Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology

CON S E R V E

SUSTA IN

USE

2013-14

Contents

GENESIS

To set up an institute for research in arid and semi-arid regions of Gujarat, the Gujarat

Ecology Commission (GEC) signed a MoU with Jacob Blaustein Institute of Desert

Research, Israel in September 1993. Prof. Uriel Safriel, Head- Mitrani Centre for Desert

Ecology, Israel visited Kachchh in May 1994. Based on his expert advice, Gujarat Institute

of Desert Ecology (GUIDE) was established in May 1995 and registered as a public trust

and a society.

MISSION

GUIDE will catalyse the process of ameliorating hardships to

human beings in desert ecosystems of Gujarat, following

sound ecological principles and carefully using scientific

knowledge, imaginative technology and capital.

MANDATE

Focus on desert and arid ecosystems of Gujarat, with special emphasis on Kachchh;

Develop benchmark database for ecosystems of Kachchh and thereafter undertake

continuous monitoring and trend-analysis through specific research activities;

Identify problem areas and evolve appropriate solutions and management

strategies, with the help of applied research;

Formulate and implement relevant projects that would provide models for

emulation;

Disseminate ecological information and communicate action plans to suit local

conditions, through extension and other programs; and

Provide consultancy and training to NGOs, Government officials, corporate sectors

and other natural resource managers, in the principles of ecology, integrated

management and sustainable development.

Director’s Note 1

Infrastructure & Facilities 7

Thrust Areas 11

Projects 12

Collaborations 33

CoHaB – ESR at GUIDE 35

Publications 38

Board of Governors 43

The GUIDE Human Resource 44

List of Dissertation Students 45

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Director’s Note

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE),

stepping into its 19th year, continues to

function as a pioneering dryland research

institute striving to address the needs of

community through its research agenda. In

order to fulfill its avowed mandate to

achieve a synergy of science and community

in the field of ecology and environment,

GUIDE has made added progress. The stewardship and unflinching effort rendered by our

Chairman Shri S. G. Mankad, IAS (Retd.) and the Board of Governors of GUIDE are enabling

us to function with vigor and quality over the previous years.

In yet another attempt to acquire global

eminence and to draw worldwide attention

towards Kachchh dryland issues, GUIDE had

signed a MoU with Greenwich University,

UK and initiated a collaborative research

programme on “Ecosystem Assessment of

the Habitats in the Kachchh District -

Planning for Biodiversity and Livelihoods

into the Future” under the UK India

Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI).

Dr. Debbie Bartlett from Greenwich

University and Dr. V. Vijay Kumar from

GUIDE are the Principal Investigators of the project. In this connection, Dr. Debbie Bartlett

from Greenwich University visited GUIDE during the period between 8th and 20th June, 2013.

As part of the collaborative project on “Climate Change and Its Uncertainty” with STEPS

Centre of the University of Sussex, UK, a workshop was organized at GUIDE, Bhuj during the

period between 22nd and 26th October,

2013. Dr. Lyla Mehta and the project

partners; Mrs. Upasona Ghosh, Ms.

Rithika, Shri Shibaji Bose, IMHR,

Kolkata; and Dr. Alankar, SARAI/CSDS,

New Delhi had attended the workshop.

The Scientists from GUIDE also actively

participated in the workshop.

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Further, ESRC STEPS Centre, University of Sussex, UK in collaboration with CSSP, JNU, New

Delhi organized an International Symposium on “Exploring Pathways to Sustainability”

during the period between 10th and 11th February 2014 at New Delhi.

In this Symposium, a special two hours panel on “Uncertainty From Below” was dedicated to

the collaborative research project on “Climate Change and Its Uncertainty – Below and

Above”. Dr. V. Vijay Kumar attended the Symposium and delivered a talk on “Climate

Change and Uncertainty – Dryland Scenario”.

In yet another event, Sh. R. V. Asari, Director was invited as a resource person in workshops

organised at Gandhinagar by the Regional Centre, NAEB - MoEF, GoI, Mumbai. He delivered

talks on “Framing of Communication Process for Sustainable JFM/FDA” and “Convergence of

NAP & Other Schemes for JFMC and Field Level Staff” respectively on 5th and 7th March

2014.

As a part of the collaboration with CASII, the CoHaB project Early Stage Researchers (Ms.

Iulia Nicoleta Rascanu - Romania, Mrs. Melanie Robin Wattenbarger -USA, Ms. Ruby Rana

and Ms. Holly Jennifer Morgan – Canada) had visited GUIDE during the period between 3rd

November and 1st December 2013.

The researches gained experience

on Diaspora and its linkages with

environment through expert (Dr.

Heena K. Gangar, Dr. Vimmi

Sardarngani, Dr. Lalitha Narayan,

Ms. Judy Frater, Dr. V. Vijay Kumar,

Dr. G. A. Thivakaran, Dr. A.K.R.

Mahato, Mr. M. Laxman and Mrs.

Vidhisha Kannan) lectures and field

explorations to various parts of

Kachchh including Dholavira,

Narayansarovar, Mandvi, Banni and

Rann of Kachchh.

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In order to strengthen its scientific manpower and to enhance its accomplishment, GUIDE

has recruited a team of qualified and experienced scientists and researchers (Dr. Jayesh

Bhatt, Dr. K. Prabhu, Mr. Sudhanshu C. Mohapatra, Mr. Anil Raghvajibhai, Mr. Ajay Gohil

and Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan, Mr. Bhagirath Paradva, Ms. Trupti Vaghela, Mr. Ajitsinh B. Gohil, ,

Sh. Ratansi Chaudhury, Mr. Nitul Lal and Sh. Midhun Gopi) with multi-disciplinary

background who would work on different aspects of diverse ecosystems, biodiversity and

livelihood opportunities in Kachchh and other places of Gujarat.

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj, ever since its establishment in May1995,

has been working steadfastly to address different ecological issues pertaining to arid and

semi-arid regions of Gujarat in general and Kachchh in particular. In continuation of this,

GUIDE has undertaken many new research projects in areas of ecology, environment and

biodiversity. A new collaborative project on “Ecological perspective of Rann of Kachchh:

Studies on physico-chemical and microbial community structure of soil” was submitted to

DBT, New Delhi in collaboration with S. P. University, Anand.

In an effort to fortify the research endeavor of the institute, few research proposals have

also been framed, including the international research proposal in collaboration with STEPS

Centre of University of Sussex, UK.

As a part of its recognition by K.S.K.V. Kachchh University, Bhuj,

GUIDE has jointly undertaken teaching programme of M. Sc.

(Environmental Science) course and the fourth batch of students

passed out in May 2013. A plan to commence integrated master’s

programme with the Kachchh University is also on the avail. A

proposal for Integrated Environmental Biology course was

submitted to the K.S.K.V. Kachchh University for further

processing at Education Department, Gandhinagar. Apart from

teaching, in the areas of research, GUIDE’s scientists have guided

students from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu; Shri

Sarvajanik College, Mehsana and K.S.K.V. Kachchh University,

Bhuj.

GUIDE has been awarded “National Education

Leadership Award” by the Dainik Bhaskar, Mumbai in a

function jointly organized by Dainik Bhaskar group and

Stars of the Industry group at Taj Lands End Hotel,

Bandra, Mumbai on 23rd October, 2013. On behalf of

GUIDE, Dr. G. A. Thivakaran had attended the function

and received the prestigious award.

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Another significant milestone is guiding of doctoral students by the faculties

of GUIDE. Sh. Nikunj B. Gajera, Project Scientist, has been awarded Doctor of

Philosophy for his thesis “A study on the Avian diversity in drylands of

Kachchh with special reference to their conservation and management” under

the guidance of Dr. V. Vijay Kumar.

The Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, Ahmedabad has organized one day Round Table

Seminar on “Quality Improvement in Higher Education” on 11th September 2013 at

Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. The seminar was graced by the Honorable Chief Minister of

Gujarat, Lord Bhikhu Parekh (Chief Guest of Honour), Education Ministers, Industrial

Minister, Chief Secretary of Gujarat, Sh. Hasmukh Shah (Founder Chairman of GUIDE),

Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Higher Education and Vice Chancellors of the

Universities of Gujarat. Dr. V. Vijay Kumar from Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology was

invited for the seminar and he attended the seminar.

Total participants of the seminar were around 35 and they discussed the importance of Pre

University and University education and ways and means to improve the education

standards of the Gujarat State.

Demonstrating their presentation capability, GUIDE scientists and researchers have

attended several national and international seminars and symposia and presented research

papers. Dr. V. Vijay Kumar attended the International conference on “Diasporic Indian

Cinemas and Bollywood on the Diaspora” jointly organized by the Osmania University and

Center for Advanced Studies in India during the period between 22nd and 24th January, 2014

at Hyderabad. Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato participated the International Conference on

Conserving Biodiversity for Sustainable Development and presented a paper titled “Linkage

between Culture and Biodiversity: A Case Study in Chhotanagpur Plateau, Jharkhand” held

at National Institute of Technology, Rourkela on 16-18th August, 2013. Ms. Druma Vaida, JRF

(DST Project) attended a national conference on “Advances in Environmental Science and

Technology” conducted by Central University, Gandhinagar during 25th & 26th Feb. 2014. She

had presented a paper on “Preliminary investigations on biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles

by halo-tolerant bacterial strains from Banni”. She was awarded the Third Prize oral paper

presentation.

