1.1 ECOLOGY & BIODIVERSITY 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.

1.1.2 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. The different methods adopted were as follows:

• Compilation of secondary data with respect to the study area from published literature and various government agencies; • Generation of primary data by undertaking systematic ecological studies in the area. 1.1.3 Selection of Sampling Location for the study of Flora and Fauna Core Zone: Core zone is the area where mining is to be done. Core zone comprises of 4.547 Ha. Government barren land and 0.117 ha. private land. In the private land some crops like wheat and jowar are grown but in the majority of the private land mango trees and other species have been planted. Buffer Zone: For sampling purpose, buffer zone is further divided in 2 Km and 5 Km. Patches of flora are studied in 4 locations within 2 km and 3 locations within 5 km . Location of flora is given below. Fauna is recorded randomly.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-1 Sampling Locations of Flora Sr. No. Name of Location Distance Direction E1 Gaura Village 0.49 Km NNW E2 Nalumar Village 0.73 Km WSW E3 Ponchi Village 1.12 Km ENE E4 Gurha Village 1.69 Km West E5 Thema Village 2.19 Km East E6 Rabda Village 2.71 Km South E7 Ran Ki Khurd 3.03 Km South East

1.1.4 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. Species are counted and identified within core zone. In buffer zone flora is estimated 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. 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 3.31 km S from the lease area. Nearest notified protected forest is Nawadih protected forest at 1.2 km N and Polpol protected forest about 2 km W from the lease area. There is no perennial water body with in the leasehold. The nearest perennial water body is Auranga River about 2.12 km W from the mining lease. Other perennial river is Maila Nadi 1.8 km E and North Koyel river 9.0 km W from the lease area. Koili Nalla is 2.4 km NE from the lease area. A canal is running adjacent to the mining lease area in east direction. 1.1.5 Description of Core Zone with Flora and Fauna Details Flora of core Zone:

Mining activities have already been commenced in lease area. Lease area comprises of 4.547 Ha. Government barren land and 0.117 ha. private land. In the private land some crops like wheat and jowar are grown but in the majority of the private land mango trees and other species have been planted.

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 Plantation carried out in Core Zone S. No Botanical Name Common Name No of trees planted 1 Mangifera indica Mango 85 2 Dalbergia sissoo Sheesham 215 3 Delonix regia Gulmohar 15 4 Citrus limon Lemon 65 5 Tectona grandis Sagwan 30 6 Punica granatum Pomegranate 20 7 Artocarpus heterophyllus Kathal 40 8 Aegle marmelos Bel 45 9 Annona squamosa Custard Apple 10 10 Gmelina arborea Gamhar 90 11 Phyllanthus emblica Amla 25 12 Bombax ceiba Semal 15 13 Melia azedarach Bakain 20 14 Acacia catechu Khair 10 15 Psidium guajava Guava 70 16 Syzygium cumini Jamun 40

Flora of Buffer Zone:

• In the buffer zone of 10 Km, Palamau National Park is located 3.31 km S from the lease area. Nearest notified protected forest is Nawadih protected forest at 1.2 km N and Polpol protected forest about 2 km W 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.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-3 Flora of Buffer Zone including flora of Palamau National Park, Nawadih Protected Forest and Polpol Protected Forest 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 viscose 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 isora Indian screw tree 39 Holarrhena antidysenterica Kurchi Bark 40 Hymenodictyon exeleum Bandaru 41 Imperata cylindrical 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 acuminate 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 Shorea robusta 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 ciliate 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) Study of Fauna :

Fauna in core zone:-

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-4 Fauna at 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 Grey patridge pondicerianus 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 Herpestes javanieus Small Indian Mongoose II 2 Ratufa indica Indian Giant Squirrel II 3 Rousettus leschenaultia Bat, Fulvous Fruit - 4 Pteropus giganteus Bat, Flying Fox V 5 Cynopterus sphinx Bat, Short-nosed Fruit V 6 Melursus ursinus Sloth Bear 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 Suncus murinus Grey Musk Shrew LC 12 Munticacus munrjak Barking Deer III 13 Tragulus meminna Mouse Deer I 14 Axix axis Spotted Dear, Chital III 15 Funambulus palmarum Three striped palm squirrel II 16 Elephas maximus Elephant I 17 Vulpes bengalensis Fox, Indian II 18 Tatera indica Gerbille, - 19 Lepus nigricollis Hare, Indian IV 20 Panthera tigris Tiger I 21 Canis aureus Jackal II 22 Presbytis entellus Langur, Common II 23 Panthera pardus Leopard I 24 Macaca mulata Macaque, Rhesus II 25 Herpestes edwardsi Common Mongoose II 26 Mus booduga Mouse, Indian Field - 27 Vendeleuria oleracea Mouse, Long-tailed Tree - 28 Manis crassicaudata Pangolin, Indian I 29 Hystrix indica Porcupine, Indian IV 30 Bandicita indica Rat, Bandicoot - 31 Golunda ellioti Rat, Indian - Reptiles - 32 Bungarus caerulens Krait IV 33 Naja naja Cobra II 34 Vipera russeli Russels Viper II 35 Ptyas mucosus Rat Snake II 36 Chamaleo chameleon Chameleon - 37 Trionyx spp Fresh water turtle IV 38 Calotes versicolor Garden Lizard - 39 Agama buberculetus Rock Lizard LC

