In December 2002, the Government of Gujarat took a decision that a study be carried out by a reputed research organization for obtaining scientific inputs to renew part of the existing lease to the extent of 65.24 ha. (in Survey No. 69/P). Accordingly, the Nodal Officer, Forest Conservation Act, Gujarat State, Gandhinagar approached Director, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) vide letter No. FCA/29/B dated 19.12.2002 (Annexure – III) to undertake ecological study of the area under consideration for renewal of mining lease and to provide an assessment of the impacts of lease renewal (65.24 ha.) on the movement and ecology of Asiatic Lions.

Through a subsequent communication, the Nodal Officer, Forest Conservation Act, Gujarat State, Gandhinagar vide letter No. FCA/29/C dated 27.01.2004 (Annexure – IV), requested WII to also include 75.88 ha. (in survey No. 366/P) in the ecological studies as the NCCL had also applied for renewal of the lease in the said area.

In order to execute the decision of the Gujarat State Government to get the studies on evaluation of impacts of NCCL in Babarkot by the Wildlife Institute of India, the Chief Executive, Narmada Cement Company Limited made a request to Director, WII to provide the Techno – Commercial proposal vide letter No. NCCL/JFD/MN/FCA/03-04 dated February 12th, 2004 (Annexure – V) for undertaking proposed study.