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The 17th Annual General Meeting of the GUIDE Society was held on 24th August 2013 at

12.00 hrs at GUIDE, Bhuj-Kachchh under the Chairmanship of Sh. S. G. Mankad, IAS (Retd.).

Also during the year, three BoG meetings and several Management Committee meetings

were held for the smooth functioning of GUIDE.

Another significant milestone is the

publication initiatives of a book on

“Forest and Wildlife of Kachchh- A

Natural Heritage”. This was

published in collaboration with

Gujarat State Forest Department

and the book was released by the

Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat

State on 14th August 2013.

A quarterly E-Newsletter of GUIDE titled, “GUIDE.net”, is regularly released to a larger

scientific community. In addition to these, several scientific papers were published in

national (5 Nos.) and international journals (16 Nos.).

The GUIDE laboratory has been recognized as “State Air & State Water Laboratory” by the

GPCB, Gandhinagar on 3rd September 2010 and the recognition is extended up to 2nd

September 2015. The laboratory and infrastructure facilities developed during the previous

year have further been strengthened by adding equipments like Rotary vacuum Flash

Evaporator, Miskin Water Sampler and Soxhlet apparatus from the project grant of DST,

New Delhi. A team of well-trained analysts is working full time and the laboratory is now

poised to undertake a broad range of advanced ecological research envisaging the lab-to-

field approach. Laboratory facilities, besides serving different project requirements also

meet analytical requirements of GPCB, industries, farmers and other NGOs.

Another important recognition to GUIDE is the accreditation by the NABET. Dr. V. Vijay

Kumar (Mining of Minerals – Opencast and Irrigation Projects) and Dr. G. A. Thivakaran

(Ports, harbours, jetties, marine terminals, break waters and dredging) were selected as

Coordinators. Dr. K. Karthikeyan, Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Dr. Rohitkumar Patel, Sh.

Mukesh Koladiya, Dr. Jagruti Sanghvi, Sh. Sudhanshu Charan Mohapatra, and Sh. Dayesh

Parmar were selected as Functional Area Experts in Water Pollution (WP), Ecology and

Biodiversity, Air Pollution and Landuse areas respectively. Further, the accreditation of NABL

is in process.

6

Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Joint Director is promoted to Additional Director.

Dr. G. A. Thivakaran, Senior Principal Scientist is promoted to Chief

Principal Scientist.

A research proposal of Ms. V. Devi on “Assessment of Chemicals and Bacterial

Contaminations in the Ground Waters of Selected Talukas of Kachchh District, Gujarat”

under the Women Scientist Scheme of DST, New Delhi under the Mentorship of Dr. K.

Karthikeyan has been submitted.

Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato was invited as a Resource Person in UGC Sponsored Refresher

Course on “Tribal Studies” organized by Academic Staff College, Ranchi on 24th August

2013.

Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Scientist has attended the training programme on “Traditional

and Modern Approaches in Animal Taxonomy” organized by University of Agricultural

Sciences, Bangalore; between 15th and 29th April, 2013.

GUIDE

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INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES

C A M P U S

The Institute is spread over four acres of land

acquired from Government of Gujarat, where its

own complex comprising well-furnished blocks for

administration, research, laboratory, academics,

library, meeting hall and a hostel for research

scholars is located. In addition, residential blocks

for scientists have also been constructed within

the premises of the institute which make it

possible to devote more time to their research

activities.

H O S T E L A C C O M M O D A T I O N

The hostel complex has eight rooms of double

occupancy and special double occupancy rooms

to accommodate important visitors. All the

scholars of GUIDE are accommodated in the

hostel. Dining and recreational facilities are

provided in the hostel, which include television,

table tennis and provision for outdoor games such

as volley ball, badminton and cricket.

C O M P U T E R F A C I L I T I E S

Since, computers and relevant software are

essential and integral part for quality research, it

is constantly endeavored to procure new

software and keep the systems updated. The

institute is equipped with ample computer

facilities for storage and processing of research

data including an ecological data base.

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T E A C H I N G A N D R E S E A R C H

Research activities in different disciplines are in progress since the inception of institute

through its multi-disciplinary team of scientists and research scholars. Apart from the

routine research, GUIDE has also undertaken initiatives in creating ecological models in

grassland restoration, community based mangrove restoration and saline land reclamation.

Further, the Institute has been recognized as Research and Education Centre by K.S.K.V.

Kachchh University, Bhuj and is involved in conducting M.Sc. Environmental Sciences

programme with the university. The institute has modern teaching aids and field research

equipments with appropriate accessories to operate in-house and field programmes.

A N A L Y T I C A L L A B O R A T O R Y

The laboratory facilities at GUIDE meet all the

requirements of Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) of terrestrial and coastal areas. Regular analysis

of environmental samples is being carried out for

industrial sectors, local agriculturists and NGOs.

Analysis of all the types of environmental samples

i.e. soil, water (Inland and Coastal), waste water,

sludge are being carried out in GUIDE. In addition,

the analysis of on-site air quality is also done using

sophisticated air samplers.

All the analysis in this laboratory are carried out through

standard methods using equipment such as Atomic

Absorption Spectrophotometer, UV-vis Spectrophotometer,

Flame-photometer, etc., several sophisticated instruments

such as; Repairable Dust Samplers, Stack Monitoring Kit,

Fine Particulate Sampler, Spectro-fluorometer and Ion

Chromatography have also been added recently. With

eminent scientific supervision and skilled technical staff, the

laboratory is running as a self-sustained unit and is

recognised as State Air & State Water Laboratory (First of

its kind in Gujarat) by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board,

GoG, Gandhinagar.

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H E R B A R I U M & M U S E U M

The institute possesses excellent collection of plant and

animal specimens (especially marine fauna) of Kachchh in

particular and Gujarat in general. In total around 850 floral

specimens were collected and catalogued with phyto-

geographical information. The development of digital

herbarium is in process which will function as a reference

centre for students and researchers.

Extensive specimens of intertidal molluscan shells from Kachchh and Jamnagar coastal habitats are preserved and kept as ready reference materials in the marine laboratory which could be used by different school and college students. Specimen of terrestrial animals from Gujarat is also planned to be preserved and exhibited in the museum, which will cater the purpose of reference materials.

L I B R A R Y & D O C U M E N T A T I O N

A library with a wide range of multi-disciplinary collection of books, reports, and reprints on

arid and semi-arid ecology, different ecosystems, plant and animal ecology, biodiversity,

management techniques, environmental economics, interpretation and education are

available. In addition to reference works and text books on these subjects, a massive stock

of monographs and reprints on ecology, ecosystems etc. is also available. The JSTOR

subscription for a period of five years helps in accessing over 370 international journals in

the fields of Botany, Environment, Agriculture, Ecology, Biodiversity etc. Currently the

reference collection comprises of

over 1,600 books, monographs,

reports, etc., that are now being

computerized for easy review and

retrieval. An important part of the

library services is also envisaged

through computerized database

and literature search facilities,

enabling rapid survey of existing

information on a particular topic.

An amount of Rs. 2–2.50 Lakhs is

spent every year on journals and

books for the library.

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G I S & R E M O T E S E N S I N G C E L L

GIS & RS facilitate research activities related to biodiversity, land use, soil, and geo-

hydrological regime, Natural Resource Mapping (NRM) and Participatory Resource Mapping

(PRM). The cell is well equipped with GIS software Arc GIS 9.3.1, Cartalinx and Image

processing software ERDAS Imagine 9.3. We are also focusing on Open Source GIS software

like QGIS, GRASS, MapWindow and Multispec. The cell also has database of LANDSAT and

IRS Satellite imageries. The cell has mapped thematic layers of landscape features of Gujarat

in general and Kachchh in particular.

T E C H N I C A L S E R V I C E S

Institute provides various kinds of technical and analytical facilities on soil, water and air to

the academic and research institutes, industries and NGOs. The various services include:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Marine Environmental Monitoring(MEM)

Environmental Managment and Planning (EMP)

Training programmes on Natural Resource Development and Management,

Biodiversity, etc.

A R E A O F R E S E A R C H

GUIDE’s research activities are linked to the goal of developing it as a centre of excellence in

the study of understanding and addressing ecological, environmental and social problems

and/or issues and promoting sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions of the

state.

Kachchh LISS- III Satellite Imagery

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Thrust Areas

RESEARCH & STUDIES

Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation Studies

Desertification and Land Degradation Process

Regional Environmental Assessment and Planning

Socio-Economic Studies for Development Options

Natural Resources Management in Arid and Semi-Arid Zone (Rangeland Ecology,

Agro-Ecology)

Impact of Invasion by Exotic and Introduced Species

Remote Sensing & GIS Applications for Biodiversity Conservation & Environmental

Planning

Coastal Biodiversity and Coastal Monitoring

TEACHING

M. Sc. in Environmental Science (In collaboration with K. S. K. V. Kachchh University,

Bhuj)

B. Sc. in Marine Science (In collaboration with Government Science College, Mandvi).

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Development and Conservation Options in Rann of Kachchh

Watershed Development and Management

Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems including Grassland, Mangroves, Forests,

Wetlands, etc.

Development Options for Pastoral Communities

Improving the Management of Protected Area Networks

Ecological Restoration of Mining and Industrial Areas

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Environmental Management and Planning (EMP)

TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO ACTION PROGRAMMES

Demonstration of Ecological Restoration Programmes

Technical Support to Non-governmental Organizations and Governmental

Agencies/Departments

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Terrestrial Ecology Division Projects

Ecological Evaluation of Biota and Provide Conservation and Monitoring Strategies for 1

km Peripheral Area of 1840ha allotted for Infrastructure Development-Adani Ports & SEZ

Limited, Mundra, Kachchh.

