A quantitative analysis of plant use as a component of EIA: Case of Narmada Sagar hydroelectric project in Central India

摘要

In this study we have examined the impacts of Narmada Sagar multipurpose hydroelectric project on the ethnobotanical resource base in the Central Indian dry deciduous forests, Impacts have been assessed using an objective approach by developing certain indices, marking a departure from traditional EIA studies. The approach presented here is an attempt to integrate heterogeneity in plant distribution and variation in their uses into impact assessment criteria. In the two zones of impact - both primary and secondary - 69 woody species that are utilized by local communities were recorded from the sample plots through a random sampling procedure, Each species was assigned minor or major use-values on the basis of utilization pattern by the local communities. The use of indices developed shows that even when ethnobotanically important species are well represented almost equally both within and outside the project area, varying degrees of impacts tan be expected to occur. The indices developed here may be used to advantage in similar EIA studies in cases where ethnobotanical losses are likely, Plants belonging to food, fuel, medicinal and miscellaneous categories were found highly vulnerable to post-dam impacts. Impacts are also expected to occur in the availability of useful species such as Tectona grandis, Buten monosperma, Diospyros melanoxylon and Cassia fistula. [References: 22]