ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY: Complete study has been done and given below on the ecological environment of the study area.

1.1.1 Introduction on Ecology and Biodiversity: A natural ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of nature. It has different components, which are interrelated to each other survive by interdependence. An ecosystem has self-sustaining ability and controls the number of organisms at any level by cybernetic rules. The basic purpose to explore the biological environment under Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to assist the decision making process and to ensure that the project options under consideration are environmental-friendly. An ecological survey of the study area was conducted, particularly with reference to listing of species and assessment of the existing baseline ecological conditions in the study area. The main objective of the ecological survey is aimed at assessing the existing flora and fauna components in the study area. Data has been collected through extensive survey of the area with reference to flora and fauna.

With the change in environmental conditions, the vegetation cover as well as animals reflects several changes in its structure, density and composition. The present study was carried out in separately for floral and faunal community of core and buffer zone respectively.

Need to study:

The present study was undertaken with the following objectives:  To assess the nature and distribution of vegetation in core and Buffer Zone.  To assess the animal life spectra (within 5 km radii)

To achieve the above objectives a study area was undertaken. Thedifferent methods adopted were as follows:  Compilation of secondary data with respect to the study area frompublished literature and various government agencies;  Generation of primary data by undertaking systematic ecologicalstudies in the area.

1.1.2 Selection of Sampling Location for the study of Flora and Fauna:

Core Zone: Core zone is the Non-Forest barren area where mining is being done. Core zone is mainly vacant and has few planted species. Buffer Zone:For sampling purpose, buffer zone is further divided in 2 Km and 5 Km. Patches of flora are studied in 2 locations within 2 km , 3 locations within 5 km and 2 Locations within 10 Km. Location of flora is given below. Fauna is recorded randomly.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-1, Location For study of Flora and Fauna Sr. No. Name of Location Distance Direction E1 Murma Village 0.25 Km West E2 Pipra kalan Village 1.04 Km South East E3 Ran Ki Khurd Village 2.89 Km South West E4 Daruna Village 3.40 Km North East E5 Gaura Village 4.36 Km North West E6 Rabda Village 5.62 Km WSW

E7 Naluma Village 6.67 Km WNW

Figure Error! No text of specified style in document.-1Sample Location Map

1.1.3 Methodology for the study of Flora and Fauna: Methodology for Study of Flora:

During the study, the floral composition of the area was evaluated through primary survey. The local inhabitants were also consulted to get extra information. Plant Species are counted and identified within core zone. In buffer zone flora isestimated with the help of line transect and random survey method. Methodology for Study of Fauna: Different species were observed at different timing during the day. Bird: Birds were watched during dawn. Nocturnal and Burrowing animals: After Sunset. Animals: Morning & Evening. 1.1.4 Introduction of the project highlighting the Environmental sensitivity: The proposed project is a graphite mineral mining project. In the zone of 10 Km around the project Palamau National Park is located 5.2 km SSW from the lease area. There is no perennial water body with in the leasehold. The nearest perennial water body is Maila Nadi 0.38 km NE from the mining lease and Kathautiar Lake 0.27 km N. Other perennial river is Auranga River about 5.01 km W and Bahera Nadi 4.90 Km S from the lease area. Koili Nalla is 4.62 km NNW from the lease area. Dhbadih Lake is 2.94 Km NNW from the mining lease area. Forests within the buffer zone are: 1. Nawadih protected forest : 6.80 km NW 2. protected forest : 7.83 km NWW 3. Betla Reserve forest : 5.20 km SW 4. Betla Protected Forest : 10.2 km SW 5. Rajhara Protected Forest : 8.52 km NW 6. Kewatbar Protected Forest : 15.02 km NW 7. Kechki Protected Forest : 13.08 km NW

1.1.5 Description of Core Zone with flora and Fauna Details: Flora of core Zone:

Mining has been commenced in lease area; lease area is vacant with few patches of vegetation. Plantation of few species has been done. Details of the planted species are given in the table below:

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-2, Flora of Core Zone

S. No Botanical Name Common Name 1 Mangifera indica Mango 2 Dalbergia sissoo Sheesham 3 Delonix regia Gulmohar 4 Tectona grandis Sagwan 5 Punica granatum Pomegranate 6 Gmelina arborea Gamhar 7 Phyllanthus emblica Amla 8 Melia azedarach Bakain

Flora of Buffer Zone:

In the buffer zone of 10 Km,Palamau National Park is located 5.2 km SSW from the lease area.The buffer zone is characterized by trees/shrubs/which are common in occurrence, some less common trees and some isolated and rare plant.

Flora of Buffer Zone including flora of Palamau National Park, Protected forests and reserved forests:

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-3, Flora of Buffer Zone

S.No. Botanical Name Common Name 1 Adina cordifolia Kadam 2 Aegle marmelos Bel 3 Albizia chinensis Kala Siris 4 Alstonia scholaris Chatian 5 Anogeissus accuminata Dhok 6 Anogeissus latifolia Axle wood 7 Antidesma diandrum Khatua 8 Aphanamixis polstachya Pithraj 9 Artocarpus heterophyullus Kathal 10 Azadirachta indica Neem 11 Bauhinia variegate Kachnar 12 Bauhinia purpurea Orchid Tree 13 Bauhinia vahlii Maloo creeper 14 Boswellia serrata Luban 15 Bridelia retusa Kaji 16 Butea monosperma Palash 17 Careya arborea Wild guava 18 Cassia fistula Amaltas 19 Cleistanthus viscosa Bhani 20 Cleistanthus collinus Garari 21 Chloroxylon sweitenia Satin wood 22 Cochlospermum religiosum Golden Silk cotton Tree 23 Combretum decandrum Devanagari 24 Croton oblongi folius Croton 25 Dalbergia sissoo Shisham 26 Dellenia pentagyna Dog Teak 27 Diospyros peregrine Makar Kendu 28 Eugenia cumini Jamun 29 Ficus cunia Khaina 30 Ficus bengalensis Banyan Tree 31 Ficus glomerela Gular 32 Ficus religiosa Pipal 33 Garuga pinnata Garuga 34 Gardenia gummifera Dikamli 35 Gardenia latifolia Papra 36 Gmelina arborea Gamhar 37 Grewia titliifolia Dhaman 38 Helicteres isora Indian screw tree 39 Holarrhena antidysenterica Kurchi Bark 40 Hymenodictyon exeleum Bandaru 41 Imperata cylindrica Cogon grass 42 Ixora arborea Jungle flame 43 Kydia calycina Bharanga 44 Lannea coromandelica Moya 45 Madhuca indica Mahua 46 Mallotus philipinensis Kamala 47 Mangifera indica Aam 48 Millettia auriculata Khacho 49 Mitragyna parvifolia Kadamb 50 Musa acuminata Banana 51 Nyctanthes arbotistia Har sinagar 52 Ougenia oojeinensis Chariot tree 53 Oroxylun indicum Broken bone tree 54 Phyllanthus emblica Amla 55 Pterocarpus marsupium Kino 56 Phoenix sylvestris Khajoor 57 Randia uliginosa Perar 58 Randia dunetoram Mainphal 59 Salmalia malabarica Shalmali 60 Semecarpus anacardium Bhilawa 61 Schleichera oleosa Kusum 62 Sal 63 Spondius pinnata Wild mango 64 Sterculia urens Gum karaya 65 Terminalia arjuna Arjun 66 Terminalia tomentosa Asan 67 Terminalia bellerica Bahera 68 Terminalia chebula Harra 69 Toona ciliata Toon 70 Vitex penduncularis Charaigorwa 71 Wendlandia tinctonia Tillai 72 Woodfordia fruticosa Dhawai 73 Wendlandia exerta Tilki 74 Ziziphus mauritiana Ber 75 Zizyphus xylopyra Katber 76 Tectona grandis Teak (Source: Field survey done by Ecology & Biodiversity team and data of forest Department)