Funding Agency: Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd., Mundra Budget: Rs.5, 06,000/- Duration: 1 Year Status: Completed

Team: Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Rohit Patel (Co-PI), Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Nikunj Gajera, Mr. Nainesh Patel, Mr. Raushan Raman

Gujarat State Forest Department has allotted 1,840 hectare land to Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd

(APSEZL), near a forest area known as Bharadimata. Due to high ecological sensitivity of the

area, APSEZL approached GUIDE to evaluate the

baseline data and status of 1 km peripheral area of

the Bharadimata and suggest suitable

management and conservation measures for the

area. Based on ecological characteristics, the study

area was divided into three parts namely; natural

vegetation including forest, mudflats and

mangroves. Three intensive field surveys were

conducted for ecological evaluation of the study

area.

A total of 150 plant species including threatened plants like Ephedra foliata and

Commiphora wightii were recorded from the area. Along with plants, 15 species of mammal,

11 species of herpetofauna and 72 species of birds were also recorded from the study area.

The final study report has been submitted.

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Terrestrial Ecology Division

Third party evaluation on impact of CSR activities done by Surkha (N) Project, GMDC,

Bhavnagar

Funding Agency: Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd., Ahmedabad Budget: Rs. 5, 00,000.00 Duration: 6 months Status: Completed

Team: Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Rohit Patel (Co-PI), Dr. Nikunj Gajera, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan, Mr. Ajaykumar Gohel, Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Nainesh Patel, Mr. Raushan Raman

Corporate Social Responsibility has become a

worldwide concept whereby organizations

consider the interests of society by taking

responsibility for the impact of their activities

on customers, employees, shareholders,

communities and the environment in all

aspects of their operations. Gujarat Mineral

Development Corporation (GMDC) is engaged

in tapping major mineral resources in many parts of Gujarat. As a part of the CSR activities,

GMDC has carried out various infrastructure development, water conservation, educational

development, employment generation and awareness programs to fulfill the basic needs of

local communities.

GMDC has one lignite mine in operation at Surkha

(N), Bhavnagar. This mine site encompasses an

area of 4690 Ha between Latitude (N) 21° 26’ 43’’

to 21° 43’ 00’’ and Longitude (E) 72° 07’ 30’’ to 72°

16’ 30’’. The capacity of this mine is about 500 tons

lignite/day. From the date of inception, GMDC,

Surkha (N) Project has been carrying out many CSR

activities around the project site, covering 6

villages during the 1st phase.

The task of carrying out 3rd party evaluation of the impact of CSR activities done by GMDC,

Bhavnagar was allotted to GUIDE. A team of scientists and researchers from GUIDE surveyed

the project area to evaluate the impact of CSR activities made by GMDC. The final report of

the project is submitted to GMDC.

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Preparation of book for Forest & Wildlife of Kachchh district, Gujarat

Terrestrial Ecology Division

Funding Agency: Gujarat State Forest Department, Kachchh Budget: Rs.5, 00,000/- Duration: April 2013-June 2013 Status: Completed

Team: Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Nikunj Gajera, Dr. Rohitkumar Patel, Mr. Raushan Kumar Raman, Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya

Kachchh is the largest district (in area) of India and falls under Desert Bio-geographic zone of

the country. The district is characterized by scrub and mixed thorn forest with interspersed

grassland with few unique landscapes like saline marshy desert- Ranns, coast, gulf,

mangroves etc. In addition, Kachchh encompasses distinctive geographical, geological,

archeological and cultural diversity.

There are many important wildlife sanctuaries including Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kachchh Bustard Sanctuary, Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Asiatic Wild Ass Sanctuary. Apart from this, the district possesses nation’s 13th Biosphere Reserve known as Kachchh Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of 12,754 Km2. Keeping the importance of forest and its wildlife, and to have a wider publicity, the Kachchh Forest Circle, GSFD assigned a task to bring out a publication on forest and wildlife of Kachchh. The book was jointly published by GSFD, Kachchh circle and Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj.

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Terrestrial Ecology Division

People’s Biodiversity Register of 10 selected Gram Panchayats of Kachchh district,

Gujarat.

Funding Agency: Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar Budget: Rs. 4, 37,000/- Duration: One Year Status: Completed

Team: Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Rohit Patel (Co-PI), Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Nainesh Patel, Dr. Nikunj Gajera, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan, Mr. Ajay Gohel, Mr. Raushan Raman, Mr. Bhagirath Paradva, Dr. Jayesh Bhatt, Ms. Trupti Vaghela

Biological entities are vital to the human well being and socio-economic development. In view of the importance of biodiversity, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was initiated, and as a follow up Government of India enacted “Biological Diversity Act, 2002” followed by “Biological Diversity Rule, 2004” to conserve the biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. As per the Act, every Panchayat, Taluka and District shall have a Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) aimed at documenting, conserving and managing the local biodiversity and equitable sharing of benefits. Based on the above background, Gujarat Biodiversity Board has sanctioned a project covering 10 Panchayats under 5 Talukas of Kachchh district to GUIDE in September 2012. The main objectives of the project include constitution of Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and preparation of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR). The BMCs were constituted and the PBRs were prepared and submitted (English and Gujarati language) to Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar.

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Terrestrial Ecology Division

Preparatory Phase Evaluation of Watersheds in Gujarat State ( Batch -II & III, IWMP

Programs).

Funding Agency: Gujarat State

Watershed Management Agency

(GSWMA), Gandhinagar.

Budget: Rs 11, 07,000 + Rs. 10, 14,000

Duration: 5 + 5 months

Status: Batch –II Completed,

Batch – III Ongoing

Team: Mr. Prakash Patel (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Dr. Rohit Patel, Dr. Nikunj Gajera, Mr. Kishan Pandya, Mr. Chaten Senaria, Mr. Sahadev Gadesia, Mr. Ramesh Ahir, Ms. Geeta Goswami, Mr. Raushan Raman, Mr. Bhagirath Paradva, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan, Mr. Ajaykumar Gohel

Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) is a modified programme of erstwhile Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP) and Integrated Wastelands Development Programme (IWDP) of the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, New Delhi. The main objectives of the IWMP are to restore the ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing degraded natural resources such as soil and vegetative cover. Gujarat State Watershed Management Agency (GSWMA) under the Commissionorate of Rural Development has sanctioned two independent watershed monitoring programs to GUIDE in Gujarat. This is mainly to assess the entire watershed activities in line with DPR and rules and regulation of GSWMA. The Batch – II covered 30 watershed projects implemented in five districts (Patan, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh and Porbandar) of Gujarat State. The Batch – III covered 26 watershed projects in 4 districts (Porbandar, Jamnagar, Patan and Banaskantha) of Gujarat State. The studies have been completed and final reports are under progress.

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Terrestrial Ecology Division

Status, Conservation and Management of Tree groves of forest areas of Kachchh district,

Gujarat.

Funding Agency: Training and Research Circle, GSFD, Gandhinagar Budget Rs. 13, 38,000/- Duration: One Year Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Rohit Patel (Co-PI), Dr. Jayesh Bhatt (Co-PI), Mr. Raushan Raman, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan, Mr. Ajaykumar Gohel, Mr. Bhagirath Paradva, Dr. Nikunj Gajera , Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya

Tree groves are the patches of forests or natural

vegetation protected by indigenous people

through religious and cultural practices from time

immemorial. Culturally protected forest patches,

the tree groves or sacred groves have been the

integral part of many traditional societies. Studies

highlight that, groves support a good number of

rare and endemic species, persist only in favorable

niches, and the groves are ideal places for them.

The groves can have a greater role especially in conservation of the threatened endemic

biota if restored and appropriately managed. There is a paucity of documentation of the

biodiversity of groves and its conservation and management aspects are lacking in Kachchh

in particular and Gujarat in general. Therefore, it is imperative to study the groves to create

awareness and its protection.

The present study aims to document the tree groves in

Kachchh district; which includes assessment of floral and

faunal composition, spatial distribution of rare, threatened

and endemic species and cultural associations of local

community with the groves. Based on the above, strategies

for conservation and management of tree groves will be

proposed.

The field surveys were completed in Rapar, Bhachau, Anjar, Lakhpat, Abdasa and

Nakhatarna talukas of Kachchh district. A total of more than 200 tree groves were recorded

from the above talukas. Data analysis and final report is under progress.

18

Terrestrial Ecology Division

Biodiversity Action Plan for Mining Areas of Ambuja Cement Limited, Ambujanagar,

Kodinar, Gujarat

Funding Agency: Ambuja Cement Ltd., Ambujanagar, Kodinar, Gujarat Budget: Rs. 24, 50, 000/- Duration: 5 months Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Rohit Patel (Co-PI), Dr. G. Thirumaran (Co-PI), Dr. Jayesh Bhatt, Dr. Nikunj Gajera, Dr. K. Prabhu, Mr. Raushan Raman, Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Bhagirath Paradva, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan, Mr. Ajaykumar Gohel, Mr. Ajit Gohil, Mr. Nithul Lal

Biodiversity is being increasingly threatened

globally, nationally and locally due to various

natural and anthropogenic factors. Human

activities are placing severe pressure on biological

resources that leads to fragmentation and

degradation of habitats, and resultant loss of

biodiversity.

