View
18
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
Greater Thal Canal Irrigation Project (RRP PAK 49372)
Environmental Impact Assessment
Project number: 49372–002 September 2021
Pakistan: Greater Thal Canal Irrigation Project Annex M: Biodiversity Action Plan Prepared by the Irrigation Department, Government of the Punjab for the Asian Development Bank. This is an updated version of the draft originally posted in February 2020 available on https://www.adb.org/projects/documents/pak-49372-002-eia. This environmental impact assessment is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
IMPRINT
© Irrigation Department, Government of the Punjab in association with Asian Development Bank
and Landell Mills Ltd.
Authors:
Dr. Tahir Rasheed (Team Lead), Muhammad Fiaz Joyia, Rana Muhammad Mazhar Liaqat, Aamir Saeed
Khan, Zeeshan Khalid, Syed Muhammad Shamim Fakhri, and Hamid Sarfraz
269-E, Street 13-B, E-11/4, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel. +92 (51) 2222469 | Cell +92 (333) 5590803
info@devconsult.pk | www.devconsult.pk |Skype/Twitter hsarfraz
Place and date of publication:
Islamabad; 23 October 2020
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
i
Contents
1. Introduction 2
1.1. Context 2
1.1.1. Greater Thal Canal Irrigation Investment Programme 2
1.1.2. GTCIIP Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures 4
1.2. Biodiversity Action Plan 7
1.2.1. Need and Importance of BAP for GTCIIP Area 8
1.2.2. Biodiversity Protection: Challenges and Opportunities 9
2. Introduction to the Area 14
2.1. Geographical Location and Climate of the Area 14
2.2. Socio-Economic Profile of the Area 15
2.3. Landcover and Habitats 17
2.3.1. Sand Dunes 17
2.3.2. Agricultural Land 19
2.3.3. Protected Areas 19
2.3.4. Habitat Change 21
2.4. Criteria for Selection of an Ecologically Representative Site 21
2.4.1. Size 21
2.4.2. Diversity 21
2.4.3. Naturalness 22
2.4.4. Rarity 22
2.4.5. Fragility 22
2.4.6. Typicality 23
3. Floral Management 25
3.1. Natural Flora 25
3.2. Scientific Research 25
3.3. Protection of Flora 26
3.3.1. Habitat Management 26
3.3.2. Carrying Capacity 26
3.3.3. Suitability of Habitat 27
3.3.4. Re-Introduction of Species 27
3.3.5. Invasive Species of Range Vegetation 27
3.3.6. Control of Feral, Exotic and Invasive Species 27
3.3.7. Introduction of Improved Peripheral Rangeland Management Practices 27
3.3.8. Complete Exclusion of Domestic Livestock From the Rakhs 27
3.3.9. Precautions Against Accidental Grassland Fires 27
4. Fauna Management 30
4.1. Avifauna 30
4.1.1. Avian Diversity 30
4.1.2. Houbara Bustard: A Special Case 31
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
ii
4.2. Mammals 34
4.3. Amphibians, Reptiles and Invertebrates 34
4.4. Scientific Research 36
4.5. Wildlife Management 36
4.5.1. Illegal Practices and Overexploitation of Natural Resources 37
4.5.2. Recommendations 38
5. Communities and Conservation 40
5.1. Community Situation 40
5.2. Agriculture-Desert Interface 40
5.3. Livestock-Wildlife Interface 41
5.4. Agriculture/Livestock Benefits to Biodiversity 41
5.5. Pressures on Biodiversity from Farming 42
5.6. Human Settlements with their Livestock Breeds 42
5.6.1. Positive Effects of Grazing 43
5.7. Biodiversity’s Benefits to Agriculture and Livestock 43
5.8. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use 43
5.9. Participatory Natural Resource Management 44
6. Management of Rakhs 46
6.1.1. Rakhs – Location and Area 46
6.2. Challenges for Management of Rakhs 48
6.2.1. Impact of GTC, Agriculture and Livestock on Rakhs 48
6.2.2. Communities’ Dependence on and Perception about Rakhs 49
6.2.3. Rakhs’ Conservations Value 50
6.3. Management Arrangements 50
6.3.1. Structure and Staffing 50
6.3.2. Law Enforcement 52
7. Business and Land Management 54
7.1. Agriculture 54
7.2. Livestock 55
7.3. Water Resources 59
7.4. Recreational Opportunities 59
8. How to Get There? 62
8.1. Major Constraints and Opportunities 62
8.1.1. Major Issues 63
8.1.2. Major Constraints 63
8.1.3. Potential Opportunities 64
8.1.4. Stakeholder Views on Biodiversity Management 65
8.2. The Action Plan 66
8.3. BAP Implementation Arrangements 67
8.3.1. BAP Consultant 68
8.3.2. Implementation Arrangements for Follow-up Actions 69
8.4. Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism 69
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
iii
BOXES
Box 1: Qualities that make Thal’s biodiversity special 9
Box 2: The challenge is human 40
FIGURES
Figure 1: Mitigation measures hierarchy 7
Figure 2: Biodiversity 8
Figure 3: Temperatures in Bhakkar District (2009-2020) 14
Figure 4: Rainfall in Bhakkar District (2009-2020) 15
Figure 5: Clouds and humidity in Bhakkar District (2009-2020) 15
Figure 6: Logical process of biodiversity degradation 48
Figure 7: Current organogram of Range Forest Division, Bhakkar 51
Figure 8: BAP implementation organogram 68
Figure 9: Organogram of BAP Consultant 69
TABLES
Table 1: GTCIIP potential impacts and mitigation measures 4
Table 2: Challenges and opportunities 11
Table 3: Threatened avifauna species 31
Table 4: List of large mammals in Thal 34
Table 5: Rakhs under the Range Management Division, Bhakkar 46
Table 6: Additional staff required for effective rakh management 51
Table 7: Livestock biodiversity in GTCIIP area 57
Table 8: The Biodiversity Action Plan 66
MAPS
Map 1: GTCIIP area 3
Map 2: Landcover in GTCIIP area 18
Map 3: Thal Game Reserve vis-à-vis the project area 20
Map 4: Rakhs in GTCIIP area 47
ANNEXES
Annex 1: Follow-up Actions for Government of the Punjab 71
Annex 2: Equipment Specifications 80
Annex 3: Field Offices Specifications 81
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
iv
Acronyms and Glossary
Abiana Irrigation water cess
ADB Asian Development Bank
CBC Choubara Branch Canal
CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
FD [Punjab] Forest Department
FWFD [Punjab] Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Department
GoP Government of Pakistan
GoPb Government of the Punjab
GTC Greater Thal Canal
GTCIIP Greater Thal Canal Irrigation Investment Programme
ha hectare
HEC Higher Education Commission
HFI Houbara Foundation International [Pakistan]
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature
Jogies Snake charmers and wanderers who collect medicinal plants and reptiles for
preparing ayurvedic medicines
km kilometres
M&E monitoring and evaluation
MBC Mankera Branch Canal
MC Main Canal
O&M operation and maintenance
PA protected area
PFI Pakistan Forest Institute
PFRI Punjab Forestry Research Institute
PMNH Pakistan Museum of Natural History
Rakh Conserved/protected forest or rangeland area
SPS [ADB] Safeguard Policy Statement, 2009
TCEF Thal Conservation Endowment Fund
UC union council
WPD [Punjab] Wildlife and Parks Department
WWF-P Worldwide Fund for Wildlife, Pakistan
ZSD Zoological Survey Department
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
v
Acknowledgements
Many individuals and institutions helped us in one way or another in gathering, analysing and
compiling the required information in this Biodiversity Action Plan. The authors would like to extend
their gratitude to experts from academia, Punjab Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Department, and
district agriculture, livestock and Irrigation departments with whose guidance the team was able to
explore the study data, and who also provided relevant literature and their valuable inputs throughout
the course of the study.
First, we are thankful to provincial and district government representatives, national NGOs such as
WWF-Pakistan and individuals for their immense support and encouragement in completing this
important task. Thanks are especially due to Mr. Javiad Mustansar, Assistant Director Wildlife; Mr.
Nadeem Ashraf Waraich, DFO Range Management Bhakkar; Mr. Umer Farooq, Range Officer,
Bhakkar; Mr. Khan Bahadar Javed, Deputy Director, Agricultural Extension District Bhakkar;
Chaudhary Muhammad Aamir Agriculture Officer (Technical); Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Additional
Director, Livestock, District Bhakkar; Dr. Ghulam Murtaza, Assistant Disease Investigation Officer; and
officials of irrigation department, for sharing, gathering and analysing the information, their valuable
comments and backstopping. Their support remained with the team right from the data collection,
analysis and writing of the report. The acceptance ad interaction by local communities has been a
significant support in undertaking the survey and collection of valuable information. Their hospitality
is especially acknowledged.
We are also thankful to the Landell Mills Ltd (LML), for entrusting us with this challenging but exciting
task on behalf of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The guidance and support by Mr. Alex Trowell,
Water Specialist, LML; Mr. Neil Urwin, International Environment Specialist, LML and Dr. Akhtar Iqbal,
Environment Specialist, LML is especially acknowledged for critically reviewing the drafts and valuable
feedback. Last, but not the least, this assignment could not have been possible without dedication
and active involvement of the team members for fields visits, and collection and compilation of field
data which was a challenging task.
On behalf of the dev~consult, we are deeply indebted to all for their great contribution!
Tahir Rasheed, PhD
Hamid Sarfraz
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
vi
Prologue
This Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) is the first comprehensive ten-year plan for management of
identified ecological hotspots (rakhs) within the GTCIIP area. This is a plan for all those with an interest
in or influence on the area, and it has been prepared in close partnership with Punjab Forest, Wildlife
and Fisheries Department (FWFD) following engagement and debate with relevant stakeholders,
including the beneficiary communities. Its starting point is the GTCIIP Ecological Survey Report
(2020)1 which provides baseline information against which the success of future actions arising from
this BAP can be measured. This plan is about influencing the nature of future change in the ways which
will render the rakhs (protected areas) in a better state to harbour native biodiversity and future
generations to use it sustainably.
The fundamental approach that underpins this BAP is delivering sustainable development and in
support of that, taking an ecosystem approach. Mitigating and adapting to climate change is a sub-
national priority and delivering this is considered throughout. The plan also embodies the principles
of green infrastructure, and provides opportunities to address and make good use of it at a landscape
scale, to deliver a wide range of benefits for people.
The BAP has a vision and outcomes that are long-term (showing where we want to get to by 2030),
strategies that are for ten years and beyond (indicating how we will get there), and a delivery
framework showing projects and initiatives. The key areas to focus upon have been identified to
maintain the functioning of ecosystems and ecosystem services provided by rakhs in GTCIIP command
area. This plan seeks to deliver multiple interlocking objectives, adding value to what is already being
done. It will always favour delivery that enhances environmental, social and economic objectives
simultaneously wherever this is possible.
This BAP comprehensively covers the conservation and protection measures for the habitat, flora and
fauna within the GTCIIP area, particularly rakhs. It also proposes institutional strengthening measures
to enhance capacity of the local FWFD offices and creates an interface with other relevant
stakeholders in the area, particularly Bhakkar District. The BAP also suggests appropriate measures
for sustainable agricultural and livestock development, alongside eco-tourism potential, to enhance
livelihood opportunities for the local communities.
This document not only provides a Biodiversity Action Plan for entire GTCIIP area also provides a
framework for the emerging rakh-specific local conservation plans, which will include engagement of
custodian communities, conservation of flora and fauna of the area and its sustainable use of
ecosystem services at micro (rakh) level. The plan will, where necessary, consider impacts on the rakh’s
special qualities from outside its boundary as well as from within. This could be through wildlife
species migration, water flows or water use, economic activity or views to and from the area.
The BAP will be implemented primarily during the implementation of GTCIIP; however, the follow-up
actions will need to be undertaken by the Government of Punjab, FWFD and its district officials,
conservation organisations, the Irrigation Department, the communities and the private sector to
address broader aspects of biodiversity conservation.
1 GTCIIP Baseline Ecological Survey: Consolidated Report, 2020.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
1
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
2
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Context
1.1.1. Greater Thal Canal Irrigation Investment Programme
1. At the request of the Government of the Punjab, Pakistan (GoPb) the Asian Development
Bank has agreed to provide Transaction Technical Assistance (TRTA)2 for preparing the Greater Thal
Canal Irrigation Investment Programme (GTCIIP). The proposed investment program aims at
increasing the agricultural production in the Punjab province by developing a new seasonal irrigation
system, comprising of three stand-alone projects. The GTCIIP would transform the presently 704,000
hectare (ha) unproductive rainfed lands to irrigated lands. The system has been partially constructed
with infrastructure providing irrigation to approximately 144,000 ha of command area, while an
extension to the system was to be funded by the government; Choubara Branch Canal system for
119,000 ha approximately, which has, as of April 2019, now been included under the proposed ADB
investment program. The proposed ADB GTCIIP will support the construction of the remaining
command area irrigating about 560,000 ha including the provision of support for on-farm
development and management (Map 1).
2. The proposed GTC irrigation scheme will draw water from the existing Chashma-Jhelum Link
Canal (CJ Link Canal) which diverts water from the Indus River to the areas in the left bank of Indus
River and Jhelum River. Water allocation for the entire GTC irrigation scheme has been determined
and approved in 1991 under the Pakistan Water Apportionment Accord that sets water resources
allocation among the four provinces. The GTC irrigation scheme consists of: (i) 35 km long Main Canal
(MC) , (ii) the 65 km long Mankera Branch Canal (MBC) system that has been constructed by the Water
and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in 2010, but whose command areas have only been
partly developed by the GoPb; (iii) 73 km long Choubara Branch Canal (CBC) system that was
approved to be constructed by the GoPb financing in 2015 but has not been commenced and is now
included under the ADB-GTCIIP, and (iv) Dhingana Branch Canal (DBC) with the Mahmood Sub-
Branch Canal (MSBC) and Noorpur Branch Canal (NBC) systems that also have not been commenced
due to lack of immediate access to financing. ADB’s financing will be designed to complete the
construction of the entire scheme with command area development (CAD) support by applying a
phased-approach to financing and construction.
3. In April 2019, the GoPb has agreed that ADB’s financial support will include construction of
the CBC system (2020), and the DBC, MSBC and NBC systems (2021/2022 to 2024), and command
area development for the entire GTC scheme. Hence, the proposed first project to be financed by
ADB will include the construction of the CBC system, plus development of the MC, MBC and CBC
command areas, which is inclusive of the construction and/or rehabilitation of community
watercourses and the introduction of improved on-farm water management and agricultural practices.
4. The proposed investment program will construct the remaining branch canals, i.e. CBC, (73
km), DBC (91 km), MSBC (54 km) and NBC (58 km), and associated structures to provide reliable
irrigation water supply to about 560,000 ha of the land during the monsoon (Kharif) season (mid-April
to mid-October) and will provide on-farm command area development support for the entire GTC
irrigation scheme to enhance the on-farm and water management capacity of farmers.
2 TRTA 9458-PAK: Preparing the Greater Thal Canal Irrigation Investment Program.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
3
Map 1: GTCIIP area
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
4
5. Landell Mills Ltd. (LML), UK has been commissioned by the Asian Development Bank to
provide Transaction Technical Assistance (TRTA) for the preparation of the GTCIIP. The objective is
to increase agriculture productivity in the province, particularly in the Thal desert. In the current phase,
the command areas of three subsystems of the GTC system namely, Main Canal, Mankera Branch
Canal, and the Choubara Branch Canal are being covered. The main improvement envisaged in the
former two subsystems is command area development (CAD), and deferred operation and
maintenance (O&M), while in the later subsystem three main activities are to be accomplished,
namely: (i) construction of the irrigation distribution system, (ii) command area development, and (iii)
resettlement of the affected population, located within the right of way of the canal(s), who will be
displaced, and relocation of private, public, and communal structures.
1.1.2. GTCIIP Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures
6. The potential negative impacts caused by the GTCIIP implementation and canal operations
on the physical, biological and social environment of the project area, and the proposed mitigating
measures by the GTCIIP Environmental Impact Assessment Report (2020) are summarised in Table 1.
These measures are elaborated in the project Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which will be
appended to construction contracts.
Table 1: GTCIIP potential impacts and mitigation measures3
Potential Impact Mitigation Measure
Fragmentation and disturbance to biodiversity values
through bisection by canals and distributaries.
The technical feasibility of the
recommended redesign and
realignment of distributary canals as
described in Section 6.3 of the EIA to
minimize disturbance and impact to the
ecology of the Rakh areas will be further
investigated for technical feasibility and
consequences for water distribution.
In the cases where canals encroach on
Rakh areas, adequate and appropriate
loan funds will be directed towards
additional resources, expertise and
community capacity building for
conservation management of the
fragmented Rakh. This will be guided by
the preparation and implementation of
a Biodiversity Action Plan.
Loss of biodiversity values due to footprint of
construction activities and sites and disturbance from the
scale of activities.
Mitigation measures are set out in the
Construction Biodiversity
Management Plan (BMP), which covers
safeguards for wildlife and habitats
during construction. The BMP is part of
the project EMP.
The project involves permanent acquisition of various
categories of land, i.e. agricultural land, residential and
barren. This impact would be of high significance.
This impact can be mitigated by
ensuring compliance of Land
Acquisition Act, 1894, addressing
3 GTCIIP EIA Report, 2020.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
5
Potential Impact Mitigation Measure
community grievances on priority basis
and timely compensation to affectees.
Improper assessment of water availability and failure of
command area management.
Design works will ensure the proper
assessment of water availability.
During community consultations, local people raised their
concerns on fragmentation of land of many farmers on
both sides of proposed main.
Due consideration should be given by
design consultants, and where possible
design should be changed to avoid land
fragmentation. Bridge should be given
at appropriate locations of the canal in
consultation with community to avoid
Inter-Community fragmentation.
During operations, as this is a one-crop perennial system
(only using water during the Kharif season) than to obtain
enough income and make the project viable farmers will
also need to use groundwater to get two crops a year.
This can lower water table of the project area rapidly.
Additional groundwater monitoring
wells, a groundwater model, and a new
regulation (expected in 2020 under the
new Water Act to allow the government
to enforce it, oversee and to issue
groundwater abstraction licenses) have
been proposed.
Proposed project will also affect trees, and bushes
present in the right of way of the proposed canal.
The loss of tree removal should be
compensated by carrying out tree
plantation on large scale in accordance
with Tree Plantation Plan.
Air quality may decrease as a result of the project
interventions. Construction machinery, diesel generators
and project vehicles will release exhaust emissions
containing carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2),
oxides of nitrogen (NOX), and particulate matter (PM).
These emissions can deteriorate the ambient air quality in
the project site and along the road leading to it.
Furthermore, fuel combustion will release smoke
emissions.
A mitigation regime containing 11
stipulations is proposed for mitigation
of air quality deterioration.
Sources of noise during construction will be generators,
concrete batching plants etc. Increased noise and
vibration levels during construction activities can be a
source of nuisance for locals and a source of disturbance
to wildlife.
There are no sensitive receptors close
to the construction sites, settlements
are present at some distance.
Mitigation action has been proposed to
monitor and control emanation of high
noise. Timing the construction activities
in the vicinity of the nearby settlements
has been proposed to avoid impact on
the students and teachers.
It is expected that large quantities of solid waste
including domestic waste, food waste, sewage (waste
water), workshop waste, medical waste, packing waste,
debris from construction sites (excess aggregate, sand
etc.) and excavated material unsuitable for earth fill will
be generated during construction.
Mitigation measures have been
proposed considering the relevant
guidelines from IFC and location
specific considerations.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
6
Potential Impact Mitigation Measure
The GTC project will take approximately five years to
complete and during this time there will be increased
traffic within the project area as well as on the link roads
and other approach routes of the project area. Traffic
movement will interrupt the local vehicular and
pedestrian traffic disrupting travel to school of school
children on some routes during specific periods of peak
activities. Due to increased use of trucks and other
vehicles on the roads in the project area elderly people,
women and children will be more exposed to dangerous
situations, which may lead to traffic accidents and unrest.
A traffic management plan to be
prepared and implemented by the
contractor, inter alia, has been
proposed as mitigation.
The construction activities will involve operations which
pose risks to the health and safety of the contractor’s staff
as well as the surrounding communities.
Occupational health and safety issues to
be included in contraction specifications
and other location specific action has
been specified as mitigation.
Breaching of canal, distributaries and structures will threat
system sustainability.
Irrigation Department, Punjab to
monitor the system regularly; Liaise with
the communities to identify potential
weaknesses in the system that could
cause breaches.
Windblown soil can siIt up canal and distributaries and
may choke the Choubara Branch Canal, and distribution
system.
De-siIting of canal, distributaries should
be done at regular intervals in operation
phase. Tree windbreaks will be planted
along canals (and 2 years of
maintenance) in the Main Canal,
Mankera and Chaubara Branch Systems.
With additional area under cultivation, and with better
water availability for existing area, cropping intensity will
increase, resulting in an automatic increase of fertilisers
and pesticides use.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
practices should be adopted in
coordination with Agriculture
Department.
7. The EIA Report, including the project Environmental Management Plan (EMP), underlines the
need for the preparation and implementation of a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), which is the subject
of this document. The BAP will implement measures to enhance and sustain the conservation of
biodiversity values as an offset to biodiversity and habitat losses which cannot be avoided and to
increase the sustainability of conservation efforts.
8. The EIA/EMP also sets out the provisions of a Construction Biodiversity Management Plan,
based upon data in the GTCIIP Ecological Survey Report (2020)4, field inspections and consultation
with stakeholders, to take the following mitigation measures, which will be joint responsibility of
contractors, construction supervision consultants, and the Environment and Social Unit (ESU) of the
Project Management Office (PMO):
i. Construction management measures:
a. Construction site boundaries and site use;
b. Timing of construction (with respect to breeding seasons);
c. Construction site survey before work starts to identify areas to avoid; and
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
7
d. Limitations on noise, vehicle movements.
ii. Education and capacity building will cover:
a. Worker awareness, training and induction;
b. Domestic waste management;
c. Poaching patrols; and
d. Liaison and collaboration with FWFD.
