Chapter – 10
Environment and Ecological
Aspects of the Project
10.1 General
Survival of the mankind, with its alarming increase in population growth is linked in
the long term, with a stable eco-system and increase in food production for which the
development of water resources is unavoidable. The development of water
resources projects mainly affect the environment because of reservoirs and its
command by way of submerging cultivable and uncultivable land, displacement of
population including the flora and fauna and resettlement in the surrounding
catchment, denundation of natural forest, water logging, salinity and alkality of soil,
water quality, water table change etc.
The environment is degraded by both inappropriate and lack of development. In
respect of disturbance of environment, there are two schools of thoughts. One
school of thought holds that ecological system is fragile and highly unstable. It is
implicit, therefore, that environment should be left as much as possible in its natural
state and its diversity should be preserved at any cost. Modification for the purpose
of development should be minimal and confined to the range of tolerance limits of
elements of ecological system. The second school of thoughts assures that the
environment is globally stable and there is large element of built-in resilience in
ecological system. In any case, it is realised that the water resources projects
should be so planned that the existing eco-system should be disturbed to such
minimum extent that the ultimate result of the project is not harmful rather it should
be beneficial to mankind.
The impacts of environmental implications attributed to Water Resources
Development can be broadly classified into three parts (1) Physical impacts, (2)
Biological impacts and (3) Impacts on human life.
Some of the implications under Physical impacts are (i) sedimentation in storage
reservoir which is the main cause in reducing the life of the reservoir, (ii) changes in
hydrological regime due to large impoundments, (iii) water quality modifications,
water logging and salinity caused by the excessive irrigation and seepage. The
construction of dams create large volume of standing water, which are subject to
biological and chemical changes. Over a period of years the reservoirs tend to
become rich in nutritive substances. This process, known as Eutrophication,
encourages increase in population of algae which may adversely affect the quality of
water. The serious impact of storage reservoir in tropical countries is spreading of
water borne diseases that affect millions of human beings. The two most important
diseases are Malaria and Shestosomiasis.
The removal of people living in areas that may be submerged is the human impact.
The fact that benefits of the projects usually goes to people living away from the
affected areas and not to the displaced persons also creates resentment among
them. Environment Impact Assessment of the proposed Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal
link project has been made in the following paragraphs.
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10.2 Impact of reservoir
The proposed construction of the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link will involve
construction of Patanpur reservoir, Mohanpura reservoir and Kundaliya reservoir in
Parbati and Kalisindh sub-basins. Seven storages/diversion reservoirs are also
proposed to be taken up to provide irrigation to drought prone areas of upper
Chambal sub-basin.
10.2.1 Submergence
Proposed Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link project involves creation of three reservoirs
viz. Patanpur, Mohanpura and Kundaliya having total submergence area of 17308
ha. The total forest area in the submerged area is about 244.4 ha. The balance area
of land excluding forest amounting to 17064 ha, comprises of agricultural land,
cultivable waste land, roads, nallas and village habitats etc. Out of the total
submergence area, the forest land is 1.4% and the balance 98.6% being culturable
and other land.
10.2.2 Submergence area
The submergence details based on the surveys conducted by NWDA for these three
reservoirs are given in Table-10.1.
Table 10.1
Details of submergence area
Reservoir Proposed Forest Culturable Total area under
F.R.L. (m) land (ha) and Other Submergence
land (ha) (ha)
Patanpur 419 69 2929 2998
Mohanpura 400 - 2510 2510
Kundaliya 378 175 11625 11800
Total 244 17064 17308
In the forest area, major plant species are Mahua, Teak, Salai, Babul, Amla, Tenua,
Sheesam, Neem, Palas, Kari etc may come under submergence. The wood obtained
from these forests can be utilised for construction of project, colonies etc.
Likewise the submergence details for the reservoirs to be created in the upper
Chambal sub-basin, based on the toposheet studies are given in Table- 10.2.