The commitment towards conserving and managing the biodiversity in and around Ambuja

Limestone mines, an integrated approach on preparation of Biodiversity Action Plan for the

area was initiated by the Ambuja Cement Ltd., Ambujanagar, Kodinar through GUIDE, Bhuj.

The primary aim of BAP is to facilitate enhanced

conservation of biodiversity in and around Ambuja

limestone mining areas and thereby contributing

towards the maintenance of national and global

biodiversity. The BAP provides guidelines for

required actions for conservation of existing

habitats and its species, improvement of habitats

for the species, and appropriate planning and

delivery mechanisms.

The field surveys were completed and final report is under progress.

19

Terrestrial Ecology Division

Technical support for constitution of BMCs and preparation of PBRs by the BMCs in 25

Gram Panchayats

Funding Agency: Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar Budget: Rs. 26, 25,000/- Duration: 1 Year Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (PI), Dr. Jayesh Bhatt (Co-PI), Dr. Rohit Patel, Mr. Raushan Raman, Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya, Mr. Bhagirath Paradva, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan, Mr. Ajaykumar Gohel

Biological entities are vital to the human well being and socio-economic development. In view of the importance of biodiversity, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was initiated, and as a follow up Government of India enacted “Biological Diversity Act, 2002” followed by “Biological Diversity Rule, 2004” to conserve the biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. As per the Act, every Panchayat, Taluka and District shall have a Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) and People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) aimed at documenting, conserving and managing the local biodiversity and equitable sharing of benefits. For the present project a total of 25 Gram Panchayats located in Mandvi Taluka of Kachchh

district was selected. The project works are just being initiated.

20

Terrestrial Ecology Division

Climate change and Uncertainty from below and above

Funding Agency: STEPS Centre of Sussex University, UK Budget: 14620 GBP /- (Rs. 12, 32,628/- ) Duration: November 2012 to March 2015

Team: Dr. V. Vijay Kumar (PI), Dr. Nikunj Gajera (Co-PI), Mr. Ajay Gohel, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan

Status: Ongoing

GUIDE has initiated a collaborative research programme on “Climate Change and

Uncertainty from Below and Above” with STEPS centre of Sussex University, UK. As part of

this initiative, a workshop was organized between 25th and 28th January 2013 at Ahmedabad

for finalizing a common methodology for the study areas in India.

For the present study, three sites were selected in Kachchh district based on the major

ecosystems and also representing the regions of the district i.e. Agriculture (Kanmer village,

eastern parts of Kachchh), Grassland (Banni region, north-centre parts of Kachchh) and

Coastal (Jakhau village, western part of Kachchh).

A total of 403 households were surveyed

through a structured questionnaire. The

people’s perception revealed that the

temperature has been increasing (up to 510 C)

during the summer season and decreasing (up

to 10 C) in the winter season during the last

two decades. The average rainfall in the

district is found to have been increased

except coastal areas of the district where

rainfall is decreased. It is also found that the

rainfall of the district become very much

unpredictable and the duration between two rainfalls in a season has also been increased.

Because of the uneven and unpredictable rainfall, temperatures, development of the area

and increases in transportation facilities people have changed the cropping pattern from

traditional to cash crop varieties and changes in livestock composition from susceptible Cow

to sturdy Buffalos.

21

Terrestrial Ecology Division

Status and Distribution of Caracal (Caracal caracal) in Gujarat

Funding Agency: Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar Budget: Rs. 17, 19,396/- Duration: Dec 2013 to Nov 2014 Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. Nikunj B. Gajera (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (Co-PI), Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya

The caracal, Caracal caracal (Schreber, 1776), is one among the medium-sized carnivores

distributed in arid and semiarid tracts of western part of the country. The rapid pace of

habitat destruction and ongoing anthropogenic activities in the natural areas of this animal

has caused severe impact on the population and distribution of caracal. The arid and semi-

arid tracts of Gujarat are one of the important natural habitats of this animal where its

present status is unknown, data deficient as reflected in the global status, threatened as per

IUCN Redlist and schedule- I species under Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In Gujarat,

this animal is poorly understood about its population and distribution. So, the present study

aimed to attempt to assess the status and distribution in Gujarat.

To achieve the objectives of the proposed study, two levels of approaches were designed

which include; macro level assessment (the current scenario of the species through

literature survey, reconnaissance survey and questionnaire survey) and micro level

assessment through intensive field surveys and using camera traps.

Field surveys were carried out at 69 forest ranges located in 16 districts of the Gujarat State.

A total of 418 forest officials and 356 villagers/maldharies have been interviewed to assess

the present status and distribution of caracal. Out of 69 forest ranges, only 19 ranges have

confirmed the occurrence of caracal during the past (Before 10 years) while 7 ranges have

confirmed the sightings within last 3 years. The field survey is under progress.

22

Terrestrial Ecology Division

Monitoring of Commiphora wightii (Guggal) Plantation in Kachchh, Junagadh and

Gandhinagar Circle of Gujarat State

Funding Agency: GSFD, Gandhinagar Budget: Rs. 8, 00,000.00 Duration: 9 months Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. Rohit M. Patel (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (Co-PI), Mr. Bhagirath Paradva, Dr. Nikunj B. Gajera, Mr. Mukesh Koladiya, Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan, Mr. Raushan Kumar Raman

Under the promotion and development of Medicinal plants in the wild, National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB); New Delhi sponsored a project on the large scale plantation of Guggal in Kachchh, Junagadh and Gandhinagar Forest circle. During the period between 2007-08 and 2012-13 over 3500 ha has been brought under the plantation of Guggal.

GUIDE has been assigned the task of monitoring of the plantation, its survival and growth in various locations. The field survey has been completed and final report is under progress.

23

Terrestrial Ecology Division

Forest Resource Survey in the Forest areas of Kachchh District Funding Agency: Working Plan Circle, GSFD, Gandhinagar Budget: 15, 12,000.00 Duration: 18 months Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. Rohit M. Patel (PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato (Co-PI), Dr. Jayesh Bhatt, Mr. Bhagirath Paradva, Mr. Dayesh Parmar

Plants and their communities are vital resources for the dependent biota including wild animal as well as human being. The working plan circle of GSFD sanctioned a project to GUIDE for the assessment of present status of the floral resources of the forest areas in Kachchh district. The project was initiated in April, 2013. The methodology of this project was in line with the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. A total of 96 sampling locations were selected for the study. The primary data helps in assessing the density, abundance, diversity indices, species richness and biomass of palatable herbaceous species.

The field work for the pre-monsoon season was completed and the progress report was submitted. Data collection of the post-monsoon season will commence from July onwards.

24

Terrestrial Ecology Division

Angiosperms of Gujarat State (Kachchh, Saurashtra and North Gujarat): Digital Herbarium for Academic and Research Purpose

Funding Agency: Gujarat Biodiversity Board, Gandhinagar Budget: 18, 74,000.00 Duration: 1 Year Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. Rohitkumar M. Patel (PI), Dr. Jayesh B. Bhatt (Co-PI), Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Mr. Bhagirath Paradva

To create the digital database of the floral diversity in the Gujarat

State, the State Biodiversity Board has sanctioned a project on

the digital herbarium of the flora of Kachchh, Saurashtra and

North Gujarat Regions. The Herbarium developed under the

study is expected to serve as a reference center for various

research disciplines of life sciences. The plant specimens will be

authenticated by the Botanical Survey of India.

Over 850 plant specimens were collected from Kachchh region, in

which 250 specimens were submitted to the Botanical Survey of

India, Jodhpur for authentication. Further, 700 specimens were

also digitized. The field work for the collection of angiosperm

species in other parts of the study area is in progress.

25

Coastal and Marine Division Projects

Third Party Evaluation of Mangrove Plantation Carried out Under ICZM Project by Gujarat Ecology Commission for the Year 2010-11 & 2011-12

Funding Agency: Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gandhinagar Budget: 25.88 lakhs Duration: 6 months (Jan, 2013 to June, 2014) Status: Ongoing

Team: G. A. Thivakaran, Dr. G. Thirumaran, Mr. Dayesh Parmar, Mr. Nithul Lal, Dr. Prabhu, Mr. Ajit Gohil, Mr. Mayur Goswami.

Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) with the financial assistance of World Bank (WB) is implementing a long term Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) with the active support of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). The aim of this project is to draw a holistic plan keeping in mind the economic, social and ecological wellbeing of the coastal communities. An integral activity of this multi-faceted plan is to restore and plant mangroves in different coastal stretches of Gujarat. In tune with these aims mangrove plantation to the tune of 15000 ha was planned to be

carried out in different coastal stretches of Kachchh, Rajkot and Jamnagar districts. This

target plantation by different agencies is being co-ordinated by GEC as the State Project

Management Unit (SPCU). Implementation of plantation was through three agencies namely

GEC, Marine National Park (MNP) and Kachchh Forest Division (West).

The major objectives of the project are as follows:-

To monitor and evaluate the Mangrove plantation in a total area of 5335 ha carried

out under ICZM Project by GEC, MNP and Kachchh Forest Division.

To come out with suggestions for mid-term correction in order to ensure better

survival and reduced mortality.

Extent and quality of involvement of coastal communities in the plantation activities

in different sites.

To support State Project Management Unit and Implementing Agencies in better

management of Mangrove plantation activities.

Assisting State Project Management Unit in proper reporting and documentation

26

Developing a practicable model through corporate-community participation for successful Mangrove restoration activities in Kachchh, Gujarat

Coastal and Marine Division

Funding Agency: International Union for Conservation of Nature- Mangroves for the Future- (IUCN-MFF) Budget: 11, 38, 000/- Duration: 18 Months- December 2013- May, 2015 Status: Ongoing

Team: G. A. Thivakaran (PI), Dr. Jayesh Bhatt (Co-PI).

