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Rapid Ecological Assessment of Impacts of Lower Demwe Hydro-Electric Project
on Wildlife Values
Report submitted to the National Board of Wildlife
Standing Committee (NBWL-SC)
August 2018
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Contents Contents .............................................................................................................................................................. 1
Background ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Objectives............................................................................................................................................................ 5
Study Area and Methods ................................................................................................................................... 6
Zone maps ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Results ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Conclusions ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
References ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Appendix I: Proposal for ‘Geospatial Analysis of Impacts of Lower Demwe Hydro-Electric
Project on the Riverine Ecosystem of Lohit Basin, Arunachal Pradesh’ ............................................ 21
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 21
Objectives ................................................................................................................................................ 22
Methods .................................................................................................................................................... 23
Outcomes ................................................................................................................................................. 23
Activity timeline of the study ................................................................................................................ 24
Budget of the study................................................................................................................................. 25
Annexures ......................................................................................................................................................... 26
Annexure I) Details of the sites visited .................................................................................................... 26
Annexure II) Glossary and Abbreviations ............................................................................................... 30
Annexure III) About Lower Demwe HE Project .................................................................................. 31
Annexure IV) Chronology of Events pertaining to clearance .............................................................. 33
Annexure V) Literature review .................................................................................................................. 35
Annexure VI) Field Photographs .............................................................................................................. 39
Annexure VII) List of people interacted.................................................................................................. 53
Annexure VIII) List of fishes .................................................................................................................... 57
Annexure IX) List of herpetofauna .......................................................................................................... 58
Annexure X) List of birds .......................................................................................................................... 59
Annexure XI) List of mammals ................................................................................................................ 72
Annexure XII) Undertaking by project proponents .............................................................................. 76
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List of tables
Table 1. Details of the zones in which the study area is divided (see Map 1) ........................................... 6
Table 2. Threatened species recorded during the present survey ............................................................. 14
Table 3. Details of the sites visited during the present survey .................................................................. 26
Table 4. Timeline of activities of the study .................................................................................................. 24
Table 5. Head-wise Budget of the proposed study ..................................................................................... 25
Table 6. List of people interviewed during the survey ............................................................................... 53
Table 7. List of fish species recorded during the survey ............................................................................ 57
Table 8. List of reptile and amphibian species recorded during the survey ............................................ 58
Table 9. List of bird species recorded during the survey ........................................................................... 59
Table 10. List of mammal species recorded during the survey (P: primary data, S: secondary data) .. 72
List of Maps
Map 1. Study area in Lohit river basin highlighting the survey zones, protected areas and also the
proposed HEP sites. (TPRF: Tezu Proposed Reserve Forest, DSNP: Dibru Saikhowa National Park
.............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Map 2. Zone 1: From Tiding village (zero point of reservoir) to Parshuram Kund. ............................... 9
Map 3. Zone 2: From Parshuram Kund to Demwe village ......................................................................... 9
Map 4. Zone 3: From Demwe village to Alubari bridge ............................................................................ 10
Map 5. Zone 4: From Alubari bridge to Dhola-Sadiya bridge .................................................................. 10
Map 6. Zone 5: From Dhola-Sadiya bridge to Lohit mahasangam .......................................................... 11
Map 7. Study area highlighting the locations of signs of important species ........................................... 13
Map 8. Sighting locations of Ganges river dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica) in Zone 4 and 5 ..... 13
Map 9. A potential Tiger corridor (highlighted in green border) through the chaporis of river Lohit.. 15
List of Images
Image 1. Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis): Male sighted in Zone 4. ............................................ 14
Image 2. Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis) sighted at DSNP ................................................... 14
Image 3. Location of dam site and surrounding habitat ............................................................................ 39
Image 4. Dam site and surrounding habitat: ground view ......................................................................... 39
Image 5. Surveying the chaporis by crossing streams on foot in zone 1 and 2. ........................................ 40
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Image 6. Surveying on country made hand boat in Zone 3 ...................................................................... 41
Image 7. Surveying on country made motor boat in Zone 4 .................................................................... 41
Image 8. Surveying on cruise type motor boat in zone 5........................................................................... 41
Image 9. Surveying on speed boat in DSNP ............................................................................................... 41
Image 10. Top) River Lohit at Tiding, Middle) Plumbeous Water redstart, Bottom) Brown Dipper 42
Image 11 From Zone 2: Top) Grasslands and Trees of Dalbergia sissoo on the chaporis, Bottom right)
Large Tree Frog; Bottom left) Flying lizard Draco maculatus ...................................................................... 43
Image 12. Cattle grazing on the chaporis of Zone 2 .................................................................................. 44
Image 13. Local sand and boulder mining from dry River bed from Zone 3. ....................................... 44
Image 14. Upstream migration of stream fishes for spawning in river Lohit (Zone 3) ........................ 45
Image 15. Use of gill nets to catch stream fishes of river Lohit in Zone 3 ............................................. 45
Image 16. Fishes of Lohit: 1) Barilius sp., 2)Cabdio morar, 3) Devario aequipinnatus, 4) Garra sp. 5)
Neolissochylus hexgonolepis, 6) Xenentodon cancila................................................................................ 46
Image 17. Nest of Streaked Weaver bird found on a chapori from Zone 3 ........................................... 47
Image 18. The chaporis of Zone 3 representing the mosaic of wet grasslands and semi evergreen
forest .................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Image 19. Spotted Litter Skink found on the forest floor in Zone 3 ....................................................... 48
Image 20. Tribal people encountered during the survey in proposed Tezu reserve forest .................. 48
Image 21 Top) Wet grasslands in Maguri beel (Zone 5), Bottom: left)Striated Babbler, right) Nal
grass.................................................................................................................................................................... 49
Image 22. Cutting of Bombax ceiba trees from the bank of river Lohit in Zone 4 .............................. 50
Image 23 Top) Paddyfield Pipit a commonly found on the chaporis of lohit, Bottom: left) Rat snake
crossing the river channel, right) Amur falcon (flock of 40 was seen) from Zone 4 ............................. 50
Image 24. Top) Bengal Florican single male flushed from a chapori, Bottom) Bengal Florican three
individuals fludhed subsequently from the same chapori from Zone 4 .................................................. 51
Image 25. Left) Elephant tracks found in chaporis in Zone 5. Right) Wild Buffalos sighted in DSNP
............................................................................................................................................................................ 52
Image 26. A river channel cutting through the semi evergreen forest in DSNP ................................... 52
Disclaimer
Maps are prepared in Google-Earth and may vary on ground.
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Background
River Lohit is one of the three major tributaries of river Brahmaputra. This snow fed river originates
at a high altitude glacier in Tibet, flows through the Eastern Himalayan ranges and enters Indian
Territory in Kibitho area. Near Parshuram Kund, a pilgrimage site, river Lohit flows out of
mountain gorge and meets the plain. The river channel hereafter is highly braided resulting into the
formation of numerous riverine islands also locally knows as ‘chaporis’. Due to the melting of glacier,
the Lohit river basin experiences a natural flooding during summers (May to September) while has a
minimum flow during winter (October to April). During flood season, this region also receives a
high rainfall from south-western monsoon adding to its intensity. Every year this flooding alters the
geomorphology of the river basin eroding some of the older chaporis and forming new ones
elsewhere. As a result, many of the chaporis have tall and wet grasslands as dominant habitat. Many
bird species like Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), Black-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornis
flavirostris), Swamp Prinia (Laticila cinerascens), Marsh Babbler (Pellorneum palustre) etc. are obligate
dwellers of such wet grasslands (Chatterjee et al., 2006; Choudhury 2006; Jha et al. 2018; IUCN
2018). Those larger chaporis which do not get completely submerged in floods also have a moist
deciduous and semi-evergreen forest along with wet grasslands on the fringes. Such forests may act
as potential corridors for the movement of large carnivores like Tiger (Panthera tigris) and Leopard
(Panthera pardus) and large herbivores like Elephants (Elephas maximus) and Buffalos (Bubalus arnee)
between the adjoining protected areas. On the other hand, the aquatic system of Lohit includes
endangered Ganges River Dolphin (Planatnista gangetica gangetica) (Wakid 2009), many species of
endangered turtles (Choudhury 1998) and fishes (Kansal & Arora 2012). This system has evolved
under an annual flood regime, which is the major driver of this dynamic ecosystem. Annual floods
determine the creation, destruction and productivity of the river/chapori ecosystem. The flora and
fauna of the aquatic as well as grass-forest mosaic system have special adaptations with respect to
their migration, breeding biology and overall community composition in response to the annual
flood regime.
Considering its hydro-morphology in the mountain gorges, the upper stretches of Lohit river (as
well as upper stretches of rivers Siang and Dibang) are known to have a high hydroelectric potential
which is conducive for the harnessing of hydropower by means of building of dams. Although
important for development, such projects may have severe impacts on the river ecosystem present
in the floodplains including the threatened, grassland obligate species. A careful beforehand study of
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these river basins in terms of ecology and geology needs to be done to identify impacts and the
possibility of mitigation measures that could minimize the negative environmental impact of
hydroelectric plants, hence assuring a sustainable development. One such hydroelectric project
called ‘Lower Demwe HEP’ has been planned near Parshuram Kund region on river Lohit.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of MoEFCC recommended the environmental clearance
(EC) for lower Demwe HE project which was granted on 12 February 2010 by the MoEFCC, Govt.
of India. EC was challenged before the Hon’ble Principal Bench of NGT, New Delhi, vide Appeal
No.8 of 2011. Hon’ble NGT upheld the environmental clearance granted to the project, vide its
order dated 13 January 2015. Stage-I and Stage-II forest clearances were accorded on 1 March 2012
and 3 May 2013 by the MoEFCC. Stage-I and Stage-II forest clearances were challenged in the
Hon’ble Principal Bench of NGT, New Delhi as Appeal No.92 of 2013. NGT instructed that
Standing Committee of NBWL shall reconsider the issue relating to Demwe Lower HEP Project
and pass appropriate orders within a period of six months till that time both Stage I and Stage II
clearances stands cancelled. In 48th meeting of the Standing Committee of NBWL dated 27 March
2018, site inspection committee members recommended a comprehensive peer-reviewed study on
hydrology and ecology of three seasons by a reputed and neutral scientific / technical organization(s)
before according clearance. Standing Committee of NBWL recommended that the WII, Dehradun
should carry out a rapid ecological study and submit the report to the Ministry in three months.
