Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology MISSION

GUIDE will catalyze the process of ameliorating hardships to human beings in desert ecosystems of Gujarat, following sound ecological principles and carefully using scientific knowledge, imaginative technology and capital

MANDATE

Focus on desert, arid and semi-arid ecosystems of Gujarat, with special emphasis on Kachchh.

Develop benchmark database for ecosystems of Kachchh and thereafter undertake continuous monitoring and trend-analysis through specific research activities

Identify problem areas and evolve appropriate solutions and management strategies with the help of applied research

Formulate and implement relevant projects that would provide models for emulation

Disseminate ecological information and communicate action plans to suit local conditions, through extension and other programmes

Provide consultancy and training to NGO's, Government officials, corporate sectors and other natural resource managers, in the principles of ecology, integrated management and sustainable development. Contents

DIRECTOR’S NOTE ...... 1

INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES ...... 7

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ...... 11

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS ...... 14

PUBLICATIONS ...... 35

BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF GUIDE ...... 40

HIIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS ...... 45 DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology under the Chairmanship of Ms. (GUIDE), stepping into its 18th year, Vijayalaxmi Sheth. continues to function as a pioneering dryland research institute striving to In yet another attempt to acquire address the needs of community global eminence and to draw through its research agenda. In order worldwide attention towards Kachchh to fulfill its avowed mandate to dryland issues, GUIDE had signed a achieve a synergy of science and MoU with STEPS Center of Sussex community in the field of ecology and University, Brington, UK and initiated a environment, GUIDE has made added collaborative research programme on progress. The stewardship and “Climate Change and Uncertainty unflinching effort rendered by our from Below and Above”. As part of this Chairman Shri S. G. Mankad, IAS (Retd.) and the Board of Governors of GUIDE are enabling us to function with vigor and quality over the previous years.

The contract tenure of Prof. G. Agoramoorthy as Honorary Director of GUIDE has come to an end on 2nd June 2012. The Chairman, Board of Governors (BoG) of GUIDE has appointed Shri R. V. Asari, IFS (Retd.) as Advisor in GUIDE during July 2012 and later appointed as Director of GUIDE from 29th September 2012. Further, the initiative, Dr. V. Vijay Kumar attended Board of Governors has constituted a the inception meeting of the project Management Committee for partners at Kolkata during the period monitoring the day to day between 21st and 26th August 2012. administrative programmes of GUIDE Another follow-up meeting was conducted between 25th and 28th January 2013 at Ahmedabad for finalizing a common methodology for the study areas in India. The workshop was attended by Dr. Lyla Metha, IDS, Sussex University, UK; Mrs. Uapsona Ghosh, IMHR, Kolkata; Dr. Alankar, JNU, Delhi; Shri Shibaji Bose and GUIDE was represented by Director, Joint Director and Scientists. A follow-up field trip to project locations in

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Kachchh, Gujarat was organized SANDHAN, Gandhinagar and between 31st January and 4th February Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, 2013. The team consisting of Dr. Lyla Gandhinagar in areas of research, Metha, Director and Joint Director of technical, training, faculty and GUIDE visited Kanmer village at Rapar students exchange programme. taluka, Jakhau village at Abdasa GUIDE had also arranged a stall in the taluka and Bhirandiyara village in Education Pavilion during the Vibrant Banni in Kachchh in connection with Gujarat 2013 event. the project.

To add a feather in the GUIDE’s cap, Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Joint Director of GUIDE participated in the 4th International Conference on Drylands, Deserts and Desertification held between 12th and 15th November, 2012 at Bluastein Institutes for Desert Research, Sede Boqer Campus of Ben- Gurion University, Israel. Hehadpresented a paper on “Reclamation of the Greater Rann of Research and academic Kachchh, Gujarat, India – A pilot collaboration with Yobe State approach” under the theme “Soil and University and Desert Research Land Restoration in Drylands”. Monitoring Control Centre (DRMCC), Nigeria is also afoot. As a follow up, a team of four members visited GUIDE during April 2012 under the leadership of Prof. Musa Alabe, Vice Chancellor, Yobe State University, Nigeria and signed an MoU with GUIDE. This MoU facilitates both the organizations for faculty exchange, collaborations between professionals working within the same field, joint research and development for controlling To augment the rigour of the desertification and training of faculties. academic activity of GUIDE, Director and Joint Director had attended the As a follow-up of the MoU, Dr. V. Vijay meeting of “International Academic Kumar had visited DRMCC during the Institutions” held between 9th and 10th period between 16th and 26th February January, 2013 as part of Vibrant 2013 for initiating collaborative Gujarat. GUIDE had signed MoUs with research, academic and training Pandit Deenadayal Petroleum programmes. Prof. Musa Alabe, Vice University, Gandhinagar; Gujarat Chancellor, Yobe State University National Law University, Gandhinagar;

GUIDE Annual Report 2012-13 Page 2 arranged meetings with high level In order to strengthen its scientific officials at DRMCC, Yobe State manpower and to enhance its University and Government of Nigeria. accomplishment, GUIDE has recruited During the trip, Dr. V. Vijay Kumar a team of qualified and experienced scientists (Dr. G. Thirumaran, Dr. Shalini Dhayani Dr. Nimisha Tripathi and Dr. Deepak Dhayani) and researchers (Ms. Dipa Lalwani, Ms. Bhoomi H. Bakori, Ms. Anasuya Rawat, Mr. Rajesh Choudhari and Mr. Mayur Goswami) with multi-disciplinary background who will work on different aspects of diverse ecosystems, biodiversity and livelihood opportunities in Kachchh visited desert areas and Oasis in Yobe, and other places of Gujarat. Abuja and Kano states of Nigeria.

As a part of the collaboration with CASII, initiatives have been taken to conduct CoHaB project for Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) in GUIDE during the month of November 2013. Another MoU was signed with Gujarat State Forest Development Corporation (GSFDC), GoG, Vadodara for undertaking NTFP analysis of GSFDC Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology and APSEZL for characterization of soil, (GUIDE), Bhuj, ever since its water, air in APSEZL, Mundra. National establishment in May 1995, has been and State level collaborative research working steadfastly to address programmes were proposed to NEERI, different ecological issues pertaining Nagpur; GEER Foundation, to arid and semi-arid regions of Gandhinagar and S.P. University, Gujarat in general and Kachchh in Anand on different biological and particular. In continuation of this, ecological aspects. GUIDE organized a national awareness Dr. V. Vijay Kumar attended the programme in collaboration with consultation workshop on “Strategies Gujarat State Biodiversity Board, for disaster risk reduction of vulnerable Gandhinagar and K.S.K.V Kachchh occupations” at Ahmedabad jointly University, Bhuj-Kachchh on organized by CEPT University, “Biodiversity Conservation and Ahmedabad and Kyoto University, Management with Some Emphasis on Japan. Guggal” on 22nd January 2013 at K.S.K.V Kachchh University, Bhuj- Kachchh. The main objective of the

GUIDE Annual Report 2012-13 Page 3 symposium was to bring a The GUIDE laboratory has been conglomeration of research and recognized as “State Air & State Water academic institutions, government Laboratory” by the GPCB, and non-government organizations, Gandhinagar on 3rd September 2010 policy makers and various and the recognition is extended up to stakeholders dedicated to research, 2nd September 2013. The laboratory conservation and restoration of and infrastructure facilities developed wetlands with an aim to establish a during the previous year have further nationwide awareness on biodiversity been strengthened by adding Act and biodiversity conservation and equipments like New Brunswick shaker, its management. Deep freezer, Millipore ultra pure water, Geographical Positioning As a part of its recognition by K.S.K.V. System, Rotary vacuum Flash Kachchh University, Bhuj, GUIDE has Evaporator (Total Cost Rs. 12 jointly undertaken teaching lakhs)from the project grant of DST, programme of M. Sc. (Environmental New Delhi. A team of well-trained Science) course and the third batch of analysts is working full time and the students passed out during May 2012. laboratory is now poised to undertake A plan to commence integrated a broad range of advanced master’s programme with the ecological research envisaging the Kachchh University is also on the avail. lab-to-field approach. Laboratory A proposal for Integrated facilities, besides serving different Environmental Biology course was project requirements also meet submitted to the K.S.K.V. Kachchh analytical requirements of GPCB, University for further processing at industries, farmers and other NGOs. Education Department, Gandhinagar. Further, GUIDE has signed a MoU with Apart from teaching, in the areas of APSEZL, Mundra for operating an research guidance, GUIDE’s scientists environmental laboratory at APSEZL. have guided students from J.S.S The laboratory is operational since University, Mysore; S.P. University, July, 2011. Anand; Gujarat Vidyapeeth, Gandhinagar; Shri Sarvajanik College, To share their views, distinguished Mahsana and K.S.K.V. Kachchh dignitaries including Prof. V. C. Soni, University, Bhuj. Saurashtra University, Rajkot; Shri Rajeeva, IFS, Chairman, Gujarat State Demonstrating their presentation Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar; Dr. capability, GUIDE scientists and Ramakrishna, Ex. Director, Zoological researchers have attended several Survey of India and Prof. Indranil national and international seminars Gadvi, Bhavnagar University happily and symposia and presented research visited GUIDE. papers. Many of the scientific papers were published in international Another significant milestone is the journals. publication initiatives of “State of Environment Report on Rann of

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Kachchh, Gujarat State” (State of University, Bhuj-Kachchh for best Environment of Gujarat) through performance in environmental Gujarat Ecology Commission, research activities. The award was Gandhinagar. In an effort to fortify the presented on 7th April 2012 in a special research endeavor of the institute, function Chaired by the Honorable many research proposals have also Finance Minister of the Gujarat State – been framed, including the international research proposal in collaboration with BAIF, Pune; Critically endangered species and Mangrove proposals to IUCN, and study of marine and terrestrial biodiversity of Gujarat to Gujarat State Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar.

