The EIA Division of SACON Provides expert consultancy services on issues related to environment, biodiversity, its management and conservation to various stakeholders. Along with relevant academic research we also conduct applied and objective research on various issues related to the seemingly conflicting interface of development and environment targeted at developing optimal and sustainable management solutions.
The division takes up general Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and development of Environment Management Plans (EMPs), as well as related to various developmental projects and activities as mandated in Environmental legislations currently in force. These studies would basically involve a holistic, multi-pronged and interdisciplinary investigation towards staving off, minimize, mitigate and/ or remediate environmental Impacts and improve habitat quality. Habitat Improvement programs and suo moto investigations on relevant environment issues in the larger interest of nation and/or Environment are also part of the functioning of the Division.
Backed by the vast expertise and experience of the division, it would also play an active role in the improvement of Environmental Policies and regulations through providing scientific inputs to policy/decision makers.
Research Interests:Assessment and management of of developmental Impacts on ecological systems, EIA, Entomology (Butterfly ecology & Chronobiological aspects), Ecology, Conservation Sciences & Environmental Jurisprudence
Contact: eiasacon@gmail.com
Dr. Bibhu Prasad Panda
Research Associate
Research Interests: Ornithology, Ecology, Urban Biodiversity, EIA, Ecotoxicology, Environmental Impact on Birds, Natural History.
Currently Working on: Developing State level Action Plan for implementing Visionary Perspective Plan for Conservation of Avian Diversity, their Ecosystems, Habitats & Landscapes in India for Central Zone (Telangana, Chhatishgarh and Madhya Pradesh).
Email: bibhuprasadpanda14@gmail.com Phone: +91-9090833583
Research Interest: Ornithology, EIA and Conservation Biology. Currently Working on Distribution Pattern and Habitat use of Galliformes in Selected sites of Manipur Contact:
Currently Working in the project “Effect of construction of Karekura bridge near Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary on the migratory birds and their habitat”
Email: wildharif@gmail.com Phone: 98478 18347
Research Interest:Ornithology, Human-wildlife conflict, EIA
Currently Working on:Impacts of wind power generation on select faunal components of a dry deciduous forest at Harpanahalli, Davangere, Karnataka.
Contact: pvanoop1@gmail.com
Phone: 09442618066
Ashwin C. P .
Junior Research Biologist & Ph.D. Scholar
Research Interests: Mammalogy, Ornithology and Conservation Biology and Environmental Impact Assessment.
Currently working on: Preparation of revised avifauna conservation plans for five developmental projects for Chhattisgarh Forest Department
E-mail: ashwincp95@gmail.com Mob: 9947249787
Mr. Ankit
INSPIRE Fellow
My primary interest lies in exploring modern research tools for wildlife conservation. I have always been interested in the not so explored lives of meso-carnivores, which are often imperative keystone and indicator species in the ecosystem. I have completed my M.Sc. in Wildlife Sciences form University of Kota, Rajasthan. Internship and volunteer opportunities during M.Sc helped me to explore the wild lands of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. I worked in SACON for my Master’s dissertation on “Assessing the habitat use pattern of Smooth-coated otter in Tungabhadra Otter Conservation Reserve, Karnataka”. Presently, I am working as a Research Fellow in the SERB, Govt. of India funded project on “Smooth-coated otter as an ecological indicator of riparian habitat ecosystem” in the Coimbatore Forest Division. This project largely aims at collecting data on the distribution and threats faced by Smooth-coated otter population and how alteration in physical and chemical properties of riverine habitats influence their population and distribution. This study will be useful in recognizing the ecological requirements of otters in a forest-agriculture mosaic landscape and will further help in developing a conservation plan. Email – ankit.moun29@gmail.com Mob: 9050102220
Alby J. Mattathil
Junior Research Biologist & Ph.D. Scholar.
Research Interest: Ornithology, Behavioral Ecology, Conservation Biology and Environmental Impact Assessment.
Currently working on: Assessment, Mitigation and management of the impacts of Sulaipat Iron Ore Mines project in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha state on floral and faunal Biodiversity.