Consequently, the Standing Committee of NBWL decided to defer the clearance proposal.
Objectives
A WII team conducted a rapid baseline survey in Lohit river basin in likely impacted areas (dam site
near Parshuram kund to Dibru Saikhowa National Park as well as 15 km upstream of dam site)
during 10 to 30 May 2018, with three objectives viz.
1. Assessment of aquatic life with special reference to Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica
gangetica) in the downstream of the dam site.
2. Assessment of chapories (river islands) of the river Lohit for critically endangered bird
Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) and other grassland obligate species.
3. Assessment of forest areas for biodiversity and habitat corridors for large carnivores and
herbivores.
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Study Area and Methods
A total of 137 km river stretch was surveyed during 10 May 2018 to 30 May 2018, by WII team.
Since the upstream and downstream areas of the proposed dam have different elevation profile and
water currents, survey area was divided in five zones for conducting surveys.
Table 1. Details of the zones in which the study area is divided (see Map 1) Zone ID Distance
covered (km)
Start Location End Location
Zone 1 15 Near Tidding village (Hayuliang road) Parshuram Kund
Zone 2 7 Parshuram Kund Demwe village
Zone 3 25 Demwe village Alubari bridge
Zone 4 45 Alubari bridge Dhola-Sadiya bridge
Zone 5 45 Dhola-sadiya bridge Lohit Mahasangam
Also the upstream and downstream areas of the proposed dam have different elevation profiles and
river hydromorphology, following approaches were used for conducting surveys:
Zone 1. Tidding village to Parshuram kund (submergence zone). This 15 km stretch
has elevation of 400 m to 300 m with large boulders, steep slopes inaccessible rocky cliffs.
2km distance from the zero-point of the backwater reservoir was covered by walk. While, 5
km distance upstream of the dam site was surveyed by vehicle through an under
construction road on adjoining cliff which runs almost parallel to the river
Zone 2. Parshuram kund to Demwe village. A narrow river channel with large boulders
and sandbanks bordered by deciduous forest patches on both sides. The main channel starts
braiding here creating small chaporis. This zone was surveyed on foot by walking on the sand
banks and through the forests.
Zone 3. Demwe village to Alubari bridge. This region has high rapid water current. The
highly braided channels formed numerous large and small sized chaporis with the large ones
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having moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forest (some of it is a proposed reserved forest).
A country hand-boat was used to cross the rapid channels and move downstream. The
forested and grassland occupied chaporis were surveyed on foot. For eastern water channel,
the survey was done with a four wheel vehicle via road parallel to river bank.
Zone 4. Alubari bridge to Dhola-Sadia bridge. The river channel is more of less single
large with few side channels formed because of chaporis. A single and double engine motor
boat was used to travel through the channel and survey the chaporis.
Zone 5. Dhola-Sadiya bridge to Lohit Mahasangam (Dibru Saikhowa National Park).
A small speed boat provided by Forest Department of Dibru Saikhowa NP was used survey
through the national park stopping at various forest camps and chaporis and conducting
surveys on foot.
Chaporis were surveyed especially for the presence of Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) and
other associated grassland species. Mammals were searched for their direct sightings as well as
indirect signs (tracks, pugmarks, calls, scats and dung) and the same was recorded in
Map 1. Study area in Lohit river basin highlighting the survey zones, protected areas and also the proposed HEP sites. (TPRF: Tezu Proposed Reserve Forest, DSNP: Dibru Saikhowa National Park
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photographs/audio recordings and GPS co-ordinates were logged. Local people were interviewed
regarding the occurrence of wildlife found in the surrounding area. Local forest department staff
was also interviewed for the wildlife species use of the area.
For Ganges river dolphin the river stretch from Alubari bridge to Lohit Mahasangam (i.e. Zone 4
and Zone 5) were surveyed on motor boat and surfacing dolphins were counted. A minimum count
and their distribution along the Lohit river basin was mapped. The Bengal Florican lives in tall and
wet grasslands, which are the major habitats on most of the chaporis on river Lohit. Therefore, many
of the possible chaporis were surveyed in morning and evening when floricans are most active, by the
team. Observations were carried out from a vantage point when an individual was detected. GPS
location, distance and angle from the observer were recorded. Other grassland birds and reptiles
were visually identified and confirmed by calls. For indirect signs of mammalian herbivores and
carnivores, scaled photographs of tracks, pugmarks, scats, dungs were taken for record. While
interviewing the local people, the information regarding wildlife provided by them was confirmed by
cross-questioning and photo identification. Mixed photos of concerned species and its relatives were
shown to see if the person can identify the one he is claiming.
After the survey, consultative meetings were held with the project proponents in June 2018. The
consideration of harmonization of e-flows and peaking operations for its minimal impact on the
river ecosystem was discussed in the meetings.
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Zone maps
Map 2. Zone 1: From Tiding village (zero point of reservoir) to Parshuram Kund.
Map 3. Zone 2: From Parshuram Kund to Demwe village
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Map 4. Zone 3: From Demwe village to Alubari bridge
Map 5. Zone 4: From Alubari bridge to Dhola-Sadiya bridge
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Map 6. Zone 5: From Dhola-Sadiya bridge to Lohit mahasangam
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Results
A total of 44 sites (chapories, wooded forest patches and some parts of river bank – for site-wise
details see table number 2) were surveyed and 50 people were interviewed by the team. The
biodiversity recorded from the surveyed region include 9 species of Fishes (annexure VII), 10
species of Reptiles (annexure VIII), 151 species of birds (annexure IX) and 24 species of mammals
(annexure X). Survey team recorded several critically endangered and endangered species (Ganges
River Dolphin, Asiatic Elephant, Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock hoolock, Assam Roofed Turtle Pangshura
sylhetensis, Black-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxornis flavirostris, Bengal Florican and White-rumped
Vulture Gyps bengaensis.
From documentation provided and meetings with proponents, it was understood that the proposed
dam at Lower Demwe will hold live storage of 171.20 MCM (516.38MCM storage at Full Reservoir
Level) of water, submerge 11.31km2 of area and generate electricity amounting to 1750MW (EIA
report by CISMHE, July 2009). Once the reservoir is filled, the power generation would result from
inflow equals outflow of the riverine system. However to be more profitable, the proponents
propose to peak daily power production during hours when power is deficient in the grid. This
entails storage of water on a daily basis and its maximum release each day in synchrony with peaking
needs. This release of maximum water would cause floods on a daily basis – a phenomenon to
which the system and its biota have not evolved to adapt to.
The only source population of tigers in this landscape is of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Assam. The
river system of Brahmaputra and Lohit provide natural conduits for movement corridor for most
large mammals including tigers (Map 9) that join the forests of Arunachal Pradesh (Kamlang Tiger
Reserve) with Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, Assam. The construction of the Lower DEMWE by itself is
not a barrier to this movement corridor as at that point forest connectivity’s abound for animal
movement into the vast landscape of Arunachal Pradesh. However, care should be taken that
associated linear infrastructure developed for the construction and subsequent maintenance of the
HEP should not disrupt the riverine corridor and follow the green mitigation measures to ensure the
gene-flow essential to maintain viable populations of elephants, tigers and wild buffalo in the
landscape.
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Map 7. Study area highlighting the locations of signs of important species
Map 8. Sighting locations of Ganges river dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica) in Zone 4 and 5
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Table 2. Threatened species recorded during the present survey
Sl. No.
Species Name IUCN Status
WPA Schedule
Lat. Long.
1. Bengal florican (Houbaropsis
bengalensis)
CR I 27.788210 27.788494
95.744012 95.767317
2. Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista
gangetica gangetica)
EN I 27.580332 95.252115
3. White-backed vulture (Gyps
bengalensis)
CR I 27.798855 95.571196
4. Black-breasted Parrotbill
(Paradoxornis flavirostris)
VU IV 27.587039 95.397963
5 Asian Elephant (Elephas
maximus)
EN I 27.798855 95.571196
6 . Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura
sylhetensis)
EN I 27.740293 95.294006
7. Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock
hoolock)
EN I 27.861806 96.294127
8. Himalayan Griffon (Gyps
himalayensis)
NT I 27.798855 95.571196
NT: near threatened, VU: vulnerable, EN: endangered, CR: critically endangered
Image 2. Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis): Male sighted in Zone 4.
Image 1. Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis) sighted at DSNP
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Map 9. A potential Tiger corridor (highlighted in green border) through the chaporis of river Lohit
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Conclusions
The hydrological modelling done by WAPCOS is at a very coarse resolution and, with no access to
the data, it is not possible to validate the conclusions arrived in their report. In light of this, it is
difficult to justify that no inundation of chaporis and low line forests are likely to occur during
peaking operations that may be detrimental to aquatic fauna and river biota. Therefore the peaking
magnitude is to be determined and an in-depth study on the hydrological aspects is required to
assess its impacts. It is understood from the current rapid survey that the daily flooding caused by
peaking operations could potentially have the following impacts on aquatic and terrestrial fauna:
1. Possible inundation of grasslands and forested habitats in the Lohit river basin because of
flooding caused due to peaking operations.
2. Possible loss of critical habitats e.g. Small River islands which are important for nesting of
birds.
3. Due to daily flooding, if water currents are too strong, then it would affect the fishes with
respect to their migration, survival of various life stages including eggs, larvae and fries.
Strong currents on daily basis would also affect the movement and survival of endangered
turtle species.
4. Change in the hydro-morphology of river due to daily flooding will also affect movement
and survival of river dolphins and their major food species.