Moreover, many projects were successfully completed within Shri Vajubhai Vala and Minister for stipulated time. This includes State – Shri Vasanbhai Gopalbhai Ahir. Ecological and Economic Role of The important dignitaries included; the Forests, Kachchh Circle, Gujarat and former Vice Chancellor of K.S.K.V. Environmental Assessment of Kandla Kachchh University – Dr. S. G. Yadav; Port in collaboration with NIO, the Vice Chancellor of Ambedkar Mumbai. Other important ongoing University – Dr. Manoj Soni; Editor of projects include Environmental Kutchmitra - Shri Kirthibhai Khatri, MLA monitoring study with ESSAR and BoRL, of Abdasa Taluka of Kachchh - Shri Jamnagar; Biodiversity study in Jayanthibhai Bhanushali, Dr. Dholera SIR in collaboration with GEER Dharshanaben Dholakiya, , Dr. B. S. Foundation, Gandhinagar and Patel, Members of Kutchi Chair and Mangrove monitoring in Dandi and Faculties of K.S.K.V. Kachchh University. Kachchh. The new projects initiated during 2012-13 include; People’s During the year GUIDE has initiated an Biodiversity Register, Study on Guggle e-newsletter on a quarterly basis in Gujarat, Forest resources of mainly to disseminate information on Kachchh, Tree Groves of Kachchh and dryland ecology. E-Newsletters of publication of book on Forests of GUIDE were circulated to many Kachchh, Gujarat. institutions, universities, scientific community and members of the Board As a matter of pride, GUIDE was & Society of GUIDE. facilitated with a precious accolade of “Kachchh Ratna” awarded by the Kutchi Chair of K. S. K. V. Kachchh

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THRUST AREAS

RESEARCH & STUDIES

 Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation Studies  Desertification and Land Degradation Process  Regional Environmental Assessment and Planning  Socio-Economic Studies for Development Options  Natural Resources Management in Arid and Semi-Arid Zone (Rangeland Ecology, Agro- Ecology)  Impact of Invasion by Exotic and Introduced Species  Remote Sensing & GIS Applications for Biodiversity Conservation & Environmental Planning  Coastal Biodiversity and Coastal Monitoring

TEACHING

 M. Sc. in Environmental Science (In collaboration with K. S. K. V. Kachchh University, Bhuj)

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

 Development and Conservation Options in Rann of Kachchh  Watershed Development and Management  Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems including Grassland, Mangroves, Forests, Wetlands, etc.  Development Options for Pastoral Communities  Improving the Management of Protected Area Networks  Ecological Restoration of Mining and Industrial Areas

TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO ACTION PROGRAMMES

 Demonstration of Ecological Restoration Programmes  Technical Support to Non-governmental Organizations and Governmental Agencies/Departments

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)  Environmental Management and Planning (EMP)

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INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES CAMPUS The Institute is spread over four acres of land acquired from Government of Gujarat, where its own complex comprising well-furnished blocks for academics, laboratory, library, administration, meeting hall and hostel for research scholars is located. In addition, residential blocks for scientists have also been constructed within the premises of the institute which make it possible to devote more time to their research activities.

HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION The hostel complex has eight rooms of double occupancy and special double occupancy rooms to accommodate important visitors. All the scholars of GUIDE are accommodated in the hostel. Dining and recreational facilities are provided in the hostel, which include television, table tennis and provision for outdoor games such as volley ball, badminton and cricket.

COMPUTER FACILITIES Since, computers and relevant software are essential and integral part for quality research, it is constantly endeavored to procure new software and keep the systems updated. The institute is equipped with ample computer facilities for storage and processing of research data including an ecological data base.

TEACHING AND RESEARCH

Research activities in different disciplines are in progress since the inception of institute through its multi-disciplinary team of scientists and research scholars. Apart from the routine research, GUIDE has also undertaken initiatives in creating ecological models in grassland restoration, community based mangrove restoration and saline land reclamation. Further, the Institute has been recognized as Research and Education Centre by K.S.K.V. Kachchh University, Bhuj and is involved in conducting M.Sc. Environmental Sciences programme with the university. The institute has modern teaching aids and field research equipments with appropriate accessories to operate in-house and field programmes.

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ANALYTICAL LABORATORY

The laboratory facilities at GUIDE meet all the requirements of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of terrestrial and coastal areas. Regular analysis of environmental samples is being carried out for industrial sectors, local agriculturists and NGO’s. Analysis of all the types of environmental samples i.e. soil, water (fresh water and sea), waste water, sludge are being carried out in GUIDE. In addition, the analysis of on-site air quality is also done using sophisticated air samplers.

All the analysis in this laboratory are carried out through standard methods using equipment such as Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, UV-vis Spectrophotometer, Flame-photometer, etc., several sophisticated instruments such as; Repairable Dust Samplers, Stack Monitoring Kit, Fine Particulate Sampler, Spectro-fluorometer and Ion Chromatography have also been added recently. With eminent scientific supervision and skilled technical staff, the laboratory is running as a self-sustained unit and is recognised as State Air & State Water Laboratory (First of its kind in Gujarat) by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, GoG, Gandhinagar.

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HERBARIUM &MUSEUM

The institute possesses excellent collectionof plant and animal specimens (especially marine fauna) of Kachchh in particular and Gujarat in general. The floral specimens collected are properly catalogued with phyto-geographical information.

Extensive specimens of intertidal molluscan shells from Kachchh and Jamnagar coastal habitats are preserved and kept as ready reference materials in the marine laboratory which could be used by different school and college students. Speciment of terrestrial animals from Gujarat is also planned to be preserved and exhibited in the museum, which will cater the purpose of reference materials. The development of digital herbarium is in process which will function as a reference centre for students and researchers.

LIBRARY & DOCUMENTATION

A library with a wide range of multi- disciplinary collection viz., arid and semi-arid ecology, different ecosystems, plant and animal ecology, biodiversity, management techniques, environmental economics, interpretation and education is being actively build up. In addition to reference works and text books on these subjects, a massive stock of monographs and reprints on ecology, ecosystems etc. is also available. The JSTOR subscription for a period of five years helps in accessing over 370 international journals in the fields of Botany, Environment, Agriculture, Ecology, Biodiversity etc. Currently the reference collection comprises of over 1,600 books, monographs, reports, etc., that are now being computerized for easy review and retrieval. An important part of the library services is also envisaged through computerized database and literature search facilities, enabling rapid survey of existing information on a particular topic. An amount of Rs. 2–2.50 Lakhs is spent every year on journals and books for the library.

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GIS & REMOTE SENSING CELL

GIS & RS facilitates research activities related to biodiversity, land use, soil, and geo-hydrological regime, Natural Resource Mapping (NRM) and Participatory Resource Mapping (PRM). The cell is well equipped with GIS software Arc GIS 9.3.1, Cartalinx and Image processing software ERDAS Imagine 9.3. We are also focusing on Open Source GIS software like QGIS, GRASS, MapWindow and Multispec. The cell also has database of LANDSAT and IRS Satellite imageries. The cell has mapped thematic layers of landscape features of Gujarat in general and Kachchh in particular.

TECHNICAL SERVICES

Institute provides various kinds of technical and analytical facilities on soil, water and air to the academic and research institutes, industries and NGOs. The various services include:

 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)  Marine Environmental Monitoring(MEM)  Environmental Managment and Planning (EMP)  Training programmes on Natural Resource Development and Management, Biodiversity, etc.

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National Conference National Awareness Workshop On “Biodiversity Conservation and Management with some emphasis on Guggal”

Biological resources are vital and important natural resources to the human being, for their sustenance and socio-economic development. Biodiversity provide us food, fresh air, cloth, medicine and many ecological services to mankind and other living creature. At present, various means of developmental activities cause degradation and fragmentation of habitats which pose severe threats on biodiversity. Now-a-days, a large number of plants and animal species of Kachchh region of Gujarat are facing threats due to unfavourable anthropogenic activities. In view of the above, a one day National workshop on “Biodiversity Conservation and Management with some emphasis on Guggal”was organized by Gujarat Institute of

Desert Ecology (GUIDE) in collaboration with Department of Chemistry, KSKV Kachchh University to generate awareness about conservation and management of local biodiversity. This workshop was funded by Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar.

