BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT FOR “RIVER SAND (BAJRI) MINING PROJECT OF SMT. NEETU SINGH”, AT TEHSIL-JAITARAN, DISTRICT-PALI, RAJASTAN By: Dr. NITEESH KUMAR

1. BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT: Biological diversity discusses the existence of a variety of living species including algae to monocots of plant kingdom and protozoans to mammals of animal kingdom and nature support of these living beings under a structural and functional unit called ecosystem. Biodiversity satisfies human needs in a different ways either directly or indirectly. The direct way is increasing agriculture productivity which supports existence of life on the earth. Indirect way include nutrient trapping, maintaining water cycles, production and protection of soil, absorption and breakdown of pollutants, provide recreational, aesthetic, scientific and spiritual values that helps to continue life on the earth.

The basic purpose to exploring the biological environment under Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to assist in the decision making process and to ensure that the project options under consideration are bio environmental-friendly. EIA identifies- ways of improving project environmentally by preventing, minimizing, mitigating or compensating for adverse impacts before exploration and development phase. The present study on the floral assessment of the proposed project is based on field survey of the area supported by secondary data from various governmental and nongovernmental sources.

Present study has been carried out to inventories the biodiversity existing in and around the proposed River Sand (Bajri) Mining project of “Smt. Neetu Singh”, at Village- Agewa, Anandpur Kalu-I, Anandpur Kalu-II, Asarlai, Odawas, Kekindra, Kathmor, Kurki, Kesarpura, Kanecha, Kanawas, Kanwaliya Kalan, Kotariya, Khera Deogarh, Khera Maharajpura, Khera Molawas, Kharadi, Khindawas, Ghorawar, Chawandiya, Jhujharda, Jhanjhanwas, Thakarwas, Digarna, Talkiya, Dayalpura, Devnagar, Deoriya, Deoriya Rajputan, Dagla, Dhaneriya, Ghatanagri, Nimbera Khurd, Nimbol, Nimaj-I, Nimaj-II, Patan, Patus, Paliyawas, Peepaliya Khurd, Phoolmaal, Phaalka, Bagatpura, Bagtawarpura Manpura, Balunda, Ballupura, Balara, Banjakuri, Bikarlai, Birampuri, Birol, Bogasani, Bhiladeva, Bheenvgarh, Malpuriya, Mohangarh, Mohrai, Roop Nagar, Rajadand, Rabariyawas, Rampura, Ramawas Kalan, Ramawas Khurd, Ras- I, Ras-II, Lithariya, Lototi, Vijaygarh, Samokhi and Sinla, Tehsil - Jaitaran, District - Pali (Rajasthan). 1.1 Objectives of Biological Study: The main objectives of biological study were:  To collect the baseline data for the study along with a description of the existing terrestrial, wetland and aquatic biodiversity.  To assess the scheduled species in the proposed site (rare, endangered, critically endangered, endemic and vulnerable).  To identify the locations and features of ecological significance.  To identify the Impacts of proposed project before, after and during development phase.

Table: 1. Mode of data collection and parameters considered during the Survey

Sr. Aspect Mode of Data Parameters Remarks No. collection monitored 1. Terrestrial By field survey Floral and Faunal For Floral Diversity: Biodiversity diversity Random survey, sapling survey/forest inventory, walking transect, collection and identification with the help of relevant literature. For Faunal Diversity: direct and indirect sampling, walking transect, point sampling and nest sampling etc. 2. From authentic Floral and Faunal Data collected from the sources like Forests diversity and study working plan of the region, department of of vegetation, forest forest types from the Haryana and available type, importance authentic literature of published literatures etc. Champion & Seth. from ZSI, BSI etc. 3. Aquatic By field survey Floral and Faunal For Plankton Study- Biodiversity diversity Lackey’s drops method and light microscope For other aquatic- Random survey, opportunistic observations 4. From authentic Floral and Faunal Desktop literature review to sources like Forests diversity and study indentify the representative department of of vegetation, forest spectrum of threatened Haryana. type, importance species, population and etc. ecological communities. 2. STUDY AREA:

The proposed River Sand (Bajri) Mining project of “Smt. Neetu Singh”, is located at Village- Agewa, Anandpur Kalu-I, Anandpur Kalu-II, Asarlai, Odawas, Kekindra, Kathmor, Kurki, Kesarpura, Kanecha, Kanawas, Kanwaliya Kalan, Kotariya, Khera Deogarh, Khera Maharajpura, Khera Molawas, Kharadi, Khindawas, Ghorawar, Chawandiya, Jhujharda, Jhanjhanwas, Thakarwas, Digarna, Talkiya, Dayalpura, Devnagar, Deoriya, Deoriya Rajputan, Dagla, Dhaneriya, Ghatanagri, Nimbera Khurd, Nimbol, Nimaj-I, Nimaj-II, Patan, Patus, Paliyawas, Peepaliya Khurd, Phoolmaal, Phaalka, Bagatpura, Bagtawarpura Manpura, Balunda, Ballupura, Balara, Banjakuri, Bikarlai, Birampuri, Birol, Bogasani, Bhiladeva, Bheenvgarh, Malpuriya, Mohangarh, Mohrai, Roop Nagar, Rajadand, Rabariyawas, Rampura, Ramawas Kalan, Ramawas Khurd, Ras-I, Ras-II, Lithariya, Lototi, Vijaygarh, Samokhi and Sinla, Tehsil - Jaitaran, District - Pali (Rajasthan).

