Study OnVegetation and Soil Analysis in Nyadi Hydro-Electric Project, Lamjung, Nepal During Pre-Construction Stage

Abstract

This research deals with the study of vegetation status and edaphic properties of theNyadiHydro-electric project. Forest is the most important natural resource and habitat forthe wildlife. Loss of forest causes various important environmental problems such as lossof wildlife, soil erosion, loss of bio-diversity and change in micro-climate .The study wascarried out in Bahundanda VDC of Lamjung District in the Western Development Regionof Nepal during the month of July, 2007.The study area is concerned with the NyadiRiver which is one of the tributary of the Marsyandi River. The total capacity of theproject is 20 MW with generating 127 GWH of energy annually.Quantitative analysis was conducted followed by Zobel et al. (1987) and soil by methodgiven by Goel and Trivedi (1984). Besides these, questionnaire survey with local peoplewho will face the direct impact from the project was conducted. The present studyrevealed that the project area was mostly covered withSchima wallichii, Bombax ceiba,andEngelhardtia spicatabecause the density, frequency, IVI, Basal area and Volumewere found highest for these plant species. For the Shrubs Innula cappa, Hypericumchisia, Mimosa rubicaulis, Colebrookia oppositifolia and Woodfordia fruticosa werefound to be dominant andArtemisia vulgaris, Cynodon dactylon, Imperata cylindricaandEupatorium adenophorumwere found as dominant herbs species in the project area. Ithas also been found from the questionnaire survey that most of the people used forestresources for their livelihood mainly for firewood, medicine, fodder and timber.Soil analysis showed that whole of the study area posses loamy sand and slightly acidicsoil. The distinct variations in the soil parameters were not observed. Since the NyadiHydro-electric project is medium sized project it may give some negative impacts onvegetation. Change in the landuse pattern is the significant impact and it might cause longterm impact in future like soil erosion, landslide. To minimize the adverse impacts theproject should implement the proper mitigation measures as described in the EIA reportof theproject.