Mangroves are among the

most carbon-rich forests, thus

carbon credit systems may

offer the opportunity to

achieve dual goals of poverty

reduction and protection of

marine carbon sinks. Kachchh

coast in Gujarat has become a

zone for intensive industrial

development. With massive

coastal industrial development,

already reeling under recurrent

drought and poor rainfall and

land degradation underlines

the need to protect and

conserve coastal environment.

There exist many ecological and technological lacunae in mangrove restoration activities

planned in Kachchh coast. Lack of technically skilled work force available for plantation by

industries, least involvement of local community and proper guidance from mangrove field

biologist has led to failure of many projects. We recognize that communities are seeking

ways to generate cash from mangrove forest and other natural resources so, how they can

generate alternative livelihood by planting and conserving mangroves. Character of our

proposed practicable model is to involve all stakeholders including community, industries

and scientific organizations to ensure long term mangrove management and conservation.

27

Proposed model targets long term conservation and management of mangroves by training

local community, creating skilled local work force as a village level community based

organization (CBO) and developing economic opportunities in the current scenario. Model

will help in capacity building and awareness generation among locals for technically sound

plantation, post plantation care, climate change and carbon economics potential of

mangroves. The key deliverables of the project are formation of a duly registered CBO with

the government agency with elected office bearers to manage the activities of the CBO for

mangrove conservation. There will be a facilitating agreement between industry and CBO

for mangrove plantation in a specified area and its post plantation care.

A well prepared plan by CBO for mangrove plantation approved by industry will be carried

out and plantation site will be protected (with survival rate of 70 % maintained for two

years) from any sort of damage. Deliverables also include training and awareness generation

among locals for mangrove plantation, climate change, REDD, REDD+ and economic

potential of carbon sequestered by mangroves.

28

Coastal and Marine Division

Complimentary Mangrove Plantation for IFFCO, Gandhidham

Funding Agency: Indian Formers Fertilizers Company, Gandhidham Budget: Rs 63, 15,000.00 Duration: 16 Months (May, 2013-October, 2014) Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. G. A. Thivakaran, Dr. Thirumaran, Mr. Dayesh Parmar,

Dr. Prabhu, Mr. Nithul Lal, Mr. Raushan Kumar Raman

Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) is primarily engaged in production

and distribution of fertilizers. IFFCO plant at Kandla, Gandhidham is constructing a barge

jetty of 120 m × 20 m size with 2 MMTPA capacities. While according environmental

clearance to the proposed jetty, Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), New Delhi has

mandated IFFCO, Kandla to carry out mangrove plantation to the extent of 200 ha in any

suitable coastal stretch in Kachchh coast. IFFCO, in accordance with this ministry’s directive

assigned the task of carrying out the mangrove plantation to Gujarat Institute of Desert

Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj in view of its expertise in mangrove plantation. The task was assigned

to GUIDE during May, 2013. The time prescribed to complete the whole plantation activity

is 18 months from the date of issuance of the work order.

Plantation activity by GUIDE was

initiated during June, 2013 at Sat

Saida Bet of Kandla. To begin with, a

technical team from GUIDE carried

out reconnaissance surveys during

June, 2013 and three potential sites

in the northeast of Sat Saida Bet,

opposite to Kandla Port was

identified as technically suitable for

mangrove plantation. As the chosen

site legally belongs to Kandla Port,

due permission was obtained from

Kandla Port Trust authorities to

carry out mangrove plantation in the chosen site. Mangrove plantation activity was initiated

during the fourth week of July, 2013 at Sat Saida Bet. By the end of April, 2014 a total area

of 186 ha has been completed.

29

Coastal and Marine Division

Marine Monitoring Studies At Vadinar Oil Terminal, Vadinar, Gujarat

Funding Agency: ESSAR Oil Gujarat Limited, Jamnagar Budget: Rs. 9.6 Lakhs Duration: November 2013 – October 2014 (Yearly) Status : Ongoing

Team: Dr. K. Karthikeyan (PI), Dr. G. A. Thivakaran (Co-PI), Dr. G. Thirumaran, Ms. V. Devi, Dr. K. Prabhu, Mr. Nithul Lal, Mr. Ajitsinh Gohil.

Vadinar Oil Terminal Ltd. (VOTL), an ESSAR Group Company located on the Narara Bet on

the southern shore of Gulf of Kachchh (GoK) around 50 km west of Jamnagar has been set

up to import crude oil for the ESSAR Oil Limited and to partially evacuate the products

manufactured in the refinery. The Single Buoy Moorings (SBM) of VOTL is positioned

roughly around 7 km from its berths which enable the authorities to handle super tankers to

download crude oil through pipeline systems to the shore based storage structures.

The berths located in the Pathfinder Inlet provide all weather berthing facilities for product

tankers for loading petroleum products. In addition, the refinery draws seawater for cooling

and other uses from the Pathfinder Inlet and the effluent which is largely seawater used for

cooling and desalination is released through a marine outfall in the vicinity of the SBM.

Realizing the sensitivity of the immediate marine ecosystem and the importance to track

ecological changes to maintain the environmental health in their port area, VOTL authorities

have instituted a holistic study through GUIDE. This study monitors the marine ecological

conditions of the port which will enable them to track environmental changes, if occurring,

in the region due to port activities. As per the assignment, monthly monitoring studies are

being carried out by GUIDE since November 2011. This ecological study encompasses water

and sediment quality, biological productivity, intertidal and sub tidal fauna and plankton at

four stations namely Jetty, SBM, Jetty intertidal and Pipeline intertidal.

Aim and objectives:

a) To assess the Physico-chemical and biological characteristics of water and sediment

samples collected from the four critically identified locations in coastal area of Vadinar.

b) To assess the impact of ongoing activities of EOL/VOTL on marine ecology.

c) To suggest mitigation measures for maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem around the

project site.

30

Coastal and Marine Division

Marine Monitoring Studies at SBM and COT, Bharat Oman Refineries Limited

(BORL), Vadinar, Jamnagar, Gulf of Kachchh

Funding Agency: Bharat Oman Refineries Limited, Jamnagar Budget: Rs. 9.6 Lakh Duration: November 2013 – October 2014 (Yearly) Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. K. Karthikeyan (PI), Dr. G. A. Thivakaran (Co-PI),

Dr. G. Thirumaran, Ms. V. Devi, Dr. K. Prabhu,

Mr. Nithul Lal

Bharat Oman Refineries Limited (BORL) is a company

promoted by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)

with equity participation from Oman Oil Company Limited

(OOCL) to set up a 6 MMTPA grass root refinery at Bina,

District Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. BORL located on the

Southern shore of Gulf of Kachchh (GoK) around 50 km west

of Jamnagar has been set up to import crude oil. The Single

Buoy Mooring (SBM) of BORL positioned roughly around 7

km from its berths enable to handle super tankers to

download crude oil through pipeline systems to the shore

based storage structures.

Realizing the sensitivity of the immediate marine ecosystem

and the importance to track ecological changes to maintain

the environmental health in their port area, BORL

authorities has instituted a holistic study to monitor the

marine ecological conditions of the port to track

environmental changes occurring in the region. In this

connection, monitoring of Marine environment task has

been entrusted to Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj to monitor their SBM

and One intertidal zone. In this regard, monthly monitoring studies are being carried out by

GUIDE since August 2011. This ecological study encompasses water and sediment quality,

biological quality, intertidal and sub-tidal fauna and planktons.

Aim and objectives

To assess the Physico-chemical and biological characteristics of water and sediment

samples collected from the 2 critically identified locations in coastal area of Vadinar.

To assess the impact of ongoing activities of COT - BORL on marine ecology.

To suggest mitigation measures for maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem around

the project site.

31

Coastal and Marine Division

Development of Rhizobial consortia for enhancing plant growth in arid and semi-arid regions of Saline Desert, Kachchh, Gujarat

Funded Agency: Dept. of Science and Technology, New Delhi, Govt. of India Budget: Rs. 58.77 Lakhs Duration: 3 Years (2012 - 2015) Status : Ongoing

Team: Dr. K. Karthikeyan, (PI - GUIDE), Dr. Asifa Qureshi, (PI – NEERI), Ms. Druma. M. Vaidya

The microbial diversity of desert regions is

mostly unknown. Thus, the present study is

investigating the novel plant-associated micro-

biota from different arid, semi-arid and saline soil

of the Banni region. This may provide an insight in

future to rehabilitate the Banni region and other

unexplored and barren lands. The present

investigation is based on the hypothesis whether

the association of bacteria present around roots

plays a role to promote plant growth aggressively

and if it is so then whether such indigenous plant

species along with specific bacteria could be used

for afforestation in arid regions of the saline desert.

The present study will address species from arid

and semi-arid regions of the Banni region, where

the microbial flora is expected to be different

with respect to ecological interactions. In

addition, its tolerance to harsh climates and soil

salinity warrant the plant’s consideration as a

possible prime contributor to the development of

the arid regions of India. The proposal is based on

hypothesis to bio-prospect bacterial community

found in association with roots found in desert

environment, for their capability to survive under

inhospitable environment.

