Based on the directives received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, vide the letter NO.J-21012/21/95-IA-III dated 7th July 1997, Shri A.J. Jagtap, Chief Engineer, Special Projects, Public Works Department, vide letter no. CE(SP)/D-2(3)/MP-39(8)/1383 dated 19th August 1997 (Appendix I) requested the services of WII to undertake the biohabitat evaluation of the relevant areas along the alignment of the proposed Mumbai - Pune Expressway and to also suggest mitigative measures to minimize the likely adverse impacts of the project. The Wildlife Wing of the MOE&F also desired that the studies be conducted by WII on the basis of which the recommendations can be made when the matter would be referred to Wildlife and Forest Wings of the MOE&F, Govt. of India.