CLARIFICATIONS TO MoEF

OBSERVATIONS APRIL 2017

at Nana Layja, Kutch District, Gujarat

C1121310

SHIPYARD CUM CAPTIVE JETTIES

INCLUDING LNG TERMINAL

Submitted By

SPPL AND GIMCO

INFRASTRUCTURE LEASING & FINANCIAL SERVICES

LIMITED (IL&FS) - DEVELOPER/PROMOTER

KUTCH G U J A R A T

L&T INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING LIMITED (Formerly Known as L&T-RAMBØLL CONSULTING ENGINEERS LIMITED)

EIA Consultant:

CLARIFICATIONS TO MoEF OBSERVATIONS

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1 As per page 2-3 of EIA report, it is mentioned that project was falling in forest land. Pl. give the status of stage -1 forest clearance

As per the latest revised project layout subsequent to GCZMA clearance, the project facilities are

planned only on 181 HA of reclaimed land and no onshore land or forest land is involved.

The latest layout has been developed after public hearing and GCZMA appraisal process as briefed

below.

I. Initially, Shipyard cum Captive Jetties including LNG Terminal is proposed to be developed in

an area of about 336 Ha; out of which approximately 181 Ha will be reclaimed land. The

balance 155 Ha is onshore area, among 155 ha approximately 79 Ha of land is under project

proponent possession and remaining 76 Ha is of government land which was to be

applied.During public consultation with stakeholders, concern raised regarding onshore

government land to be applied belongs to forest department. Since proponent has to apply for

this land, an alternative layout was prepared by excluding the forest/government land with an

area of 260 Ha i.e., 181 Ha of reclaimed land and 79 Ha of onshore land available with the

project proponent was prepared and submitted to Gujarat Coastal Zone Management

Authority (GCZMA) for CRZ recommendation.

II. Subsequently, During GCZMA appraisal process, committee advised to keep the onshore land

intact and hence development of project facilities were shifted completely to reclaimed land

and layout was revised to an area of 181 ha.

Therefore, project development does not involve any forest land. The revised layout

superimposed on CRZ demarcation map prepared by NIO is enclosed as Appendix 1.

2 Fix the land for the proposed activity and give details of Survey nos. of land.

Project development is planned on reclaimed area of sea of 181 ha avoiding onshore area

requirement. No survey numbers are applicable.

3 Submit a declaration (if applicable) that any changes that were made in the layout were a result of the recommendations made in the Public hearing report and the recommendations of the Gujarat CZMA

The declaration is enclosed as Appendix 2.

4 Give the impact of temperature differences on the ecology of the impact zone at sea

From the proposed Shipyard cum captive jetties including LNG terminal, 3.0 MLD of treated

wastewater is proposed to be disposed into sea along with return cooling water discharge from the

power plants, reject brine from 60 MLD Captive Desalination plant, CETPs treated discharge of

SEZ through common marine outfall system.

A mathematical model study on advection and dispersion has been conducted to understand the

dispersion pattern of the plume, increase in ambient concentration of temperature, salinity and

other parameters etc., to identify the suitable location for disposal of treated wastewater and

assess the impact on ecology due to proposed outfall location.

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The Outfall location is proposed at 2.3 km into sea at (-) 10.3 m CD at sufficiently deep water with

effective diffuser arrangement to ensure dilution and faster attainment of ambient condition. The

excess temperature is extracted at 100 m and 500 m radius from proposed outfall location. The

excess temperature is found to be stabilising over the time. The excess temperatures do not

exceed 0.15oC and 0.200C beyond 500 m and 100 m of the outfall point.

In the project region, the seasonal variation in seawater temperature and salinity is observed

more than the predicated excess temperature and salinity. The species located in these areas are

well adapted to the seasonal variations and thus discharge of return cooling water may not have

impact on ecology in the outfall zone. As per USEPA guidelines, the maximum acceptable increase

in the weekly average temperature resulting from artificial sources is 1oC during all seasons of the

year, providing the summer maxima are not exceeded. The excess temperature falls well within

the acceptable limits as specified in USEPA guidelines.

5 Conservation plan for sand dune and turtle to be prepared in consultation with the Wildlife Department of the State Government

The study report for Sand Dune and Sea Turtle Nesting which includes conservation plan was

submitted to State wildlife department by GCZMA (communication of GCZMA to State Wildlife

Department is attached as Appendix 3). The study report & conservation plan drawn for sand

dunes & turtle nesting was reviewed by the Wildlife department and provided their

recommendation to GCZMA for according CRZ recommendation. Subsequently, GCZMA

accorded CRZ recommendation vide Ref.No. ENV-10-2015-152-E (T Cell) dated June 29, 2016.

The recommendation by Wildlife department is included in the GCZMA letter referred above and

the relevant part is reproduced below;

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6 Details of the air pollution control measures to be undertaken for the coal handling berth and well as bulk cargo handling berth.

As a part of development plan, two bulk cargo handling (coal) berths are proposed. Dust suppression

equipment will be provided for efficient control of dust pollution on environment during storage and

handling of Coal at berth and stockyard. An efficient dust suppression system will contain dust

particles before it is airborne.

Following different type of dust suppression system is proposed at different locations as detailed i n

Table 6-1.

Table 6-1 Details of Dust Suppression System

S. No.

Location Dust Suppression

System

1 Ship Unloaders Dry Fog System

2 Stacker cum Reclaimers Dry Fog System

3 Coal Stackyard Swivelling plain Water

Sprinkling

4 Transfer Towers Dry Fog System

Ship Unloaders

Dust at the ship unloader is generated when grab drops coal into the hopper. It is proposed to provide

Dry Fog Dust Suppression System which is more effective system than simple sprinkling to contain

this.

The Dry Fog Type Dust Suppression System operates on the Agglomeration Principle i.e.; air borne

dust particles are enveloped by a fine Dry Fog (Droplet Spectrum of 0 to 10 microns), the innumerable

collisions of dust particles with that of equalized droplet of water in the fine Dry fog makes the Dust

particles Agglomerate, become heavy enough and fall back on to the running stream of material. In

effect fine Dust of even respirable type (less than 3 microns) is suppressed even before it is air borne.

Transfer Towers

Dust emission in the transfer tower will be little less than in Unloaders but slightly higher than in

stockyard. Hence dry fog dust suppression system will be provided at all transfer points along the

conveyor.

Stackers cum Reclaimers

On board stacker cum reclaimers, it is proposed to provide Dry Fog Type Dust suppression system as

well.

Coal stockyard

Water sprinkling system at high pressure with swivelling type nozzles will be installed to cover entire

stockpile. Nozzles will be installed on pipes at different levels from ground. Nozzles will be installed

along stockpile at regular intervals to cover stockpile height and width. While stacking / reclaiming

Coal nearest two sprinklers will be operated to control dust generation due to discharge / reclaiming.

At other areas of stockpiles, two sprinklers at a time will be operated sequentially to control dust

generation due to winds. The schematic layout of Dust Suppression System (DSS) at coal stockyard is

shown in Figure 6-1.

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Figure 6-1: Schematic arrangement of Dust Suppression System around Coal Stackyard

In addition to the above green belt is planned along the stockyard area. There is a multipurpose /

general cargo berth proposed in the project to service SEZ requirements. The commodities that will be

handled at this berth are not expected to generate dust. However it is proposed to use water sprinkling

by means of tankers periodically at this berth area.

7 It was noted that ground level concentration of particulate matter seems to be in higher side. Therefore, reduce the ground level concentration of particulate matter by taking various onsite air pollution control measures. Kindly furnish the details

The air pollution control measures to be adopted are as follows:

1. Greenbelt development along the coal stockyard and development of green areas in the project

site

2. Covered conveyor galleries for transport of coal from berth to coal stockyard

3. Dust suppression system with various types such as Dry Fog system, Plain water system etc.,

at all susceptible areas of dust pollution during coal handling and storage.

4. Trucks proposed for break bulk cargo transport susceptible for fugitive suspension will be

covered with tarpaulin

5. Enough stack height for shipyard process and Sub merged combustion vaporiser (SCV) for

LNG regasification (standby technology).

After adopting the above control measures, prediction of ground level concentrations due to coal

handling, storage and also other sources of air pollution such as shipyard process stack emissions,

LNG regasification SCV stack emission and vessel emissions during berthing time were carried out by

using AERMOD software.

The incremental concentrations predicted at the selected receptor locations are given in Table 7-1.

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Table 7-1: 1st 24-hour Average Incremental & Resultant Concentration of PM10 & PM2.5,

SO2 and NOx

Location No.

1st – Highest 24-Hour Average Incremental Concentration in µg/m3

PM10 PM2.5 SO2 NOx

AAQ1 2.74 1.83 1.98 4.19

AAQ2 11.23 7.49 0.15 0.30

AAQ3 4.81 3.21 0.27 0.33

AAQ4 3.26 2.16 1.18 2.28

AAQ5 2.81 1.87 0.28 0.22

AAQ6 2.94 1.96 0.15 0.18

AAQ7 0.04 0.02 0.06 0.10

AAQ8 1.33 0.89 1.22 1.25

It may be noticed from above table, incremental concentration due to proposed project is minimal and

resultant concentrations are well within the NAAQ standard.

8 Layout map of greenbelt proposed around the coal handling berth and bulk cargo berth.

Coal handling jetties are offshore jetties connected to reclaimed land by about 1.2 km approach trestle.

The stockyard area is about 12 Ha and only three days storage is envisaged (normally varies from 15-

60 days).

Green belt of width 20- 25 m is planned along the coal stockyard area for 500 m length and around

the multipurpose berth area as shown below:

Figure 8-1: Greenbelt Development

9 Coordinates of the dumping ground of dredged materials to be furnished

Based on COWI mathematical model study, Location 2 was preferred for dredged spoil

dumping location. The coordinates of Location 2 are provided in Table 9-1.

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Table 9-1: Co-ordinates of Dredge Spoil Disposal Location

Location Disposal Area -2 Easting Northing

A 524266 2517453 B 524092 2516498 C 525613 2517454 D 525613 2516506

Figure 9-1: Dredge Spoil Disposal Location 1 (west of channel) and 2 (east of channel)

10 Measures to be taken to minimize the impact of dredging and dumping of dredge material on the nearby protected areas

From proposed project coast, no protected areas are located within 15 km radius.

The project requires about 22 million cum of capital dredging and estimated maintenance dredging per

annum is 2 million cum. Most of the dredged material especially from the harbour basin area will be

used for reclamation purpose and only about 5.3 million cum shall be dumped at the identified off

shore dumping ground.

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The extent and potential impacts of sediment plumes generated during the dredging works are

determined by the type of dredger, dredging methodology, dredging cycle (including dredging travel

and disposal times), daily production rates, type of sediments and flow conditions during dredging

works. These impacts are usually limited to the duration of the dredging works, however dredging

works need to be managed properly to minimise the temporary impacts.

Considering the above factors, a dredge plume model study has been carried out to find the effect of

dredging. The plume results at the dredging location show that the maximum suspended sediment

concentration varies between 200 and 250 mg/l at a distance of 1000m to the west and east of the

dredging area for basin area and channel dredging at its bend. The maximum concentration is much

lower and varies between 130 to 140 mg/l while dredging the end portion of approach channel in deep

waters. Similarly, the results show that the simulated suspended sediment concentration is less than

200 mg/l at a distance of 1000m from disposal area. The results also show that the simulated

suspended sediment concentrations reduce to the ambient concentrations within a few days after the

completion of the dredging operations.

Apart from Dredging Management Program before implementation, it is proposed to manage the

dredging works based on actual observations during dredging to ensure that that no unforeseen

impacts are realized and that dredging works are carried out with minimal temporary impacts

Hence, the following mitigation measures will be followed to minimise impact of dredging and

dumping of dredge material

A schedule for dredging shall be prepared and list of DO(s) and DO NOT(s) shall be

circulated among the people involved in construction activities

It is proposed to check turbidity levels during construction phase with baseline turbidity

levels as a reference during dredging.

It will be ensured that suitable dredging equipment is deployed to minimise the

suspension of fine sediments at the dredge site. The turbidity at the dredged site will also

be minimised through adoption of less intrusive dredging techniques along with timing of

the dredging activity (avoiding sensitive periods).

Dredging activity will be regulated during rough sea conditions.

Environmental Monitoring Programme comprising of monitoring of marine water quality,

marine sediment quality and marine ecology will be initiated one week prior to

commencement of dredging and will be carried out throughout dredging period.

It will be ensured that barges/workboats have slop tanks for collection of liquid/solid

waste generated on board. Discharge of wastes into sea will be prohibited.

Spill control measures will be adopted while fuelling dredgers, barges, workboats, etc.

Pre and post dredge material disposal bathymetry survey at disposal location shall be

carried out to ensure that the thickness of deposition to be less than 0.3 m from pre

disposal bed level.

Dredging and dredged material disposal will be monitored for compliance with proposed

mitigation measures.

The suspended sediment concentrations at surface, mid depth and bottom of the sea are to

be measured by taking water samples at the two locations of dumping to monitor the

overall behavior of the proposed dumping grounds.

11 Details of hazardous wastes generated from the proposed ship building and repair units and its management plan as per the provisions of the Hazardous Waste Management rules

The hazardous waste shall be mainly generated in the shipyard from paint chippings and waste grit

from the blasting ships hulls to remove old paint systems. The total volume of hazardous is estimated

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to be approximately 500 T per annum. The waste will be captured and taken off site for disposal, in

accordance with regulatory procedure, to nearby TSDF facility. The abrasive agents used in blasting

will be collected, cleaned and reused.

For dismantling of asbestos contained in ship structures, the operation shall take place in an enclosed

limited area, away from other activities, accessible to authorized persons only who have been trained

in handling asbestos and properly equipped. Asbestos removal facilities shall have concrete/asphalt

flooring, side walls and roof, wetting system, safe storage facilities for asbestos waste and packaging

facility.

PCBs are a group of substances which are good electrical insulators. Typically, PCBs may be present as

constituents of hydraulic oils or dielectric fluids in electrical switchgear, transformers and fluorescent

light starters.

Asbestos Management: Asbestos-containing material (ACM) in ships can be found in following1:

Concrete and tiling on the floor

Wall and ceiling panels and the fire insulation behind them

Doors

Glues and sealants in the windows and furniture

Heat insulation and lagging

Electrical cables

Brake linings and gaskets

Mooring ropes

Firemen’s outfits; Boiler cladding

Furnace firebricks

Welding shop curtains and welders gloves.

As long as ACM remains in good condition and is not disturbed, exposure is unlikely. When ship

maintenance, repair, renovation or other activities disturb ACM, or if it is damaged, asbestos fibers are

released.

The shipyard authorities will not only protect their workers from asbestos, but they will

also comply with SOLAS (The use of asbestos on board ships is governed by Chapter II,

Regulation 3-5 of the International Maritime Organization’s Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

Convention).

The authority will perform risk assessment for each ship coming into the facility and have

management procedures in place for cases when asbestos is suspected.

Workers will be trained to know what items could contain asbestos and be able to respond

accordingly. Special training shall be given to certain workers who may be carrying out

high-risk tasks. These might include boiler and steam pipe fitters, people installing

insulation in the accommodation, or people renewing linings.

Planned repairs or removal of such materials will be carried out by specialist personnel.

For dismantling of asbestos contained in ship structures, the operation shall take place in

an enclosed limited area, away from other activities, accessible to authorized persons only

who have been trained in handling asbestos and properly equipped.

Asbestos removal facilities shall have concrete/asphalt flooring, side walls and roof,

wetting system, safe storage facilities for asbestos waste and packaging facility.

It is also proposed that where large portions of pipe and boiler insulation must be

removed, containment barriers will be erected to achieve full range of worker protections.

Containment bags may be used instead of constructing containment barriers around the

work area. Figure 11-1 shows the containment bags positioned around the pipe insulation

1 Asbestos on ships How to manage it safely- Lloyd’s Register, March 2013

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to be removed, and sealed to the pipe with tape. (Ref EPA Purple Book- Guidance for

Controlling Asbestos Containing Material in Buildings)

Figure 11-1: Containment bags for repairing or removing pipe insulation.

Figure 11-2: Clearly labelled asbestos-containing materials – an example of good

asbestos management

12 Quantity of wastewater generation from the ship building /repair units and its management and disposal plan to be submitted.

The total quantity of waste water (Sewage) generated in the project area, its proposed treatment and

disposal is presented in Table 12-1.

Table 12-1: Waste Water Generation and its Treatment & Disposal

Wastewater Generation

Shipyard Captive Jetties

LNG terminal Total (MLD)

Treatment Final Disposal

Sewage (in MLD)

1.535 0.080 0.019 1.634

STP Greenbelt Development

Effluent (in MLD)

1.360 - 0.047 1.407

ETP Marine Outfall

Total 2.895 0.08 0.066 3.041 (Rounded off to 3 MLD)

1.7 MLD STP has been proposed for the treatment of Sewage water and 1.4 MLD ETP for the treatment

of effluents. The treated water from STP will be used for the greenbelt development.

During rainy season/days, treated water from STP will be sent to marine outfall proposed by the SEZ

developer along with ETP discharge. Thus 3 MLD of wastewater will be disposed to sea through

marine outfall proposed at latitude 22° 48' 52.63"N, longitude 69° 13' 49.13"E.

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13 Onsite and offsite disaster management plan.

13.1 Onsite Emergency Plan

Onsite emergency plan for Shipyard cum Captive Jetties including LNG Terminal is formulated based

on potential hazards, manpower and resources. These plans would serve as a significant input for

formulating an integrated plan for entire Shipyard cum Captive Jetties including LNG Terminal which

would be further collated to formulate the offsite emergency plan.

The plan would have the following components:

Formulation of DMP and Emergency Services

Organisation Structure

Roles and Responsibilities of Emergency Teams

Communication

Emergency Control Centre

Alarm Systems & Assembly Points

Mutual Aid Scheme

Onsite Emergency Plan and Rehearsals

Spillage & Contingency Plan

Formulation of Disaster Management Plan for Cyclones

13.1.1 Formulation of DMP and Emergency Services

The assessment of the risks and hazards leads either to improvements being made at the installation in

the form, for example, of additional safeguards or better procedures, or the decision being taken that

the risk is sufficiently small to be accepted. The DMP must be related to the final assessment and it is

the responsibility of the PROJECT Management to formulate it. The plan will include the following

elements:

Assessment of the magnitude and nature of the events foreseen and the probability of their

occurrence

Formulation of the plan and liaison with outside authorities, including the emergency services

Procedures for raising the alarm and communication both within and outside the shipyard cum

captive jetties including LNG terminal.

Appointment of key personnel and their duties and responsibilities (organizational structure)

Emergency Control Centre

Action on site and Action off site

13.1.2 Organization Structure

The first few minutes after the incident /accident are invariably the most critical period in prevention

of escalation. Therefore, the personnel available at or near the incident site (and often responsible for

or carrying out that particular activity) and on a round the clock basis play a vital role in an emergency.

This concept is made use of in nominating the KEY PERSONS.

In each hazardous location it is necessary to nominate a functionary as the "Incident Controller" who

is invariably shift-in-charge of the facility. The Incident Controller tackling the emergency in real

terms requires support from various other services e.g. fire & safety, medical services, security,

engineering, administration, technical services covering communication, transport and personnel

functions, etc. A KEY PERSON for each one of these services, therefore, should be nominated.

The "SITE MAIN CONTROLLER" (SMC) will be the Unit In-charge. The various controllers selected to

carry out the work will co-ordinate with the SMC through the functional KEY PERSONS at the incident

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site. The KEY PERSONS will generally be at the site of incident and the CONTROLLERS will report at

the EMERGENCY CONTROL CENTRE.