The mine lease area, covered under SOI Toposheet no. 45 F/15, 45 F/16, 45 J/3, 45 J/4 & 45 J/7 is linearly stretched under 70 revenue villages of Tehsil - Jaitaran, District - Pali (Rajasthan).

LOI has been issued in favour of Late Shri Om Pal Singh S/o Shri Khan Chand Harra, vide letter no. P.8 (12) Khan/Group-2/2013 Dated 10-12-2014 but Shri Ompal Singh was expired on Dated 28.01.2015, So that the lease has been mutation in favour of smt. Neetu Singh D/o Late Shri Ompal Singh, vide letter no. ADM/JODH/MM/ SOJAT/M.L./BAJRI/2016/ 1970 on dated 10-

11-2016. Sanctioned mining lease area is 4365.64 ha.

It is anticipated that the construction activities of the proposed project would not have an adverse effect on the land use in the project area. The development of the green belt and landscape would enhance the visual aesthetics of the region.

The study area is divided into two parts i.e.: a) Core Zone: Project Site i.e. “River Bed”. b) Buffer Zone: Area within 10 Km radius from the project site.

3. TERRESTRIAL FLORA AND FAUNA: Biological communities are the indicator environmental condition and resource of its distribution and survival. Biotic component comprises of both plants (Flora) and animal (Fauna) communities, which interact not only within and between them but also with the Abiotic components, viz. physical and chemical components of the environment. The changes in biotic community are studied in the pattern of distribution, abundance and diversity.

4. FOREST TYPES: The The extent of natural forests in Rajasthan is not only one of the lowest in the country but also the lowest in terms of productivity of forest. On the contrary the state is endowed with the largest chunk of wasteland which is about 20% of the total wastelands of the country. Total forests area of Rajasthan is 32639 km2 forest, which is 9.54 % of the total state’s geographical area. Reserve Forests constitute 38.16%, Protected Forests 53.36% and Un-classed Forests 8.48% of the forest area. The present mine lease project falls in Tehsil-Jaitaran, district Pali, Rajasthan. A 268 km2 scrub land is reported from Pali district which supports a variety of flora and fauna together with forest land. According to Champion and Seth (1968), the state has 20 forest types which belong to two forest type groups in the study area i.e. Tropical Dry Deciduous and Tropical Thorn Forests. Forest land of Jetaran Tehsil comes under the Pali Forest Division which represents following forest types Table 2. Table: 2: Forest Types in the Pali Forest Division Group Sub-Type Dominant Species 1. Tropical Dry a. Anogeissus Pendula Anogeissus pendula, Boswellia Serreta, Deciduous Forest (5B/E1) Buteo monosperma, Cassia fistula Forest b. Boswellia Forest (5B/E2) Boswellia Serreta, Anogeissus pendula, Acacia sp., Albezia lebbek c. Saline Alkaline Scrub Acacia nilotica, Prosopis cineraria, Ziziphus Savana (5B/E8) xylopyrus, Prosopis juliflora d. Butea Forest (5B/E5) Butea monosperma, Holoptelea integrifolia, Salvadora persica e. Dry Bamboo breaks Dendrocalamus sp. (5B/E9) Tropical Dry a. Dry Deciduous Scrub Anogeissus pendula, Adhatoda Vasica, Deciduous (E/DS1) Calotropis gigantean, Datura metel Scrub Group Sub-Type Dominant Species b. Dry Savannah Forests Acacia nilotica, Prosopis cineraria, Ziziphus c. (E1/DS2) xylopyrus,Calotropis sp. d. Euphorbia Scrub (DS3) Euphorbia sp., Ziziphus sp., Acacia sp. e. Dry Grassland Forest Prosopis cineraria, Acacia sp. (DS4) 2. Tropical a. Desert Thorn Forest Acacia sp., Acacia nilotica, Prosopis Thorn Forest (6B/C1) cineraria, Ziziphus sp., Apluda mutica Tropical a. Zizyphus Scrub (6B/DS1) Ziziphua sp. Euphorbia hirta Thorn Scrub b. Tropical Euphorbia Scrub Euphorbia neriifolia, Rhus mysurensis (6B/DS2) c. Acacia Senegal Forest Acacia senegal, Calotropis sp. Datura sp. (6B/E2)

5. TERRESTRIAL FLORA: The Vegetation and plant species composition observed and documented during field visit in and around the proposed location of the project. Besides primary surveys in the project sites, published literature and various floras were consulted to prepare an inventory of plant species growing at study area. The vegetation of the study area is highly degraded and some areas consisting water bodies. The plant diversity is classified into various plant groups such as tree, shrubs, herbs, climbers, sedges and grasses. The plant diversity survey in the project area was undertaken during the summer season with the objectives of preparing a checklist of flora in the study area which is divided into two parts i.e. Core Zone & Buffer Zone.

