ANNOUNCEMENTS
The present research is a component of an ongoing project on Biodiversity Assessment in NTPC Kahalgaon by TERI- The Energy and Resources Institute. Therefore, all primary data utilized in the present research have been quoted from the ongoing project. This study gives a detailed assessment of biodiversity and a spatial threat analysis in a 5 km buffer area of the NTPC Super Thermal Power Plant (KhSTPP) at Kahalgaon, Bihar, an ecologically significant area near the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS). The research utilized a mix method strategy that amalgamated field surveys of flora and fauna, secondary data analysis, and geospatial land use and land cover (LULC) analysis with the aid of QGIS and Landsat satellite imagery. A total of 273 plant species and 166 animal species were recorded within five broad habitat types: agricultural land, grassland, settlement, tree cover, and water bodies. Biodiversity indices, i.e., Shannon-Wiener and Simpson's Index, showed that grassland and tree cover vegetation habitats consisted of maximum ecological diversity. There is a universal distribution of indicator species such as Azolla pinnata and Platanista gangetica in the current aquatic ecosystem. A risk-based threat assessment employing scope and severity approach revealed major stressors such as fly ash deposition, thermal emissions, air pollution, invasive plants, and human disturbance. A habitat-risk matrix assessed relative vulnerabilities, with grasslands and aquatic habitats of conservation priority need. Efforts by NTPC towards mitigating current impacts are through afforestation and greenbelt development; however, complete ecological restoration is still lacking. This research promotes an increased set of best practices like the employment of indigenous species in phytoremediation (e.g., Pteris vittata, Typha latifolia), the establishment of constructed wetlands, fly ash stabilizing techniques, and community-based conservation measures. The results emphasize the need for adaptive biodiversity governance of industrial spaces to safeguard ecosystem integrity.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Biodiversity Assessment, Thermal power plant, NTPC, Threat assessment, risk matrix, best practices.
