The preceding section is a compilation of the baseline information on the wildlife values of the ecologically important areas enroute the proposed HBPL project. The project induced changes on the existing status of the wildlife habitats have been visualised to predict the likely impacts of the project on wildlife values. In this section of the report, an attempt has also been made to recognise the boundaries, range, and significance of the predicted impacts. The significance of such impacts has largely been based on uniqueness and fragility of habitat types, status of faunal/floral species likely to be impacted upon, as well as duration and reversibility of the changes associated with projects activities.

4.1 IMPACT ON FOREST
Kalayanpur, Narganjo and Gopalpur are the only three forest areas enroute the proposed pipeline. Since the ROW was already acquired in these forests for earlier laid pipeline, the proposed pipeline will not impact upon additional forest areas as this would be aligned in the existing ROW. Moreover since these forest do not enjoy the status of either Reserved or Protected Forests, these are fairly degraded areas not suitable as wildlife habitats. None of the wildlife species of conservation significance exist in these forests. Developmental initiatives including rail, road and canal network have hardly left any intact forest patch of wildlife value along the proposed pipeline.

4.2 IMPACT ON WETLANDS
The high biological productivity, plentiful water and diverse flora make the wetlands a home for a variety of mammals birds, amphibian reptiles and fishes. The direct harvest of forest resource of wetlands, the conversion of wetlands for agriculture and the development projects have already reduced the biodiversity of many wetlands in India ( ). It is therefore important to identify the impacts of the proposed project on these enigmatic ecosystems for better mitigation planning before it is too late to restore the many wetland areas that would be impacted upon by the expansion of the proposed pipeline project.

4.2.1 IMPACT ON RIVERS
The impacts of disturbances on rivers ecology and wildlife values due to developmental activities are well reflected in low wildlife values Tables 4.1 and 4.2 of Damodar and Kiul. The disturbances associated with laying of pipeline across all major rivers would also have impacts on wildlife values. This concern needs to be addressed through careful planning of project. Ganges have all faunal groups represented. The presence of turtles and dolphin both of which have high CSF values assigned make this wetland the most important WLH enroute the proposed pipeline.

Dolphin are distributed only in two major rivers systems in India Ganges and its tributaries is one of them. Water and noise pollution increased saltation, sedimentation and water withdrawals for irrigation and construction of dams and barraged have already threatened the survival of dolphins in Ganges (Reeves et al., 1993). Any further developmental activities involving alteration in river ecology would restrict the dolphin population to smaller stretches of the river. The impacts of laying the pipeline across the Ganges can not be overlooked. The dolphins generally prefer residing in or nearby deeper channel of rivers. Obstruction of water flow in the river for pipeline crossing would lead to substantial disturbance to dolphin habitat (Reeves et al., 1993). Dolphins have two breeding peeks (April - May and Sept. - October) the calves are born in Dec. - Jan and May - June. Any project related disturbance to the river during the periods between April - June and Sept. to January would be detrimental to the dolphin population. The recent information on the present distribution of the river dolphin in the tributaries of the Ganges does not include the confirmed presence of dolphin in Rupnarayan river. This is an on the distribution of the Gangetic dolphin. Therefore, Rupnarayan river is a potential site for long term conservation of gangetic dolphins (Choudhury and Hussain). Any impact on the river ecology can be a serious threat to the dolphin habitat in Rupnarayan.

The fresh water Cheloman fauna (turtles) in India inhabit rivers and stream lakes ponds swamps and marshes. Turtles apart from playing a major role in cleansing of aquatic habitats are also important faunal group that adds to the biodiversity of aquatic habitats. The most serious threats to their conservation are undoubtedly their over exploitation and habitat alteration (MOU, 1993).

Table 4.1 Wildlife values with Conservation Significance Factor (CSF) for major rivers

* Baer's pochard sighting (see text in section 3.2.1)

Presence of turtles were confirmed from Ganges, Rupnarayan, Harohar and Ajoy. Presence of extremely rare narrow headed soft shelled turtle (Chitra indica) in Ganges has great ecological interest. The Indian soft shelled turtle (Aspideritus gargiticus) is reported in this stretch of Ganges and has an ecological role to play. The Ganga Action Plan has recommended captive breeding of this species of turtle for release in Ganges for cleaning up the aquatic environment. There is a potential threat to turtle and turtle nests from the construction activities of the proposed pipeline. Impacts on Ganges is likely to be more significant as 6 species of turtles including the rare. Narrow headed soft shelled turtle has been reported from this river.

The importance of Harohar river as an habitat for the threatened Baer's poachard (Arthya baeri) is well recognised as sights of as many as 60 individuals at this site is in itself a unique feature. The world population of this species is declining primarily due to habitat destruction. The proposed pipeline on Harohar river is likely to have significant impact on Baer's poachard habitat.

The construction of pipeline across the rivers Ganges, Rupnarayan and Harohar are likely to have significant primary impacts on aquatic habitats and wildlife species conservation.

4.2.2 MARSHES
Four marshes namely, Dakshinpur, Bar Nandanpur, Dharmapur and Jothkanurangod are important waterfowl habitats during winters (November to March). Construction phase activities of the proposed project are likely to impact the migratory waterfowl visiting these marshes.