Core Zone: No significant land disturbance is envisaged due to project activities as site clearing and some of the construction work has already been undertaken after securing the Environment Clearance. Mitigation measures to minimize land disturbance are already in place.

Buffer Zone: The selection of terrestrial and aquatic ecological sampling location was based on land use pattern, topography and habitat patterns of the study area. The terrestrial ecological survey was carried out in forest and non-forest areas (agricultural fields, roadsides, urban & semi-urban wastelands etc) and the aquatic ecological survey was carried out at rivers & ponds/lakes within the study area.

5.1 Methodology: The present study on the floral assessment for the project activity is based on field survey of the area. By the following forest inventory methodology; the survey of biological parameters has been conducted within the buffer zone (10 km radial distance) from project site at river beds which are located at Village, Agewa, Anandpur Kalu-I, Anandpur Kalu-II, Asarlai, Odawas, Kekindra, Kathmor, Kurki, Kesarpura, Kanecha, Kanawas, Kanwaliya Kalan, Kotariya, Khera Deogarh, Khera Maharajpura, Khera Molawas, Kharadi, Khindawas, Ghorawar, Chawandiya, Jhujharda, Jhanjhanwas, Thakarwas, Digarna, Talkiya, Dayalpura, Devnagar, Deoriya, Deoriya Rajputan, Dagla, Dhaneriya, Ghatanagri, Nimbera Khurd, Nimbol, Nimaj-I, Nimaj-II, Patan, Patus, Paliyawas, Peepaliya Khurd, Phoolmaal, Phaalka, Bagatpura, Bagtawarpura Manpura, Balunda, Ballupura, Balara, Banjakuri, Bikarlai, Birampuri, Birol, Bogasani, Bhiladeva, Bheenvgarh, Malpuriya, Mohangarh, Mohrai, Roop Nagar, Rajadand, Rabariyawas, Rampura, Ramawas Kalan, Ramawas Khurd, Ras-I, Ras-II, Lithariya, Lototi, Vijaygarh, Samokhi and Sinla, Tehsil - Jaitaran, Pali (Rajasthan), in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, CPCB, and SPCB during the study period. A preliminary survey of the study area has been performed to get a general picture of the landscapes in vegetation. Traverses have been taken within different zone of the study area to note major vegetation patterns and plant communities including their growth form and dominant species. A forest inventory is “an attempt to describe the quantity and quality of forest trees and many of the characteristics of the land area upon which the trees are grown.” The objective this floral inventory of the study area, is to provide complete checklist of floristic structure within the core zone and buffer zone (10 km radial distance) from project site for formulating effective management and conservation measures.

5.2 Floristic Composition of Core Zone: The terrestrial flora of the core zone i.e. mining area of river bed represent 4 tree species, 10 shrubs and 14 herbs species. Table: 3 Floral Diversity of Core Zone Sr. No. Botanical Name Family Common Name TREE 1. Acacia nilotica Fabaceae Babul 2. Phoenix sylvestris Arecaceae Khajur 3. Prosopis cineraria Mimosaceae Khejri 4. Salvadora oleiodes Salvadoraceae Jal SHRUBS 5. Acacia jacquemontii Fabaceae Kikar 6. Adhatoda vasica Acanthaceae Adusa 7. Calotropis gigantea Apocynaceae Aak 8. Calotropis procera Apocynaceae Madar 9. Cassia auriculata Caesalpiniaceae Tarwar 10. Datura strumonium Solanaceae Datura 11. Ipomoea carnea Convonvulaceae Besharam 12. Lantana camara Verbenaceae Wild-Sage 13. Opuntia dillenii Cactaceae Nagphani 14. Prosopis juliflora Fabaceae Vilayti Babul HERBS 15. Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae Chirchita 16. Apluda mutica Poaceae Bhongta 17. Argemone Mexicana Papaveraceae Satyanashi 18. Barleria cristata Acanthaceae Jhinti 19. Cannabis sativa Cannabaceae Bhang 20. Cassia tora Caesalpiniaceae Panwar 21. Echinops echinatus Asteraceae Utkatira 22. Euphorbia hirta Euphorbiaceae Dudhi 23. Parthenium hysterophorus Asteraceae Gajar Ghass 24. Solanum viarum Solanaceae Jungle Begun 25. Solanum xanthocarpum Solanaceae Kantakari 26. Tridax procumbens Asteraceae Khal-Muriya 27. Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae Gokhru 28. Zizyphus oneopolia Rhamnaceae Makai