Avifauna - 40 Turdoides caudatus Common Babbler IV 41 Turdoides striatus IV 42 Alcippe poioicephala Quaker Babbler IV 43 Dumetia hyperythra Rufous-bellied Babbler IV 44 Pomatorhinus schisticeps Slaty-headed Scimitar Babbler IV 45 Pellorneum ruficeps Spotted Babbler IV 46 Chrysomma sinense Yellow – eyed Babbler IV 47 Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler IV 48 Megalamia asiatica Blue throated Barbet IV 49 Merops philippinus Blue Tailed Bee- eater - 50 Aegithina tiphia Common Iora IV 51 Apus nipalensis House Swift IV 52 Orthotomus sutorius Bird, Tailor - 53 Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Chestnut, Bittern IV 54 Butorides striatus Little green Bittern IV 55 Pycnonotus eafer Red-vented Bulbul IV 56 Saxicola caprata Pied Bushchat IV 57 Corvus splendens House crow V 58 Corvus macrorhynchos Jungle Crow V 59 Cuculus varius Cuckoo IV 60 Taccocua leschenaultia Sirkeet Cuckoo IV 61 Numenius arquata Curlew IV 62 Burhinus oedicnemus Curlew Stone IV 63 Streptopelia senegalensis Dove, Little Brown IV 64 Streptopelia decaocta Dove, Ring IV 65 Streptopelia chinensis Dove, Spotted IV 66 Dicrurus adsimilis Black Drongo IV 67 Anas acuta Duck, Pintail IV 68 Spizaetus cirrhatus Eagle, Crested Hawk IV 69 Aquila rapax Eagle, Tawny IV 70 Bubulcus ibis Egret, Cattle IV 71 Egretta garzetta Egret, Little IV 72 agile Flower pecker, Thick-billed IV 73 Culicicapa ceylonensis Flycatcher, Grey-headed IV 74 Gallus gallus Fowl, Red Jungle IV 75 Ardea cinerea Heron, Frey IV 76 Nycticorax nycticorax Heron, night IV 77 Ardeola grayii Heron, Pond IV 78 Tockus birostris Hornbill, Common Grey - 79 Pseudibis papillosa Ibis, Black IV 80 Threskiornis aethiopica Ibis, White IV 81 Ceryle rudis Kingfisher, Pied IV 82 Alcedo atthis Kingfisher, Small Blue IV 83 Haliastur indus Kite, Brahminy IV 84 Elanus caeruleus Kite, Blakwinged IV 85 Eudynamys scolopacea Koel IV 86 Vanellus malabaricus Lapwing, Yello-wattled IV 87 Pericrocotus flammeus Minivet, Scarlet IV 88 Lonchura malacca Munia, Black-headed IV 89 Acridotheres tristis Myna, Indian IV 90 Oriolus xanthornus Oriole, Black-headed IV 91 Tyto alba Owl, Barn IV 92 Bubo zeylonensis Owl, Brown Fish IV 93 Psittacula krameri Parakeet, Rose ringed IV 94 Francolinus francilinus Partridge, Black IV 95 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl I 96 Treron phoenicoptera Pigeon, Common Green IV 97 Anthus novaeseelandiae Pipit, Indian IV 99 Turnix tanki Quail, Indian IV 100 Saxicoloides fulicata Robin, Indian IV 101 Coracias benghalensis Roller IV 102 Pterocles exustus Sandgrouse, Common IV 103 Accipiter badius Shikra IV 104 Lanius vittatus Shrike, Baby-backed - 105 Passer domesticus Sparrow, House - 106 Galloperdix spdicea Spurfowl IV 107 Ciconia boyciana Stork, Eastern White/ I Oriental Stork 108 Anas crecca Teal IV 109 Celeus brachyrus Rufous Woodpecker IV 110 Centropus sinesis Greater coucal IV 111 Cinnyris asieticus Purple IV 112 Artamus fuscus Ashy Woodshallow IV 113 Athene brama Spotted Owlet LC IV 114 Ceropis daurica Red-rumped swallow IV (Source: Data from Forest Department)

Mangifera indica (Mango) Citrus Lemon (Lemon) 1.1.6 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.