32

Coastal and Marine Division

State Air and Water Laboratory

Funded Agency: Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar Duration: 2 Years (2013 - 2015) Status: Ongoing

Team: Dr. K. Karthikeyan (Laboratory In-Charge), Mr. Sudhanshu. C. Mohapatra (Senior Chemist), Mrs. Sudha Mahato (Chemist), Mr. Mayur Goswami, Ms. Anasuya Ravat (Jr. Chemist), Mr. Ratansi Chaudhary (Chemical Engineer)

GUIDE Laboratory is now capable of performing all types of analysis of air, water, waste

water, soil and sediments for research and consultancy purpose. It is also recognized as the

State soil and water laboratory by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), Government

of Gujarat. Well-qualified scientific staff, well-equipped laboratory, and dedicated

manpower are the key to the worthy status of the laboratory achieved today. The

laboratory is further divided into five different sections comprising of soil, water, marine,

microbiology and analytical chemistry. Analysis is carried out for research work as well as on

commercial basis. Each section has a set of equipment dedicated to the specific type of

sample to be analyzed.

33

COLLABORATIONS

In yet another attempt to acquire global eminence and to draw worldwide attention

towards Kachchh dryland issues, GUIDE has initiated several National and International

collaborations.

International Collaborations (MoUs)

GUIDE has initiated International collaborations with many Universities and Institutions in

areas of faculty exchange, collaborations between professionals working within the same

field, joint research and development programmes and training of faculties.

Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.

The University of Greenwich, London, UK

Desert Research Monitoring Control Centre, Yobe State University, Nigeria.

Egerton University, Kenya (in process)

National Collaborations (MoUs)

National level collaborations have been initiated with the following Universities and

Institutions in areas of research, academic, technical, training, faculty and students

exchange programmes:

K. S. K. V. Kachchh University, Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat State, India.

National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur,

Maharashtra State, India.

Center for Advanced Studies in India (CASII), Bhuj, India.

Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat State, India.

Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat State, India.

SANDHAN, Gandhinagar, Gujarat State, India.

Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat State, India.

Institute of Science and Technology for Advanced Study and Research (ISTAR), SP

University, VV Nagar, Gujarat.

34

National & International Memberships and Recognitions

Membership International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Switzerland.

Global Network of Dryland Research Institutes (GNDRI), Israel.

International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS), China

Ocean Expert, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of

UNESCO.

Special Invitee Gujarat Biodiversity Board under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Recognition Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIROs) by the

Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India, New

Delhi.

Education and Research Institute by the K. S. K. V. Kachchh University,

Bhuj. GUIDE is officiating partner of K. S. K. V. Kachchh University to

conduct M.Sc. course (Environmental Science Programme).

GUIDE Laboratory has been recognized as State Air & State Water

Laboratory by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB),

Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar.

Accreditations: National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET),

Quality Council of India, New Delhi.

35

CoHaB – ESR at GUIDE

The concepts of home and belonging have taken a key importance due to dramatic cultural,

social and political changes and challenges. Therefore the study of diaspora and migration

has gained much importance into a promising field of research with practical application

during the recent decades. Looking at the importance, an International Trans-disciplinary

Research Project on 'Diasporic Constructions of Home and Belonging' (CoHaB) was initiated

with the financial support from the European Union’s Marie Curie ITN under the

conglomeration of six Universities.

The Partner Universities include; Munster, Germany; University of Oxford, UK; School of

Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London; Stockholm University, Sweden; University of

Mumbai, India and University of Northampton, UK with associated partners which include

Migration Policy Group (Brussels, Belgium), The European Immigration Lawyers Network

and Centre for Advanced Studies in India (Bhuj, India).

The CoHaB project is committed to training new generation of scholars from various

disciplinary backgrounds, which include 12 Early Stage Researchers (ESR) or Doctoral

researchers and 3 Experienced or Postdoctoral Researchers on various aspects of diaspora in

relation to home and belonging.

Professor Nilufer E. Bharucha from Mumbai University is the

Coordinator and Scientist-in-Charge of the project in India.

There are three Early Stage Researchers (ESR) with Mumbai

University namely; Ms. Iulia Nicoleta Rascanu (Romania), Ms.

Ruby Rana (Canada) and Mrs. Melanie Robin Wattenbarger

(USA).

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj-Kachchh is the associate partner of the

Centre for Advanced Studies in India (CASII), India. Therefore, as part of the programme on

secondment, three ESRs from Mumbai University and one ESR (Ms. Holly Jennifer Morgan)

from Munster University, Germany have visited GUIDE for one month placement during the

period between 3rd November and 1st December, 2013.

The Kachchh district (largest district in India) located in the western part of the Gujarat State

in India has always attracted scientists, sociologists, archeologists, naturalists and tourists

due to the virtues of fascinating history, geography, archeology, diversity of flora and fauna,

rich cultural heritage of inhabitants, unrivalled embroidery work and other handicrafts, soul-

touching folk and Sufi music, traditional architecture and fresh water reservoirs Virda,

36

traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, animal breeding and last but never the least,

drought tolerant highly productive livestock.

Kachchh is also an importance place for Diaspora studies, since it has vast traditional history

of people migrated from other parts of the world like Iran, Sind, and Rajasthan in India. The

migration has many environmental and anthropological linkages. Likewise, people from

Kachchh have migrated to Africa, USA, UK and many more countries since time immemorial.

This has provided a base for the ESR to explore the Kachchh district.

Apart from taking part in Deepawali events in GUIDE,

Bhuj on 3rd November, 2013; the ESRs have undergone

field explorations to ecologically important

ecosystems/ habitats like dry scrub forests (Narayan

Sarovar), Dinodhar hills, Kala Dungar (Black hills of

Kachchh-Highest point in Kachchh and its unique

migrated Muslim community), Banni (traditional

livestock, handicrafts, migrant maldhari community),

Chaduva Rakhal (traditional water management system

and its isolated crocodile population) sandy and muddy

coastal habitats, mangroves, Dholavira in Greater Rann

of Kachchh (Harappan Civilization, archeology, Rabari

Community and Culture), Mandvi (traditional ship

building and age old maritime Diaspora). The team had

interacted with Banni Maldharis, Pachchham

Communities, Rabari Communities of Rapar and

Bhachau, Maritime

and Fishermen Community of Mandvi to investigate the

connection between Diaspora and its linkages with the

environment. It was highlighted by Ms. Iulia Rascanu

that there are linkages between Banni and Rabari

communities with the Romas of Romania and she has

stated that it requires a long-term study to bring out

the facts.

The team also visited Sindology Department and interacted with the Sindhi Communities at

Gandhidham and communities at Kera, Madhapur and Badadiya to study Africa, US and UK

Diaspora.

37

Apart from these, class room lectures

were also conducted through various

experts like Dr. Heena K. Gangar, Dr.

Vimmi Sardarngani, Dr. Lalitha Narayan,

Ms. Judy Frater, Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Dr.

G. A. Thivakaran, Dr. A.K.R. Mahato, Mr.

M. Laxman and Mrs. Vidhisha Kannan

who delivered lectures on Kachchh

History, People and Culture; Banni

Grassland and Maldhari Community;

Greater Rann of Kachchh and Its Unique

Population; Coastal Fishermen Community, Traditional Ship Building and Coastal Ecology;

Refugee Diaspora; Sindhi Diaspora; IPR & African Diaspora; Frugal Techno-innovative of

Diaspora and Peoples and Environment of Kachchh; Application of GIS & RS in Diaspora

Research; Climate Change and Livelihood of Banni Maldharis and People, Culture and

Traditional Handicrafts of Kachchh.

38

Book

Sharma D. K. , Asari R. V. and V. Vijay Kumar, (2013). Forest and wildlife of Kachchh - A

Natural Heritage. Publ. Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology and Kachchh Forest

Circle, Gujarat, Pp.80.

Suresh Chovatiya, Gajera Nikunj and Soni V.C. (2013). Breeding ecology of mosquito: Special

reference to Genus Anopheles. Publication by LAP LAMBERT Academic publishing.

Germany – ISBN 978-3-659-37974-1, 97 Pages.

Book chapter

Gajera Nikunj, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and V. Vijay Kumar (2013). Status of Biodiversity in

Man-made Wetlands along Coastal areas of Kachchh district, Gujarat, India, 86-117.

In “Biodiversity of Aquatic Ecosystem-Significance threats and Conservation” (Eds.

Bharti, P.K. and Kaoud, H.A.), Discovery Publishing House Ltd, New Delhi, ISBN No.:

978-93-5056-297-0.

Nanthakumar, K., Karthikeyan, K., Suriyanarayanan, S. and Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P.

(2013). Application of Plackett - Burman Design to Optimize Bioprocess Variables for

Decolorization of Reactive Red 195 by a Termite Associated Bacterial Consortium

BUTC7. In: Microbiological Research in Agroecosystem Management. R. K. Velu (ed.)

Springer India. 23-34. DOI: 10.1007/978-81-322-1087-0_3.

Paper in Scientific Journal

International

Koladiya, M. H., Mahato, A. K. Roy, Gajera, N. B. and Patel, Y. S. (2014) Distribution pattern

of birds in Banni Grassland of Kachchh district, Gujarat, India. Journal of Research in

Biology 4(1):1228-1239

Patel, Y. S., Patel, R. M., Mahato, A. K. Roy and Joshi, P. N. (2013). Status and diversity of

Ethno-medicinal plants of Dhinodhar hill, Kachchh district, Gujarat. International

Journal of Plant, animal and Environmental sciences, 3(1): 265-273.