5.3 Floristic Composition of Buffer Zone: The terrestrial flora of the study area i.e. buffer zone (10 km radial distance) from the project site could be categorized as agriculture vegetation, social forestry plantation, Agro-forestry plantation, and natural/forest vegetations. 5.3.1 Agricultural and Horticulture Crops: The state occupies 10 percent of the total geographical area of the country, but the vast geographical area commands only 1 percent of the total water resources in the country. Agriculture is mainly rain fed but it is inadequate and aberrant. Amongst a host of climatic factors i.e. rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind velocity and duration of sunshine etc. affect the cropping pattern in a significant way. Annual rainfall and its distribution over the entire year and the regimes of diurnal and annual temperatures are by far, the prominent factors affecting agriculture and the life style of the people. Table: 4: Cropping pattern of Study area Family Botanical Name Trade Name Agriculture Crops Poaceae Pennisetum glaucum Bajra Fabaceae Vigna aconitifolia Moth-bean Fabaceae Vigna radiate Moong Fabaceae Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Cluster-bean Brassicaceae Brassica juncea Mustard Poaceae Triticum aestivum Wheat Fabaceae Cicer arietinum Chana Poaceae Hordeum vulgare Barley Fabaceae Trigonella foenum-graecum Methi Horticulture Crops-Vegetables Solanaceae Capsicum fruitiscens Chilli Liliaceae Allium cepa Onion Apiaceae Cuminum cyminum Cumin Medicinal/Aromatic Crop Plantaginaceae Plantago ovata Isabgol Fodder Crop Poaceae Sorghum bicolor Sorghum Fodder Commercial Crop Lythraceae Lawsonia inermis Heena, Mehndi

5.3.2 Social/Agro-Forestry: In India, natural forests are being conserved primarily for the environmental benefits. Serious efforts are also being done to plant large number of trees outside forest under social forestry programs to increase the tree cover and fulfill demand of various forest produce required by the people and forest based industries. Agricultural fields are one of the potential areas, where large scale planting of trees can be taken up along with the agricultural crops. Agro-forestry models adopted by the farmers in Rajathan state are highly lucrative, therefore, attracting farmers in a big way. Table 5: Agro Forestry Species of the Study Area (Buffer Zone) Botanical Name Trade Name Family Delonix regia Gulmohar Caesalpiniaceae Dalbergia sisso Shisham Fabaceae Azadirachta indica Neem Meliaceae Dendrocalamus strictus Bans Poaceae Ficus benghalensis Bargad Moraceae Ficus religiosa Pipal Moraceae Eucalyptus cameldulensis Nilgiri Myrtaceae Butea monosperma Kachnar Fabaceae Ricinus communis Arand Euphorbiaceae Cassia fistula Amaltas Fabaceae Polyalthia longifolia Asok Fabaceae Moringa oleifera Moringaceae Senjna Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae Aam

5.3.3 Grasslands: No prominent grass land ecosystem has been found in core and buffer zone of the project. However the grass lands were mixed with natural vegetation in low lands and cultivable waste lands are now being utilized as grazing grounds to the livestock species: Goat, Cow, Ox and Buffalo. The grass species and sedges of buffer zone are listed below with the natural vegetation of buffer zone. 5.3.4 Endemic/Endangered Flora: Commercial and developmental activities like construction of roads, expansion of agriculture land and harsh climatic conditions for plant life have led to decline of many valuable plant species and degradation of their habitats. Recorded floral species from the present study area was assessed for their conservation status by cross-checking with Red Data book of Indian plants (by Nayar and Sastry, 1987-90) and none of the plant taxa found under RET category.

