30-03-2010

Preliminary Back To Office Report: Gawadar to Jivni:

1. TASK: Task given by Chairman, PARC for Gawadar District Coastal Belt:
a. Collect & Identify local Plant Species.
b. Collect Water Samples.
i. Sea.
ii. Sub-soil.
c. Identify Fruit Trees.
d. Identify Production Systems.
2. Industrial Effluent: A wide bed, side lined channel runs along the Lyari
Expressway for Storm Water and Effluent Drainage. Highly polluted Industrial effluent is
discharged into this channel. Milch Animals are kept along the sides and sometimes
inside the channel. These animals are drinking this water as a result of which poisonous
heavy metals are most probably entering into the food chain. This needs scientific data
and proving; in case the observation is proved, immediate measures must be taken to
prevent spread of disease. Municipal Solid Waste is also dumped directly into the bed
causing spread of disease vectors.
a. Remedial Measures: At the very least Botanical Beds along the sides
must be introduced and planted with Water Hyacinth and Papyrus Reed, as
well as other plants to be identified. This would provide ample Bio Mass
for non consumptive use as well as material for Energy Generation.
Composting should not be allowed as Heavy Metals are bound to be
transported despite presence of Hyper Accumulators.
3. Fruit Orchards: Small fruit orchards were observed in the suburban areas near
Karachi consisting of Cheeku and some Mango plantation. These orchards are irrigated
by water from Hub Dam. Date Palms; Cocoanuts; Falsa; Jujuba; Olives; Jack Fruit;
Shireefa; Bananas; Papita (Dwarf Variety) and Oil Palms can be planted and do exist in
small quantities. Area in Nilaint near Gawadar has a number of Orchards of local variety
of Mangoes and Cheekos. Tip die back due to nutrient starvation is present. There is
heavy pest attack (Aphids?) which needs to be identified. Crown Gall is also observed.
There were signs of Magnesium and Boron deficiency which needs to be corrected.
During rainy season Barani tomatoes are reported. There are reports of “Sheer Go”
(Gummosis) in Date Palms in other areas which needs correction by applications of
Calcium and Boron to strengthen the cell walls. This application has been proven
successful in Hazara area. Area in Gawadar reports that despite observing correct cultural
practices there are very little fruit most probably due to high humidity.
4. Other Plants:
a. Mesquite (genus Prosopis) is a thorny shrub or tree of the legume family
which occurs naturally in arid and semiarid areas of North and South
America, Northern Africa, and Eastern Asia. I am not aware of the variety.
The plant is a low tree and is being used for charcoal making and
 firewood. The plant is stabilizing Sand Dunes and can be valuable if

extensively planted.
b. Accacia Nilotica: This tree is comparatively widespread and under heavy
pressure. It needs to be further spread as it is valuable as firewood and
fodder. The tree is reported to have medicinal properties.

c. Devi Bush: A bush called Devi by the locals is used as fire stock and is not
used as fodder as it is harmful if consumed.
aa. Desert Saltbush – Atriplex polycarpa (Kahoor): There is some
evidence of this plant and the variety though obviously known
to scientists is yet to be determined by the writer of this report