1.1.6 Study of Fauna:

Fauna in core zone: - The table is given below showing faunal species of core zone

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-4, Fauna of Core Zone

Sl. No Scientific Name Common Name Wildlife schedule

Avian fauna (Bird): 1. Acridotheres fuscus Jungle myna IV 2. Acridotheres tristis Myna IV 3. Columba livia Blue rock pigeon IV 4. Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle Crow V 5. Corvus splendens House crow V 6. Francolinus pondicerianus Grey patridge IV 7. Gallus gallus Jungle fowl IV Mammals 8. Felis chaus Jungle cat II 9. Funambulus pennanti Five stripped palm squirrel IV 10. Herpestes edwardsii Mongoose II 9. Lepus nigricollis Indian hare IV 10. Pteropus vampyrus Fruit bat V Reptiles 11. Bufo parietalis Indian Toad IV 12. Bungarus caeruleus Common Indian krait IV 13. Calotes versicolor Lizard - 14. Plyas mucosus Dhaman II (Source: Field survey done by Ecology & Biodiversity team)

Fauna in buffer zone:

The buffer zone is full of diversity of birds & animals. It is consisting of 10 km radius and it covers National Park, protected forest, village, agricultural land and vacant land so following varieties of fauna are found.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-5, Fauna in buffer zone