9. The hierarchy of the EIA/EMP (including the Construction Biodiversity Management Plan) and
the Biodiversity Action Plan is illustrated in the following mitigation measures pyramid (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Mitigation measures hierarchy
Source: Adapted from Fischer, Thomas B. and Obaidullah Nadeem. 2014. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Course
Curriculum for Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan. Islamabad: IUCN Pakistan.
1.2. Biodiversity Action Plan
10. A Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) provides roadmap for managing biologically rich sites and
activities contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. BAP can include simple
measures on site management and conservation activities. Developing a BAP need not be a daunting
process; hence, the plans can be prepared for individual sites as well as for the ecosystem as a whole.
The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) provides guidance in designing and implementing concrete
practices on sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity when growing and sourcing natural raw
materials. Therefore, BAP contributes to compliance with the conservation standards in supply chains
during the construction phase and to implement the conservation agenda in the biodiversity hotspots
during the operation and maintenance phase. It helps companies, suppliers, communities, civil society
and government departments to define and implement concrete measures to improve the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the project area.
11. The totality of the life forms on earth is called biodiversity. It includes all the faunal and floral
species, ecosystems, and genetic material composition. Biodiversity and biological processes provide
services and benefits to the human beings in numerous ways, e.g., food, shelter, water filtration,
predation, nutrient recycling, soil formation, oxygen production, water purification, pollination and
symbiosis etc. On the other hand, the role of ecosystem services is also quite imperative in meeting
the basic needs of urban as well as rural inhabitants. So, any negative impact on the biodiversity may
affect the trade-offs between environment and development. Figure 2 shows the benefits of
biodiversity.
Avoid
Rectify
Minimise
Compensate
Enhance
Pri
ori
ty
Highest
Lowest
Avoid the potential impact
Decrease the spatial/temporal scale of
impact during design, construction etc.
Apply rehabilitation technique after the impact
has occurred
Offset the residual impact and compensate, as
appropriate
Apply measures to create new benefits
EIA/
EMP
BAP
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
8
Figure 2: Biodiversity
Reference: Adapted from The Bio-Diversity Information System of Europe (BISE)
1.2.1. Need and Importance of BAP for GTCIIP Area
12. This BAP for the Greater Thal Canal Irrigation Investment Programme (GTCIIP) area is a
roadmap for the protection of Thal’s natural systems, especially the protected rangelands (rakhs), and
guidance for the engagement of the stakeholders in conservation activities. It will help to plan,
manage and monitor the rakhs in Thal by putting the correct procedures in place to conserve the
biodiversity. It will also improve all stakeholder—community, line departments (especially FWFD),
NGOs and the private sector—relations and ensure their involvement in biodiversity improvement
and protection.
13. This BAP—developed based on the findings of the baseline ecological surveys in October
2019 and August 2020 (GTCIIP Ecological Survey Report4 available separately), available literature,
secondary sources of information and stakeholder consultations—outlines a ten-year path for effective
conservation of the identified hotspots within the GTCIIP area. It describes the baseline, challenges,
opportunities, goals, targets and measures, the actual work plan, and a monitoring and evaluation
system to assess the BAP’s efficiency as well as its effects on biodiversity.
14. The three priorities for action in this BAP include: engaging all stakeholders; building
ecosystem resilience in a changing climate; and getting measurable results aimed at addressing and
reducing the impacts of the threats. Given the key importance of habitat protection to biodiversity
conservation, most of the outcomes, targets and activities in this plan relate in some way to reducing
the negative impacts of human activities on habitat areas.
4 GTCIIP Baseline Ecological Survey: Consolidated Report, 2020.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
9
1.2.2. Biodiversity Protection: Challenges and Opportunities
15. Ecological sustainability is long entrenched national and sub-national policy commitment;
however, these commitments have not succeeded in stopping the biodiversity degradation. Major
challenges in Thal include policy failure, institutional inefficiency, habitat loss, degradation and
fragmentation, climate change, invasive species, unsustainable use and management of natural
resources and land use change. However, there also lie some opportunities which, if tapped
effectively, can help coping with these challenges. These challenges and opportunities are further
elaborated in the sections below.
1.2.2.1. Key Challenges
1.2.2.1.1. Policy Failure
16. Policy formation at the sub-national level awards scant attention to effects of development
on natural resources. Water, forest, agriculture and land related policies are key examples of this
situation. Lack of an effective system to record and delineate seasonal and perennial area of
biodiversity hotspots leads to land encroachment. The lack of a comprehensive policy exacerbates
the situation as no guidelines are present to direct the policy process in integrating biodiversity
related concerns. The same applies to other types of habitats.
1.2.2.1.2. Institutional Inefficiency
17. Lack of enforcement of conservation related legislation due to acute shortages of equipment
and physical resources is a core issue leading to deprivation of natural resources. This results in
continuation of harmful activities such as hunting of endangered species within the protected areas.
Similarly, extraction of fuel wood from government-owned forests/rakhs remains unchecked due to
insufficient staff and other physical resources. Inadequacy of training, skills and physical resources also
hinders the FWFD in formulating management plans, monitoring biodiversity and implementing in-
situ conservation measures. Additionally, the FWFD lacks experience in engaging the custodian
communities in protected areas management.
1.2.2.1.3. Habitat Loss, Degradation and Fragmentation
18. Plant and animal species are less resilient to external pressures when the ecological
communities, of which they are a part, shrink or when populations become isolated from each other.
Habitat loss and fragmentation affect the well-being and survival of individual populations as well as
entire species, and may affect the functioning of entire ecosystems. Direct causes of habitat loss
include change in the land use, degradation and fragmentation, clearing of native vegetation,
construction of irrigation networks (including Thal canal) and pollution of waterways.
Box 1: Qualities that make Thal’s biodiversity special
• Rakhs provide a sense of remoteness, wildness and tranquillity;
• A mosaic of habitats supporting a great diversity of wildlife including houbara;
• A deeply rural community closely linked to the land with strong local traditions and ways of
life;
• A farmed landscape with locally distinctive breeds;
• An exceptional rights of way network, with paths that are often rugged and providing
superb opportunities for walking, riding and cycling; and
• A landscape that may provide inspiration and enjoyment to visitors and residents alike.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
10
1.2.2.1.4. Agrochemical Contamination
19. The farmers make indiscriminate use of pesticides and insecticides to get better yield.
Number of insectivorous birds, small mammals and reptiles are greatly affected due to these
chemicals. The use of diesel pumps for water extraction leads to spillage of oil, which directly pollutes
surface and groundwater. The agriculture runoff poses a serious threat to aquatic fauna including fish
and aquatic birds. Unsustainable agricultural practices in the catchments destroy the natural habitat
of wildlife. Due to lack of awareness, the ecological damage and human dangers of chemical pollution
are also increasing manifold.
1.2.2.1.5. Climate Change
20. Climate change is another underlying cause for the deterioration of biodiversity in Thal desert.
If the trend continues the climate change would have significant impacts on the biodiversity of the
target area. The projections about climate change indicate that water availability and its quality,
especially in arid and semi-arid areas of the region, will decrease in future by 10-30%, while drought
will emerge as a common phenomenon with increased number or intensity. This situation would have
negative impacts on food security and natural resources, especially in the subsistence agro-pastoral
systems.
1.2.2.1.6. Erosion of Traditional Wisdom
21. Poverty, unsustainable resource use, population increase, and ignorance of indigenous
knowledge regarding wise use of resources have negative impacts on the biodiversity of the Thal area.
Moreover, issues of competition and conflicts between natural resources and human populations over
resource use have not been addressed adequately in planning procedures.5 In the past indigenous
resource management institutions, values, and myths were quite active to manage these resources on
sustainable basis. They were seen to hold the key to ecologically sustainable development. They had
direct long-term interests in the protection of natural treasures and their reinforcement. The
weakening or breakdown of these institutions has deepened the crises by exacerbating the natural
resource degradation process in their respective areas.
1.2.2.2. Key Opportunities
22. The GTCIIP itself offers the most promising opportunity to address some of these challenges.
Not only that GTCIIP will introduce ecologically safe implementation practices but will also provide a
roadmap for conservation of biodiversity and protection of fragile ecosystem in the form of BAP, and
supporting some of the proposed measures. This BAP provides an excellent opportunity to the key
stakeholders, especially the provincial irrigation and agriculture departments, and the Punjab FWFD,
to come forward and make coherent efforts for improving health of protected rangelands (rakhs) and
the biodiversity in the GTCIIP area.
23. Support for integrating conservation and development activities can help communities
promote development without compromising the integrity of ecosystems. Designing and
implementing economic alternatives such as agroforestry, ecotourism and improved resource
management can promote sustainable community economic development without threatening local
biodiversity. By working closely with government officials and other local stakeholders and support
for building governance capacity, skill sharing, technology transfer, training and education programs
are few opportunities under GTCIIP to increase the ability of government representatives to
implement the BAP effectively.
5 EU, DFID and IUCN. “Biodiversity – what is it, and why is it being lost?” Biodiversity in Development, Biodiversity Brief 19.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
11
24. Many government and non-governmental development initiatives are being implemented, or
are in the pipeline, to make sure that the farmers take maximum advantage of the Greater Thal Canal.
These initiatives can be planned and executed in a way that the ecological resources are used
sustainably and biodiversity value of the area remains intact.
1.2.2.3. Amelioratory Measures
25. To avoid further fragmentation of the habitats and massive species loss in the rakhs of Thal,
the opportunity is to integrate the diverse regulations, public policies, and incentive mechanisms for
habitat protection and restoration and the various independent projects and programmes carried out
by governments and nongovernmental organisations into a single and comprehensive strategy for
establishing networks of sustainable landscapes throughout the Thal region.
26. Protected areas in Punjab lack sufficient resources for effective management. Establishing an
endowment fund for rakh areas management can be the most effective way to guarantee a long-term
revenue source for protected areas. Support for capacity-building of the staff would be another
opportunity to ensure effective watch and ward in the target area. In-kind contributions, such as patrol
vehicles and infrastructure for better management (observation posts, patrol routes, etc.) can also be
effective in increasing protected area management capacity. Stakeholder consultation and
partnerships will be critical in determining the resources needed for effective protected area
management and how those resources are used.
27. Support for scientific research and analysis of gathered data for assessing, monitoring and
protecting biodiversity can be addressed by supporting research and training in biodiversity-related
fields. Campaigns to save endangered species and efforts to protect flagship species, such as
Houbara, can be the key in protecting the entire ecosystem. Some of the challenges and amelioratory
measures are given in Table 2.
Table 2: Challenges and opportunities
Challenges Amelioratory Measures
Policy failure, institutional
inefficiency and lack of
resources
• Integrate the diverse regulations, public policies, and incentive
mechanisms
• Build capacity of line departments
• Establish an endowment fund, make financial contribution and
in-kind support for rakh protection
Important, threatened and
unprotected ecosystems or
species, climate change and
invasive species
• Sponsor campaign to protect ecosystem by using charismatic
and endangered flagship species
• Support conservation easements
• Promote climate change adaptation initiatives integrated with
conservation
• Adopt zero tolerance policy towards invasive species
Lack of government/scientific
capacity to study and manage
biodiversity
• Support scientific research and analysis
• Support technical capacity-building and training
• Support managerial capacity-building in government agencies
Lack of public awareness of
or involvement in
conservation
• Support environmental education and awareness building
• Support integrated conservation and development
Erosion of traditional wisdom • Reactivate traditional conservation values and management
systems
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
12
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
13
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
14
2. INTRODUCTION TO THE AREA
2.1. Geographical Location and Climate of the Area
28. The GTCIIP area falls within the boundaries of Bhakkar, Layyah and Khushab districts of the
Punjab province and lies between longitudes 71°15’ and 72°15’ East and latitudes 30°30’ and 32°15”
North.6 The area is subtropical sandy desert spread over 306 km with its maximum breadth of 113
km. The tract is bound by the piedmont of the Salt Range in the north, the Indus River flood plains in
the west and Jhelum and Chenab River flood plains in the east. Geographically, the Thal Desert
resembles with the deserts of Cholistan and Thar. Main towns of Thal include Roda Thal, Mankera,
Hyderabad Thal, Dullewala, Piplan, Junju Sharif, Gohar Wala Kundiyan, Kot Azam, Saraye Muhajir,
Mehmood Shaheed Thal, Rang Pur, Jandan Wala, Mari Shah Sakhira, Noorpur Thal, and Muzaffargarh.
Figure 3: Temperatures in Bhakkar District (2009-2020)
Source: World Weather Online: Bhakkar Monthly Climate Averages (https://www.worldweatheronline.com/bhakkar-
weather-averages/punjab/pk.aspx). Accessed 3 Oct 2020.
29. The climate of the area varies from very hot in summers and too cold in winters with the
highest temperature of above 45°C in June and lowest up to 2°C in January (Figure 3). The area
receives only scanty rainfall, the average rainfall does not exceed 18.7 centimetres, which is mainly in
the monsoons (July-August). See Figure 4 and Figure 5 for average monthly rainfall, cloudy days and
humidity levels in Bhakkar District, which corresponds to Khushab and Layyah Districts as well. and It
is evident that there has been an overall declining trend in the frequency and quantity of rainfall in
the Thal districts over a period of several decades.
6 GTCIIP EIA Report, 2020.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
15
Figure 4: Rainfall in Bhakkar District (2009-2020)
Source: World Weather Online: Bhakkar Monthly Climate Averages (https://www.worldweatheronline.com/bhakkar-
weather-averages/punjab/pk.aspx). Accessed 3 Oct 2020.
Figure 5: Clouds and humidity in Bhakkar District (2009-2020)
Source: World Weather Online: Bhakkar Monthly Climate Averages (https://www.worldweatheronline.com/bhakkar-
weather-averages/punjab/pk.aspx). Accessed 3 Oct 2020.
2.2. Socio-Economic Profile of the Area
30. The proposed project Thal Canal lies in the Khushab, Bhakkar and Layyah districts. The
population of Khushab, Bhakkar and Layyah districts according to 2017 censes is 1,281,299, 1,650,518
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
16
and 1,824,230, respectively. About 4.76 million people (based upon 2017 census) inhabit the
command area and their livelihoods depend directly or indirectly on the irrigation supplies of the Thal
Canal. Roughly 2 million people (based upon 2017 census) derive their livelihoods directly from the
irrigation supplies of the Canal.7
31. The majority of families in the area live in joint family system, since the sharing of resources is
beneficial in term of joint incomes, manpower (for agricultural practices) and basic amenities like
water, electricity, housing and food. About 95 percent population is Muslim, whereas five percent
consist of Christians and other minorities. There are many tribes in the desert namely; Syed, Khokhar,
Tiwana, Sial, Mammak, Bhachar, Baghoor, Rahdari, Jhammat, Cheenna (Jutt), Gahi, Aheer, Lashari,
Rana, Wagha’s and Awans etc. The locals of Thal basically speak ‘Seraiki’ but Punjabi is also spoken
by many in the desert.
32. Community, as main beneficiary, is vital and integral part or the stakeholder of all interventions
during implementation and post-implementation phases of GTCIIP. Socio-economic condition and
their organisation are important aspects to consider in relation to rangeland practices, agricultural
operations and biodiversity status. The most impact-pondering factor of the community is smallholder
farmers, which need special emphasis. As per GTCIIP EIA Report (2020), “there are 38,158 farms with
an average farm size of 3.1 ha in CBC command area while 48,886 farms with average farm size 3.14
ha in MBC and MC command areas. Thus, a total farms figure comes as 87,044. About 81-83% of
these farms (i.e. approx. 71,000 farms) are small farms of less than five hectares.” The quality and
productivity of these farms is low because of shifting sand dunes, natural calamities, and reliance on
single major crop of channa (gram).
33. Prior to 1947 under British colonial administration, the entire area of these districts was almost
desert. After the partition, the Government of Pakistan established the Thal Development Authority
(TDA) in 1949 with the objective of transforming large parts of Thal desert (measuring around 2.6
million ha) into agriculturally productive land.
34. During the consultative meetings, the participants acknowledged the importance of
education, and included it in priority needs of the village. Although people realise the importance of
education of their daughters, but they cannot manage it because of economic and cultural reasons as
well as difficult access to girls school in the area.
35. The major source of income for the people in the project area are agriculture (65%) and daily-
wage labour (30%). The remaining (5%) are engaged in miscellaneous employment, including
government and private jobs. The economically better-off families mostly belong to the agriculture
sector.
36. Livestock is the backbone of agricultural society and the third main source of income in the
project area. About 80 percent households own livestock having 1-3 animals per household with cow,
sheep and goat as the most common animals. Animal feed is available in the shape of green and dry
fodder. Some villages have community-owned (shamelaat) land, which is used as grazing land for their
farm animals. The rakhs (protected areas managed by FWFD) are being used as grazing lands for
livestock.
37. The groundwater from shallow wells across Thal area is of good quality and suitable for
drinking. The source of drinking water is ravine and small nullahs. Beside this, surface-wells and tube-
wells are also the source of drinking water for humans and livestock.
7 GTCIIP EIA Report, 2020.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
17
38. The agriculture at Thal is irrigated by canal, tube-wells and rain-fed. Major rabi and kharif
crops are:
• Rabi crops: Wheat, Barley, Vegetables, Gram, Fodder.
• Kharif crops: Fruits, Melons, Vegetables, Potato, Fodder, Onion
39. Despite the fact that Thal is an area in which no hunting should occur, it is a fact that poaching
does happen occasionally both of mammals, particularly hare, and birds, i.e., common quail, see-see,
houbara (rare) and waterfowls.
40. The education and health facilities in the area are far below the desired level. Education
disparity among population (male and female) and level of education is high. As a whole, around one-
third of the population (both male and female) has got schooling up to primary level, around 15% up
to middle and around 5% up the matriculation level. Around 45% of the population is illiterate.
41. Government hospitals are located in the main towns only, like Mankera, Choubara and
Noorpur, Basic Health Units (BHUs) are available at the Union Councils level, while antenatal services
are provided through Lady Health Visitors (LHVs). In parallel, hakeems provide traditional medicines
in the rural areas. In order to consult specialist physicians or surgeons, people have to visit the District
Headquarters Hospitals (DHQs) or private clinics in the cities.
42. The projects area is connected with the national grid and electricity is extended up to small
villages. Large villages and towns are connected through roads and transportation means.
43. Average per capita income is not sufficient to support the livelihoods. The variation in
employment opportunities at local level, nearby inland cities and abroad are the determinants of
income variation. All members of the family (male, female, young and old) act as labour (both on-farm
and off-farm) for various operations related to agriculture and livestock. The land-less people, or those
having unproductive land, seek employment in other areas or other farms or work as non-agricultural
labour for daily earnings. Sometimes daily earnings are part-time in nature. Otherwise, most of the
people are either self-employed or unemployed.
2.3. Landcover and Habitats
2.3.1. Sand Dunes
44. The Thal desert is chiefly characterised by its sand dunes, wind cyclones, abundant sunshine
and common drought prevalence. Underground water is usually brackish, unsuitable for drinking and
irrigation purposes. There is rampant occurrence of torrential, unpredictable and erratic rainfalls in
monsoon leaving no chance of infiltration of water for storage. Weather extremes have diminished
the vegetation cover over the sandy soil. Hill torrents, flood havoc and torrential rainfall have massively
devastated sandy soil. Wind cyclones have further augmented the erosion process. Organic matter in
soil is gradually diminishing, as is the micro flora and fauna. There is little vegetation evidenced and
the area is home to reptiles, mammals and birds. Human settlements occupy smaller areas of the
Greater Thal Sand Dune habitat and settlements are very scattered. The plant species include trees
like Jand (Prosopis cineraria), Wan (Salvadora oleoides), Karir (Capparis aphylla), Farash (Tamarix
aphylla), Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana), bushes and shrubs like Phog (Caligonum polygonoidies), Ak
(Calotropis procera), and various grasses. Gazelle antelope (Chinkara) thrived in Thal desert but now
is near extinction. However, this habitat is home to reptiles, small mammals and birds.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
18
Map 2: Landcover in GTCIIP area
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
19
2.3.2. Agricultural Land
45. Some land area (farms) within the project area of MC, MBC and CBC (area not developed)
are being irrigated by groundwater that is being extracted by tube wells. These areas have high
greenery and high agricultural productivity compared to rainfed sandy lands. People have reasonable
to good livelihoods compared to those of the non-irrigated areas. The irrigated areas (irrigated
agriculture) host more wildlife than the sand dunes and sandy soil areas in the project area. The quality
of the groundwater varies from good within the MBC command area with groundwater aquifers of
both good quality and brackish water in the CBC command area. The expansion of human activities
in these areas in the form of agriculture, construction of infrastructure and expansion of populated
areas had negative impacts on the wildlife of the area. The main crop of Thal desert is gram (channa)
and its cultivation has been extended even to sand dunes. Among other crops are bajra, gawar, fodder
crops etc. Some areas of Thal desert are also affected by waterlogging due to seepage from Greater
Thal Canal. As the natural vegetation has been cleared to expand and combine agricultural plots, and
to develop infrastructure, the natural habitats have been disturbed and connectivity between the
remaining habitats has been disrupted. As a consequence, much of the native fauna has retreated to
areas which are less disturbed and less accessible to humans. Only those species, which have adapted
to this modified habitat, exist in the area and the species, such as wild boar, hare, jackal, porcupine
and fox, are rarely seen in the project area and its surroundings. Tamarix and Eucalyptus tree
plantations are quite common on irrigated lands and main source of their income. Linear plantations
also prevent crops and deposition of sand on to the farms from windblown sand.
