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    Assessment of wildlife values of the Ganga river from Bijnor to Ballia including Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) WII
    Freshwater ecosystems, especially riverine systems, give rise to unique habitat mosaics, which support distinctive biodiversity and provide substantial ecosystem services, creating a strong imperative for their protection and restoration. They are being impacted globally by divergent but frequently concurrent processes including water pollution, over-fishing, alteration of natural flow regime, invasive species, climate change and human-induced habitat loss. These dynamic systems are often poorly protected, and require conservation measures through systematic planning. Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) is widely considered as the most influential paradigm to identify and bring areas under protection through effective planning and spatial prioritization. The SCP requires an evaluation of sites for their biodiversity values, habitat heterogeneity, habitat dynamics, and existing human-induced habitat alteration factors. The Ganga River is the lifeline to more than 500 million people as it flows through five riparian states. It also harbours a unique assemblage of biodiversity due to its passage through three distinct biogeographic zones and unique habitat mosaics. Apart from nurturing umbrella species like the Gangetic river dolphin, otters, gharial and muggel; the Ganga River basin is recognized as a Global Turtle Priority Area and a Turtle Biodiversity Hotspot. With the aim of protecting and consel1'if7g the diverse array of biota and their habitats, a 7 km stretch of the Ganga River between Rajghat (Malviya Bridge) to Ramnagar Fort in Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh was declared as the Kachhua Vanyajiv Abhyaranya (Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary - TWS). Although declared a protected area, increase in riverbank agriculture, river traffic, water pollution through sewage and solid wastes are posing a threat to the biodiversity of TWS and the river-riparian habitats. High human disturbance in the form of cultural-religious activities are influencing the biological values of TWS. Considering the above, a rapid assessment study (March- July, 2018) was conducted in the TWS to evaluate its efficacy as a protected area; and to identify areas for effective biodiversity conservation. Stretch of the Ganga River between Bijnor to Ballia in Uttar Pradesh was evaluated following Systematic Conservation Planning approach. The objectives of this study were (1) Assessment of habitat structure of TWS and to detect changes over time, (2) Evaluation of efficacy of TWS and adjoining riverscape as a refugia for species of conservation concern; and (3) Prioritization of the Ganga River stretches with mosaics of riverine habitats for conservation planning. A spatial assessment using remote sensing data for the period 1974 to 2016 revealed no significant changes in river channel and sand deposition in the TWS. However, -28% increase in the vegetation cover was observed which could be attributed to the protection accorded to the riparian areas by the Forest Department compared with an expansion of agricultural areas on the landward side. Out of 13 species of turtle reported from Ganga River, only 5 species were encountered during the field sampling with the combined efforts of visual encounter surveys and in-stream sampling using gill nets and box traps within the TWS and upstream and downstream of the Sanctuary limit. Very low encounter rate of turtles in TWS indicates high human disturbance leading to habitat alterations within a very small Protected Area. Sites along the TWS in the left bank are seen to have the least suitable habitat for turtles with high anthropogenic disturbances such as cemented ghats, intense ferry and boat activity, pollution, and human presence along the river. The sand bar in the right bank of the TWS, though is an excellent habitat for turtles and breeding birds, is also under severe anthropogenic pressure. Out of64 species offish reported/rom the Middle Ganga stretch. a total 0/45 species belonging to 38 genera, 16 family and five orders were recorded during the sampling period. The fish catch was higher inside TWS as compared to upstream and downstream o/the sanctuary and this could be attributed to prohibition o/fishing within the Sanctuary limits. A total of28 species of birds were observed, of which four species were of threatened categories as per the IUCN Red List. Nests of breeding birds were not observed from the TWS due to high biotic disturbance. A nesting site of the Indian Skimmer was identified at approximately 6 km upstream of the Sanctuary. Five pairs of Indian Skimmer and 14 pairs of Little tern, 4 pairs of River Lapwing a Near Threatened Species were observed/rom the vicinity. A rapid assessment of wildlife values was conducted in the entire stretch of the Ganga River falling within Uttar Pradesh and priority areas were identified through a scoring matrix. Kruskal's Multidimensional Scale analysis described the habitat parameters that influence species distribution. These parameters were sand mining, channel depth. fishing activities, presence of village/town and riverbed agriculture. Channel depth is the only factor which is positively influencing species distribution. Based on the scoring matrix, the highest biological value was attributed to a river stretch within