Recognition Program - Corporate

The  Mumbai Trans Harbour link Project Package-2 being constructed in  Joint  Venture of Daewoo-TPL envisions conservation of Biodiversity and   Environment as its utmost priority. The major challenges during the   construction phase were Conservation of Mangroves, Mudflats, Keeping  the  Lesser Flamingo count constant and to ensure no harm to the fishing   community of the region. We are happy to announce that we have been  able  to meet all the targets as on date 

1. Flamingos count is increasing YoY  

2. Fishing nets have increased in the vicinity of project  3. Uprooted Mangroves have started to reappear 

The Challenge 

1. Conservation of Mudflats  

2. Reappearance of uprooted Mangroves.  

3. Helping in maintaining Flamingo count constant.  

4. Ensuring a steady fish catch for fishing community.  

The Opportunity:  

1. DTJV had an opportunity to showcase its conservation efforts under SDG Goals: Life under Water.  

2.  To be a responsible corporate player in terms of executing Marine  projects without any harm to the pristine biodiversity of the region. 

Restoration  of Uprooted mangroves  Mangrove Forest was cleared within the Main  bridge ROW, permission for which was obtained prior to commencement of  Works by the Employer. Muck generated during the piling activity in  mudflat region and its collection was a major activity. Deposition of  Muck on Mudflats would have led to degradation of Mudflats and this  posed a serious threat to the Flora and Fauna of the region. The  challenge was to keep the Mudflats alive between the main piles during  construction activities.  Ensuring Flamingo count doesn’t Drop  The  Lesser Flamingo migrate to the Package 2 area during November to July  every year and the mudflats of Package 2 region act as a feeding ground  for the Flamingos. Usage of Oil and Chemical at a construction site is a  common activity. The major challenge was to eradicate any possibility  of Oil and Chemical spillage and immediate response for any emergency  keeping the Mudflat alive for optimal growth of Green-Blue Algae which  is a food source of Lesser Flamingos and to keep the arrival number of  Flamingos constant/increasing  

Restoration  of Uprooted mangroves:  Since the mudflats are marshy land and muck  collection is a major challenge even by using Reverse Circulation  Drilling, Muck collection in the intertidal zone was carried out using  muck collection tank. The filled tank was then emptied using Grab and  transported to designated disposal area. The strategy was adapted first  time in a construction project using fabricated muck collection tank  which were installed on the Finger Area of the Temporary Access Bridge.  In addition to that, a strict no waste disposal strategy in the Mudflats  and Marine location was adapted at MTHL Package 2.  Ensuring Flamingo  count doesn’t Drop:  Flocks of Lesser Flamingos arrive in thousands of  numbers near MTHL Package 2. They feed on Cyanobacterial growth on  Mudflats. Conserving the Mudflats to ensure optimal growth of these  Green-Blue Algae, usage of CPCB compliant DG sets with Acoustic  Enclosure and elimination of any possibility of Oil spillage was the  strategy adapted at MTHL Package 2. 

Restoration of Uprooted  mangroves  The positive Impact of the Collection of Muck generated  during Piling Activity using the Muck Collection tank had ensured that  the mudflats between main piles are kept alive to sustain Mangrove  regrowth and conservation of Flora & fauna. Regrowth of mangroves to  their original size is observed after the construction activities  between the main piles.  Ensuring Flamingo count doesn’t Drop:  The  positive impact of conserving the mudflats had resulted in optimal  growth of Green Blue Algae in the Mudflats. This in turn has resulted in  an increasing number of Lesser Flamingo arrival at MTHL Package 2.  March 2020: 5612 nos, March 2022: 7687 nos (Source : BNHS data) 

The  initiative taken by DTJV management can be a key towards providing a  learning for the upcoming projects in Mangroves and Mudflats region of  Mumbai. Following are the key learnings from the project.  Restoration  of Uprooted mangroves  The Intertidal Ecosystem is a very sensitive  ecosystem; any changes in form of its composition can result in species  loss and loss of Biodiversity of the region. The intricate web of the  Food-cycle once disturbed may result in collapse of the whole Ecosystem.  Proper baseline study, source of various pollution and Aspect/Impact  study of various construction activities must be carried out in detail  to ensure no damage to such a Fragile Ecosystem.  Ensuring Flamingo  count doesn’t Drop  Migratory Birds, Flamingos are very sensitive  towards noise pollution, light pollution and food availability. They  avoid areas with Light Pollution, Noise pollution and less food  availability. Keeping these key factors in check can result in increase  of the Flamingo count.