Meat from sheep which have grazed on saltbush has surprisingly

high levels of vitamin E, is leaner and more hydrated than regular lamb
and has consumer appeal equal to grain-fed lamb. The vitamin E levels
could have animal health benefits while extending the shelf-life and
maintaining the fresh red color of saltbush lamb. Saltbushes can be used to
prevent soil erosion in coastal areas.
d. Salt Cedar Tamarix: Seedlings require extended periods of soil saturation for
establishment. Tamarix species are fire-adapted, and have long tap roots that
allow them to intercept deep water tables and exploit natural water resources.
They are able to limit competition from other plants by taking up salt from
deep ground water, accumulating it in their foliage, and from there depositing
it in the surface soil where it builds up concentrations temporarily detrimental
to some plants. The salt is washed away during heavy rains. Tamarix trees are
most often propagated by cuttings.
 e. Others: “Peesh” (used for mats); “Khushk Aaheer”; “Jand”; “Sur Phool”
(medicinal value as stomachic, Desert Flame name given by DG NARC);
“Shechen”
f. Possibilities: There is a possibility of raising Castor, Jatropha Curcas;
Salicornia and Aloe Vera. “Kalair” and wild Cherry is also reported.
5. Poultry: There are many Poultry farms consisting of low
Mat Roofed Sheds with open sides in the proximity of Karachi. This is probably
due to availability of Market. There are no hatcheries and day old chicks come
from Karachi. Feed is provided by reject fish and is available in plenty. There is a
strong case for establishing Hatcheries and providing Alternate Energy Incubators
for small Poultry farming as a micro enterprise as well as nutrition enhancement.
This intervention is required all along the coast. There is a great need of
improving the Poultry Sheds to create better insulation for summers. Small Bio
Gas Plants; alternate energy incubators and Insulated Sheds have been designed
by the writer of this report.
6. Production Systems/ Crops: When there are rains Water
Melons and Melons are reportedly very sweet around Gawadar, some Water
Melons exceed 10 to 12 Kgs. Leguminous crops such as Maash and Mung as well
as some pulses are reported. It is stated that Nodulation is observed which proves
the presence of appropriate Rhizobium species despite almost complete lack of
organic matter. There is very little agriculture of the Khushk Aaba and Sailaba
variety. Jawar is planted as a Rabbi in place of Kharif crop. Kitchen gardening by
the use of Environment/ Predator Control Dome Structures and Composting is a
useful intervention for the area.
7. Domestic Animals: Camels range from Rs. 1 to 10 Lacs;
Donkeys are Rs.20 to 60,000 while Cows are at Rs. 40,000 to Rs.200,000. Breed
improvement and Breeding can be introduced.
8. Local Industry: This consists mainly of near coast fishing,
as such Boat making and Net finishing is practiced. Fish exported consists of Sole
and Mackerel. There is a need to transfer Fiber Glass Boat making expertise for
which Turkey can be approached as it is pre eminent in this regard. Fish
processing is present on small scale and this can be enlarged. Deep Sea Fishing
Trawlers can be introduced successfully. Net Making should be introduced locally
as there is very little evidence as such. Half finished nets are brought from
Karachi. Eco Tourism has been introduced by the Pakistan Wetlands in Gawadar
area and this can be extended. Vehicle repair is also a small industry of some
significance. Fish drying is carried out and Brine/ Salt are extracted from Sea
Water. The local practice can be improved by use of Passive Solar practices.
Passive Solar Stills can be introduced for drinking water or even at large scale.
9. Ecology: The area ranges from Sea level to 100 – 120 feet
above Sea level along the Coastal road. There are some bare hills further back
forming natural barriers in some places. There is evidence of Wind and Water
erosion as the landscape is desiccated. As such Biomelioration is required and
methods of water harvesting must be introduced for plantation and creation of a
wetter micro environment. There is evidence of much drainage of rain water and
this can be tapped. The sub soil water is saline due to proximity to the sea. The
soil is mostly sandy along the coast and clay-loam close by. This is forming an
impervious layer and there is hardly any penetration as evidenced by standing
water in natural and man made declivities and depressions along the road even
though rains occurred over one month ago. There is evidence of Gullying and rill
erosion. Due to complete absence of proper zoning, excellent potential
agricultural land around Gawadar has been converted to Housing Colonies (yet to
be built). Hardly any organic matter is observed and nutrient enriched surface run
off is providing nutrition to the soils. Due to excessive cutting of trees there is