Sl. No Wildlife Scientific Name Common Name schedule Mammals 1 Tetracerus quadricornis Antelope, Four - horned I 2 Mellivora capensis Badger, Honey or Ratel I 3 Rousettus leschenaultia Bat, Fulvous Fruit - 4 Pteropus giganteus Bat, Flying Fox V 5 Cynopterus sphinx Bat, Short-nosed Fruit V 6 Melursus ursinus I 7 Bos gaurus Bison, Indian wild I 8 Sus scrofa Boar, Indian Wild III 9 Felis chaus Jungle cat II 10 Paradoxurus hermaphroditus Common Palm Civet - 11 Viverricula indica Small Civet - 12 Munticacus munrjak Barking Deer III 13 Tragulus meminna Mouse Deer I 14 Axix axis Spotted Dear, III 15 Cuon alpinus Indian Wild Dog II 16 Elephas maximus Elephant I 17 Vulpes bengalensis Fox, Indian II 18 Tatera indica Gerbille, India - 19 Lepus nigricollis Hare, Indian IV 20 Hyaena hyaena , Striped III 21 Canis aureus Jackal II 22 Presbytis entellus Langur, Common II 23 Panthera pardus I 24 Macaca mulata Macaque, Rhesus II 25 Herpestes edwardsi Common Mongoose II 26 - Small Indian Mongoose - 27 Mus booduga Mouse, Indian Field - 28 Vendeleuria oleracea Mouse, Long-tailed Tree - 29 Boselaphus tragocamelus III 30 Manis crassicaudata Pangolin, Indian I 31 Hystrix indica Porcupine, Indian IV 32 Bandicita indica Rat, Bandicoot - 33 Golunda ellioti Rat, Indian - Reptiles 34 Bryx johni Sand Boa - 35 Bungarus caerulens Krait IV 36 Naja naja Cobra II 37 Vipera russeli Russels Viper II 38 Ptyas mucosus Rat Snake II 39 Drypins nasutus Whip Snake - 40 Chamaleo chameleon Chameleon - 41 Trionyx spp Fresh water turtle IV 42 Calotes versicolor Garden Lizard - 43 Tertudo elegoms Indian starred Tortoise IV Avifauna 44 Turdoides caudatus Common Babbler IV 45 Turdoides striatus Jungle Babbler IV 46 Alcippe poioicephala Quaker Babbler IV 47 Dumetia hyperythra Rufous-bellied Babbler IV 48 Pomatorhinus schisticeps Slaty-headed Scimitar Babbler IV 49 Pellorneum ruficeps Spotted Babbler IV 50 Chrysomma sinense Yellow – eyed Babbler IV 51 Turdoides malcolmi Large Grey Babbler IV 52 Megalamia asiatica Blue throated Barbet IV 53 Merops philippinus Blue Tailed Bee- eater - 54 Merops orientalis Small green Bee-eater - 55 Turdus merula Bird, Black - 56 Orthotomus sutorius Bird, Tailor - 57 Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Chestnut, Bittern IV 58 Butorides striatus Little green Bittern IV 59 Pycnonotus eafer Red-vented Bulbul IV 60 Pycnonotus jocosus Red- whiskered Bulbul IV 61 Saxicola caprata Pied Bushchat IV 62 Butastur teesa White eyed Buzzard IV 63 Corvus splendens House crow V 64 Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle Crow V 65 Cuculus varius Cuckoo IV 66 Taccocua leschenaultia Sirkeet Cuckoo IV 67 Numenius arquata Curlew IV 68 Burhinus oedicnemus Curlew Stone IV 69 Streptopelia senegalensis Dove, Little Brown IV 70 Streptopelia decaocta Dove, Ring IV 71 Streptopelia chinensis Dove, Spotted IV 72 Dicrurus adsimilis Black Drongo IV 73 Anas acuta Duck, Pintail IV 74 Spizaetus cirrhatus Eagle, Crested Hawk IV 75 Aquila rapax Eagle, Tawny IV 76 Bubulcus ibis Egret, Cattle IV 77 Egretta garzetta Egret, Little IV 78 Dicaeum agile Flower pecker, Thick-billed IV 79 Culicicapa ceylonensis Flycatcher, Grey-headed IV 80 Gallus gallus Fowl, Red Jungle IV 81 Ardea cinerea Heron, Frey IV 82 Nycticorax nycticorax Heron, night IV 83 Ardeola grayii Heron, Pond IV 84 Tockus birostris Hornbill, Common Grey - 85 Pseudibis papillosa Ibis, Black IV 86 Threskiornis aethiopica Ibis, White IV 87 Ceryle rudis Kingfisher, Pied IV 88 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher, Small Blue IV 89 Haliastur indus Kite, Brahminy IV 90 Elanus caeruleus Kite, Blakwinged IV 91 Eudynamys scolopacea Koel IV 92 Vanellus malabaricus Lapwing, Yello-wattled IV 93 Pericrocotus flammeus Minivet, Scarlet IV 94 Pericrotus cinmamomeus Minivet, Small IV 95 Lonchura malacca Munia, Black-headed IV 96 Estrilda formosa Munia, Green IV 97 Lonchura punctulata Munia, spotted IV 98 Acridotheres tristis Myna, Indian IV 99 Acridotheres fuscus Myna, jungle IV 100 Sturnus contra Myna, Pied IV 101 Oriolus xanthornus Oriole, Black-headed IV 102 Tyto alba Owl, Barn IV 103 Bubo zeylonensis Owl, Brown Fish IV 104 Otus bakkamoena Owl, Collared Scopes IV 105 Psittacula cyanocephala Parakeet, Blossom-headed IV 106 Psittacula krameri Parakeet, Rose ringed IV 107 Francolinus francilinus Partridge, Black IV 108 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl I 109 Treron phoenicoptera Pigeon, Common Green IV 110 Anthus novaeseelandiae Pipit, Indian IV 111 Turnix tanki Quail, Indian IV 112 Perdicula asiatica Quail, Jungle Bush IV 113 Saxicoloides fulicata Robin, Indian IV 114 Coracias benghalensis Roller IV 115 Pterocles exustus Sandgrouse, Common IV 116 Pterocles indicus Sandgrouse, Painted IV 117 Tringa hypoleucos Sandpiper, Common IV 118 Accipiter badius Shikra IV 119 Lanius vittatus Shrike, Baby-backed - 120 Passer domesticus Sparrow, House - 121 Galloperdix spdicea Spurfowl IV 122 Ciconia ciconia boyciana Stork, Eastern White I 123 Anas crecca Teal IV

