A substantial amount of habitat destruction has already taken place both at Mata-no-Madh and Akrimota due to removal of several meters of soil in areas at both these sites to expose the Lignite zone. In spite of this scare the Mata-No-Madh area had high ecological value. We found evidence of 3 critically endangered species using this area; the wolf, caracal and the Great Indian Bustard. We propose that this site be set aside for conserving the endangered fauna of the region and the ecosystem processes that support their viable populations and mining not be permitted in this area.
 

Akrimota is close to the Panandhro site, which is already an ecologically lost case due to lignite mining, heavy road traffic and thermal power plant. Even though the Narayan Sarovar sanctuary boarders the fringes of the Akrimota site, mining could be permitted in this area since it is likely to cause the least amount of ecological damage in comparison to the 2 other sites.
 

Regarding the site at Umarsar we recommend that mining be permitted along the southern fringe of the current road from Dyapar to Umarsar. The Northern area that contains climax Acacia nilotica forests be spared for its ecological, agro-pastoral, and wildlife values.
 

Our surveys in this region of Kutch have shown that the drainage system of Khari, Baktad, Kandonwali, Madhwali and Sugandhi rivers have a great potential as a conservation area. We have found good populations of wolves, chinkara, Great Indian Bustard, and 3 sightings of caracal. After surveying the existing Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary we believe that the above mentioned drainage systems have equally good if not greater wildlife values. We recommend that this area be given some form of legal protection.
 

Development of reclamation plans should be a consultative process involving ecologists, wildlife biologists/naturalists and the representatives of regional forest divisions. In reclamation plans, of all the sites, economic benefits to people should remain a central theme. The over burden dumps should be stabilised and developed into parcels of productive forests to cater to the needs of the local people and the labour force.
 

Construction of wetlands could be a possibility in post mining planning process. The mining plans of these projects envisage the creation of water bodies. If the water from them could be diverted to create wetlands, and associated upland habitats the regional biodiversity could be promoted and conserved. The wetlands should be gradually prepared for sustaining species of waterfowl & fish.
 

We recommend that a professional agency be involved in developing and implementing the restoration scheme of the current and proposed lignite mining areas. This agency should be involved in planning the mining and extraction process and eventual restoration process. An appropriate budget be developed and allocated for this explicit purpose.
 

We propose that an alternative form of transport for lignite be considered; in the form of a railway line or by sea. This form of transport would be more ecologically conducive.
 

Care should be taken by GMDC to provide alternative energy sources to their direct and indirect employees. Also GMDC could develop schemes of promoting solar cookers and fuel efficient chullas for use in the local villages of the region. This would ensure that the vegetation of the region is not severely degraded.
 

To prevent the cascade effect of ecological degradation that is set off by most development schemes, a proper socio-economic strategy for the local people needs be planned and executed prior to the commencement of such large scale change in the land use pattern.