The duties and responsibilities of various KEY PERSONS AND CONTROLLERS will be written down

ensuring no grey areas or overlapping responsibilities. Various Controllers will be drawn from the

organisation and clear-cut responsibilities will be spelt out for the following controllers:

Operation Controller

Maintenance Controller

Fire and Safety Controller

Communication Controller

Environment Controller

A Succession chart will be developed as above nominating second-line controller who would act as

controller in the absence of any of the above officials. An emergency organisation chart is as follows:

13.1.3 Roles and Responsibilities of Emergency Team

i) Site Main Controller (In-charge)

To assess the extent and magnitude of the damage by maintaining communication with the Site Incident Controller (SIC).

To determine how far the emergency control plan can be extended

Prepare action for monitoring and controlling the emergencies

To decide whether any section /process /area to be shut down /isolated in the event of any accident

To finalise the means of evaluation and explore the possibilities of taking help from offsite sources

Review the fire fighting operations in consultation with Safety Coordinator

Co-ordination with the safety officer regarding evacuation and shelter rehabilitation aspects

Arrange for restoration and normalcy in consultation with Incident Controller

Announcement of conclusion of emergency

Issuance of authorised statements and ensures that all evidences of the incident are preserved.

(ii) Site Incident Controller (Shift in-charge)

Establish Emergency Control Centre and inform SMC

Ensure availability of Controllers/Team members

Priority decisions for strategy for development of resources for incident control

Periodic assessment of actual disaster zone and resource deployment (own /external)

Periodic status report of SMC

Seek help for:

o Fire Fighting

o Medical Aid

o Rescue

o Transport

o Traffic Arrangement

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o Law and Order

Inform the following authorities about the incident through zonal/sector authorities:

o District Collector

o Superintendent of Police

o District Environmental Engineer

o District Health Officer

o Inspector of Factories

o Neighbouring Installations

Establish contacts with the following, through controllers:

o Superintendents of nearby hospitals

o Chief Fire Officer of nearby fire services

o Insurance Company

o Establish First Aid Centre through Safety Coordinator

Establish Information Centres

13.1.4 Emergency Co-ordinators

Logistics Coordinator: The duties and responsibilities in the event of any emergency include:

Report at the affected area to the SMC & SIC

Arrange to attend all maintenance jobs as instructed by SIC

Ensure that all essential services like power, water etc are maintained without interruption

Ensure adequate manpower availability at the affected area

Reporting all the incidents to SIC

Arrange for all the tools, materials at the site of emergency

Communication Coordinator: Responsibilities include:

Report to SMC & SIC

Removal of non essential personnel from the emergency area in consultation with SIC

Contact with SIC and arrange for necessary facilities

Control over entry and maintain law & order and arrange for police help in consultation with SMC

Liaison with external agencies in consultation with SMC

Co-ordination of transportation requirements for moving personnel for first aid, evacuation,

rehabilitation etc.

Maintenance of inventory systems in the Emergency Control Centre

Safety Coordinator: Responsibilities include:

Immediate Reporting to SIC

Co-ordination with Security officer and security personnel

Ensure availability of all safety equipments at site

Co-ordination of all rescue operations

Co-ordination of availability of first aid to all injured personnel

Advice to SIC on fire fighting operations

Ensure availability of necessary antidotes/medicines in case of toxic release

13.1.5 Communication

An essential component of any emergency preparedness programme is the communication links for

gathering information needed for overall co-ordination e.g. emergency control centre with in-house as

well as outside emergency services. Too much reliance on the telephone system, fixed lines/mobile

phones is risky as it can soon be overloaded in an emergency situation. A computer with internet and

printer facility and photocopying machine, wireless networks, fax, intercom units are recommended

for higher reliability. Help line numbers will be setup for emergency related queries.

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The description of the tasks and responsibilities, reporting place, etc. for each key functionary will be,

as far as possible, so drafted as to reduce the communication needs between the interacting groups and

permit good mutual understanding and well co-ordinated independent actions to tackle emergency

situations.

13.1.6 Emergency Control Centre

The emergency control centre shall be established for the shipyard cum captive jetties including LNG

terminal and shall be equipped with the following:

An adequate number of external telephones. If possible, one should accept outgoing calls only, in

order to bypass jammed switchboards during an emergency

An adequate number of internal telephones, Radio equipment/pager system

A layout plan of the facility showing

Location of possible spillage/fire points

Sources of safety equipment and other fire-fighting system elements.

Escape Routes

A nominal roll of employees at the facility

A list of Key Personnel with addresses, telephone numbers, etc.

An adequate number of personnel protective/safety equipment available on site/backup in

warehouse or with other member groups of mutual aid programme

Locations of various fire fighting arrangements at the facility

13.1.7 Alarm Systems

The emergency (due to fires or spillages) should be initiated by the first person noticing it by activating

the fire alarm from the nearest call-point or by contacting the fire control room immediately on the

internal telephone in case of any emergency.

In the opinion of the shift in-charge in consultation with the fire safety officer, the severity of the

emergency is such that it can primarily be coped with by available own resources (aided by fire fighting

appliances from the fire brigade, if required) the siren for ONSITE CRISIS will be sounded through the

hooter. The siren codes for distinguishing between an ONSITE & OFFSITE CRISIS will be clearly

established. The onsite/offsite siren codes should be informed to the neighbouring population of the

facility.

13.1.8 Mutual Aid Scheme

Assistance in terms of equipment and manpower will be taken from the neighbouring installations

under a Mutual Aid Scheme/Zonal Disaster Management Plan.

13.1.9 Onsite Emergency Plan and Rehearsals

Once the emergency programme is finalised, it will be made known to all the personnel so that each

one knows his or her role in the event of an emergency. The plan will be regularly tested through

rehearsals, at a regular frequency and updated accordingly.

13.1.10 Mock Drills and Training

Mock Drills:

Mock drills on overall emergency response plan may be carried out once in 6 months to ensure

continued familiarity to the Key Personnel with the emergency procedure and to check if the hardware

infrastructure provided for emergency management is in good condition. OSHA recommends visit of

the emergency controller (Incident controller) to the Emergency Operations Centre once every three

months, to familiarize himself with the facilities available.

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Training:

The key personnel will be required to undergo a special in – plant training programme to understand

clearly their role in On-site emergency management and to develop the skills required for the purpose.

Most of the employees are to be given “Basic Fire Fighting” training, for operating portable

extinguishers in an emergency. The rest of the employees including supervisory and management

personnel will be required to undergo this course. Also, the emergency response team members will be

required to undergo annual training including refresher courses in the following areas:

Use of specialized protection equipment including practical drills

Emergency communication

Fire Fighting using equipment like fire hydrant, portable pumps, monitors etc.

Any other specialized training commensurate with the defined role

Information on the extent of spill

Measures to contain spill to a limited area

Measures to remove oil

Measures to dispose the spilled oil

Mock drills will be carried out to test the effectiveness of the contingency plan.

13.1.11 Evacuation plan for Emergency and Assembly Points

In order to manage emergencies more effectively, decision makers may benefit from having in-place

evacuation plans for scenarios which are most likely to happen, even though real-time design or re-

evaluation of evacuation plans may be required after the disaster strikes.

Based on the disaster scenarios, pre-warning for sudden/onset of disasters can leave enough time for

evacuations prior to the event. In case of natural disasters the probability of their occurrence and

effects is one of the influential factor. Seasonal disasters, even if sudden, pose lesser problems than

non-seasonal disasters so evacuation plans can be in place for either situation.

Building Evacuation: As soon as the pre-warning is given the first step is to evacuate the building.

The Evacuation action plan which includes following steps to follow during a disaster:

On the sound of an alarm, begin immediate evacuation

In case of fire, activate the nearest pull station and call Emergency

Evacuate via the nearest stairwell or grade level exit

Go to your pre-determined Evacuation Assembly Point/Shelter Area

If trapped by smoke, stay low, cover your mouth with wet cloth, stay near a window

Open it but do not break it, hang something out the window to let fire personnel know you

are there and put something in cracks around the door, phone emergency if possible

These layout maps showing exit routes will be placed at all important places also

pamphlets indicating same will be placed with the First Aid Kit

Be familiar with the location of first aid kits, fire alarms, and extinguishers, as well as

persons with first aid skills

DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS

Site Evacuation: The process involved in the evacuation from the source is as follows,

Identify the area vulnerable to disasters to which the evacuation plan will be applied

Identify number of shelters surrounding the source of origin

Identification and choice of the evacuation routes

Best assembly point can be identified during the disaster by proper planning within the Emergency

Team. The basic idea is to use an algorithm for finding the paths in the network from the disaster area

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(origin) to each shelter (destination). The route with the smallest travel time and based on the capacity

of evacuation associating to each path will help to evaluate each route with one another.

No shipping movement will be allowed to take place within a safety zone of 350m from the manifold

point over the unloading platform of LNG jetty, and the berths shall be planned in such a way to allow

fast evacuation of ship/through boats in case of emergency.

13.1.12 Spillage and Contingency Plan

The purpose of this plan is to identify, prevent and control all probable spillages in the project facility

for safe and healthy working of the personnel and machinery.

Probable materials for spillage:

Cargo Spillage

Liquid and solid wastes

Water

Oil system area (Lubricant oil, Hydraulic oil and control oil)

Spillages in the plants can lead to:

Causing loss of property

Interfaces with safe moving of personnel

Damage to equipment when left unattended

Health hazard i.e., toxic when released in air or mixes with the main drain system and further to town drain

Fire hazard

Prevention of spillage:

Routine checks of the system have to be made to ensure that no leak or spill starts. Any minor leakage

has to be reported to the concerned person (Shift In-charge, Operation & Maintenance team member).

Leakage has to be arrested in the shortest possible time. Necessary arrangements have to be made to

collect the leakage and to store in proper place. In case of spillage the following measures would be

adopted:

Oil spill on the land should be properly cleaned using absorbents, cotton waste, sand, saw

dust etc.

The collected oil is disposed to SPCB/CPCB authorized agency

13.1.13 Management Plan for Natural Hazards

In line with the Disaster Management Plan of Kutch District, Proponents of Shipyard cum captive

jetties including LNG terminal shall develop a customised DMP to cope during disasters from natural

calamities such as cyclones, Floods, Tsunami, storm surges and earthquakes, etc. Proper planning can

reduce the potential damage from disasters in terms of losses to human lives, assets, and

environmental damage and rehabilitation costs.

13.1.13.1 Cyclones

Based on Kutch District Disaster management plan 2012, entire Mandavi taluk is falling under high

sensitivity for cyclone. It is expected to occur once in five years. The Shipyard cum captive jetties

including LNG terminal management shall follow the four-stage warning system developed by Indian

Meteorological Department for cyclone: (Ref: GSDMA web link

www.gsdma.org/pdf/cyclone.pdf)

1) This warning is about the possibility of a cyclone when a low pressure depression develops in

oceans. For Gujarat, the development of such a depression in the Arabian Sea is indicative of a

cyclone attack.

Page 16

The Alert stage

2) This warning is given 48 hours prior to the expected cyclone which will hit the land.

The Warning stage

3) This is the stage when a cyclone gets formed. The warning is given 24 hours before the anticipated

time of arrival of a cyclone.

4) Cyclone arrival: This warning is issued 12 hours before a cyclone is due to hit the land. The warning

gives information about cyclone and will continue until the winds subside. In sea ports, danger

signal flags are hoisted about the impending cyclone

13.1.13.2 Disaster Management Plan for Cyclones/Floods

Flooding frequency is quite frequent in many talukas of the project district. Strict enforcement of flood

zone regulations needs to be done to prevent construction on the riverbanks.

Community awareness should be built up so that people respond effectively to the floods. Persons

living in the low lying parts of floodplains, areas are unsafe. Some aspects of flood planning and

response are:

Issuing warnings at the local levels

Participating in flood fighting by organizing work parties to repair

Embankments or clear debris from drainage areas, pile sandbags

Stockpile needed materials

Facilitating agricultural recovery

Planning emergency supplies of flood and clean drinking water

To conduct trainings on search and rescue for Search and Rescue

Teams formed at District, Taluka and Village level from time to time

In line with the Disaster Management Plan (DMP) of Kutch District, project proponent will develop a

customised DMP to cope during disasters from natural calamities such as rough weather conditions,

cyclones, Tsunami and floods, etc. Proper planning can reduce the potential damage from disasters in

terms of losses to human lives, assets, and environmental damage and rehabilitation costs. The DMP

for Cyclones and Tsunami will be prepared by project proponent in consultation with the Government

of Gujarat and GMB.

The rough weather operations will be controlled in three stages:

Green Status – The operations of loading /unloading will be carried out as planned.

Yellow Status – This is an alert stage indicating possibility of rough weather. Still operations can

be continued with all emergency precautions

Red Status – Emergency situations or rough weather; operation will be suspended.

Activities controlled by in-charge of emergency operations. The vessel/tanker are to be moved to safe

anchorage or will be advised to proceed to sea.

The main components of the DMP for cyclones will include the following:

Pre-Disaster (or Pre-Cyclone/Flood) Plan

On (or During Cyclone/Flood) Disaster Plan

Post (or After Cyclone/Flood) Disaster Plan

Pre-Cyclone/Flood Plan:

Pre-Cyclone/Flood Measures: Facility will maintain and exchange information continuously with the

local IMD authorities for continuous updates of meteorological conditions in general and emerging

/predicted weather phenomenon such as cyclones in particular. Upon issue of a cyclone warning by the

IMD, the management would immediately initiate the Pre-Cyclone Measures. The Department of Ports

Page 17

and District Collector of Kutch would be informed of the imminent cyclone. All officials dealing with

operations and disaster management will be informed.

Pre-Cyclone/Flood Exercise: On signalling of a cyclone alert, the Control Room will be manned 24

hours a day for disaster management. The ‘Weather Signals’ depending on the data available about the

cyclone and it’s threat perception will be informed to all personnel. The marine side operations will be

regulated as per the rough-weather classification and will be continued with all emergency

precautions. The different personnel would assume their roles and responsibilities as previously

identified for disaster management. The standby arrangement for power supply will be checked. Pre-

identified ‘Rescue Centres’ will be kept ready. A pre-alert will be issued regarding suspension of all

operations in case of emergency and to await instructions regarding the same. All Port Crafts and

Ships will be fully secured inside the harbour area. Communication system including standby

arrangement will be tested for working condition. Vehicles involved in rescue operations will be

checked for working condition. Port crafts to be engaged in rescue will be kept in readiness. The safety

in the project area will be ensured.

The following Flood warning messages will also be given:

Flood Alert – Flooding is possible

Flood Warning – Flooding of homes, businesses and main roads is expected

Severe Flood Warning – Severe flooding may cause Imminent danger

All Clear – No Flood Alerts or Warnings are in force

When a flood warning message is received, an Emergency team In-charge shall alert relevant agencies.

The following advice shall be given to the Public:

Flood warning: 'GO IN, STAY IN, TUNE IN'

Stay calm

Ensure that neighbours know of the warning, and be prepared to help them

Monitor local radio

Make a flood kit: medications, warm clothing, sealed food, blankets, matches, candles,

flashlights, portable radio, spare batteries, rubber gloves, personal documents

During Cyclone/Flood Plan: The emergency alarm siren will be raised as per the ‘Alarm System’.

All personnel will be evacuated except essential operational personnel and personnel dealing with

disaster management. The cargo handling operations will be suspended. The vessel will be moved to

safe anchorage or will be advised to proceed to sea. Power supply will be disconnected and alternative

power supply will be restored in essential operational areas. Port Crafts and Tugs will continue to be in

readiness for rescue.

Depending upon the scale of potential flooding, the following steps shall be taken:

Care of evacuated, hurt or homeless people

Protecting of utilities

Availability of transport

Flood alleviation e.g. clearing blocked culverts and drains

Providing emergency health advice

Providing road barriers and signs

Coordinating emergency support

Post Cyclone/Flood Plan: This would be the rescue and rehabilitation stage after passing of the

cyclone. The damages would be assessed and rehabilitation work initiated to restore operations at the

earliest. The records of the events during the cyclone will be maintained and reviewed for possible

enhancements to the DMP.

Page 18

13.1.13.3 Earthquakes

As discussed in Chapter 4, proposed site and entire Kutch district is falling under Seismic zone V

which represents the highest risk scenario. Hence, the site is sensitive to the earthquake. Following are

important measures for management of earthquakes:

Before Earthquake:

All employees shall be familiar with the location of first aid kits, fire alarms, and

extinguishers, as well as personnel with first aid skills.

Site evacuation plan and emergency assembly points shall be available at all locations.

During Earthquake:

Do not panic

Inside a Building:

Take cover immediately under a desk, table, or chair, in a corner away from windows,

along a wall in a hallway, or in a structurally strong location such as a hall by a pillar.

Watch for falling objects such as light fixtures, bookcases, cabinets, shelves, and other

furniture that might slide or topple. Stay away from windows. Do not run outside.

Do not dash for exits since they may be damaged and the building's exterior brick, tile, and

decorations may be falling off.

Do not use the elevators.

If fire breaks out, drop on the floor and crawl towards the exist

Outside a Building:

Remain outside, preferably in a vehicle.

Stay clear of electrical wires, poles, trees, or anything that might fall.

After a MAJOR Earthquake:

Listen to radio-TV and other media for Government Announcement

Examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to make sure that the building is not

in danger of collapsing

Do not enter into unsafe or risky houses or buildings

The site emergency controller shall:

Check for injuries to personnel in your area. Do not attempt to move seriously injured

persons unless they are in immediate danger. Render first aid assistance if required.

Check for fires or fire hazards, spills of flammable or combustible liquids, or leaks of

flammable gases. These activities must not significantly delay departure from the building

or put the Evacuation Warden in danger.

For small isolated spills, use spill cleanup procedures as outlined in Laboratory Standard

Operating Procedures. If SOP or chemical spill cleanup kit is not available, then evacuate

lab and notify authorities. For larger spills, evacuate building and notify authorities.

Turn off ignition and heat sources if properly trained and it is safe to do so.

Shut off all gas sources if trained to do so.

Exit the building, if possible, and go to the EAP to report on injuries, damages, and

potentially hazardous conditions. Take emergency/first aid kit and personal belongings.

Switch off electric lines

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13.1.13.4 Flood

As per Kutch district disaster management plan, around 12 villages of Mandvi Taluk are falling under

low lying areas which are flood prone. However, basic steps to be taken and avoided after flood are

presented below: (Ref: GSDMA publication www.gsdma/pdf/flood.pdf)

The important Do’s and Don’ts after Flood

There is a possibility of spread of water borne diseases after flood, and hence medical

treatment should be taken immediately.

Do not go near the riverbank even after the floodwater has receded.

Sprinkle medicines in the stagnant dirty water.

Check properly all the electric circuits, floor level furnace, boilers, or electric equipments

like motor pump etc. Check whether any inflammable or explosive item has not entered

along with the floodwater.

Switch off the main electric supply, if any damage is noticed to the electric equipments.

Sewerage system should be checked and any damage should be repaired immediately so as

to curtail spread of diseases.

Check gas leakage which can be known by smell of gas

Rescue work should be undertaken immediately after flood situation as per the

instruction. Do not follow any shortcut for rescue work.

13.1.13.5 Tsunami

The management plan for likely emergency of Tsunami is addressed below:

Characteristics: Tsunamis are a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance

such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite. A tsunami can move about 500 miles

per hour in the open ocean. Once the wave approaches the shore, it builds in height. The topography of

the coastline and the ocean floor will influence the size of the wave. There may be more than one wave

and the succeeding one may be larger than the one before. Tsunami waves and the receding water are

very destructive to structures. The Tsunami warning is issued on earthquake having intensity of more

than 6 on Ritcher scale.

