World tropics. There are 54 species of hornbills in the world (Kemp 1995) and nine species occur in India. The Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris, also known as Common Grey Hornbill, is reported to occur in India, Pakistan and Nepal. In India it is distributed throughout the country, excepting for Malabar, parts of Rajasthan and Assam. Hornbills are secondary cavity nesters, using natural cavities or those excavated by other birds. The breeding habits of hornbills are unique in that the female of most species seals herself into a nest cavity and leaves only a narrow slit through which the male passes her food until the nesting period is completed. Hornbills often show high nest-site fidelity, returning to the same nest cavity year after year. DISTRIBUTION The species is found mainly on the plains up to about 2000 feet. It is found from the foothills of the Himalayas southwards, bounded to the west by the Indus system and to the east by the Ganges Delta. It WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
may make local movements in the drier western region. It is found even in cities that have old avenue trees. It is found mainly on the plains up to about 1400 m; the species has been observed, usually in pairs, in Dharamsala town (Himachal Pradesh) at about 1500 to 1600 msl during summer and in the rainy season. BEHAVIOUR AND ECOLOGY The call is a squealing call somewhat like that of a black kite. The flight is heavy and involves flapping interspersed with glides. They are found in pairs or small groups. The nesting season is April to June and the clutch varies from one to five very symmetrical white eggs. Indian grey hornbills usually nest in tree hollows on tall trees. An existing hollow may be excavated further to suit. The female enters the nest hollow and seals the nest hole, leaving only a small vertical slit through which the male feeds her. The nest entrance is sealed by the female using its excreta and mud-pellets supplied by the male. While inside the nest, the female moults her flight feathers and incubates the eggs. The re-growth of the female's feathers coincides with the maturity of the chicks, at which point the nest is broken open.
REPRODUCTION The male mates with the female many times before she is finally incarcerated into the cavity. The mountings take place near the nest in the nest tree or within a distance of 100 meters on branches high up in the trees. The male moves towards the female with a food item held in its bill. The female moves away towards the end of the branch. The male hops near to her and at the end of the branch, when the female is reluctant to fly away; the male mounts her and mates. Mounting lasts for from a few seconds up to 106 seconds. FOOD DURING BREEDING CYCLE The keystone food species of the Indian Grey Hornbill during the whole year remains Ficus religiosa and F. benghalensis. However, two more species of Ficus, i.e. F. glomerata and F. lacor also contributed to some extent to the hornbill’s diet. The fruits of Pithecelobium dulce, Manilkara hexandra, Syzygium cumini and Zizyphus mauritiana, and Yellow Oleander Thevetia nerifolia were also served to the nest inmates. Animal protein was served mainly in the form of garden lizards (Calotes versicolor), beetles, grasshoppers and snails (Pila spp.). THREATS The Indian peafowl is under threat from various quarters that include: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
Habitat degradation and Fragmentation – more significantly from conversion of their habitat to agriculture, habitation, mining activities and industrial growth. Consumption of eggs and fat extracts for alleged medicinal values. Killing for wild meat. Legal hunting by some communities.
6.3 INDIAN PYTHON: OCCURANCE & DESCRIPTION The color pattern is whitish or yellowish with the blotched patterns varying from shades of tan to dark brown. This varies with terrain and habitat. Specimens from the hill forests of Western Ghats and Assam are darker, while those from the Deccan Plateau and East Coast are usually lighter. The nominate subspecies is found in India, southern Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh and probably in the north of Myanmar. Occurs in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, rocky foothills, woodlands, "open" jungle and river valleys. They depend on a permanent source of water. Sometimes they can be found in abandoned mammal burrows, hollow trees, dense water reeds and mangrove thickets. The Indian Python (Python Molurus) is primarily a tree-dwelling snake that was once common throughout the jungles of India, Sri Lanka, and the East Indies. One of the world’s largest snakes, it can grow over 20 feet long (6 m). Like boas and anacondas, this snake is a constrictor. Its skin pattern comprises black-edged brown patches on a pale orange-brown to yellow-brown background. On the head is a distinctive lighter, forward pointing ‘V’. Pythons kill by squeezing and suffocating their prey. Their preferred diet is mammals, but they will eat birds and even fish, since they often live near water and are good swimmers. Pythons can live for 20 years and lead a solitary life until they need to seek a mate. POPULATUION This species has declined across its native range through harvesting for the skin, traditional medicine and pet trade, as well as habitat degradation. Zug et al. (2011) stated that pythons are rare in Myanmar. It is reported to be rare in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam. The Vietnam Red Data Book estimates a decline in this species of more than 80% over 10 years in this country. This snake is now very rare in mainland China, as it is heavily exploited for food and skins, with population declines estimated at 90% WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
over ten years, although it remains common in Hong Kong where it is a protected species. No population data is available for this species in any part of its India range.