Also the EIA studies done earlier for this project limited themselves to a 10 km radius around the
dam site i.e. only 10 km downstream from dam site and were therefore inadequate in documenting
the biodiversity and the potential impacts of HEP. During the current survey, survey team recorded
several critically endangered and endangered species (listed earlier) as well as wet grassland obligate
species from the Lohit river basin and floodplains, many of which were not included in the previous
assessment reports (e.g. EIA report for Lower Demwe HEP 2009, WAPCOS 2011). Seasonal
natural floods are an important regulatory factor in maintaining this river ecosystem and in turn, the
survival of these species. Any alterations in the flow regime may result in its adverse impact on the
associated biodiversity. Hence appropriate mitigation is required while constructing the Lower
Demwe Hydroelectric Power Plant. Also the threats to chaporis by illegal encroachment and resource
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extraction are detrimental to the rich biodiversity on these islands. The project’s compensatory
payment could be well used to rehabilitate these communities from the chaporis and wean them to
other livelihoods. A detailed study is therefore needed to provide specific sites and options.
During three consultative meetings with the project proponent (M/S Athena Energy Ventures Pvt.
Ltd.), WII team discussed a way ahead. Major impacts were likely to happen in the aquatic realm of
the Lohit river ecosystem, due to the peaking mechanism required for the commercial viability of
the power plant. WII team is currently not in a position to estimate the amount of damage this
circadian flooding of the river would cause. The intensity of the flood and its impact in a region is
directly dependent on a) the topography of the riverscape (river basin and surrounding Landscape)
there, b) the width of the channel and c) the quantum of the water released at any one time.
However, the currently available information on the topography and width of the river channel is
not at the desired resolution, to permit an in-depth assessment of the magnitude of the impact of
the quantum of water released during peaking operations. To generate this required information,
mapping the riverscape using Drone and LIDAR technology in collaboration with IIRS (Indian
Institute of Remote Sensing/ NERIST) is necessary.
Once detailed data on the high-resolution elevation model is available, services of Hydrologists and
GIS experts will be availed to depict various scenarios resulting with different magnitudes of water
released during peaking operations. Simultaneously, a team of aquatic/freshwater biologists will
assess the biota associated with the riverscape and its vulnerability to various intensities of the daily
periodic flooding. The combination of these two studies would help determine the maximum water
that could be released from the dam with minimal impact on the biota and the river island
ecosystem and other necessary mitigation measures to further minimize this impact. This study
would take a minimum of 2 years of time. A proposal of the same along with the budget is enclosed
with the report (Appendix 1). The proponents of the Lower Demwe Hydro Electric Power Plant
have given written undertaking that they shall abide the findings of this study, especially regarding
the maximum amount of water to be released during peaking operations (Annexure XII).
In the light of the history of this dam site, wherein the submergence zone has been studied and an
EIA was approved to give Environmental Clearance (corroborated by Hon’ble NGT), we feel that
the creation/ construction of the dam per se would not be critical in undermining the biodiversity
values of the region. The submergence zone of the dam is a habitat which is available elsewhere
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within the region and is not critical for the conservation of any known threatened, endangered or
critically endangered species’ population. This hydroelectric project is ‘Run of the River (ROR)’ type
where, once the reservoir is filled, the power is generated subsequently from the daily inflow of
water which is released. Hence, the amount of river flow quanta is not likely to be altered once the
dam is filled and power generation is based on an inflow equals outflow regime. The filling of the
reservoir should be done while maintaining the minimal water flow downstream so as to ensure least
impact on riverscape fauna. Therefore, by adhering to the above conditions, water quantum
downstream will not be altered and impacts on the biodiversity would be minimal.
It is also recommended to develop a monitoring mechanism by which the recommendations and
guidelines provided from the study would be adhered to, in the form of remote sensors placed in the
riverbed at strategic locations that would send an alert signal to the Chief Wildlife Warden or any
other competent authority, whenever daily flood levels exceed the maximum flood limits. To ensure
that the associated linear infrastructure developed for the construction and maintenance of the HEP
does not become a barrier to the occasional movement of large mammals like elephants, wild
buffalo and tigers, appropriate mitigation measures in the form of wildlife passages (under and over
passes) would need to be constructed.
As a consequence of the dam, the risk of having large amount of water-mass stored in a seismically
active zone is obvious, and WII is not competent to assess the safeguards to be taken in this regard.
In case of dam collapse or breach due to a seismic activity or any other natural calamity, the impact
on the biodiversity as well as human life downstream would be devastating.
Taking into account that construction of dam and associated infrastructure would require time (3 to
4 years), it would be prudent to consider the construction of the dam at this stage and subsequently
operate it at natural levels of inflow and outflow to generate power. At the same time the
proponents may be strictly restrained from the peaking operations and resulting flooding until the
above-mentioned study provides appropriate guidelines to undertake the peaking operations (if any)
with minimal impact on the associated biota of the river and river-island ecosystem. Accordingly, the
NBWL-SC may consider permitting the construction of dam while controlling the minimum and
maximum flow, which would be recommended after the outcomes of the proposed study become
available (Appendix 1). The cost of the 2 year study amounting to Rs. 1,84,92,000 (Rupees One
Crore Eighty-Four Lakh Ninety-Two Thousand) should be borne by the project proponent. The
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proponent must also give an undertaking to the MoEFCC in writing that they would abide the
recommendations of this study and especially those made in the context of peaking operations. All
mitigation measures recommended in this study would also be implemented within the specified
time period and for which, the proponent would provide the necessary funds.
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References
Chatterjee S., Saikia A., Dutta P., Ghosh D., Worah S., (2006). Review of Biodiversity in
NorthEast India, Draft for Discussion March 2006. Background paper No. 13. WWF India.
Choudhury, A. (1998). Mammals, birds and reptiles of Dibru-Saikhowa sanctuary, Assam,
India. Oryx, 32(3), 192-200.
Choudhury, A. (2006). Birds of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Biosphere Reserve,
Assam, India. Indian Birds, 2(4), 95-105.
EIA report prepared for 1750 MW Lower Demwe HEP, Arunachal pradesh (2009).
Prepared by Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Mountains and Hill Environment,
University of Delhi, Delhi, September, 2009;
Jha, R. R., Thakuri, J. J., Rahmani, A. R., Dhakal, M., Khongsai, N., Pradhan, N. M.
B., Shinde, N., Chauhan, B.K., Talegaonkar, R.K., Barber, I.P. & Buchanan, G. M.
(2018). Distribution, movements, and survival of the critically endangered Bengal Florican
Houbaropsis bengalensis in India and Nepal. Journal of Ornithology, 1-16.
Kansal, M & Arora, Shilpy. (2012). Biodiversity and present status of freshwater fishes in
Lohit river basin of India. The Environmentalist. 32. 10.1007/s10669-011-9372-3.
Rahmani, A.R. (2011). Report of a member of the team for site inspection of the proposed
DEMWE Lower Hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh Proposal for construction of
1,750 MW Demwe Lower Hydro Electric Project In Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh. Pp.
20.
WAPCOS, (2011). Effect of Peaking Power Generation By Siang Lower HEP, Demwe
Lower HEP And Dibang Multipurpose HEP On Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, November
2011, WAPCOS ltd, Gurgaon, Haryana.
IUCN, (2018). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2018-1.
https://www.iucnredlist.org/ Downloaded on 24 August 2018.
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Appendix I: Proposal for ‘Geospatial Analysis of Impacts of
Lower Demwe Hydro-Electric Project on the Riverine
Ecosystem of Lohit Basin, Arunachal Pradesh’
Background
River Lohit is one of the three major tributaries of river Brahmaputra. After entering the Indian
Territory at Kibitho area in Arunachal Pradesh, river Lohit meets the floodplains near Prashuram
Kund. In the plains, river basin is characterised by the presence of numerous river islands locally
called as ‘Chaporis’. These chaporis and river banks harbour unique tall, wet grasslands evolved in the
regime of natural annual flood during summers (May to September). Many bird species like Bengal
Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), Black-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornis flavirostris), Swamp Prinia
(Laticila cinerascens), Marsh Babbler (Pellorneum palustre) etc. are obligate dwellers of such wet
grasslands. The larger chaporis bearing moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests act as potential
corridors for the movement of large carnivores like Tiger (Panthera tigris) and Leopard (Panthera
pardus) and large herbivores like Elephants (Elephas maximus) and Buffalos (Bubalus arnee). On the
other hand, the aquatic system of Lohit includes endangered Ganges River Dolphin (Planatnista
gangetica gangetica), many species of endangered turtles and fishes. This whole aquatic as well as river
chapori ecosystem has evolved under the annual flood regime.
Due to its very high hydro-electric potential, river Lohit has been in focus for the construction of
hydro-electric power plants, one of them being Lower Demwe HEP. Although beneficial for the
overall development, the environmental concerns call for ‘a sustainable development going hand in
hand with the wildlife conservation’. After several impact assessment studies challenged in Hon’ble
NGT, Standing Committee of NBWL recommended WII to carry out a rapid impact assessment
study.
The Lower Demwe HEP is based upon an inflow equals outflow regime. One of the requirements
for a profitable power generation is daily peaking operations which will result in the circadian
flooding of the river channel downstream. The rapid impact assessment conducted by WII team
revealed the presence of several threatened (vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered)
22 | P a g e
species of mammals, birds, reptiles as well as fishes many of which were not included in the revious
assessment reports. The report by WII also concluded that the seasonal floods are an important
regulatory factor in maintaining the river ecosystem and in turn the survival of these species. Any
alterations in the flow regime (e.g. the daily flooding proposed by Lower Demwe HEP) may result in
its adverse impact on the associated biodiversity. The intensity of the daily flood and its impact in
the river ecosystem at a given location is directly dependent on the topography of riverscape and the
width of channel present at that location as well as the quantum of water released at that instant.
However, due to the unavailability of information on the topography and channel width of the
riverscape at a desired resolution, an in-depth assessment cannot be done to recommend the
mitigation measure regarding the quantum of water to be released. Hence, a study was
recommended to obtain the required information which will aid in modelling the impact of peaking
operations on the River biota.
On the basis of ‘Rapid Ecological Assessment of Impacts of Lower Demwe Hydro-Electric Project
on Wildlife Values’ conducted by WII, a 2 year study of the hydromorphology and the impact of
circadian flooding on the biodiversity in the potential impact zone of Lohit riverscape is required to
give appropriate recommendations regarding the maximum amount of water that can be released
during peaking operations with minimal impact of the biota and river island ecosystems.