The major objectives of the workshop was to generate awareness on biodiversity and its importance for human being and environment, spread awareness amongst participants about the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Biological Diversity Rule, 2004, awareness on formation of Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) in villages and municipalities level, to give overview about status and importance of

GUIDE Annual Report 2012-13 Page 11 threatened biodiversity with some emphasis on ‘Guggal’ for its conservation and to strengthen the link between govt. officials, scientist, NGOs and local communities for conservation of biodiversity.

The workshop was inaugurated by Shri Rajeeva, IFS, PCCF and Chairman, Gujarat Biodiversity Board and Guest of honour, Dr. Tushar Hati, I/c. Vice Chancellor, KSKV Kachchh University, Dr. A. P. Singh, Member Secretary, Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Shri. R.V. Asari, IFS (Retd) and Director, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj, Dr. Ramakrishna, Ex-Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata and Prof. V. C. Soni, Department of Bioscience, Saurashtra University, Rajkot. The workshop was attended by dignitaries including academicians, scientists, researchers, Forest Officials, representative from NGOs, villages of Kachchh and media from various parts of the Gujarat as well as from the country.

The keynote address was delivered by Shri Rajeeva highlighting on the importance of

Biological Diversity Act, 2002 for conservation of biodiversity in Indian context followed by Shri R. V. Asari, IFS (Retd.) Director, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, who emphasized on the history of biodiversity conservation, its documentation and management relevant to International and National scenario. Dr. A. P. Singh gave detailed information about the formation of Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) at village level. He also highlighted about the creation of BMCs, structure, function and power of the BMCs and point out that this act must be implemented at three levels viz. local, state and national.

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Dr. Ramakrishna, Ex-Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata delivered a lecture on “Acts and Conventions in Indian Biodiversity”. In his lecture, he highlighted the important issues of biodiversity, economic importance of biodiversity, Convention of Biodiversity, etc. He presented some updated information to the participants on controlling and regulating factors of hot spots, ecological niches, habitat heterogeneity, mega biodiversity, cultural diversity, etc.

Prof. V. C. Soni, Saurashtra University, Rajkot pointed out the loss of biodiversity under the name of development while, Dr. I. R. Gadhvi, Bhavnagar University provided a overview about the grassland and wetland ecosystems in Kachchh.

The workshop was also addressed by Shri. A. C. Sampat, DCF, Kachchh circle and Dr. Rohit Patel from GUIDE on Commiphora species in Kachchh.

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Dryland Division

1. Study on the Forest resources Survey in Forest Areas of Kachchh District, Gujarat

Funded by Working Plan Circle, Gujarat State Forest Department Team Dr. Rohit Patel (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (Co-PI), Mr. Mukesh Koladiya and Raushan Kumar Budget Rs. 15, 12,000 /= Duration 18 Months Status Ongoing

Kachchh district covers about 22% of the total geographical area of Gujarat state and experiences scanty and erratic rainfall. The district always showed higher livestock population than human, which necessitated considerable fodder demand that needs to be addressed. In this connection, Working Plan Circle of the Gujarat State Forest Department sponsored a study to evaluate forest resources in Kachchh district. The field study will be initiated from 1st April 2013 onwards.

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2. Monitoring of the Commiphora wightii (Guggal) plantation in Kachchh, Junagadh and Gandhinagar circle of Gujarat state

Funded by Working Plan Circle, Gujarat State Forest Department Team Dr. Rohit Patel (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (Co-PI), Mr. Mukesh Koladiya and Raushan Kumar Budget Rs. 8, 00,000 /= Duration 9 Months Status Ongoing

National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) has sponsored a project on plantation of Commiphora wightii (Guggal) in the Gujarat State through the Forest Department. Under this project, massive plantation activities were under taken in Kachchh, Junagadh and Gandhinagar forest circles between 2006 and

2013covering a total area of 3410 ha. The present study aimed to generate a database on the Guggal population in different Medicinal plant Conservation Areas (MPCAs) and also to suggest conservation and management recommendations for further improvements. The field study will be initiated from 1st April 2013 onwards.

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3. Collection of Baseline Data Pertaining to Biodiversity and Socio-economic in Dholera SIR Area, Gujarat: Vegetation components

Funded by Gujarat Infrastructure development Board, Gandhinagar Nodal Agency GEER foundation, Gandhinagar Team Dr. Rohitkumar Patel (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Dr. Nimisha Tripathi (Co-PI), Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Nainesh Patel, Dr. Mital Kaneria and Mr. Yatin Patel Budget Rs.18, 97,000/- Duration June 2011 to May 2012 Status Ongoing

Government of Gujarat is in the process of developing the first Special Investment Region (SIR) of Gujarat in Dholera, located in Ahmedabad district, spread over 900 km2 area covering 22 villages. In this connection, the Government has decided to develop data base of the region pertaining to air, soil, water, flora, fauna and socioeconomic status through Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB). The GIDB has allotted the biodiversity part of the study to GEER Foundation and GUIDE.

During the present study, a total of 219 plant species belonging to 64 families have been recorded from the study area. The final draft report of the study has been submitted to the GEER foundation, Gandhinagar. Final report of the project will be submitted shortly.

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4. Ecological Evaluation of Biota and Provide Conservation and Monitoring Strategies for 1 km Peripheral Area of 1840ha allotted for Infrastructure Development-Mundra Port & SEZ Limited, Mundra, Kachchh.

Funded by Adani Port SEZ Ltd., Mundra Team Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Rohit Patel, Mr. Nikunj Gajera, Mr. Nainesh Patel, Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya Budget Rs.5, 06,000/- Duration 1 year Status Ongoing

Gujarat State Forest Department has allotted 1,840 hectare land to Adani Port SEZ Ltd (APSEZL),near a forest area known as Bharadimata. Due to high ecological sensitivity of the area, APSEZL approached GUIDE to evaluate the baseline data and status of 1 km peripheral area of the Bharadimata and suggest measures for management and conservation of the area. The total allotted land area was divided into three parts, based on ecological characteristics viz., natural vegetation including forest, mudflats and mangroves.

Total 3 field surveys were conducted for ecological evaluation of the study area. The preliminary investigations have recorded 118 plant species including a rare and endangered plant Commiphora whightii. Along with plants, the faunal component includes 6 species of mammal, 2 species of reptiles and 61 species of birds from the 1 km peripheral areas of the Bharadimata. The final draft report of the study has been submitted. Final report of the project will be submitted shortly.

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5. Integrated Grassland Development in Banni

Funded by Gujarat Department of Forest and Environment (GDFE) Team Dr. V. Vijay Kumar (Project Leader), Mr. Prakash M. Patel (PI) Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya Budget Rs. 664 Lakhs Duration 5 Years (2007 – 2013) Status Ongoing

Banni, the largest remnant grassland and perhaps the only single vast stretch of grassland in India, is situated on the northern border of the Bhuj taluka (230 19' to 230 52' N latitude and 680 56' to 700 32' E longitude) of Kachchh district. Covering an area of 2617.72 sq. km.(GUIDE 2007), the grassland forms the fringes of the Greater Rann.

The project attempts restoration of degraded grassland and ecological assessment of grassland biodiversity of Banni Region of Kachchh District. The project was sanctioned in May 2007 by the Gujarat Department of Forest and Environment (GDFE), GoG, Gandhinagar, however, the project activities commenced from April 2008.

Total 4 villages namely; Lakhara, Raiyado, Gorevali and Bhojardo were selected for the development of grass plots in this year, covering a total area of 500 ha., which will be completed in April/May 2013.

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6. Integrated Watershed Management Programme

Funded by District Watershed Development Unit (DWDU) Team Dr. V. Vijay Kumar (Nodal Officer) Mr. Prakash Patel (Dy. Engineer), Budget Rs. 1,078 Lakhs Duration 5 Years (2011- 2016) Status Ongoing

The watershed project (IWDP -9) was sanctioned by the DWDU during May, 2011. The project villages’ include Dhrobana, Mota Dinara, Nana Dinara and Kuran, covering an area of 7,188 ha in Pachchham area of Bhuj taluka of the Kachchh district. These villages are located along the fringes of the Greater

Rann of Kachchh.

Major problems of the project area includes degraded lands, climatic constraints, poor soil fertility, soil erosion, poor vegetative cover, water crises, soil and water salinity resulting into land degradation and its productivity. The integrated project aims at improving the land status through various soils, water and other site specific amendments, thereby improving the socioeconomic status of the villagers. The project activities were initiated during June/July, 2011. During the initial ten months period, the following activities were covered under the project:

 PRA of the project area.  Baseline survey and preparation of Detailed Project Report.  Formation and registration of village committees.  Entry Point Activities (Survey, Planning and Execution).  Work Phase Activities (Survey, Planning and Execution).

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7. Assessment of Ecological and Economical Impact of Forest, Kachchh Circle

Funded by GSFD (Development and Management) Team Mr. Nikunj B. Gajera (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (Co-PI) and Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya Budget Rs. 11, 91,000 /= Duration 1st May 2011 to Dec. 2012 Status Completed

Forests are known to be critically important habitats in terms of the biological diversity they contain and the ecological functions they serve. It is well known fact that forest ecosystem provides direct and indirect ecological benefit and share in the generation of economy to the society. The measure of ecological and economic value of the forest to the society might be conveniently classified as: Direct use values, indirect use values and optional values.