Documentary Record to be maintained

Shipyard cum captive jetties including LNG terminal Complex Authority shall prepare and maintain

the following documents:

A tsunami hazard map graphically shows damage-prone areas with expected degrees of

damage caused by possible tsunami

A map showing inundation depth and probable inundation areas of project area shall be

prepared.

Evacuation maps shall be prepared and placed in the facility premises

Display of evacuation route on inundation maps

Warning/Confirmation

Early warnings/confirmation from the following sources shall be carefully examined:

Meteorological Station

TV and radio News

Dissemination of Tsunami Warning

Shipyard cum captive jetties including LNG terminal authorities shall have multiple channels for

receiving early warning, including a direct channel from national meteorological agency.

Communication shall be made through telecommunications, loud speakers and siren. When an early

Page 20

warning is received by the authority, the warning shall disseminate to the personnel including those in

the vessels, also to personnel in and around the site

Figure 13-1: Tsunami Warning and Evacuation

Onsite Action Plan

Alarm system to be initiated

Through Signal Station inform all the ships to evacuate from the berth to open sea. Signal Station

keeps in touch with all vessels on VHF.

Move tugs and launches to safe areas or deep water anchorages

Crew to wear life jackets.

Cease cargo operations immediately.

Arrange transport to evacuate to safer inland areas

Keep sand bags ready

Ensure proper secure of the cargo handling equipment and the shore cranes.

Evacuation of Personnel and cordoning off the area

Treatment of injured personnel

Evacuation

At least one or two evacuation places such as high rise building shall be identified within

the Shipyard cum captive jetties including LNG terminal complex (Administrative

building and Medical Aid Centre)

The evacuation place shall be safe and have enough space to accommodate the expected

people

The evacuation place shall be clearly identifiable and route shall be clearly indicated on the

map

Vessels shall be evacuated from the jetty area

Counter measures against Tsunami that can be taken up by ships as given in Table 13-1.

Page 21

Table 13-1: Ship Action Policy against Tsunami2

Tsunami Forecast

Time until tsunami arrival

Ship Action

Moored ships at Berth

Anchored ship, buoy-moored ship

Navigating Ship

Large Ship, Medium ship (Cargo handling /working ship)

Small Ship (Port crafts)

Large Ship, Medium ship

Small Ship

Tsunami Warning

Major tsunami (3m, 4m, 6m, 8m >10m)

Short Halt cargo handling, land evacuation

Land evacuation

Use engine

Offshore evacuation

Offshore evacuation/Land evacuation after berthing

Medium

Halt cargo handling, offshore evacuation/land evacuation

Landing and lashing/land evacuation (in some cases, offshore evacuation)

Use engine/offshore evacuation

Offshore evacuation/Landing and lashing after berthing (in some cases, land evacuation)

Long Halt cargo handling, offshore evacuation

Landing and lashing (in some cases, offshore evacuation)

Offshore evacuation

Offshore evacuation/Landing and lashing after berthing

Tsunami (1m, 2m)

Short

Halt cargo handling, land evacuation/Strengthen mooring

Land evacuation

Use engine

Offshore evacuation

Offshore evacuation/Landing and lashing after berthing

Medium

Halt cargo handling, offshore evacuation/land evacuation/Strengthen mooring

Landing and lashing/land evacuation (in some cases, offshore evacuation)

Use engine/offshore evacuation

Offshore evacuation/Landing and lashing after berthing (in some cases, land evacuation)

Long

Halt cargo handling, offshore evacuation/Strengthen mooring

Landing and lashing (in some cases, offshore evacuation)

Offshore evacuation

Offshore evacuation/Landing and lashing after berthing

Tsunami Advisory

Tsunami warning (0.5 m)

Halt cargo handling, Strengthen mooring/offshore evacuation

Landing and lashing/offshore evacuation

Attention to conditions (in some cases, offshore evacuation/use of engine)

Offshore evacuation

Landing and lashing/Offshore evacuation/strengthen mooring

Notes - Offshore evacuation is suggested if there is a sea area where even small ships are safe against tsunami outside the jetty and if there is adequate time for evacuation

Sea areas where rapid tsunami currents are anticipated should be investigated beforehand

-

2 Source: Japan association of marine safety, 2004

Page 22

NOTES:

Time until tsunami arrival:

Short: Little time is available for evacuation after tsunami warning (until a ship is under safe

conditions such as offshore evacuation, landing and lashing etc.).

Medium: Between long and short.

Long: Adequate time is available for evacuation after tsunami warning (until a ship is under safe

conditions such as offshore evacuation, landing and lashing etc.).

Land evacuation: Crew members take refuge in a high land area because evacuation by ship is

anticipated to involve a high degree of risk. Also prevent the outflow of ships and exercise safety

precautions regarding dangerous goods.

Offshore evacuation: Ships evacuate to deep and wide offshore area outside the jetty (if there is no

time for offshore evacuation, ships should wait).

Landing and lashing: Crew members land small ships such as port crafts/tug boats and lash them to

prevent from being washed away by tsunami.

Use of engine: Crew members start the engine of an anchored ship to drive, if necessary.

Attention to conditions: Although crew members do not take evacuation measures, they pay attention

to changing conditions and take measures for ship safety until the cancellation of tsunami advisory.

13.1.13.6 Thunderstorm and Lightning strikes

Thunderstorm is invariably accompanied by lightning. A single stoke of lightning has 125,000,000

volts of electricity. That’s enough power to light a 100 watt light bulb for more than three months or

enough to seriously hurt or kill someone. Knowing what steps to be take in the event of an oncoming

thunderstorm or lightning can save lives. (Ref: GSDMA publication www.gsdma/pdf/lightning.pdf).

Better management practices such as turnoff electric transmission, supply etc shall be followed.

13.2 Offsite Emergency Plan

Under the Environmental Protection Act, the responsibility of preparation of Off-Site Emergency plan

lies with the state government. The Collector/Deputy Collector are ordinary nominated by State

Government to plan Off-Site Emergency Plan. The District Collector or his nominated representative

would be the team leader of planning team, who shall conduct the planning task in a systematic

manner. The members of planning team for off-site emergencies are Collector/Deputy Collector,

District Authorities in charge of Fire Services and police and members drawn from Medical Services,

Factory Inspectorate, Pollution Control Board, Industries and Transport. In addition to these

members, there are Co-opted Members also from district authorities concerned, civil defence, publicity

department, Municipal Corporation, and non-official such as elected representative (MPs, MLAs,

voluntary organization, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), etc).

Off site emergency plan for proposed Shipyard cum captive jetties including LNG terminal shall be

prepared based on consultation with district authorities & district disaster management plan. Off-site

emergency plan would follow the on-site emergency plan. When the consequences of an emergency

situation go beyond the project boundaries, it becomes an off-site emergency. Off-site emergency is

essentially the responsibility of the public administration. However, the Project Proponent

management will provide the public administration with the technical information relating to the

nature, quantum and probable consequences on the neighbouring population.

A summarised version of action procedures detailing the “Role of Essential Staff in Major Emergency”

would be issued in a flip chart like booklet form to all concerned persons (officers and supervisors) at

work places and also to senior officers of the civic administration.

Page 23

The components of an offsite emergency plan would include:

Identification of locations of hazardous or dangerous substances, personnel and emergency

control rooms

Technical information such as chemical and physical properties, dangers, etc. Background

information, past accidents, control techniques and effects of hazardous materials of relevance

Identification of facilities and transport routes for toxic materials

Contact for further advice such as meteorological information, transport, temporary food and

accommodation, first aid and hospital services, water, etc.

Establishing communication links including fire fighting materials, damage control and repair

items

Detailing emergency response procedures

Notification to public at large; Evacuation arrangements

Press /media handling; Addressing longer term environmental cleanup

13.2.1.1 Disaster Management Committee -Taluka/City/Zone Level3

Member details of taluka/city level disaster management committee to combat any disaster is given in

Table 13-2.

Table 13-2: Disaster Management Committee – Taluka Level

The Taluka Liason Officer Chairman

The Chief Taluka Panchayat Officer Member

The local MP/MLA Member

The Mamalatdar Member-Secretary

The Taluka Development Officer Member

The Police Sub inspector Member

The Medical Officer (Primary Health Centre) Member

The Executive Engineer, R&B Member

The Executive Engineer, P.W.D. Member

The Executive Engineer, Irrigation Department Member

The Executive Engineer, Drainage Member

The Executive Engineer, Water Supply Member

The Executive Engineer, GWSSB Member

The Deputy Director of Education Member

The Divisional Manager, Railways Member

The Zonal Officers Member

The Regional Manager, G.S.R.T.C. Member

Representative of Cooperative societies Member

Representative of NGO/Voluntary organizations Member

14 Issues raised during public hearing and commitments made by the project proponent in the form of tabular chart with financial budget for complying with the commitments made.

As per Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) office memorandum no: J-

11013/41/2006-IA.II(I) dated December 24, 2010 on consideration of Integrated and interlinked

projects and MoEF&CC Office memorandum F.No: 19-103-/2012-IA III on SEZ dated November 01,

2012 on simplification of clearance procedures for SEZs, Common/ Integrated draft EIA report

(Volume I and II) covering all the project components and Executive Summary (both English &

Gujarati) was prepared after obtaining Terms of Reference (ToR)s from respective Expert Appraisal

Committees (EAC) of MoEF&CC.

3Source: DMP, Kutch District

Page 24

Public hearing was held on December 12, 2014, summary of public hearing is given in Table 14-1.

Table 14-1: Summary of Public Hearing (Main Issues/Concerns and Responses

S.No Public Concerns Replies given during Public Hearing

Action Plan

1 Loss of grazing land within the project area.

As per revenue records, there is no grazing land within the project area. However, Company is considering action through CSR for the development of existing pasture (Gauchar) lands in the villages, provide extension services to farmers cultivating fodder crop. Cattle feed centres have already been started in Ratadiya and Padampur villages and similar centres shall be set up in other villages.

The Action Plan include • Development of existing pasture lands in the

villages • Extension Services to farmers cultivating the

fodder crop • Establishment of community managed cattle

feed centres in the villages • Supporting paravet services and veterinary

services • Strengthening the dairy value chain • Piloting animal hostel concept • Strengthening and capacity building of milk

cooperatives

2 Business of fishery & livelihood of fishermen will be affected due to upcoming port. How much is the provision made for CSR? If the fishermen' loses their livelihood then what about their children? What plan has been prepared? Give it with figures.

Company / Proponent has appointed experts and carried out the study. We started CSR activity 6 months before. We have created welfare group for the fishermen. We have created association. We have started the activity prior to coming up of the project. Nana Layja will be the most affected amongst the 5 villages. Village Kathda, Nana Layja, Bhada, Bambhdai, Salai are included in plan prepared by us. We have prepared plan for each village. We have also appointed program manager. Paghadia fishermen are critical stake holder, there up gradation is required. Paghadia fishermen are required to be engaged in boat fishing. It has now become secondary occupation in village Kathada, village Bhada and village Bhambhadai. We have created their association. Boats will be given to them. Training will also be given to them to increase their income. Scheme of welfare group is also prepared for their housewives Fishing kits were given to 50 Pagadias and we have prepared concrete plan and it is under implementation and this matter is taken seriously. This is for fishermen of Nana Layja, for 650 active fishermen, for 2000 families for which Rs 25 crores are allotted. There is arrangement for Pagadia fishermen to be engaged in boat fishing, in which boats will given to

Company / Proponent has appointed experts and carried out the impact study on fishermen. Fishermen exclusively practicing pagadiya fishing are expected to be affected due to project. It may be noted that however Pagaidiya fishing is subsistence fishing and has become secondary occupation. Pagaidiya fishing is not sustainable as livelihood activity in future even without the project. The boat fishing at Nana Layja and Salaya is unorganised and of small scale fishing. Villages Kathda, Nana Layja, Bhada, Bambhdai, Salai are included in intervention plan prepared by Company villagewise. Action plan prepared by the Company include; • Improve access to resource and creating

scope for target species – • Crafts and gears to pagadiya fishers

(Provision of pagadiya kit comprising of bicycle, head torch nets and ice box)

• Transforming pagadiya fishermen from Nana Layja to boat fishing and upskilling boat fishers to long haul fishing (3-5 days) instead of current practice of 1 -1 .5 days

• Institutionalization and capacity building of Fishermen Groups and Associations

• Strengthening Value Chain including landside infrastructure for NL and Salaya and market linkages

• Community development activity Health, Education, Financial Inclusion, Sanitation for fishermen family for enhancing the coping mechanism

• Fish rearing and harvesting high value species- CMFRI Veraval appointed for piloting cage culturing

• Formation Self Help Groups for fisher women and Income Generation Activities

• Skill training for those who want to take up alternate livelihood

• Resource conservation and enhancement

Page 25

S.No Public Concerns Replies given during Public Hearing

Action Plan

association. There is provision of 5 boats for 68 active Nana Layja fishermen in first stage, we have contacted them and they have given what type of design of boat is required.

activities such as mangrove regeneration, awareness programme, sea turtle conservation

• Fishermen Welfare Fund for emergency relief

The Implementation of plan will be monitored, supervised and evaluated time to time by the Fisheries expert.

3 Impact on fishing in creek area

Creek area is located outside of project area and the fishermen will be allowed to use the existing natural creek area without any hindrance. Proposed bridge is on the extreme end of the creek where no activity related to fishing is reported.

Refer S.No 2 above

4 There will be movement of ship in sea due to upcoming plant. The net which is set/spread by us in the sea is not at a single place. Net is there from bhambrai to Mandvi and net will be damaged due to movement of ship, hence there will be chances of accidents in the future also.

There is proper navigation channel in shipping. And there will be buoys. Only two ships will come in a day. There will be no such traffic as you are thinking & around the world where ever the fishing harbor and port co exist both get benefit from each other.

Navigation channel shall be equipped with proper buoys to provide signals to fishermen to remove their nets before it reaches in navigation channel and get damage.

5 Project has more disadvantages than advantages

Positive Aspects of the project • Creation of Employment

Opportunities • Sustainable long term

employment opportunities • Up gradation of skill sets and

employability preference to the local population based on the qualification

• Significant increase in number of indirect employments for skilled/semiskilled & unskilled work force

• Overall increase in industrial growth of the region due spin off to other industries

• CSR activities to improve Health/ Education/Livelihood/Infrastructure etc., to improve the standard of living.

• Boost to the local economy and enhance the quality of life of the people living in the project region

The 4000 MW TPP would have approx. 4600 employment during construction period and 1000 employment during operations period. It is proposed to target maximum possible (through skill up gradation) and at least about 25% of the total employment during construction period and about 10% of the total employment during operations for local people depending on the skills availability. The skill training programme is proposed for building local employment capacity for the project Besides it proposed to provide employment linked skill training for unemployed youth in the Bhuj District. About 5000 youth will be targeted. Post training the trainees will be provided in job placement outside the project A multi-skill school will be for skill training and entrepreneurship training.

6 During the construction phase, the leveling of land will take place which will create barrier for river

Either in Construction and operation phase the natural drainage pattern and natural water bodies like check dams, ponds, lakes, etc shall not be disturbed.

Water being critical resource, the water resource development management plan has been prepared for 30 villages for water conservation, rain water harvesting and ground water recharging. The water resource management plan will be

Page 26

S.No Public Concerns Replies given during Public Hearing

Action Plan

stream, natural streams & rainwater runoff. There will also there will be harmful effect on agriculture, check dam, river, lake.

Degenerated water bodies shall be regenerated

implemented in convergence with various government schemes The water resource management plan includes: - Surface water development desilting of tanks,

repairs and rehabilitation of existing structure, construction of new structures, subsurface check dams

- Ground water management- construction recharge tube wells, existing dug well recharge

- Soil moisture conservation – farm bunding, grazing land development

- Salinity Prevention- Bandharas at Nana Layja and Kathda

- Rainwater Harvesting – Roof top rainwater harvesting for all schools

- Water Conservation : promotion of micro irrigation and water saving technologies, awareness programmes, village level institutions for participatory water management

7 Coal dust will spread in Godhra & surrounding villages. This will cause health issues.

Proposed to use closed coal conveyors for transportation of coal from the Captive Jetty to the Power plant and shall use other dust suppression systems within the plant, hence no coal dust is envisaged to be spread on surrounding area

Company is committed to include the following in the project: • Covered coal conveyors • ESP (>99.8% efficiency ) to minimize the PM

emissions • Stack height of 275 m to get better dispersion • Dust Control Systems at Stockyard and

Transfer Points

Further it is proposed address access to preventive healthcare and secondary healthcare through CSR. The action plan include: - A secondary hospital with trauma centre and

community outreach programme is proposed in SEZ area which will improve the access to quality healthcare

- The mother and children programme focusing of women health, malnutrition etc

- Student Health Programme for schools - Capacity building of ASHA workers, Aganwadi

workers and Village Water and Sanitation Committee

- Mobile Creche for construction labour

8 Question raised regarding Forest Land patch in Kathda village falling in the Shipyard/ Captive Jetty/ LNG Terminal Project Area

The project proponent is yet to apply for the Government land. If there would be issues in transfer of this Government land to the proponent, the facilities layout will be revised to avoid this part of onshore land.

Alternate layout (excluding the government land to be acquired) is included in final EIA Report

9 Question raised regarding non acquisition of land for the SEZ project and application for land not yet submitted

It was informed that out 3473 acres land, 2318 acres of SEZ land has been acquired and is under ownership of the SEZ project proponent and balance land is under process of acquisition and transfer

Balance private land is under process of acquisition and Government land is under process of transfer.

10 Question raised that Land details are provided in Not required

Page 27

S.No Public Concerns Replies given during Public Hearing

Action Plan

land details with survey nos. have not been provided and they want survey numbers of the total land area for the project including TPP

Appendix P of the EIA Report (Volume 1) and the same was shown to the public during the Public Hearing

11 Olive Ridley Turtles mentioned in EIA Report are present in the area and falls under the Schedule I of Environment & Forest Act 1972 which is an endangered turtle and activity of nesting of eggs by the turtles has been recorded by the forest department

We will take appropriate care that no disturbance will occur to the turtles during the nesting period. We will discuss with the members of Mandvi Turtle Conservation Centre and will prepare plan accordingly.

Appropriate measures as recommended in EIA report to avoid disturbance to the turtles during the nesting period In accordance with the committee member’s suggestion and an initial meeting on 23rd January’15 with the officials of Mandvi Turtle Conservation Centre with regard to preparation of a detailed plan, Rs. 5.0 Crores budget has been agreed and allocated for a period of 30 years.

12 Impact of marine discharge considering the high temperature at outfall point

Company proposed Closed Cycle Cooling Water System for the TPP which includes cooling towers for each unit to maintain a differential temperature of less than 5°C at the discharge point at sea to minimize the impact on marine life. A video in Gujarati voiceover depicting comparison of once through vis-à-vis closed cycle cooling systems was presented during PH. Company to invest around Rs. 600 crores for 6 cooling tower units.

To minimize the impact on marine life and to maintain a differential temperature of less than 5°C at the discharge point at sea, Company is committed to adopt Closed Cycle Cooling Water System for the 4000 MW TPP. Company to invest around Rs. 600 Crs for 6 cooling tower units. Company has also decided to implement effective diffuser arrangement to ensure effective dilution

13 Handling and impact of gas leakage, if any from the pipeline

The project design integrates various design and operational safety measures which eliminates and reduces the risks. The Risk Assessment for the project has been undertaken and probability of occurrence of such event is very low. Further, the Disaster Management Plan including on-site and off-site emergency plan has been prepared. Precautionary measures would be built in/ implemented.