MAJOR THREATS This species is under threat due to illegal trade; in China it has been heavily impacted by over exploitation for food and skins, the latter for use both in leather and in traditional musical instruments such as Erheen, Sanxian and hand drums (CITES 2011) and Vietnamese populations are under pressure from a combination of use in food and leather production, export to supply the pet trade, and consumption in snake wine. Similar pressures are presumed to account for the rarity of this species throughout the remainder of its range, for which no quantitative data is available. Habitat degradation through slash and burn agriculture in upland areas may pose a risk by eliminating this snake's prey and making it more vulnerable to exploitation by humans.
7 ECOLOGICAL THREATS AND CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES The primary threats to schedule-I species are anthropogenic. Habitat fragmentation, reduced prey base and conflict with livestock and game farming have reduced schedule-I species populations throughout most of their range. a. Direct Population Threat: Direct population threats include all reasons and actions which directly reduce the numbers of leopard and other schedule-I species in wild other than the natural death of the animal. This is mainly due to reduction in their habitat range, forest degradation, scarcity of food and water in their habitat, as well as poaching for illegal trade of skins, feathers, canines and other part of animals. Conservation Plan The wildlife protection act (1972) provides us with the statutory framework for wildlife conservation and declared that hunting is a deadly crime against wildlife while, forestation will be done surrounding the mine area for enhancement of habitat, protecting the loss of Bio-diversity due to habitat loss. b. Conflict with Human Animal and human conflict is a serious problem in India and the subcontinent and is another cause of significant mortality of animals. Expansion of agriculturally used land, mining activities, encroachment of humans and their livestock into protected areas are main factors contributing to habitat loss and decrease of wild prey.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
Conservation Plan The prey species preferred by those animals will be conserved to insure sufficient prey availability, which will also reduce the conflict with humans. Biological fences will be used to protect the livestock from the leopard and other carnivore attack.
c. Habitat Threat Loss of forest area outside parks and reserve poses a major threat to wild animals because it causes population fragmentation, thereby leaving small, nonviable populations within the parks or their movements in human territories which raise conflicts. Furthermore, habitat degradation outside the parks, caused by overgrazing, overharvest of forest products, expansion of agricultural areas, and mining of minerals also possess threats to the habitat of species.
Habitat Improvement Wild animals in specific Habitat/forests, and also in some grassland, where boulders and scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter. Habitat of specie will be improved by planting suitable species in surrounding areas. The prey species preferred by leopard will be conserved to insure sufficient prey availability, which will also reduce the conflict with humans.
d. Noise & Vibration A cumulative effect of all mining activities produces enormous noise and vibrations in the mining area, which constitutes a source of disturbance. Noise produces so many health effects, influences work performance and makes communication more difficult. Besides, the fauna in the forests and other area surrounding the mine area is affected by noise and it has generally been believed that wildlife is more sensitive to noise and vibration than the human beings.
Mitigation Trees will be planted with in the safety zone of mine area, on both the sides of the roads and near the housed etc. to absorb noises generated during mining to spread in the surroundings.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR SCHEDULE-I SPECIES FROM SAND MINING PROJECT AT DHIKKA KALAN VILLAGE, TEHSIL-NAKUR, DISTRICT SAHARANPUR, U.P. (52.63 HA, 17,05,262 TPA) [2018]
Table 3: Budget for Conservation/Management Plan S. No. Component Budget in Rs (Lakh)
1 Planting of trees groves in surrounding area and Promotion of agro forest 10.00 in villages planting fruits trees 2 Artificial nests, feeding and watering arrangement for animals 4.00 3 Workshops, Training and awareness programs 1.00 4 Water supply 2.00 5 Contingency 1.00 Total 18.00
8 Conclusion: As per ToR issued by SEIAA UP conservation plan of schedule –I species is prepared for M/s Balaji Trading Company. The target production capacity of the mine is 17,05,262 MTPA (9,47,368 m3) of sand within the mining lease area of 52.63 ha. The total gross geological reserves, Blocked reserves in the area and mineable reserves have been estimated as 28,42,020 MT (15,78,900 m3), 1,79,928 MT (99,960 m3), and 26,62,092 MT (14,78,940 m3) respectively. During the Ecological survey 3 species has been observed in the study area i.e Indian python, Indian Grey Hornbill and Ndian Peafow, a budget of Rs. 18 Lakhs has been proposed by M/s Bala ji trading Company for the conservation of schedule species. . . -~ ANNEXURE-I
~ 4-~~ /~PIG1/2017-201B '·~~jqs: 1) lflif 2018 ~ tfCCT ~ 't16Jtfi) tJ?r (Letter of Intent)
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