5.3.5 Location of National Park/Sanctuaries: There is no Bio-sphere Reserve, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuary, Tiger Reserve and Elephant Reserve within 10 km radius of the project site. 5.3.6 Natural/Forest Vegetation Cover and Composition: The general appearance of the vegetation in Rajasthan desert is poor, scanty; xerophytic widely dispersed leaving large areas barren. Vegetation is a part of complex ecosystem which includes the plant cover, the landform and the features of its surface deposits. Limitations of climate and soil conditions permit relatively poor and sparse vegetation at different habitats in the Indian arid ecosystem. In a desert, a close relationship exists between the habitat, the vegetation and its environment. Thus relationship of an arid zone is always in a dynamic equilibrium as the minor changes in the physical environment entail dynamic changes in plant life. The vegetation of the desert regions shows examples of adjustment to natural environment, which displays the typical desert character with its extremely poor and discontinuous vegetation consisting of a few widely spaced herbs grasses shrub-lets, dwarf shrubs and occasional solitary stunted trees scattered over land with patches devoid of any trace of plant life. The flora of the southern and south eastern zone includes desert as well as semi-desert types. On the higher slopes of Aravallis in Pali district chief species are Dhokra (Anogeissus pendula), Salar mixed with godal (Odina wodies), Karaya (Sterculia arcns), 'dho' (Anogeissus latifolia), and Khair (Acacia catechu). In more favoured tracts pipal, Shisham, Neem and Seras also occur. Jhao (Tamarix dioca, T. articulata), a gregarious tree is confined to the banks of saline depressions and sandy beds of dry rivers. Other common plants in the saline tracts are lana, slasola, foetida and Artiplex cressifolia. These plants have especially adopted themselves to the saline soils. They have fleshy leaves and axes, thick walled epidermis well protected stomata and extensive aqueous tissues. Their gland excretes salt. The list of floral species recorded in buffer zone is presented in Table 6. Table 6: Floristic composition of Buffer zone Sr. No. Botanical Name Family Common Name TREES 1. Acacia catechu Fabaceae Khair 2. Acacia nilotica Fabaceae Raunj 3. Albizia lebbeck Fabaceae Kala Siris 4. Albizia procera Fabaceae Safed Siris Sr. No. Botanical Name Family Common Name 5. Anogeissus pendula Combretaceae Dhaura 6. Anogeissus latifolia Combretaceae Dhaura 7. Aegle marmelos Rutaceae Bel 8. Ailanthus excels Simaroubaceae Adusa 9. Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Neem 10. Bauhinia racemosa Fabaceae Safed Kachnar 11. Bauhinia variegate Fabaceae Kachnar 12. Bombax ceiba Malvaceae Semal 13. Boswellia serrata Burseraceae Salar 14. Cassia fistula Fabaceae Amaltas 15. Cassia siamea Fabaceae Kasood 16. Dalbergia sissoo Fabaceae Shisham 17. Delonix regia Fabaceae Gulmohar 18. Emblica officinalis Phyllanthaceae Amla 19. Eucalyptus camaldulensis Myrtaceae Nilgiri 20. Ficus racemosa Moraceae Gular 21. Ficus religiosa Moraceae Pipal 22. Ficus benghalensis Moraceae Bargad 23. Holoptelia integrifolia Ulmaceae Kanju 24. Melia azedarach Meliaceae Bakain 25. Phoenix sylvestris Palmaceae Khajur 26. Polyalthia longifolia Annonaceae Ashok 27. Prosopis cinanaria Fabaceae Vilayti Babul 28. Prosopis juliflora Fabaceae Khejdi 29. Salvadora oleoides Salvadoraceae Pilu 30. Tamarix articulate Tamaricaceae Farash 31. Tamarix dioica Tamaricaceae Lal Jhau 32. Zizyphus mauritiana Ber Rhamnaceae SHRUBS 33. Abutilon indicum Malvaceae Kanghi 34. Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae Chirehitta 35. Adhatoda vasica Acanthaceae Vasaka 36. Alternanthera sessilis Amaranthaceae Garundi 37. Amaranthus viridis Amaranthaceae Jungle Chaulai 38. Argemmone maxicana Papaveraceae Satyanashi 39. Boerhavia diffusa Nyctaginaceae Punarnawa 40. Calotropis procera Asclepiadaceae Aak 41. Calotropis gigantea Asclepiadaceae Madar 42. Carrissa occidentalis Apocynaceae Karaunda 43. Cassia tora Caesalpiniaceae Panwar 44. Cyperus compressus Cyperaceae Annual Sedge 45. Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae Nut grass 46. Datura metel Solanaceae Datura 47. Denderocalamus strictus Poaceae Lathi Baans Sr. No. Botanical Name Family Common Name 48. Eclipta alba Asteraceae Bhangra 49. Euphobia hirta Euphorbiaceae Dudhi 50. Evolvulus alsinoides Convonvulaceae Vishnugandhi 51. Ipomoea carnea Convonvulaceae Besharam 52. Lantana camara Verbenaceae Raimuniya 53. Murraya koenigii Rutaceae Gandhela 54. Nerium indicum Apocynaceae Kaner 55. Ocimum sanctum Lamiaceae Tulsi 56. Oxalis corniculata Oxalidaceae Yellow sorrel 57. Parthenium hysterophorus Asteraceae Gajar Ghas 58. Physalis minima Solanaceae Rasbhari 59. Ranunculus sceleratus Ranunculaceae Jaldhaniya 60. Rumex dentatus Polygonaceae Jungle Palak 61. Sida acuta Malvaceae Baraira 62. Solanum indicum Solanaceae Makoi 63. Solanum viarum Solanaceae Jungle Begun 64. Tephrosia purpurea Fabaceae Nili 65. Tridax procumbens Asteraceae Kamarmodi 66. Typha angustifolia Typhaceae Patera 67. Withania somnifera Solanceae Asgandh 68. Xanthium stumarium Asteraceae Chota Gokhru 69. Zizyphus nummularia Rhacnaceae Beri GRASSES 70. Apluda mutica Poaceae Banjura grass 71. Aristida hystrix Poaceae -- 72. Cenchrus echinatus Poaceae Sandbur 73. Cymbopogon ernate Poaceae Tikhadi 74. Cynodon dactylon Poaceae Doob 75. Digitaria ciliaris Poaceae Crab Grass 76. Echinochloa colona Poaceae Jungle Rice 77. Eleusine indica Poaceae Goose Grass 78. Eragrostis tenella Poaceae Feather Love Grass 79. Eragrostis ciliaris Poaceae Candy Grass 80. Paspalum distichum Poaceae Knot Grass 81. Saccharum spontaneum Poaceae Kaans 82. Setaria glauca Poaceae Bristle Grass 83. Tetrapogon tenellus Poaceae -- CLIMBERS 84. Abrus precatorius Fabaceae Rati 85. Cuscuta reflexa Convonvulaceae Amar Bel

