An Evaluation of Ecological and Social Aspects of Motorway (M-2)

Abstract

A survey of motorway (M-2) roadside vegetation and soils was undertaken. The flOlistic data were analyzed by the TWINSPAN and DECORANA, computer programs in order to classify and provide baseline iilfonnation about the study area. Two major and sixteen subcommunities were recognized along 358 km long motOlway. Among the vanous edaphic variables studied, the amount of orgamc matter and macronutrients were present in moderate range whereas the heavy metals showed a slightly higher level and showed a significant vmiation in their concentration between border and verge zone. The relationship between the plant communities and different edaphic factors were determined by CANOCO analysis. The most important edaphic factors influencing the roadside vegetation were found to be Na, Pb and Zn. In order to evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of motorway (M-2) construction on the people living around 1110tOlway, a survey was conducted. Result portrays both positive and negative impacts on the lives of the people living around study area. As they hac! to travel greater distance to reach their agricultural land, access to big cities made diffLcult and carriage of goods to markets was made more difficult due to provision of smaller sized underpasses at longer distances. Generally the construction of 11l0torway (M-2) has imposed more difficulties for the people living in the near vicinities both socially and economically. The study also provides basic infon11atiol1 for the implementation of conservation oriented planning and management to preserve and improve the road verges ofM-2.