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Table – 10.2
Submergence details of the proposed reservoirs in Upper Chambal
Sub-basin
F.R.L. Total area Forest area No. of villages
Name of (m) under under (sqkm)
Reservoir submergence submergence
(sqkm)
Sewarkheri 499.8 11.5 - 9
Padunia 520.3 16.4 - 10
Bachora 498.4 12.8 - 7
Ramwasa 498.0 6.5 - 3
Chitabad A. 471.0 60.0 - 17 (linking to Rana
Pratap Sagar)
B. 471.6 62.0 - 19 (linking to
Gandhi Sagar)
Sekri Sultanpura479.8 26.0 - 12
Sonechiri 476.8 22.4 - 11
10.2.3 Flora and Fauna
The forest in the catchment comes under the classification of southern tropical dry
deciduous forests. Teak forest is predominantly found in the black cotton soils of
Deccan traps whereas in the Vindhyan ranges mixed forests with inferior species are
generally seen. The important species of forests, shrubs and grasses generally
found in these areas are: Teak, Dhokra, Gurjan, Beli, Tendar, Salaran, Babul, Neem,
Salar, Mahua, Shisham, Semal, Jamun, Karaya, Kahra, Kulyu, Bel Bahera etc.
Panthers, Wild Pigs, Sambhars, Chhetals, Chinkaras, Banders, Ravin deers, Bares,
Monkeys, Fox are some of the common mammals seen in this region. The common
birds in the region are Baya, Koyal, Vulture, Parrot, Bulbul, Jungle crow, House
sparrow, Owl, Kite, Green Pigeon, Sand groves, Peafowl, Quail, Grey partidge etc.
The fish fauna consists of some of the important varieties like Katla, Rohu, Kalbau,
Gol, Labeo, Bata, Mirgal, Barhva, Serana etc. Other acquatic species include Crab
Turtles and Snail. The most poisonous raptiles are Cobra and Russels viper.
As the forest area under submergence is very less, there will be very little impact on
the flora and fauna of the region due to creation of the reservoir.
10.2.4 Water logging and water quality
Introduction of irrigation project in any area leads to increase recharge to ground
water table. Water logging condition of soil depends on depth of ground water table,
status of surface drainage and type of the soil. Studies have revealed that generally
where the level of water table is within 1.5 m of the ground level for at least four
successive months, water logging condition occur.
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In the proposed reservoir sites, the drainage condition of the catchment is fairly
good. The depth of ground water varies from 9 m to 24 m. Fluctuation of water level
during post monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons is on an average from 2 m to 5 m.
Due to storage, the quality of water is also likely to be changed by way of elevated
level of plant nutrients application, the growth of aquatic weeds, stratification of
temperature and dissolved oxygen. The water quality of the Parbati, Newaj and
Kalisindh rivers are good enough as discussed with the officials of Water Quality
Monitoring Stations of the M.P. Govt. With a little treatment, the water can be made
potable for human consumption.
10.2.5 Rehabilitation & Resettlement
It is the responsibility of the concerned project authority to rehabilitate and resettle
the displaced population. There will be rehabilitation committee responsible for
resettlement of the oustees in accordance with the guidelines, which include life
support systems besides housing and related infrastructure in proximity to their
existing habitation; land for land compensation to the agricultural oustees etc.
Acquisition of land from the beneficiaries of the project will also have to be explored.
10.2.6 Beneficial impact
Apart from irrigation power generation & water supply the project will give adequate
employment opportunity during construction as well as maintenance stage. The
creation of the reservoir will increase the fish production and development of
Pisciculture in the region. Many families will get job in the fisheries, which will also
reduce the resettlement problem.
Each resettlement colony will be provided with water supply facilities, recreation
facilities, schools etc., which will improve the life style of the people.
10.3 Impact of the canal system
10.3.1 Land acquisition and resettlement
The proposed canal system will acquire total land of about 34.50 sqkm from
Patanpur to Rana Pratap Sagar on actual basis of survey considering average width
of land acquisition as per the cutting & filling, as may the case along the canal,
branch, distributary, major structures and colony area etc. Out of this, 0.40 sqkm will
be forest land in Rajgarh protected forest traversed by link canal in 2.25 km between
the reach from 21 km to 23.25 km.
