Gujarat Ecology Society

Programmes

Ecological Restoration & Planning of Critical Areas

Ecological Restoration of mining sites of Gujarat: This study was undertaken at the instance of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation to step up the protection and conservation of natural environment in mining areas. The study provided an action plan for long-term ecological rehabilitation of the three mining sites: 1) Panandhro Lignite mine; 2) Ambamata multimetal Mine; and 3) Ambadungar Fluorspar mine. Suitable guidelines and strategies have also been proposed for efficient development of mineral resources in the State without disturbing the balance of nature.

Study of Coastal Ecology and Environment Management of Alang Ship Recycling Yard sponsored by GMB to study Pollution at Alang and adjoining area of the Gulf, future development of projects and its impact on Mangrove fish diversity, and Avian habitat, livelihood (fishery, agriculture), and study climatic sea level and geomorphic changes which finally will help to prepare a comprehensive management plan of Alang. Earlier in 1996 GES had done a restoration study on Alang.

Salinisation and ecological degradation around the Ranns, Gujarat was studied to draw attention on ecological changes and environmental degradation due to salinity over a span of three decades in 17 talukas in north Gujarat and Saurashtra around the Little Rann. It also emphasized the linkage between salinity spread, geoenvironment and natural resources. This project studied climate, geology, physiography, vegetation, agriculture and saltpans around the Little Rann.

Conservation of Harni Wetlands, Vadodara: Realizing the ecological concerns related with the degradation of wetlands, a project to help restoration of Harni wetlands was undertaken. The study aimed at assessing the water quality suggesting strategies to improve water availability and the environment around the area.

Vadodara industrial area is represented with huge industrial complexes like the oil refineries, Fertiliser plant, alkali plant, cyanide plant and Nandesari Industrial Estate comprising of more than 200 small-scale industries. Common pollutants of the area are oxides of nitrogen, sulphur, ethylene, ammonia, fluorides and other organic and inorganic pollutants. Ground vegetation is represented by herbs and grasses, which complete their life cycle within span of 6-8 months. The DST sponsored project aims to assess "the herbaceous vegetation and its response towards industrial air pollution".

The Society undertook a study to monitor gaseous emission by industries in Nandesari Industrial Estate. Parameters like Acid mist, Fluoride, Chlorine, NH3, HCl, H2S, NOx, SO2, SPM and P2O5 analyzed to assess the impact of emission by neighboring chemical industry on the health and equipment of the Supreme Industries Limited. The results indicated pollutant load mostly below the limits set by pollution control board. Showers of rain before the sampling could be responsible for low levels of pollutants detected.

Considering the degraded state of wetlands in Vadodara city society has undertaken a MoEn&F sponsored project on "Conservation of wetlands in and around Vadodara city". The study is intended to bring out the status of the wetlands and suggest conservation strategies of few wetlands involving local populace within the limits of Vadodara Urban Development Agency (VUDA). The conservation measures would be developed after thorough ecological study of the wetlands including threats factors of each wetland.

Rapid Terrestrial Environmental Impact Assessment (REIA) study for a project on port expansion programme of setting Terminal II with a basin and berthing facilities the SEZ, being developed by Gujarat Adani Ports Ltd., at Mundra. The study covers collection of one time data (pre –monsoon) of baseline ecological status of environment for development of Terms of Reference & Scope of Studies of Baseline Benchmark Information and comprehensive EIA

| Coastal & Marine Ecology | Biodiversity Conservation | Environmental Law |