The study covered forest areas of Kachchh circle including Kachchh and Patan districts of the Gujarat state.

For the assessment, secondary data was collected from IMD, NBSS-LUB, Survey of India, Gujarat State Forest/Agriculture/Animal Husbandry/Irrigation departments, GWRDC, and GWSSB. Primary data on soil, socio-economic survey was conducted in forest and neighboring non-forest areas. A total of 3,163 households were surveyed from forest villages and 691 households surveyed from non-forest villages of Kachchh Circle.

The analysis of data collected from primary and secondary sources was completed and the results showed positive impacts of forest in providing ecological and economical services.

The final report was submitted in Dec. 2012.

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8. State of Environment of Ranns (SoER) – Part of State of Environment of Gujarat

Funded by Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC), Gandhinagar Team Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Coordinator, Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Mr. Nainesh Patel Budget Rs.3, 50,000/- Duration 6 months Status Completed

Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC), Gandhinagar has taken initiatives in publishing a book on “State of Environment of Gujarat”, in which one topic, State of Environment of Ranns was allotted to GUIDE. The chapter deals with Greater and Little Ranns of Kachchh, and its pressure, state, impact and responses for conservation, management and sustainable utilization of the Ranns. The chapter has been submitted to GEC during Dec. 2012.

9. Preparation of book for Forest & Wildlife of Kachchh district, Gujarat

Funded by Chief Conservator of Forest, GSFD, Kachchh Team Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato(PI), Mr. Nikunj Gajera (Co-PI), Dr. Rohitkumar Patel (Co-PI), Mr. Raushan Kumar Raman, Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Budget Rs.3, 50,000/- Duration April 2013-June 2013 Status Ongoing

Kachchh is the largest district of India and falls under Desert Bio-geographic zone of the country. The district is characterized by scrub and mixed thorn forest with interspersed grassland with few unique landscapes like saline marshy desert- Ranns, coast, gulf, mangroves etc. In addition, Kachchh encompasses distinctive geographical, geological, archeological and cultural diversity.

There are many important wildlife sanctuaries including Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary, Kachchh Bustard Sanctuary, Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Asiatic Wild Ass Sanctuary. Apart from this, the district possesses the 13thBiosphere Reserve of the country known as Kachchh Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of 12,754 sq. km. keeping in mind on the importance of forest and its wildlife, and to bring out a wider publicity, the Gujarat State Forest Department has initiated to bring out a publication on forest of Kachchh. GUIDE has taken the task of achieving the same.

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10. Third party evaluation on impact of CSR activities done by Surkha (N) Project, GMDC, Bhavnagar

Funded by Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd., Ahmedabad Team Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Dr. Rohit Patel, Mr. Nikunj Gajera, Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Nainesh Patel, Mr. Raushan Kumar Budget Rs.5, 00,000/- Duration January 2013-July 2013 Status Ongoing

Corporate Social Responsibility has become a worldwide concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment in all aspects of their operations. Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) is engaged in tapping major mineral resources in many parts of Gujarat. As a part of the CSR activities, GMDC has carried out various infrastructure developmental, water conservation, education scholarship and awareness programmes to fulfil the needs of basic amenities and employment generation for the local stakeholders/villagers.

GMDC has one lignite mine in operation at Surkha (N), Bhavnagar. This mine site encompasses an area of 4690 Ha between Latitude (N) 210 26’ 43’’ to 210 43’ 00’’ and Longitude (E) 720 07’ 30’’ to 720 16’ 30’’. The capacity of this mine is about 500 tons lignite/day. From the date of inception, GMDC, Surkha (N) Project has been carrying out many CSR activities around the project site, covering 6 villages during the 1stphase. The task of carrying out 3rd party evaluation of the impact of CSR activities done by GMDC, Bhavnagar has been allotted to GUIDE. A team of scientists and researchers from GUIDE surveyed the project area to evaluate the impact of CSR activities made by GMDC. The final report of the project is under completion and to be submitted to GMDC.

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11. Status, Conservation and Management of Tree groves of forest areas of Kachchh district, Gujarat

Funded By Research and Training, GSFD, Gandhinagar Team Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Rohit Patel (Co-PI), Mr. Nikunj Gajera (Co-PI) and Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya Budget Rs. 13,38,000/- Duration One Year Status Ongoing

Groves or tree groves are the patches of forests or natural vegetation protected by indigenous people through religious and cultural practices from time immemorial. Culturally protected forest patches, the tree groves or sacred groves have been the integral part of many traditional societies. Studies highlight that, groves support a good number of rare and endemic species, persist only in favorable niches, and the groves are ideal places for them. The groves can have a greater role especially in conservation of the threatened endemic biota if they are restored and appropriately managed. Therefore, it is important to study the groves and take appropriate measures to create awareness and protection. There is a paucity of documentation of the biodiversity of groves and its conservation and management aspects are lacking in Kachchh in particular and Gujarat in general.

Therefore, the present study aims to document the tree and sacred groves in Kachchh district; assessment of floral and faunal composition of the groves, spatial distribution of rare, threatened and endemic species and cultural associations of local community with the groves. Based on the above, strategies for conservation and management of trees and sacred groves will be proposed.

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12. People’s Biodiversity Register of 10 selected Gram Panchayats of Kachchh district, Gujarat.

Funded By Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar Project Team Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Dr. Rohit Patel, Mr. Nikunj Gajera, Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Nainesh Patel, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan, Mr. Ajay Gohel Budget Rs. 4, 37,000/- Duration One Year Status Ongoing

Biological resources are vital to the human well being and for their socio-economic development. In view of the importance of biodiversity, a Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was initiated and as a follow-up Government of India made an Act namely “Biological Diversity Act, 2002” and “Biological Diversity Rule, 2004” to conserve the biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. According to this Act, every Panchayat, Taluka and District shall have a Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) for the documentation, conservation and management of local biodiversity and sharing of benefit arising out of it.

Based on the above background, Gujarat State Biodiversity Board has given a project to GUIDE in September 2012 covering 10 Panchayats in 5 Talukas of Kachchh district. The main objectives of this project are Creation of Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and preparation of People’s Biodiversity Register. The PBR includes wild and domestic flora and fauna, and associated traditional knowledge of villagers on biodiversity.

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13. Climate change and Uncertainty from below and above.

Funded By STEPS centre of Sussex University, UK Project Team Dr. V. Vijay Kumar and Shri. R. V. Asari, IFS (Retd.) Dr. Deepak Dhyani, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan and Mr. Ajay Gohel Budget 14620 GBP /-(Rs. 12,32,628/-) Duration November 2012 to March 2014 Status Ongoing GUIDE has initiated a collaborative research programme on “Climate Change and Uncertainty from Below and Above” with STEPS centre of Sussex University, UK. The project aims to bring out the perception on climate change and uncertainty from the local villagers (below), authorities concerned (above) and others (middle). As part of this initiative, a workshop was organized between 25thand 28thJanuary 2013 at Ahmedabad for finalizing a common methodology for the study areas in India. After the meeting, a field trip was arranged to project locations in Kachchh. The field study has been initiated since, January 2013 covering three categories of villages; Bhirandiyara (Grassland-located in central part of Kachchh), Kanmer (Predominantly agriculture-located in eastern part of Kachchh) and Jakhau (Coastal belt-located in western part of Kachchh). The field work is in progress.

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Wetland Division

1. Development of Rhizobial consortia for enhancing plant growth in arid and semi-arid regions of Saline Desert, Kachchh, Gujarat

Funded by Dept. of Science and Technology, New Delhi, Govt. of India Team Dr. K. Karthikeyan, (PI - GUIDE), Dr. Asifa Qureshi, (PI - NEERI) Budget Rs. 58.77 Lakhs Duration 3 years (2012 - 2015) Status: Ongoing A large portion of microbial diversity is still undiscovered from desert regions. Thus the present study envisages investigating the novel plant-associated micro-biota from different arid, semi-arid and saline soil of the Banni region for generating a knowledgebase. This may provide an insight in future to rehabilitate the Banni region and other unexplored and barren lands. The present investigation is based on the hypothesis whether the association of bacteria present around roots plays a role to promote plant growth aggressively and if it is so then whether such indigenous plant species along with specific bacteria could be used for afforestation in arid regions of the saline desert.

The present study will address species from arid and semi-arid regions of the Banni region, where the microbial flora is expected to be different with respect to ecological interactions. In addition, its tolerance to hard climates and soil salinity warrant the plant’s consideration as a possible prime contributor to the development of the arid regions of India. The proposal is based on hypothesis to bio-prospect bacterial community found in association with roots found in desert environment, for their capability to survive under inhospitable environment.