the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, followed by the stretch from Brijghat to Narora, which is notified Ramsar Site. In addition to these, moderate biological value was assigned to the stretch downstream of Newada till Ballia. Habitat characteristic score (channel depth, meanders and river islands) was high in the downstream of Allahabad, till Ballia as this stretch persistently maintains high depth classes, meanders and river islands representing a complex mosaic of habitats. The anthropogenic influence scores was almost similar in the entire stretch from Bijnor barrage to Ballia as the river bed agriculture was prominent in the upper stretch. whereas fishing, sand mining, and human settlements were prevalent in the lower stretch of the river. The stretch between Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary and Narora already enjoys the protected area status. In spite of the protected status, TWS scored low due to its small size and high human disturbance. Based on the combined scores, a 140 Ian stretch downstream Newada in Allahabad district to Adalpur in Mirzapur district has been considered as the priority stretch for conservation. It is suggested that this area may be brought under the purview of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 by declaring it as a wildlife sanctuary for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity of the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh. Since the ecological characteristics and wildlife values vary along this 140 Ian stretch on account of anthropogenic pressures, harmonization for excluding some areas having high anthropogenic pressures on account of intense cultural-religious uses may be required, and to be done by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
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    Priority areas for ecological assessment along samruddi corridor, Maharashtra, India: preliminary report
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) WII
    Global conservation strategies depend strongly on the creation and strengthening of the protected area network. However, several protected areas are facing new challenges of development In their surroundings leading to habitat f fragmentation and species loss. Roads are essential transport infrastructure to support India's endeavors of fulfilling vital transportation needs across the country. In the last decade, negative impacts of road network has been significant. .Special attention. is therefore required to protect wildlife values like corridors and distribution ranges of wildlife species that overlay the alignment of the expressway. The task, therefore, is to foresee conservation beyond protected areas that undergo modification due to growing infrastructural development, which eventually exerts pressure on protected areas. Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has proposed to build a smart green expressway connecting Nagpur to Mumbai. The highway aims at strengthening the rural agriculture sector while enhancing mobility. Although, the proposed alignment does not cross through any existing protected areas nevertheless MSRDC has envisaged developing the road as wildlife friendly infrastructure aiming at conservation outside protected area network. The objective of this report is to assist MSRDC and Government of Maharashtra in addressing ecological concerns at an early stage of planning the highway for safeguarding wildlife values. The preliminary report by the Wildlife Institute of India provides a framework for the protection of wildlife along the proposed alignment (701 km) of Nagpur Mumbai expressway, Maharashtra, India. This report aims at developing a roadmap to assess and evaluate ecological implications of future road development in the landscape with special emphasis on wildlife corridor function. Relevant mitigation measures shall avoid these impacts (direct, indirect and cumulative) of road infrastructure on various wildlife taxa and their habitats within the three landscapes of Maharashtra. The consecutive assessments conducted post this report will provide a strategic mitigation plan to present and minimize impacts of the proposed expressway on ecological habitats and wildlife. The Nagpur-Mumbai expressway is planned to be the first of Its kind project, where mitigation measures for wildlife are planned before? the road is built. This report helps in identifying the Important wildlife habltats that may require further assessment to design appropriate mitigation structures
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    Management of Forests in India for Biological Diversity and Forests Productivity, A New Perspective - Volume V: Satpura Conservation Area (SCA)
    (WII-USDA Forest Service, 2002) Pant, A.; Chavan, S.G.; Banubakode, S.B.; Holthausen, R.; Sawarkar, V.B.; Sen, S.; Wankhade, R.
    The principal aim of the project was to demonstrate an approach to achieving integration of concerns in India for biological diversity, forest based products, and their sustained flow in support of technological, economic and social benefits to urban and rural sector lifestyles. To accomplish this, the project set forth the following six objectives that addressed ecological assessment in “conservation areas” that included relatively undisturbed forest ecosystems, managed forests with current forestry interventions under a variety of harvest systems, and intervening matrix landscapes that support subsistence and related market based rural economies.