Objectives
The study would have the following major objectives:
1. Documentation and understanding of the biota that is likely to be affected by Lower Demwe
HEP, with special emphasis on critically endangered, endangered and threatened species viz.
1)Tiger, 2)Ganges River Dolphin, 3)Asian Elephant, 4)Bengal Florican, 6)Black-breasted
Parrotbill, 7)White-rumped Vulture, 8)Assam Roofed Turtle.
2. Mapping of River hydro-morphology (topography and channel width) and its seasonal
dynamics at finer resolution.
3. Modelling of the impacts of the intensity of flood at different distances from the dam site to
Dibru Saikhowa National Park in the context of peaking operations.
4. Assessing the impact of circadian flooding on different biota and development of a viable
plan that will have minimal impact on the conservation of the biota.
23 | P a g e
Methods
A team of biologists (biodiversity experts) will survey the riverscape both intensively and extensively
to inventories the biodiversity of the region. The team then will assess the dependencies of the
above mentioned threatened species on other forms of life likely to be affected by dam activities
(e.g. River dolphins are dependent of fishes and fish spawning is dependent on the natural water
flow. Because of dam, fluctuation in flow regime may impact fish breeding ground and in turn the
food availability for river dolphins). A team of engineers, GIS experts and hydrologists will map
river basin from zero point of water reservoir up to Dibru Saikhowa National Park using
Drone/LIDAR technologies to obtain 10-15cm digital resolution of the region. This information
will be used by the hydrologists to model the intensity of flooding e.g. force and height of water at
different distances from the dam site to Dibru Saikhowa National Park. The biologists and
hydrologists then will work together to determine impact of the daily fluctuations of flow and its
intensity on the aquatic biota and river island ecosystem.
Outcomes
This study would attempt to bring a balance between development and conservation. It will propose
an operational plan including the appropriate recommendations on the maximum quantum of water
that can be released during peaking operations (if any) with minimal negative impacts on the river
ecosystem. The information obtained on the aquatic biota and river hydromorphology would help in
recommending other required mitigation measures, if needed. There are several dams proposed in
this river basin and it would be useful to conduct a cumulative environmental impact assessment
(CEIA) in this river basin.
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Activity timeline of the study
A tentative timeline of the proposed study is given in Table 4.
Table 3. Timeline of activities of the study Activity 2018-2019 2019-2020
Nov-Jan Feb-Apr
May-Jul
Aug-Oct
Nov-Jan
Feb-Apr May-Jul
Aug-Nov
Recruitment and team composition (including consultants and logistics of surveys and purchases)
Field survey for Mapping hydro-morphology and riverine species study
Study continues through the floods
Modelling and data analysis
Preparation of report
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Budget of the study
A head-wise budget of the proposed study is given in Table 5.
Table 4. Head-wise Budget of the proposed study Sr.
No. Budget Head
Amount Year 1 (Rs.)
Amount Year 2 (Rs.)
1 Research biologists (JPF-3, SPF-1, PA-1)
22,08,000 22,08,000
2 Field Assistants @ 12,000 PM x 3 4,32,000 4,32,000
3 Vehicle and Boat (rented) 11,80,000 11,80,000
4 Drone & LIDAR 20,00,000 5,00,000
5 Consultant – Hydrologists 3,00,000 3,00,000
6 Faculty time six man months per year
@ 250000 per month 15,00,000 15,00,000
7 GIS and RS work and imagery 2,50,000 2,50,000
8 Travel 6,00,000 5,00,000
9 Base Camp + Furnishing 2,20,000 1,20,000
10 Contingency 2,00,000 2,00,000
* Sub total 88,90,000 71,90,000
11 Institutional Overhead @15% 13,33,500 10,78,500
* Yearly Total 10,223,500 8,268,500
Total Cost =
Rs. 1,84,92,000
Rupees One Crore Eighty-Four Lakh Ninety-Two Thousand
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Annexures
Annexure I) Details of the sites visited
Table 5. Details of the sites visited during the present survey
Sr.
No.
Site and date
visited
State
AS/AP
Dominant
Habitat GPS coordinates
Important Species
seen/heard/signs.
(refer Annexure VIII,
IX, X for scientific
names)
1. Maguri beel -
10 May 2018 AS Wet grassland
27°34'26.85"N,
95°22'26.51"E
Yellow-bellied Prinia,
Jerdon’s Babbler,
Chestnut-caped babbler,
Striated babbler, Water
cock, Black bittern, Wild
Buffalo
2.
Jia Village, Near
Roing - 11 May
2018
AP Wet grassland 28° 3'58.50"N,
95°42'45.19"E
Black-breasted Parrotbill,
Marsh babbler, Swamp
Prinia
3. Tezu Nala - 12
May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°54'35.03"N,
96° 9'56.75"E
4. Hawa camp - 13
May 2018 AP
Semi-evergreen
forest
27°54'59.07"N,
96°19'53.65"E
5.
Dam site,
Parshuram Kund
-
13 May 2018
AP River bed
(boulders),
27°52'46.89"N,
96°22'18.98"E
6. Chapori 1 -
14 May 2018 AP
Grassland and
Dalbergia sissoo
plantation
27°53'11.87"N,
96°20'25.28"E
Hoolock Gibbon (Call),
Large tree frog, Draco
flying lizard
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7.
Upstream of
Dam site till
Tiding -
15 May 2018
AP River bed
(boulder)
27°58'22.89"N,
96°23'47.19"E Brown Dipper
8.
Proposed Udayak
Pass-
16 May 2018
AP Semi-evergreen
forest
27°53'59.93"N,
96°23'5.62"E
9.
Tezu nala to
Panbari -
17 May 2018
AP Deciduous forest
and wet grassland
27°54'52.52"N,
96°11'9.59"E
Otter tracks (species
unidentified)
10. Chapori 3 - 17
May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°54'39.08"N,
96°11'18.75"E
11. Chapori 4 -
17 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°54'27.82"N,
96°12'17.98"E Otter tracks
12. Chapori 5 - 17
May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°54'35.33"N,
96°12'36.18"E Golden Jackal den
13. Forest 1 -
17 May 2018 AP
Deciduous forest
(degraded)
27°54'46.64"N,
96°14'16.82"E
Greter Necklaced
Laughingthrush
14. Tezu Forest-
18 May 2018 AP Deciduous forest
27°54'13.94"N,
96°11'56.61"E Yellow-throated Marten
15. Chidiya Khana -
19 May 2018 AP
Deciduous & semi-
evergreen forest
27°52'44.64"N,
96°12'22.46"E Spotted litter skink
16. Chapori 6 -
20 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°53'50.22"N,
96° 8'38.95"E Streaked Weaver (3 nests)
17. Chapori 7 -
20 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°53'48.85"N,
96° 8'14.48"E
Streaked Weaver,
Droppings of Hare
18. Chapori 8 -
20 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°53'10.31"N,
96° 7'24.02"E Hoofmarks of hog deer
19. Chapori 9 -
20 May 2018 AP Deciduous forest
27°52'35.96"N,
96° 6'2.14"E
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20. Chapori 10 -
20 May 2018 AP Deciduous forest
27°52'17.83"N,
96° 4'14.86"E
21. Chapori 11 -
20 May 2018 AP Deciduous forest
27°52'10.03"N,
96° 4'24.16"E Hoof-marks of hog deer
22. Chapori 12 -
20 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°51'42.37"N,
96° 3'20.44"E
23.
Lailiang & Shivaji
Nagar
22 May 2018
AP
Deciduous & semi-
evergreen forest,
human habitation
27°59'14.12"N,
96°10'49.90"E
24. Chapori 13 -
23 May 2018 AP
Wet grassland
(grazed)
27°49'36.14"N,
95°58'24.97"E
25. Chapori 14 -
23 May 2018 AP
Shrubbery
dominated by
Lantana camara
27°49'33.06"N,
95°57'51.41"E
26. Chapori 15 -
23 May 2018 AP
Wet grassland-
deciduous forest
mosaic
27°49'33.06"N,
95°57'51.41"E
27. Chapori 16 -
23 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°49'36.10"N,
95°57'29.59"E
28. Chapori 17 -
23 May 2018 AP
Deciduous forest
(degraded)
27°49'8.95"N,
95°56'29.47"E Feral buffalos
29. Chapori 18 -
23 May 2018 AP
Wet grassland-
deciduous forest
mosaic
27°49'27.71"N,
95°56'50.47"E
Amur Falcon, Plain
Martin,
30. Chapori 19 -
23 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°47'51.34"N,
95°55'14.03"E Graceful Prinia
31. Night camp -
24 May 2018 AP
Wet grassland &
dry river bed
27°47'59.71"N,
95°48'8.31"E
32.
Bhim Chapori 18
-
24 May 2018
AP Wet grassland &
deciduous forest
27°47'25.79"N,
95°45'46.97"E
White-backed Vulture,
Himalayan Griffon
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33. Chapori 20 -
24 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°47'18.86"N,
95°44'29.76"E
Bengal Florican claimed
to be seen by local people
34. Chapori 21 -
24 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°47'40.95"N,
95°51'22.85"E
Bengal Florican (single
male- direct sighting)
35. Chapori 22 -
24 May 2018 AP Wet grassland
27°47'57.75"N,
95°48'54.62"E
Bengal Florican (3 males-
direct sighting)
36. Grassland 4 -
25 May 2018 AP
Wet grassland &
Tamarix scrub
27°48'40.21"N,
95°35'28.58"E
37. Chapori 23 -
25 May 2018 AS
Wet grassland &
Tamarix scrub
27°48'1.57"N,
95°34'24.83"E
Bristled Grassbird,
Himalayan Vulture
38. Chapori 24 -
25 May 2018 AS
Wet grassland &
Tamarix scrub
27°48'55.41"N,
95°37'27.96"E
Elephant Tracks, Wild
Buffalo
39. Chapori 25 -
25 May 2018 AS Wet grassland
27°46'24.20"N,
95°32'57.90"E White-tailed Stonechat
40. Colomi camp -
29 May 2018 AS
Semi-evergreen
forest
27°37'26.40"N,
95°19'18.53"E
River dolphin at the
confluence of river Lohit
and Colmi Nullah
41.
