Assessment of ecological impacts of development activities essentially need to be based on reliable information about the profile of the proposed project and the baseline conditions along with attendant human aspects characterizing the environment of the project

area. Recognition and identification of the ecological areas of significance within the study area for establishing biological baseline, comprehensive understanding of the location and design features of the project and visualization of the activities in the operation phase are the important prerequisites for determining the ecological impact potential of the proposed project. It is therefore extremely important to collate information both on the ecological environment, human aspects and the proposed project profile prior to attempting an assessment of nature and the magnitude of impacts. The methodological approach adopted for this study was aimed to incorporate the above aspects. The framework for conducting ecological assessment of the proposed project is presented in Box 1 and conforms to the standard practices followed worldwide in the evaluation of developmental projects (Davy 1998, Petts 1999, Slootweg and Kolhoff 2003, Treweek 1999).The scope of work and the approachesadopted to accomplish some of the steps outlined in the traditional EIA framework are discussed in subsequent subsections of this chapter.

• Desk studies
   

• Consultation
   

• Site visit
   

• Delineation of thrust areas
   

• Development of ecological and socioeconomic profile of the area
   

• Visit to an operational captive mine and working cement plant