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Eco Report of the area - IIT Mandi

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The suggested lay out will also enable securing <strong>the</strong> boundary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Campus against unwarranted<br />

human intrusion. The perimeter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Campus is quite long due to its shape and orientation.<br />

Fur<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> topography, <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nallah and at least one highway (Katuala-<strong>Mandi</strong> road)<br />

do not permit construction <strong>of</strong> a wall all around <strong>the</strong> Campus. The boundaries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Campus can at<br />

best be marked and secured with a fence.<br />

The suggested lay out does permit securing <strong>the</strong> buildings and o<strong>the</strong>r infrastructure blockwise. Major<br />

blocks proposed are Gharpa (Administration, Guest House, etc), Hilog (Lecture Halls, etc) and<br />

Salgi-Chargha-Mayal (Utilities, Residential). Whereas each block can have a gate, <strong>IIT</strong> <strong>Mandi</strong> as<br />

such cannot function from within a walled or insulated Campus.<br />

Thoroughfare through <strong>the</strong> Campus cannot be entirely stopped as <strong>the</strong> Kataula-<strong>Mandi</strong> road runs<br />

across. While this road is outside <strong>the</strong> boundary in most parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Campus, it cuts through <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>area</strong>s between Salgi (north) and Mayal and between Hilog and Gharpa. The dirt road opposite <strong>the</strong><br />

proposed Communication Center that runs through Salgi-Charga (east) and <strong>the</strong> metal-capped road<br />

from Kamandh to Navalai (through Hilog) are within <strong>the</strong> boundaries <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Campus. These roads<br />

are important links to some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> villages around <strong>the</strong> Campus.<br />

Checkposts at strategic points can regulate unwarranted human intrusions. The existing roads can<br />

serve as <strong>the</strong> arterial roads. Newer roads can be minimized, restricting <strong>the</strong>m to stairways along <strong>the</strong><br />

slopes, foot overbridges across <strong>the</strong> nallah and if necessary cable cars (for emergencies and<br />

restricted use) to <strong>the</strong> guest houses.<br />

The most critical habitat within <strong>the</strong> Campus is <strong>the</strong> nallah and <strong>the</strong> riparian vegetation that sustains it.<br />

The riparian vegetation overhangs <strong>the</strong> nallah (also in some parts <strong>the</strong> river Uhl) and is habitat to a<br />

range <strong>of</strong> native herbs, shrubs, palms, grasses and ferns. Native species such as <strong>the</strong> Ivy (Hedera<br />

helix), climbing fig (Ficus foveolata), wild pepper (Piper brachystachyum) and <strong>the</strong> aroid Scindaspus<br />

<strong>of</strong>ficinalis are species that not only have attractive evergreen foliage but also roots and stems that<br />

bind soil and rocks toge<strong>the</strong>r. This vegetation plays a very crucial role in preventing soil erosion and<br />

protecting <strong>the</strong> gorges against landslides.<br />

The scrub on <strong>the</strong> slopes is critical too. This vegetation is comprised <strong>of</strong> native plants that provide <strong>the</strong><br />

spring and autumn colors to <strong>the</strong> landscape. The rich diversity <strong>of</strong> birds on <strong>the</strong> Campus may be<br />

attributed to this vegetation. Broadleaved deciduous vegetation is found along <strong>the</strong> slopes in parts<br />

<strong>of</strong> Salgi bordering Chargha. This type <strong>of</strong> vegetation is <strong>the</strong> most extensive in Chargha. The<br />

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