During the design stage of 2000 MW gas based power plant the effects from natural disaster would be considered as per IS: 1893 (Part- 1). The project design integrates various design and operation safety measures which eliminates and reduces the risks. The Risk Assessment for the project has been undertaken and probability of occurrence of such event is very low. Further, the Disaster Management Plan including on-site and off-site emergency plan has been prepared. Precautionary measures would be built in/ implemented.

14 Contamination of the drinking water due to project

No contamination of ground water will occur and no impact on the dam water is envisaged due to the proposed control measures by the company. Some of the proposed water pollution preventive measures considered are given below. • STPs/ETPs/CETPs • Marine Outfall • Well planned Storm water

System considering the

Company is committed to include water pollution preventive measures in the project such as : • STPs/ETPs/CETPs (Zero discharge,

wherever feasible) • Marine Outfall • Well planned Storm water System considering

the natural drainage pattern • Ash Pond with LDPE Liner • Separate drainage system for coal stockyard

with settling pond

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S.No Public Concerns Replies given during Public Hearing

Action Plan

natural drainage pattern • Ash Pond with LDPE Liner • Separate drainage system for

coal stockyard with settling pond

15 Impact of air pollution on public health and crop

The emissions/discharges from the project will be within prescribed limits specified by CPCB/GPCB / MOEF. Some of the proposed Air pollution preventive measures considered are given below. • Covered coal conveyors • ESP (>99.8% efficiency ) to

minimize the PM emissions • Stack height of 275 m to get

better dispersion • Dust Control Systems at

Stockyard and Transfer Points

• Wet Ash Handling System for Bottom Ash to minimize the fugitive emission.

• Efficient fly ash handling through Pneumatic system up to silo & HCSD from fly ash silo to ash dyke to minimize the fugitive emission

• Fly ash disposal as per MOEF guidelines

• Green belt Development

Company is committed to include the proposed Air pollution preventive measures in the project such as : • Covered coal conveyors • ESP (>99.8% efficiency ) to minimize the PM

emissions • Stack height of 275 m to get better dispersion • Dust Control Systems at coal Stockyard and

Transfer Points • Wet Ash Handling System for Bottom Ash to

minimize the fugitive emission. • Efficient fly ash handling through Pneumatic

system up to silo & HCSD from fly ash silo to ash dyke to minimize the fugitive emission

• Fly ash disposal as per MOEF guidelines • Green belt Development

16 Transmission lines shall pose danger to life and property

Stringent safety norms are followed by Govt. for installing transmission lines. Hence it will not pose any danger to life or property.

Not required

17 Due to coal dust and fly ash, people of this area will feel breathing problems

Adequate control measures such as use of ESP, dust suppression system, high stack height and green belt will be adopted. The project proponent has also entered into MoU for off take of fly-ash from the plant and will ensure ash utilization as per the MoEF guidelines.

Company is committed to include the adequate control measures such as use of ESP, dust suppression system, high stack height and green belt in the project. Company will ensure Ash utilization as per MoEF guidelines

18 Labours immigrating from other states or regions for this project resulting in Increase in illegal crimes such as theft, robbery, etc.

Preference shall be given for engaging local labours. The outside Labours shall be engaged after proper verification of their background and shall be issued proper identity card by employer. Labour camp will be provided within project site.

Preference shall be given for engaging local labours. The outside Labours shall be engaged after proper verification of their background and shall be issued proper identity card by employer. Labour camp will be provided within project site.

19 Constant traffic of vessels and its impact on marine ecology.

Average number of ships expected to call per day is very few i.e. 2 per day and shall comply with MARPOL convention and avoid any harmful discharges. All the discharges will be treated and

Traffic surveys were carried out and traffic addition due to the project is predicted. Average number of ships expected to call per day is very few i.e. 2 per day and shall comply with MARPOL convention and avoid any harmful

Page 29

S.No Public Concerns Replies given during Public Hearing

Action Plan

checked to meet the marine discharge standards before discharge. Traffic surveys were carried out and traffic addition due to the project is predicted. Vessel movements will not disturb the fishing vessels.

discharges. All the discharges will be treated and checked to meet the marine discharge standards before discharge.

20 Due to the proposed project, wandering birds like flamingo will be impacted from power plant project area the bird site is very near. Due to the generation of heat there is a possibility that wandering birds will be harmed or die.

Flamingo habitat is around 80 km NE away from the project site and no salt marshes are present in the study area which flamingos usually prefer. Also during primary flora and fauna survey, flamingos were not observed in the study area. However, following mitigation measures are proposed: • As a safety measure it is

recommended that laying of transmission lines for evacuation of the power to the SEZ and associated structures and facilities shall be planned carefully.

• The power lines shall be kept at safe distances from sensitive bird habitats such as water bodies and plantation areas in order to avoid bird mortalities due to collisions

• No pollutants will be discharged into the nearby water bodies

Company is committed for following mitigation measures: • As a safety measure it is recommended that

laying of transmission lines for evacuation of the power to the SEZ and associated structures and facilities shall be planned carefully.

• The power lines shall be kept at safe distances from sensitive bird habitats such as water bodies and plantation areas in order to avoid bird mortalities due to collisions

• No pollutants will be discharged into the nearby water bodies

15 A detailed marine diversity conservation management plan based on possible environmental impacts shall be drawn up and implemented as suggested by the National Institute of Oceanography or any other institute on marine ecology. The plan should include the management of marine and intertidal biotopes, corals and coral communities, sea grasses and sea weeds, subtidal habitats, fishes, other marine flora and fauna( Micro, macro and mega) including turtles, birds and marine mammals as also productivity.

Centre for Advanced Studies in Marine Biology (CASMB), Annamalai University was engaged for

preparation of marine diversity conservation management plan.

The report is enclosed as Appendix 4.

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16 The proponents were advised to respond parawise to the comments from Mr. Debi Goenka, as forwarded to the committee members by the project proponents

16.1 As per EIA report of the company, reclamation activity will be done during dredging by company. For reclamation of land … will absorb mangroves, mud, flora, marine creature and dump them near coastal regulation zone and high tide line area... coral reef, marine creature, marine life and flora of Nana Layja village of Gulf of Kutch will achieve permanent harm. So this project must not be permitted in this green zone” Complaint No.C-Q-07.

Reclamation of sea area is proposed for development of backup facilities proposed as a part of

Shipyard cum captive jetties including LNG Terminal at Nana Layja Coast.

The harbour area within proposed breakwaters will be reclaimed by using dredge material and while

reclaiming the area, bunds will be provided with suitable overflow facilities so that only clear water will

be returned to the sea. Ecology in the vicinity of the project site is not anticipated to be disturbed

during reclamation activity.

Ecologically sensitive areas like Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and other

protected areas (PA) present in Gulf of Kutch are not found within 15 km radius of the Nana layja

coast. Ecological sensitive areas and marine protected areas of Kutch District are located beyond 35

km distance from the Nana layja coast near project site proposed for shipyard cum captive jetties

including LNG Terminal. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Great Rann of Kutch

at a distance of 93 km. The other ecologically sensitive areas found in Kutch district are the Narayan

Sarovar Sanctuary (83 km), Kutch Bustard Sanctuary (70 km), Banni Grasslands Reserve and Chari-

Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve (81 km). These protected areas are shown in Figure 16-1.

Apart from the above, there is a Wild Ass Sanctuary in Kutch District which is located in the Little

Rann of Kutch at a distance of 103 km.

The coral formations of the Gulf of Kutch are found along the coast of Jamnagar District. The Marine

National Parks bordering the southern shore of Gulf support coral and coral reefs. (Source: Integrated

Coastal and Marine Area Management, ICMAM, Department of Ocean Development, Chennai.

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Figure 16-1: Ecological Sensitive Areas around Gulf of Kutch

16.2 Concerns regarding the release of brine and hot water which will increase the salinity and turbidity of the water and impact fishes, including boomla and madeli. Complaint No.C-Q-11.

A common marine outfall system is proposed for discharge from Shipyard cum captive jetties

including LNG terminal, return cooling water discharge from the power plants, reject brine from 60

MLD Captive Desalination plant and CETPs treated discharge.

A mathematical model study on advection and dispersion has been conducted to understand the

dispersion pattern of the plume, increase in ambient concentration of salinity, temperature and other

parameters etc., to identify the suitable location for disposal of treated wastewater.

Mathematical model was setup to simulate the hydrodynamic flow conditions in the region of interest

and to achieve a calibrated model. The calibration was carried out for both tidal elevations and current

speed. The observed data was compared with that of the simulated. The simulated results show close

correlation between the observed and the simulated values. The calibrated model was then used for the

study on advection-dispersion, to know the fate of the discharged effluents in the sea.

Outfall location is proposed at 2.3 km into sea at (-) 10.3 m CD at sufficiently deep water with effective

diffuser arrangement to ensure dilution and faster attainment of ambient condition. The excess

salinity and temperature are extracted at 100 m and 500 m radius from proposed outfall location. The

excess salinity and temperature are found to be stabilising over the time. The excess salinity higher

than 0.25 ppt was never found beyond 500m of the outfall and similarly the temperature do not exceed

0.15oC beyond 500 m of the outfall point. The excess salinity higher than 0.35 ppt was never found

beyond 100 m of the outfall and similarly the temperature does not exceed 0.20oC. In the project

region, the seasonal variation in seawater temperature and salinity is observed more than the

predicated excess temperature and salinity. The species located in these areas are well adapted to the

SEZ

Page 32

seasonal variations and thus discharge of return cooling water may not have impact on fish life. The

other pollutants from SEZ industries discharge are diluted because of mixing with the huge return

cooling water and reject brine and discharging at a depth of (-) 10.3 m CD is providing significant

dilution of pollutant concentrations. Also all these discharges are well within the standards stipulated

by CPCB.

As per USEPA guidelines, the maximum acceptable increase in the weekly average temperature

resulting from artificial sources is 1oC during all seasons of the year, providing the summer maxima are

not exceeded. The excess temperature falls well within the acceptable limits as specified in USEPA

guidelines.

The modelling studies carried out to identify the suitable outfall location was reviewed by Dr. T.

Balasubramanian, Former Director and Dean, Faculty of Marine Science, Centre of Advanced Studies

in Marine biology, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu. He opined that proposed outfall location is

more appropriate considering dynamic marine conditions as revealed by investigations.

16.3 Due to Industrialisation in the bay of Kutch including Kandla, Adani, Tuna Hill, Adani Port and Adani Power Plant, Tata Power Plant, the fish catch has decreased year by year. This has caused severe impact on the livelihood of fishermen. The fishermen have become unemployed.” Complaint No.C-Q-15.

The mathematical model study indicates that excess salinity higher than 0.25 ppt was never found

beyond 500 m of the outfall and similarly the temperature does not exceed 0.15oC. The excess salinity

higher than 0.35 ppt was never found beyond 100 m of the outfall and similarly the temperature does

not exceed 0.20oC in the project region, the seasonal variation in seawater temperature and salinity is

observed more than the predicated excess temperature and salinity. The species located in these areas

are well adapted to the seasonal variations and thus discharge of return cooling water may not have

impact on fish life. The other pollutants from SEZ industries discharge are diluted because of mixing

with the huge return cooling water and reject brine and discharging at a depth of (-) 10.3 m CD is

providing significant dilution of pollutant concentrations. Also all these discharges are well within the

standards stipulated by CPCB.

The effect near outfall location is localized and hence effect on the fish resources are not expected to

be significant. Pagadiya fishing at Nana Layja / Kathada is subsistence fishing and has become

secondary occupation with wage labour being primary occupation. As per the detailed study carried

out, Pagadiya fishing is not expected to be sustainable as livelihood activity in future even without the

proposed project. At present, the boat fishing in Nana Layja coast is very small scale with low catch of

low value due to low endurance for accessing the resources because of improper crafts and gears.

As a part of its CSR programme, Project Proponent has designed livelihood enhancement programme

for the fishermen community. Fishermen Livelihood Plan has been prepared through MART in

consultation with Dr. Munir Ahmed, International Fisheries Expert based on resource assessment,

value chain and socioeconomic assessment of fishermen.

The Fishermen livelihood enhancement Action Plan include

Improving access to resource and creating scope for target species

Crafts and gears to pagadiya fishers (Provision of pagadiya kit comprising of bicycle, head

torch nets and ice box)

Transforming pagadiya fishermen from Nana Layja to boat fishing and upskilling boat

fishers to long haul fishing (3-5 days)

Institutionalization and capacity building of Fishermen Groups and Associations

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Strengthening Value Chain including landside infrastructure for Nana Layja and Salaya

and market linkages

Community development activity Health, Education, Financial Inclusion, Sanitation for

fishermen family for enhancing the coping mechanism

Formation Self Help Groups for fisher women and Income Generation Activities

Skill training for those who want to take up alternate livelihood

Resource conservation and enhancement activities including awareness programme

16.4 Green Sea turtle (Schedule I Endangered) and Oilve Ridley (Schedule I Vulnerable) turtle species are found on the coast of Nana Layja and Kathada. The nesting grounds are confirmed by fishermen on the proposed port project site and reported in the EIA also. So the project should be dropped keeping in mind the nesting ground of turtles.” Compliant No.C-Q-16-877”.

A detailed study for existence of sea turtle nesting ground at proposed location was carried out by

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The methodology by ZSI include conducting primary survey of

the project area, collection of turtle nesting data from secondary sources and Forest Department,

compilation of such information and assessment of nesting status at project site. As part of the study,

ZSI measured beach profile, conducted interviews with fishermen / coastal dwellers about turtle egg

translocation to Mandvi hatchery centre and hatchlings release during the last three years along the

Mandvi coast

ZSI observations are provided below;

1. The entire coastal stretch of beach is narrow, varying in width with the backshore sandy ridge

rising abruptly from 5-7 m above and dense Prosopis Juliflora vegetation touching HTL. In

particular, the proposed project site has narrow width of beach except at the eastern end of

mouth of Kharod River (> 50 m) and at extreme eastern end of the proposed site with about 21

m. Also, the major coastal stretch of project has narrow beach width which gets inundated

during high tide and is not suitable/not preferred by sea turtle for laying eggs.

2. Since many of the factor for selection of a suitable nesting site are not conducive (beach width,

vegetation cover, slope, tidal inundation, presence of animals on the beach), nesting, if all,

occurring is therefore highly sporadic at Nana Layja and on occasionally. However, the ~ 7 km

stretch between Rukmawati river mouth and Mandvi palace is sandy, vegetation to HTL is

wide and much of the sporadic nesting could be taking along this coastal stretch.

3. Verbal interview with fishermen/coastal dwellers about turtle egg translocation and hatchlings

release during the last three years along the Mandvi coast revealed that most of the nests are

brought to Mandvi by fisherfolks/coastal dwellers within the coastal stretch of Madhvi,

Kathda, Mandvi palace and Mandvi beach as well as from Salaya side. Therefore, sea turtle

nesting on the coastal stretch of Nana Layja is seldom, very low and considered to be quite

sporadic

Therefore, ZSI concluded there is less probability of nesting in proposed project coastline considering

the beach slope, availability of beach beyond HTL for nesting.

The project proponent is committed for protection of sea turtles and proposed Conservation Measures

for Turtle Nesting around the Project Site. The details of proposed Turtle Nesting Conservation Plan

are as below:

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Conservation Plan for Sea Turtle nesting

The following sea turtle conservation plan is under consideration in the project site and in study area

(5 km around project site) as applicable;

I. Illumination is one of the major conservation issues for sea turtles especially its hatchlings.

The following measures shall be followed to adopt turtle friendly lights in the project area;

a. The fixture will be mounted as low as possible to minimize light trespass and the lowest amount of

light needed for the task shall be used.

b. Long wavelength lights will be used wherever possible. Low pressure sodium (LPS) lights are

considered more desirable than HPS sources. Short wavelength (blue) and broad spectrum sources

such as metal halide, mercury vapour, fluorescent or halogen lights will be avoided.

c. Amber filters on HPS lights will be used if HPS lights use cannot be avoided,

d. White lights that emit ultraviolet light will not be used.

e. Strong blue or green spectral elements (eg. mercury vapour lights) will be limited as far as possible.

f. Lights will be directed downward and will be shielded to avoid overhead glow on cloudy nights

II. To mitigate the erosion related issues, sand by passing / Beach nourishment is considered as one

way to mitigate erosion. The classical mitigation measure as shore walls, groynes, etc is completely

avoided since it may prohibit access of sea turtles to nearby nesting beaches.

III. Awareness programmes for local fisher population, company labourers and employees shall be

undertaken to highlight sea turtle conservation. Awareness regarding fisheries related issues is also

necessary among fishing community. Incidental capture of turtles in shrimp trawls and gill nets

account for more deaths than all other human activities combined. In addition to the trawl

entanglement, sea turtles have been killed after becoming entangled in other types of fishing gear, such

as, gill nets, long lines (hook and line), and lobster or crab pot lines. Creation of awareness among

villagers and fishermen shall be undertaken as part of conservation measures.

IV. Alternate livelihood option for vada fisherman is under consideration by the project proponent

and such plan will improve sea turtle nesting in the study area. Vada fishing is usually done in the

inter-tidal region by placing nets at regular intervals and parallel to the shore. During the high tides at

night, this method has a potential to prevent sea turtles reaching shore for nesting as well as accidental

entanglement and drowning.

Based on the reports and suggestions by PCCF (WL) , GCZMA has accorded recommendation for CRZ

Clearance dated June 29, 2016.

16.5 Another Complainant highlighted that mangroves which are 500 metres away from for various birds and will be impacted due to the shipyard and the livelihoods of var the mangroves. It also provided that the mangroves are a safe haven for reptiles an and that waste generated and disposed, from the project will impact the ecosystem.

No mangroves are existing at the Nana Layja coast & surrounding the project location upto 10 km. No

mangroves were reported by National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), who was engaged for

demarcation of HTL, LTL and CRZ area and moreover GCZMA committee visited the Nana layja coast

and have not observed any mangroves at the project coast.

A small patch comprising mainly of Avicinnea sp. was observed at about 11 km radius from project site

near the base of a bridge over the Rukmawati river at the entrance to Mandvi town.

Page 35

16.6 The absence of Marine EIA is also raised as a concern, which confounded the locals regarding the environmental impact on the marine life, coast, etc. Complainant No. C-Q-23

The EIA/EMP report prepared for the project covers both terrestrial and marine environmental

assessment.

Centre for Advanced Studies in Marine Biology, Annamalai University a reputed

academic and research institute, was engaged to survey the marine environmental attributes. The

marine environment was monitored in terms of:

Seawater quality

Sediment quality

Marine biology (plankton and benthos)

The baseline environmental conditions are described in Chapter 4 of the EIA report. The impact and

mitigation measures on Marine Environment (Costal Hydrology/Bottom Contamination, Sea/Harbour

Water Quality) and Biological Environment (Coastal and Marine Ecology) was detailed out in Section

5.4 and 5.5 of Chapter 5. Environmental monitoring program and management plan covering marine

environment are addressed in Chapter 6 and 9.

The EIA/EMP study was carried out in comprehensive nature by covering terrestrial, marine and

socio-economic environments.

16.7 GCZMA Observations regarding Sand dunes and Sea turtle nesting

A detailed study for existence of sea turtle nesting ground at proposed location was carried out by

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and a detailed study for existence of sand dunes at proposed

location was carried out by Centre for Coastal and Marine Research (CCMR) with help of pool

of experts from Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Kachchh, Bhuj, M.S.University of Baroda

(MSU), Vadodara and Gujarat Ecology Society (GES), Vadodara and the reports were submitted to

GCZMA

GCZMA has forwarded the above two reports to PCCF (WL) for his review and based on the

recommendations of PCCF (WL) the GCZMA have recommended the proposal for CRZ clearance with

specific conditions that sand dune area shall be kept intact without disturbing except the Utility

Corridor which would go 1 m above height of sand dune and to collect field data for sea turtles &

adhere to sea turtle conservation plan proposed.