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2. Marine Monitoring Studies at Vadinar Oil Terminal and SBM, Jamnagar, Gulf of Kachchh

Funded by ESSAR Industries, Jamnagar Team Dr. K. Karthikeyan (PI), Dr. G.A. Thivakaran (Co-PI) Dr. Pranav Pandya, Dr. Thirumaran, Ms. Devi Veluswamy and Ms. R. Leka Meera Budget Rs. 9, 60,000 Duration Yearly Status Ongoing

Vadinar Oil Terminal Ltd. (VOTL), an ESSAR Group Company located on the Narara Bet on the southern shore of Gulf of Kachchh (GoK) around 50 km west of Jamnagar has been set up to import crude oil for the ESSAR Oil Limited and to partially evacuate the products manufactured in the refinery. The Single Buoy Moorings (SBM) of VOTL is positioned roughly around 7 km from its berths which enable the authorities to handle super tankers to download crude oil through pipeline systems to the shore based storage structures.

The berths located in the Pathfinder Inlet provide all weather berthing facilities for product tankers for loading petroleum products. In addition, the refinery draws seawater for cooling and other uses from the Pathfinder Inlet and the effluent which is largely seawater used for cooling and desalination is released through a marine outfall in the vicinity of the SBM.

Realizing the sensitivity of the immediate marine ecosystem and the importance to track ecological changes to maintain the environmental health in their port area, VOTL authorities have instituted a holistic study through GUIDE. This study monitors the marine ecological conditions of the port which will enable them to track environmental changes, if occurring, in the region due to port activities. As per the assignment, monthly monitoring studies are being carried out by GUIDE since November 2011. This ecological study encompasses water and sediment quality, biological productivity, intertidal and sub tidal fauna and planktonology at four stations namely Jetty, SBM, Jetty intertidal and Pipeline intertidal.

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3. Marine Monitoring Studies at SBM and COT, Bharat Oman Refineries Limited (BORL), Vadinar, Jamnagar, Gulf of Kachchh

Funded by Bharat Oman Refineries Limited (BORL), Jamnagar, Gujarat Team Dr. K. Karthikeyan(PI), Dr. G.A. Thivakaran (Co-PI), Dr. Pranav Pandya, Dr. Thirumaran, Ms. V. Devi and Ms. Leka Meera. Budget Rs. 8.4 Lakhs Duration Yearly Status Ongoing

Bharat Oman Refineries Limited (BORL) is a company promoted by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) with equity participation from Oman Oil Company Limited (OOCL) to set up a 6 MMTPA grass root refinery at Bina, District Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India. BORL located on the Southern shore of Gulf of Kachchh (GoK) around 50 km west of Jamnagar has been set up to import crude oil. The Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) of BORL positioned roughly around 7 km from its berths enable to handle super tankers to download crude oil through pipeline systems to the shore based storage structures.

Realizing the sensitivity of the immediate marine ecosystem and the importance to track ecological changes to maintain the environmental health in their port area, BORL authorities has instituted a holistic study to monitor the marine ecological conditions of the port to track environmental changes occurring in the region. In this connection, monitoring of Marine environment task has been entrusted to Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj to monitor their SBM and One intertidal zone. In this regard, monthly monitoring studies are being carried out by GUIDE since August 2011. This ecological study encompasses water and sediment quality, biological quality, intertidal and sub-tidal fauna and planktonology.

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4. Comprehensive Terrestrial Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the Proposed Multi-Product Special Economic Zone at Kandla Port, Gandhidham, Gujarat

Funded by Kandla Port Trust- KPT through National Institute of Oceanography, Mumbai Team G.A. Thivakaran, Dr. S. F. Wesley Sunderraj, Dr. K. Karthikeyan, Mr. Nikunj Gajera, Mr. Mukesh Koladia, Mrs. Munmun Sinha, Ms. V. Devi and Dr. Sourav Kundu Budget Rs. 32,000,00 Duration Two years Status Completed

Kandla port has several ideal conditions for setting up Special Economic Zone (SEZ). In order to boost trade and commerce in this region due to these ideal conditions, Kandla Port Trust (KPT) is planning to promote a multi-purpose special economic zone (MPSEZ) in two segments, namely Kandla block (Block A) and Tuna Block (Block B). Different kinds of industries will be accommodated in each block based on their nature and types. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study both on the terrestrial and marine realm has been planned and the task was assigned by KPT to National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Mumbai. National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), in turn, assigned the task of carrying out the terrestrial EIA studies to Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj.

The present EIA study has the following scope

1. Physio-chemical characterization of the impact zone in terms of air, soil, ground and surface water and biological characterization like fauna, flora and their conservation status. 2. Feasibility of the location for the proposed development activity in the light of collected baseline environmental characters. 3. Description of processes and products planned in the proposed SEZ. 4. Adherence to relevant environmental quality standards 5. Anticipation/predicted impact as based on the gathered baseline data and assessment in the light of proposed activities. 6. Suggestion of appropriate mitigation and abatement measures. 7. Suggestion of a holistic and long-term management plan to ensure sustainability of the activity. 8. Socio-economic aspects

As per the scope of the project two seasonal data on the components of the study have been gathered, analyzed and the report has been submitted to NIO-Mumbai in June 2012.

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5. Mangrove Plantation Monitoring Studies at Dandi, Surat

Funded by Adani Petronet Ltd., Dehej, South Gujarat Team G.A. Thivakaran, Pranav Pandya and Dr. Thirumaran Budget 4, 16,875/- Duration September 2011 to August 2012 Status Completed

Adani Petronet located at Surat is handling coal and other products in its jetty at Surat. The company has raised mangrove plantation to the tune of 200 ha at the coastal stretch of Dandi village near Surat. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj was entrusted to carry out regular monitoring of the raised plantation of 200 ha at Dandi through assessment of different ecological characteristics. The regular monitoring is being carried out in a periodic manner at a time interval of 3 months using standardized monitoring protocol including different components of the monitoring activity.

Objectives of this monitoring program are:

 Assess the survival and mortality (if any) of the planted mangroves bimonthly through density assessment and find out the cause for mortality.  Assess growth of planted mangroves bimonthly through increment in GBH, Canopy.  Record associated macro-faunal population dynamics as an indicator of the stand health through faunal density and diversity studies.  Study relevant physical and chemical characteristics of soil and water (salinity, nutrients etc.).  Find out natural (algal encrustation, shift in substrate nature) and anthropogenic threats (cattle grazing, cutting) to the plantation and suggest measures to ward it off.  Suggest appropriate management plan based on findings to ensure long-term survival of the planted mangroves and discharge of its natural ecological services. Two seasonal studies have been carried out and reports were submitted.

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6. Mangrove Plantation Monitoring Studies at Luni, Mundra

Funded by Adani Port and Special Economic Zone (APSEZL), Mundra Team Dr. G.A. Thivakaran, Dr. Sourav Kundu, Dr. Rohit Patel, and Mr. Nandha gopal, Budget 4,42,750/- Duration September 2011 to August 2012 Status Completed

Adani Port and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZL) as a part of its environmental plan, has developed mangrove plantation in 200 ha at the coastal stretch of Luni village in Mundra Taluka. Further mangrove plantation efforts are being planned in a long term manner. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj was entrusted to carry out regular monitoring of the raised plantation of 200 ha at Mundra Taluka through assessment of different ecological characteristics. The regular monitoring is carried out in a periodic manner at a time interval of 3 months using standardized monitoring protocol including different components of the monitoring activity.

Objectives of this monitoring program are as follows:

 Assess the survival and mortality (if any) of the planted mangroves bimonthly through density assessment and find out the cause for mortality.  Assess growth of planted mangroves bimonthly through increment in GBH, Canopy.  Record associated macro faunal population dynamics as an indicator of the stand health through faunal density and diversity studies.  Physio-chemical characterization of soil and water (salinity, nutrients etc).  Find out natural (algal encrustation, shift in substrate nature) and anthropogenic threats (cattle grazing, cutting) to the plantation and suggest measures to ward it off.  Suggest appropriate management plan based on findings to ensure long term survival of the planted mangroves and discharge of its natural ecological services.

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7. Mangrove Plantation Monitoring at Jakhau

Funded by Adani Petronet Ltd., Dehej, South Gujarat Team Dr. G.A. Thivakaran and Dr. Pranav Pandya. Budget Rs.1.46 lakhs Duration October 2012 to September 2013 Status Ongoing

Adani Petronet Ltd., located at Dehej, south Gujarat has carried out mangrove plantation to the extent of 50 ha during the monsoon months of 2011. Availability of suitable site at Jakhau has enabled Adani Petronet Ltd., to carry out this plantation. This plantation was part of the ongoing mangrove afforestation program of Adani group of companies. In addition, the plantation was created to meet the legal stipulation of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and to maintain a viable and ecologically functional mangrove forests in Kachchh. Plantation was carried out in 50 ha in a single block at Jakhau Bundar (Bubber Island). A. marina, was the candidate species and a total area covered was 50 ha. Density of 2500 plants/ ha was followed with a gap of 2 × 2 m. An overall survival rate of 67% was estimated in the present study. Present density in different plantation sites ranged from 1657 to 2435 saplings/ha with an average density of 1910 saplings/ha. As per the survey, saplings have attained an average height of 60 cm. Gradual succession in macro-benthic community is observed which will serve as a good indicator of plantation success. Physico chemical parameters of water and sediment showed a normal nature with salinity ranging from 39 to 41 ppt. Apart from environmental factors for low survival, pressure from cattle grazing can be taken as causative of high mortality, low growth and stunted nature of planted mangroves.