(Source: Data from Forest Department)

1.1.7 Photographs of Buffer Zone:

Azadirachta indica (Neem) Ficus benghalensis (Bargad)

Mangifera indica (Mango) Citrus Lemon (Lemon)

Butea monosperma (Palash)Tectona grandis(Sagwan)

1.1.8 Endangered Species:

Endangered and threatened animals of India have been listed in the Schedule I and Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 2002). No threatened, rare, endangered or endemic species were observed during the survey in core zone. In buffer zone, following Schedule I species were observed.

1. Tetracerus quadricornis(Antelope, Four-horned), 2. Mellivora capensis(Badger, Honey or Ratel), 3. Melursus ursinus(Sloth Bear), 4. Bos gaurus(Bison, Indian wild), 5. Tragulus meminna(Mouse Deer), 6. Elephas maximus(Elephant), 7. Panthera pardus(Leopard), 8. Manis crassicaudata(Pangolin, Indian) 9. Ciconia ciconia boyciana(Stork, Eastern White )and, 10. Pavo cristatus(Peafowl) 1.1.9 Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary

Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary was initially created on the of State. Over a forest area of 979.97 Sq. Km. and since then an area of 226.32 Sq. Km. of this sanctuary has been notified as Betla National Park. Both the areas have been included in the created under .The area of the sanctuary is drained by the North Koel and its tributary, the Burha River. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna with 47 species of mammals, 174 species of birds, 970 species of flora including 25 species of climbers, 46 species of shrubs in addition to herbs, grasses etc. The scenery at the edge of the Chota Nagpur plateau, with its undulating terrain and parkland-style forests, has a remoteness that is beautiful.

Flora: The forests here are of Dry as well as Moist Deciduous types with bamboo brakes. Besides diverse herbs, shrubs and grasses, the important tree species are Sal, Asan, Sidha, Semal, Karam, Chilbil, Kusum, Bherhul, Dhaura, Khair and Salai.

Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, , Sambhar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Wild Dog, , Hyaena etc and varieties of reptiles and beautiful birds can be sighted here without much effort. Once ruled by the Chero Kings, the sanctuary also has many historical monuments and forts, deep inside Betla forests on the banks of the Auranga River.

1.1.10 Forest Pattern in Jharkhand: Following two main types of forest are found in Jharkhand as per champion and seth. I. Tropical moist deciduous II. Tropical dry deciduous. The prevailing type of vegetation is sal which is remarkable for its purity a large area and which represents the present climatic climax. Following concept of classification of sal forests the following main types are A. Dry Peninsular sal. B. Moist Peninsular sal. Sub-types- (a) Low level sal. (b) singhbhum valley sal.

1.1.11 Cropping Pattern: Paddy (Oryza sativa) is the most important crop in the district, Maize (Zea mays) forms another important crop.Jowar (sarghun vulgare) is another drought resistance cereal.Gram or boot (cicer arietinum is the most important rabi crop. Wheat (Triticum sativum) is grown more or less in all part of the Palamau. Amongst the less important cereals are millet or bajra (Rennisetum ttyphordiul1.), sawn (Penicum jrumentacum), kodo (Paspalaum serobi culatum), and china (Penicum miliaceum).

