Summary


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Cochin-Coimbatore-Karur-Tiruchchirappalli Pipeline

Project Profile

This 386km long proposed petroleum product pipeline of varying diameter (15 - 46 cm) in its different sections would originate from the new installation point at Irumbanam in Cochin and would have tap off points at Shoranur, Irugur and Karur. The areas of ecological interest en route the pipeline include (i) 6 rivers (Kaniyampuzha, Periyar, Chalakudi, Kurumalipuzha, Bharathpuzha and Amaravati), (ii) Walayar reservoir and (iii) Attur Reserved Forest.

Predicted Impacts

  • Walayar reservoir is an abode for a variety of residential and migratory birds. Of these, Bar headed geese, Black bellied tern, Black stork and Adjutant stork are endangered. The pipeline along this reservoir is likely to threaten this critical habitat of rare and threatened birds.
     

  • Some of the rivers (Kaniyampuzha, Periyar and Chalakudi) en route the proposed pipeline are the habitats of the three highly endangered species of otters (Lutra perspicillata, Lutra lutra, Aonyx cinerea). Construction related activities and changes in river flow are major disturbance that would lead to habitat abandonment and changes in home ranges.
     

  • Sand mining activities and large scale commercial exploitation of turtles and fishes have already lead to the irreversible decimation of aquatic fauna of most rivers en route.
     

  • The proposed pipeline would traverse Attur Reserved Forest for 1.5 km. length. This Reserved Forest near Ottupara is already fragmented by a railway track and the State highway. The project is therefore not likely to have significant impacts on the already depleted wildlife values of this RF.

Mitigation Measures

  • Project related activities across the rivers like Kaniyampuzha, Periyar and Chalkudi to be scheduled outside the breeding period (Aug-Feb.) of otters to prevent any disturbance to otter population.
     

  • As most of the migratory birds arrive at the Walayar reservoir during October to February, no project related construction activities to be scheduled during this period. Additional efforts to enhance protection of this wetland should be made by project authorities in partnership with local naturalist.
     

  • Withdrawal of water for construction activities and for hydro testing of pipelines is not recommended from any wetland habitat en route.
     

  • No new access roads for the transportation of man, material and equipment to be recommended through Attur RF to prevent further degradation of its wildlife status.

Project Analysis

The project is not likely to induce significant and irreversible ecological impacts on the habitats en route the project. Some wetland habitats are critical for conservation of threatened species of otters and birds. Scheduling of construction activities during the specified periods that have been recommended and the implementation of other mitigatory strategies should be able to provide adequate protection to wildlife species and safeguards for wildlife conservation.

Decision on Environmental Clearance

Based on WII’s recommendations, and subject to adherence to some stipulated conditions, the environmental clearance has been accorded to the project by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Location Map

 Location Map

State Map

State map

 

Client

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited

Project Team

Project Team
Project Personnel
A.M. Dixit
Neel Gogate

Principal Investigator
Dr. Asha Rajvanshi

Project Co-ordinator
S.K. Mukherjee

References

Impact Assessment of Cochin - Coimbatore - Karur - Tiruchchirappalli Pipeline Project on Wildlife Values. 1995. WII - EIA Technical Report 15. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.