We have attempted to visualise the project induced changes in the existing status of wildlife habitats in order to predict the likely impacts of the project on wildlife values. This chapter identifies such impacts on the different components of the biological environment of the affected area. The significance of such impacts has largely been based rated in accordance with the uniqueness and/or fragility of a given habitat type, or the status of faunal/floral species likelyto be impacted upon, as well as the duration and reversibility of the changes associated with project activities.

Impact Assessment of along the Salaya-Viramagm (SV) Section :
The proposed augmentation of SV pipeline section f the existing SMPL envisages pipeline laying activities in the Marine National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (MNP) in the Gulf of Kutch as well as laying of four looplines and two IPS on the mainland. The existing and proposed pipeline are or will be traversing through several ecologically sensitive areas including the country's one of the most diverse and fragile coastal and marine ecosystems, several grasslands, wetlands and forest areas. Baseline status of these areas including floral and faunal diversity and wildlife value have already been presented in detail in the previous chapter. Likely impacts on these threatened ecosystems and ecologically sensitive habitats are discussed below:

A. Coastal and marine ecosystem :
Critical coastal resources, such as mangroves and coral reefs, which are among the most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems, have been plundered in the name of development. Together, they provide vital habitats, feeding grounds and nurseries for literally hundreds of species of fish, shellfish and invertebrates.

It has been estimated that fully 10 per cent of the World's reefs have already been degraded 'beyond recognition'. Thirty per cent are in critical condition and will be lost completely in 10 - 20 years; while another 30 per cent are threatened and will be lost within 20 - 40 years. Only 30 per cent of the World's reefs are in stable condition. One of the difficulties, as Salm puts so well, is that the treasure of planet's coral reefs are even richer in some respects than those of tropical rain forests. They are largely hidden beneath the waves, the damage they are suffering form human activities is not seen. Thus, the problems of sea management, too are "hidden and mysterious" (Salm, 1994; and Rowley, 1994).

The world's coastlines are sagging under the onslaught of humanity. Throughout much of the world, coastal zones are over-developed, over-crowded and over-exploited (Hinrichsen, 1994). Underlining the crisis of our coasts is escalating human numbers and their needs. Coastal demographics are alarming, already nearly two0third of the World's population - some 3.6 billion people - live along a coastline (or within 150 km of one). In southeast Asia, 65 per cent of all major cities, those with population of 2.5 million or more, are located along coasts.

The project activities originate in the deep sea area of the Gulf of Kutch. A part of this Gulf has been declared as the MNP in recognition of its diverse marine life and rich wealth of other resources including the corals. Its over all capacity to sustain industries on its coast is limited (Vaishnav, 1988). In the last two decades, however, the costal belt along the Gulf of Kutch has become a highly sought after industrial area once its potential came to be known to the industrialists who were further induced by liberal subsidies and encouragement provided by the Government of Gujarat. Very rapid growth has occurred in major industries viz. salt and chemicals, fertiliser complex, cement factory, thermal power plant, an oil terminal and modernised fishing activities since the late 1980s. All these activities have let to a severe ecological degradation of this unique marine ecosystem. Unfortunately, not even a single comprehensive ecological study has been carried out in the Gulf on order to assess the overall impact of industries on marine life but empirical evidence points out that there is a considerable decrease in the species composition (Chavan, 1988 and Singh, 1994a). A pointer to the pollution and degradation is the fact the age old pearl production has come to be extinguished of the Jamnagar coast. Fishery in the areas on decline not only because of over fishing but also due to habitat degradation and the use of faulty fishing practices.

The setting of the MNP was a safeguard against such onslaught in the gulf of Kutch. However, there has not been much recovery in the marine life in spite of declaring MNP in the Gulf. Process of deposition of silt and sand on the coral reef continues due to over all changes and increasing disturbance in the environment of the Gulf of Kutch. Surrounding waters of the islands are intensively traversed by fisherman, coastal industries and local people for movement. Oil-spills from various sources into the Gulf water have been seen regularly albeit in a minor scale, Used engine oil and other such materials are directly discharged by the ships in the water near the coral reefs which settle down on the island due to its movement by the tides (Singh, 1994b).

From the foregoing description it is evident that the coastal and marine ecosystem in the Gulf of Kutch as well MNP has been greatly influenced in the recent past by developmental activities, and faulty land-use. Some of the degradations which have taken place are irreversible. Further, it has been learnt that several petroleum industries are now planning to establish their bases along this gulf by installing 4 to 5 additional SBMs (Singh, Pers. Com.). If these projected activities are approved this will lead to a disastrous situation for the Gulf and MNP since each SBM will involve regular movement of very large oil tankers, laying of a network of off-shore and on-shore pipelines and increasing risk of major oil spills.

Further, there are no facilities or contingency crisis management plan to cope up with oil spillage at Narara island or in other parts of MNP. Minor spills have already been reported, and the danger of a major spill by capsizing ofa large oil tanker or bursting of offshore pipelines can not be ignored or ruled out.

