Bina-Jhasi-Kanpur Pipeline

Project Profile

This 361 km. long underground and interstate (M.P. & U.P.) pipeline with a diameter of 40.5 cm would take off from the product terminal at Bina and would terminate at the Kanpur via the route through Jhansi. This pipeline will cater to the demands of petroleum products (HSD, MS and SKO) for U.P. and the neighbouring states. The areas of ecological interest en route the pipeline are the Reserved Forests (Dewal, Dhojri, Chandpur, Kalpi and Alampur) of Bina, Lalitpur and Orai Forest Divisions and the rivers including Narain, Betwa, Pahuj, Yamuna, Sengar and Rind.

Predicted Impacts

• The total length of pipeline through the Reserved Forests is 13.5 km. Removal of vegetation, surface excavation and transportation of man, material and equipment are some of the activities that have the potential to impact upon the size and quality of the habitats in the RFs. The sandstone mining in Dhojri and Chandpur RFs and the railway tract through Kalpi and Alampur RFs have been significant factors in the decline of their habitat quality. The underground pipeline project is not likely to result in additional and significant impacts on the already low numbers of representative Central Indian fauna of these RFs.
   

• Changes in hydrology of rivers brought about by diversion of flow for laying pipeline are likely to have significant impacts on the habitat of the endangered aquatic species of turtles (Lissemys punctata, Asperetes gangeticus, Asperetes hurum, Kachuga kachuga and Kachuga dhongoka); crocodiles (Gravialis gangeticus and Crocodylus palustris); Otter (Lutra perspicillata) and Gangetic dolphin (Plantanista gangeticus) in Yamuna and Betwa.

Mitigation Measures

• The pipeline through the RFs to be laid in the shortest possible time frame to minimize impacts of habitat fragmentation and destruction associated with earthwork and transportation of equipment.
   

• Only control blasting is recommended in forested areas to avoid physical and physiological impacts on the remnant fauna of the RF.
   

• Compensatory afforestation should be made effective through consultative process involving the State Forest Departments of U.P. & M.P.
   

• Pipeline laying operation across Yamuna and Betwa rivers to be restricted in the lean flow season i.e. April to June.
   

• Withdrawal of water from river Yamuna and Betwa which are both habitats of endangered species of aquatic fauna should not be permitted.

Project Analysis

The project is not likely to significantly reduce the potential of wildlife habitats which has already been reduced by several ongoing operations (mining, industries, railway line and biotic activities). Mitigation measures being suggested should be effective in avoiding significant project impacts.

Decision on Environmental Clearance

The decision is still pending because of some modification that have been subsequently suggested by project authorities to extend the pipeline up to Lucknow.

Location Map

State Map