restricted nutrient recycling from deep sub soil. The geologic analysis of rocks on
the nearby hills and their nutrient content needs investigation. It is reported that
Sardasht Forest is completely exhausted while Kolanch Forest near Kalmat is
nearing exhaustion. Soils are sandy; rocky; clay loam. There are some large mud
flats and vestiges of Mangroves. Coral Reefs (Phylum anidoria) off the coast
from Jivni are important and should exist in other locations as well. There are
reports of damage due to pollution. Deep Sea Port at Gawadar has adversely
affected the Corral Reef and Fossils as well as local Pearl Industry (needs
confirmation). The presence of Crystals needs confirmation by analysis whether it
is Silica or Salt.
10. Wildlife: Urial; Sind Ibex; Leopard; Chinkara Deer; Sea
Snakes; See See Partridges; Water Fowl; Crested Lark; Sand Lark; Plumbeous
Dolphin and Marine Turtles are reported though there is evidence of over hunting
and destruction of natural habitat. There are reports of 125 species of birds
endemic to the area. Wetlands Pakistan as well as IUCN should have data on
these species.
11. Remedial measures:
a. Aquifer Mapping: A strong case exists for underground aquifer mapping
using electric conductivity. This will provide a view of possible aquifer
improvement through construction of underground weirs.
b. Surface Water Harvesting: As underlying water is saline and surface is
impervious and extremely hard (Clay content?) there will be a requirement
of small ponds with reed mat (Mazri?) covering to prevent evaporation
and perhaps plastic lining even though the surface is impervious. The
British WWII Rainwater Harvesting site on Jivni Airport (Both now
disused) was visited. The Rainwater Harvesting facility is extensive and
was highly successful. The plant can be made operational at very little cost
to provide water to Jivni City. Small Dams need to be introduced as there
is great potential from seasonal and some flowing water Bodies such as
Dasht River near the Iranian Border.
c. Aquifer recharging: Dry bores for aquifer recharging to form fresh water
plumes over saline groundwater is very much possible. Impervious surface
calls for such an intervention. There are reports of fresh water in the deep
aquifers where available, this needs to be confirmed.
d. Polyacralamide (PAM), Water Gel Crystals & Hydro Seed Mulching:
The use of PAM along with Hydro Seed Mulching should prove to be a
valuable intervention, especially during Wet Cycle to establish plantation.
Water Gel Crystals is a water-absorbing polymer that expands over 400%.
Reduces irrigation requirement and costs, cuts plant watering in half and
reduces plant stress. When the three are combined and used during Wet
Cycles there is every possibility of successful plantation on wide scale
with minimum cost and labor.
e. Windbreaks: Suited trees and bushes should be identified to create
windbreaks along the coast.
f. Dune Stabilization: There is a pressing need to undertake this exercise as
dunes are spreading and have done so for many years.
g. Afforestation: Where ever possible attempts for reforestation must be
undertaken. Aerial seeding needs to be given another chance with addition
of pre-germination; hormone and nutrient doping of seed including
polymer coating is advised for trials. It is possible to increase survival
rates if Hydro seed mulching and aerial foliar nutrient support is provided
during establishment phase. The wet cycles need to be used as aerial
seeding was carried out previously in Baluchistan during dry cycle. There
exists strong possibility of planting trees along roads and water courses.
Rainwater harvesting ponds and pitcher burying can contribute to this.
h. Gawadar Development Authority and Small Towns: There is a great
need for Municipal Solid & Liquid Waste Management. Water can be
recycled and Composting can be practiced on relatively large scale. The
DG GDA is very much interested in working with PARC and visit by
Chairman can be arranged in this regard.
i. Alternate Energy:
aa. Solar Ponds: This intervention can be used on Saline water for
harvesting fresh water and harnessing energy through the use of
Rankine Engines.
bb. Wind Mills: Small Wind Generators (500 W to 1 KW) can be
easily introduced and will prove to be very successful as evidenced
by a few such installations. Wind Pumps are also of great potential.
cc. Photovoltaics: As pointed out by DG NARC, local roadside
hotels are consuming Rs. 600.00 per day for generators to power 6-
10 bulbs (600Watts/ 1 KW). This totals Rs. 219,000.00 per annum
excluding cost of generator and repairs. Prices of Solar panels need
to be checked for such an intervention and should prove to be
economically feasible. At a guaranteed life of 20 years cost against
minimum Rs.4.4 million (Diesel at current rates plus Genset cost,
excluding repairs) the intervention appears to be very feasible.
 Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan
Bioenvironmental Consultant