Lika Pimau
Village –
29 May 2018
AS Village & grazeland 27°40'13.17"N,
95°19'3.18"E
42. Chapori 26 -
29 May 2018 AS
Wet grassland and
marshes
27°41'57.83"N,
95°22'8.54"E Assam Roofed Turtle
43. Mailee Camp -
29 May 2018 AS
Wet grassland and
marshes
27°43'55.52"N,
95°24'0.11"E Feral horses
44. Paglam –
30 May 2018 AS
Wet grassland &
degraded forest
27°49'5.42"N,
95°29'38.12"E
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Annexure II) Glossary and Abbreviations
Glossary
1. Chapori or Char - river island
2. Khuti – Cattle camps on river islands or river banks
3. Project site/Dam site – Lower Demwe HEP
4. Dav – a weapon (big knife with wooden fist) used by ribal people in Assam and Arunachal
for self-protection), a type of local machete.
5. Gakhir – milk
6. Guro – cattle
7. Bari – Bagan or garden (Alubari = Potato garden; Pan Bari = Pan garden)
8. Cumecs water – Cubic meters per second
9. Kunda – Timber wood
Abbreviations
1. WII – Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
2. DSNP – Dibru Saikhowa National Park
3. BRO – Border Roads Organisation
4. DPR – Detailed Project Report
5. PA – Protected area
6. RF – Reserve Forest
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Annexure III) About Lower Demwe HE Project
DPR highlights (Source – Documents received from project proponent)
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd (NHPC) submitted a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) of
Demwe HE Project to CEA in February 2004. However before the preparation of PFR by NHPC,
The Brahmaputra Board and NEEPCO carried out impact assessments for the development of
hydropower projects in Lohit basin. A brief history of these investigations is as below:
A) Investigations carried out by Brahmputra Board (Lohit Dam Project)
The Brahmaputra Board initially proposed two alternatives for the construction of a high dam
across the river Lohit for flood moderation and generation of 3000 MW hydro power. The first
proposal envisages a 250 m high concrete dam across river Lohit at Mompani, where the Lohit river
passes through a narrow gorge (Latitude 280-03’, Longitude 960-27’ Elevation 433 MSL). The
second alternative proposal was to construct a 269.2 m high rockfill dam located at Hayuliang
(Latitude 280-04’-30”, Longitude 960-31’-00”, Elevation 500 MSL).
Although detailed explorations were carried out to establish the feasibility for the construction of
earth/ rock fill dam at Hayuliang, based on drill hole data it was concluded that about 80 m thick
loose sediments (overburden) are present in the river bed section. Highly porous and sandy nature
of these materials may pose serious problems of leakage and settlements of the dam body due to
liquefaction of sand layers. In order to avoid the excessive overburden at Hayuliang dam site and
submergence of some developed area, the other alternative of constructing a concrete dam at
Mompani was thought off. A proposal for Rockfill dam with chute spillway in place of concrete dam
was also considered. With this proposal, two tunnels, each of 1.3 km length on right bank and an
underground power house was proposed for generation of 3000 MW and geological investigations
were carried out.
Subsequently, Brahamputra Board carried out extensive survey and investigations at Mompani for a
Concrete Dam with its FRL at EL 570 m in order to reduce submergence area. The Mompani dam
site of Brahamputra Board is now located within the allotted reach between EL +579 m and EL
+300 m and is being developed by ADPPL as Demwe Upper HE Project, DPR of which is being
separately prepared and would be submitted to CEA shortly.
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B) Investigations carried out by NEEPCO (Demwe H E Project):
NEEPCO initially proposed a 65 m high concrete dam across the river Lohit (EL 361m) at Tidding
and a surface power house near Timaighat to generate 1000 MW (4 x 250 MW). Subsequently,
detailed exploration was carried out to establish the feasibility for the construction of concrete dam.
But based on the drill hole data that presented about 40-50 m thick overburden, occurrence of fault
at dam site and active seismicity in that region etc., the project authority decided to change the
diversion dam into 34 m high barrage at the same location.
Based on barrage, NEEPCO has prepared a DPR of Demwe HE project (8 x 65 MW = 520 MW) in
February 1992. This DPR was examined at CEA/CWC and due to some serious technical
observations, the same was returned to NEEPCO. Most of the regions of the country are suffering
from power shortages leading to irregular and unreliable supply. The problem becomes acute during
peak hours. Based on the projections made in the 16th Electric Power Survey, an additional
generating capacity of over 100,000 MW needs to be added to ensure “Power on Demand” by 2012.
C) Lower Demwe HEP
It is a 1750 MW run-of-the river project on Lohit River in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh (at
latitude 27° 52’ 48’’ N and longitude 96° 22’ 39” E). The project site is located near Parashsuram
Kund, a historically significant pilgrimage site. The project aims to build a concrete gravity dam of
163.12m height above the deepest foundation level (124m height above the riverbed level) with full
reservoir level at an elevation of 424.8 m. The project is a joint venture between the Government of
Arunachal Pradesh and M/S Athena Energy Ventures Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi to develop Demwe HE
Project in one or more schemes in the allotted stretch between elevation EL ±300m and ±589m.
The stake of Arunachal Pradesh government in the project is 26% (Source -
http://www.athenaenergy.in/demwe.html).
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Annexure IV) Chronology of Events pertaining to clearance
This section has been sourced from the site inspection committee report 2018 (Report of the
National Board of Wildlife Standing Committee on Proposed Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project,
March 2018).
1. The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for river valley and hydroelectric projects held
meetings on 22.10.2009, 16.11.2009 and 16.12.2009 and finally the environmental clearance
was granted on 12.2.2010 by the MoEF, Government of India.
2. The environmental clearance granted on 12.2.2010 was challenged before the Hon’ble
Principal Bench of NGT, New Delhi, vide Appeal No.8 of 2011.
3. The Hon’ble NGT upheld the environmental clearance granted to the project, vide its order
dated 13 January 2015.
4. The stage-I forest clearance was accorded on 1 March 2012 by the MoEF.
5. The MoEF granted the stage-II forest clearance on 3 May 2013.
6. The Department of Environment & Forests, Government of Arunachal Pradesh vide its
Letter No.FOR.199/CONS/2007/Vol-I/3134-40, Itanagar, Dated 26-07-2013 accorded
Forest Clearance for diversion of 1415.92 ha of forestland for construction of Demwe
Lower Hydroelectric Project in favor of M/s Athena Demwe Power Limited, in Lohit
district of Arunachal Pradesh.
7. The stage-I and stage-II forest clearances dated 1.3.2012 and 3.5.2013, respectively were
challenged in the Hon’ble Principal Bench of NGT, New Delhi as Appeal No.92 of 2013.
8. The appellant sought to challenge the stage I and stage II Forest Clearance and the
consequential order dated 26-07-2013 passed by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
This Appeal was subsequently transferred to the Southern Zone Bench of the Hon’ble NGT
and renumbered as Appeal No.30 of 2015.
9. The judgment delivered on 24th October, 2017 by the Hon’ble NGT (SZ) in the above
appeal held that the decision taken by the Standing Committee of NBWL dated 13.12.2011,
vide Official Memorandum of MoEF dated 11.2.2012 is not in consonance with the
established principles of law and hence the Standing Committee of NBWL shall reconsider
34 | P a g e
the issue relating to Demwe LE Project and pass appropriate orders within a period of six
months from the date of judgment. It further directed that until such orders are passed, the
impugned forest clearance stage-I dated 1.3.2012 and stage-II dated 3.5.2013 issued by
MoEF and the consequential order of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh dated
26.7.2013 relating to the diversion of 1415.92 ha of forestland for the construction of the
project stand suspended.
10. Subsequent to this, the Standing Committee of the NBWL considered the issues in its 46th
and 47th meetings and appointed a committee for site inspection and submission of detailed
report to the Ministry; vide letter no. 6-79/2013 WL (Part), dated 8.2.2018 of the
MoEF&CC.
11. The committee members visited the project site during 25-28 February 2018, looked into
various aspects of the project vis-à-vis the likely impact of the project on Kamlang Wildlife
Sanctuary and wildlife species, and associated habitats and made assessment on the issues
raised by the Hon’ble NGT in its order dated 27.10.2017.
12. During 48th meeting dated 27th March 2018, the Standing Committee of NBWL members
mentioned that impact study of the project has not been carried by the User Agency and the
State Government and therefore, a comprehensive peer-reviewed study on hydrology and
ecology of three seasons by a reputed and neutral scientific / technical organization(s) before
according clearance. After discussions the Standing Committee decided that the WII,
Dehradun to carry out hydrology / ecology study and submit the report to the Ministry in
three months. Consequently the Standing Committee decided to defer the proposal.
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Annexure V) Literature review
In tropical and subtropical regions many riverine species have very limited geographical
distributions, and a large proportion of the flora and fauna are unique to individual river systems.
For instance, 50 per cent of the fish fauna in the Olifants River in Southern Africa and the Jordan
River is endemic, as well as 42 per cent of the fish species in the Red River (Yuan Jiang) that runs
through China and Vietnam. Mekong and Yangtze (Chiang Jiang) have endemic species of closely
related gastropods (over 100 species per river). Water flow patterns in the Mekong are changing
because of on-going rapid hydropower development triggered by economic growth (Piman, et al.
2016).
The North-east India has been identified as India’s ‘future powerhouse’ and at least 168 large
hydroelectric projects with a total installed capacity of 63,328 MW (Central Electricity Authority
2001) are proposed for the region. States such as Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are at the forefront
in the initiative to sign multiple memoranda of understanding/agreement (MoU/MoA) with power
developers. Till October 2010, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh had allotted 132 projects to
companies in the private and public sectors for a total installed capacity of 40,140.5 MW. The large
dams’ juggernaut clearly seems to be the biggest ‘development’ intervention in this ecologically and
geologically fragile landscape. Currently 10 large projects are already operational in the region, 11 are
under construction, and a substantially larger number are in the process of getting various
clearances. Northeast India is also known for its biological and cultural diversity. It is one of the
three global biodiversity hotspots that are known from India (www.biodiversityhotspots.org). This
region is home to important populations of wildlife species, such as the rhino, elephant, tiger, wild
buffalo, pygmy hog, and the Ganges river dolphin. Although encompassing only 8 percent of the
country’s geographical area, it houses 21 percent of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) identified by
the Birdlife International and the Bombay Natural History Society.