16.8 Integrated projects – Form 1 applications to MoEF

As per EIA notification, 2006 and subsequent amendments, MoEF office memorandum dated 24th

December, 2010 on consideration of Integrated and interlinked projects, the project proponents have

prepared a common EIA report after obtaining TORs from each of the respective Expert Appraisal

Committees as detailed below;

Project proponent, Sealand Ports Private Limited (SPPL) has obtained Terms of Reference (ToR) by

submitting Form 1 and Draft ToR application for conducting the EIA study for SEZ/FTWZ and DTA

from Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on Building/Construction Projects/Township and Area

Development Projects, Coastal Regulation Zone, Infrastructure Development and Miscellaneous

projects, MoEF.

Nana Layja Power Company Limited (NLPCL), project SPV incorporated for two major components in

SEZ/FTWZ – i.e. the 4000 MW TPP and 2000 MW CCPP, have obtained the ToRs for conducting the

EIA study from EAC on Thermal Power and Mining Projects, MoEF by submitting separate Form 1 and

Draft ToR applications.

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Gujarat Integrated Maritime Complex (GIMCO) has obtained ToR for Shipyard cum Captive Jetties

including LNG Terminal from EAC, CRZ, Infrastructure Development and Miscellaneous Projects,

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) by submitting Form 1 and Draft ToR application.

The details of ToRs obtained from EACs, MoEF are given in the Table 16-1.

Table 16-1: Details of ToRs Obtained

Project Component ToR Reference ToR Dated

SEZ/FTWZ F.No.21-68//2011-IA-III March 05, 2013

4000 MW TPP J-13012/13/2011-IA.II (T) December 28, 2011

2000 MW CCPP J-13012/10/2012-IA.II (T) September 24, 2012

Shipyard cum Captive Jetties including LNG Terminal

F.No.11-87/2011-IA.III November 14, 2013

Draft EIA report has been prepared by strictly adhering to EIA notification 2006 and subsequent

amendments and as per TOR prescribed by MOEF for all the above components. Draft EIA report

includes Cumulative impact assessment for the study area as per Prescribed TOR by MOEF. As the

project is integrated and interlinked draft EIA report has been prepared in two Volumes and

Submitted to GPCB and others following the procedures laid in EIA notification 2006 and

amendments.

Volume- I of Draft EIA report includes SEZ, FTWZ, DTA including utility corridor. 4000

MW Thermal power plant and 2000 MW Gas based power project are part of industries

within proposed SEZ. This also covers anticipated cumulative impacts,

Emissions/discharges from proposed projects of SEZ and mitigation measures,

environmental monitoring programmes, EMP.

Volume- II of Draft EIA report includes Shipyard cum Captive Jetties including LNG

Terminal. Marine environment, impact assessment, mitigation measures, environmental

monitoring programme, EMP, livelihood of fishermen is described in this volume.

The public consultation was held on December 12, 2014. The Final Integrated/Common EIA report

was prepared after duly incorporating the responses to written representations and the Public

Consultation minutes.

In order to obtain the Environmental and CRZ Clearance for all the integrated project components, the

EIA reports in following three volumes were submitted simultaneously on 24 December, 2014 to

respective EACs at MoEF:

Volume I – Final EIA/EMP Report of Multi Product SEZ/FTWZ & DTA including Power

Plants & Desalination Plant

Volume II – Final Comprehensive EIA/EMP Report of Shipyard cum Captive Jetties &

LNG Terminal

Volume III – Public Consultation Documents

The respective EAC’s are considering the project proposals based on Integrated EIA report.

APPENDIX 1 – CRZ DEMARCATION MAP PREPARED BY NIO

APPENDIX 2 – DECLARATION BY PROJECT PROPONENT

APPENDIX 3 – COMMUNICATION OF GCZMA TO STATE WILDLIFE

DEPARTMENT

APPENDIX 4 – MARINE DIVERSITY CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

PLAN

MARINE DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

Development of Shipyard cum Captive Jetties including LNG Terminal proposed at Nana Layja

Coast, Mandvi Taluk, Kutch District, Gujarat

(April 2017)

Prepared by

Annamalai University Faculty of Marine Sciences

Centre for Advanced Studies in Marine Biology (CASMB)

Parangipettai - 608 502 Tamil Nadu

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Project Location ............................................................................................................................................ 2

3 Project Facilities ............................................................................................................................................ 3

3.2 Captive Jetties including LNG Terminal ................................................................................................ 4

4 Baseline Marine Environmental Status ...................................................................................................... 5

4.1 Coastal Hydrology/Geomorphology ....................................................................................................... 5 4.1.1 Offshore Winds ........................................................................................................................... 5 4.1.2 Met-ocean Data ........................................................................................................................... 5 4.1.3 Bathymetry .................................................................................................................................. 5 4.1.4 Seismic and Side Scan Sonar Survey .......................................................................................... 5 4.1.5 Tides ............................................................................................................................................ 5 4.1.6 Currents ....................................................................................................................................... 6

4.2 Status of Physico-Chemical Parameters ................................................................................................. 6 4.2.1 Study Area ................................................................................................................................... 6 4.2.2 Marine Water Quality .................................................................................................................. 7 4.2.3 Sediment Quality ......................................................................................................................... 9

4.3 General Classification of Marine Life .................................................................................................. 11 4.4 Status of Marine Life in the Study Area ............................................................................................... 12

4.4.1 Phytoplankton (Primary Producers) with Primary Productivity ................................................ 12 4.4.2 Zoo Plankton ............................................................................................................................. 13 4.4.3 Benthic Communities (Micro/ Meio/Macro) Both Inter Tidal and Offshore ............................ 14 4.4.4 Fishes ........................................................................................................................................ 15 4.4.5 Sea Turtles Nesting Study ......................................................................................................... 20 4.4.6 Marine Mammals ...................................................................................................................... 22 4.4.7 Mangroves ................................................................................................................................. 22 4.4.8 Coral/Coral Reefs ...................................................................................................................... 23 4.4.9 Seaweed/ Sea Grasses ............................................................................................................... 23

5 Impact, Mitigation, Conservation and Management Plan ...................................................................... 23

6 Marine Environment Monitoring Programme ......................................................................................... 25

7 ALTERNATIVE AND ADDITIONAL LIVELIHOOD OPTIONS ....................................................... 29

8 Budgetary Estimate for Key Conservation Activities .............................................................................. 31

9 Summary and Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 31

Annexure I ........................................................................................................................................................... 33

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2-1: Project Location .................................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2-2: Ecological Sensitive Areas around Gulf of Kutch ................................................................................ 2 Figure 4-1: Marine Sampling Locations .................................................................................................................. 7 Figure 4-2: Variation in Phytoplankton Density ................................................................................................... 12 Figure 4-3: Variation in Finfish Egg Density ........................................................................................................ 14 Figure 4-4: Variation in Finfish Larval Density .................................................................................................... 14 Figure 4-5: Variations in Population Density of Macrobenthos ............................................................................ 15 Figure 4-6: Variations in Population Density of Meiobenthos .............................................................................. 15 Figure 4-7: Composition of Fishes in Different Seasons ....................................................................................... 17 Figure 4-8: Different Fish Species Caught by Local Fishermen ........................................................................... 20

LIST OF TABLES

Table 3-1: Ship Building Facilities .......................................................................................................................... 3 Table 3-2: Ship Repair Facilities ............................................................................................................................. 3

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Table 3-3: Captive Jetties ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Table 4-1: Tide Levels ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Table 4-2: Seasonal Variations in Marine Water Physico-Chemical Parameters .................................................... 7 Table 4-3: Seasonal Variations in Marine Water Nutrient Parameters .................................................................... 8 Table 4-4: Seasonal Variations in Marine Water Heavy Metals ............................................................................. 9 Table 4-5: Variations in Marine Sediment Physico-Chemical Parameters .............................................................. 9 Table 4-6: Variations in marine sediment heavy metals ........................................................................................ 10 Table 4-7: Seasonal Variations in phytoplankton .................................................................................................. 12 Table 4-8: Seasonal Variations in Marine Biological Parameters ......................................................................... 13 Table 4-9: Seasonal Variations in Zoo Plankton ................................................................................................... 13 Table 4-10: Seasonal Variations in Planktonic Parameters ................................................................................... 13 Table 4-11: Seasonal Variations in Benthic Density ............................................................................................. 15 Table 4-12: Fishery resources in Study Area ........................................................................................................ 17 Table 4-13: Major Fish species caught by Pagadiya and Boat based fishermen ................................................... 18 Table 4-14: Fishery Resource Distribution in Study Area .................................................................................... 19 Table 4-15: Fishery Resource in Different Habitats/Time Periods in Study Area ................................................ 19 Table 4-16: Sea turtle nesting along Gujarat coast (4 districts) based on information from

GSFD/GUIDE/GEC/WWF REPORT ................................................................................................................... 20 Table 7-1: Environmental Monitoring Program .................................................................................................... 26

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Marine Diversity Conservation Management Plan

1 Introduction

Gujarat Integrated Maritime Complex Private Limited (GIMCO) and Sealand Ports Private Limited

(SPPL) proposed to develop Shipyard cum captive jetties including LNG Terminal (Project) at Nana

Layja in Mandvi Taluka, Kutch District, Gujarat.

The project was accorded CRZ recommendation by Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority

(GCZMA) and application for Environmental/CRZ clearance is submitted to Ministry of Environment,

Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Project was considered by Expert Appraisal Committee

(EAC) in its 11th meeting held on 24- 25th November, 2016.

During the appraisal, one of the information sought by EAC through its MOM is to submit a detailed

marine diversity conservation management plan.

GIMCO/SPPL approached Centre for Advanced Studies in Marine Biology (CASMB), Annamalai

University a reputed academic and research Institute, to prepare the marine diversity conservation

management plan as suggested by EAC, MoEF&CC.

Accordingly, this report is prepared by CASMB. The data used while preparing this report include;

Various study reports available for the Project

Primary data collected specific to the project study area i.e., within 15 km radius

Secondary data/literature pertaining to the project region

The following is the list of major studies that have been carried out for the Project and referred while

preparing this report;

S. No Study Institution /Consultant

1 Oceanographic measurements, Bathymetry, Side

scan sonar survey

M/s. Indomer Coastal Hydraulics Limited,

Chennai

2 HTL/LTL, CRZ Demarcation National Institute of Oceanography

(NIO), Visakhapatnam

3

Mathematical Model Studies for,

a. Wave Tranquility

b. Sediment Transport

c. Navigation Simulation

d. Dredged Spoil Disposal Study

COWI India Private Limited

4 Shoreline Changes Study COWI India Private Limited

5 CEIA for Shipyard Cum Captive Jetties

including LNG Terminal

L&T-Infrastructure Engineering Limited

(LNTIEL)

6 Flora and Fauna Study Green Support Services, (GSS) Gandhi

Nagar

7 Designing a Sustainable Livelihood Strategy for

the Fishermen of Nana Layja Project MART, Ahmedabad

8 Intake/Outfall Modelling Study L&T-Infrastructure Engineering Limited

(LNTIEL)

9 Sand dune study Centre for Coastal and Marine Research

(CCMR), Tuticorin

10 Sea Turtle Nesting at the Proposed Project

Location Zoological Survey of India, (ZSI) Kolkata

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2 Project Location

The project site is located on the southern part of Gulf of Kutch at Nana Layja coast in Mandvi

Taluka, Kutch District, Gujarat. The project site location is shown below:

Figure 2-1: Project Location

The location of ecologically sensitive area like Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife

Sanctuaries and other protected areas (PA) along the Kutch coast and in Kutch district are shown

below:

Figure 2-2: Ecological Sensitive Areas around Gulf of Kutch

The southern coast of Kutch has more diverse physical conditions with many islands and marine

ecosystems. More than 40 islands on Southern coast has live corals. The islands and coast on southern

side are charectarised by dense mangrove forest. The southern coast from Okha to innermost Gulf can

be classified into ecologically sensitive zone as is being occupied with mangroves, corals, intertidal

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and high tildal mud flats. Along the northern coast, the thickest mangrove vegetation have been

noticed between Jakhau and Kori creek

The coral formations of the Gulf of Kutch are found along the coast of Jamnagar District. The Marine

National Parks bordering the southern shore of Gulf support coral and coral reefs. (Source: Integrated

Coastal and Marine Area Management, ICMAM, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Chennai).

The Project location is considerably far away from the biologically rich part of Gulf of Kachh and

no environmental sensitive areas are located within radius of 35km from project site. Project site is

far away from the marine protected area of Gulf of Kutch and moreover it is near Mandvi coast

where the Govt. of Gujarat identified as the ideal zone for developing industries in view of the

strategic location with minimal ecological impact and lesser livelihood damage.

3 Project Facilities

Following facilities are proposed to be developed as a part of Project;

3.1 Shipyard

3.1.1 Ship Building

Table 3-1: Ship Building Facilities

S No Facility Details

1 Dry Dock

350m x 90m semi-tandem dry dock which can

accommodate 2- handysize ships of 210m long

& part further 2 handysize ships

2 Dry Berths 3 nos for small ships (covered)

3 Outfitting

Quay 740 m long

4 Supporting

Infrastructure

Associated workshops, buildings, internal roads

& utilities

3.1.2 Ship Repair

Table 3-2: Ship Repair Facilities

S

No Facility Details

1 Shiplift 225m x 36m shiplift of lifting capacity 33,000 T

capable of lifting 250m Panamax ship

2 Dry Berths 6 nos capable of handling Panamax size ships

3 Piers 2 nos 810 m long & one 395 m long for afloat

repairs

4 Supporting

Infrastructure

Associated workshops, buildings, internal roads

& utilities

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3.2 Captive Jetties including LNG Terminal

Table 3-3: Captive Jetties

S

No

Type of

Jetty

Capacity

(MTPA) Facility Details

1 Coal 17

Nos of 350m long berths with

alongside depth of -20.2 mCD

Approach trestle of about 1.2 Km

length

Coal stockyard of about 12 Ha

2 Multiproduct 3

One berth of 275m length with

alongside depth of -13 mCD

Covered & open storage yard of

about 10 Ha

3 LNG 5

One jetty of 370m length with

alongside depth of -14.6 mCD

Shore based LNG storage &

regasification facility of capacity 5

MTPA including 2 nos of storage

tanks of 1,60,000 Cum capacity

each

3.3 Breakwaters

Two rubble mound breakwaters are proposed to protect harbour area and berths.

Western Breakwater – 3330 m long

Eastern Breakwater – 1925 m long

3.4 Dredging & Reclamation

Harbour area will be dredged to accommodate a Turning Circle of 600m diameter with design dredged

depth of (-) 17.6 m CD. Approach channel will be about 8100 m long with width of 275m-325m

(channel width from harbour entrance till the 14 m contour (i.e. about 2900 m) will be 325 m) having

South South-East Orientation. Design dredged depth in the Approach Channel will be -19.4 m CD.

The quantity of capital dredging is estimated as 22 million cum.

A reclaimed area of about 181 Ha will be created by using dredged material. The quantity of fill

required for reclamation is estimated as 18.7 million cum

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4 Baseline Marine Environmental Status

4.1 Coastal Hydrology/Geomorphology

4.1.1 Offshore Winds

COWI, as part of its mathematical model study have collected offshore wind data and have analysed.

As per the data, the offshore wind climate at Nana Layja coast is mostly governed by south-west

monsoon wind. The predominant wind direction is from WSW (250°), with winds from SW (220º) to

ENE (70º) contributing to approximately 94% of the total wind climate

4.1.2 Met-ocean Data

M/s Indomer Coastal Hydraulics Private Limited, Chennai have carried out site surveys consisting of

bathymetry, side scan sonar along with tide & current measures at project location, brief details of

which is provided in the following paragraphs along with historical tide levels;

4.1.3 Bathymetry

An area of 5.5 km along the coast and 10 km with 200 m spacing into the sea was covered during

bathymetric survey. A closer spacing of 100 m covered an area of 4.2 km along the coastline and 3.5

km offshore. The survey results indicate that contours upto -5.0 m runs nearly parallel to existing

shoreline with a slope of 1:150 and at a distance of about 750 m from shore, marked by uneven pattern

of contours beyond -5.0 m contour and up to -10.0 m contour with a slope of 1:500, somewhat regular

pattern with a slope of 1:250 in between -10.0 m contour and -15.0 m contour and thereafter a very

steep slope beyond -15.0 m contour.

The general bathymetry shows the gentle sloping seabed from the coastline.

4.1.4 Seismic and Side Scan Sonar Survey

An area of 5.5 km along the coast and 10 km into the sea was covered during seismic and sonar

survey.

The side scan sonar data collected over the area shows that the seabed between the shoreline and 5.0

km offshore is of a rugged terrain with an undulating rocky bed. The part of the area between 2.0 km

and 4.0 km offshore is evenly covered with mud on the top of the undulating rocky bed. The area

between 5.0 km and 10 km offshore has numerous protruding rocky outcrops which are the remnants

of hard areas left after seabed erosion. The survey data further shows the presence of recent sediments

in the form of large ripple marks caused by wave action. These ripple marks are more prominent in the

eastern part of the survey area. Apart from these geological features, the side scan survey does not

show any artificial objects such as, sunken ships, anchors or other debris on the seafloor.

4.1.5 Tides

The project site located approximately 12 km to the west of Mandvi port. Hence, tidal elevation at the

project site can be considered to be similar to those at Mandvi port.

The tidal elevations at Mandvi port with respect to chart datum as provided in the Naval Hydro

graphical Chart (No. 203) is given in Table 4-1.

The mean sea level (MSL) is +2.6 m above Admiralty Chart Datum (CD), and the mean high water

spring (MHWS) is +4.1 m CD

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Table 4-1: Tide Levels

Tide Description Abbreviation Level wrt

CD

Mean High Water

Spring MHWS + 4.1

Mean High Water

Neap MHWN + 3.5

Mean Sea Level MSL + 2.6

Mean Low Water

Neap MHWN + 1.7

Mean Low Water

Spring MLWS + 0.9

Tide data were also measured at project site (Latitude 22°48’25”N and Longitude 69°14’48”E and it is

observed, the measured tide levels are nearly same as historical tide data.

4.1.6 Currents

Current speed and direction was measured at four (4) stations covering surface, mid depth and bottom

current values at each location.

In location 1 current speed varies up to 1.24 m/s at surface and at location 2 maximum current speed

reached up to 1.51 m/s at surface. In location 2, at mid depth, the maximum current speed reached up

to 1.29 m/s and At bottom level, the maximum current speed reached up to 0.65 m/s. The surface

current speed varied up to 1.81 m/s at location 3. In location 4, the maximum current speed at surface

reached upto 1.48 m/s at surface and at mid depth, the maximum current speed at mid depth reached

up to 1.36 m/s. In location 4, at bottom level, the flood tidal flow was very low i.e., less than 0.15 m/s

and the ebb tidal low was stronger reaching up to 0.74 m/s indicating the existence of undertow

currents at this location. At all locations, it was observed that currents are predominantly induced by

tides.

4.2 Status of Physico-Chemical Parameters

4.2.1 Study Area

An extensive Marine Ecological Survey was carried out by a team of experts from the Centre of

Advanced Study (CAS) in Marine Biology of Annamalai University, spanning three to four days

covering three seasons during September 2012- May 2013 in the proposed project area. The data were

collected in September 2012 (Post Monsoon season), January 2013 (winter season) and May 2013

(Summer season).

Water and sediment samples for physico-chemical, petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals and

biological analysis were collected from Twenty Six (26) locations both in high tide and low tide.