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8. Mangrove Plantation Monitoring at Talaja, Bhavnagar

Funded by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd., Mundra Team Dr .G.A. Thivakaran, Dr. Pranav Pandya and Dr. G. Thirumaran Budget 1,30,000/- Duration September 2012 to August 2013 Status Ongoing

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL) is India’s largest private multi- port operator. APSEZ is a part of the Adani Group, a global integrated infrastructure player. Earlier, the company had only one operational port at Mundra, today it also operates ports at Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat, India. Adani Petronet has carried out mangrove plantation to extent of 50 ha during 2011 monsoon at the coastal belt of Talaja in Bhavnagar district during the monsoonal months of 2011. The plantation activity was performed by the Bhavnagar division of the forest department. The task of monitoring and assessing the plantation was assigned to Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj. As per the project task, the first quarterly monitoring study was conducted by GUIDE during February, 2013. This Ist quarterly report highlight the status of the developed mangrove plantation. In the present monitoring study, survival rate, growth during the last one and half year and mid course corrections, if any, to improve the survival and enable the plantation to grow into a mature mangrove formation is suggested. The density of the planted mangrove in Talaja ranges from 455 to 700 saplings/ha with an average density of 560 saplings/ha. This represents a survival rate of 16%. A strong tidal current which uproots the planted saplings seems to be the reason for the poor survival recorded presently. Physio-chemical characters of soil and pour water (water oozing out from a pit in the substratum) is normal and conducive for sapling growth. But the oil and grease contents are abnormal level than that of other plantation site. The coastal environment of Talaja (Bhavnagar, Gulf of Khambhat) is under constant pressure due to the rapid industrialization accompanied with increase in pollution. Developmental activities like ship breaking yard, port, jetties, industries and other subsistence activities have lead to environmental problem in the plantation site as well as coastal regions.

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9. Conservation and Monitoring for a Natural mangrove stand (Area: 1254 ha) at Mundra

Funded by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd., Mundra Team Dr. Pranav Pandya, Dr. G. A. Thivakaran, and Dr. G. Thirumaran Budget 8,16,000/- Duration September 2011 to August 2012 Status Completed

Mundra Port is one of the fastest growing and largest private ports in the country and also a SEZ (Special Economic Zone). The port in year 2011-12 has handled nearly 64 million tons of cargo. On the other hand, the area also harbors luxuriant mangrove forests in close consent to the Port and SEZ area. This economic and ecological combination has made the mangrove ecosystem crucial and sensitive to be taken care of at priority. In order to balance the economic growth as well as the ecological security, MoEF has directed industrial giants to conserve their adjacent ecosystems and have a scientifically derived conservation and management plan for the mangroves. Thus, the present study becomes a part of the MoEF directive followed by Mundra Port and SEZ wherein efforts are being made to assess the mangrove vegetation structure and status at identified locations, assess the faunal associates and suggest action points to conserve the Mundra mangroves. High level of erosion, cutting and lopping by fishermen and other villagers, cattle grazing in some stands and high level of plastic and other litter disposal within mangrove proper noticed and recorded. Major management suggestions for conserving Mundra mangrove stands were given.

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Book: Atindra Murmu, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Subir Guha and Phakir Chandra Saren(2013). Status of Blackbuck, Antilope cervicapra in Orissa, Status Survey Report: 1-20 (Published by the Director, Zool. Surv. India, Kolkata) ISBN: 978-81-8171-317-9 Suresh Chovatiya, Gajera Nikunj and Soni V.C. (2013). Breeding ecology of mosquito: Special reference to Genus Anopheles. Publication by LAP LAMBERT Academic publishing. Germany – ISBN 978-3-659-37974-1, pp 97. Patel, R. M and Dabgar, Y. B. (2012). Plant community structure and Dynamics: A case of Western Kachchh, Gujarat. Publication by LAMBERT Academic publishing (LAP). Germany. ISBN 978-3-659-19002-5, pp 93. Patel, R. M. (2012). Ethno-medicial flora of Kachchh-Gujarat - A case of Western Kachchh. Publication by LAMBERT Academic publishing (LAP).Germany, 69 pp. Mukesh H. Koladiya, A.V.R.L. Narasimhacharya and Geeta Padate.(2012). Avi-faunal Diversity of Urban Area-a case study in Vallabh Vidyanagar, Published by Publication by LAMBERT Academic publishing (LAP). Germany, ISBN: 978-3-659- 26894-6, pp 57. Chapter in Book: Gajera Nikunj, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and Vijay Kumar V. (2013). Status of Biodiversity in Man-made Wetlands along Coastal areas of Kachchh district, Gujarat, India, 86-117. In “Biodiversity of Aquatic Ecosystem-Significance threats and Conservation” (Eds. Bharti, P.K. and Kaoud, H.A.), Discovery Publishing House Ltd, New Delhi, ISBN: 978-93-5056-297-0 Thivakaran, G.A and Kundu, S. (2012). Ecology of Macrobenthos in the Coastal Waters of Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat. In: Marine Biodiversity: Present Status and Prospects. (Eds: P. Santhanam and P. Perumal). Narendra Publishing House, New Delhi. Pp 207-225. Thivakaran, G.A.,(2012). Marine Molluscan Diversity: Where do we stand In: Marine Biodiversity: Present Status and Prospects. (Eds: P. Santhanam and P. Perumal). Narendra Publishing House, New Delhi. Pp 119-126. Nanthakumar, K., Karthikeyan, K.,Suriyanarayanan S and Lakshmanaperumalsamy.P. (2013). Application of Plackett - Burman Design to Optimize Bioprocess Variables for Decolorization of Reactive Red 195 by a Termite Associated

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Bacterial Consortium BUTC7. In: Microbiological Research in Agro-ecosystem Management. Springer Publications. (Accepted)

Paper Publication in Scientific Journal: A) National Amol Ashok Sawale and Thivakaran,G.A. (2013). Structural Characteristics of Mangrove Forest of Kachchh, Gujarat. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. India. Vol. 54 (2). Gajera Nikunj, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and Vijay Kumar, V. (2012).Wetland Birds of Arid Region-A Study on their Diversity and Distribution pattern in Kachchh. Columban Journal of Life Science Vol. 13 (1&2), pp 44-48. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato., Vijay Kumar V. and Nainesh Patel.(2012).Indian flying fox in Hamirsir Lake, Bhuj city needs conservation attention, Current Science, Vol. 103(4), pp 354-355. Patel, R.M., Vijay Kumar, V. and Ashishkumar (2012). Structure and composition of woody vegetation in western Kachchh, Gujarat. Journal of Bioscience research, Vol. 3(3) pp 163-174. Mukesh, H. Koladiya., Arun kumar Roy Mahato and Vijay Kumar, V. (2012). Activity budgets of sympatric birds in Banni region of Kachchh district, Gujarat, India. Proc. Zool. Soc. 65(1):52–56. DOI 10.1007/s12595-012-0028-1 Girish Kumar, P., Roy Mahato, A. K. and Yatin Patel.(2012). On a collection of aculeate Hymenoptera from Bhuj, Gujarat. Bugs ‘R All 19: 10-13. Shah, J.P. and Thivakaran, G.A. (2012).Status and Distribution of Halophytes in Kachchh District – A review Current Agriculture,Vol.36: 27- 36 Thivakaran, G. A. and Sawale, A. K. (2013). Mangrove Macrofaunal Diversity and Community Structure in Mundra and Jakhau, Kachchh, Gujarat. Indian Journal of Marine Science, (Accepted). Mukesh H. Koladiya, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and Manoj Kumar Pardesi (2012). Status of avi-fauna in Lakhara wetland, Kachchh Biosphere Reserve, Gujarat, India. PROMMALIA, (Accepted).

