CATCHMENT AREA TREATMENT

Studies

Surveys and studies have been undertaken to aid the development of a management plan for CAT in the SSP catchment which are:  

• Report of Inter-Departmental Committee on Soil Conservation and Afforestation: (the Dewan Committee Report), 1985 presented the findings and recommendations of an inter-departmental committee set up by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The outcome of the study by AISLUSO to prioritize sub-watersheds is presented in Table below, which includes all sub-watersheds above the SSP and below the ISP (i.e. the catchment of SSP, Omkareshwar Project and Maheshwar Project). About 28% of the total catchment area prioritized falls into the ‘very high’ and ‘high’ categories most susceptible to erosion.

Prioritisation of Sub-watersheds

COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION & SUBMERGENCE OF FORESTS

There have been a number of studies in three States aimed at assessing the extent and significance of the loss of forestlands attributable to the SSP.  

• Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) Project Development Plan, Volume II prepared by the Narmada Planning Group (NPG) in 1983 contained a chapter on the various environmental aspects of the SSP. Details of land use and forest cover derived from aerial photography were included.
• Studies on Ecology and Environment by MS University of Baroda (MSU) in 1983, used satellite photography, statistical sampling techniques, and an extensive programme of field work to determine the density, species composition and productivity of forests in the submergence area of Gujarat.
• Sardar Sarovar Project: Preparation of Environmental Work Plan by the Forests Department of Maharashtra in 1988 was a survey listing all-important flora in the submergence area of Maharashtra.
• Eco-Environmental and Wildlife Management Studies on the Sardar Sarovar Submergence Area in Gujarat reported on work done between November 1989 and May 1992 by MSU. This provided more detailed reports on the status of the forests in the submergence area and environs of Gujarat.
• Impact Assessment of Madhya Pradesh Land to be submerged under Sardar Sarovar Project and Adjoining Ecosystems. The study was conducted by the State Forest Research Institute (SFRI) in Jabalpur. A detailed analysis of the growing stock and species composition of forest to be submerged besides survey of some of the socio-economic parameters was conducted. This report was submitted during 1994.
• Status of Flora and Fauna in and around Sardar Sarovar Project, Maharashtra by the University of Pune was submitted during 1997. It has used satellite imagery and GIS techniques coupled with an extensive programme of fieldwork to report on the density and species composition of forest area in Maharashtra.

In Maharashtra the forest areas in the submergence zone are contiguous with those of Gujarat on the south side of the Narmada and are in the same poor condition. Reports by the University of Pune and field visit’s by NCA officials suggest that overexploitation, encroachment by people for agriculture and consequent erosion has reduced much of the area to a highly degraded state. The forests to be used for resettlement in Maharashtra are also heavily degraded so that of the total designated forest area to be diverted in Maharashtra, less than 50% had significant tree cover.   

Reports from Madhya Pradesh suggested that the situation is similar there. Fires, over grazing and shifting cultivation have led to degradation of the forest and caused erosion. Study by the SFRI indicated that the SSP submergence areas in Madhya Pradesh were very highly degraded and in only a small patch of 2,732 ha of very poor quality forest most of which was hacked, pollarded and damaged, was to be submerged by the SSP reservoir. Ground flora such as grasses, herbs and shrubs were altogether absent in some areas, and under-stocked, small and bushy in others. In the absence of vegetation cover and due to scarcity of water holes and the lack of fodder, the area harbours little or no wildlife of value.   

Extensive Afforestation should be taken to overcome loss of forests and provide better vegetative cover.

FLORA , FAUNA AND CARRYING CAPACITY

Studies

There have been extensive studies/surveys of the flora and fauna in all the project affected areas of the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh carried out by the identified institutions/agencies. In general, the aim of these surveys has been to establish the composition and status of the terrestrial ecological resources. This information is being used as a basis to develop mitigation measures and management strategies. Important survey work included the following:

Findings

Final studies/surveys of the terrestrial flora and fauna were conducted to identifying rare or endangered species for devising appropriate conservation measures. Detailed studies of flora and fauna in the submergence zone of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have concluded that no valuable flora or fauna will be threatened by the SSP. 

Creation of a reservoir in the present water deficit terrestrial ecology is going to significantly modify the moisture regime. The river & reservoir bank areas, which remain dry on high lands, will be most benefited both in the upstream and downstream by the changed moisture regime as well as greater water availability round the year. The impoundment of water will provide new scope for revitalization and rebuilding of a better and more productive eco-system. The project offers a promising opportunity for recreating healthier forests. 

An opportunity for environmental improvement provided by the SSP is the creation or enhancement of areas of wildlife sanctuaries in all three States. The function of these sanctuaries will be to provide habitats for fauna following submergence and to encourage development of a diverse wildlife.

THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

Studies   

In India, the overall conservation and development of fisheries is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) which directs the efforts of the State Ministries of fisheries. Amongst the benefit’s of the SSP which these agencies are keen to exploit is the potential for increased fish catches in the reservoir. A number of studies have been carried out to establish a baseline and help to predict future conditions for aquatic life behind the Sardar Sarovar dam. Many of these studies predated the planning of the SSP but have provided a useful basis for further work and have been reviewed and synthesised by the Central Inland Capture Fisheries Research Institute (CICFRI).

In addition to these early studies, studies undertaken as part of SSP planning include the following.   

Gujarat