The need for this EIA study of the H8J Gas Pipeline Upgradation Project, arose insofar as it impacts upon the flora, fauna and ecological values, for preparing a report for consideration by the Government of India as a statuary requirement for clearing the project. The preliminary EIA report of the proposed pipeline route passing through the forest areas as desired by Ministry of Environment was submitted. This report was discussed in the Appraisal Committee Meeting, and the environmental clearance was accorded vide letter No. J-11011/1191-1A-11 dated 17 July 1992 subject to the implementation of certain environmental safeguards for which following conditions were laid down -

1. obtain clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act (1986) and conduct study of likely impacts of pipeline on the forest and wildlife in consultation with Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.

2. obtain approval of various Pollution Control Boards.

3. Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) standards requirements to be followed for laying the pipeline.

4. preparation of risk analysis and Disaster Management Plan (DMP).

5. procure field survey reports from different agencies engaged in EIA studies.

Subsequently, Wildlife Institute of India was approached to undertake this study on environmental impact assessment of the HBJ Gas Pipeline Upgradation Project insofar as it related to forest, wildlife and wildlife habitats along the proposed pipeline route. The scope of this study covers.

1. Assessment of the existing status of forest and wildlife values (terrestrial, aquatic and avian), and wildlife habitats in the areas to be traversed by the upgradation of pipeline between Bijaipur and Dadri.

2. Identification of the various operations, involved in the proposed upgradation of HBJ gas pipeline along the route (suggested as Alternate -1 under the project document provided by the Engineers India Ltd.), that are likely to cause significant impacts on the wildlife and wildlife habitats.

3. Evaluation and quantification of impacts of the different operations on natural systems, flora and fauna during the construction and the subsequent operational (including maintenance) phases, with special reference to any existing and proposed protected areas as well as endangered species (Great Indian Bustard, otter and gharial) occurring in the region.

4. Outline control technologies to be adopted for mitigation of adverse impacts of the construction and post construction phases of the project.

5. Any special compensatory conservation measures which ought to be supported by the Project in lieu of any inevitable adverse impacts upon wildlife, their habitat, especially concerning the endangered species.