During survey, marine water samples were collected across two different depths (surface and

subsurface), besides sediment and biological samples (plankton, benthos and microbial samples) from

all the baseline locations.

A map showing the marine sampling locations is given in below Figure 4-1.

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Figure 4-1: Marine Sampling Locations

4.2.2 Marine Water Quality

Variations in Physico-Chemical parameters in the study area were given in the Table 4-2.

Table 4-2: Seasonal Variations in Marine Water Physico-Chemical Parameters

Parameters Units Post Monsoon Winter Summer

Temperature °C

Max. 31.5 27.5 32.5

Min. 28 18 30

Salinity ‰

Max. 34 33 34

Min. 31 27 33

pH

Max. 8.2 8.2 8.2

Min. 8.0 7.8 8.1

TSS mg/l Max. 298 156.8 123

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Parameters Units Post Monsoon Winter Summer

Min. 105.2 31.2 55.6

Turbidity NTU

Max. 42 42 116.6

Min. 4 9 50.4

Dissolved Oxygen

mg/l

Max. 6.11 6.72 6.11

Min. 4.14 4.04 4.56

Biological Oxygen Demand

Max. 1.76 1.184 1.92

Min. 0.112 0.029 0.168

Variations in Nutrient parameters and Oil and Grease were given in the Table 4-3.

Table 4-3: Seasonal Variations in Marine Water Nutrient Parameters

Parameters Units Post

Monsoon Winter Summer

Nitrite (NO2)

µmol/l

Max. 0.938 1.092 1.455

Min. 0.172 0.134 0.077

Nitrate (NO3)

Max. 6.903 6.683 5.28

Min. 2.644 1.419 0.442

Ammonia (NH4)

Max. 1.89 0.299 0.386

Min. 0.021 0.004 0.009

Total Nitrogen (TN)

Max. 25.903 23.862 23.233

Min. 11.81 8.788 14.137

Inorganic Phosphate

(IP)

Max. 1.623 1.586 1.21

Min. 0.038 0.075 0.34

Total Phosphate (TP)

Max. 2.507 2.832 1.874

Min. 0.493 0.628 0.771

Silicate (SiO4)

Max. 25.156 3.164 1.718

Min. 14.333 0.134 0.412

Oil & Grease µg/l Max. 1.335 0.605 3.03

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Parameters Units Post

Monsoon Winter Summer

Min. 0.1 0.02 0.265

Variations in water heavy metals were given in the Table 4-4.

Table 4-4: Seasonal Variations in Marine Water Heavy Metals

Parameters Units Post

Monsoon Winter Summer

Cadmium

(Cd)

µg/l

Max. 3.41 3.78 4.23

Min. 0.84 0.95 1.06

Copper (Cu)

Max. 53.62 61.05 68.38

Min. 24.62 27.57 30.88

Iron (Fe)

Max. 69.2 76.52 86.09

Min. 25.46 28.52 32.09

Lead (Pb)

Max. 34.99 39.1 43.79

Min. 16.02 17.94 20.09

Zinc (Zn)

Max. 63.47 71.09 79.62

Min. 24.24 27.15 30.41

Mercury

(Hg)

Max. 0.056 0.062 0.054

Min. 0.012 0.018 0.018

4.2.3 Sediment Quality

In the study area, details of sediment composition, total organic Carbon, pH and Oil & Grease with

Maximum and minimum values are given in Table 4-5.

Table 4-5: Variations in Marine Sediment Physico-Chemical Parameters

Parameters Units Post Monsoon Winter Summer

Sand

%

Max. 92.27 85.52 97.32

Min. 16.42 18.89 52.49

Silt

Max. 78.82 73.1 43.62

Min. 6.93 12.24 0.59

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Parameters Units Post Monsoon Winter Summer

Clay

Max. 21.07 53.9 7.63

Min. 0.03 0.1 0.82

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) mgC/g

Max. 6.831 4.071 7.245

Min. 1.104 0.759 0.207

pH

Max. 8.26 8.27 8.99

Min. 7.76 7.61 7.71

Oil & Grease µg/g

Max. 0.596 0.243 3.75

Min. 0.008 0.019 0.136

The details of sediment heavy metals and the variations are given in the Table 4-6.

Table 4-6: Variations in marine sediment heavy metals

Parameters Units Post Monsoon Winter

Summer

Cadmium

µg/g

Max. 7.56 7.69 8.46

Min. 3.00 3.36 3.51

Copper

Max. 86.24 96.8 97.78

Min. 40.04 45.05 50.46

Iron

Max. 32960 33929 32839

Min. 5448 6102 8062

Lead

Max. 143.52 99.74 91.32

Min. 6.84 37.99 42.55

Zinc

Max. 164.56 169.31 125.35

Min. 28.64 32.08 25.66

Mercury

Max. 0.038 0.056 0.05

Min. 0.012 0.024 0.018

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4.3 General Classification of Marine Life

The general classification of marine life is given below

PLANKTON (Drifting organisms that cannot swim against water currents)

Whether Plant or Animal Size

Phytoplankton Picoplankton smallest cells, measuring

anywhere from 0.2 – 2 μm (1 μm

= 10-3

mm or 10-6

m).

Nanoplankton measures from 2-20 μm.

Microplankton measures from 20-200 μm (=

0.2 mm)

Mesoplankton measures from 200-2000 μm

(= 2 mm)

Macroplankton is larger than 2 mm –20 mm

(= 2 cm)

Megaplankton is larger than 2 cm

Zooplankton

Bacterioplankton

NEKTON (free swimmers) This includes fishes, marine mammals and marine reptiles

Pelagic Living in the open ocean

Epipelagic From below the surface to 650 Feet

Mesopelagic From 650 Feet to 3300feet

Bathypelagic From 3300 feet to 13,000 feet

Abyssopelagic From 13,000 feet to 20,000 Feet

Hadopelagic Beyond 20,000Feet

BENTHOS (Bottom Dwellers)

Size Habitat Mobility

Microbenthos (Can be observed

only with microscope ) eg. Bacteria,

Foraminerfarans and diatoms.

Unicellular Organisms

Epifaunal: live on the

surface of the sea bottom.

Eg. Starfish, sea

anemones, corals, etc

Sedentary: Permanently

attached to the substratum

and incapable of moving

from palce to place, eg.

Corals, sea pens, oysters

etc

Meiobenthos (multicellular

organisms, visible to the naked eye

but requires an optical instrument

like a magnifying glass to observe

Infaunal: Capable of

burrowing into the

substratum eg. Crabs,

shrimp bivalves,

Mobile: Capable of moving

from one place to another.

Eg. Crabs, bivalves etc

Page 12

finer details) gastropods etc.

Macrobenthos (Multicellular bottom

dwelling organisms that can be

clearly seen and observed with the

naked eye)

4.4 Status of Marine Life in the Study Area

4.4.1 Phytoplankton (Primary Producers) with Primary Productivity

The phytoplankton density ranged between 606 Nos./l at MSL-19 during low tide and 3207 Nos./l at

MSL-6 during high tide. The minimum and maximum density was observed during Winter season.

Around 56 species of phytoplankton were recorded from the study area. Among the phytoplankton

species, Asterionella glacialis, Ceratium furca, Chaetoceros affinis, Coscinodiscus centralis,

Coscinodiscus gigas, Ditylum brightwelli, Lauderia borealis, Odontella mobiliensis, Rhizosolenia

alata, Rhizosolenia styliformis, Thalassiothrix frauenfeldii, Triceratium favus, Thalassionema

nitzschioides,and Thalassiosira species were found to be present in most of the locations.

Table 4-7: Seasonal Variations in phytoplankton

Parameters Units Post

Monsoon Winter Summer

Phytoplankton No/l

Max. 1727 3207 2791

Min. 671 606 789

The details of Phytoplankton density were graphically shown in below figure.

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nc

. in

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/l

Location

Phytoplankton

Post Monsoon Winter Summer

Figure 4-2: Variation in Phytoplankton Density

Variations in Biological parameters were given in the Table 4-8

Page 13

Table 4-8: Seasonal Variations in Marine Biological Parameters

Parameters Units Post Monsoon Winter Summer

Primary Productivity

(PP)

mg

C/m3/hr

Max. 93.116 58.084 41.85

Min. 3.326 26.808 11.84

Chlorophyll-a (Chl a)

mg/m3

Max. 1.025 0.645 0.511

Min. 0.226 0.14 0.107

Phaeopigment

Max. 0.784 0.532 0.413

Min. 0.107 0.026 0.009

Total Biomass (TB) ml/100m3

Max. 37.936 37.638 43.56

Min. 10.146 18.402 14.18

4.4.2 Zoo Plankton

The Zooplankton Density ranged between 1049 Nos/m3 at MSL-4 during low tide and 6532 Nos/m

3 at

MSL-1 during high tide. The minimum density was observed during Post Monsoon season and

maximum during Summer season.

Around 50 species of Zooplankton were recorded from the study area. Among the zooplankton

Tintinnopsis beroidea, Tintinnopsis tocantinensis, Acrocalanus gibber, Euterfina acutifrons,

Paracalanus parvus and, gastropod veliger were found to be common in all stations.

Table 4-9: Seasonal Variations in Zoo Plankton

Parameters Units Post

Monsoon Winter Summer

Zooplankton No./m3

Max. 4580 5031 6532

Min. 1049 1896 2127

As part of baseline survey, assessment of Fin Fish Eggs and Fin Fish Larve were carried out.

The results indicated that Finfish Egg Density ranged between 1 Nos/m3 at MSL-18 and MSL-21

during low tide and 25 Nos/m3 at MSL-1 during high tide. Both minimum and maximum densities

were recorded during Post Monsoon season respectively. The details of Finfish Egg density were

graphically shown in Figure 4-3.

Finfish Larval Density ranged between 1 Nos/m3 at most of the locations during high tide and low tide

in all the sampling seasons to 26 Nos/m3 at MSL-1 during high tide in Post Monsoon season.

The details of Finfish Larvae were graphically shown in Figure 4-4.

Table 4-10: Seasonal Variations in Planktonic Parameters

Page 14

Parameters Units Post

Monsoon Winter Summer

Finfish Eggs

No./m3

Max. 25 23 11

Min. 1 4 2

Finfish Larvae

Max. 26 5 5

Min. 1 1 1

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nc

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Figure 4-3: Variation in Finfish Egg Density

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nc

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/m3

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Figure 4-4: Variation in Finfish Larval Density

4.4.3 Benthic Communities (Micro/ Meio/Macro) Both Inter Tidal and Offshore

Macrobenthos: Overall macrobenthos was, represented by 16 taxonomic groups viz., Polychaetes,

Bivalves, Amphipods, Cumacea, Gastropods, Foraminiferans, Ostrocodes, Isopods, Gnathostomulida,

Crustaceans, Archiannelid, Harpacticoides, Rotifera, Nematodes, Tanaidacea and Decapods. Around

206 species of macrobenthos was recorded. Minimum Density (125 Nos/m2) was observed at MSL-13

during low tide and the Maximum density (2950 Nos/m2) was observed at MSL-26 during low tide.

The minimum density was observed during Summer season and the maximum during Winter season.

Page 15

The variation in macrobenthic populations are given in the Table 4-11 and graphically shown in

Figure 4-5.

Meiobenthos: Overall meiobenthos was, represented by 13 taxonomic group’s viz., Nematodes,

Foraminiferans, Gastrotricha, Cumacea, Oligochates, Harpacticoids, Ostrocodes, Archiannelid,

Tanaidacea, Priapulida, Rotifera, Halacaroidea and Gastrotricha were encountered during the study.

Totally 167 species were recorded. The meiobenthos density was ranged between 70 nos/10 cm2 at

MSL-3 during low tide and 4699 nos/10 cm2 at MSL-21 during low tide. The minimum density was

observed during winter season and maximum during Summer season. The variation in meiobenthos

populations are given in the Table 4-11 graphically shown in Figure 4-6.

Table 4-11: Seasonal Variations in Benthic Density

Parameters Units Post Monsoon Winter Summer

Macrobenthos No/m2

Max. 1903 2950 1000

Min. 900 875 125

Meiobenthos No./10m2

Max. 2194 4699 168

Min. 840 967 70

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Figure 4-5: Variations in Population Density of Macrobenthos

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LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

HT

LT

MSL 1

MSL 2

MSL 3

MSL 4

MSL 5

MSL 6

MSL 7

MSL 8

MSL 9

MSL 10

MSL 11

MSL 12

MSL 13

MSL 14

MSL 15

MSL 16

MSL 17

MSL 18

MSL 19

MSL 20

MSL 21

MSL 22

MSL 23

MSL 24

MSL 25

MSL 26

Co

nc

. in

No

/10

cm

2

Location

Meiobenthos

Post Monsoon Winter Summer

Figure 4-6: Variations in Population Density of Meiobenthos

4.4.4 Fishes

The Gulf is an important fishing ground for shrimps, lobsters, pomfrets, catfish, Bombay duck mullets,

shark and clupeids. The park and sanctuary area supports approximately 200 species of fishes and 27

Page 16

species of shrimps. It also supports good landings of gastropods and bivalves especially edible oysters,

windowpane oysters and pearl oysters. Based on the average oyster density of 7.6nos.m-2, the biomass

of windowpane oysters in the Pindara Bay was estimated to be 6300 tons. Windowpane oyster fishery

of Gulf of Kutch is unique and nowhere else along Indian coast except that in Kakinada Bay, Andhra

Pradesh it forms an important fishery. The first step in oyster restoration is to determine the locations

for potential reefs. This can be done by comprehensive surveys that measure salinity levels, water

quality, previous existence of oyster beds, substrate conditions, tidal range, oxygen concentration,

algae concentration, prevalence of predators, accessibility and security in the chosen area. Once the

location is determined, cultch-fossilized shell, or other similar hard objects designed to provide points

of attachment for oysters for restoration. This will help to Gulf of Kutch provides suitable ecological

and environmental conditions and sustains a variety of exploitable species of finfishes and shellfishes

with an average catch of 1.4x 105 tons/y. The annual fish production of Mandvi-Jakhau coastal zone is

nearly 48,300 MT valued at nearly 222 Cr (Kutch Coast –People, Environment & Livelihoods, 2010)

MART in partnership with Dr. Munir Ahmed, Fishery Advisor, Technological Assistance for Rural

Advancement (TARA), Bangladesh undertook sustainable livelihood intervention study to gauge the

possible impacts due to the proposed development on the fishermen communities (pagadiyas and boat

fishers, etc.), their livelihoods, their socio-economic conditions, fishery resource base, methods used

by fishermen, fish yield etc. and to suggest mitigation measures.

There are five (5) fishing villages falling within 15 km radius of study area i.e., Salaya, Bambhdai,

Bada, Nana Layja and Kathda. Though, the study was focused on the five fishing villages, in order to

understand the fish resources and value chain, preliminary investigations were extended beyond the

study area boundaries covering Gulf of Kutch starting from Okha, Sikka, Bhadreshwar, Mundra,

Salaya, Nana Layja and Jakhau.

The findings of study are described in the following sections

4.4.4.1 Fisheries Biodiversity and Habitat

The fish biodiversity mapping along the Nana Layja coast has been gauged using community

knowledge format through PRA technique, FGDs with key informants. Bathymetry map were used to

map the distribution of species based on the fishermen knowledge.

Figure 4-7 shows major and common fish species that are available season wise.

Page 17

Figure 4-7: Composition of Fishes in Different Seasons

From the fishermen it is known that Chhodi (Liza parsia) which is about 50% of the catch and

Gandhyio (Mugil cephalus) about 35% are most dominant species on annual average basis. This

composition pattern differs in different season. In dry season where Chhodi is about 50% but in wet

season it is about 10% in the composition but Gandhiyo top the list which is 50%. In pre-monsoon

species are quite different where Kongho (Sillagosihama) is in first position in terms of availability. In

addition of fishes there are presence of Gastropods, bivalves jelly fish, cuttle fish (cephalopods) etc. in

the shore areas. Composition of these varies with the distance and depth. Very common and important

fishes of the coastline near the project region are Lapari/Lapri (Chirocentrusnudus), Sher

(Polynemousheptadactylus), Surmai (Scomberomoruscommerson), Paplet (Pampusarge-nteus), Bumla

(Harpodonnehereus).

Available Fishery resources in the study area are given in the Table 4-12, Major fish species caught by

Pagadiyas and Boaters are given in the Table 4-13. Fishery resources availability based on distance

and depth are given in the Table 4-14 and Fishery resource availability at different environments & in

different time periods are given in Table 4-15, Fish species caught by local fishermen at different

locations in the region are graphically shown in the Figure 4-8.

Table 4-12: Fishery resources in Study Area

S. No. Local name Common name Scientific name Pelagic / Demerssal /

other

1 Baloon Lizard fish Saurida sp. Pelagic

2 Chaiya Brown triple tail Lobotes surinamensis Pelagic

3 Chari Mullet Liza sp. Pelagic

4 Chhodi Gold spot mullet Liza parsia Pelagic

5 Chichan Hilsa Tenualosa sp. Pelagic

6 Dangari Seabass Lates calcarifer Pelagic

7 Gandhiyo/M

alay Mullet Mugil cephalus Pelagic

8 Jibh Carrot tonguesoles Cynoglossus dubius Demersal

9 Katiyo Grouper Epinephelus sp. Demersal

10 Khekhara Blue Crab Portunus pelagicus Bentho-pelagic/shell fish

11 Koki Cresent tiger pearch Terapon jarbua Demersal

12 Malay Mullet Mugil cephalus Pelagic

13 Mandali Golden spotted

ancovy Coilia dussumieri Pelagic

Page 18

S. No. Local name Common name Scientific name Pelagic / Demerssal /

other

14 Noradi Indian flathead Platycephalus sp. Pelagic

15 Pakhiya Large scale

flyingfish Cypselurus oligolepis Pelagic

16 palay Indian Shad Tenualosa ilisha Pelagic

17 Palli Mustached anchovy Thryssa sp. Pelagic

18 Soniya-

Zinga Gold shrimp Fenneropenaeus indicus Bentho-pelagic/shell fish

19 Bumla Bombay Duck Harpodon nehereus Pelagic

20 Chamani small pomfret Pampus argenteus/

Pampus chinensis Demersal

21 Dai Herring Chirocentrus sp. Pelagic

22 Gandhiyo Mullet Mugil cephalus Pelagic

23 Kati Big eye ilisha Ilisha sp. Pelagic

24 Khaga Soldier catfish Osteogeneiosus militaris Demersal

25 Kungho Silver whiting Sillago sihama Pelagic

26 Kui spotted scat Acanthopagrus latus Demersal

27 Lapri Smooth wolf herring Chirocentrus nudus Pelagic

28 Lobster Rock Spiny Lobster Panulirus polyphagus Bentho-pelagic/shell fish

29 Paplet Silver pomfret Pampus argenteus Demersal

30 Shelay Cobia fish Rachycentron canadum Pelagic

31 Sher Seven finger

threadfin Polynemus heptadactylus Demersal

32 Shermai Barred seer fish Scomberomorus

commerson Pelagic

33 Zinga Indian white shrimp Fenneropenaeus indicus Bentho-pelagic/shell fish

Table 4-13: Major Fish species caught by Pagadiya and Boat based fishermen

S. No. Local Name of the Fishes

Page 19

Pagadia Fishermen Boat Based Fishermen

1. Gandhyio Bumla

2. Khekhra Paplet

3. Congho Lapri

4. Chhodi Gandhiyo

5. Chori Dai

6. Sanyio- Jinga Kati

7. Noradia Khaga

8. Malay Chhodi

9. Melari Lobster

10. Kotiyo Pachadi

Table 4-14: Fishery Resource Distribution in Study Area

Fishery Distribution

Distance (km) Depth (m) Fishery resources

5 5 Lobster Bumla Pamplet

20 20 Jiv/ Lounge Tirayjhinga Chhodi

30-35 40 Boga Narshingo Red Jhinga

100 80 Red Fish Darwara Tiger- Jinga

Table 4-15: Fishery Resource in Different Habitats/Time Periods in Study Area

S. No. Condition of Habitat Indicator Species

1 Clear Water Nursingo, Baga, Jinga

2 Turbid Water Pamplet, Bumla, Jinga

3 Flow/Velocity Bumla, Mundali and Kur

4 Depth Jib, Jhinga, Goura

5 Full Moon Gadera, Surmai, Lapri

6 In Between Aplus, Sapla, Jira

Page 20

S. No. Condition of Habitat Indicator Species

7 No Moon -

Figure 4-8: Different Fish Species Caught by Local Fishermen

4.4.5 Sea Turtles Nesting Study

ZSI Survey of India has carried out the specific study on sea turtle nesting. Four species of sea turtles

are known to occur in the coastal waters of Gujarat of which two species are reported to nest along the

coastal stretches. Along the Kutch coast, nesting of two species of sea turtle viz. olive ridley turtle

(Lepidochelys olivacea) and Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) have been reported of which olive ridley

turtle is known to be predominant (Sundarraj et al. 2002; based on Gujarat State Forest Department

(GSFD) data on egg translocation and Sundarraj et al. 2013). Among four coastal districts (Jamnagar,

Porbandar, Junagarh and Kutch), number of nests reported along the Kutch coast is less than the other

districts.