6. AQUATIC ECOLOGY: 6.1 The Luni Drainage System: Luni is the only important river of some consequence in western Rajasthan. Luni rises in the northwest of Ajmer at an elevation of 550 meters above mean sea level. It is first known as Sagarmati and after passing Govindgarh in Ajmer district it is joined by Sarsute (Saraswati) which has its source near sacred Lake of Pushkar and from this point it is called Luni. It is the only visible drainage system which makes its way through the desert to the Rann of Kutch. Most of the tributaries of Luni join it on the left bank for physiographic reasons. Among the tributaries of Luni which deserve mention are the Lilri, Raipur Luni, Mithri, Sukri, Guhiya, Bandi, Jawai, Bandi nadi, Sukri nadi and Sagi nadi on the left Bank and the Jogri on the right but none of them is perennial. There is no perennial river in the Pali district. Four tributaries of river Luni viz. Sukri, Lilri, Bandi and Jawai flow in the district. There is no lake or natural spring in the district. For Irrigation purposes a number of big and small tanks have been constructed. The Luni River has a length of 482 kms and the catchment area of 62,500 km2. The average depth is estimated to be 8 feet and width 3800 feet. 6.2 Aquatic Flora and Fauna: The study area also inventorised for minor floral and faunal species. Although these plants area under-utilized but ecologically equal important. During present study no micro floral and faunal species has been recorded in the main rivers as there was no flowing discharge in them. At some places, Blue-green algae were sighted floating on stagnant water, mainly on downstream of anicuts/reservoir. 6.3 Fish & Fisheries: Fishes are the integral component of stream and rivers which are not only the best sources of food and animal protein for the human population but provides a source of income for the local inhabitants. People capture fishes for their consumption and in some cases to sell in local markets as an alternative means for procurement of foods and other requirement of daily needs. No fishery activities are observed within the study area (10 Km radius of the existing premises), and hence proposed project activities are not envisaged to have any adverse effect on fisheries and aquatic life.

7. Faunal Diversity: To prepare a detailed report on the status of wildlife biodiversity within 10 km radial area along the existing pipeline to assess the impacts due to the project activity and evolve suitable mitigation measures to protect and conserve wildlife biodiversity following components were studied: a) Wildlife Survey (Diversity) b) Habitat Study (Feeding, Breeding and Roosting areas) c) Distribution/Status of Birds d) Rare & Endangered species of Fauna e) Specific local characteristics of biodiversity in the study area. 7.1 Methodology for Faunal Diversity: A linear transect of 1.0 km each was chosen for sampling at each site. Each transect was trekked for 1.5 hr for the sampling of faunal diversity through following methods for different categories. For the sampling of butterflies, the standard ‘Pollard Walk’ method was employed and all the species recorded daily. Voucher specimens of the species that could not be identified in the field were collected using a butterfly net besides photographing them. For bird’s sampling, ‘Point Sampling’ along the fixed transect (Foot trails) was carried out. All the species of birds were observed through a binocular and identified with the help of field guide book and photographs. For the sampling of mammals, direct count on open width (20m) transect was used. In addition, information on recent sightings/records of mammals by the villagers/locals was also collected. For carnivores, indirect sampling was carried out and the mammals were identified by foot marks, faeces and other marks/sign created by them. In case of reptiles mainly lizards were sampled by direct count on open width transects. The study of fauna takes substantial amount of time to understand the specific faunal characteristic of area. The assessment of fauna has been done by extensive field survey of the area. During survey, the presence of wildlife was also inhabitants depending on animal sightings and the frequency of their visits in the project area which was later confirmed from forest department, Wildlife Department etc.