2.3.3. Protected Areas
2.3.3.1. Protected Rangelands (Rakhs)
46. Rakhs are protected rangelands managed by the Range Management Division, Bhakkar of the
FWFD. These lands are classified as ‘wastelands’ as per record of the Revenue Department. These
areas are highly rich in biodiversity as compared to other habitat types of the project area due to less
human activities, controlled grazing and strict restrictions on hunting of wildlife. The FWFD staff are
stationed in these areas, and because of the FWFD’s rangeland management, fair to good vegetation
cover is maintained. More details are given in Chapter 6.
47. Majority of the inhabitants in these rakhs are pastoral. Livestock grazing is allowed under
permit and rotational grazing is practiced in order to improve and maintain good rangeland
conditions. Grazing fee is applied which depends upon the animal size. These grazing lands, wholly
or partially, support most of the livestock population of the area which produces beef, mutton, hides,
skins, wool, manure and other products for local consumption and export. The rangelands have largely
been depleted due to overuse. Some of the key range sites need special protection measures to
improve their ecological health. To improve range health, such areas need to be reseeded and
protected from grazing of herbivores.
2.3.3.2. Thal Game Reserve
48. In 1978, the Government of the Punjab notified an area of 713.06 km² of Thal Desert as a
game reserve under the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management)
Act, 1974. Geographically, it includes all the rakh areas mentioned above as well as almost the entire
project area (Map 3). The Thal Game Reserve is listed in the World Database on Protected Areas
(WDPA) with ID 10644; however, it is not reported under any of the IUCN Management Category.
Despite being under the administrative control of the FWFD, it neither have a management plan nor
a dedicated management authority; hence, the management of the game reserve is sub-optimal. The
designation of the area as a game reserve mainly serves the purpose of controlled hunting of houbara
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
20
bustard and other wildlife by the permit holders. It does not put any restrictions, other than hunting
of the wildlife, on construction of infrastructure or development of land.
Map 3: Thal Game Reserve vis-à-vis the project area
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
21
2.3.4. Habitat Change
49. The expansion of human activities in the area in the form of large scale agriculture,
construction of linear infrastructure and expansion of populated areas has had negative impacts on
habitats and wildlife of the area. As the natural vegetation has been cleared to enlarge and combine
agricultural plots, to establish/expand settlements, and to develop infrastructure, the natural habitats
have been lost and connectivity between the remaining habitats has been disrupted. As a
consequence, much of the native flora and fauna has retreated to areas which are less disturbed and
less accessible to humans. Only those species, which have adapted to this modified habitat, exist in
the area; and species such as wild boar, hare, jackal, porcupine and fox are rarely seen in the rakhs
and their surroundings.
50. The proposed GTCIIP canals will traverse through the areas of some rakhs, partially or fully.
Therefore, floral and faunal set-up of these rakhs are bound to be disturbed. Resting and breeding
places of all faunal species will be affected at least to some extent. Availability of irrigational water for
agricultural option will lead to transformation of unproductive to productive land and rangeland into
cropland. These risks need to be kept in mind for their alternate management options.
51. However, with appropriate management planning (of which this BAP is an integral part along
with the Environmental Management Plan), and eco-friendly implementation of GTCIIP allocating
sufficient human, technical and financial resources can accrue long-lasting benefits for biodiversity of
the area. It may result in improvement of degraded habitats and reversal of species extinction.
2.4. Criteria for Selection of an Ecologically Representative Site
52. Ratcliffe (1977)8 developed criteria for the selection of an ecologically representative site for
promoting conservation and protection. Following guidelines are derived from the criteria in order to
describe the Thal region under discussion.
2.4.1. Size
53. The overall size of any given site is very important, generally the larger the area of habitat the
more viable it is. However, It totally depends on the different sizes and points within each habitat. The
vast expanse of the Thal Desert is located between the Jhelum and Indus rivers near the Pothohar
Plateau, with a total length from north to south 190 miles, and a maximum breadth of 70 miles (110
km) and minimum breadth 20 miles. The desert covers the districts of Bhakkar, Khushab, Mianwali,
Layyah, Muzaffargarh as well as Jhang, from the left bank of the river Jhelum. Different habitats
hosting a range of biodiversity exist within such a large extent of the land, located in the Thal region.
2.4.2. Diversity
54. The Species diversity of the Thal area is relatively high due to the large variety of habitats
including desert, rakhs area, cultivated lands, riverine habitat and rural settlements. The highest
number of species is found at the cultivated lands and the rakhs along the desert. The major groups
among these are the larks, wheatears, babblers, sparrows, bulbuls, doves, herons, egrets, lapwings,
king fishers, francolins and Shikra, etc. Many other species including birds of prey, insect eating birds
such as Bee-eaters, Hoopoes, and seed eaters such as Pigeons and Doves, and birds with a more
varied diet such as White-eared Bulbuls, Sparrows, Raven and Shrikes. The fields with ripening grains
such as millet attract many seed eating birds including rock pigeons, doves, sparrows and others.
8 Ratcliffe, D.A. (1977). A Nature Conservation Review: Volume 1: The Selection of Biological Sites of National Importance
to Nature Conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-21159-X.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
22
55. In general, the greater the diversity within the site, the better it is for wildlife. Some specific
features exist within the Thal region that includes riverine tract, desert region, natural forests (rakhs),
cultivated areas and uncultivated areas, and others. These diverse habitats are important for a wide
range of biodiversity. These create excellent edge effects, which enhance the potential of a rich
species diversity, which originates from all these mentioned habitats. This diversity of species and
habitat maintains the ecosystem healthy and ensures relationship of birds, insects and plants;
predator-prey interaction and the provision of variety of other ecosystem services.
2.4.3. Naturalness
56. This criterion is difficult to assess in any specific landscape. The sites, which are formed and
or maintained by largely natural processes, are more important than the modified ones or the artificial
habitats. The problem is that most of the Thal region has been influenced by human activity to a great
extent now during the last five years or so and have started converting large desert areas into
agricultural lands by installing irrigation/solar tube wells. They have started moving away from
traditional gram cultivation to other high value agriculture crops. However, still large tracts of deserts,
riverine tract and natural rakhs are available in the region, which are pristine to a great extent. Species
composition in an area also reflects its naturalness.
57. Recently exotic species have also been planted by the communities within these areas and
hence have helped in modification of the habitats. Desert vegetation, riverine vegetation and other
native trees planted in different zones contribute more towards naturalness than where these typical
species are poorly represented. The natural floral species found in the irrigated areas include Gaz or
Frash (Tamarix aphylla), Khaddar or Elephant Grass (Typha elephantina), Sarkanda or Bengal Cane
(Saccharum munja), Kai/Kans or Wild Sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum), Kikar or Prickly Acacia
(Acacia nilotica indica), Shisham or Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), Ber (Zizyphus nummilaria),
Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), Jand (Prosopis cineraria), Khabbal or Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon),
and Bhan or Euphrates Poplar (Populus euphratica).
2.4.4. Rarity
58. This includes the rare habitats and rare species and can be considered part of the guidelines
for the selection of suitable sites. Introduced species and artificially created habitats are not included
as part of the Rarity guidelines but it says that if the rare species have become well established over
a considerable period of time, then these may be considered. This is not the case in the Thal region.
However, the region offers habitat to a rare species, which is Houbara bustard. This species has a
specific habitat requirement within the desert ecosystem and is categorised as Vulnerable (VU). A
range of other species does exist in the region but these are in abundance and the populations are
categorised as Least Concern according to IUCN Red List, except the Chinkara, which has been
reported extinct locally for almost four decades. Chinkara needs to be brought back to its natural
habitat, which will definitely further enhance the conservation value of the region.
2.4.5. Fragility
59. This is recognised as the degree of sensitivity of habitats, communities and species to
environmental change. Climate Change has a significant impact on Pakistan’s biodiversity, as small
mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and birds are largely affected due to this, e.g., habitat features
change which impacts on their breeding biology, behaviour, growth patterns and their local migration
patterns. Pakistan has been on the top ten most affected countries due to climate change and this
has already impacted the pristine habitats of different wildlife species. In addition, anthropogenic
influence such as encroachment and modification in the habitats of wild animals has further
aggravated the situation in the Thal region.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
23
2.4.6. Typicality
60. The typicality is described as “typical habitats with characteristic species assemblages are
important in their own right, and that an absence of rare species should not cause a habitat to be
dismissed”. The desert ecosystem of the Thal region is a typical example where relatively low
weightage is given to the rare species, concentrating on the characteristic components of each habitat
category especially the desert ecosystem. It means that if Chinkara is not present or extinct from the
area, one cannot undermine the important ecological role the desert habitat play in hosting rare
species. Similarly, the population of Houbara bustard in the Thal area is totally dependent on the rare
habitat requirements but if the species is hunted or influenced heavily due to human interventions,
the habitat features and characteristics are still there and are equally important for the species to
come back or for reintroduction. In this case, the presence of one species or habitat does not affect
the grade that is given to a particular area.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
24
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
25
3. FLORAL MANAGEMENT
61. All the Tehsils of project area are almost barren and consists of some natural vegetation and
sand dunes however, the Mankera and Choubara Tehsils are surrounded by nearby ‘rakhs’ or
Rangeland under the control of Forest Department of the Government of Punjab, which is located in
Bhakkar and Layyah districts. The gross area of these rakhs under Range Management Division
Bhakkar of Forest Department is 140,577 acres and the economy of the areas is mainly pastoral. The
rangelands have largely been depleted due to overuse due to which the carrying capacity of grazing
areas has been drastically reduced. The unsustainable use of the barani or rainfed lands and ever
expanding human population and their dependence has exhausted and resource further adds to the
deterioration process.
3.1. Natural Flora
62. The vegetation is mainly comprised of xeromorphic species, which are adapted to a variety
of environmental stresses, particularly to extreme aridity, high salinity, high temperature and low
nutrient availability (Naz et al., 2010). However, soil topography, composition and other physio-
chemical characteristics play an important role in the distribution of plant species and community
structure. The natural flora of the project area can be divided into two zones: that occupying the canal
water receiving areas, and that occupying the higher surrounding sand dune areas having sand dunes.
The natural floral species found in the irrigated areas include Gaz or Frash (Tamarix aphylla), Khaddar
or Elephant Grass (Typha elephantina), Sarkanda or Bengal Cane (Saccharum munja), Kai/Kans or Wild
Sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum), Kikar or Prickly Acacia (Acacia nilotica indica), Shisham or Indian
Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), Ber (Zizyphus nummilaria), Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), Jand (Prosopis
cineraria), Khabbal or Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon), and Bhan or Euphrates Poplar (Populus
euphratica).
63. The natural floral species found in areas outside the canal tract include Jandi or Chhenkur
(Prosopis cineraria), Karir (Capparis aphyla), Vann (Salvadora oleoides), Peeloo (Salvadora persica),
Kikar (Acacia nilotica indica), Kikar (Acacia Senegal) Lana or Bush Seepweed (Suaeda fructicosa), Lani
(Salsola foetida), and Khabbal or Bermuda grass (Cynodon doctylon). Detail of natural flora are
provided in the GTCIIP Baseline Ecological Survey Report.9
64. The alien species Prosopis juliflora and Prosopis glandulosa (Mesquite) were found invading
most of the localities in the Project Area. This is a serious threat for the native vegetation of the area,
as these species may out compete and replace the natural indigenous flora in near future, as has
already happened in many other parts of Pakistan.
3.2. Scientific Research
65. Thal has sandy soil with sand dunes and patches of wild vegetation in interdunal and low-lying
areas. Sand dunes are used for Chickpeas cultivation. Houbara arrives in Thal after mid-November,
stays there and enjoys the chickpeas crop. Most of Thal is characteristic wild vegetation. Prominent
species of wild vegetation include: Kikar (Acacia nilotica, A. Jacquemontii), Jand (Prosopis cineraria),
Frash (Tamarix aphylla) and Ber (Zizyphus jujuba) among trees, Phog (Calligonum polygonoides), Lana
(Haloxylon salicornicum), Khar (Haloxylon recurvum), Ak (Calotropis procera), Karir (Capparis spp.)
among shrubs, and different species of grasses. Cultivated mustard, chickpea and pulses are special
attraction for Houbara.
9 GTCIIP Baseline Ecological Survey: Consolidated Report, 2020.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
26
66. Many scientists like Ilyas et al., (2013), Qureshi et al., (2011a & 2011b), Yalcin et al., (2011),
Fazal et al., (2010), Qureshi & Bhatti (2010), Saima et al., (2009, 2010), Nazar et al., (2008), Qureshi
(2008), Bhatti et al., (1999) have contributed comprehensive checklists to the local floras that provide
baseline for further studies. Monsi & Khan (1960) reported the natural vegetation of few sites of Thal
Desert. Their work serves as baseline information about the vegetation of the study area, which helps
further ecological investigations and conservation measures.
3.3. Protection of Flora
3.3.1. Habitat Management
67. Each animal species on the rakhs has its own peculiar habitat preferences. Inadequate
protection against poaching and habitat loss in the rakhs have rendered a large tract of habitat
unavailable to wildlife. This area remained subject to a heavy onslaught by the locals for the fuel wood
and livestock grazing. Mostly the vegetation cover is highly degraded. For the purposes of proposals
made for the Biodiversity Action Plan, specific habitat management recommendations will focus on
the Houbara Bustard, which is the key species in the rakhs. Habitat use by Houbara in rakhs is
principally limited due to inadequate protection against poaching and habitat loss in most of the rakhs
and scarcity of drinking water. This does not necessarily imply that the recommendations will not apply
to other species. In fact, it could be argued that the Houbara may be regarded as an umbrella species
- habitat management that favours the survival of the Houbara is most likely to positively affect
fortunes of a whole range of other wildlife.
3.3.2. Carrying Capacity
68. The main profession of the local communities (at household level, whether owner of
land/livestock or not) is grazing of livestock. The system of grazing the animals is based on rotational
grazing and permits (issued by the Range Management officials by receiving grazing fee according to
animal size) with the target of keeping rangeland’s health in fair to good conditions. These rangelands
are cause of variety of products like beef, mutton, hides, skins, wool, manure and others for local
consumption and export by dint of providing forage to the livestock. Grazing permission, excessively
more than carrying capacity, has introduced large-scale retrogression. Again, these are the local
communities, who can revert the retrogression into progression, if they are convinced, trained, and
involved in major operation of reseeding, replanting, and optimum grazing.
69. All the habitats identified in rakhs include a considerable range of plant species used as food
by Houbara. The carrying capacity of a given habitat refers to the number of animals it can sustain on
a year-round basis without accruing any adverse ecological impact. Animal populations and habitat
productivity are naturally inter-related and control each other in a cyclic manner. When the animal
populations exceed a certain threshold, the habitat starts deteriorating with a resultant decline in the
animal population. When the animal population reaches a certain minimum threshold the habitat
productivity starts increasing, creating conditions for a corresponding increase in animal populations.
This natural process repeats itself periodically and is a characteristic of the environment of rakhs.
70. Fluctuations in carrying capacity require either the implementation of habitat improvement
practices or the adjusting of the number of animals according to the estimated carrying capacity.
Neither of these practices are acceptable on a protected area. It is, however, recommended that
during the implementation phase of the BAP, research studies on these aspects be conducted by
experts so that enough scientific information is accumulated for future requirements.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
27
3.3.3. Suitability of Habitat
71. This is a long-term initiative that integrates the habitat requirements of key species to
construct a habitat suitability index model. The latter is a most useful tool for any progressive wildlife
management plan. Studies of individual species should take into account the need to accumulate data
on a common basis with other investigations. The use of GPS receivers and storage of data in a GIS
are useful adjuncts to such a process.
3.3.4. Re-Introduction of Species
72. Historically rakhs were also inhabited by Chinkara . This species, however, became extinct few
decades ago. The possible causes of the extinction of Chinkara are not well documented but the most
commonly advocated reason is given as illegal hunting. However, the condition of Chinkara habitat
should be reassessed after three years and the effectiveness of protection should be reviewed on the
basis of the observations made.
3.3.5. Invasive Species of Range Vegetation
73. The alien species Prosopis juliflora and Prospis glandulosa (Mesquite) were found invading
most of the localities in the Project Area. This is a serious threat for the native vegetation of the area,
as these species may out compete and replace the natural indigenous flora in near future, as has
already happened in many other parts of Pakistan.
3.3.6. Control of Feral, Exotic and Invasive Species
74. Several exotic species of plants such as Eucalyptus and Mesquite have mistakenly been
introduced into the rakhs in the past. First, the practice of planting exotic species should be actively
discouraged because it is against the basic principles of protected area management. Secondly, a
programme for the removal of exotic biota should be introduced, concentrating initially on the more
invasive species. No feral domestic animals like dogs or cats should be tolerated and a programme
from their systematic eradication should be introduced.
3.3.7. Introduction of Improved Peripheral Rangeland Management Practices
75. Range management and range improvement practices should be adopted for the rangelands
on the periphery of the rakhs as an incentive for local communities. These initiatives should involve
enhancement through grazing management, reseeding, soil and water conservation techniques, etc.
As the magnitude of this intervention cannot be assessed at this stage because it is largely dependent
on custodian community participation, the BAP should provide a lump sum amount for this purpose.
3.3.8. Complete Exclusion of Domestic Livestock From the Rakhs
76. Livestock grazing in the rakhs should normally be prohibited on the understanding that
livestock compete with wildlife for the food resources of the habitat. An important consideration that
is likely to be overlooked is that livestock may transmit diseases to the wildlife species. The likelihood
of transmission of diseases from livestock to wildlife warrants the complete exclusion of livestock from
the rakhs.
3.3.9. Precautions Against Accidental Grassland Fires
77. The grasslands are inherently susceptible to fire. Although grass fires are a natural
phenomenon, it is important that artificially set fires be limited to an absolute minimum. The risk of
accidental fires may be expected to increase with the influx of additional visitors. It is therefore
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
28
recommended that the FWFD staff be trained in firefighting techniques, that adequate fire-breaks be
prepared, and that rakhs acquires proper firefighting equipment.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
29
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
30
4. FAUNA MANAGEMENT
4.1. Avifauna
78. Avifauna is a significant part of the ecosystem playing different roles as predators,10
pollinators,11 scavengers12 and bio-indicators of different kind of environmental monitoring13,14
ecosystem engineering15 and cultural and economic uses16. Birds are the most important component
of any living system and play a key role in the interlocking web of nature. They are the biological
indicators and the ecological pyramid of an ecosystem. They are also indicators of the health of our
planet, a sort of “ecological litmus paper”. Because of their furious pace of living, they reflect changes
in the environment. If they are removed, the balance of nature would be drastically upset. At one end,
they prey upon insects and other invertebrates thus regulating the population of these animals and
on the other hand, are also a major source of food for other carnivore and omnivore species (birds
and mammals including humans). Their position in the ecological niche is so vulnerable that the
survival and collapse of the whole energy cycle depends upon the presence and absence of birds.
Birds are also important component of most wetland ecosystems since they play an important role in
the control of agricultural pests, whilst some species are considered pests of certain crops. They are
also the most visible of animals usually observed around wetland, making them a potential people-
puller for eco-tourism.
79. Birds are also important link in the food chain and food web. Large number of birds is
voracious feeder of a great variety of insects and thus, they constitute one of the most effective natural
checks upon insect numbers. If insect population remains unchecked in a biological system the extent
of damage is hard to estimate. Hoopoes, mynas, crows, bulbuls, flycatchers, wagtails, pipits,
accentors, redstarts chats, warblers and sparrows are well known destroyer of insects. The chemicals
used as weedicides, insecticides, rodenticides and pesticides accumulate in the bodies of insects,
which are taken by smaller birds like house sparrow, common mynas and larks, which are then eaten
by birds of prey. In this way analysis of the bodies of larger birds of prey depicts the overall health of
the food chain. Birds of prey, kites, buzzards, owls and shikra play an important role in minimizing the
population of rodent pests (rats and mice) and are used as Biological control agents. They also
perform ‘Sanitation effect’ in the ecosystems i.e. they generally predate on the sick and weaker
individuals thus making the prey populations stronger and healthier.
4.1.1. Avian Diversity
80. Five new species were recorded during the second ecological survey conducted in August
2020 whereas the remaining 91 species were the same which were observed during the previous
survey conducted on October 2019. They are 0.75% (n=05) of all the (n=668) resident and migratory
bird species reported in Roberts 1991; 1992. Of total five observed bird species, (n=02) is summer
10 Brown, J. S. and Kotler, B. P. (2004). Hazardous duty pay and the foraging cost of predation. Ecology Letters, 7(10), 999-
1014.
11 Proctor, M., Yeo, P. and Lack, A. (1996). The natural history of pollination. Timber Press Portland Google Scholar.
12 Pain, D.J., Cunningham, A.A., Donald, P.F., Duckworth, J.W., Houston, D.C., Katzner, T., Parry-Jones, J., Poole, C.,
Prakash, V., Round, P. and Timmins, R. (2003). Causes and effects of temporospatial declines of Gyps vultures in Asia.
Conserv. Biol.17(3), 661–671.
13 Eriksson, M. O. (1987). Some effects of freshwater acidification on birds in Sweden. The Value of Birds, 183-90.
14 Bryce, S. A., Hughes, R. M. and Kaufmann, P. R. (2002). Development of a bird integrity index: using bird assemblages as
indicators of riparian condition. Environmental Management, 30(2), 294-310.
15 Sekercioglu, C. H. (2006). Increasing awareness of avian ecological function. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 21(8), 464-471.
16 Diamond, A. W. and Filion, F. L. Eds. (1987). The Value of Birds. ICBP Technical Publication 6. Cambridge: International
Council for Bird Preservation.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
31
breeder and resident, (n=01) winter visitor and summer breeder, while (n=02) is year round resident
in the country. All these five species are insectivorous in food habits and commonly found in the area
and also included as least concern in the IUCN red list criterion (2019.2). The threatened avian species
are given in Table 3 while detailed data on avifauna found in the project area is available in GTCIIP
Ecological Survey Report (2020).17
Table 3: Threatened avifauna species
Common Name Scientific Name Occurrence in Country Red List Criteria
Tawny eagle Aquila rapax Resident VU
Asian houbara bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii Winter visitors VU
Saker falcon Falco cherrug Winter visitor EN
Laggar falcon Falco jugger Resident NT
Source: GTCIIP Baseline Ecological Survey: Consolidated Report, 2020.