The olive ridley turtle reported to nest between June and early November on the Gujarat coast while

green turtle nesting takes place between July and ends of January. However, the data sources silent on

the exact nesting season. Moreover, olive ridley peak nesting occurs between July and November.

Sporadic nesting takes place throughout the year along Gujarat coast (Sundarraj et al. 2013).

A summary of number of nests reported by studies conducted recently are presented in Table 4-16.

Table 4-16: Sea turtle nesting along Gujarat coast (4 districts) based on information from

GSFD/GUIDE/GEC/WWF REPORT

S.No District

GSFD/GUIDE/GEC REPORT WWF

REPORT

Beach length

(Potential

sites)

No of Nests Observed

Number of

Nests (Km) 2000-01 2006

2011-

12

Page 21

S.No District GSFD/GUIDE/GEC REPORT WWF

REPORT

[in km]

1. Kutch 73 61 17 68* 3 nests (15 km)

2. Jamnagar 92 250 1398** 91 53 nests (116

km)

3. Porbundar 83 155 494 53 74 (83 km)

4. Junagadh 98 124 508 61 104 (86 km)

* Based on state forest department data on nest translocation to hatchery at Mandvi/Nalia for 2007-08

to 2010-11.

** 1398 nests recorded in 12 years.

Most of the studies on sea turtle nesting have been carried out along the Saurashtra coast and

information available for Kutch coast is only the data from state Forest Department. Except for one-

time survey by Sundarraj et al. (2002), there is no long term data available for the coast. The nesting of

sea turtles along the coastal stretch Mandvi is quite sporadic as well as high nest predation and

therefore it is possible that forest department translocated all the nests to the hatchery.

Ex-situ conservation programme are in operation in Gujarat since 1985-86 and sea turtle hatcheries

have been established in Nalia and Mandvi along Kutch coast. Sea turtle eggs are reported to have

been collected by the forest department staff and hired trained personnel.

4.4.5.1 Study Area

ZSI conducted a rapid survey for duration of two months from October 2015 to November 2015 and

the field work was conducted from second week of October 2015 to end of November 2015. The

coastal stretch between Mandvi Palace and Asar Ma beach was surveyed on a daily basis by the field

personnel engaged for the purpose for recording any nesting/crawl marks of turtles along the coastal

stretch including stretches along which the project is proposed. Field visits to the project location was

made by the ZSI team of scientists twice during last week of October 2015 and third week of

November 2015. The team also made an assessment of the coastal and marine habitat along with

overall biodiversity of the sites.

Data collected on the beach dynamics of Nana Layja and adjacent coastal stretch indicate that average

beach width is < 15 m and get inundated during high tide upto the Prosopis vegetation/stabilised

dunes, except at river mouth of Kharod which is considerably widen. Therefore, the entire coastal

stretch of beach is narrow, varying in width with the backshore sandy ridge rising abruptly from 5-7 m

above and dense Prosopis Juliflora vegetation touching HTL. In particular, the proposed project site

has narrow width of beach except at the eastern end of mouth of Kharod river (> 50 m) and at extreme

eastern end of the proposed site. Also, the entire coastal stretch between project development area due

to its narrow beach width, gets inundated during high tide and are not suitable/not preferred by sea

turtle for laying eggs. Sandy beach of Nana Layja and adjoining areas have sporadic nesting habitats

for sea turtles and nesting activities are quite rare. There is less probability of nesting in proposed

project coastline considering the beach slope, availability of beach beyond HTL for nesting. Since

many of the factor for selection of a suitable nesting site are not conducive (beach width, vegetation

Page 22

cover, slope, tidal inundation, presence of animals on the beach), nesting, if all, occurring is therefore

highly sporadic at Nana Layja and on occasionally.

Apart from background dense vegetation of Babul (Prosopis juliflora) close to the high tide line, the

predominant floral beach composition are that of beach grass and beach binding creekers viz. Launea

sarmetosa, Cyperus arenarius, Fimbristylis miliacea, Ipomea pes-capre and Spinifex littoreus. Presence

of animals in the coastal stretch of Nana Layja was assessed by direct sighting and tracks and signs.

During the field visit, Feral dogs (Canis familiaris) were frequently observed canids on the beach, and

common Jackal (Canis aureus) was encountered once. This could be due beach due to dense

vegetation cover. Also, fecal pallets of Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) observed on the beach

indicating this animal visiting the coast during low tide. Considering high level of presence of feral

animals and carnivores all along the beach, Gujarat State Forest Department trans locating all the nests

to the turtle hatchery at Mandvi and Nalia

The olive ridley and the green turtles are annual nesters and lay eggs more than once in a single

season. The data of Gujarat Forest Department and Sundarraj et al. (2013) about 68 nests over five

years (2007-08 to 2012-13) along the Mandvi coastal stretch (73 km) averages for 14 nests per year

that implies 1 nest/5 km beach, which is highly sporadic and is a scenario of entire coastline of India,

so far as sea turtle nesting is concern. Also, the 6 km beach between Mandvi palace and Nana Layja

reported to be only 6 nests in five years in this coastal stretch. The nesting of sea turtles along the

coastal stretch of Mandvi is highly sporadic (Sundarraj et al. 2013).

ZSI concluded as below;

1. During the two month daily monitoring during Oct – Nov 2015, no sea turtle nest / fresh or

old or crawl marks were observed along the beach surveyed. However, secondary sources of

information revealed the coastline of Mandvi as important sea turtle nesting habitat along

Kutch.

2. Based on the detailed filed survey & monitoring of sea turtle nesting, due to its narrow width,

the Nana Layja beach gets inundated during high tide and thereby unfavorable for sea turtles

for laying eggs.

3. However the 7 km stretch between Rukmavati river mouth and Mandvi palace is sandy,

vegetation to HTL is wide and much of the sporadic nesting could be taking place along this

coastal stretch.

4.4.6 Marine Mammals

No marine mammals were recorded in the study area during the survey and also there is no record of

this group in the previous literatures. Primary marine ecological survey made during September 2012-

May 2013 in Nana Layja Mota coastal waters have not reported any marine mammals.

4.4.7 Mangroves

No mangroves are observed at the proposed project site area. A small patch comprising mainly of

Avicinnea sp. was observed near the base of a bridge over the Rukmawati river at ~11 km, East from

the proposed Project site at the entrance to Mandvi town. Mangrove with scattered individuals like

Avicennia alba and Avicennia officinalis were observed at this location.

Page 23

4.4.8 Coral/Coral Reefs

It is observed that, there are no coral reefs existing in the project site as well as study area. The coral

formations of the Gulf of Kutch are found along the coast of Jamnagar District. The Marine National

Parks bordering the southern shore of Gulf support coral and coral reefs. (Source: Integrated Coastal

and Marine Area Management, ICMAM, Department of Ocean Development, Chennai).

4.4.9 Seaweed/ Sea Grasses

No major Seaweed and Seagrass species are reported in the area proposed for the offshore facilities for

the projects. The surveyed area was found to have sandy/muddy substratum, which it does not support

algal growth. Only Enteromorpha (Chlorophyceae) and some blue-green algae were found in the

mangrove region of Mandvi.

5 Impact, Mitigation, Conservation and Management Plan

The potential impacts on the marine environment due to the development of Shipyard cum Captive

jetties including LNG Terminal have been identified considering the nature and extent of the activities

associated with the project implementation and operation and presented in detail in the (C)EIA reports.

To mitigate likely environmental impacts during construction and operation phases due to landside

and marine side activities, suitable mitigation measures are incorporated as a part of planning process.

The Marine Diversity management and conservation Plan along with specific mitigation measures are

provided below viz.

i) Marine environment - Mitigation measures ,

ii) Atmospheric Environment - Mitigation measures

iii) Measures to promote turtle nesting.

MARINE ENVIRONMENT - MITIGATION MEASURES TOPROTEC THE MARINE LIFE

1. Discharge of waste into the sea will be prohibited

2. Ensure that slop tanks will be provided to barges/ workboats for collection of liquid/ solid waste

3. Marine environmental monitoring as per environmental monitoring programme

4. Turbidity levels will be checked by continuous monitoring

5. Dredge Management Programme shall include suitable type of dredgers and measures to avoid

entrapment of macro marine fauna.

6. Care shall be taken to prevent the contaminated runoff from the construction site to the nearby natural

streams, if any

7. Optimized utilization of the water

8. Wastewater and sewage generated shall be treated in septic tanks with soak pits

9. The land (Shipyard Cum Port including LNG Terminal (mostly inter tidal) to be reclaimed with dredged

material by creating containment bund

10. Discharge of treated wastewater as per marine discharge standards

11. Ships will be prohibited from discharging wastewater, bilge, oil wastes, etc. into the near-shore as well

as harbour waters by adopting International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

(MARPOL) 1974/1978, Consolidated Edition, IMO, 1991, including 1992 amendments to Annex 1 and

2002 amendments

12. Ships shall conduct ballast water exchange at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water

at least 200 m in depth prior to calling at the project facility.

13. As a mitigation measure for Oil spill, if any, contingency plan will be kept ready for implementation

14. Floating, marking buoys, Signboards will be displayed to educating the seafarers about the orientation

of approach channel

Page 24

15. Acoustic Barriers & Enclosures for the conveyor gallery will be provided.

16. Regular Interactions shall be initiated with the fishing community and conflicts, if any with fishing

community shall be amicably resolved in all cases.

17. Shoreline Protection Techniques such as Sand by passing will be carried.

18. The GIMCO/SPPL shall ensure that the existing sand dunes are not disturbed due to the proposed

project and shall remain intact. The trestle and approach road for lying pipeline shall be kept at 1.00 m

highest height of sand dune.

ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT - MITIGATION MEASURES

1. Scientific and regulated stacking of coal

2. Provision of impermeable surfaces where coal is being handled

3. Periodic cleaning of coal spills, if any

4. Greenbelt Development

5. Use of multi-purpose Cranes such as Gantry Type and dust suppression system etc.,

6. Use of low sulphur diesel in DG sets

7. The coal is proposed to be transported through Covered conveyors and gas by pipeline (Gas) to nearby

power plants and hence vehicular traffic is reduced.

8. Use of tarpaulin covers and speed regulations for vehicles engaged in transportation

9. Repair of asbestos contained in ship structures, the operation shall take place in an enclosed limited area

10. Asbestos removal facilities shall have concrete/asphalt flooring, side walls and roof, wetting system,

safe storage facilities for asbestos waste and packaging facility

11. Closed circuit vacuum blasting at shipyard

12. Use of Water Based Paints to minimise VoC Emissions at shipyard

13. Painting of ships' hulls will be carried out using airless spray painting at shipyard

14. Blast and Paint Cells will be provided with Fume extraction and dilution system at shipyard.

15. Eco friendly LNG Regasification Technology is proposed (Indirect Ambient Air Vaporisation

technology)

MEASURES TO PROMOTE TURTLE NESTING

1. The light fixture will be mounted as low as possible to minimize light trespass and the lowest amount of

light needed for the task shall be used.

2. Long wavelength lights will be used wherever possible. Low pressure sodium (LPS) lights are

considered more desirable than HPS sources. Short wavelength (blue) and broad spectrum sources such

as metal halide, mercury vapour, fluorescent or halogen lights will be avoided.

3. Amber filters on HPS lights will be used if HPS lights use cannot be avoided,

4. White lights that emit ultraviolet light will not be used.

5. Strong blue or green spectral elements (eg. mercury vapour lights) will be limited as far as possible.

6. Lights will be directed downward and will be shielded to avoid overhead glow on cloudy nights

7. To mitigate the erosion related issues, sand by passing / Beach nourishment is considered as one way to

mitigate erosion. The classical mitigation measures such as shore walls, groynes, etc is completely

avoided since it may prohibit access of sea turtles to nearby nesting beaches.

8. Awareness programmes for local fisher population, company labourers and employees shall be

undertaken to highlight sea turtle conservation. Awareness regarding fisheries related issues is also

necessary among fishing community. Incidental capture of turtles in shrimp trawls and gill nets account

for more deaths than all other human activities combined. In addition to the trawl entanglement, sea

turtles have been killed after becoming entangled in other types of fishing gear, such as, gill nets, long

Page 25

lines (hook and line), and lobster or crab pot lines. Creation of awareness among villagers and fishermen

shall be undertaken as part of conservation measures

9. Alternate livelihood option for vada fisherman is under consideration by the project proponent and such

plan will improve sea turtle nesting in the study area. Vada fishing is usually done in the inter-tidal

region by placing nets at regular intervals and parallel to the shore. During the high tides at night, this

method has a potential to prevent sea turtles reaching shore for nesting as well as accidental

entanglement and drowning.

6 Marine Environment Monitoring Programme

It is suggested that a continuous monitoring programme covering all the seasons on various

aspects of the coastal environs need to be undertaken by a competent organisation available in the

State or by entrusting to the National Institutes/renowned Universities with rich experiences in marine

science aspects. The monitoring should cover various physico-chemical parameters coupled with

biological indices such as microbes, plankton, benthos and fishes on a periodic basis during

construction and operation phase of the project. Any deviations in the parameters shall be given

adequate care with suitable measures to conserve the marine environment and its resources. Further

the data collected shall also be compared with secondary data available for the Gujarat coast so as to

arrive at a meaningful management plan

Page 26

The proposed environmental monitoring program is outlined below:

Table 6-1: Environmental Monitoring Program

Environ

mental

Attribut

es

Parameters to

be monitored

No. of Sampling

Locations

Frequency of

Monitoring

Standards

Methods for

Sampling &

Analysis

Compli

ance

Construction Phase

Marine

Water

Quality

Physical,

Chemical and

Biological

In addition to

the above,

Alpha, Beta

emitters

Six (6)

Kharod river

confluence point

Shipyard/jetties

basin

1.5 km east of

eastern

breakwater

1.5 km west of

western

breakwater

Dredge material

disposal site

Outer Approach

channel

Once a month

both for low tide

and high tide

periods

during

construction

Bottom

sampler (and

analysis by

using standard

methods.

Primary

water

quality

standard

s for

coastal

water

(SW –

IV)

Plankton

and

Benthic

Commun

ities

Phytoplankton,

Zooplankton

and Benthic

Communities

Six (6)

Kharod river

confluence point

Shipyard/jetties

basin

1.5 km east of

eastern

breakwater

1.5 km west of

western

breakwater

Dredge material

disposal site

Outer Approach

channel

Once a month

during

construction

Plankton net

of diameter of

0.35 m, No.25

mesh size 63

and analysis

by using

standard

methods.

Baseline

marine

Plankto

n and

Benthic

Commu

nity data

Sediment

Quality

Physical,

Chemical and

Biological

Six (6)

Kharod river

confluence point

Shipyard/jetties

basin

1.5 km east of

eastern

breakwater

1.5 km west of

western

breakwater

Once a month

during

construction

Grab Sampling

and analysis

by using

standard

methods

Baseline

marine

sedimen

t quality

data

Page 27

Environ

mental

Attribut

es

Parameters to

be monitored

No. of Sampling

Locations

Frequency of

Monitoring

Standards

Methods for

Sampling &

Analysis

Compli

ance

Dredge material

disposal site

Outer Approach

channel

Coastal

Shoreline

Erosion/accreti

on

7 km stretch on either

side of shipyard cum

jetties breakwaters

Twice a Year GIS, remote

sensing

techniques and

ground

verification

Satellite

imagery

shall be

obtained

before

commen

cing the

construc

tion

activity.

CRZ

Map/CZ

MP of

project

location

Bathymet

ry

(During

Dredging

and

Disposal)

Changes in

Sea Bed

Levels

Dredge Spoil Disposal

Site

Once in Quarter Standard

Bathymetric

Survey using

The ECO

Sounder:

ODOM

Echotrac CVM

dual frequency

Echo Sounder

Baseline

Bathym

etry

Operation Phase

Marine

Water

Quality

Physical,

Chemical and

Biological

In addition to

the above,

Alpha, Beta

emitters

Six (6)

Kharod river

confluence point

Shipyard/jetties

basin

1.5 km east of

eastern

breakwater

1.5 km west of

western

breakwater

Dredge material

disposal site

Outer Approach

Once a month Bottom

sampler (and

analysis by

using standard

methods.

Primary

water

quality

standard

s for

coastal

water

(SW –

IV)

Page 28

Environ

mental

Attribut

es

Parameters to

be monitored

No. of Sampling

Locations

Frequency of

Monitoring

Standards

Methods for

Sampling &

Analysis

Compli

ance

channel

Plankton

and

Benthic

Commun

ities

Phytoplankton,

Zooplankton

and Benthic

Communities

Six(6)

Kharod river

confluence point

Shipyard/jetties

basin

1.5 km east of

eastern

breakwater

1.5 km west of

western

breakwater

Dredge material

disposal site

Outer Approach

channel

Once a month Plankton net

of diameter of

0.35 m, No.25

mesh size 63

and analysis

by using

standard

methods.

Baseline

marine

Plankto

n and

Benthic

Commu

nity data

Sediment

Quality

Physical,

Chemical and

Biological

Six (6)

Kharod river

confluence point

Shipyard/jetties

basin

1.5 km east of

eastern

breakwater

1.5 km west of

western

breakwater

Dredge material

disposal site

Outer Approach

channel

Once a month Grab Sampling

and analysis

by using

standard

methods

Baseline

marine

sedimen

t quality

data

Coastal

Shoreline

Erosion/accreti

on

7 km stretch on either of

shipyard cum jetties

breakwaters

Twice a Year Satellite

imagery, GIS,

remote sensing

techniques and

ground

verification

Baseline

Satellite

imagery

procure

d before

commen

cement

of

construc

tion.

CRZ

Map/CZ

MP of

Page 29

Environ

mental

Attribut

es

Parameters to

be monitored

No. of Sampling

Locations

Frequency of

Monitoring

Standards

Methods for

Sampling &

Analysis

Compli

ance

project

location

STP/

ETP -

Inlet &

Outlet

Physical,

Chemical and

Biological

Parameters

Four (4)

STP Inlet/ outlet

ETP Inlet/ outlet

Daily Grab Sampling

and analysis

by using

standard

methods

As per

GPCB

stipulati

on in

CTE/CT

O.