1.1.12 Anticipated Impact on Flora Mining can affect vegetation in the core zone. The mining activity will generate dust which may impact the nearby biological environment. (A)Flora: Core Zone: The lease area is mostly rocky barren land and does not support thick vegetation howevergreen belt development has been initiated by the proponent and planning has been done for undertaking plantation in 0.92ha as per conceptual plan in the 7.5m boundary of the lease area and the stabilized dump area. The planted species areMangifera indica(Mango), Dalbergia sissoo(Sheesham), Tectona grandis (Sagwan)etc. Buffer Zone:There is Palamau National Park is located 5.2 km SSW having vast variety of flora in it. Few species are Ficus religiosa (Pipal) , Adina cordifolia(Kadam), Kydia calycina (Bharanga),Bauhinia purpurea(Orchid Tree), Phyllanthus emblica(Amla) etc. In the Buffer Zone there is Betla Reserve Forest at Protected Forest at 5.2Km SSW, Rajhara Protected Forest is located at 8.52 kms NW. Betla Protected Forest is at 10.2km SW to the lease area which have vast floral biodiversity.  Dust generation during mining and transportation may impact vegetation.

1.1.13 Mitigation Measures

 Mining will not affect flora in core and buffer zone because majority of landscape in the core zone is devoid of significant vegetation. Core zone has scanty vegetation with bushes.

 In buffer zone there is good vegetation such as Ficus religiosa , Adina cordifolia, Kydia calycina. Mining will be limited to the core zone. Therefore the flora and fauna will thrive in the buffer zone. Raw material will be transported in covered vehicles to captive beneficiary plant located at Village Rajderwa which is approx. 6 km N.E. from mine site. Hence impact on surrounding flora will be minimal.  The mined out area will be closed progressively along with reclamation of the land for the gainful use by partly turning it into a water reservoir and partly by backfilling and plantation.  Thus it is expected that the natural vegetation in the area will not be affected. No forest area diversion is required in the proposed mining.  A site reclamation plan will be developed that will addresses both interim and final reclamation requirements and that identifies vegetation, soil stabilization, and erosion reduction measures. 1.1.14 Anticipated Impact on Fauna  Noise from mining equipments, transportation, changes in land use may affect the migration of avifauna.  Effect on eco-sensitive areas like National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserves or Tiger Reserves.  Mining may drive away the wild life from their habitat, and significantly affect wildlife.

1.1.15 Mitigation Measures

 In core zone the land is barren, there is no vegetation and the mining activity will be carried out in that area. Hence, no impact on fauna is envisaged.  In the Buffer Zone there is Palamau Wild Life Sanctuaryand Betla Reserve Forest is at Protected Forest at 5.2Km SSW, Rajhara Protected Forest is located at 8.52 kms NW. Betla Protected Forest is at 10.2km SW to the lease area. Mining will be carried out without blasting and within the demarcated area; hence there will be minimal impact on the fauna in the buffer zone. The schedule I species recorded are: 1. Tetracerus quadricornis(Antelope, Four-horned), 2. Mellivora capensis(Badger, Honey or Ratel), 3. Melursus ursinus(Sloth Bear), 4. Bos gaurus(Bison, Indian wild), 5. Tragulus meminna(Mouse Deer), 6. Elephas maximus(Elephant), 7. Panthera pardus(Leopard), 8. Manis crassicaudata(Pangolin, Indian) 9. Ciconia ciconia boyciana(Stork, Eastern White )and, 10. Pavo cristatus(Peafowl)  Necessary Conservation plan along with budgetary provisions for their conservation has been prepared in consultation with State Forest and Wildlife Department and submitted. The submitted plan to DFO, Palamau Forest Division, Palamau Jharkhand on 9.8.2016. A budget of Rs. 10Lakh has been proposed for conservation of species. The plan will be duly approved by Chief Wild life warden.  To protect the fauna protective measures for reclamation and green belt development will be done. Emphasis will be given to local species & plants of economic importance.  Measures for protection and conservation of wildlife species will be done by organizing awareness campaigns and vigilance program by involvement of community youth against poaching of animals.  To check/reduce the impact of dust and noise, thick plantation cover will be developed which will provide acoustic buffer and therefore will dampen sound.