Patel, R. M., Mahato, A. K. Roy, Vijay Kumar, V. and Asari, R. V. (2013). Status of the

medicinal plants in Tharawada-Gandher Reserve Forest of Kachchh, Gujarat and the

ethno medicinal practices of local community. Journal of medicinal plant studies, 1

(4): 1-10

Patel, R. M., Patel, Y. S., Mahato, A. K. Roy and Vijay Kumar, V. (2014). Some observation on

the distribution and new host plant for Corallocarpus conocarpus in Gujarat, India.

International Journal of Plant, animal and Environmental sciences, 4(1): 134-135

Patel, R. M., Mahato, A. K. Roy, Dabgar, Y. B and Vijay Kumar, V (2013). Note on the

Distribution of Commiphora stocksiana Engl. In Kachchh: A Rare Medicinal Plant of

India Need Conservation. Annals of Plant Science, 3(2): 614-616.

PUBLICATIONS (2013-2014)

39

Sharma, S.B., R.Z., Sayyed, M.H., Trivedi and Thivakaran, G.A. (2013). Phosphate solubilizing

microbes: sustainable approach for managing phosphorus deficiency in agricultural

soils. Springer (Open Journal) www.springerplus.com/content/2/1/587.

Nanthakumar, K., Karthikeyan, K., Suriyanarayanan, S. and Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P.

(2013). Decolorization of structurally dissimilar dyes by a termite derived bacterial

consortium BUTC17 in a cost effective nutrient medium. Adv. Appl. Sci. Res., 4 (2):

276-285.

Gajera Nikunj, Patel Darshana and Nishith Dharaiya (2013). Assessment of Wetland Status in

arid areas of Gujarat using Migratory Birds as a key indicator. In Proceeding:

International Wetland Symposium (IWS)" 7th to 9th November-2012, Pokhara, Nepal

(Prepared and Published by: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands in Nepal,

236pp, ISBN: 978-9937-2-5938-5) Pages: 36-41.

Mukesh H. Koladiya, Gajera Nikunj, and V. Vijay Kumar (2013). Status, Diversity and

Distribution of Avifauna in Banni Grassland of Kachchh District. International Journal

of Research in Biological Science Vol. 3(1): 43-47.

Gajera Nikunj, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and V. Vijay Kumar (2013) Status, Diversity and

Conservation of Grassland Birds in Arid Region of Kachchh. International Journal of

Recent Scientific Research 4(3); 166-170.

Gajera Nikunj, Arun Kumar Roy Mahato and V. Vijay Kumar (2013) Status, distribution and

diversity of birds in mining environment of Kachchh, Gujarat, International Journal of

Biodiversity. Vol.2013, Article ID 471618, 11 pages, Hyper Text Transfer Protocol:

//dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/471618

Suresh Chovatiya, Gajera Nikunj and Soni V.C. (2013). People’s Perception on Malaria: A

Case Study in Rural areas of Rajkot District, Gujarat-India. Health sciences: An Int.

Journal, 2(1): 1-5

Raushan Kumar Raman Gajera Nikunj and V. Vijay Kumar (2013).Impact of Salinity Ingression

Prevention Structures (Bandharas) on Different Landuse Categories in Abdasa Taluka

of Kachchh Region, Gujarat-India. Recent Trends in Civil Engineering & Technology,

3(2): 49-61.

Nithul Lal., K. P., Karthikeyan, K., Praveesh, V., Devi, V., Suriyanarayanan, S. and V. Vijay

Kumar, (2014). Drinking Water Quality Assessment of Ground Waters of Bhachau -

Kachchh, Gujarat, India with special reference to major anions and cations. Int. Res.

J. Env. Sci., (Accepted)

Sharma, S.B., M H Trivedi1, R Z Sayyed and Thivakaran, G A (2014). Status of Soil Phosphorus

in Context with Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms in Different Agricultural

Amendments in Kachchh, Gujarat, Western India. Annual Research and Review in

Biology (Accepted)

Quasin. S, Ganguly, K., Mahato, A. K. Roy, and De, J. K. (2013). Activity Patterns of Blue bull

or Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Captivity at Zoological Garden, Kolkata.

International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology (Accepted).

40

National

Patel, R. M, Mahato, A. K. Roy and Patel, Y. S. (2014). Study on the floristic diversity of two

newly recorded sacred groves from Kachchh district of Gujarat, India. Indian Journal

of Plant sciences, Vol.3 (1) pp.75-81.

De, J. K., Mahato, A. K. Roy and Ghosh, M. K. (2013). Some observation on the Status and

Conservation of Swamp Deer (Cervus d. duvauceli Cuvier, 1823) in Dudhwa National

Park, India. Rec. Zool. Surv. India: 113(3): 01-9.

Koladiya, M.H., Mahato, A.K.R. and Pardeshi, M. (2014). Status of Avi-Fauna in Lakhara

Wetland, Kachchh Biosphere Reserve, Gujarat, India. CIBTech Journal of Zoology

3(1):37-41

Shah, J. J. and Thivakaran, G. A. 2014. Germination and Growth Performance of

Commiphora Wightii and Acacia Senegal under Different Salinity from Arid Coast of

Kachchh, Gujarat. ABHINAV, Journal of Research in Science & Technology, Vol.2 (7)

ISSN 2277-1174. www.abhinavjournal.Com

Shah, J.P. and Thivakaran, G. A. 2013. Status and Distribution of Halophytes in Kachchh

District: A review. Curr. Agric. Vol.36, No.1-2, pp. 29-32.

41

Papers presented in seminars /Symposium/conferences/etc:

Arun Kumar Roy Mahato & Sudha Mahato 2013. Linkage between Culture and Biodiversity:

A Case Study in Chhotanagpur Plateau, Jharkhand. Proc. International Conference

on Conserving Biodiversity for Sustainable Development, held at National Institute

of Technology, Rourkela on 16-18th August, 2013. Abs. No. BR 103, 65pp.

Nithul Lal. K. P., V. Praveesh., V. Devi., K. Karthikeyan and S. Suriyanarayanan,

2014.Evaluation of Quality of Ground water samples of Bhachau taluka, Kachchh,

Gujarat: Special reference on parameters of health importance. National Seminar on

Emerging Trends in Environmental Science and Technology (NSETEST-2014), held

on 14 & 15th March, 2014, organzied by Yogi Vemana Unveristy, Department of

Environmental Science, Vemanapuram, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Devi. V., K. Karthikeyan and G. A. Thivakaran, 2014. Chemical contamination of Drinking

water sources from Residential area near Kandla port, Gandhidham, Gujarat.

National Seminar on Advances in Environmental Sciences and technology (AEST-

2014) held during 25th – 26th February 2014, organized by Central University of

Gujarat, Gandhinagar.

Vaidya, D.M., K. Prabhu, A. Qureshi, K. Karthikeyan and V. Vijay Kumar, 2014. Preliminary

Investigations on biosynthesis of silver Nanoparticles by halotolerant bacterial

strains from Banni - A saline desert: Studies on dye decolorizing ability. National

Seminar on Advances in Environmental Sciences and technology (AEST-2014) held

during 25th – 26th February 2014, organized by Central University of Gujarat,

Gandhinagar.

Karthikeyan, K., R. Lekameera and V. Vijay Kumar, 2014. Statistical Optimization of

Bioprocess Variables For Decolorization of Alizarin Red By Bacterial Consortia Bgss07

From Banni Grasslands– A Saline Desert, Kachchh, Gujarat. Nat. Conf. On

Ecotechnologies for Wastewater Treatment: Present Challenges And Future

Horizons (EWT-2014), held on 21-22, January, 2014, organized by Dept. of Env. Sci.,

Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu.

Ojha. R., D. Vaidya., K. Karthikeyan, V. Vijay Kumar, A. Qureshi and H.J.Purohit, 2013.

Bacterial Community associated with Rhizosphere of Halotolerant Suaeda maritima

in semi-arid regions of Saline desert, Kachchh, Gujarat. 54th Ann. Conf. Assoc.

Microbioloigsts of India (AMI-2013) & Intern. Sym. on Frontier Discoveries and

Innovations in Microbiology and its Interdisciplinary relevance held on 17th – 20th

November 2013 at Maharsishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, Abs. No.

EMBD 013:374.

42

Devi, V., K. Karthikeyan and G.A.Thivakaran, 2013. Prevalence of selected Toxic Heavy

metals in the Fresh water bodies in the vicinity of Kandla Port, Kachchh, Gujarat.

National Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment (HME-2013), held on

November 28-30 2013, organized by School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma

Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala.

Ganatra, B.S, K. Karthikeyan and V. Vijaykumar, 2013. Preliminary Investigation on

Bioprospecting of Marine Bacteria from Gulf of Kachchh waters, Gujarat. National

Level symposium on Glimpse of Innovations in Biotechnology on 3rd October 2013,

Organized by Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University,

Coimbatore, Tamilnadu.

Vaidya, D. M., K. Karthikeyan and V. Vijaykumar, 2013. Isolation and Characterization of

PGPR from Soils of Banni Grasslands: A Saline Desert. National Level symposium on

Glimpse of Innovations in Biotechnology on 3rd October 2013, Organized by

Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore,

Tamilnadu.

Lekameera, R., K. Karthikeyan and V. Vijaykumar, 2013. Biosynthesis of natural pigments

from saline desert of Kachchh, Gujarat: Role of a halophilic Serrratia sp. BGK09.

National Level symposium on Glimpse of Innovations in Biotechnology on 3rd

October 2013, Organized by Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Bharathiar

University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.

