4. description of the environment - Gujarat Pollution Control Board

Final Feasibility Report
Preparation of Feasibility– cum-Preliminary Design for 4/6 Laning
of Jetpur-Somnath section of NH 8D, Package No:
NHAI/DBFOII/DPR/02
VOLUME III:
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
b) Sensitive Ecological Habitats/ Ecosystems in the Indirect Influence Area
No sensitive ecological habitats or ecosystems are identified within the direct influence area of
the project corridor. Girnar Forest, Gir National Park and Gir Wildlife Sanctuary are the three
sensitive ecological habitats in the indirect influence area. The details are discussed below.
Girnar Forest: This forest is about 1km away from the project road (aerial distance). Moreover,
this stretch of the existing road is proposed to be bypassed (Junagadh Bypass) in the opposite
direction (right side) while the forest falls in the left side. The chief glory of Junagadh lies in the
hills. The hills Karakio (593.14 metres) mounts guard over Visavadar, the hills Dundvies with
Ratno (494.69 metres) and elsewhere. Lapla, Rozmal, Hadulidhar and Sayo breast the upper air.
Then follow magnificent mass of the Mt. Girnar (1,117.4 metres) with its rugged sides with Datar
(847.07 metres), the Lasa Pavadi (770.23 metres) and the Bhensla (697.99 metres).
The Gir – is far from the project road (more than 15 km away). The largest compact tract of dry
deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India is the last abode of the Asiatic lion
(Panthera leo persica). The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for successfully saving this
precious species from the brink of extinction. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965.
Subsequently, an area of 258.71 sq. km. was declared a National Park.
Gir has a topography made up of succession of rugged ridges, isolated hills, plateaus and
valleys. Besides being the last abode of Asiatic lions, Gir forms a unique habitat for ratel, rusty
spotted cat, pangolin, ruddy mongoose, civets, paradise flycatcher etc. There is an overwhelming
presence of the omnipotent big cat and bird population.
Flora & Fauna of the forests: Teak, dudhlo, khair, ber, desi baval, dhav, hermo, sadad, timru,
ashitro, saledi, modad, khakhro etc. Details of the flora of the study area are given in Annexure
4.3. The Gir forests support a rich biodiversity comprising 32 species of mammals, 300 species
of birds and 26 species of reptiles and thousands of species of insects.
c) Flora and Fauna in the Study Area
Flora: The flora in the project area comprises of roadside trees, fruit trees in certain villages
besides the vegetables and crops grown in the agriculture lands.
Roadside Plantation: A total of 18000 trees are present on either side of the project road.
These include trees in Protected forest & non forest land (within existing ROW). There are about
9500 trees on non forest land. The common tree species found along the roadside are given in
Table 4-12. Fruit trees are observed in certain locations along the corridor: Guava, mango,
coconut, Safeda and banana garden.
Sl No
Table 4-12: Road Side Tree Species
Common Names Scientific Names
1. Amla Emblica officinalis
2. Arduso Ailanthus excelsa
4-20