The concern is what impacts these dams will have on the biodiversity in tropical and subtropical
rivers. Investors in hydropower projects may have implemented some measures to prevent and
mitigate direct impacts on biodiversity of the surrounding areas. However, there are two major
impacts that are generally not mitigated properly viz. Flooding of river channel downstream for
36 | P a g e
power generation (peaking operation), blocking and alteration of the flow due to the dams and the
loss of forest due to submergence in the reservoir.
Lohit River has drawn the attention of the hydropower developers due to its high hydropower
potential. The HEPs are planned in mountain gorges upstream and will create large reservoirs. The
alteration of stream flow can affect migratory fishes which need to move upstream in the hills to
breed and spawn (Kansal et al. 2012).
Lohit river and its chapories have been designated as Priority-3 grassland site in Arunachal pradesh
while Dibrusaikhowa has been designated as Priority-1 grassland site in Assam by WWF India as a
part of their Biodiversity Conservation Prioritization Project (1997-2000) (Chatterjee et al., 2006) for
conservation which is based on their biological as well as socioeconomic values. Under the same
project flood plain of Dibru river (the continuation of Lohit in Assam especially the main channel
that flows through Dibru Saikhowa National Park) has been designated as Priority wetland.
For the avi-fauna of the Lohit river, not many focused studies have been done although personal
records and observations from different parts of Lohit have been published by Allen (2002)-107
species, Choudhury (2006)-440 species and Gode (2013)-133 species covering Amarpur area of
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere reserve, Dibru Saikhowa National Park and Lohit Valley in Arunachal
Pradesh further north respectively. The species number includes historical records. Besides this
Chaudhuri in 1998 did a wholistic survey of major faunal diversity of then Dibru Saikhowa
Sanctuary where he reorted 313 species of birds and highlighted unusual presence of Sarus Crane
and White-bellied Heron also suggesting the region crucial for migratory waterfowls. Choudhury
(1998) also reported 35 species of identified mammals excluding bats and small rodents. The
mammal list highlights presence of Asiatic Elephants, Wild Buffalos, Sambar, Hog Deer, Barking
Deer along with predators like Tiger, Leopard and Clouded Leopard (only once). The arboreal fauna
included Malayan Giant squirrel, Pallas’s Squirrel, Irrawaddy Squirrel and primates Hoolock
Gibbons and Rhesus Macaques. The Chapories around DSNP also has been known to inhabit
unique Feral Horse which is a tourist attraction. The same study also reported Narrow-headed
Softshell Turtle, Gangetic Softshell Turtle, Malayan Box Turtle, Brown Roofed Turtle and Assam
Roofed Turtle. The same study in 1998 only suggests the ossible extinction of Gharials from the
region claiming them to be extremely rare.
37 | P a g e
The southern bank forest of the Lohit river downstream of Parshuram Kund till Tezu has been
notified as a distribution range of Eastern Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock hoolock leuconedys in India
according to Das et al., (2006).
EIAs of hydropower projects usually include an assessment of the effects of the projects on wildlife
in the surrounding areas. They usually conclude that dams have minor effects after the mitigation
measures are implemented, so that the hydropower projects can go ahead with construction. (Trong
Tu et al. 2013).
References (for Annexure II, III and IV)
Allen, D., (2002). A bird survey of the Amarpur area of the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere
Reserve, Assam, India. Forktail, 87-92.
Chatterjee S., Saikia A., Dutta P., Ghosh D., Worah S., (2006). Review of Biodiversity in
NorthEast India, Draft for Discussion March 2006. Background paper No. 13. WWF India.
Choudhury, A. (1998). Mammals, birds and reptiles of Dibru-Saikhowa sanctuary, Assam,
India. Oryx, 32(3), 192-200.
Choudhury, A. (2006). Birds of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Biosphere Reserve,
Assam, India. Indian Birds, 2(4), 95-105.
Das, J., Biswas, J., Bhattacharjee, P. C., & Mohnot, S. M. (2006). First distribution
records of the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock leuconedys) from India. Zoos’ Print
Journal, 21(7), 2316-2320.
EIA report for Lower Demwe HEP (2009). Prepared by Centre for Interdisciplinary
Studies of Mountains and Hill Environment, University of Delhi, Delhi, September, 2009;
Gode, N. (2013). Birding in Lohit Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. Indian BIRDS 8 (5): 126-127.
Kansal, M and Arora, S. (2012). Biodiversity and present status of freshwater fishes in
Lohit river basin of India. The Environmentalist. 32. 10.1007/s10669-011-9372-3.
Piman, T., Cochrane, T. and Mauricio, A. (2016). Effect of Proposed Large Dams on
Water Flows and Hydropower Production in the Sekong, Sesan and Srepok Rivers of the
Mekong Basin: Impact of Large Dams in Tributaries of the Mekong. River Research and
Applications 32. 10.1002/rra.3045.
38 | P a g e
Rahmani, A.R. (2011). Report of a member of the team for site inspection of the proposed
DEMWE Lower Hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh Proposal for construction of
1,750 MW Demwe Lower Hydro Electric Project In Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh. Pp.
20.
Kamboj, R.D., Bankhwal, D.P., & Gopi, G.V., (2018). Site inspection report for Lower
Demwe HEP. Report of the National Board of Wildlife Standing Committee on Proposed
Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project, March 2018.
Trong Tu, Dao & Le, Tuan & Kim Thai, Le & Dinh Sinh, Tran & Thi Thu Suu, Lam
& Thi Khanh, Nguy. (2013). Analysis of Environmental and Social Costs and Risks of
Hydropower Dams, with a Case Study of Song Ttanh 2 Hydropower Plant.
WAPCOS (2011). Effect of Peaking Power Generation By Siang Lower HEP, Demwe
Lower HEP And Dibang Multipurpose HEP On Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. Pp. 68.
WAPCOS (2016). Carrying Capacity and Cumulative Impact Assessment Studies for HEP
on the Tributaries of Lohit River Basin in Arunachal Pradesh, by WAPCOS ltd. August,
2016.
World Commission on Dams (2000). Dams and Development – A new framework for
decision making. The Report of the World Commission on Dams. Earthscan, London.
39 | P a g e
Annexure VI) Field Photographs
Image 3. Location of dam site and surrounding habitat
Image 4. Dam site and surrounding habitat: ground view
40 | P a g e
Image 5. Surveying the chaporis by crossing streams on foot in zone 1 and 2.
41 | P a g e
Image 6. Surveying on country made hand boat in Zone 3
Image 7. Surveying on country made motor boat in Zone 4
Image 8. Surveying on cruise type motor boat in zone 5
Image 9. Surveying on speed boat in DSNP
42 | P a g e
Image 10. Top) River Lohit at Tiding, Middle) Plumbeous Water redstart, Bottom) Brown Dipper
43 | P a g e
Image 11 From Zone 2: Top) Grasslands and Trees of Dalbergia sissoo on the chaporis, Bottom right) Large Tree Frog; Bottom left) Flying lizard Draco maculatus
44 | P a g e
Image 12. Cattle grazing on the chaporis of Zone 2
Image 13. Local sand and boulder mining from dry River bed from Zone 3.
45 | P a g e
Image 14. Upstream migration of stream fishes for spawning in river Lohit (Zone 3)
Image 15. Use of gill nets to catch stream fishes of river Lohit in Zone 3
46 | P a g e
1 2
3 4
5 6
Image 16. Fishes of Lohit: 1) Barilius sp., 2)Cabdio morar, 3) Devario aequipinnatus, 4) Garra sp. 5) Neolissochylus hexgonolepis, 6) Xenentodon cancila
47 | P a g e
Image 17. Nest of Streaked Weaver bird found on a chapori from Zone 3
Image 18. The chaporis of Zone 3 representing the mosaic of wet grasslands and semi evergreen forest
48 | P a g e
Image 19. Spotted Litter Skink found on the forest floor in Zone 3
Image 20. Tribal people encountered during the survey in proposed Tezu reserve forest
49 | P a g e
Image 21 Top) Wet grasslands in Maguri beel (Zone 5), Bottom: left)Striated Babbler, right) Nal grass
50 | P a g e
Image 22. Cutting of Bombax ceiba trees from the bank of river Lohit in Zone 4
Image 23 Top) Paddyfield Pipit a commonly found on the chaporis of lohit, Bottom: left) Rat snake crossing the river channel, right) Amur falcon (flock of 40 was seen) from Zone 4
51 | P a g e
Image 24. Top) Bengal Florican single male flushed from a chapori, Bottom) Bengal Florican three individuals fludhed subsequently from the same chapori from Zone 4
52 | P a g e
Image 25. Left) Elephant tracks found in chaporis in Zone 5. Right) Wild Buffalos sighted in DSNP
Image 26. A river channel cutting through the semi evergreen forest in DSNP
53 | P a g e
Annexure VII) List of people interacted
Table 6. List of people interviewed during the survey
Sr.
No.