E-mail: albyjacob.jm@gmail.com Mob: 9496612268
Dr. Babu Rao, G. Senior Research Biologist
Research interest: Ornithology, Behavioural Ecology, Wildlife Management, Landscape Ecology and Environmental Impact Assessment
Currently working on: Monitoring of avifauna for the areas of Sewri, Thane creek and adjoining region as part of environmental monitoring programme
Email: rao.3in@gmail.com Phone: 999451 4918
Ms. Ritika Singh Chauhan
Junior Research Biologist
Research Interests: Ornithology, Ecotoxicology
Avian ecology became my passion when I started exploring the outskirts of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve and nearby wetlands with a group of birders. I studied Zoology for my bachelor’s and master’s from University of Kota, Rajasthan. Declining population of Vultures, Gharials, and other important fauna in my hometown due to environmental contamination intrigued me to choose ecotoxicology in my masters as specialization due to which I joined SACON as an intern in Ecotoxicology department. After working there for 6 months, I joined National Ornithological Data cell of SACON and compiled bird density data from published research and contributed to the development of database of thesis and dissertations on Ornithology from across India for NOD Cell.
Currently working in the Project “Management plan for Fudam Bird Sanctuary, Diu, Daman & Diu”.
Email: ritikasinghchauhan98@gmail.com Phone: 82095 57539
Mr. Arjun, M.S.
Junior Research Biologist
Research Interests: Ornithology, Behavioural Ecology, Molecular Biology, Conservation Biology and Environmental Impact Assessment.
Currently working on: Developing State Level Action Plans for the Implementation of a Visionary Perspective Plan for the Conservation of Avian Diversity, their Ecosystems, Habitats & Landscapes in the Country (Chhattisgarh State)
E-mail: arjunsuresh75@gmail.com Phone: 949531 7675
Athira Saleevan
Junior Research Biologist
I am a Zoology graduate and a post-graduate in Environmental Technology from Cochin University of Science and Technology. The choice of a professional Master’s degree gave me the expertise in microbiological techniques, bacterial DNA extraction, and chemical analysis of soil, water and sediment samples. Different techniques learned during my post-graduation helped me realize the possibilities of an integrated approach in conservation studies. I have developed a deep interest in research from my academic period itself. My dissertation work on the “Surveillance of dengue vector Aedes aegypti using infusion baited ovitraps at Ernakulam in Kerala, South India” during Bachelor’s degree was supported by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment under the student project scheme (SPYTiS-II). My post-graduate dissertation work at KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute on “Relative nutrient availability in midland laterite soil” was selected for the Aspire scholarship scheme provided by Department of Collegiate Education, Kerala. Currently I am working as a Junior Research Biologist (JRB) in SACON under MoEFCC funded project on “Developing state level action plan for Conservation of Avian Diversity, their Ecosystems, Habitats and Landscapes in Andhra Pradesh” since December 2021. This work is primarily about identifying conservation issues from secondary literature and interactions with stakeholders from various sectors. Being an aspiring researcher, my interest is to work on wetland ecology and the impact of microplastics on environment and biota.
E-mail ID: athirapsaleevan@gmail.com
Contact number: 9496081668
Since childhood, I have been captivated by not only the variety and beauty of wildlife but also the breathtaking environmental landscape and habitat. As an inspired child, I knew from earlier days that I wanted to work with wildlife. I did my master’s in Zoology from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. I have worked on “Small Cat Ecology” at Kalesar National Park, Haryana, and a project with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, to prepare a “People’s Biodiversity Register and Train Biodiversity Management Committees” in Haryana. These experiences exposed me to excellent fieldwork skills. My desire to obtain a Ph.D. Degree in the field of “Ecology & Wildlife Science” drove me to succeed in the CSIR-JRF, ICMR-JRF, and GATE-XL exams. To pursue my Ph.D. degree & to further develop my ability to comprehend the ecological context of the carnivore, I joined SACON. For my doctoral study, I am working on “Functional Ecology of Vertebrate Scavenging Community in the Western Aravalli Hill Ranges of Haryana”. Apart from academics, my interest lies in trekking, birding, photography, plantation, and travelling.
Email: hiteshgurehaya76@gmail.com
Mob: 9466968464
Research Publications
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