LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Geographical races of the Indian Giant Squirrel

Figure 2. Giant Squirrel distribution in Raigad and Pune districts of Maharashtra

Figure 3. Segment No. 1/5 of the proposed expressway alignment provided by MSRDC, Mumbai

Figure 4. Segment No. 2/5 of the proposed expressway alignment provided by MSRDC, Mumbai

Figure 5. Segment No. 3/5 of the proposed expressway alignment provided by MSRDC, Mumbai

Figure 6. Section of the proposed Mumbai - Pune Expressway through the Lonavale area

Figure 7. Segment No. 4/5 of the proposed expressway alignment provided by MSRDC, Mumbai

Figure 8. Segment No. 5/5 of the proposed expressway alignment provided by MSRDC, Mumbai

Figure 9. Proposed realignment of Mumbai-Pune Expressway alongside Amba valley to protect and conserve the natural resources of Maharashtra

Figure 10.  Forested landscape in North Western Ghats (Maharashtra) between Bhimashankar and Koyna

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1. Reconnaissance of the proposed Mumbai – Pune Expressway route formed an important component of the site visit.

Plate 2. Remnants of semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests which are dliristically and caunistically rich and diverse and also harbour endemic species need enhanced conservation measures.

Plate 3. Mosaics of forests, grasslands and paddy fields are typical of the Western Ghat landscapes.

Plate 4. In the Western Ghat landscape the plateaus are generally denuded, slopes are well0-wooded and valley bottoms are largely occupied by human settlement.

Plate 5. Location of numerous petrol pumps precludes the possibilities of widening the existing National Highway (NH4).

Plate 6. Major developments along the existing National Highway (NH4) include housing complexes, hospitals and schools, the relocation of which is not possible.

Plate 7. Terrain and topography considerations limit the expansion of the existing National Highway (NH4) in the Ghat section.

Plate 8. Prevalent practices of disposal of excavated material during tunneling on valley slopes have long term ecological implications of floral values.

Plate 9. Location of dumping sites near the lake and the alignment of expressway in lake bed may have implications on water quality and aquatic ecology.