Name Place Occupation Contact number
1. Jeevan Maguri beel Eco-tourism (Kahua eco camp,
Nathun gaon)
8638700342
2. G.B. Pullu Roing Mishmi Hill Nature camp 9862856981
3. Dr. Mark Bertein Jia village, Roing Commander in Indian Navy 7032053708
4. Mr. Deepak Sharma Parshuram Kund HR Manager, Athena HEP
project
5. Janal Medi Tidding Daily Wages labour
6. Krishna Hodar Upstream of
Parshuram kund
Standard 3 school student
7. Shankar Nayak Upstream of
Parshuram kund
Standard 6 school student
8. Zhua Urag Upstream of
Parshuram kund
Elder person of family
9. Radha Nayak Upstream of
Parshuram kund
Gavbudha, labour contractor
10. Param Chetri Tezu river bank Shepherd/cattle grazer
11. Tuleshwar Das Panbari Casual contract staff of FD
12. Khirod Bora Panbari Manzi
13. Rajani Das Panbari Manzi
54 | P a g e
14. Cola Bilai Tezu forest area Mishmi tribal
15. Shri D.S. Manyu Tezu DFO, Tezu
16. Jogin Tamai (belongs
to Digaroo Mishmi
tribe)
Tezu Political Translator,
Administration, Tezu
8974566966
17. Tally Kamsi Tezu Nature lover
18. Bakekho Tamai
(belongs to Digaroo
Mishmi tribe)
Tezu Elder person interacted for
getting traditional knowledge
8413925453
19. Ghankanta Sunwal Bhim Chapori Khuti owner
20. Sanjib Chetri Bhim Chapori Khuti owner
21. Padma Chetri Bhim Chapori Khuti owner
22. Gopal Munda Chapro near
Jamukbari
Khuti owner 7086576673
23. Surja Bahadur Chapro near
Amarpur
Khuti owner 8472812001
24. Indra Bahadur
Kanwar
Chapro near
Amarpur
Khuti owner
25. Shri Mridulkumar
Dhar
Dibru Saikhowa DFO, Tinsukia
26. Sarbasis Dutta Dibru Saikhowa Researcher, SACON 9038197596
27. Mohandeep Gogoi Dibru Saikhowa Forest Guard, Dibru Saikhowa
NP
28. Prafulla Sethia Dibru Saikhowa Villager, Erasuti Gao, Dibru
Saikhowa NP
55 | P a g e
29. Shital Yadav Dibru Saikhowa Villager, Erasuti Gao, Dibru
Saikhowa NP
30. Lalbihari Sahni Dibru Saikhowa Boat Pilot, Dibru Saikhowa NP
31. Rajkumar Das Dibru Saikhowa Villager, Erasuti Gao, Dibru
Saikhowa NP
32. Mrs. Aarti Saha Dibru Saikhowa Teacher, Government Primary
School, Erasuti Gao, Dibru
Saikhowa NP
33. Rambadan Yadav Dibru Saikhowa Villager, Erasuti Gao, Dibru
Saikhowa NP
34. Chandrakant Das Dibru Saikhowa Representative of Aqua
Weaves CSR project
35. Jyonil Abedin Dibru Saikhowa Owner of Banashree eco-
cottages
36. Kanak Deori Dibru Saikhowa Forester, Colomi Camp, Dibru
Saikhowa NP
8638009698
37. Sadin Sunwal Dibru Saikhowa Forest Guard, Colomi Camp,
Dibru Saikhowa NP
38. Anant Tarak Dibru Saikhowa Villager, Lika gao 9101453953
39. Tetera Tate Dibru Saikhowa Khuti Caretaker, Lika gao
40. Mintu Doley Dibru Saikhowa Beat In-charge, IV guest
Camp, Dibru Saikhowa NP
41. Utpal Gogoi Dibru Saikhowa Forest staff, IV guest Camp,
Dibru Saikhowa NP
42. Bitupon Bora Dibru Saikhowa Forest staff, IV guest Camp,
Dibru Saikhowa NP
56 | P a g e
43. Basanta Dahotia Dibru Saikhowa Forest staff, IV guest Camp,
Dibru Saikhowa NP
44. Riki Pego Dibru Saikhowa Khuti owner
45. Mari Regon Paglam Khuti owner
46. Sanjay Das Dibru Saikhowa Tourist Operator and local
politician
47. Shri Suryakumar
Prakash
Delhi Representative, Athena HEP
project
48. Subhash Debnath Tezu Caretaker, Circuit House, Tezu
57 | P a g e
Annexure VIII) List of fishes
Table 7. List of fish species recorded during the survey
Sr. No. Species Scientific
name
Species Common/
Vernacular Name IUCN status Zone
1 Barilius sp. Baril
1
2 Salmophasia sp. Minnow
1
3 Cabdio morar Morari LC 3
4 Chagunius chagunio Puti LC 3
5 Devario aequipinnatus Chebli LC 3
6 Garra sp. Garra
3
7 Glyptothorax sp. Cat Fish
3
8 Neolissochilus hexagonolepis Pakiranga/Katli/Boka NT 3
9 Pterocryptis sp. CatFish
3
10 Xenentodon cancila Needle Fish/Kokila LC 3
11 Puntius sophore Spot-fin Swamp Barb/Puti LC 3
12
Tor sp. Mahaseer
Many species are
threatened 3
58 | P a g e
Annexure IX) List of herpetofauna
Table 8. List of reptile and amphibian species recorded during the survey
Sr.
No. Species Scientific name IUCN status Zone
Assam roofed turtle Pangshura sylhetensis Endangered 5
Bengal monitor
lizard Varanus bengalensis Least Concern 5
Asian water monitor Varanus salvator Least Concern 3
Oriental garden
lizard Calotes versicolor
2,3
Spotted litter Skink Sphenomorphus maculatus Least Concern 3
Monocled cobra Naja kaouthia Least Concern 3
Indian rat snake Ptyas mucosa
4
Giant tree frog Rhacophorus maximus Least Concern 2
skittering frog Euphlyctis sp. Least Concern 4
59 | P a g e
Annexure X) List of birds
Table 9. List of bird species recorded during the survey
Sr
No.
Species: Common
Name
Species: Scientific
Name
IUCN
Status
WPA
schedule Habitat Zone
Family:
Podicipedidae
1 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis LC IV Wetland Pool 4
Family:
Pelecanidae
2 Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis NT IV River bank 2,3
Family:
Anhingidae
3 Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster NT IV River Bank 2,3
Family: Ardeidae
4 Little Egret Egretta garzetta LC IV River Bank 2,3,4
5 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea LC IV River Bank 2,3,4
6 Great Egret Egretta alba LC IV River Bank 3,4
7 Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia LC IV River bank 3,4
8 Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus LC IV River banks
and islands 2,3,4
9 Indian Pond-heron Ardeola grayii LC IV Ponds and
river banks 2,3,4
10 Striated Heron Butorides striata LC IV River bank 2,3,4
11 Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis LC IV Ponds and
river banks 2,3,4
12 Chestnut Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus LC IV Ponds and
river banks 2,3,4
13 Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis LC IV Ponds and
river banks 4
60 | P a g e
Family: Ciconiidae
14 Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
15 Black Stork Ciconia nigra LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2
16 Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus VU IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
3,4
Family: Anatidae
17 Lesser Whistling-
duck Dendrocygna javanica LC IV
Ponds and
river banks 2,3,4
18
Cotton Teal
Nettapus coromandelianus LC IV Ponds and
river banks 4
19 Indian Spot-billed
Duck Anas poecilorhyncha LC IV
Ponds and
river banks 2,3,4
20 Chinese Spot-billed
Duck Anas zonorhyncha LC IV
Ponds and
river banks 4
Family:
Accipitridae
21 Oriental Honey-
buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus LC I Forest 1,2,3,4
22 Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus LC I
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
3,4
61 | P a g e
Family:
Accipitridae
23 White-rumped
Vulture Gyps bengalensis CR I
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
24 Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis NT I
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
25 Crested Serpent-
eagle Spilornis cheela LC I Forest 1,2,4
26 Shikra Accipiter badius LC I
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
1,2,3,4
27 Eurasian
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus LC I
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
3
Family:
Pandionidae
28 Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus LC I
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
Family: Falconidae
29 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus LC I
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2
30 Amur Falcon Falco amurensis LC I
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
3
31 Oriental Hobby Falco severus LC I Forest 1
62 | P a g e
Family:
Megapodiidae
32 Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus LC IV Forest 1,2,3,4
Family: Otididae
33 Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis CR IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
3
Family: Jacanidae
34 Bronze-winged
Jacana Metopidius indicus LC IV
Ponds and
river banks 4
Family:
Charadriidae
35 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius LC IV Ponds and
river banks 2,3,4
36 River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii NT IV River side
forest 4
37 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
Family: Glareolidae
38 Small Pratincole Glareola lactea LC IV Sandy river
banks 2,3,4
Family: Laridae
39 Common Tern Sterna hirundo LC IV Sandy river
banks 3,4
40 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida LC IV Sandy river
banks 3,4
63 | P a g e
Family:
Columbidae
41 Rock Pigeon Columba livia LC IV Forest 2,3,4
42 Pale-capped
Woodpigeon Columba punicea VU IV Forest 1,2
43 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis LC IV Near
settlement 2,3
44 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis LC IV Near
settlement 2,3,4
45 Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica LC IV Forest 2,3,4
46 Orange-breasted
Green-pigeon Treron bicinctus LC IV Forest 4
47 Yellow-footed
Green-pigeon Treron phoenicopterus LC IV Forest 4
Family: Psittacidae
48 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri LC IV Forest 4
Family: Cuculidae
49 Large Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides LC IV Forest 1,2
50 Common Hawk-
cuckoo Hierococcyx varius LC IV
Scrubland on
river bank 2,3,4
51 Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus LC IV Forest 1,2,3,4
52 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus LC IV Forest 1
53 Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus LC IV Forest 2,3
54 Drongo-cuckoo Surniculus lugubris LC IV Forest 1,2,3,4
55 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus LC IV Forest 2,3,4
56 Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis LC IV Forest 3,4
57 Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3
64 | P a g e
Family: Tytonidae
58 Common Barn-owl Tyto alba LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
4
59 Brown Hawk-owl Ninox scutulata LC IV Forest 2,3,4
Family: Strigidae
60 Spotted Owlet Athene brama LC IV Forest 2,3,4
Family: Apodidae
61 Needletail Hirundapus sp. LC
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2
Family:
Alcedinidae
62 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis LC IV Ponds and
river banks 2,3,4
63 White-throated
Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis LC IV
Ponds and
river banks 2,3,4
64 Lesser Pied
Kingfisher Ceryle rudis LC IV
Ponds and
river banks 2,3,4
Family: Meropidae
65 Little Green Bee-
eater Merops orientalis LC