At stated earlier, the existing SBM and oil terminal at Vadinar were installed much before the declaration of MNP by three successive government notifications during the years 1980 to 82. No confirmed information regarding the grant of ROW to IOCL, maintenance of existing facilities and provisions for future expansion from the concerned authorities of the IOCL, EIL and MNP authorities could be obtained. However, considering continual operations at the SBM and Vadinar oil terminal, it is assumed that IOCL already holds requisite ROW for maintaining the existing facilities. In order to augment the capacity of the existing facility at Vadinar, M/s IOCL has proposed the installation of another SBM and laying of two off-shore submarine pipelines. The proposed construction activities are largely planned in deep sea are of Gulf (outside MNP) and in the ROW which passes through MNP. A diagrammatic representation of the existing ad proposed SBM and pipeline facilities have been provided in the Fig. 3.1.2. This figure was sent along with details of our understanding regarding the proposed construction activities in the MNP and the Gulf of Kutch to the Chief Project Manager, IOCL, New Delhi; Chief Operations Manager, Vadinar oil Terminal, Vadinar; EIL, New Delhi; and the Director, MNP, Jamnagar. We understand that the major construction activities are proposed to be taken in the deep sea area. However, some construction activities are also visualised in the MNP area. This understanding of ours was discussed with the Chief Project Manager, IOCL, New Delhi and Shri S.S. Samant, Senior Operations Engineer, Vadinar and they confirmed our understanding to be correct. Since we have not been able to obtain a written confirmation until the writing report, ourabove interpretation could be treated as subject to such confirmation. For clarification, M/s IOCL should provide all the details regarding the existing ROW in MNP and provisions for future expansion in the light of the fact that certain proposed activities will take place within the boundaries of the Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park area. The decision-makers will have to take this aspect into consideration prior to the approval of the proposed project.

The construction activities of SBM and new off-shore pipelines will cause a significant direct disturbance in the movement of several endangered species viz. dolphins, dugong, whales, sea turtles and several other marine organisms. The proposed pigging facility for connecting new off-shore pipeline with existing on-shore pipeline is likely to cause a minimal impact on the corals and marine life in the intertidal zone, mudflats, etc. in the MNP area.

Based on the information provided by IOCL on an average 15-20 very large crude oil containers (VLCC) berth around the SBM every month. Already appreciable remnants of chronic oil spills has been evidenced in the islands of MNP in general and the Narara 'bet' in particular (Singh, Pers. Comm.)

The present level of disturbance to marine life from ship movement is likely to be doubled as twice the present number of large oil tankers will berth around the SBM and the maintenance activities are also bound to go up after the implementation of the proposed augmentation project.

Oil spillage from crude oil tankers, off-shore pipeline breaks, and off-loading activities can create, and have created in the past, long term - damage to coastal resources. These spills can promote two types of damage : acute and chronic. Coastal environments are sensitive to oil spills. The details on problems, past case histories and guidelines for the setting up of petroleum industry related development projects have been provided by Snedkar and Getter (1985). An extract form a book entitled "COASTS" on these aspects has been provided in Annexure - I.

Thus, major impacts on this fragile ecosystem has also been visualised by the anticipated risk of oil spills so also damages to coral reef beds from the constructions and laying of submarine pipelines.

B. Wetlands :
Altogether eleven wetlands (eight rivers, one lake, and two village ponds) were identified as ecological sensitive areas along the SV section. In addition to the existing pipeline system, four looplines have been proposed for augmentation. First two looplines viz. Vadinar- Jamnagar and Jamnagar- Rajkot segments will cross five rivers, namely Phulzair, Nagmati, Ruparel, Und and Aji. Among these first fur rivers are seasonal and while the Aji river is perennial. All these five rivers have secured low to moderate conservation significance values (Table 3.2.1) based on the seasonality of their flows, species diversity and over all present status. The construction activities of proposed looplines across these rivers therefore, is not likely to cause a significant impact. No significant impact other than, accidental oil spill is expected during the operational and maintenance phase.

C. Grassland :
Seven important grassland areas were identified all along the pipeline route of SV section. None of proposed looplines passes through these habitats. Hence, no impact to any ecologically sensitive grassland areas has been visualised by the construction activities of looplines.

D. Forests :
Two small forest area en route the pipeline were recognized as ecologically sensitive. New four proposed looplines will not pass through these forest areas. Therefore, no impact has been visualised on these forests during the construction activities of new looplines. However, possible threat of oil leakage from the existing pipelines passing through these two forests can not be ignored.

E. Agricultural lands :
Agricultural lands throughout the Jamnagar and Rajkot districts have been reported to be used extensively by common cranes and Domoiselle cranes for feeding. Hence, agricultural fields have also been considered important. Four proposed looplines will pass through the crop fields. Since a very small area of crop fields will be impacted during the construction phase cranes will not be affected significantly.