7 ALTERNATIVE AND ADDITIONAL LIVELIHOOD OPTIONS

In order to conserve the coastal waters adjacent to the project site area and to enhance the livelihood

options of the fishermen communities located in and around this area, a holistic environmental

management plan with adequate conservation measures, judicious utilisation of marine bio-resources

besides novel technologies for adoption by fishermen so as to enhance the additional and alternate

livelihood option are outlined below;

Marine ornamental fishes

Technologies are available nowadays from the CMFRI, Mandapam as well Centre of Advanced Study

in Marine Biology, Annamalai University (CASMB, AU) for promotion of culture of marine

ornamental fishes such as Clowns, Damsels, ornamental shrimps etc., The proponent can establish a

marine ornamental fish village by creating a common facility for the supply of filtered disease free sea

water as well the other facilities in the fishermen groups for practising the culture of ornamental fishes

including breeding, rearing and development of saleable adult fishes. This will also provide an ample

opportunity for the fisherwomen to have additional livelihood options in addition to routine fishing

and other related activities

Sea weed culture

The Red seaweed Eucheuma cottoni (earlier Kappaphycus alvarezii) has the promise to culture in the

shallow coastal waters including creeks and estuaries as demonstrated in Tamilnadu coast can also be

undertaken as livelihood options. This can be carried out both by rope culture and bamboo raft culture.

The technologies are already perfected by the CASMB, AU and they can be involved to offer adequate

training for this purpose.

Mud crab fattening

Water crab or post moult crab represents a stage in crab’s life cycle. During the catch the

fishers used to get water crabs every day which fetches cheaper rates as it contains more of water than

flesh. This reduces the profit of the fishers. Instead, in the present intervention, the post-moult or

water crabs caught by the fishers would be kept in captivity (cage/pen) for a short period of 20- 30

days until they 'flesh out' or normal crabs. Since the fattening period is less, the crabs can be fed with

dry and trash fish which is available in the same location. Multiple market and buy-back arrangement

will be made with crab collector, buyers and exporters, so that the regular raw material flow will be

facilitated.

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Installation of Solar drier

Gujarat coast is known for sun drying of fishes in the shore as well adjacent areas. The sun

drying of fishes is one of the most important and famous preservative techniques. Due to the operation

of the Project the fishermen may have apprehension for drying of fishes in open area due to dust

particles. In order to overcome this particular issue as well to enhance quality and quick drying of

fishes in a most hygienic way, it is proposed to establish adequate number of solar driers by the

proponent on the coastal stretches of Project site. An efficient make and model of the solar drier,

which are in operation in Tamil Nadu is also given below for ready reference. The Proponent can

consider this under CSR activities.

The solar driers are designed to be suitable for all seasons; it dries fast in summer and dry safe

in winter and rainy seasons. The dryers are atomized and user-friendly which finds more utility since

these driers are functioning out of Radiation Principle. The product dried will never lose its natural

characters besides the natural colours and vitamins will be protected. The products are dried in 550C

to 600C. The excess heat and humidity is controlled automatically. The Bio mass heat exchangers will

support drying in rainy seasons and also in hard winters where solar intensity is insufficient for drying.

In this functioning very minimum of electricity is consumed. Driers can be designed according to the

need and necessity, the investment on the proposed Hi-tech models will find pay back within a span of

18 to 24 months. In a nutshell, this system of drying is identified to be more economic, safe and fast

in drying technology.

Advantages of solar driers for fish drying

1. Drying time is reduced up to 50% while comparing to open yard drying and also the cost on

energy is saved, since solar energy is used.

2. Manpower requirement is less since the product is dried inside the chamber and therefore

hygienic as well as uniform drying is ensured.

3. The drying technique used in this process conserves natural characters, vitamins and colours

are protected.

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Fish drying inside of solar drier in Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu

8 Budgetary Estimate for Key Conservation Activities

Environmental monitoring programme as formulated above will be implemented. The budgetary

estimate for complete Environmental Management which includes marine diversity conservation and

management during construction phase is INR 113.86 Crores and during operational phase is INR

11.89 Crores.

9 Summary and Conclusion

The results of the Primary surveys indicated that the physico-chemical and biological parameters did

not vary much except a few parameters which showed only marginal variations. The surface water

temperature, salinity, pH, TSS and turbidity were within the permissible level as suggested by Dept. of

Oceanography, SOEST, Hawaii (2012). The variation noticed between the stations was only marginal

and it might be due to seasonal changes, geographical location and sampling time. The range of

ecologically sensitive chemical parameters such as Oxygen, BOD, nutrients was also at the optimal

concentration corresponding to the seasonal variation as suggested by Khadanga, 2012. Similarly, the

level of Petroleum Hydrocarbon, Heavy metals (Sediment, water and fauna) were also within the

permissible limit as per the limits suggested by USA Environmental Protection Agency, 2009. The

sand, silt and clay fraction at each of the stations along with their textural classification indicated that

the sand and silt percentage was higher during this survey (Jones, 2000). The microbial population

showed general trend in water and sediment samples during this survey. The maximum colony count

was observed in sediment compared to the water samples.

With regard to biological entities, the phytoplankton species belonging to three groups namely

diatoms, dinoflagellates, and blue greens were recorded. Of these, diatoms were found to be the

dominant group in various stations. Dinoflagellates formed next group and blue green algae came last

in the order in all the stations. 3 groups of macro zooplankton namely, calanoids, cyclopoids, and

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harpacticoids and 2 groups of micro zooplankton namely, spirotricha and larval forms and “others”

groups of zooplankton were recorded. Of the above said groups, calanoida were found to be the

dominant group because calanoida is the largest group than the other mentioned groups. Larval forms

came as next dominant group. Cyclopoida came next followed by spirotricha and harpacticoida. While

other group showed only meager contributions in the collection.

Among the macro benthic organisms, the polychaetes topped the list. Crustaceans were found to be the

next dominant group in the order of abundance and followed by Gastropods and bivalves of the total

benthic organisms collected. The four groups of meio-benthic organisms namely foraminiferans,

nematodes, harpacticoids and ostracodes were recorded. Of these, foraminiferans were dominant.

Ostracodes were found to be the next dominant group in the order of abundance and followed by

Nematodes and harpacticoids.

The primary data during comprehensive survey period as well the secondary data collected do not

reflect the existence of any critical flora and fauna in the study area. The information collected on the

biodiversity potential of Kutch coast is detailed vide Annexure I.

Ecologically sensitive areas like Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and other

protected areas (PA) are not found within 15 km radius of the project site. Ecological sensitive areas

and marine protected areas of Kutch District are located beyond 35 km distance from the project site.

Project site is far away from the marine protected area of Gulf of Kutch and moreover it is near

Mandvi coast where the Govt. of Gujarat identified as the ideal zone for developing industries in view

of the strategic location with minimal ecological impact and lesser livelihood damage.

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Annexure I

Ecological Sensitive Areas and Other Marine Protected Area

Gujarat has the longest coastline of 1600 km in the country, comprising of major

geomorphic segments namely Gulf of Khambhat, Gulf of Kachchh, Saurashtra coast

and Coast of South Gujarat. Of these, Kutch is the integrated part of Gujarat and it is the largest

district in India with a total area of 45652 sq km. Out of this, the Rann of Kutch or salt desert occupies

nearly 30,000 sq. km or nearly 2/3rd of the area. Kutch Coast is one of the rare ecological zones in the

world having rich bio-diversity, which comprises of mangroves, coral reefs, Mudflats, Seaweeds,

Commercial fishes and a few rare marine species. The yet another prominent feature of the Kutch

Coast is the vast intertidal zone comprising a network of creeks, estuaries and mudflats. The Kutch

coast provides flattering environment for several sea based traditional avocations like fishing, salt

making apart from land based occupations like agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry.

Ecologically sensitive areas like Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and

other protected areas (PA) are not found within the 25 km radius of the project site. Ecological

sensitive areas and marine protected areas of Kutch District are located beyond 35 km distance from

the project site. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Great Rann of Kutch at a

distance of 93 km. The other ecologically sensitive areas found in Kutch district are the Narayan

Sarovar Sanctuary (83 km), Kutch Bustard Sanctuary (70 km), Banni Grasslands Reserve and Chari-

Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve (81 km). Apart from the above, there is a Wild Ass Sanctuary

in Kutch District which is located in the Little Rann of Kutch at a distance of 103 km.

Mangrove vegetation

Gulf of Kachchh along with the Western mangroves in and around Khori creek

supports the second largest mangrove area in the world. Mangroves in the Gulf have

low height due to high tidal amplitude and salinity of the seawater. Mangroves in

the four districts-Devbhumi-Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi and Kachchh districts have

been notified as forests. According to Ecological Profile for Coastal Talukas of Gulf of Kachchh,

(2014) a large part of the notified mangrove area is without mangrove cover and some of it is leased

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out to the salt industries. The common mangrove species recorded in this region are Avicennia marina,

which constitutes about 90% of total mangroves and the rest 5% by Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops

tagal, and Aegiceras corniculatum (Singh, 2000).

Other floral resources/ Sand dunes

According to a field survey on sand dune vegetation conducted by (GES, 2014) in and around

Kutch region, 46 different flora were recorded which include 11 tree species, 6 shrubs, 9 herbs, 10

grasses, 6 sedges, 2 creepers and 2 climbers. The tree species Prosopis juliflora, an invasive alien

weed plant locally called Kanda Baval is the dominant vegetation in the study area (650 trees-

shrubs/ha). Thickets of Prosopis were seen predominantly whose height ranged from 50 cm to 5

meter. The other tree species, Acacia nilotica and Zizyphus nummularia were also reported.

Categorizing the recorded floral forms as per IUCN red data list showed that 39 plants fall under the

category ‘Not Evaluated’, 6 plants under ‘Least Concerned’ and 1 plant-‘ Critically Endangered’.

The survey further revealed that the sand dunes are located close to the supratidal zone in most

of the places. Sand dunes are inhabited by grasses such as Aleurops lagopoides, Aristida spp.,

Cenchrus biflora, Cenchrus ciliaris and Urochondra setulosus which form patches on the sandy

substrate. Sedges such as Fimbristylis cymosa and Cyperus arenarius were recorded on a very few

occasion. However, the major vegetation composition of Kutch district showed presence of thorny

species like Prosopis juliflora, Zizyphus nummularia and Capparis decidua

Seaweed and Seagrasses

The Gulf contributes to the maximum species and biomass of seaweeds for the west coast of

India. Between the two coasts of Gulf of Kachchh (the northern and the southern) the latter supports

luxuriant growth of marine algae because shoreline has gradual slope with high tidal amplitude,

moderate wave action and low turbidity. Also, presence of hard substratum both due to coral reefs and

other rocks, provide suitable habitat for most of the algal species. The northern shore of the Gulf has

poor algal growth, as the sandy/ muddy substratum associated with relatively high turbidity does not

support the species. According to a study conducted earlier (Anon, 1992), the number of marine algae

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was found to be 78 species belonging to Rhodophyceae (26), Chlorophyceae (25) and Phaeophyceae

(21).

Distribution of marine algae in the southern and northern coasts of the Gulf exhibited a clear

cut contrast between each other. Availability of large inter-tidal area (1-5 km) with gradual slope and

the coralline substratum on the southern coast favoured luxuriant growth of diverse species of algae in

the marine sanctuary area and most other region. The zonation and distribution pattern of the seaweeds

is almost the same at all the stations of the southern Gulf. The supra- littoral zone was dominated by

the green algal species (Ulva sp). Other common algae in this region were green e.g., Ernodemis,

Struvea, and Microdictyon and nonarticulated coralline alga – Melobasia (red algae). Brown algae

belonging to the order Dictyotales were common in the mid-littoral zone; dominated by Padina, and

Dictyota. Sargassum species contribute the maximum to the total biomass of the Gulf of Kachh region

(>1 kg.m-2

wet weight). The sub-tidal region (below 5m depth) is dominated by species like

Sargassum, Turbinaria and Kjellimania.

Intertidal areas/Mudflats

The intertidal area is the transitional region between land and sea. Intertidal habitats provide

ecosystem services such as shoreline stabilization, maintenance of biodiversity and recreation.

Mudflats are critical habitats for migratory shorebirds and many marine organisms, including

commercially important species like crabs and a variety of molluscan species. The intertidal extent of

the GoK increases towards upstream. The increase is from 0.5 to 2 km. on northern side and around 1

to 10 km. on southern side. Due to such spread of tidal waters, GoK possess many different habitats in

the intertidal areas like mud flats (298.2 km2), sandy flats (5.8 km2), rocky areas and etc. (Meena,

2008).

Coral reef ecosystem

The GoK, Mithapur and Dwarka are the only areas in Gujarat where coral reefs exist. As a

matter of fact, at a global level, the coral reefs in GoK are found at the northern most limits compared

to northern region. The most northerly patches of coral reefs are found at Mungra reef. The age of

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coral reefs in GoK vary from 5240 years B.P. at Salaya to approximately 45,000 years B.P. at Okha.

Based on the existing classification, most of these reefs are grouped into fringing types. However,

solitary and soft corals were also reported near Mundra, Mandvi and Kandla in Kachchh region

(Deshmukh et. al. 2000) and in the Arabian Sea along the Saurashtra coast (Raghunathan et. al. 2004).

According to satellite imagery based assessment, coral reefs in GoK occupies an area of about 460

km2.

According to GEC (1997), the available data reveals that the area supports 120 sp. of algae, 70

sp. of sponges, 200 varieties of fishes, 8 types of sharks, 27 species of prawns, 30 species of crab

along with lobster and barnacles. The coral fauna is comparatively less diverse when compared to

other parts of India. Pillai and Patel (I988) carried out an extensive survey at 15 reef locations in

Kutch viz, Okha, Dholiogugar, Dona, Boria, Magunda, Savaj, Paga, Manmarudi lanmarud, Ajad,

Burel reef, Dhani, Kazimbar reef, Narara reef, Goose reef and Piroten islands and reported 40 species

of corals. Ramose corals such as Acropora, Pocillopora, Stylopora and Seriatopora are not found at

present though semi-fossilised specimens of Acropora are found on some beaches in moderate density

(Pillai, 1996).

Fisheries

The Gulf is an important fishing ground for shrimps, lobsters, pomfrets, catfish, Bombay duck

mullets, shark and clupeids. The park and sanctuary area supports approximately 200 species of fishes

and 27 species of shrimps. It also supports good landings of gastropods and bivalves especially edible

oysters, windowpane oysters and pearl oysters. Based on the average oyster density of 7.6nos.m-2

, the

biomass of windowpane oysters in the Pindara Bay was estimated to be 6300 tons. Windowpane

oyster fishery of Gulf of Kachchh is unique and nowhere else along Indian coast except that in

Kakinada Bay, Andhra Pradesh it forms an important fishery. Gulf of Kachchh provides suitable

ecological and environmental conditions and sustains a variety of exploitable species of finfishes and

shellfishes with an average catch of 1.4x 105 tons/y.

Reptiles

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Majority of the reptile species is fossorial in habit; therefore the assessment of

reptiles and their diversity etc. holds special significance for any development project. In the

present study, a total of 6 species of reptiles were recorded within the core area and 16

species in the buffer area. Of the reported reptiles species in the buffer area, Sea turtles

belong to Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and are classified as ‘Endangered’

and ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN respectively. The Indian Flap shell turtle was also reported

from water bodies in buffer area which is common throughout country and is also listed as

Schedule-I in WPA 1972 and least concerned by IUCN. Majority of the reptile species (except Sea

turtles) reported from the core and buffer area fall in ‘Least Concerned’ category of IUCN. No

endangered, rare, threatened or endemic species of reptiles was reported from the core

area. However, Spiny tailed Lizard being a protected species with restricted distribution

reported from the core area may need specific conservation actions during the project

construction and operation phases.

Turtle nesting

The olive ridley turtle reported to nest between June and early November on the Gujarat

coast while green turtle nesting takes place between July and ends of January. However, the

data sources impedes on the exact nesting season. Moreover, olive ridley peak nesting occurs

between July and November. Sporadic nesting takes place throughout the year along Gujarat coast

(Sundaraj et al. 2013). Four species of sea turtles are known to occur in the coastal waters of Gujarat

of which two species are reported to nest along the coastal stretches (Sundarraj et al. 2002. Among

four coastal districts (Jamnagar, Porbandar, Junagarh and Kutch), number of nests reported along the

Kutch coast is less than the other districts

Birds

A total of 83 bird species were reported in the study area. Majority of the species (81) are

resident species whereas only two species were found to be migratory. Of these 83 species, 77 belong

to ‘Least Concerned’ category rated by IUCN whereas only two species i.e. White-rumped vulture

(Gyps bengalensis) and Long billed vulture (Gyps indicus) belonged to Critically Endangered

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category. Majority of the birds reported from the core and buffer area belong to the Schedule-IV of

Wildlife Protection Act 1972 whereas White-rumped Vulture, Long-billed Vulture and Indian Peafow

l, belong to Schedule-I or IWPA 1972. Majority of the resident species reported in the study area are

known to breed in this region

as well as in entire Gujarat. No rare, endangered, endemic bird species were found to breed

in the core project area. Two species of critically endangered vultures were observed to roost

in one of the agriculture farms on coconut tree which is located at 3.8 km in

west direction from proposed project boundary. Moreover, there are past reports of sightings

of Lesser Florican from Layja/Bayat grasslands (Sankaran, 1994b). Lesser Florican is a rare

and endangered species and highly protected by Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

Great Indian Bustard has been reported from Bhada and Panchatia and on the Badamoiti,

Godhra and Don villages in Mandvi taluk during January 1984 (Rahmani and Manikadan,

1990), and Layja village, 15 km west from Mandvi on the Naliya road, January 1985

(Rahmani and Manikadan, 1990). However recent study carried out in Kutch on Great Indian

Bustard did not report any individuals from this region. Closest report of Great Indian Bustard

being sighted was from protected grassland of Lathedi village (Munjpara, 2011, Pandey et al.

2008) which is 15.5 km in west direction from the core area.

Mammals

A total of 15 mammal species in the buffer area and six in the core area were

recorded. The common mammalian species that were directly observed in the core area include Nilgai,

Wild Pig, Grey Mongoose, Indian Hare and Five striped Squirrel etc. No endangered or Schedule-I

species reported form the core area of the project site. However, Indian Wolf belongs to Schedule-I of

WPA 1972 and reported as endangered by IUCN was reported to be present in the buffer area.

Moreover, Chinkara belong to Schedule-I. Indian Jackal, Jungle cat, Indian Fox, Common Mongoose

belong to Schedule-II of IWPA 1972. Whereas Hyena, Nilgai, Wild boar belong to Schedule-III. India

Hyena is reported as Near Threatened by IUCN which is reported form the study area. Rest of the

species belongs to Schedule-IV of WPA (G.E.C, 1997).

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In short, the seasonal marine ecological survey made during September 2012- May 2013 in

Nana Layja Mota coastal waters suggests that the physico-chemical and nutrient parameters exhibited

only marginal variation, which is comparable to the levels recorded in the coastal waters elsewhere.

Further, the results of physico-chemical and biological parameters indicate that the water is well

oxygenated and nutrients are adequate supporting fairly good plankton population, the base in the food

chain. The other parameters like benthos and fisheries are also appeared to be normal. It is again

reiterated that the Gujarat marine biological resources available in the Gulf of Kuchh and GoK may

not represent the present project site area.

L&T INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING LIMITED (Formerly Known as L&T-RAMBØLL CONSULTING ENGINEERS LIMITED)

6-3-1192/1/1, 5th Floor, Block No.3,

White House, Kundan Bagh, Begumpet, Hyderabad – 500 016

Ph: 91-040-40354444; Fax: 91-040-40354430