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
66 Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus LC
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
3
65 | P a g e
Family: Coraciidae
67 ‘Black-billed’ Roller Coracias benghalensis
affinis LC IV
River side
forest 2,3,4
Family: Upupidae
68 Common Hoopoe Upupa epops LC River side
forest 2,3
Family:
Capitonidae
69 Great Barbet Megalaima virens LC IV Forest 1
70 Lineated Barbet Megalaima lineata LC IV Forest 1,2,3,4
71 Golden-throated
Barbet Megalaima franklinii LC IV Forest 1
72 Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica LC IV Forest 1,2,3,4
Family: Picidae
73 Grey-capped Pygmy
Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus LC IV Forest 2
74 Fulvous-breasted
Pied Woodpecker Dendrocopos macei LC IV Forest 2
75 Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus LC IV Forest 2
76 Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus LC IV Forest 1
77 Greater Yellownape Chrysophlegma flavinucha LC IV Forest 2
78 Black-rumped
Flameback Dinopium benghalense LC IV Forest 4
Family: Alaudidae
79 Sand Lark Calandrella raytal LC IV Sandy river
banks 1,2,3,4
80 Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
1,2,3,4
66 | P a g e
Family:
Hirundinidae
81 Grey-throated Sand-
martin Riparia chinensis NT
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
Family:
Motacillidae
82 White Wagtail Motacilla alba LC IV Sandy river
banks 1,2,3,4
83 Citrine Wagtail
Motacilla citreola
LC IV Sandy river
banks 2
84 Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
Family: Campephagidae
85 Grey-chinned
Minivet Pericrocotus solaris LC IV Forest 1
86 Pied Flycatcher-
shrike Hemipus picatus LC IV Forest 1
Family:
Pycnonotidae
87 Red-whiskered
Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus LC IV
Scrubland on
river bank 1,2,3,4
88 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer LC IV Scrubland on
river bank 1,2,3,4
89 Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii LC IV Forest 1
90 Himalayan Black
Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus LC IV Forest 1,2
91 White-throated
Bulbul Alophoixus flaveolus LC IV Forest 1
67 | P a g e
Family: Irenidae
92 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia LC IV Forest 1,2,3
93 Orange-bellied
Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii LC IV Forest 1
Family: Laniidae
94 Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus LC IV Forest 1
Family: Cinclidae
95 Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii LC Sandy river
banks 1
Family:
Muscicapidae
96 Blue Whistling-
thrush Myiophonus caeruleus LC IV Forest 1,2
97 Oriental Magpie-
robin Copsychus saularis LC IV
Scrubland on
river bank 2,3,4
98 White-rumped
Shama Copsychus malabaricus LC IV Forest 1
99 Plumbeous Water-
redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosus LC IV
river bank
boulders 1
100 Forktail Enicurus sp. LC IV Forest 1
101 White-tailed
Stonechat Saxicola leucurus LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
4
102 Greater Necklaced
Laughingthrush Garrulax pectoralis LC IV
River side
forest 2
103 Striated
Laughingthrush Grammatoptila striata LC IV Forest 1
104
Rufous-necked
Laughingthrush
Dryonastes ruficollis LC IV Scrubland on
river bank
1
68 | P a g e
105 Puff-throated
Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps LC IV Forest 2,3,4
106 Golden Babbler Cyanoderma chrysaea LC IV Forest 2,3
107 Striated Babbler Turdoides earlei LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
108 Striated Yuhina Yuhina castaniceps LC IV Forest 1
109 White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri LC IV Forest 1
110 Rufous-headed
Parrotbill Paradoxornis bakeri LC IV Forest 1
111 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
112 Bright-capped
Cisticola Cisticola exilis LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
113 Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
114 Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
115 Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
3,4
116 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
117 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius LC IV Scrubland on
river bank 2,3
118 Whistler’s Warbler Seicercus whistleri LC IV Forest 1
69 | P a g e
119 Grey-hooded
Warbler
Phylloscopus
xanthoschistos LC IV Forest 1
120 Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3,4
121 Ferruginous
Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea LC IV Forest 2
122 Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus LC IV Forest 1
123 Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae LC IV Forest 1
124 Grey-headed Canary-
flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis LC IV Forest 1,2,3,4
125
Asian Paradise
Flycatcher
Terpsiphone paradisi LC IV Forest 1,2,3
126 Black-naped Blue
Monarch Hypothymis azurea LC IV Forest 2
127 White-throated
Fantail Rhipidura albicollis LC IV Forest 1,2,3,4
Family: Paridae
128 Black-spotted Yellow
Tit Parus spilonotus LC IV Forest 1
Family: Dicaeidae
129 Fire-breasted
Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus LC IV Forest 1
Family:
Nectariniidae
130 Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja LC IV Forest 2
131 Streaked
Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna LC IV Forest 1
70 | P a g e
Family:
Zosteropidae
132 Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus LC IV Scrubland on
river bank 2,3,4
Family: Estrildidae
133 White-rumped
Munia Lonchura striata LC IV
Scrubland on
river bank 2
134 Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata LC IV Scrubland on
river bank 2
135 Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla LC IV Scrubland on
river bank 2,3,4
Family: Passeridae
136 House Sparrow Passer domesticus LC IV Near
settlement 2,3,4
137 Eurasian Tree
Sparrow Passer montanus LC IV
Near
settlement 2,3,4
138 Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2
139 ‘Eastern’ Baya
Weaver
Ploceus philippinus
burmanicus LC IV
Grassland:
River banks
and islands
2,3
Family: Sturnidae
140 Grey-headed Starling Sturnia malabarica LC IV River side
forest 2,3
141 Asian Pied Starling Gracupica contra LC IV Scrubland on
river bank 2,3,4
142 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis LC IV Near
settlement 2,3,4
143 Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus LC IV River side
forest 2,3,4
71 | P a g e
144 White-vented Myna Acridotheres grandis VU IV River side
forest 2,3,4
145 Common Hill-myna Gracula religiosa LC IV River side
forest 4
Family: Oriolidae
146 Black-headed Oriole Oriolus xanthornus LC IV River side
forest 1,2,3,4
Family: Dicruridae
147 Bronzed Drongo Chaptia aeneus LC IV
148 Greater Racket-tailed
Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus LC IV
River side
forest 2
Family: Corvidae
149 Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae LC IV River side
forest 1,2,3,4
150 House Crow Corvus splendens LC IV River side
forest 1,2,3,4
151 Eastern Jungle Crow Corvus [macrorhynchos]
levailantii LC IV
River side
forest 1,2,3,4
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Annexure XI) List of mammals (Primary & secondary data)
Table 10. List of mammal species recorded during the survey (P: primary data, S: secondary data)
Sr
No.
Commn Name Scientific
Name
IUCN WPA P or S Source of
Information
Zone Remarks
Hylobatidae
1 Western
Hoolock Gibbon
Hoolock
hoolock
EN I P Vocalizations 2,4 Got photo of
a dead
individual
from FD
Family:
Cercopithecidae
2 Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta LC I P Direct Sighting 1,2,4
3 Assamese
Macaque
Macaca
assamensis
NT II P and
S
Personal
Communication
Direct Sighting
1,2,4
4 Northern Pig-
tailed Macaque
Macaca leonina VU II S Personal
Communication
4
Family:
Elephantidae
5 Asian Elephant Elephan
maximus
EN I P Sighting of
tracks
2,3,4
Family: Cervinae
6 Sambar Rusa unicolor VU III P and
S
hoof marks 2,3,4 Skulls in local
houses
7 Hog Deer Axis porcinus EN III P and
S
hoof marks 2,3,4 Skulls in local
houses
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Family: Bovidae
8 Wild Buffalo Bubalus arnee EN I P 3,4 Difficult to
differentiate
from feral
ones
Family: Suidae
9 Indian Wild Pig Sus scrofa LC I P and
S
Foot marks Roosting sites
Family: Felidae
10 Royal Bengal
Tiger
Panthera tigris EN I S Pers.Comm. 3,4 Not sure, may
be dispersing
individuals
from Kamlang
seen in these
regions if it is
an active
corridor
Sr
No.
Commn Name Scientific
Name
P or S Source of
Information
Zone Remarks
11 Common
Leopard
Panthera
pardus
VU I S Pers.Comm. 1,2,3,4 People claim
that it predates
on their cattle
and goats
often
12 Jungle Cat Felis chaus LC I S Pers.Comm. 1,2,3,4
13 Fishing Cat Prionailurus
viverrinus
VU II S Pers.Comm. 2,3,4 A skin in a
local house
Canidae
14 Golden Jackal Canis aureus LC II P Direct Sighting
and calls
1,2,3,4
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Family: Ursidae
15 Asiatic Black
Bear
Ursus
thibetanus
VU II S Pers.Comm. 1 Local people
claim that they
encounter it
occasionally.
Skin bags with
local people
Family:
Mustelidae
16 Yellow-throated
Marten
Martes flavigula LC II P Direct Sighting 1
17 Otter Possibly Aonyx
cinera
VU II P and
S
Pers.Comm.
Confirmed by
tracks
1,2,4 Not sure
about the
species are
there in PRF
near Tezu
Family:
Leporidae
18 Rusty-tailed Hare Lepus nigricolis
ruficaudatus
LC IV P Pellets found 2,3 Species
claimed based
on the known
distribution
Family: Manidae
19 Chinese Pangolin Manis
pentadactyla
CR I S Pers. Comm. 1,2 photographs
of hunted
individuals
Family:
Hystricidae
20 Himalayan
Crestless
Porcupine
Hystrix
brachyura
LC II P and
S
Pers. Comm.
Confirmed by
Tracks and quill
marks
2 Species
claimed based
on the known
distribution
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Family:
Sciuridae
21 Hoary-bellied
Squirrel
Callosciurus
pygerythrus
LC II P Direct Sighting 1,2
22 Pallas's Squirrel Callosciurus
erythrus
LC II P Direct Sighting 2
Family:
Pteropodidae
23 Indian Flying
Fox
Pteropus
giganteus
LC II P Direct Sighting 2
Family:
Platanistidae
24 South Asian
River Dolphin
Platanista
gangetica
gangetica
EN I P Pers. Comm.
Confirmed by
Direct sighting
3,4
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Annexure XII) Undertaking by project proponents
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