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    Management of forests in India for Biological Diversity and Forests productivity, A new perspective - Vol. VI : Terai Conservation Areas (TCA)
    (WII-USDA Forest Service, 2002) Kumar, H.; Mathur, P.K.; Lahmkuhl, J.F.; Khati, D.V.S.; De, R.; Longwah, W.
    The principal aim of the project was to demonstrate an approach to achieving integration of concerns in India for biological diversity, forest based products, and their sustained flow in support of technological, economic and social benefits to urban and rural sector lifestyles. To accomplish this, the project set forth the following six objectives that addressed ecological assessment in “conservation areas” that included relatively undisturbed forest ecosystems, managed forests with current forestry interventions under a variety of harvest systems, and intervening matrix landscapes that support subsistence and related market based rural economies. Project Objectives : • Assess, document, and map the kinds, extent and distribution of plant and animal diversity in selected ”conservation areas” through rapid survey methods.• Use existing status and habitat relationships information to set up baseline habitat relationships information system. • From stand-to landscape-level perspectives, evaluate the impact of existing forestry practices and use of forest-based resources by local people, including methods of harvests and collection, fires, operation of varied concessions and rights on micro habitat elements, key habitats, species, communities, the overall forest productivity and diversity. • Rapidly assess the social and economic systems of surrounding villages in terms of varied land use and forest resource dependency, including raising and grazing of domestic livestock, other vocations, skills, economy, and markets. These will be seen in relationship to forest systems. Threats to ecological harmony and economical status of people will be documented. • Use modern ecological concepts to develop practical management tools and practices for bringing about harmony within and between forest and village systems through sustainable land use practices that make social and economic sense. Document problems and threat mitigation prescriptions, and develop site specific field guides to management. • Conduct workshops and seminars to share experiences, disseminate knowledge, and begin the process of training scientists and managers
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    Ecological assessment of sites designated for collection of sand and bouders from river beds of Uttarakhand : study report
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) WII
    Economic development invariably requires resources. Extraction of resources from the environment involves changes in the state of the environment. Hence, our ability to integrate development and ecological integrity can help in making informed decisions without affecting the ecological values of the ecosystem. The Riverbed Materials (RBM) are renewable resource which are abundantly used as construction materials. RBMs are byproduct of the massive sediment load and deposition that the rivers carry along the course of its flow. In Uttarakhand, most rivers that run through bhabar tract are targeted for their rich deposition RBM ( sand and boulders). Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation (UAFDC) has proposed extraction of RBM form different rivers in Uttarakhand. Under the direction of Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), vide letter No.11-329/2010-FC, dated 16 November 2010 the Wildlife Institute of India has carried out a study to assess the impact of RBM collection in six rivers (Kosi, Dabka, Nihal, Gola, Sharda and Kiroda Nullah). Subsequently, vide its let No. 8- 80/93-FC (pt.), dated 26 November 2010 the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India directed to add two more sites; viz. Tons and Yamuna Rivers at Kalsi and Rampur Mandi respectively in Chakrata Forest Division. The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the study are as under: 1. Assessment and identification of the adverse impacts, if any, of the collection of sand, boulder and other minor minerals on wildlife and its habitat; 2. Identification of the appropriate ameliorative measures to eliminate if possible, or minimize to the extent possible, the identified adverse impacts of the collection of minor minerals on wildlife and their habitat; 3. Identification/ delineation of the migratory corridors in and around the area proposed for collection of minor mineral; 4. Assessment and identification of the adverse impacts, if any, of the non-collection of sand, boulder and other minor minerals from the area identified as corridor on river geometry and soil erosion pattern along the adjoining river banks; and 5. development of an appropriate plan for management of the identified migratory corridors. Such plan inter-alia may include restriction on collection of minor minerals for major part of the year, with a provision of periodic accelerated collection (preferably during the period having least frequency of wildlife movement) to maintain river geometry.