Notes: EN = Endangered, NT = Near Threatened, VU = Vulnerable.
81. Apart from these, a total of 91 species of resident and migratory birds were observed during
the study survey October 2019. They are 13.62% (n=91) of all the (n=668) resident and migratory bird
species reported in Roberts 1991; 1992. Of total 91 observed bird species, 71.43% (n=45) are
resident, 10.99% (n=10) winter visitor, 8.79% (n=08) winter visitor and summer breeder, 3.29% (n=03)
passage migrants and irregular year round visitors, 3. 29 % (n=03) summer breeders, passage migrants
and regular year round visitors, 1.09% (n=01) summer breeders and 1.09% (n=01) winter visitors
passage migrants and year round visitors in the country. Regarding the feeding habits, of the total 91
bird species, 35.16% (n=32) are insectivorous, 34.09% (n=31) are carnivorous, 17.58% (n=16) are
omnivorous, 9.89% (n=) are omnivorous and 3.30% (n=03) are fructivorous. Concerning the status of
species derived from Roberts (1991; 02), of the total 91 species, 43.96% (n=40) are common, 32.97%
(n=30) are abundant, 13.18% (n=12) are frequent, 5.49% (n=05) are scarce, 3.30% (n=03) are very
abundant and 1.09% (n=01) are rare. According to the global IUCN (2019.2) Red List criteria, of total
91 bird species, 95.60% (n=87) are Least Concern, 1.09% (n=01) are Endangered, 2.20% (n=02) are
vulnerable and1.09% (n=01) are Near-Threatened. Similarly, of the total 91 species, 41.76% (n=38)
are the species of which global population trend is stable, 28.57% (n=26) are species of which
population trend is decreasing, 20.88% (n=19) are of which population trend is increasing 8.79%
(n=08) are the species of which the population trend is unknown.
4.1.2. Houbara Bustard: A Special Case
82. The global population of Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii) was estimated at 78,960
- 97,000 individuals in 2014. It must be emphasised, however, that accurately establishing the global
population is extremely challenging, and this figure should be treated as a tentative ‘best possible
estimate’. The population is expected to fall within 50,000 - 99,999 individuals, which is assumed to
equate to ca. 33,000 - 67,000 mature individuals. The population is regarded as declining by 30-49%
over a three-generation (20-year) window, stretching from the past into the future. Overexploitation
remains the foremost threat to the species, primarily as a result of unsustainable levels of hunting and
poaching.18
17 GTCIIP Baseline Ecological Survey: Consolidated Report, 2020.
18 BirdLife International. 2017. Chlamydotis macqueenii (amended version of assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species 2017:e.T22733562A118585210. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22733562A118585210.en.
Downloaded on 01 February 2018.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
32
4.1.2.1. Conservation Status
83. Chlamydotis macqueenii, commonly known as the Asian Houbara bustard (hereafter
‘Houbara’), is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. It is also listed in
Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) and Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(CMS), pertaining to species that are vulnerable to hunting and poaching. Appendix I of CITES lists
those wildlife species that are threatened with extinction and prohibits their international trade in any
form. CITES allows limited non-commercial trade of Appendix I listed species under exceptional
circumstances such as for scientific research. In these exceptional cases, trade may take place
provided it is authorised by the granting of both import and export permits. Appendix II of the CMS
lists those migratory species that have an unfavourable conservation status and that require
international agreements to ensure their conservation and management. Pakistan is a signatory/ party
to both aforementioned international conventions.
4.1.2.2. Distribution
84. The contemporary range of Houbara extends from Egypt east of the Nile through Israel,
Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, U.A.E., Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Syria, Iraq, Iran,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan,
Russia and Mongolia to China, with unconfirmed reports from Azerbaijan and Turkey. Disjointed and
highly fragmented resident populations exist across the Middle East into Pakistan, most notably in
Iran, Egypt and Israel. Northern populations are migratory and winter in southern areas. Those from
western Kazakhstan mainly winter around the Iraq-Iran border, while those from central and eastern
Kazakhstan winter in Afghanistan, Balochistan in Pakistan, and a few reaching Thar Desert and
southern Iran as well. Wintering grounds for Chinese Houbara bustard populations are on the eastern
edge of Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan and in Cholistan.
4.1.2.3. Global Population and Trend
85. The global population of Houbara has been estimated to be between 78,960 and 97,000
individuals in 2014. It must be emphasised, however, that accurately establishing the global
population is extremely challenging, and this figure should be treated as a tentative ‘best estimate’.
The population is therefore expected to fall within the population band for 50,000 - 99,999 individuals,
which is assumed to equate to ca. 33,000 - 67,000 mature individuals. The population is estimated
and projected to be declining by 30-49% over a three-generation (20-year) window, stretching from
the past into the future. Overexploitation remains the foremost threat to the species, primarily as a
result of unsustainable levels of hunting and poaching. The wintering population in Punjab has been
estimated at 4,854–6,270 individuals, and it is possible that the total population in Pakistan exceeds
25,000. Return migration begins in early February, and by the second week of March the majority of
migrants have departed the country. A small and declining resident population persists in western
Baluchistan, mainly in the Chagai and Kharan districts. This population is believed to have declined
significantly since the 1980s and fewer than 100 individuals may remain.
4.1.2.4. Habitat
86. Wintering birds reach Pakistan via Afghanistan, arriving from the second half of September
through to the end of the year, with a peak from mid-October to mid-November. The wintering range
extends across most of Balochistan, Sindh and southern and western Punjab. The individuals wintering
in western Balochistan typically originate from central Kazakhstan, whilst those wintering further east
in Punjab’s Cholistan Desert tend to come from the Mongolian Plateau.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
33
87. A research was carried out to assess the existing population of Houbara in the eastern
Baluchistan province of Pakistan, in January and February of 2013 and 2014. It was found out that
maximum numbers of Houbaras were observed near shrubs and grasses viz 57% and 40%. This was
followed by barren lands (26% & 40%), water bodies (14% & 11%) and rocks/mountains (3% & 9%)
respectively in the year 2013 and 2014. The Pearson’s correlation co-efficient (r=0.8292) shows a
strong correlation, which means that Houbara prefers vegetation grounds (shrubs & grasses) within
its natural habitat.
4.1.2.5. Biology
4.1.2.5.1. Taxonomic status
88. Taxonomists recognise three subspecies of Houbara: C. u. macqueenii in the deserts of Russia,
Asia and the Middle East; C. u. undulata in North Africa; and C. u. fuertaventurae in the eastern Canary
Islands (Collar and Goriup, 1983).
4.1.2.5.2. Breeding
89. Like other bustards, this species has a flamboyant display raising the white feathers of the
head and neck and withdrawing the head. Two to four eggs are laid on the ground. It hardly uses its
voice. Both sexes tend to be solitary during the breeding season and only come together for mating.
The males are probably polygynous and do not take part in rearing the young (Collins 1984). Courtship
takes place in December–March and consists of the male ruffling his head and neck feathers while
moving over a distance of about 100–200 m in a straight line or circle. The female lays two or three
eggs between February and April in a small scrape she makes on the ground. The chicks are nidifugous
and follow the female after hatching
4.1.2.5.3. Feed
90. This species is omnivorous, taking seeds, insects and other small creatures.
4.1.2.6. Threats and Issues
• Increase in human population
• Developing infrastructures
• Habitat loss in critical areas
• Disturbance and habitat change due to tourism
• Abandonment of traditional agriculture
• Overgrazing
• Illegal hunting
• Desertification and climatic factors
4.1.2.7. Recommendations
91. Keeping in view the vulnerable IUCN Red List status of the Houbara and threats faced by the
species in its entire range in general and in Pakistan in particular, WWF-Pakistan proposes the
following steps to maintain the population:
i. Population surveys following standard census protocols must be conducted on an annual basis
with the involvement of relevant stakeholders to determine the population status and trends
of the species in the country. The survey results should be published in peer-reviewed journals
to establish the reliability of the data.
ii. Controlled hunting of the Houbara should only be allowed and a bag limit should only be
determined once the information is available as mentioned in Section 4.1.2.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
34
iii. The Foreign Office (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) should seek guidance from the Ministry of
Climate Change (national CITES management authority) before issuing hunting permits to
foreign dignitaries to ensure compliance with the Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and
Flora Act 2012 and provincial wildlife legislation.
iv. Strict measures should be taken to control poaching, hunting and destruction of the /Houbara
habitat with the involvement of communities.
v. The breeding populations of Houbaras in Pakistan should be efficiently protected.
vi. The Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department should create additional positions for staff, specific
for management and implementation of the Houbara bustard action plan.
vii. Training and capacity building of relevant stakeholders and awareness campaigns about the
conservation of the Houbara should be carried out.
viii. Construction of the canal and distributaries from the GTC and development of agricultural
lands in the area will take two or three decades further. Meanwhile, there is time to do
legislations to specify the area as habitat for Houbara Bustard, as a Game Reserve.
ix. The existing wildlife laws will be improved and enforced through the Punjab Wildlife and Parks
Department.
4.2. Mammals
92. In the irrigated and rainfed sand dunes, it is observed that Asiatic jackal, Red fox, Jungle cat,
Indian porcupine, and hare are commonly found in the project area with good population status.
Monitor lizard is also found in this region. However, other prominent large mammal species including
Chinkara were absent from the area.
93. During FGDs especially with the old aged local hunters, they claimed that Chinkara was found
in abundance in the area and were available in the area till 1980’s. Due to over exploitation of wildlife
through unrestricted and illegal hunting, habitat loss and increase in human population, Chinkara has
vanished from the area.
94. None of the observed species from the project area is categorised as Endangered,
Threatened or Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List, but still these species play a vital role in
balancing the overall health of the desert ecosystem. The large mammals found in GTCIIP area are
mentioned in Table 4.
Table 4: List of large mammals in Thal
S. # Common Name Local Name Scientific Name IUCN Red List Status
1. Indian Porcupine Saye/ Kharpusht Hystrix indica Least Concern (LC)
2. Red Fox Loomarh Vulpes vulpes Least Concern (LC)
3. Hare Khargoosh Lepus nigricollis Least Concern (LC)
4. Jungle Cat Jangli billi Felis chaus Least Concern (LC) decreasing
5. Asiatic Jackal Geedarh Canis aureus Least Concern (LC) increasing
6. Chinkara Chinkara Gazella bennettii Population is Good; but Extinct
in Mankera tehsil, Bhakkar
4.3. Amphibians, Reptiles and Invertebrates
95. Diurnal and nocturnal surveys were conducted, and different observation methods were
employed in the field to determine the presence of amphibians and reptiles. During the October 2019
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
35
survey, 11 species of small mammals, two species of amphibian and 10 species of reptiles were
recorded from the project area, including Indian gerbil (Tatera indica), Sindh rice rat (Bandicota
bengalensis), house mouse (Mus musculus), house rat (Rattus rattus), house shrew (Suncus murinus)
and Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica). During the field visits, one freshly dead porcupine killed
by the people was also found on the road while small Indian mongoose and two palm squirrels
(Funambulus pennantii) were found on an Acacia tree. The results of the survey have been summarised
in a separate report. Most of the field activities were centred at crop land, canal bank and sand dunes
sites. This zone has great potential for biodiversity. Out of 11 small mammal species, seven were
granivore, one was herbivore while two species were insectivorous. Similarly, nine species of small
mammals were nocturnal and two were diurnal. Indian gerbil, field mouse, house rat, house shrew and
hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus) were observed in the project area while faecal material and spines
of porcupine were also observed. During the August 2020 survey, four new species of reptiles (Thal
mole skink, Smooth spectacled lacerta, White-spotted wolf snake and Desert monitor) were recorded
from the study area while black cobra was not spotted.
96. Of the species found during the ecological surveys, only Common river turtle (Hardella thurjii)
has vulnerable status on IUCN Red List. The detailed data on small mammals, amphibians and reptiles
found in the project area is available in GTCIIP Ecological Survey Report (2020).19 The most abundant
species found in the GTCIIP area are Tree lizard (19% dominance), Indus Valley toad, Blue tail sand
lizard and Bengal Monitor lizard (15% dominance). It indicates that the habitat and environment
condition is favourable for them to survive. Other dominant species included 3-toed sand swimmer
and Afghan Ground agama (5%), Bull frog and Chain sand boa (4%), and Brown river turtle and
Common river turtle (2%).
97. The common fish species reported in the area include Mahseer (Tormacrolepis), Khaga/Thaila
or Catla (Catla catla), Mori/Morakhi or Mrigal Carp (Cirrhinus mrigala), Gulfam or Common Carp
(Cyprinus carpio), Dahee/Kalbano or Orange Fin Labeo (Labeo calbasu), Raho, Rohu or Dumbra
(Labeo rohita), Singhari or Long-whiskered Catfish (Mystus Orteohugrw), Bachuwa or River Catfish
(Clupisoma garua), Mullee or Wallago Freshwater Shark (Wallago attu), Oereochrimis nIloticus
(Tilapia), Mystus bilikri, Oereochrimis aureus (Tilapia), Channa punctatus (Saul), Channa maurulius
(Saul), Mystus seenghala (seengharee), Punctius ticto, Punctius Sarana, Punctius sophor, Silver carp
(Hypolphthalimicthys moilitrix), Rita rita (Khaga) and Bagarius bagarius.
98. Fish populations are highly dependent upon the characteristics of their aquatic habitat which
supports their biological functions. The construction of a canals on a river can block or delay upstream
fish migration and thus contribute to the decline and even the extinction of species that depend on
longitudinal movements along the stream continuum during certain phases of their life cycle. The
building of a canals generally has a major impact on fish populations: migrations and other fish
movements can be stopped or delayed, the quality, quantity and accessibility of their habitat, which
plays an important role in population sustainability, can be affected. Changes in discharge regime or
water quality can also have indirect effects upon fish species and populations. Increased upstream
and downstream predation on migratory fish is also linked to dams/canals—fish migration being
delayed, and the population being concentrated due to the presence of the dam; hence, the habitat
becoming more favourable to certain predatory species. Water pollution, destruction or degradation
of habitat, and water-flow modification are among the major threats to freshwater biodiversity. The
canal will likely lead to increased water pollution (through construction works) and cause significant
alteration of habitat along its route. Further, destruction of habitats along the route will affect
populations of numerous species, possibly posing a risk to aquatic biodiversity in these areas.
19 GTCIIP Baseline Ecological Survey: Consolidated Report, 2020.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
36
4.4. Scientific Research
99. Riaz et. al., 2019 assessed the avian diversity of the Thal desert adjacent to Layyah and
Bhakkar riverine track and recorded the status of resident and migratory birds. The most abundant
species were House Crow Corvus splendens, House Sparrow Passer domesticus, Common Myna
Acridotheres tristis and Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Two species i.e. Houbara or McQueen's
Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii and Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus were recorded
rare. Potential threats to the avian diversity of the area are hunting, habitat loss, and pollution.20
Mahboob (2005) studied the avifauna of the Thal desert and Head Trimmu and reported 89 species
of birds belonging to 68 genera, 39 families and 15 orders. Among these 89 species, 29 avian species
were migratory and winter visitors, 4 summer breeder, 4 ordinary migrants and 52 were residents.
Maximum population of birds was recorded during December 2004 and January 2005 due to increase
in population of migratory and winter visitor birds i.e. waterfowl species. Illegal hunting, land leasing
to the farmers for cultivation, eutrophication of reservoir, livestock grazing, and vegetation
exploitation were recorded as the major threats to wild fauna of the study area.21
100. Another population assessment of Houbara bustard was carried out in 3 plots in the province
of Punjab (Pakistan) in November 2001. The total population of the Houbara Bustard was estimated
at about 4 746 birds with an overall density of 0.147 ±0.006/km². The number of birds in
Rajanpur/Rojhan was estimated at 685, in Thal at 672 and in Cholistan at 3 389.22 Similarly, another
study was conducted to estimate the population density of the Houbara Bustard in the Thal in 1999.
In Thal area, 48 transects were taken covering an area of 240 km2. The density was 0.166 birds/km2
and total population was estimated as 625 birds. The highest population was 0.198 birds/km2 in
Choubara (District Layyah), followed by 0.177 birds/km2 in Mankera (District Bhakkar) and 0.09
birds/km2 in Muzaffargarh. 40 Houbara (6+34 footprints) were recorded in 39 groups and the
maximum group size was two birds.23
4.5. Wildlife Management
101. The objectives of the management of wildlife in the rakhs are to indefinitely maintain viable
populations for scientific, ecological, natural, aesthetic, recreational, educational and economic
reasons. The management of Houbara as a key species will directly or indirectly cater for the
management of other associated species. The management of habitat will cover most of the
management requirements of many species. Presently, extraction of fuel wood from government
forests remains unchecked due to lack of staff and other physical resources. A shortage of training,
skills and physical resources also hinders both the provincial Forest and Wildlife Departments in
formulating management plans, monitoring biodiversity and implementing in-situ conservation
measures. Additionally, these departments lack the experience in integrating custodian communities
in Protected Areas management.
102. During the past few years, Thal has witnessed a considerable change in the cropping pattern.
The desert areas are being drastically converted from gram cultivation into high value agriculture
crops. This change in land use is significantly impacting the desert ecology. Intensive agriculture has
20 Riaz, M., Sidra, S., Ali, S. and Ali, Z. (2019). Assessment of avifaunal diversity in riverine and urban areas of Layyah along
the River Indus, Punjab-Pakistan. Ornithological Science, 18(2), 149-160.
21 Mahboob, S. (2009). Diversity of Avifauna of Trimmu Barrage, District Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of
Zoology, 41(1).
22 Nadeem M. S., Asif M., Maan M. A. 2004. Estimation of the Punjab (Pakistan) wintering population of the Houbara Bustard
Chlamydotis macqueenii. Acta Ornithol. 39: 75–78.
23 Nadeem, M. S., Maan, M. A., Mahmood, T. and Abbasi, A. I. (2005). Population estimates of Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis
undulata macqueenii in Punjab, Pakistan, November 1999. Ardeola, 52(1), 163-166.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
37
resulted in pesticides contamination in the area, causing habitat degradation and posing threats to
wildlife especially birds, small mammals and reptiles. Expansion of human population and their
encroachment into natural areas has further aggravated the situation.
103. The indiscriminate illegal hunting and wildlife trade, such as of Chinkara, has resulted in
serious decline in population of some species. Similarly, illegal hunting of Houbara bustard by the
local communities and poachers from outside and its trade within and outside the country had put
species in decline in the Thal region.
104. Local people lack awareness about the role the wildlife play in keeping the ecosystems healthy
and their contribution in our daily food chains. Except the Houbara bustard, which is in high demand
within and outside Pakistan, the local communities are not concerned about their conservation. Local
hunters also kill wild animals for sport hunting. The local population is afraid of lizards and snakes;
thus, kills every specimen which they encounter, leading towards depletion of these precious animals.
4.5.1. Illegal Practices and Overexploitation of Natural Resources
105. Bushmeat hunting and illegal trade is a threat that needs greater attention in the targeted
rakhs of Thal, particularly for Houbara, Black-bellied Sand Grouse, Dove and Desert Hare etc. Baseline
Ecological Surveys (in October 2019 and August 2020) of the GTCIIP areas revealed that offtake of
Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle is alarming. Another major threats to wildlife of Thal is “ignored
families” like jogies, who are involved in illegal trapping and trade of wildlife. These animals become
a part of onward trade / export. Incidentally jogies specialise in hunting of reptiles and small mammals;
they collect important reptile species such as Cobra, Sand Boa, Freshwater Turtle, Crested Porcupine
and Hedgehog from the area and sell them to business parties. The whole environment of Thal is thus
fragile and can lead to the changes in the distributional patterns of several species associated with
this environment. Encroachment by the surrounding residents has become growing illegal practice,
which is basic root for all other illegal practices. Due to absence of policy on ‘underground water
resource usage’, installation of tube wells without consideration to ‘available resources for pumping
out’ is extremely overexploitation of water resource and reason of salinity in populated areas of the
desert. The ‘overexploitation of natural resources’ is equally true for wild medicinal herbs, grazing
lands, game animals, fish stocks, shrubs and trees, and aquifers.
106. Smooth implementation of BAP may bring the support of policy makers and open the doors
to improved wildlife law enforcement and ecological monitoring in the selected rakhs. It will enable
data collection and transparency of aggregated information and would serve as an important
component of improved environmental governance for multiple actors to counter illegal and illicit
natural resource extraction activities in the targeted rakhs. Integrated suite of activities given in the
BAP (Section 8.2) may strengthen natural resource governance, including line department’s response
to the crime. The local-to-sub-national approach will support communities in managing their natural
resources, bolster effective law enforcement and prosecution, provide support systems for
biodiversity conservation, and increase the information available for effective management and
decision-making.
