Based on the ecological assessment of the project area, we draw the following conclusions:

1. The proposed pipeline will traverse through RFs for a total length of 13.5 km.

2. The proposed pipeline will also traverse through some important aquatic wildlife habitats. Major aquatic habitats en route the proposed pipeline include rivers such as Yamuna, Betwa, Pahuj, Narain, Rind and Sengar.

3. The impacts of the proposed pipeline project are likely to be more significant on rivers such as Yamuna and Betwa.

4. The faunal species of conservation significance likely to be impacted upon by proposed project are Gangetic river dolphin, turtles (Indian softshell, Indian flapshell, Dhond roofed, Painted roofed and Narrow headed softshell), Indian smooth coated otter and gharial.

6.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

The following are the specific recommendations suggested for the mitigation of the ecological impacts of the project on terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitats and the associated species.

6.1.1 Forest habitat

1. The time involved in laying the pipeline through the patches of Reserved Forests should be substantially reduced. This has to be the most important consideration in laying the pipeline through the Dhojri and Chandpur RFs. It is recommended that all activities involved in laying the proposed pipeline through other RFs also be substantially reduced to the minimum possible time.

2. Although blasting activities are not generally being visualised for the construction of the trench line through any of the forest areas, yet, it is recommended that if at all this will have to be done in rocky stretches, only control blasting should be done. This is important to ensure least threat to floral diversity of the area, and migratory movements and breeding cycle of faunal species.

3. Influx of skilled and unskilled labour during the pipeline laying operation can be regulated. It is recommended that at least the unskilled labour should be hired from among the local people residing in the villages within the forest.

4. Construction of storage sheds for material and equipments should be located as far as possible in the areas close to human habitation so as to reduce possibilities of the disturbance to wild animals that is generally associated with with this kind of activity.

5. Development of the new road network should be confined within the acquired area under RoU.

6. ompensatory afforestation should be ensured on the sites identified in consultation with the State Forest Departments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

7. Selection of species for afforestation should be made with utmost care and considerations for the local people's needs and the ecology of the area. The species selected should be fast growing and should have sufficient economic value for local people.

6.1.2 Wetlands

1. No alternatives to the proposed route alignment are being suggested.

2. The pipeline stretches that are proposed across the Yamuna and Betwa should be laid with utmost care to prevent any disturbance to dolphin and otter population.

3. Minimum diversion in the river flow would be the only strategy to prevent the aquatic species from abandoning their habitats. It is recommended that the pipeline across Yamuna and Betwa be laid during the time when the level of water in these rivers is minimum i.e during April to June. This will only ensure least disturbance that would be associated with the diversion of water flow for pipeline laying.

4. Alteration in the water level is a major threat to any wetland ecosystem. Withdrawal of water for laying of pipeline and subsequent hydrotesting is not recommended.