B) International Gajera Nikunj, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and Vijay Kumar, V. (2013). Status, distribution and diversity of birds in mining environment of Kachchh, Gujarat, International

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Journal of Biodiversity, Volume 2013, Article ID 471618, 11 pages, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/471618 Gajera Nikunj, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and Vijay Kumar V. (2013). Status, Diversity and Conservation of Grassland Birds in Arid Region of Kachchh. International Journal of Recent Scientific Research 4(3) pp 166-170. Suresh Chovatiya, Gajera Nikunj and Soni V.C. (2013). People’s Perception on Malaria: A Case Study in Rural areas of Rajkot District, Gujarat-India. Health sciences: An International Journal, 2(1) pp 1-5. Gajera Nikunj, Patel Darshana and Nishith Dharaiya (2013). Assessment of Wetland Status in arid areas of Gujarat using Migratory Birds as a key indicator. In Proceeding: International Wetland Symposium (IWS)" 7th to 9th November-2012, Pokhara, Nepal (Prepared and Published by: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands in Nepal, 236pp, ISBN: 978-9937-2-5938-5) Pages: 36-41. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Gajera Nikunj and Vijay Kumar V. (2013). Status, Diversity and Distribution of Avifauna in Banni Grassland of Kachchh District. International Journal of Research in Biological Science Vol. 3(1) pp 43-47. Patel, Y. S., Patel, R. M., Roy Mahato, A. K. and Joshi, P. N. (2013). Status and diversity of Ethno-medicinal plants of Dhinodhar hill, Kachchh district, Gujarat. International Journal of Plant, animal and Environmental sciences, Vol. 3(1) pp 265-273. Mahato, A.K.R., Majumder, S.S., De J.K. and Ramakrishna A. (2013). Activities of Blue bull, Boselaphus tragocamelus during partial solar eclipse: a case study in captivity, Ethology Ecology & Evolution, DOI:10.1080/03949370.2013.767860 Nanthakumar, K., Karthikeyan, K., Suriyanarayanan S. and Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P. (2013). Decolorization of Structurally Dissimilar Dyes by a Termite Derived Bacterial Consortium BUTC17 in a Cost Effective Nutrient Medium. Adv. Appl. Sci. Res, 4 (2) pp 276 - 285. Mukesh H. Koladiya., Mahato Arun Kumar Roy., Shah Jagruti P. and Vijaykumar V. (2013). Avifauna of “Pena thathh”: A lesser known wetland in Banni grassland of Kachchh district, Gujarat, India. International Journal of Research in BioSciences Vol. 2 (1) pp 59-65. Gajera Nikunj, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and Vijay Kumar V. (2012). Birds in the arid and semi-arid forests of Kachchh: its status, diversity and composition. International Journal of Research in Zoology 2(4) pp 23-27.

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Karthikeyan,K., Nanthakumar,K., Suriyanarayanan S. and Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P. (2012). Screening of textile dye impacted soils for novel dye decolorizing fungi employing various nutrient media. Adv. Biol. Res., 6 (1) pp 44-51. Shah, J.P. and Thivakaran, G.A. (2013). Germination and Growth Performance of Commiphora wightii and Acacia senegal under different salinity from Arid Coast of Kachchh, Gujarat (Accepted) at International Journal of Bioscience (IJB). Thivakaran, G.A. and Murugan, A. (2013). Structural Analysis and Environmental Parameters of Semi-arid Mangroves of Gulf of Kachchh, India. Paper accepted in the Springer Journal Wetlands Ecology and Management.

Abstract in Proceedings of conference/seminar/symposium De, J. K., Roy Mahato, A. K. and Ghosh M. K. (2013). Socio-ecology and Conservation of Swamp Deer (Cervus duvauceli Cuvier, 1823) in Dudhwa National Park, India. Proc. 100th Indian Science Congress, Kolkata. Abs. No. ABW O-3 pp 496. Vijay Kumar, V. and Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (2012).Reclamation of the Greater Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, India – a pilot approach.Proc. 4th International Conference onDrylands, Deserts and Desertification, Israel, pp 91. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Majumder, S. Sen., De, J. K. (2012). Activities of brow-antlered deer, Rucervus eldii during partial solar eclipse in captivity at Zoological Graden, Kolkata. Proc. Nat. Sym. Live Organism & their Environment, Kolkata. Abs No. 21, pp 79. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and Sudha Mahato (2012). Living with nature and biodiversity: a socio-cultural study in Jharkhand. Proc. 2nd Indian Biodiversity Congress, Bangalore, pp 268. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Ramakrishna and Raziuddin, M. (2012). Pattern of social interaction in Blackbuck: strategy of group living & survival. Proc. Nat. Sym. Live Organism & their Environment, Kolkata. Abs. No. Oral-03, pp 23. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (2012). Ethno-ecology of Jharkhand: needs renovation for conserving biodiversity and sustainable environment. Proc. 3rd Nat. Conf. Zoology on Man and Environment, Ranchi, Abs. No. BD-21, pp 34

Papers presented in seminars /conferences: Shah J. P. and Soni Bhaumik (2013).Status and Distribution of Associated Avifauna Diversity in Selected Wetlands of Coastal Kachchh District, Gujarat National

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workshop on Bird habitat and their conservation at Hemchandracharya north Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat.(First Prize Winner) Shah J. P. (2013).The distribution and abundance of prosopis juliflora in coastal talukas of Kachchh district Workshop on “Prosopis juliflora: Retrospect and Prospects” 26th – 28th February, 2013 at Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional station-Kukma, Bhuj Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (2012). Paper titled “Ethno-ecology of Jharkhand: needs renovation for conserving biodiversity and sustainable environment” in the 3rdNational Conference of Zoology on Man and Environment held at Ranchi on 11-12 Dec. 2012 Sinha, M., A. Qureshi, A., K. Karthikeyan, Purohit H. J. and Vijaykumar V. (2012). Prosopis juliflora: Role in nitrogen fixation and carbon sequestration. Discussion Papers for NAIP All India Workshop on Utilization of Prosopis juliflora: Challenges and Opportunities, held on 12-13th March 2012, Organized by Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur under National Agricultural Innovation Project Component – II. Shah J.P. and Thivakaran, G.A. (2012). Taxonomic status and Utilization of Halophytes in Coastal Kachchh District, Gujarat on National Conference on “Research in Plant Sciences-changing pathways and changing lives“29th &30th October, 2012 at Talod Science college, Talod Dist. Sabarkantha, Gujarat

Participation in Workshop/Training programme by GUIDE Staff: National Workshop on “Biodiversity Conservation & Management with emphasis on Guggal” organized by Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj on Jan., 22 2013 Expert group Workshop on “Access and Benefit Sharing arise from Biological Resources” organized by Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar held on 20-21 Feb. 2013 National workshop on “Prosopis juliflora: Retrospect and Prospects” Organized by CAZRI, Jodhpur and Regional Research Centre, Kukma. 26th-28th Feb., 2013 One Weak Training on Hyperspectral Remote sensing at M.S. University – Vadodara 21st -25th November – 2012

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BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF GUIDE Sr. Board of Governors Designation No. 1. Sh. S. G. Mankad, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Gujarat Chairman 2. Ms. Vijaylaxmi Sheth, Ex. Post Master General, Gujarat Vice Chairman 3. The District Development Officer, Kachchh District Member 4. Dr. R. Parthasarathy, CEPT University, Ahmedabad Member 5. The Vice Chancellor, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj Member 6. Prof. Geeta Padate, M. S. University, Ahmedabad Member 7. Sh. Hardik Shah, Member Secretary, GPCB, Gandhinagar Member 8. Sh. Sandeep I. Virmani, Abhiyan, Bhuj Member 9. Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Joint Director, GUIDE Member 10. Sh. R.V. Asari, IFS (Retd.) Director, GUIDE Member Secretary

THE GUIDE SOCIETY

S. No. GUIDE Society Members 1. Shri S. G. Mankad, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Gujarat 2. Shri Sandeep I. Virmani, Abhiyan, Bhuj 3. Ms. Vijaylaxmi Sheth, Ex. Post Master General, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 4. The District Development Officer, Kachchh District 5. Prof. Geeta Padate, M. S. University, Ahmedabad 6. Sh. Hardik Shah, Member Secretary, GPCB, Gandhinagar 7. The Vice Chancellor, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj 8. Head, Regional Station, CAZRI, Kukma, Kachchh, 9. Director, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 10. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), GSFD, Gandhinagar 11. Dr. B. N. Desai, Ex. Director, National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Mumbai 12. Prof. Mahesh Pathak, Vallabh Vidya Nagar, Anand, Gujarat 13. Sh. Kantisen C. Shroff, Chairman, Shrujan, Bhujodi, Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat 14. Sh. Asim Chakraborty, Director, Welspun Group, Anjar-Kachchh, Gujarat 15. Sh. Dipak Bhimani, Chairman, Navdeep Chemicals Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai 16. Dr. R. Parthasarathy, CEPT University-Ahmedabad 17. Sh. A. K. Verma, IFS, Member Secretary, GEC, Gandhinagar. 18. Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Joint Director, GUIDE 19. Sh. R.V. Asari, IFS (Retd.), Director, GUIDE

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THE GUIDE TREE(2012-13) Sr. Officials Designation No. 1 Sh. R. V. Asari, IFS (Retd.) Director

2 Dr. V. Vijay Kumar M. Sc., Ph. D. Joint Director

3 Dr. G. A. Thivakaran M. Sc., M. Phil., Ph. D. Senior Principal Scientist

4 Dr. Nimisha Tripathy, M. Sc., Ph. D. Senior Scientist

5 Dr. K. Karthikeyan, M. Sc., Ph. D. Scientist

6 Ms. Munmun Sinha, M. Sc., Ph. D Scientist (Till 31st July 2012)

7 Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, M. Sc., Ph. D Scientist

8 Dr. Pranav Pandya, M. Sc, Ph. D. Scientist

9 Dr. Rohit M. Patel, M. Sc, Ph. D. Project Scientist

10 Dr. G. Thirumaran, M. Sc, Ph. D. Project Scientist

11 Dr. Shalini Dhyani, M. Sc, Ph. D. Project Scientist

12 Dr. Deepak Dhyani, M. Sc, Ph. D. Project Scientist

13 Mr. Nikunj B. Gajera, M. Sc., M. Phil. Ph. D Project Scientist

14 Dr. Jagruti Sanghvi, M. Sc., M. Phil., Ph. D. Women Scientist (DST)

Project Staff Senior Research Associate (Till 31st 15 Dr. Sourav Kundu, M.Sc., M. Phil, Ph D. August 2012) Senior Research Associate (Till 16 Dr. Mital Kaneria, M. Sc, Ph. D 10thOctober 2012) 17 Mr. Dayesh Parmar, M. Sc, PGDRS. Project Officer (GIS & RS)