107. NGO partners’ long term investment in the selected rakhs will develop the relationships and
some institutional structures essential to project success, and would provide the enabling environment
for conserving overexploited reptiles and other wildlife of Thal. However, food security and alternative
livelihoods are needed to address the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss and maintain
constituencies for conservation.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
38
4.5.2. Recommendations
108. In order to ensure effective management of rakhs and wildlife, following recommendations
are made:
i. Establishment of a Rakh Steering Committee: A ten member Rakh Steering Committee
should be constituted to oversee the implementation of the BAP and to help solve the
complicated management issues that are likely to arise relating to political, administrative,
developmental, financial and general policy matters. This committee should include
government functionaries, NGOS, community representatives and professionals.
ii. Establishment of dedicated range office: For better watch and ward and ensure the
coordination with the GTCIIP staff, it is highly recommended that a dedicated rangelands
Office should be positioned within rakh boundaries. The most suitable site for the such office
would be in the proposed GTCIIP Office-cum-Housing Complex. The Range Officer (Law
Enforcement) should be present in the field 24 hours with his designated staff. An information
centre should also be established in the GTCIIP office till the departments develop their own
facilities accordingly. The office should have at least four rooms. Optionally, four living
quarters with attached bathrooms may also be provided in order to provide overnight
accommodation for forest/wildlife staff in GTCIIP Office-cum-Housing Complex.
iii. Limiting visitor activities: In order to minimise the visitor activities in the Core Zones of
Houbara, the use of service roads should be restricted and should only be used by the
range/wildlife staff or for conducted tours.
iv. Development of a research station: A two room building should be constructed or an already
available infrastructure in the field should be designated as research station and should be
available only to the researchers.
v. Establishment of radio net: A senior officer, at least of the level of a Ranger, should be
present at the rakh/range office round-the-clock basis and maintain continuous radio contact
with the field staff as well as Bhakkar HQ.
vi. Increase in field staff: The field staff should be strengthened with regard to its numbers and
rakhs should be divided into law enforcement blocks, each block being protected by a team
of two forest guards/wildlife watchers.
vii. Provision of essential field equipment: The field staff should be provided with all the
necessary field equipment, including but not limited to 20 binoculars, 8 spotting scopes, 10
compasses, 100 backpacks, 25 radios, 20 rifles, 6 digital cameras, 2 drone camera and 100
torches.
viii. Construction of outposts: At least two Forest Guards/Game Watcher huts or law
enforcement outposts should be constructed in each rakh to provide acceptable permanent
accommodation for the law enforcement staff. These posts should be constructed using
locally available materials. The development of small catchment areas to trap rainwater, store
and filter it for domestic use may be helpful.
ix. Improvement and maintenance of road and trail network: The road and track system of the
rakhs should be rationalised and improved to facilitate both improved access to remote areas
and better control over movement in the rakhs. The vast areas of broken and impassable
terrain of rakhs are a major obstacle to comprehensive and regular visits of senior conservation
staff to the rakhs. Roads do exist but are frequently washed away or covered during floods or
sandstorms. Such roads should be repaired and graded regularly to maintain an effective
mobility. The BAP should make provision for the renovation of a minimum of 10 km of road
every year.
x. Provision of logistical support: It recommended that at least six all-wheel-drive vehicles, 10
motorcycles (125 CC), and four tractor trollies/water boozers should be provided under
GTCIIP to solve logistical issues of the field staff.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
39
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
40
5. COMMUNITIES AND CONSERVATION
5.1. Community Situation
109. Management of protected areas and natural resource conservation is more a matter of
managing people. It’s a proven fact that majority of protected areas as well wildlife conservation
initiatives that have attempted to isolate communities from conservation business have mostly failed.
Most successful conservation models own and respect the role of custodian communities as co-
managers and collaborators. The basic argument of this approach is that unless local people have a
genuine interest in the conservation initiatives, it’s unlikely that desired objectives can be achieved as
they have good knowledge and understanding of their resources, issues and possible solutions.
110. The main profession of the local communities GTCIIP command area is agriculture and grazing
of livestock. The system of grazing the animals is based on rotational grazing and permits (issued by
the Range Management officials by receiving grazing fee according to animal size) with the target of
keeping rangeland’s health in good conditions. These rangelands are cause of variety of products like
beef, mutton, hides, skins, wool, manure and others for local consumption and export by dint of
providing forage to the livestock. Grazing permission, excessively more than carrying capacity, has
introduced large-scale retrogression. Again, these are the local communities, who can revert the
retrogression into progression, if they are convinced, trained, and involved in major operation of
reseeding, replanting, and optimum grazing.
111. The implications of low socio-economic profile of the area (as described in Section 2.2) are
grave and multifaceted in the context of biodiversity conservation. It adversely fosters the degradation
process on rakhs’ natural habitat and further subdivision and fragmentation of small landholdings. It
ultimately adds to the fragile and marginal lands by denudation of forests and rangelands, and
accelerates migration from rakhs and command areas to nearby urban areas and inland big cities.
Therefore, all GTCIIP operations and interventions have to be implemented in a way that health of
natural habitat and biodiversity status are not compromised. The following safeguard measures need
to be kept in mind all the time during construction and operation phases:
• Degradation through GTCIIP operations must be avoided, if inevitable then alternate have to
be provided along with mitigation measures.
• Project benefits after the construction phase must be ensured on sustained and equitable
basis.
• No rakh area (Rangeland) should be allowed for converting into agricultural land.
• Further encroachment and change of use in rakhs must be stopped.
5.2. Agriculture-Desert Interface
112. The ‘Agriculture-Desert Interface’ is not beneficial for agriculture but may be beneficial for
dessert. The matter of ‘Nature and Fauna’ targets at emphasising the complication of the interface
Box 2: The challenge is human
• Human action has reduced biodiversity and modified wildlife population structures and at
an unprecedented rate.
• Last 50 years, the human population has doubled; the global economy has almost
quadrupled and global trade has increased by approximately ten times.
• Today, it would take 1.6 earths to meet the demands that humans make on nature each
year; and more species are at risk of extinction than ever before.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
41
between agriculture and desert in Thal. The practice grants shelterbelts, as a suitable association
between agriculture and desert for improved efficiency in agriculture and tree-culture. It identifies the
limits of shelterbelts at the current level of information, but considers that it is one of the techniques
we can mark awareness from agriculture and trees to increase ecological advantage.
113. From the climate change point of view, ‘Agriculture-Desert Interface’ is a challenge in areas
like Thal including GTCIIP for the synchronisation of expansion works, adaptation and mitigation
measures. Climate change will have bearings on agriculture and shelterbelts through reduction in
agricultural yields, thus, pushing natural resources towards more pressure compelling farmers for
extending agricultural operations to virgin lands. It will further pose serious problem of climate change
but we are already lagging behind regarding mitigation choices. GTCIIP interventions may check this
trend because of increased income based on intensive agriculture rather to expand towards new
areas.
114. As compared to the industry, agriculture is low-income practice but it delivers wide-range
livelihood opportunities for the most of resource-poor farmers. At the same time, it is an important
reason of environmental deterioration (ozone layer depletion) due to natural range vegetation
removal (already scarce in Thal), use of fertilisers and pesticide, addition of animal manure, and
methane emissions from livestock.
5.3. Livestock-Wildlife Interface
115. The livestock–wildlife interface is typically categorised by management operations designed
for adjusting hitches connected with competition, ailment, and despoliation. Large wildlife species,
e.g., large vertebrates are characteristically unsuited with agronomic practices and expansion for the
reason that the opportunity costs of wildlife protection are excessive apart from pure desert areas
(excluding irrigated croplands). Natural biological features comprising the availability of extra
foodstuff and water for livestock, along with the oppression of big killers, bring about livestock
substituting wildlife. Diseases are difficult to eliminate from wildlife (roaming in the nearby area). The
only solution is veterinary health cover with attention on splitting marketable livestock from wildlife.
116. Attaining the operative incorporation of livestock and wildlife association at the landscape
level needs the conciliation of manifold social and political hurdles, and for lots of rangelands the
chance might be vanished before suitable variation can happen. However, there is escalating
confirmation that rangelands can be organised for both livestock and wildlife where the costs of
rivalry, predation, and disease can be counterbalanced by mixed return lines and enabled grazing. In
prosperous countries, there are supplementary options comprising marketing plans, such as tagging
livestock harvests as “wildlife-friendly,” which might permit bonus payments to be credited to comfort
the compensation charges. Another serious interface is real conflict between snakes and livestock and
human itself. The conflict is based more on panic and fear of snakes on the part of human rather than
harms by the snakes to livestock or human. Because of the situation, many species of snakes are
threatened. The resolution of this conflict is linked with simple awareness raising and consequent
training on one point that all the snakes are not poisonous and few poisonous only bite upon killing
efforts by human just because of panic and fear.
5.4. Agriculture/Livestock Benefits to Biodiversity
117. In fact, our fundamental necessities not only for food security but also for livelihood security
depend on agricultural biodiversity. Keeping in view GTCIIP interventions in Thal, the benefits of
biodiversity look obvious with reference to waterbodies like canal network development because of
nutrient concentration. Processes of concentration make wetlands (water bodies) the best useful and
most treasured ecosystems in arid regions like Thal. The change in nutrients and/or hydrological cycle
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
42
will further enhance the benefits of water bodies. The productiveness of waterbodies in the areas like
Thal is furthermost obvious, where the dissimilarity with the adjacent areas is widely apparent. The
very first narration of conspicuous change will be in agriculture, livestock development, fisheries
growth and expansion, and the production of natural products. All these positive modifications will
lead to assembly of biodiversity.
118. The assembly of biodiversity is beneficial to agriculture and livestock and vice versa as
symbiotic relationship. It offers humans with foodstuff, raw ingredients and supplies for chattels and
goods; e.g., fibre for cloths; timber for shelter; fuelwood for cooking; herbs and various parts of the
plant species for medicines; and resources for biofuels. Biodiversity as such, and agricultural
biodiversity specifically, accomplishes ecosystem services like soil and water conservation and
maintenance of biota and pollination of plants, altogether are perquisite for foodstuff provision and
thus for human survival. Genetic diversity as necessary part of agriculture make available species with
the capacity to acclimatise to altering environs and to develop by growing their adaptation to various
surrounding factors such as chill and cold, elevated heat and hotness, moisture dearth and drought,
and sometimes dampness due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging, also withstanding ability against
pests and parasites.
119. In broader terms, livestock is essential part of agriculture in Thal. As a part of agriculture and
as a sole entity, livestock (main product and minor products) can contribute a lot. The contributions
are backing-up sustainable rangeland manipulation, protecting wildlife and many other kinds of
biodiversity, improving soil productiveness through nutrient release and mobilizing, directly
encouraging the environment friendly and valuable services, and delivery of specific land scenarios to
consumers in Thal.
5.5. Pressures on Biodiversity from Farming
120. Thal is more prone and inclined towards harms to biodiversity because of unwise expansion
and intensive style of agriculture. Hopefully, GTCIIP will play a balancing role by fostering the mutual
benefits between biodiversity and agriculture, and will not enhance uneven pressure on biodiversity
through excessive and unwise farming in the rakhs and adjacent areas of Thal.
121. Like other deserts, Thal desert species and ecosystems have distinctive mechanism to deal
with low and intermittent rainfall. The desert ecosystem have a unique resilient capability to
recuperate rapidly from sudden and usual instabilities like drought, sandstorms, and sand dune
shifting. Traditionally, desert people have plotted such type of pastoral and farming practices, which
are liable to changes on the face of these upsets and have maintained the livings for hundreds of
years. This continuous resilient capability is against the harsh disturbances but GTCIIP will not be
sudden and harsh. It will be evolutionary, positive and well known to the people in advance. There
will be no permanent pressure on biodiversity/rakhs, rather a move towards equilibrium. Pressure on
already meagre biodiversity will be inevitable and rapidly prone to negative changes in case of
overexploitation of natural resources.
5.6. Human Settlements with their Livestock Breeds
122. Human settlements in deserts is a global issue due to accelerated population growth. It is
more serious issue in developing countries like Pakistan. Physiography and location of the desert (and
rakhs) are the vital aspects that control the human settlements. Human populations cannot be
separated from livestock and their breeds, therefore human and livestock move together and as
necessity in Thal including rakhs. ‘Thalochi people’ are nomads and travel habitually to avoid draining
an area of its resources. They have livestock breeds that are adapted to desert circumstances,
particularly camels. Other livestock breeds have already been discussed in detail. In other aspect,
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
43
livestock and human settlement in desert are also based on encroachment into protected areas (rakhs)
and allied interfaces with wildlife have implications for sustainable development. In addition to
implications for sustainable development, human settlements in desert (and rakhs) also serve as an
important part of the desert landscape and micro and macro climatic conditions influence the spatial
distribution of these settlements. But spatial pattern can be adjusted to achieve sustainable
development within crop culture and livestock grazing practices.
5.6.1. Positive Effects of Grazing
123. Grazing impacts on wildlife depends on the species, site, stocking density, type and timing of
grazing. Grazing may harm population of many birds as well as rodent species but may benefits others.
Effects may vary on the basis of quality management, and livestock and wildlife interaction. Shift of
habitat use by the livestock or wildlife may be another reason of positive effects of grazing on a
particular area. Carefully timed grazing by goats and sheep can be used to generate short term
reduction in the reproduction and cover of exotic species. Regulated grazing may also reduce the fire
dangers in the rakhs. Studies also indicate that soil moisture and plant growth becomes high with the
total coverage over 100%, due to relaxing indirectly the competitive exclusion among plants due to
the grazing of dominant plants. Grazing also helps furthering the germination of Acacia seeds through
seed ingestion by large herbivores; however, it depends upon rates of seed germination, seedling
survival and establishment in the wild.
5.7. Biodiversity’s Benefits to Agriculture and Livestock
124. Within the context of Thal, many aspects of biodiversity’s benefits to agriculture and livestock
are isolated from each other. Habitat formation, not chemical but biological pest control, recycling
and cycling of critical nutrients, augmenting topsoil health and check on soil wash, minimal use of
chemical fertilisers, permeation, and the stoppage of runoff into waterways are the basic benefits that
provide an agenda for prioritisation and intensity of various operations for sustainable agriculture in
a coordinated manner.
5.8. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use
125. Status and trends of rakhs’ biodiversity explore opportunities for its conservation and
sustainable use because limiting factors of desert ecological zone and people’s capability to act
according to the given situation are the potential targets. Possible considered facts are:
• With the advent of GTCIIP, agrobiodiversity will be relatively well preserved because presently
desert farmers uphold elevated limits of biodiversity of crops and livestock breeds in their
farms and family herds;
• The position of wild animal and plant species diversity is already documented which, needs
organised and regular improvement;
• Planning for the purpose of attaining the rapid recovery because the instantaneous main risk
to Thal biodiversity seems to be the retrogression of ecosystems and habitats initiated by
fresh and commanding powers of agricultural operations and implementation phase of
GTCIIP itself;
• Well in advance planning to manage the biodiversity disturbances due to possible increase in
large scale allotments in rakhs to higher authorities and the resultant human flux, money-
making livestock farming, large scale irrigation of cropland, and poverty-tempted
overexploitation of natural resources;
• Checking discouragements and distortions in the supporting environs and other new forms
of instabilities which, repeatedly suppress the renowned resilience of desert ecosystems and
institute possibly grim pressures to desert biodiversity;
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
44
• Protection of water bodies and fertile pockets having functions of ‘micro hot spots’ of desert
biodiversity; and
• Protection of particularly susceptible locations in deserts because frequentative and difficult
interactions between desertification, climate change and biodiversity underscore the
significance of desert for the environment as a whole.
126. The above considered facts (priority areas) have been identified which, need pressing
attention to increase awareness about the abilities of deserts and about the significance of its
biodiversity. These are also dynamic choices for conservation and sustainable use of rakh’s
biodiversity.
5.9. Participatory Natural Resource Management
127. The participation of local communities cannot be over emphasised as basic process to take
more responsibility in decision-making and implementing ‘participatory natural resource
management’ (PNRM) and allied development programmes. The process implies delegation of more
power down to local level, by providing incentives for local community initiatives and people’s
participation. For this purpose, clear ‘rights and responsibilities’ should be allocated with regard to
resource use at local level, including those related to the role of women in natural resource use and
maintenance. Education, training and support services have to be provided to enable people to
assume responsibility for managing the natural resources sustainably and protecting their
environment. The role of voluntary organisations and communication programmes in this regard
should be enhanced.
128. The integral ecosystem of Thal desert has unique physiographic, social, cultural and economic
characters because of combined impact of sand dunes, rakh rangelands, agricultural lands, livestock,
and wildlife. PNRM is quite genuine professional need to manipulate this ecosystem under the set
ecological principles. Therefore, PNRM has to be developed based on an elaborate process of public
consultations as well as technical analyses with special emphasis on species recovery (SR). PNRM and
SR are, actually, a wide-ranging strategic thinking and implementation options to gear the
development of GTCIIP area with peripheral villages on a sustainable trajectory. Linkage most of the
livelihoods with rangelands and agriculture makes it a primary focus with the need for initiatives like
productivity improvements of existing species, introduction of appropriate technology, post-harvest
storage and marketing, and support for marketing network.
129. PNRM efforts should be on improving rangeland’s health by reverting the retrogression,
livestock improvement in terms of breeding and health, species recovery, sustainable exploitation,
and provision of alternatives to reduce pressures on natural resources.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
45
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
46
6. MANAGEMENT OF RAKHS
6.1.1. Rakhs – Location and Area
130. The gross area of the protected rangelands (rakhs) under Range Management Division,
Bhakkar of the FWFD is 140,577 acres (56,891 ha). These lands are classified as ‘wastelands’ as per
record of the Revenue Department. These areas are highly rich in biodiversity as compared to other
habitat types of the project area due to less human activities, controlled grazing and strict restrictions
on hunting of wildlife. Table 5 presents the rakh areas under the control of Range Management
Division, Bhakkar while Map 4 shows the location of rakhs falling within GTCIIP area. The FWFD staff
are stationed in these areas, and because of the FWFD’s rangeland management, fair to good
vegetation cover is maintained.
Table 5: Rakhs under the Range Management Division, Bhakkar
S. # Rakh’s Name Gross Area Planted Area
Acres Hectares Acres Hectares
1. Rakh Daggar Kotli 2,000 809 175 71
2. Rakh Chikkan 6,879 2,784 0 0
3. Rakh Hundalal 2,674 1,082 0 0
4. Rakh Karluwala 1,444 584 300 121
5. Rakh Gauharwala 24,242 9,811 325 132
6. Rakh Khewyara 12,431 5,031 0 0
7. Rakh Choubara 16,923 6,849 100 40
8. Rakh Kherewala 31,647 12,807 200 81
9. Rakh Shergarh 42,337 17,134 200 81
Total 140,577 56,891 1,300 526
Source: https://fwf.punjab.gov.pk/system/files/RM%20Circle%20Part%202.pdf.
131. Majority of the inhabitants in these rakhs are pastoral. Livestock grazing is allowed under
permit and rotational grazing is practiced in order to improve and maintain good rangeland
conditions. Grazing fee is applied which depends upon the animal size. These grazing lands, wholly
or partially, support most of the livestock population of the area which produces beef, mutton, hides,
skins, wool, manure and other products for local consumption and export. The rangelands have largely
been depleted due to overuse. Some of the key range sites need special protection measures to
improve their ecological health. To improve range health, such areas need to be reseeded and
protected from grazing of herbivores.
132. The Rakh Gauharwala, Rakh Karluwala, Rakh Chikkan and Rakh Hundalal are completely
located within the project area, while a small portion of the Rakh Shergarh also falls within the project
area (Map 4). The proposed Choubara Branch of the GTCIIP will also pass through some of the
abovementioned protected forests (rakhs). The rakhs especially Rakh Gauharwala will get fragmented
and terrestrial ecology will be significantly disturbed. Especially the houbara bustard habitat and
resting ground will be affected resulting in the loss of habitat. As the bird is very shy and prefer to live
in undisturbed habitats. There is high risk that the population of houbara bustard will significantly
decrease in the area or may shift to other safer places.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
47
Map 4: Rakhs in GTCIIP area
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
48
6.2. Challenges for Management of Rakhs
6.2.1. Impact of GTC, Agriculture and Livestock on Rakhs
133. In rakhs, it is obvious that clearance of natural vegetation for agricultural practices or
development of infrastructure will have impact on native fauna and flora because of increased human
activities and excessive disturbance and disappearance of the shelter and breeding places of fauna in
addition to the exposure to harsh climate. In case the rakh’s natural habitat changes, the native fauna
will flee to areas which are less disturbed and less accessible to humans. Only few species, which have
adapted to this modified habitat, exist in the area. The mammal species, such as wild boar, hare,
jackal, porcupine and fox, are rarely seen in the project area and its surroundings. The logical process
of biodiversity degradation is shown in Figure 6. The result shown can be reverted through sustainable
agricultural development.
Figure 6: Logical process of biodiversity degradation
134. Clearance of natural vegetation for agricultural practices or crop farming was not only the
reason of rakhs habitat disturbance on large scale but introduction of exotic trees, shrubs and grasses
along with dry-planting, tufting and reseeding techniques for water harvesting were also allied
reasons. Therefore, Tamarix and Eucalyptus tree plantations exist on irrigated lands to provide interim
income to the farmers. Linear plantations in the form of shelterbelts and along the watercourses,
partition of landholdings, farm boundaries can also be seen frequently to stabilise the shifting sand
dunes and save the agricultural crops from sandstorms.
135. Historically after the construction of ‘Thal Canal’ the area (desert) has been transformed
gradually (partially, certain pockets) from wasteland to productive and rangeland to agricultural lands.
The major interventions (pro as well as anti-range vegetation cover) were: research-based range
rehabilitation techniques (reseeding and planting of indigenous and exotic grasses, shrubs and trees;
stabilisation of shifting sand dunes) by the government institutions and progressive farmers, modern
agricultural technologies (applied in fertile pockets), and tube-well irrigations. Although area of ‘rakhs’
under the control of Punjab Government diminished, yet productivity and range vegetation cover can
be improved in the form of blooming deserts. This is only possible by involving the communities by
developing ownership among them.
136. As derived from GTCIIP Ecological Survey Report (2020), there will be major impacts of GTC
system both on agriculture and livestock. Construction of the GTC system will provide reliable
irrigation water supply to about 560,000 ha of the land during the monsoon (Kharif) season (mid-April
to mid-October). As a result, it will not only intensify the crop culture but will also expand further
Primary Causes
•Vegetation clearance
•Infrastructure development
•Increased human activities
Secondary Causes
Excessive disturbance & disappearance of shelter & breading places of shy
faunal species
Results
•Native species flee (more)
•Adaptive species stay (less)
•Biodiversity retards
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
49
croplands on the cost of rangelands. Increased agricultural operations means increased livestock
numbers. This change will impact the wild fauna and flora of the area.