1.1.7 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 Dry Peninsular sal. Moist Peninsular sal. Sub-types- (a) Low level sal. (b) Singhbhum valley sal.

1.1.8 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).

1.2 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT The anticipated impact on flora and fauna of the study area and their Mitigative measures are given below:

1.2.1 Anticipated Impact on Flora Mining can affect vegetation in the core zone. The mining activity will generate dust which may impact the vegetation and crops. (A)Flora: • Dust generation during mining and transportation may impact vegetation. 1.2.2 Mitigation Measures • There is no such significant vegetation within the Government land where mining will be carried out, in private land trees of mango and others species have been planted which acts as filter to dust pollution. • Dust pollution will be minimized by regular water sprinkling and covered transportation. • Raw material will be transported in covered vehicles to beneficiation plant. • 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. Plantation will be done in 7.5 m statutory boundary and along the dump slope as per approved mining plan. 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. • No cutting of trees during mining will be allowed. • 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. 1.2.3 Anticipated Impact on Fauna • Palamau Wild Life Sanctuary, Betla National Park, Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is located approx 3.31 kms. S from the mine site. • The schedule I species recorded are Tetracerus quadricornis(Antelope, Four-horned), Mellivora capensis(Badger, Honey or Ratel), Melursus ursinus(Sloth Bear), Bos gaurus(Bison, Indian wild), Tragulus meminna(Mouse Deer), Elephas maximus(Elephant), Panthera pardus(Leopard), Manis crassicaudata(Pangolin, Indian), Ciconia boyciana (Stork, Eastern White/ Oriental Stork) and Pavo cristatus (Peafowl). • 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.

1.2.4 Mitigation Measures • 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. • Necessary plan along with budgetary provisions for their conservation is prepared in consultation with State Forest and Wildlife Department. • To protect the fauna protective measures for reclamation and green belt development will be done. Emphasis will be given to local species & 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. Water Harvesting Structures to enhance the Wild Life: As submitted in the Wild Life Conservation Plan water conservation based on percolation theory to enhance the ground water table will be undertaken. These catchment areas will be known as water harvesting- cum-percolation structures and help in maintaining greeneries. They will also provide as optional sources of water for wild life animals.

Some furrows trenches and water tank like structures lined with impervious material will also be designed and constructed which would work as dams to slow down the speed of water flowing from elevated areas and would serve as water storage structures. They will be planned (design, size and location) in consultation with the Forest Department. This would serve as valuable water source for the wild life.

PLANTATION/AFFORESTATION PROGRAMME The plantation will be done on the 7.5 m safety barrier and along the slope of the dump. Precautionary measures will be taken for carrying of the afforestation made by regular watering in the afforested area, to protect from grazing animals and proper manuring. The detail of afforestation scheme is given below:

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-6 Proposed Plantation During Plan Period Year 7.5 m safety barrier Locations of Co- Dump slope Plantation Locations of Area in Number of ordinates Area in Sq.m Number Co-ordinates Sq.m plants of plants First Year 1500 240 1076N-1130 N 600 150 923N-960N 2276 E-2336 E 2125 E-2293 E Second 1500 240 1057 N-1115N 700 175 960 N-1020 N year 2243E-2314E 2128 E-2137 E Third year 1500 240 931 N-1080 N 200 50 930 N-958 N 2280E-2330E 2145E- 2203E Fourth 1500 240 1109N-1198N 200 50 935 N-957N Year 2175 E-2278 E 2165 E-2200E Fifth Year 1500 240 1014 N- 1174 N 200 50 957 N-1000N 2117 E-2177 E 2140 E-2161 E Total 7500 1200 1900 475 The species based on their growth in the local area, canopy and leaf size have been proposed as given in the table ahead —

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-7 Species recommended for plantation S.No. Plant Species S.No. Plant Species 1 Mangifera indica 6 Aegle marmelos 2 Dalbergia sissoo 7 Phyllanthus emblica 3 Delonix regia 8 Melia azedarach 4 Citrus limon 9 Syzygium cumini 5 Tectona grandis 10 Psidium guajava