From Patanpur to Gandhi Sagar Alt.(b)-I, the link will acquire total land of 34.49
sqkm. There is no forest land under this alternative. In the second alternative of
Patanpur to Gandhi Sagar Alt.(b)-II, the link will acquire total land of 25.80 sqkm. In
this alternative also, there is no forest land to be acquired. Afforestation is proposed
to be done on the spoil banks of both side of canal to compensate the loss of
plantation.
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Very little private land will come under land acquisition and the displacement of
people will be minimum. However, the rehabilitation committee will look after the
displaced problems.
10.3.2 Water logging
The canal is proposed as a lined canal throughout its entire length and thus the
seepage will be too less to affect the water table. Besides, since the area is having a
good drainage condition, no water logging problem is anticipated.
10.3.3 Beneficial impact
Besides ensuring irrigation facilities for enroute command, the canal will provide
employment opportunities to a number of people during its construction and
maintenance period. The increased irrigation facilities will increase the production of
food grain, which in turn will improve the socio-economic standard of the people of
the command area. The growth of plantation on either side of the canal, all along its
route will improve the environment.
10.3.4 Proposed period of construction
Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link canal project is proposed to be completed in two
phases. The first phase will consist of construction of the link canal and three
enroute reservoirs namely Patanpur, Mohanpura, Kundaliya, barrage at river Ahu
and other CD structures. The second phase consists of construction of 7 reservoirs
viz. Chitawad, Sonechiri, Ramwasa, Sewarkheri, Padunia, Bachora and Sekri
Sultanpura. The entire work is scheduled to be started simultaneously and
completed in a period of eight years.
10.3.5 Labour
A large force of labours will be required during construction of the project. The
labours both skilled and unskilled are available in the vicinity of the project areas.
10.3.6 Population density
The population density in the submergence area of the reservoirs is about 156
persons per sqkm, which is slightly more than the population densities of 149 and
128 persons per sqkm for Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states respectively.
10.3.7 Villages affected and population displaced
The number of villages, families and the population affected due to submergence of
each of the three reservoirs are given in Table 10.3.
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Table 10.3
Details of villages and population under submergence
Reservoir No. of No. of Population as per
Villages families 1991(census) Human
Patanpur 22 851 4255
Mohanpura 8 506 2530
Kundaliya 35 4054 20270
Total 65 5411 27055
Thus it is seen that 65 villages in whole or part will be affected. The total number of
families to be affected will be 5411. However the human population requiring
rehabilitation will be 27055 persons as per 1991 census. More details regarding
submergence have been discussed in Chapter-7 ‘Reservoirs’.
10.4 Details of developmental activities in the affected area
There is no developmental activity programmed in the likely submerged area of
reservoirs because these areas are thinly populated with poor communication
network.
10.5 Physical aspects
The impoundment of water in reservoirs will improve the condition of the ground
water aquifers in adjoining area. Landslides are not expected in the periphery of
reservoirs. There will be improvement in the land use pattern and practice. Some
aquatic life and vegetation may grow along the periphery of the reservoir, which is
expected to be harmless. This impounding of water will also provide relief to the
flood affected villages located in the downstream of reservoirs.
10.6 Resources impact aspect
There has been no identification of submergence of mineral deposits, monuments,
recreational facilities etc. The reservoirs will submerge an area of 17308 ha out of
which 244 ha is forest and remaining is under culturable and other land. Sixty five
villages will come under complete submergence affecting about 5411 families having
a total population of about 27055. The population displaced will be rehabilitated on
proper location and provided with modern amenities. Also suitable compensations
will be made to affected population and forest. The impoundment will improve the
aquatic life such as fish, crocodile’s etc. The reservoirs will increase the production
of food grain.
10.7 Socio-cultural aspects
Out of total population, about 22.3% belong to scheduled castes. The people earn
their livelihood through cultivation of crops and working as labour in fields. The
livestock also provides sizeable earnings. When the affected families will be shifted
to new places having all civic amenities such as, water supply facilities, medical
facilities, schools and community building for recreation purposes, there will be
general improvement in the life style of the people and their culture
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10.8 Public health aspects
The formation of reservoirs is not expected to create any public health hazards. The
reservoirs are located in remote areas having thin population density. It is unlikely
that this area will attract much of population from outside, except during construction
period for which adequate provision for medical facilities has been made.