137. The proposed GTCIIP canals will traverse through the areas of some rakhs, partially or fully.
Therefore, floral and faunal set-up of these rakhs are bound to be disturbed. Resting and breeding
places of all faunal species will be affected, some at large extent and some at little extent. Availability
of irrigational water for agricultural option will lead to transformation of unproductive to productive
land and rangeland into cropland. These risks must be kept in mind for their alternate management
options.
138. The scenario before and after GTCIIP implementation and completion of GTC system (as
discussed in the preceding sections) will call for sustainable development and management of rakhs
and adjacent areas by deploying conservation approach and involving the local communities in the
process of decision-making. It will help to protect and improve the biodiversity status in rakhs.
6.2.2. Communities’ Dependence on and Perception about Rakhs
139. Spectrum of dependence of communities on the rakh and their perceptions are interlinked as
both of them figure each other. The dependence and perception varies with variation in income level,
literacy rate, living standard, routine practices, and prominent professions of the communities living
in and around the adjacent areas. Keeping in view the community situation, it is clear that communities
are dependent on rakhs for way, water, fodder, grazing of animals, fuel wood, fodder, and illegal
hunting.
140. Khan, M.S. and Bhagwat, S.A. (2010) studied local people's perceptions, awareness, and
approaches to protection arrangement and supervision in Chitral Gol National Park in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa (KP) of Pakistan. There were three main findings: less information level, poor
participation in management, and utmost inclination of the communities to join in maintenance deeds.
Also, strict approach of authorities to administrate the safety and security plans were devoid of
sustainability idea. It was also concluded that native communities possess a very firm wisdom of
relationship to the protected area like rakhs and are eager to get involved in the security of protected
areas. These results clearly obviate the need to modify the existing administration approach for
operative, participative and maintainable controlling of areas like protected areas, and by that means
rakhs.
141. Custodian communities if engaged accordingly play an important role in the conservation and
protection of the natural resources. Generally, their links, dependency and ownership with the
protected areas (rakhs) are strong. However, a missing link between the custodian departments,
absence of thematic focus and a limited access to knowledge and capacity building, negatively
impacts the sustainability of the conservation efforts. Being the native and important stakeholders,
the community can be engaged to provide feedback, identify priorities and opportunities, establish
positions on issues and approaches, and plan strategies for intervention for the effective
implementation of BAP. Custodian departments such as FWFD and the Irrigation Department should
remain a strong advocate of engaging communities in their planning and implementation. This will
strengthen not only institutional capacity but will also enable them to work upon different thematic
areas as well. Local adaptation/conservation plans can be developed from the BAP document and can
be implemented through communities. As a result, certain concrete undertakings for aggressive
conservation and protection efforts as an antidote to protect the natural heritage of the GTCIIP
command area and rakhs can be implemented accordingly. Custodian departments in collaboration
with the key stakeholders/communities can integrate BAP into poverty reduction and development
plans to streamline the conservation efforts in Thal.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
50
142. According to the participants of community consultations, held in August 2020, hundreds of
hectares of land, which are currently rain/tube-well irrigated, in the vicinity of rakhs will benefit from
the canal construction and command area development. Hence, value of their land has increased
manyfold. However, they emphasised their resolve to maintain ecological sanctity of rakhs. They also
recommended that jobs for local people should be created for biodiversity conservation so that there
is a sense of ownership for their ecological resources. In general, the construction of any irrigation
system will have positive socioeconomic impact due to increase in agricultural yield and livestock
numbers. As a result, their living standards would improve. They admitted that few negative
environmental impacts, like connectivity, threats to wildlife/biodiversity and pollution due to
pesticides, are expected which can be mitigated through adequate measures. They expected that
eco-tourism may increase leading to additional income generation for the communities as well as
protection of wildlife. They suggested that canal should not divide the rakh into two isolated parts;
so, pedestrian bridges must be constructed at different points to facilitate the movements of both
human and wildlife. Livestock being the main source of living for small landholders and landless
households need special emphasis.
6.2.3. Rakhs’ Conservations Value
143. Conservation value of all rakhs and adjacent areas can be restored by arresting the above
issues because several of them are relevant to all with varying degree of intensity. Additionally,
enforcement of conservation and environmental law, local conflicts and lack of local employment
associated with poor livelihoods contributes to reduction in conservation value. Above all, lack of
irrigation water is a severe constraint in the rehabilitation of rakhs, which is going to be addressed by
GTCIIP.
6.3. Management Arrangements
144. Bhakkar Forest Division was created under Thal Development Authority (TDA) in the year,
1952. When the development of Thal tract started, government decided to allocate waste land for
afforestation in order to stabilise shifting sand dunes and for the production of timber and firewood.
In 1951, this tract was handed over to Punjab Forest Department. The forest area is around 15,531
acres. There is also linear plantation of 1,345 km alongside the road/rails/canals in the district. The
popular trees of this area are Kikar and Shisham. The ‘rakh areas’ under the control of Bhakkar Range
Management Division are rich in biodiversity and productivity as compared to adjacent desert land
and other habitat types of the project area due to less human activities, controlled grazing and strict
restrictions on the hunting of wildlife.
6.3.1. Structure and Staffing
145. A fundamental requirement for the proper management of any component of a protected
area is a sound administrative infrastructure. The recommendations made in this section, based on
experience gained with the management of other similar protected areas, deal with suggested
changes and improvements to the administrative structure for management of rakhs. At present the
administration of the rakhs are in the hands of a Divisional Forest Officer and District Wildlife Officer
under the overall supervision of the Chief Conservator of Forests North and Director General Wildlife
Punjab, respectively. Most of the present staff, including the deputy rangers, forest guards and wildlife
watchers, are locally recruited. Many of them are elderly and do not possess any formal education.
Although they have keen sense of observation, they have not received any professional training.
146. The availability of disciplined, energetic and professionally trained staff with a strong sense of
responsibility is a key component of successful PA management. There is substantial scope for
improvement in this respect in the case of rakhs of Thal.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
51
147. The present arrangements for protection of the rakhs are inadequate. A key issue is adequate
supervision. The senior staff’s visits to the rakhs are occasional. The total current staff of Range Forest
Division, Bhakkar responsible for the protection of rakhs are 69 (Figure 7). Sadly, most of these staff
neither have any formal education or training nor they are adequately equipped to carry out their
responsibilities. Not even fundamental equipment like binoculars, spotting scopes and two-way radios
are available.
Figure 7: Current organogram of Range Forest Division, Bhakkar
148. Based on the discussion with the DFO and other staff, the additional positions (Table 6) are
recommended to manage the Thal desert more effectively and efficiently. Further institutional
recommendations are made in Section 8.2.
Table 6: Additional staff required for effective rakh management
Position Grade (BPS) Number
GIS/MIS Specialist 17 1
Range Forest Officer 16 2
Legal Advisor 16 1
Forester 11 4
Forest Guards 9 6
Tube well Operator 02 2
Divisional Forest Officer (1)
Range Forest Officer (3)
Forester (7)
Forest Guard (34)
Patwari/ Demarcation Darogha (1) Head Clerk (1)
Steno/Typist (1)
Senior Clerk (1)
Junior Clerk (5)
Naib Qasid (5)
Chowkidar (4)
Tractor Driver (4)
Jeep Driver (1)
Mali (1)
Sweeper (1)
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
52
6.3.2. Law Enforcement
149. Interviews with some of the department employees stationed on the rakhs and in its environs,
revealed that rakhs have experienced a broad range of law enforcement problems since their
proclamation. Rakhs have been subjected to transgressions ranging from relatively minor incidents
like littering and simple trespassing to collection of firewood to the felling of native trees, invasion by
herds of domestic livestock and illegal hunting.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
53
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
54
7. BUSINESS AND LAND MANAGEMENT
150. In the context of Thal and GTCIIP area, livelihoods of rural communities depend primarily on
the natural resource base (crop and livestock farming). The development of all other livelihood assets
(human, physical, financial and social) originate from and are tied with the natural resources.
Henceforth, livelihood improvement is closely linked to sustainable use of natural resources of Thal.
Natural resources comprise normally land, water, livestock, flora, fauna and environment that will
figure out complete farming system and allied practices in Thal generally, and GTCIIP area specifically.
All the elementary provisions will interlink with farm operation. Wheat grains as principal food for
human and wheat stalks (bhoosa) for livestock consumption will largely come from GTCIIP canal
irrigated and tube well-irrigated pockets. Domestic milk consumption and cash income will be earned
through sale of milk and livestock products that will meet basic expenses. At the same time, it will
release the pressure on illegal hunting of migratory birds and normalise the stressed rangelands.
Following important aspects of livelihood approach will be helpful to devise the implementation
strategy and during the post-implementation era.
151. There will be shifts towards tube well irrigated agriculture because of water table
improvement based on seepage and percolation from canals and it will support to sustain livelihood
in terms of household food security and developing household assets (dairy farming and milk
production through ensured fodder supply from irrigated pockets, sale proceeds from trees
particularly planted as shelterbelts). It will release pressure on natural resources because of
diversification in living plans by investing in farm and non-farm small-scale businesses.
152. With the development of irrigational water resources through GTCIIP, land will be the key
element determining the livelihood with major shift from pastoral economy to agricultural economy.
Hence, there will be great opportunity of establishing the processing and value addition mechanisms
for agricultural and livestock products with market network from local level to big cities. It will also
provide the opportunities of a viable environment and employment. However, rural youth will have to
be streamlined with balanced approach towards off-farm and non-farm employment to avoid the
dearth of farm labour. There will be strong need to change the conventional cropping system (high
cost of irrigation, high evapotranspiration, seepage and high conveyance losses) as the outdated
irrigation systems have made the irrigated agriculture inefficient, wasteful, and unmaintainable in Thal
and GTCIIP area.
7.1. Agriculture
153. Thal including GTCIIP project area is, predominately an arid, inclined towards range
management but certain areas are altered into rain-fed agriculture as well as irrigated agriculture (on
canal and/or tube well). Here land holdings are small and often fragmented. Average annual rainfall
is scanty with 60% in monsoon season (extremely inconsistent). The cultivated crops include wheat
(Triticum spp.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), millet (Panicum
miliaceum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), and guar seed [Cyamopsis
tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.]. Rangelands (rakhs), regardless of over-exploited more than the carrying
capacity, sustain a significant livestock population. Crop culture is generally primeval, facing key
difficulties of moisture trauma, uncertain weather extremes, sand laden storms, and nutrient
reduction. Thus, agriculture from land management point of view has become a high-risk and low-
input enterprise for poor farmers. They normally use traditional seed, less and improper fertilisers,
and substandard agronomic operations. Therefore, crop produce and returns are far less as compared
to attainable capacities.
154. The prime crop of Thal is chickpea or channa (Cicer arietinum), the cultivation of which has
been extended even to sand dunes and face variation in term of production. Some years its
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
55
production is increased, for example, during 2018-19, chickpea production increased at the tune of
35.6 percent due to promising weather condition at the time of sowing (Economic Survey of Pakistan
2019-20).24 The yield of chickpea (in some years) is at subsistence level (e.g., during the 2005-06). The
fluctuation demands for developing a strategy to improve and sustain chickpea production every year
because it is used both for human intake and animal feeds in rural and urban areas. Other than
variation factor, many (of reduced market prices and low productivity) have to be considered for
devising strategy, for example; (i) less than 20 hectares of rain-fed land possessed by almost two-third
of the farmers, (ii) seed retained from earlier crop used by 85% farmers, and (iii) purity dearth in the
selling of seed of indigenous variety. The strategy options for enhancing production significantly may
include; (i) by promoting seed of drought resistance high yielding varieties and (ii) better agronomic
and management practices. In spite of variation, the cost-benefit (C-B) ratio of 1:2.5 in low production
year of chickpea has given beneficial (positive) returns and adopting devised strategy based on value-
added knowledge and equipment would accelerate the rise in the returns at the farmstead and
household levels. (Shah, N.A. et. al., 2007). Consequently, ‘natural resource base’ will be rescued and
there will be space of improvement in biodiversity as well as habitat as a whole in rakhs and adjoining
areas. At the same time, the planting of woodlots should be encouraged at appropriate places in the
communal lands around the rakhs to provide an alternative for wood illegally gathered from the rakhs.
155. As a holistic approach, the natural resources (land and water) need to be well-looked-after
with relevant techniques like integration of deep ploughing for moisture conservation, zero-till where
possible to avoid soil erosion, agricultural extension services, provision of loans with modern
techniques at the door step of farmers, right varieties of right crops at right time along with other
inputs, and range management practices on marginal lands. These are the necessary protocols of
‘sustainable agriculture’. For ensuring the high agricultural production, total long-term curative
actions like runoff agriculture, rainwater harvesting, land amalgamation, financial support, soil and
water improvement techniques, integrated nutrient and pest management, and weed control are
needed. As the agriculture in Thal desert (rakhs and adjacent and all-around areas) is open to many
pressures, deployment of business oriented (enterprise) approach for land management is imperative
to accomplish the objectives of ‘sustainable agriculture’. The following agricultural enterprises may
be promoted for salvage of the natural resources, for which the prefeasibility studies can be accessed
at PARC website:25
• Off season vegetable production
• High tunnel herb production
• Value addition and marketing
• Vegetables nursery raising
• Fruit and forest plant nurseries
• Vegetable seed production and marketing
• Informal village-based seed enterprise for wheat
• High efficiency irrigation system services business
7.2. Livestock
156. Importance of Livestock management and planning is second to none in an agrarian country
like Pakistan. This can be judged from the country figures that agriculture’s share is 18.9% in GDP
with Livestock’s (as main sub-sector of agriculture) at the tune of 58.9% to agriculture value addition
and 11.1% in overall GDP. The gross value addition of livestock sector in 2017-18 has increased 3.8%
24 Government of Pakistan. 2020. Economic Survey of Pakistan 2019-20. Islamabad: Ministry of Finance, GoP.
25 PARC Pre-feasibilities (http://www.parc.gov.pk/index.php/en/2014-01-22-03-26-43).
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
56
to PKR 1,377 billion from PKR 1,327 billion in 2016-17.26 Another benefit of Livestock raising is
increased income (in terms of milk and meat) for landless households, poor farmers and small
landholders to meet their daily needs of cash and food security. Reducing income variability gap,
financial backstopping at the time of crop failure, uplift of socio-economic status, and significant
contribution in poverty alleviation are essential sprouts of livestock rearing (Faraz et. al., 2019).27
157. Up to 1970s, livestock economy remained dominant in the entire dry desert areas (including
Thal desert) of Pakistan because of rangelands and free grazing of herds (local as well as migratory).
From 1990s, it started to shift from ‘rain-fed’ to ‘tube-well irrigated’ agriculture. To feed self-owned
livestock or just sale to livestock-owners, fodder cultivation remained main and attractive option
through resource allocation particularly in tube-well irrigated areas. Then it was the ‘Thal desert tract’
where the livestock economy was transformed in to ‘gram economy’. because of GTCIIP, now it will
be third transformation from ‘tube-well irrigated’ to ‘canal irrigated’. Despite all these phases,
livestock still remains the centre point.
158. For the sake of profit, based on local market feasibility (commercial approach), farmers are
interested in crossbred cattle farming at small scale for selling milk and offspring. Exceptional upkeep
and incremental feed is integral part of cattle/cows farming. Majority of farmers is not using balanced
feed for their livestock and very few use mineral supplements. For higher milk yield, use of cotton
seed cakes (khal) is main practice. The situation provides an opportunity of much improvement in
livestock management. The needed measure include balanced feed, mineral supplementation and
artificial insemination (AI) through better and quality semen in both local and crossbreed animals. AI
of local breeds should not be allowed for all 100% of the animals but a reasonable percentage
(uniformly distributed throughout the Thal area) should be kept as such in original genetic makeup.
159. Dairy animals, particularly the crossbred cattle, are now focus of the livestock farming in entire
Thal tract (specifically in Noorpur Thal area). On average basis, 2-3 crossbred cattle per household
are reared. The most successful and proved cross is Friesian because of its adaptation to the severe
environment of Thal. The crossbreed cows have much better milk yield with considerable variability
from 10 to 35 litres/day. Local breed of buffalo is found with average milk yield ranging from 8 to 12
litres/day. The milk yield for local and desi cows is very low (4-7 litres/day) with short lactation period
of 5 to 7 months. In summer months, their milk productivity falls very low as most of lactating desi
cows became dry due to shortage of fodder and harsh season. Orthodox ‘dodhi milk marketing
system’ prevails, resulting in low price of milk (Rs. 45/- per litter of cow milk and Rs. 50/- per litter of
buffalo milk). Milk marketing system is still underdeveloped and network of modern dairy supply chain
is not established due to remoteness and other issues (Shah, H et. al., 2013).28
160. At household level, livestock farming is a common practice. Usually, it is mix of all kinds of
livestock. On average basis, the livestock mix includes goats, sheep, cattle, buffaloes, donkeys and
mules with count of 22, 16, 7, 2 or 3, 0.21 and 0.05, respectively. In terms of ‘Standard Animal Units’
per livestock farm comprises of about 17 on average (Hussain, I., 2017).29 Such type of mix livestock
farming at household level along with multiple breeds of each as a whole ensures the maintenance of
26 Government of Pakistan. 2019. Economic Survey of Pakistan 2018-19. Islamabad: Ministry of Finance, GoP.
27 Faraz A., Waheed A, Mirza RH and Ishaq HM. 2019. Socio Economic Status and Associated Constraints of Camel
Production in Desert Thal Punjab. Pakistan; J Fisheries Livestock Prod, 2019, 7:1.
28 Shah, H., M.A. Khan, A. Ashraf, A.U. Cheema, M. Aslam and S. Ahmad. 2013. Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth
through Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Noorpur Thal. A technical study conducted through PATCO for SVDP.
Social Sciences Research Institute (SSRI), National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan.
29 Hussain, I. 2017. Profile of Livestock Production in Thal Desert of Pakistan. International Journal of Academic Research in
Business and Social Sciences, 7(3), pp.480-94.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
57
‘livestock biodiversity’ in Thal. It is also important because of its originality (local breeds), adapted
from other geographical areas, and crossbred (through AI) as shown in Table 7.
Table 7: Livestock biodiversity in GTCIIP area
Livestock Local
Breeds
Adapted Crossbred Remarks
Buffalo (Bubalus
bubalis)
Kundi, Nili Ravi Few breeds (among many)
are adopted in Thal.
Cattle
(Bos taurus)
Desi Sahiwal, Kachi,
Cholistani
Jersi and Friesian Crossbred for milk
production
Goat (Ovine
vignei)
Beetal Tedi Rajanpuri Rajanpuri from DG Khan
Sheep (Caprine
hircus)
Thalli Kajli Chatra
mundra, Balochi
Balkkhi, Lohi,
Damani
Mix of Kajli and
Thalli,
For mutton and wool, also
found in Multan and
Muzaffargarh districts
Dunba (Lamb) Rajanpuri From DG Khan for Eid-ul-
Zuha
Camel (Camelus
dromedaries)
Marecha,
Barela
Mahra is also name of
Marecha
Horses (Equus
caballus)/ Mules
Arabian Pak-Arab,
Through bred
‘Horses’ in Pakistan are large
majority of ponies.
Poultry (Gallus
gallus
domesticus)
Desi Fumi, Misri Open House broiler farming
Sources: Faraz A., Waheed A, Mirza RH and Ishaq HM. 2019. Socio Economic Status and Associated Constraints of Camel
Production in Desert Thal Punjab. Pakistan; J Fisheries Livestock Prod, 2019, 7:1.
Shah, H., M.A. Khan, A. Ashraf, A.U. Cheema, M. Aslam and S. Ahmad. 2013. Poverty Alleviation and Economic
Growth through Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Noorpur Thal. A technical study conducted through
PATCO for SVDP. Social Sciences Research Institute (SSRI), National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad,
Pakistan.
https://agrihunt.com/articles/livestock-industry/horse-breeds/.
Personal knowledge of the consultant.
161. Availability of fodder in Thal is big issue because supply of seasonal green fodder is limited
to few months of growing season; whereas, dry stalk (mainly wheat straw, millet and gram) are the
alternate option during lean period. For milking animals, cotton seed cake (khal) and wheat bran (turri)
are used as supplemental feed. Open grazing for local as well as nomadic herds is the best option
when gram crop is harvested in summer. Poor performance and low productivity of livestock
management is connected with short and unhygienic diet and poor health facilities. Despite the fact
that fodder cultivation differs in all ecological variations of Thal but Kalar grass as main fodder remains
available in summer in river flood plains and berseem in winter. Other fodder crops like sorghum,
millet, and guar in summer while berseem and lucerne in winter are cultivated in tube-well irrigated
areas. On rakhs rangelands, open and free grazing of local and nomadic livestock (small ruminants)
herds have reduce because of rangeland deterioration and expansion of irrigation sources.
162. Keeping in view the discussion made above, following are the suggested measures to
enhance the livestock production and productivity per animal for boosting up the inclusive growth of
livestock agribusiness in Thal desert:
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
58
• Maintenance of pedigree records of animals to fetch higher prices; improvement of the
genetic potential of local breeds through artificial insemination and standard services of sires
during breeding seasons.
• Vaccine insemination to the animals by herders as well as government organisations to protect
livestock from diseases.
• Development of marketing infrastructure (food-chains and value addition system) to put high
prices in the pockets of farmers through sale of milk, meat, and other dairy products along
with fascinating investment on commercial ranks.
• Use of electronic and print media and making farmers organisations etc. for creating
largescale awareness among primary producers along with struggles of community
mobilisation and encouraging gross-root participation at local level in change actions.
• Due attention (at the level of policy makers and planners) to the difficulties of small farmers
and pastoralists.
• Organised loan facilities (one window at the doorstep of farmers) for installation of tube wells,
fodder cultivation (alpha alpha, mott grass, Sudan grass, re-plantation of fast growing fodder
trees, shrubs and grasses), energy plantations, dairy farms establishments, storage facilities,
and health-cover facilities.
• Breeding practices for true-to-line and pure breeds of Kajli and Beetle with involvement of
research organisations and relevant livestock farmers.
• For productivity enhancement of small ruminants; promotion of lucerne crops and
concentrates.
