The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) proposes to lay a 560 km new crude oil pipeline from Haldia to Barauni to meet the additional crude oil requirements of Barauni Refinery. This expansion of the existing pipeline to meet the growing demands at Barauni Refinery requires a comprehensive and systematic planning to safeguard the natural environment of the project area. Engineers India Limited (EIL) look upon it the task to undertake integrated environmental impact assessment of this project with a view to identify major environmental impacts of the proposed pipeline and modify thereafter the project design if required prior to the implementation of this project. Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was offered a consultancy by the EIL to assess the environmental impacts of the proposed project insofar as these relate to wildlife values. The memorandum of understanding jointly signed by EIL and WII defined the scope of work for the EIA study under this consultancy.

That this EIA study commanded major significance was obvious from the fact that several important wetlands are located enroute the proposed pipeline. Some of these are unique habitats home for the aquatic wildlife species like the Gangetic river dolphin, the narrow headed soft shelled turtle and the Baer's pochard. This report is an attempt to identify the impacts of pipeline expansion on the wildlife values of the major wetland areas and suggest mitigatory measures for the conservation of wildlife species and better management of their habitats.

The report is organised into five sections. Section 1.0 of the report is an introduction to project setting and environment and lays the groundwork for the overall approach of the EIA study. Section 2.0 provides impact assessment methodologies for wildlife species and their habitats. Section 3.0 presents the pre-project status of the wildlife values of the wilderness areas enroute the proposed pipeline. Section 4.0 outlines the areas of environmental concern. Section 5.0 highlights some of the significant impacts of the project and offer recommendation to allow proposed development to progress in a manner that also safeguards the conservation of riverine habitats.

The support and encouragement provided by various organisations and individuals has greatly helped in the preparation of this report.

The assistance provided by the West Bengal Forest Department is gratefully acknowledged. Discussions with Shri Subimal Roy, Chief Conservator of Forests; Shri A.K. Raha, Asstt. Chief Conservator of Forests; Shri Deepak Ghosh, Divisional Forest Officer, Burdwan were very rewarding. Their unfailing support in field work was of immense help. Shri S.B. Roy Chairman Indian Institute of Bio-social Research and Development (IBRAD) is specially acknowledged for their readiness to assist whenever approached.

Shri S.K. Sinha and R.C. Kashyab, Senior Operation Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Haldia nad Barauni, and their team members are gratefully acknowledged for their hospitality and co-operation. Shri Biswajit Roy Choudhury of IOCL ensured in every way that we had all the details that we required. His constant presence throughout the reconnaissance survey proved valuable.

The assistance of Shri Sushantho Nath during the field work is sincerely acknowledged.

Back home at the WII, Shri S.K. Mukhergee, Additional Director is sincerely acknowledged for his constant encouragement provided to our team. Shri B.C. Choudhury, read through the drafts of the report and commented extensively. His co-operation is sincerely appreciated.

Also to place on record is the untiring effort put in by Narinder Singh Bist on word processing of several draftsof this report, by Shanmugam in drawing figures on the AAutoCAD and by everybody and cheerful Mohan Singh who helped in the preparation of this report.

H.S. Panwar
Director