Bombay-Manmad Pipeline

Project Profile

This 250 km long and underground pipeline with a diameter of 45.72 cm would originate from the refinery of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., in Bombay and would terminate at Paniwadi near Manmad. This Bombay - Manmad pipeline will ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to the large consumption areas in the State of Maharashtra. The areas of ecological interest enroute the proposed pipeline are (i) the forested habitats of Jerandi and Phagula Reserved Forests, (ii) grassland habitats near Sinnar and (iii) wetland habitats including Ulhas Creek, Beale Lake and Godavari River.

Predicted Impacts

• The proposed pipeline will traverse Jerandi forests for 2.3 km. Clearing of the forest within this area of row would be a direct threat to the foraging grounds of the ungulates.
   

• Formation of several small patches of fragmented habitats within Jerandi Forest would temporarily displace forest dwelling resident bird species.
   

• The construction phase activities are likely to disrupt the movements of some large mammals (barking deer, four horned antelopes, leopard, hyena etc.) and small borrowing animals (Indian hare and porcupine).
   

• The Phagula RF and Sinnar grassland are not likely to be impacted by project related activities on account of their already reduced biological potential which has been induced by high biotic pressures operating in the area.
   

• The wetlands enroute the pipeline are already the receiving systems for industrial effluents and have overall low wildlife habitat potential. The pipeline is therefore not perceived as a major threat.

Mitigation Measures

• All activities involved in laying of the proposed pipeline through Jerandi Forest to be completed within a period of two to three weeks.
   

• Compensatory afforestation should be ensured on identified sites in consultation with Maharahtra Forest Department with due considerations given to local needs and the ecology of the area.
   

• Pipeline through grasslands at Sinnar should be laid in the post harvest season and sufficient care should be taken to avoid accidental fires in grassland habitats.
   

• Since the Project authorities have already confirmed the use of existing roads for transportation of material and equipment, no new roads should be subsequently planned under construction and implementation phases of the project.
   

• No recommendations are being made to suggest realignment in sections of the pipeline traversing wetlands.

Project Analysis

No major irreversible impacts of the project are being perceived on the ecological systems enroute the proposed alignment of the project.

Decision on Environmental Clearance

The project was granted environmental clearance by MOE&F in 1996 and has already been implemented.

Location Map

State map