Table 7: Faunal Diversity from Study Area S. English Name Scientific Name Status/Schedule No. Mammals 1. Little Indian field mouse Mus booduga Schedule-V 2. Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus Schedule-III 3. House mouse Mus musculus Schedule-V 4. Monkey Maccaca mulata Schedule-II 5. Bat Rousettus leschenaultia Schedule-V 6. Common Langur Semnopithecus entellus Schedule-II 7. Five Striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennanii Schedule-IV 8. Chachundar Suncus murinus Schedule-IV Reptiles 1. House gecko Hemidactylus flavivridis Common 2. Common garden lizard Calotes versicolor Common 3. Brahminy skink Mabuya carinata Common 4. Indian Cobra Naja naja Schedule-II 5. Rat Snake Ptyas mucosa Schedule-IV 6. Indian Krait Bungarus caeruleus Schedule-IV Butterflies 1. White orange tip Ixias marianne Common 2. Lime butterfly Papilio demoleus Common 3. Common crow Euploea core Common 4. Common map Cyrestis thyodamas Common 5. Common mormon Papilio polytes Common 6. Common Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe Fairly Common 7. Stripped Tiger Danaus genutia Common Aves 1. House Crow Corvus splendens Schedule-V 2. Rock Pigeon Columba livia Common 3. Jungle babbler Turoides striatus Schedule-IV 4. Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Schedule-IV 5. Green bee-eater Merops orientalis Least Concern 6. Indian roller Coracias benshalensis Schedule-IV 7. Black Drongo Dicrirus macrocercus Schedule-IV 8. Common swift Apus apus Schedule-IV 9. House swift Apus affinis Schedule-IV 10. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Schedule-IV 11. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Schedule-IV 12. Red wattled lapwing Vanellus indicus Schedule-IV 13. Ring dove Streptopelia decaocto Schedule-IV 14. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Schedule-IV 15. White Breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Schedule-IV 16. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Schedule-IV S. English Name Scientific Name Status/Schedule No. 17. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Schedule-IV 18. Grey Tit Parus major Schedule-IV 19. Red Vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Schedule-IV 20. Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus Schedule-IV 21. Rose Ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Schedule-IV 22. Baya Ploceus philippinus Schedule-IV 23. Owl Bubo bubo Schedule-IV 24. Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus Schedule-I

7.2 Endangered Species: Only single species i.e. Pavo cristatus is listed in the Schedule I under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. CONSERVATION PLAN FOR INDIAN PEAFOWL

Biodiversity conservation plan is developed with the aim to reduce adverse impact on the natural habitat of various wild animals. Day by day issues related to threats to natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems arises due to high anthropogenic activities and loss of natural habitat due to climate change. A conservation plan is needed for the conservation of critical habitats of wildlife for endangered and schedule-I species along with their scientific management strategy. During the mining and conservation activities, natural resources (Land, Biodiversity, Forest, Animals and Humans) are likely to expert tremendous pressure due to various activities in the respective region, while the present management plan will ensure mitigation of such impacts. A separate Wildlife conservation Plan is proposed for River Sand (Bajri) Mining project of “Smt. Neetu Singh”, at Village- Agewa, Anandpur Kalu-I, Anandpur Kalu-II, Asarlai, Odawas, Kekindra, Kathmor, Kurki, Kesarpura, Kanecha, Kanawas, Kanwaliya Kalan, Kotariya, Khera Deogarh, Khera Maharajpura, Khera Molawas, Kharadi, Khindawas, Ghorawar, Chawandiya, Jhujharda, Jhanjhanwas, Thakarwas, Digarna, Talkiya, Dayalpura, Devnagar, Deoriya, Deoriya Rajputan, Dagla, Dhaneriya, Ghatanagri, Nimbera Khurd, Nimbol, Nimaj-I, Nimaj-II, Patan, Patus, Paliyawas, Peepaliya Khurd, Phoolmaal, Phaalka, Bagatpura, Bagtawarpura Manpura, Balunda, Ballupura, Balara, Banjakuri, Bikarlai, Birampuri, Birol, Bogasani, Bhiladeva, Bheenvgarh, Malpuriya, Mohangarh, Mohrai, Roop Nagar, Rajadand, Rabariyawas, Rampura, Ramawas Kalan, Ramawas Khurd, Ras-I, Ras-II, Lithariya, Lototi, Vijaygarh, Samokhi and Sinla, Tehsil - Jaitaran, District - Pali (Rajasthan).

