An effort is made here to recommend the mitigation measures specific to the ecology of species and habitats and intended use of the project site after the project implementation.

5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are the specific recommendations suggested for the mitigation of the ecological impacts of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitats and their associated species en route the proposed project.

5.1.1 Forest Habitat

1. The time involved in laying the pipeline through the Jerandi and Phugala Forests should be substantially reduced. This is all the more important to be considered in laying the pipeline through the Jerandi Forest. It is recommended that all activities involved in laying the proposed pipeline through Jerandi Forest should be completed within a period of two to three weeks.

2. As per the discussions with the project authorities (BPCL) it is being assumed that no blasting activities would be initiated to construct the trench for the pipeline through the rocky stretches of Jerandi Forest. This is important to ensure least threat to floral diversity of the area, and migratory movements and breeding cycle of faunal species. It is almost certain that some faunal species would have the breeding periods coincide with the pipeline laying period and therefore it is not possible to allow blasting operations to take place within the forest during any season of the year.

3. Influx of skilled and unskilled labour during the pipeline laying operation can be regulated. It is recommended that atleast the unskilled labour should be hired from among the local people residing in the villages within the forest. This would substantially reduce the pressure on timber, fuelwood and water resources of the forest.

4. Construction of storage sheds for material and equipments should be ensured in the areas close to human habitation so as to reduce possibilities of the disturbance to wild animals that could be associated with this kind of infrastructural developments.

5. The project authorities (BPCL) have already confirmed that the existing dirt road would be used for the purpose of transportation of materials and equipments. Therefore no recommendations have been made for determining the route for the development of the new road network within the forest habitats.

6. It is recommended that under no circumstances the water from Bhatsai river should be drawn for any project related activity. This is the only measure to ensure water for wildlife, livestock and villagers even during the crunch period. The river being seasonal has very little quantity of water during summer season and this resource should not be denied at any cost to its justified dependants.

7. Compensatory afforestation should be ensured on the sites identified in consultation with the Maharashtra Forest Department.

8. Selection of species for afforestation should be done with utmost care and consideration of the local people's needs and the ecology of the area. The species selected should be fast growing and should have sufficient economic value for local people.

5.1.2 Grassland

1. Laying of pipeline through the Sinnar Grassland should be ensured in the period that coincides with the post harvest season of the grasses.

2. Sinnar Grassland is the only representative of grassland ecosystem en route the proposed pipeline. Sufficient care should be taken to avoid accidental fire and other destructive activities that hinders the management of area as a grassland habitat for wildlife species.

5.1.3 Wetlands

1. The wildlife values of Ulhas Creek have already been impacted by the inflow of toxic industrial effluents and sewage. Therefore, no specific recommendations are being made to mitigate already degraded wetland. Alteration in the choice of technology for laying pipeline nor in the alignment of pipeline route is neither necessary nor is being recommended.

2. No alternatives to the proposed route alignment along Lake Beale are being suggested as the already depleted biological values of this lake do not build a strong justification for their conservation.

3. No recommendations are being made to suggest changes in the proposed route for pipeline crossing through Godavari River corridor as the initial route has been aligned in the zone with considerable care to minimise impacts on aquatic values of this river corridor.