Pre-development measurements of environmental quality through select attributes in the study area are essential requirements for post development audits and impact monitoring. Observations on direct measurements of wildlife species and their habitat attributes likely to be impacted upon by the proposed project have been presented here. The magnitudes of anticipated impacts of the proposed project would be largely determined on the basis of probable changes in wildlife values of ecologically sensitive areas en route the pipeline.

The baseline data for environmental impact assessment in the present study has come mainly from two sources: (i) field surveys conducted for the purpose, and (ii) records and publications already in existence. Naturalist in India have significantly contributed to build up the baseline data on natural wealth during the last few decades. However, area-wise systematic information on floral and faunal diversity is greatly lacking. This is only in recent years that several institutions and voluntary organisations have made efforts in generating scientific information on various aspects of wildlife and ecological monitoring using simpler field methods as well as advanced technology viz. Radio-telemetry, Remote Sensing, Geographical Information System, etc.

Baseline data on wildlife and habitat attributes likely to be impacted upon by the proposed MDAJ hookup pipeline is presented below:

3.1 Viramgam - Koyali (VK) Section :
The Viramgam - Koyali (VK) section of the existing SMPL is 141 km in length. It starts from the oil terminal at Viramgam and ends at the Gujarat Refinery near Vadodara. On its way it passes mainly through the agricultural lands and wetlands (four rivers and seven village ponds). As envisaged in the augmentation project, a loop line of 17 km is proposed to be laid in the existing ROW. An Intermediate Pumping Station (IPS) has also been proposed near Bareja.

Twenty five sample points were surveyed along the pipeline route (Table - 3.1.1). The sample points were represented mainly by agricultural lands, rivers, and village ponds. Based on reconnaissance and rapid field assessment eleven ecologically sensitive wildlife habitats, ecosystems were recognised. The baseline data on the status of these eleven wildlife areas is presented category wise in the following paragraphs :

Table - 3.1.1 Location of sample points along VK section

+ denotes recognition of ecologically sensitive area.

A. WETLANDS
Two types of wetlands viz. rivers and village ponds were observed along the pipeline route. Major rivers encountered were Sabarmati, Vatrak, Shedhi and Mahi. Basically all these rivers are perennial. However, due to the construction of a few dams upstream and excessive pumping out of water for irrigational and drinking purposes a low water flow was noticed during the field studies, i.e. the summer season. These rivers have been polluted mainly by industrial effluents and sewage.

(a) Rivers :

Sabarmati river :
The pipeline crosses the Sabarmati river near Kamod village in Ahmedabad district. During the field visit effluent discharge from the nearby industries was noticed in the river. Important bird species observed at the river site were viz. Sarus crane (Grus antigone), white ibis (Threskiornis aethiopica), back ibis (Pseudibis papillosa), cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and red wattled lapwings (Vanellus indicus).

Vatrak river :
Vatrak is a perennial river, however, it lacks flowing water most of the time due to diversion of water from dams located upstream. Thus, the river with flowing water only during the rainy season. The dry river bed in most of the months is used for sand mining and for cultivating a few crops; chiefly water melon (Citrulus vulgaris) and castor (Ricinus communis). If water flow is restored, this river can provide an ideal habitat for turtles and other aquatic fauna. Thus, the conservation significance value obtained for this river was four (Table 3.1.2).

Shedhi river :
Shedhi is a tributary of river Vartak. This is a perennial river and can support viable population of some of the birds and reptiles. It was learnt from the local people that some chemical effluents are being discharged in the upstream which had affected the water quality severely. Probably for this reason the faunal diversity in this river has greatly suffered.

Mahi river :
Mahi river is one of the most important rivers in Gujarat. As in the case of above described rivers a major stretch of this river also remains dry and exposed because of the diversion of water upstream. Near Vasad, the pipeline crosses the river and it has been installed along the road bridge. The river stretch in the vicinity of pipeline is highly disturbed and for this reason no significant wildlife was observed.

(b) Village Ponds :

All seven village ponds namely Khoraj Nadoda, Kalana, Khoda, Rupwati, Sanand, Bhagupura and Piplata come under the influence of pipeline. Six of these village ponds were seasonal and gets dried up in the beginning of the summer season while the Piplata village pond was found to be perennial. The secondary information revealed that village ponds are potential wetland habitats and can support a diverse avifauna.

Table - 3.1.2 Conservation significance of ecologically sensitive wildlife habitats/ecosystems along VK section

* Areas with no legal status