18 Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, M. Sc. Senior Research Fellow

19 Ms. Devi Veluswamy, M. Sc. Senior Research Fellow

20 Ms. R. Leka Meera, M. Sc. M. Phil Senior Research Fellow

21 Mr. Nainesh Patel, M. Sc, Senior Research Fellow

22 Mr. Abhinav M. Mehta, M. Sc Associate Fellow (Till 30th June 2012) Associate Fellow (Till 30th November 23 Mr. G. Nandhagopal, M. Sc 2012) 24 Mr. Sandeep Chad, MSW Agronomist (Till 18th April 2012)

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Community Mobillzer (Till 22nd May 25 Mr. Sanjay Baldania, MSW 2012) 26 Ms. Sunita Maheshwari, M. Sc Lab Analyst (Till 31st October 2012)

27 Ms. Dipa Lalwani, M. Sc Environment Analyst

28 Ms. Sudha Kumari, M. Sc Chemist

29 Mr. Rajesh Choudhari, M. Sc Junior Chemist

30 Ms. Bhoomi Bakori, M. Sc Junior Chemist

31 Ms. Anasuya Ravat, M. Sc Junior Chemist

32 Mr. Mayur Goswami, M. Sc Junior Chemist

33 Ms. Druma Vaidya, M. Sc Project JRF / PA Level

34 Mr. Raushankumar Raman, M. Sc. Junior Research Fellow in GIS & Rs Cell

35 Mr. Mukesh Thakor Surveyor

36 Mr. Sahadev Godeshiya, MSW Community Mobillzer

37 Mr. Chetan Sanariya, MSW Agronomist

Supportive Staff

38 Mr. Prakash M. Patel, B. E. Civil Deputy Engineer

39 Mrs. Jenny Furia, B. Com., CA Accounts-In-Charge / Internal Auditing

40 Mrs. Geeta Goswami, B. Com. Junior Accounts Officer

41 Mr. Manish P. Vyas, B.A Junior Administrative Officer

42 Mr. Arvind K. Lakum Driver

43 Mr. Altaf A. Memon Driver

44 Mr. Hameed H. Maniar Peon

45 Mr. Dhyan Singh Bist Cook

Other Supportive Staff 5 Nos.

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DISSERTATION STUDENTS IN GUIDE

The following Post-graduate students from various institutions/universities have completed their dissertation studies at GUIDE during April 2012- March 2013

Duration Sr. Degree University/ Name of the Student in Topic No. Perusing Institute months 1 Mr. Nithul Lal M.Sc. Department of 2.5 “Drinking Water Quality Env. Sci. Water and Health, Assessment of Ground Waters of J.S.S.University, Bhachau Taluka, Kachchh, Mysore, Karnataka Gujarat: A Preliminary Investigation with special reference to Fluoride” 2 Mr. Praveesh Vijayan M.Sc. Department of 2.5 “A Study on Prevalence of Env. Sci. Water and Health, Selected Anions and Cations in the J.S.S.University, Ground Water Samples of Mysore, Karnataka Bhachau Taluka, Kachchh, Gujarat” 3 Ms. Bhavini Ganatra M.Sc. Department of 3.0 “Preliminary Investigations on Env. Sci. Earth and Env. Sci., Bioprospecting of Marine K.S.K.V. Kachchh Microorganisms for Industrial University, Bhuj, Applications” 4 Ms. Reena. M. Javiya M.Sc., Department of 3.0 “Physico-Chemical and Chemistry Chemistry, Microbiological Characteristics of K.S.K.V.Kachchh Drinking Water Samples of River, University, Bhuj, Ground Water and RO from selected locations of Bhuj- Kachchh, Gujarat: A Comparative Appraisal” 5 Ms. Kavita Thakur M.Sc. S. P. University 3.0 Understanding mangrove-soil- Env. Sci. crab association in Kandla mangroves. 6 Ms. Neha Shukla M. Sc Env. KSKV Kachchh 4.0 Ecological assessment of some Sci. Univ. wetlands in and around Bhuj, Kachchh 7 Mr. Mayur Gaddhe M.Sc., Department of 6.0 Physical-chemical characteristic Chemistry Chemistry, K.S.K.V. of saline soil. Kachchh University, Bhuj, 8 Mr. Virajsinh P. MSW Shri Sarvajanik 1.0 Documentation of traditional Thakor M.S.W. (Master of knowledge of Baladiya village Social Work) College, Mehsana 9 Mr. Rahulkumar R. MSW Shri Sarvajanik 1.0 Documentation of traditional Raval M.S.W. (Master of knowledge of Kodki village Social Work) College, Mehsana 10 Mr. Jaydip Chauhan MRM Gujarat Vidhyapith, 3.0 Documentation of traditional Randheja, knowledge of four village of PBR Gabdhinagar Project 11 Mr. Ajay Gohel MRM Gujarat Vidhyapith, 3.0 Documentation of traditional Randheja, knowledge of four village of PBR Gabdhinagar Project 12 Mr. Bikash Kumar M. Phil School of Envir. 1.6 year Pattern of nutrient Mishra Env. Sci. Sciences, Jawahar transformation in an arid Lal Nehru ecosystem: Does salinity and University (JNU), invasion have impact. New Delhi.

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Duration Sr. Degree University/ Name of the Student in Topic No. Perusing Institute months 13 Mr. Mahesh M. Sc School of Envir. 6.0 Integrated ecological study of Bashishta Env. Sci. Sciences, Jawahar depleted ecosystems Lal Nehru encompassing a community University (JNU), approach New Delhi.

14 Ms. Asha Sharma M. Sc Department of 4.0 Soil nutrient dynamics and Env. Sci. Earth and Env. Sci., microbial biomass along a salinity K.S.K.V. Kachchh gradient in dryland of Kachchh. University, Bhuj, 15 Ms. Khayali Vaidya M. Sc Department of 4.0 Impact of nano-organo clay Env. Sci. Earth and Env. Sci., materials on metal remediation in K.S.K.V. Kachchh soil University, Bhuj, 16 Ms. Gaytri Gadhvi M. Sc Department of 4.0 Biodesulphurization of lignite and Env. Sci. Earth and Env. Sci., petroleum coke: a case study K.S.K.V. Kachchh University, Bhuj, 17 Ms. Sadhna Singh M. Sc Department of 4.0 Patch structure and nutrient Env. Sci. Earth and Env. Sci., dynamics in Prosopis juliflora K.S.K.V. Kachchh invaded dryland of Kachchh University, Bhuj, 18 Ms. Raksha Javiya M.Sc., Department of 3.0 Impact of salinity on physico- Chemistry Chemistry, K.S.K.V. chemical characteristics of soil in Kachchh dryland area of Kachchh University, Bhuj, 19 Mr. Harsh Himanshu M.Sc., Department of 3.0 Characterization of soils in forest, Bhatt Chemistry Chemistry, K.S.K.V. grassland and wetland Kachchh ecosystems in Kachchh University, Bhuj,

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HIIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS

COLLABORATIONS In yet another attempt to acquire global eminence and to draw worldwide attention towards Kachchh dryland issues, GUIDE has initiated several National and International collaborations.

National Collaborations (MoUs) National level collaborations have been initiated with the following Universities and Institutions in areas of research, academic, technical, training, faculty and students exchange programmes: a. K. S. K. V. Kachchh University, Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat State, India. b. Sardar Patel University, Anand, Gujarat State, India. c. National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, Madhya Pradesh State, India. d. Center for Advanced Studies in India (CASII), Mumbai, India. e. Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat State, India. f. Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat State, India. g. SANDHAN, Gandhinagar, Gujarat State, India. h. Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat State, India.

International Collaborations (MoUs) GUIDE has initiated International collaborations with many Universities and Institutions in areas of faculty exchange, collaborations between professionals working within the same field, joint research and development programmes and training of faculties. a. Institute of Development Studies of Sussex University, Brington, UK. b. The University of Greenwich, London, UK c. Desert Research Monitoring Control Centre, Yobe State University, Nigeria. d. Egerton University, Kenya (in process)

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National & International Memberships and Recognitions Member International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Switzerland. Member Global Network of Dryland Research Institutes (GNDRI), Israel. Member International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS), China Member Ocean Expert, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. Special Invitee Gujarat Biodiversity Board under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Recognition Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIROs) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India, New Delhi. Recognition Education and Research Institute by the K. S. K. V. Kachchh University, Bhuj. GUIDE is officiating partner of K. S. K. V. Kachchh University to conduct M.Sc. course (Environmental Science Programme). Recognition GUIDE Laboratory has been recognized as State Air & State Water Laboratory by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), GoG, Gandhinagar.

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