Jamshedpur, May 21: The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 as ‘The International Day for Biological Diversity’ (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity.
The Jugsalai Muck Dump (JMD) was formed over the years by dumping of cinder and slag, mainly consisting of iron and coal having 64% of sand and 36% of silt content. These characteristics of soil reveal that the site is devoid of any organic matter and also has high temperature. Hence not conducive for sustainable biological growth in normal conditions. Under these circumstances, special application is required to support vegetative growth beyond conventional methods. To have a sustainable green cover over such land a soil texture was created to enhance water retention, provide better aeration, improve physical and biological conditions of soil and promote development of root system which also gave strength to dump soil stabilization. Ameliorated conditions cannot be achieved by simple conventional means of good earth and manure. To achieve growing media in slurry form of minimum 5 cm thickness, with a ratio of neo-peat (50%), top soil (30%) and manure with micronutrients (20%) before and after laying of the geotextile coir mat was adopted which was followed by plantation of grass and shrubs.
Due to sandy soil texture, there was a high probability of ash and cinder being washed off from the dump slope into nearby waterbodies during heavy rains. Fire hazard was also anticipated as the dump was formed with the stacking of ash and cinders of unburnt coal which when exposed to air could result in spontaneous combustion specially in the peak summer months. This posed a severe health and safety hazards especially for those who engaged in illegal collection of unburnt coal particles from the dump. The temperature of the majority of the dump area due to the burning of the half-burned coal, is around 50 to 70oC, which was a huge challenge for growing plants.
JMD is situated in the city of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand State of India. The population of city is 13.4 lakhs. JMD area is spread over an area of 62 acers, the dump height level is variable from 133 m to 188m above mean sea level having varied slopes, terraces and locations. The dumping has yielded a high level of undulation and the site is devoid of organic matters sustainable for vegetative growth. JMD was not only an eye sore to this beautiful Steel City but also posed severe environmental, safety and health hazards for the people of Jamshedpur.
Considering the soil conditions and characteristics of the JMD, a comprehensive rehabilitation plan has been implemented for slope stabilization and vegetative growth for biological reclamation of the muck dump. Eco-restoration approach implemented with 100% biodegradable non-synthetic geotextile coir mat and coir logs on the dump slope and with application of growing media in slurry form of minimum 5 cm thickness, with a ratio of Neo-peat, top soil, and manure with micro nutrients before and after laying of the geotextile coir mat, followed by plantation of grass and shrubs. Therefore, to have a sustainable green cover over such a soil texture is to create a surface which enhanced water retention, provide better aeration, improve physical and biological conditions of soil and promote development of root system which has given strength of dump soil stabilization. One of the important features of this project was to develop a sustainable source of water supply to the JMD site, because there was no such water source which could provide a perennial water source for the sustenance of biological reclamation proposed through propagation of vegetative growth over the dump slope surface as well as in the non-slope areas. It was proposed to reuse the drain water from one of the big drains running near to the dump site to start the eco reclamation process. Additionally, once the slopes were stabilized at the dump site and a table top was created, rainwater harvesting system was also created within the eco-park for self-sustenance of the eco-park.
The objective of JMD development was to create environmentally safe and sustainable ‘Green Cover’ and suitable ‘Geo Green Blanketing’ to protect side slopes and prevent soil erosion and dust control while adding aesthetic value to the steel city of Jamshedpur.
One of main focus area of the United Nations Convention is to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and to rehabilitate the degraded lands and create forest cover for arresting desertification. JMD is helping in achieving this objective of UNCCD by arresting the soil erosion and assisting in air pollution control and checking in the contamination of water of bodies through plantation and dump reclamation as eco-park. Considering the biodiversity conservation through restoration, rehabilitation and managing ecosystem services JMD has become home for different species medicinal plants, birds, small animals, butterflies etc. To minimise emissions and mitigate climate change, JMD contribute in stopping fire hazard caused during peak summers. Water bodies created within the reclaimed dump, not only help in rain water harvesting but have also enhanced the biodiversity with fishes and ducks. The water fountain in water bodies help in aeration of water bodies and also provide an appealing look to the entire area. Pond Liners are used to prevent seepage and leaching. Solar Energy is also being harnessed at the Park for generation of electricity for irrigation and lighting.JMD is now developed as an eco-park and has also enhanced the biodiversity in the area and also minimized the environmental impact of a dump area.