• Feed-lot-fattening as a profitable business in the area, i.e., rearing of animals at household
level, both small and large, for Eid-ul-Azha.
• Launching of incentive programs by the public and private bodies, i.e., distributing prises to
people who have large size of livestock.
• Above than all, a quick responsive health cover facility in the form of vet. Hospitals along with
mobile units having the facilities of AI and vaccination (regular and emergency).
163. Livestock and poultry farming are now recognised industries. Therefore, entrepreneurship
concept for the promotion of livestock and poultry industries is inevitable to be adopted on modern
lines with the induction of value addition and food chains in Thal area. It will ensure the sustainable
development of natural resource base on one side and will not jeopardise the biodiversity on the
other side. These enterprises will reduce the pressure on “natural resource base” because the local
community members will get employment opportunities and local farmers (as entrepreneurs) will have
reasonable source of income to elevate their living. They will not opt for overexploitation of
rangelands (shelter and breeding place of wildlife) and not hunt migratory birds for boosting their
earnings to sustain daily life needs. The ultimate impact will be safeguarding the ‘biodiversity’. Other
than ‘dairy farming’, following are livestock related enterprises of, for which complete prefeasibility
can be accessed at PARC website:30
• Rural poultry (NARC hybrid) production and marketing
• Goat fattening
• Sheep fattening
• Silage production in silo-pit in peri-urban areas
• Fattening of buffalo/cattle calves
30 PARC Pre-feasibilities (http://www.parc.gov.pk/index.php/en/2014-01-22-03-26-43).
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
59
7.3. Water Resources
164. Regarding Thal, monsoon rainfall is the major source of water,; which is extensive in amount,
flooding, unpredictable in nature and irregular in occurrence. There is noticeable discrepancy in
average annual precipitation from 385 mm in the north-east to 170 mm in the south and during
monsoon around three-fourth of annual rainfall is received. The intensity of this rainfall is so intense
that it does not give time for infiltration leading to groundwater recharge. Other natural reason of no
recharge is lack of organic matter in alluvial and sandy textured sand dunes covering 50 to 60 percent
of the area. The situation can be improved by adopting rain harvesting techniques at large scale on
extensive area to stop the surface run-off. This will also reduce the brackishness of groundwater,
rejuvenate the vegetation and resultantly upgrade the status of biodiversity.
165. Like other areas of Indus basin, water of the Indus River is the prime source of surface water
for Thal area, which is stored in Chashma Barrage Reservoir via Chashma-Jhelum link canal. Main Thal
Canal (MC) and Mankera Branch Canal (MBC) are irrigating to almost 40,000 ha and 104,000 ha,
respectively. The proposed GTC system will also draw its water from the same source to deliver
irrigation water to around 120,000 ha of cultivated land and support to command area covering
264,000 ha (GTCIIP EIA Report, 2020).
166. Quality of ground water is of more concern than its quantity for the purpose of irrigation as
well as other uses. Environmental malfunctions, agricultural pollution, uncontrolled human actions,
industrial wastes and emissions, ecological disturbances, and insufficient ground water regulation are
various aspects, which impact conspicuously on the ground water quality of specific zones including
Thal Zone. Shafiq M., et. al., (2018)31 launched a field study to assess the quality (overall 370 water
samples) of groundwater being pumped. The study found quality of 47% samples unfit for irrigation
purposes. Unfit water was mitigated (minimizing the deleterious effects of salts) into fit by mingling
of brackish water with canal water in diverse amounts in combination with or separately occasional
flushing of soil profile with high quality irrigation water. Because of groundwater over-exploitation
and natural phenomenon, brackish water prevails from the underground water table (upper surface
of saturation zone) to aquifers (saturated zone beneath the water table) which is unfit for drinking and
irrigation purposes. This situation is most common in the populated areas as compared to the
periphery. People can be seen moving (with water containers) from populated areas to unpopulated
peripheries for collection of drinking water.
167. Some small semi-natural water reservoirs should be constructed at suitable sites throughout
the rakhs. Special caution should be taken to choose natural pond areas with a minimum of surface
area. Such ponds should be built at locations which are under constant surveillance by field staff in
order to minimise the chances of them being used as poaching sites. The precise location of the water
points should be determined in consultation with the FG/GW responsible for each area. Particular
care should be taken not to cause any permanent disturbance to the local ecological processes. The
loss of rare and endemic species of flora should be especially avoided. Accumulated sediment should
be regularly removed from the artificial water points, especially after heavy rain or sandstorms.
7.4. Recreational Opportunities
168. Well-managed tourism can contribute to conservation while providing employment and
revenue to the local communities. At a minimum, local people should be trained and hired as guides
and support staff. Tourism must be managed to ensure that it does not contribute to environmental
31 Shafiq M., A. G. Sagoo, M. Arif, M. Yousaf, M. Zafar, N. Akhtar, K. Nazir and A. Hannan. 2018. Assessment of
Groundwater Quality Status for Irrigation in Thal Area. Current Investigations in Agriculture and Current Research (CIACR),
5 (5), Lupin Publisher, https://lupinepublishers.com/agriculture-journal/pdf/CIACR.MS.ID.000225.pdf.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
60
degradation or cultural disintegration. A portion of all profits should be invested in local conservation
and social development. Programmes that use participating tourist to accomplish research and
conservation goal should be encouraged.
169. Eco-tourism is a management tool that integrates conservation with recreation, conservation
education, conservation awareness and resource economics. This component of rakh management is
a means to the sustainability of management interventions. Like most other PAs, rakhs of Thal also
has great potential for eco-tourism. It offers a multitude of attractions for ecologists, biologists.
naturalists, environmentalists, trekkers. mountaineers, geologists, soil scientists and the general public
170. Restricted eco-tourism should be permitted in selected parts of the core zone in the interests
of conservation education. All eco-tourists should be duly registered before entering the core
habitats. They should preferably be accompanied a member of the rakh staff. Eco-tourists should
confine themselves to the designated trails and routes at given times to avoid disturbance of wildlife.
Activities like trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing etc., should be confined to designated areas in
specific seasons. A stringent code of conduct should be formulated for eco-tourists and be strictly
implemented.
171. Current recreational use of rakhs in Thal is almost none but, in the wake of recent trends,
these deserts have lot of recreational potential for people looking to turn around their hard city
breathes. Rakh protected areas are the most beautiful gift of nature because these are culturally rich
and within the easy reach. There are certain recreational events such as Thal Food Festival (TFF),
Desert Safari (other than the protected areas), at selected central and accessible locations can be
organised. Wilderness of desert surface due to wild jumble and junk of sand dunes and sand ridges is
worth seeing. A natural jeep- and motorcycle-stable sand road may be marked and certain mild and
extreme weather times of the year be fixed for its viewing. The language of the Thal is Thalochi dialect,
which itself is very rich in local songs with beautiful local musical instruments. Promotion of these
events will boost the income of local people, providing a strong reason of release pressure on the
natural resources.
172. Thal is very rich in beautiful bird species, which provides an opportunity to promote the
tourism by establishing “bird seeing spots” with necessary facilities, staff and equipment. Similarly,
migratory birds visit specific wetland pockets, which can also be developed with watching towers but
under strict control to avoid illegal hunting. Fish points for “catch the fish, eat the fish” may be
developed with proper stocking of local fish species. Cage fish farming for Tilapia in reservoirs
available in Thal area will not only promote fish protein consumption for local people but also will be
a source of recreation for tourist.
173. However, rakhs’ habitat has remained under heavy exploitation from local inhabitants, both
for livestock grazing and fuel wood collection. Threats to habitat are likely to intensify with increase
in tourist flow. The impact on habitat will be through littering of rakhs , casual damage to vegetation
and collection of firewood by picnickers with enhanced probability of grass fires.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
61
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
62
8. HOW TO GET THERE?
8.1. Major Constraints and Opportunities
174. There is no doubt that the desert communities have lived in the area since centuries and have
adapted to adverse physical environments. They have deep understanding of existing resources and
have maintained their living patterns accordingly. Though main emphasis of the baseline ecological
survey was to investigate the ecological attributes of the areas; however, a few obvious cumulative
impacts of the prosed project to the social and economic conditions in the Choubara Branch are
summarised here.
175. Highly positive and significant cumulative impacts are expected on property values because
of the construction and operationalisation of the Choubara Branch Canal. For instance, the price of
land (mainly sand dunes) will be increased manifold having become cultivable due to this initiative.
Positive and significant impacts are also anticipated in relation to economic activity around the
proposed canal; however, the extent of this effect will rely on the coordinated planning between
water availability, its optimum use, distribution and land use planning. There is ample scope for
enhancing livelihoods opportunities for the communities in changing climate by bringing in new
knowledge and ideas, and systematically integrating these with traditional indigenous knowledge and
skills. The local economy will also benefit primarily by increased temporary and permanent
employment opportunities, the project will create considerable non-technical jobs for local
enterprises, such as security, and provision of goods and services.
176. Crop productions in command area will be increased after the construction of canal. Major
food crops such as wheat, maise, sorghum and barley will replace the desert into agriculture lands.
On the other hand, invasive as well high delta tree crops such as Eucalyptus may replace the native
trees due to its market value. In un-irrigated area of Mankera Tehsil, from where Choubara Branch is
to be constructed, has much better and undisturbed habitat for houbara bustard. But as soon as the
construction of the Choubara Branch will be completed, the desert ecology of the area will be
converted into agricultural one. The natural vegetation will be cleared, habitats will be disturbed and
connectivity between the habitats will be disrupted due to expansion of agricultural lands and
development of infrastructure. As a consequence, much of the native fauna including mammals, birds
and reptiles will move to the areas which are less disturbed. This may result in the loss of prime habitat
of houbara bustard and other biodiversity of the area. Compensatory protected areas should be
established and protected to offset the loss of natural habitats from the project. It must be ecologically
similar to, and no smaller than, the rakh/natural habitat area lost or degraded by the GTCIIP. The costs
of establishing and managing compensatory protected areas must be considered part of the costs of
the overall GTCIIP. Such initiative will provide an opportunity to turn a negative project feature
(natural habitat loss) into something environmentally beneficial in the form of new or improved
existing rakhs. To sustain such initiatives certain percentage from the collected Abiana may be
earmarked.
177. Replacing the desert ecology into agriculture may also lead to population increase that has
already accelerated enormously during the past few decades especially after the construction of Thal
Canal. Use of intensive farming methods to obtain the maximum yield of crop from the farmed land
may increase the probability of application of chemical fertilisers and the widespread use of pesticides
which would ultimately have an adverse effect on the avifauna, small mammal and reptiles. The
farmers frequently make indiscriminate use of pesticides and insecticides. There are a great number
of insectivorous birds, which are greatly affected due to these insecticides. Slowing and eventually
reversing the population growth and minimising their footprints, awareness raising, provision of
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
63
agricultural extension services and reproductive health services must be planned and implemented
accordingly.
178. Canal can impede the movement of many animal species especially reptiles and mammals.
Barriers to the movement of animals can lead to fragmentation of populations. Isolation caused by
physical barriers to movement, such as canals, may reduce gene flow causing genetic effects that in
the extreme could result in local extirpation. For small mammals, it could result in ecosystem level
alterations because of their importance as seed dispersers and their role as prey for such predators
as jungle cat and birds of prey.
179. However, the construction of canal will also provide a refuge and staging habitat for migratory
bird species and mammals such as jangle cat. It is envisaged that once the canal is completed, this
will attract more water birds in winter, and the water birds wintering in the surrounding wetlands will
have an alternative site for resting. Further, due to seepage, water bodies/wetlands may be created
in the surrounding areas which will provide food and habitat to many bird species.
8.1.1. Major Issues
180. One of key issues faced by most wildlife species of Pakistan is the dearth of the scientific data.
This includes their long-term population assessment and monitoring, migration patterns, breeding
biology, behaviour, distribution and the habitat requirements. This has to be in different seasons so
that a complete scientific assessment of the key wildlife species could be made.
181. The construction of network of roads and other infrastructure in the Thal region has
fragmented the key habitat of wildlife species. Expansion of human population and their
encroachment into natural areas has further aggravated the situation. The most affected is the desert
ecology, which host to a range of key wildlife species i.e. Houbara bustard, of the region.
182. As in most other parts of Pakistan, this region has also seen extensive illegal hunting and
wildlife trade, which has resulted in the local extinction of Chinkara, and a few others are facing serious
decline. In addition, illegal hunting of Houbara bustard by the local communities and poachers from
outside and its trade within and outside the country had put species in decline in the Thal region.
183. Local people lack awareness about the role the wildlife play in keeping the ecosystems healthy
and their contribution in our daily food chains. Except the Houbara bustard, which is in high demand
within and outside Pakistan, the local communities are not concerned about their conservation. Local
hunters also kill wild animals for sport hunting. Local communities also consider few species as pests.
184. During the past few years, this region has witnessed a considerable change in the cropping
pattern. The desert areas are being drastically converted from gram cultivation into high value
agriculture crops. This change in land use is significantly impacting the desert ecology.
8.1.2. Major Constraints
185. Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department is the custodian department to manage the habitat
and the wildlife species. Unfortunately, there is a limited technical capacity of the department to
handle such large areas. The staff is not trained to manage community owned natural areas and other
rakhs owned by Forest Department. There remains a huge capacity gap, which restricts the field staff
in effective management of such areas.
186. Inadequate field facilities for the staff of the Punjab Wildlife Department are a big
management constraint. This is due to the fact that there is a limited number of field staff, which not
only lacks field equipment but also the field vehicles to traverse large areas. Similarly, there are no
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
64
field accommodations where the staff can be housed to ensure strict law enforcement. Hence effective
monitoring remains a big question mark.
187. It is recognised worldwide that local community engagement is vital to ensure sustainability
of conservation efforts within any given landscape. This initiative has produced positive results even
within Pakistan, when we talk about community-based trophy hunting programme and many other
such interventions. Unfortunately, in the case of Thal area, little effort has been made towards this
except the communities are only engaged when the Houbara are being hunted and when certain
benefits are provided to the communities, and this too is on ad hoc basis.
8.1.3. Potential Opportunities
188. There exist a huge research potential in the region. Being desert ecology, research related to
desert habitat, species, home range requirements of species, habitat and land use change etc. should
be made part of the overall plan. This will provide support to researchers, academia and others in
effective planning, implementation and monitoring of interventions in the region.
189. Very few studies are available on the scientific knowledge of the species and habitat. This plan
provides an opportunity to update scientific knowledge and enhance species/habitat database
development. This will help in understanding the Thal region’s flora and fauna.
190. Chinkara is locally extinct from the region. There is a huge potential to revive the lost
population by following IUCN reintroduction guidelines. However, there is a need to conduct a
comprehensive assessment of habitat versus species requirements in order to reintroduce the species
in its habitat, which faced extensive hunting pressure. This will also help in identifying the basic issues
faced by the species.
191. The conservation of rare species is of prime importance for the local community as most of
the financial aid coming to the region from foreign dignitaries is being invested on community
development initiatives. This is one of the tools to manage wildlife through selective hunting. This also
provides an opportunity to protect other species of special concern in the region.
192. The existence of Greater Thal Canal in the region will enhance the wetlands development
opportunities i.e. agriculture, fishing, aquatic biodiversity, ecotourism, aesthetic, and many others.
This will also create an opportunity for the locals to generate resources for their sustenance, if
managed properly.
193. Keeping in view the large-scale recent infrastructure development (road network, small
cottage industries, agriculture land use change etc.), habitat fragmentation is on its peak. Developing
ecological corridors provides an opportunity for the local wildlife staff to conserve the species on a
sustainable basis.
194. There is a huge possibility of support from other sectors. Public private partnership can be
one of the possible options to explore in the region to support rare habitats and species
195. Communities are sensitised to protect key species of the region and they know the value of
it as well. There is a huge opportunity of protecting the rich natural fauna of the region through
engaging communities in conservation interventions.
8.1.3.1. Reintroduction of species
196. Chinkara disappeared from this desert tract almost four decades ago. The habitat is still in a
better position and can support its extant population. The plan provides an opportunity to follow
IUCN Reintroduction guidelines for Chinkara reintroduction. This includes three pronged approach:
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
65
Pre-release, Release and Post Release. Every step requires implementation of a range of small
interventions. Further, the engagement and role of custodian communities is also important to
support this initiative.
197. Hog deer is another key species, which can be introduced in the potential habitat, which will
be created as a result of Greater Thal Canal. This needs careful review, evaluation of the habitat and
the species requirements. The foremost pre-requisite is the habitat feasibility study.
8.1.3.2. Scientific Research
198. Houbara bustard is a key species of the region. Regular species population and habitat
monitoring should be part of this Biodiversity Action Plan. This will enhance the knowledge about the
species in the Thal region and will help update the population status and habitat improvement.
199. One of the most refined scientific researches would be the GIS based assessment of the Thal
region. This will help in understanding habitat change analysis, land cover and land use changes and
other information, which is necessary for the decision making by the policy makers.
200. Impacts of climate change on species and habitats, as Pakistan has been on the top 10 most
affected countries due to climate change. This has an impact on our economy, health, agriculture,
infrastructure development and biodiversity conservation too. This is an important part of the research
in the recent times and is a cross sectoral issue. It is very difficult to be handled by one department;
rather joint efforts are needed to ensure the achievement of long-term positive impacts.
201. Ecological corridors are developed due to habitat fragmentation for providing a safe
migration route to the wildlife. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of such corridors and this
may change with the passage of time, depending on the species population expansion, reduction of
threats and species adaptability.
8.1.4. Stakeholder Views on Biodiversity Management
202. In order to collect the data and to know the perceptions of relevant departments and
communities, consultative sessions were organised with representatives of the provincial departments
and communities to understand the dynamic nature of conservation challenges, its trends and drivers
and effects of GTCIIP on biodiversity of Thal. The meetings were held with the representatives of
Forest and Wildlife Department, Agriculture and Livestock Department, Irrigation Department,
protected area management experts, and the relevant communities. These discussions have helped
to develop consensus on the way forward in the form of this Biodiversity Action Plan. Following are
few suggestions inferred from the stakeholder consultations:
• A Rakh Management Committees (RMC) should be created to assist in the management of
the rakhs in Thal; however, management of rakhs should remain an overall responsibility of
the Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Department, in collaboration with other departments,
agencies, NGOs and communities as deemed appropriate.
• Promoting increased community involvement in rakh management, the community should be
represented in the Rakh Management Committees and should be involved in rakh
management and environmental management.
• Grass-roots plans (e.g. village development plans) should be devised and linked with the
government policies for successful implementation. New legislation, policies and institutional
linkages should be promoted to encourage community participation.
• It is also recommended that a trust/endowment fund to be established. This fund would
operate in conjunction with the BAP, but independently of it and should preferentially provide
funds for the ecological and social aspects concerning the rakh management.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
66
• Illegal hunting and poaching of the wildlife species especially black francolin, grey francolin
and other important birds should be controlled while houbara bustard hunting by the Arab
diligent should be banned in the area for its protection and conservation.
• Wildlife check posts should be made in the remote areas of the Thal Desert for regular
monitoring of the porous grounds against the illegal hunting and poaching of the species.
• Licensed weapons should be provided to the wildlife rangers for the protection of the area.
• Awareness campaigns, seminars and meetings should be held in the local community for the
biodiversity conservation and protection.
• Small-scale credit programmes should be started to enable communities to purchase the
necessary services, equipment and supplies for improved agricultural production, handling,
and marketing, etc.
• Technical assistance should be specifically provided to improve all forms of water
management.
• Ecotourism-based development should be designed so that it does not adversely affect the
local communities.
8.2. The Action Plan
203. The biodiversity conservation and mitigation measures proposed in the preceding chapters
are wide-ranged; hence require a phased approach to implement the action plan. Accordingly, the
actions to be taken during the GTCIIP implementation, mainly construction phase, are given in Table
8. These actions will primarily be responsibility of the GTCIIP team, especially the Director
Environment and Social Unit (ESU) within Project Management Office (PMO), in close collaboration
with FWFD and will be implemented through engaging a consulting firm or a non-governmental
organisation having relevant experience.
204. The long-term actions, which can accrue far-reaching biodiversity benefits but are outside the
ambit of the GTCIIP, are mentioned in Annex 1 for the Government of the Punjab to pursue through
public funds and/or civil society as well as private sector contribution. This chapter primarily concerns
with the first set of actions to be taken through the implementation arrangements proposed for
GTCIIP.
Table 8: The Biodiversity Action Plan
Action Cost
(USD)
Responsibility Timeframe (Year)
1 2 3 4 5 6
1. During project construction, monitor and
report on the implementation of the
Construction Biodiversity management Plan
set out in the EIA/EMP.
60,000 BAP Consultant
EDCM Consultant
ESU
FWFD
Contractor
◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉
2. Build capacity of FWFD staff, construction
managers and contractors in GTCIIP
implementation in compliance with the
Safeguards and Mitigation Measures
15,000 BAP Consultant
ESU
◉ ◉ ◉
3. Conduct annual surveys of range resources
and population of threatened species,
especially Saker falcon and Houbara
bustard, particularly in rakhs and generally in
GTCIIP area to monitor the trends.
30,000 BAP Consultant
ESU
FWFD
◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
67
Action Cost
(USD)
Responsibility Timeframe (Year)
1 2 3 4 5 6
4. Develop rakh-specific species conservation
plans for threatened species, especially
Saker falcon and Houbara bustard.
20,000 BAP Consultant
ESU
FWFD
◉
5. Develop and implement species
reintroduction and enrichment plan for flora
and fauna in the rakhs.
10,000 BAP Consultant
ESU
FWFD
◉ ◉ ◉
6. Design and implement community
awareness programme (using information,
education and communication materials,
and cultural event) to support in-situ and ex-
situ conservation efforts.
30,000 BAP Consultant
ESU
NGOs
FWFD
◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉
7. Promote and establish community
conservation networks across GTCIIP area to
revive the degraded ecosystem functions
and services, and to promote agriculture-
conservation coexistence.