Arun Kumar Roy Mahato 2013. Participated Science Academies Refresher Course on

“Traditional & Modern Approaches in Animal Taxonomy” organized by Botanical

Garden, GKVK Agricultural University, Bangaluru on 15-29th April 2013.

Rohit M. Patel 2013. Participated XXIII Annual Conference of Indian Association of

Angiosperm Taxonomy and National Seminar on Recent Advances in Plant

Taxonomy Research” held Nagpur University, Nagpur (MS) 27th to 29th December,

2013.

43

BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF GUIDE

S. No. Board of Governors Designation

1. Sh. S. G. Mankad, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary of Gujarat State, India. Chairman

2. Ms. Vijaylaxmi Sheth, IPS (Retd.) Ex. Post Master General of Gujarat State, India. Vice Chairman

3. The District Development Officer, Kachchh District, Gujarat, India. Member

4. Prof. R. Parthasarathy, CEPT University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Member

5. The Vice Chancellor, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj, Gujarat, India. Member

6. Prof. Geeta Padate, M. S. University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Member

7. Dr. Hardik Shah, Member Secretary, Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

Member

8. Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Additional Director, GUIDE, Gujarat, India. Member

9. Sh. R.V. Asari, IFS (Retd.) Director, GUIDE, Gujarat, India. Member Secretary

THE GUIDE SOCIETY

S. No. GUIDE Society Members

1. Sh. S. G. Mankad, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary of Gujarat State, India.

2. Ms. Vijaylaxmi Sheth, IPS (Retd.) Ex. Post Master General of Gujarat State, India.

3. The District Development Officer, Kachchh District, Gujarat, India.

4. Prof. Geeta Padate, The M. S University, Baroda

5. Sh. Hardik Shah, Member Secretary, GPCB, Gandhinagar

6. The Vice Chancellor, KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj

7. Head. Regional Station, CAZRI, Kukma, Kachchh

8. Director Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi

9. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), GSFD, Gandhinagar

10. Dr. B. N. Desai, Ex Director National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Mumbai

11. Prof. Mahesh Pathak, Vallabh Vidya Nagar, Anand Gujarat

12. Sh. Kantisen C. Shroff, Chairman, Shrujan, Bhujodi, Bhuj-Kachchh Gujarat

13. Sh. Asim Chakraborty, Director, Welsupn Group, Anjar, Kachchh, Gujarat

14. Sh. Dipak Bhimani, Chairman Navdeep Chemicals Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai

15. Dr. R. Parthasarathy, CEPT, University, Ahmedabad

16. Sh. A. K. Verma, IFS, Member Secretary, GEC, Gandhinagar

17. Sh. R.V. Asari, IFS (Retd.) Director, GUIDE

18. Dr. V. Vijay Kumar, Additional Director, GUIDE

44

The GUIDE Human Resource

Sr. No Name Designation

1 Sh. R. V. Asari, IFS (Retd) Director

2 Dr. V. Vijay Kumar Additional Director

3 Dr. G. A. Thivakaran Chief Principal Scientist

4 Dr. Nimisha Tripathy Senior Scientist (till 31st

August 2013)

5 Dr. K. Karthikeyan Scientist

6 Dr. Arun Kumar Roy Mahato Scientist

7 Dr. Pranav Pandya Scientist (till 4th

April 2013)

8 Dr. Shalini Dhyani Project Scientist (till 7th

September 2013)

9 Dr. Deepak Dhyani Project Scientist (till 7th

September 2013)

10 Dr. Jagruti H. Sanghvi DST- Women Scientist

11 Dr. Jayesh B. Bhatt Project Scientist

12 Dr. Rohit M. Patel Project Scientist

13 Dr. Nikunj B. Gajera Project Scientist

14 Dr. G. Thirumaran Project Scientist

15 Ms. V. Devi Research Associate

16 Mr. Dayesh Parmar Project Officer (GIS &RS)

17 Mr. Prakash M. Patel Deputy Engineer

18 Mr. Manish P. Vyas Junior Administrative Officer

19 Ms. Geeta Goswami Junior Accounts Officer

20 Mr. Mukesh H. Koladiya Senior Research Fellow

21 Mr. Nainesh Patel Senior Research Fellow (till 29th

June 2013)

22 Ms. Trupti B. Vaghela Senior Research Fellow (till 8th

March 2014)

23 Mr. Raushan Kumar Senior Research Fellow (GIS & RS)

24 Ms. R. Leka Meera Senior Research Fellow (till 8th

October 2013)

25 Sh. K. Prabhu Senior Research Fellow

26 Ms. Druma M. Vaidya Junior Research Fellow

27 Mr. Ajay Gohel Junior Research Fellow

28 Mr. Jaydeep Chauhan Junior Research Fellow

29 Sh. K. P. Nithul Lal Junior Research Fellow

30 Mr. Bhagirath Paradva Junior Research Fellow

31 Sh. Ajitsinh B. Gohil Junior Research Fellow

32 Mr. Sudhanshu C. Mohapatra Senior Chemist

33 Mr. Ratansi Chaudhary Chemical Engineer

34 Ms. Sudha Kumari Chemist

35 Ms. Dipa Lalwani Environmental Analyst (till 30th

November 2013)

36 Mr. G. Midhun Gopi Environmental Analyst

37 Ms. Anasuya B. Ravat Junior Chemist

38 Mr. Mayur Goswami Junior Chemist

39 Mr. Rajesh Choudhari Junior Chemist (till 15th

June 2013)

40 Ms. Bhoomi H. Bakori Junior Chemist (till 11th

July 2013)

41 Mr. Anil R. Sadariya Junior Chemist (till 7th

December 2013)

42 Mr. Mukesh Thakor Surveyor (till 6th

June 2013)

43 Mr. Sahadev Gadeshiya Agriculture

44 Mr. Chetan Sanariya Agriculture

45 Mr. Kisan Pandya Data Entry Operator

46 Mr. Amit Godesara Engineer

45

Sr. No Name Designation

47 Mr. Ramesh Kesatriya Agriculture

48 Mr. Sangeeta Vanker Social Worker

49 Sh. Harish Joshi Sociologist

50 Mr. Gani Node Peon

51 Mr. Arvind K Lakum Diver-Cum-Peon

52 Mr. Altaf A. Memon Diver-Cum-Peon

53 Mr. Hameed H. Maniyar Peon-Cum-Chowkidar

54 Mr. Dansingh Bist Cook-Cum-Care Taker

55 Sh. Ramju Node Night Watchman

56 Sh. Bhura Bhai Day Watchman

57 Mrs. Ushaben Sweeper

DISSERTATION STUDENTS AT GUIDE (April 2013 to March 2014)

Sr. No.

University/ Institute

Name of the Student & Stream

Topic

POST GRADUATE

1

Bharathiar University,

Coimbatore, Tamilnadu.

Mr. T. Dhananjayan (Environmental

Sciences)

Evaluation of Physico-chemical characteristics of Mangrove sediments of Jamnagar and Saline soils of Kachchh, Gujarat: Special reference on Carbon stock storage and Microbial biomass

2 Mr.P.Mohan (Environmental

Sciences)

Evaluation Of Physico-Chemical And Biological Characteristics Of Water And Sediments Of Selected Locations Of Vadinar Coast, Gulf Of Kachchh, West Coast Of India

3

K.S.K.V. Kachchh

University, Bhuj, Gujarat

Jaydip. J. Maheta (Chemistry)

Evaluation of selected constituents in the Kachchh marine water

4 Mayur.N.Pokar (Chemistry)

Physico-chemical characteristics of saline soils of Kutch, Gujarat: Special reference to organic matter content

5 Kamal. B.Rajgor (Chemistry)

Evalaution of carbon stock sequestered in different tree plantations in selected locations of Kutch, Gujarat

6 Neha. J. Malaviya (Chemistry)

Status of chemical constituents in the selected marine water environment of Gulf of Kachchh: Special emphasis on nutrients

7 Pratibha. A.Singh (Chemistry)

Assessment of chemical load in selected water samples of Kutch

8 Shweta Kewlani (Environmental

Sciences)

Studies on antimicrobial, antioxidant and biosorption properties of selected sea weeds of Gulf of Kachchh

9 Nitin Oza (Environmental

Sciences)

Physico-chemical and Microbiological characteristics of marine water samples from Vadinar coast, Gujarat

10

Sarvajanik MSW college

mehsana

Jignesh Babubhai Suthar

(Social Work)

Documentation of traditional knowledge of villagers on local biodiversities of Mandvi taluka & its use and conservation.

11 Vikram Bharatbhai Parmar

(Social Work)

Documentation of traditional knowledge of villagers on local biodiversities of Mandvi taluka & its use and conservation.

12 Pratik Dalpatbhai Suthar

(Social Work)

Documentation of traditional knowledge of villagers on local biodiversities of Mandvi taluka & its use and conservation.

Under Graduate

13 K.S.K.V.Kachchh University, Bhuj,

Gujarat

Mr. Naresh. M. Boda B.Sc. (Marine

Science)

Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Contamination of Marine water and Coastal ground water samples from Mandvi taluka, Kachchh, Gujarat

46

Editor: R.V. Asari,

V. Vijay Kumar,

Arun Kumar Roy Mahato

& Raushan Kumar Raman

Graphics & Design: Raushan Kumar Raman

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology Opp. Changleshwar Temple, Mundra Road

Bhuj-370 001, Kachchh, Gujarat, India.

Ph: +91-2832 235025/28 Fax: +91-2832 235027

Email: desert_ecology@yahoo.com