SCHEDULE-I SPECIES - INDIAN PEAFOWL The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), is also known as the Common Peafowl or the Blue Peafowl, The peacock is the national bird of India. 1. Habitat: It is found in forests, but can live also in cultivated regions and around human habitations and is usually found where water is available. 2. Food: It is an omnivorous bird. It’s diet consists of small mammals like: mice, reptiles like lizards and snakes, amphibians, arthropods like: insects, ticks, termites, ants, locusts and scorpions, seeds, fruit, vegetables, flowers, leaves, and minnows in shallow streams and so on. With its strong bill it is able to kill a snake, even a cobra. Around cultivated areas, peafowl feed on a wide range of crops such as groundnut, tomato, paddy, chilly, and even bananas. Around human habitations, they feed on a variety of food scraps and even human excreta. 3. Threat: Poaching of peacocks for their meat, feathers and accidental poisoning by feeding on pesticide treated seeds are known threats to wild birds. Methods to identify if feathers have been plucked or have been shed naturally have been developed as Indian law allows the collection of feathers that have been shed. However, presently, there is no severe threat to this species, primarily for its status as a National bird and secondarily due to religious belief this species is protected. But its train feathers are in great demand for commercial purposes and are the main threat to its survival. Their loud calls make them easy to detect, and in forest areas, often indicate the presence of a predator such as a tiger. 4. Conservation: They are generally protected by religious sentiment and will forage around villages for scraps. The people living in the surrounding area should be rewarded for timely information about disturbing and/or poaching of the bird. The bird has a wide range of food items, hence, improvement of and protection of the bird in the buffer zone will provide sufficient food to the animal. 5. Conservation Status: The Indian peafowl is listed as least concern species in the red list of international union for conservation of nature (Bird Life International, 2008), probably owing to its widespread distribution, occurrence of locally abundant semi-feral populations, and protection from people on religious grounds. In India, it is given the utmost protection by inclusion in the Schedule I of Wild Life Protection Act in 1972. Table: Conservation Status of Peafowl (Pavo Cristatus) IUCN Others (Least Concern) Wild Life (P) Act Schedule-I CITES Not Listed

6. Predators: Using their exceptionally keen eyesight and hearing peacocks often warn each other when danger approaches, by way of loud shrieking cries and honks. Normally they run to escape any threat, but will take to the air if necessary. Meanwhile, both Asian species have sharp, powerful spurs on their legs which they can use to protect themselves against lesser predators. Their greatest threat comes from animals like tigers and leopards, which treat them as a prime food source. 7. Threats: The Indian peafowl is under threat from various quarters that include:  The demand for feathers and wild meat, conflict with farmers during cropping season.  Increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.  Habitat degradation and Fragmentation – more significantly from conversion of their habitat to agriculture, habitation, mining activities and industrial growth.  Poisoning to counter crop damage.  Consumption of eggs and fat extracts for alleged medicinal values.  Killing for wild meat.  Causalities caused by eating chemically treated agricultural crop seeds.  Legal hunting by some communities.

7.1 IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY The major sources of water pollution during mining are as follows: a) Sewage from site etc. b) Stacking of solid waste. Adequate control measures are proposed by construction of sanitary toilets, segregation and storage of community waste in covered containers, proper solid waste management by construction of retaining walls at the toe dump, garland drains; check dams, siltation tanks, burying any unwanted offensive material etc. at appropriate places. 7.2 IMPACT DUE TO HUMAN ACTIVITY Human activities are directly or indirectly responsible for loss of biodiversity. Some of the major issues are:  Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation result due to agricultural activities, extraction and development (human settlements, plant/industries and associate infrastructure).  Habitat loss and fragmentation leads to the formation of isolated, small, scattered populations. These small populations are increasingly vulnerable to inbreeding depression, high infant mortality and are susceptible to stochastic environmental events and consequently, possible extinction.  Poaching and hunting  Invasive species and over exploitation of wild bio-resources.  Air, water and noise pollution. 7.3 IMPACT DUE TO MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES During mining period, there will be increased vehicular movement for the transportation of construction material etc, so, mineral dust and road dust is likely to be generated due to the movement of vehicles on unpaved and paved roads. Additionally packed material loaded on vehicles in this condition will also slightly generate dust in the environment. Water spraying on unpaved roads will be done to suppress the dust. 7.4 HABITAT THREAT Loss of forest/Natural Vegetation area outside parks and reserve poses a major threat to wild animals because it causes population fragmentation, thereby leaving small, nonviable populations within the parks or their movements in human territories which raise conflicts. Furthermore, habitat degradation outside the parks, caused by overgrazing, overharvest of forest products, expansion of agricultural areas, and pollution due to plant activity, also possess threats to the habitat of species.

 Habitat Improvement Wild animals in specific Habitat/forests, and also in some grassland, where scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter. Habitat of specie will be improved by planting suitable species in surrounding areas. The prey species preferred by carnivore animals will be conserved to insure sufficient prey availability, which will also reduce the conflict with humans.

Table: Budget for Conservation/Management Plan S. No. Component Budget in Rs (Lakh) 1 Planting of trees groves in surrounding area and Promotion of agro 10.00 forest in villages planting fruits trees 2 Artificial nests, feeding and watering arrangement for animals 2.00 4 Workshops, Training and awareness programs 1.00 5 Water supply 1.00 6 Contingency 1.00 Total 15.00