10,000 BAP Consultant
ESU
Agri. Dept.
NGOs
◉ ◉
8. Foster linkages and partnerships with the
private sector businesses to invest in local
biodiversity conservation.
5,000 BAP Consultant
ESU
◉ ◉
9. Initiate a pilot programme for ecotourism
promotion in one of the rakhs.
10,000 BAP Consultant
ESU
TDCP
◉ ◉
10. Advocate for long-term conservation efforts
through implementation of follow-up actions
given in Annex 1.
10,000 BAP Consultant
ESU
FWFD
◉ ◉
11. Provide patrolling vehicles, surveying
equipment and watch & ward gear (as per
Annex 2) to FWFD staff in Bhakkar Division
for effective conservation and protection of
biodiversity.
50,000 PMO ◉
12. Support FWFD in Bhakkar Division for
effective patrolling and watch & ward
operations
10,000 ESU
PMO
◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉
13. Construct four 2-room field offices (one in
each of the Rakh Gauharwala, Rakh
Karluwala, Rakh Chikkan and Rakh Hundalal)
as per specifications given in Annex 3.
40,000 PMO ◉
TOTAL 300,000
Notes: BAP = Biodiversity Action Plan; EDCM = Engineering Design and Construction Management; ESU = Environment &
Social Unit [within PMO]; FWFD = [Punjab] Forest, Wildlife & Fisheries Department; PMO = Project Management
Office [GTCIIP]; TDCP = Tourism Development Corporation of Pakistan.
8.3. BAP Implementation Arrangements
205. The implementation of BAP would primarily be responsibility of the GTCIIP-PMO entrusted
downwards to the Environment and Social Unit within the PMO. The proposed ESU is headed by a
Director, Environment and Social, assisted by a Deputy Director, Environment. It may recruit more
technical and supporting staff as per needs of the field. However, the ESU will need to engage a
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
68
suitable consulting firm or non-governmental organisation, having relevant experience in conservation
and ecological monitoring, as BAP Consultant. The BAP Consultant will be responsible to deliver the
Actions 1 to 10 of Table 8. The procurement of equipment and operations (Actions 11 & 12) and
construction of guarding huts (Action 13) will be responsibility of the PMO, through its Procurement
Unit.
206. However, an effective implementation of BAP will require very close liaison and coordination
with the Punjab Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Department through its district offices of Divisional
Forest Officer and District Wildlife Officer.
207. The EDCM Consultant, and the Contractor for canal construction and allied activities, will play
an important role in BAP implementation through compliance of ADB-SPS 2009 and EIA/EMP.
208. The organisational arrangements for BAP implementation are shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8: BAP implementation organogram
23. The BAP implementation will coincide with the GTCIIP implementation so that the community
involvement, agricultural initiatives and floral and faunal conservation activities can complement the
mitigation measures and monitoring of the GTCIIP EMP, as well as the design and construction
activities under GTCIIP.
8.3.1. BAP Consultant
209. The BAP Consultant, to be hired on intermittent input basis for the entire project duration (6
years), will offer at least the following expertise:
i. One Conservation Manager/Team Leader (National)
ii. One Sustainable Agriculture Specialist (National)
iii. Two Monitoring Officers (National)
iv. Technical Advisor & Fundraiser (International)
Project Management
Office, GTCIIP
Pb Forest, Wildlife &
Fisheries Dept.Pb Irrigation Dept.
Bhakkar Forest
Division
Environment & Social
Unit, GTCIIP
BAP ConsultantConstruction
Contractor EDCM Consultant
Pb Agriculture Dept.
PAD GTCIIP
Directorate
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
69
210. The BAP Consultant may propose some additional expertise on short-term basis as required
for undertaking some specific tasks, such as fauna population census, species management planning
or community mobilisation and awareness raising (Error! Reference source not found.).
Figure 9: Organogram of BAP Consultant
8.3.2. Implementation Arrangements for Follow-up Actions
211. The follow-up actions, proposed in Annex 1, are equally important; however, does not fall in
the ambit of GTCIIP implementation. The Punjab FWFD will be the main agency for coordinating and
implementing these actions, and will coordinate with Planning and Development Department, and
other government line agencies to secure necessary support to ensure implementation of the
proposed actions. Being the custodian of ecological sustainability of entire Thal area, FWFD will
ensure the fund flow mechanism to the district level and field level teams. In addition, all the provincial
level coordination with a range of stakeholders including with academia, NGOs, the private sector
and others will be carried out by the office of the Secretary, FWFD.
A district level Steering Committee comprised of government line agencies, conservation based
organisations, district authorities and community representatives may also be notified for effective
coordination amongst the stakeholders and reviewing the progress on yearly basis.
8.4. Monitoring and
Reporting
Mechanism
212. The BAP Consultant
will prepare quarterly
monitoring and progress
reports on compliance of
mitigation measures and
implementation of BAP. These
reports will be submitted to
ESU for further submission to
PMO and ADB. Additionally,
PMO and ADB may also deploy
missions to monitor overall
GTCIIP implementation, of
which BAP implementation will
be an integral component.
Conservation Manager /
Team Leader
Agriculture Specialist
Technical Advisor &
Fundraiser
OrnithologistHerpetologist
Range Specialist
GIS Specialist Wildlife Biologist
Forestry Specialist
Monitoring Officers
FWFD
Irrigation Department
District Authorities
Conservation Organisations & Academia
Local Communities
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
70
213. As biodiversity conservation is a perpetual process, it is important that the BAP is reviewed
periodically in the light of population censuses, surveys and assessments of floral and faunal species
in rakhs and adjoining areas. This will help in any course correction, if required.
214. The BAP implementation will be reported against the following annual indicators to ensure
No Net Loss to the biodiversity of rakhs and the adjacent areas:
Annual Indicator Goal Threshold Means of Verification
1. Decline in area of rangeland
vegetation
0% or
increasing
≥5% Annual surveys of range
resources
Quarterly monitoring &
progress reports
2. Decline in population of Saker
falcon
0% or
increasing
≥5% Annual species population
surveys of Saker falcon
3. Decline in population of Houbara
bustard
0% or
increasing
≥5% Annual species population
surveys of Houbara bustard
4. Extension of canals, or pumping of
water, from canals in the rakh
areas
Zero Any Quarterly monitoring &
progress reports
215. As Government of Panjab and WWF Pakistan are particularly monitoring the status of Houbara
bustard in Thal, it will be useful to have a close coordination with the effort to validate the results of
population censuses, surveys and assessments conducted under GTCIIP-BAP implementation. The
GTCIIP Ecological Survey Report (2000) will serve as the benchmark for such assessments.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
71
Annex 1: Follow-up Actions for Government of the Punjab
Outcomes Actions Outputs Timeframe Cost (PKR) Responsibility
1. Biodiversity of
Thal region
maintained and
improved
1.1. Conduct population
censuses of significant
biodiversity of Thal
region on an annual
basis to monitor
population trends
• Experienced field survey team
using standardised survey methods
engaged for annual population
monitoring in Thal Region
Regular / Annual
Basis, at least for
next 10 years (2021-
2030)
3.5 million Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Houbara Foundation Intl.,
Pakistan
WWF-Pakistan
Local communities
Pakistan Museum of
Natural History
Zoological Survey of
Pakistan
1.2. Establish a network of
community-based
protected areas and
other potential habitats
across the entire range
in Thal Desert to revive
the lost ecosystem
functions and services
• “Rakhs” and other potential
habitats are mapped and protected
in collaboration with local
communities for providing a safe
resting and breeding place for the
local biodiversity.
• Ecological corridors mapped and
existing habitat improved and
threats of illegal hunting minimised
with the help of local communities
• Implementation of the long term
Biodiversity Management Plan
initiated and progress monitored
Ongoing for at least
10 years
(2021-2030)
10 million Pb Forest Dept.
Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Pb Agriculture Dept.
NGOs
Local Communities
Farmers
1.3. Identify threats and
implement mitigation
plan in collaboration
with local stakeholders
• Threat analysis conducted through
a consultative session involving
major stakeholders including social,
economic, ecological / Climate
change
2021-2030 30 million Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Pb Forest Dept.
Pb Irrigation Dept.
Local Communities
WWF-Pakistan
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
72
Outcomes Actions Outputs Timeframe Cost (PKR) Responsibility
• Funding sources, timeframe and
roles and responsibilities of major
stakeholders defined to implement
the mitigation plan
• Interventions initiated in
collaboration with partners and
stakeholders such as establishment
of check posts at main entry and
exit points; community based
protection mechanism at village /
Union Council level; provision of
field transport facilities for the staff
of Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept. to
control poaching; establishment of
Hunters Association at the Tehsil
level to promote them as
Conservation Ambassadors
• Awareness raising campaigns
launched through holding sessions
with local communities to minimise
threats to the local biodiversity
• Legal hunting banned for at least
next five years till the population
recovers and can afford sustainable
hunting
1.4. Maintain and enhance in
situ and ex situ
conservation measures
as part of an integrated
approach to conserve
• Additional field staff recruited to
protect species of special interest in
their natural habitat
• Potential habitat restored through
stopping encroachment and
reseeding to improve its quality
2021-2030 30 million Pb Forest Dept.
Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Pb Irrigation Dept.
Academia
Pakistan Museum of
Natural History
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
73
Outcomes Actions Outputs Timeframe Cost (PKR) Responsibility
species and genetic
diversity.
• A wildlife breeding farm cum zoo
established to supplement natural
populations
• A gene bank of local fauna
established in a HEC recognised
local university to preserve genetic
diversity
1.5. Increase understanding
and use of a whole-of-
ecosystem approach in
biodiversity
management
• Knowledge about the species and
habitat developed through field
assessments, stakeholder
consultations and literature review
• Desert ecosystem boundary
defined keeping in view the home
range requirements of certain key
wildlife species for adopting
landscape level approach
2021-2030 20 million Pb Forest Dept.
Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Pb Irrigation Dept.
Pb Agriculture Dept.
Pakistan Museum of
Natural History
Zoological Survey Dept.
WWF-Pakistan
Local Communities
Academia
Local Leaders
1.6. Identify rakhs in which
habitat linkages are
important for
biodiversity
conservation and secure
these areas through
mechanisms such as
complementary land-
uses and partnerships
between governments
and private landholders.
• GIS based demarcation of
important natural areas and
mapping of the wildlife species of
special significance
• Home range requirements of
significant wildlife species
determined and potential
ecological corridors mapped
• Negotiations undertaken between
government and farmers / private
landholders, consensus developed
and MoU / agreement signed for
biodiversity conservation
2021-2024 5 million Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Local Farmers
Private Landholders
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
74
Outcomes Actions Outputs Timeframe Cost (PKR) Responsibility
1.7. Conduct a change
analysis of wildlife
habitat: historical versus
present and identify
threats to habitat due to
population expansion,
conversion of land for
agriculture, cropping
patterns and other
infrastructure
• Encroachment in the agricultural
areas strictly monitored and
banned by the staff of Pb Forest
Dept.
• Existing habitat of the significant
wildlife species mapped through
using GIS and monitored over time
for any change in its status
• Reseeding in potential habitat
carried out by the Pb Wildlife &
Parks Dept. and Pb Forest Dept. to
further improve the quality of the
habitat and remove invasive species
in its habitat
2021-2030 4.5 million Pb Forest Dept.
Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
1.8. Infrastructure
development
interventions managed
effectively to protect
biodiversity
• Nature based solutions introduced
to minimise the impact of any hard
infrastructure interventions in the
potential habitat of Houbara
bustard
• Mitigation / management plan
developed as part of the EIA of the
project and ensure implementation
of the interventions
2021-2030 10 million Pb Forest Dept.
WWF-Pakistan
2. Thal
Conservation
Endowment
Fund (TCEF)
operationalised
2.1. A clear and
comprehensive
investment policy sets
out the core principles
the TCEF used for
conservation.
• Approved investment policy for
TCEF
2024 200 million Pb Forest, Wildlife &
Fisheries Dept.
Pb Finance Dept.
Private Sector
2.2. Develop resource
mobilisation strategies
• Detailed resource mobilisation
strategies or action plans in place
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
75
Outcomes Actions Outputs Timeframe Cost (PKR) Responsibility
or action plans for
raising long-term capital
as well as shorter-term
funding for particular
projects or programs
for raising long-term capital as well
as shorter-term funding for
particular projects or programs.
2.3. Credible governing
body in place
• TCEF governing body or its
committee responsible for
overseeing investment
management, invests and manages
as a prudent investor would invest
his or her own funds.
3. Meaningful
stakeholder
linkages,
investments and
partnerships
forged
3.1. Develop linkages and
partnerships with the
private sector
businesses to invest in
local biodiversity
conservation.
• Private sector business approached
and sensitised on local
environmental issues
• MOUs signed with the local
businesses to provide support for
biodiversity conservation
• Pilot projects initiated with Public
Private Partnership mode
2021-2025 3 million Pb Forest Dept.
Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Private businesses
NGOs
3.2. Enhance interaction with
the custodian
communities and
engage them in
conservation of the
species
• A network of CBOs established to
gather their support in biodiversity
conservation
• Green employment on an ad hoc
basis and other incentives
introduced for their regular
engagement
2021-2030 20 million Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Local NGOs/CBOs
Local communities /
leaders
4. Conservation
knowledge
sharing improved
4.1. Complete assessments
at district as well as
provincial levels to
identify knowledge
needs and gaps and to
• Reports on population assessment
published
• Lessons learnt / success stories
developed for wider dissemination
2021-2023 5 million Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Pb Forest Dept.
Pakistan Museum of
Natural History
Zoological Survey Dept.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
76
Outcomes Actions Outputs Timeframe Cost (PKR) Responsibility
set research priorities
for biodiversity
conservation at all
levels.
• Online knowledge management
system established
WWF-Pakistan
4.2. Reactivation of
traditional management
system
• Values and traditional management
systems in place
2021-2025 2 million Provincial Government,
WWF-Pakistan
4.3. Inculcate the traditional
wisdom and values into
the rakh planning
• Traditional wisdom based pilot
initiative taken
5. Illegal wildlife
trade curbed
5.1. Field work in small
mammals, reptiles and
raptors sourcing as well
as primary exit points,
to strengthen Thal’s
knowledge-base on
harvest and trade.
• Understanding of unsustainable and
illegal behaviour associated with
biodiversity loss and ecosystem
degradation improved
2021-2030 5 million TRAFFIC
WWF-Pakistan
Line Depts.
DGPR
TV channels
Journalist forums
Press Clubs
5.2. Increase proactive and
results-oriented
engagement of civil
society organisations in
combating illegal
practices targeting
Thal’s endangered
natural resources.
• Capacity of community-based
organisations strengthened to
monitor illegal activities involving
Thal’s endangered natural
resources and compliance with
laws.
WWF-Pakistan
National Rural Support
Programme
Local NGOs
5.3. Focus on empowering
journalists to organise
forums, conduct
investigative projects,
write blogs, articles and
increase domestic
• Media coverage and exposure of
abusive practices targeting Thal’s
endangered natural resources
increased
DGPR
TV channels
Journalist forums
Press Clubs
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
77
Outcomes Actions Outputs Timeframe Cost (PKR) Responsibility
media coverage of
illegal activities in
national newspapers,
radio and TV programs.
6. Capacity of
FWFD local
offices
strengthened
6.1. Depute and equip
additional forest and
wildlife staff for effective
conservation of
biodiversity
• New PC-1’s developed for keeping
additional staff and resources on a
long term basis
2021-2022 1 million Pb Forest Dept.
Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
6.2. Provide appropriate
logistic support to the
field staff of Pb Forest
Dept. and Pb Wildlife &
Parks Dept. to keep
staff mobile and present
in the field
• Field accommodation and transport
facility ensured for the field staff by
the Dept.
2021-2024 20 million Pb Forest Dept.
Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
6.3. Provide legislative
support to the
community-based
protection mechanism
and also to community-
based protected areas
• Legislative gaps identified and
addendum/notifications
recommended
2022 2 million Pb Forest Dept.
Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
7. Biodiversity
conservation
integrated into
development
planning
7.1. Integrate biodiversity
conservation into district
as well as provincial
planning instruments by
implementing a decision
making hierarchy for
biodiversity
management: the first
aim is to avoid loss; if
• District level conservation plan
developed by Pb Wildlife & Parks
Dept. in collaboration with local
government line agencies and
approved by the respective Deputy
Commissioner
• Biodiversity conservation
interventions as mentioned in the
BAP are included in relevant
2021-2024 1 million Various government
departments under
District Government
Deputy Commissioner
Pb Wildlife & Parks Dept.
Pb P&D Dept.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
78
Outcomes Actions Outputs Timeframe Cost (PKR) Responsibility
that is not possible, then
aim to minimise loss; if
biodiversity loss is
unavoidable, impacts
should be managed to
maintain ecosystem
functions, including,
where feasible, through
the use of offsets.
development projects of different
depts. of GoPb.
8. Ecotourism
promoted
8.1. Strengthening of legal
and policy framework
for implementing
ecotourism as part of a
strategy to engender
the financial
sustainability of GTCIIP
rakhs.
• Change in the legal and policy
framework at the provincial level
2021-2030 20 million Pb FWFD
Tourism Development
Corp. of Pb
Private Sector
8.2. Initiation of a pilot
program for ecotourism
implementation in
GTCIIP rakhs.
• Agreements between the private
sector and FWFD officials for the
operation of ecotourism activities in
rakhs of GTCIIP
8.3. Provision of new
financing vehicles by
ensuring the alignment
of ecotourism activities
with biodiversity
conservation objectives.
• PAs implementing public use plans
9. Effective
governance of
rakhs
9.1. Multi-stakeholder BAP
Steering Committee
constituted.
2021-2030 2 million Provincial Line depts.,
WWF-Pakistan
HFI Pakistan
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
79
Outcomes Actions Outputs Timeframe Cost (PKR) Responsibility
management
ensured
9.2. Regular progress
update by the Steering
Committee and
monitoring of BAP.
• Multiple sectors, agencies and
disciplines represented in the
Steering Committee
• Regular progress updates
District Authorities
Academia
Community
Representatives
10. A robust
monitoring,
reporting and
evaluation
mechanism in
place
10.1. Designate a suitable
professional from FWFD
to act as M&E Officer
• A suitable staff member from
FWFD deputed to serve as M&E
Officer based on his/her
qualification and experience
• Notification of M&E Officer
2021-2030 5 million FWFD
10.2. Develop in
consultation with the
stakeholders a
representative set of
biodiversity indicators
and monitoring
protocols.
• A consultative session of
stakeholders organised at the
district level including
representatives from provincial
government to identify landscape
level indicators
• ME framework and quarterly work
plans developed based on the pre-
identified indicators
2021-2023 1 million GoPb
Pb Line depts.; District
Authorities
10.3. Progressively align
and integrate reporting
products across
governments for
effective biodiversity
planning.
• Progress reports shared with
respective provincial and district
level authorities
• Biodiversity conservation
interventions included in the PC-1’s
of various government departments
2022-2030 15 million GoPb
Pb Line depts.; District
Authorities
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
80
Annex 2: Equipment Specifications
Equipment Specifications Quantity Cost
(USD)
4-wheel drive vehicle Toyota Hilux single cabin standard 4x4
(or any other comparable 4-wheel drive vehicle)
with Common-Rail Diesel 2755 cm3 Engine (D-4D)
One 37,500
Motorcycles Honda CG125 (or any other comparable model)
with 4-Stroke OHV Air Cooled Engine
Four 3,500
Field Equipment Night vision binoculars
Spotting scopes
Cameras with traps and tripods
GPS
Android-powered tablets
Drone camera
Field torches
Miscellaneous watch & ward gear
To be
determined in
consultation
with FWFD
9,000
TOTAL 50,000
Note: The procurement of equipment will follow standard procurement policies and procedures applicable for GTCIIP.
Greater Thal Canal Biodiversity Action Plan
81
Annex 3: Field Offices Specifications
Specifications Quantity Cost (USD)
To be designed by the EDCM Consultant; each office to include at
least:
• 2 Rooms; sized 16 x 14 feet
• 1 Toilet & bathroom; sized 8 x 8 feet
• 1 Veranda; according to the rooms’ dimensions and
architectural design
Four 36,000
Furniture and furnishing for each office Four 4,000
TOTAL 40,000
Note: The procurement will follow standard procurement policies and procedures applicable for GTCIIP.
House 269-E, Street 13-B, E-11/4 Islamabad, Pakistan
+92 (51) 2222469
+92 (333) 5590803
info@devconsult.pk
www.devconsult.pk
The dev~consult is a unique client-centric partnership of individuals and consulting practices taking forward the philosophy of collective wisdom but individual niches. It has partnerships with some of excellent professionals and small to medium organisations with decades of experience in their area of expertise. We, together, aim to cover diverse aspects of sustainable development including policy and governance; strategy design and execution; biodiversity and natural resource management; environmental and social safeguards; research, evaluation and impact assessment; social mobilisation and gender mainstreaming; communication and knowledge management; health systems research and management; climate change; sustainable urban development; information technology for development; and programme implementation support.
The dev~consult offers full range of solutions for short, medium- and long-term initiatives through individual consulting and/or panel expertise. Planned and executed jointly, the effort is led by the most relevant partner. Owing to its flexible structure, the dev~consult has number of affiliates and associates throughout the country as well as around the world who provide their professional assistance on need basis. It has also partnered with a few organisations having global footprint and established credentials.
The dev~consult, by design, operates in a low-overhead mode acquiring the best expertise and logistical resources on need basis to maintain its swiftness in decision-making and cost effectiveness. Believing in virtual workspace, its office is equipped with basic operational facilities and has efficient working arrangements with a wide network of service providers for technical and operational assistance, making its operations efficient and cost-effective.
The dev~consult is registered as a Partnership Firm in Pakistan and has worked with a wide range of clients. The dev~consult is also part of the OECD’s Global Coalition for Good Water Governance, and a member of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Highest quality of dedicated services within the set timelines is its hallmark, which makes it partner of first choice for the quality conscious clients.
Recommended